Australia All Over

During a recent trip to Coffs Harbour Macca had a chat with local cafe-owner Dave Haggarty.

There are phone calls from Steve in Red Hill, Sean in Chelsea, and Scott from Tatura.

In the studio Ian is joined by John Flower; and also by Bruce Postle and Helen Duffy, who together with Phil Dwyer, collaborated on the book 'The Western Front: An Australian Perspective'.

And Melinda rings from Sydney.

This week Macca talks about the recent Melbourne Cup with Simon, who's calling from near Pinaroo; and Adrian Cook reports on an AC/DC concert.

Ian reads some of the 'Why I Live Where I Live' letters he's received; and following on from last week's AAO from Gatton, Dick Smith rings to talk about the possible public-funding of a cannery in that region.

Pam Jackson is going to a book launch in the Queensland town of Cooladdi, and Colin is a grower of green tea in Bright.

This week Macca presents his program from the small town of Gatton, in south-eastern Queensland. He speaks to the mayor, Steve Jones, and local farmers and business-people, about the challenges facing the region in the current economic climate.

Ian also hears from Paul, who is a truckie, currently in the Longreach area on his way to Orange.

Earlier in the week, he visited the Sister Kenny memorial museum in Nobby and spoke to Lorna Rickerts.

Saturday the 24th marked World Polio Day, and on Sunday Macca received a call from Christine in Fitzroy. In 1954 she and her sister contracted the disease whilst living in Rome. Ian also replays an interview which he recorded with author Kerry Highley, whose book 'Dancing In My Dreams' tells the story of Sister Kenny's pioneering work on a treatment for sufferers of polio.

During a trip to Canberra this week Ian also spoke to Nat Williams at the National Gallery of Australia.

There are also calls from Don in drought-stricken Alligator Creek, and submarine expert Rod from Ballina.

This week Peter Bugg calls from Paris to tell Macca about some of the great things he and his wife have seen during their trip to Europe; and Marty rings from Toowoomba.

Trevor is picking cherries in Hillston, and Leonie is picking peaches at Grassy Head.

In the studio, Ian finds out why Charlie Lynn has become known as 'Mr. Kokoda'.

And Jasper phones from onboard a ship 50 nautical miles north of the Montebello Islands.

Annie Knappstein rings to tell Macca about the experience of riding and walking along the Camino Trail in Spain; and Rosemary is passing through Erldunda, about 200 Km from Alice Springs.

Anne in Mansfield loves re-reading the love-letters she received from her husband, long before they were married; and Peter has seen first-hand how the Maremma dogs are protecting penguins on Middle Island.

AFL legend Neil Daniher talks about his battle with Motor Neurone Disease; and Ian reads some of the mail AAO has received from listeners.

Scott is based in Melbourne, but he operates a ride and travels to local shows; and Macca gets an update from Doctor Ross, who is now back in Bathurst.

Environmentalist John Walmsley rings from Adelaide, and Pam Cupper from Dimboola has been researching the 1915 Gallipoli campaign.

Danica tells Ian that she often listens to the program via the internet in Calgary, Canada; and singer/songwriter Ron Odgers calls from Townsville.

Robyn lives in Kew, and she has five family members serving in the Royal Australian Navy; and Clarky rings from a phonebox in Canbelligo - on his mobile.

Ian discusses Clinical Depression with Prof. Helen Christensen and Peter Joseph from the Black Dog Institute; and an upcoming film about Banjo Paterson with producer Bill Leimbach.

There's also a call from Richard, on the top of Mt. Arden, in South Australia.

Bambi is travelling with a large group of school cadets, who are on their way to the Puckapunyal Army Base; and Jim Geltch tells Macca about the history behind the Nuffield Scholarships for young farmers.

Sean rings from Cunninghams Gap to report the death of horse-master Tony Jablonski; and Alan Eacott calls from Ypres, where he's been finding out about the WWI death of his great-uncle.

Jacinta is taking her Papillon spaniels to the Royal Melbourne Show; and Dr. Harry Marget is a dentist from the Mornington Peninsula, and he discusses doctor-patient relationships with Ian.

On the occasion of National Bilby Day Macca receives a call from Frank Manthey; and 102-year-old Joe Miller rings to talk about his 55 years of naval service.

Geoff is carting molasses from northern NSW, Pete is on his way to the WA town of Katanning, and Jeff is catching and smoking fish in Streaky Bay.

Ian gets an update from Darwin on the recent outback tour on which Catherine guided a group of Chinese visitors; and at the Farmer of the Year awards he spoke with WA egg farmers Joyce and Terry Chapman.