Podcasts about Western Sydney University

Australians could soon have more control over what they see on social media under proposed digital duty of care laws. The reforms would force major platforms to reduce harm and could expose companies to significant fines, while debate continues over algorithms, online safety, and freedom of speech.

Western Sydney University and developer Stockland have submitted a State Assessed Rezoning Proposal (SARP) under the State Significant Rezoning policy to have 98.7 hectares of land inside the Werrington Precinct.Penrith Council has grave concerns about the proposal and have voted to make a submission to SARP to outline their objections.Sandra Newham, representing the Save Western Sydney Wildlife group and Deb Smith discuss where this land is, how it will be affected and why her group is against its rezoning and sale.This is the petition to save Western Sydney Kangaroos and the site.This is a link to the Western Weekender article "ADog's Breakfast': Council digs in over uni's plan to sell land” mentioned in the show.The interview was first broadcast on Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 28th Augus 2026 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by 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 by emailing rrr@bm-community-union.tidymail.co. Rights, Rorts and Rants is 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. 

In this episode of Artwank, we talk with Australian artist Peter Stevens about his practice, career, and connection to landscape. Stevens has worked as a professional artist for more than 30 years, building a body of work that spans painting, printmaking, and mixed media. His work is represented by Defiance Gallery in Sydney and is held in both public and private collections.Peter studied at Sydney College of the Arts, completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts before undertaking postgraduate studies in printmaking. Over his career he has been a finalist in major Australian art prizes including the Paddington Art Prize and the Mosman Art Prize, and has been selected multiple times for the Salon des Refusés. His work is held by institutions including Artbank, Western Sydney University, Sydney University, and James Cook University in Townsville.The conversation explores the development of his visual language and the role of sustained studio practice. Peter discusses how his approach has evolved over time while remaining grounded in close observation of the natural environment. He reflects on the challenges of maintaining a long term creative career and the importance of continuing to experiment with materials, colour, and composition. We also discuss Yuraygir, his exhibition with Defiance Gallery, inspired by time spent in Wooli and the surrounding landscapes of Yuraygir National Park on the New South Wales coast. Peter talks about the influence of rivers, estuaries, birds, trees, tides, and changing weather on his work and why Australian places continue to provide a strong foundation for his practice.This episode offers an insight into the working life of an established Australian artist and the ongoing relationship between landscape, observation, and painting. Peter shares.His exhibition opens 29th August 2026 at Defiance Gallery, Sydney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever found yourself in the local dog park using a voice three octaves higher than your normal speaking tone to ask a Golden Retriever who's a ‘good boy,’ don’t worry—science says you're completely normal. Research shows that the way we speak to our pets shares a deep evolutionary link with how we talk to human babies. But do our dogs, cats, and birds actually care, or are we just making silly noises? Joining us today to unpack the science of pet-talk, baby-talk, and why our voices go squeaky around fuzzy creatures is Antonia Goetz, Research Fellow in Infant Studies at Western Sydney University. Welcome to Joy 94.9, Antonia! The Core Science: Humans instinctively alter pitch, melody, and rhythm when speaking to subjects with limited language comprehension – whether they are pets or even human infants. High-pitched, sing-songy speech acts as a vocal “wave of the hand” to grab attention and establish psychological safety. The key difference is, when people speak to babies, they hyper-articulate their words, (exaggerating vowels like “eee” in “sheep”) to teach vocabulary. We don't do this with most pets as it’s pure emotional bonding, not language instruction. Where it does differ is Parrots – which people articulate for a little – possibly in order to teach it to speak. Puppies and adult dogs pay attention longer, move closer, and follow human gestures (like pointing to food) far more effectively when spoken to in high-pitched “pet-talk.” Humans also feel better when they hear their vets talk to their pets in a similar way. A 2024 study showed women with only a pet speak to them with the same vocal warmth as mothers speak to babies. However, parents with both a baby and a pet soften their vocal warmth toward the pet when attention is split. The post Sat, 22nd August, 2026: “Baby Talking to your Pets”; Antonia Goetz, Research Fellow in Infant Studies, West Syd Uni appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Rosie interviews Dr Jeremy Walker following the recent Australian Senate Select Committee Inquiry on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy (2025), to which he presented both written and in person evidence. Dr Walker is Senior Lecturer in the School of Communications, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Technology Sydney. He's a member and past director of the Climate Society and Environment Research Centre (C-SERC) at UTS, and a research fellow of the Whitlam Institute, Western Sydney University, and the International Climate Social Science Network based at Brown University, Rhode Island, USA. With two decades of research into the Atlas Network informing his submission, Dr. Walker sheds light on the secretive world of climate misinformation and disinformation. During the show we also discuss the rise of racism and Pauline Hanson; the extended disinformation and astroturfing against the Victoria to NSW Interconnecter (VNI) West and the Victorian ALP government; and the relationship of fossil fuel money and local Atlas Network linked groups to both. The links below are well worth a look: Link to Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy, with access to submissions, documents, Hansard and video: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Information_Integrity_on_Climate_Change_and_Energy/ClimateIntegrityDr Jeremy Walker's submission is no. 243. Note that the “additional information” is archival evidence regarding the origin and early sponsorship of Australia's Centre for Independent Studies (CIS). The full report of the Senate Select Committee: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Information_Integrity_on_Climate_Change_and_Energy/ClimateIntegrity/Report Video from the Senate committee's hearings on 16/02/2026Note that Jeremy Walker appears at 10.37 am (in between evidence from Meta and Coal Australia - well worth watching as well!):https://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Read_Listen/ParlView/video/4334923Hansard transcript of Jeremy Walker's testimony at the hearing is here:https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=COMMITTEES;id=committees%2Fcommsen%2F29259%2F0002;query=Id%3A%22committees%2Fcommsen%2F29259%2F0000%22 The Senate inquiry gets great context and writeups by the ABC's Gareth Hutchens: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-26/atlas-network-mont-pelerin-society-neoliberal-think-tanks/105700628https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-19/climate-disinformation-senate-committee-dr-karl-atlas-network/106350002https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-29/senate-report-misinformation-climate-change-recommendations/106497978 Jeremy also spoke about the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group (ASLCG) and their report, The Climate Disinformation War: How to fight back for Australia's democracy and security.  

Teaching Artistry Podcast goes live! In this special episode, Courtney J. Boddie records in front of a live audience! Courtney is joined by Australian activist, artist, scholar, educator, and change maker Dr. Rachael Jacobs for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about teaching artistry, justice, collective action, and the role of artists in shaping a more equitable future. Together they explore: What it means to move from "saving" communities to listening alongside them Decolonizing arts education and community practice Why artists belong in positions of political leadership Coalition building as a strategy for systemic change The relationship between arts, advocacy, and public policy The importance of joy as both a creative practice and a form of resistance How teaching artists can imagine and actively build the world they want to live in Rachael shares stories from her work with refugee communities, her experiences as a South Asian artist in Australia, and even her campaign challenging Australia's Prime Minister in Parliament. Throughout the conversation, Courtney and Rachael invite listeners to think beyond incremental change and consider how artists can become powerful bridge-builders in increasingly polarized times. This live recording also features a welcome from Jean Taylor, an opening performance of the Teaching Artistry Podcast theme song by Jono Waldman, and reflections from the audience. This is Part One of a two-part live conversation. Be sure to listen to Act Two, where audience questions continue the dialogue about justice, creativity, and moving the field forward together. Guest Dr. Rachael Jacobs is an Associate Professor in Creative Arts Education at Western Sydney University and a former secondary teacher (Dance, Drama and Music) and Arts specialist. Her research interests include cultural diversity in the teacher workforce, racial justice through the arts, assessment for creativity and language development through the arts. Her PhD was on creativity assessment, leading to changes in curriculum and assessment in Senior Secondary education in Australia. Rachael has facilitated arts projects in community settings all over Australia, including in refugee communities, in prisons and in women's refuges. In 2016 she co-wrote an arts education report for the OECD that contributed to Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. In 2020 she contributed to UNESCO's Futures of Education Initiative, co-authoring a report on artists' depictions of the future of education. Rachael has written two textbooks for educators on Arts Education. Rachael is a community activist, a freelance writer, aerial arts instructor, dancer and choreographer. She was a founding member of the community activism group, Teachers for Refugees and runs her own intercultural dance company in Sydney. Rachael is a climate activist and is on the board of advocacy group, Sweltering Cities. She is also on the board of youth theatre company, PYT Fairfield. She is active as an anti-racism and human rights campaigner, and runs anti-racism programs through the arts in NSW schools. Rachael additionally facilitates DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) education programs, specialising in designing bespoke programs for the arts and community sectors. Special Thanks Special thanks to our live audience, creative producer Jonathan Zautner, and Jono Waldman for writing and performing the Teaching Artistry Podcast theme song live. Key Themes: Teaching Artistry, Arts Education, Community Arts, Social Justice, Decolonization, Collective Action, Arts Advocacy, Refugee Advocacy, Creativity & Democracy, Joy as Resistance, Cultural Leadership, Equity, Live Podcast

How do authoritarian regimes silence critics across borders? And what are the repressive tools and strategies that authoritarian regimes use transnationally? In this episode we are joined by Arild Engelsen Ruud, Mubashar Hasan and Karin Zackari to discuss the role of digital surveillance, emotional blackmail, enforced family isolation, psychological harassment, and the imprisonment of relatives on fabricated charges by Asian authoritarian regimes seeking to control populations and narratives across borders. You can read more about the research discussed in this episode in the book The Long Reach of the Strong Arm: Evolving Forms of Transnational Authoritarianism, published by Springer. Arild Engelsen Ruud is Professor of South Asian Studies at the University of Oslo. Mubashar Hasan is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Western Sydney University. Karin Zackari Associate Senior Researcher at the School of Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg. Kenneth Bo Nielsen, your host, is an Associate Professor of Social Anthropology and the Director of the Centre for South Asian Democracy at the University of Oslo. The Nordic Asia Podcast is a collaboration sharing expertise on Asia across the Nordic region, brought to you by the following academic partners: Asia Centre, University of Tartu (Estonia), Asian studies, University of Helsinki (Finland), Centre for Asian Studies, Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku (Finland), Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University (Sweden) and Centre for South Asian Democracy, University of Oslo (Norway). We aim to produce timely, topical and well-edited discussions of new research and developments about Asia. 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

How do authoritarian regimes silence critics across borders? And what are the repressive tools and strategies that authoritarian regimes use transnationally? In this episode we are joined by Arild Engelsen Ruud, Mubashar Hasan and Karin Zackari to discuss the role of digital surveillance, emotional blackmail, enforced family isolation, psychological harassment, and the imprisonment of relatives on fabricated charges by Asian authoritarian regimes seeking to control populations and narratives across borders. You can read more about the research discussed in this episode in the book The Long Reach of the Strong Arm: Evolving Forms of Transnational Authoritarianism, published by Springer. Arild Engelsen Ruud is Professor of South Asian Studies at the University of Oslo. Mubashar Hasan is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Western Sydney University. Karin Zackari Associate Senior Researcher at the School of Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg. Kenneth Bo Nielsen, your host, is an Associate Professor of Social Anthropology and the Director of the Centre for South Asian Democracy at the University of Oslo. The Nordic Asia Podcast is a collaboration sharing expertise on Asia across the Nordic region, brought to you by the following academic partners: Asia Centre, University of Tartu (Estonia), Asian studies, University of Helsinki (Finland), Centre for Asian Studies, Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku (Finland), Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University (Sweden) and Centre for South Asian Democracy, University of Oslo (Norway). We aim to produce timely, topical and well-edited discussions of new research and developments about Asia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies

How do authoritarian regimes silence critics across borders? And what are the repressive tools and strategies that authoritarian regimes use transnationally? In this episode we are joined by Arild Engelsen Ruud, Mubashar Hasan and Karin Zackari to discuss the role of digital surveillance, emotional blackmail, enforced family isolation, psychological harassment, and the imprisonment of relatives on fabricated charges by Asian authoritarian regimes seeking to control populations and narratives across borders. You can read more about the research discussed in this episode in the book The Long Reach of the Strong Arm: Evolving Forms of Transnational Authoritarianism, published by Springer. Arild Engelsen Ruud is Professor of South Asian Studies at the University of Oslo. Mubashar Hasan is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Western Sydney University. Karin Zackari Associate Senior Researcher at the School of Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg. Kenneth Bo Nielsen, your host, is an Associate Professor of Social Anthropology and the Director of the Centre for South Asian Democracy at the University of Oslo. The Nordic Asia Podcast is a collaboration sharing expertise on Asia across the Nordic region, brought to you by the following academic partners: Asia Centre, University of Tartu (Estonia), Asian studies, University of Helsinki (Finland), Centre for Asian Studies, Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku (Finland), Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University (Sweden) and Centre for South Asian Democracy, University of Oslo (Norway). We aim to produce timely, topical and well-edited discussions of new research and developments about Asia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

How do authoritarian regimes silence critics across borders? And what are the repressive tools and strategies that authoritarian regimes use transnationally? In this episode we are joined by Arild Engelsen Ruud, Mubashar Hasan and Karin Zackari to discuss the role of digital surveillance, emotional blackmail, enforced family isolation, psychological harassment, and the imprisonment of relatives on fabricated charges by Asian authoritarian regimes seeking to control populations and narratives across borders. You can read more about the research discussed in this episode in the book The Long Reach of the Strong Arm: Evolving Forms of Transnational Authoritarianism, published by Springer. Arild Engelsen Ruud is Professor of South Asian Studies at the University of Oslo. Mubashar Hasan is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Western Sydney University. Karin Zackari Associate Senior Researcher at the School of Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg. Kenneth Bo Nielsen, your host, is an Associate Professor of Social Anthropology and the Director of the Centre for South Asian Democracy at the University of Oslo. The Nordic Asia Podcast is a collaboration sharing expertise on Asia across the Nordic region, brought to you by the following academic partners: Asia Centre, University of Tartu (Estonia), Asian studies, University of Helsinki (Finland), Centre for Asian Studies, Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku (Finland), Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University (Sweden) and Centre for South Asian Democracy, University of Oslo (Norway). We aim to produce timely, topical and well-edited discussions of new research and developments about Asia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/south-asian-studies

How do authoritarian regimes silence critics across borders? And what are the repressive tools and strategies that authoritarian regimes use transnationally? In this episode we are joined by Arild Engelsen Ruud, Mubashar Hasan and Karin Zackari to discuss the role of digital surveillance, emotional blackmail, enforced family isolation, psychological harassment, and the imprisonment of relatives on fabricated charges by Asian authoritarian regimes seeking to control populations and narratives across borders. You can read more about the research discussed in this episode in the book The Long Reach of the Strong Arm: Evolving Forms of Transnational Authoritarianism, published by Springer. Arild Engelsen Ruud is Professor of South Asian Studies at the University of Oslo. Mubashar Hasan is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Western Sydney University. Karin Zackari Associate Senior Researcher at the School of Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg. Kenneth Bo Nielsen, your host, is an Associate Professor of Social Anthropology and the Director of the Centre for South Asian Democracy at the University of Oslo. The Nordic Asia Podcast is a collaboration sharing expertise on Asia across the Nordic region, brought to you by the following academic partners: Asia Centre, University of Tartu (Estonia), Asian studies, University of Helsinki (Finland), Centre for Asian Studies, Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku (Finland), Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University (Sweden) and Centre for South Asian Democracy, University of Oslo (Norway). We aim to produce timely, topical and well-edited discussions of new research and developments about Asia.

How do authoritarian regimes silence critics across borders? And what are the repressive tools and strategies that authoritarian regimes use transnationally? In this episode we are joined by Arild Engelsen Ruud, Mubashar Hasan and Karin Zackari to discuss the role of digital surveillance, emotional blackmail, enforced family isolation, psychological harassment, and the imprisonment of relatives on fabricated charges by Asian authoritarian regimes seeking to control populations and narratives across borders. You can read more about the research discussed in this episode in the book The Long Reach of the Strong Arm: Evolving Forms of Transnational Authoritarianism, published by Springer. Arild Engelsen Ruud is Professor of South Asian Studies at the University of Oslo. Mubashar Hasan is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Western Sydney University. Karin Zackari Associate Senior Researcher at the School of Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg. Kenneth Bo Nielsen, your host, is an Associate Professor of Social Anthropology and the Director of the Centre for South Asian Democracy at the University of Oslo. The Nordic Asia Podcast is a collaboration sharing expertise on Asia across the Nordic region, brought to you by the following academic partners: Asia Centre, University of Tartu (Estonia), Asian studies, University of Helsinki (Finland), Centre for Asian Studies, Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku (Finland), Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University (Sweden) and Centre for South Asian Democracy, University of Oslo (Norway). We aim to produce timely, topical and well-edited discussions of new research and developments about Asia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

How do authoritarian regimes silence critics across borders? And what are the repressive tools and strategies that authoritarian regimes use transnationally? In this episode we are joined by Arild Engelsen Ruud, Mubashar Hasan and Karin Zackari to discuss the role of digital surveillance, emotional blackmail, enforced family isolation, psychological harassment, and the imprisonment of relatives on fabricated charges by Asian authoritarian regimes seeking to control populations and narratives across borders. You can read more about the research discussed in this episode in the book The Long Reach of the Strong Arm: Evolving Forms of Transnational Authoritarianism, published by Springer. Arild Engelsen Ruud is Professor of South Asian Studies at the University of Oslo. Mubashar Hasan is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Western Sydney University. Karin Zackari Associate Senior Researcher at the School of Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg. Kenneth Bo Nielsen, your host, is an Associate Professor of Social Anthropology and the Director of the Centre for South Asian Democracy at the University of Oslo. The Nordic Asia Podcast is a collaboration sharing expertise on Asia across the Nordic region, brought to you by the following academic partners: Asia Centre, University of Tartu (Estonia), Asian studies, University of Helsinki (Finland), Centre for Asian Studies, Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku (Finland), Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University (Sweden) and Centre for South Asian Democracy, University of Oslo (Norway). We aim to produce timely, topical and well-edited discussions of new research and developments about Asia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/technology

In this episode we delve into the history of trepanning and the practice of drilling holes into the skull for medical and spiritual purposes.  Follow along Robert Kaplan's narration on the life of Amanda Fielding who self-practised the dangerous and highly risky trepanning. Dr. Robert Kaplan is a psychiatrist, author, historian and speaker. With a career spanning medicine, history, and the courtroom, he has explored the human mind at its darkest and most complex, from analysing criminal behaviour to uncovering the psychological drivers behind some of history's most notorious figures.Dr. Kaplan is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Western Sydney University, and the University of Wollongong. He is also a Conjoint Lecturer, Justice Health at the University of New South Wales and a Research Fellow in the History Department at Stellenbosch University. His forensic expertise has been called upon in some of the most complex and high-profile cases, where his sharp insights into human behaviour have shaped both medical and legal understandings of criminal pathology.Topic suggestion:If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we'd love to hear from you.Please contact us by email at: psychmatters.feedback@ranzcp.orgDisclaimer:This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics.  The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement.  By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP's Your Health In Mind Website.

யாழ்ப்பாணம் இந்துக் கல்லூரி பழைய மாணவர் சங்கத்தின் சிட்னி கிளை ஏற்பாடு செய்துள்ள “கீதவாணி விருதுகள் 2026”, ஆகஸ்ட் முதலாம் தேதி Sir Ian & Nancy Turbott Auditorium, Western Sydney University, Victoria Road, Parramatta NSW 2116 என்ற இடத்தில் நடைபெறவுள்ளது. ஆஸ்திரேலியா மற்றும் இலங்கையைச் சேர்ந்த பாடகர்கள், இசைக்கலைஞர்கள் பலர் இதில் பங்கேற்கின்றனர். இந்நிகழ்ச்சி குறித்து விளக்குகிறார் இச் சங்கத்தின் நிர்வாகியான துஷான் அவர்கள். அவரோடு உரையாடுகிறார் றைசெல்.Geethavani Awards 2026: Connecting Tamils through music

We have a cracker of an episode for you today. We are joined by Dr. Lisa Portolan, an Australian author, cultural commentator, and expert on modern relationships, specialising in love, sex, intimacy, gender, and dating culture. She is widely recognised for her insights into how technology and social change are reshaping the way we date, form relationships, and experience connection. Her work explores topics such as dating apps, emotional labour, heterofatalism, gender dynamics, and the future of intimacy in a digital world. Lisa holds a PhD in Cultural Studies from Western Sydney University, where her research focused on how dating apps have transformed intimacy and desire. LINKS Follow Jadé on Instagram @jadetunchy and TikTok Follow Lachie on Instagram @lachiebrycki and TikTok Follow Lisa on Instagram @lisaportolan Email us at madaboutyou@novapodcasts.com.au Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. CREDITSHosts: Jadé and Lachie BryckiExecutive Producer: Xander CrossManaging Producer: Ricardo BardonDigital Content Producer: Matt Mullholland Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Researchers have mapped out a hidden network of ancient soil fungi to help future-proof Australian agriculture. The new national database allows scientists to apply nutrient-rich fungi directly to seeds based on local climate types, meaning crops can grow faster and more consistently. Rural Reporter Jefferson Shaw spoke with one of the map's lead curators at Western Sydney University, Doctor Adam Frew, about the program. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Modi zu Wirtschaftsbesuch in Australien eingetroffen / Antisemitismusbeauftragter kritisiert Gaza-Berichterstattung des ABC / Volkswagen berät über Sparpläne mit möglichem Stellenabbau und Werksschließungen / Regionalzüge in Victoria nach Telstra-Ausfall weiter stark eingeschränkt / Immer mehr Australier verschieben aus Kostengründen medizinische Behandlungen / Elf Festnahmen bei Waffenrazzien in Sydney und der Illawarra / Australiens Mieten steigen so stark wie seit zwei Jahren nicht mehr / Western Sydney University erstellt erste nationale Datenbank uralter Pilzarten

Many parents will recognise this situation: a sick child, a long car trip, or as is the case over the past few days . . . constant rain during the school holidays. Added to all the other stresses of parenting, sometimes the easiest thing to do is switch on the TV - sometimes for hours. But should parents worry about those occasional "all-day screen" moments? Dr Jo Orlando is a digital well being researcher at Western Sydney University. She joins us to look at finding the right balance in a world where screens are now part of everyday life. She speaks to Susana Lei'ataua.

In this episode with Dr Rocco Cavaleri, we explore chronic pain and all of it's complexities. We discuss:·   What is Central sensitisation?·   What is the difference between acute and chronic pain·   Can we treat chronic pain?·   Role of the nervous system in chronic pain·   Clinical recommendations for treating chronic pain patients

How does the omnipresence of God in the created world fill our day-to-day lives? How are our everyday lives actually manifestations of God's extraordinary grace? What makes a good story? And what role do pack animals play in some of the greatest moments in the history of Western civilization? We tackle these and other mysteries here on part two of our conversation about the science fiction writing of C.S. Lewis with author, cosmologist, and budding philologist Dr. Luke Barnes. We hope this conversation will stir your wonder and imagination and inspire you to have better conversations with people whom God brings into your life. Luke A. Barnes is a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. "He received his PhD in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 2009.   He is a John Templeton Fellow. He has published papers in the fields of galaxy formation and the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He is the author, with Geraint Lewis, of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos published by Cambridge University Press. He has also published papers on the philosophy of science, and regularly engages in public outreach through public speaking, articles in the popular press, and social media. He has modeled galaxy formation in a cosmological context with supercomputer simulations, and connected those simulations to observations with modeling of radiative transfer (particularly Lyman alpha emission and absorption) and realistic models of IFU observations.He has investigated the fine-tuning of the universe for intelligent life, modeling the effect of the cosmological constant on galaxy formation and the effect of alternative nuclear physics on stars. He has contributed to the philosophy of science by considering the challenges of testing multiverse theories using probability theory." Daniel and Luke's co-authored profile on Scientism. https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdfAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

In the opening chapter of the Book of Isaiah, the LORD calls the heavens and earth to witness a remarkable but tragic thing. Planets and stars and all the heavenly hosts, which do not have ears, will listen and obey their Creator, but we who do have hears fail to hear or understand. Even oxen and pack animals have more sense than we do, according to what God says through the prophet. In order to circumvent our sinfulness, Jesus often used parables stories to get His audience's attention.  And to this day, Jesus's parallels are the most well-known stories in the world. From the Prodigal Son, to the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells us of the kingdom of God and of His mercy and grace toward sinners. C.S. Lewis likewise believed stories were perfectly suited to convey spiritual and theological truths. Lewis used stories to get past our analytical "watchful dragons" of bias, skepticism, and false beliefs we might harbor about God, lessons and truths we might miss if spoken directly to us as an object moral lesson. This week and next on the Profile, we have a delightful rambling chat about Lewis's science fiction with author, budding philologist, cosmologist and C.S. Lewis enthusiast, Dr. Luke Barnes. We hope the conversation will inspire you to have likewise enjoyable and meaningful conversations, too, as well as inspire you to use words wisely! Luke A. Barnes is a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. "He received his PhD in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 2009.   He is a John Templeton Fellow. He has published papers in the fields of galaxy formation and the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He is the author, with Geraint Lewis, of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos published by Cambridge University Press. He has also published papers on the philosophy of science, and regularly engages in public outreach through public speaking, articles in the popular press, and social media. He has modeled galaxy formation in a cosmological context with supercomputer simulations, and connected those simulations to observations with modeling of radiative transfer (particularly Lyman alpha emission and absorption) and realistic models of IFU observations.He has investigated the fine-tuning of the universe for intelligent life, modeling the effect of the cosmological constant on galaxy formation and the effect of alternative nuclear physics on stars. He has contributed to the philosophy of science by considering the challenges of testing multiverse theories using probability theory." Daniel and Luke's co-authored profile on Scientism. https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdfAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

An extra half hour of The Panel with Wallace Chapman, where to begin, he's joined by Nights host Susana Lei'ataua. Then: left-footed footballers are worth their weight in gold, but why? Kylie Steel is a senior lecturer in Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition at Western Sydney University, and she explains the left-foot advantage.

On this episode we were joined by special guest researcher Judd Kalkhoven from Western Sydney University! Developing a fundamental theoretical definition for athletic injury: metaphysics, logic, and mathematics Kalkhoven, JT Sports Med. 2026;56(6):1405-1431. doi:10.1007/s40279-026-02418-3 Due to copyright laws, unless the article is open source we cannot legally post the PDF on the website for the world to download at will. Brought to you by our sponsors at: CSMi – https://www.humacnorm.com/ptinquest VALD MoveHealth - https://movehealth.me/ Learn more about/purchase our courses: The Science PT | Dungeons & Dynamometers Support us on the Patreons! Music for PT Inquest: "The Science of Selling Yourself Short" by Less Than Jake Used by Permission Other Music by Kevin MacLeod – incompetech.com: MidRoll Promo – Mining by Moonlight Koal Challenge – Sam Roux  

Australia led the way, now the UK government has announced its own ban on social media for under 16s. But six months since the restrictions came into force here, are they really working, given most young teenagers who were using social media still are?   Today, Amanda Third, co-director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University on what we need to do to help our children be safe online. Featured:  Professor Amanda Third, co-director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University, an academic advisor to the eSafety Commissioner and a faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University

Headlines: Angus Taylor isn't ruling out One Nation preference deal Trump's $US100,000 H-1B skilled worker visa fee struck down by Judge New research calls for urgent Jobseeker boost with Aussies skipping meals and healthcare Survey finds 57% of Netflix subscribers spend $119 a year without watching a thing Deep Dive: The FIFA world cup kicks off in a few days, but the tournament has already been rocked by a number of controversies including visa denials - with the US, a host nation, denying a top referee entry into the country citing vetting concerns. Then there’s also the interesting bromance between Donald Trump and the controversial FIFA president who recently gifted Trump a peace prize. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by David Rowe, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society from Western Sydney University to unpack how politics and sport collide. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: One Nation becomes most popular political party in Australia Defence Minister reveals changes to AUKUS pact Searches continue in flooded Laos cave for missing miners Australian house prices fall Socceroos lose friendly as countdown to the World Cup hits two weeks Deep Dive: The government last week launched its biggest lawsuit ever: Australia is suing the US corporate giant 3M for $2 billion, alleging that 3M concealed the fact that its firefighting foam was harmful. 3M's firefighting foam was made from PFAS chemicals, which scientists now say are environmental contaminants, and the government is seeking damages for the contamination of 28 military bases around Australia. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Ian Wright, Associate Professor in Water Science at Western Sydney University, to unpack what we know about PFAS and whether the Commonwealth's case goes far enough. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the heart of the fiercest international conflicts is the struggle for the future of globalization. In the wake of a pandemic that tested economies and societies, geopolitical conflict has taken on a new intensity. The Rest and the West: Capital and Power in a Multipolar World (Verso, 2024) locates the origins of this development in the turbulent dynamics of the capitalist world market. Rather than reducing global conflict to a matter of great power rivalries or the process of economic decoupling, Sandro Mezzadra and Brett Neilson investigate the increasing centrality of war to capital operations and to the transformation of capitalism. The goal is to forge a theory of imperialism adequate to a world in which the ‘rest' no longer provides a putative unity that defines and opposes the ‘West'. Brett Neilson is professor and deputy director at the Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University. In the last decade, his work has centered on issues of migration, borders, and globalization, logistics and digitalization, contemporary capitalism, geopolitics, and automation. Apart from writings with Sandro Mezzadra, he has published many articles and books, including Free Trade in the Bermuda Triangle … and Other Tales of Counterglobalization (Minnesota, 2004). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. 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

At the heart of the fiercest international conflicts is the struggle for the future of globalization. In the wake of a pandemic that tested economies and societies, geopolitical conflict has taken on a new intensity. The Rest and the West: Capital and Power in a Multipolar World (Verso, 2024) locates the origins of this development in the turbulent dynamics of the capitalist world market. Rather than reducing global conflict to a matter of great power rivalries or the process of economic decoupling, Sandro Mezzadra and Brett Neilson investigate the increasing centrality of war to capital operations and to the transformation of capitalism. The goal is to forge a theory of imperialism adequate to a world in which the ‘rest' no longer provides a putative unity that defines and opposes the ‘West'. Brett Neilson is professor and deputy director at the Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University. In the last decade, his work has centered on issues of migration, borders, and globalization, logistics and digitalization, contemporary capitalism, geopolitics, and automation. Apart from writings with Sandro Mezzadra, he has published many articles and books, including Free Trade in the Bermuda Triangle … and Other Tales of Counterglobalization (Minnesota, 2004). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

At the heart of the fiercest international conflicts is the struggle for the future of globalization. In the wake of a pandemic that tested economies and societies, geopolitical conflict has taken on a new intensity. The Rest and the West: Capital and Power in a Multipolar World (Verso, 2024) locates the origins of this development in the turbulent dynamics of the capitalist world market. Rather than reducing global conflict to a matter of great power rivalries or the process of economic decoupling, Sandro Mezzadra and Brett Neilson investigate the increasing centrality of war to capital operations and to the transformation of capitalism. The goal is to forge a theory of imperialism adequate to a world in which the ‘rest' no longer provides a putative unity that defines and opposes the ‘West'. Brett Neilson is professor and deputy director at the Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University. In the last decade, his work has centered on issues of migration, borders, and globalization, logistics and digitalization, contemporary capitalism, geopolitics, and automation. Apart from writings with Sandro Mezzadra, he has published many articles and books, including Free Trade in the Bermuda Triangle … and Other Tales of Counterglobalization (Minnesota, 2004). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

At the heart of the fiercest international conflicts is the struggle for the future of globalization. In the wake of a pandemic that tested economies and societies, geopolitical conflict has taken on a new intensity. The Rest and the West: Capital and Power in a Multipolar World (Verso, 2024) locates the origins of this development in the turbulent dynamics of the capitalist world market. Rather than reducing global conflict to a matter of great power rivalries or the process of economic decoupling, Sandro Mezzadra and Brett Neilson investigate the increasing centrality of war to capital operations and to the transformation of capitalism. The goal is to forge a theory of imperialism adequate to a world in which the ‘rest' no longer provides a putative unity that defines and opposes the ‘West'. Brett Neilson is professor and deputy director at the Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University. In the last decade, his work has centered on issues of migration, borders, and globalization, logistics and digitalization, contemporary capitalism, geopolitics, and automation. Apart from writings with Sandro Mezzadra, he has published many articles and books, including Free Trade in the Bermuda Triangle … and Other Tales of Counterglobalization (Minnesota, 2004). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

Recorded at Adobe Summit 2026, this episode of The CMO Show features Yasmin Spencer, Director of Marketing at Western Sydney University, unpacking the research-led reset reshaping one of marketing's most complex paths to purchase – choosing a uni.  After extensive domestic and international research, Yasmin and her team uncovered a clear shift in how students choose where to study. More than half of the top 15 decision drivers now centre on outcomes, specifically how likely a university is to help them land a job. The degree is no longer the product. The destination is.  But the defining insight wasn't just about employability, it was the experience gap. Students are benchmarking universities against the best consumer brands they use every day. As Yasmin puts it, they can order from The Iconic and receive delivery in three hours, yet wait months for a university offer. From application to enrolment, the journey has become more complex than getting a home loan and that disconnect is no longer acceptable.  This episode reframes higher education as a customer experience problem, not communications one. Yasmin breaks down what it takes to meet modern expectations for speed, simplicity and service, and what real customer-centricity looks like when it's tied to outcomes, not activity.  You'll hear how Western Sydney University is responding in practice, from launching ODIE, an AI-powered Open Day concierge designed to remove real friction, to simultaneously leading a major marketing team restructure. By simplifying the operating model, rebuilding capability and focusing the team on experience, execution and impact, they've created the conditions to fix a journey that has historically been too complex to convert.    This episode is brought to you by impact advisory, communications and events agency, ImpactInstitute in partnership with Adobe.  www.impactinstitute.com.au | https://business.adobe.com/au

The New Racial Regime begins by interrogating the backlash against critical race theory and explains how the so-called war on woke can be used against educators or to curtail struggles challenging settler colonialism. Alana Lentin grounds her analysis with an engagement of the ideas making up the Black radical tradition and explicates the work of Cedric Robinson in particular. She builds a historically situated analysis of ‘race' as inherently unstable and explains that the racial regime requires constant recalibration to maintain hierarchies of dominance within global systems of white supremacy and heteropatriarchy. Exposing the limitations of liberal anti-racism, Lentin's analysis explores how racialism is embedded in social institutions and can inhibit a clear understanding of antisemitism, as well as anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism. The New Racial Regime is an insightful and principled response to present-day struggles over culture, education, and politics. Alana Lentin is a Professor of Cultural and Social Analysis at Western Sydney University. Genevieve Ritchie is a lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University. 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

The New Racial Regime begins by interrogating the backlash against critical race theory and explains how the so-called war on woke can be used against educators or to curtail struggles challenging settler colonialism. Alana Lentin grounds her analysis with an engagement of the ideas making up the Black radical tradition and explicates the work of Cedric Robinson in particular. She builds a historically situated analysis of ‘race' as inherently unstable and explains that the racial regime requires constant recalibration to maintain hierarchies of dominance within global systems of white supremacy and heteropatriarchy. Exposing the limitations of liberal anti-racism, Lentin's analysis explores how racialism is embedded in social institutions and can inhibit a clear understanding of antisemitism, as well as anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism. The New Racial Regime is an insightful and principled response to present-day struggles over culture, education, and politics. Alana Lentin is a Professor of Cultural and Social Analysis at Western Sydney University. Genevieve Ritchie is a lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

The New Racial Regime begins by interrogating the backlash against critical race theory and explains how the so-called war on woke can be used against educators or to curtail struggles challenging settler colonialism. Alana Lentin grounds her analysis with an engagement of the ideas making up the Black radical tradition and explicates the work of Cedric Robinson in particular. She builds a historically situated analysis of ‘race' as inherently unstable and explains that the racial regime requires constant recalibration to maintain hierarchies of dominance within global systems of white supremacy and heteropatriarchy. Exposing the limitations of liberal anti-racism, Lentin's analysis explores how racialism is embedded in social institutions and can inhibit a clear understanding of antisemitism, as well as anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism. The New Racial Regime is an insightful and principled response to present-day struggles over culture, education, and politics. Alana Lentin is a Professor of Cultural and Social Analysis at Western Sydney University. Genevieve Ritchie is a lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics

Professor Jason Pandya-Wood was, at the time of recording, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Nottingham Malaysia and is now at Western Sydney University, Australia. He has worked, volunteered, taught and researched in the field of social policy, and has campaigned on a wide range of social justice issues He is interested in exploring the role of compassion in public policy.  https://www.thekindnessfix.com/  

How are everyday Australians experiencing misinformation in their daily lives, and why does it feel increasingly overwhelming? How are platforms and algorithms shaping what we see? What impact is this having on trust in institutions, political decision-making and social cohesion? What does a healthy democratic information space look like? In this episode, Tanya Notley and Ika Trijsburg join Sally Bulkeley in conversation to explore the convergence of misinformation, media literacy and democratic resilience. Dr Tanya Notley is Professor in the School of Arts and Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University, and a leading expert in digital inclusion and media literacy. She is a founding member of the Australian Media Literacy Alliance.Ika Trijsburg is Director of Urban Analytics at the ANU Institute for Infrastructure and Society and Head of Democracy and Diplomacy at the Municipal Association of Victoria. She leads the Disinformation in the City project across five Australian universities.Sally Bulkeley is the former Deputy Head of the ANU National Security College. TRANSCRIPTShow notes:· ANU National Security College academic programs – find out more· NSC Community Consultations Report· Disinformation in the City Response Playbook (2024)· Australian Media Literacy Alliance – media literacy resources We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Samia interviews Dr Amanda Craft from Western Sydney University about scams and how they work. During the interview Dr Amanda opens up about a personal experience she had with scams. The interview is followed by a brief translation in Arabic by sister Jihad.

Данас је ка Месецу, после 53 године, полетела Насина мисија Артемис 2 са људском посадом. Тим поводом Нина Марковић је разговарала са проф др Мирославом Филиповићем, астрономом са Школе за рачунарство, инжењерство и математику на Универзитету Западног Сиднеја (Western Sydney University), чији рад обухвата области астрономије, науке и рачунарства.

This is the second instalment of Anita Connell's recorded interviews from the Australian Music Therapy Conference, following on from episode 104. Dr Grace Thompson is a registered music therapist and Associate Professor in Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne. Grace has lived experience of disability, and has worked with disabled children, young people and their families for over 20 years within the early childhood and special education sectors. As part of her PhD research, Grace developed and evaluated a collaborative approach to music therapy practice with families guided by ecological theories and family-centred philosophy. Her research continues to explore the ways music therapists can foster relationships and social connection through participating in engaging and accessible music making. Grace is past president of the Australian Music Therapy Association, author of "Goal Processes in Music Therapy Practice", and co-editor of the book "Music Therapy with Families: Therapeutic Approaches and Theoretical Perspectives". She is currently Editor of the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy. The song "Make Your Own Kind of Music" (performed by Cass Elliot, written by Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil) captures the sentiment of Grace's music therapy practice and research. Brodie Henry (she/they) is a d/Deaf Registered Music Therapist working in Special Education for many years. She embeds Key Word Sign in her clinical practice and is often called on for her skills in Auslan to support students. Brodie embeds advocacy and principles of disability justice in her daily work to ensure children are appropriately supported in their emotional, developmental, and therapeutic needs in order to thrive. Zoë Kalenderidis (she/her) is a disabled and Hard of Hearing Registered Music Therapist based in Narrm/Melbourne. Her work centres on promoting wellbeing and equitable access to music-making. She holds a Bachelor of Contemporary Music (Voice) from Southern Cross University and a Master of Music Therapy from the University of Melbourne. Since the inception of the Melbourne Youth Orchestra's Adaptive Music Bridging Program, Zoë has served as musical director of the Foundation Groups, supporting disabled children who experience significant barriers to music education. The program fosters accessible ensemble playing using adaptive or standard instruments tailored to each child's interests and needs. Zoë is interested in d/Deaf and disabled aesthetics in music, exploring how musical experiences and creative expression are shaped by diverse modes of listening, embodiment, and sensory perception. She seeks to challenge conventional notions of music-making while celebrating and valuing the artistry of disabled musicians. She is also a published author and co-author, with research that amplifies the visibility and contributions of disabled musicians and Registered Music Therapists. Rob Devlin is a Registered Music Therapist with over 18 years' experience and is also a Director of Sound Expression. He was previously Senior Music Therapist and Head of Business Development for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia. He completed his Masters in Creative Music Therapy through Western Sydney University. He values the use of interactive, improvisational music therapy, as embodied by the Nordoff-Robbins philosophy and approach to clinical music therapy. Rob has extensive experience as a music therapist with many clinical populations, including children and adults with a wide range of disabilities, neuro-divergent children, adolescents and adults with mental health diagnoses, rehabilitation work with clients who have had strokes, acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. He also has extensive experience providing music therapy in aged care settings including clients with dementia. Before coming to music therapy, Rob had many years' experience in the corporate world in various senior sales and marketing roles. He left that world behind to focus on his passion, which is using music to help others live a more fulfilled and rewarding life.

"The number one cause of contractor bankruptcy is taking on work outside your niche."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Matt Stevens Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University and we got to learn about the financial patterns behind contractor failure, the metrics most firms never track, and why the construction industry is far more innovative than people give it credit for... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ The risk-reward sweet spot - where most contractors are positioned vs where they should be✅ Why 144 out of 150 contractors calculated their project ROI completely wrong✅ The five numbers every contracting business should be tracking (most track zero of them)✅ How top quartile contractors run 3 to 11 times more profitably than the restListen on Spotify and YouTube now. Link in the comments!#construction #bricksandbytes #aec #constructiontechOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro02:46 Introduction to Construction Firm Success04:37 Understanding Risk Reward Management06:07 The Importance of Speed in Construction12:49 Best Practices for Construction Efficiency22:53 Navigating the Risk Reward Curve26:54 Navigating Geopolitical Risks in Construction30:15 The Importance of Small Projects33:45 Understanding Contractor Bankruptcy Causes35:04 Key Metrics for Contracting Success42:52 Succession Planning and Knowledge Transfer48:59 Best Practices for Effective Meetings53:25 The Role of Accountability in Project Management55:59 Characteristics of High-Performing Contractors01:00:43 Niches of High-Profitability in Construction01:00:59 Innovation in the Construction Industry01:06:34 AI's Impact on Construction and Employee Evaluation

Kendo (Japanese fencing) gained popularty in Australia starting in the late 1960s. Western Sydney University also has a Kendo club. We spoke with four students who were recruiting new members during the university's Welcome Week. - 1960年代後半からオーストラリアで人気に弾みがついてきたという剣道。シドニー西部にあるウエスタンシドニー大学にも剣道クラブがあります。学生向けイベント「Welcome Week」で新メンバーの勧誘をしていた学生４人にお話を聞きました。

Most conversations about maternal mental health start in the same place: the one in five women who experience postnatal depression or anxiety. But what about the other four in five? What are we doing to help them thrive?It is a question that stops you in your tracks, because most of us have never thought to ask it.In this episode Dr Renee White sits down with Lesley Pascuzzi, an Applied Psychologist and PhD candidate at Curtin University whose research focuses on optimising the mental health and emotional wellbeing of women on their journey to parenthood, to explore what it actually means to feel emotionally well, not just the absence of illness, but something richer and more personal than that. Together, they unpack why so many women struggle to define their own wellbeing, and what it would look like to change that.It turns out that when women are given the space to think about it, they know what they need. The challenge is creating the conditions for them to hear themselves.You'll hear about:Why emotional wellbeing is so hard to defineWhat perspectives on wellbeing can teach us about inner knowingHow social media falls short for maternal mental healthWhy midwifery-led care is key to helping women thriveHow to start trusting your instincts with yourselfYou already have more answers about what you need than you might realise. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, get quiet, and start listening for them.Resources & Links

Dr. Karleen Gribble is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University where her research focuses on breastfeeding and communications in women's health. Karleen advocates for recognition of the importance of mothers to their infants and works to create environments that support breastfeeding and the mother-infant relationship, especially in circumstances of adversity. She is a mother to three adult children via birth and adoption and lives in the bush in regional New South Wales Australia.In this episode, Karleen discusses how, as a PhD student, the birth of her first child led her to switch her field of academic study from plant physiology to research focused on breastfeeding… some of the universal challenges new mothers face… the importance of providing environments that enable mothers to provide the best possible care for their babies… attachment theory… the mother-baby dyad…  ways through which the relationship between the mother and child deepens and develops, establishing a foundation for the child's development and for future relationships… a secure attachment versus a disorganized attachment… being a breastfeeding counsellor… the universality of a new mother's concerns for her baby… the importance of breastfeeding and of creating environments that support mothers and babies… cultural norms and factors across countries that determine whether and for how long women breastfeed… encouraging women to be proud of being women and of what we can do… and the invitation to read and share her publications and to follow her on Twitter/X @DrKarleenG

The 2025 class action against two Australian universities: University of Newcastle and Western Sydney University, are ongoing and have been diverted to mediation. - Dua class action atau gugatan perwakilan kelompok yang diajukan pada tahun 2025 terhadap dua universitas ternama Australia: Western Sydney University dan University of Newcastle, saat ini dialihkan ke tahap mediasi.

A new study has found trees across Australia are dying at a faster rate than new ones are growing, a trend that is contributing to an increase in carbon emissions. The research, led by Western Sydney University and published in the Nature Plants journal, has found trees in all types of ecosystems - from tropical rainforests to eucalypt forests - are thinning as the climate warms. - Un nuovo studio condotto dalla Western Sydney University ha scoperto che in Australia gli alberi stanno morendo a un ritmo più veloce rispetto alla crescita di quelli nuovi, una tendenza che sta contribuendo all'aumento delle emissioni di carbonio.

A new study has found trees across Australia are dying at a faster rate than new ones are growing, a trend that is contributing to an increase in carbon emissions. The research, led by Western Sydney University and published in the Nature Plants journal, has found trees in all types of ecosystems - from tropical rainforests to eucalypt forests - are thinning as the climate warms. - Un nuovo studio condotto dalla Western Sydney University ha scoperto che in Australia gli alberi stanno morendo a un ritmo più veloce rispetto alla crescita di quelli nuovi, una tendenza che sta contribuendo all'aumento delle emissioni di carbonio.

We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Hazel Keedle from Sydney, Australia! Dr. Keedle is a researcher, midwife, Director of Midwifery Academic Programs and Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University back to discuss her book, A Clinician's Guide to Birth After Cesarean, released in August 2025.In this episode, Hazel shares insight from her years of research into VBAC experiences and clinical care. She talks about birth and the “Olympic coach” analogy, how providers can balance risks between VBAC and repeat cesarean, and the best ways to use research in your decision making.Hazel, Paige, and Lily also unpack the importance of removing terms like trial, fail, and success to better honor every story. Hazel also graciously offers her personal perspective on how clinicians can process difficult outcomes and still show up with compassion, empathy, and belief to help every mother birth the way she desires.The Clinician's Guide to Better Birth After CaesareanBirth After Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth The Birth Experience StudyThe VBAC Link Podcast Episode 209 Dr. Keedle's Publication - Debriefing Women's Birth ExperiencesThe Perinatal Experience of Women With a History of Intimate Partner Violence The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Professor George Williams was uninterested in school, instead spending his time melting down lead to sell to a nearby scrap yard. Then a special primary school teacher gave him permanent detention, which changed his life.Growing up in Sydney, he was the rebellious child of a single mum who worked in a fruit shop to support the family.George was so disruptive at primary school that no teacher wanted him in class.At first he was flabbergasted at the unfairness of this punishment, but with this teacher's undivided attention, George began to enjoy learning and found that he was smart.His grades improved, and George became interested in studying Law.He has had a long career in Constitutional Law and working in university leadership.This episode was produced by Alice Moldovan. The Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores tertiary education, international students, online learning, lectures, tutorials, the casual workforce, academics, higher learning, lifelong learning, sandstone universities, student debt, HECS, affordable learning and poverty.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

A new study has found trees across Australia are dying at a faster rate than new ones are growing, a trend that is contributing to an increase in carbon emissions. The research, led by Western Sydney University and published in the Nature Plants journal, has found trees in all types of ecosystems - from tropical rainforests to eucalypt forests - are thinning as the climate warms. - Исследование, проведенное университетом Западного Сиднея и опубликованное в журнале Nature Plants, показало, что деревья во всех типах экосистем — от тропических лесов до эвкалиптовых лесов — редеют по мере потепления климата.