ABC NewcastleCast

Is underwater noise pollution impacting marine life?

It's getting warmer in Australia — summer is just around the corner and for many of us that means heading to the water to cool off. Whether you take the boat out at Lake Macquarie, have a surf at Newcastle Beach or a swim in the Hunter River. But as we cause a commotion above the surface, we often forget about the whole world of marine wildlife living beneath us — and their way of life is being disrupted more than you may think. A team of researchers from the University of Newcastle has uncovered the potentially devastating impacts noise from human activities is having on marine life. Credits: Presented and produced by Keely JohnsonSupervising producer - Grant Wolter. Executive producers - Lucia Hill and Blake Doyle.

The Unforgettables choir helping people with dementia

More than 400,000 Australians are currently living with dementia.   It’s a devastating disease, that can severely impact a persons autonomy and daily life.   But a team in Newcastle is using the power of music to uplift people impacted by the condition.     Each week, a choir group, known as ‘The Unforgettables’, meet providing a creative outlet for people with dementia, as well as support and friendship for them and their carers.    Credits: Presented and produced by Keely JohnsonSupervising producer - Grant Wolter. Executive producers - Lucia Hill and Blake Doyle.

Kahi Simon's death reveals gaps in health system

Newcastle woman Kelly Kay has experienced every parent's worst nightmare. Last year, her 20-year-old son Kahi Simon took his life, just days after being discharged from a hospital mental health ward.  Ms Kay says her son's death highlights gaps in Australia's mental health system.  Now, she is bringing Kahi's unrealised dreams of being a designer to life, creating a clothing brand in his honour, while raising funds and awareness for suicide prevention. Credits: Presented and produced by Keely JohnsonSupervising producer - Grant Wolter. Executive producers - Lucia Hill and Blake Doyle.

Designer dress hire businesses rising in popularity

Spending hundreds of dollars on a designer dress or luxury outfit is out of the budget for many people, but a trend has emerged across the country: to hire instead. While suit hire has been around for decades, designer-dress hire businesses are popping up around Australia, including here in Newcastle, and they're busier than ever.  So, what's the appeal? Consumers say it's a cheaper, more sustainable option to continual buying. Credits: Presented and produced by Keely JohnsonSupervising producer - Grant Wolter. Executive producers Lucia Hill and Blake Doyle.

Meet the grown-ups breaking ballet stereotypes

Trying a new sport or hobby can be very exciting, but it can also be really daunting, especially if you're just starting out as an adult.Take ballet for example, which is traditionally the domain of children, or professional dancers.  But now, one dance studio in Newcastle is opening its doors to all ages - challenging the exclusivity and stereotypes surrounding ballet. Credits: Presented and produced by Keely JohnsonSupervising producer - Grant Wolter. Executive producers Lucia Hill and Blake Doyle.