THE VAN TALKS PODCAST
The heart and soul of Victorian Aboriginal News - the VAN Talks podcast.
24 October 2024
The science and facts supporting the need to protect Victorian dingo populations
We speak with Professor Euan Ritchie, one of Australia’s foremost environmental scientists, discussing the science behind the need for the dingo, and practical ways in which livestock can be protected without the need for poisons and leg-traps.
21 October 2024
Wurundjeri man Thane Garvey shares insights about incorporating culture into our everyday lives
If reconciliation is to become a reality, it falls on all of us to begin appreciating the Country on which we walk. Thane shares ways in which we can incorporate Aboriginal culture into our everyday lives
17 October 2024
The harsh reality of business that “black clad” themselves to rort the system…and clients
While a growing number of people and businesses seek to support Blak businesses, there is an unfortunate prevalence of businesses following a practice of “black cladding” to rip off the unaware
14 October 2024
Thomas Mayo, one year on from the referendum still urges all Australians onwards to a better country
We catch up with Thomas Mayo exactly one year after the failed referendum. Ever the optimist and activist, he talks about his book and strong ways forward for all Australians
10 October 2024
The Victorian Government effectively signs a death warrant on the state’s dingo population
We speak with Tuangurung’s Matt Shanks as we start an ongoing series of investigative interviews into the Victorian government’s decision to extend an UNprotection order on much of the State’s dingo population.
7 October 2024
On Gunditjmara Country and learning about the story behind the Budj Bim cultural heritage site
Sitting beside Tae Rak, we yarn with Gunditjmara and Monero/Gunnai man Joseph Saunders, General Manager Tourism of the Budj Bim cultural heritage site.
30 September 2024
Talking treaty – Reconciliation Victoria turns the table on VAN journalist Charles Pakana
Reconciliation Victoria’s Communications lead, Anna Van Vliet takes the lead to ask Charles various treaty questions that have come in to Rec Vic from members of its 30+ local reconciliation group network
22 September 2024
“Treaty”. A fairly generic word that can either be weaponised or seen as an amazing opportunity
A simple interview with Constitutional law expert Professor Cheryl Saunders about the legal meaning of “treaty” evolves to embrace a broad range of important related matters
13 September 2024
Putting Blak into philanthropy through decolonisation of attitudes and practices
With Woor Dungin CEO, Yuin man Shaun Middlebrook, we start exploring the reality – and benefits – of the efforts being made to decolonise philanthropy.
10 September 2024
Sky News and Senator Price get it wrong…again! This time they’re caught out misleading community on Victorian Treaty
Once again Sky News commentator Peta Credlin and the Federal Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Jacinta Price, have been proven wrong in commentary. This time, it’s all about Victorian Treaty and a specific community education event.
6 September 2024
Multicultural Victoria takes the lead in reconciliation but more funding is needed
Telling the story of two research leads at the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice building reconciliation capabilities, strengths and leadership with the Victorian multicultural communities.
2 September 2024
The changing Blak face of Ballarat and the need for local truth-telling sessions
In an incredibly candid interview, Ballarat elder, Noongar man Uncle Al Harris, talks about the state of reconciliation within the Victorian regional city of Ballarat. One of the major calls is for a local truth-telling initiative.
27 August 2024
Time closing on community’s opportunity to dispute Assembly as negotiator for statewide treaty
For Victorian Aboriginal people, time is rapidly closing on the opportunity to lodge a comment or dispute on the Assembly’s authority to negotiate a statewide treaty with the Victorian Government.
22 August 2024
The Woi-wurrung language will never disappear. If anything, it’s getting stronger every day
During a visit out to Coranderrk, we caught up with passionate Woi-wurrung language speaker, advocate and teacher, Wurundjeri woman Brooke Wandin
12 August 2024
In conversation with Bruce Pascoe – at 77 he’s nowhere near prepared to slow down or give in
Discussing everything from the referendum and cultural responsibilities right through to conservative media and “what’s next”, we engage in an in-depth interview with Bruce Pascoe.
8 August 2024
City of Merri-Bek Mayor’s ambitions to enter into Treaty negotiations
Taking a position of leadership, the Mayor of Merri-Bek (formerly Moreland) talks openly about his and the city’s aspirations to enter into Treaty negotiations with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, the Traditional Owners of the country.
5 August 2024
Yoorrook Justice Commission truth receivers speak frankly about their challenges and goals
We hear from Yoorrook Truth Receivers about just some of the work that is going on behind the scenes that very few people know about yet is critical to the necessary outcomes.
29 July 2024
Moving forward with Treaty in Victoria – treaty readiness, the framework and the future of truth-telling
Assembly co-Chair Rueben Berg, responds to questions covering nuances of the Treaty Negotiation Framework, treaty readiness and the future of truth-telling in Victoria beyond Yoorrook
25 July 2024
Lore man Uncle Bill Nicholson speaks out strongly on the need for better education on Aboriginal culture and history
All Australia bore witness to the obscene tagline of “If you don’t know, vote NO” that was used by anti-Voice campaigners in 2023. Uncle Bill speaks out about the immediate need for better education.
22 July 2024
Aunty Esme Bamblett: Reconciliation is the role of every Australian!
We continue our series of interviews with Victorian Aboriginal people, with Aunty Esme Bamblett delivering a clear argument on it being the responsibility of every Australian