III. Mafia Tribunals in the Mallee: How the 'Men of honour' maintained order

In the 1970's the 'ndrangheta was active not just in Griffith, its sphere of influence stretched westward over 300 kilometres to Mildura. And its daily business was more than just violence. But to maintain order in it's ranks violence was often enforced. A tribunal system made key decisions, and held the power to determine life or death.

A pond in Buronga, a suburb of Mildura where the first so-called 'ndrangheta tribunals were held in the 1960s.

key characters in the 70s

• Robert Trimboli, aka “Aussie Bob”, was second in chief of alleged mafia boss Tony Sergi. Named in the Woodward’s report, he flew overseas, before dying in the 80s.
• Al Grasby was a local politician who later became Federal Immigration minister in the Withlam government. He was rumoured to be the link between the ‘ndrangheta and the political world
• Pietro Callipari, aka “The Real Godfather of Griffith”, was an Italian immigrant who, despite his immaculate criminal record, was allegedly in charge of the ‘ndrangheta in the 60s and 70s

Griffith's 'ndrangheta emerged out of the MacKay affair diminished. The national spotlight and media attention had limited it's activities. But the 'ndrangheta's influence extended far beyond just one town.

Some of those named in the Woodward Commission report have become almost mythological in today's Australia, such as the "boss of bosses" Tony Sergi, and Bob Trimboli, known as "Aussie Bob".

Carlo and Anna spend their final morning in Griffith exploring the history of other important 'ndrangheta names, and come across the grave of the "Real Godfather of Griffith".

Carlo and Anna in front of the tomb of the "Real Godfather of Griffith", Pietro Callipari.

Later, on the road from Griffith to Mildura, Carlo learns how some seemingly innocent places have had a turbulent past.

A cut off ear means that someone has been talking too much and now is unable to listen anymore

Dr Anna Sergi

And just before Mildura, in the suburb of Buronga, he also learns of the existence of the mysterious "mafia tribunals".

LISTEN TO

III. Mafia Tribunals in the Mallee: How the 'Men of honour' maintained order

SBS Audio

28:03English

“My Australian Mafia Roadtrip” is an SBS Audio podcast about the history and the psychology of the ‘ndrangheta Down Under. Find it in your podcast app such as the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or LiSTNR.

Host: Carlo Oreglia

Special Guest: Anna Sergi

Written and Produced: Carlo Oreglia

Commissioning Editor: Joel Supple

Sound Design and Mix: Max Gosford

Tile Art: 50sVintageDame/illustrationroom.com.au