Stars and Stories

Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.

And more from the archives

In this episode, Molly has a yarn with Laurrie Mansfield, Producer and mentor at the upcoming First Nations Impact Lab, to explore the transformative potential of documentary storytelling and community-driven campaigns.

Set to take place from Tuesday, 29th October to Friday, 1st November 2024, on Wodi Wodi Country in the stunning Kangaroo Valley, the lab will be led by Worimi woman Genevieve Grieves and Darumbal/Bundjalung producer Laurrie Mansfield.

This National Science Week, join Mark as he chats with Gomeroi woman and Astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli. As an award-winning author of Astronomy: Sky Country, Krystal explores the rich astronomical traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, linking the stars to the land.

This episode features Meredith Arkwookerum, a remarkable artist from the Pormpuraaw Arts and Cultural Centre Inc., who shares the story behind her stunning acrylic painting, 'Young Weaver.'

Weaving, a cultural skill passed down through generations, is beautifully depicted in this artwork. Meredith describes the strong and talented cultural weaver featured in the painting, showcasing her with two dilly bags and a skirt crafted from cabbage palm.

Join Molly as she chats with Zami Coleman, the organiser of the 2024 NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Kuranda Amphitheatre.

The event, blessed with beautiful weather, featured electrifying performances by Normey-Jay, Koahlition, Merindi Schrieber, The Night Shift, and the Pad Boys.

Attendees enjoyed delicious food, traditional dance groups, and the hilarious MC Sean Choolburra.

In this episode, MJ catches up with Ben Ferris, better known as Ferris Gump, who is on a mission to become the first person to run across Australia solo without a support vehicle.

Inspired by the iconic character Forrest Gump, Ben has not only embraced the famous beard but also crafted his own custom running socks from car tubes!

In this episode, Molly chats with Di Delaney about the upcoming Irvinebank Festival and the Festival of Small Halls, set to take place on Saturday, 6th July.

The heart of the festival is the historic School of Arts Hall, a heritage gem over 100 years old, standing as a testament to the rich history of Irvinebank. Tune in to hear about the exciting lineup, including performances from the Wild River Fiddlers, Quote The Raven, and Hailey Calvert. Get ready to celebrate community, music, and history in this vibrant small-town festival!

In this enlightening episode, MJ sits down with our resident Pharmacist and Master Herbalist, Gerald Quigley, to delve into the truth about multivitamins. Are they really beneficial for our health, or just a marketing myth?

Gerald breaks down the science behind multivitamins and shares practical tips on how to test their effectiveness for yourself. Join us for a fact-filled discussion that will help you make informed decisions about your health and wellness.

In this episode, Molly spoke with the talented Melanie Hava, a local artist featured at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 2024.

Melanie's unique heritage, with a father from Enns, the oldest city in Austria, and a mother who is a Mamu Aboriginal woman from the Johnstone River catchment area, deeply influences her work.

Listen in as we explore how the vibrant reef and rainforest landscapes of Far North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef inspire Melanie's stunning creations. We talk about art, culture, and the powerful act of sitting and listening to Country.

Dr. Manuela (Manny) Fischer, from Western Cape Turtle Threat Abatement Alliance, recorded a special interview with MJ and Molly to celebrate World Turtle Day. She shares her love for turtles and her passion for learning from the knowledge of the Indigenous Rangers that she works with on country.

The Turtle Threat Abatement Alliance has managed to improve the populations of Flatback and Olive Ridley Turtles, and Manny shares some practical tips for looking after our turtle friends next time we visit the beach.

Nathalie Roberts is a Cooktown local. She is married to David Roberts who grew up in Cooktown. They have 3 small children under 6 years of age.

Late last year Nathalie was diagnosed with Stage 4 very aggressive and incurable breast cancer. She has been on aggressive treatment since this time, making her very unwell.

Molly speaks with Deborah (Deb) Belyea, the acclaimed artist of the 2024 NAIDOC Week Poster. The National NAIDOC Committee has honored Deb for her stunning design that embodies the theme "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud."

Deb, a proud member of the Samuawgadhalgal (Cassowary Clan) with ancestral ties to the Western Torres Strait islands of Saibai, Dauan, and the Bamaga-Saibai community of Cape York, shares her journey and inspirations. Currently residing on Juru lands in Bowen, North Queensland, Deb is not only a practicing artist but also an educator and curriculum writer, deeply committed to her cultural heritage and artistic expression.

The Yarrabah Women’s Gathering, is happening at Yarrabah Community Hall this Wednesday the 15th of May.

This is a special event just for the women of Yarrabah. With this year’s theme, Living Without Fear.

The day features Olympian ‘in two sports’ and former Senator Nova Peris as guest speaker.

Black Star Radio’s Molly Hill catches up with two of the organisers, Donna and Tamar to yarn about the day.

Tackling Toads: MJ sits down with Jamie Love from Lockhart River Shire Council to discuss a creative solution to the cane toad problem - a toad-busting bounty!

With kids enthusiastically joining the effort, earning $1.50 per toad, it's not just about pest control, but also about fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship. Tune in to hear how this initiative is making a difference.

Join MJ as he talks with Andrew Laskary from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute about their recent trip to Thursday Island, Bamaga, Cape York, and Cairns.

Andrew shares the highlights of their Regional Education Program, designed in partnership with the Department of Education to bring science education to kids in regional Queensland.

Tune in for the adventures, challenges, and inspiring moments from their journey empowering young minds with scientific curiosity.

Exploring Depression & Antidepressants: MJ chats with Gerald Quigley, Pharmacist, Master Herbalist, and Black Star's wellness guru.
Gerald's joint qualifications give him a unique holistic view of health and he was become well known for his practical advice for both men and women across a variety of health topics.
Remember, for personalised guidance, always consult your Doctor or Pharmacist.

Welcome to today's podcast episode, where we shed light on the importance of Vitamin D with the insightful Gerald Quigley. Did you know that a staggering 17% of Queenslanders are deficient in this vital nutrient?



Join us as Gerald shares invaluable tips on how to boost your Vitamin D levels, not only through sun exposure but also from other crucial sources. Discover how Vitamin D impacts sleep, mood, bone density, brain health, and so much more.

Welcome to "Reef on the Radio," where we dive deep into the wonders and challenges facing the Great Barrier Reef.

MJ had the privledge of speaking with Dr. Roger Beeden, Chief Scientist at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

MJ welcomes Harley Mann, Artistic Director of THE DRY, a forthcoming show at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

Produced by Circa Cairns, this contemporary circus ensemble showcases THE DRY as the second installment in a series of captivating encounters between the body and Country. Drawing inspiration from regional Queensland's sun-soaked landscape, THE DRY embodies the raw spirit of the parched land and its vibrant people.

MJ talks to Dr Allison Hempenstall and Nancy Lui-Gamia about how to protect yourself from common respiratory conditions that can arise with the annual cold and flu season.

Black Star welcomes your new voices of Lockhart River -

Tune into 107.7 FM locally for great music and the latest news and announcements direct from Greg Pascoe, Krystal Dean, and Simon Butcher.

Bob Pacey, the celebrated bush poet, captivates
audiences with his stirring performances and sharp wit. As the reigning Queensland EKKA Virtual Bush Poetry Champion, Bob evokes laughter and tears with his poetry about outback life.

The community of Wujal Wujal was one of those devastated by the intense rain and flooding that followed after Cyclone Jasper crossed the Far North Queensland coast on the evening of the 13th of December 2023.

The entire community had to be evacuated by ADF helicopters because of the extensive damage to the community.

Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan yarns with Aunty Kathleen Walker, a respected Wujal Wujal elder about the night of the flooding and the evacuation of the community.

The Laura Campdraft and Rodeo is part of an action-packed weekend with something for all the family to enjoy. Ringers and stockmen compete with rodeo riders who travel great distances for a chance to take home some amazing prizes and trophies.

Conquer the Corrugations Mental Health Awareness Walk raises awareness of the ‘corrugations’ in life, support and remember those affected, and to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health. A not-for-profit event where the goal is to raise awareness and encourage people to come together as a community and to support one another.

GANGgajang yarns about his music history and working in the industry.
Keep an eye out for them at 'Savannah in the Round' 2023.

Gerald Quigley Talks to MJ about Aspirin Alert.
Quigley is a community Pharmacist, Master Herbalist, Media Health Commentor and Author.
He shares his concerns about the Low dose Aspirin, which maybe causing low iron deficiency also known as Anemia which is a problem of not having enough healthy red blood cells.

Katrina Fanning was a member of Australia’s inaugural Jillaroos
rugby league team, making 26 appearances over a 14-year career. Among many other achievements, she was manager of the Indigenous Women's All Stars team,Chairperson of the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council, and currently
sits on the Board of the Canberra Raiders.

Since 1976, Normanton Rodeo has been hosting an event on the Queen's Birthday Weekend in June. The event continues to grow each year, and celebrates its 47th Annual event in 2023. From humble beginnings, Normanton Rodeo now boasts 4 action packed days including Rodeo, Campdrafting, Gymkhana, Sprint Racing, Street Parade, QCWA Show and Live Entertainment each night.

​Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan talks with Emmy Gallagher, the Secretary of the Normanton Rodeo Association about this year’s event.

MJ yarns with Samantha Martin the Bush Tukka Woman about her nomination of Businesswomen of the Year in the Indigenous Businesswoman of the year Category.

Samm Martin catches up with India Collins - Exhibition Manager for CIAF at the CIAF Program Launch

Almost half (45%) Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, and one in five Australians aged 16 and up experience a mental illness in any year. It is much more difficult for people in remote and regional areas to access treatment, information, and learn of the available services. Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan speaks to Sigal Ramon from the South Cape York Catchments, who is the organiser about the Heart-Mind Wellness Big Day Out The Heart-Mind Wellness Big Day Out, Cape York, has been developed to connect people and communities in the region with the many mental health, well-being and other services, such as social and sporting groups, in a fun, positive and entertaining day. This FREE event will involve an indoor expo-styled day, which includes information booths, wellbeing workshops, art and gardening activity stations, good food, live music and much more. This event was made possible by the Australia Post community grant, and with local organizations and businesses’ contributions.

Returning in 2023, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair's Fashion Performance will once again showcase the ingenious designs and styles of some of Queensland's most talented Indigenous designers. The annual Fashion Performance also features unique choreography and storytelling and provides a platform for Indigenous models to gain industry-standard experience. Black Star Radio’s Samantha Martin talks with Francoise Lane, the new Artistic Director for CIAF about her role and also putting out the call for First Nation models, both Aboriginal and Torres Strait for the CIAF Fashion Shows.

The Laura Quinkan Indigenous Dance Festival is a 3 day festival, celebrating culture and history. Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan talks with Fiona John, the Festival Director about the preparations for this year’s festival. Dance groups from communities across the Cape and the Torres Strait will gather outside of Laura to showcase their stories through dance, sharing history and uniting as one. The dance festival grounds occupy the site of a very old, traditional Bora ground. It’s a respected and sacred site. Here, people from different communities located across the Cape York Peninsula are welcomed to come together to celebrate with music, dance, singing and cultural performances.

It is also a major drawcard for visitors from across Australia and overseas who attend and camp over the 3 day’s of the Festival. https://lauraquinkanfestival.com.au/

Chats to country music star Gina Jeffreys. Gina and her good friend Tania Kernaghan are appearing live on stage at the Savannah in the Round music festival in Mareeba with their Girls Night Out tour. Ginna Jeffreys and Tania Kernaghan between them have multiple Platinum records, Golden Guitar Awards and a swag of number hit songs between them. 

Serious talk by Sen. Sgt. Warren Flegg, who is the Officer in Charge of the Weipa Police Station about road safety through the school holidays, tips for safe driving on the Cape, especially with the rising road toll on the Cape. Crashes create huge ripple effects across small communities, not only does it affect first responders, who in most instances know the person or people involved, it affects the injured or deceased person’s family, friends, and work colleagues

Talks with ICAN Director Daphne Naden about the ACBF/Youpla Funeral Benefits Program. The Program is an important interim step along the road to provide financial assistance for funerals and Sorry Business to families left without funeral insurance due to the collapse of Youpla (formerly known as the Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund).

Black Star Radio’s Mark Hogan talks to Professor Liz Reymond about at home Palliative Care. Professor Liz Reymond is a Specialist Palliative Care Doctor and the Project Director for the caring@home Palliative Care Clinic Box. Palliative care is about easing suffering and improving quality of life for people with serious, complex, and often terminal illnesses.