Author: Columnist on Bardon News

Spring was in the air on this week’s program, and Macca’s callers brought with them a lively mix of stories: from kites on Brazilian beaches and four women pedalling a quad bike across the Nullarbor, to Nashville songwriters, disappearing bees, and classic cars in suits. Add in students bound for Kokoda, a squeeze box festival in Queensland, and a surprise call from guitar legend Hank Marvin, and it made for a show as varied as Australia itself.

Danny from Melbourne – Health and Kite Adventures

Danny began with an update on his health, relieved to be clear after prostate cancer surgery but now facing a long wait for a hip replacement. He admitted staying active was difficult, but insisted, “You’ve just got to keep moving. You can’t sit still.” Danny also recalled his days in Brazil flying stunt kites, including a massive 3.8-metre prototype that pulled him barefoot along the sand. Trying the same at Anglesea ended badly: “I came crashing down on the rocks and got cut to pieces. Never again.”

Ride for Life – Quad Tandem Across Australia

Anna from the Gold Coast called from Port Augusta, midway through a national ride on a four-woman “quad tandem” bike. “We’ve had caravanners stopping to take photos, people making donations on the side of the road,” she said. Even a busload of grandmothers gave them fresh scones. The group is raising funds for Gotcha4Life’s suicide prevention programs, aiming for \$500,000 by the time they reach Bondi Beach on 10 October.

Angus Gill – Music, Nashville, and Alzheimer’s Awareness

Angus Gill checked in from Nashville, where he has been collaborating with Marty Stuart and James Burton. His new record Postcards is due out in October, alongside his first novella, Departure and Arrival, inspired by his grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s. “I used to play cards with my nan every night,” he said, “and that’s where the song In the Cards came from.” Gill described Nashville as a city where “there’s live music on every corner,” saying it has sharpened his songwriting and performance.

Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive – Classic Cars for Movember

Organisers Mark Hawwa and Corey Brown explained how the Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive swaps motorbikes for classic cars. Hawwa said, “We started this to break stereotypes — people think bikers are hairy blokes in leather. We put them in suits.” The event has since grown into a global fundraiser, raising over \$100 million for Movember’s men’s health initiatives. Sydney and Brisbane are among hundreds of cities worldwide hosting drivers next Sunday.

All Over News – Bank Closures Across Australia

Journalist Dale Webster discussed the latest wave of Bendigo Bank branch and agency closures, calling it “the biggest mass closure I’ve seen in 10 years.” Despite a government moratorium, dozens of towns are losing their only service. Webster argued the solution is to “re-establish a people’s bank, like the old Commonwealth Bank,” noting that a Senate inquiry recommended it over a year ago.

All Over News – Where Are the Bees?

Veteran apiarist Keith Steele gave a sobering report on Varroa mites. “Backyard hives are down 50 per cent,” he said, with many hobbyists giving up because of the cost of constant treatments. Commercial operators, he added, are paying tens of thousands just to keep their bees alive. Steele warned bluntly: “Without bees, we don’t eat.”

Michael Gallus – From London to Nottingham

Michael Gallus called from London while celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary. He planned to watch Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest, only to discover his great-great-grandfather was born there. “I’ve even found some living relatives,” he said with amusement. Gallus also described London as “Disneyland for adults” and laughed about trying Britain’s so-called “warm beer”: “It’s not warm at all — just not as cold as ours.”

Seasonal Dates and Listener Letters

Rob from Maidenhead explained the difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons, using solstices and equinoxes to show why dates vary. Another letter came from Oliver DiMarscio in Italy, who reflected on 25 years abroad. He praised Australia’s “mateship and optimism” compared with Europe’s social tensions, adding that listening to Macca gave him a sense of home.

Outdoor Learning – Students on the Kokoda Track

Jason from Guildford Grammar in Perth called before leading 18 students on the Kokoda Track. “Brigadier Potts was a student here,” he said, noting that Potts’ great-granddaughter was joining the trek. Jason described it as “an exercise in grit and resilience” that teaches lessons far beyond the classroom.

McLaggan Squeeze Box Festival

Cheryl from McLaggan promoted the town’s annual Squeeze Box Festival on 11 October. Now in its 22nd year, the event features button accordions and ends with an old-time dance. Despite its small-town setting, it attracts musicians and visitors from across the country.

Skunk Works Community Youth Band Festival

Philippa phoned from a bus heading to Sydney with 45 young musicians from Victoria. The group, aged 13 to 25, will rehearse with professionals from leading orchestras before performing at the Kogarah School of Arts. Philippa said the day was about “showing young people they belong in music.”

Native Bees and a Reset for Honey Production

Sam from near Taree offered a different perspective. With European bees in decline, he said, “Our native bees are thriving. They’re filling the gap.” Some commercial beekeepers, he added, were reporting higher honey yields as competition for nectar eased. While native bees can’t replace Europeans for all crops, Sam described the shift as a “reset” that could help biodiversity.

Leadlight Windows – An Artist’s Eye

Macca replayed an interview with stained-glass artist Keith Little. He recalled that architects often delayed installing his windows until after dedications “so they wouldn’t overshadow the building.” To critique his own work, Little said, “I put it up against a mirror — when you see it backwards, you spot the faults.”

Letters – Rising Power Bills and Remembering Charlie Townsend

One letter described a \$1,346 winter electricity bill, highlighting the struggles of pensioners. Another came from Janine, remembering her father Charlie Townsend, a baker turned cattle station owner in Wilcannia. A replay of his earlier interview revealed his deep love of breadmaking and community life.

Hank Marvin – Gypsy Jazz on Tour

The show closed with a surprise call from guitar legend Hank Marvin. Now touring with his gypsy jazz quartet, he praised accordionist Nunzio Mondale and spoke about the joy of Django Reinhardt-inspired jazz. “It’s challenging, but so rewarding,” Marvin said. He will perform at Chatswood’s Concourse before heading to Brisbane’s Oz Manouche Festival.

Listen to the podcast episode here.

Disclaimer: Brisbane Suburbs Online News has no affiliation with Ian McNamara or the “Australia All Over Show.” This weekly review is an attempt to share the wonderful stories that Ian broadcasts each week and add value to what is a smorgasbord of great insights. 

From gold mines in Kalgoorlie to abalone diving off Tasmania, from CrossFit competitions in Williamstown to the mystery of Ludwig Leichhardt in the Channel Country, Macca’s Sept 14 program stitched together a lively tapestry of voices and stories. There were tales of sheep pregnancy scanners, music at the Bridge to Brisbane, a looming protest in Bendigo, and even a caller awaiting the birth of her baby in Melbourne. Add in reflections from Santa Cruz and Rabaul, and it was a program that captured the breadth of life at home and abroad.

Russell in Kalgoorlie – First-time Listener Call

Russell Lawrence phoned from Kalgoorlie, speaking from the top of a gold mine pit. He explained how listening to Macca had become a regular Sunday habit but admitted this was his very first time calling. Though he didn’t stay on long, he wanted to let the show know how much it meant during his quiet shifts. “Thanks for the show,” he said warmly. “It makes my Sunday mornings.”

Clarky in Camvilligo – Broken Phone Box

Clarky called from Mount Poppy gold mine near Camvilligo, east of Cobar. He reported that the Telstra phone box wouldn’t accept cash, leaving him reliant on his mobile instead. “I’m reporting a Telstra fault,” he said with a laugh, adding that he was “digging dirt chasing gold.” Macca joked that Telstra would be out there “before you can turn around.”

Chris – An Accent and a Love of Australia

Chris rang in to reflect on his life in Australia, recalling how he stood out when he first arrived. “I qualified in my class because I was the only one with a barbecue and an interest in things Australian,” he joked. He said that about 12 per cent of his country’s population now live in Australia — roughly 650,000 people — and all share a deep love for the country. “We love you guys… we think you’ve got a great country. It’s a lucky country. We hope your luck doesn’t run out.”

Evel Knievel Memories

The conversation shifted briefly to stuntman Evel Knievel, remembered for his dramatic visits to Australia. Listeners recalled how difficult he could be, but one wryly suggested his brother “Good Evil” would have been a much better guest — “a really nice boy.”

Pete in Watheroo – WA Crops Looking Strong

Pete rang from Watheroo, WA, where he pulled over to admire the fields around him. “I’ve just had the pleasure of looking at some of the wheat fields and canola crops, which is absolutely outstanding this year,” he said. He described the canola as “as high as an elephant’s eye” and said conditions were the best he’d seen in years.

Quote of the Week – Brendan Nelson

Macca shared his quote of the week, taken from Brendan Nelson: “The most important things in life, in my experience, have always been funded by cake stalls and raffles.” Macca reflected that volunteers really are the glue of communities. “Exactly, exactly,” he said, “true a thing, isn’t it? Volunteers… they run cake stalls and raffles and chook raffles.”

Stuart in Rochedale – Raffles Keep Things Running

Stuart from Rochedale responded to the quote, adding with a chuckle that government certainly doesn’t keep things afloat. “Well, certainly not the government,” he said.

Dave at Twin Cuttle Station – Lake Cadibarrawirracanna

Dave from Twin Cuttle Station near Coober Pedy rang to talk about Lake Cadibarrawirracanna, a lake with the longest name in Australia. He explained that it’s dry most of the time, filling only after heavy rains. The name itself means “lake with a long name,” and it became infamous after vandals repeatedly stole the road sign. Locals eventually shortened it to “Lake Caddy,” which finally stopped the thefts.

Malcolm Wood – Music, Unions and AI

Musician Malcolm Wood shared a story from Broken Hill in the 1990s, where musicians had to be union members to perform. “If you weren’t a paid member, no pay, no play,” he recalled. He contrasted that with today, where computers and AI often replace live music. “There’s just no play because nobody’s playing,” he lamented. He warned that machines have no “feeling” and can never replicate what musicians bring to their art. “Every new house should have a piano,” he added.

Alex the Sax Player – Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run

Alex, a saxophonist, was preparing to perform with his band at the Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run. “We’re playing 100 meters from the finish line… trumpet, sax, drums, a bit of singing, a bit of… I bought my tap shoes, a bit of tapping,” he said. Their goal was to keep runners motivated in the final stretch with lively music. Macca invited Alex to join a future jam in Brisbane with other local musicians.

Sue from Newcastle – Country Train to Armidale

Sue, a primary school principal from Newcastle, called after a train trip from Sydney to Armidale. She praised the relaxed pace, the opportunity to talk with fellow travellers, and the scenery of the New England Tablelands. “It’s a great trip,” she said, adding that the train splits at Werris Creek, one branch to Moree and the other to Armidale. Sue also used her call to highlight the dedication of rural teachers, calling them “the glue of the community.”

Bernie at Kidman Camp – The Mystery of Leichhardt

Bernie phoned from Kidman Camp in Bourke, en route to Eromanga with his daughter. He was armed with a metal detector and was keen to find traces of Ludwig Leichhardt, the explorer who disappeared in the 1840s. “We’re heading through to Eremanga and looking for Lycart… camps and some of the remains,” he explained. He admitted he hadn’t had much luck in past searches but hoped this time would be different. Along the way, he noted the abundance of feral goats in the region.

Ray – The Darling River Run

Ray called to describe his recent trip along the Darling River Run, travelling from Bourke to Menindee Lakes. He spoke of “rough, corrugated, potholed, boggy” roads that tested his vehicle, but also the lush green country around the Flinders Ranges. He noted that the river at Louth had risen eight inches in two days, a sign of healthy flows. He planned to cap his journey with a scenic flight over Lake Eyre and the Painted Desert.

Jono in Ballina – Health Battles and Rugby Joy

Jono, a regular caller from Ballina, gave a heartfelt update on his health. “I thought I was doomed. I thought I was going to leave the building,” he admitted, describing how close he had come to death. Six weeks on, he said he was learning to look for joy in every day. His son’s rugby season provided that joy, as the team won nearly every match, and his son was made a life member of the club.

Dr Zach Turner – A Doctor in Ballina

Dr Zach Turner joined from Cabarita Beach, ready to start work at Ballina Hospital. Originally from Toowoomba, he spoke about working across rural and remote areas and the burnout many health workers suffered during COVID. He urged people to think of mental health as exercise: “I kind of consider it to be brain gym… if you don’t use it, you lose it.”

Alastair Calder – Sheep Pregnancy Scanners Conference

Alastair from Ballarat spoke after attending a pregnancy scanners’ conference in Mildura. He explained that 40 scanners with a combined 417 years of experience had scanned 6.1 million sheep in a year. Identifying twins and triplets allows farmers to better manage animal welfare and boost farm efficiency. “It saves four to five dollars for every dollar spent,” he said. The group has since formed a network called Scanners United.

Rob from Tasmania – Diving for Abalone

Rob called from Cape Barren Island while diving for abalone. He described the icy waters, just 11 degrees, and the physical effort required to gather green lip abalone. He said the industry was struggling with competition from Chinese aquaculture. When asked about cooking, he gave his advice: “Just bash it pretty hard, and a bit of garlic butter in a hot frying pan is the way I like it best.”

Mark on the Highway – Reliable News Matters

Mark phoned from near Taree, praising the ABC’s roadside frequency signs that keep drivers connected to local radio. He voiced concern about the spread of fake news and deepfakes, mentioning viral hoaxes such as the “baby lifted by an eagle” video. “So much fake news is put on the internet these days,” he warned, adding that reliable sources are more important than ever.

All Over News – Jimmy the Kelpie

Listeners heard the story of Jimmy, a timid sheepdog who became a champion after observing another dog at work. “He was absolutely useless,” owner David Oakes said, “but then Jimmy got off his haunches, belted this other dog out of the way, and became a champion thereafter.” Breeder Jan Lowing from the Darling Downs explained that some pups are slow starters but Kelpies are highly adaptable, with some now fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auction.

Svane in Santa Cruz – Restoring a Boat

Svane called from Santa Cruz, California, where he is restoring a 40-year-old sailboat with plans to eventually sail back to Australia. Having lived in the US for 40 years but still tied to Ballina, he compared the two coasts. “Santa Cruz and Byron Bay have a lot in common. I think they should be sister cities,” he said. He also spoke of California’s reliance on migrant workers and the state’s high energy prices.

Ian on Bribie Island – Walking for Prostate Cancer

Ian phoned while walking along Pumicestone Passage as part of The Long Run. Diagnosed with prostate cancer a decade ago, he described himself as “probably the luckiest cancer sufferer in the world.” He has endured recurring tumours but remains active and positive. “Go and get yourself checked out young, and keep doing it,” he urged men.

Mark in Williamstown – CrossFit Competition

Mark from Williamstown was competing in the Masters HQ CrossFit national final. In his 50s, he said he was inspired by athletes in their 70s who were still competing. He explained CrossFit as “a high-intensity fitness program that combines a whole bunch of styles of exercise,” and embraced the event’s tagline: “Don’t be old, be epic.”

Kevin Butler – BlazeAid Protest in Bendigo

Kevin Butler, head of BlazeAid, phoned in ahead of a planned protest rally in Bendigo. He criticised a Victorian levy that taxes farmers and volunteers while they’re helping communities after disasters. “When we leave our farms to fight fires or to do the months and months of work after floods, the government puts a levy or a tax on us,” he said. With 500 people and 100 fire trucks expected, he described the levy as “unreasonable and unfair.”

Ellen in Parkville – Awaiting a Baby

Ellen called from the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, ready to deliver her second child. She admitted she was “feeling very lucky and happy, but also kind of freaking out a bit.” It was a joyful and nervous moment, and Macca wished her luck on behalf of listeners everywhere.

Chris in Rabaul – PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary

Chris rang from Rabaul as Papua New Guinea prepared to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence. “There are flags and shirts… people in the streets are wearing meri dresses with P\&G, 50-year independence,” he said. He also recalled the devastation of the 1994 volcanic eruption, which destroyed much of the old town. Despite mixed feelings about independence, he said locals remain deeply proud of their culture and history.

Peter Nitske – Life on the Tamar River

Peter, 81, called from Beauty Point, Tasmania, aboard his yacht Zero Balance. He explained how he always wanted a boat but only found the time after retirement. “When there was money, there was not enough time. So now I’m retired. And I’ve bought a boat,” he said with a laugh. Years of restoration have gone into the vessel, and he now plans to sail around Flinders Island.

John in the Phone Box – Solstices and Equinoxes

John phoned from Hustle, standing in a public phone box to make his point. He argued that Australia should align its seasons with solstices and equinoxes instead of fixed calendar dates. “The spring should be the 21st of September, which is the equinox,” he said. Macca replied that maybe the simpler dates were just easier to remember — and easier to spell.

Listen to the podcast episode here.

Disclaimer: Brisbane Suburbs Online News has no affiliation with Ian McNamara or the “Australia All Over Show.” This weekly review is an attempt to share the wonderful stories that Ian broadcasts each week and add value to what is a smorgasbord of great insights.