Hot Topics

When it comes to renewable energy, South Australia is not just the leader of the pack – it’s in a league of its own. We talk to the man charged with building SA’s hydrogen industry. Until now, SA’s main renewable energy sources have been our famously hot sun and plentiful wind. Our hydrogen production has been relatively small-scale in comparison. That’s all about to change. Behind the scenes, the state government has been spending a lot of time and energy over the past few years making important plans, drafting new legislation and working with big-money investors for a future that uses our sun and wind to create green hydrogen on a grand scale. Chief Executive of the Office of Hydrogen Power South Australia, Sam Crafter, joins Hot Topics to answer all your hydrogen questions – from what it is to why it’s so important, and everything between. Find out more by following our socials. Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 40: With Tasting Australia set to take over SA for 10 days of deliciousnessfrom 3-12 May, co-drinks curator Banjo Harris Plane joins Hot Topics to share what’son the menu.Established in 1997, Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel is one of thecountry’s longest-running eating and drinking festivals. Last year’s event attractedhuge crowds, with more than 68,000 people visiting Town Square, providing awelcome economic boost. The 10-day festival returns this year with even more tolook forward to! From what’s new to his top picks, co-drinks curator Banjo HarrisPlane spills.Find out more by following our socials.Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think history’s boring? Think again! Ahead of South Australia’s History Festival2024, happening 1-31 May, we talk to Dane Wilden – Manager, Major Events at theHistory Trust of South Australia – about why understanding our state’s past can helpshape our future.From this year’s theme of POWER to all the program highlights (did someone sayghost tour?!), Dane spills the tea on everything you need to know.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk to two impressive women leading the way in STEM through their important roles at our state’s major research hub. For Hannah Brown, Acting Executive Director at SARDI (South Australian Research and Development Institute), STEM is “the best career in the world”. But for many other women, it’s a tough sector to thrive in. That being said, the number of Australian women in STEM-qualified occupations is on the rise, increasing by 68 per cent from 2012 to 2022 – and South Australia is leading by positive example! Hannah and principal scientist Gretchen Grammer join Hot Topics to discuss how their respective journeys into STEM started, what their day-to-day looks like (surprisingly neither spends much time in a lab!), why their jobs are so awesome, and why other women should consider pursuing careers in the exciting world of science, technology, engineering and maths – or what Hannah calls “careers in curiosity”. Find out more by following our socials.Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Principal Matthew McCurry takes us behind the scenes of Hospital School SA and shares some heart-warming (and tear-inducing) stories of its inspiring students. Back in 1930, the South Australian Education Department did something pretty ground-breaking – they hired the very first teacher to work with school-age kids getting treatment at what’s now the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Today, there’s a whole school – and a whole team of amazing teachers – dedicated to educating SA children in hospital. Principal Matthew McCurry joins Hot Topics to discuss how Hospital School SA is helping thousands of sick kids keep up their learning … and their smiles! Find out more by following our socials. Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent teaching graduate and self-described “city girl” Annie Boyd joins Hot Topics to discuss why she chose to launch her career in Port Pirie – and isn’t looking back. When Annie Boyd started her teaching degree, she always knew she wanted to work in the country after graduation. When she later learned of all the government support available, including Country Placement Scholarships, making the move from the big smoke to regional SA was a “no brainer”. Five weeks into her new role at John Pirie Secondary School, she joins Tim and Anna to discuss what’s so great about living and working in the country, and all the “invaluable” support that’s made it possible. Want more? Check out our ultimate guide to the Adelaide Fringe 2024, including 10 shows not to miss. Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall AM joins Matt, Anna and Tim to talk about the festival’s enormous economic impact, and what’s in store for this year! Established as an adjunct to the Adelaide Festival in 1960 to showcase smaller, local performers, Adelaide Fringe has long since outgrown its roots. It’s now a multi-genre mega-event that’s famous globally and so beloved locally that one in every two South Australians attended at least one show in 2023. This was the year the Adelaide Fringe made history, becoming the first Australian festival to sell one million tickets – and we’ve largely got Director and CEO Heather Croall AM to thank for that! She joins Hot Topics to discuss all things Fringe, including why 2024 is set to be the biggest one yet. Want more? Check out our ultimate guide to the Adelaide Fringe 2024, including 10 shows not to miss. Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have plenty of people who need care, for a multitude of reasons, and in a multitude of ways. Luckily, we humans have a high propensity to care for one another, with unpaid carers stepping up to support those in need everywhere and anywhere. Carers are an irreplaceable part of the health economy, with unpaid carers providing 2.2 billion hours of care Nationally in 2020, saving the Australian Government $77.9 billion annually. In South Australia, 245,000 people are living as unpaid carers, including up to 30,000 young carers between the ages of 5 and 25. Matt, Anna, and Tim talk to Sharon Tentye, executive manager of service delivery at Carers SA, about recognising carers and supporting them in their roles. Often, Carers SA supports carers just by helping them realise that they are carers and that there’s assistance available to help them do the incredible things they do for others. Do you think you or someone you know might meet the criteria for being a carer? Find out more at Carers SA. Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australia is host to another year of a world-class cycling tournament. The Santos Tour Down Under is Australia’s greatest cycling event and 2024 will mark 25 years since it first started in 1999. Along the journey of starting as a national treasure to becoming an elite event on the global stage, the surrounding celebrations and events have expanded to become among the most important tourist dates in South Australia’s calendar. Two elite female cyclists join Matt, Anna, and Tim to discuss the advent of cycling as a sport. Assistant Race Directors Carlee Taylor and Annette Edmondson the rise of women’s cycling, as well as the many incredible events that bring a festival atmosphere on a tour around our incredible regions. Get involved in the cycling festivities at a Tour Down Under event near you! Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been an eventful year for the Hot Topics podcast since we started bringing you the is, the was, and the will be of South Australia back in April. And what better time to reflect on what has been discussed on the podcast than the silly season!? This is a great opportunity to catch up on episodes you may have missed or remember some insights you may have forgotten. Matt, Anna, and Tim reminisce on the good times and keep an eye on what South Australia is continuing to achieve as we move into 2024.Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where’s your favourite holiday destination in South Australia? There’s too many to choose from, right?! Well, the South Australian Tourism Commission has been proving it to our interstate friends. With beaches, rivers, wine regions, and outback oases all within a day's drive, you can have it all on a trip to SA. And with lots of events throughout the year, the SATC has plenty of inspiration to draw from when they advertise travel destinations. The latest “Travel. Our Way.” campaign shows a compilation of the huge variety of experiences available in our beautiful state. Matt, Anna, and Tim wanted to get the insight into the campaign. Joining the Hot Topics team is Jess Greatwich, Regional Tourism Manager for the Yorke Peninsula, and Barossa Valley local, to speak to how our regions are attracting diverse people as tourism flourishes post-pandemic. Still working out what to do this holiday season? Why not Travel. Our Way. with a staycation? Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the dry state of South Australia, fires can start anywhere. The summer of 2023-2024 is set to be an especially dry and hot one, as an El Niño weather event hits Australia. This is great for those looking to cool down under the treetops in the hills, or for those who want to have a splash in our great beaches and rivers. But whether you live and work in a bushfire prone area, or you’re just passing through on a road trip, it’s important you think about the risk, prevention, and action plan if you’re caught in a dangerous fire situation. Matt, Anna, and Tim wanted to check what they could be doing to stay safe with their summer plans and invited Alison May from the Country Fire Service to dish the ‘hot goss’ on being bushfire ready.Start a 5 minute bushfire plan or check the warnings in your area. Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we think of police officers, ideas of authority and protection come to mind. The South Australia Police exemplify those values as they take on the difficult job of keeping us safe. And as prominent and respected members of South Australian communities, our police officers are in a position to make real impactful differences in our lives. Despite the burden facing the hard-working people at SAPOL who are exposed to the worst sides of humanity, they continue to serve our communities with noble intent. In the case of one officer, Gary Wills, who was SAPOL Officer of the year for 2023, he has made an outstanding impact on young people in his community. After being taken off the patrols in his Gawler precinct, he was able to give his time to the troubled youths who often got the wrong kind of police attention. Matt, Anna, and Tim were so inspired by the story, that they decided to talk to Gary and were left in total awe and wishing they worked to make the same impact.Maybe you feel the same? Take a look at how you can belong in blue. Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the first State Disability Inclusion Plan ending soon, South Australia has its gaze upon the next iteration of the plan. With inclusion and accessibility top of mind, the Hot Topics team wanted to explore what SA has achieved and what needs improving to make this a place where everyone can live with dignity. Matt, Anna, and Tim are joined by an advocate from the Disability Engagement Group, Evan Johnson, to discuss their experiences as a disabled person and what improvements are on the horizon for the new State Disability Inclusion Plan.Do you have something to contribute? Have your say. Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home to Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music, South Australia is a place that celebrates its artists and has made incredible contributions to contemporary music. November is Good Music Month, with over 600 live events across the state, representing the excellence and diversity of our artists. Matt, Anna, and Tim brought in a two-time nominee for Best Solo Artist at the South Australian Music Awards, Lucas Day, to talk about what it is like to be an artist in a state that fosters a fantastic local and independent music culture.If you’re tantalised by what music we have around, get yourself to one of the many Good Music Month events! You can also hear more from Lucas Day on Spotify or check out his website. Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Maggie Rutjens got her diagnosis of autism later in life, catharsis washed over her as she found an explanation for her differences. The label also seemed to invite plenty of comments and questions ranging from respectful curiosity to plain ignorance. In a world where autism is mostly understood by representations in TV shows like The Good Doctor, Matt, Anna, and Tim want to find out what it really means to live with Autism. Maggie joins the Hot Topics team for the Office for Autism to share the support services in South Australia for the advocacy and integration of autism in all its presentations. Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australia’s craft spirit industry is finding local and international success as part of our world-class repertoire of flavours in food and drink. On the back of South Australia’s dominance in the 2023 Tasting Australia Spirit Awards, SA distilleries are expanding internationally and creating jobs in South Australia. Matt, Anna, and Tim were all too excited to learn what makes our spirit crafters so good from special guest George Georgiadis from Never Never Distilling Co. and Distillers South Australia. It turns out the proof is in the sipping; we make the best gins, whiskies, vodkas, rums, brandies, and liqueurs in the country, and you can try them all in one cocktail mix of an event at SpiritFest 2023 on Saturday 28th October.Get your tickets here! Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australia’s multicultural diversity and inclusivity are what make us great. But The Post team has been wondering what support there is for new migrants who make the transition to bring their heritage and language here. Special guest Lenard Sciancalepore from Community Language Schools SA joins Matt, Anna, and Tim to discuss the ways we facilitate and celebrate multiculturalism in SA. And if you're interested in finding your own slice of cultural experience, on November 12 to celebrate South Australia's many cultures. The full Multicultural Festival 2023 program is here. Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Adelaide CBD is one of the most beautifully planned places in Australia, but how does the Greater Adelaide region stack up? The Greater Adelaide Regional Plan is set for draft release and further public consultation in 2024, which got The Post team thinking, what makes a good city lifestyle? Matt, Anna, and Tim discuss the considerations of growing a smarter, more connected, and more diverse Adelaide. What kind of Adelaide do you want to live in? Have your say!  Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fight for equality is still alive across the world, so how does South Australia stack up? We have a strong history of progressiveness for gender-related issues, and the 2020s are strengthening our reputation. The Women’s Equality Blueprint not only includes actions that move us closer to parity between genders, but it also sets the culture of understanding so we can all thrive. Anna tells Matt and Tim about some of her challenges as a woman, and the group discuss how far we’ve come and how far we’ve got to go to make sure your gender doesn’t disadvantage you in South Australia. Find out more by following our socials.FacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInHot Topics by The Post is supported by the Government of South Australia and produced by Solstice Podcasting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.