The Last Post Radio Show

Ben Eames and Michael Bridger sit down at the selection table and give a match-by-match summary. With Greg Champion and host Greg T Ross.

Here, we speak with writer, historian Stephen Vagg about Outpost, a forgotten TV Play, filmed in 1959. Outpost is set in 1943, deep in the New Guinea jungle with Australian soldiers and an Air-Force Sergeant who manages to offend everyone. Before Mavis Bramston, Homicide and Bellbird, when channels were reluctant to show Australians, Australian content.

In the beginning the NDIS was created to save money and now it's blown out, amidst urgings for state and territorial governments to step up. Ahead of the Federal Budget, The Last Post Radio Show speaks with ADA Australia CEO, Geoff Rowe about the disability scheme and it's likely future.

A story of miraculous survival and an amazing life. The Australian College of Nursing Foundation partners with SA Film Maker Ash Starkey to produce a documentary about Vivian Bullwinkel and the 21 nurses who perished at Radji beach in 1942. The Last Post Radio Show speaks with Ash about the film, the process and the life of Vivian Bullwinkel.

The Selection Table - Listen to Ben Eames and Michael Bridger give their tips and reasons why for the coming rounds of AFL and NRL matches this weekend. With help from Greg Champion and news about the AFL's Footy Shorts, coming to the Melbourne International Film Festival in August.

From Daniel Reynaud's new book, listen to Daniel tell the story of Walter Dexter, Australia's most decorated chaplain. Decorated three times over two wars with a disdain for pomp, boarded his first ship at age 14, a brilliant public speaker and sea captain, being on a sailing ship with a crocodile and teaching himself ancient Greek and Hebrew whilst on board, a respected horseman who saved the lives of 70 people at sea. A man who sailed the world and had a tent as a parish in Wonthaggi, nicknamed 'The Pinching Padre' who would do anything for his soldiers and of landing at Gallipoli, insisting he go onshore with the first wave. The chaplain who sprinkled wattle seeds over the graves of Anzacs before he left the Peninsula and, as a farmer, bought back the same cow he had sold, without knowing. At Durham University, a successful debater and rower, a working-class man who had the ability to communicate with all.

The Last Post Radio Show speaks with Uncle Col Watego OAM, about Serving Country, a landmark exhibition that is now available in book form. Attached to that and on the back of one of Australia's most significant cultural and historical initiatives, Uncle Col speaks about the identity of respect in modern Australia and for truth-telling and for recognition of the role our original Australians, who have partaken in more than a century of contribution across conflicts and peacekeeping missions. With the storytelling of 311 participants across 619 pages, Serving Country is a quality historical publication.

The Last Post Radio Show speaks with Prof and author Paul Strangio about his new book, The Alchemy of Leadership, a look at and account and stocktake of Australian politics in the first 1/4 century of the new millennium.

The Last Post Radio Show's The Selection Table gives you tips and insights into the coming rounds of NRL + AFL football. Thanks to Michael Bridger, Greg Champion and Ben Eames

On a warm Singaporean morning, The Last Post Radio Show travels to the Kranji War Memorial + Cemetery to attend the Anzac Day dawn service with dignitaries, veterans, locals, New Zealanders and Australians and visitors from all parts of the world, bagpipes, didgeridoo, a choir of children and the hope that one day countries will not raise arms against each other. Confronting the cost of war.

Michael Bridger is Head of Defence + Infrastructure at Versatile Construction. In this pre-Anzac Day recorded chat, Michael speaks about Versatile Construction's projects globally, their offices worldwide and the importance of the company being Australian owned and controlled. And of being trusted in the marketplace. As we get towards the end of the chat, Michael also speaks about his favourite NRL team, the Roosters and their annual Anzac Day battle with the Dragons.

Join Greg T Ross with Ben Eames, Greg Champion and Michael Bridger as they pick apart winners-and-why for the Anzac Day Round 7 of the AFL and the NRL's Round 8.

For some the celebration of major events associated with service, can be stressful. In this discussion, Clinical Psychologist and Conscious Mind Centre founder, Shai Hipperson outlines evidence-based treatment for veterans that may have exhausted conventional options.

Veteran Anna Maria Lang talks about her upcoming book, The Lioness Rising, about having belief in yourself and actually starting, about weaving personal experiences and listen as Anna Maria gives insights and tips to would-be writers.

Kevin and Lucas Winward from Red Desert Dreamings, talk about the history of Aboriginal art and the importance of Geoffrey Bardon and Albert Namatjira in contemporary indigenous art, about its cultural significance and its connection to ancient storytelling...and how Kevin and Jenny Winward's interest in art started when they went out to buy a dishwasher...and returned with a painting back in 1972.

Welcome to a very special episode of The Last Post Radio Show. Here, we give honour to the Coloured Digger Anzac Day Commemorative Service in Redfern and the Serving Country Exhibition on Anzac Day. This is not just history, this is living memory.

A tale of human connection, hope and resilience in the face of great tragedy. The Last Post Radio Show speaks with Director, Serge Ou.

Join us on Episode one of The Last Post Radio Show's The Selection Table, where Ben Eames and Michael Bridger give us an insiders look into the weekends matches, who'll win and why.

The Last Post Radio Show speaks with Vasey Executive General Manager, Community Services, Jannette Fleming about independent housing for veterans and maintaining dignity and respect for those that have served, and their families.

We delve into a nations soul in this chat with veteran and author, Dave Morgan. Here we converse about this important book and how Dave's own battles led him to a place where he wanted to honour those that have served. With extraordinary honesty, Dave opens up with a rawness that is appreciated and talks about why preserving our military history is vital, of how a note falling from his wallet in a bar in New York may have saved his life... and of being spat in the face when returning from Vietnam. A book, I would suggest, that should be in every school in Australia. From the late-Blaine Flower Diddams to Greg Perry and to Little Pattie and Ronald Raymond Jesse James, the story of great Australians.

The Last Post Radio Show speaks with Rural Aid's Chief Operations Officer and veteran, Brian Morton about Rural Aid and helping farmers and families and communities through adversity and disasters. Brian speaks about the unique character of communities in rural and regional Australia and Rural Aid's national support approach... and their ongoing wish for donations and volunteers.

Michael Hartung OAM, CEO of Invictus Australia and Dr Celine Shirazapour from Invictus Games Foundation join Greg T Ross and Invictus Sports Series co-host Neil Burgin to talk about the impact and legacy of the Invictus Games. And, towards the end, some very special and exciting news from Michael.

In this amazing chat, Andy takes us to Afghanistan and the trauma of losing mates. After discharge, PTSD and nearly falling, Andy and his wife Claire took stock and decided to help veterans and first responders with a holistic approach to mental health. The groundbreaking Invisible Injuries is the result. Hear Andy's story, his great honesty and his determination to bring good outcomes.

The Last Post Radio Show sits down with Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine and talks about the journey from Ohio, to Hawthorne to the beaches and cities of the world with the joyous sounds of a group whose harmonies, surfing music and infectious tunes helped the world feel the warmth of the sun...of being compared to The Beatles... and of meeting Brian Wilson at school and of always wanting to do it again.

Thanks to the NFSA's acquisition of five unique Australian-made machines, pinball is making a comeback. Back in the day, in milk bars, fish 'n chip shops, arcades and caravan parks, you would find pinball machines. Around the country, teenagers would empty the household supply of 10 and 20 cent coins to be part of the fun. Here, The Last Post Radio Show speaks with NFSA's Digital Games Curator Yolanda Yip about the era and the importance of how these machines reflect Australia's history.

It started in Spain and now has enveloped the world. Now in it's second year, the Global Book Crawl encourages people, in a time of instant everything, to take the time to hold a book and to read it. It's free, accessible and can involve you and family and friends. For education and good mental health and to step into another life, from Vancouver to Veracruz, from Queens to Sweden and Spain and in Fiji...and here in Australia. The Last Post Radio Show speaks with Mark Rubbo from Readings and Jaye Chin Dusting from Mary Martin's about this international event.

To celebrate International Women's Day, 8th March 2026, people gathered at the Fighter World Museum in Williamtown, NSW to hear stories of women's experience in defence. After a Welcome to Country from Sgt Carla Sewell Whitlock, Indigenous Liaison from Williamtown, Wing Commander Linda Margaret New CSM as MC, gives us the story and history of women in the RAAF. The keynote speaker is Wing Commander Dr Mary Anne Whiting (Retired). First in the series, Mary Anne gives a remarkable recollection of her experience, from her beginnings to her last salute in 2023. In this series, we give thanks to Mary Anne and all women who have contributed to the defence force and service to the nation.

PTSD Dogs' CEO Angie Weeks talks to us about the amazing work being done by her organisation and ways that you can help.

Writer, journalist David Free shares memories of his many visits to the northern rivers and Bluesfest. A truly great event with an international reputation, David got to see Bob Dylan, REM, BB King, Greg Allman, Buddy Guy, Rodriguez, Dr John, Toto, Tim Rogers breaking down while singing Paragon Cafe, Paul Simon singing The Sound of Silence and having to choose between seeing Iggy Pop and Robert Plant. David shares his favourite memories, including catching the bus from Bangalow, turning up on the first day and having the wrist-band attached, seeking out his favourite souvlaki, the mostly beautiful weather...and feeling the phantom wristband for days after.

The Last Post Radio Show speaks with PTSD Dogs CEO Angie Weeks about their work with veterans and how your best friend can have four legs. PTSD Dogs receives no government assistance and asks you to listen.

In this amazing Invictus Australia Sports, 3rd episode, co-hosts Neil Burgin and Greg T Ross speak with veteran and Associate Lecturer and Psychologist from Flinders Uni, Cameron Grant and veteran and Invictus Fundraising Ambassador, Rodney 'Rocket' Cottam about the evidence-based truth and personal stories of how sport can transform, physically and mentally and give a social connection with a sense of self and purpose.

Welcome to the weekend...almost. And, to celebrate, the fantastic Friday episode of the Radio Show. In this episode, we speak with musician, storyteller Fred Smith about his upcoming tour of WA, his memories of Steve's of Nedlands and the lifestyle of the West. We speak also with Darren and Sam Cheek about their historic 590-run partnership, batting for the Coromandel Cricket Club. Finally, we speak with Dr Katelyn Kerr, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Military Related Trauma Recovery Programs from Avive Health about important and groundbreaking work being done by Avive.

Australian Red Cross institutes the humanitarian project, Tele Redi, reaching out to vulnerable Australians for a check-in call during heatwave conditions. Here, Tele Redi Program Lead, Phoebe Wilson speaks with us about how the critical support works and how you can get involved. In SA since 2009 and now in WA. Where summers are getting longer and hotter, helping those in isolated communities.

Writer, journalist and cultural observer David Free speaks with the Radio Show about the history of the great Australian barbi and how things have changed. We look back on a time that reflected the culture we were stuck in, when most of the flavour was provided by tomato sauce, when a lot of men didn't cook but at barbi's were always handed the tongs and when flippin' the meat and drinking beer were the only moves the men had. We look too, at the value and cultural significance of cookbooks and why they can be much more than just a book filled with recipes.

Oliver Wilson is 11-years old and has been diagnosed with the Becker version of Muscular Dystrophy. Well known Australian journalist and author, Peter Rees is Ollie's grandfather. Here, Peter speaks with the Radio Show about his grandson embracing the challenge. Ollie recently played his last game of cricket, a game he loves dearly but is determined to continue involvement in the game on some level. With the help of the Eastlake Cricket Club and ACT Cricket, the Ollie Wilson Perpetual Trophy will now be awarded annually. In this honest and loving chat, Peter speaks of the pride of his grandson and of the family, community and cricket love for a spirit that is rewarded each day...and of the Australian cricket team and Lenny Pascoe helping out.

A garage, pop band with a sprinkle of cheese and a history of eccentric songs and song titles. Mentals founding member Peter O'Doherty speaks with the Radio Show about the group that formed in 1976, combining art, culture and music and the 50-year anniversary tour and the documentary, Live It Up.

With 36 years as a career army officer, Bill Sowry (Brig. Retired) AM CSC speaks of his time in the UK, Pakistan, India, East Timor, Tonga, Solomon Islands, PNG. Bill speaks about doing 14,000 push-ups for the Fred Hollows Foundation, push-ups for Fatah, push-ups in a pub in the UK and in the basement of the Waldorf Hotel, about the profound experience of travel and culture, about self-reflection in East Timor, visiting the Commonwealth War Graves in Sutton Veny, about faith in humanity and getting a lot more in return.

Health series co-host Neil Burgin, from Invictus Australia, joins The Last Post Radio Show to speak with Vanessa Broughill and Dr Miranda Van Hoof about the medical, physical and personal benefits of engaging in sport. About bringing out a healthier, happier version of yourself and how veteran well-being means family well-being. From the personal story of Vanessa, a two-time competitor in the Invictus Games, to the evidence-based research of Miranda, discovering sport as the bridge.

As Vietnam washed through the nations consciousness, John became aware that that wars veterans were having a tough time when they came home. That set him on a road of storytelling and seeking justice for those that had fought in Australia's name. Here we speak about finding passion in assisting those with PTSD, about poems, reflections and letters from home, about John being affected by his own songs and touring the outback for discussions on mental health, about the dull and rumbling sound of the desert...and the meaning behind the song Fishing Net in the Rain. In an effort to put a human face to the recommendations of the Royal Commission, John's work continues to move a nation.

With a *million plastic bottles being purchased every minute and only 9% of produced plastics going into recycling, with virgin plastics being released into use and outdoing recycled plastics at a rate of 15-1, the time for study of the plastics industry has never been more needed. Jonathan Baker, Senior Lecturer from University of Adelaide speaks with the Radio Show about how the plastics industry and petroleum companies have shifted recycling responsibility onto the consumer. With the South Australian, Tasmanian, Swedish and German governments finding solutions, with high rates of collection, Jonathan argues that profit incentives are needed to help lead to different behaviours... and speaks of the frustration of being forced to buy heaps of celery sticks, wrapped in plastic, when you only want one. *United Nations 2017

The Last Post Radio Show speaks with Leah Lawler, ex-service and veterans advocate about the push to make May 19 the national Veteran Homeless Awareness Day (VHAD). Leah speaks about listening to lived experiences, numbers that cant be ignored, giving voice to those too often ignored and helping to change conditions that allow this to happen. To sign on to the push for May 19, go to change.org.....Recognise May 19.

From the Burdekin Valley, through the Bergin Inquiry, Covid and beyond, the Radio Show speaks with Ray James OAM, former State President of RSL NSW. In this delightful chat, Ray talks about the importance of accommodating veterans of all ages and from all parts of NSW. The first RAN veteran to be appointed as State President, Ray recalls falling in love with the navy when HMAS Melbourne came to town, of being a successful young boxer who was gifted 2 cans of beer for winning each fight, when he was too young to drink. Ray also speaks of his love for the Qld Reds, the need for the RSL to continue modernising...and of his father, turning 17 on the Kokoda Track.

In this episode of the TLP Radio Show, Greg speaks with writer, author Peter Rees about former Deputy Prime Minister, the late-Tim Fischer. About Tim's love of trains, his iconic appeal and his ability to solve political problems behind closed doors. In the second half of this episode, the conversation turns to the July 1975 Kings Cross murder and disappearance of publisher, urban conservationist, heiress and former model, Juanita Nielsen who was organising Green Bans and opposition to development of Victoria Street. On a cold Friday morning Juanita vanished after walking to a nearby nightclub restaurant for a fake advertising meeting.

In this beautiful, almost hour-long conversation, that takes twists and turns, we hear about the amazing life of service - the story of Gwen Cherne AM

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australian National Service, The Last Post Radio Show today visited Canberra and The Great Hall in Parliament House. Guests included Resolute Ready's Lidia Hall, Peter Tinley, Phil Winter, Rod Henderson, Hank the Yank and others.

In this episode in a series of chats, we speak with Peter about US President Donald Trump, the proposed Defence Estate sell-off, the vandalising of memorials, RSL Victoria State President Mark Schroffel's trip to the UK, Australia Day Achievement Medallions, Saluting Service and upcoming commemorations.

Warwick Young CSC OAM and Brooke Sporer from Veteran Film Foundation speak with the Radio Show about the coming Red Poppy Film Festival, to be held at the Art Gallery NSW from March 6-8. With an opening night gala and Red Poppy Awards and a weekend of films from around the world, live entertainment and veterans artwork, the flagship of veteran story telling presents a weekend of connectivity for veterans and the general community. Tickets, partially tax deductible, are available through Humanitix.

On a perfect summer morning, at the picturesque William Street Oval in Brighton, Victoria Greg walked the grounds with Neil Burgin from Invictus Australia. Neil, Director of Strategy and Research, speaks with Greg about understanding the value of the defence community to sport and of sport to the defence community. They speak also, of the physical and mental well-being and social connectivity of being involved in sport and the role Invictus plays....despite dedicated interruption from the oval's Groundsman. To help enable positive outcomes, a must-listen.

Ex-teacher, musician, pop-culture author, surfer and former surf shop owner Murray Walding speaks with the Radio Show about his discovering Victorian coastal town Lorne, in the Summer of Love, 1967. With great surf, a great vibe, The Wild Colonial Club, The Arab Coffee Shop and Rotten Ronnie's Burger Bar, Murray became hooked and soon moved to the area. Murray also speaks about the transition from longboards to short boards and back again, Claw and Sing-Ding and the opening of The Bells Beach Surf Shop, the showing of surf movies, joining the acid jazz/pop band The Beachniks...and watching Rotten Ronnie have a panic attack when his hamburger making machine broke down.

Writer, essayist, novelist and journalist David Free speaks with the Radio Show about the cancel culture and how Barry Humphries' art was always about bucking against the orthodox and shocking people. David speaks about the legacy of Lenny Bruce, the importance of bucking against the orthodox, group-think and of free thinking. We touch also on the apparent duality of the cancel culture in regards to Michael Jackson. And, finally a chat about JFK's assassination, conspiracy theories and how a nasty loner with a cheap gun changed the course of history.