Is migration a one-way street, or does its cultural impact flow both directions?

On Afternoon Light #155 Georgina Downer speaks with Professor Denis Byrne to discuss the China-Australia migration corridor. A phenomenon which saw Australian money, ideas, objects and people shape areas of the Chinese mainland from the 1840s onwards.

Denis Byrne is professor of archaeology and heritage studies at the Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University. Previously he had led the cultural heritage research program at the Office of Environment and Heritage NSW. He is the author of Counterheritage: critical perspectives on heritage conservation in Asia and Surface collection: archaeological travels in Southeast Asia, and co-author of The China-Australia Migration Corridor: History and Heritage, along with Ien Ang and Phillip Mar.

When did the concept of ‘peacekeeping’ emerge? And have its successes outweighed some glaring failures?

On Afternoon Light #154 Georgina Downer speaks with Dr Peter Londey to discuss 77 years of Australian peacekeeping efforts. Never envisaged in the UN charter, the episode reveals how Australia has been at the forefront of how the practice first began and has continued to evolve.

Dr Peter Londey is a lecturer at the Australian National University. He previously worked as a Senior Historian at the Australian War Memorial, where he specialised in the history of Australian peacekeeping missions. He wrote the first history of Australian peacekeeping, Other Peoples' Wars, and is the co-editor of The Long Search for Peace: Observer Missions and Beyond, 1947–2006. His original research background is in Ancient History, with his PhD thesis focusing on Delphic Amphiktyony.

Could Papua New Guinea have become Australia’s seventh state? And would that have saved us money on an NRL franchise?

On Afternoon Light #153 Georgina Downer speaks with Dr Brad Underhill to discuss how PNG was once an Australian territory. After years spent trying to foster development and ‘prepare a nation’, independence came suddenly, reluctantly and possibly prematurely.

Dr Bradley Underhill is a research fellow in Deakin University’s School of Humanities and Social Science. An expert in the history of Papua New Guinea, Brad recently co-edited a special edition of Australian Historical Studies exploring the subject. His forthcoming book, Preparing a Nation?: The New Deal in the Villages of Papua New Guinea, will tell the story of the post-war development of PNG.

When did Australia become a multicultural nation?

On Afternoon Light #152 Georgina Downer meets with Dr Jeff Kildea to unpack how ‘White Australia’ was never quite as homogenous as many now assume. As tensions between the Protestant majority and an Irish Catholic minority produced sharp, longstanding, but never quite universal divisions.

Jeff is an honorary professor in Irish Studies at the University of New South Wales. He has written extensively on the history of the Irish in Australia, most recently releasing the remarkable story of Sister Liguori: The Nun who Divided a Nation.

Compulsory voting is as Australian as the ‘democracy sausage’, but how did its introduction reshape the way our elections are fought?

On Afternoon Light #151 Georgina Downer meets with Dr Chris Monnox to explore how different polling day was a century ago. Back when our political parties used to focus on getting people out to vote - often quite literally in providing them with transportation - rather than persuading them who to vote for.

Chris is the author of ‘Letterboxes and Loudspeakers: Compulsory Voting and the Transformation of Grassroots Electioneering in Australia, 1910–51’, which appeared in the Australian Journal of Politics and History.

Dive into the personalities and politics that shaped Australia-India relations during the Menzies era!

On Afternoon Light #150 Georgina Downer meets with Teesta Prakash to explore the structural and personal factors that complicated Robert Menzies’s diplomatic relationship with Jawaharlal Nehru.

The two question the extent to which the complexities of India’s independce possibly contributed to perceived neglect of this crucial partnership, and proceed to discuss Menzies' efforts to find solutions to the Kashmir issue and his interest in a robust Australia-India bond.

They also explore the Cold War dynamics, highlighting the power of personal relationships, aid, and diplomacy in strengthening ties amidst global crisis.

On Afternoon Light #149 Georgina Downer meets with sociologist Dr Katharine Betts to discuss the history of migration and social cohesion in Australia.

Together, Georgina and Katharine explore the cultural benefits of immigration, the complexities of identity and belonging and the importance of unity, our collective responsibility towards the broader community and the environment, and the need for careful consideration and management of immigration to avoid social unrest and ensure economic stability.

On Afternoon Light #148 Georgina Downer meets with Tania Cammarano, a food historian, author, and public speaker, to discuss the historical evolution and cultural significance of Italian food in Australia. Italian food plays an important role in our food culture, not just for its popularity and versatility. Together, Georgina and Tania explore the development of Italian food in Australia, including the import of historic culinary traditions; how restaurants influenced our broader food culture through their creativity and innovation; and the role of glamour in marketing Italian food in Australia during the 1950s and 1960s. 

On Afternoon Light #147 Georgina Downer meets with historian, lexicographer, and Director of the Australian National Dictionary Centre at ANU, Amanda Laugesen, to discuss on the evolution and cultural significance of the Australian accent.

They explore changes to the accent over time, from its stigmatisation in the early 20th century to its eventual acceptance and celebration; dissect debates of the 1930s and 40s about what constitutes an Australian accent; and examine the influence of education, elocution, and global media on our collective sound.

In this episode of Afternoon Light, Georgina Downer sits down with Senator James Paterson, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, delving into crucial topics surrounding national security and defence.

From the imperative of heightened investment and patriotism to the historical resonance and contemporary relevance of conscription in Australia, they explore the intricacies of maintaining national unity amidst the increasing global pressures.

Their discussion concludes with mention of Australia's nuclear submarine program, unpacking the complexities of cost and safety considerations surrounding nuclear energy. Tune in for a deep dive into the critical issues shaping Australia's future!