Newly appointed member of the Order of Australia Lois Peeler says she wants to teach Indigenous girls they can achieve anything. 
 
After a long career as an entertainer in the band the Sapphires, Ms Peeler now runs Worawa Aboriginal College in Victoria's Yarra Valley.
 
She says she's humbled by the Order of Australia for significant service to the Indigenous community.

This story was prepared for broadcast on ABC radio on the 9th of June. The write-up of the interview can be found on the ABC website: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-09/victorians-honoured-with-queens-birthday-awards/5507662

Lois Peeler honoured

Two-time paralympic gold medalist Richard Colman says his next task is to train and inspire young athletes.
 
Mr Colman was appointed a member of the Order of Australia this morning, for his significant service to sport as a gold medalist at the London games.
 
The twenty-nine year old with spinal bifida is continuing to train and compete, and says his role as a coach is something he's very proud of.

This story was prepared for broadcast on ABC radio on the 9th of June. The write-up of the interview can be found on the ABC website: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-09/victorians-honoured-with-queens-birthday-awards/5507662

Richard Colman honoured for services to sport

Two-time paralympic gold medalist Richard Colman has been awarded his second Order of Australia honour since 2005.
 
He has been appointed a member of the Order for his significant service to sport after winning gold at the London games in 2012.
 
The twenty-nine year old was born with spina bifida, and says he wants people to inspire people to reach their goals.

This story was prepared for broadcast on ABC radio on the 9th of June. The write-up of the interview can be found on the ABC website: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-09/victorians-honoured-with-queens-birthday-awards/5507662

Two-time paralympic gold medalist Richard Colman honoured

The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union is calling on Prime Minister Tony Abbott to publicly rule out any 4-5-7 visa concessions in China-Australia free trade agreement negotiations.
 
Mr Abbott has said he aims to sign a Chinese-Australian free trade agreement by the end of the year, and has indicated the deal may include a labour mobility clause.
 
C-F-M-E-U National Secretary Michael O'Connor says allowing foreign workers into the country on short-term visas would be a betrayal of the Australian people.

O'Connor

The C-F-M-E-U says a fair trade agreement allowing Chinese workers into the country on 4-5-7 Visas would betray Australians.
 
National Secretary Michael O'Connor is calling for the Abbott Government to rule out any discussion of a labour mobility clause when negotiations continue.
 
The Prime Minister has said he aims to sign a Chinese-Australian free trade agreement by the end of the year, but Mr O'Connor says the focus needs to be on Australian jobs.

O'Connor 2

For the first time, gourmet food trucks will be allowed to allowed to serve up their meals on wheels in Melbourne's C-B-D.
 
Council policy previously only allowed the mobile kitchens in the city for special events, but a three month trial starting tomorrow gives vendors seven locations around St Kilda road to set up shop.
 
Councillor Kevin Louey says the trial has tried to strike a balance between drawing new business and protecting existing cafes and restaurants.

Louey

Melbourne's convoy of popular food trucks will be allowed to set up shop in the C-B-D for the first time.
 
A three-month trial of seven locations will begin tomorrow, allowing temporary changes to rules which only let the mobile kitchens into the city for special events.
 
Melbourne City Councillor Kevin Louey says cafes and restaurants in the C-B-D should not be concerned about losing business to the trucks.
 

Louey 2

I put together this piece about the sounds of Dili for Cataclysm: The Catalyst podcast. You can listen to the full show here: http://cataclysm.podbean.com/e/cataclysm-episode-eight/

Cataclysm: The sounds of Dili

An asylum seeker advocacy group has welcomed a Liberal MP’s call for Australia to double its refugee intake. Yara Murray-Atfield reports.

This voicer was aired on Triple R news.

WyattAsylumVoicer - RRR

Melbourne's BiPolar Bears (http://www.bipolarbears.com.au/Home.html) have been rocking for mental health for nearly two decades.

I spoke to the current members about living with mental illness and why music is helping break down stigma.