Speaking Out

Naomi Moran on the evolution of Indigenous media and her role as NSW Treaty Commissioner

his week on Speaking we feature a conversation between two Inspiring voices.Emeritus Professor and writer Stan Grant sits down with Professor and playwright Wesley Enoch to discuss his new book When Words Fail Us, Truth Beyond Time.Exploring how listening to each other's philosophies and ideas can move us towards reconciliation and think about the possible futures for First Nations people - and the future of the country.

Remembering Aunty Elsie Heiss, Wiradjuri Elder and Catholic Religious Leader. 

Victor Steffensen outlines the process behind his latest book.

Reflecting on the legacy of composer and musical director, David Page, who helped laid the foundations of Bangarra Dance Theatre with his memorable songlines.His Brother Stephen Page joins us talk about the latest production called 'Sheltering' that features Davids music and uses existing works, to explore a multitude of Indigenous experiences. Then later, Aunty Lowitja O'Donoghue is immortalised in a statue unveiled on the banks of Kaurna Country in Adelaide

Melissa Luckashenko details her creative process. 

Highlighting conversations with Indigenous leaders who have shaped the way we think and have transformed the way we see the world.

From the streets of Redfern with Aunty Bronwyn Penrith, to Western NSW with Riverbank Frank, exploring how our Aunts and Uncles continue to be such big influences in our grassroots community.

Conversations with trailblazers in the creative industries who use their talents in theatre, visual arts and beyond, to tell stories of our people. 

This week we feature Trailblazers in First Nations communities including writer Tony Birch, and former Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney.

This week Speaking Out continues to take look back on some of Larissa's favourite conversations with inspirational Indigenous Women. 

We take a look back at the past decade in Indigenous Affairs.

Dr Chris Sarra shares his widely celebrated work on reforming the education system and making it more culturally appropriate for Indigenous students. 

Aunty Rhoda Roberts, was a trailblazer in the arts and media scene. We reflect on her legacy and the impact she has made on Indigenous communities across the country and the world.And, Aunty Muriel Bamblett talks about a new peak body to tackle family, domestic and sexual violence against First Nations Women.

A new report details racism experienced by Indigenous employees and explores why it's important ensure workplaces are culturally safe.

The recently released, Child Rights Report 2025, outlines the major issues faced by First Nations children and young people in Queensland. 

In Conversation with Dan Bourchier, from washing windows at his local newspaper in Tennant Creek, to now being the General Manager of NITV. His in-depth coverage of issues in Indigenous communities is what makes him a prominent figure in First Nations media.And, Aunty Pat Turner announces she'll be stepping away from public life after more than half a century fighting for our people. 

Karen Iles on the alleged failures of the justice and coronial systems.

Tony Birch and Eddie Cubillo Each use their lived experience to challenge peoples perspectives and make small moments into a powerful lessons to learn from, with their newly released books. 

How can we protest in an environment that is at times unsafe and censored? 

Dr Terri Janke started her own law firm in the late 90s to now being an advocate for artists, journalists and writers, protecting them from the fast growing world of A.I We hear about her extraordinary journey, as a Lawyer, Mentor and advocate for the next generation of artists. ives.

This week we dive deep into where we are with treaty in this country. Looking closely into processes across the country, starting with Victoria

In Conversation with award winning ABC  journalist Isabella Higgins, we talk with her about her new role as host of ABC Radio National AM program.

Truth-telling is not just changing what we know - it's changing who gets to know it, who gets to tell it, who gets believed when they speak.

Looking back on the past 12 months in Indigenous affairs with Lindon Coombes and Lorena Allam.

Two of the biggest advocates for young people and children highlights issues, from Juvenile justice to childcare reform, what is working and what needs to change?

Bringing to light stories that have been in the background of our history books.

Taking a look at the ABC doco End Game and how big organisations can support First Nations players and leaders, standing up against racism in sport.

Larissa talks with journalist Lorena Allam and author Angie Faye Martin about the intersection between fact and fiction in Martin’s debut novel 'Melaleuca'.

Munanjahli and South Sea Islander woman, Professor Chelsea Watego, talks about her new book 'Black Thoughts Matter', and owning your own narrative as a First Nations academic.

Archie Moore's award winning work 'kith and kin' comes home to Brisbane.Larissa speaks with journalist David Marr and Writer Cheryl Levy examining the impact of  tracing his family history through archives and coronial records, and how that reflected kinship and connection.

Artist, curator and storyteller Uncle Djon Mundine, a fierce custodian of truth talks about career using his work to form a bridge between contemporary art and traditional Aboriginal knowledge systems.

Ginny Jones and Dr Amy McQuire, talk about how they started the Disappeared Peoples Project -  supporting Aboriginal families in finding their disappeared loved ones.

Tony McAvoy joins me to discuss the Racial Discrimination Act and how it has impacted First Nations peoples, 50 years since it was enacted.

Legendary photographer Mervyn Bishop reflects on his life behind the lens, and how he crystallises moments.

It’s been 25 years since Sydney hosted the Olympic Games.And the Opening Ceremony's 8 minute section called Awakening showcased First Nations culture in ways that had never been seen before.To mark the anniversary Rhoda Roberts, Stephen Page and Todd Condie reflect on the significance of the 2000 Olympics, and how they helped change the perception of Indigenous peoples and their stories.

Looking into institutions of knowledge, using archives and data to help decolonise place like galleries, libraries and museums.

Author and academic JM Field on how his mathematical insights offer a framework for revitalising Gamilaraay kinship systems.

Wesley Enoch on continuing to open doors for First Nations creatives and their stories.

From the Day of Mourning in 1938 to Blak Lives Matter in 2019, researcher Treena Clark reflects on the interwoven history of Indigenous fashion and social movements.

Phillipa McDermott is known for creating cultural change in large organisations and integrating Indigenous views into high-level strategic decisions.

Tanya Hosch is a champion for social justice and a staunch campaigner for the empowerment of First Nation’s people.

Kate Russell is the CEO of the not-for-profit organisation Supply Nation which brings together verified Indigenous businesses through a searchable database. Kate joins Larissa Behrendt to discuss leadership, Indigenous business, and meeting Kamala Harris.

Regan Mitchell is a fierce advocate for the prevention of family and gendered violence, having worked on both the front-line and the policy level.She discusses her new role with Our Watch and how she hopes to put out fires before they start, and what it means to be a ‘tell-able’ person.

Professor Eddie Cubillo, a truth teller connecting ancient and modern law, discusses his journey to decolonise academic institutions and his win at the National NAIDOC Awards.

Celebrate the immense contributions that the National NAIDOC Elders of the Year Uncle Phillip Harry Hall and Aunty Rosalie Kickett have made in their communities. 

In honour of NAIDOC Week's theme The Next Generation, Jenaya Gibbs-Muir introduces four young First Nations leaders: Professor Braden Hill, fashion designer Juanita Page, entrepreneur Kaylene Langford, and filmmaker Keiran Satour.

Whether she’s treading the boards herself, directing the show or sharing her deep dramaturgical knowledge, Dr Rachael Maza’s voice has echoed across stages in small community halls and the world's most prestigious theatres alike.The theatre is where she delivers uncompromising truths — our stories, our way, for our mob. Today, Rachael reflects on her journey and discusses her ethos of leadership. 

Yvonne Weldon makes history as the first Aboriginal Sydney councillor, bringing the deep legacy of intergenerational trauma into spaces where change is shaped, and as CEO of the Stolen Generations Council, Yvonne transforms past pain into healing and progress, guiding survivors and their families toward a better future.

Professor Tracey Bunda's groundbreaking work in Indigenising curricula is transforming how knowledge is taught, and proving that when Aboriginal women lead, entire institutions can change. She discusses how she's revolutionising university education from the inside out.