Shortcut: The Young Woman a Country Town Didn’t Believe

Shortcut: The Young Woman a Country Town Didn’t Believe

Author: Bravecasting March 15, 2026 Duration: 17:40

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 2016, a woman reported that she was sexually assaulted at a birthday party in the small western Victorian town of Balmoral.

The case divided the close-knit community and led to a complex legal process involving an appeal, a retrial and a key witness who later changed her evidence, though two juries ultimately found the men guilty of rape.

Journalists Andy Burns and Charlotte King join us to discuss their investigation for the ABC podcast Hometown Boys and the impact the case had on the town.

PLEASE NOTE: This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual violence.

You can listen to Hometown Boys on the Background Briefing podcast by the ABC.

You can watch our episodes and subscribe to our Youtube channel here.

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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.
 
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CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie

Guests: Andy Burns and Charlotte King

Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard


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https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/

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Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com


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: 100

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