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October 11, 202613 min
Sat,10th, Oct, 2026: Annitta Macauley; Social Support and Events Manager, Life View
Macca and Paul are joined live on air by Annitta Macauley, who is the Social Support, Events & Diversity Manager at Lifeview. Before Lifeview, Annitta worked in disability for 18-years. She started at Lifeview as a Social Support Assistant and then was promoted to Social Support Coordinator. In 2019, she became the Social Support and Events Manager. Annitta has a Diploma in Business Administration, a Diploma in Leadership and Management, is a qualified grief counsellor and has a Certificate III and IV in aged care with a major in lifestyle. Her areas of speciality are grief, lifestyle, music and arts. Annitta is passionate about finding meaningful activities for residents. Her hobbies include arts and crafts, spending time with family, friends and her puppy, as well as music. Her favourite thing is to hear the residents singing along to music! The post Sat,10th, Oct, 2026: Annitta Macauley; Social Support and Events Manager, Life View appeared first on Saturday Magazine .
October 11, 20269 min
Sat, 10th, Oct, 2026: Adam Brackman, VPC Volunteer Program, Volunteering at the VPC; Concierge & Volunteer Coordinator
Paul and Macca are joined live on air and in the studio by Adam Brackman, VPC Volunteer Program, Volunteering at the VPC Adam is a seasoned executive consultant with a wealth of experience in IT solutions and transformational change programs, having worked across both the government and private sectors in the US, Singapore and Australia. With a career spanning several decades, Adam has been instrumental in driving innovation and efficiency in various organizations. Having semi-retired from his professional endeavors, Adam has now chosen to focus on his background in volunteer program management. His commitment to social causes has shaped his perspective and approach, enabling him to lead impactful initiatives that foster community resilience and support. Adam’s work in various volunteer roles showcases his passion for making a difference and his ability to inspire others to contribute to meaningful change. Having joined the VPC in April of 2024 as a volunteer, Adam continues to advocate for causes close to his heart, leveraging his extensive experience to mentor others and support community programs and is the Interim Concierge and Volunteer Program Coordinator at the VPC. The post Sat, 10th, Oct, 2026: Adam Brackman, VPC Volunteer Program, Volunteering at the VPC; Concierge & Volunteer Coordinator appeared first on Saturday Magazine .
October 11, 202615 min
Sat, 10th, Oct, 2026: Peter Khalil – MP for Wills & Asst Min. for Defence
Paul and Macca are joined live on air by The Hon Peter Khalil MP is the Federal Member for Wills and the Assistant Minister for Defence. First elected in 2016 and representing the Australian Labor Party, his electorate includes northern Melbourne suburbs like Brunswick, Coburg, and Pascoe Vale. The Hon. Peter Khalil MP is the Assistant Minister for Defence and the Federal Member for Wills. Peter was first elected to the House of Representatives for Wills, Victoria in 2016. Previously, Peter was the Special Envoy for Social Cohesion from July 2024 to May 2025, Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security from September 2022 to October 2024, and has held numerous committee positions. Peter is a second generation Australian. His parents migrated from Egypt to Melbourne for a better life. He grew up in public housing and played AFL and tennis semi-professionally after leaving school. Peter went on to study a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law at the University of Melbourne and a Master of Laws at Australian National University. Prior to entering Parliament Peter was the Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, Strategy and Communications at SBS and a Victorian Multicultural Commissioner. He also has served as a foreign policy and national security adviser to former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. He has also worked as a public servant at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Department of Defence. The post Sat, 10th, Oct, 2026: Peter Khalil – MP for Wills & Asst Min. for Defence appeared first on Saturday Magazine .
October 11, 202627 min
Sat, 10th, Oct, 2026: James Newbury MP, Shadow Equality and Attorney General
Paul and Macca are joined live on air byJames Newbury, MP Brighton & Shadow / Att Gen / Min Equality / Anti Corruption; as they discuss Vicarious Liability Legislation, Net Zero, Sussan Ley, Melbourne Crime and State deficit Shortfall. Before entering Parliament, James worked in both the private sector and the public sector. In the private sector, as a Group Company Secretary in the financial services industry. In the public sector, at the highest levels of State and Federal Government. James has completed three university degrees, including a post graduate level law degree, a Juris Doctor, and a Masters Degree in Business Law. The post Sat, 10th, Oct, 2026: James Newbury MP, Shadow Equality and Attorney General appeared first on Saturday Magazine .
October 11, 202611 min
Sat, 10th, Oct, 2026: David Gibson, Chair GRAI in Perth, Fmr Army Captain, Dismissed for from ADF for his Sexuality.
Macca and Paul talk to : David Gibson, Chair GRAI in Perth, Fmr Army Captain, Dismissed for from ADF for his Sexuality. The Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation) Bill 2026, introduced by Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh, will enable eligible Defence personnel convicted solely on the basis of consensual homosexual activity to apply to have those convictions extinguished. “Chair of GRAI (GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc), David Gibson, said the introduction of the legislation marks an important milestone in recognising the harm caused by past policies that targeted homosexual service members. “As a former Army officer who was discharged back in 1989 because of my sexuality, this is not just policy for me. It is personal,” Gibson said. “Careers were lost. Reputations were damaged. Many former personnel carried that trauma quietly for decades.” The post Sat, 10th, Oct, 2026: David Gibson, Chair GRAI in Perth, Fmr Army Captain, Dismissed for from ADF for his Sexuality. appeared first on Saturday Magazine .
October 11, 202626 min
Sat, 10th, Oct, 2026: Kieran Rooney, State Political Reporter, The Age
Paul and Macca are joined live on air by Kieran Rooney State politics reporter at the The Age. 2002 Best and Fairest for Padua College Year 6 E-Grade cricket. https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/deal-or-no-deal-how-the-major-parties-are-tackling-the-minority-government-risk-20261010-p6140z.html h ttps://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/one-nation-s-promise-to-repair-victoria-s-finances-creates-4-billion-black-hole-20261006-p6138b.html The post Sat, 10th, Oct, 2026: Kieran Rooney, State Political Reporter, The Age appeared first on Saturday Magazine .
October 4, 202612 min
Sat, 3rd, Oct, 2026: Prof. Rhonda Stuart, Director of Public Health and Infection Prevention at Monash Health & Director of the South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU)
Mew data shows Mpox cases are on the rise locally, with 52 cases reported statewide since August 1 alone. While the virus continues to circulate globally, localised findings reveal a dramatic difference in how severely it impacts people based on their vaccination status. Joining us today on Saturday Magazine is Professor Rhonda Stuart, Director of Public Health and Infection Prevention at Monash Health and Director of Monash Health’s South East Public Health Unit. Good morning Rhonda. Her team has analysed 205 local Mpox cases recorded since 2024 – and they’ve found data proving that vaccination hospital emergency visits—from over 31% in unvaccinated patients down to under 9% for those fully vaccinated. Cases are climbing across Victoria, with 52 cases reported since August 1, 2026 . SEPHU Cohort (205 Cases): All cases recorded in Melbourne’s south-east (a catchment of 1.8 million people) were men. Emergency Department (ED) Rates by Vaccination Status: Unvaccinated: 31.6% required an emergency department visit. 1 Vaccine Dose: 16.6% required an ED visit. Fully Vaccinated (2 Doses): 8.6% required an ED visit. Key Takeaway: A full two-dose vaccination course cuts ED presentation risk by nearly 75% compared to being unvaccinated. Viral Strains & The Clade 1b Variant Transmission Dynamics: Spread occurs primarily through close physical contact (such as sexual activity), contact with contaminated objects (towels, bedding, sex toys), or respiratory droplets/body fluids. Clade 1b Strain: SEPHU has recorded one case of Clade 1b mpox in its region. Clade 1b is considered more transmissible than earlier strains (like Clade IIb). Cross-Protection: The free JYNNEOS vaccine provides effective protection against both Clade 1 and Clade 2 strains. High-Risk Groups & Clinical Guidance At-Risk Cohorts: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and their sexual partners remain at highest risk, particularly those with multiple or casual partners or who attend sex-on-premises venues or events. Vulnerable Populations: Immunocompromised individuals, children, and pregnant women face a higher risk of severe illness if exposed. Clinical Advice: Health authorities are advising doctors to test any sexually active person presenting with symptoms (fever, rash, localized lesions, rectal/genital pain) regardless of their sexual orientation, travel history, or vaccination status. The post Sat, 3rd, Oct, 2026: Prof. Rhonda Stuart, Director of Public Health and Infection Prevention at Monash Health & Director of the South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU) appeared first on Saturday Magazine .
October 4, 202616 min
Sat, 3rd, Oct, 2026: Sen. Steph Hodgins-May, Fed, Dep. Leader of the Australian Greens & Senator for Victoria
Earlier this week, the Australian Greens announced a major shift in their parliamentary leadership, electing Victorian Senator Steph Hodgins-May as the party’s new Federal Deputy Leader alongside leader David Shoebridge. A former environmental lawyer and long-time advocate for progressive reform, Senator Hodgins-May joins us to talk about her vision for the Greens in Canberra. Steph, welcome to JOY 94.9. Steph Hodgins-May was elected Federal Deputy Leader of the Greens in late September 2026, serving alongside Senator David Shoebridge as Leader. Core Platform: Hodgins-May says it’s frustrating the party hasn’t been able to capitalise growing anti-establishment sentiment, but believes she and Shoebridge are up to the job, and they “don’t want to waste a moment”. She signals a more combative approach to the leadership. “We need to work harder, we need to work faster … we’ve got to play hardball. We know that incrementalism isn’t going to cut it.” The post Sat, 3rd, Oct, 2026: Sen. Steph Hodgins-May, Fed, Dep. Leader of the Australian Greens & Senator for Victoria appeared first on Saturday Magazine .
October 4, 202610 min
Sat, 3rd, Oct, 2026: Fiona Patten, CEO of the Medicinal Cannabis Council Australia (MCCA) & former Vic MP; Australia’s First Medicinal Cannabis Qualification, Domestic Production vs. Imports, Healthcare Education, & Drug Driving Reform
Ten years after medicinal cannabis was legalised in Australia, the domestic market has soared past a billion dollars. Yet, a surprising amount of the medicine prescribed to Australian patients is grown overseas, imported under different regulatory standards. Joining us today on Saturday Magazine is former Victorian MP Fiona Patten in her new role as CEO of the Medicinal Cannabis Council Australia. We’ll be discussing the launch of Australia’s very first TAFE qualification in medicinal cannabis cultivation, why domestic growers are fighting an uneven playing field, and what still needs to change for healthcare workers and patients. Fiona, welcome to JOY 94.9. The Certificate III in Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and Production is now available at Federation TAFE. Half of the hands-on hours occur at a working commercial environment in Victoria’s Yarra Valley., gaining experience across greenhouse cultivation, propagation and post-harvest operations. Ten students have enrolled in the inaugural cohort, preparing them for roles as cultivation technicians, with training covering rigorous compliance, quality assurance, biosecurity, workplace safety and regulated production processes. Federation TAFE is currently the only registered training organisation approved to deliver and assess the qualification, which was developed in response to identified skills and workforce needs within the growing medicinal cannabis industry. Modelling of the Victorian industry estimates demand will grow to almost 242,000 medicinal cannabis patients by 2028, with The post Sat, 3rd, Oct, 2026: Fiona Patten, CEO of the Medicinal Cannabis Council Australia (MCCA) & former Vic MP; Australia’s First Medicinal Cannabis Qualification, Domestic Production vs. Imports, Healthcare Education, & Drug Driving Reform appeared first on Saturday Magazine .
October 4, 202624 min
Sat, 3rd, Oct, 2026: Ryan Heath, Launch Editor, POLITICO Australia; Australia’s AI & Tech Governance, and LGBTQIA+ Representation in Media
Ryan Heath, Launch Editor, POLITICO Australia POLITICO’s Australian Expansion, Digital Media Transformation, Australia’s AI & Tech Governance, and LGBTQIA+ Representation in Media When we last spoke to our next guest in early August, he was getting ready to launch a new media brand in Australia, covering the goings on in Canberra. We’re thrilled to talk again to Ryan Heath, Launch Editor of POLITICO Australia, about POLITICO globally and Australia’s tech and AI policy landscape. Welcome to Joy Ryan! Topics and Themes discussed with Ryan were: The White House Press Ban & Injunction The Action: The Trump administration attempted to indefinitely bar POLITICO, CNN, and MS NOW from White House briefings and deactivate press badges, claiming bias and “fake news”. The Coalition: Rather than accepting the decision, the three news outlets launched a joint First Amendment lawsuit (CNN et al. v. Trump) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Ruling: A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order forcing the White House to immediately restore access, ruling that targeted credential revocations were likely unconstitutional retaliation. The ACLU and media advocacy groups filed supporting briefs to turn the temporary order into a permanent injunction. Pool Solidarity: Other White House press corps members briefly boycotted pool coverage in solidarity before the court order restored access. Launch of POLITICO Australia & Local Strategy Background: Ryan Heath built his reputation authoring the foundational Brussels Playbook for POLITICO Europe, before serving as top global correspondent in Washington/NYC and global tech correspondent at Axios. Focus in Canberra: Delivering high-density political intelligence on trade, defence, AI policy, and geopolitical dynamics. Recent Scoops: Heath recently broke reporting on OpenAI’s AI agents making unauthorised requests into Australian government data systems (Services Australia/Medicare), highlighting gaps in domestic AI governance. Media Inclusion & Diversity JOY 94.9 Connection: Openly gay, Heath was an early activist who helped found Rainbow Labor and has long championed queer representation, gender parity, and structural accountability in major newsrooms. Suggested Follow-Up Questions Topic 1: Press Freedom & The White House Legal Battle “The federal court ruled that banning POLITICO, CNN, and MS NOW violated the First Amendment. How vital was it for competing newsrooms to stand together legally rather than trying to handle access disputes behind closed doors?” “When political leaders use press access as a political weapon or label coverage ‘fake news’, how does a political publication maintain rigorous reporting without becoming part of the story itself?” “Do you see a risk of similar press-filtering tactics spreading to parliamentary press galleries in places like Australia, or is our media environment structurally different?” Topic 2: POLITICO Australia & Local Reporting “You recently reported on an incident where OpenAI’s agents breached Australian government data systems. Is the Australian government keeping up with the security and legal risks posed by rapid AI development?” “Australian political media is famously concentrated. What specific gap is POLITICO filling for Australian readers who want deeper policy and political intelligence?” Topic 3: Newsroom Diversity & LGBTQIA+ Representation “Earlier in your career, you helped establish Rainbow Labor. Looking at media management today, do LGBTQIA+ journalists have a real seat at executive tables, or is diversity still treated as a cosmetic exercise?” The post Sat, 3rd, Oct, 2026: Ryan Heath, Launch Editor, POLITICO Australia; Australia’s AI & Tech Governance, and LGBTQIA+ Representation in Media appeared first on Saturday Magazine .
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