The flipside of Australia’s often discussed housing crisis is a boom in new developments across Suburbia. But there’s plenty to learn about making an investment in these areas. Lifestyle presenter Walt Collins knows all about that – his show New Neighbourhoods discusses showing us what display home trends are set to explode, how buyers can maximise their purchasing power, and what it really takes to build a community from the ground up.

Walt Collins—acclaimed TV host, producer, and DIY enthusiast. Known for co-hosting Healthy Homes Australia (10+ seasons), Buy to Build, and Country House Facelift.

New Neighbourhoods (9Life)

Country Home Renovations (Country House Facelift)

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Australians are passionate coffee drinkers, knocking back about two billion cups every year – but less than one per cent of all the coffee we consume is actually grown in Australia. But that could be about to change thanks to a new 5-year, $4 million national research investment. Rebecca Zentveld is the President of the Australian Grown Coffee Association and founder of Zentveld’s Coffee Farm in the hills behind Byron Bay. She joins us now.

Rebecca Zentveld is a pioneer of the Australian coffee industry. She established Zentveld’s Coffee Plantation and Roastery in Newrybar (behind Byron Bay) in 1993 and serves as President of the Australian Grown Coffee Association (AGCA). She was the first person in NSW to grow and roast their own coffee.

Launch of the Australian Coffee Research Program—a $4 million, five-year national research initiative led by AgriFutures Australia (Federal Government’s Agricultural Research Body), Southern Cross University, Plant Health Australia, University of Queensland, and the AGCA. It is the largest coordinated R&D investment in Australian coffee history.

Australia currently has around 40 commercial coffee growers farming ~400 hectares, producing roughly 800 tonnes of green coffee beans annually. This is very small. Australian grown beans make up about 1 per cent, if that, of Australia’s total coffee consumption.

Primary commercial hubs are the tropical Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, as well as subtropical regions in south-east Queensland and northern NSW (like the Northern Rivers).

Australia is one of the only coffee-growing regions in the world free of major exotic Arabica pests and diseases (meaning growers can produce near-pesticide-free, high-quality coffee).

Core Program Goals:

This new $4 million research investment brings together universities, biosecurity experts, and growers. From a grower’s perspective, what are the most urgent challenges on the farm that this research will help solve?

You became a coffee roaster in Melbourne before returning to NSW. For those who haven’t tried Australian-grown coffee, how does the flavour profile compare to beans from South America or East Africa? What does our cool subtropical or tropical climate bring out in the bean?

Global coffee supplies are under huge strain from climate change, pests, and disease in traditional growing countries. How important is our clean, pest-free biosecurity status here in Australia, and what risks is this research trying to safeguard us against?

Harvesting coffee overseas often relies on low-cost manual labour, whereas Australian farms rely heavily on smart mechanical harvesting and technology. How can research help smaller Australian farms scale up efficiently to compete on price and availability?

We’ve seen huge consumer shifts toward buying local produce, wine, and craft beer. Are you finding that local cafes and roasters are getting eager to feature 100% Australian-grown coffee on their menus?

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They say all politics is local, and our next guest knows that all too well. The City of Port Phillip has parks to invest in, libraries and community facilities to run and services to provide ratepayers, but has found itself also chiming in recently on the Royal Commission into anti-semitism and the construction of AI Data Centres. Mayor Alex Makin joins us to what he’s been up to this month.

Cr Alex Makin, elected Councillor for Montague Ward in November 2024 and chosen by his council colleagues as Mayor of Port Phillip for the 2025/2026 term. Prior to moving to Port Melbourne in 2013, he served as a councillor and independent mayor at Maroondah City Council.

Senate AI and Data Centres Inquiry: The City of Port Phillip made 20 recommendations to the Senate Inquiry last month, stating that fast-tracked planning pathways are locking local councils and residents out of having a say. Among their recommendations were:

Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion

Closure of Coventry Childcare Centre

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Joining us in the studio now is a voice you know well here on JOY 94.9: David Hunt, long-time presenter and producer of JOY’s Sunday Arts Magazine! Today marks what would have been the 80th birthday of a true global icon, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. David is here to reflect on Freddie’s enduring legacy, his place in queer culture, and how his extraordinary artistry continues to resonate across generations. Welcome, David!

David Hunt hosts Sunday Arts Magazine on JOY 94.9 (airing Sundays 12:00–1:00 PM). He is deeply embedded in Melbourne’s arts scene, with a background covering visual art, theatre, and music history.

Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5, 1946) would be celebrating his 80th birthday on September 5, 2026.

The Intersection of Opera & Rock: Mercury’s theatricality, multi-octave vocal range, and passion for classical arts. How Freddie navigated his identity as a bisexual man of Parsi heritage in the 1970s and 80s—existing at the absolute peak of mainstream stardom while maintaining a complex relationship with public openness. AIDS Legacy & Advocacy: His passing in November 1991, the impact on global HIV/AIDS awareness, and the establishment of the Mercury Phoenix Trust. Arts Connection: How his stagecraft borrowed heavily from ballet, theatre, and fine arts, bridging high art and arena rock.

The post Sat, 5th, Sept, 2026: The Life and Legacy of Freddie Mercury with David Hunt, Sunday Arts appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Joining us on Saturday Magazine now is Ged Kearney, the Federal Member for Cooper, Assistant Minister for Social Services, and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence. Ged and Special Envoy for Men’s Health, Dan Repacholi, have recently launched the National Healthy Men Community Conversations initiative—a nationwide tour meeting with boys, young men, and community groups to discuss health, mental wellbeing, positive masculinity, and respectful relationships. Ged joins us to talk about how engaging blokes early can break cycles of violence and help build healthier communities. Welcome back to JOY, Ged!

Ged Kearney MP—Federal Member for Cooper (inner north Melbourne). Former nurse, former ACTU President, now Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence.

The Campaign / Initiative:

National Healthy Men Community Conversations: A national listening tour launched alongside Special Envoy Dan Repacholi.

Core Objectives: Connecting men with local health/mental health support, fostering open discussions on healthy expressions of masculinity, promoting respectful relationships, and tackling toxic online influences or harmful cultural norms.

Recent Engagements: Listening sessions in Sydney with ACON (focusing on LGBTQIA+ inclusive masculinity workshop Joining us on Saturday Magazine now is Ged Kearney, the Federal Member for Cooper, Assistant Minister for Social Services, and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence. Ged and Special Envoy for Men’s Health, Dan Repacholi, have recently launched the National Healthy Men Community Conversations initiative—a nationwide tour meeting with boys, young men, and community groups to discuss health, mental wellbeing, positive masculinity, and respectful relationships. Ged joins us to talk about how engaging blokes early can break cycles of violence and help build healthier communities. Welcome back to JOY, Ged!

The post Sat, 5th, Sept, 2026: Ged Kearney Assist. Min. for Social Services & Prevention of Family Violence appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Joining us on Saturday Magazine now is Dr Emma Shortis, Director of International and Security Affairs at the Australia Institute and author of After America. This week marks the 75th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty, but instead of critical reflection on our security ties, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles was in Washington meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. With the US confirming plans to accelerate its military footprint on Australian soil, Emma is here to discuss what this means for Australian sovereignty and whether our foreign policy needs an urgent overhaul. Welcome back to JOY, Emma!

75th Anniversary of ANZUS: Marking three-quarters of a century of the alliance.

Marles in Washington: Deputy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, resulting in headlines that the US will “accelerate military presence in Australia”.

Uncritical Alliance Alignment: Shortis argues the Australian government refuses to interrogate the actions or internal politics of the US administration, opting instead for automatic compliance under the banner of being “good friends”.

Controversies Surrounding Pete Hegseth: Points to US military actions in the Pacific/Caribbean, as well as sweeping ideological purges within the US military oversight under Hegseth’s tenure.

Divergence in Values: Highlighting the disconnect between Australia’s rhetoric on the “international rules-based order” and the actions of top US defense leadership.

Alternative Foreign Policy: Recommends a pivot toward sovereign, independent foreign policy, pointing to new work by her colleague Allan Behm (New Game, New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times).

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In the face of ongoing cost-of-living pressure, housing affordability hurdles, and new debates within the government over housing and migration policies, our next guest is the man with the Coalition’s vision to change things. Tim Wilson is the Shadow Treasurer of Australia and the Federal Member for Goldstein. Welcome back to Joy, Tim.

Tim Wilson MP, Shadow Treasurer and Federal Member for Goldstein (Victoria).

Human Rights Commissioner (2014–2016): Focused on free speech, economic freedom, and equality.

Parliamentary Record: Elected as MP for Goldstein in 2016, served as Assistant Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction (2021–2022), lost the seat to independent Zoe Daniel in 2022, and staged an historic comeback to win the seat back in 2025.

Current Portfolio: Appointed Shadow Treasurer in early 2026.

Key Economic & Policy Focus Areas:

Housing & Home Ownership: Long-time advocate for getting young Australians into home ownership, including allowing first-home buyers to access their superannuation for home deposits (a central theme of his book, The New Social Contract). Opposes changes that restrict housing supply or disincentivize housing investment.

Taxation & Cost of Living: Focuses on tax relief, government spending restraint, and energy affordability to tackle inflation.

Social & Community Values: Prominent advocate for marriage equality as one of the key Liberal MPs who championed the legislation in 2017.

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Macca and Paul are in the hosting sits this week, as they discuss the week that was, news, views, and reviews.

Macca also regales us with some anecdotes from his recent trip to Taiwan.

The post Sat, 5th, Sept, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Paul. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Discussing the life, legacy, and cultural impact of Dolly Parton, following her passing. Mike and his wife/collaborator, Fiona Harris, adapted the hit Dolly Parton musical comedy Here You Come Again for its Australian season last year.

This week, the world lost a true global icon, a master storyteller, and one of the most beloved figures in music history: Dolly Parton. While she was famous for her signature sparkle and country hits, her influence reached far beyond the stage—touching millions with her wit, generosity, and message of radical acceptance.

Joining us on Saturday Magazine to reflect on her life and legacy is actor, writer, and musician Mike McLeish—who, along with his wife Fiona Harris, adapted the hit Dolly Parton musical comedy Here You Come Again for Australian audiences. Welcome to JOY, Mike.

Here You Come Again: The musical centres on a struggling fan whose fantasy version of Dolly helps him navigate life’s toughest moments. How Mike and Fiona grounded Dolly’s distinctly Southern Appalachian wit for Australian audiences.

The post Sat, 29th, August, 2026: Tribute to Dolly Parton: “Here You Come Again”; Mike McLeish (Actor, Writer, Musician, Songwriter) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Last month, thousands of researchers, advocates, and community leaders gathered in South America for AIDS 2026—the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro – tackling everything from long-acting treatments to the fight against health inequality. Joining us on Saturday Magazine is Richard Keane, CEO of Living Positive Victoria, who can tell us what the latest news means for our community to ensure no one is left behind.

Record Single-Year Decline: Global donor government funding for HIV dropped by 25% in 2025—the largest single-year plunge since international funding scale-up began in 2002.

Driven by the US: The massive shortfall was driven entirely by steep declines, funding delays, and project cancellations in US international health support.

The Funding Emergency: Global rollbacks—driven heavily by the US administration’s severe cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID, along with reduced contributions from European nations—have resulted in over 1,700 clinic closures, thousands of health worker job losses, and up to a 64% drop in PrEP initiations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Breakthrough Science: Major developments presented included twice-yearly injectable PrEP (Lenacapavir), once-weekly oral treatment combinations (ISLEND-1 & 2 trials), a potential $15/year monthly preventive oral drug (alimatravir), and two new cases of long-term HIV remission.

Shift toward government-to-government aid models and the exclusion of “key populations” (gay men, trans people, sex workers) in funding guidelines are emboldening anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and pushing vulnerable communities out of decision-making.

In 2025, there were 1.2 million new HIV acquisitions and 570,000 AIDS-related deaths worldwide, with new acquisitions climbing in Brazil, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Madagascar, while Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe are making progress toward 2030 targets.

Low- and middle-income countries stepped up, increasing domestic HIV spending by 4% in 2025 (accounting for nearly 60% of total global HIV funding). Over 55 countries committed to further increases in 2026. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima warned that “the era of relying on international aid is over,” calling for urgent global debt restructuring so developing nations can fund their own health infrastructure.

The post Sat, 29th, August, 2026: Richard Keane, CEO of Living Positive Victoria; HIV/AIDS and Global Health Update appeared first on Saturday Magazine.