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Tales from the Grave
Uncovering family history from down under
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They became Empire scapegoats
His fellow officers were executed to hide a 'no prisoners' policy.

Samantha Elley
May 23, 20232 min read


The apple of Granny Smith's eye
Sometimes the rubbish we throw out becomes the sweetest of results.

Samantha Elley
May 16, 20234 min read


Memorial for a little hero
Heroes can come in all shapes and sizes.

Samantha Elley
May 2, 20232 min read


He survived both world wars with a Victoria Cross
In honour of Anzac Day, we remember Albert Chalmers Borella, Victoria Cross recipient. Born in Victoria in 1881, he was working in the...

Samantha Elley
Apr 25, 20232 min read


Release of book on Woodburn history
History of Woodburn as told through the 'residents' of its cemetery.

Samantha Elley
Apr 18, 20232 min read


Police sergeant's mysterious suicide
He was 38 years in the police force.

Samantha Elley
Apr 11, 20232 min read


98 year-old letter finally delivered
He wrote to his mate's mum, but died before he could deliver the letter.

Samantha Elley
Apr 4, 20232 min read


Suffragette questioned men's laws for women
Her literary ability was passed on to her son and benefited the women's movement.

Samantha Elley
Mar 28, 20232 min read


Revenge killing leads to massacre
Many lives lost in the early telegraph days

Samantha Elley
Mar 21, 20233 min read


Goldfields artist forgotten for three decades
His sketches and lithographs made him famous in his time.

Samantha Elley
Mar 14, 20232 min read


Australia's first terrorist victim was 17 years old
A picnic day goes very, very wrong.

Samantha Elley
Mar 7, 20232 min read


Deadly swim on New Year's Day
The hot weather made the river attractive.

Samantha Elley
Feb 21, 20232 min read


Hordern family behind largest department store worldwide
They ruled the retail trade

Samantha Elley
Feb 14, 20232 min read


Sad ending for missing children from Daylesford
A day of chasing wild goats ends in tragedy.

Samantha Elley
Feb 7, 20232 min read


He showed her his love until the day he died
George mourned Annie for the rest of his life.

Samantha Elley
Jan 31, 20232 min read


Her family history became a literary classic
She knew how to tell a story.

Samantha Elley
Jan 24, 20232 min read


His landholdings were bigger than England
Australia's own cow boy was a generous man.

Samantha Elley
Jan 17, 20232 min read


Father gunned down by notorious bushranger
At 13 years old she lost her father.

Samantha Elley
Jan 10, 20232 min read


Christmas Day passing after losing wife
He made Christmas lunch memorable for his friends.

Samantha Elley
Dec 20, 20222 min read


Ominous messages from lost trawler
Despite his misgivings, Harold Dannevig boarded the fateful Endeavour.

Samantha Elley
Dec 13, 20222 min read
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