AWAYE! - Separate stories podcast

Imagine if asylum-seekers were welcomed to our shores by an Aboriginal elder rather than security guards at a privately-run offshore detention centre. A production by Western Sydney's Powerhouse Youth Theatre, Tribunal establishes a people's court to decide what happens when we exercise human kindness instead of fear.

The shocking abuse suffered by Aboriginal children in detention in the Northern Territory could be the tip of the iceberg. The editor of the Koori Mail, Rudi Maxwell broke the story that children had been tear-gassed in September last year and journalist Amy McQuire speculates on the reasons why we need to see abuse, in order to believe it.

When a young video journalist moved from Sydney to Alice Springs for work two years ago she thought she’d left her dreams of a music career behind. But that’s where the story begins.

Although you wouldn't know it from the title, Destination Arnold is a film about courage. But it's also the story of two Aboriginal women who at the heart of it just want to better themselves. In the gym they stoke their personal fire and build more than their bodies - their minds - and their lives, as well.

Barunga is a festival like no other: where sport, music and culture are celebrated. Barunga is also the place where the former Prime Minister Bob Hawke committed his government to negotiating a treaty with Aboriginal people - a promise that was never fulfilled.

Joshua Button grew up in Broome with a mild intellectual disability and with mentor and friend Robyn Wells a visual approach to literacy and numeracy grew into a collaboration that combines illustration and storytelling. Their second book follows Steve, a jazz-loving mountain gorilla set loose one heady night during Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.

Linda Burney is the first Aboriginal woman to be elected to the House of Representatives - but why is it so momentous? Her election victory was certainly history-making. But then the former teacher, activist and bureaucrat has made history before.

Stephen Page has been cleansing since the death of his brother Bangarra's resident composer David Page earlier this year - a heartbreaking loss that struck at the heart of the company. Despite a shitty few months the workaholic, self-described 'black Romantic' is philosophical about the future.

There's a lot at stake when artists collaborate - more than just individual ego. But when artists go their own way and appropriate Aboriginal imagery it's never innocent. Broadly speaking, cross-cultural collaboration can be a tricky business. An exhibition at the Newcastle Art Gallery confronts the mistakes along with the flourishes.

In what’s thought to be a first, Indigenous health and social justice advocate Professor Tom Calma has been presented with an American flag by the outgoing US Ambassador. Not just any flag - this particular star-spangled banner had flown over the memorial to Martin Luther King in Washington.