In this episode of the Meryl Swanson Show, host Meryl Swanson is joined by the inspirational Ron Land, President of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, about the dire situation facing koalas in Australia. With numbers plummeting from 8,000 to between 250 and 400 in the Port Stephens area, Ron shares his journey from a tough unionist to a passionate advocate for koalas. The conversation covers the challenges of habitat destruction, the innovative care provided at the hospital, and the importance of community support in conservation efforts. Ron dives into why continued funding is so important and awareness is crucial to save this iconic species from extinction.

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In this episode of the Meryl Swanson Show, host Meryl Swanson engages with Robin Williams, the district president of the Northern Mining and New South Wales Energy District Mining and Energy Union. They discuss the importance of union membership, the recent legislative changes regarding 'same job, same pay', and the impact these changes have on workers in the coal mining industry. Robin shares his personal journey in the coal industry and emphasises the benefits of being part of a union, particularly in negotiating fair wages and working conditions. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges and successes within the union movement, as well as the future outlook for union membership. Meryl and Robin talk about how the Unions have evolved to help you and why it’s still worth joining a union wherever you can to protect yourself and reap the benefits.

Get in touch with Meryl Swanson today [email protected] or visit https://www.merylswanson.com.au

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Why should you have two factor authentication? What can you do to minimise your risk of being hacked or a victim of fraud online?

Meryl Swanson speaks with Dr Andrew Charlton, the Special Envoy for Cyber Security and Digital Resilience about the importance of cybersecurity in today's digital age. They discuss common cybersecurity threats, the role of the government in protecting citizens, and practical steps individuals and businesses can take to enhance their online security.

They also dive into the rising issue of identity theft and the government's initiatives to combat it, including the introduction of a new identification system to help safeguard personal information.

Get in touch with Meryl Swanson today [email protected] or visit https://www.merylswanson.com.au

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Here, Meryl Swanson interviews renowned sculptor Tanya Bartlett. They discuss the history of sculpture, Tanya's creative journey from childhood to becoming a professional sculptor, and her breakthrough moment in London.

Tanya shares her experiences of collaboration and growth in the art world, emphasising the importance of finding one's own artistic voice. In this conversation, Tanya Bartlett shares her journey to becoming a sculptor, detailing her experiences in England, her return to Australia, and her first major commission for the Les Darcy sculpture. She discusses the technical aspects of sculpting, the importance of mentorship, and her aspirations for future projects. Tanya reflects on the challenges and joys of her artistic journey, the significance of creativity within her life and the passion in her work.

Get in touch with Meryl Swanson today [email protected] or visit https://www.merylswanson.com.au

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Here Meryl chats to Anika Wells, the Minister for Aged Care and Sport, to discuss the pressing issues surrounding aged care in Australia. They explore the challenges of workforce shortages, the significant pay reforms for aged care workers, and the ongoing reforms following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Personal stories highlight the human aspect of aged care, while discussions on simplifying access to services and ensuring quality of life for residents are also explored. They also touch on importance of hearing the truth around the state of aged care and improving the lives of those in care through more support, better nutrition and more compassion.

Get in touch with Meryl Swanson today [email protected] or visit https://www.merylswanson.com.au

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In this episode of the Meryl Swanson Show, Dr. Sarah Bayley shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a mission hospital in Africa to becoming a dedicated GP in Raymond Terrace. The conversation delves into the importance of preventive health, the challenges faced in general practice today, and the critical need for awareness around women's health issues, particularly ovarian cancer. Dr. Bayley discusses her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, the transformative power of vaccinations, and the urgent need to attract more young doctors to general practice. The episode concludes with a call to action for better healthcare access and the importance of community support.

Get in touch with Meryl Swanson today [email protected] or visit https://www.merylswanson.com.au

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Milton Dick joins Meryl for her first podcast. They recount the time they met in the line for coffee when Meryl ended up shouting Milton and he put his foot in it somewhat! They later become great friends and did a lot of incredible work together. As well as being the Member for Oxley (QLD) Milton is also the Speaker of the House. He takes us through his journey so far, his commitment to serving his constituents and the challenge and the privilege that goes with being Speaker of the House. 

The Meryl Swanson Show takes you behind the scenes to chat about how Parliament House works and how decisions are made. Join Meryl as she cuts through all the noise, giving everyday answers to the big issues – covering matters of health and aged care, defence, infrastructure, cyber security, and the environment.

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Welcome to the Meryl Swanson Show. 

Since 2016, Meryl Swanson has dedicated her life to representing the Paterson electorate in Canberra. The Meryl Swanson Show takes you behind the scenes to chat about how Parliament House works and how decisions are made.

Join Meryl as she cuts through all the noise, giving everyday answers to the big issues – covering matters of health and aged care, defence, infrastructure, cyber security, and the environment.

Contact Meryl www.merylswanson.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.