In 2023 a group of UOW social work and journalism students set out to learn about the issues facing the Pacific in our modern times and finished by gaining insights about their development as future professionals working in the Asia Pacific region.
Travelling to Fiji and Vanuatu they met and worked alongside members of the Fijj Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), the Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation (VBTC), the University of the South Pacific, and community agencies including: Mammas Laef, Action Aid, Sista and the Vanuatu Rape Crisis Centre.
The result is the Talanoa: Stories from the South Pacific podcast, a series created by the UOW students and produced by Associate Professor Mim Fox.
The team would like to acknowledge the Australian High Commission for hosting them and the DFAT New Columbo Plan for funding the project.
Episode 1: The rise of women in Fijian sport and sports media
Host: Russ Haylock
Researchers: Finley Eiffert, Meg Tattam.
Executive Producer: Dr Mim Fox
Interviews: Ruci Muriyalo, Cricket Fiji, Talei Matairakula, Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, Tavua College netball team
Music: ‘Isa Lei’ and other songs performed by the village band at Nakuailava, Ra, Fiji
Episode 2: The art of storytelling and the relationship between journalism and social work
Hosts: Courtney Fryer, Mia Werrett & Stefanie Schultz
Executive Producer: Dr Mim Fox
Interviews: Ivy Mallam, Bobby Bula Mai Vanuatani, Riya Mala, Francis Herman & Madlen Netvunei
Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Episode 3: Ni-Vanuatu women in natural disaster recovery
Hosts: Finley Eiffert, Russ Haylock, Meg Tattam
Executive Producer: Dr Mim Fox
Interviews: Lynne and Miriam, Vanuatu Womens Centre, Helen Bong, ActionAid Vanuatu
Music: ‘Isa Lei’ as performed by the village band at Nakuailava, Ra, Fiji
Episode 4: Experiences of young people
Hosts: Brooke Smith and Jemma Moretti
Producer: Damien Correia
Editors: Damien Correia and Jemma Moretti
Executive Producer: Dr Mim Fox
Interviews: Joshua Tuita and Manchester Marau Etuweni
Music: Isa Lei – Dama village farewell song
The Talanoa: Stories from the South Pacific Podcast was made possible by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade’s New Columbo Plan, and the University of Wollongong. All content has been recorded by social work and journalism students from the University of Wollongong with the permission of those involved. The creative team of the Talanoa: Stories from the South Pacific Podcast is made up of Brooke Smith, Meg Tattum, Damien Cor-rey-a, Russel Haylock, Stefanie Schultz, Mia Werrett, Jemma Moretti, Courtney Fryer and Finley Eiffert. The series is executive produced by Dr Mim Fox with special thanks to the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union, the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, the Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation and last but not least, Caroline Chand.
