Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Behind the Lines: What It Takes to Run a Multinational Defence Exercise

What do 35,000 military personnel from 19 countries have to do with Far North Queensland?
A lot, actually.
In this encore episode, MJ chats with Group Captain Stuart Dower about Talisman Sabre — a massive joint defence exercise spanning the NT, WA, Queensland, and even Papua New Guinea. It was a boost for tourism, a win for local towns like Cloncurry, and a rare look at global cooperation in action.
From airfield takeovers and Osprey refuelling to behind-the-scenes logistics and First Nations inclusion, this episode covers it all.
Hear how it works, why it matters, and what it means for regional careers in the Defence Force.
Listen now on Stars and Stories.
Featured image thanks to: https://www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/exercises/talisman-sabre

Know the Signs. Save a Life.

Know the Signs. Save a Life.
 
Stroke can happen at any age — and when it strikes, every second counts.
In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ chats with pharmacist and Master Herbalist Gerald Quigley about the FAST signs to watch for:
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call triple zero
With 45,000 Australians experiencing a stroke each year — and that number expected to rise — this is something we all need to know. Gerald also shares simple prevention tips and where to find trusted resources.
Listen now: https://blackstarradio.com.au/stars-and-stories/

Keep Moving, Keep Smiling — Dance with Ibina

Keep Moving, Keep Smiling — Dance with Ibina
 
At 78 years young, Ibina Cundell is proving that age is no barrier to movement, joy, and connection. In this episode of Stars and Stories, MJ catches up with the Tablelands-based dancer who’s bringing African-inspired dance classes to people all over the world — from her living room to yours.
 
Ibina shares her dream of reaching remote communities (including Cape York) with gentle, natural movements rooted in African dance traditions. Her weekly classes are designed for older people, beginners, or anyone who just wants to move their body and feel good.
 
Classes are live-streamed every Wednesday at 10am via Facebook, and available to rewatch.

Body Image in a Digital World: Support for Teens and Families

Body Image in a Digital World: Support for Teens and Families
 
Let’s talk about body image.
 
In this episode of Stars and Stories, Gerald Quigley and MJ discuss the impact of early smartphone use, social media, and body image concerns for our kids — and what we can do about it.
 
If you're a parent, carer, or grandparent, Gerald recommends checking out butterfly.org.au — a helpful resource for understanding what teenagers today are going through.
 
Because understanding their world is the first step to helping them through it.
 
More details: https://butterfly.org.au/

Have the yarn that could save a life.

Have the yarn that could save a life.
 
This week on Stars and Stories, MJ chats with Lauren Ginders from DonateLife to clear up the confusion around organ and tissue donation. From busted myths to sobering stats — including the 50+ Aussies who die each year waiting for a transplant — this conversation is a timely reminder that donating is about more than ticking a box.
 
Lauren shares how easy it is to register online (no more relying on your driver’s license!) and why First Nations donors are vital for better transplant matches in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
 
Key takeaways:
One donor can change or save up to 7 lives
It takes less than 1 minute to register
Telling your family is just as important as signing up
Listen now — and then have the conversation.
 
Learn more: https://www.donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today

The countdown is on to Dream Aloud!

The countdown is on to Dream Aloud!
Black Star caught up with Flora Wong from Qld Music Trails to talk about what’s coming up for this year’s Dream Aloud Festival — and it’s big!
Set for Saturday, October 18 at Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns, this all-First Nations lineup features Budjerah, Kaiit, South Summit and more. It’s family-friendly, and full of good vibes, great food, and incredible music.
Expect more than just a festival — Dream Aloud includes a creative summit, networking for emerging artists, and showcases that celebrate culture and connection.
“We want local people involved. That’s what it’s all about,” Flora says.
Save the date. Invite the mob.
Learn more: www.qldmusictrails.com

Opening the doors for Regional Women in Music

Opening the doors for Regional Women in Music.
It highlights everyone. That’s how Elly Hanlon described the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) — an event that’s not just about performers, but about recognising every corner of the industry.
Whether you’re behind the scenes, from a remote town, gender diverse, multicultural, or First Nations — AWMA is for you.
Elly knows firsthand. As a 2022 regional delegate from Airlie Beach, she was given access to the full experience: the conference, the First Nations showcase, and the black carpet and she’s now part of the team bringing it to life.
This year, eight regional women will be selected to attend the 2-day event in Brisbane (October 8–9).
Nominate now by visiting the Australian Women in Music Awards website.
Queensland Regional & Remote Women’s Music Program –
Applications close 5pm AEST, 4 August 2025
Learn more here: https://womeninmusicawards.com.au/regional-callout/

Friday, August 01, 2025 Spot the Signs: Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

Missed National Diabetes Week? Let’s catch up. Michael chats with Gerald Quigley — pharmacist, Master Herbalist, and Black Star regular — about the rising challenge of type 2 diabetes and the signs we shouldn’t ignore.
From constant thirst to stubborn skin issues, elevated blood sugar often creeps up without warning.
Gerald reminds us that prevention starts with awareness — and a free 5-minute online risk tool can help you check your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in the next five years.
He even tried it himself. It’s never too late to take your health seriously.
Listen now to Stars and Stories.
Learn more about the The Australian type 2 diabetes risk assessment tool (AUSDRISK):
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/the-australian-type-2-diabetes-risk-assessment-tool-ausdrisk

Rethinking Home — Christine Doan on People Purpose Place

Rethinking Home — Christine Doan on People Purpose Place
What if housing wasn’t just about shelter, but about creating shared community?
In this episode, MJ speaks with Christine Doan of People Purpose Place — a new way of living that brings five unrelated people together under one roof, featuring private en-suite rooms and shared spaces.
It’s not about owning or renting in the traditional sense. It’s about sharing well — and that takes more than just moving in. Christine explains the vision behind this project, how they're working with participants to collaborate, resolve conflict, and create a true home together.
Listen now and learn why Christine believes this model could be part of the solution to Australia’s housing crisis.
Explore more at: https://peoplepurposeplace.com.au

75 Years Strong — Living and Breathing the Rodeo with President Peter Brown

75 Years Strong — Living and Breathing the Rodeo with President Peter Brown
 
The 2025 Mareeba Rodeo was a huge success and President Peter Brown caught up with Black Star to reflect on the milestone event — from the incredible turnout to the growing list of highlights, like the debut of the Women’s Ranch Bronc Ride, sold-out camping, the free-style motocross, duck races and so much more!
 
With more than 500 volunteers and a small but mighty committee working behind the scenes, this year’s rodeo was a true team effort — and it showed.
 
Local organisations, community groups, and sporting clubs across Mareeba benefit every year, with over $10,000 in donations flowing back into the community.
 
If you’re thinking of getting involved for 2026 — on the committee, as a volunteer, or even just with an idea — now’s the time, the countdown to next year’s rodeo has already begun.