20 Square Blocks

Ian Rossiter shares his unique experiences living in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. From overseeing the gardens to managing dramatic events like major floods and vandalism of iconic statues, Ian recounts life in the Curator's Cottage, balancing work, family, and community responsibilities during his career with the City of Ballarat.

Today, we conclude the powerful story of Charles Edwards, a World War II soldier captured at Parit Sulong in Malaysia. In this episode, we follow his journey to Japan, where he was taken to the Ohama prison camp (Hiroshima POW Camp #9-B) which was operating as a coal mine outside Hiroshima. Still in captivity, Charles witnessed the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima—a moment that forever changed the course of history and his life.

Part 2: Initially imprisoned in Pudu Jail, the remaining members of the 2/19th Battalion were allocated to external work parties. Charles Edwards found himself with the largest of these groups and was sent to work on the Burma-Thailand railway at Hellfire Pass.

Charles Edwards was a Prisoner of War in World War 2 spending a total of 1301 days in captivity. His bloody yet compelling story is one of extreme courage, sacrifice and a lot of luck.

In 1998, twenty hours into an abduction case involving a 16-year-old girl, Sergeant Peter Anderson was alone, crawling through a 100 year-old mineshaft with a dodgy torch. As he moved ahead through the damp tunnel, he came across a roll of black tape, a shovel and a large roll of plastic. He now feared the worst possible outcome.

Andrew Wallace has spent the last 20 years as a dedicated pathways co-ordinator helping students think about their future; but Andrew is also deeply passionate about the past. 

 Serving as a current member and former president of the Ballarat Historical Society, the group actively contributes to preserving and archiving local historical facts, reflecting their commitment to the community’s heritage.

David O’Neill’s Journey, is one woven with words. Crafting rhymes at the age of 15, he turned that skill into a thriving career in journalism and communication.  Now Dave is pursuing his dream of becoming a published author. He sat down and chatted with us about his first book "The Seagull that soared".

If you live in Ballarat, there’s a good chance you know Liana Emerson from somewhere. Maybe the Ballarat National Theatre? Winning this year’s Citizen of the year? Perhaps you know her from her band or possibly the tweed ride? Or maybe it’s from her personal style blog Finding Femme? There’s once thing for certain though …Liana knows herself. 

Andrew Sutherland, a multi-talented individual, possessing a unique blend of skills while maintaining an unassuming demeanour. As a poet, playwright, author, singer and lecturer, he has spent the past two decades away from Ballarat, dedicating his time to teaching in China. Now, he has returned to his hometown, bringing with him a wealth of experiences and insights.

Meet Ash Bedford, a distinctive personal trainer whose deep involvement in shamanic healing, sacred medicines, and yoga has not just helped him overcome personal struggles with depression but has also enriched him with invaluable insights to support others on their journey. 

Tim Sedgwick is an artist exploring different ways of expression, ideas and techniques in many forms through several artistic fields. “When I had secret birthday wishes, I wished I'd become an artist and create interesting things. My wish has come true. My dream came true. I am having so much fun.”  TIM SEDGWICK

Leigh Ericksen, the innovative mind behind Stoke Design, embarked on a remarkable venture in 2019 by founding a web and design studio. Fuelled by his desire to achieve a better work-life balance and spend quality time with his young family, Leigh was willing to do whatever it took to create a thriving business. I spoke to him about his journey and the invaluable lessons he learnt along the way.

Michael Westlake is a master of creating soundscapes, carefully composing auditory experiences that transport audiences to other realms. Yet, amidst the symphony of his creative endeavours, he finds peace in the serene simplicity of silence, often finding solace in meditation to tap into his inner muse.
https://www.michaelwestlakemusic.com.au/

Life is an adventure. Full of excitement, pain and a hell of a lot of mistakes that if we’re wise enough, we learn from. Zane Harris certainly learnt from his. 

Black Hill, once known by its indigenous name, Bowdun, is according to my guest a beautiful mess. And is it any wonder? 

For over 180 years the hill’s been mined, stripped bare, bashed about, reshaped and replanted with monterey pines.

It’s a place with a rich history if you know exactly where to look.

The Black Summer Bushfires tore through massive areas of Australian bushland in 2019 and 2020. As fires ripped through East Gippsland, 4000 people found themselves trapped in Mallacoota with no way out. Olisama  Gibson was one of them.

You might have heard of the global movement called "Extinction Rebellion". If not, Joe will fill you in on the details and let you know why groups like this are vital to our survival ...and keep us away from extinction.