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The Conversation Hour

The Conversation Hour

ABC 250 Episodes Aug 25, 2026

Expect engaging discussions with real people and inspiring stories connecting communities across Victoria, on The Conversation Hour with Richelle Hunt and Jonathon Kendall.

Episodes

The Conversation Hour takes you to Narre Warren
The Conversation Hour takes you to Narre Warren Aug 25, 2026 0:51:37 In this edition of The Conversation Hour Mary Gearin broadcasts from Bunjil Place in the South Eastern suburb of Narre Warren. It's a fast growing area, and today we explore what that growth means for the local community, with all the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Does Melbourne need a new arena?
Does Melbourne need a new arena? Aug 24, 2026 0:52:03 With calls for a new 20,000 seat arena to support live events in Melbourne, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what it would mean for our local music scene, and how to best support Victorian artists.Also in this edition, calls to ban gambling logos on sports jerseys plus what should you always keep in the boot of your car.
Sydney Swans sexual assault allegation: Lawyer representing two of the women speaks out
Sydney Swans sexual assault allegation: Lawyer representing two of the women speaks out Aug 21, 2026 0:52:02 Mary speaks with John Karantzis, the lawyer representing two of the women at the centre of the Sydney Swans sexual assault investigation.
Misogyny in our schools
Misogyny in our schools Aug 20, 2026 0:53:09 A new University of Melbourne report reveals some alarming statistics of the prevalence of misogyny in our schools. We speak to two Victorian teachers working on the frontline of this cultural crisis and Dr. Sara Meger shares the findings of her report.
Firefighters call to fix mobile phone black spots
Firefighters call to fix mobile phone black spots Aug 19, 2026 0:52:13 Firefighters fear for community safety amid calls to fix mobile black spots in Victoria ahead of the upcoming fire season. Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman gives the Spring weather and fire forecast. And for the first time, 10 YouTube content creators have been inducted into the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. We speak to inductee Eddie Woo and NFSA CEO Patric
Should you be able to access your Super early
Should you be able to access your Super early Aug 18, 2026 0:52:32 Economist Saul Eslake examines the viability of accessing your Super early. We speak to CEO of Our Watch, former VWFL player Patty Kinnersly about AFL player respect training. And Animal Behaviourist, Kate Mornement discusses a new report that claims Otters enjoy people watching as much as we do.
Does removing public seating make a community safer
Does removing public seating make a community safer Aug 14, 2026 0:52:26 We examine Brimbank Council’s decision to remove seating in Sunshine following concerns about antisocial behaviour, but does this just move social problems elsewhere? We look at an outreach model that has been working  to de-escalate incidents and connect vulnerable people with housing, health and social support. The European Union has brought in new laws banning the destruction
Students across Australia protest against One Nation and Pauline Hanson
Students across Australia protest against One Nation and Pauline Hanson Aug 13, 2026 0:52:55 Protest organiser Felix Hughes and the Longitudinal Head of Growing Up in Australia, Kirsten Campbell, discuss ways in which young people today are engaging in politics. Following yesterday’s chat to provide free third spaces for young people, we catch up on the community pressure to stall the sale of Brunswick’s community centre Don Bosco. And a new Neighbourhood Watch report on
WA trials mass AI surveillance to prevent crime, will Victoria follow suit
WA trials mass AI surveillance to prevent crime, will Victoria follow suit Aug 12, 2026 0:52:26 We speak to Associate Professor Jake Goldenfein about the accuracy of AI facial recognition. And personal injury Lawyer Nick Mann offers a legal perspective on the Geelong concussion contract.
The Census: why everyone should be counted
The Census: why everyone should be counted Aug 11, 2026 0:52:05 We talk about the hidden and ongoing costs of childhood cancer with Redkite CEO Monique Keighery, and mother of two Samantha Leffler, whose 1-year-old daughter Florence was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour.Liz Allen takes your Census questions and shares her personal connection to the Census, why she became a Demographer and why she believes every Australian should be counted.And Pa
Joel Bowden on the AFL concussion scandal
Joel Bowden on the AFL concussion scandal Aug 10, 2026 0:48:51 Former AFL player Joel Bowden brings a human perspective to the Geelong concussion saga.
Understanding the repercussions of the Geelong concussion deal
Understanding the repercussions of the Geelong concussion deal Aug 7, 2026 0:51:30 In this edition of The Conversation Hour we continue to discuss the Geelong concussion deal and ask what the AFL and Players Association should be doing in response.Also in this edition, improving fatigue warnings for new parents. Plus a new theatre production delves into Melbourne's night life.

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