Making A Difference

Murujuga – the sacred rock art site in Western Australia’s Pilbara – has just been listed by UNESCO for World Heritage status. But scientific experts say preservation of the carvings – some dating back 50-thousand years – is still precarious after the federal government’s decision last month to conditionally extend the neighbouring North-West Shelf gas project. We brought you this story in 2024 and because of these very recent developments, we’re re-running the investigation by Tylah Tully from Curtin University to help you understand a story entwined in history, culture, science and politics. 

Host: Andrew Dodd

Reporter/Producer: Tylah Tully

Episode Executive Producer: Simon Brady

Statement by Raelene Cooper, Traditional Owner, on Federal Court application  

Statement by Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt

Report on Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program

Statement by Woodside Energy

Joint statement by Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, Federal and Wa Governments on World Heritage listing

For more stories from the best student journalism in Australia:
The Junction

Episode images
Social media and web: Robin Chapple, Tylah Tully

Music
‘Betelgeuse’ / Kunal Shingade

'Spirituality' by Maximus Sound

'Anxious' by Oleksii Kaplunskyi

'Desert Orchid' by Alisha Studio

'So Many Memories' by Myton Music

'Just a Light Secret' by MooveKa

'Come Back Home' by Olexy

This month’s episode by journalism students at Edith Cowan University features the male ballet dancer, the adult with ADHD, the vision-impaired, the lifesaving nurse, the person seeking connection, the ‘body positive’ woman. And the link between them all? They’re all trying to pave their own way, often against formidable challenges and the expectations of others. 

Hosts: Jack Penniment and Samuel Sparkes

Stories:
‘Men Can Ballet’ - Reporter: Oli Pike
‘A Brain Wired Differently’ - Reporter: Taya Cicanese
‘Through Dogs’ Eyes’ - Reporter: Toby Crestani
‘Saving Lives’ - Reporter: Clare Perrot
‘Solitude and the Stage’ - Reporter: CJ Russell
‘Sunrise Dip’ - Reporter: Chloe Nolasco

Production:

Sound design: Robyn Ogle and Samuel Sparkes
Episode Executive Producers: Monty Sangar and Robyn Ogle
Supervising Producer: Simon Brady

Music:

‘Betelgeuse’ / Kunal Shingade

‘Come Back Home’ / Olexy

More stories from ECU Vanguard News

http://ecuvanguardnews.com/

More stories from The Junction

https://junctionjournalism.com/

It’s a good thing that as a society, we’re more open to discussing mental health and the challenges it poses for many people. University of Sydney reporter Ben Fragiadakis investigated this transformation on what used to be a very taboo topic. What he found were the unintended consequences of such openness. And despite all the attention, serious doubts remain among experts about our approach to treating mental health.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Beyond 1300 22 46 36 

Host/Reporter: Ben Fragiadakis

Episode Executive Producer: Lea Redfern

Supervising Producer: Simon Brady

Music 

‘Betelgeuse’ / Kunal Shingade 

‘Come Back Home’ / Olexy

Images

'Contemplation' / Janusz Walczak

More stories from University of Sydney:

Salience - https://www.salienceatsydney.org/

More stories from The Junction

https://junctionjournalism.com/

It's a story full of compromises, contradictions and unsuspecting victims. The use of rat and mice baits help to keep our home free of rodents. But they also pose a serious threat to native wildlife and ecosystems. A team of journalists at Curtin University investigates how precious owl species are becoming the victims of secondary poisoning from rodent control products. It's also a story of determination as communities battle the bureaucracy, manufacturers and public indifference to try to protect the owls.

Hosts: Madigan Landry and Kimberley Putland

Stories:

Taking the Bait - Reporter: Madigan Landry

The Decision Makers - Reporter: Yousuf Shameel

Owl Communities - Reporter: Kimberley Putland

Night Calling - Reporter: Camila Egusquiza Santa Cruz

Episode Executive Producers: Kayt Davies and Simon Brady

Investigative project:

Owls on Deathwatch

APVMA rodenticide review submissions:

https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20231218062421/https://www.apvma.gov.au/node/93291 (Part 1)

https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20231218062442/https://www.apvma.gov.au/node/93296 (Part 2)

https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20231218062447/https://www.apvma.gov.au/node/93301 (Part 3)

https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20231218062451/https://www.apvma.gov.au/node/93306 (Part 4)

'Night Calling' documentary:

https://www.youtube.com/@owlfriendly 

Music

‘Betelgeuse’ / Kunal Shingade 

‘Come Back Home’ / Olexy

More stories from Curtin University:

Western Independent

More stories from the best student journalism in Australia:

The Junction

We deal with threats – both real and perceived – all the time. In this episode, journalism students at Swinburne University look at how we are confronting some of those threats. From having the right to protest, to supporting the wellbeing of children, to some of life’s basics like driving a car, swimming at the beach and trying to find a job. And we end on an uplifting note with some bogan funk. What is that? Have a listen and get onboard.

*Content warning* This episode includes references to mental health and suicide.

Host: Matthew Parkhill

Stories

'The Right to Protest' - Reporter: Star Despotellis 

'Short Stay Tax' - Reporter: Elke De Smet 

'Mental Health in the Classroom' - Reporter: Miah Foster 

'Behind The Wheel' - Reporter: Mitch Davis 

'Swim Safe' - Reporter: Stella McErwin 

'Finding Work' - Reporter: Ethan Lonsdale 

'Switching Off' - Reporter: Keenan D’Souza 

'Bogan Funk' - Reporter: Louie Cina

Episode Executive Producer: Peter Marcato

Supervising Producer: Simon Brady

Music

‘Betelgeuse’ / Kunal Shingade 

‘Come Back Home’ / Olexy

Photos

'Protest' - Matthew Parkhill

'Classroom' - WOKANDAPIX

'Traffic' - Curious Collectibles 

More stories from Swinburne University:

The Burne - https://www.theburne.com.au/

More stories from The Junction

https://junctionjournalism.com/ 

Keeping people safe, helping people out, giving people a leg-up, giving people a chance to shine – it’s what a functioning society does.
In this episode of Making a Difference, journalism students at Deakin University bring us stories about looking out for people: keeping apprentices safe on the job, helping those with addiction and incarceration, creating a new world for visually impaired children, supporting emerging musicians, and encouraging artists to live their fantasy through their idol.

Hosts: Piers Van Der Heide and Alissa Schleebs

Stories:
"Safe Apprentices" - Reporter: Shaelyn Harris 
"Beating Addiction: The Power in You" - Reporter: Cooper Watkins
"Spotified" - Reporter: Aidan Knight
"Reaching For The Stars" - Reporter: Cat Quash
"There’s a Podcast For That" - Reporter: Ben Cashin
"Impersonator" - Reporters: Emily Wunhym and Ruben De Franceschi
"Brat Summer" - Reporter: Bella McGreevy
"Penguin Parade" - Reporter: Nicolas Thurn-Valsassina

Sound Design: Chris Scanlon
Episode Executive Producer: Alison McAdam
Supervising Producer: Simon Brady

More stories from Deakin University:
https://www.dscribe.net.au/

More stories from The Junction:
https://junctionjournalism.com/

Music:
‘Betelgeuse’ / Kunal Shingade
‘Come Back Home’ / Olexy

Images:
'Weld' - Mike Linderer / Pixabay
'Jail' - Simone Gatterwe / Pixabay
'Sonification' - Joel Filipe / Unsplash
'Elvis' - ARC fotos / Pixabay

As Gen Zers become more socially and politically aware, they’re starting to understand the world they inhabit and will inherit. In this episode, journalism students at UNSW Sydney look at the impact of some of those issues such as social media, politics and smoking. And possibly one of the biggest – mental health – is explored through the experience of two autistic sisters who mask their disorder.

Host: Dominique Lakis-Nash

Stories:
"Social control" - Reporter: Caitlyn Todorovski
"Celebrity scandal: PDiddy - Reporter: Marian Caburian
"Masking autism" - Reporter: Nerissa Caviliere
"On the vape" - Reporter: Daniel McLaren-Kennedy
"Speak my language" - Reporter: Mae Rawson

Sound Design: Peter R. White
Episode Executive Producer: Connie Levett
Supervising Producer: Simon Brady

More stories from UNSW:
https://www.newsworthy.org.au/

More stories from The Junction:
https://junctionjournalism.com/

Music:
‘Betelgeuse’ / Kunal Shingade
‘Peach Ice’ / Big Moist and the Smoking Durries
‘Come Back Home’ / Olexy

Images:
'Thinking' by Sukinah Hussain / Pixabay

As Gen Zers become more socially and politically aware, they’re starting to understand the world they inhabit and will inherit. In this episode, journalism students at UNSW Sydney look at the impact of some of those issues such as social media, politics and smoking. And possibly one of the biggest – mental health – is explored through the experience of two autistic sisters who mask their disorder.

Host: Dominique Lakis-Nash

Stories:
"Social control" - Reporter: Caitlyn Todorovski
"Celebrity scandal - PDiddy - Reporter: Marian Caburian
"Masking autism" - Reporter: Nerissa Caviliere
"On the vape" - Reporter: Daniel McLaren-Kennedy
"Speak my language" - Reporter: Mae Rawson

Sound Design:Peter R. White
Executive Producer: Connie Levett
Supervising Producer: Simon Brady

More stories from UNSW:
https://www.newsworthy.org.au/

More stories from The Junction
https://junctionjournalism.com/

Music:
‘Betelgeuse’ / Kunal Shingade
‘Peach Ice’ / Big Moist and the Smoking Durries
‘Come Back Home’ / Olexy

Images:
'Thinking' by Sukinah Hussain on Pixabay

Representation matters because it helps us imagine our place in the world: our identity, self-worth and sense of belonging. Come on an entertaining and informative ride as journalism students from Griffith University look at representation: how it’s being done well and where it can improve.
*Language warning for this episode.

Hosts: Lucy Ingham, Sophia Thomas and Nicole Symens

Stories:
"It's Her Video Game, Too" - Reporter: Sophia Thomas
"Women in Horror" - Reporter: Molly O'Dempsey
"Love Your Body" - Reporter: Nicole Symens
"Rom Com Rebirth" - Reporter: Lucy Ingham
"Spike" - Reporter: Isabelle Garland

Sound Design: Heather Anderson
Episode Executive Producers: Bridget Backhaus and Heather Anderson
Supervising Producer: Simon Brady

For more stories from Griffith University:
https://thesourcenews.com/

For more stories from The Junction:
https://junctionjournalism.com/

Music:
‘Betelgeuse’ / Kunal Shingade
'Wedding' / Nesterouk
‘Come Back Home’ / Olexy

Images:
'Video games' / StockSnap
'Black Coat' / Ovan
'Female body' / Ri Ya
'Heart balloons' / Peggy Marco

In a world of heightened tension and conflict, there is lots to be wary and anxious about. But as the experts say: focus on the things you can control and don’t worry about what you can’t.

This episode is the first appearance on our podcast by students from Western Sydney University. And they look at the things that scare us…and how people deal with those fears.

Host: Claire Brownlie

Stories:
‘Parra-normal’ – Reporter: Claire Brownlie
‘Finding Home’ – Reporter: Polina Krongauz
‘Not So Social Media’ – Reporter: Bianca Paige Tropiano
‘Gore-lore’ – Reporter: Emily Mah-Chut

Supervising Producer: Roger Dawkins
Executive Producer: Simon Brady

More stories from the best student journalism in Australia:
https://junctionjournalism.com/

Music
‘Betelgeuse’ - Kunal Shingade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XANS2XsG4DE
‘Come Back Home’ – Olexy
https://pixabay.com/users/olexy-25300778/

Photos (social media)
'Tunnel’ – Bruno
https://pixabay.com/users/bru-no-1161770/
'Backpack traveller' - Tumisu
https://pixabay.com/users/tumisu-148124/
'Ghost silhouette' - Nick Magwood
https://pixabay.com/users/magwood_photography-6599853/