Have you had an encounter with the Lithgow Panther?
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Filmmaker Ben Beed is gathering together stories of encounters to include in his new investigative podcast series.
Ben's inspiration for the podcast came from his own encounter with the infamous Lithgow Panther, growing up 30 years ago in Bathurst.
He said it triggered an intense interest in the mystery behind the legendary beast, but it wasn't until quite a while later that he began to wonder at what behind it all.
"It's always been an itch I've needed to scratch," he said.
Witness accounts he came across closely matched his own encounter, which he will be exploring more on the podcast.
He said it was a story that continued to captivate.
"I think because there are so many witness accounts and no definitive proof of if it exists or it doesn't exist," Ben said.
Ben has put out a call for people who have had their own encounters to come forward and share them as part of the podcast. He is happy for contributors to remain anonymous.
Ben is collaborating on the project with Warwick Pardey for music and interviews and fellow enthusiast Jules.
He said he aimed to take a non-biased approach, speaking to skeptics and scientists as well as those who have experienced encounters with the panther.
This is the team's first podcast production and Ben said he thought the medium would offer scope to explore the mystery behind the panther phenomenon.
"I enjoy a podcast's ability to tell the stories without visuals," he said.
Ben said he would welcome email accounts, as well as contact by phone. He welcomes interviews from anywhere in Australia.
"It's a good Australian story, this one."
To get in touch with Ben and his team, email pantherpodcastaustralia@gmail.com.
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