Where I Belong

Do you know the history of the land you walk, of who called this home before you?One of the most celebrated artists of her generation, Waanyi woman Judy Watson has spent her long and illustrious career unearthing all she can about her ancestral Country and culture and encouraging others to do the same. In this episode, sat barefoot atop a canvas in her large leaky Yeronga studio, Judy shares tales about a trip to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) with her family in 1990. It was a trip that changed her, setting her on a path to discover as much as she could about her Aboriginal past and lay bare the shared histories that have led to where we are now.

Sometimes getting exactly what you want leaves you crippled with anxiety on the floor of a hotel shower.At least, that's what happened to Mel Buttle when she landed her first gig at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. A cripplingly shy child, Mel found solace in high school drama, regaling her classmates with impersonations of sheep shearers and her dad. She later earned her comedy stripes, yelling dirty jokes over boozed-up footy fans and finally found her voice in front of a ramshackle crowd at the Newmarket Hotel. It would be a while yet until she scored her dream gig, and even then, she couldn't believe it.

Can you put Kylie Minogue on the cover of a student-born street press magazine? Sean Sennett thought so. Not afraid to stack superstars beside unsigned Brisbane obscurities, he built a trusting relationship with his readers over nearly 20 years as owner of Time Off magazine. In this episode, Sean explains how an aversion to laying bricks and the stock market crash of 1989 led him to co-owning Time Off at only 24 years old and how a run-in with Bruce Springsteen on Alice Street set his career in music journalism on a star-studded path. 

Playwright Wesley Enoch learnt about the power of storytelling early in his career. Born on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and great nephew of Oodgeroo Noonuccal, art and political activism are part of his family legacy. For three decades, while directing theatre and festivals all over Australia, Wesley has used stories to effect social change. In this podcast he ponders the ‘"fork in the road'' in his own life that led him to write and direct plays that change perspectives and conventional narratives. Where I Belong is written and produced on Turrabul and Yaggera land by Wendy Love. Museum of Brisbane acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land and pays its respect to Elders past, present and emerging.The transcript for this episode is available to download from the Museum of Brisbane website.Thanks to Dylan Ransom-Hughes for doing the final mix on this trailer. Special thanks to Louise Martin-Chew. Theme music by Blue Dot Sessions.

One day in 1975, Jenny Woodward's family home was hit by a massive storm while she was inside. That same evening, she went to work to present the weather. Some 35 years later, Jenny is still presenting the weather to Queenslanders. Renowned for her style, dress sense and willingness to venture into the animal pavilion at the Ekka, in this episode “our” Jenny takes us behind the curtain to reflect on her career and this year's success in bringing a lifelong aspiration to fruition.    Where I Belong is written and produced on Turrabul and Yaggera land by Wendy Love. Museum of Brisbane acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land and pays its respect to Elder's past, present and emerging.Thanks to Dylan Ransom-Hughes for doing the final mix on this trailer. Special thanks to Louise Martin-Chew. Theme music by Blue Dot Sessions.Additional audio in this episode came from the ABC.

Michael Zavros is an acclaimed artist whose paintings of his young family have polarised audiences in recent years. Michael likes that his work is provocative. He enjoys the dialogue they create and the introspection they spark. One recurring subject is his daughter Phoebe, who became his creative partner when she was five. In this episode, Michael and his daughter Phoebe (16) discuss the ups and downs they have navigated over the decade of working together.Where I Belong is written and produced on Turrabul and Yaggera land by Wendy Love.Museum of Brisbane acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land and pays its respect to Elders past, present and emerging.The transcript for this episode is available here: https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Ep-4_Michael-and-Phoebe-Zavros_Transcript.pdfThanks to Dylan Ransom-Hughes for doing the final mix on this trailer. Special thanks to Louise Martin-Chew. Theme music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Sallyanne Atkinson is well known as the only woman to have served Brisbane as Lord Mayor (1985-1991), during a time when men dominated politics. Less known is the story of how her creative thinking and sheer tenacity turned Brisbane from a city that stayed indoors to one that lives and plays along the river. Hear how she helped shape the modern Brisbane we know and love today.Where I Belong is written and produced on Turrabul and Yaggera land by Wendy Love.Museum of Brisbane acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land and pays its respect to Elders past, present and emerging.The transcript for this episode is available here: https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Ep-3_Sallyanne-Atkinson-AO_Transcript.pdfThanks to Dylan Ransom-Hughes for doing the final mix on this trailer. Special thanks to Louise Martin-Chew. Theme music by Blue Dot Sessions.Additional audio in this episode came from Seven News and The State of Queensland, Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

Multi-disciplinary artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins was yearning to come home. After living far away from Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) for many years, Delvene returned to Quandamooka Country in 2012. It was a difficult move for her family and Delvene knew it would change everything. Connecting back to Country, to family and artistic practice, proved transformative for Delvene's future, as well as for her childrens'.Where I Belong is written and produced on Turrabul and Yaggera land by Wendy Love.Museum of Brisbane acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land and pays its respect to Elders past, present and emerging.The transcript for this episode is available to download here: https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/episode-two-delevene-cockatoo-collins/Thanks to Dylan Ransom-Hughes for doing the final mix on this episode. Special thanks to Louise Martin-Chew. Theme music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Can the events of a single day change the trajectory of your life? For award-winning writer Trent Dalton, the answer is a resounding yes. In this episode, Trent how his quest to write his way out of a life of factory work, and too much bourbon, led him to a day that created a dramatic shift in his outlook. For the first time, he talks about the sliding door moment that changed everything, and which continues to influence his writing about the “truth of this amazing city” that is Brisbane.Where I Belong is written and produced on Turrabul and Yaggera land by Wendy Love.Museum of Brisbane acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land and pays its respect to Elders past, present and emerging.The transcript for this episode is available by request from media@museumofbrisbane.com.auThanks to Dylan Ransom-Hughes for doing the final mix on this episode. Special thanks to Louise Martin-Chew. Music: Blue Dot Sessions & Freesound dot org** 'Beautiful Ambient Melody' by Patrick Lieberkind (CC by 3.0)* 'Sky Loop' by Fool Boy Media (CC by-nc 3.0)

 Where I Belong inspires listeners to explore Brisbane through a patchwork of diverse stories, cultures, and perspectives.  Each episode tells a story about a remarkable individual whose life and work is shaped by our city. Featuring writers, artists, performers and public figures, the podcast shares previously unheard stories about Brisbane and its people; who find purpose, make unexpected changes and celebrate the place – the landscape and its communities – where they belong. Their narratives traverse Brisbane's broad reach – along the river, over the hills and out to the islands, offering new insights into shared experiences of this place. Where I Belong is proudly presented by Museum of Brisbane. Where I Belong starts on Thursday 8 July, with two episodes in your feed every fortnight. Where I Belong is written and produced on Turrabul and Yaggera land by Wendy Love. Museum of Brisbane acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land and pays its respect to Elders past, present and emerging.Thanks to Dylan Ransom-Hughes for doing the final mix on this trailer. Special thanks to Louise Martin-Chew. Theme music by Blue Dot Sessions.