THE VAN TALKS PODCAST
The heart and soul of Victorian Aboriginal News - the VAN Talks podcast.
15 March 2026
The critical need for self-determination in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services
Academic and lawyer Eddie Cubillo speaks out about the need for ATSILS to embrace true self-determination and the voices of the community members they serve
26 February 2026
Australia’s first Federal Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
With legislation before Parliament to cement the powers of the Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, we catch up with country’s first Commissioner under that legislation.
20 February 2026
Election 2026 – The future of Victorian Treaty is in your hands and your ballot
Arguably one of the most important Assembly elections, the 2026 election for “Assembly 3.0” kicks off on the 21st of March. We catch up with the people responsible for running and overseeing the process
18 February 2026
Victorian firefighters forging a culturally safe service
VAN visits Station 63 in Geelong to yarn with Yorta Yorta man Aaron Felmingham and Adnyamathanha/Narungga man Brett Goodes about Fire Rescue Victoria’s First Nations recruitment pathway, the transition from AFL to the fire service, and the importance of cultural safety.
12 February 2026
Striving to promote and support a strong Blak business environment in Victoria
The importance of a stronger and more resilient Blak business environment? We hear about this from Kinaway Chamber of Commerce Chair, Trent Brickle.
10 February 2026
Promoting and supporting Blak music across Victoria – the challenges and successes
With the music industry becoming increasingly competitive and difficult for young artists, we catch up with Brad Brown, General Manager of Blak-led Songlines
4 February 2026
A look inside the Blak newspaper Koori Mail
As we continue to explore the importance of Blak media in Australia, VAN’s Charles Pakana catches up for a yarn with the editor of Koori Mail, Todd Condie.
2 February 2026
2026 – Setting the future of Treaty in Victoria
With elections for the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria taking place in April/May, the Victorian Treaty process is ramping up
22 January 2026
Join in on the 2026 Walk for National Truth-Telling – Travis Lovett speaks exclusively to VAN
He’s at it again – this time nationally! Travis Lovett, who led the Victorian Walk for Truth in 2025 is about to embark upon a National Walk for Truth from Melbourne to the Federal Parliament House
17 December 2025
Treaty and First Nations Minister, Natalie Hutchins MP, speaks frankly about Treaty with Victorian Aboriginal News
Barely three days out from her resignation from Cabinet, Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Treaty and First Nations shares her insights and experiences with Victorian Aboriginal News
16 December 2025
First Nations story-telling carries culture and lore
Increasingly – and fortunately – a new age of “digital” story-telling professionals are emerging to ensure stories are protected from the ravages of time. VAN catches up with one such story-teller, Yorta Yorta and Woi-wurrung man Mark Thomson.
10 December 2025
Victorian Traditional Owners call for critical minerals mining agreements with State Government
As the need and demand for critical minerals increases, we catch up with the CEO of the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owners Cooperation, Kaley Nicholson, about the state government dragging its heels on reaching agreements with Traditional Owners across the state.
4 December 2025
The Point’s JP Janke shares insights into disinformation and misinformation – impact and actions
With misinformation and disinformation ever on the increase, we speak about this with leading First Nations journalist, NITV’s John Paul (JP) Janke.
2 December 2025
Reconciliation challenges in the regions – the Shepparton Regional Reconciliation Group
We yarn with Dierdre Robertson, co-convener of the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group and gain an insight into reconciliation in what many consider to be a “redneck” region of Victoria.
25 November 2025
Beyond statewide Treaty – understanding the mechanics of Victorian local Treaties
Treaty Authority member, Biripi woman Duean White talks with VAN about local Treaties, and what local governments and organisations can do to better understand and prepare for them
20 November 2025
Blackfire well and truly back in action and highlighting the power of Blak rock
We catch up with the resurgent – and refreshed – iconic Naarm-based Blak rock group Blackfire co-founder and songwriter, Grant Hansen. Blak rock is as strong as ever! (Audio includes three song tracks)
11 November 2025
First Nations businesses urged to exploit lucrative export markets
We catch up with Austrade’s first Head of Indigenous Engagement and Export, Yuin woman Melanie Harris, to discuss First Nations businesses making heading in international trade
29 October 2025
From being taken from family and home by police to working with VicPol – Aunty Evajo Edwards
Stolen Generations survivor Aunty Evajo Edwards shares her experiences – and aspirations – as an Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer with Victoria Police
23 October 2025
The final part of our deep dive into Treaty legislation with Assembly Co-Chair Rueben Berg
The third and final part of our extended interview with Assembly Co-Chair Rueben Berg, deep diving into the Victorian Treaty Legislation and proposed Treaty itself.
21 October 2025
Continuing (part 2) of our deep-dive into Treaty with Rueben Berg
In part two of this extended interview we continue our deep-dive into Treaty and Treaty legislation with First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria co-Chair Rueben Berg.