Posted on by Stilgherrian

The 9pm Hometown Visit to Gawler

Looking across the street at two classic Victorian-era civic buildings. On the left is a two-storey stone building, three windows wide, with a portico at the front finished in white plaster. Across the top it reads INSTITUTE and on the facade there’s the text “In Memoriam 1914 - 1918”. On the right is a shorter but similar building, with a terrace on top of its portico, and a row of four flagpoles. The flags are limp because there’s no wind, and they can’t be recognised. On the top of the facade is a set of arms (featuring a hawk, wheat, and lion, but drawn incorrectly), and the words TOWN HALL. In between them is a hint of modern architecture, namely the glass entry to a new building behind these two. The sky is bright blue with a few fluffy clouds.
The Gawler Institute building (1871) and the Gawler Town Hall (1878), photographed on 29 June 2025. On the town hall the arms are drawn incorrectly (PDF). (Photo: Stilgherrian)

Today’s episode is a bit different. It’s more personal. I, Stilgherrian, was born in Gawler, South Australia, and lived there from ages 11 to about 17. Last year I visited the town with my good friend Snarky Platypus, and he asked me some pertinent questions.

In this episode, there’s memories of school, some history of Gawler, a rambling chat about science fiction and fantasy, television, music, and much more — including the true story of Australia’s favourite condiment, chicken salt.

The core material for this podcast was recorded on 29 June 2025.

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For this episode it’s thanks again to everyone who’s supported The 9pm Stilgherrian’s Dramatic Decamp to Campsie crowdfunding campaign: Adam Kent, Ashley Walsh, Benno Rice, Bernard Walsh, Briana Bowmer, Craig Crompton, Damian Maclennan, Dave Gaukroger, Donna Benjamin, Evan Hughes, Frank Filippone, Garth Kidd, Geoffrey Brent, Jim Campbell, Keith Duddy, Lucas James, Maria Conidaris, Mark Newton, Martin English, Matt Arkel, Michael Cowley, Michael Harris, Michael Lines, Mindy Johnson, Miriam Mulcahy, Mitch Jeffers, Oliver Townshend, Paris Lord, Paul Williams, Peter Blakely, Peter Blakely again, Peter Hopkins, Peter McCrudden, Peter Wickins, Regina Huntington, Ric Hayman, Sally Ruth, Sam Spackman, Sonia Cuff, Steven Kambouris, and Tom Carding.

Thanks also to another 22 people who chose to remain anonymous. You know who you are.

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