Creative Cast

In this episode, Creative Arts Curriculum Advisor John Gill is joined by Marcus Wright to explore what it means to be a promoter in the music industry. Marcus Wright is a Newcastle-based music promoter and booking agent, and owner of the entertainment company Big Apache. Marcus shares his experience and insights from his work connecting artists with audiences and shaping live music events as a promoter within the music industry.

The Backstage pass unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026.

Join the statewide staffroom to stay up to date with our latest releases.

In this episode, Creative Arts Curriculum Advisor John Gill is joined by Anna McPherson to explore what it means to be a music journalist in the music industry. Anna McPherson is a music journalist, digital media creator, and founder of Salty Sounds Music. Through her work, Anna brings a distinct perspective on music, media and her approach to working with artists. She shares insights from her experience as a music journalist within the music industry.

The Backstage pass unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026.

Join the statewide staffroom to stay up to date with our latest releases.

In this episode, Creative Arts Curriculum Advisor John Gill is joined by Benny McIntyre to explore what it means to be a performer in the music industry. Benny is lead singer and guitarist of Rum Jungle, a highly successful Newcastle-based four-piece indie rock band. Benny shares insights from his musical journey and experience performing within the music industry.

The Backstage pass unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026.

Join the statewide staffroom to stay up to date with our latest releases.

In this episode, Creative Arts Curriculum Advisor John Gill is joined by Chloe Gill to explore what it means to be a singer-songwriter in the music industry. Chloe is a Newcastle-based multi-instrumentalist, performer, and singer-songwriter. As an independent artist with an authentic sound, Chloe’s work is distinguished by her storytelling, evocative melodies, and compelling voice. She shares insights from her work as a singer-songwriter within the music industry.

The Backstage pass unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026.

Join the statewide staffroom to stay up to date with our latest releases.

In this episode, Creative Arts Curriculum Advisor John Gill is joined by Professor Philip McIntyre to explore what it means to be a manager in the music industry. Philip has had an extensive career as a songwriter, musician, record producer, video maker, and audio engineer. He currently works as a communication and media scholar in the School of Humanities, Creative Industries, and Social Sciences at the University of Newcastle.

The Backstage pass unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026.

Join the statewide staffroom to stay up to date with our latest releases.

In this episode, Creative Arts Curriculum Advisor John Gill is joined by Gareth Hudson to explore what it means to be a producer in the music industry. Gareth shares insights from his journey as a musician, composer, teacher, and record producer, including how he began recording music for himself and others. Gareth reflects on how these experiences and his passion for the craft ultimately led him to pursue music production as a full-time career.

The Backstage pass unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026.

Join the statewide staffroom to stay up to date with our latest releases.

In this episode, Creative Arts curriculum advisor Alex Papasavvas speaks with teachers Anni Gifford and Miriam O’Rance from James Fallon High School, ex-student Shanaya Quinn, and Duncan Smith OAM and Jakida Smith from Wiradjuri Echoes Consultancy. Listen to a deep discussion about how the school worked with Wiradjuri Echoes to establish Maliyan Mob, a student-led Aboriginal dance group, and the Cultural Protocols developed and followed throughout this successful long-term partnership.

Note: Throughout this podcast terms such as First Nations or Indigenous are used. In NSW public schools, 'Aboriginal' or 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander' are preferred. This podcast contains the name of a deceased person.

To learn more, visit our resource Cultural Protocols and practices in Creative Arts or join the Creative Arts statewide staffroom.

In this episode, Creative arts curriculum advisor Jackie King and Aboriginal Education Advisor Dominique Higgins are joined by Barkindji Song Woman Nancy Bates to discuss her song "I Belong: As I Walk on My Country" which is the first song to be studied in the Stage 4 unit Bigger than the song. The discussion reveals the story behind the song, and also the permissions and protocols Nancy would like teachers and students to consider when engaging with her song in the classroom.  

The Bigger than the song unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026.  

Note: Throughout this podcast terms such as First Nations or Indigenous are used. In NSW public schools, 'Aboriginal' or 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander' are preferred. 

In this episode, Creative arts curriculum advisor Jackie King and Aboriginal Education Advisor Dominique Higgins are joined by Dharug Knowledge Holders Jasmine Seymour and Debbie Smith from the Bayala Aboriginal Corporation.  They are actively involved in Dharug language research, curriculum development, community teaching, and the broader revitalisation movement, with work grounded in cultural responsibility, community authority, and the collective care required to ensure Dharug continues to grow for future generations.  

Their songs “Yanma Ngurrawa” and “Ngarra Badhu,” are included in the Stage 4 unit Bigger than the song and we discuss the Language, story, protocols and permissions for teachers and students to learn these songs.   

Bigger than the song unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026.   

Note: Throughout this podcast terms such as First Nations or Indigenous are used. In NSW public schools, 'Aboriginal' or 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander' are preferred. 

In this episode, Creative arts curriculum advisor Jackie King and Aboriginal Education Advisor Dominique Higgins are joined by Gumbaynggirr, Yamatji and Noongar singer and songwriter, Emma Donovan to discuss her songs ‘Warrell Creek’ and ‘Mob March’ which are to be studied in the Stage 4 unit Bigger than the song. The discussion reveals the story behind the songs and Emma’s collaboration with The Putbacks, and also the permissions and protocols Emma would like teachers and students to consider when engaging with her songs in the classroom.  

Bigger than the song unit will be published on the Department’s Music 7-10 website in 2026.  

Note: Throughout this podcast terms such as First Nations or Indigenous are used. In NSW public schools, 'Aboriginal' or 'Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander' are preferred.