Shortcut: The House of Horrors in Katanning

Shortcut: The House of Horrors in Katanning

Author: Bravecasting September 13, 2026 Duration: 14:57

This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed.

In 1985, Maggie Dawkins arrived in Katanning for what was supposed to be a short-term job.

Instead, she became an advocate for young people at the St Andrews Hostel, where convicted paedophile Dennis McKenna abused dozens of boys.

Maggie has spent the past 40 years fighting for survivors, and joins us to discuss her book To Be Believed: A West Australian Scandal and the story behind it.

You can purchase your copy of To Be Believed: A West Australian Scandal here.

You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here.

Join our Facebook Group here.

Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000.

Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our episodes.

For Support:

Lifeline  on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie

Guest: Maggie Dawkins

Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard

This episode contains extra content from Network 10.


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For those drawn to the shadows that linger just beyond the backyard fence, Australian True Crime offers a compelling and often unsettling exploration. Hosted by Meshel Laurie, whose genuine fascination with the genre drives every conversation, this podcast delves into the stories that unfold in the very streets and suburbs we think we know. It moves beyond the headlines to examine the intricate, human details of cases that have shocked the nation. Laurie’s approach is characterised by thorough research and a commitment to presenting multiple perspectives. Each episode is built around interviews with a range of voices, including journalists who have covered the cases, investigators who worked the scenes, and at times, the victim survivors or even perpetrators themselves. This method provides a multi-faceted view, probing the underbelly of Australian communities to uncover the complex realities behind the crime. Listening to this podcast feels like sitting down for a deep, sometimes difficult, but always engrossing discussion about the darker threads woven into the fabric of Australian life. It’s for anyone who understands that true crime is, at its core, about people and place, and that the most mysterious tales are often those closest to home.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 50

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