On Thursday 28 December 1989, an earthquake struck Newcastle without warning. It was so sudden, many couldn't believe it was real.
Despite the chaos, police officer Brian Campbell and nurse Theresa Brown came forward to help without hesitation. They share their chilling first-hand accounts from that day and in doing so, shed lighter on something much greater.
PRODUCER: Jessica Steens
INTERVIEWEES: Brian Campbell and Theresa Brown
MUSIC:
Trtasfiq. Sad piano instrumental background music https://pixabay.com/music/modern-classical-sad-piano-instrumental-background-music-279069/ AI Generated Content, Free for use under Copyright License.
SOUNDS:
Gorogoro_io (2022). Australian crickets and bird sounds. Freesound. https://freesound.org/people/gorogoro_io/sounds/627633/ Licensed under [CC BY 4.0 International Deed].
cvp1965. (2015). Old phone ringing. Freesound. https://freesound.org/people/cvp1965/sounds/275053/Licensed under [CC0 1.0 Universal Deed].
zimbot. (2015). DeepNoiseLoop.wav . Freesound. https://freesound.org/people/zimbot/sounds/331045/Licensed under [CC BY 4.0 International Deed].
uagadugu. (2014. Cracking Earthquake 9cracking soil, cracking stone) Freesound. https://freesound.org/people/uagadugu/sounds/222521/Licensed under [CC0 1.0 Universal Deed].
DeqstersLab. (2024). Wiping sweat off forehead with forearm. https://freesound.org/people/DeqstersLab/sounds/745132/ Licensed under [CC0 1.0 Universal Deed].
TheDweebMan. (2015). Eeerie Tone Music Background Loop. https://freesound.org/people/TheDweebMan/sounds/277192/ Licensed under [CC BY 4.0 International Deed].
Kwahmah_02. (2015). Camera Mix.flac. https://freesound.org/people/kwahmah_02/sounds/261573/ Licensed under CC BY 3.0 Unported Deed.
Qubodup. (2013). Office Ambience https://freesound.org/people/qubodup/sounds/199896/ Licensed under [CC BY 4.0 International Deed].
Francois (2018). Changing Piles 02.wav. Freesound. https://freesound.org/people/TheKnave/sounds/435660/Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Archival news audio courtesy of NBN News.
RESOURCES AND LINKS
https://www.youtube.com/@UoNCCnewcastle
https://newcastlemuseum.com.au/exhibitions/past-exhibitions/earthquake-then-and-now
https://www.phototimetunnel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/678504692169563
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729
13 Feb 2026
When the Ship Hits the Beach - by Mai Tessede
Most Novocastrians can tell you where they were and what they were doing when the Pasha Bulker grounded in 2007. The image of the bright red ship parked on Nobbys Beach attracted worldwide attention. But what exactly led to the incident? Mai Tessede talks to Justin Collins from the Newcastle Museum to uncover this incredible story.
Producer and narrator: Mai Tessede
Interviewee: Justin Collins
Music:
Crisis - Original music by Mathew Zhang
Trap Part 2 Bass by Boogieman0307 on looperman.com – License: commercial and non-commercial use on a royalty-free basis
Ongoing investigation - Orchestra music by Darkash28 | License: Creative Commons 0
Sound FX:
Storm wind.wav by juskiddink | License: Attribution 4.0 | This clip is an excerpt of the original.
foghorn far 010 210303_0264.wav by klankbeeld | License: Attribution 4.0 | This clip is an excerpt of the original.
Rain & Thunder 10th April 2023.mp3 by carthny | License: Creative Commons 0
S15-04 “Chinese” crowd reacts to violence.wav by craigsmith | License: Creative Commons 0
Storm at Sea by Codeine | License: Creative Commons 0
Wind-sea 04-091007.wav by ra_gun | License: Creative Commons 0
Archival audio:
PASHA BULKER on Nobbys Beach 2GB June 2007 Jason Morrison audio by Jason Morrison on Soundcloud in 2017
2007 Newcastle Storm & Floods - the 'Pasha Bulker' storm. ABC Newcastle DVD narrated and uploaded by Carol Duncan on YouTube on 8 June 2021
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729
29 Jan 2026
Sustainability in Lake Macquarie - by Madeline Clifton
What happened to the rental e-bikes in Lake Macquarie, and how do they relate to the cause of sustainability?
Madeline Clifton investigates the sustainability-driven initiatives of Lake Macquarie Council and the broader aim - developing a circular economy.
Producer and narrator:
Madeline Clifton
Interviewees:
Tim Browne, CEO of Dantia
Karen Crowe, sustainability engagement officer, Lake Macquarie Council.
Original music composed by Wesley Bowd
For more information about Lake Macquarie Council’s FOGO bins: https://www.lakemac.com.au/For-residents/Waste-and-recycling/Green-bin
More information about Dantia and the Circular Economy Living Lab: https://www.circulareconomylivinglab.com.au/
More information about the e-bike trial: https://www.ridebeam.com/newsroom/beam-commences-operations-in-lake-macquarie
Madeline Clifton is studying a Bachelor of Media and Communications at the University of Newcastle. She is working as a studio manager at Newy Studio. She is a creative individual with a passion for storytelling. You can contact Madeline via her email Madelinemedia04ATgmailDOTcom
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729
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