The Australian Bite
Archive for February, 2009
Endangered possums threatened by fires
28 February 2009
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The endangered Leadbeater's Possum. Photo: Fredy Mercay / ANT Photo Library
This week on The Australian Bite, we take a look at how the recent Victorian fires have affected the many animals that call the bush their home. We meet Australian crime fiction author PD Martin, whose most recent novel has a gripping kung fu twist. And we also hear about a new film documenting adventurer Andrew McAuley’s attempt to paddle a kayak from Australia to New Zealand – a journey which ended in tragedy.
Aboriginal group takes complaint to UN
21 February 2009
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Prescribed Area sign in Australia's Northern Territory. Photo by manniac aka Manfred Renner
This week on the Bite, we hear why a group of Northern Territory Aboriginal people are taking a complaint against the Australian Government to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. And we take a look at a travelling exhibition featuring the work of one of Australia’s best known photographers, the late Max Dupain, best known for his picture of “The Sunbaker”.
Victoria’s Bushfire Disaster
14 February 2009
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Rural Victoria, in Australia’s south east, has just endured the worst bushfire tragedy in the country’s history. On this week’s Australian Bite we hear from Victorian State Premier John Brumby who has been visiting fire-ravaged communities. And two prominent Australian climate scientists ponder the link between climate change and natural disasters.
A Year for Stargazing
7 February 2009
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To celebrate the International Year of Astronomy, this week’s Australian Bite features amateur astronomer Ian Musgrave, astrophysicist Professor Harvey Butcher, and artist Caitlin Goodall, whose designs are featured on two commemorative coins released by the Royal Australian Mint.
