Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Heart-Mind Wellness Big Day Out

Almost half (45%) Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, and one in five Australians aged 16 and up experience a mental illness in any year.
It is much more difficult for people in remote and regional areas to access treatment, information, and learn of the available services.
Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan speaks to Sigal Ramon from the South Cape York Catchments, who is the organiser about the Heart-Mind Wellness Big Day Out
The Heart-Mind Wellness Big Day Out, Cape York, has been developed to connect people and communities in the region with the many mental health, well-being and other services, such as social and sporting groups, in a fun, positive and entertaining day.
This FREE event will involve an indoor expo-styled day, which includes information booths, wellbeing workshops, art and gardening activity stations, good food, live music and much more.
This event was made possible by the Australia Post community grant, and with local organizations and businesses’ contributions.

Bikers against Child Abuse

Bikers Against Child Abuse is a charitable worldwide motorcycle club. First formed in 1995, the organisation "exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children.
B.A.C.A. maintains groups of members, known as Chapters, in eighteen countries: United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Black Star Radio’s ‘MJ’ talks to ‘BAT’, the President of the Tablelands Chapter about the organisation.

Acute Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease

Residents of the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Areas are being reminded of the need to be aware of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said. “We have already had our first case of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and our first case of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) so far this year within our health service region.
Acute rheumatic fever is a disease caused by the Streptococcus A bacteria group (strep) and causes throat and skin infections which lead to inflammation in the joints, brain, and heart. If left untreated, it can progress into rheumatic heart disease.
Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan talks to Dr. Alison Hempenstall and Indigenous Health Worker Alicia Hansen about the seriousness of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease within the Cape Communities and the steps parents of young children can do to protect them.

Kowanyama Renal Dialysis unit

Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan talks with Dr. Frank Grainers about a new four-chair supported renal haemodialysis unit will be established at Kowanyama next year.
Construction for the new Kowanyama unit will start mid-next year after the wet season and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service is developing a model of care that will allow dialysis services at Kowanyama to be delivered with the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners with advanced training in kidney health.
There are also plans to begin training and support of other health practitioners for all of the health service’s remote dialysis services and other specialist services.
The funding for the new Kowanyama dialysis unit was initially announced as part of a $27.7 million state government 2020 election commitment for the expansion of Queensland rural and remote dialysis services.
On December 1, 2022, a further $6.35 million capital funding was approved, bringing the total commitment to $34.2 million.

RFDS Rescue Swag

Blacks Star Radio’s Mark Hogan yarns with Dr. Shaun Francis from the Royal Flying Doctor Service Qld about a great Christmas gift idea, the RFDS Rescue Swag. In fact this makes a great gift or purchase at any time of the year.
The Rescue Swag first aid kits are waterproof, dustproof and include everything you need to treat injuries and burns:
Built for exploring in the Aussie bush, the Adventurer Rescue Swag is top notch and well equipped to keep you safe.
Waterproof and dustproof outer
Equipped with three modules: minor accidents, snake bites and burns, and major injuries
Lightweight (1.6kg) and compact
Additional space to customise with personal medications
For more information, contact https://www.rescueswag.com.au/

Japanese encephalitis virus in Cape York

Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan speaks with Dr Allison Hempenstall, from the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, about Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
Health authorities are encouraging all Cape York residents involved in pig-hunting to take advantage of the free vaccination program for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).
JEV was transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito that had bitten an infectious animal, usually pigs or water birds. She said there was heightened awareness of JEV on Cape York following the detection of the virus in some feral pigs in an area north of the Skardon River in June, and a further detection in pigs in the Mapoon area in September. No human cases have occurred.
Around 99 per cent of people infected with JEV had no symptoms or mild symptoms. Those who develop symptoms may experience a fever and headache, abdominal pain and vomiting in children. After a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, it usually takes five to 15 days for the first symptoms to appear.
JEV does not spread directly between people and there is no risk of JEV from consuming pork or pork products.

Warren Flegg Get Ready

Black Star Radio Mark Hogan talks with Senior Sargent Chris Flegg about being prepared for storms and cyclones this cyclone season.
Natural disasters happen in Queensland more than any other state. Understand your risk of being impacted by extreme weather and how to get ready.
If you have lived in Queensland all your life, have recently moved here or just landed for your holidays, it’s important to understand and keep reassessing your disaster risk, which varies depending on where you are in Queensland and your personal circumstances.

First Nations Children’s Festival

Ngamumu (For Mothers) and Minjil will be presenting the first ever, First Nations Children’s Festival.
Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan talks with Lia Pa’apa’a about this event.
It’s a celebration of shared knowledge across the ages with workshops and activities lead by First Nations artists, knowledge keepers and elders.
There will also be a Yidinji Naming ceremony and a Welcoming our Children to Country Ceremony for all children up to 8 years of age.
The First Nations Children’s Festival is on Saturday the 12th of November at the Seville Mercy Conference Centre Bauhinia Avenue, Earlville

Cooktown Students

Normally it’s the announcers who are doing the interviews. This time around the tables are turned, it is members of the Cooktown State School Student Council who is asking the questions for Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan to answer. This is all part of the Career Expo that the school is hosting in Cooktown.
#cooktownss #cooktownstateschool #cooktowncareerexpo

Duncan Inglis

Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan has a yarn with the Cooktown State Schools Deputy Principal Duncan Inglis about the Career Expo that is being held in Cooktown. Students from around the entire district are expected to attend and be able to meet up with business, both private and Government, as well as further study options, as they look to plan their future careers. Black Star Radio is one of the many proud sponsors of the event.
#cooktownss #cooktownstateschool