Listening to Canberra Voices

Listening to Canberra Voices is a podcast series focused on the experiences and perspectives of Canberra’s diverse community. Armed with this broad brief, students set out to find and interview residents of Canberra across demographics, starting conversations and exploring the richness that diversity brings to the city.

  • Episode 27: Ciao Canberra

    Listening to Canberra Voices
    Listening to Canberra Voices
    Episode 27: Ciao Canberra
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    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 (LSA), Ilaria shares her insights about life in Canberra, finding community and the cultural shifts she has encountered. Join us as we delve into the events that shaped her journey.

    Bio: Ms Pino was born and raised in Italy and participated in the 2004 Athens Olympics as a part of the Italian softball team, with her team coming in 8th in the competition overall (Olympics). After competing in the Olympics, Ms Pino eventually moved to Australia, settling down in Canberra, where she currently works as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) for a primary school. Ms Pino is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community which, along with her unique cultural and social identity, showcases how she is a diverse and valuable part of Canberra’s overall community.

    Creators: Abby Solway, Petra Boer, Imogen Starr-Lawrence, Corey Connellan, Owen Andrakovic

    Attribution:
    kevp888 – 190601_0316_FR_PublicGarden.wav
    Stitlown – Crowd Waiting Menin Gate 2016.wav
    busabx – guitar transitions 04 reverb
    busabx – guitar-based jazzy fragment
    busabx – heartbeatandbreathing-processed.wav
    KeyKrusher – London 2012 Olympics womens marathon.wav
    busabx – new swoosh quicker and deeper
    busabx – short guitar transition sweet ending
    Chaël – Sparks
    Sadiquecat – Waves on beach Saint-Cyprien Plage

  • Episode 26: Dirty Beans

    Listening to Canberra Voices
    Listening to Canberra Voices
    Episode 26: Dirty Beans
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    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 the unique experience of working at a university espresso bar. Filled with humour, pure authenticity, and playful competition, listen as we uncover the ‘dirty beans’ of Canberra’s coffee culture.

    Bio: Dillon McElroy is a second-year psychology student with a passion for mental health advocacy and coffee, who currently works at Nomad espresso bar in the University of Canberra. McElroy joins us on Dirty Beans: The Truth Behind Canberra Coffee Shops, to explore the lifestyle and workplace behind independent businesses. From bizarre orders, to competition on campus, McElroy highlights the people and experiences behind Canberra’s thriving coffee culture.

    Creators: Sophie Foley, Isabelle Bauer, Nisala Makumbura, Ethan Charlton

    Attribution:
    SilverIllusionist – Notification (Retro Vibes) 2
    Busabx – swing guitar with ride
    Freesh – Foley – spoon against cup
    Freesh – Foley – pouring a full cup of coffee
    Chael – Sparks

  • Episode 25: ADFA in the ACT

    Listening to Canberra Voices
    Listening to Canberra Voices
    Episode 25: ADFA in the ACT
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    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.

    Bio: Joseph Matthew Tyo (Prefered name: Matthew), He/Him. Australian/American Dual citizens lived in America for 12 years before moving to Canberra, Australia, in 2015. He now attends the Australian Defense Force Academy (ADFA) as a student. He has been attending ADFA for three years.

    Creators: Kieran Goldston, Natasha Hoskings, James Nguyen, Sebastian Johns

    Attribution:
    InspectorJ – Ambience, Seaside Waves, Close, A.wav
    Monotraum – ship horn.wav
    Greenbastardd – mortar line.wav
    Jon285 – 44_black_powder.wav
    InspectorJ – Ambience, Children Playing, Distant, A.wav
    InspectorJ – Construction, Jackhammer Excavator, A.wav
    InspectorJ – Hammering Nails, Close, A.wav
    Bibbly10 – shed_falling_over.wav
    Razzvio – Drawing.wav
    FoolBoyMedia – New York Jazz Loop
    Alanmcki – Fast whoosh
    Zagi2 – warfare snare drum.wav
    Migfus20 – Funny Background Music Orchestra (Loop)
    Bainmack – Nightmare_Approaching_sound.wav
    Szegvari – Battle – Cinematic soundtrack music atmo background.wav
    Florianreichelt – quick woosh
    ZHRØ – Energetic background music
    Chael – Sparks

  • Episode 24: Out of the Closet, into the Studio

    Listening to Canberra Voices
    Listening to Canberra Voices
    Episode 24: Out of the Closet, into the Studio
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    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 Burns.

    Bio: Spencer Burns is a 22 year old small business owner working on Ngunnawal land. He is a member of the thriving queer alternative scene in Canberra and prides himself on creating art for queer people. Spencer came out as gay at thirteen, and since then has been learning to find acceptance within himself. His expression and transgressive personal style often draws attention and backlash from less accepting members of the Canberra community. However, he celebrates his own expression and identity, and advocates for others to express themselves in the way they feel best suits them.

    Creators: Lleyton Hartwell, Audrey McCormick, Lema Khoram, Alex McLay

    Attribution:
    Freesound.org – Retro Vintage Synth Pop Dance Cinematic music
    Chaël – Sparks.wav
    South_Africa_Jen – Clothes on hanger being moved
    Nkone_M – Door unlocking then locking again
    Chael – Sparks

  • Episode 23: Voice of Change

    Listening to Canberra Voices
    Listening to Canberra Voices
    Episode 23: Voice of Change
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    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 discrimination during the 1970s, a challenging time for many immigrants. Additionally, his journey as an architecture student at the University of Canberra serves as a source of motivation and inspiration for current and future UC students.

    Bio: Jo Prego is a Spanish Australian who has lived in both Spain and Canberra. He migrated to Australia when he was 7 years of age and completed his education in Canberra during the 70’s and 80’s, finalising at the University of Canberra in the late 1980’s. He experienced racism in Canberra which at the time was a very homogeneous society.

    Creators: Brodie Campbell, Krista Wynn, Luca Prego-Sanchez, and Joanne Le

    Attribution:
    city11 – Sierra Serenade
    Chaël – Sparks
    ValentinPetiteau – Nylon guitar – spanish pattern – E major.wav