Recorded live at Midsumma Carnival Day 2026, this Interview Highlights episode captures the vibrant energy of one of Melbourne’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ celebrations. Hosts Tess and Little Jase sit down with Paul Horwell, CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre, and Sam Chew the Victorian Pride Centre marketing manager, for an insightful conversation about inclusion, community leadership, and the evolving role of Pride spaces across Victoria.

In this episode, Paul and Sam reflect on the importance of visibility, the Centre’s mission to foster connection and empowerment, and how events like Midsumma continue to strengthen the fabric of queer culture. From community partnerships to creating safe and welcoming environments, the discussion offers an uplifting look at how Pride thrives in 2026 and beyond.

Whether you were at Carnival soaking in the sunshine and celebration, or you’re tuning in from afar, this interview brings you straight into the heart of the day.

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In this special epodcast, we sit down with Karen Bryant, Chief Executive & Creative Director of Midsumma, for an insightful conversation about what’s ahead for Midsumma Festival 2026.

Karen discusses the scale and scope of this year’s program — spanning 22 days and featuring more events than ever — and explores how Midsumma continues to evolve as both a curated and open‑access festival, supporting independent artists while uplifting diverse LGBTQIA+ communities. 

Karen also shares how the festival theme Time and Place reflects current social challenges, the importance of connection, and the role of Midsumma in fostering inclusive cultural spaces across Victoria.

This episode offers a rich look at the creative direction, community impact, and future vision of one of Australia’s most significant queer arts festivals. Whether you're a long‑time supporter or discovering Midsumma for the first time, this conversation provides a powerful lens into the heart of the festival.

Midsumma Festival 2026, Carnival Day live broadcast was presented by Vision Australia Radio in conjunction with JOY 94.9 and with thanks to Midsumma Festival.

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Join Vision Australia Radio and JOY 94.9 for a vibrant three‑hour journey through Midsumma Carnival Day 2026, Melbourne’s biggest yearly queer arts celebration. This special broadcast brings the energy of the festival directly to listeners, amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices and showcasing the rich intersection of queerness and disability.

Across the program, presenters share, live interviews, music, and lived experiences on‑the‑ground updates from Alexandra Gardens. The broadcast reflects the deep collaboration between Vision Australia Radio—an Access and Inclusion Partner of Midsumma—and JOY Media, celebrating community storytelling and community radio as a whole.

Listeners can expect festival insights, artist spotlights, conversations with community leaders, and real‑time coverage of Carnival festivities, all designed to keep you connected to the heart of Midsumma.

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Step into the opening hour of Vision Australia Radio’s special Midsumma Festival 2026 Carnival Day broadcast — a celebration of queer arts, community, and inclusion.

In this episode, you’ll hear the dedicated radio reading program that kicked off the day’s coverage at 10am on Sunday 19 January, featuring curated readings from LGBTIQA+ publications, mainstream media, and Midsumma Festival’s own materials. This segment sets the tone for a full day of connection, storytelling, and intersectional perspectives, highlighting the lived experiences of queer communities and people with disability.

The reading hour precedes the joint Vision Australia Radio × JOY 94.9 simulcast, offering listeners an accessible and meaningful gateway into one of Melbourne’s biggest annual queer cultural events. Tune in, listen deeply, and enjoy a snapshot of the voices and stories that shape Midsumma Festival 2026.

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World Braille Day is celebrated each year on the 4th of January and this year Stephen Jolley interviewed Gary O'Donoghue on Vision Australia Radio. Gary O'Donoghue is the Chief North America political correspondent for the BBC and he is blind. They spoke about his education, career and how he uses Braille in his work and personal life.

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Mac Bollella, from the Electoral Commission of South Australia, shares news with Peter Greco on what's available for telephone assisted voting at the 2026 South Australian state election.

More info: SA Electoral Commission

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Peter Greco hears from Amy Mills, Arts Development Manager at Arts Access Australia, about the launch of their Access Ideas and Insights Podcast. The podcast is audio described, Auslan interpreted, and captioned. 

More info: Accessible Arts

Podcast: Accessible Podcast Series

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Peter Greco chats with Marie-Clare Couper, CEO for the Brain Injury Association in Tasmania about the availability of the National Assistance Card. This Australia wide card is raising awareness and is a vital tool for autistic people and people with brain injury in emergencies.

More info: National Assistance Card

Call: 1300 680 045

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Daniel Lubiner, shares his story of creating the Braille Doodle with Peter Greco, thus enabling easier ways to learn braille for students, teachers and carers. You can purchase the Braille Doodle from Vision Australia.

More info: The TouchPad Pro Foundation

Vision Australia: The Braille Doodle

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Chris Thompson from Behind The Scenes chats with Karen Bryant, Chief Executive & Creative Director with Midsumma, about what next years festival entails. Karan Nagrani also joins Chris and they discuss his upcoming show, From Grindr to Blindr. 

Midsumma

From Grindr to Blindr

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