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June 8, 2025 9 mins

This is a story that has stayed with me for nearly three decades. It's a story about a place I know well, a seemingly peaceful corner of Sydney called Balmain. But on a quiet September evening in 1997, that peace was shattered by a shocking crime – the murder of Pauline Gillard.


Pauline wasn't just a name in the headlines for me. She was my grandmother's best friend. I remember visiting her home, the kindness in her eyes, the laughter in her voice. Just days before her death, I was there, a teenager enjoying a simple afternoon, completely unaware of the tragedy that was about to unfold.


This isn't just a recounting of a cold case. This is personal. Join me as we delve into the details of Pauline's murder, the initial investigation that yielded no answers, and the unsettling revelations of the coronial inquest – a process that pointed to a possible motive and even a suspect, yet ultimately left the mystery unsolved.


We'll hear about the unwavering determination of Pauline's daughter, Karen, whose powerful words for people to go home to hug their mothers and her fight for justice will stay with you. And I'll share my own memories of Pauline and the chilling realization that the danger surrounding her murder might have unknowingly touched my own life.


This is the story of a quiet life violently ended, a community left in shock, and a family's enduring search for truth. This is the haunting of Balmain. Stay with us.



Ludus investigates the unsolved 1997 murder of Pauline Gillard in Balmain, Sydney. We explore the facts of the case, the ongoing investigation, and the search for justice. This podcast aims to present a respectful and factual account of this complex crime.

  • PaulineGillard
  • BalmainMurder
  • UnsolvedMurder
  • SydneyCrime
  • AustralianCrime
  • LudusPodcast
  • TrueCrimeAustralia

Nearly three decades ago, the peaceful Sydney suburb of Balmain was shattered by the murder of Pauline Gillard. For me, this wasn't just a headline – Pauline was my grandmother's best friend. I remember her warmth, her laughter, and visiting her home just days before her death. This is personal. Join me as we delve into the unsolved 1997 murder of Pauline Gillard. We'll explore the initial investigation, the revealing coronial inquest, and the unwavering determination of her daughter, Karen. I'll also share my own memories, and the chilling realization that the danger surrounding her murder might have unknowingly touched my own life. Ludus investigates the unsolved 1997 murder of Pauline Gillard in Balmain, Sydney. We explore the facts of the case, the ongoing investigation, and the search for justice.

This podcast aims to present a respectful and factual account of this complex crime. The thoughts and opinions in this podcast are my own and based on what I know to be true. PaulineGillard, BalmainMurder, UnsolvedMurder, SydneyCrime, AustralianCrime, LudusPodcast

https://www.2gb.com/podcast/cold-case-murder/


Music Credit:

Music: Ride On' written and performed by OHK

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