Category: Australian

The ABC’s Managing Director David Anderson has announced a feasibility study with the South Australian Government for the relocation of the ABC Adelaide office to a new location in central Adelaide.

The current home of the ABC’s operations in Collinswood is reaching the end of its suitability for the technology, production and staff requirements across all ABC teams who work there, including news, local radio and screen content.

If deemed feasible, the ABC expects the move will commence from 2029 and that all staff based in Collinswood would relocate to the new site. Moving staff and operations to a new facility from 2029 is consistent with the ABC’s strategic goals and commitment to managing its property portfolio responsibility.

ABC Managing Director David Anderson: “We’re very excited to be working with the South Australian government on this opportunity to ensure our facilities are built for the technological requirements of a modern national broadcaster. The feasibility study marks the start of the process that will help us determine the best outcome for everyone who works at ABC Adelaide and the best site to continue creating the content and services the public expects of us.”

South Australia Arts Minister Andrea Michaels: “The State Government welcomes the opportunity to work with the ABC on a feasibility study for a new location for the ABC as well as Country Arts, State Theatre and State Opera from 2029. We value our state’s arts and creative industries, and I look forward to exploring alternative sites to meet their needs for the future.”

In addition to the provision of high-quality news and information, the ABC has a proud history supporting the arts and creative industries in South Australia. Recently we welcomed Country Arts SA and we will soon welcome the State Theatre Company South Australia and State Opera South Australia to co-locate with us at Collinswood for the next 4 years.

The opportunity to move to new, modern facilities central to the Adelaide CBD, co-locating with South Australian Government arts organisations, is one that has the potential to greatly benefit the ABC, its audiences and the creative sector in Adelaide and South Australia.

The ABC looks forward to further exploring this exciting opportunity with the South Australian Government.

The study will include input from staff, stakeholders and current lease holders at Collinswood.

Join food writer Lee Tran Lam for another epic culinary podcast adventure kicking off with a curious dive into chocolate on the day of love. This Valentine’s Day, you might be tempted to gift your partner with the ultimate sweet treat, reassuring yourself that chocolate is practically a health food—but is it really?

Lam returns to host a second series of the award-winning podcast Should You Really Eat That? to unravel the cultural, social, and nutritional confusion surrounding staples in our diets.

Figuring out what’s truly good for our bodies can feel like a juggling act, with everyday Australians bombarded with conflicting advice. One moment olive oil shots are a wellness trend; the next we’re asking whether butter belongs in coffee. What about soy—an everyday ingredient or a supposed health threat for men? And on this chocolate-laced holiday, you may be wondering, where does chocolate even come from?

With a new menu to interrogate, host Lam continues to probe the mixed messaging around the food and drinks we consume, supported by a platter of chefs, dietitians, and other foodie guests.

“I’m thrilled there’s an appetite for a new season of the show, and it’s been great exploring the food history, cultural context, and nutritional debate around ingredients we reach for – such as salt, olive oil, soy, butter, Indigenous foods and, of course, chocolate,” Lam said.

“Regardless of your relationship status, it’s hard to avoid all the chocolate that’s around on Valentine’s Day or when it creeps up for Easter! Now seems like a good time to explore whether chocolate is as ‘healthy’ as people think, and dig into its cultural role, from its 4000-year-old contested history in Mexico to sweet treats being used to showcase Indigenous ingredients in Australia.”

In the opening episode, Lam talks to nutrition expert Saman Khalesi, chef Juan Carlos Negrete Lopez and proud Wiradjuri woman Fiona Harrison, chocolatier and founder of Australia’s first Indigenous chocolate company Chocolate On Purpose, to unwrap chocolate at its origin. The rest of the episodes will be rolled out on a weekly basis.

The second season of Should You Really Eat That? returns following a slate of awards and nominations in 2024 for its first season, including the Webby Awards (Winner, People’s Voice); Signal Awards (Silver, Food & Drink); Publisher Podcast Awards (Nominee, Best Food & Drink Podcast); and Australian Podcast Awards (Nominee, Factual).

One of Australia’s most popular podcasts, The Imperfects, is back for Season 7, with new episodes dropping from 10 February via its new home, LiSTNR.

Season 7 of The Imperfects will kick off with legendary Australian surfer, Mick Fanning, sitting down to chat vulnerably about mental health, loss, grief, connection and resilience with hosts Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton and Josh van Cuylenburg.

Fanning has experienced soaring highs and crushing lows both in his time as a professional surfer and in his life away from the public eye. He has lost all three of his brothers in separate tragic incidents, and in 2015 was catapulted to global attention when he had an encounter with a great white shark while competing in a surfing competition in South Africa. While the incident cemented Fanning as ‘legendary’ in many people’s minds, he admits on the podcast the heaviness he felt in its aftermath and the ongoing struggles he had to confront as a result. His episode of The Imperfects explores how he’s managed to keep moving forward in his life, despite the many and varied challenges he’s faced.

The Imperfects has become one of Australia’s most popular and thought-provoking podcasts which has tackled everything from living with ADHD, post-natal depression, menopause and dementia. As well as modelling how men can have imperfect conversations about big topics, such as toxic masculinity and men’s violence.

Each episode sees guests open up about their vulnerabilities, imperfections and struggles, as well as sharing any wisdom they have learned along the way. Previous guests include Grace Tame, Zan Rowe, Hamish Blake, Billy Slater and Urzila Carlson.

Podcast Co-Host, Hugh van Cuylenburg, said: “The podcast is now in its seventh season, and in that time I hope we’ve become more professional – not less imperfect, but more professional. When we did our first-ever episode with Missy Higgins, I asked everyone to sit outside the room so no one could hear, I was that self conscious. Now I allow other people to be in the room. Talk about growth!”

Podcast Co-Host, Josh van Cuylenburg, said: “To me the podcast is a place for vulnerable, funny, curious conversations with incredible people. A place where the guests, us, and the listeners are connected by our common flaws and imperfections and we cannot wait to continue this journey with LiSTNR.”

Co-Host, Ryan Shelton, added: “Ironically, we think LiSTNR is going to help us become less imperfect – but don’t worry, even with their incredible team supporting us, we will do everything in our power to keep the imperfection flourishing.”

Executive Producer and Creative Partner, Bridget Northeast, said: “As the fourth ‘imperfect’ wheel of this podcast, and the person who drives the show behind the scenes, joining LiSTNR feels like rocking up to the Ferrari pit crew in a Holden Barina and the four of us are absolutely stoked to be here.”

The Imperfects has found a new home at LiSTNR, the partnership will combine the podcast’s thought provoking content with LiSTNR’s sales expertise, growing digital platform and advanced AdTech Hub capabilities. The popular podcast joins LiSTNR’s diverse lineup of high-quality podcasts including Hamish & Andy, The Howie Games, The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show, The Briefing, It’s A Lot With Abbie Chatfield, and Matt & Alex All Day Breakfast.

All episodes of The Imperfects are now available on LiSTNR with a new episode available every Monday from February 10. Download the LiSTNR app and sign-up to listen for free.

About LiSTNR:

LiSTNR is a curated and personalised, free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and news, creating a new audio destination for all Australians. Featuring a fun and intuitive onboarding process, LiSTNR delivers an audio destination that is built for individual listeners’ routines and preferences. Highly personalised, it provides listeners a new world of audio entertainment, with their own daily feed of audio and easy discovery of new content through curated recommendations. Available across a large array of devices including both iOS and Android, CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant and Alexa and Android TV, LiSTNR enables a fantastic listening experience, anytime and anywhere. Open your ears to a new world of audio – download the free app today. LiSTNR.com 

What does it take to become one of the AFL’s most enduring and respected players in one of the world’s most physically demanding sports? Australia’s #1 sport podcast*, LiSTNR’s The Howie Games, gives fans an exclusive, behind the scenes look with Collingwood Football Club legend Scott Pendlebury, in an innovative eight-part series, Pendlebury: Beyond 400.

A living legend of the game, Scott Pendlebury’s AFLresume is second to none. A two-time Premiership player, Pendlebury’s five best-and-fairest awards, six All-Australian selections, and undeniable respect from players and fans cement his place among the AFL’s elite. But despite his accolades, Pendlebury continues to push the limits of what’s possible, continuing his extraordinary career beyond 400 games – an achievement only five others have reached in VFL/AFL history.

In Pendlebury: Beyond 400, Pendlebury opens up like never before, sharing intimate and personal audio diaries as he navigates his pre-season training for his 21st AFL season. In bite-sized episodes, listeners will hear Pendlebury’s reflections, triumphs, and sacrifices behind the scenes in preparation for the 2025 season. Mark Howard, host of The Howie Games, guides listeners through this compelling, heartening series that will have sports fans hooked.

Mark ‘Howie’ Howard said: “We are privileged to share these remarkable, personal insights from Scott Pendlebury, undeniably one of the most disciplined, exceptional players in the game’s history. It’s been absolutely fascinating to discuss Scott’s process and feelings as he moves into unprecedented territory in his career. This is The Howie Games, as you’ve never heard before.”

Scott Pendlebury, two-time Collingwood premiershipplayer and 403-gamer,said: “These audio entries has been like verbal journaling – slowing down, reflecting, and realising how much work goes into preparing for a season. It’s been great to share this with Howie and I hope fans, especially young players, get an insight into the highs, the struggles, and what it takes to play footy at the highest level.”

Experience a new kind of football storytelling with The Howie Games. The first episode of ‘Pendlebury: Beyond 400′ is available now on LiSTNR. Episodes will be released on Monday and Tuesday across the next four weeks.

About LiSTNR:

LiSTNR is a curated and personalised, free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and news, creating a new audio destination for all Australians. Featuring a fun and intuitive onboarding process, LiSTNR delivers an audio destination that is built for individual listeners’ routines and preferences. Highly personalised, it provides listeners a new world of audio entertainment, with their own daily feed of audio and easy discovery of new content through curated recommendations. Available across a large array of devices including both iOS and Android, CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant and Alexa and Android TV, LiSTNR enables a fantastic listening experience, anytime and anywhere. Open your Ears to a new world of audio – download the free app today. LiSTNR.com

Friday 7 February, 2025 – AFL premiership player and Brownlow medalist, Ben Cousins, is set to expand his role and become a regular member of Mix94.5 Perth’s Pete & Kymba for Breakfast with Ben Cousins, starting Monday February 10, 2025.

After winning over listeners with his weekly ‘Bensday Wednesday’ segments on Mix94.5’s Pete & Kymba for Breakfast in 2024, Ben Cousins has quickly become a fan favourite. Pete & Kymba had Ben re-create his famous GQ photoshoot from the early 2000s, drawing a line of fans around the block eager for a signed copy. He’s also gone head-to-head in a dance off with West Coast Eagles supporters, bootscooted in the studio, and joined the team for local events like Mix94.5’s Masters Milk Carton Regatta and the Perth Telethon. Now in 2025, he’s officially off the rookie list, earning a permanent spot on the team.

A Brownlow Medal winner and six time All-Australian AFL player, Ben Cousins was a key figure in the West Coast Eagles’ success during his tenure and is widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in AFL history. Since hanging up his boots, Cousins has transitioned into the media spotlight. Having provided expert AFL analysis and insight into the game on various radio shows over the years, Cousins now serves as a sports presenter with 7NEWS Perth. In addition to being a regular on Pete & Kymba for Breakfast in 2024, last year he demonstrated his versatility and charismatic charm by reaching the semi-finals on Dancing with the Stars.

Pete & Kymba said: “‘Ben has become a rascal brother to us,  we love mucking around and having fun with him, and we know our fans love being in on the fun too. But we would like to make it known we plan to throw Ben in the deep end even more, and as people who listen to our show know, there’s no other show like ours, we’ll find some genuinely unique scenarios to put him in, get ready.”

Ben Cousins said: “I’ve had a lot of fun with the Pete & Kymba team, they’ve definitely stitched me up a few times and I’ve been slowly getting my revenge. Guess I’ll have more time for that in 2025! It’s been great fun getting into radio and being able to chat to Perth in the morning. We’ve got a lot planned and I’m really keen to share all the things happening in my life and the great experiences I’m able to be a part of.”

Mix94.5 Content Director James Speed said: “Ben has successfully made it through the radio pre-season in 2024 and now we’re ready for him to get in the game even more for 2025! Ben has been an excellent addition to Pete & Kymba and we’re excited to get even more from him this year, our audience love Ben and we have some really special things planned to get him and our fans fired up for a big year, you’ll absolutely want to tune in and follow the journey.”

Pete & Kymba for Breakfast with Ben Cousins starts Monday 10 February on Mix94.5 from 6am to 9am or listen via the LiSTNR app. 

Friday February 7, 2025 – SCA has bolstered its commercial team with key strategic appointments in Melbourne, with Bec Ellem appointed as Head of Direct Sales and Christine Lester taking on the role of Head of Independent Agencies.

To meet the growing demand and needs of clients and agencies, SCA Melbourne is refining its commercial structure into three distinct teams – Agency, Indie Agency and Direct. Ellem will lead the newly established Direct Sales team, driving the development and execution of targeted direct sales strategies to further support Melbourne’s expanding market. In addition, Christine Lester will step into the role of Head of Independent Agency, leading a dedicated team to drive growth for SCA in the Indie market.

With over 20 years experience in commercial audio roles across multiple radio networks, Rebecca Ellem joins from ARN, where she has spent the past five and a half years and is currently Group Business Director for the Melbourne Indie Agency team. Prior to that, she spent nearly 12 years with NOVA Entertainment in senior positions, including Senior Account Director and Group Sales Manager.

Bec Ellem said of her appointment: “I’m excited to lead the dedicated direct sales team, bringing a strategic and hands-on approach to capitalise on the strength of the SCA product suite while delivering  market leading solutions for our new and existing customers.

Christine Lester has spent seven years as SCA’s Head of Direct and Independent Agencies, and will now re-align her focus to the Independent agency market.

Christine Lester said: “The Indie market in Melbourne continues to be a dynamic landscape with a lot of potential growth, with SCA’s expanding capabilities I am passionate about continuing to work with existing clients and inspiring new clients to leverage the power of audio.”

Victoria Young, SCA Head of Radio Sales said: “There is significant opportunity in Melbourne’s  Independent Agency and Direct market, and I’m thrilled that SCA is investing in key leadership roles to drive our growth. We’re excited to welcome Bec Ellem to SCA – her extensive knowledge in the audio market will be an invaluable asset to the team. Christine has been a key leader in our business for over seven years, and I’m confident that her continued guidance of Indies, combined with Bec’s fresh perspective and leadership, will position us for strong results for our clients and business.”

Bec Ellem will commence on March 3 with Ellem and Lester reporting to Victoria Young.

Victorian community radio station 3MDR’s roots trace back to 1983, in the aftermath of the Ash Wednesday bushfires, one of the most devastating natural disasters in Australian history. In response to the urgent need for local emergency broadcasting, a group of dedicated locals banded together to establish a radio station that would serve their community. Their vision was to create a trusted voice for the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas.

Following test broadcasts and a 1985 launch, 3MDR has grown into a hub of local music, interviews, news, and multilingual programming. From broadcasting out of a bus to setting up shop in a milkbar, the station has had many homes. Today, thanks to funding from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, Bendigo Bank, and Yarra Ranges Council, 3MDR has continued to improve its facilities at Forest Park Homestead in Upwey – a space that allows it to continue fostering local talent and keeping the community connected.

The station is also kicking off its anniversary celebrations with an open day on Sunday 9 February – an opportunity for listeners, old and new, to visit the station, meet the team, and celebrate the impact of community radio.

Programming including The Imaginary Friends Show on Tuesday mornings, Maestro on the Mic on Fridays, and the 3MDR Live Sessions every Saturday displays the unique character of both the station and its volunteers, and is accompanied by an eclectic music mix and multilingual programs.

If you, or someone you know has had any involvement in 3MDR’s early days please contact the 3MDR office on 9752 5678 or email 3MDR’s Station Manager, Nat Grant on office@3mdr.com and get involved in documenting the history of Mountain District Radio Inc.

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