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. 18h ago

    Mareeba Shire: More Than Just Coffee and Sunshine

    In this episode, MJ speaks with Lenore Wyatt, Chair of Mareeba Tourism, about the recent Queensland Information Centre Association conference hosted in the Mareeba Shire. More than 50 visitors from information centres across Queensland came to explore the region, with visits to the drive-in, the Classic Ford Museum, Skybury Coffee and Kuranda, as well as a trip to the Chillagoe Caves. Lenore shares some of the things that surprised visitors, including the fact that the Mareeba region grows up to 85% of Australia's coffee, and its claim to 300 sunny days a year. She also talks about tourism across the region, the importance of encouraging visitors to stay an extra night and showcasing some of Mareeba Shire's hidden gems. Listen to the full conversation. ----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

  2. 1d ago

    Dementia and the People Who Care for Us with Gerald Quigley

    Dementia and the People Who Care for Us Caring for someone with dementia can be a full-time job, often leaving carers with little time for themselves, exercise or social connections. Pharmacist and master herbalist Gerald Quigley joins MJB to discuss the challenges faced by carers and families, why early medical support matters, and where to turn for help. Gerald shares details of Dementia Australia’s support services, including its 24-hour helpline, for people living with dementia and those caring for them. For information and support, visit dementia.org.au or call 1800 100 500. ----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. 1d ago

    Can Dancing Help You Live a Happier, Healthier Life?

    In this episode, MJ speaks with Ulrike Nicholls, President of the Spanish Club of Far North Queensland and founder of Dance 4 Life FNQ, about a new initiative using partner dancing to help people connect and improve their mental wellbeing. Ulrike explains how the free program aims to reduce social isolation, build confidence and bring people of all ages and backgrounds together, whether they've danced before or are taking their very first steps. She also shares the story behind the Mareeba Spanish Club, which is celebrating 30 years, and talks about the free launch weekend from 6 to 8 November, featuring dance workshops, guest teachers, mental health speakers and a social night. With no partner or previous dance experience needed, it's all about getting involved, meeting people and having fun. Listen to the full conversation. ----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   Contact Ulrike Dance 4 Life learn more here Learn more about the Spanish Club Mareeba here

  4. 3d ago

    Scabies and Skin Infections: A Community-Wide Skin Check in Aurukun

    In this episode, MJ speaks with Dr Allison Hempenstall about increasing concerns around scabies, skin sores and fungal infections in Aurukun as the weather becomes hotter and more humid. Dr Allison explains why these skin conditions can become more common in hot, humid conditions, what signs to look out for and how scabies can be treated. She also discusses a community-wide health initiative, with a team of more than 12 health workers visiting homes across Aurukun over the coming weeks, offering skin checks and scabies treatment to children, adults and elders. Look out for the team in their hot pink vests and take the opportunity to ask questions and get your skin checked. Listen to the full conversation. ----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

  5. 4d ago

    Drum Infinity Mugendai Celebrates 10 Years of Taiko Drumming

    In this episode, MJ chats with Chisa Hasegawa from the Cape York Weekly about her passion for Japanese taiko drumming and the Cairns group, Drum Infinity Mugendai, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Chisa talks about the group's journey since forming in 2016, the powerful sounds of traditional Japanese drumming and the special anniversary concert featuring current and former members, local performers and professional taiko artist Ryuji Hamada from Taikoz. Ryuji will join the group on stage to perform Blue, a song he composed for Drum Infinity Mugendai in 2025. The free concert takes place at Edge Hill State School on Saturday, 31 October, with doors opening at 3.30pm and performances starting at 4pm. There's also an opportunity to try taiko drumming for yourself at a workshop on Sunday at Cairns Brass. Bookings are required. Listen to the full conversation. ----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

  6. 6d ago

    Dan Bourchier: The Stories Behind The Elders

    In this episode of Stars and Stories, Lauren Grace speaks with award-winning journalist and author Dan Bourchier about his book, The Elders. Dan shares how the book grew from a series of interviews with Elders during the Voice referendum, and why he wanted to make sure their stories and perspectives were heard. He reflects on the trust built through years of journalism, the deeply personal moments shared during the interviews, and the stories that have stayed with him. From the experiences of the Stolen Generations to the wisdom of community leaders, Dan explores the importance of understanding our shared history, preserving cultural knowledge and listening to the people who have so much to teach us. Get your copy of The Elders here. ----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 Dan Dan Bourchier is a stoyteller - an author, multi-award winning journalist, broadcaster and one of Australia's most accomplished speakers and MCs. Dan connected with his Aboriginality while being mentored and nurtured by Warramungu Elders and by Elders and Old People from around the Tennant Creek and Barkly region and from further afield, his cultural connection is to Victoria. Dan is a dedicated advocate for First Nations voices and representation - with a proven track record as an agent of change. A multi-award winning journalist with over 25 years of experience, Dan began his career as a teenager at the Tennant and District Times in the remote Northern Territory town of Tennant Creek.  As the General Manager and Editor-In-Chief of National Indigenous Television (NITV), Dan leads the nation's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander broadcaster, overseeing its strategy and operations across the SBS network. Dan is also a senior broadcaster for the multicultural national broadcaster, SBS. Dan believes everyone has a story to tell, and he is passionate about helping others to tell their story. He is driven by giving voice to the voiceless, holding power to account, and telling great stories.  Dan is married to meteorologist and broadcaster Karl Lijnders, and they live on Darug and Gundungurra Country in Sydney

  7. Oct 16

    Herberton Jacaranda Festival: A Weekend of Purple, Music and Family Fun

    Herberton Jacaranda Festival: A Weekend of Purple, Music and Family Fun In this episode, MJ chats with Ros about Herberton's Jacaranda Festival and the weekend of celebrations planned for the town. Ros talks about the jacaranda trees bursting into purple flowers, Saturday's family fun day on Grace Street, local performers, Tin Town Market and the best dressed in purple competition. There's also free entry to the mining museum, a chance to try your hand at gold panning, and plenty of activities for the whole family. And the celebrations continue on Sunday at the railway station, with a special 120th birthday celebration and a steampunk theme. Listen to the full conversation. ----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 Learn more about the festival here: https://www.facebook.com/jacarandafestivalherberton

  8. Oct 15

    Skin Sores or a Sore Throat? Here's Why You Should Get Them Checked

    Skin Sores or a Sore Throat? Here's Why You Should Get Them Checked In this episode, MJ speaks with Dr Allison Hempenstall, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer, about an outbreak of Acute Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (APSGN) at the Injinoo community in the Northern Peninsula Area. Four cases of APSGN have been confirmed to date. Dr Allison explains the Symptoms to look out for which are skin sores, itch from scabies, or a sore throat. A puffy face and limbs, or sometimes reddish to dark urine. Any children found to have skin sores or sore throats will be offered a simple course of antibiotics to prevent them developing APSGN. She also outlines the signs parents should look out for, including puffy eyes or feet and dark, cola-coloured urine, and discusses plans for public health teams to visit schools and homes to check children's skin and help identify infections. Listen to the full conversation. ----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

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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