Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Far North Queensland Pet Groomer Named National Award Finalist Again
 
In this episode, MJ speaks with Jason from Tablelands Mobile Pet Services, who is once again heading to the Australian Small Business Champion Awards after being named a finalist for another year running.
 
After taking over the business seven years ago, Jason has grown the mobile pet grooming service into a well-known name across Far North Queensland, travelling everywhere from the Tablelands to Cooktown and Herberton.
 
Jason reflects on what it means to be recognised on a national level, the journey behind the business, and how a decision to enter the awards “as a bit of a joke” turned into a major win in 2023.
 
The conversation also touches on the realities of running a small business, building strong customer relationships, and the unusual range of animals he’s worked with along the way.
 
Listen now to the full interview.

In this episode, MJ speaks with David Kempton MP, State Member for Cook, about some of the biggest concerns currently facing Far North Queensland communities.
The conversation explores the growing frustration around youth crime in Mareeba and the Tablelands, including the challenges of repeat offending, rehabilitation, and what support systems are needed to create long-term change.
David also shares his views on detention, mentorship programs, and the importance of giving young people structure, purpose, and direction.
The discussion then shifts to ongoing concerns around major roadworks and infrastructure delays, including the Kuranda Range Road upgrades and the bridge situation, with questions being raised about timelines, planning, and the impact on locals and tourism.
Listen now to the full interview.

In this episode, Lauren Grace speaks with Dr. Grace Lillian Lee, founder of First Nations Fashion and Design, about the journey behind her work and the purpose driving it forward.
Grace shares how FNFD began, not as a brand, but as a collective of First Nations designers creating together and exploring identity through fashion, art, and culture.
From early showcases on Country in Yarrabah to the first all-Indigenous runway at Australian Fashion Week, this conversation reflects on what it means to walk in two worlds, holding cultural responsibility while navigating the fashion industry.
Grace also reflects on her time in Paris, from working with Jean Paul Gaultier to completing a residency and launching her own couture collection,  and how that experience sparked a stronger focus on showing up globally, knowing those opportunities won’t always come to Cairns.
At the centre of Grace’s journey is a clear focus, creating space, building pathways, and supporting the next generation of First Nations designers to step into the industry with confidence.
Listen now to the full interview.

In this episode, MJ speaks with Peter Brown from the Great Northern Bullriding Series about the upcoming Mareeba Anzac Round of the Great Northern Bullriding Series.
 
Peter shares what people can expect on the night, from top riders and rising local talent to some of the best bulls in the country, with around 65–70 bulls set to buck across the event.
 
It’s not just about the action in the arena. The event also raises money for the local RSL sub-branch, making it a chance to give back while enjoying a great night out.
 
With family tickets available, a full event lineup, and even free camping, it’s shaping up to be a big one for the community.
 
Listen now to the full interview.

This week on Stars and Stories, Gerald Quigley unpacks surprising findings from a large hospital study on vitamin C levels.
Out of 12,000 tests, around one-third of people had low levels, something many wouldn’t expect.
There aren’t always obvious symptoms, but signs can include:
• Fatigue
• Slow wound healing
The solution is often simple, fresh fruit, vegetables, and consistent intake.
Listen now where you get your podcasts or head to our website to learn more.

In this episode, Lauren Grace speaks with Alex Price-Busch, a First Nations financial counsellor from ICAN, about the scams currently affecting communities across Far North Queensland and the Cape.
Alex explains how scams are evolving and why they can be hard to spot,  especially when they come from people pretending to be someone you know, government agencies, or even online relationships.
He shares some of the common scams being seen right now, including:• Fake social media accounts • Romance scams• Online gambling-style scams• Calls pretending to be from Government agencies
Alex also offers practical advice on how to protect yourself, from checking who you’re speaking to, to avoiding links and payment requests that don’t feel right.
The key message? If something feels off, trust your gut.
Listen now to the full interview.

Old Faithful: Alive and Accounted For
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ speaks with David Kempton MP, State Member for Cook to get an update on Old Faithful, the crocodile at the centre of recent discussion in Far North Queensland.
According to David, Old Faithful is alive, well, and currently being cared for at the Australia Zoo.
He shares that the crocodile was relocated due to safety concerns, following reports it had been fed by people and was becoming a risk in the area.
The conversation also touches on:• The decision to relocate rather than cull• The challenges of managing crocodiles where people and wildlife interact• The importance of education when it comes to living in croc country
Listen now to the full interview.
This interview is in response to a recent episode: What’s Happened to Old Faithful? Questions Without Answers where MJ spoke with Elder Alwyn Lyall about a situation unfolding in Lakefield National Park and concerns he has raised about the removal of crocodiles from the area.
To listen to that interview click here. 

In this episode, MJ speaks with Elder Alwyn Lyall about a situation unfolding in Lakefield National Park and concerns he has raised about the removal of crocodiles from the area.
Alwyn describes two crocodiles being taken from the park. He says one appeared to be in poor condition and that he has been told it was euthanised. He says the status of the other, known locally as Old Faithful, remains unclear.
In this conversation, Alwyn also shares concerns including:• What he describes as a lack of consultation and communication with Traditional Owners• Uncertainty about where Old Faithful is now, or its condition
Alwyn also shares his perspective on how decisions are made on Country, and the role Traditional Owners play in those processes.
Listen now to the full interview now. 

This week on Stars and Stories, Gerald Quigley explores something simple many of us grew up with, having a cup of tea to wind down.
But there’s more to it than just habit.
Tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which helps calm a busy mind. When combined with magnesium (known for supporting muscle relaxation), it may help improve sleep quality over time.
This combination can be useful for people who:
• Struggle to fall asleep
• Wake during the night and can’t switch off
• Feel like their mind is constantly racing
Gerald explains that it’s not an instant fix,  but with consistent use, many people notice better sleep within a few weeks.
Listen now where you get your podcasts or head to our website to learn more.

This week on Stars and Stories, Gerald Quigley shares a powerful reminder about heart health , and why feeling “fine” doesn’t always mean you are.
He recounts stories of two men, both symptom-free, who went for routine checks:
• One needed a double bypass within days
• The other underwent a quadruple bypass shortly after testing
Neither expected it.
Both had family histories of heart disease but it was something they hadn’t acted on early enough.
The takeaway? A simple heart health check with your GP can give you a clearer picture of your risk and help prevent something more serious.
Sometimes it’s not about symptoms, it’s about what’s happening quietly in the background.
Listen now where you get your podcasts or head to our website to learn more.