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A recent report by the Diamantina Podcast Network has found that 90% of the world’s true crime murder mystery podcasts are set between Manly Beach and Palm Beach on Sydney’s northern peninsula.
Once known for it’s sunkissef life guards and relaxed lifestyle, the ‘insular peninsular’ is now the coalface for yarns about people getting murdered or conned out of their life savings.
Locals are reportedly working hard to change their image, but unfortunately the only other export they’ve had in recent years is the recently ousted Federal Member Tony Abbott.
While last night’s State Of Origin match saw the Trbojevic brothers give the region some headlines that don’t revolve around someone being murdered – locals are still acutely aware that rugby league in itself is also responsible for half of these internationally acclaimed true crime stories.
From the Dawson Brothers, to Hamish McLaren – it seems even the vaguely Northern Beaches setting of Home And Away is unlikely to overshadow the growing reputation this picturesque part of Sydney has for people disappearing without a trace.
One local, Jake Joelson says it’s a shame that outsiders don’t get close enough to the place to see it’s true character, and only know about it from these podcasts.
“If only they could see the Harbord Hilton on a Sunday arvo” says the 22-year-old mother of three and wife to a local roofing magnate.
“There’s like 200 pokies in that joint. It’s awesome”
“Or, like, up in Avalon on New Years when the local boys punch on with tourists. You just gotta come here and see the place for yourself”
“There’s nowhere I’d rather live, or die, at the hands of a shady rugby league identity”
If you want to hear a podcast that doesn’t involved someone being murdered and their killer getting away with it, you can listen to the latest episode of The Betoota Advocate Radio Show below. Also available on iTunes and Spotify.
