4th - 5th January 1988
[TV STUDIO]
“G’arvo, Perth. You’re on Channel 6½ — WA’s Most Moderately Reliable News. I’m Gazza McLean; beside me, sportingly under an office fan, Shazza Flint. Our top story: Fremantle Prison, 4 January 1988 — a scorching day, serious incident, hot as a blowtorch.”
[LIVE: OUTSIDE THE PRISON WALLS]
Gazza: “We cross to Tino Caruso on The Terrace. Tino?”
Tino (hair stuck to forehead): “Gazza, it’s forty-something in the shade and my microphone’s begun to sauté. Around 4pm things kicked off in 3 Division. Officers were attacked with boiling water, keys seized, and prisoners surged through the block. Five officers taken hostage. Fires lit in 3 and later 4 Division
Authorities have set up cordons. We’re seeing smoke, we’re hearing sirens, and we’re drinking water like camels on RDOs. We’re not speculating — we’re waiting for official word.”
Gazza: “Copy that. You look al dente.”
Tino: “Moist. We’re now hearing that negotiators are trying to get in; firefighters hampered by the narrow gate, watering from outside till it’s safe to enter.”
[EXPERT PANEL]
Studio guest, Dr. Cheryl Bureaucracy (Policyologist): “Complex places get complex outcomes. Today is about safety, clarity and care.”
Gazza: “We love a three-point plan.”
Dr Cheryl: “Prisoner reps reportedly have asked for a chat with the Attorney-General, access to media, and no reprisals.”
[WEATHER]
Shazza (spraying herself with a mister): “Righteo, forecast: 100% chance of sunscreen regret. Wind: a whisper from Rotto, carrying the scent of hot chips and responsibility.”
[TRAFFIC]
Tino: “Detours around The Terrace. If your map is a glovebox relic, fold it into a hat and follow the cones.”
Gazza: “Elegant.”
[NEWSROOM NOTE]
Gazza: “We’ll update when facts land. If you’re feeling crook about today, ring a mate, stay cool, hydrate.”
[CLOSER]
Shazza: “After the break: can a pedestal fan be considered a life partner? Our lawyer says: ‘not yet.’”
Gazza: “This is Channel 6½ — serious about facts, unserious about our hair in this heat. Stay safe, WA.”
* as depicted by AI - may not factually be correct