The Crutchy Push

30/11/2024 24 min
The Crutchy Push

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Episode Synopsis


It’s the early 1900s and a gang of men moves through the gritty streets of inner-city North Melbourne: they dress sharp and inspire fear wherever they go. This gang, the Crutchy Push ruled the streets of North Melbourne over a ten year period, from late 1890s. And the reason for their curious name? All the members of this gang were amputees: mostly one-legged, and they used a crutch - and not just for walking!To mark the International Day for People With Disability, Melbourne-based writer and disability advocate  Kaitlyn Blythe digs up the little-known story of the gang and its’ charismatic leader Valentine Keating, and explores how it busts a lot of myths about disabled people in Australian history.Guests:Brendan GleesonTansy BradshawReadings  -  Toby Truslove Credits:Producer -  Kaitlyn BlytheSound design and production -  Matthew CrawfordSupervising Producer -  Michelle Rayner