Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

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.

Dementia and the People Who Care for Us
Caring for someone with dementia can be a full-time job, often leaving carers with little time for themselves, exercise or social connections.
Pharmacist and master herbalist Gerald Quigley joins MJB to discuss the challenges faced by carers and families, why early medical support matters, and where to turn for help.
Gerald shares details of Dementia Australia’s support services, including its 24-hour helpline, for people living with dementia and those caring for them.
For information and support, visit dementia.org.au or call 1800 100 500.

In this episode, MJ speaks with Ulrike Nicholls, President of the Spanish Club of Far North Queensland and founder of Dance 4 Life FNQ, about a new initiative using partner dancing to help people connect and improve their mental wellbeing.
Ulrike explains how the free program aims to reduce social isolation, build confidence and bring people of all ages and backgrounds together, whether they've danced before or are taking their very first steps.
She also shares the story behind the Mareeba Spanish Club, which is celebrating 30 years, and talks about the free launch weekend from 6 to 8 November, featuring dance workshops, guest teachers, mental health speakers and a social night.
With no partner or previous dance experience needed, it's all about getting involved, meeting people and having fun.
Listen to the full conversation.

In this episode, MJ speaks with Dr Allison Hempenstall about increasing concerns around scabies, skin sores and fungal infections in Aurukun as the weather becomes hotter and more humid.
Dr Allison explains why these skin conditions can become more common in hot, humid conditions, what signs to look out for and how scabies can be treated.
She also discusses a community-wide health initiative, with a team of more than 12 health workers visiting homes across Aurukun over the coming weeks, offering skin checks and scabies treatment to children, adults and elders.
Look out for the team in their hot pink vests and take the opportunity to ask questions and get your skin checked.
Listen to the full conversation.