Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that the following program contains the names of people who have passed away.

In this episode, after learning about Gary's early political activity in part one, we shift our focus to his influence on the arts scene and his realisation of theatre as a powerful medium for activism.

We also explore the stories surrounding trailblazers such as Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Richard Bell, Chicka Dixon, John Newfong, and Uncle Jack Charles, and Gary's significant interactions with each of them.

They each played pivotal roles in reshaping the landscape for First Nations people during the eighties and beyond—spanning literature, the arts, human rights and justice, media, and theatre.

Gary’s networks and discovery of new platforms led to him co-writing and appearing in Basically Black – the first Aboriginal stage production in 1972.

A decade after the establishment of Whitlam’s Aboriginal Arts Board, Gary also assumed the role of its first (Aboriginal) Director. He redirected funding exclusively towards Indigenous-led projects after the revelation that 50% of the resources were benefiting non-Indigenous individuals.

These are just some of the incredible insights Gary shared about his life.

Towards the end of the episode, Gary became known as "Professor Unprecedented” – a title that aptly captures the very essence of Professor Gary Foley.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that the following program contains the names of people who have passed away.

Gary's activism has always been revolutionary – from the Tent Embassy protests of the seventies through to the role he has played transforming the landscape of First Nations politics and history today.

Today I am delighted to share part one of the podcast, in which Gary talks about what really stoked the fire of his many campaigns for change.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Adam chats with Patty Kinnersly, the CEO of Our Watch – Australia's a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia.

This episode was recorded with a live audience at Victoria University's Footscray Park Campus.

Topics discussed:

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Christine, a PhD candidate, delves into the complexities of intimate partner violence within Christian marriages. Rebecca, who recently had her doctoral candidature confirmed, explores health inequalities in urban environments.

Notably, both Christine and Rebecca represented Victoria University in two challenging competitions – the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) and Visualise Your Thesis. Their research topics are both complex and crucial, and in our conversation, we explored how they distil this information to deepen collective understanding.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Manar recently completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science at Victoria University and is not stopping there. She is now aiming to become an Osteopath, driven by a personal experience that deeply affected her life and pushed her toward a career in healthcare and rehabilitation.

Along her journey, Western Chances provided essential support that helped her achieve her dreams. But that's not all – Manar also has her eyes on the Olympics.

To hear more about Manar's incredible journey and what keeps her going, check out the latest People of VU podcast episode. Her story is all about passion, resilience, and the pursuit of potential.

From Kashmir to Australia, Indu Koul has challenged conventions. She pioneered a girls' cricket team in her hometown and, for her daughter, established the first female team in her local club's 50-year history.

Now, she's preparing for the Cricket Veteran National Championship.

At work as a Business Analyst, Indu delves deep into new subjects, as seen in her work on the 'Chosen Name Project' at Victoria University. This fantastic initiative has resulted in staff and students ea sily updating their chosen name, pronouns and gender identity on our systems. "The right-minded people came together on this project," she says, and now we are seeing very clear actions to make VU an even more inclusive place.

As the CEO of Lifeline Australia, he has witnessed a staggering 50% increase in calls for help, underscoring the critical role that the Lifeline Crisis Call Centre plays in supporting individuals in need.

Lifeline's relentless efforts to combat the stigma around seeking help have resulted in more people than ever reaching out for assistance. Days like today provide yet another opportunity to elevate the conversation surrounding mental health.

I recently had a fantastic discussion with Colin for the People of VU podcast, where his dedication and ethos came across so clearly. This has been a constant thread throughout his life – from his time studying Applied Science at Victoria University to training with the Footscray Football Club along the Maribyrnong River and now leading a major national health organisation.

Fast-forward to today, and Clare is spearheading change for women in sport. Clare’s research has prompted major sporting codes and peak bodies to rethink their uniform policies, helping women and girls optimise their levels of performance and comfort on the field.

Her research has gone global in eight nations with the support of PUMA — and the results are very impressive.

I discovered all this and more in a terrific discussion with Clare for the People of VU podcast. We ventured beyond the university sector, delving into personal insights and addressing a topic that is gripping the world today — the Women's World Cup.

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded before the USA lost to Sweden in penalties!

From working on an LGBTQIA+ student learning module to advocating for the Hidden Disability Sunflower – we are one of the first universities to sign up as supporters – Tuesday has never been afraid to embrace the different and diverse.

Beyond this, Tuesday has travelled the world, was a teen tennis prodigy, and spoken their truth on stage and in publications. What can’t they do?

I was delighted to find out more about their life and inspiration in the latest episode of my People of VU podcast.

Tuesday is wise beyond their years, and their empathy and respect emanated through every word.

Days like today (11 April 2023) - when nationwide responses to the Universities Accord Discussion Paper are being submitted - are what make people like Associate Professor Peter Hurley tick.

As the Director of the Mitchell Institute, Victoria University’s educational policy think tank, Peter’s day job is analysing the future of ‘systems’ and telling their stories.

You may be familiar with 'childcare deserts', which – one year on from the report about early childhood education availability – has become consistent media vernacular. That was the brainchild of Peter and his team.

In the most recent episode of the #PeopleofVU podcast, I learned that many of these ideas come to Peter during long runs – among many other unexpected insights into his personality, background and experience. They have all contributed towards the wonderful person we know Peter to be and the highly valued colleague he has become at Victoria University.