Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast

Black Star Radio and QRAM (Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media)

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Could Your Medication Be Affecting Your Energy?

    This week on Stars and Stories, Gerald Quigley explains why vitamin B12 is essential — and how some common medications may lower your levels. Vitamin B12 plays a role in: • Brain function and concentration • Energy levels • Nerve health Certain medications, including those used for diabetes and reflux, can reduce B12 over time. For some people, symptoms like low energy or poor focus may be linked — but go unnoticed. Gerald’s advice is simple: if you’re on these medications, it’s worth checking your levels with your GP. Listen now where you get your podcasts or head to our website to learn more. ----more---- Stars and Stories Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland. Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au Meet Gerald Gerald Quigley is a practising Community Pharmacist, as well as an Accredited Herbalist. Gerald is a Pharmacist and Master Herbalist based in Melbourne. He is a media health commentator heard each week on many radio stations.    He is co-hosts the House of Wellness radio program heard each Sunday on the Nine Radio Network live across Australia.  Gerald is a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia and Fellow of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.  Gerald’s passion is to empower each person to make sensible health decisions, and to continually maintain and improve their quality of life, especially as they age.  Contact: https://www.geraldquigley.com/contact

    3 min

  2. 1 MAY

    Dancing Around the World from Mareeba

    In this episode, MJ speaks with Ibina, a long-time dance teacher from Mareeba who is sharing her love of African dance with people around the world.   Broadcasting online each week from her home studio, Ibina talks about building a growing international audience, the joy of movement, and why dance is about more than fitness, it’s about connection, rhythm, and doing something you love.   Turning 80 this year, Ibina also reflects on her lifelong passion for dance and why she continues to show up week after week for people joining in from across the globe.   Ibina live streams at 10am (AEST) each Wednesday.   Listen now to the full interview.   See Ibina dance here: https://www.facebook.com/ibina.cundell/videos/1605667223992017----more---- Stars and Stories Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland. Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

    4 min

  3. 29 APR

    Far North Queensland Pet Groomer Named National Award Finalist Again

    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. ----more----   Stars and Stories Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland. Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au Connect with Jason here: https://tablelandmobilepetservices.com.au

    9 min

  4. 28 APR

    David Kempton MP, State Member for Cook on Youth Crime, Roads, and Community Frustration

    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. ----more---- Stars and Stories Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland. Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

    9 min

  5. 22 APR

    Creating Space for the Next Generation of First Nations Designers featuring Dr. Grace Lillian Lee

    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. ----more---- Stars and Stories Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland. Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au   Meet Grace Dr. Grace Lillian Lee is a multicultural Australian artist and leader, known for her unique blend of traditional and contemporary art forms. She graduated with Honors in Fashion Design from RMIT in 2010 and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Technology, Sydney in 2025. Lee's artistic journey began with "grasshopper weaving," taught by her mentor, Dr. Uncle Ken Thaiday, leading to her large-scale and wearable body sculptures that reflect family stories and cultural heritage. In 2017, she founded First Nations Fashion Design, promoting Indigenous cultural expression in fashion and art. Her work is showcased in notable institutions like the National Gallery of Australia and the Kluge-Ruhe Collection. Lee has collaborated with renowned artists and was named Indigenous Designer of the Year at the Australian Fashion Laureate Award in 2024. She made history in 2025 as the first Indigenous Australian to present at Paris Couture Fashion Week, earning recognition on the Business of Fashion 500 list. FNFD Web: https://firstnationsfashiondesign.com/pages/about-us FNFD Insta: https://www.instagram.com/first.nations.fashion.design/ FNFD FB: https://www.facebook.com/firstnationsfashiondesign

    14 min

  6. 20 APR

    Mareeba Anzac Round: Great Northern Bullriding Is Back

    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. ----more----   Stars and Stories Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland. Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

    7 min

  7. 9 APR

    Low Vitamin C: More Common Than You Think

    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. ----more---- Stars and Stories Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland. Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au Meet Gerald Gerald Quigley is a practising Community Pharmacist, as well as an Accredited Herbalist. Gerald is a Pharmacist and Master Herbalist based in Melbourne. He is a media health commentator heard each week on many radio stations.    He is co-hosts the House of Wellness radio program heard each Sunday on the Nine Radio Network live across Australia.  Gerald is a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia and Fellow of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.  Gerald’s passion is to empower each person to make sensible health decisions, and to continually maintain and improve their quality of life, especially as they age.  Contact: https://www.geraldquigley.com/contact

    3 min

  8. 7 APR

    Scams Are Getting Smarter, Here’s What to Watch For

    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. ----more---- Stars and Stories Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland. Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au Meet Alex Alex Price-Busch is a First Nations Financial Counsellor and systemic advocate who works at the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN). Alex provides financial counselling to services to mob across Far North Queensland and throughout the Cape. In nearly 6 years of working at ICAN, he has assisted many people to work through their financial issues and participated in advocacy campaigns such as Save Sorry Business, which resulted in the government establishing a remediation program for First Nations people who were left with nothing after the funeral insurance company, Youpla, collapsed. Contact ICAN here for more information: https://ican.org.au/

    26 min
See All (100)

About

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

Information

  • Creator
    Black Star Radio and QRAM (Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Black Star Radio and QRAM (Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media)
  • Show Website
    Stars and Stories: The Black Star Radio Podcast