Territory Famous

Kellie Arrowsmith

Territory Famous explores the Northern Territory where crocodiles lurk, rivers run wild, and the landscapes are as dangerous as they are beautiful. Host Kellie Arrowsmith dives deep into true crime, unsolved disappearances, and bizarre outback mysteries, capturing the courage and resilience of the people who call the Top End home.

  1. 3d ago

    Matthew Rosewarne: The Investigation and the Inquest

    In May 2016, Matthew Rosewarne was found dead at his home in Darwin from a gunshot wound to the neck. Police believed Matthew had taken his own life, but as more information became available, questions began to emerge about the way his death had been investigated. There was the position of the gunshot wound, a safety catch that was still engaged, evidence that wasn't collected and parts of the scene that weren't properly examined. Despite those issues, Police remained convinced they knew what had happened. Eventually, Matthew's death went before the NT Coroner, where the original investigation came under serious scrutiny. In this episode of Territory Famous, I go through Matthew's life and his struggles with alcohol, the events leading up to his death, what happened during the police investigation and what eventually came out at the coronial inquest. This is also a case that raises some bigger questions about investigative bias and what can happen when Police settle on one explanation early in an investigation. A quick apology before you listen — my voice still isn't quite 100%, so please bear with me. I didn't want to put this episode off any longer and hopefully it's not too distracting. If you enjoy Territory Famous, please follow or subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. Ratings and reviews also really help other people find the show. Follow Territory Famous on social media for episode updates, photos, videos and other Territory stories. Please feel free to message me with any feedback or stories you would like to have covered on the podcast. Researched and written by: Kellie Arrowsmith Audio editor: Bar Brawl Records https://www.facebook.com/BarBrawlRecords Cover art: http://www.joshbauer.com/ "Skimpy' - a Territory memoir: Kellie Arrowsmith Books - Hachette Australia Follow Territory Famous: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561090053520 Instagram: https://www.intagram.com/territoryfamous/ Tik Tok: Territory Famous (@territoryfamous) | TikTok

  2. Sep 6

    The Disappearance of Richard Roe: What Happened at Lake Bennett?

    In November 2016, Richard Roe disappeared in the Northern Territory. His car was found abandoned near the Stuart Highway, but Richard was nowhere to be found. Despite an extensive police investigation and searches of the surrounding area, he has never been located. The circumstances surrounding Richard’s disappearance raised plenty of questions, and the case was eventually examined at a coronial inquest. In this episode, we look at Richard’s disappearance, the investigation and the inquest, and the questions that still remain about what happened to him. Richard is still very much loved and missed by his family, who have spent years waiting for answers about what happened to him. If you have information that could help locate Richard or explain his disappearance, there is currently a $250,000 reward for information that leads to his location and, if foul play is established, a conviction. Follow Territory Famous on social media for episode updates, photos, videos and other Territory stories. Please feel free to message me with any feedback or stories you would like to have covered on the podcast. Researched and written by: Kellie Arrowsmith Audio editor: Bar Brawl Records https://www.facebook.com/BarBrawlRecords Cover art: http://www.joshbauer.com/ "Skimpy' - a Territory memoir: Kellie Arrowsmith Books - Hachette Australia Follow Territory Famous: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561090053520 Instagram: https://www.intagram.com/territoryfamous/ Tik Tok: Territory Famous (@territoryfamous) | TikTok

  3. Aug 30

    Richard Woodward & the Ti Tree Roadhouse: One of the Most Bizarre Court Cases in the NT

    This episode is a little different from my usual Territory Famous stories. This is the story of a very unusual man, a Ti Tree Roadhouse, a few trespass notices, some increasingly bizarre legal arguments and what happens when you decide to represent yourself in court. Richard Woodward was told to leave the Ti Tree Roadhouse after complaints about his behavior. He refused, was eventually arrested, released on bail with conditions not to return without police, and then… well, you can probably guess what happened next. What makes this story so entertaining is what happened once Richard got into court. He represented himself and brought an extraordinary collection of documents, letters, legal arguments and grievances into the proceedings. Along the way, he managed to bring everyone from Britney Higgins to Caroline Kennedy, the former US Ambassador to Australia, into his increasingly elaborate arguments. There are High Court letters, Magna Carta, sovereign citizens, 000 calls, alleged conspiracies, a reconciliation dinner, a six-pack of beer and a man who seemed determined to take a relatively straightforward trespass matter as far as the legal system would let him. Richard's behavior in court reminded me a LOT of Trevor, the Rubbish Warrior. So, if you enjoyed Trevor's particular brand of self-representation, bizarre legal arguments and increasingly spectacular court appearances, I have a feeling you're going to enjoy this one. This is the very strange story of Richard Woodward and the Ti Tree Roadhouse. Follow Territory Famous on social media for episode updates, photos, videos and other Territory stories. Please feel free to message me with any feedback or stories you would like to have covered on the podcast. Researched and written by: Kellie Arrowsmith Audio editor: Bar Brawl Records https://www.facebook.com/BarBrawlRecords Cover art: http://www.joshbauer.com/ "Skimpy' - a Territory memoir: Kellie Arrowsmith Books - Hachette Australia Follow Territory Famous: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561090053520 Instagram: https://www.intagram.com/territoryfamous/ Tik Tok: Territory Famous (@territoryfamous) | TikTok

  4. Aug 23

    The disappearance of Peter Murphy: The Evidence, The Inquest and The Trial

    First, I just want to apologize for my voice, I had laryngitis last week and was still recovering from that at the time of recording. Hopefully the content makes up for it, it's a pretty crazy story and Ive been wanting to get it out for a couple of weeks, So, this week I'm taking a deep dive into the disappearance of Peter Wayne Murphy, a case that eventually led to a coronial inquest and a murder trial. The evidence surrounding Peter's disappearance is complicated, involving drugs, guns, bikies, money, business relationships and a number of people whose lives were closely connected. For this episode I've gone through the court documents in detail, including evidence about conversations between the people involved, alleged drug dealings, debts, recordings and evidence that was ultimately challenged in court. There are a lot of names and a lot of twists and turns in this one, and I may or may not have spent a considerable amount of time wishing I had a giant board with pictures and red string to keep track of everything. Follow Territory Famous on social media for episode updates, photos, videos and other Territory stories. Please feel free to message me with any feedback or stories you would like to have covered on the podcast. Researched and written by: Kellie Arrowsmith Audio editor: Bar Brawl Records https://www.facebook.com/BarBrawlRecords Cover art: http://www.joshbauer.com/ "Skimpy' - a Territory memoir: Kellie Arrowsmith Books - Hachette Australia Follow Territory Famous: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561090053520 Instagram: https://www.intagram.com/territoryfamous/ Tik Tok: Territory Famous (@territoryfamous) | TikTok

  5. Aug 9

    Cahills Crossing: The Warnings Are There for a Reason

    I apologise in advance for my voice in this episode! I’ve been quite sick this week and I’m still getting my voice back, so this is a shorter episode than usual. I had a much bigger episode planned for this week, but I really wanted to get something out for you guys rather than nothing at all. And when I saw the recent footage from Cahills Crossing, I couldn’t believe what I was watching. Cahills Crossing, on the East Alligator River in Kakadu National Park, is one of those places that has become almost infamous for people underestimating the danger. There are warning signs, a viewing platform and plenty of information telling visitors to keep away from the water, but people still get dangerously close. In this episode, I talk about the recent viral footage showing children playing right at the water’s edge while a large saltwater crocodile moves through the water nearby. Experts who examined the footage said the crocodile appeared to be following a fish rather than deliberately approaching the children, but that doesn’t make the situation any less dangerous. I also look back at two confirmed fatal crocodile attacks at Cahills Crossing. In 1987, 40-year-old Kerry McLoughlin was killed while fishing at the crossing. I found contemporary reporting from the time which included eyewitness accounts of the attack and some incredible details about what happened that day. I also talk about the 2017 death of a 47-year-old man who disappeared while crossing the river. One of the most powerful accounts I found came from former Northern Territory police officer Sam, who was involved in the search and recovery operation. Sam later spoke about what happened and the impact of seeing someone he knew die in such horrific circumstances. I also share my own experience crossing a croc-infested river in the Territory and why river crossings still make me extremely nervous. This is a shorter episode, but I wanted to talk about Cahills Crossing because the recent footage was a pretty confronting reminder that the warnings aren't there for decoration. The crocodiles were there first. Maybe I'll come back to Cahills Crossing in a future episode and tell some of the other crazy stories from the crossing, because there are plenty of them. Territory Famous is a podcast about Northern Territory stories, true crime, Territory history, folklore, strange characters and the unbelievable things that actually happened in the Top End. Thanks for sticking with me while my voice recovers. ❤️ CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses fatal crocodile attacks and death. Find Territory Famous wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Territory Famous on social media for episode updates, photos, videos and other Territory stories. Researched and written by: Kellie Arrowsmith Audio editor: Bar Brawl Records https://www.facebook.com/BarBrawlRecords Cover art: http://www.joshbauer.com/ "Skimpy' - a Territory memoir: Kellie Arrowsmith Books - Hachette Australia Follow Territory Famous: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561090053520 Instagram: https://www.intagram.com/territoryfamous/ Tik Tok: Territory Famous (@territoryfamous) | TikTok

  6. Aug 2

    The Case of Valerie Wurramara: A Groote Eylandt Mystery

    In this episode of Territory Famous, I explore the case of Valerie Wurramara and the investigation that followed on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory. Using publicly available court documents and other official records, I take you through the timeline of events, the police investigation, the evidence presented, and the court proceedings, while separating fact from speculation. As always, this episode is told with respect for those involved, their families and the communities affected. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Warning: This episode contains the name of a deceased Aboriginal person and discusses events surrounding her passing. I acknowledge that this may be distressing for some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners. I have done my best to pronounce Aboriginal names and place names respectfully. If I have unintentionally mispronounced any names or words, I sincerely apologize. It was never my intention to cause offence, and I appreciate your understanding. Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of death, police investigations, court proceedings, violence and grief. Listener discretion is advised. Researched and written by: Kellie Arrowsmith Audio editor: Bar Brawl Records https://www.facebook.com/BarBrawlRecords Cover art: http://www.joshbauer.com/ "Skimpy' - a Territory memoir: Kellie Arrowsmith Books - Hachette Australia Follow Territory Famous: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561090053520 Instagram: https://www.intagram.com/territoryfamous/ Tik Tok: Territory Famous (@territoryfamous) | TikTok

  7. Jul 26

    The Stuart Highway Mystery: The Joshua & Deborah Mason Case

    In 2022, a disturbing discovery on the Stuart Highway left Northern Territory police with more questions than answers. A human leg had been found beside the highway, but police didn’t know who it belonged to, what had happened, or whether there was a missing person somewhere out there. What followed was an investigation that slowly pieced together the events of one night — a crash, a decision not to call police, and an attempt to conceal what had happened. In this episode, I take you through the events leading up to the crash, the investigation that eventually uncovered the truth, and the very different roles played by Joshua Mason and his mother, Deborah. I also look at their lives before the offending, the circumstances surrounding their decisions that night, and what the judge considered when sentencing them. This is a story about a woman who lost her life, a family left grieving, and the consequences of the decisions made afterwards. This episode discusses death, grief, alcohol, drug use, mental health, suicide and criminal offending. Territory Famous is a podcast about true stories, true crime, NT history, folklore and the people and events that have shaped the Northern Territory. Researched and written by: Kellie Arrowsmith Audio editor: Bar Brawl Records https://www.facebook.com/BarBrawlRecords Cover art: http://www.joshbauer.com/ "Skimpy' - a Territory memoir: Kellie Arrowsmith Books - Hachette Australia Follow Territory Famous: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561090053520 Instagram: https://www.intagram.com/territoryfamous/ Tik Tok: Territory Famous (@territoryfamous) | TikTok

About

Territory Famous explores the Northern Territory where crocodiles lurk, rivers run wild, and the landscapes are as dangerous as they are beautiful. Host Kellie Arrowsmith dives deep into true crime, unsolved disappearances, and bizarre outback mysteries, capturing the courage and resilience of the people who call the Top End home.

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