1980 in Australia

none March 2020 February 2012 The following lists events that happened during 1980 in Australia. Elizabeth II Sir Zelman Cowen Malcolm Fraser 14,515,729 Manning Clark WA, NT, Federal, QLD 1980 Incumbents thumb|upright|140px|Sir Zelman Cowen thumb|upright|140px|Malcolm Fraser Monarch – Elizabeth II Governor-General – Sir Zelman Cowen Prime Minister – Malcolm Fraser Deputy Prime Minister – Doug Anthony Opposition Leader – Bill Hayden Chief Justice – Sir Garfield Barwick State and territory leaders Premier of New South Wales – Neville Wran Opposition Leader – John Mason Premier of Queensland – Joh Bjelke-Petersen Opposition Leader – Ed Casey Premier of South Australia – David Tonkin Opposition Leader – John Bannon Premier of Tasmania – Doug Lowe Opposition Leader – Geoff Pearsall Premier of Victoria – Rupert Hamer Opposition Leader – Frank Wilkes Premier of Western Australia – Sir Charles Court Opposition Leader – Ron Davies Chief Minister of the Northern Territory – Paul Everingham Opposition Leader – Jon Isaacs Chief Minister of Norfolk Island – David Buffett Governors and administrators Governor of New South Wales – Sir Roden Cutler Governor of Queensland – Sir James Ramsay Governor of South Australia – Sir Keith Seaman Governor of Tasmania – Sir Stanley Burbury Governor of Victoria – Sir Henry Winneke Governor of Western Australia – Sir Wallace Kyle (until 30 September), then Sir Richard Trowbridge (from 25 November) Administrator of Norfolk Island – Peter Coleman Administrator of the Northern Territory – John England Events January 9 January – Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser announces sanctions against the Soviet Union following its invasion of Afghanistan.Kruger Andrew 10 January 1980 A message for Moscow https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-message-for/137115427 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 20 December 2023 20 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231220103210/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-message-for/137115427/ live 17 January – Debbie Wardley becomes Australia's first female pilot to take to the skies when she co-pilots a Fokker Friendship on Ansett Flight 232 on the so-called "milk run" from Alice Springs to Darwin.17 January 1980 Mrs Wardley is up and away https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mrs-wardley-is/137006397 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 18 December 2023 18 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231218103321/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mrs-wardley-is/137006397/ live The flight marks the end of a 15-month legal battle with Ansett Airlines to overcome gender-based discrimination which had prevented her from earlier taking the controls. 2 January 1980 Fokker job soon for Mrs Wardley https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fokker-job-soo/115890046 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 18 December 2023 24 January – The first section of Melbourne's underground railway loop is opened. 27 January – Frank Nugan of the failed Nugan Hand Bank is found dead at the wheel of his Mercedes by police at Lithgow. 29 January 1980 Police say no foul play in director's death https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-police-say-no/137006331 The Sydney Morning Herald 9 18 December 2023 February 19 February - Rock singer Bon Scott of the band AC/DC, at age 33 found dead having slept in parked car in London, UK.21 February 1980 Singer dies https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-singer-dies/137006288 The Age 6 18 December 2023 18 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231218101719/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-singer-dies/137006288/ live23 February 1980 Alcohol blamed for singer's death https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alcohol-blamed/137006294 The Sydney Morning Herald 31 18 December 2023 23 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231223052035/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alcohol-blamed/137006294/ live 21 February – Advance Airlines Flight 4210 crashes at Sydney Airport, killing all 13 aboard the Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft.22 February 1980 13 die in Sydney crash: Commuter airliner turns back, hits wall near Mascot runway https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-13-die-in-sydn/137006219 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 18 December 2023 18 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231218100612/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-13-die-in-sydn/137006219/ live 23 February – The 1980 Western Australian state election takes place and the Liberal/National coalition government of Sir Charles Court is re-elected.25 February 1980 WA Liberals hold on https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wa-liberals-ho/137006204 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 18 December 2023 18 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231218095941/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wa-liberals-ho/137006204/ live March 1 March – The federal executive of the Australian Labor Party decides to intervene in the Queensland branch, with most key office-holders replaced.O'Reilly Neil 2 March 1980 Hayden wins: It's the sack for Queensland officials https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hayden-wins-i/137006177 The Sun-Herald 5 18 December 2023 25 March – Defence Minister James Killen announces that Cockburn Sound Western Australia will offer base and home port facilities to the United States Navy.26 March 1980 Agreement defines US logistic aid https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-agreement-defi/137006099 The Sydney Morning Herald 14 18 December 2023 18 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231218094545/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-agreement-defi/137006099/ live April 3 April – It's revealed that a sensitive report entitled The Threat of the Internal Security of Australia is lost by the Office of National Assessments.Shanahan Dennis 3 April 1980 Secret security paper missing https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-secret-securit/137005970 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 18 December 2023Shanahan Dennis 4 April 1980 ASIO moves to tighten security https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-asio-moves-to/137005981 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 18 December 2023 26 April – Louise and Charmian Faulkner disappear from outside their flat in St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia.Turner Noel December 2018 Murders in Melbourne: St Kilda https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/rhsv-history-news-issue-339-dec-2018.pdf History News Royal Historical Society Victoria 8 339 On 26 April 1980, they were seen getting into a white utility outside the Faulkner home in Acland Street. 2 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230402003021/https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/rhsv-history-news-issue-339-dec-2018.pdf liveLord Kathy 6 October 2010 Cold case murder reward offered https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-10-06/cold-case-murder-reward-offered/2288206 ABC News 18 December 2023 18 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231218093920/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-10-06/cold-case-murder-reward-offered/2288206 live 30 April – Automotive company Chrysler Australia Limited is taken over by Japanese company Mitsubishi after the American-based Chrysler Corporation sold its Australian subsidiary to the dynamic Japanese automobile manufacturer for $80 million.Porter Ian de Fraga Christopher 1 May 1980 Japanese buy out Chrysler https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-japanese-buy-out-chrysler/137006067 The Age 1 18 December 2023 23 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231223045511/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-japanese-buy-out-chrysler/137006067/ live The declining fortunes of Chrysler's North American operations forced the sale. May 1 May – The Australian branch of Earthwatch Institute is established in Sydney. 15 May – The telecommunications tower on Canberra's Black Mountain is officially opened. 16 May 1980 Protests at PM opens tower https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110957649 The Canberra Times 1 17 December 2023 19 May 1980 Thousands visit Telecom tower https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110958185 The Canberra Times 3 17 December 2023 23 May – The Australian Olympic Federation announces it will send an Olympic delegation to Moscow, despite objections raised by the prime minister. 24 May 1980 Australian team for Games: 6-5 decision rebuff to Federal Govt https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australian-tea/137000005 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 18 December 2023 The tight 6–5 ballot, announced by Federation President Syd Grange at Melbourne's Sheraton Hotel ends speculation about Australia's role following America's boycott of the games.24 May 1980 Yes to Moscow Games: 6-5 vote after plea by PM https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-yes-to-moscow-games/137000070 The Age 1 18 December 2023 18 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231218044103/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-yes-to-moscow-games/137000070/ live Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser is critical of the decision, expressing hope that the Australian participation would not be interpreted as an endorsement of Soviet policy.Fraser Malcolm 24 May 1980 The Fraser statement https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-fraser-statement/137000231 The Age 1 18 December 2023 18 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231218044103/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-fraser-statement/137000231/ live 24 May – Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrive in Australia. 25 May 1980 Welcome to Australia Ma'am https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-welcome-to-aus/136946718 The Sun Herald 1 18 December 2023 25 May 1980 Informality as Queen arrives in Canberra https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110959097 The Canberra Times 1 18 December 2023 26 May – The High Court of Australia building in Canberra is opened by Queen Elizabeth II.27 May 1980 Queen opens High Court building https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110959395 The Canberra Times 1 18 December 2023 18 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231218020712/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110959395 live Prince Philip is also in attendance. 31 May – The Royal Commission into Drug Trafficking (Woodward Royal Commission) estimates that there are at least 20,000 heroin addicts in Australia. June 7 June – The 1980 Northern Territory general election takes place and Paul Everingham's Country Liberal Party government is re-elected. 9 June 1980 NT Govt looks set for new term https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-nt-govt-looks/136946117 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 17 December 2023 23 June – Australia's first "test tube baby" Candice Elizabeth Reed is born in Melbourne's Royal Women's Hospital.Ballantyne Tom 24 June 1980 Day One in the life of Candice https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-day-one-in-the/137005703 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 18 December 2023Turnbull Gregory Eckersley Richard Bolton Barbara 24 June 1980 Candice Elizabeth Reed, Australia's first test-tube baby https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-candice-elizab/137005682 The Sydney Morning Herald 10 18 December 2023 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070904/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-candice-elizab/137005682/ liveKerin Lindy First IVF baby turns 30 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-06-23/first-ivf-baby-turns-30/877426 31 March 2012 ABC News 23 June 2010 24 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120424032830/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-06-23/first-ivf-baby-turns-30/877426 live David Opas, a Judge of the Family Court of Australia is shot and killed outside his home.24 June 1980 Sydney judge shot dead https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sydney-judge-s/136946199 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 17 December 2023 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070904/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sydney-judge-s/136946199/ live 26 June – Australian Richard Thorp, of the United States firm Mitchell, Giurgola and Thorp, wins the competition for the design of the new Parliament House, Canberra.Milson Scott 27 June 1980 The nation's $156 million house on the hill https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-nations/136946279 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 17 December 2023 17 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054343/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-nations/136946279/ live July 1 July – Women are allowed to join surf clubs as full members.Murphy Damien 2 July 1980 The sexual tide turns on the beaches https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-sexual-tide-turns-on-the-bea/136946014 The Age 5 17 December 2023 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070936/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-sexual-tide-turns-on-the-bea/136946014/ live 4 July – Newcastle's afternoon newspaper The Newcastle Sun ceases publication.Isaacs Victor 2015 Labour dailies https://labourhistorycanberra.org/2015/05/labour-dailies/ Australian Society for the Study of Labour History 17 December 2023 In 1936 the Newcastle Morning Herald took over the Newcastle Sun, a lively afternoon paper... The Newcastle Sun closed on 4 July 1980 (after which for a short time there was a Newcastle edition of the Sydney Sun) 17 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231217053357/https://labourhistorycanberra.org/2015/05/labour-dailies/ live August 17 August – Nine-week-old Azaria Chamberlain disappears from a campsite at Ayers Rock (Uluru), later confirmed to be taken by a dingo.19 August 1980 Little hope for baby girl taken by wild dog https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-little-hope-fo/136945344 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 17 December 2023 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070906/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-little-hope-fo/136945344/ live12 June 2012 Coroner rules dingo killed Azaria Chamberlain https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-12/coroner-rules-dingo-killed-azaria-chamberlain/4065802 ABC News 17 December 2023 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070907/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-12/coroner-rules-dingo-killed-azaria-chamberlain/4065802 live 22 August – Confusion reigns at the inquest into the death of Frank Nugan of the failed Nugan Hand banking group. A letter is produced on the final day of the inquest signed by the secretary to the Commissioner Mr. Justice Woodward, who presided over the Royal Commission into Drug Trafficking, appears to clear Nugan of any involvement with narcotics dealing. September 26 September – The Lonie Report in Victoria recommends the closure of half the suburban rail lines, all country passenger rail lines and a number of tram routes.Strong Geoff 25 September 1980 State let transport run down: report https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-state-let-transport-run-down-re/136944793 The Age 5 17 December 2023 22 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231222210540/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-state-let-transport-run-down-re/136944793/ live It also recommends huge freeway expansion. The report is controversial and protests cause its recommendations to be moderated. 30 September – Bob Hawke retires as President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) to contest the seat of Wills in the federal election.11 September 1980 Dolan next ACTU head https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125621317 The Canberra Times 7 17 December 2023 Mr Hawke, the ALP candidate for the safe Federal seat of Wills has tendered his resignation as president. He will formally leave the ACTU at the end of this month... 17 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231217043900/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125621317 live Cliff Dolan becomes the new President of the ACTU.Gordon Michael 1 October 1980 Enter the new ACTU chief, without fanfare or drumroll https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-enter-the-new-actu-chief-withou/136944148 The Age 5 17 December 2023 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715070913/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-enter-the-new-actu-chief-withou/136944148/ live October 1 October – The Costigan Royal Commission begins in Melbourne, with the purpose of inquiring into the activities of the Federated Ship Painters and Dockers Union.2 October 1980 Lawyer for 'Mr X' and 'Mr Z' not to be heard https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lawyer-for-mr/136940524 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 17 December 2023 The Royal Commission into the Federated Ship Painters' and Dockers' Union opened in Melbourne yesterday... 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071426/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lawyer-for-mr/136940524/ live2 October 1980 Unionist balk on call for file https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-unionist-balk-on-call-for-file/136940656 The Age 4 17 December 2023 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071425/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-unionist-balk-on-call-for-file/136940656/ live 9 October – The standard-gauge railway from Tarcoola to Alice Springs is opened by Princess Alexandra.Mikosza T.G. Ascione J.A. Australian Rail Freigh Movements 1979-1980 https://www.bitre.gov.au/sites/default/files/ip_008.pdf 15 Although not officially opened until 1979-80, the Northern Region now includes the new standard gauge line from Tarcoola to Alice Springs. This line was opened on 9 October 1980. 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071434/https://www.bitre.gov.au/sites/default/files/ip_008.pdf live 1981 The New railway link from Darwin to Alice Springs (excerpt) https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/new-railway-link-darwin-alice-springs Northern Territory Contact National Film and Sound Archive 17 December 2023 Princess Alexandra officially opened the new railway line in October 1980. 14 October – Violet Roberts, 52, and Bruce Roberts, 22, are released from prison after serving almost five years of their sentence after being found guilty in March 1976 of murdering their violent husband and father, Eric Leslie Roberts.Frail Rodney 15 October 1980 A new life for the Roberts family https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-new-life-for/136941306 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 17 December 2023 22 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231222205448/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-new-life-for/136941306/ liveBrooks Geraldine 17 October 1980 End of a nightmare: Violet Roberts wants a peace she can hardly remember https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-end-of-a-night/136941106 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 17 December 2023 17 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231217033622/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-end-of-a-night/136941106/ liveBrooks Geraldine 25 October 1980 A day in the new life of the Robertses https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-day-in-the-n/136941194 The Sydney Morning Herald 5 17 December 2023 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071428/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-day-in-the-n/136941194/ live The mother and son are "released on licence" just 24 hours after the New South Wales Attorney-General Frank Walker recommended the action to the Department of Corrective Services, following sustained pressure from supporters who argued that the sentences were unduly harsh. The Attorney-General had publicly described the sentences as a miscarriage of justice. 18 October – The 1980 Australian federal election is held with Malcolm Fraser's Liberal/National Country Coalition government re-elected with a substantially reduced majority, defeating the Labor Party led by Bill Hayden.Davidson Gay 19 October 1980 Fraser returned: 15-seat majority likey despite 6.2pc swing https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125628403/13920351 The Canberra Times 1 17 December 2023 17 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231217042144/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125628403/13920351 live The Government also loses control of the Senate, with the Australian Democrats winning the balance of power.12 November 1980 Democrats win Senate power balance https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126157880 The Canberra Times 1 17 December 2023 17 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231217042146/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126157880 live November 20 November – Former Prime Minister Sir John McEwen dies. 29 November – The 1980 Queensland state election takes place with the National Party government of Joh Bjelke-Petersen being re-elected.O'Reilly Neil 30 November 1980 It's Joh again - but no joy for Libs https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-its-joh-again/136938131 Sun-Herald 17 December 2023 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071431/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-its-joh-again/136938131/ live December 1 December – A memorial service is held for former Australian prime minister Sir John McEwen at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne.Gibson Sally 2 December 1980 600 at memorial service for Sir John McEwen https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-600-at-memorial-service-for-sir/136939243 The Age 5 17 December 2023 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071428/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-600-at-memorial-service-for-sir/136939243/ live 2 December – The Federal Government lifts controls regulating the interest rates offered by banks on customer deposits.Barton Russell 3 December 1980 Home interest, overdraft rates soar https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-home-interest/136937793/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 Mr Howard also said that the Government had decided to lift all controls on the rates that savings and trading banks can offer on deposits 17 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231217021556/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-home-interest/136937793/ live 15 December – The Azaria Chamberlain inquest begins in Alice Springs.15 December 1980 Ayers Rock dingo baby inquest opens https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ayers-rock-din/136934938 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 17 December 2023 17 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231217011952/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ayers-rock-din/136934938/ liveBrown Malcolm 16 December 1980 'No motive' for inventing dingo evidence https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-no-motive-fo/136935073 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 17 December 2023 17 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231217011951/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-no-motive-fo/136935073/ liveBrown Malcolm 16 December 1980 Unlikey someone else in tent, says mother https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-unlikely-someo/136935176 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 17 December 2023 15 July 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240715071432/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-unlikely-someo/136935176/ live 17 December – Turkish Consul-General, Şarık Arıyak and his bodyguard, Engin Sever, are shot dead in the street outside the consulate in Dover Heights, Sydney, becoming the victims of Australia's first political assassinations.Collier Roger Molloy Paul Molly Susan 18 December 1980 Political murder in a quiet Sydney street - police check for foreign 'hit men' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-political-murd/136933613 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 17 December 2023 17 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231217010938/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-political-murd/136933613/ liveMorris-Grant Brianna 17 December 2023 A $1 million reward and a mystery phone call — a Sydney assassination remains unsolved four decades later https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-17/turkish-consul-general-assassination-sarik-ariyak-sydney/103222092 ABC News 17 December 2023 16 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231216231910/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-17/turkish-consul-general-assassination-sarik-ariyak-sydney/103222092 live The obscure international terrorist army, the "Justice Commandoes of Armenian Genocide", claim responsibility for the deaths only 20 minutes after the shootings. A Woolworths store in the Wollongong suburb of Warilla is bombed, causing $300,000 worth of damage.Molloy Paul 26 December 1980 Bomber's target: the toy department on Christmas Eve; Police pin hopes on $¼m reward https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bombers-targe/136936088 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 17 December 2023 On December 17, a blast believed to have been caused by a time bomb, caused $300,000 damage to the store at Warilla, a southern suburb of Wollongong. Two days later, another time bomb started a fire which destroyed the Maitland branch, causing damage estimated at more than $300,000. 19 December – A Woolworths store at Maitland, New South Wales is bombed, suffering more than $300,000 worth of damage. 20 December – A Woolworths store at Orange, New South Wales receives a call from a man threatening to bomb a Woolworths store unless he is paid $1 million. 23 December – Victoria decriminalises homosexual acts between consenting adults, with the Royal Assent of the Crimes (Sexual Offences) Act 1980.Carbery Graham 1993 Towards homosexual equality in Australian criminal law - a brief history: Victoria https://www.alga.org.au/files/towardsequality2ed.pdf Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives Inc 10-15 17 December 2023 The Crimes (Sexual Offences) Act 1980 was nevertheless passed on 23 December 1980 and came into effect on 1 March 1981 17 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231217020539/https://www.alga.org.au/files/towardsequality2ed.pdf live 24 December – Woolworths' Town Hall store in the centre of Sydney is devastated by a bomb blast – the chain's third store to be targeted in nine days. Authorities received only 10 minutes' warning of the bombing, which miraculously caused no serious casualties after 2,000 shoppers and staff were evacuated from the area.Molloy Paul 26 December 1980 Bomb blast at Town Hall store https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bomb-blast-at/136936480 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 17 December 2023 26 December – Police offer a $250,000 reward for information relating to the recent Woolworths bombings. The reward is the largest ever offered in Australian history. Arts and literature 1980 in Australian literature Jessica Anderson's novel The Impersonators wins the Miles Franklin Award.Field Michelle 4 June 1981 Novelist wins award for the second time https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-novelist-wins/137164030 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 21 December 2023 21 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231221054349/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-novelist-wins/137164030/ live Film 5 July – The Australian film Breaker Morant opens in Sydney and Melbourne, having been the toast of the recent 1980 Cannes Film Festival.Hogan Christine 1 July 1980 Bryan Brown - the latecomer who made it to the top https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bryan-brown/137164222 The Sydney Morning Herald 12 21 December 2023 21 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231221060353/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bryan-brown/137164222/ live 18 September – The Club starring Jack Thompson and Graham Kennedy is released to cinemas.Groves Don Lee Lewes Jacqueline 30 March 1980 Dirty play's the game in The Club... https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dirty-plays-t/137164445 The Sydney Morning Herald 91 21 December 2023 21 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231221065739/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dirty-plays-t/137164445/ liveWilmoth Peter 11 September 1980 What happens in Club https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-what-happens-in-club/137164586 The Age 21 December 2023 25 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231225022311/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-what-happens-in-club/137164586/ live Television 17 January – Gippsland's GLV-10 becomes GLV-8. 17 January 1980 Gippsland switches to eight (Channel 10 advertisement feature) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-gippsland-switches-to-eight/137115471 The Age 50 20 December 2023 This is done so that Melbourne's ATV-0 can become ATV-10. 20 January – ATV-0 becomes ATV-10. 17 January 1980 Easy and big switch to new 10 on Sunday (Channel 10 advertisement feature) https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-easy-and-big-switch-to-new-10-on/137115465 The Age 50 20 December 2023 This move prompts the 0–10 Network to change its name to Network Ten, although Brisbane's TVQ-0 would continue to broadcast on Channel 0 until 1988. On the same night, Ten's new drama series Arcade premieres. It is regarded as the biggest flop in Australian television history, costing over $3 million to make and being axed after 49 episodes.Courtis Brian 1 March 1980 Channel 10 swings the axe on 'Arcade' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-channel-10-swings-the-axe-on-arc/137115568 The Age 2 20 December 2023 14 July – Nine Network's new quiz show Sale of the Century launches, bringing in record ratings with Nine winning the 7pm timeslot.Dando Mark 10 July 1980 New face lifts a tired format https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-face-lifts-a-tired-format/137006556 The Age 42 18 December 2023Hogan Christine 14 July 1980 Not another quiz! https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-not-another-qu/137006583 The Sydney Morning Herald 11 18 December 2023 30 January – Kingswood Country debuts on the Seven Network.Lawrence Mark 17 January 1980 New Oz comedy exploits bigotry https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-oz-comedy-exploits-bigotry/137164703 The Age 28 21 December 2023 21 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231221061204/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-oz-comedy-exploits-bigotry/137164703/ live 15 October – Mini-series The Last Outlaw debuts on Seven. 24 October – Australia's new multicultural television network SBS is officially opened by Malcolm Fraser as it commences transmission in Sydney & Melbourne on VHF Channel 0 & UHF Channel 28, becoming the first station in Australia to use UHF frequencies.Molloy Susan 25 October 1980 Tears, ecstacy and a serving of scorn for multicultural TV https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tears-ecstasy/137006460 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 18 December 2023 Sport 5 July – Evonne Cawley (née Goolagong) wins the Wimbledon singles for the second time, easily beating the popular American champion Chris Evert-Lloyd 6–1, 7–6 in the final.Trengove Alan 6 July 1980 Wimbledon again for Evonne, a determined mum https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wimbledon-agai/137165043 The Sydney Morning Herald 77 21 December 2023 21 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231221063151/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wimbledon-agai/137165043/ live She becomes the first woman to have won the Wimbledon singles nine years apart and is the first mother ever to take tennis' most coveted prize. 8 July – The inaugural 1980 State of Origin game is played at Lang Park, which is won by Queensland who defeat New South Wales 20 – 10.Clarkson Alan 9 July 1980 Football lesson by Maroons https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-football-lesso/137165152 The Sydney Morning Herald 48 21 December 2023 21 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231221063635/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-football-lesso/137165152/ live 27 July – Laurie Whitty wins the men's national marathon title, clocking 2:19:00 in Adelaide.28 July 1980 Upset in marathon https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-upset-in-marathon/137165338 The Age 25 21 December 2023 21 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231221064728/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-upset-in-marathon/137165338/ live 27 September – The Canterbury Bulldogs defeat the Eastern Suburbs Roosters (now Sydney Roosters) 18–4 to win the 73rd NSWRL premiership.Stephens Tony Clarkson Alan 28 September 1980 The glory boys https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-glory-boys/137165417 The Sun-Herald 2 21 December 2023 It is the first premiership for Canterbury since 1942 & the last grand final played on a Saturday. In the process, Steve Gearin scores one of the most spectacular tries in history. Penrith finish in last position, claiming the wooden spoon. The Richmond Tigers (23.21.159) defeat the Collingwood Magpies (9.24.78) to win the 84th VFL premiership.28 September 1980 Bartlett leads Tigers to flag https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bartlett-leads/137165531 The Sun-Herald 79 21 December 2023 21 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231221074457/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bartlett-leads/137165531/ live It was the last premiership win for Richmond until 2017.O'Halloran Kate 30 September 2017 Richmond end 37-year wait with AFL grand final win over Adelaide https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/sep/30/richmond-end-37-year-wait-with-afl-grand-final-win-over-adelaide The Guardian 21 December 2023 5 October – Alan Jones becomes the second Australian driver to win the Formula One World Drivers Championship after winning the final race of the season at Watkins Glen, New York. 7 October 1980 Record-breaker Jones: 'I just want to rest' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-record-breaker/137165682 The Sydney Morning Herald 28 21 December 2023 4 November – Beldale Ball wins the Melbourne Cup.Lillye Bert 5 November 1980 'It's better than Paris': Win with a song and a dance https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-its-better-t/137165755 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 21 December 2023 13 December – Illawarra is accepted as the 13th team in the NSWRL premiership for 1982, making them the first team from outside the Sydney metropolitan area to compete in the competition since Newcastle in 1909.Clarkson Alan 14 December 1980 Illawarra in Sydney comp https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-illawarra-in-s/137165856 The Sydney Morning Herald 102 21 December 2023 Births 5 January – Brad Meyers, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/brad-meyers/summary.html Brad Meyers: Playing career Rugby League Project 22 December 2023 22 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231222094033/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/brad-meyers/summary.html live 7 January – Reece Simmonds, rugby league playerhttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/reece-simmonds/summary.html Reece Simmonds: Playing career Rugby League Project 22 December 2023 8 January – Adam Goodes, footballerhttps://australianfootball.com/players/player/adam%2Bgoodes/14096 Adam Goodes: Key Facts Australian Football 22 December 2023 2 March 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240302022321/https://australianfootball.com/players/player/adam+goodes/14096 live 9 January – Luke Patten, rugby league player and refereehttps://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/luke-patten/summary.html Luke Patten: Playing career Rugby League Project 22 December 2023 22 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231222094033/https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/luke-patten/summary.html live 17 January – Kylie Wheeler, heptathletehttps://worldathletics.org/athletes/aus/kylie-wheeler-14271088 Kylie Wheeler: Profile World Athletics 22 December 2023 25 January – Alayna Burns, track cyclistAlayna BURNS – Olympic Cycling Track Australia https://www.olympic.org/alayna-burns International Olympic Committee 19 June 2019 en 21 June 2016 19 June 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190619201852/https://www.olympic.org/alayna-burns live 8 February – Cameron Muncey, singer and guitarist (Jet) 2 March – Rebel Wilson, actress and producer 13 March – Nathan Phillips, actor 27 March – Toni Cronk, field hockey goalkeeper 17 April – Cameron McKenzie-McHarg, former rower 15 April – Lauryn Mark, Olympic skeet shooterGlasgow 2014 – Lauryn Mark Profile http://results.glasgow2014.com/athlete/squash/1030574/lauryn_mark.html https://web.archive.org/web/20200724124231/http://results.glasgow2014.com/athlete/squash/1030574/lauryn_mark.html usurped 24 July 2020 results.glasgow2014.com 10 March 2019 25 April – Daniel MacPherson, actor 9 May – Grant Hackett, swimmer 10 May – Pete Gray, environmental activist (d. 2011) 16 May – Simon Gerrans, road bicycle racer 23 May – Ben Ross, rugby league player 24 May – Anthony Minichiello, rugby league player 31 May – Craig Bolton, footballer and sportscaster 5 June – Chris Flannery, rugby league player 18 June – Craig Mottram, long and middle distance runner 29 June – James Courtney, motor racing driver 9 July Brooke Krueger, hammer thrower Wil Traval, actor 23 August – Bronwyn Eagles, hammer thrower 24 August – Rachael Carpani, actress 10 September - Caterina Mete, dancer, singer and choreographer (The Wiggles) 18 September – Chris Tarrant, Australian rules footballer 16 October – Timana Tahu, rugby league player 5 November – Luke Hemsworth, actorLuke Hemsworth biography Tribute.ca Tribute Entertainment Media Group https://lemonyblog.com/chris-hemsworth-thors-father-craig-hemsworths-biography/ live 25 December 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180624175603/https://www.tribute.ca/people/luke-hemsworth/47117/ 24 June 2018 28 November – Alex Greenwich, politician 16 December Natalie Porter, basketball player and Olympic medalist Axle Whitehead, actor and singer-songwriter 22 December – Matt Parker, recreational mathematician and authorhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99stb2mzspI https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/99stb2mzspI 2021-12-21 live Why 1980 was a great year to be born... but 2184 will be better 29 June 2015 Parker Matthew 30 October 2016 YouTube 25 December – Ricky Muir, politician Deaths 7 January – Eddie Scarf, Olympic wrestler and boxer (b. 1908) 11 January 1980 Former Aust wrestler dies https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-former-aust-wr/137166023 The Sydney Morning Herald 16 21 December 2023 2 May – Clarrie Grimmett, cricketer (born in New Zealand) (b. 1891)Fingleton Jack 4 May 1980 Vale, Clarrie https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-vale-clarrie/137165988 The Sun-Herald 76 21 December 2023 25 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231225031048/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-vale-clarrie/137165988/ live 24 September – Pat Galvin, South Australian politician (b. 1911) 11 November – Vince Gair, 27th Premier of Queensland (b. 1901)Milson Scott 12 November 1980 Mr Vincent Gair, turbulent Qld politician dies, aged 78 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mr-vincent-gai/137165930 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 21 December 2023 20 November – Sir John McEwen, 18th Prime Minister of Australia and 1st Deputy Prime Minister of Australia (b. 1900)Fitchett Ian 22 November 1980 Country Party giant dies - John McEwen: protection was his strength https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-country-party/136939148 The Sydney Morning Herald 6 17 December 2023 See also 1980 in Australian literature 1980 in Australian television List of Australian films of 1980 References 1980 in yes Australia Category:Years of the 20th century in Australia