Kiama Community Radio's Podcast

Gabi Cabral talks to NSW Carer Recruitment and Development Manager Patricia Maher from McKillop Family Services about Foster Carers' Week (30th August - 5th September) , the growing need for foster carers  and what it means to be a foster carer in the Wollongong area. This is part of Gabi's weekly program Living Local at 9am on Wednesdays on KCR. Recorded 26.8.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Gabi Cabral talks to Rebecca (Bec) McAlister about her business Luckies Knickers  which sells specially designed undies with a practical function as well as looking fabulous, with matching tops. This is part of Gabi's regular segment The Shop Around the Corner supporting local businesses as part of her weekly program Living Local Wednesday mornings at 9am on KCR. Recorded 26.8.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

(full episode)Sofia Montrone is a New York writer whose first book, Nymph, is a coming-of-age novel set in Italy. Neil chats to Sofia about the course of her career, the inspiration for Nymph, and the crafting of her rich, lush prose.Neil and Campbell talk about their recent reads, and Neil shares the latest find from his Shelf of Magnificently Unnecessary Reference Books. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Sofia Montrone is a New York writer whose first book, Nymph, is a coming-of-age novel set in Italy. Neil chats to Sofia about the course of her career, the inspiration for Nymph, and the crafting of her rich, lush prose.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

At the August meeting of the Kiama Historical Society Peter Lacey from the South Coast History Society gave a talk about shipwrecks on the south coast. Before the event, Peter spoke to Boris Gazebarach on KCR Breakfast, Monday to Friday 7-9am on KCR. Peter's talk was introduced by Sue Eggins, president of the Kiama Historical Society and during question time Ian Backhouse from the Kiama Sea Shanty Club performed his sea-shanty-in-the-making about the wreck of the Rangoon, off the mouth of the Minnamurra River. For more information visit southcoasthistory.org.auKCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Dame Annette King is a former New Zealand Cabinet Minister and NZ High Commissioner to Australia.  As a long serving MP, diplomat and reformer her public service has helped shape New Zealand as it is today. This is the first in a special KCR series Close Up which focuses on women change makers who live right here in the Kiama LGA. Recorded August 2026. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Dame Annette King is a former New Zealand Cabinet Minister and NZ High Commissioner to Australia.  As a long serving MP, diplomat and reformer her public service has helped shape New Zealand as it is today. This is the first in a special KCR series Close Up which focuses on women change makers who live right here in the Kiama LGA. Recorded August 2026. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Shane Flew and Matt Ross are going to join us at Blues in the Night, KCR’s Blues fundraiser at Kiama Leagues Club on November 9th.  Peter Sullivan spoke to Shane Flew about their new album Once Upon a Long Time Ago during KCR Breakfast, 7-9am Mon- Fri, Thursdays with Peter Sullivan. Recorded 28.8.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

In 2005 Business journalist Adam Courtney wrote his first book,  a memoir about his father Bryce Courtney entitled My Father Bryce.Bryce Courtenay was one of Australia's most beloved authors and stayed at the top of International Bestseller Lists for 20 years. To his son, Adam, he was larger than life, mercurial, and impossible to know completely. Adam Courtney spoke to the Friends of Kiama Library about his memoir, and he was introduced by President of the Friends of Kiama Library, Perrie Croshaw. Thankyou to Candy Andersen for recording this presentation. Recorded 8.8.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Karen and Neil chat about Anthony Bourdain, American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian, after the recent release of a new biopic about his life: Tony.Along the way, Karen pays tribute to Dolly Parton, and her contribution to global literacy, and Neil delivers the latest instalment of Neil Reilly's Shelf of Magnificently Unnecessary Reference Books. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

"Past tense". This week Karen and Campbell spend an hour with Illawarra writer Gwen Wilson who has turned her hand to both memoir (I Belong to No One), and to a historical novel with a personal connection (Louisa).KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Gabriela Cabral talks to Rosemary Kitchin & Carolyn Vaughan about Death Café, an international movement providing a safe and open space where adults can talk honestly about death and dying, end‑of‑life experiences, fears and practicalities, what's available and what's desirable. The next Death Cafe is Thur 27 Aug, 2:30 PM -  at Kiama Library. Organized by the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Compassionate Community, it’s a free afternoon tea event and a welcoming space where you can enjoy open, light and relaxed conversation on death, dying and the end of life. The session requires advance bookings and is designed for open discussion rather than recent bereavement support. Bookings essential via the Kiama Library Events Page or by calling (02) 4233 1133. Recorded 19.8.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Gabriela Cabral talks to Dr Hiral Seth from Seth Dental about the ways in which digital dentistry is transforming the way we care for our teeth, what modern clinics can now do, and why so many of us still fear the dentist. Recorded 19.8.26This program is part of the regular segment The Shop Around the Corner supporting local businesses, part of Gabi's regular weekly show Living Local at 9am on Wednesdays. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

(Full episode)Mark Fennell is our special guest, talking to Neil Reilly about Stuff the British Stole - The Book!After the break, Di and Neil talk about books they've been reading, and literary what's-on from the local area. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Mark Fennell is our special guest, talking to Neil Reilly about Stuff the British Stole - The Book!KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

(Full episode)Presenters Campbell McConachie and Diane Ellison confront a shameful episode of Australian history: our forgotten slave trade, as revealed by local author Ryan Butta. In an extensive interview, the acclaimed non-fiction writer discusses his latest work, Blackbirding. Ryan examines the deliberate “engineered forgetting” that has wiped decades of exploitation of Pacific Island people from the national memory. Di and Campbell talk about what they have been reading, and some upcoming events.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Thinking about retirement living — or helping a parent, relative or friend explore their options?Gabriela Cabral chats with Laura Hooper, the Community Manager at Cedar on Collins; a valued sponsor of KCR.  Cedar on Collins has an information session coming up in September, with useful information for anyone considering retirement living and planning for the next chapter.This is part of Gabi's regular weekly program Living Local, Wednesday mornings at 9am on KCR. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Presenters Karen and Neil discuss The Life of Pi, Moby Dick and other nautical themed novels, as well as riding the zeitgeist as they trawl through some of the recent happenings in the world of books. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Kiama LGA goes to the polls again next weekend to fill the recently vacated 9th place on the Kiama Municipal Council, following the departure of Mike Cains. There are 2 candidates, Stan Jarrett and Michael Bowden. In this interview  Bernie Hems asks candidate Michael Bowden a series of questions posed by locals on the streets of Kiama. Recorded 14.8.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Kiama LGA goes to the polls again next weekend to fill the recently vacated 9th place on the Kiama Municipal Council, following the departure of Mike Cains. There are 2 candidates, Stan Jarrett and Michael Bowden. In this interview  Bernie Hems asks candidate Stan Jarrett a series of questions posed by locals on the streets of Kiama. Recorded 14.8.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Embark on an odyssey, as hosts Dean Koorey and Neil Reilly journey through their favourite book-to-screen adaptations.As our resident flash fiction writers/competitors, Dean and Neil also share the latest in this exciting micro genre.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

This week's guest, Illawarra writer Kathleen Bleakley, recently released her seventh publication, Toupie, a compilation of selected poetry and prose.Find out more when Diane Ellison and Karen Lateo quiz this prolific South Coast Writers Centre member. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Presenters Campbell McConachie and Diane Ellison confront a shameful episode of Australian history: our forgotten slave trade, as revealed by local author Ryan Butta. In an extensive interview, the acclaimed non-fiction writer discusses his latest work, Blackbirding. Ryan examines the deliberate “engineered forgetting” that has wiped decades of exploitation of Pacific Island people from the national memory. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Gabi talks to Alice Peel from Grow Your Mind, an online social and emotional wellbeing program for primary schools run by experienced educators. This is part of Gabriela Cabral's weekly program Living Local 9am Wednesdays on KCR. Recorded 5.8.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Gabi talks to Tim Donlea from Artemas Aged Care Services. Artemas is not an Aged Care provider but specialises in guiding seniors and their families through the complexities of the Aged Care system, from home care to government assistance, Centrelink assessments and residential options. Recorded 5.8.26The Shop Around the Corner is a regular segment supporting local businesses and is part of  Gabriela Cabral's weekly program Living Local at 9 Wednesdays on KCR. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Gabi talks to Gülçin Topel from Saltwater Cafe, Kiama who recently won Outstanding Business Leader at the  2026 Kiama Business Awards.In addition to  her heavy work schedule at Saltwater, Gülçin finds time for generous outreach projects to foster community connections. This interview was recorded as part of The Shop Around the Corner which supports local businesses in the Kiama LGA and part of Gabi Cabral's regular program Living Local, Wednesday mornings 9am on KCR. Recorded 29.7.27KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Our guest Linda Godfrey is a poet, editor, literary judge, teacher, and former Program Manager of The Wollongong Writers Festival. Linda discusses, and shares, her prose poetry - and other things literary - with presenters Karen and Neil. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

One for the trivia buffs: Play along as Diane and Deano quiz each other (and discuss) the best opening and ending lines in literature. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

This week, Jane, Karen and Neil discuss the resurgence of interest in gothic novels after the release of the new Wuthering Heights movie adaptation.Neil shares some of his experiences with writing competitions.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Gabi talks to Tamena Yarak, Regional Manager of Mackillop Family Services, an organisation that provides foster care, family support, alternative education and disability services in NSW. Recorded 29th July 2026. This is part of Gabi's weekly program Living Local on KCR at 9am on Wednesdays. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Grow and Sow hosts Jane Parbury and Joe Carter talk to former Australian journalist Perrie Croshaw who has been caretaker of 2 major gardens in her time:  The Garden of Eden in Norfolk, England, which had been a cider orchard and pleasure garden between the World Wars, but had fallen into much disrepair, and a 16ha property on Woodhill Mountain, near Berry where she lived with her 2 sons in the 1990s.Recorded 10th July 2026. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Gabriela talks to Dr. Rachel Gregory Wilson and  Kim Thomason, Warden at Kiama Anglican Church, about a seminar held recently at Kiama Anglican Church designed for parents and carers of young people living with neurodiversity and ADHD. They'll discuss the challenges families face, the support available and  the church's role in supporting the local community.Recorded 22nd July 2026This interview was recorded as part of Gabi Cabral's weekly program Living Local on KCR at 9am on Wednesdays. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

What makes the Kiama, Gerringong and Berry region one of Australia's most sought-after places to live?Bernie Hems chats with Craig and Kerrie Higbid, a husband-and-wife team with more than 50 years of combined real estate experience.  Craig and Kerrie's  business  South Coast Prestige Properties has now morphed into Christie's International Real Estate South Coast. Recorded 15th July 2026This interview is part of a regular segment  The Shop Around the Corner,  supporting businesses in the Kiama LGA: part of Gabi Cabral's weekly program Living Local at 9am on Wednesdays on KCR.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Peter Sullivan talks to Claire Hollander, the trumpet playing member of the five piece band Bonnie Kay and the Sweet Patooties, about their new album Open Doors.This interview was recorded on KCR Breakfast, Monday to Friday 7-9am and Peter Sullivan is in the hot seat on Wednesday mornings. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Gabriela Cabral talks to artist, photographer and jeweller Donna from The Sea and Me who, at the time, was exhibiting at the Old Fire Station next door to KCR. This was recorded as part of Gabi's regular program Living Local; 9am Wednesday mornings on KCR.Recorded 1.7.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

A very special guest, local author Helen Laidlaw talks to Di and Neil about her recent book about our local area: On Wadi Wadi Country – From the Mountains to the Sea.[Post-show update: Helen's book is available via all the major online retailers.]KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

From Edgar Allan Poe, to Donna Tartt, via Harry Potter and the ravens of Westeros, Karen and Di explore the significant role of birds in fiction.Karen brings the latest news from the literacy front, and our presenters review the Geraldine Brooks novel, Horse.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Karen and Campbell discuss books you wish you could re-experience for the very first time, then tour some of the spec fiction books that proved to be prescient, including their shared love of the works of William Gibson.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Jane and Karen discuss the pop culture news, the surprising number of books themed around cats, and why chic-lit ain't chic-lit anymore (and does it deserve its reputation, whatever it's called now?) KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Neil and Campbell talk about the events they are most looking forward to at the upcoming Sydney Writers' Festival.Then they range widely over the well-picked topic of genre fiction, and talk about some of their favourite cross- or multi-genre books.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Karen delivers pop culture news, including the latest on Sean Micallef’s first novel 'De'Ath Takes a Holiday'. On the eve of Anzac Day, Neil contrasts Peter Fitzsimmons with Les Carlyon, after a discussion about the great anti-war novel, 'Catch-22'.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Jane and Campbell critique the latest 'best ever books' list from Goodreads. What is a 'Reading Retreat'?  Campbell brings the tea after going on assignment to experience one for himself. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

From Philip K Dick to George RR Martin and Mick Herron - Karen and Neil discuss recent TV and Movie adaptations that take you back to the original book.Neil brings us his favourite books and about music and musicians. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Jane, Di and Karen talk about their favourite 'comfort books' - easy reads you can pick up and re-read again and again.Karen talks about the Australian Literacy Foundation, and the mission to make reading more enjoyable for kids.  Jane and Di introduce us to dog-themed books!KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Di brings us the low-down on libraries - and what are they good for. Neil discusses PJ O'Rourke and books by other travel writers.Campbell talks about his favourite 'weird' (or 'WTF') books - from JB Ballard to the Roaches Have No King. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Neil and Di discuss the life and works of notable Australian author Charmian Clift, a Kiama local. And they discuss book adaptations, and how the original work can be wildly re-interpretated. Examples range from The Great Gatsby to The Magic Faraway Tree. KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Jane and Karen do a deep dive into the popularity of cookbooks, then segue into a discussion about cooking and food themed works of fiction. Karen brings us some of the latest news from the world of neuroscience, and what it can tell us about the experience of reading.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Neil and Campbell welcome local celebrity and friend of the show, Dean Koorey, to the microphone to discuss flash fiction, copy writing, self-help books, and humour in fiction.KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

At the June meeting of the Kiama Historical Society Peter Edwell presented a talk about the Great Archibald Controversy of 1944 which ended up in the Supreme Court, trying to decide whether or not William Dobell's (now) famous portrait of fellow artist Joshua Smith fit the definition of 'portrait'. Peter wrote a book about it: The Case that Stopped a Nation because it seriously was the biggest scandal of its time. Recorded 13th June 2026KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]

Host Gabi Cabral talks to Georgie Davey, aka Boss Lady Gee, from Serious About Socials. Her company builds social media and marketing digital ecosystems that promote local brands, using the latest technologies.KCR supports local businesses with Gabi's weekly segment The Shop Around the Corner, as part of Living Local, 9am Wednesday mornings. Recorded 1.7.26KCR: live streaming at kcr.org.au or via the Kiama Community Radio App. Contact us: [email protected]