John Polson was a troubled teen when a sliding doors moment led him into the world of acting. He went on to create Tropfest, one of the world's biggest short film festivals, changing his life and the Australian industry.

The Hustler - John Polson

Leigh Sales

An Accidental Leader - Rob Armstrong

A Year of Living Gratefully - James Valentine

Six years ago, Olympic champion Michael Klim almost lost the ability to walk. Then he received a devastating diagnosis. In this moving episode, Klim reveals how he hit rock bottom but ultimately emerged stronger.

Sink or Swim - Michael Klim

The reclusive adventure filmmaker and '80s icon Alby Mangels looks back on an extraordinary career and explains why he turned his back on fame.

Finding Alby Mangels

Sophie Hyde is one of Australia's most successful directors, working with some of Hollywood's finest. But in her latest film she turns the spotlight on her own family.

Out in the Open - Sophie Hyde

When pensioner Ian Williams lost $1,300 in a banking scam, he expected a quick refund and apology. The bank's response so incensed the "stubborn bugger", he sued it for $379,000,000.

Nabbed - Ian Williams

Who cares for our children when we're gone if they can't care for themselves? As Deirdre Croft faces the end of her life, she's on a mission to ensure her son is looked after when she's gone.

Raising Richard - Deirdre Croft

From Arnhem Land to rock stardom, Yothu Yindi's Witiyana Marika was destined to take centre stage. Now, at a crucial time for his community, he's shed his dreadlocks and emerged as a leader of his people.

Morning Star - Witiyana Marika

Many would have despaired after losing both their arms but Ghanim Al Shnen embraced the possibilities of bionic medicine and focused on a dream - to be reunited with his family after 12 years apart.

What Doesn't Kill You - Ghanim Al Shnen

In the 1960s and 70s, Mal Leyland was one of the best-known people on TV, as one half of the Leyland Brothers. Now at age 81, the pioneer of outback documentaries is suffering dementia - but still planning one last trip.

The Leyland Brother - Mal Leyland

In 1966, a Melbourne high school was thrown into chaos when strange objects appeared in the sky. Sixty years on from Australia's biggest UFO sighting, witnesses are still looking for answers about what they saw at Westall.

The Westall UFO Mystery

Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer was on the trip of a lifetime but on a hike in Tasmania she took a wrong turn and was never seen again. More than two years later a group of friends and volunteers set out looking for answers.

Lost - Celine Cremer (Part 1)

Two and half years after Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer went missing on a short hike, friends and local volunteers scour the forest and finally find the answers they're looking for.

Lost - Celine Cremer (Part 2)

Broadcaster James Valentine was offered two different treatments for his cancer so he chose the one that let him keep doing what he loved. When it returned a year later, he faced the end with courage, purpose and humour.

Sheep farmer Rob Armstrong never expected to be the face of political resistance. But when his state government proposed a levy that would hit volunteer country firefighters, a childhood trauma propelled him into action.

When Instagram trolls accused actor and director Rachel Ward of 'letting herself go', she used the attention to talk about her passion, regenerative farming, which has given her a renewed sense of purpose.

Regeneration - Rachel Ward

At 15, Mohamed Semra made headlines when he was kicked out of a Melbourne Apple Store by staff who were worried he might steal something. At 27, he's making history as the first Australian mayor from sub-Saharan Africa.

A Seat At The Table - Mohamed Semra

When Australian Story first met inventor Saul Griffith in 2023 he was on a mission to electrify the world. Although political changes in the US have tested his optimism, back home his own community is forging ahead.

Down to the Wire - Saul Griffith

When Richard Scolyer was diagnosed with brain cancer three years ago, he volunteered to undergo risky, new treatment, hoping for a medical breakthrough. As we filmed in his final months, he reflects on his life and legacy.

A Beautiful Mind - Richard Scolyer

Australia's shared family heirloom Play School is celebrating 60 years on air, but what's the secret to its enduring success? With rare behind-the-scenes access, Australian Story examines its creative process with insights from past and present cast and crew.

Child's Play - 60 Years of Play School

As a tribute to the late Sam Neill, we look back over the actor's dazzling career and recent health struggles.

His Brilliant Careers - Sam Neill

On a cold June night, a group of Jewish friends gathered at Melbourne airport to welcome a Muslim family they'd never met. One year later, they share their story of friendship and hope across religious and cultural divides.

Sky's The Limit

Luke Bateman was flying high as an NRL player until a devastating gambling addiction destroyed his career. Saved by his love of books, he's now writing fantasy novels and says he's never been happier.

Turning The Page - Luke Bateman

When teenager Mark Haines was discovered dead on train tracks near the NSW town of Tamworth, his uncle was convinced it was foul play. Almost four decades later, a new inquest reveals fresh evidence and a cover-up.

Blood On The Tracks (Update)

The 1980s contaminated blood crisis devastated the lives of thousands of Australians who became infected with Hep C or HIV. Now survivor Tristan Stanley is heading a last-ditch campaign seeking justice for those left behind.

Bad Blood - Tristan Stanley

When dancer Roz Hervey was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, her daughter, actor Tilda Cobham-Hervey, stepped behind the camera to record her mother's life story. With hours left to live, Roz made a dying wish.

The Final Act

Barnaby Joyce's defection to One Nation struck some as opportunism, others as evidence of an unrivalled political radar. But is the party big enough for him and Pauline Hanson?

Unleashed - Barnaby Joyce

A special 70-minute episode celebrating 30 years of Australian Story. Leigh Sales hosts a live extravaganza at the Sydney Opera House featuring past guests and musical acts.

Australian Story: Celebrating 30 Years

Journalist Cheng Lei discovered that the trauma of being separated from her children for three years didn't end with her release from a Chinese prison.

Time After Time - Cheng Lei

Molly Ticehurst's brutal murder at the hands of her ex-partner sparked outrage. Family and friends from the NSW town of Forbes reveal how the young mother did everything to save herself but the system let her down.

The Girl Next Door - Molly Ticehurst

Australia's first Indigenous eye surgeon Kris Rallah-Baker has walked a zigzag path, driven by family struggles and overcoming racism. Now he's on a mission to heal blindness and empower the next generation.

Eyes on the Prize - Kris Rallah-Baker

Divinyls lead singer Chrissy Amphlett was a rock icon who lived hard and burnt bright until her death at 53. Over two episodes featuring unseen footage, friends, family and bandmates reflect on her wild life and rich legacy.

Wild - Chrissy Amphlett (Part 1)

In Part 2 on Divinyls singer Chrissy Amphlett, the band implodes, she falls in love and finds a new musical direction. But before her death, she records three songs with Tim Finn that have only now seen the light of day.

Wild - Chrissy Amphlett (Part 2)

In 2024, acclaimed singer Katie Noonan's life fell apart when she split with her husband. Her new album reflects the grief of separation but is tempered with lyrics about falling in love, gifted to her by writer Trent Dalton.

A Second Start - Katie Noonan

It was one of Australia's deadliest bus crashes, killing 10 and injuring 25. Three years on from the Hunter Valley crash, survivors speak for the first time about the horror, their recovery and the need for systemic change.

The Road Back

Putting the "real" back into reality television, Australian Story is an award-winning documentary series with no narrator and no agendas — just authentic stories told entirely in people's own words.

The Hustler - John Polson

Seasons31

Season 31 Episodes34

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