Rights, Rorts and Rants
Rights, Rorts and Rants is a weekly podcast featuring selected content from a radio show broadcast every Friday from 4pm to 6pm on community Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, also available via live stream. Hosted by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC), the show covers topics relevant to workers, unions, and community issues. Each episode captures segments of the live broadcast, offering listeners a chance to catch up on discussions and interviews. The views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by BMUC.
Episodes
Bosses Taking Freebies From Workers
We talk to Thomas Costa, the newly elected Secretary of Unions NSW, the peak body for unions in NSW. The discussion covers issues such as the union campaign against the growing culture of unpaid overtime and then we ask about housing. Following this, a discussion between Wil Tricity, Nick Franklin and Peter Lammiman - members of Blue Mountains Unions and Community and hosts of this and another Rad
Where We Live - Politics in the Pub
How do we expand liveability, community & truly affordable housing in the midst of a World Heritage area, while resisting poor development?Speakers:Tania de Bortoli, Blue Mountains Conservation SocietySarah Redshaw, Councillor, Blue Mountains City CouncilSuzie van Opdorp, Councillor, Blue Mountains City CouncilThis episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 18th September 2
Western Sydney Airport campaign update
Erst Carmichael, tireless campaigner from the recently renamed Western Sydney Airport Community Impact Alliance spoke again with Rights, Rorts and Rants' presenter Merran Maclaren on September 4th 26 about a range of concerns community groups hold about Western Sydney International Airport which will soon add passenger flights to freight. in addition to new safety concerns re air traffic contr
Time For Handover
Viola Morris and Muqdad Al Ghalebi are contesting the General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary positions (along with 20 Councillors) on a ticket to run in the upcoming NSW Nurses and Midwives Association elections. A contested election at the NSW branch of the nurses and midwives union hasn't occurred in 23 years!Candidates Viola and Muqdad spoke to Peter Lammiman on Rights, Rorts an
Kangaroos, Swift Parrots, Western Sydney Uni or Stockland Development?
Western Sydney University and developer Stockland have submitted a State Assessed Rezoning Proposal (SARP) under the State Significant Rezoning policy to have 98.7 hectares of land inside the Werrington Precinct.Penrith Council has grave concerns about the proposal and have voted to make a submission to SARP to outline their objections.Sandra Newham, representing the Save Western Sydney Wildlife g
Interview with Trish Doyle MP: Member for the Blue Mountains
Trish Doyle spoke live on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 with RRR presenters Nick Franklin and Wil Tricity about pressing issues in the Blue Mountains electorate. This is a podcast of that 21 Aug 2026 interview. Topics ranged from measure to address the closed Great Western Highway along Victoria Pass, aspects of the current housing crisis which is exacerbated in holiday areas such as the Blue Mountain
The state of play for koalas
Koala expert Chris Moon was in conversation with Rights, Rorts and Rants' presenter Nick Franklin on the 10 July 2026 to share his knowledge of koalas on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM. This conversation will teach you much about koalas. Such as, the impact of the Black Summer fires on koala numbers (not as lethal as we were lead to believe); background about the Great Koala National Park in NS
Acting Against Slavery
Deb Smith has a rant about modern slavery in Australia...What you can do if you:are trying to escape slaveryknow someone enduring slaveryand, what the Australian government is doing to combat modern slavery.Support, contact details and other information mentioned in the show can be found via these links and in the menu of the Blue Mountains Unions and Community website under "Modern Slavery&q
Spotting Quantum in the Wild
The quantum world may seem like sci-fi and magic but, with the help of Dr Danni Holmes' field guide, we can discover how to spot it in the wild. Begin your journey into the quantum universe with this discussion between Danni and Deb Smith.On the 11 August Melbourne University Press releases WONDERS OF THE QUANTUM WORLD: UNCOVERING THE SECRETS OF OUR UNIVERSE, LIFE ON EARTH AND THE FUTURE OF TECHNO
Narrow Neck Development - Act Now! Part 3
In this update on the "Still Not a Suburb of Sydney" campaign, Tania De Bortoli of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society urges "everyone who cares about the future of the Blue Mountains to write a personal letter asking (the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces) not to approve the proposed development at 142–150 Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba, and to exempt the Blue Mountains f
Saving The Dwarf Mountain Pine
The only place in the world that the dwarf mountain pine (pherosphaera fitzgeraldii) is found is in the Upper Blue Mountains of NSW. Unfortunately, it is listed as critically endangered which is only one step away from extinction. Presenter Nick Franklin interviewed Liam Ramage, the Threatened Species Officer for the Blue Mountains Conservation Society, about the dwarf mountain pine for Rights, Ro
The Paragon Cafe, Katoomba
Once a wonderful establishment and one of the best examples of Greek cafes in Australia the Paragon Cafe in Katoomba is boarded up and deteriorating and has been for the past 8 years. Presenter Nick Franklin spoke to Friends of the Paragon President Rob Strange for Rights, Rorts and Rants 29 May 26 show in a quiet corner of the Carrington Hotel about the current condition and status of the Paragon
5.18 Gwangju Uprising for Democracy in 1980
CONTENT WARNING - features discussion of political violence and oppression.In December 2024 South Koreans in Seoul prevented the imposition of martial law and dictatorship. In a world where the right to vote is often taken for granted or even disparaged, why were South Koreans so passionate– even risking their lives in defence of their democracy?The answer lies in history and in living memory, we
Lock The Gate Alliance
On Rights, Rorts and Rants Terry Morgan talks about the Lock The Gate Alliance in conversation with Presenter Merran Maclaren. He outlines its background and past and present campaigns.For information on getting involved in current campaigns contact Jo Lynch jo@lockthegate.org or Terry Morgan djarrak@gmail.comTwo tracks by Ray Dinakarri Dixon are also played during the show: The Fracking Song and
Muriel "Tibbi" Whalan and the Katoomba Reds
Rights, Rorts and Rants Presenter Merran Maclaren uncovers Jim Angel's memories of community activist Muriel "Tibbi" (also known by Tibby) Whalan. Tibbi Whalan's campaigning included "Save our site", which is the site of the Tibbi Whalan Hall and Community Centre, free lunches for primary school children, creating the new Katoomba High School, Library and Senior Citize
Interview with Trish Doyle MP: Member for Blue Mountains
The Member for the Blue Mountains Trish Doyle MP spoke to listeners from Radio Blue Mountains Katoomba studio on the Rights Rorts and Rants show on 8th May 26. Note: The first 1min 50 seconds have a track playing under the interview which was not able to be erased. We apologise for this section of poor sound quality. In a long interview Trish provided our listeners with updates on major issues of
Western Sydney Airport Curfew Campaign
This podcast follows up on a November 2025 interview with Erst Carmichael from Blue Mountains Demands an Airport Curfew or BMDAC on Rights, Rorts and Rants. Erst updates listeners on the latest correspondence with BMDAC regarding noise monitors for the Mountains to monitor aircraft noise, the impacts of aircraft noise humans animals and plants in the unique Blue Mountains context and more ahead of
Campaign against fast track development at Narrow Neck Rd, Katoomba - Part 2
Deadline looming and fast action required! On 6 March 26 Tania De Bortoli from the Blue Mountains Conservation Society (bluemountains.org.au) spoke again with Rights, Rorts and Rants on 89.1FM with an update on the "Blue Mountains - not just a suburb of Sydney" campaign to stop the proposed oversized Narrow Neck development. Blue Mountains Conservation Society have recently run community
Mountains Community Resource Network's fight to continue
On 6 March 2026 Kris Newton the Executive Officer of Mountains Community Resource Network spoke to Rights, Rorts and Rants on 89.1FM about the withdrawal of all government funding by the end of March 26 and MCRN's fight to continue its work.To find out how you can help MCRN contact Kris Newton at eo@mcrn.org.auThe show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on Friday 6 March 2026
KRAG. Katoomba Regeneration Action Group
Presenter Merran Maclaren spoke to Brian Mackellar and Brian Coates from KRAG, a group of volunteers bringing life and colour into Katoomba in the form of Christmas trees, flowers and a new art space. This podcast was recorded from an interview broadcast on the 27 Feb 2026 on Rights, Rorts and Rants show on Radio Blue MountainsFounder Brian McKellar explains how he became sick of hearing people co
Andrew Fowler - The here and now on AUKUS
Academic, researcher and author of "Nuked: the submarine fiasco that sank Australia's sovereignty" (2024), Andrew Fowler spoke to Rights, Rorts and Rants' presenter Fran Dyson in February 2026 to provide us with brief history and an update on Australia's AUKUS controversial nuclear powered submarine contract with the UK and USA. Andrew's informative interview provides ins
Venezuela - Dr Rodrigo Acuña
Peter Lammiman and Dr Rodrigo Acuña discuss Venezuela and its relationship with the US. On 3 January 2026, the United States captured and kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores after launching a military strike, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve.This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 23rd January, 2026.Dr Acuña, an expert on Latin Am
Save our CSIRO
The CSIRO plans to cut another 350 research jobs, on top of the 800 jobs already lost in the past 18 months, on top of people in non-permanent roles whose contracts won't be renewed. Presenter Nick Franklin interviewed Susan Tonks, Secretary CSIRO Staff Association which represents CSIRO union members and is affiliated with the CPSU (Commonwealth Public Service Union). The interview was follow
A union job is a safe job
Rights, Rorts and Rants Presenter Peter Lammiman interviewed Michael Wright, the Divisional Secretary of the Electrical Trades Union. The ETU is talking to politicians in Canberra about the potential safety risks to electrical apprentices when entry to TAFE is delayed. WHS training is the first content studied by electrical apprentices at TAFE but the ETU is concerned that course commencement del
Why we need aircraft noise monitors in the Blue Mountains
The reason why we need aircraft noise monitors in the Blue Mountains is the commencement of flights in and out of Western Sydney International Airport that will operate 24hours/day and permanently impact the peace and quiet in the Blue Mountains from June 2026. Merran Maclaren interviews guest Erst Carmichael, spokesperson for BMDAC (Blue Mountains Demands A Curfew) on Rights, Rorts and Rants. Ers
Gardening with natives in the Blue Mountains
Ahead of the first ever Gardening with Natives workshop in the Blue Mountains to be organised by the Blue Mountains Conservation Society on 9 Nov 2025, Paul Gadsby dropped by the Radio Blue Mountains studio to discuss growing native Australian plants with Rights, Rorts and Rants. Paul is a botanist, educator and expert with 20 years experience with native plants. He has a passion for working in an
Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains
Rights, Rorts and Rants' presenter Peter Lammiman interviewed guest Trish Doyle NSW MP for Blue Mountains to seek updates from her on a range of local issues. The interview covers a range of Blue Mountains issues from addressing PFAS in the water to examples of pressure for housing developments on sensitive sites ....from the new Mariyung fleet to upgrading the Blue Mountains Hospital. The ra
Talking birds of the Blue Mountains with Carol Probets
Carol Probets lives on Darug and Gundungurra land in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. She is a bird observer and former bird guide. On Rights, Rorts and Rants Carol shares with Nick Franklin some of her extensive knowledge about the behaviour of some of the birds we may come across in the Blue Mountains. Carol and Nick spoke during the annual Aussie Bird Count and explained how to get invol
Ethical procurement from global to local
On 24th October 25 on Rights, Rorts and Rants Peter Lammiman had a brief interview with Colin Galvin, Co-founder of the Australian Fairness Advocacy Network. A Blue Mountains resident Colin described how he is at the stage in the campaign of building awareness among Blue Mountains community groups that may lead to the development of an ethical procurement policy presented to Councillors and polit
A possible future for Clairvaux Katoomba
On 24th October 25 Nick Franklin interviewed three community members who have strong ties with Clairvaux, a site in Katoomba which has housed the treasured Wildplant Rescue for 30 years and has deep Indigenous significance. The programmes guests were Aunty Carol Cooper, elder and past resident of Clairvaux, Genevieve Murray from Blue Mountains Community Land Trust and Verity Harris from Wildplant
Jailing is Failing - with Robert Tickner AO
What do we want from our criminal justice system? The obvious answer is “justice” but what does that look like?We know jailing is not a deterrent or reformative because theimprisonment rate has doubled under governments of both persuasions over the last thirty years and 61% of prisoners have been there before. This is despite a national cost of $6.3 billion per year.Robert Tickner of the Justice R
Rights, Rorts and Ants
In this podcast RRR presenter Nick Franklin talks about ants with Sean Moore, a bush regenerator who is currently studying ants in the NSW Blue Mountains. We learn from Sean about the remarkable abilities of ants, their importance in bush regeneration and how much we are yet to find out about the thousands of ant species. Further information: Sean recommends the app iNaturalist and website AntWik
Campaign against fast track development at Narrow Neck Rd, Katoomba - Part 1
Rights, Rorts and Rants' Nick Franklin interviewed Tania De Bortoli from Blue Mountains Conservation Society on 19th September, 2025 on 89.1 FM. Tanya concisely describes reasons for ConSoc's grave concerns about a 4-storey, high density housing development proposed for Narrow Neck Road, Katoomba NSW and the approval process that does not include local environment and control requirements.
Peace Symposium Katoomba
Veterans of the Peace Movement, groups like ICAN, Rotary and Quakers, and young activists gathered for a Peace Symposium in Katoomba in the 80th year since the US obliterated the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima with nuclear weapons.The event included internationally renowned speakers Robert Tickner AO, the Ambassador for ICAN, and Dr Siswo Pramono, Indonesian Ambassador, as well as Membe
John Ellison tribute - artist and founder of the Winter Magic Festival
This interview with the late John Ellison was recorded at nolan on lovel gallery on June 20th 2025 by Merran Maclaren and played the same day on the Rights, Rorts and Rants radio show. The interview was recorded during 'Flexing', an exhibition of John's watercolour paintings. The paintings in the exhibition are discussed first then Merran asks John about the history of The Winter Magi
Global Trade and How to Rig It
Global trade could be all about solidarity and meeting human needs. Instead it's a game of bullies, billionaires, bullets, and embargoes. How do we stand up - as nations, as people - for something better?Latin America has decades of experience of US interference in their economies and governments that the rest of the world can learn from.Dr Rodrigo Acuña - journalist, filmmaker, teacher, Latin
Paul Robeson - The Last Tour by Ann Curthoys
"Paul Robeson was once the most famous African American in the world."Historian and author Ann Curthoys has written a book "The Last Tour" about the 1960 tour of Australia by singer Paul Robeson and his wife Eslande. Many Australians know about Robeson's performance of "Ol' Man River" on the construction site of the Sydney Opera House but his other activities
The look of Katoomba - with Jim Angel
Think about your list of the 10 best things about Katoomba. It's not hard to fill the list with World Heritage Listing, Scenic World, Echo Point, Garguree (The Gully) and the Cultural Centre at the top of the list. But the problem of derelict buildings and empty shopfronts brought into focus by the state of the Paragon Cafe cannot be ignored. In this interview on Rights, Rorts and Rants pres
Farm It Forward Blue Mountains
Merran Mclaren and Emmanuela (Manu) Prigoni co-founder and coordinator of Farm It Forward speak at Farm It Forward's central Katoomba, NSW organic vegetable plot. Manu speaks about the origin and evolution behind the social enterprise begun in 2019, recently with a youth focus including Katoomba High School in recent years. The Katoomba High School programme needs funding assistance and listen
State Member for the Blue Mountains Trish Doyle
Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle updates listeners on a range of issues of interest to Blue Mountains residents. From PFAS to the Paragon Cafe - to DV and moving towards a new hospital in the Mountains and heritage protection, This interview provides a comprehensive update on all State issues. It's all here. Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug
The Australian Greens candidate for Macquarie, Terry Morgan's Federal Election wrap
Peter Lammiman and Nick Franklin spoke to Greens candidate Terry Morgan about his perspectives on the Greens 2025 Federal Election campaign and post the election the Greens political priorities under the new ALP Government. Terry kindly spoke to the Radio Blue Mountains studio in Katoomba by phone from Queensland accompanied by lovely bird sounds. The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mount
Mountains for Palestine Rally speaker Zuzia Buszewicz. More action for Palestine
Ahead of speaking at the Mountains for Palestine rally on 14 June 2025, Zuzia Buszewicz spoke with Peter Lammiman by phone on Rights, Rorts and Rants on 13 June. Due to the stopping of internet in the Gaza Strip Zuzia told listeners that they may purchase eSIMS for the Middle East & Israel online and send them through gazaesims@gmail.comBlue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to
$3m super tax. Mike Holland's explainer
On Rights, Rorts and Rants 13 June 2025 show (on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM) Nick Franklin discussed with Mike Holland his investigation into the Government's planned tax on superannuation earnings above $3m. Most of your questions will be answered. Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples of the Blue Mountains area and acknowledges this i
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre with Don McGregor
Long term Blue Mountains City Councillor Don McGregor explains the complex creation of the valued Blue Mountains Cultural Centre through an intense charrette process during the late 1990s and early 2000s. With Ann-Maree McEwan. Sitting above Coles and the Village Shopping Centre in Katoomba how it came about is an interesting story. This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM
Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group and Palm Sunday 2025.
On 11 April Presenter Merran Maclaren interviewed Kathie Herbert, chairperson and Ann-Maree McEwan, committee member, both from Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group known as BMRSG, about the work of the group ahead of the annual Sydney Palm Sunday Rally and March on 13 April.Merran finishes the segment with a brief description of portrait Red Marie by Paul Standen which is a portrait of one of the
ANZAC Day Reflections - Asking the Hard Questions
Jon Atkins of the Blue Mountains Peace Collective and Deb Smith in a thought provoking interview discuss how we can protect ANZAC Day as a day of reflection and mourning and prevent it from being a political tool of manipulation or as a justification for future bloodbaths? The nation of Australia was not born in a military tragedy at Gallipoli but in the Federation of Australia in peacetime in 190
Macquarie Alliance for Climate
On Rights, Rorts and Rants on 11 April 2025 Merran Maclaren interviewed representatives from Macquarie Alliance for Climate (MAC). Shirley Lewis and Erst Carmichael spoke to Merran about what MAC is and some of the activities the organisation has organised to have conversations with the community about climate change and the cost of living.For more information about events, to get house signs on c
How will you vote in the Federal election 2025? Terry Morgan, Greens candidate for Macquarie
Greens candidate for Macquarie Terry Morgan speaks to Co-Presenters Peter Lammiman and Debra Smith about his teaching background and passion for bilingual education in remote Indigenous communities; what's is important to him and the Greens Party to achieve by Terry being elected in the upcoming Federal election. Peter asks Terry a series of questions about education funding, health, housing and c
Jane Caro Advocating for Public Education
Jane Caro AM is a Walkley Award winning Australian author, novelist, columnist, broadcaster, documentary maker, professional speaker and social commentator. She is a staunch advocate and defender of public education. In this episode Jane discusses the unfair government funding of Australian schools with Debra Smith and Peter Lammiman - how did we get to a system biased in favour of private schools
A legislative push for whistleblower protections with Mike Holland
On 14th March 2025 this segment of Rights, Rorts and Rants went to air. Mike Holland briefly covered three high profile whistleblowers who have been subjected to detrimental treatment, financial ruin, jail time and psychological suffering at the hands of their employers and the media. The ill-treatment directed at employees who bring cases involving wrongdoing into public light has led Senators J
Dutton's nuclear thought bubble - an update
Broadcast on March 14, 2025 on Rights, Rorts and Rants. Mike Holland and Fran Dyson discuss the latest update on Dutton's nuclear thought bubble by looking into the overseas experience to gauge the efficacy of claims from the Liberal Party regarding cost estimates and construction times to build nuclear reactors for the first time in Australia. Mike also looks at who is building nuclear reactors o
Death by 36,000 Cuts
Since being elected the Albanese government has created 36,000 secure jobs in the public service bringing immense benefits to the Australians they serve.Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton has signaled that, if elected, a Coalition government will fire 36,000 APS workers. Many of these people work in regional areas, providing local services and supporting local economies.Debra Smith and Nick Fr
Union wins in 2024 and the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act - the wage theft laws
Fran Dyson and Mike Holland start 2025 with a look back over union wins in 2024. The discussion includes the Woolworths Distribution Centre UWU win that defeated an AI-surveillance work system that threatened to injure workers. Also discussed is new criminalised wage theft legislation that commenced on 1 January 2025 that means criminal penalties, including 10 maximum jail time, for bosses who in
How will you vote in the Federal election 2025? RRR interviews Susan Templeman MP for Macquarie
As Australia races towards a Federal election in a matter of weeks Rights, Rorts and Rants' presenter Nick Franklin with his team of Peter Lammiman and Suzanne Rix interview the Member for Macquarie and candidate Susan Templeman MP.Susan was asked about a range of topics including where the government stood on the cost of living; climate change; 4-year fixed terms for Federal governments; increasi
Housing - how the major parties' election policies compare : An unaffordable dream or source of wealth creation?
On Rights, Rorts and Rants presenter Fran Dyson leads a discussion with co-presenter Mike Holland on the issue of housing non-affordability. A key issue hurting large sections of the community.The first part of the discussion includes an analysis of both the ALP and LNP housing affordability policies.The second part of the discussion explores how property tax benefits such as negative gearing tran
Bursting Dutton's nuclear thought bubble
Mike Holland shares his extensive research and reading in analysing the nuclear energy policy which isthe key policy of the Liberal National Coalition ahead of the upcoming election. Mike Holland's summary is under this plan we won't be generating any nuclear power before 2040. By 2040 coal fired power stations will be shut down and we will be using cheaper wind and solar generated power.
Andrew Fowler on his book Nuked
This episode of BMUC's Rights, Rorts and Rants takes us through a fascinating interview with the the author of "Nuked" investigative journalist Andrew Fowler who discusses his book "Nuked - the submarine fiasco that sank Australia's sovereignty" with Rights, Rorts and Rants Presenter Fran Dyson and BMUC member Peter Lammiman. Andrew Fowler was recognised with a prestig
16 Days of Activism in the Blue Mountains 2024
Cherie Brandon of the Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre talk to Merran MacLaren and Deb Smith about the 16 Days of Activism to stop violence against women. They also discuss what is meant by "coercive control".If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podc
Part 2 Creating Future Jobs - Politics in the Pub Q&A
In Part 1 of "Creating Future Jobs - Politics in the Pub", Steve Murphy of the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union and Dr Michelle Zeibots of the Lithgow Community Power Project talk about bringing jobs back to regional Australia and, more specifically, to Lithgow. You can sign a petition to the NSW government to reopen the Lithgow Locomotive Workshops here.
In Part 2, the audience in the Fami
Part 1 Creating Future Jobs - the Speakers, Politics in the Pub
The words of Bob Dylan's song, "the times they are a-changin'" are coming true as coal mines & coal fired power stations are being decommissioned at end of useful life and as energy markets and policies change.
Nationally and locally, our community faces challenges to shape the future of jobs and the economy.
Lithgow locals have a petition calling for Government to take back and use the idl
Rising Tide "Protestival" - Port of Newcastle
This podcast brings you an 11 minute recording of three short speeches from the 2024 Rising Tide "Protestival" on Friday 22 November 2024. Recorded by Renee Lees and broadcast on Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains by presenter Merran Maclaren that afternoon.
The speakers in order are 12 year old Frankie Kelly, 21 year old Alexa Stuart and community activist Bev Smiles from Wollar, NS
Quentin Dempster, distinguished journalist, in conversation with Nick Franklin
Rights, Rorts and Rant's Nick Franklin took the opportunity to interview distinguished political commentator, former ABC political and investigative reporter, former TV current affairs presenter Quentin Dempster at the Wentworth Falls School of Arts before Quentin gave a speech to Blue Mountains ABC Friends on 9 November 2024.
Nick Franklin, also a former ABC journalist, asks Quentin about the ABC
Matt Peacock - Prisoner Rights Activist
This episode is dedicated to journalist, activist and BMUC member Matt Peacock, 1952 to 2024.
Tony Green and Nick Franklin remember the unpaid activism of their friend Matt Peacock.
Matt was well known for his work in journalism, exposing the asbestos industry. Less well known is the part he played in the fight for prisoners' rights in NSW.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can
World Animal Day with Teya Brooks Pribac
Merran Mclaren interviewed Teya Brooks Pribac on Rights, Rorts and Rants on Oct 4 2024 ahead of the inaugural World Animal Day Event to be held locally - which will take place on Oct 5 at the Planetary Health Initiative Katoomba.
Teya speaks about the upcoming event, the history of World Animal Day & the benefits of plant based cuisine.
She also outlined her plant inspired community cooking
Skilled, Respected, Equal
Angus McFarland, Secretary of the NSW/ACT branch of the Australian Services Union talks to Deb Smith about the Skilled, Respected and Equal campaign to improve the SCHADS (Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services) Award for workers in the community sector.
Scan the QR code to find out about community events in support of these important workers, including one on Friday 8th November at
Kinchela Boys Home Kempsey - Uncle Terry Grimes' story
On Survival Day 2024 at North Katoomba's Bureau Park those attending were privileged to visit the Kinchela Boys Home Mobile Education Centre run by the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) and attended by Terry Grimes and his son. Rights, Rorts and Rants spoke to Uncle Terry Grimes and recorded this interview with him about his experiences at KBH after being kidnapped by the Aborigina
War & Peace a community conversation Q & A
This is the Q & A session of War & Peace a community conversation, held at Lawson Mechanics Institute, NSW on 13 September 2024.
War & Peace was organised by Blue Mountains Peace Collective.
The Q & A was broadcast on Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 27 September 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Debra Smith. The podcast was
Airwatch air monitor project launch
BMUC's Ann-Maree McEwan and presenter Merran Maclaren discuss the upcoming launch of the Airwatch project where 20 Air monitors have been installed throughout the Greater Blue Mountains region.
You can book a free ticket to the launch here.
BMUC's community Airwatch campaign is covered. Ann-Maree explains some of the science of how the monitors work. From the launch onwards BMUC wants everyone to
War & Peace a community conversation with Dr Vince Scappatura
While the topic of Dr Vince Scappatura's speech at War & Peace Community Conversation was Aukus: The US lobby and Australian Defence policy, Dr Scappatura also concentrated on the implications of the increasing rotations of US strategic bombers on military bases in Australia, and for the first time the possibility of nuclear combat operations launching from Australian soil.
Dr Scappatura
War & Peace a community conversation with Daryl Le Cornu
Arms control since the 1990s : Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Daryl Le Cornu spoke at War & Peace a community conversation at Lawson Mechanics Institute Lawson NSW on Sunday 15 September 2024.
Daryl Le Cornu is a history and legal studies educator in secondary and tertiary settings. He is a board member of ICAN. ICAN is a coalition of organisations inmate than 100 countries pro
War & Peace a community conversation with Kelly Marks
Promoting a culture of peace - peace is union business
Kelly Marks gave this speech at War & Peace a community conversation held at Lawson Mechanics Institute in Lawson, NSW on 15 September 2024.
Kelly Marks is teacher and research officer with the NSW Teachers Federation and a member of Union Aid Abroad APHEDA.
War & Peace was presented by Blue Mountains Peace Collective. www.blue-mount
Postcard from Middlesbrough, UK
Having just landed in Sydney from the UK for a holiday in Australia, Savita Sathe kindly came on Rights, Rorts and Rants. Savita articulately provided listeners with background from her perspective on what is happening in Middlesbrough and the UK more generally.
Savita talks about the recent UK elections, political vacuums, Local Councils in deficit, the reasons behind recent riots around Middles
Disrupt Land Forces anti-war protest with Bruce Cornwall
On the 13 Sept 2024 Rights, Rorts and Rants show presenter Fran Dyson asked Bruce Cornwall for some background on the Disrupt Land Forces anti-war protests in Melbourne across the three days of the Land Forces Expo from 13-15 Sept.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 13 September 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson. The podcast prod
CFMEU update from Bruce Cornwall.
CFMEU update. On 13 September 2024 Fran Dyson and Bruce Cornwall discussed what's been happening for CFMEU officers and members on Rights, Rorts and Rants brought to you by Blue Mountains Unions and Community.
This is a follow up to Bruce's earlier chat about the CFMEU Ranting About CFMEU Allegations.
Hear the podcast - https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/rKs4pcsuVMb
The show was first
Romola Hollywood, ALP - Local Government Elections 2024, Blue Mountains City Council
Local Government Elections will take place on 14 September. Rights, Rorts and Rants presenter Debra Smith interviewed a candidate for Blue Mountains City Council, on 7th September 2024.
The interview was played on Rights, Rorts and Rants' 8th September show as a way for Blue Mountains Unions & Community to give voters extra insight into some of the candidates running for Council and local
Going Loco in Lithgow - for Jobs with Dr Michelle Zeibots
"Since the Federal Oppositions announcement to build nuclear power stations at 7 sites across Australia, Lithgow has been in the news. Painted as down and out economically by many journalists and radio commentators, some have argued for the siting of a nuclear power reactor at Lithgow because ‘Lithgow needs the jobs’."
Dr Michelle Zeibots and the Lithgow Community Power Project have an alternative
Politics in the Pub - Tax Justice with Richard Denniss & Michael Whaites
Politics in the Pub at the Family Hotel in Katoomba on 15th June 2024 featured two speakers on the topic of Tax Justice.
Richard Denniss of the Australia Institute showed us how the spending choices made in government budgets inform us about government priorities and how tax payers can be deceived into thinking we can't afford "nice things".
Michael Whaites of the NSW Nurses and Midw
Venezuela: A post election analysis from Dr Rodrigo Acuña
On 23 August 2024 on Rights Rorts and Rants Peter Lammiman and Dr Rodrigo Acuña discuss the current post election situation in Venezuela. Dr Acuña described Venezuela as "a country under siege" with over 900 American sanctions against Venezuela.
Dr Acuña also touches on other Latin and South American countries and the historical background in the US Venezuela relationship in his analys
A local solution for a local problem. Older women's homelessness in the Blue Mountains with Heather Shepherd
After reading a recent Blue Mountains Gazette story about a unique solution to address the significant issue of home insecurity and homelessness among older women in the Blue Mountains, RRR Presenter Merran Maclaren contacted Heather Shepherd from the Older Women's Network (OWN) Blue Mountains who was mentioned in the Gazette and asked her into the studio along with co-presenter Peter Lammiman
Sarah Redshaw - Greens Local Government Elections 2024, Blue Mountains City Council
Ahead of the Local Council election on 14 September Merran Maclaren and Peter Lammiman interviewed Greens Candidate for Ward 1 Sarah Redshaw about what she and other Greens candidates across 4 Wards stands for, and what are her priorities in running for another term on Council.
Sarah talks about issues important to the Greens such as balancing Labor on Council due to the Liberals not being able t
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The Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott
Australia All Over
Rise and Shine
Country Breakfast
