Podcasts about Darug

In this episode, we welcome Rodney, Head Teacher Programs and Pride in Education Events Stream Lead, to discuss the power of being your authentic self and the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces where every student feels seen and valued. We also explore his work with the Pride Network, leading major initiatives such as Mardi Gras, championing inclusion across the department and why community remains at the heart of everything he does. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people at Parramatta Public School. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Become a teacher - find teacher education courses and gain your approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education. Get Paid to Study - explore scholarship opportunities for high-achieving HSC students, university students and career changers.LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion - find out how the department celebrates the value of diversity and its' commitment to inclusion, participation and wellbeing for LGBQTIA+ employees. Pride in Education Community in Viva Engage - a group to provide a visible, positive, inclusive and safe environment for the department's LGBTQIA+ and allied staff (staff only).Contact the Pride in Education team via pride@det.nsw.edu.au.

Once a wonderful establishment and one of the best examples of Greek cafes in Australia the Paragon Cafe in Katoomba is boarded up and deteriorating and has been for the past 8 years. Presenter Nick Franklin spoke to Friends of the Paragon President Rob Strange for Rights, Rorts and Rants 29 May 26 show in a quiet corner of the Carrington Hotel about the current condition and status of the Paragon. Rob Strange is a Paragon Cafe authority and advocate. The radio show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 29 May 2026 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Nick Franklin & Peter Lammiman. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

The only place in the world that the dwarf mountain pine (pherosphaera fitzgeraldii) is found is in the Upper Blue Mountains of NSW. Unfortunately, it is listed as critically endangered which is only one step away from extinction. Presenter Nick Franklin interviewed Liam Ramage, the Threatened Species Officer for the Blue Mountains Conservation Society, about the dwarf mountain pine for Rights, Rorts and Rants 29 May '26 show. Liam described the small pine and how it is threatened by development and water run off and what we can do to save it from extinction.The interview was first broadcast on Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 29 May 2026 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Nick Franklin & Peter Lammiman. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

On Rights, Rorts and Rants Terry Morgan talks about the Lock The Gate Alliance in conversation with Presenter Merran Maclaren. He outlines its background and past and present campaigns.For information on getting involved in current campaigns contact Jo Lynch jo@lockthegate.org or Terry Morgan djarrak@gmail.comTwo tracks by Ray Dinakarri Dixon are also played during the show: The Fracking Song and Mudburra Man. Terry provides a translation and meaning behind the songs and Ray Dinakarri Dixon, the person. The radio show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains Katoomba 89.1 FM on 29 May 2026 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC). If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We are Union. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community.  

Joanne, Executive Director of the School Leadership Institute, shares her journey from classroom teacher to principal and now executive leader. We discuss the mentors who shaped her career, the importance of recognising that leadership exists at every level and how embracing feedback can strengthen your impact. We also explore the School Leadership Institute, the principles of effective leadership and what it takes to create positive, supportive learning environments for both students and staff. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people at Parramatta Public School. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and YouTube, to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Leading effective curriculum implementation (LECI) -  discover professional learning for K–12 middle leaders in effective curriculum implementation to support whole-school consistency across the 3 domains of learning, teaching and leading. School Leadership Institute (SLI) - find out about the School Leadership Institute's programs and resources for current and future school leaders.

Rights, Rorts and Rants Presenter Merran Maclaren uncovers Jim Angel's memories of community activist Muriel "Tibbi" (also known by Tibby) Whalan. Tibbi Whalan's campaigning included "Save our site", which is the site of the Tibbi Whalan Hall and Community Centre, free lunches for primary school children, creating the new Katoomba High School, Library and Senior Citizens Club.. which lead to the Tibbi Whalan Community Hall being named in her honour by Blue Mountains Council in 2020. Jim's interview also covers interesting background about her partner Peter Carroll, whom Peter Carroll Oval was named after, and stories of the Katoomba Communist Party known as the Katoomba Reds. The radio show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 15th May 2026 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Merran MaclarenIf you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community.  

Season 3 of the Teach NSW Podcast is here, bringing fresh perspectives, new voices and meaningful conversations from across the NSW public education landscape. Returning hosts Shannon and Siobhan are joined by new co-hosts Katie and Maddie, who bring their passion for public education and strong connections to the students and communities they serve.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people at Parramatta Public School. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube and to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.

In this episode, Kate, a Year 7 transition teacher with 25 years of experience across regional and remote NSW public schools, shares how her first placement in Broken Hill became the foundation of her career. She also explores her approach to design thinking, highlighting the power of authentic, real-world learning to engage students and create meaningful impact.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people at Parramatta Public School. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful linksTeach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Approval to teach - learn how to gain approval to teach in NSW public schools.Benefits and incentives - Learn about the great range of benefits and incentives for teachers and executives in rural and remote NSW public schools.Beyond the Line Program - complete an expenses-paid, 5-day study tour with the department through regional, rural and remote NSW public schools.Game Changer Challenge - find out more about the department's award-winning design thinking competition.Housing for teachers - find out more information about eligibility and location of teaching housing in NSW.Inspire - high potential and gifted education - find out about how the department is strengthening opportunities for students to be challenged and supported in NSW public schools.

The Member for the Blue Mountains Trish Doyle MP spoke to listeners from Radio Blue Mountains Katoomba studio on the Rights Rorts and Rants show on 8th May 26. Note: The first 1min 50 seconds have a track playing under the interview which was not able to be erased. We apologise for this section of poor sound quality. In a long interview Trish provided our listeners with updates on major issues of current concern to residents in the Blue Mountains electorate and visitors alike. Topic discussed included the current closure of the Great Western Highway on Victoria Pass, the proposed Narrowneck housing development, affordable housing in the Blue Mountains, the lack of progress on Katoomba's Paragon Cafe restoration and workplace psychological injuries. The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains at 89.1 FM on 8 May 2026 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) presented by Nick Franklin, Peter Lammiman and Wil Tricity. The podcast was produced by Ann-Maree McEwan. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this episode may contain the name of deceased persons.* Podcast description: In the final episode of our first season, we sit down with Craig Seinor-Davies about what it means to create meaningful pathways for marginalised groups across our institutions. Craig is a proud Darug man, and the Indigenous Employment Manager here at the University of Sydney. Tune in to hear Craig share his reflections on identity, home, culture, and how his professional experience in community work and supporting at-risk youth through mentoring and holistic support networks influences his work for creating culturally safe and inclusive spaces. We explore what cultural competence and cultural safety look like in practice and unpack the lessons that shape his approaches to equity and inclusion. Produced by: Adubi Plange, Dr Amy McHugh, Sarah Mashman Podcast Artwork: Zein Arif Resources: Mental Health Support Services: For University of Sydney staff: CONVERGE Converge offers multiple dedicated helplines for specialist services: All staff: 1300 687 327 First Nations helpline: 1300 287 432 LGBTQIA+ Helpline: 1300 542 874 Domestic and Family Violence Helpline: 1300 338 465 Aged Care Helpline: 1300 035 337 Disability and Carers Helpline: 1300 243 543 Youth and Student Helpline: 1300 687 399 Spiritual and Pastoral Care Helpline: 1300 772 435 www.convergeinternational.com.au Wellmob – social, emotional and cultural wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people https://wellmob.org.au/ 24-hour crisis hotlines 13 Yarn Beyond Blue LifeLine: NSW Mental Health Line Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this episode may contain the name of deceased persons.* Podcast description: In the final episode of our first season, we sit down with Craig Seinor-Davies about what it means to create meaningful pathways for marginalised groups across our institutions. Craig is a proud Darug man, and the Indigenous Employment Manager here at the University of Sydney. Tune in to hear Craig share his reflections on identity, home, culture, and how his professional experience in community work and supporting at-risk youth through mentoring and holistic support networks influences his work for creating culturally safe and inclusive spaces. We explore what cultural competence and cultural safety look like in practice and unpack the lessons that shape his approaches to equity and inclusion. Produced by: Adubi Plange, Dr Amy McHugh, Sarah Mashman Podcast Artwork: Zein Arif Resources: Mental Health Support Services: For University of Sydney staff: CONVERGE Converge offers multiple dedicated helplines for specialist services: All staff: 1300 687 327 First Nations helpline: 1300 287 432 LGBTQIA+ Helpline: 1300 542 874 Domestic and Family Violence Helpline: 1300 338 465 Aged Care Helpline: 1300 035 337 Disability and Carers Helpline: 1300 243 543 Youth and Student Helpline: 1300 687 399 Spiritual and Pastoral Care Helpline: 1300 772 435 www.convergeinternational.com.au Wellmob – social, emotional and cultural wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people https://wellmob.org.au/ 24-hour crisis hotlines 13 Yarn Beyond Blue LifeLine: NSW Mental Health Line Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/native-american-studies

*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this episode may contain the name of deceased persons.* Podcast description: In the final episode of our first season, we sit down with Craig Seinor-Davies about what it means to create meaningful pathways for marginalised groups across our institutions. Craig is a proud Darug man, and the Indigenous Employment Manager here at the University of Sydney. Tune in to hear Craig share his reflections on identity, home, culture, and how his professional experience in community work and supporting at-risk youth through mentoring and holistic support networks influences his work for creating culturally safe and inclusive spaces. We explore what cultural competence and cultural safety look like in practice and unpack the lessons that shape his approaches to equity and inclusion. Produced by: Adubi Plange, Dr Amy McHugh, Sarah Mashman Podcast Artwork: Zein Arif Resources: Mental Health Support Services: For University of Sydney staff: CONVERGE Converge offers multiple dedicated helplines for specialist services: All staff: 1300 687 327 First Nations helpline: 1300 287 432 LGBTQIA+ Helpline: 1300 542 874 Domestic and Family Violence Helpline: 1300 338 465 Aged Care Helpline: 1300 035 337 Disability and Carers Helpline: 1300 243 543 Youth and Student Helpline: 1300 687 399 Spiritual and Pastoral Care Helpline: 1300 772 435 www.convergeinternational.com.au Wellmob – social, emotional and cultural wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people https://wellmob.org.au/ 24-hour crisis hotlines 13 Yarn Beyond Blue LifeLine: NSW Mental Health Line Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology

*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this episode may contain the name of deceased persons.* Podcast description: In the final episode of our first season, we sit down with Craig Seinor-Davies about what it means to create meaningful pathways for marginalised groups across our institutions. Craig is a proud Darug man, and the Indigenous Employment Manager here at the University of Sydney. Tune in to hear Craig share his reflections on identity, home, culture, and how his professional experience in community work and supporting at-risk youth through mentoring and holistic support networks influences his work for creating culturally safe and inclusive spaces. We explore what cultural competence and cultural safety look like in practice and unpack the lessons that shape his approaches to equity and inclusion. Produced by: Adubi Plange, Dr Amy McHugh, Sarah Mashman Podcast Artwork: Zein Arif Resources: Mental Health Support Services: For University of Sydney staff: CONVERGE Converge offers multiple dedicated helplines for specialist services: All staff: 1300 687 327 First Nations helpline: 1300 287 432 LGBTQIA+ Helpline: 1300 542 874 Domestic and Family Violence Helpline: 1300 338 465 Aged Care Helpline: 1300 035 337 Disability and Carers Helpline: 1300 243 543 Youth and Student Helpline: 1300 687 399 Spiritual and Pastoral Care Helpline: 1300 772 435 www.convergeinternational.com.au Wellmob – social, emotional and cultural wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people https://wellmob.org.au/ 24-hour crisis hotlines 13 Yarn Beyond Blue LifeLine: NSW Mental Health Line Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/australian-and-new-zealand-studies

This podcast follows up on a November 2025 interview with Erst Carmichael from Blue Mountains Demands an Airport Curfew or BMDAC on Rights, Rorts and Rants. Erst updates listeners on the latest correspondence with BMDAC regarding noise monitors for the Mountains to monitor aircraft noise, the impacts of aircraft noise humans animals and plants in the unique Blue Mountains context and more ahead of the opening of the WSI in July2026 for cargo. She fears residents are not fully aware of the impact from aircraft noise when the airport operates for passengers in October this year and in the years to come.Presenter Merran Maclaren wraps up with her thoughts on the constant environmental issues which residents of the Blue Mountains need to attack. The radio show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on March 20 2026 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Merran Maclaren. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community.  

On 6 March 2026 Kris Newton the Executive Officer of Mountains Community Resource Network spoke to Rights, Rorts and Rants on 89.1FM about the withdrawal of all government funding by the end of March 26 and MCRN's fight to continue its work.To find out how you can help MCRN contact Kris Newton at eo@mcrn.org.auThe show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on Friday 6 March 2026 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Rights, Rorts and Rants. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community.  

Deadline looming and fast action required! On 6 March 26 Tania De Bortoli from the Blue Mountains Conservation Society (bluemountains.org.au) spoke again with Rights, Rorts and Rants on 89.1FM with an update on the "Blue Mountains - not just a suburb of Sydney" campaign to stop the proposed oversized Narrow Neck development. Blue Mountains Conservation Society have recently run community meetings. The information from the meetings is being used to update info sheets on the Conservation Society's website essential guides for anyone intending to provide a submission when the proposal's Environment Impact Statement (EIS) is placed on public exhibition. Tania explained that the EIS is expected to be made public within the month of March and submissions must be lodged within 14 days thereafter. The deadline is short and community must be ready to submit their objections promptly. Lots of information is available on the Conservation Society's website bluemountains.org.auThe show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 6 March 2026 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Rights, Rorts and Rants. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

This is a re-release of one of my favourite episodes with herbalist and menstrual cycle educator Kerri Alexander. Kerri lives and works on Darug and Guringai Country and is passionate about helping women heal and reconnect with their bodies and the rhythms of the natural world.I loved chatting with Kerri in this one about the power of using menstrual cycle awareness as a tool for encouraging us to pause and reflect. Using our cycle to help us see how our needs ebb and flow during different stages and phases of the month and our lives.Grab a cuppa and a cosy spot and enjoy tuning back into this beautiful episode!

Presenter Merran Maclaren spoke to Brian Mackellar and Brian Coates from KRAG, a group of volunteers bringing life and colour into Katoomba in the form of Christmas trees, flowers and a new art space. This podcast was recorded from an interview broadcast on the 27 Feb 2026 on Rights, Rorts and Rants show on Radio Blue MountainsFounder Brian McKellar explains how he became sick of hearing people complain on social media about the look of Katoomba and decided to do something.Brian and Brian describe the group's projects and highlighted The Space @ The Edge project, a creative space for exhibitions, performances and workshops at The Edge Cinema, Katoomba, launching on Sat 18 March, 3pm. More information is on the website at krag.org.auThe radio show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 27 February 2026 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Merran Maclaren.If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

Academic, researcher and author of "Nuked: the submarine fiasco that sank Australia's sovereignty" (2024), Andrew Fowler spoke to Rights, Rorts and Rants' presenter Fran Dyson in February 2026 to provide us with brief history and an update on Australia's AUKUS controversial nuclear powered submarine contract with the UK and USA. Andrew's informative interview provides insights into some of the wider implications for Australians of the AUKUS agreement and our current and future defence arrangements. The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 20 February 2026 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Fran Dyson and turned into a podcast by Ann-Maree McEwan. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community.   

2025 is almost over, and it’s the time of year when everyone is sharing their ‘best of’s, ‘wrappeds, ‘rewinds’ or recaps of the year. In this episode, our amazing volunteers at All the Best share the stories that really resonated with them. Second Hand Bandit by Ramon Briant Episode #640 The Second Hand Bandit was all about community and second-hand op-shops, or in Patrick’s words, it was about those ‘comrad vibes’. Ramon’s story focuses on how a second-hand shop community came together to solve a string of thefts. Produced by Ramon Briant Weaving Ancestral Voices by Shareeka Hellaludin Sue chose Weaving Ancestral Voices from #629 Ancestral Voices, and the episode focused on that theme of connection and reconnection. The story is about the Shraeeka’s journey to reconnect the different parts of her identity. For Sue, it was the  delicate panning, whispered textures, and ‘really subtle shifts in tone’ that Shareeka uses in the piece. This story was produced by Shareeka Helaluddin. The Supervising Producer was Mell Chun, with support from John Tjhia. Wanted: Dunnart Alive by Xanthe Smith This comes from #660 Wanted: Dunnart Alive. This is one of Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship Stories for 2025. Lindsey’s choice is all about looking for that elusive thing. Xanthe revisits her childhood memories of meeting ecologist Sue Churchill, whose stories of the rare marsupial stayed with her for decades. She chose this story because  ’…the amount of effort it takes, even finding something so small.’ Produced by Xanthe Smith Supervising Producer was Karla Arnall All The Best turned 15 this year! And as part of our b-day party showcased stories from the JCAF fellows. Tubig Lang by Merlinda Bobis  Ray’s choice is the first story in #653 Tubig Lang (Just Water). This takes us to the Philippines and explores what a typhoon looks like in the eyes of a child. He chose this story because ‘Even though these episodes moved through world typhoons … What stayed with me were the quieter, more personal details that shape how each person makes sense of the chaos’. It was originally commissioned by Debris Magazine issue five, Prismatic Joy, and the sound design was by Tala Issaoui. The supervising producer was Phoebe Adler Ryan. The Great Dingo Debate by Andrea Dixon Our final pick comes from Imogen! And her choice came from the #623 Humanimal. Andrea shares her love for Taz, a rescued dingo living on her family’s property in Hawkesbury, Darug country. For Imogen, it represented a perspective she hadn’t heard before. The producer was Andrea Dixon. The Supervising Producer was Thomas Phillips. All The Best Credits Program Manager & Host: Kwame Slusher Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell Programming & Community Coordinator: Catarina Fraga Matos Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Special shout-out to our volunteers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you a pre-service teacher navigating the early stages of your career?In this Season 2 finale, Shannon and Siobhan share key learnings from their own pre-service teaching days and the practical advice they wish they'd known.We dive into the questions on the mind of every pre-service teacher: how to find casual work, make the most out of your professional experience placements and even what to wear on day one. Shannon reveals her go-to resources (spoiler: the Teach NSW website is a goldmine) while Siobhan offers powerful phrases to add to your teacher toolkit.You'll also hear about the exciting teaching opportunities in rural NSW and why stepping outside your comfort zone might be the best move you can make. And in the spirit of keeping it real, they open up about their biggest pre-service teacher regrets so you can learn from their experiences.Whether you're preparing for your first placement or just starting your teacher education degree, this episode is your practical, go-to guide to thriving as a pre-service teacher. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Beyond the Line Program - complete an expenses-paid, 5-day study tour with the department through regional, rural and remote NSW public schools.Future Teacher Scholarships - explore scholarship opportunities with the NSW Department of Education, available for HSC students, university students and career changers.‘Meet the Teacher' template - download the ready-made and customisable template that you can use to welcome your students and their parents back to the 2026 school year.Pre-service Teacher Hub - access a digital hub connecting pre-service teachers, schools and ITE providers with professional experience placement resources.Rural Professional Experience Program - complete your penultimate or final-year placement in a rural or remote NSW public school.ClassCover - connect with local schools and get booked for casual teaching opportunities or apply for roles through ClassCover Jobs.

The CSIRO plans to cut another 350 research jobs, on top of the 800 jobs already lost in the past 18 months, on top of people in non-permanent roles whose contracts won't be renewed. Presenter Nick Franklin interviewed Susan Tonks, Secretary CSIRO Staff Association which represents CSIRO union members and is affiliated with the CPSU (Commonwealth Public Service Union). The interview was followed by some commentary by Nick Franklin and Presenter Debra Smith noting a BMUC letter of concern about the job cuts had gone to to Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman and the relevant minister Tim Ayres. Take action! There is a petition running to save CSIRO on Senator David Pocock's website. Sign+the+petition: +Save+Our+CSIRO: +https://www.davidpocock.com.au/save_our_csiro As there is a Parliamentary Inquiry into the CSIRO job cuts in March 2026 the numbers of people who sign a petition will be very important.Note: We apologise that there are some issues with the sound quality but the importance of the issue discussed was such that it was worth creating a podcast and reaching a wider audience. The radio show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 28 November 2025 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Nick Franklin & Debra Smith.If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

What if students could experience the joy of teaching before finishing high school? In this episode, we sit down with Perry, founder of the Future Teachers Club (FTC) and Sheridan, FTC coordinator, to explore how this innovative co-curricular initiative at Macquarie Fields High School is shaping the next generation of teachers. Founded by Perry in 2013, the FTC has welcomed over 300 participants in 2024 alone. Students in Years 8 to 12 get a real taste of teaching, from delivering microlessons aligned to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to attending university lectures and building core communication and leadership skills.More than a pathway into teaching, the FTC is a community built on mentorship, advocacy and pride in the profession. Perry and Sheridan share how the club has reignited their own passion for teaching, and how former FTC alumni are now returning to Macquarie Fields High School as teachers themselves.Tune in to discover what it's like when students step to the other side of the desk, and find confidence, connection and a sense of purpose along the way.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - learn more about the knowledge, skills and understanding expected of competent and effective teachers. Teach NSW Podcast, Season 1, Episode 2 - listen to Inara's episode on being a Future Teachers Club member, her early teaching experiences in the classroom and advice for future teachers on the same path.

In this episode, we shine a light on a unique and vital part of the NSW public school system – the hospital school. Our guest, Adam, a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) at The Hospital School at Westmead, shares his journey into education after a major career change and reflects on the deeply human side of supporting students undergoing medical treatment. Adam offers thoughtful insights into the realities and rewards of working in a hospital school, and the specialised skills and experience a School for Specific Purposes can offer both teachers and SLSOs. You'll also hear about differentiation in action (we're talking robots and other assisted technology) used to meet the diverse needs of students in his care.Packed with practical advice for current and aspiring SLSOs, this episode explores what makes a great SLSO/teacher partnership. If you're curious about specialist education settings or considering a career change into teaching, Adam's story is a must-listen.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links: ⁠Teach NSW⁠ - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Specialist settings in NSW public schools - learn more about the specialist settings in NSW public schools.

The reason why we need noise monitors in the Blue Mountains is the commencement of flights in and out of Western Sydney International Airport that will operate 24hours/day and permanently impact the peace and quiet in the Blue Mountains from June 2026. Merran Maclaren interviews guest Erst Carmichael, spokesperson for BMDAC (Blue Mountains Demands A Curfew) on Rights, Rorts and Rants. Erst touches on serious implications of 24 hours /day aircraft noise for both communities and animals living in a World Heritage area; the introduction of noise monitors to monitor noise before & after flights start and the demands of BMDAC for a curfew. Credits:Guest: Ernst Carmichael from BMDACPresenter and Sound: Merran Maclaren from Blue Mountains Unions & CommunityDate of programme: Recorded live on 7 Nov 2025 on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FMIf you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

Ahead of the first ever Gardening with Natives workshop in the Blue Mountains to be organised by the Blue Mountains Conservation Society on 9 Nov 2025, Paul Gadsby dropped by the Radio Blue Mountains studio to discuss growing native Australian plants with Rights, Rorts and Rants. Paul is a botanist, educator and expert with 20 years experience with native plants. He has a passion for working in and learning about native vegetation.In this brief interview Paul talks about his upcoming presentation about the benefits of planting natives plants local to your area. He is encouraging us to take a deeper dive into what is a native plant. Credits: Guest: Paul GadsbyPresenters: Peter Lammiman and Debra SmithSound: Debra Smith Date : Rights, Rorts and Rantswas broadcast on 31 October 2025 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC)If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

Rights, Rorts and Rants' presenter Peter Lammiman interviewed guest Trish Doyle NSW MP for Blue Mountains to seek updates from her on a range of local issues. The interview covers a range of Blue Mountains issues from addressing PFAS in the water to examples of pressure for housing developments on sensitive sites ....from the new Mariyung fleet to upgrading the Blue Mountains Hospital. The radio show was broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM and produced and funded by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC).Credits: Presenter: Peter LammimanSound: Debra Smith Date broadcast: 31 October 2025If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

On 24th October 25 Nick Franklin interviewed three community members who have strong ties with Clairvaux, a site in Katoomba which has housed the treasured Wildplant Rescue for 30 years and has deep Indigenous significance. The programmes guests were Aunty Carol Cooper, elder and past resident of Clairvaux, Genevieve Murray from Blue Mountains Community Land Trust and Verity Harris from Wildplant Rescue. The interview explores the possible use of Clairvaux to continue as a home for Wildplant Rescue alongside affordable housing in perpetuity managed by the BM Community Land trust. The interview was ahead of a public meeting that was to be held the next day in Katoomba to discuss the proposal with the general community. This programme was recorded live on Rights, Rorts and Rants broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 24th October 2025. RRR is brought to listeners by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC). If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

On 24th October 25 on Rights, Rorts and Rants Peter Lammiman had a brief interview with Colin Galvin, Co-founder of the Australian Fairness Advocacy Network. A Blue Mountains resident Colin described how he is at the stage in the campaign of building awareness among Blue Mountains community groups that may lead to the development of an ethical procurement policy presented to Councillors and political representatives for their support around ways that unethical companies and investment can be avoided. Meanwhile individuals can also play their part in individual boycotts.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 24 October 25 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community  If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Authorised by D Smith, Management Committee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW. 

Carol Probets lives on Darug and Gundungurra land in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. She is a bird observer and former bird guide. On Rights, Rorts and Rants Carol shares with Nick Franklin some of her extensive knowledge about the behaviour of some of the birds we may come across in the Blue Mountains. Carol and Nick spoke during the annual Aussie Bird Count and explained how to get involved and why bird counting is important in bird conservation. The episode art photo was taken by Deb Smith. It's an eastern yellow robin. The radio show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 24 October 25 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Nick Franklin & Peter Lammiman. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

In honour of World Teachers' Day, we sit down with Deb Summerhayes, Deputy Secretary, Public Schools, to celebrate the heart of our education system: teachers.With more than 35 years of experience in public education, Deb shares her journey from English teacher to system leader. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her path and a former student who reminded her how one school excursion can change a life. Deb discusses why authenticity matters for early career teachers, how the syllabus anchors best practice and how explicit teaching can lift outcomes for every student. At the core of her story is a deep belief in equity – that a child's postcode should never define their potential.Grounded in intelligence, integrity and kindness, Deb offers practical advice for aspiring leaders, celebrates humour as essential to great teaching and pays tribute to the 95,000 NSW public school teachers changing lives every day. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of teachers – their passion, their purpose and their power to make a difference.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.World Teachers' Day - learn more about how World Teachers' Day is celebrated in NSW and how your school community can get involved.

In this episode, we sit down with Marianne, a passionate arts teacher and chief education officer at The Arts Unit, about how the arts can ignite student engagement and inspire creative teaching. From her beginnings as a professional musician to leading statewide arts initiatives, Marianne shares how the arts have shaped her teaching journey. Drawing on her experience in low socioeconomic communities, she reveals how she's seen creative opportunities build confidence, empathy and a sense of agency in young people.From music and drama to visual arts and dance, we dive into the rich extracurricular opportunities offered through The Arts Unit's diverse programs. For anyone looking for inspiration, get ready to hear about how teachers can weave the arts into everyday lessons in practical, accessible ways.Marianne also champions the idea of ‘arts confidence' over ‘arts skills', encouraging every teacher who may be hesitant about their skills in the arts to step outside of their comfort zone and simply give it a go.We hope you enjoy this episode.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today.Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links: Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Schools Spectacular - purchase your tickets to attend a world-class arena production, proudly presented by the NSW Department of Education. This year's theme, ‘REMARKABLE!', will showcase the incredible creativity, diversity, and student talent from across NSW public schools. The Arts Unit - check out The Arts Unit website for more information on the programs and opportunities referenced in the episode including Film By, In Concert - Secondary Choral Festival, State Dance Festival, Operation Art, ARTEXPRESS, the NSW Premier's Reading Challenge and Spelling Bee, Pulse Alive, and much more.

Do you have students who dream of tackling some of the world's biggest challenges?In this episode, we explore the power of STEM education with Scott Sleap, STEM Enrichment Coordinator, who has dedicated his career to advancing STEM learning and fostering equity for students in regional and rural communities.We begin by unpacking what STEM really means – not as separate subjects, but as an integrated approach that equips the next generation with essential, future-focused skills.From growing up in Dungog to representing NSW public education on the global stage, Scott shares how his passion for STEM has taken him to NASA, the White House and beyond. Reflecting on his work shaping curriculum, building STEM programs in rural New South Wales, and partnering with global and local industry leaders, Scott's mission is clear: to give back to public education and inspire the next generation of innovators.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today.Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Academies of STEM Excellence - find out more about an Academy near you in regional, rural, and remote NSW, dedicated to building teacher confidence and capacity in STEM education.Aldrin Family Foundation - access interdisciplinary STEAM-based education tools, curriculum and programs to inspire the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and explorers. Churchill Fellowship - connect with Churchill Fellows and explore Fellowship reports to inspire you on topics and issues that benefit Australia and its communities.STEM Enrichment - discover hands-on projects, activities and curriculum resources offered by the department to enhance STEM education.

Rights, Rorts and Rants' Nick Franklin interviewed Tania De Bortoli from Blue Mountains Conservation Society on 19th September, 2025. Tanya concisely describes reasons for ConSoc's grave concerns about a 4-storey, high density housing development proposed for Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba NSW and the approval process that does not include local environment and control requirements. Information is sketchy on the project so ConSoc has done the hard work for this interview. With the approval process for this proposed development under the jurisdiction of the NSW Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) public opportunity to view environmental assessment reports and make submissions will only occur for a limited 14 or 28 days in March 2026. Campaign information will be available in a ConSoc pamphlet, the Blue Mountains Gazette and the Blue Mountains Conservation Society's website. Look under Campaigns at blue mountains.org.auThe radio show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 19 September 2025 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Nick Franklin & Peter Lammiman. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

In this episode, we bust the myth of libraries as ‘silent spaces' and explore their vibrant possibilities with Jade, Teacher Librarian and NSW Premier's Programs Officer.Follow Jade's pathway to retraining as a teacher librarian, a unique role where her passion for literacy, student wellbeing and a love for reading can truly thrive.From ‘Throw Rug Thursdays' and ‘Murder Mystery Mondays' to pop-up playground libraries and chess competitions inspired by The Queen's Gambit, Jade shares creative ways to bring books to life and spark student engagement.New and aspiring teacher librarians will find practical tips on building a student-led library team, collaborating with classroom teachers, and integrating the library into key learning areas (yes, even mathematics and science!).We also dive into Jade's involvement with the Premier's Reading Challenge – exploring why students should participate and how teachers can embed it into everyday classroom practice.Join us for inspiration, ideas and heartfelt stories that reveal why the library truly is a thriving hub of curiosity, creativity and connection. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.NSW Premier's Reading Challenge - get involved in the annual Challenge to encourage a love of reading in students from Kindergarten to Year 10.NSW Premier's Reading Challenge Book Lists - access the Premier's Reading Challenge reading lists, organised by Challenge level.Teacher Librarian Statewide Staffroom - connect and share advice, resources and learnings with other teacher librarians in NSW public schools.

Veterans of the Peace Movement, groups like ICAN, Rotary and Quakers, and young activists gathered for a Peace Symposium in Katoomba in the 80th year since the US obliterated the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima with nuclear weapons.The event included internationally renowned speakers Robert Tickner AO, the Ambassador for ICAN, and Dr Siswo Pramono, Indonesian Ambassador, as well as Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman and the Mayor of the Blue Mountains, Mark Greenhill.As the event drew to a close, MC Nick Franklin asked these speakers what they would like to see people take away from the event and what they can do as individuals.Also mentioned by Robert Tickner AO, was the Justice Reform Initiative.This episode was recorded at the Planetary Health Initiative Katoomba on Saturday 2nd August 2025.If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

This interview with the late John Ellison was recorded at nolan on lovel gallery on June 20th 2025 by Merran Maclaren and played the same day on the Rights, Rorts and Rants radio show. The interview was recorded during 'Flexing', an exhibition of John's watercolour paintings. The paintings in the exhibition are discussed first then Merran asks John about the history of The Winter Magic Festival which John founded in 1994 and which ran for 25 years in its original format. John's concept behind The Winter Magic Festival was in John's words "to celebrate your own brand of magic."As John sadly passed away after this interview was recorded this podcast is a tribute to John Ellison from BMUC and Rights, Rorts and Rants.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 20 June 2025 and will be replayed on 5th September 2025 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Merran Maclaren. The podcast produced by Ann-Maree McEwan If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Authorised by D Smith, Management Committee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW. 

In this episode, we chat with Matt, Deputy Principal - Inclusion and Support, to explore inclusive education through the lens of equity, empathy and advocacy. From psychology student to passionate teacher, Matt shares his journey into teaching and how lived experience, strong mentors and a student-first approach, ignited his passion for inclusive education.Together, we dive into what meaningful achievement looks like for diverse learners and how teachers can create environments where every student feels seen, heard and supported. Hint: collaboration is key.Matt also speaks to the importance of building strong relationships with families, especially in diverse communities, and taking time to understand cultural context to better support parents and carers. As Matt puts it: ‘When we talk about inclusion, it's getting rid of the fence.' We need to make sure every student has what they need to see over it, even if that support looks different for each one. We hope you enjoy this inspiring episode.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Inclusive Education Statewide Staffroom - connect and share advice, resources and learnings with other inclusive/special education specialists in NSW public schools. Australian Special Education Principals' Association - a professional organisation that supports and connects school leaders working across special education settings in NSW.

Global trade could be all about solidarity and meeting human needs. Instead it's a game of bullies, billionaires, bullets, and embargoes. How do we stand up - as nations, as people - for something better?Latin America has decades of experience of US interference in their economies and governments that the rest of the world can learn from.Dr Rodrigo Acuña - journalist, filmmaker, teacher, Latin America expert - spoke about the Latin American experience on Cuban National Rebellion Day.This episode was recorded at the Family Hotel, Katoomba during "Politics in the Pub" on 26th July 2025.If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. Image credit: 'Trump' by Isaszas CCO 1.0

Have you considered how casual teaching could open doors for you? In this episode, we sit down with Scott, History and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Teacher, as he reflects on how casual teaching shaped his career in unexpected ways. What began as a way to gain classroom experience soon became the foundation for building professional networks, exploring new subject areas and ultimately finding his passion for VET.From ski fields to schoolyards, Scott takes us through his not-so-linear career journey.  He explains how saying ‘yes' to every opportunity gave him the confidence and breadth of experience to learn and grow as an educator.Tune in for a deep dive into casual teaching, including how to get started, strategies for building positive relationships with schools and go-to tools and resources to help you walk into the classroom with confidence.Scott also shares his pathway to becoming qualified in VET and unpacks the concept of ‘industry currency training', explaining  how ongoing upskilling helps him bridge the gap between industry best practice and classroom learning.Whether you're considering casual teaching or interested in the key learning area of VET, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.ClassCover - explore casual teaching opportunities available in NSW public schools.History Teachers' Association of NSW Facebook Group - a Facebook group facilitated by history teachers in NSW, who share professional support and resources for teaching history in NSW.Society and Culture Association - a valuable network for teachers and students of society and culture throughout NSW to share resources and expertise.Universal Resources Hub - gain access to quality teaching and curriculum instruction resources designed by the department's educational experts.

"Paul Robeson was once the most famous African American in the world."Historian and author Ann Curthoys has written a book "The Last Tour" about the 1960 tour of Australia by singer Paul Robeson and his wife Eslande. Many Australians know about Robeson's performance of "Ol' Man River" on the construction site of the Sydney Opera House but his other activities during that tour are worthy of being remembered, although they may be less well known.In this episode of Rights, Rorts and Rants, Ann Curthoys talks to Nick Franklin and Deb Smith about Robeson's Australian tour.CONTENT WARNING - Discussion of attempted suicide. You can talk to Lifeline 131114 or TEXT 0477 131114 for help.The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 8th August 2025 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community.If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community. 

What happens when a great science teacher meets a curious mind? Proud Wiradjuri woman, astrophysicist and TikTok superstar, Dr Kirsten Banks, joins us on the Teach NSW Podcast, to reflect on the impact of her public school experience.It all began with a Year 10 excursion to see a Hubble Space Telescope documentary, sparking a passion for science that set the trajectory of her career in astrophysics.With meteoric success on social media as @astrokirsten, Dr Kirsten's mission as a passionate science communicator is to make the wonders of the universe engaging for everyone.In this episode, Dr Kirsten shares how a dedicated high school teacher fostered her curiosity for science, offers a glimpse into the day and night in the life of an astrophysicist, and answers some hard-hitting space questions. Are aliens real? And what exactly is ‘spectroscopic disambiguation'?Whether you're interested in a heartfelt tribute to the power of public education, or simply science-curious, we hope you enjoy this stellar episode.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Thinking Skills - discover learning activities and resources, including templates for implementing the ‘5 Whys' technique in your classroom. Dr Kirsten Banks - learn more about Dr Kirsten's story via her website and view her Instagram, YouTube and TikTok channels to access engaging science content to use in your classrooms. 

Curious about the power of AI in education? This week, we're doubling the excitement with Richard, an assistant principal and Tennille, a science teacher in NSW public schools. They join us to share their hands-on experience with NSWEduChat, a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tool developed by the NSW Department of Education.We explore how NSWEduChat can be a trusted partner and support your day-to-day teaching. From primary to high school contexts, Richard and Tennille share practical tips for how the tool can help streamline administration tasks, enhance lesson planning, assist with assessment and support the delivery of constructive feedback.Looking for inspiration to get started? You'll also hear tips on crafting effective AI prompts, building sustainable AI habits and guiding students in using NSWEduChat responsibly – while still encouraging critical thinking.If you're ready to upskill and learn how AI can transform your classroom experience, this episode is for you.We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.NSWEduChat (staff only) - explore the department's generative artificial intelligence tool available to NSW Department of Education staff.Generative AI professional development (staff only) - access a range of professional learning modules developed by the department to support you on your generative AI journey.NSWEduChat prompt library (staff only) - access prompt templates developed and tested by NSW educators for use with NSWEduChat to generate effective outputs.

Think about your list of the 10 best things about Katoomba. It's not hard to fill the list with World Heritage Listing, Scenic World, Echo Point, Garguree (The Gully) and the Cultural Centre at the top of the list. But the problem of derelict buildings and empty shopfronts brought into focus by the state of the Paragon Cafe cannot be ignored. In this interview on Rights, Rorts and Rants presenters Nick Franklin and Peter Lammiman talk with Jim Angel a former mayor who worked on a revitalisation of Katoomba including building the Cultural Centre about looking for solutions for Katoomba. Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 23 May 2025 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Nick Franklin and Peter Lammiman. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Authorised by D Smith, Management Committee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community.   

Merran Mclaren and Emmanuela (Manu) Prigoni co-founder and coordinator of Farm It Forward speak at Farm It Forward's central Katoomba, NSW organic vegetable plot. Manu speaks about the origin and evolution behind the social enterprise begun in 2019, recently with a youth focus including Katoomba High School in recent years. The Katoomba High School programme needs funding assistance and listeners can donate (tax deductible) through Farm It Forward's social media or online at farmitforward.com.au Farm It Forward sell weekly organic vegetable boxes. The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 20 June 2025 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Merran Mclaren. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leave an audio comment about our show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which may be added to one of our podcasts.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply to be a guest on our radio show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rbm.org.au.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join a union - 1300 486 466 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BMUC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this is Aboriginal Land that was never ceded.Authorised by D Smith, Secretary, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blue Mountains Unions Council Inc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, 52-52A Great Western Hwy, Mount Victoria, NSW.Disclaimer: Rights, Rorts and Rants explores a range of issues from different perspectives. The views expressed on the show and podcast are not necessarily endorsed by Blue Mountains & Community.   

Kerri is a naturopath, herbalist and menstrual health women's wisdom educator living and working on Darug and Guringai Country. She holds an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy from Nature Care College and completed post-graduate studies in Western Herbal Medicine at the University of New England in Armidale with commendation. Kerri is passionate about helping women heal and reconnect to their bodies and the rhythms of the natural world. She supports women by using a beautiful and unique combination of naturopathic medicine, western herbal medicine, holistic nutrition, flower essences, iridology, counselling and menstrual cycle awareness so that they can live their fullest, most vibrant lives. She can often be found bushwalking, foraging, making medicines or sitting in a cosy spot with a book and a cat or two.During this chat we talk about how menstrual cycle awareness can be such a beautiful tool for encouraging us to pause and reflect. Helping us to assess what our needs are during different phases and stages. Kerri shares a powerful way of looking at the menstrual mandala to reflect on opposite sides of the cycle- helping us see for example that overgiving during or around ovulation can result in flaring of symptoms (like pain, insomnia, PMS) during our menstrual phase.Kerri's passionate about supporting women through Perimenopause and she shares so much wisdom about caring for ourselves during this transition. **SHOW NOTES**Kerri shares a book by Alexander Pope called Wise Power- Discover the Liberating Power of Menopause**CONNECT**You can connect with Kerri via her website here, on facebook here and instagram here.You can connect with JESS via instagram and facebook here and here,  join her newsletter community here, buy her handmade herbal products here or book an appointment here.**BUY ME A CUPPA**If you liked the episode and want more, a cuppa fuels my work and time, which is given for free. Leave a comment and a few bucks here: https://buymeacoffee.com/theeldertree**THE ELDER TREE TROVE PATREON COMMUNITY**You can join our Patreon ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ and gain a deeper connection to our podcast. Pay only $2 per week to have access to bonus and often exclusive resources and opportunities- plus support the Elder tree at the same time! To find out more about The Elder Tree visit the website at ⁠www.theeldertree.org⁠ and donate to the crowdfunding campaign ⁠here⁠.You can also follow The Elder Tree on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠sign up to the newsletter⁠.Find out more about this podcast and the presenters ⁠here⁠. Get in touch with The Elder Tree at:  ⁠asktheeldertree@gmail.com⁠The intro and outro song is "⁠Sing for the Earth⁠" and was kindly donated by Chad Wilkins.  You can find Chad's music ⁠here⁠ and ⁠here⁠.

This week's stories call on us to humble ourselves before nature…and consider whether maybe …there are some things that animals know that we don’t. The Great Dingo Debate by Andrea Dixon In our first story, Andrea shares her love for Taz, a rescued dingo living on her family’s property in Hawkesbury, Darug country. As tensions rise between farmers, conservationists, and First Nations communities, the dingo emerges as a symbol of both conflict and kinship. Through cultural advocacy and calls for legislative change, Andrea and many others envision a future of respectful coexistence with dingoes. ‘Wild is not something to be feared’. This story featured Steve Trist, Djirabitty: www.djirabittyptyltd.com.au Sonya Takau, Dingo Culture/Defend the Wild: https://www.dingoculture.com/ | www.defendthewild.org | (IG) @dingoculture |(IG) @defendthewild To learn more about the parliamentary inquiry into dingo management, NSW visit: defendthewild.org/dingo-inquiry-nsw The producer was Andrea Dixon. The Supervising Producer was Thomas Phillips. Special thanks to Barry Traill, Phoebe Adler-Ryan and the team of volunteers at fbi & Dingo Den Animal Rescue. That moose shook me to my core by Seb and Sale An impromptu conversation between two friends at the end of a public storytelling event at the Powerhouse Museum in 2023 involving a cottage in the woods and an encounter with a moose. After all, who’s the wild one here? All The Best Credits Executive Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Producer: Melanie Bakewell Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie Theme Music composed by Shining Bird Artwork by Minna Leunig See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aunty Cino (Cynthia Morrison) is an elder in her communities in various roles as head of the Garabara Dance Group, President and founder of the Didjurigur Netball Club, and as a much loved Aboriginal Education Officer teaching culture to primary school children K-6.

When it's only a few drops of rain, you don't recognise the start of a flood, do you? The tipping point doesn't exist until you proceed, smiling ignorantly, and sail right past it. This rule applies doubly in small country towns... Read by Travis Spiteri   Theme music: Trevor Brown Incidental music: Written and performed by Hillbilly Bill and his Fender Strat. Recorded in Blue Moutain Sound studio on Darug and Gandangara country. Thanks Andy!

This week, we're sharing the second part of Strong Stories of the Weak. A live storytelling event we put on with Word Travels for their 2023 Story Week, featuring live music from local composer Elizabeth Jigalin. In a Heartbeat Have you ever messed up so badly you just wanted to sink into the floor and disappear? Our first storyteller has…. Ruth's a professional writer, oral historian and a nurse. Tonight her story takes us into the life-and-death arena of the operating theatre! Written and performed by Ruth Melville. Pressure Writer, performer and artist of Indigenous Papua New Guinean heritage Lungol Wekina reflects on the strength we can find in the face of adversity and the way this intersects with Indigenous identities. Written and performed by Lungol Wekina. Beyond Goodbyes Storyteller of Darug and Quechua heritage Lucy Norton reflects on grief and loss.  Written and performed by Lucy Norton.   All The Best Credits Composer and Musician: Elizabeth Jigalin Recordist: Harvey O'Sullivan Strong Stories of the Weak Creative Producer: Phoebe Adler-Ryan Strong Stories of the Weak Project Manager: Patrick McKenzie Compiled and mixed by Phoebe Adler-Ryan Editorial Manager: Mell Chun Host: Madhuraa Prakash Photo Credit: DefinitelyDefne Photography. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.