Australian Story: May 18

Monday’s Australian Story hears from some of the original crew in Steve Irwin’s Crocodile Hunter team, some of whom will speak for the first time publicly about his death and legacy.

Caroline Jones introduces this story, which includes an interview with Ray Martin.

Most Australians still remember exactly where they were when they heard about the death of Steve Irwin.

He was mourned publicly by millions and privately by his family and his friends.

Nearly a decade has passed but only now are some of the foundation members of his original team speaking out and reconnecting.

They include his former Personal Assistant Nicole Byrne and his Crocodile Team right hand man Briano Coulter.

It had been their “silent understanding” to keep quiet about their boss and mentor.

But tentatively at first, they have re-established contact and recently organised a joyful reunion with Steve’s father Bob on his property in south east Queensland and shared their stories.

All eventually moved on from Australia Zoo in the traumatic aftermath of Irwin’s death from a stingray barb but all of them are still passionately involved in wildlife projects.

It’s taken nearly a decade for them to pick up the pieces but they are finally ready to speak publicly about the impact of Irwin’s life and sudden death and his ongoing legacy….

Producers: Kristine Taylor, Kent Gordon
Executive Producer: Deborah Fleming