Listening to Canberra Voices

This episode of ‘Listening Canberra voices’, features guest Tiko, current student at the University of Canberra, diving into his family’s background and his journey into developing his passion for film making and visual art. Tiko delves into the inspiration of his art, his favourite mediums, how this came to be, his prospective careers, goals and accomplishments thus far. He discusses how his cultural background, where he grew up and now lives, and especially the natural landscapes of those places inspire him. He talks on some of the struggles and advantages of his background, the idea of being ‘a citizen of the world’, and how his family continues to support and inspire his creative practices (T. Ameria, 2025). Discussion unfolds on not only Tiko’s interaction with place and family with artistic practice, but the hosts experience and perspective on this too.

Made by Jess Workman and Tait Gibbons

Biography:
The guest for the following podcast is current film student and artist Tiko. Tiko was born in the Southern Highlands, New South Wales, to an Indian father from Jaipur, and a mother of English, Scottish and Irish heritage, although she was born in Tanzania. Tiko grew up in the Southern Highlands, which has a rather vibrant art scene, something that was important for him and his father. He grew up in a very artistic household in many ways – his father being an artist as well as his aunt – which encouraged a creative inclination. He drew a lot as a child and painted as a teen, which has carried on into his adulthood. His brother shares this, as well as their shared love for movies, which led to his enrolment in the University of Canberra and the attempt at becoming a filmmaker.

Attribution:
YellowTree – Elevator Music
Kwahmah_02 – Swoosh40
Busabx – Ambience nature Australia wetlands 01
Outro music – https://mobygratis.com/

Ren is an artist from Canberra, who aspires to pursue her craft and make it her career. Canberra isn’t the best or most supportive place to be for aspiring artists who wish to branch out from the stereotypical Canberra art scene. Ren enjoys surrealist art, which is a far stretch from birds and nature—the synthesis of the Canberra art scene. In this episode Ren and the hosts (Maddy and Naomi) discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being an artist in the ACT.

Made by Maddy Sullivan and Naomi O’Keefe

Biography:
Ren is a 17-year-old artist who has grown up in Canberra her whole life. She is currently on a gap year and is moving to Melbourne next year to study a Bachelor of Fine Art at RMIT (The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology). She is a very creative-minded person, and has spent a lot of her time reading and working in a bookstore. She has enjoyed visual art in school and as a hobby; hence, she wishes to pursue it further. For this reason, the podcast episode focuses on the Canberra art scene, Ren’s experiences/inspirations as an artist living here, and her reasons for moving away to pursue it further.

Attribution:
Chael – Sparks

In this episode of Listening to Canberra Voices, we speak with Mark Parton about his transition from radio broadcasting to politics. We explore how his experience as a radio host shaped his communication style and his connection with the Canberra community. The episode highlights the role of storytelling, public engagement, and the challenges of shifting careers.

Made by Ewan Rollings and James Vandermee

Biography:
Mark Parton is a current member of the ACT Legislative Assembly representing the Brindabella electorate for the Liberal Party. Before entering politics, he had a successful 20-year career in radio, becoming a familiar voice across Canberra. His media background continues to influence his public-facing political approach.

Attribution:
Sparks – Chael
Censor Beep – GowlerMusic

This podcast episode unfolds the naval life and overall life story of Daniel Kim. It begins with Daniel’s life journey from the time of moving to Canberra, Australia, and how he became a navy officer. Daniel talks about the various experiences and challenges he had while representing Australia and traveling to different countries. He discusses his inspiration to join the Navy and what he enjoys doing when off duty.

Made by Joan Muendo, Daniella Gaspari, and Ilseop Lee

Biography:
Daniel lived in Canberra before joining the Royal Australian Navy as a Communication and Information Systems Sailor from July 2015. He is currently serving at the Fleet Service Desk at HMAS Kuttabul, Potts Point, NSW. Some of his responsibilities are: working at the IT help desk for the Navy and communication with the ships. He enjoys going to the gym and also playing sports. His advice is to stay positive in life. 

Attribution:
Natural Ocean Waves, Water Droplets and Bubbly Sounds – DudeAwesome
Nature Ambience.wav – ItsTheGoodStuff 
Nylon Guitar Loop [104bpm] [A Minor] – deadrobotmusic