Environment Archives - JOY Drive

Lydia Whiteway: Three New Cheetahs Arrive at Werribee Open Range Zoo

latham.smith — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:22:00 +0000

Werribee Open Range Zoo has welcomed three new cheetahs for summer, each with their own personality and story. Keeper Lydia Whiteway introduces Mara, Mapenzi and Sansa, including what visitors should look for as they settle into their habitats and how the cheetahs are reacting to their loud lion neighbours.

Guest: Lydia Whiteway, African River Trail Keeper, Werribee Open Range Zoo

Presenter: Con Keramitsis

The post Lydia Whiteway: Three New Cheetahs Arrive at Werribee Open Range Zoo appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Sara Webb: Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS and What It Reveals About Our Galaxy

latham.smith — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:11:57 +0000

An interstellar comet has passed through our solar system, offering scientists a rare chance to study material from beyond our neighbourhood of stars. Astrophysicist Dr Sara Webb explains what 3I/ATLAS is, why interstellar visitors are so uncommon, and what astronomers were watching for during its closest pass.

Guest: Dr Sara Webb, Astrophysicist, Swinburne University of Technology

Presenter: Con Keramitsis

The post Dr Sara Webb: Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS and What It Reveals About Our Galaxy appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Nisa Salim: Storing and Protecting Winter Clothes

latham.smith — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:09:48 +0000

As winter clothes are packed away for summer, natural fibres like wool and silk can quietly deteriorate if they’re not stored properly. Nisa Salim explains what actually happens to these materials over time and why moth damage, moisture and residue pose such a risk.

Guest: Dr Nisa Salim, Director, Swinburne–CSIRO National Testlab for Composite Additive Manufacturing, Swinburne University of Technology

Presenter: Con Keramitsis

The post Dr Nisa Salim: Storing and Protecting Winter Clothes appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Véronique Paris: Mosquito Repellents, Safety and Summer Risks

latham.smith — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 07:13:46 +0000

Mosquitoes are a familiar summer nuisance, but they also carry real health risks across parts of Australia. Dr Véronique Paris explains how concerned we should be about mosquito-borne disease and what actually happens when we get bitten.

Guest: Dr Véronique Paris, Research Fellow in Medical Entomology & Vector Pop, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Véronique Paris: Mosquito Repellents, Safety and Summer Risks appeared first on JOY Drive.

Katie Miers: Elephant Roi-Yim’ At Werribee Open Range Zoo

latham.smith — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 07:05:17 +0000

At Werribee Open Range Zoo, young elephant Roi-Yim is taking an important step toward adulthood, spending more time with his father and developing his independence within the herd. Elephant Trail Keeper Katie Miers shares what this milestone looks like up close and what it reveals about elephant family life.

Guest: Katie Miers, Elephant Trail Keeper, Werribee Open Range Zoo

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Katie Miers: Elephant Roi-Yim’ At Werribee Open Range Zoo appeared first on JOY Drive.

Sean Dooley: Birds, Conservation and What Australia’s Backyards Are Telling Us

latham.smith — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 06:49:06 +0000

From national bird counts to conservation laws and emerging biosecurity risks, it has been a busy time for Australia’s bird world. Fresh from the Australasian Ornithological Conference, Sean Dooley reflects on what scientists and conservationists are seeing, and what it reveals about the health of nature closer to home.

Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager, BirdLife Australia

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Sean Dooley: Birds, Conservation and What Australia’s Backyards Are Telling Us appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Rebecca Davies: Saturn’s Disappearing Rings and the Hunt for Life Beyond Our Solar System

latham.smith — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:51:26 +0000

Saturn’s iconic rings are turning edge-on and almost invisible, just as astronomers uncover new clues about rogue planets, life-supporting moons and a massive burst from a star 130 light-years away. Dr Rebecca Davies explains the week’s biggest space stories and what they mean for our understanding of the universe.

Guest: Dr Rebecca Davies, ARC DECRA Fellow and Faculty member at the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University of Technology

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Rebecca Davies: Saturn’s Disappearing Rings and the Hunt for Life Beyond Our Solar System appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Rebecca Davies: Little Red Dots, Monster Flares and Aussie JWST Brilliance

latham.smith — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 11:00:36 +0000

JWST’s “little red dots,” the brightest black-hole flare ever, and an Australian fix that sharpened the space telescope’s vision. Rebecca Davies decodes three cosmic headlines that read like sci-fi. Guest:...

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Associate Professor Theresa Larkin: Sneezes, Itches and Allergies Explained

latham.smith — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 23:18:38 +0000

Spring in Australia means pollen, sneezes and endless antihistamines, but what’s really happening inside our immune system when allergies hit?

Associate Professor Theresa Larkin breaks down the science behind hay fever, food reactions and mysterious sensitivities, and shares how we can better understand and manage our body’s over-the-top responses.

Guest: Associate Professor Theresa Larkin, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Associate Professor Theresa Larkin: Sneezes, Itches and Allergies Explained appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Martin Jucker: Antarctica’s Sudden Warming

latham.smith — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 23:18:17 +0000

Temperatures 35°C above normal in the stratosphere over Antarctica sound dramatic for good reason. Atmospheric scientist Martin Jucker explains sudden stratospheric warming, how it ripples into Australian weather, and what...

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Sean Dooley: Bird of the Year and Melbourne’s Gardens

latham.smith — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:23:48 +0000

From cheeky lorikeets to kookaburras in the city, Melbourne’s gardens are alive with birdsong. Sean Dooley from BirdLife Australia joins us live from Fitzroy Gardens to talk about the Aussie Bird Count, the hot favourites for Bird of the Year, and why tuning into birdlife brings us closer to nature.

Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager, BirdLife Australia

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Sean Dooley: Bird of the Year and Melbourne’s Gardens appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Kate Mason: When Homes Make Us Sick

latham.smith — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:04:06 +0000

From mould and damp to noise, air quality, and design, our homes can have a greater impact on our health than we realise. Dr Kate Mason from the University of Melbourne explains how unhealthy housing harms both body and mind, why renters are disproportionately affected, and what governments can do to make homes safer.

Guest: Dr Kate Mason, Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Health Policy at The University of Melbourne

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Kate Mason: When Homes Make Us Sick appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Rebecca Davies: Alpha Centauri’s Secrets and a Comet Older Than Earth

latham.smith — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 22:00:22 +0000

Could our nearest star neighbour be hiding a planet with moons fit for life? And what can a 3-billion-year-old comet tell us about the universe’s beginnings? Rebecca Davies brings us this week’s space news with discoveries close to home and far beyond.

Guest: Dr Rebecca Davies, ARC DECRA Fellow and Faculty member at the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University of Technology

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Rebecca Davies: Alpha Centauri’s Secrets and a Comet Older Than Earth appeared first on JOY Drive.

Sophie Gray: Jabulani the Rhino at Werribee Open Range Zoo

latham.smith — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 22:08:53 +0000

Werribee’s “miracle” rhino is now a 730-kilo “toddler” with horns pushing through and plenty of attitude. Savannah Keeper Sophie Gray shares his cheeky antics, bond with mum Kipenzi and why...

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Chloe Foster: ‘The Rookie Gardener’

latham.smith — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 08:39:43 +0000

Killed a few too many pot plants? Chloe Foster’s new book ‘The Rookie Gardener’ is a funny, practical guide to enjoying plants without the pressure. From balconies to backyards, she shares tips to make gardening simple, sustainable and fun.

Guest: Chloe Foster, Author of The Rookie Gardener

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Chloe Foster: ‘The Rookie Gardener’ appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Bhavna Middha: Forever Chemicals Ban

latham.smith — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 08:29:30 +0000

Australia has banned just three “forever chemicals,” while Europe is pushing to outlaw all 14,000. Bhavna Middha explains what these chemicals are, why they matter for our health and environment, and the challenges of cleaning them up.

Guest: Dr Bhavna Middha, Senior Research Fellow in Environmental Sociology, RMIT University

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Bhavna Middha: Forever Chemicals Ban appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Richard Buning: The Truth About E-Bikes

latham.smith — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:55:11 +0000

E-bikes are booming across Australia, but not all are safe or legal. Richard Buning explains how they can replace car trips, what makes a bike compliant, and how policy can balance innovation with road safety.

Guest: Richard J Buning, Research Lead, Micromobility Research Cluster, University of Queensland

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Richard Buning: The Truth About E-Bikes appeared first on JOY Drive.

Associate Professor Louise Grimmer: Soft Plastics – Recycling or Rethinking?

latham.smith — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:23:17 +0000

Australians use the equivalent of three Sydney Harbour Bridges worth of soft plastics each year, with most ending up as waste. Associate Professor Louise Grimmer unpacks the proposed new supermarket recycling scheme and explains why reducing packaging altogether may be the smarter path forward.

Guest: Associate Professor Louise Grimmer, University of Tasmania

Presenter: Latham Smith

The post Associate Professor Louise Grimmer: Soft Plastics – Recycling or Rethinking? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Sean Dooley: The Corella Poisoning in Springvale

latham.smith — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 22:48:05 +0000

The deaths of around 150 native corellas in Springvale have shocked the local community. Sean Dooley from BirdLife Australia discusses the investigation, the risks of feeding wildlife and what we...

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Dr Samantha Chan: Can Pets Protect Kids from Allergies?

latham.smith — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 07:31:30 +0000

Growing up with a dog may do more than teach kids love and responsibility; it might help prevent asthma and eczema. Dr Samantha Chan breaks down the latest research on how pets shape the immune system.

Guest: Dr Samantha Chan, Immunology and Allergy Lead, Snow Centre for Immune Health, WEHI

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Samantha Chan: Can Pets Protect Kids from Allergies? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Kelvin Wong: Is It the Winter Blues or Something More?

latham.smith — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 01:50:09 +0000

Feeling tired, flat and struggling to get out of bed? Psychologist Kelvin Wong explains how to tell the difference between a seasonal slump and seasonal affective disorder and what to do if the cold has got you down.

Guest: Dr Kelvin Wong, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Kelvin Wong: Is It the Winter Blues or Something More? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Trang Nguyen: Eat Well, Waste Less – The Surprising Link Between Nutrition and Sustainability

latham.smith — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 06:45:09 +0000

Could healthy eating be the unexpected key to reducing food waste? Dr Trang Nguyen from the University of Adelaide unpacks new research showing that people focused on nutrition often waste far less food than those focused on sustainability alone.

From portion control to involving kids in the kitchen, Trang shares simple, practical strategies to help you cut waste and eat better without the guilt.

Guest: Dr Trang Nguyen, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Global Food and Resources at the University of Adelaide

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Trang Nguyen: Eat Well, Waste Less – The Surprising Link Between Nutrition and Sustainability appeared first on JOY Drive.

Sean Dooley: 2024 Australian Bird Count Results and BirdLife’s Federal Election Tool

latham.smith — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:45:15 +0000

The 2024 Australian Bird Count results have landed. While the usual suspects dominate, a new loudmouth has crashed the party. The Little Corella has cracked the national top 10 for the first time.

Also, BirdLife Australia has launched a tool to help voters discover threatened bird species in their electorate and ask candidates what they will do about it.

Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager at BirdLife Australia

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Sean Dooley: 2024 Australian Bird Count Results and BirdLife’s Federal Election Tool appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Rebecca Davies: NASA’s Lucy Spacecraft

latham.smith — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:45:30 +0000

Time to blast off into the cosmos! Dr Rebecca Davies will take you through some exciting developments in space science, from tantalising new hints of life beyond Earth, to a weird planet straight out of Star Wars, and a milestone flyby for NASA’s Lucy spacecraft.

Guest: Dr Rebecca Davies, ARC DECRA Fellow and Faculty member at the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University of Technology

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Rebecca Davies: NASA’s Lucy Spacecraft appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Brianna Le Busque: Four types of indoor plant owners

latham.smith — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 07:50:13 +0000

From leafy living rooms to tiny desk succulents, indoor plants have taken root in our homes and hearts. But what does your relationship with your plants say about you?

New research has unearthed four distinct types of plant people, ranging from the casual waterer to those who treat their plants like their own kids. So, which one are you?

Guest: Dr Brianna Le Busque, Lecturer in Environmental Science at the University of South Australia

Presenter: Latham Smith

The post Dr Brianna Le Busque: Four types of indoor plant owners appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Jamie Mackenzie: Cyclists and sharing the roads

latham.smith — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:46:57 +0000

Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable when it comes to sharing the road. Around the world, more than 40,000 cyclists are killed in crashes every year—and in most of those crashes, it is the driver who is at fault.

So what’s going on? Why do so many drivers fail to see cyclists until too late? And what needs to change so everyone can feel safe getting from A to B?

Guest: Dr Jamie Mackenzie, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Automotive Safety Research at the University of Adelaide

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Jamie Mackenzie: Cyclists and sharing the roads appeared first on JOY Drive.

Adjunct Professor Steve Turton: Cyclone Alfred

latham.smith — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:45:29 +0000

Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales are facing something they haven’t seen in 50 years – a tropical cyclone making landfall. Cyclone Alfred was expected to fizzle out. But in a surprising turn, it’s headed straight for the coast, expected to hit as a Category 2 storm. That means damaging winds, power outages, coastal erosion, and the potential for major flooding.

So, what does this mean for people in the region? How unpredictable are Coral Sea cyclones like Alfred? And what should you be doing now to prepare?

Guest: Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography at CQUniversity Australia

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Adjunct Professor Steve Turton: Cyclone Alfred appeared first on JOY Drive.

Emily Buddle: Backyard Chickens

latham.smith — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:40:38 +0000

“Chickens – or as we affectionately call them here in Australia, chooks – have been a staple of backyard life for generations. But in recent years, their popularity has truly soared, with more and more people welcoming these feathered friends into their homes – or, at least, their backyards!

From providing fresh eggs to teaching kids about the circle of life, backyard chickens bring much more than just breakfast. But they also blur the lines between pets and livestock, raising fascinating questions about animal welfare, food security, and even biosecurity risks.

So, what’s behind this growing trend, and what does it say about the way we relate to the animals we live alongside?

Guest: Emily Buddle, Research Fellow in Humanities at the University of Adelaide

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Emily Buddle: Backyard Chickens appeared first on JOY Drive.

Sean Dooley: Birdwatching Update

latham.smith — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:45:40 +0000

Guest: Sean Dooley

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Sean Dooley: Birdwatching Update appeared first on JOY Drive.

Martin Geissdoerfer: Circular Economy

latham.smith — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 04:04:22 +0000

The holiday season, particularly Boxing Day, is a time of heightened consumer activity. But behind the sales and celebrations lies a growing concern: the environmental impact of our take-make-dispose culture. This linear economic model contributes to overproduction, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions, posing significant challenges to sustainability.

Hear about the concept of the circular economy – a transformative approach that prioritises reuse, repair, and recycling to keep materials in use for as long as possible.

Guest: Associate Professor Martin Geissdoerfer, Director of Circular Economy Labs at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Martin Geissdoerfer: Circular Economy appeared first on JOY Drive.

Margaret Murray: Bushwalking Foods

latham.smith — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 03:59:10 +0000

Australia’s stunning national parks and bushwalking trails are perfect destinations for anyone looking to embrace nature, stay active, and unwind. But heading out into the wilderness requires preparation—not just for the journey itself, but also for keeping your energy up along the way.

Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition at Swinburne University of Technology, shares her expert advice on the best foods to pack for a bushwalk.

Guest: Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition at Swinburne University of Technology

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Margaret Murray: Bushwalking Foods appeared first on JOY Drive.

Curtis Prouting: Colobus Monkeys and the Lemur Troop at Melbourne Zoo

latham.smith — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:15:22 +0000

Melbourne Zoo is always buzzing with activity; right now, things are vivacious in the primate world!

Guest: Curtis Prouting, CAT 1 Specialist Keeper at Melbourne Zoo

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Curtis Prouting: Colobus Monkeys and the Lemur Troop at Melbourne Zoo appeared first on JOY Drive.

Dr Daniel Eldridge: Mosquito Repellants

latham.smith — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:15:00 +0000

Mosquitoes can leave behind itchy bites and, in some cases, can transmit serious diseases.

So, why do mosquitoes find some people more attractive than others? How do popular repellents like DEET and citronella work? And are those so-called “natural” alternatives effective?

Guest: Dr Daniel Eldridge, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at Swinburne University of Technology

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Daniel Eldridge: Mosquito Repellants appeared first on JOY Drive.

Sean Dooley: Seychelles Warbler Divorce Rates

latham.smith — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:18:00 +0000

Did you know that extreme weather – both wet and dry – has been shown to increase the divorce rate among Seychelles warbler birds. Could climate change be destabilizing their relationships? And what might that mean for the species’ survival?

Guest: Sean Dooley is the National Public Affairs Manager at Birdlife Australia .

Presenter: Warren Andrew.

The post Sean Dooley: Seychelles Warbler Divorce Rates appeared first on JOY Drive.

Nathan Kilah: Powder or liquid laundry detergent?

latham.smith — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 22:15:41 +0000

Dive into the age-old laundry debate: powder or liquid detergent? Hear about the pros and cons of each, uncover surprising facts, and help you settle the sudsy showdown once and for all. Don’t miss this spin cycle of insights!

Guest: Nathan Kilah is a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of Tasmania.

Presenter: Warren Andrew.

The post Nathan Kilah: Powder or liquid laundry detergent? appeared first on JOY Drive.

JOY Drive Scoop: Aussie Bird Count

Warren — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 02:51:45 +0000

The Aussie Bird Count involves counting the birds that live near you, be it in your garden, the local park, the beach or even outside your office window! JOY Drive’s Chief Bird Nerd, Sean Dooley has the scoop before the initial public release.

Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager for BirdLife Australia.

Presenter: Warren Andrew.

The post JOY Drive Scoop: Aussie Bird Count appeared first on JOY Drive.

Shannon Martinez – Vegan Italian Food. New book!

Warren — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 23:48:24 +0000

If you’ve dined at the hatted Smith & Daughters in Collingwood, or been to Smith & Deli, where everything is plant based, watched Masterchef or My Kitchen Rules, you’ll no doubt be aware of Shannon Martinez.

Smith & Daughters is the first plant-based restaurant in Melbourne to earn a hat from the Age Good Food Awards and in 2023 and Shannon won the Restaurant Personality of the Year award from Gourmet Traveller.

Shannon has just released another book – Vegan Italian Food and talks with Warren about it.

Guest: Shannon Martinez (@shannon_martinez)

Presenter: Warren Andrew (@wazzaandrew)

The post Shannon Martinez – Vegan Italian Food. New book! appeared first on JOY Drive.

Peregrine Falcons return to 367 Collins St Melbourne

Warren — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:21:35 +0000

Sean Dooley talks birds on JOY Drive. In this podcast:

Red tailed black cockatoo – culturally significant for first nations people
Aussie Bird Count registrations now open
Peregrine Falcons return to 367 Collins St

Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager at Birdlife Australia.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Peregrine Falcons return to 367 Collins St Melbourne appeared first on JOY Drive.

Heartwarming story: Baby Rhino born at Werribee Open Range Zoo

Warren — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 22:36:06 +0000

Werribee Open Range Zoo are celebrating what’s been described as an “against the odds birth” of a baby rhino. The birth was kept private for days, and comes after a calf was born last year, but died a few days later.

Guest: Dominic Moss is Werribee Open Range Zoo Savannah Life Sciences Manager.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Heartwarming story: Baby Rhino born at Werribee Open Range Zoo appeared first on JOY Drive.

City of Melbourne e-Scooter Ban

Warren — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:10:57 +0000

Rental e-scooters will soon disappear from Melbourne’s CBD after the council voted to end operator contracts.

Bad behaviour and safety concerns were cited as some of the leading reasons, but many have been left disappointed by this decision, especially since e-scooters were only introduced in 2022.

Guest: Hussein Dia, Swinburne Professor of Future Urban Mobility.

Presenter: Warren Andrew.

The post City of Melbourne e-Scooter Ban appeared first on JOY Drive.

Animals voluntarily choosing their healthcare? They do at Zoos Victoria!

Warren — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 22:34:16 +0000

Zoos Victoria is continually making giant strides in the animal welfare space. Implementing a variety of impressive new initiatives that encourage the animals to voluntarily participate in their own healthcare...

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The post Animals voluntarily choosing their healthcare? They do at Zoos Victoria! appeared first on JOY Drive.

Victoria’s new Recycling Plan

Warren — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 00:18:51 +0000

If you’re in Victoria, you will soon have four bins (if you don’t already) to help separate and increase the amount of waste being recycled.

Will the Victorian Government’s new plan for recycling work and what happens to those soft plastics that we used to drop off at a REDcycle bin?

Guest: Bhavna Middha, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research at RMIT University

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Victoria’s new Recycling Plan appeared first on JOY Drive.

Sean Dooley – Winter is leaving!

Warren — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 02:32:17 +0000

Bird activity is slowly ramping up with spring & nesting season approaching. There’s a bit of hope that “winter is leaving” hopefully fairly soon! Find out all the latest in bird news from JOY Drive’s Chief Bird Nerd.

Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager at Birdlife Australia.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Sean Dooley – Winter is leaving! appeared first on JOY Drive.

How can it be so cold in a warming climate?

Warren — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 02:31:31 +0000

Since the beginning of July, we have been experiencing what seems to be colder than usual temperatures.

For those of us who like the cold it’s welcome, but why is it so unusually cold and can we expect more?

Guest: Andrew King is Senior Lecturer in Climate Science at The University of Melbourne.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post How can it be so cold in a warming climate? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Sean Dooley – JOY Drive’s Chief Bird Nerd

Warren — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 05:57:08 +0000

Sean Dooley reveals some hidden gems in and around Melbourne where you can go and appreciate nature and feel good afterwards. Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager for BirdLife...

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The post Sean Dooley – JOY Drive’s Chief Bird Nerd appeared first on JOY Drive.

Puffer Jackets – Listen to this before you buy one!

Warren — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 05:28:46 +0000

With the cold weather snap upon us, Puffer Jackets remain popular as a means to keep warm. Whilst they might seem relatively inexpensive and harmless, there’s another story behind them that might surprise you and cause you to rethink them.

Guest: Sean Dooley is an Australian writer, conservationist and birdwatcher. He is the editor of Australian Birdlife magazine, Author of The Big Twitch and the National Public Affairs Manager at Birdlife Australia.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Puffer Jackets – Listen to this before you buy one! appeared first on JOY Drive.

Bird Flu Outbreak – Are eggs and other farm products safe to eat?

Warren — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 00:10:32 +0000

Coles has implemented purchasing limits on eggs after hundreds of thousands of chickens have been euthanized, and quarantine zones have been set up around five farms near Meredith and Terang in Victoria as a result of the nation’s largest outbreak of bird flu.

Can the virus that causes bird flu transfer from farm animals to eggs or other farm products, thereby putting our health at risk?

Guest: Enzo Palombo, Professor of Microbiology, Swinburne University of Technology

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Bird Flu Outbreak – Are eggs and other farm products safe to eat? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Zoos Victoria saving Australia’s threatened species

Warren — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 22:32:36 +0000

Australia Added Record Numbers of Wildlife to the List of Threatened Species in 2023. Over 2200 species are now threatened with extinction in Australia, many due to climate change and habitat destruction.

Hearing figures like this can easily make us feel helpless – well the good news is that there are people who work with threatened species in the hope of preventing further losses. In this podcast, we’ll find out about the rediscovery of the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon, last seen over 50 years ago!

Guest: Nick Cleman, Senior Biologist Herpetology at Zoos Victoria.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Zoos Victoria saving Australia’s threatened species appeared first on JOY Drive.

Surprising support for Cat ban!

Warren — Thu, 23 May 2024 21:49:25 +0000

More and more councils are requiring cats to be contained by introducing cat curfews. Some are also requiring cats to be contained 24 hours a day.

We might assume that all of the cat owners are up in arms about the controls, but a recent survey has shown some surprising results.

Guest: Jaana Dielenberg is from the University of Melbourne and is a spokesperson for the Biodiversity Council.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Surprising support for Cat ban! appeared first on JOY Drive.

Saving Merri Creek

Warren — Mon, 20 May 2024 22:30:41 +0000

How long has it been since you’ve taken a walk along the path that runs beside Merri Creek? Find out how Merri Creek has been transformed from a polluted waterway to an inner city oasis and wildlife corridor.

Guest:

Judy Bush: Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, The University of Melbourne

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Saving Merri Creek appeared first on JOY Drive.

Good news and a Massive WIN for Conservation

Warren — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 02:17:30 +0000

JOY Drive’s Chief Bird Nerd, Sean Dooley talks about a rare but massive win for conservation. In a world full of negative news, this is a must listen for those concerned about the environment. It also shows that we should never give up when fighting for a particular cause.

Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager at Birdlife Australia

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Good news and a Massive WIN for Conservation appeared first on JOY Drive.

The facts behind 5 water myths

erielle.sudario — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 10:52:41 +0000

There are many myths about water and we thought we would put some of them to the experts.

Guest: Oliver Jones

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post The facts behind 5 water myths appeared first on JOY Drive.

The Importance of the Fairfield AIDS Memorial Garden

erielle.sudario — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 07:30:22 +0000

With Worlds Aids Day upon us, its time to remember a somewhat forgotten status AIDS Memorial Garden received during the fight against this disease.

Guest: John Hall

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post The Importance of the Fairfield AIDS Memorial Garden appeared first on JOY Drive.

Protecting our marine ecosystems

Warren — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 20:50:41 +0000

There’s an awesome free event taking place in Melbourne on 8th November at The Capitol, aimed at activating surf and coastal communities to take steps to protect the nation’s amazing marine ecosystems. Home to abundant life, the ocean is a powerful climate solution, yet less than 3 per cent of it is fully protected (at least on paper) from human-driven damage.

Guest: Dr Simon Bradshaw, The Climate Council

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Protecting our marine ecosystems appeared first on JOY Drive.

Halloween Spider Web causing chaos for native birds

Warren — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 00:23:38 +0000

That fake Halloween Spider Web sprawled across the suburbs is entrapping and killing native birds. We can celebrate Halloween without endangering our native wildlife. Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs...

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The post Halloween Spider Web causing chaos for native birds appeared first on JOY Drive.

When it comes to food waste, are you a Warrier, Struggler or Slacker?

Warren — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 00:11:19 +0000

Trang Nguyen is a Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Adelaide and through her research, has classified food wasters into three types. Which type are you? Find out some simple...

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The post When it comes to food waste, are you a Warrier, Struggler or Slacker? appeared first on JOY Drive.

It’s Brutal – Reality elimination taken to a whole new level!

Warren — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 00:24:18 +0000

The Bird of The Year Poll is underway and Sean Dooley explains just how brutal the elimination process is. We also find out what we can do to save the Swift Parrot which is heading for extinction within ten years.

Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager, Birdlife Australia

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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An unexpected skill of the Honey Bee

Warren — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 07:40:07 +0000

Not only do bees produce honey, they can also act as exceptional pollution monitors. Despite being exposed to pollution, none of it ends up in the honey we eat. Amazing...

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What is Australia’s favourite animal sound? Plus, New Aussie Post stamps

Warren — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 01:57:31 +0000

Find out which birds feature on the new Australia Post Stamps. Plus, what is Australia’s favourite animal sound? Guest: Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager at Birdlife Australia Presenter: Warren...

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Forever Chemicals – Do they really hang around forever?

Warren — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 09:40:59 +0000

What are forever chemicals, where are they found and how long do they take to break down? What is the Australian Government doing about them? Guest: Sarah Wilson- PhD Candidate...

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El Nino conditions – What can we expect?

Warren — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 00:25:53 +0000

It’s official – we are set for a hot and dry summer. Are we likely to see another catastrophic fire season and if so, when? Guest: Kevin Tolhurst AM Hon....

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Something has appeared in a Swamp in Central Victoria

Warren — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:14:26 +0000

What is it and why has it got so many people excited?

Guest: Sean Dooley – National Public Affairs Manager at Birdlife Australia

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Something has appeared in a Swamp in Central Victoria appeared first on JOY Drive.

Hungry caterpillars: Feed me plastic waste now! Yum! Burp!

Warren — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:03:59 +0000

Research underway at Macquarie University may hold the key to solving Australia’s growing plastic waste problem and it involves very hungry caterpillars. This is truly fascinating and exciting! Guest: Amy...

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Bees make decisions better and faster than we do!

Warren — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 04:16:58 +0000

Honey bees have to balance effort, risk and reward, making rapid and accurate assessments of which flowers are mostly likely to offer food for their hive. Research published in the journal eLife, reveals how millions of years of evolution has engineered honey bees to make fast decisions and reduce risk. A fun chat about what we can learn from Bees when we make decisions.

Guest: Andrew Barron – Professor, School of Natural Sciences – Macquarie University

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Bees make decisions better and faster than we do! appeared first on JOY Drive.

Sean Dooley – We’ve heard of Freeways and Highways, so what are Flyways?

Warren — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 01:58:42 +0000

Flyways is a new film that follows teams of scientists and amateur bird enthusiasts across the world, as they join forces to track shorebirds during their epic, annual migrations. Guest: ...

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The end of Native Forest logging in Victoria

Warren — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 02:39:46 +0000

Sean Dooley from Birdlife Australia talks first with JOY Drive about the Victorian Government’s announcement to end all native forest logging in Victoria.

The post The end of Native Forest logging in Victoria appeared first on JOY Drive.

Food packaging vs food waste

Warren — Fri, 19 May 2023 06:01:13 +0000

New RMIT-led research reveals most Australians think food packaging waste is a bigger environmental issue than food waste – but the opposite is true. Warren speaks to co-author and RMIT...

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Plant-Based Proteins and Sustainable Sourcing: Top Food Trends to Watch in 2023!

Warren — Tue, 09 May 2023 22:00:35 +0000

We chat with Emma White – Food Tech Consultant about plant based proteins and top sustainable food trends for 2023.

The post Plant-Based Proteins and Sustainable Sourcing: Top Food Trends to Watch in 2023! appeared first on JOY Drive.

Open Nature – Melbourne Design Week

Warren — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:00:49 +0000

Open House Melbourne launches its 2023 program with Open Nature — an exciting, thoughtful, and engaging series of ticketed walks, talks, tours and events as part of Melbourne Design Week...

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Nature is in crisis. Here are 10 easy ways you can make a difference

Warren — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 03:40:21 +0000

Are you feeling helpless about the state of the Environment? Well by following these simple tips, you can easily make a difference and feel good at the same time!

The post Nature is in crisis. Here are 10 easy ways you can make a difference appeared first on JOY Drive.

The amazing benefits of Seaweed – for the planet and you!

Warren — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 01:44:05 +0000

We chatted with Catriona Macleod – Associate Professor & Interim Executive Director of Ecology & Biodiversity at the Institute of Marine & Antarctic Studies – University of Tasmania about the...

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