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The Journey - brought to you by BMG
The Journey - brought to you by BMG
Author: BMG & Radio 1494 2AY
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© BMG & Radio 1494 2AY
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Stories from Albury-Wodonga’s local legends and unsung heroes. The Journey gives listeners an insider’s look into the often-unheard tales of triumph and challenges faced by everyday people in business, family, and life, from the Albury-Wodonga region. Our neighbours. Our idols. Our entertainers. Our workers. Our friends. Hosted by 1494 2AY's Matt Griffith, The Journey gives a voice to our region and celebrates the amazing stories of the people within. These raw interviews capture the essence of what it is to grow up, live, work, and thrive in this beautiful region we call home.
87 Episodes
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In this episode we chat to Stunt woman and Actress, Marlee Barber. Marlee grew up on a farm just out of Walla Walla - and now lives a busy life based in Sydney doing all those amazing action scenes in movies and TV shows. You have probably seen a movie or a TV show starring Marlee but wouldn’t have realised it was her. For instance, she recently doubled for Hillary Swank in a Netflix movie!
So how does one find themselves in such a unique and extraordinary career? Well, Marlee is naturally very athletic. She grew up playing tennis, little athletics, hockey and then fell in love with gymnastics – which lead the family to move to Albury when Marlee was in Grade 4 to pursue her training. Once in Albury, Marlee took up diving – and when she was in Year 9, Marlee and her mother moved to Sydney in order to access elite diving coaches, facilities and all year round training. Marlee's first stunt job was to jump off a 13-metre bridge into a river at 15 years old – which she absolutely loved, and realised that she could pursue a career in the field. She hasn't looked back. It's an extraordinary career and a fascinating journey!
Principal, coach, and proud dad - Damian Toohey shares his journey from Bathurst to Albury, raising champion swimmer Sienna Toohey, and why sport, education and community are at the heart of everything he does.At its core, this is a story about community, opportunity and believing in potential - the kind of story that makes our region remarkable.The Journey is proudly brought to you by BMG Partners, Radio 2AY, and AlburyCity, celebrating the stories of local legends and unsung heroes from across Albury-Wodonga.Listen now and subscribe for more stories that celebrate our community.
From nine AFL seasons with GWS, Richmond and the Gold Coast to playing for the Howlong Spiders back home on the Border, Anthony Miles has lived a life shaped by football. In this episode of The Journey, Anthony opens up about the highs and heartbreaks of elite sport, including Richmond’s 2017 premiership season, and what it was like to rebuild his identity beyond the AFL “stats machine.” He shares the mindset lessons he gained from mentors like Emma Murray, the pull of family, community and country life, and why he’s now passionate about coaching and giving back locally. This is a story of resilience, purpose and perspective - proving that success isn’t just measured by premierships.
From documentary filmmaker to technical director, builder, woodcarver and mentor, Rob Scott has worn many creative hats. Best known for his decades at HotHouse Theatre - where Bobby’s Bar now bears his name - Rob has quietly shaped the cultural heartbeat of Albury-Wodonga.In this episode of The Journey, Rob reflects on how a six-month film project with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus turned into 35 years in the region. He shares stories of collaboration, creativity, and community, and why the arts remain vital to a healthy society.A warm, insightful conversation with a man whose legacy lives on in the lights, sets, and spirit of the stage.Listen now and discover Rob’s journey.
From teacher’s college to bakeries, vineyards, and a thriving family business, Kay Perry’s journey is one of resilience, love, and legacy. In this heartfelt conversation, Kay shares how she and her husband built Olive Hills Estate from the ground up - and the joy of seeing their three children return home to continue the story.🎧 Listen now to hear a true celebration of family, hard work, and following your heart.#TheJourneyPodcast #KayPerry #OliveHillsEstate #FamilyBusiness #MotherhoodJourney #InspiringStories #RegionalAustralia #Rutherglen #WomenInBusiness #FamilyLegacy #BMGPartners
What does it take to lead a school - and a shift in mindset - in regional Australia? In this episode of The Journey, Matt Griffith sits down with Jenny Parrett, Principal of James Fallon High School, to explore her remarkable path through education, leadership, and reform.From moving schools seven times as a child to introducing a radical new model of learning at James Fallon, Jenny shares how personalised, project-based education is changing lives. She discusses the “school within a school” approach and the Big Picture learning model, where students take ownership of their learning and demonstrate their progress through exhibitions rather than exams. Jenny also reflects on her own parenting experience, her belief that schools should nurture potential rather than rank it, and why she remains a strong advocate for public education.This is a conversation about courage, care, and what it means to prepare kids for a future we can’t yet imagine.
Michelle Hensel’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. A cancer survivor, mother, and community advocate, Michelle shares her journey from personal heartbreak to purposeful change. After losing her son Braden to a rare cancer, she has spent nearly a decade working to improve regional cancer care. This powerful episode explores grief, legacy, and the power of community to turn tragedy into hope.
From kitchen hand to hospitality heavyweight, Guru Ghuman’s journey is one of hard work, heart, and a whole lot of happiness. In this episode, Guru shares how he built some of Albury-Wodonga’s most loved venues, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why true success comes down to community and mindset.
Dee Healey, General Manager of The Albury Club, shares how one of the region's oldest institutions is staying relevant in modern times. From five-star resorts across Australia to leading this iconic venue, Dee’s hospitality journey is full of passion, purpose, and connection to the Albury-Wodonga region.A BMG Partners & 1494 2AY collaboration.#TheJourneyPodcast #AlburyClub #DeeHealey #RegionalStories
In this episode of The Journey, we talk with Blair French, CEO of Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), who made the move to Albury-Wodonga just over a year ago. With a distinguished career in the arts, Blair shares his vision for MAMA, the impact of regional galleries, and why he chose to call our community home.Listen now and explore the stories shaping Albury-Wodonga.The Journey is a collaboration between BMG Partners and 1494 2AY, celebrating the people who live, work, and thrive in our region.
In this episode of The Journey, we sit down with artist Nat Ward, whose breathtaking oil paintings capture the landscapes of Albury, the Murray River, and beyond. Nat shares her passion for the region and her latest project, the Noreuil exhibition at MAMA, which explores the deep historical connection between Albury’s Noreuil Park and the French village of the same name. Listen now for an inspiring conversation about art, history, and the beauty of our local environment.
Welcome to Season 9 of The Journey! This special episode marks BMG Partners' 50th anniversary as we sit down with founder Ross Black to reflect on his incredible story.
From his early days as a solo accountant to creating a business built on family, community, and care, Ross shares the values and relationships that defined his journey - and what he believes true success looks like.
Celebrate the unsung heroes of Albury-Wodonga with The Journey, where every story inspires us to live, grow, and thrive.
Tune in now to kick off the new year with this heartfelt episode!
In this episode of The Journey, we meet Renee Williams, owner of The Real Florist in Albury-Wodonga. Growing up in her father’s nursery, Renee developed a love for flowers and a deep connection to family values. Despite challenges with ADHD and dyslexia at school, she found her strength in creativity, transforming obstacles into opportunities.
Renee’s story highlights resilience, her support for local makers, and how she kept people connected during the pandemic - all while staying true to her purpose.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and community!
Kevin Poulton speaks to Sarah Stamm – interior designer turned creator of ‘handmade treasures’ and founder of Salisbury and Maude. With 11.5k Instagram followers and 6.5k Facebook followers – Salisbury and Maude is a unique business model that is solely owned and operated by Sarah. Everything is original and not made in the traditional way – but more from an interior design perspective, with the end goal in mind. When Sarah finishes a creation, she posts it on social media and it gets snapped up immediately.
In this episode of The Journey we talk to Jackson McGrath, son of Lawrence McGrath of McGrath Fine Foods and brother of Jesse, who he runs one of Albury's favourite health food cafes with, Greenstreat. If you've ever been to Greenstreat in downtown Albury at lunchtime, you will see a queue out the door of health-conscious customers eager to try the latest salad, burrito or smoothie. These guys set out to prove that fast food didn't have to be unhealthy - and they've done a fantastic job of it. Their salads are amazing and their menu is constantly changing to include tasty seasonal produce. And they have big plans for more! This is a great success story of a Albury local business that is doing incredibly well, with amazing passion and hard work.
Join us on The Journey as we sit down with Jane Campbell, Managing Director of Campbells of Rutherglen and fifth-generation member of the iconic family winery. Jane shares her family’s rich legacy, from her ancestors' journey from Scotland in 1857 to the challenges and joys of running a 24/7 winery today. Discover the stories behind their famous Muscat and Bobby Burns Shiraz, the tradition of family members working away before returning home, and the unique passion that goes into every bottle. Listen in to explore the heritage, resilience, and heart behind Campbells of Rutherglen.
We sit down with David Pendleton, founder of Stone Hill View, to hear his inspiring story of leaving corporate life in Melbourne for a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle in North East Victoria. From crafting eco-friendly products using recycled wool to running a thriving family farm, David shares how his passion for the land and love for simple, tactile products shaped his business and his life.
Join us as we sit down with Phil Shanahan, tennis coach, educator, and founder of the Margaret Court Tennis Academy. Discover how Phil has dedicated his life to coaching and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, legacy, and community.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Matt Vogel, the founder of Albury’s beloved ice cream store, Monumental Ice Creamery. Twelve years ago, Matt transformed a spontaneous idea into a community favourite, offering a delightful variety of ice cream and sorbet flavours made from locally grown produce and fresh seasonal ingredients.
In our latest episode, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Sharyn Hill’s School of Performing Arts and Creative Expression with a heartfelt conversation featuring its founder, Sharyn Hill. Join host Matt as Sharyn shares her remarkable journey of nurturing young talent in the Albury Wodonga community. Since 1984, Sharyn has helped thousands of children discover their hidden talents, boost their confidence, and apply their newfound skills in all areas of life through lessons in voice, mime, performance, and public speaking.






