In June 2014, Bill Scott was on a family fishing trip at a remote billabong in Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory when the day turned into something no one could have imagined. While sitting in a small aluminum boat, Bill reached over the side to fill a bucket with water. In seconds, a large saltwater crocodile surged up from behind the motor, grabbed him and dragged him from the boat and under the surface.

His wife and family were right there. They watched it happen. There was nothing they could do.

Bill’s death is believed to be the first recorded fatality in the Northern Territory where a crocodile took someone from inside a boat. Up until then, much of the public safety messaging focused on swimming or standing at the water’s edge. This attack shattered the assumption that being in a vessel meant you were safe.

A coronial inquest was held in Darwin in 2015, where evidence was heard about crocodile behavior and the risks even experienced locals face. The coroner ultimately recommended clearer public warnings and updated safety messaging to reflect that crocodiles can and do attack people in boats, particularly small, low-sided ones.

Bill was remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved fishing and the Territory lifestyle. Their courage in speaking at the inquest helped spark broader conversations about crocodile awareness and education across the Top End.

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

In 2022, a helicopter crash during a crocodile egg-collecting operation in the Northern Territory claimed the life of Chris Wilson, known to many as “Willow.” Pilot Sebastian Robinson survived but sustained serious injuries that would permanently alter his life.

The incident sent shockwaves across Australia, not only because of the tragedy itself, but because of who was involved. Matt Wright, star of Outback Wrangler, was later charged and ultimately found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

In this episode of Territory Famous, we walk through what happened on the day of the crash, the investigation that followed, and the court findings that made national headlines. We examine the allegations surrounding helicopter fuel levels and flight records, the legal proceedings, and the broader fallout that unfolded publicly and privately.

Most importantly, we acknowledge the life of Chris “Willow” Wilson and the impact his loss has had on his family, friends, and community.

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

On January 5, 1977, Alice Springs witnessed something no one expected — not an accident, not a mechanical failure, but a deliberate act of destruction.

In what became known as the Connellan Air Disaster, Colin Richard Forman stole a Beechcraft Baron aircraft and flew it directly into the Connair complex at Alice Springs Airport. It was a calculated suicide attack, driven by anger and revenge against his former employer.

In this episode of Territory Famous, we break down who Forman was, what led up to that day, and how resentment escalated into an act that killed innocent people and shocked the Territory.

We walk through the timeline of the theft, the flight itself, and the moment the aircraft struck the building. With no formal inquest held, questions linger — but we explore what is known, how authorities established intent, and the lasting impact this act had on the aviation community and the families left behind.

Content Advisory: This episode discusses suicide and violence. 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