Talk of the Town by Echo News

Season Two: Behind the Scenes of The Hills Carnivale with Vanessa Jones

In this episode of Talk of the Town, Von sits down with Vanessa Jones, the lead Event Coordinator for The Hills Carnivale, to go behind the scenes of one of Moreton Bay’s most beloved community events. Vanessa shares how the team brings the event to life each year - from logistics and planning to programming and community involvement. Listeners get the inside scoop on what to expect at this year’s Carnivale, including live entertainment, market stalls, multicultural food, amusement rides, kids’ activities, and of course, the grand finale fireworks. Vanessa also talks about her favourite Carnivale moments, the importance of community collaboration, and how the event supports local performers, businesses, and families. Whether you're a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, this episode will have you excited for a fun-filled day at George Willmore Park on Saturday, 31 May. Vanessa Jones is the Lead Event Coordinator for the Hills Carnivale and a key figure in delivering some of the Moreton Bay region’s most vibrant community events. With a background in large-scale event planning and a passion for community engagement, Vanessa plays a central role in orchestrating all the moving parts behind beloved festivals like the Hills Carnivale. Her work ensures these events are not just fun and safe, but also inclusive, family-friendly, and locally enriching. MBRIT stands for Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism. It’s a not-for-profit organization that partners with the City of Moreton Bay to promote tourism, drive economic development, and support community engagement across the region. MBRIT is responsible for delivering major public events such as: * Hills Carnivale * Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run * Redcliffe KiteFest Their mission is to position Moreton Bay as a premier destination for tourism, business, and lifestyle—supporting local businesses, attracting visitors, and creating vibrant experiences for residents. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Season Two Begins: ANZAC Day Reflections with John Hardgrave

In this special ANZAC Day episode of Talk of the Town, our host, Von Hosking, returns from maternity leave with an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with John Hardgrave — veteran, community volunteer, and 2022 Dickson Citizen of the Year. John served for 17 years in the Australian Defence Force, including deployments to Afghanistan, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands. Today, he continues his mission of service through his work with RSL Queensland, as a volunteer coach, and surf lifesaver. In this episode, John shares: * What ANZAC Day means to him personally and nationally * The importance of mateship and connection * How we can support veterans transitioning to civilian life * What veterans themselves can do to navigate that shift * How community involvement helps build purpose after service * Why resilience matters — and how we can foster it in young people This conversation is full of heart, hope, and valuable insight from someone who’s walked the path of service and continues to give back every day. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Season 1 Finale: Reflecting on 2024 with Katie Maclean, Director of Echo Media Group

In this special season finale of Talk of the Town, we sit down with Katie McLean, editor and owner of Echo News, to reflect on an incredible year for the podcast and the community. Katie shares highlights from season one, discusses the impact of Talk of the Town on the local area, and gives us an exclusive sneak peek at her exciting new venture—a running magazine aimed at Moreton Bay’s active community. We also look ahead to 2025 with plans for Echo News, season two of the podcast, and how we’ll continue to celebrate and connect with our amazing community. Join us for a heartfelt wrap-up to the year and a glimpse into what’s next! Season Two coming 2025 - stay up to date via the Echo News socials. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 36: Beyond the Path - Geoff Russell’s Insights on Brisbane Trail Running

In this episode of Talk of the Town, we sit down with Geoff Russell, the President of the Trail Running Association of Queensland (TRAQ), to delve into the vibrant world of trail running in Brisbane and Beyond. With decades of growth behind it, TRAQ has become a vital organisation for fostering a safe, inclusive, and thriving trail running community across the state. Geoff takes us through the mission and impact of TRAQ, highlighting how the organization has evolved since its formation in 2006 to support runners of all skill levels and bring them together for unique, off-road challenges. We explore the incredible variety of events TRAQ hosts throughout the year and hear about their ambitious plans for the future, including discussions around Queensland’s 2032 Olympic bid and how trail running could be showcased on the world stage. Throughout our conversation, Geoff shares his personal journey into trail running, what inspired him to take on a leadership role at TRAQ, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He also offers valuable advice for newcomers looking to dip their toes into the sport, touching on beginner-friendly trails, essential tips for safety and enjoyment, and how to build confidence as a trail runner. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 35: Brewing the Future: Shaun Reeves on Vision, Community, and Sustainable Growth (Part Two)

Craft. Community. Karma. 🌟 Get Ready for Part Two with Shaun Reeves of Hip Hops Brewers! 🎙️ In last week's episode (EP 34) of Talk of the Town, Von sat down with Shaun Reeves, Founder and Director of Hip Hops Brewers [https://hiphopsbrewers.beer/] in Brendale. Shaun shared his inspiring journey from business advisor to brewery owner, offering insight into his transition into the world of craft beer and the challenges and success he faced along the way. We also divef into an important conversation about men’s mental health, as Shaun discusses his own personal struggles and the motivation behind his vision for the brewery playing a role in fostering these tough but vital conversations. The brewery aims to be a place to hold events like the upcoming, The Great Mate Check-In [https://www.facebook.com/events/411859131484471] - a community initiative aimed at encouraging men to open up about their mental health. In this week’s episode, we dive into part two of our inspiring conversation with Shaun Reeves. Shaun shares his vision for Hip Hops Brewers and how he's turning it into a vibrant, creative, and community-centered space. We talk about: Creating a Unique Brewery Experience: How Shaun’s making Hip Hops Brewers a place for connection, creativity, and fun Sustainable Brewing Practices: From eco-friendly brewing methods to the brewery's design, sustainability is at the heart of his work Collaborations with Local Producers: Bringing the best of Moreton Bay’s producers to Hip Hops for a truly local experience Future Growth & Expansion Plans: A peek at what’s next for Hip Hops as it continues to grow in the region Tune in to hear how Shaun’s vision is shaping Hip Hops Brewers into so much more than a brewery – it’s becoming a place where community and innovation meet. 🌏🌱 In case you missed it, Shaun Reeves and Hip Hops Brewers achieved remarkable success at the recent Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards [https://www.moretonbaybusinessawards.com.au/], taking home five awards, including the prestigious City of Moreton Bay Business of the Year. Hip Hops Brewers was also recognized with the Ausbuild Award for New Business Excellence, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Award for Customer Service Excellence, Award for Food and Agribusiness Excellence, and Splice Marketing Agency Award for Entrepreneur of the Year. These accolades highlight Shaun’s innovative leadership, commitment to excellence, and the positive community impact of Hip Hops Brewers. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.