1976 in Australia

none March 2020 February 2012 Elizabeth II Sir John Kerr Malcolm Fraser 13,892,995 Weary Dunlop VIC, NSW, TAS The following lists events that happened during 1976 in Australia. 1976 Incumbents thumb|upright|140px|Sir John Kerr thumb|upright|140px|Malcolm Fraser Monarch – Elizabeth II Governor-General – Sir John Kerr Prime Minister – Malcolm Fraser Deputy Prime Minister – Doug Anthony Opposition Leader – Gough Whitlam Chief Justice – Sir Garfield Barwick State and territory leaders Premier of New South Wales – Tom Lewis (until 23 January), then Sir Eric Willis (until 14 May), then Neville Wran Opposition Leader – Neville Wran (until 14 May), then Sir Eric Willis Premier of Queensland – Joh Bjelke-Petersen Opposition Leader – Tom Burns Premier of South Australia – Don Dunstan Opposition Leader – David Tonkin Premier of Tasmania – Bill Neilson Opposition Leader – Max Bingham Premier of Victoria – Rupert Hamer Opposition Leader – Clyde Holding Premier of Western Australia – Sir Charles Court Opposition Leader – John Tonkin (until 15 April), then Colin Jamieson Majority Leader of the Northern Territory – Goff Letts Governors and administrators Governor of New South Wales – Sir Roden Cutler Governor of Queensland – Sir Colin Hannah Governor of South Australia – Sir Mark Oliphant (until 30 November), then Sir Douglas Nicholls Governor of Tasmania – Sir Stanley Burbury Governor of Victoria – Sir Henry Winneke Governor of Western Australia – Sir Wallace Kyle Administrator of Norfolk Island – Charles Buffett (until 31 May), then Edward Pickerd (until 4 September), then Desmond O'Leary Events January 1 January – The Australian Journalists Association's Queensland president Quentin Dempster says he intends to complain to state police minister Max Hodges about the conduct of Queensland police officers, alleging that they had coshed, elbowed and thumped journalists covering New Year's Eve on the Gold Coast, despite identifying themselves and showing their police press passes signed by commissioner Ray Whitrod.2 January 1976 Reporters claim police 'coshing' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-reporters-clai/182506516/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 7 October 2025 Hodges subsequently apologises on behalf of the Queensland Police Force, which Dempster accepts on behalf of AJA members.3 January 1976 Police apologise to Qld journalists https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-police-apologi/182506843/ The Sydney Morning Herald 7 October 2025 Kenneth Nash, one of the key figures in the Bogle-Chandler case from 1963, is found shot dead near his home in the Sydney suburb of Chatswood.2 January 1976 Bogle-Chandler host shot dead https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bogle-chandler/182506450/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 6 October 2025 2 January – An Italian family's rental yacht is sliced in two on Sydney Harbour when it collides with 2,539-ton Japanese ship Kaiyo Maru. 45-year-old Alitalia pilot George Morelli, his wife, their 16-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter all survive and escape with just minor injuries.3 January 1976 Ship slices family's yacht in two: 'I thought I was going to die' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ship-slices-fa/182506742/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 October 2025 3 January – New South Wales Police conduct three early morning raids on homes in the Sydney suburbs of Edgecliff, Randwick and Bellevue Hill and seize more than $100,000 worth of heroin.Maddox Garry 4 January 1976 $114,000 in drug haul say police: 2 charged https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-114000-in-dr/182507286/ The Sun-Herald 1, 10 9 October 2025 A 22-year-old Australian man is killed when he slips and falls while climbing Mount Cook in New Zealand's Southern Alps.5 January 1976 Australian climber killed in NZ's alps https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australian-cli/182507614/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 7 October 2025 A 44-year-old inmate at Melbourne's Pentridge Prison is seriously injured when he opens a box, booby-trapped with a bomb.7 January 1976 Booby-trap bomb maims prisoner https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-booby-trap-bom/182553559/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 October 2025 5 January – The Family Law Act comes into effect as Elizabeth Evatt is sworn in as first Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia.Sykes Jill 6 January 1976 New divorce law offices besieged by callers: 550 inquiries in the first three hours https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-divorce-la/182245765/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 3 October 2025 Peko-Wallsend announces that 210 employees of their Mount Morgan Mine in Queensland will be retrenched due to depressed copper prices and dwindling ore reserves.6 January 1976 Ghost town fears as mine work force is cut https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ghost-town-fea/144907478/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 15 8 October 2025Cunningham James 7 January 1976 Jobless miners to get at least $780 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-jobless-miners/115878980/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 8 October 2025 6 January – A delegation of four United States congressmen led by Senator Ernest Hollings meets with prime minister Malcolm Fraser, foreign minister Andrew Peacock and opposition leader Gough Whitlam.6 January 1976 US delegation arrives today https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-us-delegation/182569915/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 4 October 20259 January 1976 Whitlam waits 2 hours for senators https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-whitlam-waits/182569967/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 October 2025 Discussions include the development of the Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean.8 January 1976 Australia supports US over Diego Garcia https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australia-supp/182569830/ The Sydney Morning Herald 4 8 October 2025 The body of a woman tied to an anchor with a nylon rope is found floating in Sydney Harbour.7 January 1976 Woman's body found tied to anchor https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-womans-body-f/182554496/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 8 October 2025 A post-mortem examination reveals she had been shot in the back of the head.8 January 1976 Body of woman in harbour identified https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-body-of-woman/182554383/ The Sydney Morning Herald 8 October 2025 She is identified as 24-year-old Maria Anne Hisshion who was last seen on 24 December 1975. Hisshion is later revealed to have been a suspected drug courier linked to the Mr. Asia drug syndicate.24 April 1979 Dead girl involved in drug trafficking, court told https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dead-girl-invo/182555286/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 8 October 2025Conway Andrew 7 December 1986 New inquiry into murder mystery https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-inquiry-in/182554894/ The Sydney Morning Herald 5 8 October 2025 9 January – The body of missing 48-year-old St Marys woman Coral Elaine Reeves is discovered in bushland at Marsden Park.10 January 1976 Police find woman's body after bush hunt https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-police-find-wo/182570651/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 October 2025 She had been murdered on 4 January by a 48-year-old Bruce John Drawbridge while he was on weekend release from Silverwater Prison, having already been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment after committing a double murder in 1959.6 August 1976 Man jailed for third murder https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-man-jailed-for/165828164/ The Sydney Morning Herald 4 8 October 2025 Drawbridge is sentenced to life imprisonment for Reeves' murder. 10 January – Three people drown in South Australia when their 14 ft dinghy capsizes near the mouth of the Murray River after their vessel's outboard motor fails causing the current to sweep it out into rough seas.11 January 1976 Men, 2 women drown as boat capsizes https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hailstorm-havo/182571462/ The Sun-Herald 2 8 October 2025 A large hailstorm hits the Queensland city of Toowoomba causing widespread damage, including to the roofs and windows of more than 100 homes. Seven people were treated by ambulance officers and two were taken to hospital with lacerations from flying glass.11 January 1976 Hailstorm havoc https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hailstorm-havo/182571462/ The Sun-Herald 2 8 October 2025 12 January – 8-year-old girl Eloise Worledge disappears from her home in the Melbourne suburb of Beaumaris, with police fearing she has been abducted.14 January 1976 Father appeals for help to find daughter, 8 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-father-appeals/182689518/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 October 2025Allin John 7 February 1976 Eloise: Police seek campervan https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-eloise-police-seek-campervan/182689726/ The Age 3 10 October 2025Blackie Tony 1 October 1976 Search for Eloise fruitless https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-search-for-eloise-fruitless/182689624/ The Age 4 10 October 2025 Nobel Prize winning chemist John Cornforth is proclaimed as the Australian of the Year for 1975.13 January 1976 Scientist given new honour https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-scientist-give/182304675/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 4 October 2025 A 24-year-old coal miner is killed and four others injured during an underground gas explosion at the Nymboida Colliery, south-west of Grafton, New South Wales.13 January 1976 Miner killed in blast, four hurt https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-miner-killed-i/182571868/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 October 2025 16 January – A freight train crashes into the rear of a passenger train at Glenbrook, killing an 84-year-old passenger and injuring ten others.17 January 1976 2 feared dead in train collision https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-2-feared-dead/182572312/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 8 October 2025Cunningham Terence Brown Malcolm Saxon Martin 18 January 1976 'The mountain exploded': Trains crash in the night https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-mountain/182572334/ The Sun-Herald 1–3, 24 8 October 2025 19 January – Tropical Cyclone David crosses the Central Queensland coast just north of St Lawrence, generating huge swells and causing extensive damage on Heron Island and in Yeppoon, particularly to infrastructure at Rosslyn Bay Harbour.Tropical Cyclone David (12-19 January 1976) https://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/david.shtml Bureau of Meteorology 8 October 202520 January 1976 Massive seas batter coastline; Homes and roads flooded, beaches eroded https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-massive-seas-b/182573639/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1–8 8 October 202521 January 2025 Flood threat remains as cyclone ends https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-flood-threat-r/182573708/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 8 October 2025 20 January – In an apparent desire from within the party for stronger leadership, a spill motion was suddenly called for the leadership of the governing New South Wales Liberal Party. Sitting premier Tom Lewis opted not to contest the leadership ballot, with Sir Eric Willis elected to the position unopposed, making him the premier of New South Wales.O'Hara John 21 January 1976 Willis to be new Premier https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-willis-to-be-n/182618891/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1–2, 6 9 October 2025Harper Catherine 21 January 1976 Enter now the politician's politician https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-enter-now-the/182619473/ The Sydney Morning Herald 6 9 October 2025 Four-year-old Peggy Clements is found alive on a remote property near Marble Bar, Western Australia after having been kidnapped from a car in Cobar, New South Wales eleven weeks prior.21 January 1976 Reunion at airport for missing child https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-reunion-at-air/182620387/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 9 October 202523 January 1976 How Peggy, golliwog held close, came back home https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-how-peggy-gol/182622253/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 October 2025 After being extradited to New South Wales, Kenneth Charles Stuart is charged and is found guilty by a jury of kidnapping, indecent assault and causing bodily harm.26 May 1976 14 years' jail for man in kidnapping case https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-14-years-jail/182623080/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 9 October 2025 Stuart is sentenced to a total of 14 years in jail with a non-parole period of six years. Supreme Court judge Gordon Samuels is appointed as chancellor of the University of New South Wales succeeding Sir Robert Webster.21 January 1976 Supreme Court judge is new Chancellor https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-supreme-court/182619894/ The Sydney Morning Herald 4 9 October 2025 26 January – The 1976 Australia Day Honours are announced. Sir Bernard Heinze, Gordon Jackson, Peter Karmel, Ken Myer and Arthur Dale Trendall are made companions of the Order of Australia.26 January 1976 139 receive Order of Australia https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-queens-birthd/182886309/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 13 October 2025 For the first time, Sydney's Australia Day ceremony is held outside Customs House at Circular Quay - the same location where Captain Arthur Phillip is believed to have first raised the British flag 188 years prior.27 January 1976 Historic flag raised in ceremony https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-historic-flag/182886366/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 13 October 2025 A reproduction of the British flag of the time is raised followed by a three-gun salute. 27 January – Gough Whitlam is comfortably re-elected as the leader of the Australian Labor Party despite being challenged for the leadership by Lionel Bowen and Frank Crean.Bowers Peter 28 January 1976 Whitlam wins - but so do his critics https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-whitlam-wins/182572053/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1–2, 6 8 October 2025 After 21 months in the role, Vince Gair is dismissed as ambassador of Australia to Ireland. Gair describes his dismissal as unfair and says had been given no reason for his sacking, and considered he had been a conscientious ambassador.28 January 1976 Gair gets sack from Irish post https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-gair-gets-sack/182629115/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 October 2025 31 January – The Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser states that no "soft options" were left to get Australia out of its economic difficulties.Anderson Chris 1 February 1976 No soft way out, says Fraser https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-no-soft-way-ou/182245870/ The Sun-Herald 1 3 October 2025 In a major statement backing his Government's surprise opposition to wage indexations, he said it was a matter of wage increase or jobs. February 1 February – Five people are killed when two light planes collide above Parafield Airport, 16 km north of Adelaide.2 February 1976 Five die in 'piggyback' plane disaster https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-five-die-in-piggyback-plane-di/182245927/ The Age 1 3 October 2025 Nick Parkinson is announced as ambassador of Australia to the United States.2 February 1976 From the Blue Mountains to Washington https://www.newspapers.com/image/123450980/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 October 2025 James W. Hargrove is confirmed as the new ambassador of the United States to Australia.Hicks Ian 2 February 1976 10 minutes and Ford's man is bound for Canberra https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-10-minutes-and/182635965/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 9 October 2025 6 February – 34-year-old Patricia O'Shane becomes Australia's first Aboriginal barrister.6 February 1976 Woman, 34, is first Aboriginal barrister https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-woman-34-is/182690626/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 10 October 2025 9 February – Victorian Premier Rupert Hamer announces a 20 March date for the 1976 Victorian state election, saying it is the most convenient date because of the Premiers' Conferences due to be held in Canberra in late April and June.Hill Brian 10 February 1976 We vote on March 20: Hamer goes to polls early https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-we-vote-on-march-20-hamer-goes/182245993/ The Age 1 3 October 2025 10 February – Two RAAF helicopters rescue 54 passengers and 22 crew members who had been trapped aboard The Ghan passenger train which had been stranded for four days between the flooded Alberga and Finke Rivers near Oodnadatta in South Australia.11 February 1976 RAAF helicopters lift 76 from stranded train https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-raaf-helicopte/182695105/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 10 October 2025 14 February – The 1976 Orange state by-election is held, which is won by the Country Party's Garry West.15 February 1976 Orchardist, 27, wins Orange by-election for CP https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-orchardist-27/182507759/ The Sun-Herald 5 7 October 2025 16 February –A jury finds 56-year-old Norma Allison Pinker guilty of murdering her 49-year-old de facto husband Richard Bruce Abson, making her the first Victorian woman in ten years to be convicted of murder.17 February 1976 Murder: woman gets life https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-murder-woman-gets-life/183083599/ The Age 1, 4 16 October 2025 Pinker is sentenced to life but unsuccessfully appeals the sentence.27 April 1976 Woman who killed had 'hell on earth' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-woman-who-killed-had-hell-on-ea/183083582/ The Age 10 16 October 2025 She had previously been acquitted for murdering her first husband in 1965, after claiming self defence. 22 February – Widespread damage occurs in the Queensland city of Bundaberg when Severe Cyclone Beth crosses the coast.23 February 1976 Cyclone ravages Queensland city https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cyclone-ravage/182884520/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 13 October 2025 26 February – The Australian newspaper publishes allegations that Labor leader Gough Whitlam had discussed an offer from the Iraqi Government of providing a $US500,000 contribution to Labor's federal election campaign.Dorling Philip 19 November 2011 How Murdoch got his biggest scoop https://www.smh.com.au/national/how-murdoch-got-his-biggest-scoop-20111118-1nnar.html The Sydney Morning Herald 13 October 2025 In the story, purportedly written by Rupert Murdoch under the byline of "special correspondent", it was alleged pro-Palestinian activist Bill Hartley proposed to national Labor secretary David Combe that funding could be obtained from the Middle East for the party's campaign. Whitlam denies the allegation that he met with two Iraqi officials in Sydney just prior to the 1975 federal election to discuss the offer and launches defamation proceedings against News Limited.Bowers Peter 26 February 1976 Whitlam denies talk of gift https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-whitlam-denies/182884904/ The Sydney Morning Herald 12,11 13 October 2025Steketee Mike 28 February 1976 Hayden gives support to Whitlam https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hayden-gives-s/182885546/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 13 October 2025 Mr Whitlam has issued writs for defamation against News Limited, over articles in The Australian, Daily Telegraph and Daily Mirror. However, national ALP president Bob Hawke confirms the Iraqi Government had offered to make the $500,000 contribution, but that the party had rejected it.Davidson Gay 26 February 1976 Gift charge rocks the ALP https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110804899 The Canberra Times 1 13 October 2025 Prime minister Malcolm Fraser orders an inquiry into the visit to Australia in December 1975 by the two Iraqi officials.Jost John 26 February 1976 Whitlam faces axe https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-whitlam-faces-axe-fresh-claim-t/182885287/ The Age 1 13 October 2025 28 February – Three people, including a fire officer, are taken to hospital after inhaling fumes from an ammonia leak in Harris Street in the Sydney suburb of Broadway.Parfitt Carolyn 29 February 1976 Three injured as poison gas leaks into street https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-three-injured/182756062/ The Sun-Herald 1–2 11 October 2025 29 February – A pilot and his five passengers are killed in a light aircraft crash near Merimbula, New South Wales.1 March 1976 6 die in light plane crash https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-6-die-in-light/182756204/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 October 2025 March 2 March – Cyclone Colin affects the south Queensland coast, forcing the suspension of shipping services into Brisbane and causing winds of up to 93 km an hour.3 March 1976 Qld, NSW residents face another cyclone https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-qld-nsw-resid/182246513/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 3 October 2025 3 March – The key man in the Labor campaign fund allegations, French-born businessman Henry Fischer breaks his silence to deny accusations that the Iraqi Government had offered money to the Australian Labor Party for election expenses last December.Frykberg Ian 4 March 1976 Fischer supports Whitlam https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fischer-suppor/182246670/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 3 October 2025 8 March – More than 500,000 people line Swanston Street and St Kilda Road in Melbourne to watch the city's annual Moomba Parade led by the King of Moomba for 1976, Barry Crocker.9 March 1976 Perfect weather - record crowd - that was Moomba '76 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-perfect-weather-record-crowd/182636196/ The Age 13 9 October 2025 10 March – State member for Clayfield John Murray resigns from the Queensland Parliament. Murray's resignation and the death of state member for Port Curtis Martin Hanson in February trigger two by-elections to be held in May 1976.11 March 1976 May poll for 2 Qld MLA seats https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-may-poll-for-2/182246078/ The Sydney Morning Herald 18 3 October 2025 18 March – After another day of heavy withdrawals from building societies in Queensland, Federal Treasurer Phillip Lynch reassures investors that there is no reason why events in Queensland – where five building societies have been suspended – should affect other states.19 March 1976 Run on Qld building societies eases https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-run-of-qld-bui/182246925/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 3 3 October 2025 20 March – The 1976 Victorian state election is held which sees the incumbent Liberal government led by premier Rupert Hamer returned with an increased majority.Hill Brian 22 March 1976 Libs back - changes ahead: Hamer cabinet will have five new faces https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-libs-back-changes-ahead/182755984/ The Age 1 11 October 2025 27 March – Municipal elections are held in Queensland where Brisbane lord mayor Bryan Walsh is defeated and is succeeded by Frank Sleeman. On the Gold Coast, 80-year-old Bruce Small defeats incumbent mayor Robert Neumann.29 March 1976 Brisbane Council poll cuts ALP majority https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-brisbane-counc/182247022/ The Sydney Morning Herald 10 3 October 20258 April 1976 New mayor https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-new-mayor/182247078/ The Age 3 3 October 2025 30 March – United States vice-president Nelson Rockefeller arrives in Australia with his wife Happy and stepdaughter Malinda to attend United States Bicentennial engagements in Canberra and Sydney.Cranston Frank 31 March 1976 Rockerfella warns the USSR: 'Mercenaries will not be tolerated' https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/12222565 The Canberra Times 1 15 October 20251 April 1976 Rockefellers take time out to become tourists https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rockefellers-t/182956115/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 15 October 2025 One person is arrested after police clash with 150 demonstrators in Canberra, protesting Rockefeller's visit.31 March 1976 Arrest made during Rockefeller protest https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110810851/ The Canberra Times 7 15 October 2025 The official residence of Francis Roberts Rush, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane, is damaged by a bomb blast.31 March 1976 Catholic leader's home blasted https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-catholic-leade/182957190/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 15 October 2025 31 March – 17 people are arrested at after around 600 anti-Nelson Rockefeller demonstrators clash with police after gathering in the Sydney CBD while carrying flags, placards and banners while chanting slogans.1 April 1976 Anti-Rockefeller demonstrators clash with police: 17 arrested https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-anti-rockefell/182956095/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 15 October 2025 April 1 April – Nelson Rockefeller, his wife and step-daughter leave Australia, but not before waiting on the tarmac in Air Force 2 to greet Nancy Kissinger who was flying into Australia to attend United States Bicentennial events.2 April 1976 Rockefeller delays flight to welcome Mrs Kissinger https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rockefeller-de/182887154/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 15 October 20253 April 1976 Nancy K - the very model of diplomacy https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-nancy-k-the/182956338/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 15 October 2025 2 April – France undertakes another underground nuclear weapons test at Mururoa in the South Pacific, which is condemned by Australian Conservation Foundation president Geoff Mosley who describes France as showing a great lack of sensitivity to the rights of people living in the Pacific region.5 April 1976 Atoll blast: France 'insensitive' to Pacific https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-atoll-blast-f/182956242/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 15 October 2025 15 April – Colin Jamieson becomes Western Australia's opposition leader, succeeding John Tonkin who retires after having served in state parliament for over 43 years.10 April 1976 WA's new Opposition Leader is 'hard as flintstone' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-was-new-oppos/183389111/ The Sydney Morning Herald 19 21 October 2025 16 April – The Victorian Government offers $10,000 for information relating to the murder of 80-year-old TPI pensioner Noel McCoy who was killed in his home in the Melbourne suburb of Rosanna.17 April 1976 TPI killing: State puts up $10,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-tpi-killing-state-puts-up-100/183083840/ The Age 4 16 October 2025 25 April – Anzac Day services are held throughout Australia.26 April 1976 Marching in April sunlight: A little older, a little greyer, but the Anzacs stride on https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-marching-in-ap/182441062/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 15 October 2025Cranston Frank 26 April 1976 Old and young, they all came to remember https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110814635 The Canberra Times 3 15 October 202526 April 1976 Down the pensive Anzac years... https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-down-the-pensive-anzac-years/183006855/ The Age 1 15 October 2025 Approximately 4,000 people attended Sydney's dawn service while 15,000 watched the march where one man dies and 10 others collapse and require treatment for exhaustion. Approximately 25,000 ex-service personnel take part in the march which was led by two Boer War veterans. President of the KOTA Party in East Timor Jose Martins alleges that the Balibo Five had been executed in October 1975 despite the Indonesian Government previously claimed that they had been accidentally killed in crossfire.Richardson Michael 26 April 1976 Newsmen 'executed': New claim on deaths of five TV men https://www.newspapers.com/image/828722244/ The Age 1 6 October 2025Richardson Michael Basile Vincent 27 April 1976 'I saw four Australian bodies burned'; Indons set to accept inquiry https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-i-saw-four-australian-bodies-bu/182441375/ The Age 1,6 6 October 2025 May 1 May – The 1976 New South Wales state election is held. After a close contest, Neville Wran is eventually elected as Premier of New South Wales, defeating Eric Willis.Anderson Chris O'Hara John 2 May 1976 Labor hopes high but... it's close! https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-labor-hopes-hi/182247749/ The Sun-Herald 3 October 2025O'Hara John 3 May 1976 State kept guessing https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-state-kept-gue/182247819/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 3 October 2025O'Hara John 11 May 1976 Labor - it's official! https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-labor-its-o/182247980/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 3 October 2025 Willis is re-elected as the Leader of the Liberal Party, and therefore becomes Leader of the Opposition.O'Hara John 12 May 1976 Willis elected unopposed to lead Liberal Party https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-willis-elected/182248063/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 3 October 2025 The top floor of the Cecil Hotel in the Sydney suburb of Cronulla sustains serious damage when a fire forces more than 200 people to evacuate, with three men forced to jump from the top floor to escape the fire.2 May 1976 200 flee as blaze rips through hotel https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-200-flee-as-bl/183084640/ The Sun-Herald 7 16 October 2025 2 May – An Ansett Australia DC-9 aircraft carrying 34 passengers is forced to abort its takeoff from Cairns Airport when one of its engines bursts into flames.3 May 1976 Passengers escape down jet's chutes https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-passengers-esc/183084723 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 16 October 2025 3 May – At a Labour Day rally in Townsville, federal opposition leader Gough Whitlam accuses former defence minister, Liberal senator Shane Paltridge, who died in 1966, of accepting bribes from the Lockheed Corporation.4 May 1976 Whitlam says 'corrupt' minister was WA senator: Lockheed bribery alleged https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-whitlam-says/182248339/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 3 October 2025 Former prime minister Robert Menzies describes Whitlam's allegations against Paltridge as "deplorable" while Leader of the Senate Reg Withers described them as "scurrilous garbage."5 May 1976 Corruption charges 'deplorable' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-corruption-cha/182248563/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 3 October 2025 5 May – 19-year-old shop assistant Margaret Rosetta Rosewarne disappears while hitchhiking on Queensland's Gold Coast.12 May 1976 Mother fears daughter kidnapped https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mother-fears-d/183449198/ The Sydney Morning Herald 11 22 October 2025 Her body is found at West Burleigh on 21 May.22 May 1976 Body may be that of missing girl https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-body-may-be-of/183449239/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 22 October 2025 Police link Rosewarne's murder with those of 19-year-old Gabrielle Janke and 16-year-old Michelle Riley who were both murdered while hitchhiking on the Gold Coast three years prior.25 May 1976 Link seen in three Gold Coast killings https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-link-seen-in-t/183449166/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 22 October 2025 It's revealed 39-year-old Australian Army officer Rex Clark has won Iran's equivalent of the Victoria Cross while serving as a mercenary in the Middle East.6 May 1976 Major won 'VC' while on leave https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-major-won-vc/183389409/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 21 October 2025 6 May – 18-year-old Gail Patricia Euston is murdered by her former partner Ricky Ondrae Schafferius near Woodford, Queensland.7 May 1976 Body of abducted girl, 18, found in van https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-body-of-abduct/183447497/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 22 October 20252025 DATABASE: Gail Patricia Euston, 18; Woodford, Queensland https://australianfemicidewatch.org/database/ The Red Heart Campaign: Memorial to women and children lost to violence 22 October 2025 18-year-old mother-of-one Gail Patricia Euston was abducted and murdered by her former partner Ricky Ondrae Schafferius, 18, in Woodford, Queensland. Schafferius shot Gail in the head because she did not want to resume their relationship. He then turned the gun on himself, but he survived. He was sentenced to life in prison and was paroled in April, 1991 after serving 14 years5 December 2003 Schafferius v Queensland Community Corrections Board [2003] QSC 409 https://www.queenslandjudgments.com.au/caselaw/qsc/2003/409 Queensland Judgements 22 October 2025 In May 1976 you committed a murder. The victim was your former girlfriend, who you shot apparently because she declined to resume a relationship with you. 8 May – Diane Cilento, actress and former wife of Sean Connery, pleads guilty in the Perth Court of Petty Sessions to attempting to take an amount of Australian currency out of the country, exceeding the legal limit of $200.9 May 1976 Diane Cilento fined $100 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-diane-cilento/183454471/ The Sun-Herald 2 22 October 2025 Cilento was fined $100 and ordered to pay court costs after having admitted to carrying $4,920 in cash. 10 May – A police sniper shoots and kills an armed man at the centre of a siege at a Rundle Street gun shop in the Adelaide CBD.11 May 1976 Shootout in Adelaide Street: Police sniper kills man at end of gun shop siege https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-shootout-in-ad/183456703/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 22 October 2025 Approximately 150 demonstrators protesting against Malcolm Fraser attempt to disrupt sculptor Guy Boyd's book launch at Melbourne University.11 May 1976 Protest against PM at function https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-protest-agains/183456691/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 22 October 2025 Around 100 demonstrators waving placards and chanting slogans surged around the vehicle carrying Sir John Kerr after his arrival at Perth Airport for a nine-day tour of Western Australia.11 May 1976 Kerr is met by protest https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-kerr-is-met-by/183456696/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 22 October 2025 Wollongong couple Marinus and Louise Berghuis are presented with the Righteous Among the Nations medal for hiding a Jewish family from the Nazis while living in Holland during World War II.11 May 1976 Medal for gallant couple https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-medal-for-gall/183456547/ The Sydney Morning Herald 22 October 2025Huntsdale Justin 19 February 2025 Wollongong family reflects on Righteous Among Nations medal for saving Jews https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-19/righteous-among-nations-medal-for-wollongong-family/104928250 ABC News 22 October 2025 13 May – At its 25th general assembly in Philadelphia, the International Press Institute condemns the Australian Government for their apparent lack of action regarding the fate of the Balibo Five in East Timor.14 May 1976 Press body criticises Australia over newsmen https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-press-body-cri/183521388/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 23 October 2025 Sir Douglas Nicholls accepts an offer to become the new governor of South Australia, making him the first Aboriginal Australian to hold the position.14 May 1976 Aboriginal may be next SA Governor https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-aboriginal-may/183521061/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 23 October 2025 20 May – A pilot and three passengers are killed when their light plane crashes into a radio mast at the edge of Cooma–Polo Flat Airport, near Cooma, New South Wales while attempting to land in thick fog.21 May 1976 Four die as plane hits beacon https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-four-die-as-pl/183567468/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 24 October 2025 21 May – Labor MP Keith Johnson receives treatment at Canberra Community Hospital for severe cuts the face after being injured in a fight inside the parliament building while entertaining delegates in his office at 2:30am.22 May 1976 Labor MP hurt in fight https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-labor-mp-hurt/183568359/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 24 October 2025 22 May – The home of New South Wales premier Neville Wran's former wife Marcia in the Sydney suburb of Darling Point is fire-bombed.24 May 1976 Wran home fire-bombed: 'Despicable act, demented mind' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wran-home-fire/183583879/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 24 October 2025 24 May – The Australian Railways Union organises a nationwide 24-hour rail strike following the dismissal of a shunting supervisor in Townsville who was following the ARU's ban on railway workers handling or transporting chemicals used for uranium mining at Mary Kathleen, Queensland.Basile Vincent 22 May 1976 All trains stop Monday https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-all-trains-stop-monday/183584119/ The Age 1 25 October 202525 May 1976 Rail strike over uranium praised and condemned https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rail-strike-ov/183584059/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 25 October 202525 May 1976 Railmen lift uranium ban https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-railmen-lift-uranium-ban/183584099/ The Age 3 25 October 2025 June 1 June – Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser sets out his foreign policy objectives in a statement to the House of Representatives.Bowers Peter 2 June 1976 PM sees China backing US https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pm-sees-china/182285472/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 8–9 4 October 2025 He expresses his concerns about the ambitions of the Soviet Union (evidenced by its intervention in Vietnam and Angola), the strength of Warsaw Pact forces confronting NATO and naval expansion in the Indian Ocean. He condemns 'undue world criticism' of the United States and emphasises the importance of Australia's relations with Japan and China, as well as stressing the importance of close relations with the ASEAN countries, especially Indonesia. The Federal Government fails in another attempt to persuade Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen that the Australian-Papua New Guinea border in Torres Strait should be moved south.Hastings Peter 4 June 1976 Being' firm and definite' on Torres Strait https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-being-firm-an/182287481/ The Sydney Morning Herald 6 4 October 2025 3 June – After being recognised in the last year's Queen's Birthday Honours when he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia, Nugget Coombs resigns from the Order of Australia in protest against the recent introduction of knighthoods into the Order.11 June 1976 Dr Coombs resigns from Order of Australia https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dr-coombs-resi/184083974/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 1 November 2025 4 June – An off-duty Victoria Police officer is shot after he attempting to stop an armed robbery of an ANZ Bank in Melbourne by deliberately crashing his car into the front door.Arkley Lindsey McKenzie Greg Hanke Ian 5 June 1976 PC shooting: police seek 3 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-pc-shooting-police-seek-3/183716437/ The Age 1 26 October 20255 June 1976 Bank raid shooting: policeman in serious condition https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bank-raid-shoo/183716517/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 26 October 2025 The officer attempts to tackle the two armed men with a jack handle which he retrieves from the boot but is shot during the struggle as the men escape to a waiting getaway car. The officer is taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a serious condition. Joe Calcraft resigns as general president of the New South Wales Dairy Farmers' Association after holding the position for eight years.5 June 1976 Calcraft resigns dairy post https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-calcraft-resig/183716704/ The Sydney Morning Herald 4 26 October 2025 5 June – The Fraser Government and PNG Ministers finally decide that the inhabited Torres Strait islands would remain part of Australia, though the seabed boundary would move.6 June 1976 Torres Strait Islands: Foothold for Australia https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-torres-strait/182287638/ The Sun-Herald 3 4 October 2025 The skeletal remains of Carolyn Trevallyan-Grattan, the great-granddaughter of William Arnott, are discovered by a doctor who was clearing land several blocks from where she went missing in the Sydney suburb of Balgowlah in 1971.7 June 1976 Skeleton of biscuit heiress found after five years https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-skeleton-of-bi/183897505/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 29 October 2025Proust Frank Henderson Mike 25 July 1971 Sydney mystery: Widow missing https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-grave-fear-for/183897923/ The Sun-Herald 1–2 29 October 2025 According to New South Wales Police, there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. 8 June – Cabinet agrees to a series of changes in the law governing the establishment, operation, management and supervision of building societies, following a run on a number of building societies, the temporary suspension of five and then the collapse of two of them, the Great Australian and City Savings Permanent Building societies, with a joint deficiency of $3.7 million. The Cabinet creates a contingency fund, funded by a compulsory levy on all permanent building societies in Queensland. 9 June – Governor-General Sir John Kerr is targeted by approximately 400 demonstrators outside the Royal Commonwealth Society building in Melbourne.10 June 1976 Aide injured in wild demonstration https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131822128 The Canberra Times 1 31 October 2025 The Rolls-Royce carrying Kerr and his wife Anne was hit with eggs, rocks, smoke bombs and ink bombs.Warneke Ross 10 June 1976 Protestors pelt Kerr: Car window smashed, aide injured; Rocks, eggs, ink bombs thrown in hostile demonstration https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-protesters-pelt-kerr-rocks-egg/184035214/ The Age 1 31 October 2025 Several police officers receive minor injuries and a flight lieutenant working as an aide-de-camp was cut on the face when a protestor smashed one of the windows with a brick.10 June 1976 400 block Sir John Kerr's car: aide hurt; Ink and smoke bombs fly as protestors fight police https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-400-block-sir/183912526/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 31 October 2025 Two demonstrators are arrested and charged with assault, resisting arrest and assaulting police. 10 June – Foreign affairs minister Andrew Peacock announces he has separated from his wife Susan after 13 years of marriage.11 June 1976 Peacock and wife separate https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-peacock-and-wi/184034878/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 31 October 2025 11 June – Three men, a woman and a child are killed when a single engine Cessna 210 crashes near Cloncurry in North West Queensland.12 June 1976 Five killed in Queensland plane crash https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-five-killed-in/184094370/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 2 November 2025 12 June – A 28-year-old man, his 27-year-old wife and their six-week-old daughter are killed when a single engine Cessna 172 crashes near Mudgee, New South Wales. Their three other young children aged between 3 and 5 are injured in the crash.13 June 1976 Parents, baby die: Plane hits wire https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-parents-baby/184141517/ The Sun-Herald 2 2 November 202514 June 1976 Girl, 3, critical after crash of light plane https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-girl-3-criti/184141435/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 2 November 202521 June 1976 Crash girl improving https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-crash-girl-imp/184141830/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 2 November 2025 The 1976 Queens Birthday Honours are announced. Former prime minister Robert Menzies receives the first knighthood to be conferred under the Order of Australia, and Bernard Mills is made a companion of the Order of Australia.12 June 1976 Queen's Birthday Honours: Profiles of the new knights https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-queens-birthd/182886309/ The Sydney Morning Herald 5 13 October 2025 There are also 26 Australians who are also conferred with knighthoods and damehoods under the traditional British 1976 Birthday Honours.12 June 1976 It's Sir John Egerton https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-its-sir-john/184084348/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 1 November 2025 Senior Labor Party members are angered with Jack Egerton accepting a knighthood conferred under the traditional British system in the 1976 Birthday Honours, contradicting the ALP's policy endorsing the abolition of British titles.Steketee Mike 12 June 1976 Labor members angry at honour https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-labor-members/184084365/ 1 November 202513 June 1976 Critics 'narrow' says Egerton https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-critics-narro/184094615/ The Sun-Herald 3 2 November 2025 The Rolls-Royce transporting Sir John Kerr and his wife Anne to the Royal Military College at Duntroon is egged outside the college gates. The 27-year-old research officer who threw the egg is charged with offensive behaviour.18 June 1976 Duntroon incident charge https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-duntroon-incid/184147520/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 2 November 2025 She is fined $10 and convicted in August 1976.11 August 1976 Egg thrower fined https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-egg-thrower-fined/184156938/ The Age 5 2 November 2025 15 June – Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and his wife Tamie arrive in Japan.Bowers Peter 16 June 1976 Uranium: PM pledge to Japan likely https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-uranium-pm-pl/182288971/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 4 October 2025 16 June – Australia and Japan sign the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, confirming the important trade relations between the two nations.Slee John 17 June 1976 Australia, Japan sign historic pact https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australia-jap/182289225/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1–2, 4, 6, 10 4 October 2025 17 June – It's confirmed armed guards have been escorting Australian diplomats in Mexico following a threat to kidnap 29-year-old diplomat Penelope Wensley.18 June 1976 Armed guard for diplomats after Mexico kidnap threat https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-armed-guards-f/184148058/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 2 November 202519 June 1976 Mother's worry in Mexico kidnap fear: No longer a 'lovely, gracious' life https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mothers-worry/184147906 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 2 November 2025 21 June – A Bank of New South Wales branch manager is shot and killed in the Westfield Parramatta shopping centre while chasing a man suspected of an attempted break-in at the bank.22 June 1976 How a bank manager died chasing a suspect https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-how-a-bank-man/184406681/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 November 2025 23 June – Governor-General Sir John Kerr is again targeted by protestors with a demonstration in Melbourne turning violent as Kerr and his wife arrive at a Law Institute dinner.24 June 1976 10 held, girl under car: Violence for Sir John https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-10-held-girl/184223697/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 November 2025 Protestors hurl marbles and stones at police horses, while also damaging vehicles as they arrive. Ten people are arrested and a protestor is taken to hospital with a fractured ankle after she falls when a taxi attempting to get through pushes her aside. The violence is condemned by both sides of politics.25 June 1976 Anti-Kerr violence condemned https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-anti-kerr-viol/184223802/ The Sydney Morning Herald 8 6 November 2025 In the New South Wales Supreme Court, Justice Bill Cantor approves a compensation settlement totalling $698,542 to be paid by The Distillers Company to eight children whose mothers had taken the company's product Distaval which contained thalidomide during their pregnancies when it was sold in 1960 and 1961.24 June 1976 $698,000 for Thalidomide Eight https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-698000-for-t/184223757/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 7 November 2025 The company has now paid a total of $2.5 million to 25 Australian children in the past two years. 24 June – New South Wales police name New Zealander Philip Archibald Lynwood Western as the man they suspect of murdering the bank manager in the Westfield Shopping Centre on 21 June.25 June 1976 Many offer clues after wanted man named https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-many-offer-clu/184223833/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 6 November 2025 Western is already charged with stealing more than $76,000 in a bank robbery on 9 December 1974 and more than $89,000 in another bank robbery on 29 December 1975. He appeared in court on those charges in January 1976 but was released on a $10,000 bail on 27 May 1976. 29 June – Philip Western, being sought for questioning regarding the murder of bank manager Lyn Callaghan, is shot and killed by police at an Avoca Beach property after he fires on police.30 June 1976 We gave him chance, says CIB; Charged over $165,000 raids, Western died 'penniless' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-we-gave-him-ch/184352609/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 6 November 2025 Corrupt NSW Police officer Roger Rogerson later claims he was the officer that killed Western.Morri Mark 16 June 2016 The bastard cop from Bankstown with a taste for blood and boasting https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/the-bastard-cop-from-bankstown-with-a-taste-for-blood-and-boasting/news-story/2926d3867d9208231a7eea5274adf0bc The Courier-Mail 6 November 2025 It was impossible to really know who was responsible for the fatal rounds. But Rogerson — the “bastard cop from Bankstown” who loved booze and women, and saw himself as Australia's answer to Dirty Harry — was quick to claim the killshot. The deaths of Lyn Callaghan and Philip Western trigger a debate around New South Wales bail laws with premier Neville Wran indicating he will investigate how Western had been released on bail.30 June 1976 Wran calls for files on gunman https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wran-calls-for/184352578/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 November 2025O'Hara John 2 July 1976 Bank killing: ministers favour changing bail system https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bank-killing/184353743/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 6 November 2025 State secretary of the Australian Bank Officials' Association also condemns the decision to release an armed bank robber such as Western on bail, describing it as "appalling." ALP and ACTU president Bob Hawke addresses the National Press Club in Canberra.Steketee Mike 30 June 2025 Hawke looks to US for new form of government https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hawke-looks-to/184413252/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 November 2025 In a wide-ranging address, Hawke champions an end to Australia's Westminster system of government, criticises Malcolm Fraser's trip to Asia, calls on the ALP to drop their preoccupation with Sir John Kerr and describes John Curtin as Australia's greatest ever prime minister.30 June 1976 It's time to try a US-style Cabinet: Hawke https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-its-time-to-try-a-us-style-cabi/184413270/ The Age 1, 4 6 November 2025 New South Wales State Cabinet decides to appoint a three-member board of review to inquire into the future of the Eastern Suburbs Railway.O'Hara John 30 June 1976 Board to consider rail line's future https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-board-to-consi/137804318/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 4 October 2025 July 1 July – Now convinced his daughter Juanita Nielsen has been murdered, 72-year-old Neil Smith announces he is offering a private reward of $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his daughter's murder.2 July 1976 Juanita: father offers reward of $50,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-juanita-fathe/184353729/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 November 2025 ACTU and ALP president Bob Hawke pledges to curb his use of coarse language should he be successful in his bid to enter federal parliament.2 July 1976 No swearing if Hawke goes into Parliament https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-no-swearing-if/184353581/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 November 2025 Random breath testing of motorists becomes legal in Victoria with police officers permitted to set up breath testing stations on or near any highway.2 July 1976 Random tests in Victoria https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-random-tests-i/182304992/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 4 October 2025 2 July – Following the murder at Westfield Parramatta of bank manager Lyn Callaghan by gunman Phillip Western who had been earlier released on bail despite having been charged with two bank robberies, New South Wales attorney general Frank Walker announces the state government would be calling for a review of relevant court procedures, stating the release of Western had exposed a "serious breakdown" of the bail system.O'Hara John 3 July 1976 Bail system review ordered: Walker acts on Western case https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bail-system-re/184417558/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 6 November 2025 4 July – With senator Ivor Greenwood still in a coma after his heart attack in May, prime minister Malcolm Fraser announces changes to the Federal Cabinet.5 July 1976 Greenwood replaced as minister https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-greenwood-is-r/184469059/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 7 November 2025 Minister for Repatriation Kevin Newman will take over Greenwood's portfolio. Newman will be succeeded as Minister for Repatriation by senator Peter Durack. Margaret Guilfoyle will replace Greenwood in the inner cabinet - the first woman to be appointed to cabinet since Enid Lyons. Minister for Posts and Telecommunications Eric Robinson announces Sir Henry Bland has been appointed as the new chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, succeeding Richard Downing who had died in November 1975.5 July 1976 Sir Henry Bland is ABC's new chairman https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sir-henry-blan/184469231/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 7 November 2025 Bland's three year term commences on 26 July. 5 July – 24-year-old car saleswoman Susan Knight is murdered by 26-year-old Geoffrey Charles Hunt at Dromedary in Tasmania.8 July 1976 Girl brutally murdered in Tasmanian bush https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-girl-brutally/183448576/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 22 October 202529 September 1976 Man given life term for woman's murder https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-man-given-life/183448388/ The Sydney Morning Herald 12 22 October 2025 Hunt pleads guilty to Knight's murder and on 28 September 1976 is sentenced to life imprisonment. A special conference of Australia's federal unions is held at Sydney Trades Hall where it's voted to hold a 24-hour national strike in protest of the Fraser Government's refusal to amend its Medibank policy.Martin Keith 6 July 1976 Most unions to stop: Medibank protest will tie up industry, transport https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-most-unions-to/184473109/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 November 202513 July 1976 The arguments behind the strike https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-arguments/184736835/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 11 November 2025 6 July – Gollin Holdings Ltd sells its 50% stake in the Biro Bic operations in Australia and New Zealand to Ansett Transport Industries Ltd.7 July 1976 Gollin Holdings disposes of Biro Bic https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-gollin-holding/184473333/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 30 7 November 2025 9 July – 12-year-old Gary John Barkemeyer is sexually assaulted and murdered by 16-year-old Mark Gregory in the Sydney suburb of Glebe.14 July 1976 Boy, 12, lured into gully and bashed to death https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-boy-12-lured/184533945/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 10 November 202515 March 1978 Youth found guilty of boys' murder https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-youth-found-gu/184534676/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 November 2025 After a two-day trial in March 1978, Gregory is sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment after a 12-man jury finds him guilty of Barkemeyer's murder, and that of 12-year-old Wayne Spencer Nixon who he murdered in Glebe on 30 January 1977.31 March 1978 Youth given two life terms of murder of boys https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-youth-given-tw/184534591/ The Sydney Morning Herald 4 10 November 2025 10 July – A 32-year-old woman is killed and 24 others injured when a six-carriage passenger train derails in the Melbourne suburb of Laverton just east of Laverton railway station.12 July 1976 Inquiry ordered into Victorian rail tragedy https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-inquiry-ordere/184533066/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 11 November 2025 Acting transport minister Jock Granter orders an inquiry into the derailment. Taronga Zoo's 25-year-old Indian elephant Joan dies from heart failure following a twice-postponed operation to have 18 centimetres of her tail docked.12 July 1976 Elephant dies after operation https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-elephant-dies/184533300/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 11 November 2025 The tail had become infected after another elephant chewed on it.8 July 1976 The tail that would not let an elephant forget https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-tail-that/184533357/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 11 November 202510 July 1976 End of the tale https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-end-of-the-tal/184533254/ End of the tale 3 11 November 2025 11 July – Former prime minister and current federal opposition leader Gough Whitlam is awarded the Silver Plate of Honour by the Socialist International in recognition of "great and historic services to peace, democracy and socialism."Monks T. S. 12 July 1976 Whitlam gets award https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-whitlam-gets-a/184533506/ The Sydney Morning Herald 4 11 November 2025 12 July – Approximately more than two million workers take part in Australia's first national 24-hour strike which is held in protest of the Fraser Government's Medibank charges. The strike brings Australia's heavy industry and much of the country's transport sector to a standstill. However, it's also estimated 5.2 million Australian workers (mainly from the retail, commercial and public service sector) reject union calls to join the strike and still report for duty.12 July 1976 Nation near standstill: Government won't amend Medibank plans, says Fraser https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-nation-near-st/184532765/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 November 2025Martin Keith 13 July 1976 It was half a strike https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-it-was-half-a/184533593/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 3 11 November 2025 Graham Delbridge is elected as the new president of the Australian Council of Churches.Gill Alan 13 July 1976 Bishop Delbridge to lead churches https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bishop-delbrid/184533702/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 10 November 2025 19 July – Bunbury woodchip bombing: environmental activists set three bombs at the export terminal in Bunbury, Western Australia, in an attempt to disrupt the woodchipping industry. Limited damage results as two of the three bombs fail to explode, while no injuries are reported.https://salusjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ODonnell_Ewart_Salus_Journal_Volume_5_Number_1_2017_pp_27-47.pdf Reassessing the Bunbury Bombing: Juxtaposition of Political and Media Narratives Salus 5 1 2017 27–47 Kate O'Donnell Jacqui Ewart 20 May 2024 20 May 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220520040700/https://salusjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ODonnell_Ewart_Salus_Journal_Volume_5_Number_1_2017_pp_27-47.pdf live 21 July – New South Wales premier Neville Wran says his government is planning to make it compulsory for women to be available for jury duty, as part of a general tightening of the Jury Act making it more difficult for people to gain an exemption.O'Hara John 22 July 1976 Compulsory jury service for women: Government move https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-compulsory-jur/184539487/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 10 November 2025 22 July – Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser arrives in the United States for an 8-day visit to North America. He is greeted in San Francisco by new chief of protocol Shirley Temple Black.24 July 1976 Shirley Temple welcomes PM https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-shirley-temple/184539680/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 November 2025 23 July – Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser meets with Queen Elizabeth II in Montreal where she resolves to travel to Australia in March 1977 as part of her Silver Jubilee where she and Prince Philip will tour all states and the Northern Territory, despite the threat of demonstrations against the Governor-General Sir John Kerr.25 July 1976 The Queen shares a joke with the Fraser's https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-queen-shar/184539904/ The Sun-Herald 3 9 November 2025Bowers Peter 26 July 1976 The Queen is determined to visit Australia: Anti-Kerr demonstrations will be no deterrent https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-queen-is-d/184539943/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 November 2025 24 July – A bomb explodes just after midnight at the Imperial Hotel in Moree, New South Wales causing extensive damage to the foyer area.Owens Warren 25 July 1976 Drinkers are back after bombing https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-drinkers-are-b/184539797/ The Sun-Herald 2 9 November 2025 Police charge a 38-year-old man and a 19-year-old man with having maliciously used an explosive substance. A 7-year-old boy is stabbed in the neck and chest in a toilet block adjoining the Kippax Fair Shopping Centre in Canberra.Stewart Chris 26 July 1976 Boy recovering after stabbing: Attacked in lavatory at ACT shops https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110818832 The Canberra Times 1 9 November 2025 He is found unconscious and bleeding heavily by a shopkeeper and taken to Canberra Hospital where he undergoes surgery. A 13-year-old boy is arrested and charged with malicious wounding and assault.27 July 1976 Boy arrested over injuries https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110818964 The Canberra Times 1 9 November 202529 July 1976 Boy, 13, charged https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110819413 The Canberra Times 10 9 November 2025 25 July – Five protestors are arrested during another demonstration against Governor-General Sir John Kerr after 100 demonstrators gather outside St Stephen's Presbyterian Church in the Sydney CBD where Kerr is attending a thanksgiving service to mark the 75th anniversary of the union of the presbyterian churches of Australia and Tasmania.26 July 1976 5 held in protest against Sir John https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-5-held-in-prot/184539964/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 November 2025 The church is vandalised with "Sack Kerr" graffiti which prompts Kerr's secretary David Smith to issue a rare statement on Kerr's behalf in which he expresses his "loathing" and "disgust" while condemning the vandalism.27 July 1976 Sir John hits out: 'loathing, disgust' at church vandals https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sir-john-hits/184541622/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 10 November 2025 Moshe Dayan addresses a crowd of 3,000 at Sydney Town Hall in the first of a series of lectures in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, having been invited to Australia by the Zionist Federation of Australia.26 July 1976 Dayan hopes for peace in Middle East; Protestors mass at Town Hall https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dayan-hopes-fo/184539995/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 10 November 2025 Around 1,000 demonstrators from the Palestinian Liberation Organisation jeered his arrival at the venue. 26 July – Queensland's deputy premier and treasurer, Liberal Party leader Sir Gordon Chalk announces he will be retiring from politics on 12 August, taking premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen by surprise.28 July 1976 Chalk retires: tension over Treasurer's job https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-chalk-retires/184541806/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 9 November 2025 Sir Gordon's announcement yesterday took the Cabinet - including the Premier - by surprise. 27 July – Federal opposition leader Gough Whitlam and his wife Margaret survive the 1976 Tangshan earthquake during their visit to China.Preston Yvonne 29 July 1976 Huge quake in China; Whitlams escape: hotel split in two https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-huge-quake-in/184541885/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 November 2025 The Tientsin hotel they are staying in splits in two during the quake which measures at 7.6 on the Richter scale. Margaret Whitlam, who receives a severe gash to her leg when a mirror shatters, describes the event as "absolutely terrifying" while her husband says he was impressed by the lack of panic. Newcastle City Council votes to rescind an invitation to Governor-General Sir John Kerr to open a new administration building and to attend a civic reception due to a "strongly expressed adverse reaction" from local residents and a "wish to avoid likely embarrassment and incidents".28 July 1976 City reverses decision to invite Sir John https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-city-reverses/184541768/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 28 July 2025 Lord Mayor Joy Cummings who did not vote for Kerr to open the building said the council had been put in "a shameful position of inviting the Governor-General and then disinviting him." A 2½ year old boy survives falling 60 metres from a cliff at Clifton, New South Wales.28 July 1976 How Nathan, 2½, survived a 60-metre fall: Boy lands on mud heap https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-how-nathan-2/184541754/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 November 2025 29 July – In Brisbane, a police inspector hits a girl on the head with a baton during protests by university students through city streets, sparking calls for an inquiry into police powers. Papua New Guinea prime minister Michael Somare personally orders the deportation of a 34-year-old Townsville man.Waugh John 31 July 1976 Somare deports man over laplap https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-somare-deports/184542616/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 November 2025 According to Somare, he had ordered the man to "pack his bags and go back to his own country" following an incident in which the man, a manager an earthmoving company, told a local worker not to arrive at work "dressed like Michael Somare" after his lap-lap became entangled causing a wheelbarrow of cement to overturn. 30 July – Four men are killed when the single-engined Cessna 182 they were in crashes near Griffith, New South Wales while en route from Deniliquin to Narromine.Four killed in light plane crash https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-four-killed-in/184542929/ The Sun-Herald 4 9 November 2025 The body of 44-year-old taxi driver Cornelius van de Pavoort is found locked in the boot of his taxi in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg.31 July 1976 Taxi murder baffles police https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-taxi-murder-ba/184542678/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 9 November 2025 A jury subsequently finds 22-year-old Steven Jeffrey Collins guilty of van de Pavoort's murder and he is sentenced to life imprisonment.8 December 1976 Life for taxi driver's killer https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-life-for-taxi-drivers-killer/184599888/ The Age 3 9 November 2025 31 July – After 22 years in the New South Wales state parliament, 67-year-old former NSW Liberal Party leader Mac Hewitt retires.O'Hara John 31 July 1976 Mac Hewitt retires https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mac-hewitt-ret/184542724/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 11 9 November 2025 August 1 August – The 483-page report of the Royal Commission on Australian Government Administration is released, recommending overturning the centralised system of decision-making in the Commonwealth Public Service and allowing much greater sharing of power between officers and departments. The report is the product of two years of work.Steketee Mike Report urges sweeping Public Service reforms https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-report-urges-s/182289663/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1–2 2 August 1976 4 October 2025 29 Australians are evacuated from Peking, China following the 1976 Tangshan earthquake as Chinese authorities warn of the possibility of a new powerful earthquake.Preston Yvonne 29 Australians leave Peking The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 5 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-29-australians/182289755/ 2 August 1976 4 October 2025 2 August – Defence Minister James Killen rejects allegations made by former Deputy Prime Minister Jim Cairns that Australian soldiers were responsible for the alleged massacre of 27 people in Vietnam in July 1970.Killen denies Viet killings The Sydney Morning Herald https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-killen-denies/182297244/ 1–2 3 August 19762 August 1976 Cairns tells of killings https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cairns-tells-o/184788480/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 12 November 2025 New South Wales Premier Neville Wran calls for the abolition of the New South Wales bank holiday.Bank holiday should go, says Wran https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-bank-holiday-s/182297358/ The Sydney Morning Herald 9 3 August 1976 4 October 2025 5 August – New allegations are made on ABC TV's This Day Tonight claiming that Australian servicemen killed unarmed civilians in Vietnam.Vietnam killings: new claims https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-vietnam-killin/182297630/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 August 1976 4 October 2025 10 August – The New South Wales Government guarantees an extra $15 million for the Sydney Water Board to create 750 more jobs the 1976–77 financial year in an effort to relieve increasing unemployment in the state.O'Hara John Cabinet acts to provide jobs in NSW https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cabinet-acts-t/182297716 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 August 1976 4 October 2025 Max Hodges is removed from the position of Queensland Police Minister due to his unresolved disagreements with the Queensland Police Union. He is replaced by Tom Newberry.Qld reformer is demoted https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-qld-reformer-i/182297753 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 11 August 1976 4 October 2025 17 August – The 1976 Australian federal budget is handed down by the Treasurer of Australia Phillip Lynch. It predicts a deficit of $2,608 million and an inflation rate of 8–9% by mid-1977.Bowers Peter 18 August 1976 A big business budget https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-big-business/182297803/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 6, 8–12, 24, 27 4 October 2025 September 1 September – 24-year-old convicted armed robber Stephen Leslie Shipley hides in a laundry van to escape from Parramatta Gaol where he is serving a 20-year sentence. He had previously escaped from Long Bay Gaol in 1974.2 September 1976 Police hunt prisoner who escaped in van https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-police-hunt-pr/189197448/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 18 January 2026 22-year-old labourer John Barry Keading is sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering 29-year-old Brian Meldrum in a park in the Sydney suburb of Cremorne on 8 November 1974.2 September 1976 Life jail for murder of girl's rescuer https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-life-jail-for/189197591/ The Sydney Morning Herald 4 18 January 2026 Keading had pleaded not guilty and claimed he gave a confessional statement because police officers had threatened to bash him. Cigarette and tobacco advertising banned on television and radio.Walker R. R. 1 September 1976 Anyhow it's the last gasp for fabulously well paid cigarette commercials https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-anyhow-its-the-last-gasp-for-fa/182298077/ The Sydney Morning Herald 18 4 October 2025 Geoff Cahill, the state secretary of the New South Wales Labor Party, resigns.2 September 1976 Cahill resigns as ALP secretary: Wants to give more personal public service https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cahill-resigns/189197471 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 18 January 2026Steketee Mike State ALP men asked Cahill to give up post https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-state-alp-men/189194866/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 16 January 2026 2 September – New South Wales premier Neville Wran rushes to Sydney radio station 2GB believing he could convince a man claiming to be prison escapee Stephen Shipley to surrender to police.3 September 1976 Wran's phone bid to get escapee to surrender https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wrans-phone-b/189196967/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 16 January 2026 The man claiming to be Shipley spoke with 2GB announcer Holgar Brockmann while another man claiming to be Shipley's friend spoke with Wran, and claimed they were calling from a payphone in Sydney's northern suburbs. New South Wales police later said they believed the phone calls to 2GB were a hoax.4 September 1976 Shipley calls hoax – police theory https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-shipley-calls/189197833/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 16 January 2026 3 September – ACTU president Bob Hawke calls a meeting for 8 September in an attempt to resolve the industrial disputes which had disrupted the ports of Sydney and Melbourne.Martin Keith 4 September 1976 Hawke intervenes in Sydney, Melbourne wharf disputes https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hawke-interven/189196486 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 16 January 2026 Meanwhile, a defamation action brought against Sydney radio station 2GB by Hawke is settled out of court.4 September 1976 Hawke suit settled https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hawke-suit-set/189196601/ The Sydney Morning Herald 4 16 January 2026 Hawke had alleged he had been defamed in three breakfast news bulletins on 31 January 1975 which had caused damage to his reputation. 5 September – A father urges the New South Wales government not to release his 31-year-old son, convicted murderer Allan Raymond Bassett.Dunlevy Maurice 5 September 1976 Father's plea: ‘Don't let him out of jail’ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fathers-plea/189195311 The Sun-Herald 3 16 January 2026 With Bassett's life sentence about to be reviewed, his father writes a letter to state justice minister Ron Mulock appealing for his son's continued detention at Long Bay Gaol. Bassett was sentenced to life imprisonment in September 1966 for murdering Carolyn May Orphin in Wollongong on 11 June 1966.21 September 1966 Life sentence for murder https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-life-sentence/189204561 The Sydney Morning Herald 16 January 2026 7 September Three men are killed when a single-engined Cessna 172 crashes into Lake Powlaphanga near Charters Towers, Queensland.8 September 1976 3 die as plane dives into lake https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-3-die-as-plane/189120200 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 16 January 2026 A fourth man survives. A two-year-old girl and her mother are injured when they are mauled by a lion at Bullen's African Lion Safari Park in the Melbourne suburb of Rockbank.8 September 1976 Two mauled at lion park https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-two-mauled-at/189120195/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 16 January 2026 New South Wales premier Neville Wran announces Edwin Lusher will conduct an inquiry into legalising casinos within the state and says he believes the first legal casinos could be operating in the state in 1977.8 September 1976 Legal casinos in Sydney likely in 1977 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-legal-casinos/189120101/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 16 January 2026 With the decision to legalise casinos already having been made, Lusher's role simply to recommend how to achieve their introduction. The US Navy's nuclear warship USS Truxtun arrives in Melbourne.8 September 1976 Cheers, jeers for Truxtun https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cheers-jeers/189120150 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 16 January 20268 September 1976 Port back to normal; A welcome of jeers and luke-warm pies https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-port-back-to-normal-a-welcome-o/189205332 The Age 3 16 January 2026 10 September – A 41-year-old Sydney doctor, his 44-year-old wife and his two sons, aged 18 and 16, as well as a 57-year-old Sydney man and his 54-year-old wife are all killed when a British Airways Trident collides with a Yugoslav Airlines DC-9 near Zagreb which kills all 176 people aboard both aircraft.12 September 1976 Sydney doctor, family on list of air dead https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sydney-doctor/189119101/ The Sun-Herald 2 19 January 2026 New South Wales police commissioner Frederick Hanson announces his retirement.Owens Warren 12 September 1976 Police shake-up as chief retires https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-police-shake-u/189119033/ The Sun-Herald 1 19 January 2026 12 September – 84-year-old Sir Edward McTiernan retires after serving 46 years as a judge on the High Court of Australia.11 September 1976 High Court judge retires https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-high-court-jud/189119238/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 19 January 2026 13 September – Britain's Conservative Party leader Margaret Thatcher arrives in Australia for a nine-day visit to Australia on the invitation of Australia's Liberal Party.Nicklin Lenore 14 September 1976 The Thatcher plan for Britain: ‘Run things rather better’ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-thatcher-p/189118633/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 19 January 2026 30 September – The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne becomes the first in Australia to support women being admitted into the priesthood when the diocesan synod votes in favour of allowing women to be ordained as priests.1 October 1976 Melbourne Anglican Synod backs women priests https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-melbourne-angl/186547920/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 December 2025 Blue Hills, the ABC's long-running radio serial created by Gwen Meredith concludes after being broadcast nationally for 27 years.Roberts Mike 1 October 1976 Exit Blue Hills in a flurry of suds https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-exit-blue-hills-in-a-flurry-of-s/182298304/ The Age 4 4 October 20251 October 1976 Blue Hills - end of a radio era https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-blue-hills-e/182298343/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 4 October 2025Bailey Deborah 1 October 1976 The sun sets over 'Blue Hills' https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110828467 The Canberra Times 7 4 October 2025 October 1 October – Medibank Private is established following legislation passed allowing the Health Insurance Commission (HIC) to enter the private health insurance business.McIlraith Shaun 1 October 1976 Medi-day dawns, but two months before it's final https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-medi-day-dawns/182298641/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 4 October 2025 16 October – Liberal candidate Tony Bourke wins the Lockyer by-election in Queensland, which was triggered by the retirement of Gordon Chalk.18 October 1976 Liberal victory https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-liberal-victory/182298734/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 4 October 2025 20 October - The body of 76-year-old Matilde Dorothea Braun is discovered by relatives at her home in the Brisbane suburb of Banyo. A post-mortem examination reveals she has been raped and murdered.22 October 2025 Woman of 76 raped, strangled https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-woman-of-76-ra/183450002/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 22 October 2025 26 October – An environmental inquiry makes recommendations to the Federal Government that all sand mining on Fraser Island should stop.Steketee Mike 27 October 1976 Govt tied to 1978 on Fraser Island export https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-government-tie/182298847/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 4 October 2025 28 October – Justice Russell Walter Fox delivers his first report resulting from his inquiry into the proposed Ranger Uranium Mine in the Northern Territory.Nisbet Stephen Basile Vincent 29 October 2025 Uranium: cautious yes https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-uranium-cautious-yes/182299020/ The Age 1 4 October 2025 November 4 November – A White Paper on defence is tabled in federal parliament by defence minister James Killen.5 November 1976 Self-help in the wake of detente https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-self-help-in-t/182299146/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 4 October 2025 This notes that Britain, Australia's traditional protector, is no longer a significant power east of Suez and that Australia's defence must become increasingly self-reliant. 5 November – In Brisbane, after a trial that lasted 126 days, a jury finds three men not guilty of official corruption charges.6 November 1976 Three freed after six month trial https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-3-freed-after/182303143/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 4 October 2025 One was a serving policeman, the second the person who had allegedly been involved in trying to bribe him and the third a policeman who had retired. That last man, Jack Reginald Herbert, was later to admit his guilt during the Fitzgerald Inquiry for this and many similar crimes, and implicate Terry Lewis as an active member of "the joke".4 September 1988 Jack Herbert names third Queensland minister https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-jack-herbert-n/182303189/ The Sydney Morning Herald 27 4 October 2025 10 November – The Fraser Island Report recommendations are accepted by the Federal Government but resisted by Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen.Steketee Mike 11 November 1976 December 31 ban on Fraser Island exports https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-december-31-ba/182303244/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 4 October 2025 15 November – Ray Whitrod resigns as Queensland Police Commissioner, claiming he could no longer function under such a high level of government interference.16 November 1976 Queensland police chief resigns https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-queensland-pol/182303290/ The Sydney Morning Herald 4 October 2025 18 November – Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser announces that Treasury will be split into separate departments of Treasury and Finance.Steketee Mike 19 November 1976 Two-section Treasury will have wide power https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-two-section-tr/182303314/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 4 October 2025 28 November – Federal Cabinet agrees to a 17.5% devaluation of the Australian dollar (which brings it almost to parity with the American dollar) and the 'adoption of a flexibly administered exchange rate, along the lines of a "managed float".’29 November 1976 Dollar down 17½ percent https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dollar-down-17/182303423/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1–2, 6 4 October 2025 Financial institutions would be closely monitored to ensure that lending 'comes back from recent excessive and unsustainable levels', government expenditure would be reviewed once again and the strongest possible arguments for restraint would be put to the December quarter National Wage Case. December 1 December – Sir Douglas Nicholls is officially sworn in as South Australia's new governor succeeding Sir Mark Oliphant.2 December 1976 Sir Douglas will serve all https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sir-douglas-wi/183521191/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 23 October 2025 4 December – The Royal Australian Navy's fleet of Grumman Tracker aircraft is destroyed by arson at Nowra, New South Wales.Hastings Peter 6 December 1976 Navy fire wipes out sub-hunter squadrons https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-navy-fire-wipe/182303664 The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 3 4 October 2025 16 December – The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act is enacted.11 December 1976 Parliament sittings end for Christmas https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131800629 The Canberra Times 1 4 October 2025 A total of 124 bills were passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Budget session which ended yesterday... Another significant bill was the Aboriginal Land Rights legislation...Gray Arthur 14 December 1976 Aboriginal land owners sought https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131801133 The Canberra Times 9 4 October 2025 17 December – Cabinet agrees to establish an Australian Human Rights Commission to deal with complaints of discrimination on the grounds of race or on other grounds prohibited by future Commonwealth laws.Gratton Michelle 24 December 1976 Rights body will be set up soon https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-rights-body-will-be-set-up-soon/182304053/ The Sydney Morning Herald 4 October 2025 The Commission would review existing and future Commonwealth and state laws, and report on their consistency with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Australia was a signatory but not a party. Full date unknown Edward (Weary) Dunlop is announced as Australian of the Year Gascoigne Leather Furniture is founded in Perth, Western Australia.http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/welcomewalls/names/gascoigne-kim-j Gascoigne, Kim J Welcome Walls Western Australian Museum 12 November 2013 Arts, music and literature 1976 in Australian literature January 10 January – Sherbet's manager Roger Davies announces the band's guitarist Clive Shakespeare had left the group to pursue his own interests.Scott Phil 11 January 1976 Rock guitarist quits https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rock-guitarist/182571634/ The Sun-Herald 3 8 October 2025 11 January – The Average White Band arrives in Australia to begin a two-week national tour, commencing in Perth.12 January 1976 British band delayed https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-british-band-d/182571788/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 8 October 2025 18 January – The ABC's rock music station 2JJ celebrates their first anniversary with a family fun day in Sydney's Victoria Park which was attended by approximately 25,000 people.19 January 1976 Radio 2JJ has happy end to a rough year https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-radio-2jj-has/182694523/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 10 October 2025 Sir Frank Kitto is announced as the inaugural chair of the Australian Press Council.19 January 1976 Sir Frank 'an eminent choice' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sir-frank-an/182573507/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1–2 8 October 2025 21 January – Dame Joan Hammond resigns as artistic director of Victoria State Opera, due to her opposition to "the new idea of policy".22 January 1976 Joan Hammond leaves Victorian Opera https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-joan-hammond-l/182620937/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 8 October 2025 23 January – John Bloomfield is announced as the winner of the 1975 Archibald Prize for his picture of film director Tim Burstall.Sykes Jill 24 January 1976 Big day at the Gallery: Giant paintings in Archibald https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-big-day-at-the/155118225/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 5 October 2025 24 January – The ABC's new radio network ABC-FM begins broadcasting in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide with the station playing mostly classical music.24 January 1976 New ABC FM radio station opens today https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-abc-fm-rad/182627782/ The Sydney Morning Herald 6 9 October 202526 January 1976 FM station debut successful https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fm-station-deb/182627979/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 9 October 2025 25 January – The 1976 Country Music Awards of Australia are held in Tamworth where Slim Dusty's Lights on the Hill wins Album of the Year. "Santa Never Made It into Darwin" by Bill and Boyd wins Song of the Year. Heather McKean and Rex Dallas are awarded female and male artists of the year respectively.26 January 1976 Slim Dusty gets best album award https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-slim-dusty-get/182572480 The Sydney Morning Herald 16 8 October 2025 February 6 February – British group The Hollies arrive in Sydney to commence their fifth tour of Australia.7 February 1976 The Hollies begin fifth tour https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-hollies-be/182694469/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 10 October 2025 17 February – American singer Neil Diamond arrives in Australia for a series of concerts.18 February 1976 Glittering welcome for the Diamond https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-glittering-welcome-for-the-diamo/182818183/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 12 October 2025 23 February – American singer Neil Diamond takes exception to the No Smoking signs during his concert at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion and invites the 5,000 concertgoers to light up cigarettes during his concert.25 February 1975 Neil Diamond not such a glowing success https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-neil-diamond-n/182818099/ The Sydney Morning Herald 12 October 2025 Speaking in state parliament the next day, NSW Chief Secretary Peter Coleman confirms Diamond had breached safety regulations and said the concert promoters had been dismayed at Diamond's behaviour and that Hordern management was sending Diamond a letter advising him of the breach. 27 February – It's announced that the 1975 Archibald Prize had been taken away from John Bloomfield, who is deemed to have been ineligible due to his portrait having been painted from a photo rather than still life.Sykes Jill 28 February 1976 Art prize switched https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-art-prize-swit/155117845/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 5 October 2025 Kevin Connor is subsequently named as the 1975 Archibald Prize winner for his portrait of Frank Kitto. American singer Melanie arrives in Australia prior to a concert at Sydney Town Hall.28 February 1976 Melanie believes in humanity and Yafa feels Arabs, Jews could live together https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-melanie-believ/182801071/ The Sydney Morning Herald 5 12 October 2025 Israeli singer Yafa Yarkoni arrives in Australia for a 10-day concert tour. Upon her arrival, she criticises the United States and the Soviet Union for creating political turmoil in the Middle East, saying she believed that Israel and Arab countries could find peace without superpower interference. March 13 March – Shirley Bassey returns to Australia for another concert tour.14 March 1976 Shirley Bassey is glad to be back https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-shirley-bassey/183366487/ The Sun-Herald 5 21 October 202516 March 1976 The Tiger Bay growl is getting softer https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-tiger-bay-growl-is-getting-s/183366438/ The Age 3 21 October 2025 30 March – A photography exhibition by Lord Snowdon opens in Sydney which features over 200 selected studies from Snowden's career.27 March 1976 Assignments Snowdon https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-snowdon-clicks/183389000/ The Sydney Morning Herald 29 21 October 202531 March 1976 Snowdon clicks with the people who came to see his picture show https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-snowden-clicks/183389000/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 21 October 2025 There had been an incident at a preview of Snowdon's exhibition on 25 March where two journalists were physically ejected, accused of attempting to ask questions regarding Snowdon's separation from Princess Margaret.26 March 1976 Snowdon upset at ban on journalists https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-snowdon-upset/183389301/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 21 October 2025 April 11 April – American cellist Charlotte Moorman uses 18 helium-filled baloons to float above the Sydney Opera House at heights between 10 and 15 metres while continuing to play the cello during the Australian-American Festival. Queen commence a five-state tour of Australia with a concert at the Perth Entertainment Centre, as part of their international Night at the Opera Tour.Scott Phil 7 March 1976 Modest Freddie - he only wants to be a legend https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-modest-freddie/183365259/ The Sydney Morning Herald 21 October 2025Sutherland Mike 20 April 1976 Explosive start to Queen show https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-explosive-start-to-queen-show/183008698/ The Age 2 21 October 2025 27 April – Xavier Herbert is announced as the winner of the 1975 Miles Franklin Award for his novel Poor Fellow My Country.28 April 1976 Top award to Xavier Herbert, 74 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-top-award-to-x/182373911/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 5 October 2025 May May – Christina Stead's novel Miss Herbert (The Suburban Wife) is published in the United States.Rhodes Richard 30 May 1976 'Christina Stead is one of our best living writers' https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-christina-stead-is-one/183342044/ Chicago Tribune 20 October 2025 2 May – The fourth annual Australian National Playwrights conference opens at the Australian National University in Canberra.3 May 1976 Playwrights meet to air problems https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-playwrights-me/183084804/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 16 October 2025 6 May – A letter written by actress June Salter is published in The Sydney Morning Herald in which she criticises Sydney's Hordern Pavilion after having seen Charles Aznavour perform at the venue, describing it as "a not-so-glorified cattle pavilion".Salter June 6 May 1976 Ashamed of the Hordern Pavilion https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ashamed-of-the/183446783/ The Sydney Morning Herald 7 22 October 2025 After Salter's letter is published, the Royal Agricultural Society announces plans for a new $15 million entertainment centre to replace the Hordern Pavilion and will seek a low interest long term loan from the New South Wales Government.7 May 1976 $15m performing centre plan - State government asked for long-term loan to replace Hordern Pavilion https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-15m-performin/183446568/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 22 October 2025 10 May – Dr. Seuss arrives in Australia for a series of engagements in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.Allen Peter 9 May 1976 The childless 'king of the kids' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-childless/183455324 The Sun-Herald 42 22 October 202510 May 1976 Crusading publisher in Sydney: Move to combat illiteracy in children https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-crusading-publ/183455292/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 22 October 2025 22 May – The Australian National Gallery in Canberra purchases a sculpture by Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani for $400,000.23 May 1976 Australian gallery in $400,000 sculpture buy https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australian-gal/183583777/ The Sun-Herald 2 24 October 2025 27 May – Hero, a new rock opera commissioned by the Australian Opera Company and produced by Grahame Bond opens at Sydney's Seymour Centre, starring Ian Turpie.20 May 1976 Ian Turpie is back in the spotlight https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ian-turpie-is/183264589/ The Sydney Morning Herald 10 19 October 2025Covell Roger 28 May 1976 Rock opera as morality play https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rock-opera-as/183266976/ The Sydney Morning Herald 7 19 October 2025 June 1 June – Supertramp arrive in Australia for a nine-concert tour of Australia.2 June 1976 Supertramp here for tour https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-supertramp-her/183365967/ The Sydney Morning Herald 10 21 October 2025 3 June - Max Merritt opens his Australian concert tour in Melbourne, commencing his first tour of his home country in five years.6 June 1976 Rave reviews for Meteors https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-rave-reviews-f/183264168/ The Sun-Herald 104 19 October 202520 May 1976 Max to fly in again like a real Meteor https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-max-to-fly-in/183264394/ The Sydney Morning Herald 10 19 October 2025 8 June – The Australian Ballet's Sir Robert Helpmann adaption of The Merry Widow, choreographed by Ronald Hynd has its American premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.Hicks Ian 10 June 1976 Ballet's 12 curtain calls at premiere https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ballets-12-cu/183906728/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 29 October 2025 Featuring guest artist Dame Margot Fonteyn, it's the first performance of a four-week American season (part of Australia's contribution to the United States Bicentenary) and is attended by dignitaries including United States vice president Nelson Rockefeller and Australia's federal minister for defence James Killen. 13 June – Australia Council CEO Jean Battersby wins the Henry Lawson Festival of Arts award for the best contribution to the arts.14 June 1976 Dr Jean Battersby wins arts award https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dr-jean-batter/184094719/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 1 November 2025 July 2 July – American singer Dobie Gray arrives in Australia to perform at concerts in Sydney and Melbourne.3 July 1976 Black singer fearful of coming South Africa trip https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-black-singer-f/183273518/ The Sydney Morning Herald 19 19 October 2025 At a media conference in Sydney he says as a black artist he is concerned about his upcoming five-week tour of South Africa due to the country's apartheid policy. 10 July – Daryl Braithwaite confirms Sherbet's manager Roger Davies has been negotiating an international recording contract in the UK, amid the success of the band's single "Howzat."Scott Phil 11 July 1976 Top rock group get UK break https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-top-rock-group/183367151/ The Sun-Herald 11 21 October 2025 11 July – Pianist Roger Woodward resigns from his role as artistic director at Music Rostrum Australia Ltd citing his belief that the organisation, which was formed in 1973, was no longer working towards its original aims.12 July 1976 Roger Woodward resigns as artistic director https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-roger-woodward/184533128 The Sydney Morning Herald 3 11 November 2025 13 July – New South Wales premier Neville Wran condemns the New South Wales Police vice squad for inspecting works by artists such as Brett Whiteley, Donald Friend and Christopher Boock at an art exhibition in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra.14 July 1976 Hands off art shows, police told https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-hands-off-art/184533878/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 November 2025 After Wran complains to Assistant Police Commissioner Mervyn Wood for the "unnecessary intrusion into an art exhibition" he states that "the day is long since passed when some display of genitalia, eroticism or copulation is regarded by the average person as offensive." 21 July – American country singer Charley Pride arrives in Sydney to commence his second tour of Australia which begins in Canberra.22 July 1976 Charley takes pride in his music https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-charley-takes/183274437/ The Sydney Morning Herald 11 19 October 2025 28 July – Tenor Donald Smith annonces his resignation from The Australian Opera citing his lack of trust and faith in the organisation.Sykes Jill 29 July 1976 Top tenor resigns from Australian Opera https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-top-tenor-resi/184600919/ The Sydney Morning Herald 8 9 November 2025 Smith's son Robin Donald also criticises The Australian Opera.30 July 1976 Son joins father in Opera dispute https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-son-joins-fath/184542013/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 9 November 2025 With the three-year option on his three-year contract not being taken up, Donald accuses management of singling him out due to the longstanding conflict with his father. American entertainer Dinah Shore arrives in Australia for a seven-day visit, as a guest of the Australian Government and Melbourne's Australian-American Association. Accompanied by Tennessee Ernie Ford, Shore will record two 90-minute television specials at the Sydney Opera House.29 July 1976 Dinah Shore on Australian fact-finding mission https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-dinah-shore-on/184541905/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 9 November 2025 August 2 August – Sir Zelman Cowen announces the Utah Foundation will donate $50,000 to The Australian Opera on the condition another $250,000 is raised from other means.3 August 1976 $50,000 offer to Australian Opera https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-50000-offer/184788895/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 12 November 2025 16 August – Attorney-General Bob Ellicott officially opens the East Asian and Pacific Copyright Seminar in Sydney, where he suggests that Aboriginal art, music and other forms of cultural expression should have better copyright protection, stating that "Aboriginal communities should be able to control and benefit directly from the commercial exploitation of their traditional designs".17 August 1976 Copyright 'needed for blacks' https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-copyright-needed-for-blacks/183005571/ The Age 11 15 October 202517 August 1976 Aboriginal art copyright plan https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-aboriginal-art/183005656/ The Sydney Morning Herald 10 15 October 2025 September 3 September – Canberra's daily newspaper The Canberra Times celebrates its 50th anniversary.4 September 1976 Canberra Times 50 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-canberra-times/189196391/ The Sydney Morning Herald 16 January 2026 12 September – Marcia Hines is admitted to St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney suffering from bronchial pneumonia and asthma, after returning from a four-week trip to the United States.14 September 1976 Marcia Hines in hospital with pneumonia https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-marcia-hines-i/189118769/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 19 January 2026 Bulgarian violinist Stoika Milanova arrives in Sydney to commence a two-month concert tour managed by the ABC, which will include performing in Melbourne, Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns.13 September 1976 Violinist arrives https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-violinist-arri/189118897/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 19 January 2026 14 September – American rock and roll musician Chuck Berry arrives in Sydney to commence an Australian concert tour.15 September 1976 It's the rock family Berry https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-its-the-rock-family-berry/183274585/ The Age 18 19 October 2025 30 September – Ron Blair is commissioned by the Old Tote Theatre Company and J. C. Williamson Productions to write a stage play centred around the Dismissal.1 October 1976 Whitlam Government dismissal to go on stage https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-whitlam-govern/186547887/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 10 December 2025 October English comedian Dick Emery commences a national tour in Perth.20 October 1976 Tension? It's party of the business https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tension-its/183275893/ The Sydney Morning Herald 8 19 October 2025 Emery begins an Australian concert tour in Perth tonight... November November – Thomas Keneally's novel Season in Purgatory is published.Semmler Clement 6 November 1976 Mutilated bodies, suffering minds https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mutilated-bodi/183341948/ The Sydney Morning Herald 15 20 October 2025 29 November – Hundreds of screaming girls clash with police at Sydney Airport as they attempt to catch a glimpse of touring Scottish pop group, the Bay City Rollers who were flying in from Brisbane.30 November 1976 Fans stampede as the Rollers arrive https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fans-stampede/183275707/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 19 October 2025 1977 21 January 1977 – Brett Whiteley wins the 1976 Archibald Prize with Self Portrait in the Studio.22 January 1977 Mirror image a winner for Whitely https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mirror-image-a/182373833/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 5 October 2025 26 April 1977 – David Ireland's novel The Glass Canoe wins the 1976 Miles Franklin Award.Sykes Jill 27 April 1977 Novelist wins award for second time https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-novelist-wins/182374001/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 5 October 2025 Film 1 January – End Play starring George Mallaby and John Waters is released.Frizell Helen 6 January 1976 A slick, exciting thriller https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-slick-excit/183337088/ The Sydney Morning Herald 7 20 October 2025 1 April – Caddie starring Helen Morse and Takis Emmanuel is released. 23 April – Three Australian films are entered into the 1976 Cannes Film Festival: Goodbye, Norma Jean (an American-Australian co-production), Fantasm and The Trespassers.Thomas Helen 22 April 1976 Three Australian films head for Cannes festival https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-three-australian-films-head-for/183341606/ The Age 21 20 October 2025 9 July – Mad Dog Morgan starring Dennis Hopper, Jack Thompson and David Gulpilil is released. 16 July – The Australian Film Awards are held in Melbourne where The Devil's Playground wins five awards.17 July 1976 Film wins five awards https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-film-wins-five/183274231/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 19 October 2025 The movie wins the award for best film, Fred Schepisi wins for best screenplay and for best direction while Nick Tate and Simon Burke share the award for best actor. The best actress award is won by Helen Morse for Caddie. The Fourth Wish starring John Meillon and Robert Bettles is released.22 July 1976 Three new Australian films this week https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-three-australi/182374753/ The Sydney Morning Herald 13 5 October 2025 29 July – Oz, an Australian re-imaging of The Wizard of Oz starring Joy Dunstan is released.29 July 1976 Somewhere over the Hume Highway https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-somewhere-over/183341056/ The Sydney Morning Herald 10 20 October 2025 4 August – New South Wales Premier Neville Wran announces that the State Government will invest $120,000 in the film The Picture Show Man. To be produced by Joan Long, the film will be the state's first big investment in film making in many years.O'Hara John Wran outbids Dunstan to invest $120,000 in film https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-wran-outbids-d/182297518/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 5 August 1976 4 October 2025 18 August – The Trespassers starring Judy Morris is released.Bennett Colin 23 August 1976 Love trio in rural Gippsland: Duigan film opens at South Yarra https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-love-trio-in-rural-gippsland-du/183341263/ The Age 2 20 October 2025 10 November – Don's Party starring Ray Barrett and Candy Raymond premieres at the Queanbeyan Australian Film Festival.Macdonald Dougal 12 November 1976 'Party' satisfyingly disturbing https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131795520 The Canberra Times 15 5 October 2025 19 November – Storm Boy starring Greg Rowe, Peter Cummins and David Gulpilil is released.7 December 1976 How a pelican pays his bill https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-how-a-pelican-pays-his-bill/182374615/ The Age 13 5 October 2025 16 December – Eliza Fraser starring Susannah York and Trevor Howard is released.Frizell Helen 20 December 1976 Eliza hits a reef https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-eliza-hits-a-r/183336291/ The Sydney Morning Herald 7 20 October 2025 Deathcheaters starring John Hargreaves and Grant Page is released. Let the Balloon Go starring Robert Bettles is released.Frizell Helen 21 December 1976 Absorbing story of a boy who broke out https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-absorbing-stor/183341460/ The Sydney Morning Herald 7 20 October 2025 Children's movie Barney starring Brett Maxworthy and featuring Spike Milligan is released, marking Columbia Pictures' first Australian film investment in thirty years.21 December 1976 Barney over Barney parade https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-barney-over-ba/183337395/ The Sydney Morning Herald 20 October 2025 The Sydney premiere of Barney is marred by an encounter between New South Wales police officers and a procession of horsemen who were travelling through the city centre to promote the film. The film's producer David Waddington said the incident occurred due to a communication breakdown. 31 December – Break of Day starring Sara Kestleman and Andrew McFarlane premieres.Goodwin Richard 27 December 1976 Seldom apart in their acting careers https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-seldom-apart-in-their-acting-car/183335892/ The Age 2 20 October 2025 Television February 10 February – Tandarra, a sequel to 1975's Cash and Company, debuts on the Seven Network.Plummer Dale 8 February 1976 Tandarra gallops in; Strauss waltzes on https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tandarra-gallo/183342842/ The Sydney Morning Herald 87 20 October 2025 28 February – Children's series The Lost Islands debuts on the 0-10 Network.26 February 1976 At last, a well-heeled kid's show https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-at-last-a-well-heeled-kids-sho/182815404/ The Age 34 12 October 2025 March 2 March – Beat of the City, ABC TV's eight-part serialisation of the Hesba Brinsmead's book debuts.26 February 1976 TV serial finger on pulse of city youth https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-tv-serial-finger-on-pulse-of-cit/182815481/ The Age 34 12 October 2025 12 March – The Logie Awards of 1976 are held in Melbourne where fictional character Norman Gunstan (played by Garry McDonald) wins the Gold Logie for the Best Male Personality on Australian television, while Denise Drysdale wins the Gold Logie for Best Female Personality on Australian television.Harris Steve 13 March 1976 Gunstan scores https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-gunston-scores/182373273/ The Age 1–2 5 October 2025 April 12 April – The Australian Broadcasting Control Board releases the results from a survey which tested reactions to a controversial proposal by the Australian Association of National Advertisers that the ABC be permitted to carry advertising.Williams Graham 13 April 1976 61pc of viewers oppose ads on ABC TV https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-61pc-of-viewer/183084039/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 16 October 2025 A total of 61% of those surveyed opposed advertisements on ABC TV. May 21 May – The final edition of No Man's Land goes to air with Channel 9 axing the live women's panel show hosted by Mickie de Stoop, Robyn Miller, Prue MacSween, Carole Browne and Jeanne Pratt.22 May 1976 Channel 9 drops women's show https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-channel-9-drop/183569040/ The Sydney Morning Herald 5 24 October 2025 The axing follows the Australian Broadcasting Control Board's questioning of "unsuitable material" and "expressions" used on air by a university lecturer during a discussion on 4 May. De Stoop, the program's producer, takes responsibility for the axing stating: "I'm disappointed. I wish I could blame Channel 9, but it was my fault as producer; I let something go to air that should not have." June 21 June – The first episode of ABC TV's 26-part adaption of Frank Hardy's controversial novel Power Without Glory debuts to positive feedback from ABC viewers.Plummer Dale 20 June 1976 ABC heavyweight shapes up well https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-abc-heavyweigh/182804272/ The Sun-Herald 86 12 October 202523 June 1976 Viewers back ABC serial https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-viewers-back-a/182804443/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 12 October 2025 July 6 July – It's announced Mike Willesee will be finishing as host of the Seven Network's This Is Your Life.7 July 1976 Willesee leaving This Is Your Life program https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-willesee-leavi/184476704/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 7 November 2025 16 July – John Farnham commences hosting an Australian version of British talent show Opportunity Knocks for the Seven Network.Plummer Dale 25 July 1976 Farnham's lively start to Seven's new talent show https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-farnhams-live/183342565/ The Sun-Herald 91 7 November 2025 21 July – The Seven Network's new Crawfords-produced police series Bluey starring Lucky Grills debuts.Plummer Dale 18 July 1976 Grills' lucky break in Seven's new cop series https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-grills-lucky/146145389/ The Sun-Herald 98 12 October 2025 28 July – After having been on the air for seven years, The Inventors returns to ABC TV for another season.Plummer Dale 25 July 1976 Inventors back with new ideas https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-inventors-back/183342575/ The Sun-Herald 91 20 October 2025 August 2 August – Teen program Flashez hosted by Ray Burgess debuts.2 August 1976 Prepare for Flashez https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-prepare-for-fl/182815285/ The Sydney Morning Herald 27 12 October 2025 13 August – The ABC postpones the scheduled debut of its new 13-part ABC TV comedy series Alvin Purple, with the program's executive producer Maurice Murphy accusing the ABC's new chairman Sir Henry Bland of censorship.13 August 1976 Alvin Purple's start postponed: ABC new head blamed https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alvin-purples/182810331/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 12 October 2025 20 August – Alvin Purple finally debuts on ABC TV. Despite mixed feedback from ABC viewers, it's a ratings success.21 August 1976 Alvin wins 100 to 86 in TV premiere https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alvin-wins-100/182813242/ Alvin wins 100 to 86 in TV premiere 12 October 202527 August 1976 Alvin gets half the viewers https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alvin-gets-hal/182813299/ The Sydney Morning Herald 12 October 2025 26 August – Digby Wolfe is announced as the new host of This Is Your Life.27 August 1976 Now it's Digby Wolfe's life https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-now-its-digby/184476758/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 7 November 2025 Wolfe is signed on for 18 episodes, the first of which will air on the Seven Network on 9 September. September 2 September – It's revealed ABC chairman Sir Henry Bland had been canvassing the ABC's commissioners regarding a proposal to take Alvin Purple off the air due to a large number of complaints about the show's content. ABC Staff Association president Ian Wynne describes any move against the show as "unwarranted political interference."McCarthy Phillip 2 September 1976 Purple sparks an ABC blue https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-purple-sparks-an-abc-blue/182813350/ The Age 40 12 October 2025 4 September – ABC chairman Sir Henry Bland issues a statement confirming Alvin Purple would be taken off the air until the next meeting of the Australian Broadcasting Commission on 16 September.Leslie Bill 5 September 1976 Alvin frolics banned https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alvin-frolics/182809024/ The Sun-Herald 3,28 12 October 2025 This decision leads to weeks of public debate and discussion regarding censorship and political interference with ABC content.9 September 1976 Letters to the editor... the great Alvin Purple debate: The ABC of independence thrown away https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-abc-of-independence-thrown-a/182809378/ The Age 8 12 October 2025Williams Graham 11 September 1976 Sir Henry faces commissioners' revolt https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sir-henry-face/182809612/ The Sydney Morning Herald 6 12 October 2025 One of the ABC's commissioners Marius Webb describes Sir Henry Bland's decision to censor Alvin Purple made it look like he was "a hatchet man" for prime minister Malcolm Fraser.McIntosh Philip 7 September 1976 'Hatchet man' for Fraser: Bland blasted by ABC commissioner https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-hatchet-man-for-fraser-blank/182809214/ The Age 3 12 October 2025 Acting general secretary of Actors' Equity Joan Evatt also describes Bland's decision as "outrageous and ludicrous." 10 September – ABC TV in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory is intentionally blacked out by ABC staff at 9:15pm who deliberately refuse to show a substitute program in place of the fourth episode of Alvin Purple.Sykes Jill 11 September 1976 ABC TV blacked out in protest over Alvin https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-abc-tv-blacked/182809643/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 12 October 2025 ABC chairman Sir Henry Bland criticises the decision, stating: "I'm extremely disappointed that people who profess to be responsible and to provide a public service should be so utterly irresponsible and idiotic." 16 September – Sir Henry Bland confirms he and the other ABC commissioners were in unanimous agreement that Alvin Purple should be allowed to return to the air, which averts planned industrial action by ABC staff.Williams Graham 17 September 1976 Alvin to return to ABC https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-alvin-to-retur/182809998/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 12 October 2025 21 September – The ABC TV sitcom Who Do You Think You Are? starring Barbara Stephens premieres.Plummer Dale 19 September 1976 Barbara's feet are on the ground https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-barbaras-feet/183084157/ The Sun-Herald 86 16 October 2025 October 2 October – ABC TV's Saturday night talent show Quest '76 debuts hosted by Peter Regan.4 October 1976 Australian quest for new talent https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australian-que/183342761/ The Sydney Morning Herald 13 20 October 2025 7 October – The inaugural Sammy Awards are held at the Sydney Opera House with Gary McDonald and Helen Morse winning the gold Sammy awards.8 October 1976 Helen Morse and Norman Gunstan win top awards https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-helen-morse-an/182815728/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 12 October 2025 24 October – An Australian iteration of The Gong Show debuts on the 0-10 Network, hosted by Tim Evans with judges Jeanne Little, John Michael Howson and Frank Wilson.21 October 2025 ATV-0: Sunday 24 October 1976 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-atv-0/183084509/ The Age 16 October 2025 New Australian comedy programme which spoofs TV talent quests...Pinkney John 29 October 1976 The painless price of the painful gong https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-painless-price-of-the-painful-go/183084522/ The Age 2 16 October 2025 November 8 November – The Young Doctors premieres on the Nine Network.Lawrence Mark 4 November 1976 Young Doctors needs a script transfusion https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-young-doctors-needs-a-script-tra/182370790/ The Age 36 5 October 2025 15 November – The Sullivans premieres on the Nine Network.Plummer Dale 14 November 1976 A fine family tale of Australia in wartime https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-fine-family/182371029/ The Sydney Morning Herald 79 5 October 2025 22 November – The Seven Network launches its new nightly current affairs program Willesee at Seven hosted by Mike Willesee in an attempt to rival the Nine Network's A Current Affair.Plummer Dale 21 November 1975 All set for battle of the rival Michaels https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-all-set-for-ba/182816545/ The Sun-Herald 75 12 October 2025 December 23 December – Bruce Gyngell is appointed as the inaugural chairman of the new Australian Broadcasting Tribunal, a regulatory authority overseeing Australian television standards. Sport January 4 January – Mark Edmondson wins the Men's singles title at the 1976 Australian Open defeating fellow Australian John Newcombe 6–7, 6–3, 7–6, 6–1.Humphries Rod 5 January 1976 Odd-job man scores upset... and an emotional reunion for Evonne https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-odd-job-man-sc/182507355/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 13 7 October 2025 Evonne Cawley wins the Women's singles title at the 1976 Australian Open, defeating Czechoslovakia's Renáta Tomanová 6–2, 6–2. February 1 February – David Good wins the Tasmanian Open golf tournament.2 February 1976 A Good putt clinches Open https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-good-putt-cl/183784457/ The Sydney Morning Herald 16 27 October 2025 5 February – Australia defeats the West Indies 5–1 in the cricket test series.Beames Percy 6 February 1976 Australia ready to take on world https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-australia-ready-to-take-on-world/182440035/ The Age 24 6 October 2025 8 February – Upon arriving in Sydney for an awards presentation, American athlete Jesse Owens endorses a proposal for Sydney to host the 1988 Summer Olympics but says planning should commence now.9 February 1976 Olympics in Sydney? Then plan now, says Jesse Owens https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-olympics-in-sy/182694729/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 10 October 2025 9 February – Geoff Hunt wins the 1976 Men's World Open Squash Championship in London.11 February 1976 World squash title to Geoff Hunt https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-world-squash-title-to-geoff-hunt/182439943/ The Age 30 6 October 2025 March 1 March – South Australia secures a Sheffield Shield victory in the 1975-76 Sheffield Shield season, after defeating New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground.2 March 1976 Ian Chappell and rain stall NSW, so now Greg can eat crow https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-ian-chappell-and-rain-stall-nsw/182439434/ The Age 31 6 October 2025 19 March – A promotions company reportedly loses $20,000 on a failed night of boxing at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion where Gus Mercurio referees two matches, in which Tony Mundine takes just 1 minute and 25 seconds to defeat American Karl Zurheide, while Blakeney Matthews scored a narrow 46-45 points win against American Ray Lunny III.Humphries Rod 20 March 1976 Fight a fiasco for all https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fight-a-fiasco/183784744/ The Sydne Morning Herald 31 27 October 2025 April 1 April – 22-year-old American boxer Chuck Wilburn suffers a brain hemorrhage after he is knocked out by Australia's Hector Thompson during a ten-round bout at an RSL club in the Sydney suburb of Blacktown.Humphries Rod 2 April 1976 US fighter gravely ill after knock-out https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-us-fighter-gra/182887134/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 13 October 2025 Wilburn dies on 6 April.7 April 1976 Thompson upset by US boxer's death https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-thompson-upset/182887324/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 13 October 2025 Wilburn's death prompts a debate about the future of professional boxing in Australia.McIlraith Shaun 7 April 1976 Tougher medical checks urged https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-tougher-medica/182888249/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 13 October 20257 April 1976 Federal minister to have talks with states https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-federal-minist/182888217/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 13 October 2025Humphries Rod 7 April 1976 Chuck Wilburn is dead. Nothing will change that. Boxing is still alive and nothing will change that. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-chuck-wilburn/182888327/ The Sydney Morning Herald 25 13 October 2025 3 April – The Bart Cummings-trained Vivarchi wins the Golden Slipper Stakes ridden by John Duggan.Lillye Bert 4 April 1976 No champagne in Vivarchi's Slipper https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-no-champagne-i/183783697/ The Sun-Herald 57 27 October 2025 May 15 May – The Fiji rugby union team's 1976 tour of Australia gets underway with a tour match at Sydney's Moore Park where Fiji are defeated by Sydney 12-4.Webster Jim 16 May 1976 Fijians founder: Skillful Sydney down Union tourists 12-4 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-fijians-founde/183851648/ The Sun-Herald 58 28 October 2025 June 12 June – The first rugby union test between the Wallabies and Fiji is held at the Sydney Cricket Ground where Australia defeats the touring side, 22-6.Webster Jim 13 June 1976 Australia win Test with low-key effort https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australia-win/183851762/ The Sun-Herald 54 28 October 2025 19 June – The second rugby union test between the Wallabies and Fiji is held at Ballymore in Brisbane where Fiji are defeated 21-9.Webster Jim 28 October 2025 'New' Fijians go down fighting https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-new-fijians/183851776/ The Sun-Herald 52 28 October 2025 26 June – The third and final rugby union test between the Wallabies and Fiji is held at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Fiji is again defeated by Australia 27-17 but violent on-field brawls and a walk off by Fijian players makes for a controversial finish to the 1976 Fiji rugby union tour of Australia.Webster Jim 27 June 1976 Walk off: Shocking SCG scenes https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-walk-off-shoc/183851817/ The Sun-Herald 43, 50 28 October 2025 July 2 July – Australia's Evonne Cawley is defeated by American Chris Evert in the women's singles final 6–3, 4–6, 8–6 at the 1976 Wimbledon Championships.3 July 1976 Evonne goes down in 2-hour battle https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-evonne-goes-do/184417425/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 6 November 2025 4 July – Australian International Olympic Committee representative David McKenzie condemns the proposed restrictions on Taiwan's athletes at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, accusing Canada of breaching an undertaking it gave during their application to host the Games if it didn't permit Taiwanese athletes to compete as the Republic of China.5 July 1976 Canadian ban 'breach of undertaking' to IOC: Australian member's view of Taiwan team's shut out https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-canadian-ban/184469192/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 7 November 2025 12 July – Australian swimmer Linda McGill is seriously injured in a car accident in Queensland.17 July 1976 Linda McGill dangerously ill in hospital https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-linda-mcgill-d/183274256/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 19 October 2025 15 July – Brisbane is announced as the host city for the 1982 Commonwealth Games.16 July 1976 Brisbane to host Games https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-brisbane-to-ho/183771590/ The Sydney Morning Herald 11 27 October 2025 17 July – As flag bearer, sprinter Raelene Boyle becomes the first woman to lead the Australian Olympic team out at an opening ceremony as the 1976 Summer Olympics commence in Montreal, Canada.16 July 1976 Raelene Boyle to carry flag https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-raelene-boyle/183716903/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 27 October 202519 July 1976 The Australian team marches into the Olympic Stadium led by Raelene Boyle https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-australian/183716947/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 27 October 2025 20 July – Stephen Holland wins bronze, and Australia's only swimming medal, at the 1976 Summer Olympics placing third in the men's 1500 metre freestyle final.Webster Jim 22 July 1976 Stephen Holland considers retiring https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-stephen-hollan/183772249/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 27 October 2025 26 July – Australia wins their second medal of the 1976 Summer Olympics with the equestrian team consisting of Bill Roycroft, his son Wayne Roycroft, Merv Bennett and Denis Pigott winning bronze by placing third in the team eventing.27 July 1976 Second medal to Australia https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-second-medal-t/183777196/ The Sydney Morning Herald 11 27 October 2025 27 July – John Bertrand wins bronze in the Finn sailing event at the 1976 Summer Olympics.29 July 1976 Australian sailors content with two bronze https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australian-sai/183782336/ The Sydney Morning Herald 15 27 October 2025 Ian Brown and Ian Ruff win bronze in the 470 sailing event at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Citing Australia's refusal to allow teams from South Africa, Taiwan and Rhodesia to compete, the World Archery Federation votes against holding the 1977 World Archery Championships in Canberra.28 July 1976 Australia to lose archery tournament https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-australia-to-l/184541846/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 9 November 2025 However, the championships are quickly handed back to Australia after it was discovered the 17-15 vote was invalid because three of the 35 delegates qualified to vote had abstained, which meant the vote hadn't reached the required "simple majority."2 August 1976 Archery contest to stay in Australia https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-archery-contes/184602674 The Sydney Morning Herald 8 9 November 2025 28 July – Raelene Boyle is automatically disqualified after two false starts in the semi-finals of the Women's 200 metres at the 1976 Summer Olympics, which ends her eight-year pursuit of an Olympic gold medal.Webster Jim 30 July 1976 Raelene's long quest for gold ends in controversy https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-raelenes-long/184541957/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1 9 November 2025 30 July – The Australia men's national field hockey team are defeated by New Zealand in the gold medal match at the 1976 Summer Olympics.1 August 1976 Team's silver lining https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-teams-silver/183782448/ The Sun-Herald 5 27 October 2025 However, the result secures Australia's only silver medal and the highest ranked medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics. After winning the silver medal, Australian hockey captain Robert Haigh is selected to carry the Australian flag at the closing ceremony. Five top-ranked white South African squash players arrive in Melbourne and go into hiding prior to competing in the inaugural Women's World Open Squash Championships in Brisbane in August, followed by the Australian titles in Sydney. The venues where the players will play in a series of warm up matches is being kept secret with officials fearing anti-apartheid demonstrations if details are known.31 July 1976 5 white squash visitors in hiding https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-5-white-squash/184542658/ The Sydney Morning Herald 2 9 November 2025 31 July – Victor Anderson wins the men's national marathon title, clocking 2:23:28.6 in Sydney.Christensen Phillip 1 August 1976 Champ slept during Games https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-champ-slept-du/182439520/ The Sydney Morning Herald 59 6 October 2025 August 1 August – For the first time since 1936, Australia finishes an Olympic Games without winning a gold medal.3 August 1976 We can only improve https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-we-can-only-improve/183717330/ The Sydney Morning Herald 34 27 October 2025 The team returns home from the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal with just five medals - one silver and four bronze. Australia's poor performance leads to much debate and discussion.Humphries Rod 23 July 1976 A fading sporting image https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-a-fading-sport/183772599 A fading sporting image 27 October 2025Carter Ron 3 August 1976 It's time to check our gold desire https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-its-time-to-check-our-gold-desi/183767023/ The Age 36 27 October 2025Webster Jim 3 August 1976 Time to spark our new torch https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-time-to-spark/183766719/ The Sydney Morning Herald 13 27 October 2025Scott Peter 19 August 1976 What went wrong at Montreal? https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/263290553 The Australian Jewish Times 32 27 October 2025 2 August – Prince Philip condemns the proposed government inquiry into Australia's performance at the Olympics, describing a potential inquest reviewing the team's performance as "deplorable" and "pathetic."3 August 1976 Pathetic, says Duke https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-pathetic-says/183717294/ The Sydney Morning Herald 27 October 2025 September 4 September – 68-year-old Don Bradman and 71-year-old Bill O'Reilly play in a cricket match in Bowral, New South Wales to assist the local cricket team in the reopening of their revamped oval.Cunningham James 4 September 1976 50 years on, back in Bowral https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-50-years-on-b/189195869 The Sydney Morning Herald 1 16 January 2026Owens Warren 5 September 1976 The Don and Tiger – all square https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-the-don-and-ti/189196067/ The Sun-Herald 3 16 January 2026 18 September – Minor premiers Manly defeats Parramatta 13–10 in the NSWRFL Grand Final at the Sydney Cricket Ground, winning the 1976 NSWRFL season.19 September 1976 Eadie kicks Manly past Parramatta https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-eadie-kicks-ma/182439836/ The Sun-Herald 66 6 October 2025 Newtown finish in last position, claiming the wooden spoon. 25 September – Hawthorn defeat North Melbourne by 30 points in the 1976 VFL grand final.26 September 1976 Avenging Hawks too good https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-avenging-hawks/182439720/ The Sun-Herald 62 6 October 2025 October 2 October – The Tommy Smith-trained Great Lover wins the AJC Derby at Randwick, ridden by Kevin Langby.Whittaker Bill 3 October 1976 Great Lover is a big thrill for Tom https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-great-lover-is/183783120/ The Sun-Herald 53 27 October 2025 3 October – Australia's Bob Morris and Britain's John Fitzpatrick claim victory in the 1976 Hardie-Ferodo 1000 at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales.4 October 1976 Lady Luck's big hand in Hardie Ferodo https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lady-lucks-bi/182694951/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1–2 10 October 2025 16 October – The Colin Hayes-trained How Now wins the Caulfield Cup, ridden by John Stocker.17 October 1976 Cup stays here - How Now https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-cup-stays-here/183783053 Sun-Herald 61 27 October 2025 23 October – The Geoff Murphy-trained Surround wins the Cox Plate, ridden by Peter Cook.Speers Alan 24 October 1976 Surround hailed greatest https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-surround-haile/183783600 The Sun-Herald 46 27 October 2025 31 October – American Jack Nicklaus wins his fifth Australian Open golf championship defeating fellow American Curtis Strange.Clarkson Alan 1 November 1976 Nicklaus runs off with Open https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-nicklaus-runs/182694859/ The Sydney Morning Herald 19 10 October 2025 November 2 November – Van der Hum ridden by Bob Skelton wins the Melbourne Cup.Bourke Tony 3 November 1976 The horse that nobody wanted https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-the-horse-that-nobody-wanted/182439326/ The Age 1 6 October 2025 December 29 December – Ballyhoo takes line honours and Piccolo wins on handicap in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.Sheahan Mike 30 December 1976 Rooklyn hits the $1 jackpot https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-rooklyn-hits-the-1-jackpot/182439600/ The Age 1 6 October 202531 December 1976 Piccolo jolts critics in Sydney-Hobart triumph https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-piccolo-jolts/182439683/ The Sydney Morning Herald 4 6 October 2025 Births 9 January – Amy Gillett (died 2005), cyclist 18 January – Damien Leith, singer 3 February – Isla Fisher, actress and author 13 February – Bree Walters, actress 17 February – Matthew Lappin, Australian rules footballer 19 February – Travis Denney, badminton player 20 February – Johanna Beisteiner, classical guitarist 24 February – Bradley McGee, cyclist 28 February – David Bradbury, politician 25 March – Naomi Young, synchronized swimmerNaomi YOUNG - Olympic Synchronized Swimming Australia https://www.olympic.org/naomi-young International Olympic Committee 19 June 2019 en 22 June 2016 19 June 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190619231119/https://www.olympic.org/naomi-young live 16 April – David Lyons, actor 28 April – Paul Cleary, middle-distance runner 27 May – Bianca Netzler, field hockey player 4 June – Kasey Chambers, singer 21 June – Nigel Lappin, Australian rules footballer 22 July – Liam Renton, radio, TV and podcast personality 6 August Adam Ritson, rugby league player Shaun Timmins, rugby league player 24 August - Alex O'Loughlin, actor 27 August – Mark Webber, Formula 1 driver 1 September – Marcos Ambrose, racing driver 7 September – Carmel Bakurski, field hockey defender 9 September – Mick Blue, adult entertainer 15 September – Brett Kimmorley, Rugby league footballer 7 November – Mark Philippoussis, tennis player 8 November – Brett Lee, cricketer 18 November – Matt Welsh, swimmer 28 November – Ryan Kwanten, actor and comedian 30 November – Gail Miller, water polo player 6 December – Paul Crake, racing cyclist 31 December – Craig Reucassel, comedian Deaths January 2 January – George Enticknap, politician (b. 1894)5 January 1976 Sudden death of former minister https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-sudden-death-o/182507432/ The Sydney Morning Herald 19 7 October 2025 26 January – Alfred Jacobs, medical practitioner (b. 1897)Wilson Jan 1996 Alfred Nailer Jacobs (1897–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/jacobs-alfred-nailer-10603 Australian Dictionary of Biography 10 October 2025 February 8 February – Gladys Moncrieff, singer (b. 1892)White Sally 9 February 1976 Queen of Song was a living legend https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-queen-of-song-was-a-living-legen/182440116/ The Age 2 6 October 2025 20 February – Martin Hanson, politician (b. 1923)13 July 2017 Hanson, Martin (Marty) https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Members/Former-Members/Former-Members-Register/Former-Member-Details?id=1032934359 Parliament of Queensland 3 October 2025 Death Date: 20 February 1976 (South Brisbane, Queensland) March 7 March – Richard Dixon, Communist Party official (b. 1905)Patmore Greg 2002 Richard (Dick) Dixon (1905–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/dixon-richard-dick-11937 Australian Dictionary of Biography 10 October 2025 24 March – David Fenbury, public servant (b. 1916)Downs Ian 1996 David Maxwell Fenbury (1916–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/fenbury-david-maxwell-10164 Australian Dictionary of Biography 10 October 2025 April 12 April – Sir William Walkley, businessman (b. 1896)13 April 1976 Death of Sir William Walkley: Oil king and patron of charity, sport https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-death-of-sir-w/183083974/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1–2 16 October 2025 20 April – Thomas Simpson Crawford, politician (b. 1875)Tanner L. G. 1981 Thomas Simpson Crawford (1875–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/crawford-thomas-simpson-5812 Australian Dictionary of Biography 11 October 2025 26 April – Colin Bednall, journalist and television executive (b. 1913)Morgan Patrick 1993 Colin Blore Bednall (1913–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/bednall-colin-blore-9469 Australian Dictionary of Biography 12 October 2025 29 April – Leslie Joseph Hooker, real estate entrepreneur (b. 1903)Spearritt Peter 1996 Sir Leslie Joseph Hooker (1903–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hooker-sir-leslie-joseph-10537 Australian Dictionary of Biography 11 October 2025 May 12 May – Bettie Fisher, musician and theatre manager (b. c. 1939)Cole Anna Lewis Wendy 1996 Bettie Fisher (1939–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/fisher-bettie-10187 Australian Dictionary of Biography 11 October 2025 20 May – Bobby Pearce, rower (b. 1905)22 May 1976 Death of champion https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-death-of-champ/183568001/ The Sydney Morning Herald 1, 31 24 October 2025 21 May – Harold Blair, singer and activist (b. 1924)22 May 1976 Harold Blair: cane-cutter to top tenor https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-harold-blair-cane-cutter-to-top/182440146/ The Age 2 6 October 2025 26 May – Edgar Moon, tennis player (b. 1904)28 May 1976 Tennis death https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131819829 The Canberra Times 18 26 October 2025 31 May – Max Ruddock, politician (b. 1914)1 June 1976 Ex-MLA dies after 14 years in parliament https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-ex-mla-dies-af/183650750/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 25 October 2025 June 15 June – Edward Holbrook Derrick, pathologist (b. 1898)Doherty R.L. 1993 Edward Holbrook Derrick (1898–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/derrick-edward-holbrook-9957 Australian Dictionary of Biography 10 October 2025 17 June – Richard Casey, Baron Casey, 16th Governor-General of Australia (b. 1890)19 June 1976 Lord Casey great Australian: Sir John Kerr https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-lord-casey-gre/182440188/ The Sydney Morning Herald 6 6 October 2025 22 June – Jessie Robertson, radio broadcaster (b. 1909)Sturma Michael 2002 Jessie Marian Robertson (1909–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/robertson-jessie-marian-11543 Australian Dictionary of Biography 11 October 2025 24 June – Winifred Burston, pianist (b. 1889)Sitsky Larry 1993 Winifred Charlotte Hillier Crosse Burston (1889–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/burston-winifred-charlotte-hillier-crosse-9641 Australian Dictionary of Biography 19 October 2025 27 June – Elsie Hall, pianist (b. 1877) (died in South Africa)Burgis Peter 1983 Elsie Maude Stanley Hall (1877–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hall-elsie-maude-stanley-6525 Australian Dictionary of Biography 11 October 2025 July 3 July – Joe Calcraft, politician (b. 1929)5 July 1976 MLC dies at Nowra https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-mlc-dies-at-no/183716739/ The Sydney Morning Herald 8 26 October 2025 August 10 August – Bert Oldfield, cricketer (b. 1894)11 August 1976 End of great innings https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-end-of-great-innings/182440225/ The Age 29 6 October 2025 September 23 September – Eric Costa, politician (b. 1900)24 September 1976 DEATHS: COSTA, Dominique Eric https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-costa-dominiq/182440299/ The Sydney Herald Herald 27 6 October 2025 28 September – Peter Crimmins, Australian rules footballer (Hawthorn) (b. 1943)Sheahan Mike 29 September 2025 Courageous to the end https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-courageous-to-the-end/182440383/ The Age 33 6 October 2025 October 13 October – Ivor Greenwood, politician (b. 1926)14 October 2025 Senator's funeral https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-senators-funeral/182440352/ The Sydney Morning Herald 3 6 October 2025 21 October – Ida Browne, geologist and palaeontologist (b. 1900)Vallance T. G. 1993 Ida Alison Browne (1900-1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/browne-ida-alison-10004 Australian Dictionary of Biography 6 October 2025 23 October – Ian Mudie, poet and author (b. 1911)26 October 1976 Ian Mudie praised by writers https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-ian-mudie-praised-by-writers/182440436/ The Age 2 6 October 2025 29 October – John Keith McCarthy, public servant (b. 1905)Nelson H. N. 2000 John Keith McCarthy (1905–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mccarthy-john-keith-10910 Australian Dictionary of Biography 10 October 2025 December 6 December – Raymond Hanson, composer (b. 1913)Tregear Peter John 1996 Raymond Charles Hanson (1913–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hanson-raymond-charles-10421 Australian Dictionary of Biography 11 October 2025 16 December – Charles P. Mountford, anthropologist (b. 1890)Jones Philip 2000 Charles Pearcy Mountford (1890–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mountford-charles-pearcy-11188 Australian Dictionary of Biography 11 October 2025 23 December – Frank Headlam, air force officer (b. 1914)Eaton Brian 1996 Frank Headlam (1914–1976) https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/headlam-frank-10468 Australian Dictionary of Biography 10 October 2025 1976 in yes See also 1976 in Australian television List of Australian films of 1976 References Australia Category:Years of the 20th century in Australia