NATIONAL TALK BLACK – 31/10/2025
On todays National Talk Black via NIRS – National Indigenous Radio Service we have:
Marshia Cook, Author and Illustrator, talking about The Moon Story shines bright winning the 2025 Karajia Aawrd for children’s literature. The Moon Story written by author Marshia Cook, and illustrated by Marshia and her son Tamua Nuggett, has won The Wilderness Society 2025 Karajia Award for Children’s Literature, in the picture fiction category. The Karajia Award, launched in 2022, honours First Nations storytellers sharing stories about connections to Country, culture, and Community. The Moon Story is the perfect bedtime story and a stunningly illustrated book, written in English and Kriol. The story follows a family from Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia, as they go camping under the moon and stars. The Moon Story was one of three books published by The Indigenous Literacy Foundation that were shortlisted for the Karajia Award this year. Congratulations, Marshia! You can find out more and where to purchase via the links below!
https://www.ilf.org.au/…/the-moon-story-wins-karajia…
Aven Noah JR, Exhibition Curator, talking about Pioneering Torres Strait Islander artist celebrated at State Library. A powerful exhibition honouring the late Torres Strait Islander artist Billy Missi (1970–2012) opens at State Library of Queensland today. Billy Missi’n Wakain Thamai brings together 26 of the artist’s most significant and iconic artworks, including rare and never-before-exhibited monoprints, etchings, and linoprints. The bilingual retrospective honours the artistic legacy of Missi, a prominent figure in the establishment of the Torres Strait Island printmaking movement. Curated by Dr Russell Milledge, it was developed in close consultation with the Billy Missi Estate, family members and friends, highlighting Missi’s critical role in the emergence of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) printmaking as a contemporary art form. Billy Missi was born on Mabuiag Island and was deeply influenced by the storytelling, song, and dance traditions of his Wagadagam Tribe. Beginning in earnest in the 1990s, his artistic journey combined traditional carving techniques with modern linocut methods, creating a unique aesthetic that earned international recognition before his passing in 2012. You can find out more via the link below!
https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/…/explore-exhibitions-billy…
Marjorie Anderson, Lifeline Head of Indigenous Affairs, talking about 100 Calls a Day: Unprecedented surge in calls to Indigenous Crisis Support Line. With calls to 13 Yarn national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people regularly surpassing 100 per day, Lifeline’s Head of Indigenous Affairs Marjorie Anderson is highlighting the importance of culturally safe crisis support to meet surging demand. 13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Indigenous children, accounting for 20% of deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under 24. Since launching in March 2022, 13YARN has seen demand grow year on year. In 2024, Crisis Supporters answered an average of 65 calls per day. This year, that figure has jumped to 91. “We want people to know that they can connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 any time of the day or night and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who will take the time to listen.” “It is free, it’s confidential and it’s anonymous – no shame, no judgement,” she said. You can find out more via the link below.
Have something happening in your community, and you want to talk about it, give us a call on 1800 422 416. Or Give us a text on 0457 140 550!
We would also like to thank the Community Broadcasting Foundation and National Indigenous Australians Agency for their support here at BBM 98.7FM.
Make sure to tune in Monday-Friday 11am-12pm QLD Time to stay up to date with the latest national events.
