The Australian Bite
Posts Tagged ‘ Military history’
Potoroos, soldiers & Indigenous politicians
12 August 2010
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Not one of these seats in Australia's House of Representatives is currently occupied by an Indigenous Australian
This week on the Australian Bite, we’ll look at why only two Aboriginal people have been elected to Federal Parliament even though it has existed for more than 100 years – and we’ll meet a couple of the five indigenous candidates contesting this month’s Federal election. We’ll hear the remarkable story of a small number of Australian Special Forces troops, and their exploits in Timor in world war two, and enjoy a good news story about a native Aussie marsupial – the long-nosed potoroo.
ANZACS & eagles
21 April 2010
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This week on the Bite, as Australians take part in the annual ANZAC day commemorations, which mark the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, we hear from two distinguished professors of history who have released a new book which dares to challenge the mythology of the Anzac legend, and its place in the Australian psyche. We also hear the story of Miru, a orphaned wedge tailed eagle chick who was rescued from certain death. And some music from Australian rock band Powederfinger, who recently announced their plans to disband after a stellar 21 year career.
Brumbies, war and water
19 March 2010
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Credit unions are supposed to take our hard earned money and invest it wisely. So why is an Australian credit union spending thousands of dollars of its members funds to buy water for some struggling lakes in northern Victoria? We find out on this week’s Australian Bite. We also drop in on Shell Shocked- a travelling exhibition that gives a great insight into the lingering impact of World War 1 on on Australian families and communities. And we’ll look at the heated debate over how to control the growing numbers of wild horses, or brumbies, roaming the Alpine regions of New South Wales and Victoria.
The meaning of Anzac Day
23 April 2009
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Poppies on the memorial wall at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra
In this special Anzac Day edition of The Australian Bite, I’ll be taking a look at what Anzac day commemorates, what it means to Australians, and how it has changed over the years. And I’ll also take you on a visit to Australian War Memorial in Canberra. It’s the focal point for Anzac Day ceremonies, and the most popular tourist attraction in Canberra – Australia’s national capital.
