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Hannah's Story

Hannah's Story

By: 9Podcasts
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NEW: The Ultimate Sacrifice

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The Ultimate Sacrifice is the new podcast from host Melissa Downes and producer Jess Lodge. This podcast examines the shocking Wieambilla Police Shootings. It was just two weeks before Christmas, when four constables were ambushed as they walked down a driveway of a remote property. Two young officers were murdered, and an innocent neighbour was also gunned down. The property turned into a battleground, an hours-long gunfight ending with the deaths of three radicalised killers.

A year and a half on, the haunting question remains: how did a routine callout lead to Queensland's deadliest police shooting?

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It was one of the most horrific acts of domestic violence Australia has seen.

On Wednesday the 19th of February 2020 Hannah Clarke and her three young children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey were killed by Rowan Baxter, their father & Hannah’s estranged husband - set on fire in their car in a quiet Brisbane street.

It sparked outrage, shock and a community conversation about a form of domestic violence few had even heard of - coercive control.

Now, Nine News Presenter Melissa Downes, alongside Producer Jess Lodge, delve deeper to better understand what happened: speaking to family, friends, first responders, witnesses, domestic violence experts and political leaders - some speaking for the very first time to reveal the whole story... Hannah’s Story.

This podcast explores details from the days, months, even years, leading up to the crime that the public hasn’t been told. Details that will shock you, disappoint you and leave you asking - how did this happen? And what needs to be done to make sure it never happens again? What needs to change to protect other women, and men, in abusive relationships?

We also hope to help spread the messages Hannah’s parents Sue & Lloyd are advocating, through their organisation Small Steps 4 Hannah.

New episodes weekly, starting Monday May 22nd.

  • Episode 1: Hannah Clarke - May 22
  • Episode 2: Red Flags - May 22
  • Episode 3: 19th February 2020 - May 29
  • Episode 4: The Inquest - June 5
  • Episode 5: Lessons Learned - June 12
  • Episode 6: Hannah’s Legacy - June 19
 True Crime
Episodes
  • Episode 1: The Ambush

    Episode 1: The Ambush
    Jul 14 2024

    Australia was left in shock when four young police officers were ambushed on the driveway of a property in the Queensland outback town of Wieambilla: two were executed in cold blood, two were forced to fight for their lives, and an innocent neighbour was murdered. Before the coronial inquest begins, we take you back to the 12th of December, 2022. How did a routine missing persons callout end in the deaths of Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, and neighbour Alan Dare? And how did two officers survive?

    Episodes 3 & 4 of The Ultimate Sacrifice are out Monday, July 22nd.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • New from us: The Ultimate Sacrifice

    New from us: The Ultimate Sacrifice
    Jul 14 2024

    A year on from Hannah's Story, host Melissa Downes and producer Jess Lodge share an update and invite you to listen to their new podcast, The Ultimate Sacrifice.

    Tap here for episodes 1 & 2, droping Monday, July 15th

    Apple Podcasts

    Spotify

    Two weeks before Christmas in 2022, what should have been a routine check by four young police officers on a remote property in Wieambilla turned into a massacre. Two officers and an innocent neighbour were murdered by religiously motivated conspiracy theorists before a six-hour firefight ended in the killers' deaths. As the coronial inquest approaches, a haunting question remains unanswered: how could this happen in our own backyard?

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • 6. Hannah's Legacy

    6. Hannah's Legacy
    Jun 18 2023

    Amidst the grief, there is a story of hope. There has to be, to give Hannah a voice and to ensure her legacy.

    So how are Hannah's family, friends and all those touched by the tragedy finding a way forward?

    Sue & Lloyd Clarke are working tirelessly to turn Small Steps 4 Hannah into a movement: changing laws, education and conversation. Their commitment inspires others like the mysterious “Mr X” helping them turn a big dream into reality.

    Learn more here about Small Steps 4 Hannah

    If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out for help.

    1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732

    Mensline 1300 78 99 78

    Lifeline 13 11 14

    Beyond DV

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins

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Profile Image for Kylie Stark

Groundbreaking

This story has the power and influence to reduce the transmission of a pandemic of violence infecting children and women .
Listen it’s beyond devastating

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Profile Image for The Chancer

Heartbreaking, frightening and so very informative!

Listening to this podcast whilst driving to and from work I found myself going through all kinds of emotions as Hannah and the children’s safety and support network of friends family and acquaintances all recalled details of Hannah, the children and the perpetrator of abuse who ultimately ended their lives in the worst way imaginable.
As a professional with 20+ years experience working with vulnerable families, a high percentage of whom are impacted by domestic and family violence, I am still shocked and saddened that information, education and awareness of all aspects of DFV are still not common in todays society. Like everything more needs to be done in the early intervention and prevention space so that in time we see reduced crisis responses and tragedies. A world where healthy relationships, boundaries and respect for others is as common in the school curriculum as the Alphabet may be a great place to start!

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

A poignant podcast

Great production. Well done to the creators.
Something positive & educational coming from an unspeakable act! Like Sue though, I wish I wasn't writing this review. Thumbs up to Com Bank also

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