Paul interviews Dr Lynette Riley Co NAIDOC chair 2024 about NAIDOC week, and what the event means to First Nations people and the Australian community more broadly.
‘Garden Guru’ Ned spoke about the wide range of Clematis available and that a ‘bucket list’ desire is to have a Clematis flowering in every season (at his New England home). Ned and Margaret also had an in-depth discussion about the Hellebore (Winter Rose) and its wonderful range of colours. Ned made the observation that the seeds have to be planted within two days of ‘harvesting’ them.
Lynette is a lecturer in Aboriginal studies at UNE and a Ngarabal First Nations woman. She was guest speaker at the 2024 NAIDOC week fundraising ceremony at UNE. She speaks about her current PhD research on North &
North West Aboriginal Elders and landscape and the NAIDOC theme of Keep the Fire Burning – Black, Loud & Proud, and the work involved in uncovering all the dimensions of First Nations colonial history and rich culture.
Herb shines the Community Spotlight on one of our hard working locals, Deano Williams of Black Mountain – Smoked Trout. They talk about his journey, growing and smoking his delicious trout, with some recent new developments at the fish farm. They also touch on his thoughts for the future of Black Mountain and his farm enterprise.
Jenny Bourke, President Armidale Can Assist, explains the Can Assist network and how its volunteers
raise funds to give financial assistance and social support to individuals and families with a cancer
diagnosis
Rob Lenenhan, chairperson of Grow Guyra, explains what he sees as the path to the demerger of the
Guyra and Armidale local government areas, and the visit of the Hon. Amanda Cohn NSW MLC
(Greens) at Guyra Bowling Club Tuesday 2 July
Mayor Sam Coupland discusses the ongoing debate around the rail trail project in the local community.
He also highlights the upcoming upgrade to the 80-year-old sewage treatment plant, which uses treated wastewater for irrigation to avoid pollution fines. Local councils face big challenges maintaining critical infrastructure like this.
The podcast also covers the financial troubles of the New Inland Weeds Authority, with over $1.1 million in debt and mismanagement issues. Councils are considering restructuring to handle weed control more efficiently.
Michael is President of St Vincent de Paul Society – Armidale Conference, which is in charge of the drug and alcohol facility, Freeman House, in Armidale. He and Margaret discussed the history of services provided at St Vincent de Paul and the quiet culture of care and service underlying the Catholic church in Australia. Their major fundraiser, The CEO Sleepout, is coming up in August.
‘Garden Guru’ Ned spoke about the origin of the David Austin Rose and his Top 5 Roses
Herb shines the Community Spotlight on one of our locals, Kay Endres. They chat about her journey, living, working in the New England and the success of the Tour De Rocks, raising money for cancer. Great success based on community participation and the humble bicycle.
