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.
8 May 2024
The challenges and obligations facing artists practising cultural art on Country that isn’t theirs
We speak with Gurrin Gurrin man and artist Phllip Howe about what it means to practise art on Country that isn't his.
5 May 2024
Reconciliation in perspective – a frank conversation with Wotjobaluk Traditional Owner, Aunty Janine Coombs
We commence our series of interviews with Victorian Traditional Owners about the true meaning of reconciliation with Wotjobaluk woman, Aunty Janine Coombs
3 May 2024
Transfer of power from government to Assembly on the cards for statewide Treaty negotiation
As we move towards a statewide Treaty in Victoria, Assembly Co-Chair Rueben Berg talks openly about the sharing of government powers
30 April 2024
VAN and 3KND sign a six-month memorandum of understanding on broadcasting of VAN content
After nearly three years "off air", Victorian Aboriginal News enters into a new memorandum of understanding with Aboriginal radio station 3KND.
29 April 2024
Seeking to identify and recognise all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service personnel
From his office at the Australian War Memorial, Michael Bell devotes his life to identifying and gaining recognition for all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service personnel
25 April 2024
Commemorating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service personnel from the Boer War onwards
How an Egyptian-born retired RAAF Flight Sergeant has been fighting for nearly 20 years for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service personnel
24 April 2024
Shedding light on the story of 50 Aboriginal trackers left behind after the Boer War
We speak to historian Peter Bakker to dig down in history and discover the truth around the story of 50 Black trackers left behind in South Africa after the Boer War.
19 March 2024
Podcast: Coranderrk truth-telling with Uncle Dave Wandin (Part 2)
We continue our yarning with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Uncle Dave Wandin about the history and future of the Coranderrk Aboriginal mission.
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!
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.