Radio Western Port

🎙️ Hastings U3A Podcast Ian's Badminton Story

In this episode of the Hastings U3A Podcast, hosts Jan and Julie welcome Ian, one of the group's enthusiastic badminton players.

Ian shares his journey, talking about the enjoyment of badminton, the friendships he's built, and why being part of Hastings U3A has been such a rewarding experience. It's a relaxed and enjoyable conversation about staying active, keeping connected, and embracing community life.

🎧 Listen now and hear how Hastings U3A is helping people stay engaged, healthy, and connected through shared interests.

What is a weed and are they always a bad thing?

Dennice is joined once again by gardening expert Robert Breeschoten to explore why weeds grow, what they can tell us about your garden, and the best ways to manage them before spring arrives.

The episode also opens with a friendly shout-out to Paul Mercurio MP regarding the new Bittern roundabout, where the landscaping has already sparked conversation as weeds begin to appear.

Plus:

🌱 Common Mornington Peninsula weeds.

🌱 Lawn and garden care advice.

📚 Community Corner featuring the Bookneck Winter Parlour Series.

🌳 Information about the Pick My Park community voting program.

A practical and informative episode filled with gardening knowledge, local community stories and inspiration for gardeners of all experience levels.

🎙️ Acacia Conversations – Growing Well on the Peninsula

Produced by Radio Western Port.

Episode – Our Winter Garden Guests

Winter may seem like a quiet season in the garden, but it's one of the busiest times for our native wildlife.

Join Dennice as she explores how our gardens can become safe havens for birds, possums, insects, frogs and other native animals during the colder months.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why winter can be challenging for wildlife

• The benefits of bird boxes and nesting places

• How to live alongside possums

• Five simple ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden

• Local Mornington Peninsula reserves to visit this winter

• Information about Victoria's Pick My Park community voting initiative.

Every garden has the potential to support local wildlife. Whether you have a large backyard or a small courtyard, simple changes can create safe spaces that help nature thrive.

Thank you for listening to Acacia Conversations – Growing Well on the Peninsula on Radio Westernport.

Western Port Secondary College Podcast Series

Western Port Secondary College students continue to showcase their communication, creativity and broadcasting talents through an exciting series of student-produced podcasts in partnership with Radio Western Port.

The latest collection of episodes features a variety of engaging topics that highlight both school life and the wider Hastings community.

The Community Events segment, presented by Tyra Whitlow and Alexis Humphrey, explores recent developments across Hastings. The students discuss the closure of Domino's Hastings as part of wider global store closures while also celebrating exciting new additions to the area, including Frozen St on High Street, the Deep-Water Lounge and an upcoming convenience store. Their podcast demonstrates excellent research and presentation skills while keeping listeners informed about local community news.

In the Year 7 Camp episode, Alexis Humphrey, Amelia Moore, Ayden Stow and John Rees reflect on their camp experience through an engaging interview-style discussion. They share their favourite activities, memorable experiences, friendships, meals, cabin groups and the popular talent show while discussing what made the camp such a valuable part of beginning secondary school. Their conversation highlights the confidence, teamwork and personal growth developed throughout the camp experience.

Student presenter Maddie Forecast takes listeners behind the scenes of Western Port Secondary College's production of Legally Blonde. Her segment explores rehearsals, preparation, teamwork and the achievements of the cast and crew as they work towards bringing this exciting musical to the stage. The podcast celebrates the dedication, creativity and passion that make the Performing Arts program such an important part of school life.

Together, these episodes demonstrate the outstanding work being produced by Western Port Secondary College students through the school's partnership with Radio Western Port. The program provides students with valuable real-world broadcasting experience while developing confidence, communication, teamwork and storytelling skills. Most importantly, it gives students a platform to share their voices, celebrate their achievements and connect with the wider community through meaningful conversations.

Episode 100 Celebrating 100 Episodes of Inspired to Soar with Hannah

Welcome to a very special milestone episode!

In this episode, Hannah celebrates reaching 100 episodes of Inspired to Soar with Hannah and reflects on the incredible journey that has brought the podcast to this moment.

Hannah shares how the podcast began, what inspired her to start it, the challenges she has overcome, and the many unforgettable conversations that have shaped the show. From mental health and bullying to disability, resilience, community leadership, and personal growth, every guest has helped create a platform where real stories inspire real change.

This episode is also a heartfelt thank you to every guest, listener, supporter, family member, friend, and community organisation that has believed in the podcast over the past 100 episodes.

Join Hannah as she looks back on the memories, celebrates the milestone, and shares her excitement for the future of Inspired to Soar with Hannah.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to the next 100 episodes!

In this episode, Julie and Jan welcome Maria, Hastings U3A's new Excursions Organiser.

Hear about the success of recent trips to Werribee Zoo and the Blue Lotus Water Gardens, Maria's vision for future excursions, and how these outings help build friendships and strengthen the Hastings U3A community.

If you're interested in community, travel, and discovering new experiences across the Western Port region and beyond, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Hosts Julie and Jan sit down with Pip Ransome, tutor of the Buddhist Meditation course at Hastings U3A.

Pip discusses the principles of Buddhist meditation, what attendees can expect from her classes, and the many ways mindfulness and meditation can enhance wellbeing. Whether you're interested in learning to meditate, considering joining a class, or exploring the benefits of mindfulness, this episode provides an engaging introduction to both the course and the person who leads it.

🎙️ Episode 99 – Reuben Returns!

Reuben is back on Inspired to Soar with Hannah for another fun-filled episode!

Join Hannah and Reuben as they chat about ABC Kids shows, Jane Bunn, weather, music, Paul McCartney, The Greatest Night in Pop, school life, soccer, State of Origin, and much more.

Filled with humour, positivity, and plenty of laughs, this episode highlights the importance of being yourself, embracing your interests, and enjoying life.

Thank you for listening to Inspired to Soar with Hannah, where real stories spark real change.

🎙️ Episode 98 – Shane Walden

Join Hannah Swinnerton as she sits down with Shane Walden, owner and operator of Hire A Hubby Western Port and Vice President of Hastings RSL.

In this episode, Shane shares his experiences as a small business owner, his passion for supporting the local community, and the rewarding work he does through Hastings RSL.

The conversation explores business ownership, community leadership, volunteering, mental health, staying grounded, personal interests, and the value of giving back.

Shane's story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make through hard work, service, and a genuine commitment to helping others.

Thank you for listening to Inspired to Soar with Hannah as we continue the journey towards 100 episodes.

🎙️ Every story matters. Every voice deserves to be heard.

Acacia Conversations | Episode 3 | Growing the Winter Garden

This episode explores one of winter's most beautiful flowering plants, the camellia.

Host Dennice is joined by Robert Breechschoten, President of Camellias Victoria, to discuss the history of camellias, why they flourish on the Mornington Peninsula, how to grow them successfully and the role gardening plays in bringing people together.

The episode also includes practical winter gardening advice, including tips for caring for citrus trees during the colder months.

A thoughtful conversation about gardens, community, patience and the simple pleasures found in nature.