Franklin Activists Tell Their Stories

Thirty years ago one of the most significant environmental campaigns in Australian history took place, when the Franklin River in Tasmania was threatened by the construction of a Hydroelectric Dam.

Now the campaign is being revisited by the UpRiver Project, with the release of a book featuring the stories of the activists, plus a CD of songs sung during the protests.

Alice Hungerford from UpRiver spoke to Jordan Archer about what compelled her to put together a book detailing the story.

Download Interview

Producer: Jordan Archer

Rediscovering the Magic of Childhood

Swinging around on tree branches, racing around on your bike, falling over and grazing your knees after a rough game of chasey, there’s no doubt that childhood evokes some very special memories.

Two plays from this year’s Fringe both draw inspiration from the days of childhood, one which explores a boy’s coming-of-age in a harsh world, the other, a play about the life and times of renowned children’s author Lewis Carroll.

Actor Jethro Compton, from the plays ‘The Boy James’ and ‘Outland’, spoke to Jordan Archer about the magical world which these plays transport you to.

Download Interview

Producers: Tim Molineux & Lisa Burns

Alola Weaves Some Love into WOMAD

WOMADelaide brings the world together for a weekend and this year it will include some of our neighbours from East-Timor.

Alola Australia is a volunteer organisation bringing East-Timorese culture to the festival in the form of handcrafts and textiles.

But that’s not all, the stall is fair trade and the items are actually being sold to support a development program for women and children.

South Australian coordinator of Alola Australia, Rebecca Kuehn, spoke to Jordan Archer about their work in East Timor.

Download Interview

Producers: Tim Molineux & Lisa Burns

The Dark Horse of Show Jumping

Well today is Adelaide Cup Day which means putting on the glad-rags, cracking open a bottle of bubbly and heading out to the track to enjoy the races.

But behind the race day frivolity is the issue of whether the rights of the animals involved in the sport are being abused.

Jumps racing has certainly been a contentious issue of late, surfacing for debate in parliaments in Victoria and here in South Australia.

Tammy Franks MLC from the South Australian Greens spoke to Jordan Archer about the campaign against jumps racing in parliament.

Download Interview

Producers: Tim Molineux & Lisa Burns

Wharfies Grab their Pitchforks… and Lamingtons?

In New Zealand this week Wharfies gave their protests a different kind of flavour, when they smeared the Mayor with a lamington!

Will Pollard, our New Zealand correspondent spoke to Jordan Archer about the union dispute.

Download Interview

Producers: Tim Molineux & Lisa Burns

Taking the Free Out of Freelancer

On Sunday morning Australian freelance journalist Austin Mackell was arrested by Egyptian police on charges of inciting protest and vandalism.

Yesterday he was released after days of legal back and forth.

The incident is an example of how foreign journalists working in foreign countries.

Chris Warren, National Secretary of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, spoke to Tim Brunero about the perils of international journalism.

Download Interview

Producer Bill Walter also gave us an up-to-date report on Austin’s situation.

Download Interview

Producers: Bill Walter, Michael Roelink & Jordan Archer.

The Prickly Side of Love

On the back of Valentine’s Day, we thought it apt to speak with an expert in life’s greatest dilemma, love.

Felicity Ward is a huge success on the comedy circuit, winning the best local act at the Sydney Comedy Festival 2011.

Felicity is coming to the Garden of Unearthly Delights with her show “The Hedgehog Dilemma”, and Tim Brunero asked whether she is a hedgehog when it comes to love.

Download Interview

You can find out more about Felicity’s show here.

Producers: Jordan Archer, Michael Roelink & Bill Walter.

Gas Mining Fracking Up The Atmosphere?

When someone talks about gas fracking it sounds like they’re discussing something quite rude doesn’t it? (Especially if you’re talking about Battlestar Galactica).

However Conservation SA is concerned about the greenhouse gas effects of the gas fracking process, and CEO Tim Kelly spoke to Tim Brunero about the issue.

Download Interview

Producers: Jordan Archer, Michael Roelinhk & Bill Walter

Aussies Count Gold Prospects

Sports fans are starting to count our chances at the London 2012 Olympic Games, despite still being a few months away.

The spotlight is currently on pole vaulter Steve Hooker who has won the gold medal in the past, but may not make it to this year’s games.

Tim Brunero spoke to sports reporter Richard Evans about where Steve Hooker’s career may head from here.

Download Interview

Producer: Richard Evans, Jordan Archer, Michael Roelink & Bill Walter.

Family Court System Under Fire

Is the Family Court system broken?

Child protection expert Professor Freda Briggs believes the system doesn’t ensure that those who abuse children are punished, and that the system needs a serious overhaul.

Tim Brunero spoke to Professor Freda Briggs about her opinions.

Download Interview

Producers: Tim Brunero, Jordan Archer & Rupert Hogan-Turner