Great Australian Lives: Recent Episodes
Great Australian Lives
Laura Turner will celebrate the lives of some of Australia's most influential and prolific personalities from a diverse range of backgrounds - entertainers, humanitarians and those with untold stories.
On this, the final episode of Great Australian Lives, it is fitting that Craig closes out the program with the man who was the first ever guest way back in 2011.
A well-known and much-loved Melbourne figure and an icon on the streets, Major Brendan Nottle is Craig's final guest on Great Australian Lives.
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This week is the penultimate edition of Great Australian Lives.
Over the past two and a half years, Craig has been privileged to have interviewed some wonderful Australians, and this week, two of the most inspirational young men he has ever met.
Tune in this week as Craig catches up once again with Emmanuel Kelly and his brother Ahmed.
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This week Craig catches up with broadcaster & social commentator, Neil Mitchell.
For over 30 years, Neil Mitchell was the voice of Melbourne - a journalist, a top-rating radio host, TV personality and newspaper editor.
Neil Mitchell has his finger on the pulse of Melbournians and country folk alike and he has never been backward in coming forward!
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig tackles an issue that affects 1 in 5 Australian women... Post Natal Depression.
Sadly a large number of women fall through the cracks and there has been a lack of intensive care available... until now.
Craig talks with expert in the field, Dr. Amber Hart.
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This week Craig catches with former rugby league footballer, Mark Hughes.
Hughes played club football for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL and later for the Catalans Dragons in the Super League.
In 2013, he was diagnosed with brain cancer and subsequently established the Mark Hughes Foundation.
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This week Craig catches up with former champion AFL player, Shane Crawford.
Crawford won a Brownlow Medal in 1999 and was part of the Hawthorn premiership-winning team in 2008.
These days he's a television host and an active fundraiser.
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This week Craig catches up with prominent Melbourne psychologist, Dr. David Tierney.
David has just returned from an emotional visit to Bougainville Island where last time he discovered a neglected World War II memorial. He has since seen the memorial restored... and its a great story!
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This week Craig catches up with musical theatre performer and classical crossover artist, Josh Piterman.
He has had a diverse career, having performed with groups like The Ten Tenors and appearing in productions like Les Misérables, West Side Story, Hairspray, Cats and Phantom of the Opera
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This week Craig catches up with Bobby Valentine.
Bobby has been a professional entertainer for over 30 years working with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart and Jerry Lewis.
He has notched up many significant private performances including Hugh Jackman’s wedding and even Jimmy Barnes' 40th!
In recent years Bobby’s original songs have brought him great success in international songwriting competitions including in Nashville.
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This week Craig catches up with former radio and television news presenter and personality, George Donikian.
Of Greek Armenian descent, George didn't start speaking English until the age of 7. It did little to stifle his career in media. A trailblazer for broadcasters from an ethnic background, he was one of the founding presenters on the fledgling SBS network before his career expanded into commercial TV.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with Australian Paralympian swimmer, Ahmed Kelly.
Born in war-ravaged Iraq with a double arm and leg deficiency, his journey to Australia for life-changing surgery was enabled by humanitarian and 2012 Victorian of the Year 2012 Moira Kelly.
You may remember that Craig caught up with his brother, Emmanuel, on Great Australian Lives last year. Ahmed's story is too an amazing story of resilience and determination.
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In our first show back for 2025, Craig catches up with Dr. David Tierney.
Born in Papua New Guinea, he spent much of his childhood in remote parts of that country. In recent times he's been back to Bougainville and discovered a neglected World War II memorial which has now been restored... but there's more to the story!
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This week Craig catches up with Colette Mann.
An Australian actress, singer, TV and radio presenter, choreographer, author/writer and media personality, she has been in the entertainment industry for over 50 years.
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This week Craig catches up with vocalist Syrah Torii.
Recently Craig attended an event where the Australian national anthem was performed by Syrah and he was blown away by her incredible voice.
A mezzo-soprano singer, she has an established performance background in the world of operas, stage shows and musicals.
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We are right in the thick of the racing season and this week Craig is catching up with Bryan Martin.
An integral part of the racing scene for many a long year, he was our top race caller for over 35 years and has called 29 Melbourne Cups during his career.
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This weekend, being grand final time, Craig's guest this week on Great Australian Lives has had a fair amount of experience at this time of the year.
Joel Selwood is a man that from an early age showed great sporting prowess - but away from sport he has shown he is an extraordinary person.
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This week on Great Australian Lives Craig catches up with Santo Cilauro - an Australian comedian, television, feature film producer, screenwriter, actor, author and cameraman.
Known as the weatherman in Frontline, he is also a former radio presenter on Triple M and one of the co-founders of The D-Generation.
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This week on Great Australian Lives Craig catches up with Robin Jolley, a legend of the Australian recording industry.
Do you remember Marshall's Portable Music Machine, the number one 1972 hit single?
The complete entertainer, his career has taken him to some very interesting places... and jobs!
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with Tracey Corbin-Matchett.
Tracey is a proud hard of hearing woman with a passion for film, advocacy and inclusion.
Her 25-year career has crossed social housing, women’s domestic violence services and as CEO of Bus Stop Films she is advocating for greater representation of people with disability in the advertising and screen industry.
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This week, Craig catches up with Pat Rafter.
An icon of Australian sport, he is the winner of three grand-slam titles.
These days he's put his surfboard and tennis racquet in the shed and bought a tractor as he carves out a niche in the Australian countryside creating his own koala sanctuary.
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This week Craig catches up with an icon of Australian TV, Gordon Bennett.
Gordon Bennett has been responsible for much of what Australian viewers have seen over five decades of games coverage, not to mention AFL, tennis and a whole range of sports.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, we delve into the world of premature babies with the remarkable story of Karin Vosmansky who went through a tough time with the birth of her son.
This led to her working closely with mums and dads and prem babies.
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This week Craig catches up with former television presenter and media personality, Annette Allison.
Annette Allison is a name familiar to many Australians due to a career of more than 28 years on TV and radio including roles as Ten news anchor and co-host of the long-running Good Morning Melbourne.
These days, she works tirelessly for many charitable organisations but is still involved in many areas of the media.
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This week Craig catches up with retired television presenter, journalist and radio broadcaster, Steve Liebmann.
From humble beginnings in the Snowy Mountains of NSW, Liebmann went on to co-host Today on the Nine Network between 1982 and 1986, and again from 1990 to 2005.
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This week Craig catches up with Shane Jacobson, one of Australia's most loved award-winning actors, writers, presenters and entertainers.
From a story about the humble Australian dunny to starring alongside Paul Hogan, his tale is one full of perseverance and hard work which has led him to international acclaim.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with Australian performer Glenn Robbins.
A producer and actor, he is best known for his role in the Kath and Kim series as well as Russell Coights All Aussie Adventures.
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This week, Craig catches up with acclaimed Australian author, Mark Lamprell.
In Mark's latest novel, a confronting issue is covered. Domestic violence is sadly on the rise in Australia and this new book demonstrates just how easily women can become victims.
Also a screenwriter and director, Mark co-wrote the film Babe: Pig in the City and directed the award-winning feature My Mother Frank and Goddess
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This week Craig catches up with Captain James Nixon.
Now an author of five books, Nixon retired to a writer's life at the top of his industry as an A380 Captain after flying both Boeing and Airbus airliners.
He also won two awards for his part in a light plane rescue.
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This week the entertainment industry lost one of its true characters.
On Great Australian Lives, Craig pays tribute to John Blackman as we relive his astonishing career and battle with cancer.
It is, indeed, a remarkable story.
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This week Craig catches up with veteran Australian sports broadcaster and journalist, Tim Lane.
Tim Lane has a voice that is familiar to millions of Australians.
He once worked in a factory after opting out of university and then decided to try his hand as a commentator. And the rest, as they say, is history!
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This week, Craig catches up with community pharmacist and master herbalist, Gerald Quigley.
Gerald advocates promoting health & wellness from a holistic perspective. He believes in empowering each person to make sensible health choices and improve quality of life.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with Sue Stanley.
Starting dance classes at the age of four, Stanley went from ballet to gymnastics to becoming a five-time world champion in two disciplines.
She then went on to purchase a gym and started doing aerobics which led to international stardom.
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This week, Craig catches up with Olympic medalist Kathy Watt.
Watt is an Australian racing cyclist who won two medals at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain (gold in the road race, and silver in the pursuit)
She has been able to juggle an academic career with her chosen sport which has taken her all over the globe.
She is also heavily involved in promoting sports amongst Australian youngsters and is having a big impact.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with legendary AFL footballer, Brian Beers.
A half-forward, Beers was a member of Collingwood's 1958 premiership team and kicked the first and last goals in an epic and historic grand final at the MCG.
Once Brian had decided to retire from VFL/AFL football, tennis resumed its place in his life and he played at a high level before heading into the game’s administration.
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This week is a special ANZAC edition of Great Australian Lives.
Craig chats with Michael Williams from Veterans Plus about their work with those who serve.
Craig also catches up with Veterans Plus patron, George Petrou, who is an outstanding artist with an extraordinary story to tell.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with renowned coach, David Parkin.
A former AFL player, Parkin's stature in the history of Australian Rules Football is based mainly on his achievements as a coach.
Building on his experience as a player and educator, Parkin won four premierships (one at Hawthorn, three at Carlton) and is considered one of the most influential coaches of the modern era.
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This week Craig catches up with award-winning journalist, author and historian, Grantlee Kieza OAM.
Kieza focuses primarily on Australian history and has a knack for breathing life into the past.
He is a Walkley Award finalist and the author of more than twenty critically acclaimed books.
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This week, Craig catches up with comedian, Paul Martell.
Martell is regarded as one of Australia's best-known comedians with a career spanning more than 40 years.
His impressions have won him international acclaim and these days he is busier than ever travelling the world and making people laugh.
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41 centers, 10,000 volunteers including 3500 crisis supporters - and that's just a small part of the Australia-wide work of Lifeline. All there to help Australians in their darkest hours.
This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with Colin Seery, the CEO of Lifeline.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with inspirational sportswoman, Alex Saundry.
A former AFLW star who is now empowering more female athletes in the tough world of professional sport.
Saundry saw a need for many young and rising stars to be shown a pathway to success and it has led to something of a revolution in female sports management.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with renowned television and radio presenter, Brigitte Duclos
After finishing an applied science degree, her major in physical education led her to an immediate appointment as a sports reporter, establishing herself as among the first female sports journalists in Australia.
She went on to have a very successful career for Network 10, leading into many years in breakfast radio across multiple stations in Melbourne.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with extraordinary Australian artist, David Bromley.
An Archibald Prize finalist on six occasions, Bromley is best known for his painting and sculpture work, in particular his portraits and his paintings of children, birds, butterflies and female nudes.
By his own admission, art saved Bromley's life as he was on a downward spiral in his early years.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig's very special guest is Peter Cullen.
After studying for the priesthood, Cullen decided to go onto the streets and work tirelessly with those in need.
Cullen is the founder of Reclink.
Every year, Reclink provides and promotes thousands of sport, recreation and arts sessions to participants from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with legendary Australian, Peter Sullivan.
If there was a title for Sullivan, it would be "Mr. Music". He composes, plays, performs, arranges, conducts... and is a real character!
Sullivan was one half of the Two Man Band as arranger, co-performer and co-producer with Mike Brady on the AFL anthem Up There Cazaly.
As musical director of Channel 9, Sullivan was responsible for shows including Carols By Candlelight, Sale of the Century and The Footy Show.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with six-time Paralympic medalist, David Hall.
In his career, Hall won all of the major tennis world titles and was ranked as the world's number-one player for six years
Later this year, a new book called Super Beast will hit the shelves which details David's remarkable life.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with remarkable Australian, David Parer.
A world-renowned photographer, filmmaker, and conservationist.
He comes from a background steeped in Australian history and shows no sign of slowing down as he travels the globe to bring us some amazing sights.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with legendary Australian, Kelvin Alley.
Kelvin has lived an extraordinary life with the Salvation Army.
Born on a dairy farm in country NSW, he went on to become a cyclist who rubbed wheels with a Prime Minister and then spent years in one of the most dangerous places on earth.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Ross Stevenson
Ross went from a suburban solicitors office to a community radio station then went on to become one of the most listened-to broadcasters in Australia.
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Maddie Riewoldt was a very brave young woman who died at the age of 26 from complications of a Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.
Her brother Nick and cousin Jack both started to work hard to find a cure and Maddie's Match was born within the AFL. An organisation was then created called Maddie's Vision with the aim of raising funds to find a cure.
November is Maddie's Month and this week, Craig catches up with AFL great Jack Riewoldt and CEO of Maddie's Vision, Amy Coote.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Denise Drysdale
Denise is a two-time Gold Logie winner and an accomplished singer, dancer, host and comedian.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis revisits his chat with Australia's best race caller, Matt Hill
Matt will be calling The Melbourne Cup on November 7th to an audience of millions around the world.
Matt is one of Australia's top all-round sports commentators with an international reputation for fast, accurate and entertaining coverage of major events.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Ken Piesse.
Ken Piesse is a Melbourne-based sports journalist and author. He has just published his 87th book which centres on the life and career of a controversial Australian sportsman.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Catherine Crock.
Professor Catherine Crock is a medical pioneer, producer of music and theatrics, humanitarian, mother and advocate for change.
This year she’ll be a big part of the Gathering of Kindness in Melbourne in November which is an event that attracts health practitioners from around the world.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Robyn Annear.
An acclaimed historian, Robyn Annear is the author of eight books of history, most recently, Corners of Melbourne: The Great Orange-Peel Panic & Other Stories From The Streets.
She appeared in the award-winning 2022 documentary, The Lost City of Melbourne.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Russell Morris.
Morris is an Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist who had five Australian Top 10 singles during the late 1960s and early 1970s including one of the greatest Australian songs of all time, ‘The Real Thing’.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Matt Hollywood.
Matt Hollywood is a former policeman who turned to magic which propelled him onto the international stage as one of the world’s top magicians and illusionists.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Kate Grenville AO.
Kate is an acclaimed author and academic who has published 15 books including fiction, non-fiction, biography and books about the writing process.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Denis Walter.
Denis Walter OAM is an Australian radio presenter, recording artist and media personality.
Denis has been part of the fabric of Australian music for many, many years. From a young age, he has been a crowd favourite and he's performed alongside some of the biggest names in show business.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with Australian author, Lorin Clarke.
Lorin has just written a book about her father, the late John Clarke, who was one of the greatest satirists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Amanda Elliott
Amanda Elliott has had a lifelong love affair with the sport of kings and has indeed been very successful at the caper. However, it was off the track that she really made a name for herself, becoming the first female chairmen of one of the world’s most famous clubs.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Bruce Rowland.
A composer, arranger and conductor, Bruce’s music has captured the hearts and minds of Australians and audiences around the world, leading to critical acclaim and an entrenched position as one of Australia’s most successful composers.
Bruce is responsible for one of the most iconic pieces of Australian music that still resonates with anyone who loves a horse and the high country.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Basil Zempilas.
Basil is recognised as one of Australia’s best-known sports commentators and for years brought us all the high drama of Olympic and Commonwealth Games events, as well as covering AFL matches.
In 2020 he was elected the Lord Mayor of Perth.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Rob Sitch.
Sitch is an Australian director, producer, screenwriter, actor and comedian. He is known for his 1990s comedy series Frontline, and the long-running comedy series Utopia
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis revisits an old chat with Derryn Hinch.
Born in New Zealand, Hinch is a media personality, politician, actor, journalist and published author.
He is best known for his career in Australia, on Melbourne radio and television.
He served as a Senator for Victoria from 2016 to 2019.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, Andy Lee.
A comedian, television presenter, musician and children's writer. He is known for working alongside Hamish Blake as part of the comedy duo Hamish& Andy.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with Kevin & Janetta from channel 9's hit show, 'Travel Guides.'
The couple have been traveling for over 40 years and know exactly what they want. They love ships, five star accommodation, business class travel and the luxuries high-end travel has to offer, but is it all its cracked up to be?
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, television and radio journalist, Nick McCallum.
As a broadcast journalist, McCallum works as a senior reporter with the Seven Network and as a part-time presenter for Melbourne radio station 3AW.
He has also had an extensive career in the United states and Europe, and has covered stories all over the world
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian, John Blackman.
Johnis an Australian radio and television presenter, voice-artist and comedy writer and author.
He is most widely known for his voice-over work on comedy variety show 'HeyHeyIt'sSaturday'.
He discusses his career, and ongoing health challenges and battles with cancer.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with a legendary Australian, Don Elgin.
A country boy from Victoria, Don was born without the lower half of his left leg but this didn’t stop him from developing a passion for sport.
Don Elgin is a Paralympian who is well known and much loved for his larrikin, down-to-earth nature and highly respected for his many achievements on and off the field.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with a legendary organistion, Legacy.
Legacy is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, and to commemorate, theres a torch relay going on that first started on the battle fields of France.
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This week on Great Australian Lives Craig Willis catches up Robert DiPierdomenico or Dipper.
Dipper is a retired AFLfootballer who represented Hawthorn in the (AFL) from the 1970s to the 1990s.
He is one of the most successful Italian Australians to play Australian football, and his contribution to the game was recognized by selection in the VFL/AFL Italian Team of the Century.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up Chloe Molloy.
Chloe Molloy is an Australian rules footballer with the Sydney Swans in the AFL Women's.
She previously played for the Collingwood Football Club from 2018 to season seven.
Molloy is a dual AFL Women's All-Australian, and won the AFL Women's Rising Star and Collingwood best and fairest awards in 2018
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up Mark Beretta.
Mark Beretta is Australia’s most watched Sports Presenter.
He is also an author, engineer, 10-times Australian water ski champion, Dancing With The Stars contestant, and marathon bike rider.
As sports guru for the Seven Network’s Sunrise program, he has been watched by almost half a million Australians every day.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with Rebecca Daniher (Bec), daughter of legendary AFL footballer Neale Daniher.
Neale has been publicly battling Motor Neurone Disease.
Neale may have lost his voice in his battle with MND, but he hasn’t lost his will to fight.
With daughter Bec stepping up to speak on her dad’s behalf as the campaign director at Fight MND, Daniher’s fight continues with the remarkable Big Freeze charity match at the MCG, raising money for Fight MND.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis talks to Mike Brady.
After a successful recording career, Mike got into advertising for TV & Radio, making successful jingles such as 'Up There Cazaly', the promotional song for Channel 7 AFL.
A talented man who wears many hats, he created his own record label, he's an MC, and continues to work at festivals, concerts and corporate shows.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig catches up with Marty Fields.
Marty Fields is an Australian comedian, host/mc, actor, writer, musician, singer, and radio presenter from Melbourne.
The son of Australian actors Maurie Fields and Val Jellay, Fields has had long-running roles on Hey Hey It's Saturday, Blue Heelers, Blankety Blanks and various other television shows.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up Derryn Hinch.
Born in New Zealand, Hinch is a media personality, politician, actor, journalist and published author.
He is best known for his career in Australia, on Melbourne radio and television.
He served as a Senator for Victoria from 2016 to 2019.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with Penny Fowler.
In 2013, Penny was appointed as Chairman at the Herald & Weekly Times and began her role as News Corp Australia’s Community Ambassador.
In case this didn’t keep her busy enough, Penny is also Chairman of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, a Board member of The Australian Ballet, Deputy Chairman of The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and a Board Member of The National Portrait Gallery.
She is also on the Advisory Board of Visy, the Advisory Board of the Bank of Melbourne, Chair of the Bank of Melbourne Foundation and has joined Board of Tourism Australia, as well as being an Ambassador for The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF).
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with Dr Robert Webster, President of the Victorian Branch of the RSL.
While studying accounting at Swinburne Robert was drafted and spent 12 months in the Vietnam war as a National Serviceman in 1970.
Robert felt that what he experienced in the Vietnam War was life changing.
Craig discusses Anzac Day with Dr Webster, and how the RSL educates young people on the ANZAC appeal.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with Hamish McLachlan
After growing up on a farm as one of four brothers, Hamish is now one of Australia’s premier hosts, and is a key member of the Seven Network.
Hamish has had involvement with the Olympics/ FIFA world cup/ AFL, and many more major sporting events.
Multi-skilled, Hamish has a profound knowledge of all sports and is a polished host & MC.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with Sam Newman.
Sam Newman is one of the Australian media and Australian football’s most colourful characters.
Ever popular and often controversial, his playing career speaks for itself.
Newman’s most loved and criticized role is as co-host of Channel Nine’s award winning The Footy Show.
His unforgettable antics are nothing short of legendary.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis catches up with Aunty Pam Pedersen.
Pam is a Yorta Yorta Elder, an advocate in the Koorie Court system, an Aboriginal community leader and an accomplished sports person.
The daughter of Pastor Sir Doug Nicholls and Lady Nicholls, she has continued her father’s legacy of community service, placing the happiness and health of others before her own.
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This week on Great Australian Lives, Craig Willis chats with powerhouse vocalist – Lisa Edwards.
Lisa Edwards is a staple of the Australian music scene, having proved her prowess as a session singer, solo artist and musician for almost half a century.
Edwards is primarily a backing vocalist, sharing the stage with high-profile Australian and international acts including Kylie Minogue, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Olivia Newton-John, Barbara Streisand, Al Green, Sting, Bryan Adams, Hall & Oates, Cindy Lauper, Lenny Kravitz, Yoko Ono, Tom Jones, Toto, Noiseworks, and more.
Known primarily as a backing singer, most notably alongside John Farnham, Edwards’ powerful voice saw her become a seasoned solo artist in her own right, with three studio albums under her belt, a top 5 hit, ARIA Award nominations, and recognition as a lifetime Australia Day Ambassador for her contribution to the Australian music scene and tireless charity work.
'PC: lisaedwards.com.au
Thanks to Tobin Brothers Funerals - Celebrating Lives
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In this episode, host Craig Willis talks with Australian sports presenter and journalist – Tony Jones.
Tony Jones has been a prominent face of sports journalism in Australia for over 30 years. Joining the Nine Network in 1986, he has been a regular sports reporter ever since, hosting the Sunday Footy Show as well as covering numerous AFL Grand Finals and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Jones has received great critical acclaim for his tribute to Victorian football legend E.J. Whitten, and received the Victorian Cricket Association’s Best Television Story Award for his exclusive on Dean Jones’ retirement from international cricket.
Beyond sport he has reported from the scenes of Victoria’s Black Saturday bushfires in 2009 and broadcasted the news of the death of his lifelong colleague and friend, legendary Channel Nine newsreader Brian Naylor.
Thanks to Tobin Brothers Funerals - Celebrating Lives
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This week on the show Craig will chat with John Deeks.
Respected throughout the Media industry, John has been a popular and in-demand fixture of the Melbourne TV, Radio, Advertising and Corporate worlds for almost 40 years.
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This week on the show Craig will chat with High Country Legend Charlie Lovick.
He was the master of the horse on the Man from Snowy River.
He wants to establish a Hall of Fame in the High Country.
We will hear all about that on the show this week.
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On this weeks episode, Craig Willis catches up with legendary Australian commentator, Matt Hill.
Brought up in the Sports Capital, idolising the likes of Bruce McAvaney, Matt dreamed of calling Australia's great game.
That dream became a reality when he called AFL for ABC Radio in 2015, culminating in a trip to Ireland to call International Rules for RTE Radio Ireland.
From 2021, Matt has been a regular caller for SEN Radio and can be heard across the airwaves of AFL Nation, Australia wide.
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In this episode, host Craig Willis talks to Australian TV & Radio Icon Greg Evans.
Born and bred in Melbourne Greg started his radio career in Regional Victoria. And over the years worked on air at some of Melbourne biggest radio stations. Including the drive time show on the iconic 1422 3XY in the mid-70s.
His move to TV in the early eighties started with a regular spot on The Mike Walsh Show. But Greg became a household name across Australia hosting over 1400 episodes of Perfect Match. He even hosted the TV Week Logie Awards.
These days Greg works as a Marriage celebrant and is a lifetime Australia Day ambassador.
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Join Laura Turner and her guest for our final episode of the show - James MacLeod the Managing Director of Tobin Brothers Funerals.
Since the first show aired on July 4th 2014 (with guest Major Brendan Nottle from the Salvation Army) we've had the privilege of sharing the stories of so many wonderful Australians. You'll find our whole show achieve of episodes via podcast HERE. Mentioned in this episode;
Malcolm Fraser's interview with Jo Hall - his last ever
Michael Gudinski's Great Australian Life
Dr Sally Cockburn's Great Australian Life
Ron Iddels' amazing chat with Laura
Kate Austin from Pinchapoo's wonderful story
To watch Tobin's inspiring range of #SayItNow videos head to the website HERE. Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
This program was produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
Laura Turner will be chatting to multi-Emmy Award Nominated television journalist, bestselling author, fashion profiler, and creator and host of Undressed - Kathryn Eisman.
This program is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
Kathryn believes that first impressions do count and that we can potentially create the lives we want – just by what we wear.
She has the unique ability of being able to tell everything about you just by what you are wearing. By reading a person’s clothes Kathryn can determine a person’s personality traits, what might be holding them back, and what changes they can make - inside and out – that could potentially change their life.
Check out Kathryn’s new transformative series Undressed, streaming now on Paramount+.
Join Laura Turner and her guest this week - journalist and TV presenter Jo Hall.
Jo was the original host of Great Australian Lives so before the show comes to an end - we wanted to find out more about Jo's life and career.
This show is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Emma Germano - the Chair and President of the Victorian Farmers Federation. Thanks to Tobin Brothers Funerals for supporting this program.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Professor Jill Bennett.Jill is one of a growing number or researchers and academics who are exploring the potential of the arts to help improve outcomes for an every growing number of Australians who are battling anxiety and mental health issues. She is Founding Director of the National Institute for Experimental Arts and of The Big Anxiety Festival a pioneering mental health and arts festival,which is coming to Melbourne soon. This program is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
Join Laura Turner and her guest tonight Dr Alex Wodak. This program is proudly supported by Tobin Brother's Funerals - celebrating lives. Produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN
Join Laura Turner and her guest this week Sarah Todd.Sarah is a former high-end fashion model whose love of food culture began when she was travelling the world modelling. She returned to Australia as a contestant on Masterchef, reappearing on the show recently in the Fans V Favs series where she was runner up.For more about Sarah's food journey head to her website www.sarahtodd.com.auThis show is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
Laura Turner is chatting with two very special guests: Associate Professor Michael Woodward AM, one of Dementia Australia’s Honorary Medical Advisors, and Russell Martin, who is a Dementia Advocate and is living with dementia.Dementia Actions Week starts on September 19th - for more information and resources head to www.dementia.org.auThis program is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives. Associate Professor Michael Woodward AM is currently Director and Clinical Head of Aged Care Research at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Director of the Memory Clinic and Director of Chronic Wound Management Clinic, all with Austin Health. As well as an Honorary Medical Advisor to Dementia Australia, Michael is a Board member of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation and former Chair of the Dementia Australia Dementia Research Foundation, Victoria.In 2016, he was awarded Membership of the Order of Australia for his work, and is an undeniably valuable resource for information relating to dementia, including the process of diagnosis, prevalence, treatment, and more.Russell Martin is also an expert in Dementia, though in his case it’s through a lived experience, and through his work as an advocate with Dementia Australia. Earlier this year he appeared on an ABC episode of ‘You Can’t Ask That’ focused on people living with Dementia, and their responses to confronting questions.Russell is a passionate speaker, sharing his story with others to reduce stigma and give an honest insight into what life is like following a diagnosis of Dementia.Listen in to learn more about Dementia, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment options, to what it’s really like to live with it.
Join Laura Turner and her guest this week Kellie Curtain.
This show is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals.
Kellie is the author of ‘What Will I Wear to your Funeral’, an enthralling and deeply moving book about the Curtain family finding the ‘good’ in goodbye as they navigate Kellie’s mother’s passing of cancer.
In Kellie’s own words, “everyone has a story to tell, it’s the story telling that sets them apart. And every story has an audience, my experience is in finding the right medium and platform to reach them.”
Kellie hosts the podcast series UpFront about Breast Cancer for the Breast Cancer Network Australia - you can listen to the podcast HERE. For more info on the BCNA head to their website www.bcna.org.au
Laura Turner catches up with specialist Rural and Remote Physician and former military officer – Dr Jamie Phillips, who has spent most of his career pushing medicine to the extreme.This show is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.As a commando trained medical officer, Jamie spent the majority of his career as an embedded doctor and medical commander within elite military units.Tasked with providing advanced point-of-wounding care on combat and counter terrorism operations around the globe, he learned to lead in the most challenging environments on the planet.Seeking to transfer the lessons he learned in combat to a new environment, Jamie started working in remote communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea. It was while working in Remote Medicinethat he met the founders of a workplace safety and wellbeing company and learned about their mission. Dr Jamie is deeply passionate about ensuring patients can access quality medical care when and where they need it.Recognising these shared set of values, he joined the team as Medical Director.Listen to his fascinating career, including some of his most recent observations on the connection between financial wellbeing and workplace wellbeing.
Laura Turner catches up with Australian zoologist and television personality – Chris Humfrey.This program is bought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives. Chris Humfrey was born on the outskirts of rural Melbourne, Australia, he grew up with a childhood of chasing lizards, catching tadpoles and bird watching. In fact he spent very little time inside the family home.Chris could usually be found in the great outdoors searching for new and wonderful wildlife.Chris has completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology at Melbourne University and is also a keen adventurer and athlete and a self-confessed adrenalin ‘junkie’, representing Australia in numerous World Championships in extreme wild water kayaking throughout the world. Chris’ dedication to learning more about wild creatures in their natural habitat has inspired many of his travels around the world, including searching for leopards in Sri Lanka, following rhinos in Nepal, watching pumas in Belize, and studying death adders in the outback of Australia. Chris particularly loves discovering new remote locations, because that’s usually where the most incredible animals are!In 1994 Chris founded Wild Action, an organisation committed to teaching children about animals through its multi-award winning ‘The Zoo Comes To You’ mobile education program.A winner of the Telstra Victorian Business of the Year, the Wild Action team continue to teach well over 250,000 school children each year about Australia’s amazing biodiversity.Chris’ environmental ethos is simple: “How can we save something if we don’t know anything about it? Creating empathy and awareness is the key to conservation”.With his desire to share his knowledge and passion for our wildlife, Chris’ unique and highly entertaining style has engaged with people of all ages,from young children and teens, through to adults who also share a curiosity for Australian animals.
Join Laura Turner and her guest this week Keren Ludski. Keren is the CEO of Red Nose Australia.www.rednoseday.org.auEvery day, 9 babies and young children die suddenly and unexpectedly in Australia that’s a heartbreaking 3,000 little lives lost every year and our guest tonight is part of an incredible team at Red Nose Australia hoping to change that – her work spurred on by her own horrific loss. On Valentine’s Day 1988 Keren lost her 12 week old son Ben to SIDS.Listen to Keren’s story: How the tragic loss of her own Son Ben inspired her to save little lives and support families impacted by the death of a baby or child.This show is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
Laura Turner catches up with Australian interior design mega-star, dedicated father and husband and one of the judges on ‘The Block’ – Darren Palmer.Darren was raised in Gladstone in Central Queensland, where from a young age he used both his upbringing and surrounds to inspire him to his dream of creating houses. After his studies, Darren started his own business, working side-by-side with his clients and slowly building up his reputation as a generational interior designer.Darren has worked alongside some of Australia’s biggest, and the worlds biggest companies and organisations, and has dedicated much of his life to working with and alongside charities, which he continues to do so regularly.When Darren isn’t working, he is ensuring his physical and mental health always get a good workout, and Darren cultivates his time creating a loving and amazing environment for him and his family - his husband Olivier, their son and dogs!Listen to his insights on this year’s season of The Block, how he was able to move and leave a lucrative career behind to move back to Sydney, and step back into his ultimate passion in life - interior design.This program is proudly presented by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Dr Ben Bravery.Dr Ben Bravery is a fascinating man whose experience as a patient lead him down a different life path and a huge career change from patient to doctor. It was his mission and calling to shake up the medical field and change lives – Author and doctor, Dr. Ben Bravery.In his eye-opening memoir ‘The Patient Doctor’ (released July 2022), Ben goes through his journey of how his initial cancer diagnosis moved him to become a doctor and an advocate in change within the healthcare system.At just 28 years of age, Ben Bravery awoke from a colonoscopy, only to be told that he had stage three colorectal cancer. As a scientist, Ben understood the seriousness of this prognosis, and was a literal cancer-kick to the guts. His life was forever altered with what he discovered as a patient, and a young one at that, is that the system was fundamentally flawed in key areas, and is not built for young people like him. During his arduous eighteen month process of ridding himself of cancer, between his treatments of aggressive chemotherapy and other treatments, Ben would often find himself scared, overwhelmed, sometimes invisible and often alone.It was through Ben's recovery process that it struck him! He could no longer go back to his former career, and decided that he would need to lead the helm in the change he wished to see for others. Ben changed careers, on a mission to become a doctor, and after passing his entrance exam; he then dove headfirst into the challenges of medical school and beyond.Ben’s journey is not your typical cancer memoir, it is so much more, and delves into what happened afterward his cancer treatment had been completed. It was through his mission and his inspiration driven by his own experience that he would tirelessly work to change both sides of the healthcare system. This patient-turned-doctor gives a gloves-off account of how Ben managed to overcome the trauma of his illness; to studying medicine; and the challenges he faced along the way. Ben's mission is to tirelessly work to change the approach and the levels of care and service within the medical field, and to remember that the patient's welfare, care and journey is the centre and the beating heart of the medical system.Listen to his unbelievable journey, challenges along the way, revelations and findings, all detailed in his new book ‘The Patient Doctor’.Connect with Ben via his website www.benbravery.com.auGreat Australian LIves is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives. This show is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
Join Laura Turner and her guests this week for Donate Life Week. Dr Helen Opdam is the National Medical Director for the Oran and Tissue Authority and David Reilley was the recipient of a life saving liver transplant in May 2021.For more information or to register to be a donor go to www. donatelife.gov.au HEREGreat Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.This show is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Professor Michael Parker. This program is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives. Laura Turner catches up with an exciting world biochemistry and pharmacology expert working tirelessly to eradicate Alzheimer’s disease - Professor Michael Parker from the St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research.Michael and his team have just been awarded the Faye Williams Innovation Grant, worth $375,000, to further research into a new drug treatment with Alzheimer’s disease. With just under half a million Australians living with dementia, it is key and important work that could improve the lives of many. The research projects will show how acoustic sleep technology, paired with a new drug treatment may work to help reduce the toxins associated with the development and onset of Alzheimer’s disease.In Professor Parker’s research, there will be a new drug trialled that can help enhance the brain’s ability to clear the toxins associated with the development in Alzheimer’s disease. It is with this ground-breaking drug that there is new hope in delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and removing previous negative consequences that came from some similar trials beforehand. This new experimental drug has shown positive preliminary breakthroughs in not only slowing down the onset and effects of Alzheimer’s disease, but may in fact reverse some of the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
Laura Turner catches up with inspiring author and humanitarian – Zaheda Ghani.Arriving with her family to Australia from Afghanistan as refugees in the 1980’s, Zaheda, known as Zoe, handwrote her first novel using a HB pencil in a scented diary with a lock and key.It was the heart of what Zaheda wrote, through her determination, change and growth through this time, that flourished into her first novel ‘Pomegranate & Fig’, which was shortlisted for the Richell Prize for Emerging Writers.Also a recipient of Western Sydney Emerging Writers Fellowship, Zaheda served on the board of Australia for UNHCR, a private sector partnered with the UN Refugee Agency from 2017 to 2021. Today Zaheda is an Ambassador for Australian for UNHCR, where she is a part of a team that is passionate about their ongoing humanitarian work.Tune in to listen to her insightful, inspiring and amazing life and stories that she has accumulated on her journey.Great Australian Lives is supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Tim Peck.After an esteemed and well established career as a detective in the Victoria Police, Tim seemed to be the very embodiment of a competent and successful police officer who threw everything into his career. However in 2014 he had reached breaking point that nobody was able to foresee – he was struggling and willing to commit suicide. In this discussion, Laura speaks with Tim about his path to recovery and how he uses his experiences to assist others going through similar circumstances, and that help is available.June 27 was post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day, and Tim has dedicated his life to become a part of Phoenix Australia, an organisation dedicated to supporting and assisting those who suffer from PTSD. Phoenix Australia is Australia’s National Centre of Excellence in Posttraumatic Mental Health.Listen to his courageous and insightful story.
Join Laura Turner and her guest June Factor. June is a much loved children's book writer responsible for titles like Far Out, Brussel Sprout! and All Right Vegemite!
She's also a highly respected folklorist and social historian. Her new book Soldiers and Aliens explores some of the lesser know stories of World War Two and the men who served in the Australian Employment Companies.
For more information about June's work and book click HERE.
This program is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
aura Turner catches up with mental health pioneers who are working to remove the stigma of complex mental health issues and support families in need as the leaders of SANE – CEO of SANE Rachel Green & SANE Founder Dr. Margaret Leggatt.For more information about SANE head to www.sane.orgSANE was born out of a movement of people looking to remove stigma and create better support and opportunities for people and families facing schizophrenia and other complex mental health difficulties. This came after the deinstitutionalisation of many vulnerable patients, without the integration knowledge to allow for them to thrive, where SANE worked to remove stigma from those families and patients that were vulnerable, working to improve services and improve awareness of mental health issues.
Join Laura Turner and guest Sandi Logan.Sandi is an award winning senior communications and issues management executive who started out as a journalist in the mid 70s and early 80s before transitioning into public affairs diplomacy in the foreign service – a role which saw him posted to Papua New Guinea, Germany and Washington DC. From there he threw himself into the cut and thrust of Australian politics in Canberra as a spokesperson for various departments, agencies and ministers before turning his hand to consulting as a communications strategist. He’s now added author to his resume and has just published a fascinating true crime tale - Betrayed: The incredible untold inside story of the two most unlikely drug-running grannies in Australian history. For more information about Sandi's book and his work you can visit his website www.sandiloganauthor.com HERE.Great Australian LIves is proudly presented by Tobin Brothers Funerals Celebrating Lives.This show is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Sally Warriner.Sally has just released a new memoir, ‘Not Just the Wife of the General Manager - Life in the Outback’; a fascinating memoir of her life on outback cattle stations that pays homage to countless unsung heroes - just like herself.Her story begins after hitchhiking to Australia’s far north in the 1980’s while she was in her early twenties, where Sally stayed instead of returning home to Canberra where Sally married a cattle manager. Her life was filled with farm work consisting of 14 hour days, working 7 days a week alongside her husband until she was 50; before something inside her snapped and she came to the realisation that there is more that she wants to accomplish in her life, deciding to leave that life behind for something greater.As well as being ‘just’ a wife of a station manager during her stay up in Northern Australia, she was also a nurse (and working alongside with The Royal Flying Doctors), she was a dedicated mother to several children (not all of them her own children), a travel agent, a social secretary, and a high-profile event host and organiser for some of Australia's most prominent figures in her time.Her story is one built on resilience, adventure, journey, courage, overcoming vast obstacles and so much more across her encompassing and captivating life journey.Listen to her unique and fascinating story!Great Australian LIves is proudly presented by Tobin Brothers Funerals Celebrating Lives. This show is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Professor Elaine Fox.Elaine is considered a pioneer in her field – she’s a world leading experimental psychologist, an expert in the science of optimism and emotions and a performance coach who draws on the wisdom gained in 25 years of scientific research to help top athletes, military leaders and business professionals harness their potential. She’s currently a Professor of Psychology and head of the school of psychology at the University of Adelaide. Somehow she find the time to write as well and has just released her latest book Switchcraft in which she explores the potential for all of us to master a set of skills we need to navigate a complex and uncertain world and restore our fulfilment, curiosity and zest for life.You can conect with Professor Elaine Fox on Instagram HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals.This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for Sport Entertainment Network
Laura Turner's guest this week is Fergus Watts. Fergus is a businessman, former AFL Player and current CEO of The Reach Foundation, Fergus Watts.Originally from England, Watts was educated at Wesley College before being selected as a first round draft pick for the Adelaide Crows in the 2003 AFL Draft, before an injury marred his career by 2007, forcing him to retire from footballing competitions.After football, and at just 23 years old, Fergus then started his own entertainment, sports and marketing agency which became Bastion Collective. Bastion Collective evolved over the years to accommodate more than 100 employees, with offices around the world and evolved to have various subsidiaries to ensure that the markets that they were in were being effectively catered for, and today is valued as a $20 billion company and is continuing to grow each day.Fergus has has just been named the CEO of The Reach Foundation, an organisation that is looking to tackle the mental health crisis head on. Fergus considers himself lucky to have gone through the the program 20 years ago as a member of the St. Kilda Football Club, when The Reach Foundation was run by the late, great Jim Stynes.Listen to his amazing story, journey and the inspiration to join The Reach Foundation, and how he is still managing to inspire and lead others into a better future!#TobinBrothers #CelebratingLives #SayItNow #ListenNow
Laura’s guest this week is Sandy Thorne.Sandy is a former jillaroo, brumby runner, horse breaker and bull catcher turned best-selling author, bush poet and performer with a knack for capturing the essence of life on the land. Her work has taken her all over the country and the world – and she’s appeared and performed on countless television and radio shows including David Letterman, Larry King, US Today, Good Morning America and the Michael Parkinson show – earning her the reputation as Australia’s foremost promoter of rural Aussie culture. Her latest bookMy Mate Gidgee: An Outback Story of Hard Yakka and Humour has been described as heart-warming, sometimes shocking, full of tragedy and treachery - extreme hardship and heartbreak.To connect with Sandy or for more information about her books and performances head to her website www.sandythorne.com.au HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly presented by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for Sport Entertainment Network
Laura Turner's guest this week is Jacinta Clayton. Jacinta shares a very personal story that is sadly all too familiar for many women. In mid 2021 she was one of the 55 people to be diagnosed with Breast Cancer each day in Australia, and in the midst of a global pandemic her breast cancer journey began. Nearly a year later Jacinta is still undergoing treatment but that’s not going to stop her pulling on her sneakers and getting into the active wear to be part of the 25th Mother’s Day Classic- Australia’s largest charity fun run and walk – raising much needed funds for Breast Cancer Research. To get involved in the 2022 Mother's Day Classic head to www.mothersdayclassic.com.auGreat Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
This week Laura Turner's guest is award-winning screen director, author and activist, Damon Gameau.Damon is best known for his smash documentary hit ‘That Sugar Film’ to coincide with his accompanying best-selling book ‘That Sugar Book’.His latest short film ‘Regenerating Australia’ is one which transports viewers into the future world of 2029, as the tumultuous 2020’s draw to a close. The film then asked the questions ‘What would Australia look like by 2030 if we simply listened to the needs of its people’?
Damon has had sporadic roles as an actor in some highly acclaimed shows, and has won various AACTA and AFI awards, among his large collection of great works.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Gavin Wood.Gavin has one of the most well know and ‘tuned into’ voices in country. From hosting a number one breakfast radio show on EON FM, to being the Voice Over guy on shows like The Price is Right, he is perhaps most well known for his role as the voice of pop music show Countdown which in its hey day was watched by 3 million viewers every Sunday night. After a stint in Hollywood Gavin has now returned to Melbourne and is one of the Say It Now month ambassadors for Tobin Brothers Funerals.
Join Laura Turner and her guest this week Professor Bob Kearney.A self-declared addict of recreational fishing for most of his life and keeper of the legends and lore of the Australian angler, Bob has cultivated and culminated his scientific knowledge and all-round passion into his new book: Fishing in the Good Old Days. In his book, Bob takes a look at the history of Australian fish and fisherman as well as a deeper insight into fisheries and Australian Marine ecosystems, spanning over six decades. Alongside some key powerful environmental and coastal activities, he perfectly blends his technical prowess alongside colourful personalities, unforgettable adventures in the pursuit of the lingering question – was it really better in the good old days?Great Australian Lives is proudly presented by Tobin Brothers Funerals.April is Say It Now month at Tobin Brothers Funerals. You can watch the welcome video HERE. SayItNow returns in 2022 as Victorian’s join the conversation to celebrate the important people in their lives.Starting on 1st April 2022, Victorians young and old are encouraged to celebrate the important people in their lives throughout the month of April for Tobin Brothers Funerals’ #SayItNow campaign.#SayItNow encourages people to pick up the phone, catch up for a coffee or send a message to a loved one or friend, to tell them how important they are in their life, and then share their #SayItNow moment on social media.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Robbie Frawley. Robbie could have been described as just an average young man from country Victoria but in fact his story is rather remarkable. Like many young blokes of his age he was an avid sportsperson turning his hand to a whole host of different codes from footy and basketball to hockey, water skiing, surfing and even a little boxing. He had a vibrant social life and by his early twenties his career as a civil engineer was thriving. All that changed though when he sustained what at first seemed to be a couple of mild concussions, adding to those he’d suffered growing up. Suddenly his whole life was turned upside down as post-concussion syndrome set in, making even the most basic things like reading a book or going for a run almost impossible. During 7 years of recovery he sought out the best medical advice and explored the latest scientific research on neuroplasticity - and realising he wasn’t alone in his quest for information – decided to share his journey and that of others who have experienced and recovered from brain related conditions in his podcast ‘Stories of Recovery’. You can listen to 'Stories of Receovery' HERE or whever you listen to podcasts. Robbie recommends the book The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge - you can find out more HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals. This show is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner chats with investigative journalist, motoring enthusiast and long-time TV producer, Julian Cress.Julian is a 5 time Logie winner for his role as Executive Producer on “The Block” and he shares a few insights into what viewers can expect in 2022 - The Block Treechange. Julian is a huge motoring enthusiast and will be talking about the event which he founded and is the co-creator of, ‘The Motorists Concours d’Elegance at Pt. Leo Estate’. This event will be the world’s first exhibition to present the finest automobiles in history. Pairing with these sublime automobiles will be a collection of some of the world’s most esteemed contemporary art, and this event is sure to rival some of the most celebrated international automobile shows held around the world each year. For more info about the event - head to www.themotoristsconcours.com.au HERE. Julian started his career in investigative journalism as a senior producer at ’60 minutes’, working there for a decade before moving into reality television as a co-creator and producer of ‘The Block’ in 2003.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner's guest is Emergency Physician Dr Stephen Parnis.To connect with Stephen you can follow him on Twitter @SParnis.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner and her guest this week Steve Bastoni.Steve has been a familiar face on Australian TV and in film since the mid 80s, appearing in some of our most loved TV shows including as Angel in Police Rescue and Steve Parker on Neighbours. He's currently working on a film called Poker Face with Russell Crowe and in between all of that he's the Festival Founder and Director of the Peninsula Film Festival.The Peninsula Film Festival runs between March 11-13th at the Dromana Drive In - for more details head to www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au.Great Australian Lives is proudly presented by Tobin Brothers Funerals.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Dr Sonia Fullerton.Sonia is a doctor who specialises in palliative medicine and advanced care plans and she’s going to share some of her insights that might just help us all consider and discuss some of the sensitive issues that are raised when someone is critically ill or nearing death.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner and guest Lachy Hulme.
Lachy is a celebrated actor and screenwriter with a true passion for cinema. He’s known as an acting shapeshifter of sorts able to transform himself for a role and his career has included playing some of the most complex characters in Australian TV, most notably Kerry Packer in Nine’s mini-series Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War. Fans of the Australian drama series Offspring will also remember him as the brilliant but eccentric Dr Martin Clegg.
Lachy's one of the regular judges of the Peninsula Film Festival - running from the 11th - 13th of March. Full details HERE and via www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au
Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner and her guest this week Daisy Turnbull. Daisy in an author, teacher, Lifeline Crisis Support Councillor and mother of two, Daisy Turnbull.Daisy has just released a new book ’50 Questions to Ask Your Teens – A Guide to Fostering Communication and Confidence in Young Adults’ giving parents a guide into navigating the treacherous waters of adolescence and teenage years, after a series of previously successful novels.As well as an established author, Daisy taught at St. Catherine’s School in Sydney for 8 years and has taught across school systems working closely with children with various challenges.Daisy also is an accredited Lifeline Crisis Support Councillor, has a Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Commerce and a Master’s Degree in Art specialising in Theological Studies.Listen to her story and her insights into motherhood and teaching!Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
This week Laura Turner chats with Professor Richard Bryant - Director of the Traumatic Stress Clinic and Professor of Psychology at the University of New South Wales, .There’s no doubt the current pandemic has significantly altered the way that we live and work and these changes can make us feel stressed and worried, particularly when there is a lot of uncertainty about the future involved. But how are we going to recover from the ravages of extended lockdowns and the pandemic?Richard Bryant might just have a few ideas. His team are currently conducting a research trial to help understand the most effective ways to manage COVID-19 related stress and mood changes. Hopefully he’s going to share a few insights that might prove helpful for anyone struggling in this remarkable moment in time. Richard has is a 20-year tenured researcher in the nature, course and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and works in creating some of the programs for treatment. His work has identified key psychological, genetic and neural factors underpinning PTSD, with much of his work focusing on the early treatment protocols, and his work has been translated into over 15 languages and is utilised around the world.On top of his amazing research and work, Professor Bryant has a litany of literary accomplishments including: writing 5 books, 70 chapter books and 570 journal articles. Professor Bryant serves on major international committees to define PTSD internationally and in 2016 was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner chats with esteemed author and Emeritus Professor of History and Victoria University, Melbourne – Phillip Deery.Phillip has an extensive catalogue of over one hundred publications in the fields of communication, espionage, the cold war and the labour movement. His latest work – ‘Spies and Sparrows: ASIO and the Cold War’ is his seventh published novel, with previous works including Red Apple: Communism and McCarthyism in Cold War new York and The Age of McCarthyism: A Brief history with Documents.He is a historian of various countries around the world, and is the review editor of Labour History, was a guest editor of American Communist History, and is a research associate with the London School of Economics and Political Science Ideas Cold War Studies Program.This program is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
As our Best of 2021 series continues, join Laura Turner and her guest Dr Charlotte Tottman.Charlotte is a clinical psychologist who specialises in treating cancer distress, helping cancer patients, family members and carers who are battling with the psychological disruption that often goes hand in hand with a cancer diagnosis.A breast cancer diagnosis of her own three years ago – saw the doctor become the patient, adding a whole dimension to her understanding of the cancer experience.In conjunction with the Breast Cancer Network of Australia – Charlotte is sharing her journey in her new podcast ‘Upfront About Breast Cancer – What You Don’t Know Until You Do’. You can listen to Charlotte's podcast HERE or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.To find out more about the wonderful resources and work of the Breast Cancer Network of Australia head to their website www.bcna.org.au HERE.You can sign up to BCNA's My Journey HERE.Visit Dr Charlotte Tottman's website HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner chats with founder and managing director of Share the Dignity charity – Rochelle Courtenay. Share the Dignity has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s fastest growing charities, focussed on ending “period poverty”, the organisation provides sanitary products to homeless and disadvantaged women.For more information about Share the Dignity - visit their website www.sharethedignity.org.auGreat Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
This week we revisit another of our Best Of 2021 interviews. Laura Turner chats with former Victoria Police Detective Sergeant Peter Bellion.In his decades of service within the ranks of Victoria Police Peter was honoured with numerous awards including an Australian Police Medal and the Victoria Police Star. As a crash scene investigator and reconstruction expert with the Major Collision Investigation Group, his work helped to provide answers for grieving families and communities touched by road trauma. But like so many of his fellow first responders, the legacy of his service left deep psychological scars in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder.If this discussion brings up tough feelings or experiences and you need some extra support, we urge you to reach out to someone you trust or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 - 24 hours a day or head to their website HERE. * Beyond Blue - online to beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 46 36*
Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner chats with Aussie music legend – Richard Clapton. His iconic songs – ‘Girls On The Avenue’, ‘Deep Water’, ‘Capricorn Dancer’, ‘I Am An Island’, ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’, ‘Lucky Country’, ‘Glory Road’ – have provided the soundtrack to endless Australian summers. His latest album, ‘Music is Love (1966-70)’, delivers 15 cover songs that Clapton calls "hippie anthems".Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
In our Best Of 2021, Laura Turner chats with Melbourne chef, Shane Delia.Shane lives and breathes food and flavours and through an incredible amount of hard work and dedication to his craft has become one of Melbourne’s most successful and well recognised chefs. With a work ethic instilled in him by his hard working Maltese family and a desire to achieve more than was ever expected of him by his high school teachers he’s now considered the maestro of Australia’s Middle Eastern food scene and shares his passion for food via his various TV shows including Postcards on Channel 9 – but just don’t call him a celebrity chef!Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
This week in our Best of 2021 series, Laura Turner chats with author, educator, and parenting and resilience specialist - Maggie Dent.Our guest this week might just open up a ‘can of worms’ type conversation in your household, especially if you’re a parent or grandparent who doesn’t always see eye to eye with others on how to best raise your kids.Maggie Dent is one of Australia’s most pre-eminent and much-loved parenting authors and educators – and her no nonsense approach to parenting has earned her the nick name as ‘the queen of common sense’, and she’s sharing this wisdom in her latest book ‘Parental As Anything’ – which offers practical solutions to the challenges parents and caregivers face today.For more information about Maggie's work head to her website www.maggiedent.com HERE.You can listen to the Parental As Anything podcast HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner chats with Laureate Professor Peter Doherty from the The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.Laureate Professor Peter Doherty (as he himself puts it in his new book) is in the ‘infectious disease and death game’. In 1996 he and a colleague won a Nobel Prize for discovering how our immune cells destroy deadly viruses – it was ground-breaking research that would go on to revolutionise the field of immunology.In early 2020 he was all set to slip into retirement mode when the Coronavirus catapulted the world into chaos and propelled scientists into the battle to protect the community and find a vaccine for COVID 19.Peter's latest book is An Insiders Plague Year - details HERE. Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals and produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner's guest this week is one of her journalistic heroes - Liz Hayes. Liz is one of Australia's most trusted reporters and presenters and while she's still bringing us exceptional stories on 60 Minutes - she was thrilled to be the host of Under Investigation in 2021. Under Investigation with Liz Hayes is a gripping landmark investigative series and you can catch up on this year's episodes via 9Now.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals and produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner and her guest this week is fashion designer Collette Dinnigan.Collette’s unique sense of style has had a significant influence on our wardrobes and homes for more than two decades. She was the first Australian to mount a full-scale ready-to-wear collection in Paris in 1995, she won Australian Designer of the Year in 1996 and the Louis Vuitton’s Business Award in 1997. In 2017 she was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame, awarded an Order of Australia, and disrupted the fashion world by creating her own brand ‘Young Hearts’ for German retailer Aldi – as an affordable children’s range. The success of her personal and professional life has given her world-wide acclaim through her forthright belief in continual innovation, collaboration and leadership within the fashion world.With a myriad of fashion industry accolades under her belt, Collette also has a passion for cooking and entertaining has expanded her horizons by partaking in celebrity MasterChef, coming in as a finalist.Collette's new 'book is called Santa Loves Australia - you'll find more info HERE.For more information about Collette's work head to her Instagram HERE. Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner and her guest this week Bronte Campbell.Bronte is a dual Olympic gold medal winner and world champion. She represented Australia in the pool at both the London and Rio Olympics and this year was a crucial part of the team in Tokyo – and among other medals won gold in the Women’s 4 by 100m freestyle relay.For much of her career Bronte has competed alongside of her sister Kate – they made history as the first Australian sisters to compete in the very same event back in 2012 and she has no doubt inspired a whole host of young Australians along the way with her grit and determination. She’s also a poet, writer and storyteller.You can follow Bronte on Instagram HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner and her guest this week Dr Catherine Crock. Catherine is a health care pioneer. After witnessing the intense pain and fear sick children had to endure during hospital treatment, her own maternal instincts kicked in and she helped to revolutionise the way pain management was approached at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, strategies that are now employed by other hospitals around the country.She is the Chair and Founder of The Hush Foundation , a not-for-profit organisation working to educate, inspire and enact positive change in healthcare through the arts.The Hush Foundation are supporters of the Gathering of Kindness initiatie - for more information about World Kindness Day and Gathering Kindness head to www.gatheringofkindness.org HERE.You can purchase the Hush CDs via their website www.hush.org HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Professor Bain Attwood.Bain is a writer and a Professor of History at Monash University and his new book is a biography of William Cooper.William Cooper an Aboriginal Life Story sheds light on one of Australia’s most influential indigenous men and his struggle for justice for his people.For more information about William Cooper and Aboriginal Life Story - click HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
ou can Join Laura Turner and her guest Dr Charlotte Tottman.Charlotte is a clinical psychologist who specialises in treating cancer distress, helping cancer patients, family members and carers who are battling with the psychological disruption that often goes hand in hand with a cancer diagnosis.A breast cancer diagnosis of her own three years ago – saw the doctor become the patient, adding a whole dimension to her understanding of the cancer experience.In conjunction with the Breast Cancer Network of Australia – Charlotte is sharing her journey in her new podcast ‘Upfront About Breast Cancer – What You Don’t Know Until You Do’. You can listen to Charlotte's podcast HERE or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.To find out more about the wonderful resources and work of the Breast Cancer Network of Australia head to their website www.bcna.org.au HERE.You can sign up to BCNA's My Journey HERE. Visit Dr Charlotte Tottman's website HERE. Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Damien Cave. Damien is the New York Times Australian Bureau Chief and his new book is called Into the Rip - How the Australian way of risk made my family stronger, happier. . .and less American.You can follow Damien on Twitter HERE and find more details about Into the Rip HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Tony Walker ASM - the CEO of Ambulance Victoria.Tony first began his career as a paramedic in 1986 and in the 35 years since he's performed clinical, operational and leadership roles within the ambulance service and has played a pivotal role in reshaping the way our modern service operates.Tony's the recipient of an Ambulance Service Medal for his contribution to the development of ambulance services at a state and national level and has been awarded for his significant contributions to improving cardiovascular health and resuscitation practice and outcomes - changes which have no doubt saved many lives.For more information about Ambulance Victoria head to their website HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner and her guest this week Rose Rhodes - Chair of the Red Crosses, South Australian Divisional Advisory Board.Rose has a pretty simple life philosophy – be happy, be healthy, enjoy every day to the fullest and never forget your roots and your culture. From humble beginnings and her childhood growing up in Malaysia as the eldest of 10 children, to arriving in Australia at the age of just 17 as a trainee nurse to 27 years in the Northern Territory and stints in disaster zones – her empathy and compassion has endeared her to her patients and colleagues alike. Since retiring from nursing she has dedicated much of her time to the Red Cross and tonight along with sharing her remarkable story is going to share some of the Red Cross’s latest finding about people’s preparedness for emergencies and their recovery experiences.For more information about disaster preparedness - head to the Red Cross website - HERE.You can create your own Redplan for your family HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner and her guests Paul Mc Donald and Dylan Langley.
Paul is the CEO of Anglicare Victoria and the Chair of the Home Stretch coalition. Dylan is a Home Stretch Ambassador and works for Berry Street.
Home Stretch organisations believe young people in state care should have a place they call home and support until the age of 21. For more information about The Home Stretch - head to the www.thehomestretch.org.au
Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.
Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner's guest is Matthew Evans from Fat Pig Farm.
Matthew is a farmer and writer who now calls Tasmania home. But if we’d met him a few years ago he may well have been living the high life on the mainland as a chef turned high-profile restaurant critic. He traded city life and suits for gumboots and country living – documenting his tree change on his hit SBS show The Gourmet Farmer. He’s just released his 13th book Soil – the incredible story of what keeps the earth, and us, healthy.
Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals and produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
Join Laura Turner and her guest writer, musician and storyteller Bill 'Swampy' Marsh.Bill has a very special knack of capturing the heart of soul of what makes Australia and its people great. As a writer and performer of stories, songs and plays – he’s dedicated decades of his life to travelling around the country collecting and sharing stories.He’s just released his 21st book, another instalment in his Great Australian in which he’s told tales of Australian Flying Doctors, our shearers and drovers, the police, railways, the CWA, our outback towns and pubs and many more. In his latest release Great Australian Volunteer Firies Stories he shares the memories of our courageous firefighters – the men and women who roll up their sleeves and selflessly put their lives on the line to assist their fellow human beings.For more information about Bill's books and more - head to his website www.billswampymarsh.com HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals and produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Professor Cassandra Szoeke.
Cassandra's new book is called Secrets of Women’s Healthy Ageing -Living Better, Living Longer. It's available now through Melbourne University Press HERE.
Professor Cassandra Szoeke is going to share a few secrets with us – secrets that may help us live better and live longer. She’s a professor of medicine, a doctor, scientist and a clinical researcher and in her new book she draws on more than 30 years of research by the University of Melbourne’s Women’s Healthy Ageing Project to share the latest findings about our brain, heart and gut health, diet, sleep and exercise and how understanding ourselves more can help us age healthily.
Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals and produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Cris Topfner-Rigby.Cris shares with us a remarkable story. . .a story of determination, a story of hardship and endurance and ultimately a story of hope and inspiration. In 1990 just months after the fall of the Ceaușescu regime in Romania – she found herself with just 48 hours to say goodbye to everything she knew, her home and family and flee to the West. Some three decades later she shares her story and pays tribute to organisations like the Red Cross who were so instrumental in helping her establish a new life in Australia. Cris now sits on the board of the Australian Red Cross. To find out more of the work of the Red Cross in Australia head to their website - www. redcross.org.au HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals and produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Laureate Professor Peter Doherty.Professor Doherty (as he himself puts it in his new book) is in the ‘infectious disease and death game’.In 1996 he and a colleague won a Nobel Prize for discovering how our immune cells destroy deadly viruses – it was ground-breaking research that would go on to revolutionise the field of immunology.In early 2020 he was all set to slip into retirement mode when the Coronavirus catapulted the world into chaos and propelled scientists into the battle to protect the community and find a vaccine for COVID 19.Peter's new books is called An Insider’s Plague Year - available at all good books stores now.For more information about Professor Doherty's work and The Doherty Institue - head to www.doherty.edu.au HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals and produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for SEN.
Laura’s guest this week is Susan McLean.Susan is Australia’s foremost expert in the area of cyber safety, honing her skills as a member of Victoria Police for 27 years. As the first Victorian Police officer to be appointed into a position championing cyber safety for young people she’s earned the moniker of ‘Cyber Cop’ and helped force many online predators to face justice for their actions.Since leaving the force she’s dedicated her time to educating and supporting Schools, companies and sporting organisations with cyber safety.To find out more about Susan's work and her business Cyber Safety Soloutions head to her website HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Michael Robotham.Michael didn’t set out to be a best-selling crime writer but his fascination with human behaviour and the complexities of the human mind has seen him create characters and storylines that take his readers into some dark places indeed, firmly establishing him as one of the best crime writers of his generation. His psychological thrillers have been published in more than 50 countries, sparked bidding wars with international publishers and sold millions of copies world-wide. Michael's latest novel is Where Your Are Mine - head to Michael's website www.michaelrobotham.com for more details about his work.
Laura Turner chats with author, educator, and parenting and resilience specialist - Maggie Dent.Our guest this week might just open up a ‘can of worms’ type conversation in your household, especially if you’re a parent or grandparent who doesn’t always see eye to eye with others on how to best raise your kids.Maggie Dent is one of Australia’s most pre-eminent and much-loved parenting authors and educators – and her no nonsense approach to parenting has earned her the nick name as ‘the queen of common sense’, and she’s sharing this wisdom in her latest book ‘Parental As Anything’ – which offers practical solutions to the challenges parents and caregivers face today.For more information about Maggie's work head to her website www.maggiedent.com HERE. You can listen to the Parental As Anything podcast HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
This week Laura Turner chats with formervSports journalist and presenter and Beyond Blue Ambassador - Brad McEwan.Brad shares a very personal story with us - a story of loss, a story about a community rallying to support a grieving family, and ultimately a story of hope. Brad has been a familiar voice and face on our radio and TV for decades, but over those years few have known of the deep tragedy at the heart of the McEwan family – the loss of his brother Craig and then his father from suicide. These days Brad is an ambassador for Beyond Blue and shares his story to help break down the stigma around mental illness encouraging people to speak up and get help for themselves, a friend, or family member dealing with depression and anxiety.To connect with Beyond Blue head to their website www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636. To listen to Brad's episode of the Not Alone podcast click HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals, Celebrating Lives. This show is produced by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner chats with Jenny Valentish.Our guest this week was destined it seems to be a journalist and writer, after all there’s not many 7 year olds creating their own newspapers. By the age of 16 she was self-publishing which soon led to her first ‘official’ column. She survived her time working in the music industry and in 2006 came to Australia where she firmly established her credentials as a sought after editor, journalist and writer. She’s just published her fourth book called Everything Harder than Everyone Else – why some of us push our bodies to extremes – a fascinating insight into the psyche of high achievers and people who go to extremes.For more information head to www.jennyvalentish.com HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals and produced by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner chats with Sarah Sheridan and Laura Thompson from Clothing the Gaps. Sarah and Laura have both been working tirelessly for many years to elevate the voices of Aboriginal people and share their stories. Their shared passion for creating real change in the community saw them come together to form the Victorian Aboriginal owned and led social enterprise ‘Clothing the Gaps’ which now works to unite people through fashion and causes, one of which is to help close the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non- indigenous Australians.For more info and to purchase from the Clothing the Gaps range head to their website www.clothingthegaps.com.au or visit the store at 774 Sydney Road in Brunswick, Melbourne.Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner and her guest actor, singer and composer Richard Piper.For more information about Bartok My Father by the Flinders Quartet with Richard Piper head to their website HERE.
Laura Turner chats with Clem Bastow, aMelbourne-based Autism advocate, screenwriter, award-winning cultural critic and semi-retired journalist. She ispart of what is being called ‘The Lost Generation’ - people who for years have slipped through the cracks and whose late Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses has proven both life affirming and life changing. And now, she’s written her story in a heart-felt ‘coming of age’ memoir called ‘Late Bloomer: How An Autism Diagnosis Changed My Life’ – one of just a handful of books to speak to this lived experience from an Autistic woman’s perspective.For more details about Clem's work - head to her website www.clembastow.com.com HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner and her guest writer and comedian - Jennifer Wong.Jennifer’s first job in TV was writing for Good News Week in 2008. Since then, she’s worked on comedy and factual programs with production companies such as Roving Enterprises, Zapruder’s Other Films, Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder, ITV, and Blackfella Films and her stand-up show, How to English Harder, had a sold-out run at the 2017 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.Jennifer is also a food enthusiast and host of the new ABC TV show ‘Chopsticks or Fork?’
This week Laura Turner chats with Melbourne chef, Shane Delia. Shane lives and breathes food and flavours and through an incredible amount of hard work and dedication to his craft has become one of Melbourne’s most successful and well recognised chefs. With a work ethic instilled in him by his hard working Maltese family and a desire to achieve more than was ever expected of him by his high school teachers he’s now considered the maestro of Australia’s Middle Eastern food scene and shares his passion for food via his various TV shows including Postcards on Channel 9 – but just don’t call him a celebrity chef!Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner's guest this week Dr Ben Arthur takes take us into the wilds of Tasmania, the seas the surround it and beyond and introduces us to some of the incredible creatures that have been the focus of his research as a marine ecologist.As a science educator and communicator for the CSIRO he’s now tasked with the job of engaging people who visit our Marine National Facility in the importance of understanding and preserving our precious marine environment.
Laura Turner chats with Detective Senior Sergeant Joy Murphy who has been described as a world-wide trailblazer, so much so that she was recently inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in that very category. She’s been recognised by the International Association of Women in Policing as the longest-serving female police officer in the world.While there has been monumental change in society in her 50 years of service - her dedication to helping the victims of sexual assault and family violence has remained steadfast as has her advocacy for the advancement of women in policing and in the broader community.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner's guest this week Jock Serong may describe himself as a rather conventional guy, but his life and career path perhaps tell another story altogether.As a successful criminal lawyer and partner in a law firm – it seemed his career was on course before he decided to chuck it all in and try his hand at becoming a writer.Starting as a surfing writer he's now published five books and, it would seem leaving the law was a pretty good bet. Along with telling us his story he’s going to transport us back in time to some of the moments in Australian history that he so dramatically evokes in his writing including his last two books Preservation and The Burning Island. For more information about Jock's books head to his website www.jockserong.com HERE.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Paul Brown - co founder and CEO of Jigsaw Australia, bridging the gap between award wage job and Australian's living with a disability.For more information about Jigsaw Australia head to their website www.jigsawaustralia.com.au HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner chats with Despina Meris - Melbourne-based author, writer and editor. Every Conceivable Way is her debut memoir about her and her husband's nine-year quest to become parents.For more information about Despina's work and Every Conceivable Way head to her websitewww.despinameris.comHERE.If you need support around pregnancy loss and miscarriage there is help available at www.sands.org.au HERE or call their 24/7 support line on 1300 308 307.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner chats with Louise Davidson - Chief Executive of the Australian Council of Superannuation investors which represent some $1 trillion of our super funds under management.Outside of that role she’s a woman who has drawn on a deep personal loss, the death of her mother to inspire one of Australia’s most successful charity events. In its 24 years the Mother’s Day Classic has raised a staggering $38 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and encouraged tens of thousands of people around the nation to throw on their running shoes and clock up a few kilometres on Mother’s Day for a very worthy cause – breast cancer research.To be a part of the Mothers Day Classic or to donate head to their website www.mothersdayclassic.com.au HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals - celebrating lives.Produced, engineering and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner chats with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki. When NASA classified Karl as non-astronaut material in 1981 he walked straight into ABC Radio station Double J and offered to talk about the Space shuttle launch. They said ‘Okay’ and his radio career took off from there. Great Moments In Science’ ran on Double J while Karl moonlighted as a medical student. Since then, his media career has exploded from radio, to TV, books, newspapers, magazines, scripting, professional speaking, podcasts and the internet. He’s also the author of dozens of science books including most recent, Dr Karl's Little Book of Climate Change Science.
Laura Turner chats with Aussie music legend – Richard Clapton. His iconic songs – ‘Girls On The Avenue’, ‘Deep Water’, ‘Capricorn Dancer’, ‘I Am An Island’, ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’, ‘Lucky Country’, ‘Glory Road’ – have provided the soundtrack to endless Australian summers. His latest album, ‘Music is Love (1966-70)’, delivers 15 cover songs that Clapton calls "hippie anthems".Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
This week Laura Turner's guest is Rick Morton. Rick is an award-winning journalist and the author of three non-fiction books, the author of One Hundred Years of Dirt (MUP, 2018) and the extended essay On Money (Hachette, 2020). He is the winner of the 2013 Kennedy Award for Young Journalist of the Year and the 2017 Kennedy Award for Outstanding Columnist. He appears regularly on television, radio and panels discussing politics, the media, writing and social policy.
Rick's latest book My Year of Living Vulnerably is out now.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Kate Austin - founder and CEO of Pinchapoo, the biggest not-for-profit supplier of personal hygiene essentials in Australia.From a simple modern-day Robin Hood concept, Pinchapoo now works with over 600 leading organisations, community groups and government institutions to provide a reliable source of customised, culturally appropriate and gender-inclusive hygiene packs to EVERYBODY. Pinchapoo encourages us ‘pinch’ the shampoos and toiletries provided in your hotel room, and donate them to those who need them most.For more information about Pinchapoo head to their website www.pichapoo.org.au HERE.Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
This week Laura Turner chats with comedian, TV presenter and self-proclaimed design nerd, Tim Ross. He may be best known for his work on TV and radio (at different times hosting both the number one breakfast and drive shows in Sydney) but Tim Ross has also always had a passion for architecture and design which he explores in his new ABC TV show Designing A Legacy. You can watch Designing a Legacy on I view HERE.
Laura Turner chats with GP and Australia’s favourite health communicator - Dr Sally Cockburn.Dr Cockburn best known for her 30-year media career in radio, TV and print, often under her alias as Dr Feelgood.
Laura Turner chats with Kate Jenkinson actor and star of Channel 9s Amazing Grace, a medical drama about life’s most surprising and precious moments. The storyline focuses on midwife Grace (Kate Jenkinson) and her passionate colleagues at an unconventional birth centre attached to a major city hospital.Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner and Professor Clare Hanlon who is a researcher with the VU Institute of Health and Sport and the Susan Alberti Women in Sport Chair at Victoria University.
Laura Turner's guest this week is one of her journalistic heroes - Liz Hayes. Liz is one of Australia's most trusted reporters and presenters and while she's still bringing us exceptional stories on 60 Minutes - she thrilled to be the host of new show Under Investigation. Under Investigation with Liz Hayes is a gripping landmark investigative series, which premieres Monday, March 1, at 9.00pm on Nine and 9Now.Great Australian Lives is proudly supported by Tobin Brothers Funerals and produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Laura Turner chats with founder and managing director of Share the Dignity charity – Rochelle Courtenay. Share the Dignity has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s fastest growing charities, focussed on ending “period poverty”, the organisation provides sanitary products to homeless and disadvantaged women.For more information about Share the Dignity - visit their website www.sharethedignity.org.auGreat Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Highly awarded documentary director and producer, Sally Ingleton.Sally has been producing and directing award-winning documentaries for the past thirty years. Her company 360 Degree Films works across many genres including wildlife, environment, science, history, arts and people-based stories. Her new full length feature doco Wild Things is in cinemas now.Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
This week Laura Turner chats with former Victoria Police Detective Sergeant Peter Bellion. In his decades of service within the ranks of Victoria Police Peter was honoured with numerous awards including an Australian Police Medal and the Victoria Police Star. As a crash scene investigator and reconstruction expert with the Major Collision Investigation Group, his work helped to provide answers for grieving families and communities touched by road trauma. But like so many of his fellow first responders, the legacy of his service left deep psychological scars in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Join Laura Turner as we revisit some of our favorite guests of 2020.This week Laura Turner with Ian and Simone Carson who established National Food Rescue organistation SecondBite in 2005, after watching too much good food go to waste while too many people went hungry.For more information about donating or volunteering to assist the wonderful work of SecondBite you can visit their website HERE or at www.secondbite.org.au
Best of 2020. Laura Turner chats with Australian music industry legend, Michael Gudinski. More than 40 years after co-founding Mushroom Records and Mushroom Music Publishing, Michael is still passionately taking Australian music to the world.
As our Best of Best of 2020 continues - this week Laura Turner chats with Professor David Ranson - Deputy Director and Head of Forensic Services at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Director at the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria.
As our Best of 2020 continues, Laura Turner revisits her chat with Walkley-award winning crime writer and journalist John Silvester. Also known as ‘Sly of the Underworld’, John is co-author of best-selling books that formed the basis of the TV series Underbelly, a regular on radio and host of new true crime podcast ‘Naked City’.
Laura Turner chats with Anna Goldsworthy, world-renowned concert pianist and daughter of writer and poet Peter Goldsworthy. Anna has just released her first book of fiction Melting Moments. Laura and Anna discuss motherhood and the changing expectations of women, mothers and families as they delve into the life of Ruby – the lead character in the book, inspired by Anna’s grandmother.
Join Laura Turner as we revisit some of our favorite episodes from 2020.
Laura Turner chats with men’s health advocate and author Dr Bernie Crimmins general practitioner with a special interest in men's health. Bernie has been a doctor for 30 years including Club Doctor to the Hawthorn. Football Club where he is a Life Member.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
This episode first aired on March 8th 2020.
Laura Turner chats with Dr Cathy Foley – Chief Scientist at the CSRIO.Not only is Cathy one of Australia’s leading scientists, she also has a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, a Bachelor of Science and a Diploma of Education, and is leading the way for women in science and encouraging the next generation of young girls to follow in her footsteps.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with - Major Brendan Nottle from the Salvation Army and Matthew Daniel's, the manager of the Lighthouse Cafe at 69 Bourke Street.Brendan and Matthew share an insight into what 2020 has been like on the front line of that batttle against homelessness in Melbourne.For more info about the LIghthouse Cafe and to volunteer - click HERE.To donate to the Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal - head to the website www.salvationarmy.org.auGreat Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
This week Laura Turner chats with the Founder and CEO of Back Track – Bernie Shakeshaft.
Back Track is a community based not-for-profit organisation helping young people who are having a hard time, get back on track, To keep them alive, out of jail and chasing their hopes and dreams.
To find out more about Backtrack and their programs or to make a donation - head to www.backtrack.org.au.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
This week Laura Turner chats with Dr Geoff Lester. Geoff was just 24 and underwent the first of three open-heart surgeries. His experiences eventually led to a decision to change career path; Geoff decided to study medicine so he could help others with similar conditions.
To find out more about the work of the Heart Foundation - head to their website HERE.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with actor, dancer and TV presenter Paul Mercurio.
His star turn as Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom made him Australia’s favourite son, but Paul has recently secured a different role, as Councillor for Watson ward, Mornington Peninsula Shire.
This week Laura Turner is joined by acclaimed author and journalist Grantlee Kieza.
Grantlee has just published his 17th book Banks. Banks is a rich and rollicking biography of one of the most colourful and intriguing characters in the history of exploration Sir Joseph Banks. Banks is available HERE or in all good bookshops.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our some of our guests like Tobin Brothers on Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield for Sports Entertainment Network.
Join Laura Turner as she chats with business man and patron of the Australian Prostate Centre Bill Guest.
To find out more about the incredible work of the Australian Prostate Centre - head to their website australianprostatecentre.org.au
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with the Executive Editor for News Corp Australia - who was editor of The Herald Sun for 10 years. Laura and Peter look back on 30 years of The Herald Sun and talk about some of the biggest stories in those three decades like 9-11, the death of Princess Diana and more.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Chef and writer Matt Wilkinson. He’s a chef with an obsession for growing, sourcing and presenting the best tasting produce he can. He’s the founder of The Pie Shop in Melbourne, creative director for all things “Made from Gin” by Four Pillars Gin and author of books including Mr. Wilkinson’s Favourite Vegetables. You'll find some of Matt's recipes and products for sale on the Mr Wilkinson's website HERE andhttps://mrwilkinsons.com.au
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Professor David Ranson - Deputy Director and Head of Forensic Services at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Director at the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria. For more information about donating head to www..dtbv.org.au
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner's guest this week is Walkley Award winning investigative journalist, author and broadcaster Adam Shand. Adam's the star of Channel 9's hit true crime show Australian Crime Stories - Wednesday night at 8.30pm or catch up anytime via 9Go HERE.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner's guest this week is Dr Mark Cross. Mark is a psychiatrist and author and his new book 'Anxiety - Expert advice from a neurotic shrink who's lived with Anxiety all his life' is out now via Harper Collins and available HERE.
You can connect with Mark via his Twitter account HERE.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner and her guests Vika and Linda Bull.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with – David Rowland, a clinical and forensic psychologist turned author.Working in the prison system, David came face to face with not only some of Australia’s most reviled criminals but many people whose lives had been destroyed by violence and trauma. After a stress induced stroke forced him to dramatically rethink his career – he embarked on an incredible journey to heal himself and retrain his brain after losing much of his sensory capabilities. He’s now an expert in post-traumatic growth and his latest book, The Power of Suffering, is a collection of stories about how people have grown kinder and stronger in the wake of tragedy and trauma. To connect with David and find out more about his work head to www.davidroland.com.au HERE. For more information about the film festival we mentioned and the documetary - click HERE. Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Australian music industry legend, Michael Gudinski to mark the release of Music From The Home Front on double CD and triple vinyl.
This unique compilation of iconic songs and classic covers was recorded and broadcast for the premiere Anzac Day virtual concert event of the same name and brought Australians and New Zealanders together in a time of adversity, allowing a moment of respite in these troubled times whilst honouring COVID-19 frontline workers and commemorating Anzac Day.
100% of profits from Music From The Home Front are going to Support Act - Australia’s only charity delivering crisis relief services to artists, crew and music workers as a result of ill health, injury, a mental health problem, or some other crisis that impacts on their ability to work in music.
You can order a copy of Music From the Home Front from JB Hi-Fi HERE.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Professor Benjamin Cowie - infectious diseases physician, epidemiologist and the Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis at the Doherty Institute. For more information about the work of the Doherty Institue - head to their website HERE.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with former gold medal winning netballer and media presenter, Bianca Chatfield. Bianca's journey from professional athlete to leading media personality and business owner is indicative of her vivacious nature, dedication and professionalism across all fields.
You can follow Bianca on her Instagram page HERE.
For more details on the ANZ 2020 Financial Check In - head to their website HERE.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner's guest this week is Dr Peter Downey. Peter is an author, educator and father of three - best know for his best-selling book So You're Going to Be a Dad which has been updated and revised to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its release. To find out more about Peter Downey's writing and work head to his website www.peterdowney.com.au.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Australian Ninja Warrior host Rebecca Maddern. Bec's back on our screens as the co-host of Australian Ninja Warrior on Channel 9. She's one of the Nine Network’s key hosts across sport, news, current affairs and lifestyle. Rebecca has showcased her tremendous versatility across a media career that spans almost 20 years.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with charity founder and six-time breast cancer survivor, Kathy Kaplan OAM. Kathy’s charity, IMPACT for Women, is a completely volunteer charity committed to making a difference to Victorian women and children fleeing extreme violence at home.To find out more about the work of Impact for Women visit their website www.impactforwomen.org.au. You'll find Kathy's mother's memoir Zachor, I remember. Will you?: A collection of memories by Vera Freidin as told to her daughters HERE. Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Ian and Simone Carson who established National Food Rescue organistation SecondBite in 2005, after watching too much good food go to waste while too many people went hungry.
For more information about the wonderful work SecondBite do or to make a donation - visit their website HERE.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner and her guest the Lighthouse Foundation Founder - Susan Barton AM.Susan began caring for vulnerable young people in her own home, 40 years ago, before opening the first Lighthouse home in 1991.Lighthouse Foundation has since raised multiple millions of dollars to radically transform the lives of more than 800 vulnerable young Australians.Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Join Laura Turner and her guest broadcaster and journalist Steve Price. Covering all the major news stories since the 70’s, it’s safe to say no one knows current affairs like Steve.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with journalist and best-selling author Peter FitzSimons, about his new book James Cook The Story Behind the Man Who Mapped the World, which is in stores now.You can follow Peter on Twitter HERE.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Warren Davies - The Unbreakable Farmer. Warren is a speaker, mental health advocate and regional leader whose own personal challenges have inspired him to help others in rural and regional Australia.
To connect with Warren and find out more about his work head to http://www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au/
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Shanna Whan.
Shanna is the creator, founder, and CEO of Sober in the Country. She describes herself as just a regular girl from the country with a story that's actually ridiculously common. The only thing perhaps unique about Shan, she says, is that she chooses to speak publicly and candidly about overcoming alcoholism in order to raise overdue awareness and to fight for others in the overlooked demographic that is regional and rural Australia.
For more information about Sober in the Country head to their website www.soberinthecountry.org
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Sean Dooley birdwatcher, twitcher and writer. Sean's the National Public Affairs Manager for BirdLife Australia – helping to preserve some of our most threatened bird species. Sean's passion for birds began early and he shares his wonderful story with us, from writing on some of our most loved comedy shows to spending a year breaking the Australian twitching record.
For more info on BirdLife Australia head to their website https://birdlife.org.au.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner's guest is Elle Halliwell - journalist, speaker, writer and wellness advocate. Elle made headlines when she revealed she was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer then days later discovered she was pregnant with her first child - two pieces of news that would change her life forever. She shares her remarkable story of determination with Laura.
You can follow Elle on Instagram HERE.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Walkley-award winning crime writer and journalist John Silvester.Also known as ‘Sly of the Underworld’, John is co-author of best-selling books that formed the basis of the TV series Underbelly, a regular on radio and host of new true crime podcast ‘Naked City’.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
This week Laura Turner chats with Peter Cullen AM - the Founder and director of Reclink Australia, having initially trained for Catholic Priesthood Peter has always been passionate about improving the lives of people experiencing disadvantage through sport and arts.
For more information about Reclink and donating to their programs head to www.reclink.org
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
This week Laura Turner chats with Anna Goldswrothy, world-renowned concert pianist and writer (and daughter of writer and poet Peter Goldsworthy). Anna has just released her first book of fiction Melting Moments. Laura and Anna discuss motherhood and the changing expectations of women, mothers and families as they delve into the life of Ruby – the lead character in the book, inspired by Anna’s grandmother.
For more details on Anna's work and writing head to www.annagoldsworthy.com.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
Laura Turner's guest is Rachael Robertson, a former Antarctic expedition leader, executive advisor and author of new book, Respect Trumps Harmony.
Rachael led a team of eighteen people through a year-long expedition in Antarctica, which involved nine months of total isolation and months of darkness and now speaks about her leadership experience and helps others improve their leadership skills.
For more info head to www.rachaelrobertson.com.au
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with renowned cognitive neuropsychologist Professor Susan Rossell from Swinburne Uni. Susan and her team have launched a survey to assess the mental health of Australians in the face of COVID-19. The survey will be conducted monthly, checking in on Australians as the COVID-19 situation progresses. Participants are asked to share their top concerns related to COVID-19, as well as how it is affecting their mental health and wellbeing. Results from the survey will be used to inform future policy and decision-making to support the mental health of Australians.
To participate in the next Survey click HERE.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught, judge from Channel 9's Lego Masters Australia.
Ryan is one of only 14 certified Lego professionals in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with journalist and author, Adam Courtenay (son of Bryce Courtenay). Adam has a new book out – The Ghost and the Bounty Hunter.
Laura Turner chats with underwater photographer, author and observer of whale behaviour - Wade Hughes. Wade and his wife Robyn have just released their book Looking For Whales. You can see some of the incredible pictures from the book and get more info HERE. Wade is also a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Member of the Explorers Club of New York, Wade took up underwater photography in the 1960’s.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Professor Greg Murray - Director of Swinburne's Centre for Mental Health. For a PDF (including full links) of Professor Murray's Pandemic Hacks - please email a request to our show producer jane.nield@crocmedia.comProf Greg Murray's Pandemic HacksThe aim of this information is to briefly introduce psychological approaches to maintaining mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic, and to direct readers to good quality, free online resources in Australia.Maintain WellbeingRoutine and daily structure are critical to wellbeing. Like pets and small children, our bodies want to know what’s happening next, and that’s why daily routines (when we get up, eat lunch, go to bed, etc.) are so important for our physical and mental wellbeingTry to make key daily events (particularly the time you get up) roughly the same 7 days a week. To help with sleep and energy, make sure you get out into the sunlight every day, preferably while exercising (e.g., walking). Always have a ‘wind down’ time in the evening before bed. If we try to solve problems after sunset, we often end up catastrophising and worrying (see below).It’s easy to lose sight of pleasures (the dog?) and simple distractions (Netflix?) when we are busy adjusting to new challenges. Doing things we enjoy creates positive feedback loops because it proves to the brain that we are safe and well. Any behaviour that feels routine and familiar is likely to be comforting at this time.Remember, just because some pleasant activities are not available, doesn’t mean none are. And don’t forget one of the great ‘virtuous cycles’: Humans feel less stressed when they focus on the needs of others. Cultivating gratitude for what you do have, and empathy for the challenges of others can be like a breath of fresh air. People find if they keep to their own personal ‘values compass’, life continues to be meaningful and rich despite misfortune.Manage AnxietyAnxiety is a natural part of our response to threat and uncertainty. Here are some tried and true self-help tools for managing anxiety.The power of planning: Write a list of current concerns down on paper. Pick the most pressing one. List all solutions (including ridiculous ones), then pick one to work towards. Write down the steps (including resources) needed to achieve the solution. Take action, and give yourself feedback about the outcome. What did you learn about the problem, the solution, and yourself? Repeat as necessary. The power of perspective: How we experience a situation depends on the view we take of it. You’ve probably heard of catastrophising (‘what if...’questions), but also be alert to black and white thinking (things are either ‘normal’ or ‘a disaster’),and emotional reasoning (‘it feels this way, so it is this way’). Also watch out for worry,which has two parts:(i) ruminating about the worst possible outcome, and(ii) forgetting about the coping resources we would actually use if things didn’t turn out as we want. The Power of Being Present: Our stress response encourages to have an emotional focus on future threats (that’s what the fight/flight system is adapted to do). An important antidote to stress and worry is to use the senses and the breath to bring attention to the present moment, and away from the silly jabbering of our thoughts (what the Buddhists call ‘monkey mind’). Simple meditation and breathing exercises take some practice, but have helped millions of people across thousands of years get through challenging life events.Some Tips From PhilosophyPeople have been dealing with challenges and crises, both personal and public, throughout history. One personal benefit of this challenging time could be that you explore the great traditions of coping with challenges and leading a good life.Buddhism provides a roadmap for wellbeing, which many non-Buddhists have experienced through meditation and mindfulness practices.Buddhism is a process philosophy, emphasising impermanence and flow. Buddhism also emphasises the interconnectedness of living things: “It is because our own human existence is so dependent on the help of others that our need for love lies at the very foundation of our existence. Therefore we need a genuine sense of responsibility and a sincere concern for the welfare of others.” Dalai Llama. The Stoic philosophers are a great comfort when life is really challenging. The Stoics emphasise courage as a virtue, and encourage us to keep focus on what we can control in difficult times. “Some things are within our power, while others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing.” (Epictetus)“The storm does not interfere with the pilot’s work, but only with his success. ... It is indeed so far from hindering the pilot’s art that it even exhibits the art; for anyone, in the words of the proverb, is a pilot on a calm sea.” (Seneca)Keep An Eye Out For the Gold Nugget...After traumatic experiences, about half of people report post-traumatic growth. That is, many people find benefits in going through difficult, even overwhelming experiences. This pandemic will not be traumatic for everyone by any means. But being thrown out of our routines can help us learn new things about ourselves and how we cope with life. In 3 years’ time, looking back on 2020, what new habits, insights, behaviours will you identify as personal benefits of this event? What do you think we, as a society and a global community, might say was the gold nugget in the pandemic?Seek Help If NecessaryIf you find negative emotions or thoughts are interfering with your everyday life, it might be time to seek help. Your GP is a good starting point, and you can also make contact with professionals via the web (phone-based services for a range of audiences can be found here: www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help- lines-and-websites). Online psychological treatments can be accessed for free at www.mindspot.org.au and https://www.mentalhealthonline.org.au/ , and for low cost at www.thiswayup.org.au. You can find a good psychologist in your area by visiting www.psychology.org.au/Find-a-Psychologist .Suicide and crisis support: If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, phone emergency services on 000.Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Caroline Overington - Journalist, 2 time Walkley award winner and author of new book Missing William Tyrell. Caroline has been reporting on William Tyrrell's case for year for The Australian and her book is just one way of keeping William's story alive.
Join Laura Turner as she talks to Dr Bernie Crimmins. Bernie is an advocate for Men's Health and an author of the books Blokes Health 1 and Blokes Health 2. He's been a GP for more than 30 years and was the club doctor to the Hawthorn Football Club for many years as well. His comes from the famous Crimmins footy family - his brother Peter was a legend of the game before passing away from cancer while at the peak of his career.
Great Australian Lives is proudly brought to you by Tobin Brothers Funerals - to see videos of our guests like their Facebook page HERE.
This program is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
As we celebrate International Women's Day - Laura Turner chats with Dr Cathy Foley – Chief Scientist at the CSRIO.Not only is Cathy one of Australia’s leading scientists, she also has a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, a Bachelor of Science and a Diploma of Education,and is leading the way for women in science and encouraging the next generation of young girls to follow in her footsteps.
Laura Turner's guest is Tarun 'Taz' Kumar. Taz was born in India and migrated to Melbourne 20 years ago to study to be a paramedic. He’s worked for Ambulance Vic for 17 years and is one of the stars of Paramedics on Channel 9.
Great Australian Lives in produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Join host Laura Turner and guests Deborah Conway, along with her husband and band member Willy Zygier. Deborah and Willy play live for us in the studio and talk about their upcoming show 'Strong Women Of Song' at Memo on Sunday 1st of March at 3pm. More details HERE.
Laura Turner spends an hour with Brett McLeod – an award-winning journalist, radio presenter and TV news presenter at the Nine Network, Brett has covered many major news stories in Australia and overseas including the Boxing Day Tsunami and terrorist attacks in Europe.
Laura Turner's guest this week is psychologist Sandy Rea. Sandy's work has taken her inside the minds of some of Victoria’s most violent and twisted criminals. She’s walked the halls of Barwon Prison with the eyes of prisoners boring into her... she was to rub shoulders with the worst of the worst. She’s one of Melbourne’s leading psychologists and has also worked with families in our city for 30 years. She’s a successful columnist and TV commentator.
Laura Turner's guest this week is Rob Gell AM - former TV weather presenter, environmental geomorphologist, speaker, sustainability strategist and Executive Director at Rethink Sustainability.
As our Best of 2019 continues, we recount Laura Turner’s chat with one of Melbourne’s most recognisable radio hosts, Barry Bissell - best known for spending 21 years counting down the hits and chatting with the stars on Fox FM with Take 40.
As our Best of 2019 series continues, we recount Laura Turner’s chat with country musician Troy Cassar-Daley. With numerous gold and platinum records, Troy has achieved a staggering 31 number 1 chart singles across an impressive 30 year career.
As our Best of 2019 continues, we recount Laura Turner’s chat with Elizabeth Chong AM. Arguably Australia’s first “celebrity chef” Elizabeth is the owner of the first Chinese cooking school in Melbourne and was a recent recipient of Queen’s Birthday honours for her service to hospitality and the Chinese community.
Laura Turner chats with businesswoman, philanthropist and former Vice President of the Western Bulldogs Football Club – Susan Alberti AC.
Susanis one of Australia's pre-eminent philanthropists, having donated millions of dollars to medical research and other charitable causes over her successful business career.
Join Laura Turner and her singer songwriter Russell Morris. After some 50 years in the music industry Russell has many a story to share. He also discusses the inspiration and making of his latest album 'Black and Blue Heart'.
Laura Turner chats with ‘The Good Cop’ Ron Iddles.
In an incredible twenty-five year career as a homicide detective, Ron Iddles’ conviction rate was 99%. Yet that only partly explains why Iddles is known as Australia’s greatest detective.
Join Laura Turner and guest Jessica Macpherson OAM. Jessica is the founder of St Kilda Mums. St Kilda Mums are on a mission to rehome preloved nursery goods to support Victorian families in need while saving the earth’s precious resources.They collect, sort and redistribute essential nursery equipment, clothing, books and toys for babies and school age children.
If you would like to find out more about St Kilda Mums you can visit their website www.stkildamums.org.
There are people who inspire, then there are people like our guest this week Turia Pitt, who in the direst of circumstances, somehow mustered the strength to triumph over adversity.Turia Pitt's Great Australian is living proof that – with a determined and never-say-die attitude – no obstacle is too big to overcome.Great Australian Lives is hosted by Laura Turner,
Join Laura Turner and guest Dr Sandro Demaio. Sandro is the new CEO of Vic Health, co-hosts Ask The Doctor on ABC TV, has worked on public health projects all over the world (including for the United Nations) and is passionate about public health, urban planning and a whole lot more.
Join Laura Turner and her guest Barry Bissell - one of the most recognisable voices on Australian Radio. Barry hosted Take 40 Australia for 20 years and has interviewed some of the biggest musical stars in the world.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Laura Turner's guest is Jenny Macklin. Jenny was the first woman to ever be elected as a deputy leader by any major party and was instrumental in the roll out of many ground breaking policies including the NDIS. Jenny is now the Chair of the board of Odyssey House.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner and guest Gabriel Gate. From rustic beginnings growing up in the Loire Valley in France, working with some of the best chefs in the world to meeting his Australian wife and moving to Melbourne - Gabriel's story is inspiring.
For more about Gabriel's work you can visit his website www.gabrielgate.com.
Great Australian Lives is produced, engineered and edited by Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner and guest journalist, writer and podcaster Andrew Rule.Andrew has just released the updated edition of his book Winx: The Authorised Biography (available at all good bookstores).Andrew Rule's podcast is called Life and Crimes with Andrew Rule - you can subscribe HERE or wherever you listen to podcasts.To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with the biggest male solo star of Australian pop music in the 1960’s – Normie Rowe. Normie Rowe and guests Bobby Bright and Marcie Jones are going tocelebrate all things In The Beginning at Memo Music Hall on Nov 17th at 3pm. For more info or to book your tickets HERE
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Join host Laura Turner with Movember co-founder Travis Garone and Movember's Executive Director Paul Villanti. From two mates challenging each other to grow a better moustache to the international not-for-profit organisation that Movember is today - raising more than a billion dollars world wide in 16 years, the Movember story is remarkable and inspiring.
For more information about how to be part of Movember - head to their website www.movember.com
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Federal Member for Nicholls – Damian Drum. Prior to his career in politics, Damian was an AFL football player and coach, most notably coaching Fremantle FC from 1999 – 2001.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Sarah Thornton, award winning corporate lawyer turned author. Sarah’s first novel Lapse has just been released (available HERE) and is the first of a series featuring former corporate lawyer Clementine Jones.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Join host Laura Turner and guest Scott Cam Laura. Scott is a Gold Logie award-winning Australian television presenter - best known as host of hit reality TV show ‘The Block’, since 2010.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Laura Turner's guest this week is the Honourable Judi Moylan AO. She's often described as a trailblazer. She’s a former Federal member of parliament and an Officer of the Order of Australian - recognised for her distinguished career in politics and her long and tireless advocacy for women’s issues and the diabetes community.
For five years she was the President and Chair of Diabetes Australia and she currently sits on the board of Oxfam and Access Care Network Australia among many other things .
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Join host Laura Turner and singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mark Lizotte aka Diesel, who became one of Australia's biggest selling and most awarded recording artists of the 90s. He received the ARIA for Best Male Artist three years in a row from 1993. He's just released his new EP Sunset Suburbia (Vol 1).
Diesel's Sunset Suburbia national tour kicks off in October – including Geelong on the 25th of October and Lilydale on the 26th– for tickets and details head to www.oztix.com.au
Diesel’s new EP Sunset Suburbia (Vol 1)is out now – it’s the first of a trilogy and there will be an album on the way in 2020.
This week Laura Turner chats with Author and child holocaust survivor Diane Armstrong,who has just released her novel The Collaborator, based on sensational historical events that took place during the Holocaust.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with two time ‘Queen of Pop’, Colleen Hewett. Loved for her soulful 70’s and a regular on Bandstand, a star of the stage and small screen, Colleen had several top 40 hits including “Super Star”, “Day by Day”, “Carry That Weight” and “Dreaming My Dreams with You”.
Also joining us is blues rock guitarist Aaron Schembri. Colleen Hewett will be performing at Aaron's 'City of Lights' Album launch on Wednesday 25th of September. For more details head to www.memomusichall.com.au
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Join host Laura Turner and her guest Jane Holmes. Radio runs in Jane's blood, her parents both worked in radio and she started her first full time radio job at 3AW some 40 years ago. This year Jane is also an ambassador for 'Say it Now Week'.
You can see her ambassador video HERE.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Join host Laura Turner and guest Susan Alberti - a true trailblazer in the business and sporting worlds. Susan is a philanthropist at heard and founded the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation she's a member and officer of the Order of Australia and was named Victorian of the Year in 2018.
This year Susan Alberti is an ambassador for 'Say it Now Week' - you can see her video HERE.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Laura Turner's guest is Sigrid Thornton, a true icon of the Australian stage and screen. She has played some of the most memorable characters in our screen history. For more than four decades she has met the demands of being a true working actor across a unusually diverse range of formats and genres.
She's back on our TV with the reboot of Seachange,Tuesdays at 8.45pm on Channel 9.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Join host Laura Turner and Australian actor Bryan Brown.
Bryan's new film Palm Beachpremieres in Australian cinemas on August 8th.
You can check out the trailer to Palm Beach HERE.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner with our guest ‘The Good Cop’ Ron Iddles.
In an incredible twenty-five year career as a homicide detective investigating some 320 homicides, Ron Iddles’ conviction rate was 99%.
Yet that only partly explains why Iddles is known as Australia’s greatest detective.
In this extended podcast Ron discusses life after homicide investigation and semi-retirement, post traumatic recovery, his famous interview technique, some of his most high profile cases and the latest on the Jason Roberts and Lawyer X cases which are evolving day by day.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced, edited and engineered Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Elizabeth Chong AM, who just received Queen’s Birthday honours for her service to hospitality and the Chinese community in Melbourne.
Elizabeth's story and that of her family is quite remarkable. She was born in China after her mother was ordered to leave Australian under the White Australia Policy, but returned as a young child. She's arguably the first ever ‘celebrity chef’ in Australian and was the first person to open a Chinese cooking school in Melbourne.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced by Jane Nield.
Join host Laura Turner with guests Nicky Buckley and her husband Murray Bingham.
Nicky and Murray are back on our TV screens as guest hosts of Channel 9's Getaway,cruising through Europe.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced by Jane Nield.
Laura Turner chats with Brett MacDonald - co-founder and CEO of the Dry July Foundation, a national initiative and fundraiser that encourages the community to go alcohol-free in July to raise funds for people affected by cancer. For more info about Dry July head to www.dryjuly.com
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced by Jane Nield.
Photo credit: alisonhill.com.au
Join host Laura Turner and guest Jocelyn Moorhouse.
Jocelyn was thrust into the international spotlight when her first feature film Proof became an overnight success. She was soon living her dream life in Hollywood with her husband PJ Hogan. But soon after the arrival of their second child that dream would begin to crumble and it would be 18 years before she made another film.
Jocelyn's decision to care for her two autistic children was a brave one and she has written about her experience in her new book Unconditional Love.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced by Jane Nield.
Join Laura Turner and guest Narelle Fraser.
Narelle served 27 years as a police detective, covering some of the most heinous crimes committed in Victorian history.
After a progressive battle with PTSD, Narelle retired from Police work in 2014 and now campaigns for awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder among first responders.
You can visit Narelle's website HERE or for more information about Narelle's live show click HERE
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Great Australian Lives is produced by Jane Nield.
Join host Laura Turner and her guest actor, writer, director and producer Robyn Butler, star of The Librarians& Talkin' 'Bout Your Generationand co-creator of Upper Middle Bogan.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Laura Turner chats with illusionist and escapologist, Cosentino, performer of death-defying escapes, mind-boggling stage illusions, and cutting-edge street magic that twists your view of reality.
Cosentino heads to Melbourne on June 29th and then around Australia - to purchase tickets for his shows click HERE.
To see videos of our guests head to the Tobin Brothers Funerals Facebook page.
Join Laura Turner and country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley. Troy's currently touring around the country and took time out during his Melbourne visit to spend some time with us, and play us a song or two from his latest 'Great Hits' album.
Troy shares some of the stories behind his songs and talks about his life in music and his grief at the loss of his father in Autumn 2019.
For more details about upcoming shows head to Troy's website HERE.
.Laura Turner chats with actress and Miracle Mums ambassador, Jane Allsop. With notable roles in in several Aussie dramas, Jane is best known for playing Constable Jo Parrish in Blue Heelers and Rachel in House Husbands. After receiving life saving treatment at the Royal Women's Hospital before and after the birth of her twin girls, Jane is passionate about her role as an ambassador for the Miracle Mums Campaign.
If you'd like to make a donation to Miracle Mums head to www.thewomens.org.au
Join Laura Turner and guest Dr Michael Carr-Gregg - one of Australia's most high profile psychologists, author of 14 books, broadcaster and a specialist in parenting, children, adolescents and the use of technology for mental health.
Michael's new book is called Smart Snacks (with Flip Shelton) and is available now at good bookstores or HERE
You can connect with Michael on Twitter HERE
Join Laura Turner in conversation with Australian rock legend Eric McCusker.
Best known as the guitarist and key songwriter for Mondo Rock, Eric wrote some of their biggest hits including “Come Said the Boy”, “State of the Heart”, “Chemistry”, “No Time”, “Summer of ’81” and “The Queen and Me”.
You can catch Eric's show 'And Then I Wrote. . .' on Sunday May 26th at 3pm at Memo Music Hall - for info and tickets head to www.memomusichall.com.au
Join host Laura Turner and Shaun Micallef as they discuss Shaun's 30 year plus career as a comedian, writer and TV funny man.
Join Laura Turner and Associate Professor Kate Stern who is among other things, a fertility specialist and a reproductive endocrinologist.
If you'd like to be part of the Royal Women’s Hospital launch of their Miracle Mum’s campaign on Tuesday the 30th of May CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS. Caroline Wilson and Corrie Perkin will be doing a live episode of the Don't Shoot The Messenger podcast. Lord Mayor Sally Capp will be just one of the special guests. The Miracle Mums Appeal raises funds for life-saving healthcare for mums and newborns. Many women in Victoria could not have had a successful pregnancy without interventions involving the team at the Women’s.
This week on Great Australian Lives Laura Turner is joined by Russell Morris, a singer- songwriter whose career spans more than 5 decades. He was the first Australian artist to have consecutive number one songs on the Australian Charts with his first two singles in the late 60s, early 70s and he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of fame in 2008 – he is a true legend of the Oz music industry.
There are people who inspire, then there are people like our guest this week Turia Pitt, who in the direst of circumstances, somehow mustered the strength to triumph over adversity.
Turia Pitt's Great Australian is living proof that – with a determined and never-say-die attitude – no obstacle is too big to overcome.
Great Australian Lives is hosted by Laura Turner,
If laughter really is the best medicine, then our guest this week on Great Australian Lives Richard Stubbs has made many a house call, helping Australians to see the lighter side of life. Richard and host Laura Turner enjoy a wonderful hour together discussing a career that has spanned many decades. We delve into Richard’s memories of growing up in the suburbs in the 70s, his decision to trade a career as an economist for stand-up comedy, his hugely successful career on radio and his new Comedy Festival Show ‘Cachinnation’ (partly written by his children). It’s a light hearted, laughter filled hour this week on Great Australian Lives.
When the Black Saturday Bushfires raged across the state, an altruistic mother-of-two led the way in establishing a charity to assist those in need. Hear Jessica Macpherson chat with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
The multi-talented TV star Livinia Nixon is with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Sunrise co-host and Port Adelaide Football Club Chairman David Koch chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Damien Thomlinson was a commando serving in Afghanistan when his vehicle passed over an improvised explosion. The blast severely injured the soldier, with surgeons forced to amputate both his legs. But, his refusal to give in to his tragic circumstances has inspired many to confront their fears and live life to the fullest. Hear Damien's Great Australian Life with Laura Turner.
A frontline reporter in the US for 18 years and a winner of over 20 international journalism awards, Mike Amor celebrates his extraordinary career with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Australia's favourite cook and inaugural Masterchef winner Julie Goodwin chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Laura Turner chats to radio personality, philanthropist and tech founder Jules Lund on Great Australian Lives!
Victorian Racing Club chairperson Amanda Elliott is with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
A member of one of Australia's most talented entertainment families, Tottie Goldsmith, chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Laura Turner chats to the “entrepreneur’s entrepreneur” Bob Ansett, whose family changed the aviation industry with Ansett Airlines. Bob also established groundbreaking car rental company Budget Rent-a-Car.Hear Bob's story on Great Australian Lives.
Steve Willis, better known as the Commando, speaks to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Logie Award-winning actor Erik Thomson chats with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Acadmey Award-winning film maker Adam Elliot chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Puberty Bluesco-author and award-winning writer Kathy Lette chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
America's Cup-winning captain John Bertrand chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Our very own version of Mother Teresa, Moira Kelly, chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Laura Turner celebrates the life of adored actor Roy Billing on Great Australian Lives.
Professor Ian Frazer chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives on how he and his team developed a vaccine for cervical cancer, which could rid the disease domestically in the next few decades.
Midwife Cath Curtain, who has delivered more than 10,000 babies across her 42-year career, sits down with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
The wife and manager of Slim Dusty, Joy McKean, reflects on her time on the road alongside her husband, as well as her decorated solo career with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Distinguished lawyer David Galbally QC chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
One of Australia's greatest guitarists, Ian Moss, chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Australia's favourite home-maker, Chyka Keebaugh, chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
One of Australia's longest-running radio hosts, Father Gerard Dowling, celebrates his decorated career with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Four-time Gold Logie winner Lisa McCune reflects on her accomplished career with Laura Turner on Great Australina Lives.
One of the country's original cabaret stars, Issi Dye, chats to Luara Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Former detective senior-sergeant of the Victoria Police, Charlie Bezzina, sits down with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Nine News foreign correspondent Robert Penfold shares his captivating stories across his four-decade career with Laura Turner on Greaat Australian Lives.
The Alfred's Direcotr of the Victorian Adult Burns Unit, Dr Heather Cleland, is with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Accomplished singer and actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
The first woman to conquer the world's seven tallest peaks and volcanoes, Katie Sarah, is with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Breast Cancer Network Australia founder Lyn Swinburne chats to Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Distinguished journalist Peter Greste shares his harrowing ordeal of being locked away in an Egyptian jail for 400 days with Laura Turner on Great Australian Lives.
Skyhooks rocker and media personality Red Symons is with Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
2004 Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan tells Jo Hall the challenges of fame after winning the popular singing contest aged 16.
Domino's Group Chief Executive Don Meij talks to Jo Hall about how he rose from a pizza delivery boy to the big cheese on Great Australian Lives.
3AW broadcaster Neil Mitchell is on the other side of the microphone, as he chats to Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
One of the arts' most enduring stars, Rhonda Burchmore, sits down with Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
Distinguished artist and poet Michael Leunig chats to Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
Underbelly and Offspring star Kat Stewart speaks with Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
Geelong great and TV personality Sam Newman chats to Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
Conservative political and social commentator Andrew Bolt chats to Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
Tim Macartney-Snape, the first man to conquer Mount Everest from sea level to summit, chats to Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
Three-time aerial skiing world champion Jacqui Cooper chats to Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
Horticulturalist and landscape designer Jamie Durie chats with Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
Richmond premiership player and broadcasting legend Rex Hunt chats to Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
One of Australia's most cherished singers, Tina Arena, chats to Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
Triple Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice chats to Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
North Melbourne premiership great and mental health advocate Wayne Schwass chats to Jo Hall about his Great Australian Life.
Nobel Prize winner and Australian of the Year, Professor Peter Doherty, chats to Jo Hall on Great Australian Lives.
Jo Hall is joined by entrepreneur and philanthropist Dick Smith for Great Australian Lives on 3AW!
Jo Hall is joined by award-winning actor and breast cancer campaigner Samuel Johnson for Great Australian Lives on 3AW!
Jo Hall is joined by Australian screen and stage great Michael Caton for the first show of 2017 on 3AW!
Jo Hall looks back on an earlier interviewer with Australian crime report and founder of the Underbelly series, John Silvester
Sam Ludbey chats to Jo Hall about the death of husband Jim, living in the public spotlight and what she's up to now.
Former Australian of the Year and ARIA Hall of Fame legend Athol Guy chats to Jo Hall ahead of the upcoming Georgy Girl stage show
Big Mum Geraldine Cox joins Jo Hall to discuss her life, dedicated to supporting a future for thousands of Cambodian children
Voted Australia's #1 woman of influence in 2015, CEO of Carnival Australia joins Jo Hall
Ian Davis, founder of the Cure4MND Foundation chats to Jo Hall about the foundation which is creating waves worldwide!
Prominent Australian barrister and human rights advocate Julian Burnside joined Jo Hall for a chat
Melbourne business icon, co-owner Melbourne Storm, horse racing tycoon and founder Global Creatures, Gerry Ryan
Jo Hall chats to Walter Mikac about one of Australia's biggest disasters - the Port Arthur massacre where he lost his two daughters and wife
Former Carlton chairman, Liberal president and Melbourne business icon John Elliott speaks to Jo Hall about his life.
Retiring rescue sergeant David Key chats to Jo Hall about his career including rescues during Black Saturday and The Sydney to Hobart
Australian publisher, designer and illustrator Beci Orpin chats to Jo Hall about her journey
World Vision Australia CEO Tim Costello chats to Jo Hall about his career journey ahead of the 40-hour famine
Owner and founder of Carman's Fine Goods Carolyn Creswell joins Jo Hall to discuss her growing empire
Australian artist Charles Billich spoke to Jo Hall to discuss his time as one of the leaders in the industry.
Australia's biggest music promoter, Michael Chugg, chats to Jo Hall about his journey to the top. The acts he's brought to Australia and greatest moments in the industry.
Melbourne Lord Mayor chats to Jo Hall about his journey to becoming the face of Melbourne
Australian paralympic champion Michael Milton chats to Jo Hall to discuss his career, his two battles with cancer and current program, Big Foot Adventures.
Alannah Madeline Foundation CEO Judith Slocombe chats to Jo Hall about the charity and new program targeting violence.
Peter Blunden speaks to Jo Hall about his 37 years in the media industry and now Victorian Managing Director - Editorial, for News Corp Australia
Trisha Squires chats to Jo Hall about life as a Reach Ambassador, her new marriage, pending pregnancy and surviving the 2004 Tsunami
Boost Founder and Channel 10 TV star of Shark Tank, Janine Allis chats to Jo Hall about her incredible career
Julian Burton chats to Jo Hall about life as a survivor of the 2002 Bali Bombings and founding the Burns Trust
Raelene Boyle joins Jo Hall to discuss her Great Australian Life as a national champion track and field athlete and now ambassador for BCNA.
John Silvester chats to Jo Hall about his time in crime reporting, Underbelly and his media career.
Australian actor Shane Jacobson chats to Jo Hall about the Australian Motoring Festival, Kenny, the Bourne Legacy and his TV career
Jo Hall spoke to Malcolm Fraser in October 2014 about his life in power, childhood and marriage. Go back to the interview here.
Narelle Campbell chats to Jo Hall about life as a Station Leader for the Australian Antarctic Division.
Aboriginal singer/songwriter, activist, author and director Richard Frankland spoke to Jo Hall.
Christine Nixon sits down with Jo Hall to discuss her nine years as the Top Cop in Victoria. Also - her decision on Black Saturday, her book and what she's doing for the equality of women.
Singer/songwriter Mike Brady joins Jo Hall to discuss his life and new album, Bloodlines
Gill Hicks, London bombings double amputee and survivor explains her story, includng campaign for peace.