Talk of the Town by Echo News

Echo News
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Welcome to "Talk of the Town," a community podcast by Echo News that dives deep into the heart of our community in the north-west suburbs of Brisbane. Join your hosts, Von and Steve, each week as we shine a light on the stories that matter most – from local businesses and remarkable individuals to the places that make our community unique. Why Tune In? Stay Informed: Get the latest updates on local news, events, and developments that directly impact you and your neighbors.Support Local: Discover and support the amazing businesses and initiatives in our community.Connect with People: Forge connections with the inspiring individuals who shape the identity of our neighborhoods.Explore Your Backyard: Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, join us as we explore the hidden gems and unique facets of our community. Subscribe to "Talk of the Town" and be a part of the conversation that celebrates the vibrancy, resilience, and spirit of our local community. If you have a story to share or want to nominate someone for a spotlight feature, reach out to us at podcast@echo-news.com.au. Together, let's amplify the voices and stories that make our community truly special. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Special Edition: The Hills District Planning Review - "What's Being Built in Your Backyard?"

    Mar 21

    Special Edition: The Hills District Planning Review - "What's Being Built in Your Backyard?"

    Talk of the Town is back - and we're coming in with a big one. After nearly a year away, host Von Hosking returns with a special edition episode that the Hills District community has been asking for. The City of Moreton Bay has released draft precinct planning proposals for both Arana Hills and Ferny Hills - and the scale of what's being proposed has caught many residents completely off guard. We're talking buildings up to 15 storeys in Arana Hills. Twelve storeys in Ferny Hills. Significant density increases across suburban streets. And a consultation window that many locals only just found out about. The story exploded across local community Facebook pages and Echo News socials. Questions flooded in. So Echo News did what we do - we got onto it, reached out to council, and decided the best way to get real answers for this community was to sit down with your local councillor face to face. In this episode, Von speaks with Councillor Matt Constance, Division 10, City of Moreton Bay - putting the community's exact questions to him directly. No spin. No PR. Just answers. Council is now inviting further feedback from the community before the plan is finalised. Have your say — consultation currently open until 4pm Thursday 9 April 2026🔗 Ferny Hills 🔗 Arana Hills Sign the community petition: 🔗 Ferny Hills & Arana Hills Precinct Proposals: Give our community time to have a say! Questions/ Topics Timestamps: 04:15 What is actually being proposed for Ferny Hills and Arana Hills? 05:55 Matt walks through the draft precinct plans in plain language 07:36 How were the building heights and precinct boundaries determined? 10:00 Were lot sizes, setbacks, landscaping and parking considered? 11:17 Will the rezoning negatively impact liveability and neighbourhood character? 16:38 What community infrastructure benefits come with increased density? 18:58 Roads and transport - will infrastructure keep pace? 20:50 This is still a draft - what happens after consultation closes? 23:58 Community concern: one month is not enough time 26:33 Redevelopment of existing housing sites - realistic timelines 29:18 Traffic modelling - what has been done and will residents see it? 32:22 Public transport - buses, trains and Ferny Grove station capacity 35:54 Cohesion with the SEQ Plan - fast-tracked approvals and state targets 38:42 Why here? Why not Strathpine, Lawnton, Petrie, Redcliffe? 41:08 Utilities, water, sewerage - can the infrastructure handle it? 42:34 Schools - are they nearing capacity and who is responsible? 48:09 School zone traffic, pedestrian safety, drop-off and pick-up 49:40 Has council spoken to school leadership or the Education Department? 51:26 Healthcare - doctors, dentists and allied health services 54:19 Flooding, overland flow and Kedron Brook 56:00 Parking - will developments be required to provide enough on-site? 58:01 Key centres - minimum density requirements and planning mechanisms 59:15 Affordable housing - incentives, enforcement and definitions 01:02:15 Property and land - no one is being forced to sell 01:04:43 The pressure developers bring on existing residents 01:08:58 Developer meetings - how many has council had in the past 12 months? 01:10:00 Property valuations and council rates after rezoning 01:12:12 Community consultation - when were residents first notified? 01:13:51 Is this the final consultation? 01:16:07 Why are so many residents saying this is the first they've heard of it? 01:18:03 Could council have done better on community engagement? 01:20:24 Community groups and local media - part of the consultation ecosystem 01:24:56 Were residents on directly affected streets individually notified? 01:26:55 Will council offer more community information sessions? 01:29:28 The petition - 374 signatures and growing 01:31:04 Will the consultation period be extended? 01:32:29 If the majority oppose, will council reconsider? 01:32:47 Does Cr Matt Constance personally support these zoning changes? Echo News | Independent Local Journalism | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 39m
  2. Season Two: Behind the Scenes of The Hills Carnivale with Vanessa Jones

    05/16/2025

    Season Two: Behind the Scenes of The Hills Carnivale with Vanessa Jones

    In this episode of Talk of the Town, Von sits down with Vanessa Jones, the lead Event Coordinator for The Hills Carnivale, to go behind the scenes of one of Moreton Bay’s most beloved community events. Vanessa shares how the team brings the event to life each year - from logistics and planning to programming and community involvement. Listeners get the inside scoop on what to expect at this year’s Carnivale, including live entertainment, market stalls, multicultural food, amusement rides, kids’ activities, and of course, the grand finale fireworks. Vanessa also talks about her favourite Carnivale moments, the importance of community collaboration, and how the event supports local performers, businesses, and families. Whether you're a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, this episode will have you excited for a fun-filled day at George Willmore Park on Saturday, 31 May. Vanessa Jones is the Lead Event Coordinator for the Hills Carnivale and a key figure in delivering some of the Moreton Bay region’s most vibrant community events. With a background in large-scale event planning and a passion for community engagement, Vanessa plays a central role in orchestrating all the moving parts behind beloved festivals like the Hills Carnivale. Her work ensures these events are not just fun and safe, but also inclusive, family-friendly, and locally enriching. MBRIT stands for Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism. It’s a not-for-profit organization that partners with the City of Moreton Bay to promote tourism, drive economic development, and support community engagement across the region. MBRIT is responsible for delivering major public events such as: Hills CarnivaleJetty 2 Jetty Fun RunRedcliffe KiteFest Their mission is to position Moreton Bay as a premier destination for tourism, business, and lifestyle—supporting local businesses, attracting visitors, and creating vibrant experiences for residents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  3. Season Two Begins: ANZAC Day Reflections with John Hardgrave

    04/25/2025

    Season Two Begins: ANZAC Day Reflections with John Hardgrave

    In this special ANZAC Day episode of Talk of the Town, our host, Von Hosking, returns from maternity leave with an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with John Hardgrave — veteran, community volunteer, and 2022 Dickson Citizen of the Year. John served for 17 years in the Australian Defence Force, including deployments to Afghanistan, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands. Today, he continues his mission of service through his work with RSL Queensland, as a volunteer coach, and surf lifesaver. In this episode, John shares: What ANZAC Day means to him personally and nationallyThe importance of mateship and connectionHow we can support veterans transitioning to civilian lifeWhat veterans themselves can do to navigate that shiftHow community involvement helps build purpose after serviceWhy resilience matters — and how we can foster it in young people This conversation is full of heart, hope, and valuable insight from someone who’s walked the path of service and continues to give back every day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  4. Season 1 Finale: Reflecting on 2024 with Katie Maclean, Director of Echo Media Group

    11/18/2024

    Season 1 Finale: Reflecting on 2024 with Katie Maclean, Director of Echo Media Group

    In this special season finale of Talk of the Town, we sit down with Katie McLean, editor and owner of Echo News, to reflect on an incredible year for the podcast and the community. Katie shares highlights from season one, discusses the impact of Talk of the Town on the local area, and gives us an exclusive sneak peek at her exciting new venture—a running magazine aimed at Moreton Bay’s active community. We also look ahead to 2025 with plans for Echo News, season two of the podcast, and how we’ll continue to celebrate and connect with our amazing community. Join us for a heartfelt wrap-up to the year and a glimpse into what’s next! Season Two coming 2025 - stay up to date via the Echo News socials. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  5. Episode 36: Beyond the Path - Geoff Russell’s Insights on Brisbane Trail Running

    11/06/2024

    Episode 36: Beyond the Path - Geoff Russell’s Insights on Brisbane Trail Running

    In this episode of Talk of the Town, we sit down with Geoff Russell, the President of the Trail Running Association of Queensland (TRAQ), to delve into the vibrant world of trail running in Brisbane and Beyond. With decades of growth behind it, TRAQ has become a vital organisation for fostering a safe, inclusive, and thriving trail running community across the state. Geoff takes us through the mission and impact of TRAQ, highlighting how the organization has evolved since its formation in 2006 to support runners of all skill levels and bring them together for unique, off-road challenges. We explore the incredible variety of events TRAQ hosts throughout the year and hear about their ambitious plans for the future, including discussions around Queensland’s 2032 Olympic bid and how trail running could be showcased on the world stage. Throughout our conversation, Geoff shares his personal journey into trail running, what inspired him to take on a leadership role at TRAQ, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He also offers valuable advice for newcomers looking to dip their toes into the sport, touching on beginner-friendly trails, essential tips for safety and enjoyment, and how to build confidence as a trail runner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  6. Episode 35: Brewing the Future: Shaun Reeves on Vision, Community, and Sustainable Growth (Part Two)

    10/30/2024

    Episode 35: Brewing the Future: Shaun Reeves on Vision, Community, and Sustainable Growth (Part Two)

    Craft. Community. Karma. 🌟 Get Ready for Part Two with Shaun Reeves of Hip Hops Brewers! 🎙️ In last week's episode (EP 34) of Talk of the Town, Von sat down with Shaun Reeves, Founder and Director of Hip Hops Brewers in Brendale. Shaun shared his inspiring journey from business advisor to brewery owner, offering insight into his transition into the world of craft beer and the challenges and success he faced along the way. We also divef into an important conversation about men’s mental health, as Shaun discusses his own personal struggles and the motivation behind his vision for the brewery playing a role in fostering these tough but vital conversations. The brewery aims to be a place to hold events like the upcoming, The Great Mate Check-In - a community initiative aimed at encouraging men to open up about their mental health. In this week’s episode, we dive into part two of our inspiring conversation with Shaun Reeves. Shaun shares his vision for Hip Hops Brewers and how he's turning it into a vibrant, creative, and community-centered space. We talk about: Creating a Unique Brewery Experience: How Shaun’s making Hip Hops Brewers a place for connection, creativity, and fun Sustainable Brewing Practices: From eco-friendly brewing methods to the brewery's design, sustainability is at the heart of his work Collaborations with Local Producers: Bringing the best of Moreton Bay’s producers to Hip Hops for a truly local experience Future Growth & Expansion Plans: A peek at what’s next for Hip Hops as it continues to grow in the region Tune in to hear how Shaun’s vision is shaping Hip Hops Brewers into so much more than a brewery – it’s becoming a place where community and innovation meet. 🌏🌱 In case you missed it, Shaun Reeves and Hip Hops Brewers achieved remarkable success at the recent Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards, taking home five awards, including the prestigious City of Moreton Bay Business of the Year. Hip Hops Brewers was also recognized with the Ausbuild Award for New Business Excellence, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Award for Customer Service Excellence, Award for Food and Agribusiness Excellence, and Splice Marketing Agency Award for Entrepreneur of the Year. These accolades highlight Shaun’s innovative leadership, commitment to excellence, and the positive community impact of Hip Hops Brewers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m
  7. Episode 34: Crafting Conversations: Shaun Reeves on Beer, Business, and Men's Mental Health (Part One)

    10/22/2024

    Episode 34: Crafting Conversations: Shaun Reeves on Beer, Business, and Men's Mental Health (Part One)

    Craft. Community. Karma. In this episode of Talk of the Town, Von sits down with Shaun Reeves, Founder and Director of Hip Hops Brewers in Brendale. Shaun shares his inspiring journey from business advisor to brewery owner, offering insight into his transition into the world of craft beer and the challenges and success he faced along the way. We also dive into an important conversation about men’s mental health, as Shaun discusses his own personal struggles and the motivation behind his vision for the brewery playing a role in fostering these tough but vital conversations. The brewery aims to be a place to hold events like the upcoming, The Great Mate Check-In - a community initiative aimed at encouraging men to open up about their mental health. Join us as we explore the intersection of business, brewing, and mental well-being, and learn how Hip Hops Brewers has become more than just a place for great beer, but a space for meaningful conversations and community connection. In case you missed it, Shaun Reeves and Hip Hops Brewers achieved remarkable success at the recent Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards, taking home five awards, including the prestigious City of Moreton Bay Business of the Year. Hip Hops Brewers was also recognized with the Ausbuild Award for New Business Excellence, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Award for Customer Service Excellence, Award for Food and Agribusiness Excellence, and Splice Marketing Agency Award for Entrepreneur of the Year. These accolades highlight Shaun’s innovative leadership, commitment to excellence, and the positive community impact of Hip Hops Brewers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m
  8. Episode 33: Unlocking CBD - Pain Management with Blaine Woods and Dr. Rohan Rao

    10/17/2024

    Episode 33: Unlocking CBD - Pain Management with Blaine Woods and Dr. Rohan Rao

    In this episode of Talk of the Town, we explore the growing world of CBD treatment for pain management with two local experts: Blaine Woods, pharmacist at Terrywhite Chemmart Keperra Compounding Pharmacy and Dr. Rohan Rao MBBS, MRCGP, FRACGP, General Practitioner at Keperra Medical Centre, who specializes in medicinal cannabis. Together, they share their insights on how CBD is transforming the way we manage pain, offering an alternative to traditional medications like opioids and NSAIDs. Throughout the conversation, we dive into the key aspects of CBD: What it is and how it works within the body to relieve pain.The different forms of CBD available—oils, capsules, creams—and how patients can decide which option is right for them.The clinical evidence behind CBD’s effectiveness in treating various types of pain, from chronic conditions to inflammation.The differences between CBD and traditional pain medications, and how CBD compares in terms of safety, side effects, and patient outcomes.Practical guidance on accessing CBD legally in Australia, potential risks, and how pharmacists and GPs collaborate to ensure the best patient care. Whether you're curious about CBD as a treatment option or seeking new ways to manage pain, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you better understand how CBD can play a role in improving quality of life. Tune in to hear personal experiences, expert advice, and how Blaine and Dr. Rao are helping patients navigate this evolving field of healthcare. Guests: Blaine Woods, Pharmacist, Terrywhite Chemmart Keperra Compounding Pharmacy Dr. Rohan Rao MBBS, MRCGP, FRACGP, General Practitioner, Keperra Medical Centre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
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About

Welcome to "Talk of the Town," a community podcast by Echo News that dives deep into the heart of our community in the north-west suburbs of Brisbane. Join your hosts, Von and Steve, each week as we shine a light on the stories that matter most – from local businesses and remarkable individuals to the places that make our community unique. Why Tune In? Stay Informed: Get the latest updates on local news, events, and developments that directly impact you and your neighbors.Support Local: Discover and support the amazing businesses and initiatives in our community.Connect with People: Forge connections with the inspiring individuals who shape the identity of our neighborhoods.Explore Your Backyard: Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, join us as we explore the hidden gems and unique facets of our community. Subscribe to "Talk of the Town" and be a part of the conversation that celebrates the vibrancy, resilience, and spirit of our local community. If you have a story to share or want to nominate someone for a spotlight feature, reach out to us at podcast@echo-news.com.au. Together, let's amplify the voices and stories that make our community truly special. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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