Out on the “back track” of Number 2 Division at Boggo Road Gaol, a lonely lifer weeded and swept. This elderly figure caused no trouble and longed to hear the sound of birds once again. When asked by a new prison officer what he was in for,  Jack Foy would reply ‘I got life because his wife nagged me’.

The 42 year-old council worker and local handy-man was addicted to drink. He and his wife Lola 41, lived in Kingsmill Street Chermside. Jack was an epileptic and should not have been drinking; a fact Lola reminded him of daily. It seems that her nagging resulted in Jack picking up a tomahawk and striking her in the head. The Foy’s neighbour Mrs Jarvis was horrified when Jack walked over to the fence and handed over his little daughter saying ‘I’ve killed Lola, could you look after the kids and call the Police?’

When does “life” imprisonment mean for life?

Logan Car Show 2nd March 2014 - Come and see Jack's Hearse!

Jack's 1935 Studebaker Hearse is celebrating its 75th birthday in March! So for her birthday Jack will be taking Lulu (his hearse) to the Logan Car Show, proudly sponsored by Logan City Council & Kingston Park Raceway.

The car show will feature Hot Rods, Utes, Cars, Muscle Cars, Bikes, Trophies and CASH prizes! On the day there will be raffles, trade stands, food, bands and rides for all to enjoy. The show will start at 9am and will finish at 2pm, so if you want to see Jack's beautiful hearse on show, be sure to get there at 9am! You won't be disappointed in seeing the lovely Studebaker Hearse in her vintage, mint condition on her special day! 

Jack will also be bringing his books to sell, so don't forget to look out for any titles you may be after!

Cost: $5.00 General Admission entry fee and $5.00 for admission for vehicle and driver.

Jack Sim features in Australian Story Episode: When Blood Runs Cold about the 1898 Gatton murder mystery. 

Watch now at Australian Story Episode: When Blood Runs Cold. 

Hello everyone - the stories are true! I'm back at my desk, hard at work planning another year of crime, hauntings & history. I'd like to say I have had a break, but I haven't...I've been in Gaol.

Quite a few of you have contacted me recently wondering whether there was any truth in the rumour that I had been sent to prison over the Christmas period.

Yes, I have been given jail time - and I couldn't be more thrilled!

In early December 2012 the State Government licenced me to operate historic Boggo Road Gaol.

I am proud to have been given this responsibility, and I thank every one of you for supporting my efforts to popularise Brisbane's and our state's history. 

Telling the story of Boggo Road Gaol, managing this important heritage site, and creating a commercially viable tourism business will be a challenge - I strongly believe that the tales of this place need to be told through human beings.

We have created a great family-friendly script called THE HISTORY OF BOGGO ROAD GAOL aimed at all ages. My Ghost Tours have resumed at the old Gaol after 8 years and are just are popular as ever.

For those that do not know, I started running tours at Boggo Road Gaol 15 years ago - both history tours and ghost tours (not that there is any difference).

For nearly eight years I tried to convince the then State Government to let me develop the tourism potential of Boggo Road. There was a general reluctance to enter into any arrangement. Frankly, under the previous Government, all I really had were knockbacks. It was for myself, the public, our staff and supporters an extremely frustrating period. Most people would have quit. In 2005 the Gaol was closed for tours. Initially it was supposed to be only for 18 months - 2 years. A letter from the State Government crushed all hope saying they could not promise we would ever be able to recommence at the Gaol.

The 18months - 2 year window became 7 years. The public were shut out of what was really their property.

Last year we met with the new Government and found a committment to get the Gaol open, and for it to be used.

If you haven't as yet taken one of our tours at the Gaol now is the time to show your support - please visit the website at www.boggoroadgaol.com

My staff and I have made very attempt to work with other stakeholders, but I am determined that the story of Boggo Road Gaol should not be told by prison officers alone. Prisoners have tales to be told as well. The people impacted and affected by Boggo Road Gaol extend outside the walls into the Queensland community and beyond. Every piece of the history of this Gaol is fascinating, and in time I hope to meet expectations and create something positive out of a place whose history was largely bad.

Keep reading!

Jack Sim

SPECIAL WILSTON MURDER CRIME TOUR TO BE RESCHEDULED

Thank you all who have written in wishing to join the special Wilston Murder that was scheduled for this Saturday. 

There is no doubt that this crime still attracts interest - We have had an unexpectedly large number of people indicate their interest  - this has necessitated a need to acquire a larger coach & unfortunately have to change the date for the tour.  

It is to be rescheduled for a few weeks time - there will a few vacancies - those on the standby list will be the first to know!

If you would like to attend, write to admin@jacksim.com.au - indicating how many are in your group.