HAPPY NAIDOC WEEK - Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let's work together on a shared future.
This week's guest on the podcast is up and coming hip hop artist and dead set legend, Yama Banu - AKA Bala Baru.
Yama grew up in the region writing lyrics but only recently pursued his passion seriously when he took part in The Real Talk Project.
Coming from a Yolŋu and Torres Strait Islander background culture plays an extremely important role in his life.
As he works as a Dhimurru ranger, he draws inspiration for his music from the environment.
He may have only released one song so far - but he's currently working on new music and already has a number of gigs lined up. While speaking with him I could sense how motivated he is, and with his talent - it's obvious big things are coming Yama's way.
So settle in for a chat about growing up in Arnhem Land, his passion for music and the significance of culture on this week's episode of North East Arnhem Land with Mon.

Credits
Host: Monika O'Hanlon
Special thanks to Yama Banu - AKA Bala Baru
Check out the North East Coasting film clip here
Performed & written by Bala Baru, Sir Dre, Yolŋu Thug, Gonybi & Aris.Produced by Arian Pearson.Directed, filmed & edited by Aris.Mixed & mastered by Aris.
Available on:iTunes: http://bit.ly/balabaru-itunesAmazon: http://bit.ly/balabaru-amazonGoogle Play: http://bit.ly/balabaru-google
Thanks to Gove FM
To get in touch email [email protected]https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode I was so stoked to sit down with one of Australia's most exciting actors - Rarriwuy Hick.Originally from Dhalinybuy, a community 100km from Yirrkala, Rarriwuy grew up between Arnhem Land and Sydney. In this conversation she shares with us the struggles she faced at school in the city, and how looking at the big picture helped her find strength.Coming from a family of talented performers, including her mother Janet Munyarryun - a founding member of Bangarra Dance Theatre, Rarriwuy was destined for the lime light. She starred in a range of theatre productions before getting into television - most recently you might know her as inmate Ruby Mitchell from Wentworth.She has done so many amazing things in her short life - including starting the viral social media campaign #ourkidsbelongwithfamily.We sat down for a chat a few weeks ago, however Rarriwuy came into the Gove FM studio yesterday to fill us in on all the Logies goss - congrats to the Wentworth crew - so well deserved.It was an absolute honour to have Rarriwuy on the podcast, and apart from being ridiculously talented - she is genuinely a super nice human. Prepare to be inspired.
Credits
Host: Monika O'Hanlon
Special thanks to Rarriwuy Hick
Catch her on Wentworth as Ruby Mitchell
Follow Rarriwuy on Instagram @rarriwuyhick

Thanks to Gove FM
To get in touch email [email protected]https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode I was lucky enough to speak with the phenomenal storyteller and ridiculously talented (and hilarious) - Gerard Zochling.This guy wears many hats. He's a poet, artist, writer, family man, kitchen dancer and self-confessed hedonist. He's published a bunch of books and has lived an extraordinary life. His adventures have taken him around the country and overseas. However, he's been in the Northern Territory for a while now - and has called Nhulunbuy in North East Arnhem Land home for the past two years. He's a man who has never given up on his passions - he's never settled - something I admire him greatly for. So today I feel truly honoured to be able to share with you his story.
Just be aware there is a bit of course language throughout this episode.
Right now though, sit back and relax and enjoy the colourful journey which is the legendary Gerard Zochling's life.

Credits
Host: Monika O'Hanlon
Special thanks to Gerard Zochling
To check out Gerard's books head tohttps://gerardzochling.wixsite.com/gedzochling/books
Thanks to Gove FM
To get in touch email:[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up - even when they are grown up. But for Wendy Troe, it was always very clear. She was going to be a teacher.From a young age Wendy loved public speaking and was passionate about sharing knowledge.
This episode was a particularly special one for me. I was lucky enough to have Wendy as my English teacher in high school. If you don't know her, or if you've never experienced Mrs Troe in her element - in this conversation you're about to get a small taste of just how fabulous she is. This is a woman who has inspired countless students to fall in love with all things reading and writing. Her impact is evident as many of her ex pupils continue to keep in touch - and still to this day cite Wendy as one of their favourite teachers of all time - and I'm happy to vouch for that. Because that's what she is. Through and through. Wendy was born to be an educator.It is an absolute honour that today I get to share with you the story of someone who has impacted my life greatly. The one, the only - Wendy Troe.
Credits
Host: Monika O'Hanlon
Special thanks to Wendy Troe
To read some of Wendy's beautiful work head to her blog Gin in a Jam Jar at https://gininajamjarblog.wordpress.com/
Thanks to Gove FM
To get in touch email:[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When I think of iconic colourful characters from North East Arnhem Land - a number of people spring to mind - however - none more so than Eva Cantrell.
Old Time Nhulunbuy residents will know Eva for her trademark fabulously decorated hats. For people newer to the area, you may recognise her from the markets - where she sells her photographs and beautifully hand made goods. But behind her creative exterior - Eva is SO much more. What she has experienced during her lifetime is truly remarkable. With various careers under her belt, Eva has done everything from pea picking to working in hotels and on fishing boats.
This woman has affected countless lives of people who grew up in the region - myself included - and continues to effect the lives of young people - perhaps without them even knowing. Because without Eva Cantrell - there would be no skate park. Before every child owned an iphone and a computer, Eva created a space for young people to enjoy together.
For years I wandered where this larger than life woman came from - and how she ended up in this tiny little remote town in North East Arnhem Land. Today I feel truly honoured that I get to share the absolutely incredible tale of the legendary Eva Cantrell. This is the story of the woman who could. Who did.

Credits
Host: Monika O'Hanlon
Special thanks to Eva Cantrell
Thanks to Gove FM
To get in touch email:[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of North East Arnhem Land with Mon we were lucky enough to speak with Baykali Ganambarr.Although he was born in Alice Springs, at a young age Baykali moved with his family to Galiwin'ku - an island off Arnhem Land.For over six years Baykali has been travelling the world with DJUKI MALA - an Indigenous dance group who rose to fame in 2007 after a video of them performing to Zorba the Greek went viral.He's also one of the lead actors in the upcoming feature film, The Nightingale - written and directed by The Babadook's Jennifer Kent. Without giving too much away he may or may not have won a prestigious award at the Venice Film Festival last year - but you'll have to listen to find out (or google his name).In this conversation we speak about Baykali's childhood, the importance of family, his love of performing and his passion for sharing his culture to the world.This guy really is the epitome of a superstar and is an incredible role model - big things are sure to come his way. I know I say this a lot, but if you are looking to be inspired today, this episode is not to be missed.

Credits
Host: Monika O'Hanlon
Special thanks to Baykali Ganambarr
You can check out a sneak peak of his upcoming film The Nightingale here
Thanks to Gove FM
To get in touch email:[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen Hill - or Kaz - isn't your average assistant principle. She's also the drummer of the popular group Papa Said - and an ex-member from the early 90's nationally acclaimed all girl punk rock band, Bleach.Originally from Sydney, Kaz has called North East Arnhem Land home for nearly 10 years - and it doesn't look like she's going anywhere soon.In this conversation Kaz shares with us what it was like to be told "no" when it came to playing certain instruments and even career options when she was growing up - just because she was born female.We speak about about her two passions - firstly her music - what inspires her, what tour life was like and how she ended up on ABC's Recovery hosted by Dylan Lewis. Secondly, she opens up about her love for working with young people.Kaz is a dead set legend and has an incredible story. So sit back, relax and get ready for the 13th episode of North East Arnhem Land with Mon.

Credits
Host: Monika O'Hanlon
Special thanks to Karen Hill
Check out Bleach on ABC's Recovery here
Thanks to Gove FM
To get in touch email:[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where do you even begin with a guy like Blue Douglas? He's lived in the region since he was 12 months old - and he certainly has some stories to tell!
In this conversation Blue shares with us what it was like growing up in Nhulunbuy back in the 70's. The adventures - which include him being a makeshift bird handler on the set of a movie and escaping grumpy buffaloes. He speaks about his ballroom dancing career and how he ran the debutante ball for years - countless teenagers in town have him to thank for learning The Pride of Erin. He also shares with us the story behind meeting the love of his life - Evelyn.
He has been an important member of the Nhulunbuy community and one this is for sure - he LOVES this region.
So sit back, relax and enjoy a true Blue yarn by one of our local legends.


Credits
Host: Monika O'Hanlon
Special thanks to Blue Douglas
Check out his businesses Roaming Flames and Arafura Meats
Thanks to Gove FM
To get in touch email:[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In modern times, a couple's wedding day is renowned as being one of the most stressful and memorable experiences of their life.So when it's time to get hitched it is vital the person running the show is creating a ceremony that suits and caters to you and your partner's every need - and who better to do this than Sharon Norris.A Brissy girl at heart, Sharon moved to Nhulunbuy in North East Arnhem Land in 2013 - and has been in the marriage celebrant game for roughly 15 years. With around 330 weddings under her belt - she's officiated everything from Klingon ceremonies to pirate nuptials - Sharon Norris has seen it all.
In this conversation Sharon shares with us what it takes to become a marriage celebrant, how she got into the industry and some of her more memorable marriages. If you're interested in how it all works, or perhaps you are planning on getting married in the near future - this episode of North East Arnhem Land with Mon could be all the inspiration you need to plan your special day.

Credits
Host: Monika O'Hanlon
Special thanks to Sharon Norris
To buy Sharon's books you can click here
Thanks to Gove FM
To get in touch email:[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I grew up thinking about where I belonged in the world”
Figuring out where you fit in on this Earth can be tricky - and when your parents come from different cultures with different backgrounds - it can make it that much more confusing.
Arian Pearson has a Yolŋu mother and a white father. He was born and raised in Nhulunbuy until his teen years. Like many parents in the region, Arian's father's sent him to boarding school to try and give him the best education possible. However, although Arian describes his time at the school based in Queensland as "amazing" - his yearning to reconnect with culture eventually brought him back to his remote hometown.
In this conversation Arian speaks about his strong connection with the land, his incredible career in music and his passion for community development. He also shares with us how he met his German wife - who he recently married in Europe.
Arian was a member of the hugely popular nine piece band, East Journey - who was once described by America's Rolling Stone magazine as "explosive". The young musician is now a producer at The Mulka Project and helps other local artists follow their dreams as well as helping to preserve Yolŋu culture.
With a passion for community development and sustainable tourism, Arian is also currently the Chairman at Lirrwi Tourism.
He has big dreams and there is no doubt in our minds that Arian Pearson will achieve every single one of them.

Credits
Host: Monika O'Hanlon
Special thanks to Arian Pearson
The mission of The Mulka Project is to sustain and protect Yolŋu cultural knowledge in Northeast Arnhem Land under the leadership of community members. The Mulka production house and archive is managed by Yolŋu law, governance and culture.
Lirrwi Tourism is an Aboriginal owned and Accredited Tourism Business in North East Arnhem Land, operating day tours, and multi-day tours, spending time with the Yolŋu people, living and working on their traditional homelands.

Thanks to Gove FM
To get in touch email:[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.