60 Minutes: Dec 4

I don’t think I have ever seen 60 Minutes scheduled as late as a 10:20pm start, but that’s the plan for this weekend.

Of course the line-up comprises archive stories as far back as 1995, with a story produced by Block exec producer Julian Cress.

Unwanted
If you think America is the heart of modern civilisation, this story will surely change your mind. There, a trade in unwanted children exists and the way they do it is distressing. It’s known as “re-homing”, and when parents decide they no longer want their adopted child, they simply advertise them on websites to lure prospective new parents. It’s as straightforward as getting rid of an old fridge on eBay. There is no vetting or court orders required and the children can be handed over to anyone. Not surprisingly, the consequences for these disposable kids are often disastrous. (Original broadcast: August 7, 2016)
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Laura Sparkes

Mind Boggling
Depending on your memory, you may or may not recall a story 60 Minutes made five years ago about a small group of extraordinary people who can remember every detail of their lives, stretching back decades. They can remember where they were and what they did on any particular day in any particular year. Scientists are intrigued by this rare ability and hope a better understanding of it might one day lead to cures for sufferers of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Since the original story went to air, the number of people diagnosed with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory has grown from 10 to 60 – and now includes the first Australian. 26 year-old Becky Sharrock’s mind retains so much detailed information it almost defies belief; she can even recite every word of every Harry Potter book. But while the idea of a super memory might sound appealing, it can also be a curse. (Original broadcast: July 31, 2016)
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Grace Tobin

60 Minutes Timeless: The Ferals
Having worked at 60 Minutes for almost a quarter of a century, Charles Wooley reckons he’s encountered more alternative views than he can remember. That’s the fun of the job he says, although a willingness to be open-minded and patient when listening to them is important. In 1995 Charlie travelled to the rainforests of northern New South Wales to meet a tribe of young Australians who’d taken up residence there. They called themselves ‘The Ferals’, because like feral animals they’d turned wild after escaping from captivity. They were young people, mostly from middle-class homes, who’d turned their backs on the 20th century and were living off the land. Charlie enjoyed his time with ‘The Ferals’, but when his story was broadcast it provoked one of largest reactions 60 Minutes has ever received. At home, you were outraged. (Original broadcast: May 14, 1995)
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: Julian Cress

10:20pm Sunday on Nine.