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.
16 September 2025
Australia’s First Nations media – underfunded, underrated yet among the most trusted
Despite being underfunded by the Federal Government, First Nations media across Australia plays a critical role in dispelling myths and misinformation. We speak with First Nations Media Australia CEO, Wally Tallis.
10 September 2025
An Australian first. Treaty legislation tabled in Victorian Parliament after years of intense work
Following years of intense work and around nine months of negotiations, Treaty legislation is tabled in Victoria. Co-Chair Rueben Berg speaks to the future of Treaty
7 September 2025
Peak body works with Local Governments on Local Treaty understanding and preparation
Municipal Association of Victoria takes the initiative to promote education and understanding of Local Treaties across the state’s local government sector
3 September 2025
A peek into the inner workings and responsibilities of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Council
One of the largest Traditional Owner groups in Victoria, Wurundjeri faces constant demands on its time, people and other resources. We gain a perspective on this – along with critical advice – from the CEO, Kupa Teao.
29 August 2025
Helping to close the educational gap for Victorian tertiary level students
For nearly 30 years, RMIT’s Ngarara Willum Centre has been providing critical student support for First Nations students. We speak with Indigenous Access and Engagement Senior Advisor, Bundjalung woman Talia Elliott.
19 August 2025
Traditional Owners and Local Government Authorities join together to improve collective advocacy and resourcing
The Taungurung Land and Waters Council establishes a Local Government forum for councils on its Country to establish common goals and objectives
12 August 2025
Keeping the Victorian Treaty Process on the straight and narrow
Treaty Authority chair, Djab Wurrung man Jidah Clark, talks frankly about the current state of the Victorian statewide Treaty, and the Authority’s commitment to work with ALL parties, especially Local Government Authorities, in regard to local Treaties.
15 July 2025
A renewed focus for Victorian Traditional Owners across the state with a new Federation CEO
Taungurung woman Kaley Nicholson takes the reins at the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations… and pushing hard to ensure TO voices are heard in Government
8 July 2025
Victorian Government setting the foundation for more Aboriginal people in custody
As the Victorian Government considers introducing even further backward steps in the State’s already archaic bail laws, we catch up with VALS Director of Legal Services, Ali Besiroglu to discuss the current situation and Poccum’s Law.
23 June 2025
Data sovereignty – protecting our data from being weaponised and ensuring it contributes to strength
Treaty Authority member Dr Petah Atkinson and Dr Jacob Prehn explain the critical importance of Aboriginal data sovereignty and government in the Victorian Treaty landscape.
16 June 2025
Victorian Treaty could well be signed and enacted before the end of 2025
Assembly co-Chair Rueben Berg shares more about the next iteration of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, and the belief that there could well be a signed and enacted statewide Treaty in place before the end of 2025
29 May 2025
Victoria’s first local Treaty process underway with DJAARA announcing it’s ready!
DJAARA – the representative body for Dja Dja Wurrung clans – is ready to enter into local Treaty negotiations. I yarn about this with DJAARA’s FPAV representative, Djaran Murray-Jackson.
26 May 2025
On Gunditjmara Country with Commissioner Travis Lovett just 18 hours before the Walk for Truth
I was fortunate enough to catch up and yarn with Yoorrook Commission Travis Lovett on the Portland foreshores – on Gunditjmara Country – 18 hours before the commencement of the Walk for Truth.
11 May 2025
The need for Aboriginal cultures and histories in the Australian educational curriculum
One of Australia’s foremost authorities on – and advocates for – Aboriginal cultures and histories in the education system, Shelley Ware, talks with Charles about the need for change and how that change can be achieved.
2 May 2025
The Koorie Heritage Trust 40 years on – its relevance and role
As the Koorie Heritage Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary, Charles catches up with the Trust’s veteran CEO, Tom Mosby, to discuss the organisation’s relevance and role
22 April 2025
The man behind the force that is IndigenousX – Luke Pearson
For nearly 15 years, IndigenousX has been “stirring the pot” as a niche and fearless Blak media outlet. In this episode I catch up with it’s CEO and founder, Luke Pearson.
15 April 2025
Shining the light on Australian indigenous entrepreneurship
Professor Dennis Foley, a descendent of the Gai-mariagal people, speaks openly about the important cultural context of this subject as well as calling out key changes that need to be implemented in order for Blak businesses to be given better chances for success.
10 April 2025
Australian War Memorial at last makes moves to recognise Defence of Country/Frontier Wars
Following years of advocacy from historians and community, the Australian War Memorial is embarking on a project that will see “Defence of Country” realised in the form of a Frontier War exhibition within the next few years. We speak with the Indigenous Liaison Officer, Michael Bell.
7 April 2025
Breathing new life into the Bangerang language
We speak with Bangerang cultural educator and custodian Roland Atkinson about a new dictionary that will breathe new life into the Bangerang language and further strengthen culture
3 April 2025
Senator Dorinda Cox: Bringing and seeking change to the Australian Government’s Senate
Just how culturally safe is the life of a Federal Government Senator? We speak about this – and more – with WA Greens Senator, Yamatji and Noongar woman, Dorinda Cox