The Australian Bite
Organics, books & teaching in China
4 June 2009
Listen and download: MP3
Organic farmer Phil Jones at his property in Takone, Tasmania. Photo by Eliza Wood
On this week’s Bite, we meet some of the people behind Queensland-based indigenous publishing house Black Ink Press. Tasmanian diesel mechanic – and organic farming convert – Phil Jones, shows reporter Liz Wood around his impressive vegie patch, and we drop in on a young Australian woman working as a teacher in Chengdu, China.
Young Aussie teacher in China
For many young Australians, working overseas is a great way to see the world, gain experience, and of course enhance their résumés. For those with teaching skills, there are lots of opportunities waiting, and Lauren Mazaris is one young Australian who’s embraced them wholeheartedly. Lauren is living in China, teaching pre-schoolers at Eton House International School in Chengdu. Reporter James West caught up with her on the job.
Where is Chengdu in relation to Australia? Find out here on Google Maps
Indigenous stories make it to print
A regional publishing house is working to help indigenous writers turn ideas and local stories into books. North Queensland-based Black Ink Press recruits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributors from all over Australia. Coordinator Jeanie Adams started the business after living in a Cape York community where she was surprised by the lack of suitable reading material designed for Aboriginal children. Cathy Cogo speaks with Jeanie Adams, along with author Esther Fisher and illustrator Jaquanna Elliot.
More info and pictures can be found here at the ABC Rural website: http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2008/s2514621.htm
You can check out some of Black Ink Press’ publications at their website: http://www.blackinkpress.com.au/
Growing organics in Tasmania
Phil Jones works as a diesel mechanic to feed his habit of growing organic food. But he hopes that one day he can become a full-time farmer on his property at Takone in north-west Tasmania. Phil bought his property over 20 years ago, when it was a pile of blackberries and bracken, but it’s changed a lot since then. Eliza Wood asks him about his passion for organics, and how it all started.
More info and pictures can be found here at the ABC Rural website: http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2008/s2523591.htm
Find out where Takone is on Google Maps here
Music (not in podcast)
Declan Kelly is an Australian singer, songwriter, guitarist and drummer of Maori and Irish heritage whose new album “Adrift” combines reggae beats with Polynesian melodies, Irish Folk and African-American soul. Adrift is Kelly’s second studio album, the follow up from his very well received 2005 album, “Tales from the neighbourhood”
Artist: Declan Kelly
Track: Let me Love You
Album: Adrift (2009)
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