EarthChat

Hosted by BEAM Mitchell Environment Group Inc

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

EarthChat presents in-depth conversations and views on the many environment issues affecting our community. EarthChat is brought to you by BEAM Mitchell Environment Group. You can listen live each Tuesday on Seymour FM at 12noon AEST, with hosts Ruth, Peter, Marie and Tim. Time to tune in, listen up and get active. Don’t forget to like and follow.

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 17949 min

Why Gaza Matters: Violet Coco on Courage, Climate, and Conscience, S26 Ep22

Would you risk physical injury, sexual assault and more from a foreign militia just to get baby food and emergency supplies to people cut off from humanitarian aid? Violet Coco did and was prepared to take on these risks because she knows the people of Gaza have endured and continue to endure so much greater hardships and suffering. Why? Violet is a previous guest on EarthChat (one of our most popular conversations) when she talked about her motivation and actions to highlight the climate crisis and her determination to speak truth to power and to those who want to sweep the world's problems under the mat. She is back on our program this week, having recently returned to Australia after her participation in the global flotilla, an international effort to highlight the appalling conditions faced by people in Gaza and the impact of Israel's war on their land. In the last 2.5 years, 72,900 Gazans have been killed with over 173,000 injuries. Lifesaving medicines, food and emergency supplies continue to be blocked by Israel from getting to the Gaza Strip. Violet and other people on the boats were abducted in international waters, taken to Israel, assaulted and expelled. Since their return to Australia, their stories have been met with silence and no real interest from government. Violet's involvement in the flotilla is part of her commitment to environmental and social justice. She sees that issues of global heating, geopolitical alliances and irreparable climate damage are all linked and that all Australia and the whole global population are suffering because of empires, companies and institutions which are colluding to prevent real justice. Violet is a passionate, eloquent and convincing exponent of non-violent protest and she walks the talk. Listen in to EarthChat this week when she talks about the experience of the flotilla, her commitment to social and environmental justice and the importance of connecting local actions to global issues. SHOW NOTES: https://www.theage.com.au/environment/climate-change/there-s-no-bridge-too-far-for-this-climate-activist-s-cause-20250415-p5lruf.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violet_CoCo https://www.patreon.com/u77513512 https://linktr.ee/FreeGazaAustralia

June 4, 2026Episode 17851 min

Environmental issues we need to follow S26 Ep21

This week on EarthChat, we discus a range of environmental issues that affect us here in Mitchell shire as well as those that affect our wider lives. Forecasts of very high humidity in our warming world causing health problems. How fungi contribution to a healthy soil and healthy forests What we mean by tipping points in nature and why they are important. Wallan wallan Regional Parkland improving development in the south of Mitchell Shire. The limiting of the inland rail. It will not reach into Queensland as planned. Beverage internodal freight Transport and the effects on road transport.

May 27, 2026Episode 17748 min

Cows, Carbon & Change — Inside the Impossible Dairy S26 Ep20

This week, Tim chats with Ellen Hunt from the “Impossible Dairy”, which is showing an "udder" approach to dairy farming. What if a small, regenerative dairy could not only produce milk, but also restore soils, retain water, and even help tackle climate change? And what if this little dairy could attract digital dairy devotees from across the world? Tim and Ellen explore how this bold experiment works in practice. From cows as ecological allies to the science of soil health and carbon, the discussion digs into how farming can shift from extractive to regenerative. It’s a look at both the promise and the challenges of building a system that aims to be environmentally positive, not just sustainable, and to get interest from across the internet with fascinating and thought provoking reels, videos and posts. Whether you’re passionate about food systems, climate solutions, or simply curious about where your milk comes from, tune in to discover how one small dairy is asking big questions—and why its answers might matter far beyond the farm gate. Want to learn more and join the thousands of the Impossible Dairy's followers? Check out their Facebook and Instagram feeds. Some links from the show: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bnWoqxMTh_M&ra=m https://www.groundbreakingpress.com/ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vpTHi7O66pI&ra=m https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lGJoNXBLfQ0&ra=m https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vHDXWgzeplA&pp=iggCQAE%3D&ra=m

May 20, 2026Episode 17648 min

Treaties are Essential for Countries that have been Colonized S26 Ep19

Many Australians do not know what a treaty is or could involve. To help answer this question and explore other major issues surrounding Indigenous-State treaty-making, Ruth is joined by Uncle Charles Pakana who is the founder and editor of Victorian Aboriginal News, which focuses primarily on Treaty, Reconciliation, Truth-telling and the sharing of positive First Nations stories from across Victoria. (See fuller bio below) Commonwealth countries with treaties, like New Zealand and Canada, report that all members of society benefit. Treaties move a nation from a foundation of conflict to one of mutual recognition, respect, stability, partnership and equity. By formalizing rights, acknowledging past injustices, and providing a framework for self-determination, treaties offer economic, social, and symbolic advantages for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, and most importantly, lay the ground for unity and a shared cultural interchange which inevitably enriches the society. Until November, 2025, Australia was the only Commonwealth country without a treaty with its First Peoples, who as we know have lived on this continent and cared for country for 65,000 years, long before the British invaded and colonized Australia, without consent. Australia was therefore built on the denial and exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with tragic consequences, including 438 (known) massacres which severely depleted the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations; and the late 1800s saw the beginning of the forcible removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with large scale removals continuing until the 1970s. Join us to hear the facts about how Treaty will work to benefit all Victorians, and ultimately the whole country as other States investigate Treaties with indigenous people living in their regions. Uncle Charles will clear up any misinformation to help us sort fact from fiction and become better informed. Bio Charles Pakana (born Keir Wells) is an Aboriginal man of Tasmanian descent, yet identifying strongly as an Aboriginal Victorian. He is the second of three successive generations of Aboriginal journalists - his father, Fred Wells, having been the Industrial Correspondent at the Sydney Morning Herald up until his death (the result of his active service during WWII), and his daughter Karina Wells, a trainee journalist at Victorian Aboriginal News: https://vicaboriginalnews.com.au/ Charles is the founder of and editor at Victorian Aboriginal News, which focuses primarily on Treaty, Reconciliation, Truth-telling and the sharing of positive First Nations stories from across Victoria. He is an ex-infantry soldier (nine years) and, along with his journalistic work, which is carried across numerous Victorian community radio stations such as 3KND, Triple R and Phoenix FM, and the VAN Talks podcast, is a high-profile public speaker across the state, advocating for Treaty and Reconciliation.

May 13, 2026Episode 17542 min

What's the truth about renewables? S26 Ep18

Listen to EarthChat this week. Jacqui Fulton and Mark Lyons are exploring the truth about renewables, working their way through quite a few interesting topics of huge relevance to our times, including: The gap in availability of solar and other renewable power, which are being directly affected by wars. The reasons behind the drop in solar and battery prices, why are they collapsing. The misinformation that is in the community surrounding renewable energy. Why e-bikes are the latest thing to be disliked.

May 7, 2026Episode 17448 min

Out with Plastics S26 Ep17

This week on Earth Chat we discuss all the ways to minimise our prolific and destructive use of plastics in our lives. Can we eliminate the use of single use plastics? What is the major damage that they cause and can we learn to use alternatives? What did we do before plastics became available? It's actually fairly recent history that they have been available.

April 30, 2026Episode 17355 min

The power of co-ops S26 Ep16

What if regional communities owned their own power instead of multinationals? What if that power came from reliable renewables, instead of fossil fuels controlled by foreign powers and at risk to global geopolitics? What if locals got the dividends instead of big companies? The Goulburn Community Energy Co-operative in NSW (GCEC) is doing exactly that, all through the power and ownership of their own co-operative. Originally conceived in 2014, and supported by a feasibility study in 2016, the GCEC was formed in mid-2020 as an investment vehicle to produce and sell local, solar-powered energy. Anyone in the local region can invest in this project, receive a return on their investment, and be part of a community-led initiative to reduce Goulburn’s carbon footprint by producing electricity in their own region. Community energy projects are financed and owned by the community, who control, manage and operate the project. The community also share in the profits. There are many variations in Europe and the USA, and while it is a relatively new concept in Australia, there is now increasing interest in the idea. Interested? On EarthChat this week, we explore the power of the GCEC - and all co-operatives - with Michael Pilbrow who lives and works in the Yass Valley, NSW. Michael is a passionate advocate for rural and regional Australia. Michael has 16 years’ experience in supporting cooperative development. He co-founded the National Health Cooperative, Australia’s largest primary health-care co-operative, with around 32,000 active members. Michael has supported co-operative development and advised consumer and producer groups across a range of sectors in regional Australia, including aged care, childcare, sport and agriculture. Read more here: The co-op connecting everyday Australians to the renewable energy revolution - BCCM and here: Home - Goulburn Community Energy Cooperative Also https://www.ngardaraproject.org.au/ and don't forget the wonderful song Flag Day, which we didn't get to play! https://open.spotify.com/track/2YfuRUAfi2mmSbx4t9ehae?si=453436a216db4e6e

April 23, 2026Episode 17249 min

Conversations that Matter in these Times, S26 Ep15

Ruth Yeatman invites Phil Bourne and Russell Fisher to join her to reflect on the interconnected crises threatening humanity and the planet today, primarily driven by climate change, extreme poverty, and geopolitical conflict. “Humans are social beings. We need to communicate, make connections, share how we feel, and truly listen to what others are going through. And to do all this, we need to talk. Not just quick messages or scrolling through social media updates—but real, meaningful (in person) conversations that help us feel understood and connected”. (David Kilcullen, Professor of War Studies at UNSW Canberra and an influential author and scholar of irregular warfare, urbanisation and the future of conflict) Coming together with others to make sense of these crises allows us to share our innermost feelings and connect with and learn from others. Together we more easily find the courage to turn toward our fears, face potential conflict and reach across difference, and to find pathways that lead us to more peaceful ways to meet our world. Join us as we reflect, explore, and question these times we find ourselves living in… Russell Fisher is an ecologist, strategist and adventurer. He has been actively involved in social, economic and environmental justice issues in different parts of the world for more than half a century. A degree in Ecology & Natural Resources Management has involved him in many environmental campaigns and projects, and a number of governance roles including past President of Environment Victoria and Chair of Bioregional Australia. Russell’s primary focus is in helping leaders, teams and communities create the space to cut through complexity and tackle their most stuck challenges. His main work with leaders and teams is on strategy, leadership development, governance, innovation, and problem solving. He has worked across a broad array of subjects including water, energy, climate change, environmental protection, waste, forests, natural resources management, health and well-being, community and economic development, transport, property development, community legal services, housing, media. A number of projects have helped his clients win national awards in training and development, sustainability and community action on climate change. Russell lives on a small property in the Central Highlands with partner Sue, where they are part of their local Landcare, and through a partnership with the local CMA, have dedicated 20% of their property to conservation and catchment protection. Phil Bourne was born and bred in Melbourne, Phil completed a bachelor of applied science (Occupational Therapy) in 1981 and then worked in support services for people with an intellectual disability. He moved to the Seymour area in 1984 where he co-founded Commonground, an organisation supporting social and environmental justice by hosting, facilitating, and generally supporting groups working in these areas including asylum seekers, aboriginal, peace keepers, and environment groups. Phil has also worked in local community development including being the inaugural Community Development Officer at Mitchell Shire, and a volunteer on groups such as The Seymour We Want, Mitchell Youth Affairs, Seymour Neighbourhood Renewal Project, and BEAM - Mitchell Environment Group, and Allies Supporting Treaty Seymour. Phil is currently spreading his time between work at Commonground and a new project called The Cape, a developing eco village at Cape Paterson. Thank you to johnhain for his image.

April 17, 2026Episode 17147 min

Sustainability in Floristry and the Horticultural Supply Chain, S26 Ep14

The reason for discussing this topic is that national and global demand for flowers is increasing due to a number of factors such as: increasing urbanisation and reduced opportunities to garden; a desire to bring “nature inside” for beauty and well-being, at home and in business and event settings. The Australian industry generates about US$ 812 million currently and is expected to grow another 4% by 2031 due to resilient and regular consumer demand and a growing export market for our native flowers, regarded as distinctive and low water consuming. The industry is under pressure from increasingly aware domestic and business consumers to adopt sustainable practices that will protect ecosystems and workers in the growing, distribution and waste management phases of production and use. Education of suppliers, florists and consumers is improving and we will discuss some of the exciting initiatives underway locally and internationally. Our EarthChat guest is Rita Feldmann, the Founder and Education Director of the Sustainable Floristry Network (SFN), an independent body creating a new standard for floristry based around sustainability principles. Rita is based in Melbourne and there are many Australian members of the organisation with strong interest from international partners in the industry and at universities and other research facilities on their “No Floral Foam” and waste minimisation and reuse initiatives. More information can be found at: SHOW NOTES Sustainable Floristry Network, www.sustainablefloristry.org Grown not Flown (currently on pause) Victorian flower farmer invents award-winning app encouraging people to buy local - ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-05-18/rural-vic-woman-of-the-year-buy-local-app/102356038 Sustainability in Floristry: Eco-Friendly Practices and Tech https://thegeekinsights.com/sustainability-in-floristry-eco-friendly/ Tips for improving sustainability Use locally sourced flowers Reduce/eliminate floral foam use Sustainable Packaging Integrated pest management to minimise chemical use and increase ecosystem health through using natural predators, companion planting etc Composting floral waste in organic/green waste streams Digital tools eg soil moisture, humidity control to maximise efficiency in application of water and energy Educating consumers to not expect products that are out of season or a long way from their climatic zone Ongoing Learning and training of practitioners, growers and distributors so they can each play their part more effectively in the supply chain. Essential Sustainable Practices Shaping Floriculture https://thursd.com/articles/sustainable-initiatives-in-floriculture Www.sustainablefloristry.org Flowers 2030 is an industry education program for florists committed to transforming their practice for a sustainable future Floriculture Sustainability Initiative https://wwwfsi2030.com Sustainability Planning Templates | Sustainabloom https://sustainabloom.org/sustainability-planning-templates Helix Australia www.helixaustralia.com.au This company specialises in breeding, licensing and marketing of new and improved varieties of Waxflower and Boronia for both cut flower and landscape sectors. These flowers thrive in drier climates and require less water in cultivation and can be grown in poorer soils so less fertiliser is required and their flowers support pollinators and other aspects of local ecosystems to promote biodiversity. Climate Hero www.climatehero.org.au Reducing emissions and ecological footprint through a Carbon Calculator and other educational materials to assist businesses and individuals to take action on their resource usage and day to day practices. River Gum Florist, 32 McIntyre Street, Seymour www.rivergumflorist.com.au This business sources local flowers wherever possible, seeks to reduce plastic whenever they can and their floral waste is used by a local goat farm so there is good recycling of nutrients.

April 8, 2026Episode 17049 min

Mitchell Shire's biodiversity, S26 Ep13

Marie chats with Michael Watson from the upper Plenty Merri Creek Landcare Group about the enormous diversity across Mitchell Shire. We look at the various different environments that are represented across the Shire. There are particular issues affecting the areas from the high level of development in much of the south to the need to protect organisms in the forests and farmlands. They also discuss the issues that Council will be examining in their biodiversity plan. There are also plans for recreational tracks and parks in the Shire, including the wallan wallan and Bald Hill to Merri Creek parklands.