Wellness Valley - Podcast

Yass Valley residents could face a 70 per cent rates increase and Council is asking the community to have its say. Public consultation begins on Saturday at the Murrumbateman Field Days, with three financial models being put forward for community feedback.

Mayor Jasmin Jones joins Jo Shipley to discuss what’s been agreed, what the proposed increase could mean for residents, how Council has arrived at...

Jo talks to Sam Mansergh from the Yass Railway Museum about the aftermath of a devastating act of vandalism and theft that targeted the museum and vehicles belonging to the Canberra Transport Museum in early October. 

Sam shares an update on the clean-up operation, the impact on the museum and how the community can lend a hand and help support the volunteers as they work to recover.

We’ll also h...

Farmer and agricultural commentator Charlie Blomfield chats with Jo about his support for the Ride with Remountcampaign and the community concerns surrounding the proposed Benedine Wind Farm.

They discuss why Charlie felt it was important to stand alongside the local community, the challenges major infrastructure projects can create for rural communities, and why he believes farmers need a strong voice in decisions that may affect ...

Jo and Kath give us a lively run down of what's on this spring across the Yass Valley, with an impromptu drumming session and a discussion about how drumming helps your mental health. 

Including - Dragon Dreaming; Sand Green Golf Championship; Yass Railway Museum Picnic Day; Graveside Yarns; Gunning Fireworks; Borrowa Women's Health Night; Yass Valley Concert Band Showcase; Good Earth Psychic Fair in Yass. 

Find all these...

How did a handful of passionate locals create one of the Yass Valley's most recognised community organisations?

As Yass FM marks 25 years of a holding a permanent broadcasting licence, Geoff Frost, founding member and current President, chats with Jo Shipley and looks back on the past 25 years of Yass FM, sharing stories from the early days, memorable broadcasts, studio moves, colourful characters and the enduring power of communi...

Jo chats with Morgan Tilker, Yass Show Society Young Woman of the Year, and Kerryn Paterson about the upcoming Yass Show Society Ball.

On Saturday 5 September, the Yass Show Society will bring a touch of glamour to the newly painted Roundhouse at the Yass Showground, with a grand red carpet evening open to everyone.

Hear about the vision behind the ball, what guests can expect on the night, and why this sp...

Judy Brooker joins Jo to talk about the Yass Tree Project, a Yass and District Gardening Club initiative documenting the significant trees that tell the story of Yass.

Judy shares the history behind some of our treasured trees, and idea for a 'guided tree walk', why protecting our tree history matters, the challenges facing mature trees, and how the community can get involved to help preserve our historic trees for future generatio...

Continuing our Empowering You series with internationally renowned medical intuitive, teacher and author Jean Sheehan.

Jean shares her remarkable journey from growing up between Kuwait and Australia to becoming a global educator in medical intuition, sacred geometry and ancient wisdom. We explore how the body communicates, the importance of trusting our intuition, and the transformative lessons she has learned from sacred places su...

Jo welcomes Kath Kovac back into the Yass FM studio for another inspiring conversation about the power of rhythm, connection and creativity.

In this episode, Kath shares her recent adventures on a drumming retreat in Ghana, the cultural experience of learning traditional African rhythms, and why drumming can be such a powerful tool for mental health, emotional wellbeing and community connection.

Kath also demonstrates the unique so...

Jo chats with Nita Wheeler, a passionate Australian Native Orchid expert, and Michelle Whitters from the Yass & District Garden Club to explore the fascinating world of Australia's native orchids. 

Nita shares insights into the native orchid species found in the Yass Valley, how to grow them, the challenges they face, and how we can help protect them.

Michelle also chats about the essential winter gardening jobs that will ...

Have you lost yourself in motherhood?

In this inspiring episode, Mel Ohana shares her thoughts with Jo on the 7 Pillars of Motherhood - a practical pathway that helps mums reconnect with themselves so they can show up for their children with more calm, confidence, and joy. 

Jo and Mel chat about why self-care isn't selfish, how to move beyond overwhelm, and the simple steps that can help transform your experience of mothe...

Jo chats with Jayne Hines and Wendy Flannery from the Yass Spinners, Weavers, Knitters and Crocheters group about the joy of yarn craft, the friendships formed, and the upcoming World Wide Knit and Crochet in Public Day taking place in Yass.

Find out why knitting, crochet, spinning and weaving are enjoying a revival, discover the wellbeing benefits of these timeless crafts, and learn more about the free Knit & Sip event at YAZZ...

What if the key to drought resilience is already beneath our feet?

For World Environment Day, we catch up with Sarah McGrath from Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups to explore the practical strategies helping local landscapes hold more water and build long-term resilience. Following the recent Landscape Rehydration Field Day at Bookham, Sarah shares why water retention is becoming one of the most important activities for rural la...

Jo chats with Stuart and Fran Atkins about the upcoming 100th Anniversary celebrations for the historic Bowning Hall. From market stalls and live music to time capsules, history displays, classic cars, BBQ, Devonshire teas, kid's races and laying a new Foundation Stone, discover what’s planned for this special community celebration on Saturday May 23rd, 10am - 2pm Bowning Hall.

All welcome - so come along and support the Bown...

As we approach Easter, Jo sits down with local pastor’s wife Julia Collings to talk about faith, loss and community.

Julia shares her family’s experience of losing their home in a fire, their time in ministry in a mining town, and how it’s shaped the way she and her husband, Pastor Luke, now support others here in Yass.

We speak with Jeremy Roberts, Project Director, from Transgrid about the HumeLink East project in the Yass region - from increased road traffic and construction activity to local water and land impacts. Jeremy explains what’s happening now, what’s coming next, and the impact on the Yass Valley community.

Find out more about Hume Link East: Website ...