All Episodes

Cyclone Jasper and the flooding that followed has been well covered by various
media outlets. Many saw the footage of staff and patients sitting on the roof
of the Wujal Health Clinic and an ambulance to escape the floodwaters.
 
Many people, along with State and Federal agencies are working hard to try
and restore the many services to Wujal Wujal. But because of the flooding
event, many residents have been relocated to Cooktown or Cairns.
 
Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan speaks with the Wujal Wujal Director of
Nursing, Vince Connellan about the efforts that the Torres and Cape Hospital
and Health Service, along with other allied Health Service providers are going
to, to ensure the health needs of those who have been temporally displaced are
met.

The community of Wujal Wujal was one of those devastated by the intense rain and flooding that followed after Cyclone Jasper crossed the Far North Queensland coast on the evening of the 13th of December 2023.
The entire community had to be evacuated by ADF helicopters because of the extensive damage to the community.
Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan yarns with Aunty Kathleen Walker, a respected Wujal Wujal elder about the night of the flooding and the evacuation of the community.

Every year, hundreds of cyclists from around Australia and overseas are drawn to the city of Cairns in tropical Far North Queensland to saddle up for the Cardiac
Challenge.
And every year, the fundraising bike ride from Cairns to Cooktown gains momentum.
The three-day, 333km ride from the leafy, sun-dappled Kuranda Range Road, winding upwards through lush rainforest to the Atherton Tableland, across
rolling golden savannah lands and on to the shores of the sparkling Coral Sea at Cooktown has raised more than $4 million for cardiac services since being launched in 2007 by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation which has raised more than $4 million for cardiac services in that time.
Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan catches up with Gina Hogan, the CEO of the Far North
Queensland Hospital Foundation as this event draws to a close for 2023.

A great weekend to go bush for the weekend, catch up with your mates and help to eradicate the feral pig population around Cooktown and
the Cape. Show up and see some of the Cape's biggest hogs being weighed. Great cash and prizes to be won! Weigh in - Sunday 1 October 2023 from 10am - 2pm at the Top Pub.
Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan catches up with the organisers

The Laura Campdraft and Rodeo is part of an action-packed weekend with something for all the family to enjoy. Ringers and stockmen compete with rodeo riders who travel great distances for a chance to take home some amazing prizes and trophies.
People travel from all over Cape York Peninsula to join in the fun and frivolity, together with friends and visitors from further south.
The hard working committee and volunteers of the Laura Rodeo Association put a great deal of work throughout the year, so this event remains an iconic venue on the Cape.
Black Star’s Mark Hogan was able to catch up Debbie, the Secretary of
the Laura Rodeo Association during the weekend for a yarn.

Conquer the Corrugations Mental Health Awareness Walk raises awareness of the ‘corrugations’ in life, support and remember those affected, and to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health. A not-for-profit event where the goal is to raise awareness and encourage people to come together as a community and to support one another.
Conquer the Corrugations is a family friendly event open to all ages. Through the generous support of businesses and organisations we are able to offer this as a free event to all participants.
Commencing in 2015 in Cape York, participants walk on foot or horseback from the Coen Information Centre to the Archer River Roadhouse, totalling 42km completed over two days. This event occurs in October each year.
Black Star’s Mark Hogan catches up with Debbie Jackson & Jacki Perry from Conquer The Corrugations at a display that was at the Laura Rodeo.

Darren Danielson Drummer of Chocolate Starfish gearing up for the incredible 2023 'Savannah in the Round' a performance not to be missed!

GANGgajang yarns about his music history and working in the industry.
Keep an eye out for them at 'Savannah in the Round' 2023.

The Laura Campdraft and Rodeo, an iconic event that is run in conjunction with the Laura Annual Races. As with the Rodeo, the Campdraft attracts competitors from all across North Queensland.
Black Star’s Mark Hogan yarns with young Rosie, a competitor from Coen who is at the Laura event.
For those unfamiliar with Campdrafting, the basic idea is when one mounted rider moves into a small yard, called a camp, and selects one beast from a small mob of cattle. They then proceed to move the beast towards the camp opening – which is blocked by either other riders on horses or two gates with people holding them shut. 
The mounted rider blocks and turns their beast several times across the face of the camp (the single beast tries his hardest to get past the rider and back into the mob). When the rider feels they has shown the Judge enough of their horse’s ability to hold the beast clear of the mob, they
call for the gates to be opened so the beast can be taken out into a much larger area to complete a course. The course consists of two pegs (usually small trees) set apart, one on the left and one on the right, directly out from the front of the camp.

The Lions Club of Mareeba were ‘cooking up a storm’ at the
Laura Races, supplying great burgers and munchies to the hungry crowd.
Mark from Black Star Radio caught up with them
to talk about what the Mareeba Lions Club does for the community.

The Laura Races are a great social event. People travel from all over Cape York Peninsula to join in the fun and frivolity, together with friends and visitors from further south. 
The Rodeo and Horse Sports are held on the same weekend with locals and visitors competing in traditional events such as the barrel races.
Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan catches up with the President of the Laura Race Club at the start of the event.

Gerald Quigley Talks to MJ about Aspirin Alert.
Quigley is a community Pharmacist, Master Herbalist, Media Health Commentor and Author.
He shares his concerns about the Low dose Aspirin, which maybe causing low iron deficiency also known as Anemia which is a problem of not having enough healthy red blood cells.

Katrina Fanning was a member of Australia’s inaugural Jillaroos
rugby league team, making 26 appearances over a 14-year career. Among many
other achievements, she was manager of the Indigenous Women's All Stars team,
Chairperson of the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council, and currently
sits on the Board of the Canberra Raiders.
Katrina is also a ‘Start To Talk’ Ambassador.
Every week, millions of
Australian kids take part in community sport and mostly “because it’s fun.” But
if that sport environment’s not physically or emotionally safe, the ‘fun’ can
rapidly disappear.
 A brand-new national campaign called ‘Start to Talk’, a campaign
aimed at keeping our kids safe in sport. This includes resources which you can
find at playbytherules.net.au.
 Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan chats to Katrina about the ‘Start to
Talk’ campaign and the website Play By The Rules.

Gerald Quigley Talks to MJ about Vitamin D and the great benefits of Vit D.

Since 1976, Normanton Rodeo has been hosting an event on the
Queen's Birthday Weekend in June. The event continues to grow each year, and
celebrates its 47th Annual event in 2023. From humble beginnings, Normanton
Rodeo now boasts 4 action packed days including Rodeo, Campdrafting, Gymkhana,
Sprint Racing, Street Parade, QCWA Show and Live Entertainment each night. 
​
Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan talks with Emmy Gallagher, the Secretary
of the Normanton Rodeo Association about this year’s event.