Big Little Small Talk

April is Parkinson’s Awareness month. Megan visited the Toowoomba Parkinson’s Support Group for the third year to hear how they are travelling. She had the privilege of talking to two people who bring nothing but joy to the local group. Sally Andrew takes dance classes and Melissa Forbes instructs the Park ‘n’ Song Choir. Carol Chalmers brings us up to speed with Joe’s progress.

Lee Faulkner’s voice is like a honey drink when your throat is sore. It’s comforting, familiar and soothing. Lee has been the voice of breakfast radio for over 25 years now. Lee made his own demo tapes as a child and always dreamt of being on radio however his lack of confidence kept him away for too many years to count. Hear Lee’s career and personal journey to happiness and success.

Frances Holmes has one way of living life, it's the right way! She has hosted a lunch for 20 years for people who are alone on Christmas Day. Originally from Iran, her daughter describes her this way "the fiery, motherly, sensitive, colourful and kind Persian Sass Queen". Frances likes Eleanor Roosevelt's saying "The purpose of life, after all is to live".

Adam and Susy Wenitong from Adapt Mentorship live and breath community work, especially if it involves young people. You wouldn’t meet two more dedicated individuals…but together, they’re dynamite and fun to boot!

Ultimately, Kat Lynn is a story teller. Currently Kat has an exhibition featuring six women who have powerful stories to tell. She has another passion and that’s food photography. Kat’s motivation for the work she does makes fascinating listening.

From The Archives (recorded June 2022) :

Oscar Wilde said "Life imitates Art". In Sherree Halliwell's case it could be true. Sherree is the director of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" which was staged at the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre Society in 2022. Lizzie Bennett is a strong, educated woman who doesn't need a husband to make her complete. Stage right Sherree.

Kerry Shine, Councillor, former member for Toowoomba North, former Attorney General has lived a big life. From tragic beginnings to a full career in law and politics, Kerry has maintained his humility and humour. A rollicking listen.

Eakraj Adhikari has faced many hardships in his life, not least, living alone in the city, as a ten year old child. Through every challenge he stayed calm and positive. Hear what sort of person Eakraj is and what qualities he will bring to the Toowoomba Regional Council, should he be elected 16 March 2024.

First and foremost David Searston is a creative. He is a playwright whose passion for writing began at 14 years. David’s grand parents were committed volunteers at Toowoomba’s iconic Empire Theatre and used to take him backstage. It sparked a fearlessness and ambition in him that burns brightly everyday.

Mick Atzeni has always loved birds. From a very young age he was fascinated by them. He is the President of the Toowoomba Bird Observers and his enthusiasm and wonder at these magnificent creatures is infectious. Listen as Mick talks local, national and global birds….he’ll have you reaching for the binoculars before the podcast is finished.

Tristan James is not an Elvis Presley impersonator, he’s in an Elvis Presley tribute show. There’s a distinct difference, so it seems. Hear Tristan’s delightful story of the WHY in his performance, it might surprise you.

Velvet Amour is one of Australia’s original burlesque queens. As Velvet explains in her book “My Bare Lady” her life began with a traumatic childhood, spanned a dancing career and included many violent and troubled relationships. At this stage of her life Velvet has found peace and happiness in semi-retirement in Toowoomba.

Amanda Dalton has chutzpah! She is the founder and CEO of Protea Place, a women’s support centre. She knew that women over 55 years of age were the fastest growing cohort of homelessness and she wanted to do something about it. And that she did!

Tom Walker’s interests are many and varied. From podcasting to Vikings to dancing. But Tom’s special skill is seeing the value and importance in his work. He has two jobs; a driver for OzHarvest and a cleaner at the hospital. Tom is a surprise at every turn.

Aunty Barb Walker Menz wears many hats. As an active and engaged volunteer of the Pittsworth Pioneer Village, Barb recently organised a celebration of “The Big Cheese”. In 1923, Pittsworth sent a 1700kg wheel of cheese to England for the British Empire Exhibition.

But Barb’s real passion is weaving. It brings her closer to her Wiradjuri ancestors and she loves helping other’s connect to culture.

Kimberley Halter lives, loves and breathes bonsai. Her father was a master bonsai grower and wanted Kimberley to look after his plants when he moved into a nursing home. But first she had to have lessons, many many lessons. In the process, Kimberley learnt a lot about life, as well as the art of bonsai.

Bronte McVeigh is sunshine on a stick. This bright, bubbly millennial is living her life at full speed. From Human Libraries to law to photography, Bronte loves life, and nothing, not even her hard to treat epilepsy, is going to stop her.

Graham Perrett has lead an extraordinary life. From humbling beginnings, the seventh of ten children, Graham grew up in St George in western Queensland. He is an author, a teacher, a lawyer, a band member and one of only approximately 2000 people, ever to be elected to Federal Parliament in Australia.

Dom Tulleken always loved to dance, any kind of dance, he lived to dance as a child. But tragedies struck and Dom was confined to a wheel chair for many years, so he started a disability dance company. Dom is also a trans man. A truly remarkable one!

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Cyril Curgenven and Ian Grieves from the Toowoomba prostate cancer support group, spent quality time with Megan telling their individual stories. Informative, funny and moving.

Rory H. Mather is a children’s book writer. He has published numerous books but didn’t like to read as a child. He spent four years living on a boat as a child and the family sailed around the world. Rory describers himself as a big kid with a beard!

Nick Carr is a comedian. A very thoughtful, philosophical and considered comedian. Not that there's anything wrong with that! Ironically, this is how Nick has advertised his latest show: "Interested in the political thoughts of your classic qld, beer drinking dickhead? Get on down for the best time you can have watching a greens voting lefty get drunk and tell you how to think" Love it!

John Dornbusch is the Chancellor of UniSQ. John grew up in Toowoomba, the much loved youngest child. He won a scholarship to do teaching at the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education (as it was known then) in 1972. On the surface, it seems John hasn't gone far, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Asked to describe himself in three words Lance Smith AM said "A Happy Chappy". Lance has been a diver, an entertainer, an author, an event organiser, a tourism ambassador, a Councillor and so much more. A fascinating and insightful interview.

Rhonda Weston is a force of nature. She is the immediate past president of U3A Toowoomba. From belly dancing to pickle ball to philosophy, U3A offers it all. Hear how Rhonda embraced U3A and U3A embraced her.

Alyce Nelligan (Speedy) is a disability advocate, a political activist, a social media influencer and a model. If that's not enough she's the mother to 3 young children and a farmers daughter. Hear Alyce's remarkable story, told with grit, determination and humour.

After 25 years at Toowoomba's iconic Empire Theatre, General Manager Kerry Saul has downed tools. He's seen many changes, many shows, many performers and has an incredible story to tell.

Listen as Kerry tells the story of the original "Empire Pictures" to a building that brought down a sitting Council.

Annette Rose is the CEO of a self-funded, public benevolent organisation Acts Care Group. Paul Wilson is the project development manager. Together they feed around 2500 people, provide accommodation and support services to many. Outside work, their lives are full and diverse; diamond grading, disAbility Awards and Dolly Parton. Listen to find out who does what.

Ursula, Gail and Glynn from the Pittsworth Women's Shed share what they give a "F over Fifty" about. In the third of Megan's series "Give a F Over Fifty" which is part Wordfest programming, the women discuss their views on fun, fitness, family, finance and food.

Shane Sullivan is the CEO of the reformed mighty Western Clydesdales rugby league team. Toowoomba and the South West has a rich history as a breeding ground of rugby league greats. Listen to how Shane plans to bring back the glory days of winning teams here on the Downs.

Tyrone Phillips is a fire twirler. He is a self taught performer who started his journey when his mother brought home a set of juggling sticks. Then he set them on fire!

Recorded June 2022

Louise Noble is the founder of The Mulberry Project. The Mulberry Project turns under-utilised land onto market gardens, healing through growing produce, providing sustenance and income to new migrants.

Recorded May 2022

Today on Big Little Small Talk I delve into the archives to bring you an interview I did last year with Kyle Martin Hollands Managing Director/Owner of GF Oats Australia a locally owned business based in Highfields supplying oats that are uncontaminated from the gluten found in wheat, rye and barley.
We’ll hear about her journey growing GF Oats into the thriving business it is today.

Recorded 20 February 2022

Coming up this week on Big Little Small Talk, we delve into the archives and meet John Biggar who is a part of the Spyder Muster held every year in Crows Nest. Megan was invited to be a judge for the 2022 Show 'N' Shine. Find out what a Spyder is and more on the Big Little Small Talk Podcast. 

This interview was recorded in February 2022 and contains archived content with some of the information now out of date.

Kevin Howarth aka Krazy Kev is many things. He's an internationally renowned DJ and entertainer. Most importantly, he's Toowoomba Region's Town Crier, with the loudest cry in Australia. Megan has a thoroughly entertaining interview on today's Big Little Small Talk.

Sexual abuse lawyer Adair Donaldson talks about consent, coercive control, domestic violence and the law. He has spoken to groups of professional footballers, athletes and school students. Hear Adair's insightful interview on Big Little Small Talk today.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence. Help and support is available by contacting the following services:

1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au

DVConnect- 1800 811 811 or dvconnect.org

Tuesday 11 April 2023 is World Parkinson's Disease Day. Twelve months after Megan's first catch up with the local support group, she goes back to see how everyone is travelling. Three different scenarios, three different stories, all living with Parkinson's Disease.

Breanna Humes is a superhero, and she wrote and published a book to prove it. She is from the Noongar, Gunditjmara, Wiraderjiri and Jawoyn peoples. Bre and her siblings were raised by her grand parents, who seemed to have had a profound influence on her. Hear Bre's fascinating life story so far.

Here is an understatement: "Tony Kyprios has lead an interesting life." He has gone from being a second generation Greek immigrant who grew up above a Toowoomba CBD cafe, to being a sole farmer at 15 years of age, to night-fill at Coles, to professional hypnotist! Today's guest on Big Little Small Talk will keep you enthralled with stories.

Megan's "Give a F over Fifty" series continues this week in conjunction with WordFest Toowoomba. To balance the gender ledger, this week we hear from the men from Pittsworth & District Men's Shed. Find out about their views on Fun, Fitness, Food, Friendship and Family. Oh....and they're floating a raft down the Murray River to raise money and awareness of prostate cancer.

Bianca Daniel is at the top of her game. She's a powerlifter and she holds a world record! Megan makes the observation at the end of this interview that Bianca holds similar qualities to another, much loved, Aussie athlete, Ash Barty. Both hold qualities of humility, determination and love of family. Get to know Bianca through this insightful interview.

David Iliffe's voice is probably more recognisable than his face. He is the long standing breakfast broadcaster on the local ABC. David comes from a family steeped in radio and television history. Hear how his parents were the vanguard of Brisbane Children's Television and how his mother won a Logie.

Hugh Krenske is a true environmentalist. He and his wife Kay have “rewilded” their suburban house block to become a dry rainforest. But what keeps them busy is volunteering; weeding Toowoomba’s Escarpment Parks. Hugh’s story is compelling, a man ahead of his time.

Brendon Quirey's career has been varied. From projectionist to publican, from steel to student. Currently Brendon and his partner Fiona are the hardworking owners of the Get Chopped brand that marries muscle cars, venues and community spirit. Find out how they do it.

Ian Whan lives in the beautiful Felton Valley. In 2008 he was involved in the David and Goliath fight to save this precious piece of country from an open cut coal mine. Find out how Friends of Felton did it and the legacy's left.

Peter Frazer is a bush poet. Peter recites beautifully here today as well explaining what constitutes bush poetry. It turns out, it doesn't have to be solely about living in the country. It can be about shopping trolleys or the belief that Christmas should always be spelt with a "C" and not an "X".