Hannah's Story

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The Ultimate Sacrifice is the new podcast from host Melissa Downes and producer Jess Lodge. This podcast examines the shocking Wieambilla Police Shootings. It was just two weeks before Christmas, when four constables were ambushed as they walked down a driveway of a remote property. Two young officers were murdered, and an innocent neighbour was also gunned down. The property turned into a battleground, an hours-long gunfight ending with the deaths of three radicalised killers.

A year and a half on, the haunting question remains: how did a routine callout lead to Queensland's deadliest police shooting?

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It was one of the most horrific acts of domestic violence Australia has seen.

On Wednesday the 19th of February 2020 Hannah Clarke and her three young children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey were killed by Rowan Baxter, their father & Hannah’s estranged husband - set on fire in their car in a quiet Brisbane street.

It sparked outrage, shock and a community conversation about a form of domestic violence few had even heard of - coercive control.

Now, Nine News Presenter Melissa Downes, alongside Producer Jess Lodge, delve deeper to better understand what happened: speaking to family, friends, first responders, witnesses, domestic violence experts and political leaders - some speaking for the very first time to reveal the whole story... Hannah’s Story.

This podcast explores details from the days, months, even years, leading up to the crime that the public hasn’t been told. Details that will shock you, disappoint you and leave you asking - how did this happen? And what needs to be done to make sure it never happens again? What needs to change to protect other women, and men, in abusive relationships?

We also hope to help spread the messages Hannah’s parents Sue & Lloyd are advocating, through their organisation Small Steps 4 Hannah.

New episodes weekly, starting Monday May 22nd.

Episode 1: Hannah Clarke - May 22

Episode 2: Red Flags - May 22

Episode 3: 19th February 2020 - May 29

Episode 4: The Inquest - June 5

Episode 5: Lessons Learned - June 12

Episode 6: Hannah’s Legacy - June 19

Preview of 'The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace'
Apr 30, 2025 – 03:22
The impact on loved ones - Liberty 'I suffer PTSD from this'
Apr 23, 2025 – 18:01
'On Australia day 2019 I was sexually assaulted' - Eliza's story
Apr 23, 2025 – 50:47
Introducing: The Saints
Apr 6, 2025 – 10:31
Episode 1: The Ambush
Jul 14, 2024 – 36:52
New from us: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Jul 14, 2024 – 10:17
6. Hannah's Legacy
Jun 18, 2023 – 53:05
5. Lessons Learned
Jun 11, 2023 – 01:06:17
4. The Inquest
Jun 4, 2023 – 01:10:23
3. 19th February, 2020
May 28, 2023 – 01:04:14
2. Red Flags
May 21, 2023 – 01:04:59
1. Hannah Clarke
May 21, 2023 – 52:08
Introducing: Hannah’s Story
May 9, 2023 – 02:46

Recent Reviews

momcamper1

Hannah,s story

I have never been so moved by a podcast before, this tugged at my heartstrings & left me in tears hearing about her bravery, compassion, strength & LOVE for her children. What an Evil man! My prayers for her family’s healing and faith through this tragic situation. There are now 4 more Beautiful Angels in heaven!
posseh

I stumbled on this podcast by accident

I cried all through. I will always remember Hannah now. I got to know her through this amazing well done podcast, I pray if the family see this that a stranger is praying for you.. I will remember this family Forever
Hippie_Chick_SC

Just a heartbreaking story that needs to be told

I have never heard Hannah’s story here in the United States and this podcast is telling us it with such incredible grace & dignity yet with the details every woman (and men) needs to hear. This tragedy never should have happened but their story and their family willingness to tell it I believe will help save lives. I have never cried this much listening to a podcast but hearing the children voices…… it’s just unimaginable what happened to them.