20 Square Blocks

What does Lady Di, a broken clock and Billy the dog have in common? The Bridge Mall of course! With over 100 stores, many multi generational, "The Bridge" has been the heart of Ballarat since the early 80's. I spoke with Germaine Davey (the General Manager of the Bridge Mall Business Association) and some of the locals store holders about their love of the Mall.

We all go through changes in life. Sometimes they impact us positively….other times - not so much. Jason Wakefield is a rehabilitation nurse at the Queen Elizabeth hospital and he witness changes in his patients everyday. However he has been through some rather big changes in his life and came by to share his story.

Chasing bears, taming wild horses  or riding with Bruce Springsteen through the Victorian High County. All in a day for this third generation Australian Horseman.

What do you think the purpose of being a human is?   
a) To  live stress-free and happy   
b) To push the boundaries of humankind   
c) To live a full life   
d) Other

I’ve heard it said that the desire to become a politician should in itself prevent you from ever becoming one.

Unfortunately this advice isn’t often heeded.

My guest today (who remains anonymous for obvious reasons) talks about politics being an addictive, lowbrow games full of dirt sheets, sabotage and backstabbing. 

All in the life of university student politics.

Coming from South America, Guillermo Guzzoni arrived in Australia 11 years ago without knowing anyone ...or any english. When he decided to stay, he started to question who he was. I had a chat to him about the challenges of moving to a new country, redefining yourself and reestablishing your identity.

Papua New Guinea used to be  known to Australians as "The last frontier", a premium destination in the 1970's before it separated, gaining it's full independence. Janice Newton, an accomplished anthropologist who often visited the country from 1970 - 1979, reflects back on some of the key moments that shaped her life.

WARNING: If you believe in ghosts and want to continue this belief...perhaps skip this episode. Dr David Waldron will drop some logic that may make you re-examine your beliefs.

Two blocks South East lives Dr David Waldron. He is a folklorist and historian with a particular focus on the development of urban legends and popular folklore as a response to traumatic community experiences. David tells us about some of the ghosts in Victoria like the mysterious woman’s face that appears in bath lane; or the terrible true story of Mabel Ambrose who was found by two boys in a box in the Yarra River near the Chapel Street bridge; and the indigenous Gunditjmara man's ghost from Portland in 1876. 

As you will find it's not necessarily the creepy stories that David is interested in, but the intersection of folklore and popular culture that reflect out dark past....and what that means.

Also last year I made a short documentary under Ballarat’ Mechanic's institute with David for the Ballarat Heritage weekend. You view this at https://vimeo.com/420587165

In 2001 a group of tourists from all over the world gathered in Tiananmen Square seemingly to take a photo ….but they had other intentions. Unveiling a yellow flag they started a protest. Emblazoned on this flag were just three words  - Truth, Compassion, Tolerance. Seemingly from nowhere, vans and police quickly enveloped the group, arresting them. What were they protesting you might ask? Falun Dafa!

Barry Gilson is a proud Wadawurrung man, a traditional custodian of Ballarat and surrounding areas. He is a poet, a story teller and my local postie.

He is also a respected singer songwriter and specialises in bringing back the ancient language of his people through his music.