Surge of Melioidosis disease hits North Queensland: What you need to know

A recent outbreak of Melioidosis in flood devastated North Queensland has claimed at least seven lives and with even more cases being reported.

The rare disease has put health authorities on alert as the severity of this current outbreak is higher compared to years gone past.

To find out exactly what is the disease and why its surging, 4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke with Dr Thomas Jeffries, Senior Lecturer of Microbiology at Western Sydney University.

Environment, Health & Society, Natural Disaster, Regional Queensland

Surge of Melioidosis disease hits North Queensland: What you need to know

A recent outbreak of Melioidosis in flood devastated North Queensland has claimed at least seven lives and with even more cases being reported.

The rare disease has put health authorities on alert as the severity of this current outbreak is higher compared to years gone past.

To find out exactly what is the disease and why its surging, 4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke with Dr Thomas Jeffries, Senior Lecturer of Microbiology at Western Sydney University.

Foreign Affairs, Human Rights

Four years Post Coup, Myanmar's Opposition Forces score Strategic Victories

As Myanmar’s civil war continues, new reports reveal opposition forces have scored major territorial victories over the military junta.

Coupled with a full-blown economic and humanitarian crisis, the current government could be facing their most serious challenge yet.

4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke with Dr Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer of International Studies at the University of South Australia for update on the situation.

Environment, Agriculture, Climate Change

The Self Sufficient Me podcast shares self-sufficient backyard farming tips

Do you feel you have a brown thumb? Would you like to ‘break the seal’ and your inertia and become a backyard food farmer (even if you’re a renter or don’t have a backyard)? Or perhaps you’re a more advanced gardener and are just looking for some tips on becoming more food self sufficient.

4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted with Mark Valencia from the “Self Sufficient Me” podcast about becoming ‘Self-sufficient’ with your food through backyard farming.

Environment, Agriculture, Health

All About Tea, Australian Tea Farming and Tea's Dietary Benefits

Tea drinking has a culture all of its own, its been around for millennium. Tea is commonly consumed during social chats, in child’s play or formal ceremonies, however are you aware we grow tea right here in Queensland? Or of it’s dietary benefits?
4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted with Margaret Wilson a tea farmer and dietician from Bryn Hill Farms on tea's dietary benefits and all about Tea Farming.

Animals, Environment

Australia's threatened species and the cost to restore them

We all know that a lot of Australia’s animals and plants are under threat of extinction. But what will it take to get these species back? And if we could put a price on it, what would it cost? 4ZZZ's intrepid reporter, Anita Diamond interviewed Professor James Watson from the University of Queensland, who conducted research on the cost of recovering all of Australia’s threatened animals and plants, which has been calculated for the first time.

Hormone Therapy Ban: Interview with Greens MP Michael Berkman

A warning that the following story contains mentions of self-harm as well as content that may be distressing to some listeners. 

The Queensland government last week placed a temporary pause on access to hormone therapy treatments and puberty blockers for the state’s minors, until their independent review into the healthcare service comes to a close. 

Arts & Culture

Exploring the Explorers - a New Digital Map with the Explorer's Own Words

Do you dream of relaxing on a tropical island? Tourist bureaus still trade on images of paradise in the Pacific first created in the 18th century by explorers and adventurers. It's now possible to read the actual Explorer journals written at the time… online on the ‘Expeditions to the Pacific’ website.
4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chatted about this ‘digital map website’ with its deep dive links to the Explorer’s actual journals with Dr Claire Brennan, a Senior Lecturer of History from James Cook University (JCU).

Federal Politics, Homelessness, Health & Society

Finland could serve as Inspiration for our Housing Crisis

As Australia deals with a dual housing and rental crisis, Finland could serve as an inspiration in tackling the issue.

Past policies implemented in the Northern European nation have seen a drastic decline in homelessness as well as effective social housing for its citizens.

4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke with Dr Liam Davies, Lecturer and Research Fellow in Sustainability and Urban Planning at RMIT University to understand the historical and contemporary differences in each countries' housing policies which could help tackle our housing crisis.

Transport

Road to Survival in the Car Industry… by the way of Innovation or Consolidation

n December 2024, carmakers Nissan and Honda engaged in merger talks which could see them become the third largest car manufacturer in the world, following Toyota and Volkswagen. Mitsubishi could also join their fellow Japanese automakers in the pending merger. Should the merger go ahead, it would be the second to take place in recent years following Peugeot and Fiat-Chrysler becoming Stellantis.

Currently the car industry is undergoing a major transition with the rapid influx of electric vehicles in the marketplace. Not only that, but Chinese carmakers are emerging and challenging longstanding automobile brands in terms of winning over sales.

4ZZZ's Toni Pankaluic spoke with Alborz Fallah, the Founder of CarExpert to analyse where the industry is at, where it could be going int the future as well as the potential Nissan-Honda-Mitsubishi merger.

Environment, Climate Change, Animals

Sharks internationally under threat - Australia is a bright spot

Sharks conjure deep feelings in people - it may be instinctual or perhaps a byproduct of horror films like ‘Jaws’.

In any event, over-fishing is driving reef sharks toward extinction and globally more than a third of all sharks species are now threatened with extinction. Australia is a bright spot, however what is being considered to ensure these species survive in the world’s ecosystems?

4ZZZ's Eliot Rifkin chats about sharks with Colin Simpfendorfer a Professor of Marine Biology from James Cook University’s College of Science and Engineering.

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