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1920s

Stanley James Hay, Special Photograph number 167, c 1920, Central Police Station, Sydney
Underworld

Fallen soldiers

After the universal upheaval of World War I, many soldiers found it difficult to take up their former occupations and adjust to civilian life

Black and white image of a man in a suit. The words
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Gangs

The lure of easy money from the illicit alcohol, drug and gambling trades encouraged the formation of new crime gangs

Black and white image of man with thick curly hair. The words
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Joy-riders

From the beginning, young men and fast cars were a volatile mix

Dual mugshot in black and white; man seated and then man standing, with hat on.
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The Black Hand in Sydney

Restrictions on the sale of alcohol offered tantalising opportunities for organised crime groups around the world. A Mafia-style organisation known as the Camorra began to make inroads into Australia during the 1920s

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The Roaring Twenties

The 1920s heralded the brave new world that emerged from the devastation of World War I