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.
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
19 July 2024
When music makes a difference – singer/songwriter Pirritu embeds culture and language in his art
In a change from our typical interviews, we catch up with one of our favourite singer/songwriters, Pirritu, and discuss the importance of music as a form of social change
10 July 2024
Victoria’s Anglican church commits to reconciliation, recognition of First Peoples and treaty
We catch up with recently collated Archdeacon for Reconciliation, First Peoples Recognition and Treaty, Wiradjuri man Uncle Glenn Loughrey.
4 July 2024
An Aboriginal-designed and -led solution delivering real results for Victoria’s incarcerated
We speak with founder and creative director of Torch program, Uncle Kent Morris, and Gallery Administrator, the inspirational Stacey Edwards
2 July 2024
The Treaty Authority – working to support a Treaty process that benefits all Victorians
Uncle Andrew Jackomos and Thelma Austin from the Treaty Authority speak about the importance of ensuring treaty negotiations are impartial and of benefit to all
1 July 2024
44-year Wirajduri veteran of Fire Rescue Victoria discusses systemic racism within the service but stresses strong progress
With Fire Rescue Victoria recruiting more First Nations firefighters, we speak with Uncle Owen Butler, a Wiradjuri man with 44 years experience in the service.
27 June 2024
Taungurung wins first important legal round in VCAT against Goulburn Murray Water
CEO of the Taungurung Land and Waters Council, Matthew Burns, speaks openly about a recent VCAT ruling on proposed works licence from Goulburn Murray Water.
26 June 2024
Inside the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative with the chair and CEO
We check in with BDAC Chair, Nicola Perry-Peters and CEO, Dallas Widdicombe about the challenges and successes of the proudly community controlled organisation
20 June 2024
Delivering a First Nations-centric cultural foundation for family planning and early childhood
We speak with lead researcher and MD of First 1,000 Days Australia, Kerry Arabena about helping First Nations families move from planning through to parenthood.
17 June 2024
Artist and activist Richard Bell on art and activism
We catch up with award-winning artist and Aboriginal activist Uncle Richard Bell to talk about activism, art and their co-existence.
20 May 2024
Inside the Koorie Heritage Trust with CEO Tom Mosby
For many, the Koorie Heritage Trust is simply somewhere to purchase art and gifts. It's much much more, though. We speak about this with CEO Tom Mosby.
13 May 2024
Dja Dja Wurrung and land set to benefit from new agreement with Agnico Eagle gold mining operation
We speak frankly with DJAARA CEO Uncle Rodney Carter about the benefits to mob and Country emerging from a new agreement between gold mining giant Agnico Eagle and the Dja Dja Wurrung traditional owners
13 May 2024
Bringing Aboriginal content and relevancy into the education curriculum
We speak with Gunditjmara academic and education advocate Professor Uncle Mark Rose, Deakin University's Pro Vice Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Innovation