THE VAN TALKS PODCAST
The heart and soul of Victorian Aboriginal News - the VAN Talks podcast. Produced twice weekly, the podcast is published on all podcasting platforms and forms the basis of the VAN Hour program (aired on 3KND twice weekly) and Charles' fortnightly hosting of the Mission on Triple R.
1 October 2026
Implementing First Nations knowledge to heal country
Holmesglen Institute and Trust for Nature offer a First Nations-led Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, empowering mob to care for Country, restore native biodiversity, and lead environmental self-determination.
28 September 2026
It’s time for Australia to acknowledge historic atrocities
New research shows over two million people lived across Australia pre-invasion, shattering colonial myths and underscoring the urgent need for genuine truth-telling and historical accountability.
24 September 2026
First Nations star knowledge predates Western astrophysics by millennia
Astrophysicist Professor Duane Hamacher explores First Nations development and use of astronomy, revealing tens of thousands of years of sophisticated science well outdating Western astrophysics.
21 September 2026
Reclaiming cultural heritage through proper consent frameworks
Existing Australian intellectual property laws fail to safeguard Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. Dr Terri Janke outlines why true consultation, consent, and True Tracks principles are vital for protecting Blak knowledge.
17 September 2026
Media leader urges all Australians to engage with Blak media
National Indigenous Times COO Alexander Wolf discusses expanding into Victoria, combatting online misinformation, protecting First Nations journalists, and why mainstream engagement with Blak media is vital for community self-determination.
11 September 2026
First Nations creatives given safe spaces through Blak and Bright
Skye Cusack discusses how Blak and Bright supports First Nations storytellers year-round through publishing partnerships, digital commissions, education initiatives, and industry advocacy to ensure cultural safety and fair remuneration.
4 September 2026
Ipsos Indigenous Issues 2026 report reveals shift in public focus
New data from Ipsos shows that while mainstream interest in First Nations issues has dropped, majority support for Treaty and truth-telling remains firm, led strongly by younger generations across Australia.
2 September 2026
Long term economic independence at the heart of Victoria Treaty process
Self Determination Fund co-chair Leanne Miller explains how building capital and supporting Traditional Owner unity is driving long-term economic independence and equity across Victoria’s ongoing Treaty process.
29 August 2026
Marcia Langton talks about truth-telling, culture in education…and racism
Laureate Professor Marcia Langton AO discusses navigating everyday racism, moving beyond deficit models, and embedding 65,000 years of Indigenous scientific innovation—from astronomy to fire—into the national curriculum.
24 August 2026
Standing up for Mob through reporting racism and demanding real accountability
Cathy Austin from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission talks about a new podcast series created in partnership with VALS, providing education on the legal tools available to First Nations people who face discrimination in any form.
21 August 2026
Building self-determination on air through independent Aboriginal media
3KND General Manager Grant Hansen has a yarn with us about spending 25 years building independent Aboriginal radio in Melbourne, amplifying community voices, championing local music, and driving genuine self-determination across the airwaves.
14 August 2026
New study highlights connection between harmful misinformation and online hate targeting Mob
Groundbreaking research reveals a tenfold rise in online hate targeting First Nations people. Discover how digital algorithms fuel racism against Mob and what must be done to protect our community.
11 August 2026
Reconciliation Action Plans at a crossroads: Jason Mifsud on the future of RAPs
Are Reconciliation Action Plans still delivering for Mob? Jason Mifsud explores why organisations must shift from symbolic gestures to structural accountability, embedded governance, and genuine self-determination.
7 August 2026
“Systems aren’t broken. They’re working by design”
Garrwa woman Prof. Emma-Jaye Gavin unpacks why Western systems aren’t “broken”—they were designed this way—and why governments must act on the findings of truth-telling processes.
3 August 2026
Beyond acknowledgements: How youth redefine reconciliation
Sixteen-year-old Lola Wood-Sharples speaks out on VAN Talks, calling for real accountability on Closing the Gap targets and demanding meaningful action over empty government promises.
31 July 2026
Breaking through the barriers that held back Blak voices on radio
We sit down with First Nations radio pioneer Uncle Joel Wright, discussing the past, present and future of Blak voices on Australian radio.
27 July 2026
Highlighting culture through art without compromise
An acclaimed Victorian Aboriginal artist, Bayley Mifsud, discusses navigating major corporate collaborations while safeguarding cultural integrity.
23 July 2026
FPAV youth leaders advocate strongly for the voices of youth in Victoria’s Treaty process
First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria members Tarni Morris and Levi Power discuss how First Nations youth are stepping up to lead Victoria’s historic Treaty
20 July 2026
Defining the next frontier of an Australian First Nations economy
Uncle Ian Hamm joins VAN Talks to argue that true self-determination requires shifting from rights-based social policies to macro-economic participation and wealth independence.
16 July 2026
Uncle Richard Frankland shares deep thoughts and challenges ALL Australians
Recently, having given a magnificent oration on SBS’s NITV, Uncle Richard Frankland goes even deeper into his five challenges for institutions, governments, and ourselves, as well as social engineering and the need to be free thinkers.