Saturday Magazine

Next we’re joined by creative strategist and advertising insider Oskar Westerdal — aka Vesterdahl — here to talk about the fine line between Pride support and rainbow washing in brand land.

Oskar Westerdal is a Creative Partner at Akcelo, a leading experience and creative agency known for major campaigns across entertainment, lifestyle, and tech brands.

Under the creative name Vesterdahl, he brings bold thinking and cultural insight to branding work with clients across Australia and globally.

He’s joining the show to discuss “rainbow washing” — when brands adopt LGBTQIA+ imagery during Pride without backing it up with rea...

Joining us now is Josh Reid Jones, founder of the Just Be Nice Project — a national initiative using empathy, dignity and practical help to build a better world. He’s a social impact specialist with heart

Josh Reid Jones founded the Just Be Nice Project, a social enterprise dedicated to making help accessible and sustainable for people in need — regardless of background, gender, or identity.

Known for championing practical kindness through systemic change, he works with schools, businesses, and government bodies to improve how people fall through the cracks and how society responds.

A fr...

Our next guest is from the Safer Communities Division of Victoria Police — working to strengthen trust, visibility, and inclusion for LGBTIQA+ communities. Please welcome Jeremy Oliver.

Jeremy Oliver works within Victoria Police’s Safer Communities Division, focusing on engagement with diverse communities, including LGBTQIA+ Victorians.

A key liaison for policing and community safety initiatives during events such as Midsumma, Pride March, and IDAHOBIT.

Involved in efforts to rebuild trust with LGBTQIA+ communities, acknowledging past harms and promoting inclusive policing practices.

Actively supports Victoria Police’s participation in Pride events while facili...

He’s a comedian, composer, author, and ABC favourite whose sharp wit has taken him from Parliament House to parenting mishaps — we’re thrilled to welcome Sammy J to Saturday Magazine!

Sammy J (Samuel McMillan) is an award-winning comedian known for his political satire, musical comedy, and solo and duo acts (notably with puppet Randy).

Hosted ABC Radio Melbourne’s Breakfast show until 2023; now creates regular satirical video sketches for ABC News and social media.

Known for shows like Playground Politics, Sammy J’s Democratic Party, and the sitcom Sammy J & Randy in Rickett...

Our next guest is Michael Galea, Victorian Labor MP for the South Eastern Metropolitan Region. He’s been a strong voice in Parliament on transport, equity, and LGBTQIA+ rights since being elected in 2022.

 Elected to the Victorian Legislative Council in 2022, representing the South Eastern Metropolitan Region.  A member of the ALP’s progressive left faction, and openly supportive of LGBTQIA+ communities. Serves as Co-Chair of the Victorian Government’s LGBTIQA+ Ministerial Taskforce, working on policy development, safety, and inclusion. Active on local issues such as transport infrastructure, access to healthcare, and multicultural community support.

Michael...

Co-hosting our special Hour of Power this week is one of the youngest MPs in Victoria’s Parliament — a fierce advocate for animals, equality, and progressive policy — it’s Georgie Purcell MP!

Georgie Purcell is a Member of the Victorian Legislative Council, representing the Northern Victoria Region for the Animal Justice Party, elected in 2022 at just 30 y/o.
Prior to entering Parliament, she worked in communications, advocacy, and policy — and has a strong background in animal welfare campaigning.
Georgie is one of the most openly progressive MPs in the Vic Parliament, outspoken on animal rights, gender equ...

Macca and Nevena talk to Kenny Hill – Executive performance coach at Redline Coaching, advertising agency founder, and co-producer of JOY94.9’s Saturday Magazine.

He brings over two decades of experience at the top of the advertising industry from London to Sydney and Melbourne, having led major multinational client business and founded one of Australia’s most successful independents, Akkomplice – an agency he built from scratch and sold after ten years of growth. Throughout his career, Kenny experienced first-hand the thrill and cost of high performance, coming close to burnout himself.

Now an ICF-accredited coach and certified...

Nevena and Macca talk to Dr. Hector Georgiou about Australia’s Shortage of Sperm.

Dr Hector Georgiou is a leading fertility specialist at Melbourne IVF, where he works at the forefront of assisted reproductive technologies. With a warm, inclusive approach, Dr Georgiou is especially committed to helping LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples build families. He’s raising the alarm about a growing national shortage of sperm donors—an issue that affects thousands of people hoping to conceive. In his clinical and public advocacy work, he stresses the need for increased donor awareness, better access, and reforms to support equita...

Nevena and Macca talk to  Peter Kurti – Centre for Independent Studies: The End of Tolerance

Peter Kurti is a senior fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies and an outspoken commentator on religion, ethics, and civil society. He’s the author of The End of Tolerance, which examines the growing tension between freedom of expression and efforts to regulate offensive or ‘intolerant’ views in contemporary society. Peter argues for the importance of maintaining open dialogue—even when it’s uncomfortable—and warns against the unintended consequences of policing belief and speech. With a background in both law and theology, Pe...

Nevena and Macca talk to Ali Khan, live in the studio.

Ali Khan is a 2019 Churchill Fellow and a passionate advocate for addressing domestic violence in LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly among gay men. A survivor himself, Ali travelled across the globe researching how different countries approach family and intimate partner violence within same-sex relationships. His findings have informed groundbreaking policy recommendations in Australia, highlighting the need for inclusive support services and greater awareness of the unique challenges faced by queer men. Ali now works with organisations and community leaders to create safer environments and provide culturally sensitive pathways...

Lord Mayor Nick Reece, University  of Melbourne, Principal Fellow, Melbourne School of Government, talks to Nevena and Macca about the Break Up of the Musk and Trump Bromance, what’s happening...

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The post Saturday, 7th June, 2025: Lord Mayor Nick Reece, Uni of Melbourne, Principal Fellow, Melb. School of Government. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

The two first guests for this week are a young Queer couple taking Tiktok by storm, Macca and Nevena talk to Taz and Alessia, queer content creators and partners known for...

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The post Saturday, 7th June, 2025: Taz & Alessia – TikTok Creators, Comfort Zone Initiative appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Macca are back in the hosting seats this week as they discuss the news, views and reviews of the week that was.    

The post Saturday, 7th June, 2025: Weekly Wrap Up with Nevena and Macca. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Fiona and Macca talk to Angelo Baronessa, Director and Wealth Advisor at Divergent Wealth–End of Financial Year planning and smarter financial strategies.   Angelo began his working career in 2013...

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The post Saturday 31st May, 2025: Angelo Baronessa – Director and Wealth Advisor -Divergent Wealth – EOFY Planning, Smart $$ Strategies for Aussies appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Fiona and Macca are joined live in the studio by Damien Rullo, Damien Rullo, International Flight Attendant Day! Damo trained as an actor in LA and continues in his acting...

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The post Saturday, 31st May, 2025-Damien Rullo, International Flight Attendant Day! appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Fiona talk to David Pocock, Ind, Sen, ACT, Macca and Fiona spoke to Senator Pocock about election results; balance in Senate; push for action on climate and housing;...

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The post Saturday, 31st May, 2025: David Pocock, Independent Senator, ACT. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Fiona and Macca talk to Casey Annetts, Home Lending Exec, NAB, Executive, Proprietary Lending SANTWA, as they discuss Home buying trends, help for first home buyers, what to look for...

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The post Saturday, 31st May, 2025: Casey Annetts, Home Lending Exec, NAB, Executive, Proprietary Lending SANTWA, Home Buying Trends appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Fiona talk to Wayne Smith, from the Smart Energy Council, about what’s likely now post-election, in terms of energy policy and climate goals. Wayne Smith is a political...

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The post Saturday, 31st, May, 2025: Wayne Smith, Chief Advocacy Officer, Smart Energy Council appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Fiona and Macca talk to Sarah Witty, recently elected ALP member for Melbourne, as they discuss election results, focus for her first term, thoughts on coalition chaos, commitments to the LGBTIQA+ ...

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The post Saturday, 31st, May, 2025: Sarah Witty, Newly Elected Member for Melbourne, ALP appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Fiona talk to Mish Ketchell, Editor-in-Chief, of the Conversation as they discuss Coalition fall-out and latest top stories. Misha is the Editor of The Conversation Australia and New...

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The post Saturday, 31st, May, 2025: Misha Ketchell, Editor-in-Chief, The Conversation: Politics and News Update appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca is back this week with Fiona Patten, in her new monthly spot as co-host. Fiona and Macca discuss the week that was, federal, state and local politics and so...

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The post Saturday, 31st, May, 2025: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Fiona Patten. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena interviews Osman  Faruqi was the culture news editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age between February 2022 and August 2024.] Previously he was Schwartz Media‘s head of audio, presenter of The Culture podcast, and...

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The post Saturday, 24th May, 2025: Osman Faruqi-Award Winning Writer & Journalist, ‘The state of Hospitality in Victoria’ appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Osman talk to Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate in Public Health, UNSW Sydney, ‘Extreme Online Masculinity and Fitness” Some of the topics covered are: How have figures like the...

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The post Saturday, 24th May, 2025: Extreme Online Masculinity Fitness, Samuel Cornell, PhD Candidate in Public Health, UNSW Sydney appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Osman talk to Lucio Riberio, Leading AI advisor and Forbes Magazine Contributor– AI advances and what we should be excited about (or not!) Lucio has held senior executive...

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The post Saturday, 24th May, 2025: Lucio Ribeiro, Leading AI advisor and Forbes Magazine Contributor– AI advances and what we should be excited about (or not!) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Peter Khalil, join Nevena and Osman in Peter’s regular monthly slot, as they discuss the election result and his re-lection campaign, + his priorities as Assistant Minister for Defence.

The post Saturday, 25th May, 2025: Peter Khalil, Labor Wills MP + Assistant Minister for Defence appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Osman talk to Kieran Rooney, from The Age, about the State Budget. Kieran Rooney is a Victorian state political reporter at The Age. Image courtesy of the The...

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The post Saturday, 24th May, 2025: Kieran Rooney – The Age – VIC State Budget Analysis appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Osman talk to Vicki Ward, Labor Minister for Equality: latest in the Equality portfolio, Budget discussion.

The post Saturday, 24th May, 2025: Vicki Ward, Labor Minister for Equality: latest in the Equality portfolio. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

This week Nevena is in the hosting hotseat along with  Pakistani-born Australia, political and entertainment journalist, Osman Faruqi, Their first guest for the week was Aiv Puglielli, Greens MLC for...

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The post Saturday, 24th May, 2025: Aiv Puglielli, Greens MLC for North Eastern Metro-Victoria State Budget appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny are joined live in the studio by Frances Atkinson, an avid reader, freelance writer, book reviewer (The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald) and works as a Media Adviser....

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The post Saturday, 17th May, 2025: Frances Atkinson – Journalist, Critic & Cultural Commentator appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust is an exhibition of paintings by Australian artist Sidney Nolan presented by Melbourne Holocaust Museum. The collection includes 56 works of Nolan’s 1961 paintings of...

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The post Saturday, 17th May, 2025: Dr. Steven Cooke – CEO, Melbourne Holocaust Museum; Aftershocks: Sidney Nolan and the Holocaust appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

 Joining us are the brilliant minds behind the Queer Cities exhibition at Melbourne Design Week – welcome Professors Gene Bawden and Jess Berry from Monash University! Queer Cities is an exhibition...

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The post Saturday 17th, May, 2025: Profs Gene Bawden & Jess Berry – Monash University / Queer Cities appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nina was elected to the Legislative Assembly in November 2022, and is the Parliamentary Secretary for Education. She previously served as a member of the Legislative Council from 2018-22, where she...

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The post Saturday 17th, May, 2025: Richard Keane – CEO, Living Positive Victoria & Nina Taylor-ALP, State Member, Albert Park appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

 Rachel Westaway is the Liberal Member for Prahran, elected in February 2025. With a background in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and as former Assistant Freedom of Information Commissioner for Victoria,...

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The post Saturday 17th, May, 2025: Rachel Westaway MP – Liberal Member for Prahran appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kicking off the show is a passionate advocate for health equity and social justice – re-elected Member for Cooper and newly-appointed Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for...

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The post Saturday 17th, May, 2025: Ged Kearney MP – Federal Member for Cooper-Assist Min for Indigenous Health; Assist. Min. for Health and Aged Care appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny Hill are in the hosting seats this week as they dissect the week that was in news, views, reviews, politics and the still on going election results.

The post Saturday 17th, May, 2025: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Kenny appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Macca talk to Max Primer. Nominations have opened for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. Do you know an LGBTQIA+ elder who deserves to be platformed?...

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The post Sat,10th May, 2025: Radiothon Edition, Max Primmer, AKA: Di Alysis, Nom. for Vic. Senior of the Year Awards 2025 appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Nevena talk to Bill Calder & Graham Willett, Australian Queer Archives, live in the studio. The Australian Queer Archives (AQuA) (formerly the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives – ALGA) is...

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The post Sat,10th May, 2025: Radiothon Edition, Bill Calder & Graham Willett, Australian Queer Archives appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Macca talk to Angus Crowther, about the importance of Joy and federal election result break-down. A co-founding Director of Tanck, Angus brings with him a significant understanding of...

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The post Sat,10th May, 2025: Radiothon Edition, Angus Crowther, TANCK, Election Result break-down. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Nevena talk to Simon Ruth, CEO Thorne Harbour Health, live in the studio,  about what Joy means to him and Health Updates.

The post Sat,10th May, 2025: Radiothon Edition, Simon Ruth, CEO Thorne Harbour Health. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and Macca talk to Shadow State Treasurer James Newbury.   Before entering Parliament, James worked in both the private sector and the public sector. In the private sector, as...

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The post Sat,10th May, 2025: Radiothon Edition, James Newbury, Shadow Victoria Treasurer, Shadow Min. Equality. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.