Black Star Radio

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at Black Star Radio!

We’re wishing our listeners, communities, partners and families a safe and happy holiday season.

Thanks for having us on in your cars, kitchens, workplaces and everywhere in between this year. Thanks for the stories, the shout-outs, the music requests and the moments that make community radio what it is.

However you’re spending this time — with family, friends, on Country, or taking a well-earned break — we hope it’s full of connection, good vibes and plenty of great music.

The Black Star Radio Team

23/12/2025

In a lighter and more playful episode, MJ and Gerald Quigley chat about food preferences, comfort meals, and what our go-to foods might say about us — without judgement.

From chicken wings and fish and chips to lamb cutlets with mash, peas, thick gravy and mint jelly, the conversation moves beyond rules and restrictions and back to enjoyment. Gerald reminds listeners that food isn’t just fuel — it’s information, comfort, and a chance to slow down and enjoy life.

As the festive season approaches, the message is simple: ignore the naysayers, eat sensibly, enjoy what you love, and don’t let food become another source of stress.

Listen here. https://blackstarradio.com.au/stars-and-stories/

23/12/2025

In this episode, MJ is joined by Gerald Quigley — practising Community Pharmacist and Accredited Master Herbalist — for a practical chat about travelling with medications, especially during the holiday season.

Gerald shares simple but important planning tips for anyone travelling interstate or overseas, including how to store medications in hot climates, why it’s smart to split essential medicines between checked luggage and carry-on, and what to consider when travelling to places where certain medications may be hard to access.

The conversation also covers gut health while travelling, with Gerald recommending specific probiotics to help reduce the risk of traveller’s diarrhea, along with simple preventative measures like saline sprays to support immunity on planes and in crowded spaces.

It’s a reminder that a little preparation can make the difference between enjoying your break — or spending the first few days unwell. A timely, practical episode focused on staying well while on the move.

Listen to learn more.
https://blackstarradio.com.au/stars-and-stories/

23/12/2025

We’re all in control of our stories.

My story is strong, and it doesn’t need alcohol or drugs. It’s about my culture, my Country, and my family — listening to the campfire crackle and the bush at night, remembering that alcohol and drugs were never part of our ancestors’ way.

Our strength has always come from connection — to land, to spirit, to each other. Reach out for some support if alcohol or drugs are making you sick.

Have a yarn to someone at your medical service or call 13YARN on 13 92 76.

Produced by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media in partnership with the Queensland Mental Health Commission.

22/12/2025

Do you have a photo that captures life in remote Queensland?

Enter the Black Star Radio and QRAM Photo Competition for your chance to win$125 and have your work featured!

All the details can be found on our website: https://blackstarradio.com.au/photo-competition

Entries close 19 January 2026 at 5pm.

22/12/2025

Positive Shifts in Mental Health with Ivan Frkovic, Queensland Mental Health Commissioner

Last month, in the Black Star Radio Networking studio, Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic, reflected on the progress made in mental health over the past decade.

He noted that Queensland is one of the few states where su***de rates have slightly decreased each year for the past four years — a sign that change is happening and that the collective efforts across communities are making a difference.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://blackstarradio.com.au/alcohol-and-other-drugs/

22/12/2025

Health doesn’t have to be complicated.

Each week, Gerald Quigley joins Black Star Radio to talk about simple, everyday ways to improve your wellbeing — from understanding medications and tests to making healthier lifestyle choices.

Listen Thursdays on Black Star Radio or get caught up here on our website:
https://blackstarradio.com.au/lets-talk-health-with-gerald-quigley/

21/12/2025

In a lighter and more playful episode, MJ and Gerald Quigley chat about food preferences, comfort meals, and what our go-to foods might say about us — without judgement.
From chicken wings and fish and chips to lamb cutlets with mash, peas, thick gravy and mint jelly, the conversation moves beyond rules and restrictions and back to enjoyment. Gerald reminds listeners that food isn’t just fuel — it’s information, comfort, and a chance to slow down and enjoy life.
As the festive season approaches, the message is simple: ignore the naysayers, eat sensibly, enjoy what you love, and don’t let food become another source of stress.
Enjoy.
----more----
Stars and Stories
Broadcasting straight from the heart of Remote Communities, Black Star Radio brings a fresh twist to local radio with stories, music, and connections that matter. Powered by Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM), we’re here to amplify voices, celebrate culture, and bring you the latest from Far North Queensland.
Learn more: https://blackstarradio.com.au

Meet Gerald
Gerald Quigley is a practising Community Pharmacist, as well as an Accredited Herbalist.
Gerald is a Pharmacist and Master Herbalist based in Melbourne. He is a media health commentator heard each week on many radio stations.
He is co-hosts the House of Wellness radio program heard each Sunday on the Nine Radio Network live across Australia.
Gerald is a Fellow of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia and Fellow of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.
Gerald’s passion is to empower each person to make sensible health decisions, and to continually maintain and improve their quality of life, especially as they age.

Contact: https://www.geraldquigley.com/contact

21/12/2025

When to Seek Fertility Help: A Conversation with Gerald Quigley

1 in 6 couples in Australia experience fertility challenges — and it’s a topic that needs more open discussion. In this segment, Gerald Quigley, pharmacist and master herbalist, breaks down what to know and when to take action:

* If you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months — it’s time to see your GP.
* If you’re over 35 — make that appointment after 6 months.
* Male fertility matters too — good health is vital before becoming a parent.
* Egg freezing realities — not as straightforward as it’s often portrayed.

The message? Don’t wait. If things aren’t happening, get support early. Because the sooner you start the conversation, the more options you have.

Listen to hear more.

21/12/2025

Your story is yours to shape.
And it doesn’t have to be about alcohol or drugs.

It can be about culture, community and Country.
It can be about keeping our little ones strong, your health steady and your future open.

On our website, explore our Alcohol and Other Drugs section — with audio and visual stories that honour strength, connection and the choice to live well.

If alcohol or drugs are making you sick, it’s okay to reach out for help.
Have a yarn to someone at your medical service, or call 13YARN on [http://tel:139276]13 92 76.

Learn more here: https://blackstarradio.com.au/alcohol-and-other-drugs/

20/12/2025

Community-Led Healing with Ivan Frkovic, Queensland Mental Health Commissioner

Last month, Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic joined MJ to discuss vital work happening in communities like Coen, Lockhart River, Doomadgee and Mornington.

He shared how these communities are developing their own solutions to address high su***de rates and create safer, stronger futures for young people.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://blackstarradio.com.au/alcohol-and-other-drugs/

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out.
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support and su***de prevention.
1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) is a confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the first point of contact to public mental health services to Queenslanders.
Emergency: If you are in immediate danger, call 000 (Triple Zero).

19/12/2025

Nominations are open until 5pm Friday, 9 January 2026!

Nomination categories include:
⭐ Citizen of the Year
⭐ Young Citizen of the Year
⭐ Community Event of the Year
⭐ Community Service
⭐ Inclusion
⭐ Sports Supporter
⭐ Sports
⭐ Junior Sports
⭐ Cultural
⭐ Junior Cultural

🇦🇺 Know a great Tablelander? Nominate them for our Australia Day Awards.

We are looking for great groups too.

Nomination categories include:
⭐ Citizen of the Year
⭐ Young Citizen of the Year
⭐ Community Event of the Year
⭐ Community Service
⭐ Inclusion
⭐ Sports Supporter
⭐ Sports
⭐ Junior Sports
⭐ Cultural
⭐ Junior Cultural

Nominations are open until 5pm Friday 9 January 2026 👉 trc.qld.gov.au/australia-day.

It's easy. Nominate today.