Australian Story - Series 2026

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.