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.
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.
20 October 2025
Victorian Treaty – a deep dive into the legislation and proposed Treaty with Rueben Berg
Victorian Aboriginal News was to interview co-Chair Rueben Berg for a deep dive into the Victorian Treaty Legislation and proposed Treaty. This is part one of a three-part extended exclusive interview, recorded just days before the legislation was passed in the Victorian Parliament’s lower house.
15 October 2025
Clothing the Gaps encourages people to wear their values and start conversations
So just who’s behind the merch-with-a-message powerhouse Clothing The Gaps? We catch up with co-founder of the company, Gunditjmara woman Laura Thompson
12 October 2025
Empowerment of young people in local governments across Australia
A bit out of our normal wheelhouse, this interview focuses on young people (11-17 years old) across Australia being elected to “Youth Councils” and influencing their local communities
7 October 2025
Lifting the curtain on the early days of the modern Victorian Treaty process
Ex-Victorian Treaty Advancement Commissioner, Aunty Jill Gallagher, looks back at the challenges facing the Treaty process during the formation of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.
3 October 2025
Victorian LGAs being brought in line with Victorian Closing the Gap Implementation campaign
Led by Gunditjmara woman Aunty Lisa Briggs, Ngaweeyan Maar-oo (voice of and from the people) is working with local governments to help them achieve their Closing the Gaps obligations
29 September 2025
Blak-led. Queer-led. Deadly Sports Plus supporting all Victorians and promoting self-determination
Nic Radoll is the founder of Victoria’s only Blak- and queer-led first aid service provider, clearly demonstrating how First Nations self-determination delivers benefits to all Victorians.
23 September 2025
Treaty support building at a grassroots level across Victoria
With the Victorian Treaty legislation now tabled in the State’s Parliament, grassroots level support is on the rise. A key player in this is First Nations-led Common Threads. We speak with one of the organisation’s founders, Larissa Baldwin-Roberts.