Ed Talks WA

Australian of the Year and Australia’s first astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, joins 2025 Minister’s Teacher of the Year, Christopher Lambe, to chat about her journey from dreaming of becoming an astronaut to working on some of the world’s most exciting space missions. They explore the role education played in Katherine’s journey and share ideas for inspiring the next generation to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Australia’s favourite scientist, Dr Karl, chats about the wild world of AI, how it’s grown and how diabolical it can become if left without limitations. He also shares details of how he’s fighting misinformation with TikTok videos and Digital Dr Karl.

Inclusion isn’t a program at Bob Hawke College, it’s a core belief among everywhere there. It ensures that all students get the support they need and can learn alongside their peers. Kate Reid is the college’s Inclusion Coordinator and joins the podcast to discuss their win at the 2025 WA Education Awards and describe their inclusion journey.

Resilience is a crucial life skill that young people need to thrive and grow as they get older. Professor Matt Sanders is the founder of Triple P – Positive Parenting Program and joins the podcast to chat about resilience, what it is, how it develops and how parents can support their children. He also shares helpful parent strategies and other supports Triple P offers to parents and carers.

The nominations are open for the 2025 WA Education Awards and to celebrate we spoke to the most recent recipients of these honours. Staff from the 6 winning schools shared the school’s education journey, the dedication of their staff, and what winning means to them and the whole school community. We also take a closer look at the 2 new categories for 2025, which includes the return of an individual staff award.

The incredible Professor Fiona Wood AO is a world leading specialist and national icon for her innovative and pioneering work in the development of burns medicine and care. She joins our podcast to share insights into the life-changing impact that Telethon WA funding provides medical research. She also discusses the Premier's Telethon Challenge and how it empowers kids to help kids, inspiring community action and fundraising for a brighter future.

National Science Week is dedicated to celebrating all things science and technology and encourages people to engage with the industry. This year, Scitech is running free online excursions and Inette Henn, manager of Learning Futures at Scitech, explains what’s involved and why promoting STEM at school is so important for students. Inette also provides some handy tips for teachers, as well as details of professional learning that’s available.

Digital accessibility is about ensuring digital content, technology and services are accessible for people with disabilities. Dr Scott Hollier, from the Centre for Accessibility Australia, uses his experience of being vision impaired to help educate others. He explains how technology has improved and provides some tips of what simple things teachers can do in the classroom when it comes to accessibility.

During a student forum, Neale Daniher, using AI voice technology, was able to use his own voice to share the inspirational story about his battle with motor neurone disease (MND). Neale’s daughter Bec, and his wife Jan, continue to fight on his behalf, and share with us how great change can be made from the smallest steps.

Turia Pitt made international news in 2011 when she suffered burns to 65% of her body when caught in a grassfire while running an ultramarathon. She’s not only survived, but is now a sought-after motivation speaker, whose courageous story can’t help but inspire.