National Features & Documentary Series

Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
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From water and drought to coal mines in small towns, a neighbourhood's safe-injecting room to the Country Women's Association's brand of feminism, each year these and more stories are told by Australian communities in their own words through the National Features and Documentary Series. City to the bush, coast to coast, since 2013 the NFDS has commissioned audio works from all over Australia by budding community radio producers.  Produced for the Community Radio Network at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia with training and mentoring from the Community Media Training Organisation.

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  1. A Love Letter To Wrestling (SYN Media)

    EPISODE 1

    A Love Letter To Wrestling (SYN Media)

    From SYN Media in Melbourne, Erin Dick takes us into her world via A Love Letter to Wrestling, an ode to the place where she found her people. Supervising production from Lynda McCaffery. Training from the Community Media Training Organisation. Distributed by the Community Radio Network. Produced for the 2021 CBAA National Features and Documentary Series. Mindless violence?  Or, a sanctuary for storytelling?  Professional wrestling is more than meets the eye. When Deathmatch Downunder’s Erin Dick became a born-again professional wrestling fan in her early twenties, she didn’t expect to fall into the embrace of a community of oddballs and outsiders who would help her find her place in the world. Special Thanks Lynda McCaffery for production support and coming along for the ride Joel Bateman, Jacqui Picone, Charli Evans, and Callen Butcher for sharing a piece of their hearts William He for saving the day with his sound effects The community of friends and mentors who listened to the many edits of this passion project Credits Encore by Rho Personal Victories by Autodrone Refraction by Podington Bear Soar by Delicasession See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  2. Dancing With Death (CMTO)

    EPISODE 2

    Dancing With Death (CMTO)

    Chelsea Deeley of Eastside Radio and the CMTO reflects on what it's like to work around death and dying every single day. Supervising production from Sharon Davis. Training from the Community Media Training Organisation. Distributed by the Community Radio Network. Produced for the 2021 CBAA National Features and Documentary Series. Christmas lunch with the family, 2020. We’re having a delicious roast dinner when all of a sudden - my mother, a palliative care nurse, says “Do you know what I think we should do? Have a funeral planning party!”. This documentary is inspired by her flagrant embracing of the subject of death, unwrapping the personal experiences and views of 2 people, including my mum, who effectively ‘dance with death' on a daily basis.  What effect does their work have on their view of their field, themselves, and what is their own personal relationship with death? Special Thanks Sharon Davis - Supervising Producer  Janine Lundie - for her early support and guidance around this topic.  Renee Adair - thank you for being so open to my random email and so giving with your answers.  Thanks also to the wonderful people at the Australian Doula College for their work, and for Liz Di Qual for being such a wonderful help in organizing this interview. And of course, to Jane Brown. My incredible mother, who I have been lucky to have since the beginning. Thank you for agreeing to this, despite all of your nerves, stress and general “is it done yet?” attitude about it. Your dedication to this work over the years, and your general candidness around it, is inspiring and has made me feel a little less afraid. You’re a one in a million, boston wench.  Credits ‘CEG DRINKING WINE INSTRUMENTAL’ by ITheRealGooglekatClaire  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  3. Dwelling (CBAA)

    EPISODE 3

    Dwelling (CBAA)

    From FBi Radio and the CBAA in Sydney, Mitch Fuller takes you through the 2021 Sydney lockdown from his perspective and those of his friends. Supervising production from Ian Crouch. Training from the Community Media Training Organisation. Distributed by the Community Radio Network. Produced for the 2021 CBAA National Features and Documentary Series. So, in 2021 I decided to live alone in Sydney. What I didn't realise at the time was what that really meant. During 100 days of lockdown in 2021, I spent most of my time in my studio apartment.  What started out as novel, began to drag as Winter turned into Spring, but Sydney stayed quiet. When the solitude felt more like isolation I was kept afloat by conversations with friends over the phone. I have attempted to condense 100 days of lockdown into 12 minutes of audio featuring Gladys, coffee making, and the varied experiences of my friends. Special Thanks The crew and the CMTO and CRN. My mentor Ian and my friends that were willing to participate - Bexie, Macca, Jess and Musu. Credits Original music by Josh Kreusler See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  4. Fat Bodies, Healthy Lives (RTR FM)

    EPISODE 4

    Fat Bodies, Healthy Lives (RTR FM)

    From RTR FM in Perth, Bec Bowman takes a look at a movement that has been growing in popularity for decades - the Health At Every Size movement. Supervising production from Ian Hill. Training from the Community Media Training Organisation. Distributed by the Community Radio Network. Produced for the 2021 CBAA National Features and Documentary Series. For years we have been lectured about an obesity crisis.  We have been told that fat people are indeed ‘the biggest losers’ - lazy, greedy, and a drain on our public health system.  But is this true? Is it possible to be both fat and healthy?  And what happens to our health when we take the focus off weight loss?  Find out along with Bec Bowman as she explores the Health at Every Size movement with experienced healthcare professionals – Dietitian Claire Gasper and Physiotherapist Simone Berzen. Special Thanks Claire Gasper and Simone Berzen for being so generous with their time, knowledge, and expertise; Tom Reynolds for narration Emily Jane Read and Jorja Keay for their ongoing support and inspiration Credits 'Workout' by Hearts and Rockets See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  5. One Friend Away (Eastside Radio)

    EPISODE 5

    One Friend Away (Eastside Radio)

    From Eastside Radio in Sydney, Poppy Dowsett, and Sharon Haritos show us just how close some of us are to crossing the line of homelessness. Supervising production from Jacqueline Wright. Training from the Community Media Training Organisation. Distributed by the Community Radio Network. Produced for the 2021 CBAA National Features and Documentary Series. Housing in Australia is extremely precarious, with affordability increasingly out of reach for many.  We hear plenty of bad news in this arena, but what is being done to address this situation? Poppy Dowsett and Shannon Haritos of Eastside Radio take us on a very personal journey to speak to some pioneering Australians thinking outside the box when it comes to social and affordable housing initiatives. Special Thanks John Gregory, Michael Zanardo, Kim Samuel, Dr. Louise Crabtree-Hayes, and John Engeler. Credits Shannon Haritos, “Too Busy Doing Nothing For You” Courtney Barnett, “Depreston” Madness, “Our House” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  6. Pilot Episode (One FM)

    EPISODE 6

    Pilot Episode (One FM)

    From One FM in Shepparton, Terri Cowley tells a part of Australian history from a unique perspective, as she recounts the tale of one of Australia's first mid-air collisions. Supervising production from Agnes Cusack. Training from the Community Media Training Organisation. Distributed by the Community Radio Network. Produced for the 2021 CBAA National Features and Documentary Series. The episode happened at Sydney’s Bankstown Airport in 1955 but, more than 60 years later, it’s still rippling down through the generations of the Cowley family, coming to rest with Terri, a journalist who felt compelled to tell the story – before it was too late. Special Thanks Les, Ken and Maureen, Ted and John Cowley for their candid interviews Agnes Cusack Rob Rosenthal Credits Fire by Karuah: karuahmusic.org Come Josephine in my flying machine, performed by Ada Jones and Bill Murray and chorus, 1910 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  7. Rideability (Vision Australia Radio)

    EPISODE 7

    Rideability (Vision Australia Radio)

    From Vision Australia Radio in Melbourne, Melaine Robinson takes us for a ride and shows us the important role horses play in animal-assisted therapies.  Supervising production from Katharina Loesche. Training from the Community Media Training Organisation. Distributed by the Community Radio Network. Produced for the 2021 CBAA National Features and Documentary Series. The undeniable power of animal connections to humans shows us that a little bit of something good and special still exists in our world. When the animals are horses, often big, flighty creatures, and the humans are some of the most vulnerable, this gets taken to another level. During this 12-minute journey, you will meet some wonderful characters, equine and human, who will show you what can be achieved when the right space is provided. Special Thanks RDA Victoria, celebrating 50 years of service in 2021. Abigail Vidler, Troy Vidler, Norma Pearce, Jayleen Considine, Fiona Orr, Moorabbin Volunteer Anne, Karen Smith, Sally Francis, Edwina Boase-Stafford, Bob Bath, Dr. Rwth Stuckey, Andrea Lucas, Sue Harris, and Margaret Millear Vanessa Tan, Educational and Developmental Psychologist Conrad Browne, Vision Australia Radio Zoe Duncan, Support worker Credits Komiku - Champ de Tournesol (2016) Rafael Krux - Magic in the Garden (2018) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  8. Standing Tall (4EB)

    EPISODE 8

    Standing Tall (4EB)

    From 4EB in Brisbane, Anisa Hobaya shows us how the subject of height discrimination often falls short of including the stories of incredibly tall people. Supervising production from Celeste Macintosh. Training from the Community Media Training Organisation. Distributed by the Community Radio Network. Produced for the 2021 CBAA National Features and Documentary Series. We might think it’s an innocent joke but when you really think about it, what are people of extraordinary height going through in their day-to-day life?  After hearing a story from a tall friend about some extreme prejudice she experienced growing up, Anisa Hobaya decided to explore the height stereotypes and challenges tall women face.   Listen to Standing Tall for a jaw-dropping story and insight into the lives of tall women. Special Thanks Marianne De Pierres and Laura Clemesha for being very generous to share their personal stories.  Celeste Macintosh, Giordana, Heli, and the team from the CBAA and CMTO for their continued support and motivation during the entire production. My husband, Zain Mills for his constant support and encouragement to bring this story to life. Credits What we fear, Christian Andersen Overcome, Megan Wofford Signal to noise, Hampus Neselius Break - Adobe Stock ( Audio source: FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #452584418)  Remembering - Adobe Stock ( Audio source: FineTune Music Adobe Stock Asset ID: #452594689) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  9. The Gympie Pyramid (4ZZZ)

    EPISODE 9

    The Gympie Pyramid (4ZZZ)

    From 4ZZZ in Brisbane, Nic Huntington takes us on a journey filled with mystery and conspiracy, as we head to Dijaki Kundu. Supervising production from Anthony Frangi. Training from the Community Media Training Organisation. Distributed by the Community Radio Network. Produced for the 2021 CBAA National Features and Documentary Series. It's always daunting walking into any space where you don't know anybody. Despite being a journalist for a quarter of my life, I still struggle with this, no matter how many emails I've sent. For hours I awkwardly felt out the energy at Djaki Kundu with a roaring fire, camp chairs, and a bowl of delicious soup in front of me as the stars set. On hour 6 of an overnight trip, I started to think this whole story might have been a mistake, stumbling through awkward introductions to the constantly expanding roster of characters.  But when I awoke in the morning to a welcoming "I like this fella, he has a trustworthy energy about him" I knew the story was going to turn out.  This story was a story of many visits similar to this, feeling my way through awkward reintroductions before finally understanding when the time was right to record. I never could get Wit-Boooka to feel comfortable around a Shure SM58, but I can live with that. Special Thanks Rhianna Patrick Diane Djaki Widjung Wit-Boooka Credits “Little Things” feat. Paul Kelly - Ziggy Ramos See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  10. Turning The Tide (Vox FM)

    EPISODE 10

    Turning The Tide (Vox FM)

    From 106.9 Vox FM in Wollongong, Dee Milenkovic shares a tale that is attached to a national scandal, the story of the Ruby Princess when it hit the docks in Port Kembla.  Supervising production from Sharon Davis. Training from the Community Media Training Organisation. Distributed by the Community Radio Network. Produced for the 2021 CBAA National Features and Documentary Series. When I heard about the “death ship” berthing in my town, I saw fear turn to hatred as people scrambled to keep our community safe from the infested Ruby Princess cruise ship. Then one day, a lone voice of compassion cut through the sea of anger and panic and showed us that we weren’t helpless against a viral enemy. My documentary tells the story of how this man’s compassionate action turned the tide in one of Australia’s most sensational public health disasters. Special Thanks John Kewa, the star of the show Mark Sleigh, Destination Wollongong Justin Huntsdale, ABC Illawarra Nicole Dillon, go-getting local Unnamed local fisherman, vox pop interviewee Peter Ernst, Port Authority boss Sharon Davis, mentor extraordinaire Chris Yates, sfx and tech guru Giordana Caputo, the very patient CMTO big boss Abe Killian, CRN good guy My beautiful boy, who cheered me through every win and hugged me through every freak-out during the making of this documentary The VOX FM Board of Directors, a bunch of absolute legends who continue to support my out-of-the-box ideas Credits Lights of Wollongong, Black Moon Band Shelter, Arcadians Choir See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
See All Season 8 (10)

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About

From water and drought to coal mines in small towns, a neighbourhood's safe-injecting room to the Country Women's Association's brand of feminism, each year these and more stories are told by Australian communities in their own words through the National Features and Documentary Series. City to the bush, coast to coast, since 2013 the NFDS has commissioned audio works from all over Australia by budding community radio producers.  Produced for the Community Radio Network at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia with training and mentoring from the Community Media Training Organisation.

Information

  • Creator
    Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
  • Episodes
    72
  • Seasons
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
  • Show Website
    National Features & Documentary Series