Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

In this episode, MJ speaks with Beverly from Royal Life Saving about the risks of drowning for children aged zero to four.
Beverly shares research showing that 83 young children drowned in swimming pools over a 10-year period and explains five important ways parents and carers can help keep children safe around water.
These include constant supervision, secure pool fencing and gates, removing climbable objects, swimming lessons and knowing CPR.
With summer approaching, Beverly reminds families that a moment of distraction can have serious consequences and that water safety needs to be a priority.
Listen to the full conversation.

Aurukun Scabies Response: Health Teams Return for Follow-Up Treatment
In this episode, MJ catches up with Queensland Health clinical nurse consultant Colette and health worker Bobby Joe to find out how the second week of community health visits is going in Aurukun.
The team has been visiting homes, checking for scabies and skin infections, providing treatment and returning to deliver the important second dose.
Colette explains the treatments available, including tablets and a topical ointment, and both guests share how warmly the community has welcomed the health workers.
The team hopes to complete its follow-up visits by the end of the week.
Listen to the full conversation.

The Risks of Medical Tourism: What You Need to Know
Thinking about heading overseas for cheaper surgery or dental work? Pharmacist and master herbalist Gerald Quigley joins MJB to discuss the risks of medical tourism, from infections and complications to the cost of repairing procedures that go wrong.
Gerald explains why it’s important to look beyond the savings, understand the risks and have a plan in place before making any decisions about your health.
Find out more or contact Gerald through Ask Gerald House of Wellness.

In this episode, MJ speaks with Kylie Lee-Archer from Girls from Oz, a charity helping children in remote communities access singing, dancing and performing arts.
Kylie shares how the organisation has been working with Lockhart River School for 10 years and Kowanyama School since 2021, giving young people opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills and connect through music and dance.
She also talks about an exciting opportunity for 16 girls from the two communities to travel to Melbourne, where they'll spend time with the Australian Girls Choir.
Kylie explains how the program celebrates local culture and traditional languages, while helping young people develop skills they can take back into their own communities.
Listen to the full conversation.

In this episode, MJ speaks with Dr Allison Hempenstall and Public Health Advanced Health Worker Sawee Bero about the scabies outbreak in Aurukun.
The team are visiting homes across the community, offering treatment, checking residents and sharing advice on keeping skin healthy.
With around 58 homes already identified and visits planned over two weeks, the team is working alongside local community members, including Auntie Doris, to reach families and provide support.
Look out for the health team in their hot pink vests as they continue their community visits.
Listen to the full conversation.

In this episode, MJ speaks with Lenore Wyatt, Chair of Mareeba Tourism, about the recent Queensland Information Centre Association conference hosted in the Mareeba Shire.
More than 50 visitors from information centres across Queensland came to explore the region, with visits to the drive-in, the Classic Ford Museum, Skybury Coffee and Kuranda, as well as a trip to the Chillagoe Caves.
Lenore shares some of the things that surprised visitors, including the fact that the Mareeba region grows up to 85% of Australia's coffee, and its claim to 300 sunny days a year.
She also talks about tourism across the region, the importance of encouraging visitors to stay an extra night and showcasing some of Mareeba Shire's hidden gems.
Listen to the full conversation.