Colours Of Australia

Colours Of Australia

With 30% of Australia’s population coming from non-English speaking backgrounds, Menaka Cooke interviews some of the many remarkable migrants from multi-cultural backgrounds who call Australia home. The fortnightly show will highlight the struggles migrants can face when trying to fit in and their important contributions to Australian society.

Episodes

February 5, 2024 14 mins

In this episode, Menaka talks to journalist and co-editor of Indian Link media, Pawan Luthra. Pawan has recently joined the 2RPH board as a member.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

In this episode, Menaka speaks to actor Tiang Lim.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
December 11, 2023 14 mins

Today Menaka talks to Farjana Mahbuba. Farjana specializes in the intersectionality of women’s issues with religion, culture, migration, and history, with a particular focus on Islam and South Asian women at home and abroad.

Farjana holds a BA and an MA in "Ulumul Qur’an wad dirasat al islamiyyah" (Qur'an and Islamic Studies) and was awarded the Vice-Chancellor's Gold Medal for outstanding achievement in both degrees.

She has also ...

Mark as Played
November 12, 2023 14 mins

Yoong Tran is a refugee, who has been Assistant Director in Services Australia Multicultural Training team, now a Founder and Facilitator of 'Our Race' not-for-profit organisation.

Original broadcast date: 13.11.23

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
October 30, 2023 14 mins

Today Menaka talks to Taufeeq Sheikh - a writer, actor, director and storyteller. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
October 16, 2023 14 mins

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
September 18, 2023 14 mins

In this episode, Menaka talks to Faith Agugu, founder of Silver Sirens.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
September 4, 2023 14 mins

Poornima Menon is the owner of 'Five Pleats by Poornima Menon' and founder of 'The Saree Club' in Sydney. 

Original broadcast date: 04.09.23

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
July 24, 2023 14 mins

Our guest today is Janis McKenna, an expert advisor to two Tasmanian Premiers and a board member of Nyaho Healthcare in Ghana. She was Telstra Business Woman of the year 2009 and past Nat. Pres. Of Women Chiefs of Enterprises Australia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
July 10, 2023 14 mins

(Description TBA)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
June 26, 2023 14 mins

Today's guest is Tharini Rouwette, a Singaporean migrant, CEO of Centre of Multicultural Political Engagement, Literacy, and Leadership and who prepares candidates for political office and advises on a range of marketing strategy and social media activities, which is active in Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Today's guest is Dr. Jane Brassington, an Australian of Kenyan descent, who has studied in the UK and Australia in Marine Biology and Ocean Governance and has a Ph.D. in International Law. She works with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water providing detailed environmental impact assessments. She was ACT's Nominee for Australian of the Year 2023

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
May 29, 2023 14 mins

Today's guest is Ms. Zahra Shafaq, enrolled Nurse who grew up in Afghanistan till age 8 when her father died and the family fled to Pakistan, then to Australia in 2001. She he learnt to speak English in Australia, then went to on to finish High School, get married and have 4 children before enrolling in Nursing studies. She is an advocate for mental health which she shares in her community and widely and also equality for women

See ...

Mark as Played
May 15, 2023 12 mins

Today's guest is Dr. Tinashe Dune, currently Associate Professor in Psychology at Western Sydney University. She is a multi-award academic working in health sociology and public health. She champions Diversity and Inclusion in organisations, is a Director of African Women Australia and has worked across Australia and internationally including the World Health Organization in Geneva with the Violence, Injury and Disability and Repro...

Mark as Played
May 1, 2023 14 mins

Today's guest is Dr. Tinashe Dune, currently Associate Professor in Psychology at Western Sydney University. She is a multi-award academic working in health sociology and public health. She champions Diversity and Inclusion in organisations, is a Director of African Women Australia and has worked across Australia and internationally including the World Health Organization in Geneva with the Violence, Injury and Disability and Repro...

Mark as Played
April 17, 2023 14 mins

Today's guest is Abulla Agwa who fled persecution in Ethiopia, relocated to Kenya, then came to Australia in 2001. He has a Masters in Social Services, coordinates English classes for SydWest Multicultural Services as well as working for the Department of Health.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
April 3, 2023 14 mins

Today Menaka talks to Elijah Buol, a Criminologist, former refugee, father of four and Director of Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
March 20, 2023 14 mins

Today's guest is Ms. Tabitha Ponnambalam, a solicitor in the Blacktown area who is standing as an Independent candidate in the upcoming NSW election. Tabitha has lived and studied in Srilanka, Zambia, USA, while working and advocating in Eldercare and community and affordable housing

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
March 6, 2023 14 mins

In today's episode Menaka talks to Charishma Kaliyanda, occupational therapist, and state Labor candidate for Liverpool.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
February 20, 2023 14 mins

Today Menaka talks to Yumi Lee, CEO of the Older Women's Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Introducing… Aubrey O’Day Diddy’s former protege, television personality, platinum selling music artist, Danity Kane alum Aubrey O’Day joins veteran journalists Amy Robach and TJ Holmes to provide a unique perspective on the trial that has captivated the attention of the nation. Join them throughout the trial as they discuss, debate, and dissect every detail, every aspect of the proceedings. Aubrey will offer her opinions and expertise, as only she is qualified to do given her first-hand knowledge. From her days on Making the Band, as she emerged as the breakout star, the truth of the situation would be the opposite of the glitz and glamour. Listen throughout every minute of the trial, for this exclusive coverage. Amy Robach and TJ Holmes present Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial, an iHeartRadio podcast.

    Betrayal: Season 4

    Karoline Borega married a man of honor – a respected Colorado Springs Police officer. She knew there would be sacrifices to accommodate her husband’s career. But she had no idea that he was using his badge to fool everyone. This season, we expose a man who swore two sacred oaths—one to his badge, one to his bride—and broke them both. We follow Karoline as she questions everything she thought she knew about her partner of over 20 years. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-3 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.