Black Magic Woman with Mundanara Bayles

In this episode, I sit down with proud Meuram woman Lala Gutchen from Erub island in the Torres Strait — a language teacher, diver, and climate advocate whose life’s work is rooted in protecting Country. We met at the First Nations Clean Energy Summit on Kabi Kabi Country, where Lala shared her story about preserving language, culture, and Sea Country in the face of rising tides and corporate development. From teaching her people’s first language, Erub Mer, to giving evidence in court alongside her parents to defend her homeland, Lala reminds us that caring for Country isn’t just environmental work — it’s cultural survival. Together, we yarn about the Torres Strait 8, youth leadership, the importance of elders’ guidance, and how connection to Country keeps language alive. Lala’s words are powerful and grounding — a reminder that protecting the planet begins with listening to those who live closest to it. 🎧 Tune in to hear a deeply moving conversation about family, resistance, and hope — and why, as Lala says, “Country breathes the language to us.” Resources & Links First Nations Clean Energy NetworkLearn more about the movement bringing mob together to shape a clean energy future.https://www.firstnationscleanenergy.org.au Torres Strait 8 CampaignRead about the landmark human rights case led by Torres Strait Islanders to hold the Australian Government accountable for climate inaction.https://ourislandsourhome.com.au Erub IslandInformation about Erub, its people, and culture from Torres Strait Regional Authority.https://www.tsra.gov.au/the-torres-strait/community-profiles/erub Ben & Jerry’s – Protect the Islands CampaignHow the global ice cream brand partnered with the Torres Strait 8 to raise awareness about rising sea levels.https://www.benandjerry.com.au/values/issues-we-care-about/climate-justice/torres-strait Koori MailAustralia’s national Indigenous newspaper covering stories like the Torres Strait 8 and climate justice.https://koorimail.com The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bruce Pascoe is a Bunurong man and an award-winning Australian writer, editor, and anthologist. His works have been published nationally and internationally, and have won several national literary competitions.  His book exploring the history of Aboriginal agriculture Dark Emu : Black Seeds : Agriculture or Accident? has attracted considerable attention for its discussion of land management practices in Australia prior to colonization.  Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fiona Foley is Badtjala and an influential curator, writer and academic as well as an internationally recognised artist. Dr Foley pursues a diverse artistic practice encompassing painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed-media work, found objects and installation. Foley examines and dismantles historical stereotypes and her works explore a broad range of themes that relate to politics, culture, ownership, language and identity.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sianna is a proud Narungga woman who is the head of Brand and Marketing for Clothing the Gap, a clothing label meant to provide a space for people to come together, celebrate Aboriginal culture and design, and talk about Aboriginal history and social issues. Sianna also helped start a national campaign called ‘Free the Flag’ to raise awareness on licensing agreement issues with the Aboriginal flag. She has helped establish a junior’s side for the Fitzroy Stars, Studies a Bachelor in Health Science and was also a finalist for the channel 7 Yarn Strong Sister Aboriginal Young Achiever Award in 2020. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy McQuire is a Darumbal and South Sea Islander journalist with 14 years experience working across Aboriginal and independent media. For the past four years, she has co-hosted an investigative podcast into the wrongful conviction of Aboriginal man Kevin Henry. She was written for the New York Times, Washington Post, Meanjin, Marie Claire and the Guardian, amongst others. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland researching media representations of violence against Aboriginal women.Here is a link to Curtin - The Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/curtain-the-podcast/id1164804753 Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven Oliver was born in Cloncurry in North West Queensland and is currently based in Brisbane. He is a writer/performer in myriad fields ranging from poetry and acting to songwriting and cabaret. His written works for the stage include the plays Proppa Solid (published by Playlab Press) and From Darkness (Brisbane Festival), and his one-man cabaret show Bigger and Blacker (Adelaide Cabaret Festival), all of which received rave reviews from both critics and audiences. His poetic works have been published in international poetry journals Ora Nui and Solid Air as well as national journals Australian Poetry Journal and Fire Front: First Nations Poetry and Power Today. His spoken-word piece ‘What Matters’ opened the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and was televised globally.  His written works for the small screen include the web series A Chance Affair as well as Australia’s first Indigenous arts game show, Faboriginal, and the Logie-nominated sketch comedy show Black Comedy (Seasons 1 and 2). Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky, for which he is both writer and presenter, is his latest work. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guyala “Lala” Bayles is a proud Birri Gubba and Wonnarua woman born on Yuggera country in South Brisbane where she currently resides with her partner and family. Ever since she was a little girl, Lala always wanted to be a model to show the world just how beautiful Aboriginal people and culture really is. Lala never gave up on her childhood dream and after years of unsuccessful auditions, trials and tribulations she signed an exclusive contract in 2018 with Chic Model Management alongside Samantha Harris and has since graced international catwalks as well as travelling the world shooting for designer labels, Netflix series, tv commercials,  catalogues, and house hold brand names. Guyala is a model, poet, actor and artist who is extremely passionate about sharing her culture with the world. “My inspiration comes from my Mum, Pop, Grand Mother’s and the Honourable Ancestors who paved the way for us”. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 39 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Stella de Cos an Arrernte woman born in Canberra, with family ties to central desert and Alice Springs. As director of the Business Solutions program at Indigenous Business Australia, Stella is an integral part of the team providing business relief support to Indigenous businesses including the $50m package that NIAA announced in April for COVID-19 support.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 38 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Gaja Kerry Charlton an elder of the Go’enpul Tribe of Yuggera country which starts south west from the Great Dividing Range down to Logan River up to the Pine river and east to Moreton Bay. Gaja Kerry is a Traditional Owner of Yuggera, Quandamooka (Moreton Bay) and Kabi Kabi country north to the Sunshine Coast and has traditional ties to the Gulf area. Raised in a big extended family across her coastal and mainland country Gaja Kerry is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother who values her faith, family and community.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 37 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Aunty Diane Kerr who is a respected Elder, of the Ganun Willam Balak Clan of the Wurundjeri Tribe. Aunty Di is the matriarch of her family and takes pride in being a mother, stepmother, foster mother, aunty and a grandmother.Aunty Di has devoted much of her life to her local community as both a mentor and foster carer. She has worked in various fields including child care, education, native title, Stolen Generation support, and other community work, however, her passion lies in the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal communities.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 36 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I yarn with Belinda Duarte who was born and raised in Ballarat, Victoria, and is a descendant of the Wotjobaluk & Dja Dja Wurrung people with Celtic and Polish origins. As the CEO of Culture is Life she supports Aboriginal-led solutions for the prevention of Aboriginal youth suicide. Belinda holds a range of positions including Director of Western Bulldogs, Board member of MCG Trust, Director of AnnaMilla, Co-Chair Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity and Advisory Board Member of the Koori Youth Council. Some previous roles include Co-Chair of Reconciliation Victoria, Deputy Chair Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and Chair of NASCA.Previously, Belinda was the inaugural director of Korin Gamadji Institute and the first female executive at Richmond Football Club. In 2012, she was acknowledged for her work in the AFL, and awarded football woman of the year.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 35 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Kevin Yow Yeh a proud Wakka Wakka and South Sea Islander man who grew up on Butchulla Country in Hervey Bay and now resides in Meanjin (Brisbane) on Jagera Country. Kevin is happily partnered with Kamilaroi man, Bob Smith and together they have two son's. Kevin is the oldest of seven siblings across two families and remains closely connected to his family across Queensland's South East Corner. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 34 of the Black Magic Woman I yarn with Leanne Caton a Kalkadoon Woman who was raised and educated in Darwin, with family and cultural connections in the NT, SA, WA and Qld.With a career spanning over thirty plus years, Leanne was appointed in 2015 to the role of Executive Director of the Office of Aboriginal Affairs with the Northern Territory Government where she became the most senior Aboriginal Public Servant in the NT.  In 2017, Leanne was appointed to the role of CEO of the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aide Service and commenced in the role of CEO of Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation in 2018.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 33 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Aunty Pat Mamanyjun Torres who is connected to the Jabirr-Jabirr, Nyul-Nyul, Bard, Djugun, Yawuru, and Garajarri lands of Western Australia. In 2018, Aunty Pat graduated with a Bachelor of Indigenous Languages and Linguistics degree through the Charles Darwin University at the Batchelor Institute, to record the remnants of language for her family’s Djugun and Jabirr-Jabirr languages.  Aunty Pat is Owner/Director of the Mamanyjun Tree Enterprises Pty Ltd company which features Mayi Harvests and a cultural consultancy business called Mamanyjun Cultural Training. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Rix is a Yuwaalayaay man through his Mother and Bagi (Grandmother) who come from the small community of Goodooga NSW. Matt grew up in Redcliffe and lives on Kabi Kabi Country in Noosa with his wife Tanya and son Cooper.Matt has over 20 years experience working in banking commencing as a teller and progressing through various roles including Branch Manager, Learning and Development Consultant and was an original member of CommBank's Indigenous Careers Team where he spent the last 4 years.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 31 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Florence Drummond a Dauareb/Wuthathi woman who was born and raised on Thursday Island in the Torres Straits.  As co-founder of Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia (IWIMRA) and a Mine Operator, Florence understands from a grass roots level, the relationship of community and stakeholder relations and their shared vision for a sustainable future. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is proudly brought to you by ANZ. A new series of conversations with different mob around the country to yarn about, meaningful career opportunities within ANZ, building the capacity of Indigenous businesses and organisations, and helping individuals in the broader community to achieve financial wellbeing and resilience. If you’d like to know more about how ANZ can help improve your financial wellbeing, or help you start, run or grow your business, visit anz.com or call 13 13 14. In this episode of the ANZ Partnership Series, I sit down with Garry Jaffrey, Managing Director of Kurtarra Pty Ltd — a 100 % Indigenous, family-owned company from the Palkyu region of the Pilbara, Western Australia. Garry shares his powerful journey from growing up on Country to leading one of Australia’s most respected Indigenous businesses, weaving culture, community and economic opportunity into everything he does. Together, we explore the meaning of leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build a business that stays true to Country and community while engaging in large-scale industry partnerships. We also unpack the significance of supportive financial relationships like those with ANZ, and how access to purpose-driven investment and programs has helped Kurtarra scale its operations and deliver real opportunities for First Nations peoples. This conversation is a celebration of Indigenous enterprise, cultural strength, and the kinds of partnerships that create lasting impact — proving that when culture and business walk hand-in-hand, everyone benefits. Recommendations throughout this episode:  Indigenous small business banking services: https://www.anz.com.au/business/indigenous-banking/  https://dev.kurtarra.com.au/ Call ANZ’s dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customer support line on 1800 037 366 https://www.anz.com.au/support/contact-us/customer-support-line/  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Opportunities https://www.anz.com.au/careers/programs/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-opportunities/  For general enquiries visit anz.com or call 13 13 14  When we reference ANZ in this episode, we are referring to Australia and New Zealand Banking Group operating in Australia and New Zealand.  Given the nature of this podcast, all comments are general in nature and do not take into account the listeners’ financial circumstances, goals or objectives. Please think about what is right for you and seek independent advice.  Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au  Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast  The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities. Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do.  If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful Best Of episode, we revisit one of our most unforgettable yarns with proud Yuin and Thunghutti man, artist, creator, and community leader Nooky. Recorded live on the iHeart Podcast stage at SXSW Sydney, this conversation dives deep into his journey from growing up in Nowra to becoming a driving force in Australian music and culture. Nooky shares honest reflections on resilience, healing, identity, and the strength found in family and community, while also speaking about the purpose behind his work, including We Are Warriors, and the importance of representation for the next generation. This episode is a celebration of culture, pride, storytelling, and self-determination — a reminder of the power Blak excellence has to inspire change, unity, and hope. Links & Resources: We are Warriors - https://www.wearewarriors.com.au/ 3% - https://amnplify.com.au/first-nations-collective-3-nooky-dallas-woods-angus-field-share-new-single-video-wont-stop-feat-jessica-mauboy-ahead-of-debut-album-kill-the-dead/ Blakout with Nooky - https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/blak-out Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Best Of episode of Black Magic Woman, I sit down with Dem Mob, a rising Indigenous hip-hop group making waves in the Australian music scene. Formed in 2019 as a school project designed to re-engage Indigenous youth through music and culture, Dem Mob have since evolved into a powerhouse collective. Their music brings Aboriginal language and culture to the forefront, blending English and Pitjantjatjara to reach and connect with diverse audiences. In this yarn, Dem Mob reflect on their origins, their mission to inspire Indigenous young people, and the importance of integrating culture with education. They share how music became an escape, a form of empowerment, and a way to navigate education systems that often leave Indigenous students feeling disconnected. Now performing on major stages and earning national recognition, Dem Mob continue to give back to community while using music as a tool for change. Links & Resources: DEM MOB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dem_mob/?hl=en DEM MOB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4aciJpcM8WNsBXP4dQv9yM?si=QIwlH1MwTBmdLSYgpCk3Ng Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Best Of episode, we revisit one of our most loved conversations with Coby Edgar — a proud Aboriginal curator, creative, mentor and cultural powerhouse. Coby’s story is filled with honesty, humour, resilience and deep cultural insight, making this episode a standout moment from the Black Magic Woman archives. As we wrap up the year, we’re sharing a selection of Best Of episodes while the team prepares for an exciting new chapter. Regular weekly releases will resume in the New Year, with a new and improved Black Magic Woman Podcast coming your way. Thank you for your continued support — we can’t wait to bring you a fresh season of powerful storytelling, leadership, and Blak excellence in 2026. Links & Resources: Bankstown Arts Centre website https://powerhouse.com.au/stories/durrmu-arts-aboriginal-corporation https://www.2022.australianceramicstriennale.com.au/presenters-and-artists/coby-edgar Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.