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.

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In this episode, Menaka speaks to actor Tiang Lim.

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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 ...

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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

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October 30, 2023 14 mins

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

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October 16, 2023 14 mins

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September 18, 2023 14 mins

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

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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

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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.

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July 10, 2023 14 mins

(Description TBA)

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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.

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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

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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

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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

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March 6, 2023 14 mins

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

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February 20, 2023 14 mins

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

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