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THE VAN TALKS PODCAST

The heart and soul of Victorian Aboriginal News - the VAN Talks podcast.

29 February 2024

Podcast: Coranderrk truth-telling with Uncle Dave Wandin (Part 1)

In this extended episode, Charles speaks with Wurundjeri woi-wurrung Elder Uncle Dave Wandin about the true history of the Coranderrk mission.

26 February 2024

Podcast: Aboriginal business – the realities, the challenges and the way forward

In this far-reaching interview, Dr Michelle Evans delivers insight into indigenous business from the perspectives of the business owner and prospective purchaser.

9 February 2024

Podcast: Yes campaigner Thomas Mayo discusses ways forward for justice in post-referendum Australia

We catch up with Thomas Mayo nearly four months after the referendum to discuss “where to from here?” and gaining greater awareness of key issues.

6 February 2024

Podcast: At it again – Andrew Bolt attacks Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Diane Kerr and traditional medicine

Earlier this year, Sky News commentator Andrew Bolt launched an attack on Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Diane Kerr. We fact-checked his commentary and respond accordingly!

VAN's Charles Pakana speaks with Professor Andrew Gunstone

30 January 2024

Podcast: Racism, RAPs and Substantive Reconciliation – a yarn with Professor Andrew Gunstone

Following the referendum, many have claimed that anti-Aboriginal sentiments are on the rise. Prof. Andrew Gunstone experienced this first-hand when he was boo’d off stage during a presentation on 26 Jan.

25 January 2024

Podcast: Cultural Safety in the workplace, and where to following the referendum?

With “cultural safety” being bandied around everywhere, we hear from two highly experienced cultural safety trainers and advocates, as well as Rev. Uncle Glenn Loughrey returns.

18 January 2024

Podcast: Treaty in Victoria – a government perspective from Treaty and First Nations Minister Natalie Hutchins, MP

Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Treaty and First Nations, talks about the government’s treaty preparation; and Uncle Rodney Carter, one of the two co-Chairs of the Assembly’s Elders Voice.

Commemorating return of William Barak artwork

15 December 2023

VAN Talks Episode 7: Important William Barak artwork returned to the Wurundjeri People

To commemorate the return of culturally important William Barak artwork, VAN Talks attends the special unveiling at the State Library of Victoria.

Bunjil protecting the entrance to the Willum Warrain Gathering Place

8 December 2023

VAN Talks Episode 6: Willum Warrain (home by the sea) – a visit to an inspirational Gathering Place on Bunurong Country

As we kick off our program of visits to all the Gathering Places across Victoria, we head down to Bunurong Country and visit a “home by the sea”.

The Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy

4 December 2023

VAN Talks Episode 5: Discussing the Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy with one of its key authors

Can VALGS replace Reconciliation Action Plans for Victorian local governments? We speak about this with Jason Mifsud, a VALGS key architect.

Yoorrook Commissioner Travis Lovett

27 November 2023

VAN Talks Episode 4: Yoorrook Commissioner Travis Lovett driving truth-telling investigations into land, sky and waters

Appointed a Yoorrook Commissioner in early 2023, Kerrupmara/ Gunditjmara man Travis Lovett discusses the latest round of investigations – into land, sky and waters.

CEO of Dardi Munwurro Uncle Alan Thorpe talking at a lectern

23 November 2023

VAN Talks Episode 3: Uncle Alan Thorpe, forging ahead to help build stronger men, families and communities

In July 2023, Uncle Alan Thorpe was named Victoria’s NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year. He joins us to speak about his work and aspirations for Dardi Munwurro and community.

VAN Talks podcast newly printed DL promotional flyers

22 November 2023

Are YOU tuned in? The new Victorian Aboriginal News VAN Talks podcast.

Building on the work put into producing the highly successful Referendum 23 Tapes podcast, we’re at it again. This time, with the new VAN Talks podcast.

Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg standing in Parliament House.

20 November 2023

VAN Talks Episode 02: Four years on from the first Assembly elections, Treaties in Victoria are becoming ever more a reality.

With Assembly 2.0 firmly in place, we take a deep dive with Assembly co-chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg into where Victoria is currently positioned with regard to a statewide Treaty.

Professor Gunstone standing in front of Reconciliation banner

17 November 2023

VAN Talks Episode 01: Reconciliation in Victoria discussion with Professor Andrew Gunstone

We initiate a series of discussions about Reconciliation in Victoria, starting with internationally renowned Reconciliation expert, Professor Andrew Gunstone.

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