The Prince of the Painters and Dockers Union | Ron Isherwood

About this episode

Adam Shand interviews Ron Isherwood about his tumultuous upbringing in Melbourne's underworld and the impact of his father's legacy.

Ron Isherwood was born into Melbourne's underworld — son of Big Ron, a feared enforcer in the notorious Painters and Dockers Union. By 16, he'd fired his first shot. By 17, he was facing attempted murder charges. By 19, his mother was dead and heroin had taken over everything. In this episode, Adam speaks with Little Ron — now 71 — about growing up in the shadow of a violent, domineering father, his front-row seat to Melbourne's painters and dockers wars and his close brush with Roger Rogerson, the corrupt detective who silenced anyone who got too close to the truth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Adam Shand

Guest: Ron Isherwood

Topics covered

• Melbourne underworld
• true crime
• family legacy
• corruption
• drug addiction
• gang wars

Keywords

• Ron Isherwood
• Melbourne
• Painters and Dockers Union
• Roger Rogerson
• true crime
• drug addiction
• gang wars

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Painters and Dockers Union

Places: Melbourne

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