Listening to Canberra Voices

This episode follows the story of a person who lives in Canberra, and their experience through life socially as someone who was adopted into a Spanish family. Luca Prego-Sanchez describes the struggles he faced growing up in Canberra and how people treated him for his background, both in stereotyping and racist assumptions.

Bio: Luca Prego-Sanchez is currently a student...

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, host Lily Stokes sits down with local dancer Belle Wills to discuss her dance journey and professional experiences. We delve into dealing with nerves, developing resilience through dance, and how Belle went from dancing in her bedroom to having the opportunity to teach internationally.

Bio: Belle Wills is a dancer and tea...

Once Upon a Time… in Canberra Tino arrived from Hong Kong. Tino looked over vast empty fields, though this was not a farm in the outback. This was Canberra in the 1960s. In this captivating episode our guest Tino discusses pioneering Canberra’s restaurant scene in the 1970s. Introducing Malaysian, Pekingese, and Sichuan cuisines to reshaping Canberra’s cultural landscape and watching the city rise to a...

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, we explore the inspiring life of Ilaria Pino, a former Italian Olympian who represented Italy in softball at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games—from her early days in Italy, discovering softball, travelling, and training professionally, to her experience at the Olympics and her decision to move to Canberra. Currently working as a learning support assistant (L...

The Truth Behind Canberra Coffee Shops explores the experiences and perspective of Dillon McElroy, a student barista working at the University of Canberra. Through a thorough and engaging conversation with Dillon, we discuss why Canberra ritualises coffee, and how that ritualisation impacts independent businesses. Dillon’s unique perspective differentiates cafes from chain coffee shops, and explores th...

In this episode, students of the University of Canberra talk to a local Australian Defence Force Academy student, Matthew Tyo, who moved from America to Australia. Matthew shares his motivations for joining the Australian Defence Force as well as his experiences studying at ADFA. Listen in as we discuss the big differences between Australia and America as well as the current Australian military culture...

In this episode, we sit down with a 22-year-old, small business owner, and a thriving member of Canberra’s queer alternative scene. We dive into stories of his youth and share with you his past as a young queer child in Canberra. We discuss the often-overlooked stories of queer-hood and share light on issues within the community. So please, relax and listen in as we share with you the story of Spencer ...

This podcast episode will delve into the life of our guest, Jo Prego, a Spanish Australian residing in Canberra, Australia since 1970. Our focus for today's episode will be on discussing the racism that Jo has experienced or witnessed in Canberra and the improvements that have been made to address these issues. Jo's experiences of childhood bullying and discrimination highlight the prevalent racism and...

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, we sit down with Anika Chan to explore the worlds of music and science, and her experience of being in those fields. We explore the challenges and triumphs she has experienced, which leaves you with a fresh perspective of her work. This episode uncovers the fascinating truths of each industry, resulting in thought provoking conversations about inequality...

This episode of Listening to Canberra Voices contains descriptions of conflict and the impact of trauma on children, listener discretion is advised. In 1991, Antonia became a refugee when Dubrovnik was besieged due to ongoing fighting in the Croatian War of Independence. She was 11 years old. Because of her experience, in Croatia, the natural world felt dangerous and hostile. Living in Canberra present...

Imagine living with your body constantly twitching and moving and then add verbal tics on top of it. Meet Peta Longhurst, an amazing individual who lives with Tourette’s. Tourette’s is a neurological condition with research indicating that as many as one in 100 school children may be affected in Australia. Tourette’s is more than tics and more than just swearing, with only 10 percent of people with the...

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, we explore the dynamic music scene of Canberra, featuring interviews with emerging musicians who are leaving their mark on the capital. Lachlan McPherson, a local music expert and member of the heavy metal band Highland Light, shares insights into his dual roles as a band member and indie solo artist as well as what it is like behind the camera. We also ...

In this episode, hosts Ella Crane and Connor Hedley interview local award-winning musician Sylvia Wang. Sylvia is a second-generation migrant and avid volunteer, providing accompaniment for the Australian Military Wives Choir and performing with local band ‘Napoleon Ice Cream’. Join us as Sylvia takes us through her tale of migration, education, music and a profound message as to what it means to be ‘p...