Big Little Small Talk

Petria Cumner is going places - fast!

She is the founder of Stirling and Truffles a company that makes “beautiful sustainable lifestyle accessories”. For her trouble she has been nominated for the worldwide “Women Changing the World Awards” to be held in London in May.

This is an incredible local story that has a lot more to be told in the future.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness month. Megan visited the Toowoomba Parkinson’s Support Group for the third year to hear how they are travelling. She had the privilege of talking to two people who bring nothing but joy to the local group. Sally Andrew takes dance classes and Melissa Forbes instructs the Park ‘n’ Song Choir. Carol Chalmers brings us up to speed with Joe’s progress.

Lee Faulkner’s voice is like a honey drink when your throat is sore. It’s comforting, familiar and soothing. Lee has been the voice of breakfast radio for over 25 years now. Lee made his own demo tapes as a child and always dreamt of being on radio however his lack of confidence kept him away for too many years to count. Hear Lee’s career and personal journey to happiness and success.

Frances Holmes has one way of living life, it's the right way! She has hosted a lunch for 20 years for people who are alone on Christmas Day. Originally from Iran, her daughter describes her this way "the fiery, motherly, sensitive, colourful and kind Persian Sass Queen". Frances likes Eleanor Roosevelt's saying "The purpose of life, after all is to live".

Adam and Susy Wenitong from Adapt Mentorship live and breath community work, especially if it involves young people. You wouldn’t meet two more dedicated individuals…but together, they’re dynamite and fun to boot!

Ultimately, Kat Lynn is a story teller. Currently Kat has an exhibition featuring six women who have powerful stories to tell. She has another passion and that’s food photography. Kat’s motivation for the work she does makes fascinating listening.

From The Archives (recorded June 2022) :

Oscar Wilde said "Life imitates Art". In Sherree Halliwell's case it could be true. Sherree is the director of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" which was staged at the Toowoomba Repertory Theatre Society in 2022. Lizzie Bennett is a strong, educated woman who doesn't need a husband to make her complete. Stage right Sherree.

Kerry Shine, Councillor, former member for Toowoomba North, former Attorney General has lived a big life. From tragic beginnings to a full career in law and politics, Kerry has maintained his humility and humour. A rollicking listen.

Eakraj Adhikari has faced many hardships in his life, not least, living alone in the city, as a ten year old child. Through every challenge he stayed calm and positive. Hear what sort of person Eakraj is and what qualities he will bring to the Toowoomba Regional Council, should he be elected 16 March 2024.

First and foremost David Searston is a creative. He is a playwright whose passion for writing began at 14 years. David’s grand parents were committed volunteers at Toowoomba’s iconic Empire Theatre and used to take him backstage. It sparked a fearlessness and ambition in him that burns brightly everyday.

Mick Atzeni has always loved birds. From a very young age he was fascinated by them. He is the President of the Toowoomba Bird Observers and his enthusiasm and wonder at these magnificent creatures is infectious. Listen as Mick talks local, national and global birds….he’ll have you reaching for the binoculars before the podcast is finished.

Tristan James is not an Elvis Presley impersonator, he’s in an Elvis Presley tribute show. There’s a distinct difference, so it seems. Hear Tristan’s delightful story of the WHY in his performance, it might surprise you.

Velvet Amour is one of Australia’s original burlesque queens. As Velvet explains in her book “My Bare Lady” her life began with a traumatic childhood, spanned a dancing career and included many violent and troubled relationships. At this stage of her life Velvet has found peace and happiness in semi-retirement in Toowoomba.

Amanda Dalton has chutzpah! She is the founder and CEO of Protea Place, a women’s support centre. She knew that women over 55 years of age were the fastest growing cohort of homelessness and she wanted to do something about it. And that she did!

Tom Walker’s interests are many and varied. From podcasting to Vikings to dancing. But Tom’s special skill is seeing the value and importance in his work. He has two jobs; a driver for OzHarvest and a cleaner at the hospital. Tom is a surprise at every turn.

Aunty Barb Walker Menz wears many hats. As an active and engaged volunteer of the Pittsworth Pioneer Village, Barb recently organised a celebration of “The Big Cheese”. In 1923, Pittsworth sent a 1700kg wheel of cheese to England for the British Empire Exhibition.

But Barb’s real passion is weaving. It brings her closer to her Wiradjuri ancestors and she loves helping other’s connect to culture.

Kimberley Halter lives, loves and breathes bonsai. Her father was a master bonsai grower and wanted Kimberley to look after his plants when he moved into a nursing home. But first she had to have lessons, many many lessons. In the process, Kimberley learnt a lot about life, as well as the art of bonsai.

Bronte McVeigh is sunshine on a stick. This bright, bubbly millennial is living her life at full speed. From Human Libraries to law to photography, Bronte loves life, and nothing, not even her hard to treat epilepsy, is going to stop her.