This week we're gearing up for Christmas, chatting to Hamish, CEO of The Riverina Conservatorium of Music to chat Christmas With The Con. Plus, Matty gives us all the details on Jelena Dokic's upcoming visit to GriffithSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LUKE FRANCIS CHATS TO LEGENDARY CRICKET COACH WARREN SMITH. A NO NONSENSE COACH, SMITHY HAS BEEN THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND SOME OF THE RIVERINA’S MOST SUCCESSFUL CRICKETERS. YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT HIM WORKING WITH A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD NAMED MICHAEL SLATER TO HIM SITTING DOWN FOR LUNCH WITH SIR DONALD BRADMAN.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners  -Warren Smith Interview

This is it! the final Riverina Roundup for 2023. Griffith Breast Cancer Support Group president Kaye Mossman joins Matty Wray details how just a gold coin donation can help Griffith residents give back to the community this Christmas. Also, Jake has the details on 'Inflatable Days' at the Oasis Aquatic Centre.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - Giving back this Christmas

Griffith foodie Joseph Barbaro is no stranger to the Riverina Foodie Scene. He believes It will be the recently opened Dough Joes on Banna Ave though, that will provide him his most unique challenge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - Dough Joes

As we approach the festive time of the year, Matty gives us all the details on Griffith Christmas Late night shopping and it's going to be a big 2024 at The Wagga CIvcic Theatre. this is your one stop shop to find out what and who we can expect to take to the stage!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A look ahead to the 2024 in the arts in The Riverina & Griffith Christmas Late Night Shopping

Griffith's Paris Floyd believes she was lucky to survive after her early years fleeing her birth country of Laos during the Vietnam War. The popular foodie's journey boasts many exciting chapters, including a lingerie designer for Kylie Minogue.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From escaping war to lingerie Queen: Riverina foodie's remarkable journey

Jelena Dokic is in town plus all the info on Christmas With The Con

If you like your coffee, you have probably met Diane Cabrales at Griffith's Bella's Cafe before. But what you may not know is that Diane and her husband Juan also make thousands of fruit cakes every year that are enjoyed by cake lovers across Australia and beyond. In this chat, Matt Collins shares an in depth conversation with the Riverina foodie. Including her background as a librarian and a social worker, how they nearly lost the cafe on just day two, and how Diane and Juan managed to stay married after they received 300 fruit cake orders in just one night!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

300 cake orders overnight: Riverina foodie cooking up huge success

This week Matty gets all the details on Light Up Leeton and Jake let's us in on an incredible offer in Wagga for teens over the summer holidays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Light up Leeton and an incredible fitness offer in Wagga!

From history to high-living. Until last July, 36 Kurrajong Avenue Leeton was vacant for decades. Now it's been transformed into three boutique luxury apartments reflecting multiple era's of Leeton's deep art deco heritage. Owners James and Liane Gawne join Behind the Curtain to detail the restoration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Curtain - Rooms Of Renown, James & Liane Gawne

Adam and Fleur Horsley of Horse's Tale Distilling have a unique story: following a devastating injury that spelled the end of Adam's paramedic career, they've found a new way forward as the manufacturers of quality spirits, distilled right here in the Riverina.Check out Horse's Tale Distilling on Facebook, and at their website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam & Fleur Horsley, Horse's Tale Distilling

Thinking of getting on the Lake or River to keep cool this Summer? Get your Boat &amp; BWC licence with a course in Griffith on Wednesday evening November 22, plus find out where to find Santa Claus this Saturday! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - Boat & PWC Licence Course

Adam Bannister is bringing the presigious international TEDx phenomenon to Wagga Wagga. Find out about the TEDx philosophy, the challenges of holding the event, and the remarkable pool of talent to choose from in the Riverina.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind The Curtain - Adam Bannister, TEDx Wagga Wagga

From the paddocks of Binya to the big time, Former Griffith Swans player Harry Rowston made his AFL debut for the GWS Giants in Round 2 of the 2023 season after being drafted at pick 16 in the 2022 AFL national draft. in the Midweek Spooners this week, we take you through his journey from playing junior footy in Barellan through to becoming and AFL Player.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners - Harry Rowston, GWS Giants

An institution in Wagga for almost 50 years, New Oceanic Takeaway is still going strong, as seen by the crowds that gather on a Friday and Saturday night for their weekly fish and chips, or lunch time burgers. We sat down with John to talk about his history with the business and what makes it such a popular spot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood and Food - New Oceanic's John Spanos

It's a big weekend coming up in the Riverina! Family Foodies Spring Festival is in Griffith for a huge family fun day out at City Park from 4-10pm while over in Temora, the Temora Hotel celebrates it's 90th Birthday. Owner Bill Hindmarsh joins the pod for a brief look at the history of the Temora Hotel, Saturday Night's celebrations and what's planned for the futureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - Temora Hotel's 90th Birthday

Leeton-born Jake Speer has success as an actor, writer, producer and director. He spent six years as a regular on Australian soapie Home and Away, but his current passion is a local story. Speer wrote and acted in the upcoming film Lords of the Soil, which tells the story of a young settler and his connection with an Indigenous family living on his newly acquired parcel of land in 1866. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leeton-born former soapie actor Jake Speer's latest project

Over 300 volunteers put their hand up on a regular basis to make sure the Griffith Meals on Wheels remains a strong part of the community. Senior Coordinator Tennille Valensisi shares some of the great work Meals on Wheels is doing in the region, including the upcoming Food and Toy Run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Community gets behind Griffith Meal on Wheels

Beats and Burgers is a community fundraiser to help Coleambally Pre School and Early Learning Centre build a new Day Care in the town. Following the Closure of Coleambally Family Day Care late in 2022, the pre school has operated a Day Care for 0-3 years olds neighbouring it's main site, however it has now hit capacity, forcing families to commute long drives to Jerilderie, Griffith and Leeton. Beats and Burgers is from 11am-6pm on Sunday November 5 at the Coleambally Golf Club. Tickets via eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/beats-and-burgers-coleambally-tickets-730946870767?utm-campaign=social&amp;utm-content=attendeeshare&amp;utm-medium=discovery&amp;utm-term=listing&amp;utm-source=wsa&amp;aff=ebdsshwebmobile  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - Beats & Burgers

Over 100 businesses in Griffith "Pink Up" every October to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation so our local breast care nurse Fiona Shiels can continue to work supporting local breast cancer patients. Griffith Real Estate have been the driving force behind Pink Up Griffith since it's inception and Tony Santolin joins the podcast to explain more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Curtain - Pink Up Griffith, Tony Santolin, Griffith Real Estate

Nearly all of us would've eaten a cheeseburger from McDonalds at some point in time and you've probably heard that all the gherkins used in McDonald's cheeseburgers are grown in Griffith, but where exactly? Australian Frozen Foods Pty Ltd, FKA Parle Foods have provided the pickles used McDonald's cheeseburgers in it 1,032 fast food restaurants for the past 30 years. Operating from a farm in Tabbita, 30km west of Griffith. Pickle Producer Ben Parle who oversees the process from seed to store, joins the Mood &amp; Food Podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - Ben Parle, Pickle Producer for McDonald's

Writer and Rankins Springs local Rhys Jack Parsons has set up a GoFundMe page, planning to make a short film and donate 50% of the proceeds to Boys to the Bush, supporting rural mental health. See more here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rankinsspringsmakesamovie See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - Planned short film to be shot in Rankins Springs

Tori Horder claims she is NOT a hard working gardener. Along with her husband, she has created an impressive garden which is currently being showcased as part of Griffith's Springfest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Springfest Episode Four: Gardener Tori Horder

Known far and wide simply as "Patto", Michael Patterson has spent more than three decades documenting the news for the Riverina's television viewers; you name it, he's shot it. Probably twice. He speaks to Jamie about how he got started, the things that've changed about the job over the years, and the things that've stayed the same.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran News Camera Operator, Michael "Patto" Patterson

Growing up, all Griffith's Peter Woodward wanted to do was join the police force, but sometimes life has other ideas. Before he had a chance to don the blue uniform, a friend introduced Peter to the funeral business. After 32 years of working with the dead, he believes he made the right decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working with the dead: A day in the life of a funeral director

This week Jamie catches up with Allan Potty, Chairman for Wagga Wagga Relay For Life to get the latest on this years event. Plus, we give you all the info on the big events happening this weekend across the Riverina including Griffith Spring Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Riverina Round Up - Wagga Relay For Life

We sat down with founder of The Apple Thief Cider, Dave Purcell. Dave shares with us the humble beginnings of the popular cider company, their development process, high attention to detail and exciting plans for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - The Apple Thief Cider

Along with his wife Trish, Louis Sartor is the owner of one of the showcased gardens as part of Griffith's Spingfest. In this chat, Louis shares how it all started and how he keeps the garden flourishing. You can check out the Sartor's garden in Hanwood as part of Springfest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SpringFest Episode 3: Gardener Louis Sartor

In Episode Two, special guest Izabella Apolloni from Griffith Tourism Hub details all the ins and outs of the Real Juice Company Citrus Sculptures for 2023 and the Linx Launch Party for the 2023 Griffith Springfest. Learn about the process involved in how the citrus sculptures are set up each year, which favourite sculptures are returning and which will be displayed for the first time in 2023!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Griffith Springfest Podcast Series - Episode 2: Real Juice Company Citrus Sculptures & Linx Launch Party

Off the back of an incredible few years of growth in Australian Football, the team at Wagga Football Trust are putting together "A Night Of Football" featuring current Socceroos coach Graham Arnold and ex Matilda's Sally Shipyard and Joanne Peters. We chat with Peter Adams to get all the details on this amazing, one night only event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Round Up - A Night Of Football feat. Graham Arnold

Griffith’s Spring Fest is fast approaching, and the region will soon be a juicy sea of oranges. But where do all these oranges come from? Local citrus grower and chair of the Griffith and District Citrus Growers Assoc Vito Mancini joins us this week for the Mood &amp; Food podcast to share the ups and downs of his journey as a local citrus farmer. Including his fondest memories of growing up on the farm: He also reveals the impact the proposed water buybacks will have on citrus farmers, and the impact China currently has on growers locally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head of Citrus Association on the current state of the industry

Welcome to the Special Griffith Springfest Podcast Series! Here's where you'll hear details from the major players involved in setting up and organising some of the marquee events of Griffith's springtime extravaganza! A Day in the Orchard organiser Bonnie Owen joins as a guest in Episode One!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Griffith Springfest Podcast Series - Episode 1: A Day in the Orchard

This week we preview some massive events coming up in the Riverina over the next month with Leeton Pride and we look further ahead to the end of October when the popular Rock The Bidgee returns to Gundagai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Round Up - Rock The Bidgee & Leeton Pride

Footy fever is here, and who better to chat to this week than Triple M NRL commentator Anthony Maroon. He shares the ups and downs of his illustrious radio career spanning four decades, and he gives us a behind the scenes look at a day in the life of one of the country’s best sporting commentators.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NRL Commentator Anthony Maroon

Dan Hayes is on of the admins of the Wagga Board Game Group on Facebook - a group for like-minded people to get together, have a few drinks and a meal, and play some board games!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Hayes - Wagga Board Game Group

Dan Hayes is the founder of Wagga Wagga's Board Game Group, a social media-organised gathering of like-minded game enthusiasts. They meet regularly to enjoy a meal and some drinks, and to play a selection of both new and classic board games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - Dan Hayes, Wagga Board Game Group

Dinkum Dinosaurs, Snake Show, Educational Animal Nursery and so many other attractions including show rides, shows and a demolition derby will be a part of the 2023 Griffith Ag Show! Griffith Show Society secretary Zoi O’Neill comes on the Riverina Roundup with all the details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - Griffith Show 2023

Jamie chats to the team at Halocell, a technology company based in Bomen and specialising in the commercial development and manufacture of a revolutionary new type of solar energy cell with incredible capabilities and potential - the perovskite cell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind The Curtain - HaloCell Solar Technology

Coro Club General Manager Jason Torresan joins Matty Wray on the Mood &amp; Food Podcast. Jason provides the latest on the planned redevelopments happening at the Coro and takes us on the journey back through time all the way to the Club’s beginnings as the Coronation Hall before WWIISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - Coro Club

For the last 25 years, Matthew Hard has put together a fine football resume. Growing up in Melbourne and playing for Noble Park in the cities South East, Matt was enticed to the Coolamon Football Club in 1999 as a 24-year-old. Overcoming injury and facing the challenges of moving to a new town with unfamiliar surroundings, Matt quickly became one of the most respected football identities in the Riverina. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners - Matt Hard

Musical Director Matt Seagrave is the guest in the 4th and FINAL episode in or Wedding Singer Podcast series. Also a teacher at Marian Catholic College, Matt outlines his career through music and love of Broadway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wedding Singer Podcast: Ep. 4 , Musical Director Matt Seagrave

The largest annual tourism event in the Narrandera Shire &amp; Australia's largest gathering of draught animals is happening September 30 - October 1! Learn in this week's Riverina Roundup all about prestigious Teamsters Trophy, the Furphy Festival and more century old farming practices and traditions at the 2023 Barellan Good Old Days Festival!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - Barellan Good Old Days festival

After a long and successful teaching career, and 12 years as Griffith councillor, Pat Cox would be forgiven for putting her feet up and enjoying a relaxing retirement. But that is not on the cards for the community-minded Pat Cox. As secretary of the Griffith Hospital Auxillary group, and the Griffith War Memorial Museum, Pat is as busy as ever and she wouldn't have it any other way. Enjoy a great chat with one of this region's most passionate locals.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A passionate local: Former councillor, teacher and proud community member Pat Cox

Ganmain Grong Grong Matong Coach Sam Martyn runs us through a prview of the big match, as well as having a look at the future stars of the local competition and who could go in the draft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RFNL Grand Final Preview - Sam Martyn

Visual artists and former student and teacher duo Cynthia Arel and Robyn Hutchinson are the Wardrobe Team for The Wedding Singer 2023 Griffith Community Musical.  Many of the costumes in the local production are made from locally sourced materials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wedding Singer Podcast: Episode 3, Wardrobe Team Cynthia Arel & Robyn Hutchinson

Showcasing the finest beer, wine, spirits and everything in between that The Riverina has to offer, The Bidgee &amp; Vine is a must for visitors and locals alike. As the saying goes, come for a taste, stay for a glass and leave with a bottle - and we know you'll want to hear more about this gem on Baylis Street.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - The Bidgee & Vine

What is it like to play the villain? For Griffith solicitor and seasoned actor, James Walsh it is a heap of fun. James plays Glenn Gulia in the Griffith Regional Theatre production of The Wedding Singer community musical comedy. James sits down with Matt Collins to share how he fits in his busy professional life with acting, and he gives a behind the scenes look at how he prepares for such a role.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wedding Singer Podcast: Episode 2, Actor James Walsh

Marrar coach Callum Gardner runs us through the Farrer League Footy Grand Finals, while we also take a look at the netball action taking place on the courts at Robertson Oval on Saturday.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners - Farrer League Grand Finals - Callum Gardner

For some people, not a lot of thought goes into picking a bottle of wine. For others it is a life long journey. Russell Cody is the Chief Steward for the Riverina Wine Show. In this rare reveal, he shares what is involved in the art of wine judging.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Judges' perspective: Riverina Wine Show

This week we cover all the biggest a best agriculture shows happening in the coming weeks right across the Riverina. From the Ardlethan and Wagga Wagga shows and much moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Round up - Show Special

Pull out the leg warmers and slip into the fluoro tracksuit, the 80's is back with Griffith's community musical the Wedding Singer. And we have put together the Wedding Singer podcast series, to give you a VIP access pass to all the stars and the major players behind the scenes. In Episode 1, we catch up with Assistant Director Romina Tappi.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wedding Singer Podcast: Episode 1, Assistant Director Romina Tappi

David Merlino from Football Wagga runs us through the finals for Football Wagga, with Hanwood and Lake Albert set to face off in first grade in both men's and women's.  Hear his tips for the premierships, as well as a look at how the sport is going around the Riverina.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners - Football Wagga Finals

Originally a Wagga boy, Zac Steel is a self-proclaimed "dancer extraordinaire" with male exotic dance revue Sydney Hotshots. Ahead of their Junee appearance on the 22nd September, Zac reveals that there's a lot more to the job - and those that perform it - than having a good body and the willingness to show it. [Very mild content warning for this episode - nothing too fruity]See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind The Curtain - Zac Steel, Sydney Hotshots

This Week, Michelle Bordignon OAM helps preview the second Let’s Chalk About Mental Health Event happening Saturday September the 9th, on the footpath near the sculptures at I00F Park (Next to City Park).  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Round Up - Let's Chalk About Mental Health Event

Griffith's "Friendly Local Games Store," (or an FLGS as they're known in America) Sultan's Hobbies owner Orrin Sultan is this week's guest on Behind The Curtain. Find Sultan's Hobbies in the Top Block, Banna Avenue downstairs from Misfit Tattoos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Curtain - Sultan's Hobbies

This week we sit down with Co-Founder of Tumut River Brewing Co, Tim Martin. Tim shares the story of how the brewery came to be, His philosophy for brewing beer and some of the struggles the business has faced recently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - Tumut River Brewing Co

Group 9 Rugby League heads into finals this weekend, so we sat down with Junee Diesel's captain Daniel Foley to preview the series.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners - Group 9 Finals - Daniel Foley

Plenty happening in The Riverina this weekend. We chat to event organisers ahead of the famous City2Lake this weekend and give you all the info on a Wagga fav event making a post Covid return. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Round Up - City2Lake, Servo Bingo & Marcia Hines

Coach of the MCUE Goannas, Jeremy Rowe, gave us an insight into the RFL ahead of the finals starting on Saturday.  From the teams to watch, to the players who could moev to higher levels, and where the improvement will come from for his own team in the next season, he covers it all on The Midweek Spooners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners - Jeremy Rowe - RFL Finals

This week’s episode tells the story of an empire which has put the Riverina MIA on the map. Over 95 years of winemaking in the Riverina, De Bortoli's has become a brand of global renown. Special Guest Margot De Bortoli, wife of current managing director Darren De Bortoli, third generation member of the family, joins the Podcast to take us through the history of De Bortoli’s, plus the People involved, the accolades and the achievements within the sustainability profile.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - De Bortoli Wines

This week we sit down with Mary Bradley from The Wagga Women's Health Centre. Mary works in admin at the centre and is the first port of call for those who call upon the services of this important centre here in The Riverina.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind The Curtain - Mary Bradley from The Wagga Women's Health Centre

Our 6th and final episode is one for lovers of wine and petrol heads to look out for! After a successful first up event for a Taste of Italy in 2022, Berton Vineyards are planning an even bigger Wheels &amp; Wine in 2023! Berton Vineyards Cellar Door and Events Manager Cella Dimitrescu joined the podcast to explain the details See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A TASTE OF ITALY Episode 6 Wheels and Wines at Berton Vineyards

The Riverina Roundup podcast previews all the sensational events happening in this great place we call home. Ahead of A Country Hope's 20th Birthday celebrations, events &amp; fundraising coordinator Simon Barton joins Jake on this week's podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - A Country Hope 20th Birthday Celebrations

Be the envy of your friends and wrap your brain (and your tastebuds) around some of the basics of wine making with this tasty edtion of the A Taste of Italy podcast series. A beginners guide to wine tasting with Yarran Winery winemaker Luke Beltrame. Cheers!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A TASTE OF ITALY Episode 5: Beginners Guide to Wine Tasting

Alex Lawder from the Barellan Two Blues joined us to preview the Farrer League Finals series, pick a few winners, and run us through the players who have stood out across the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners - Farrer League Finals - Alex Lawder

Episode 4 goes in depth with a traditional part of A Taste of Italy. The Sidewalk Sale transforms Banna Ave into a vibrant retail hot spot where you'll be sure to find a bargain somewhere!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A TASTE OF ITALY Episode 4: Banna Ave Sidewalk Sale

It was while watching The Muppets where Griffith Musicians Club President Michael Pfizner first realised he wanted to play the drums. Little did he know it was a hobby that would stay with him his entire life, along with his other passion, farming. The Griffith Musos Ball will be held on Friday, August 18.  Get more information here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beating to a different drum: Griffith farmer's musical journey

Zecca Handmade Italian head chef Ben di Rosa joins Matty Wray in episode 3 to preview a celebration of all things pasta from 11am-3pm on Saturday the 27th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A TASTE OF ITALY Episode 3: Zecca Handmade Italian Pasta Sagra

In the second episode of the A Taste of Italy podcast series, we sit down with Bella Vita Riverina Tour operator Robyn Turner. She shares some of her journey as a local foodie, and the details of the Become a WInemaker and Cooking Gnocchi workshops at the A Taste of Italy Festival from 21 August to 27 August.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A TASTE OF ITALY Episode 2: Wine and Gnocchi workshops

Welcome to the A Taste of Italy podcast series. A collection of six episodes with those involved in the week-long festival to make sure you make the most of your A Taste of Italy experience. In this first episode, we sit down with Izabella Apolloni from Visit Griffith to take a look at all the events, workshops and tasting sessions.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A TASTE OF ITALY Episode 1: An overview

Tickets on sale NOW! the Griffith Jockey Club are ready for the return of the Yenda Group Griffith Cup on the 9th of September after years of washouts and Covid interruptions. Club Vice President Renae Testoni joins Matty Wray to preview this year's Griffith Races and why you can expect a 'carnival like' atmosphere. Tickets: www.123tix.com.au  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - Yenda Group Griffith Cup & Tumba Winter Bazaar

Jack Heffernan from Southern Inland Rugby Union runs us through the Grand Final weekend!  Can Wagga City win all 3 men's grades, will Griifth bounce back after a rough finals campaign in the women's comp, and how has he seen the SIRU season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners - SIRU Grand Finals - Jack Heffernan

Riverina winemaker Belinda Morandin has been in the industry for over 40 years. In that time she has faced massive challenges. Weather, businesses, and men. Never one to take a back step, Belinda shares a little of her journey on this week's edition of the Mood and Food podcast, including making wine before refrigeration, the improvements to wine in the Riverina climate, and she teaches Matt the 'swear technic'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Female winemaker still showing the men how it is done 40 years on

Tyler Schiller was destined to be involved in horses in some way. From Young, his family was heavily involved in harness racing, so it was natural for Tyler to have horses as a major part of his life. Tyler is now one of the leading young jockeys in Australia. Teaming up with the legendary Geoff Duryea and super horse Front Page for a win in $2 million country feature, The Kosciuszko, to a Group 1 win on board Mariamia in The Galaxy at Rosehill. Tyler caught up with the Midweek Spooners to chat about his career so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners - Tyler Schiller

Matt Cecchin has led an extraordinary life. From humble beginnings, he has worked his way up through the ranks of the NRL over a twenty-year career – not as a player, but as a referee. In 2012, he became only the second NRL player or official to come out as gay; he has been instrumental in the ongoing work of destigmatising mental illness in the game, and now, on the eve of his new role with the NRL as a mental health welfare leader for referees and officials, he talks about where his journey’s up to; how he got here; and where he’s going next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind The Curtain - NRL Referee Matt Cecchin

UPDATE: The Barellan Quick Shear will now be run on the 23/09/2023 In this week's Riverina Roundup the Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase heads to Wagga and the Inaugural Barellan Quick Shear, originally scheduled for the 19th of August, now happening on the 30th of September - stream now to hear the exciting reason why! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - Sydney Comedy Fest Showcase & Barellan Quick Shear

Robbie Ladbrook takes us through the story of one of Tumbarumba's newest venues, and the home of Eliksir Gin.  From forraging for ingredients to winning national awards, it's been an amazing journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - Ladbroken Distilling Co

This week we sit down with a very special guest and popular figure in the Griffith Community, Michelle Bordignon OAM. Since 2014 Michelle has devoted countless hours of her own time assisting community organisations including Griffith Meals on Wheels and Griffith Care Van, before starting up Griffith Helping Hands in 2017. Michelle’s tale is one of unwavering dedication, including in the face of a terrible personal tragedy, all the way trough to the culmination of Order of Australia Honours earlier this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind The Curtain - Michelle Bordignon OAM, Griffith Helping Hands

This week we chat to Tanya McLaren all about The 2023 Ganmain Show and get all the details on an incredible fundraiser happening in Griffith this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Round Up - Ganmain Show 2023 & Fun, Food and Fumes 

This week we speak with the current owner of Hanwood Butchery Ben Makepeace. Ben has 20 years in the Butcher industry and has operated the Hanwood Butcher for 10 years. He discusses what made him follow the butcher’s path, the numerous local sporting and charity groups Hanwood Butchery supports and how butchers were impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - Hanwood Butchery

Moodi from blended Soul, Hip-Hop &amp; Afrobeat trio True Vibenation speaks ahead of the 'Find Your Voice' song-writing, recording and producing workshop being held at the Griffith Regional Theatre this Saturday. True Vibnation are mentors of the programSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - Find Your Voice, FREE Workshop hosted by True Vibenation

This week's episode is more Mood than Food as Jamie chats with Nathaniel Raine of Wagga's Smash Shack. "Guilt-Free Stress Relief", in the form of a good old-fashioned rage session, smashing things? Sounds like a great mood to us!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - Nathaniel Raine, Wagga Smash Shack

Griffith Post School Options (GPSO) is a local organisation supporting people of all ages with physical and intellectual disabilities. Chairperson Robert Capello and General Manager Roy Catanzariti reveal the extensive work GPSO do for close to 200 families in the RIverina. Robert shares the one reason why he got involved in the group, his daughter Kara. A South Sydney Rabbitoh fan, who despite having down syndrome, is living a full and content life - a testament to GPSO and her loving family. Find out more about Griffith Post School Options here.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Grown so rapidly': Local special needs advocates support close to 200 families

This week we chat to Rachele Fisher to get all the details on GAMMA Expo, the biggest gaming and pop culture expo heading to The Riverina, July 22nd. We also find out about some great local musical productions coming to Griffith. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Round Up - GAMMA Expo

"Cancer doesn't stop, so neither do we" - the mantra of the Chair of the Wagga Relay For Life Committee who have raised millions of dollars over the journey to support the work of the Cancer Council.  Hear why it means so much to them, as well as Alan Pottie's story, as we go Behind The Curtain on one of the great community events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind The Curtain - Relay For Life - Alan Pottie

It may have started under unusual circumstances but these days, you will be hard press to get your hands on a ticket to Griffith's Salami Festival. As part of the Taste of Italy Festival every August, the Salami Fest is one of the most sought after tickets in town. Event organisers Nigel and Roy share the rich history, what makes a good salami, and how it all started over a drunken arguement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IT STARTED OVER A FIGHT: Popular Riverina event's unusual history

This week Lea Ligakis and Virgina Tropeano from Friends of Griffith Pound sit down with Matty Wray to chat about how important it is to desex your pets this National Desexing Month of July, and tell us about a desexing drive they’re running in Griffith. Plus we highlight some of the school holiday events happening around The Riverina over the weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Roundup - National Desexing Month, Friends of Griffith Pound & School Holiday activites

Griffith's MIA Open Tennis tournament recently enjoyed its 102nd year, making it one of Australia’s longest running sporting events. It is no surprise that an event with such rich history has many remarkable stories, colourful characters and 'did you know' moments. You are about to hear just a few of them, from one of the event co-ordinators Oliver Jacques. Including an international tennis star who failed to conquer the MIA Open not once, but twice! The family with close to 20 competitors and a local star knocking on the door of the pro circuit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

YOU'RE OUT: International tennis star denied at Riverina’s major sporting event

Mayor of the City of Wagga Dallas Tout sat down and took us Behind The Curtain. What is the day to day of Mayoral life like, how does council function, and what are the most exciting and challenging things for the city?  Hear the chat as we go Behind The Curtain...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind The Curtain - Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout

Awarding winning pies and an institution of The Riverina, Ganmain Bakery has been around for decades now serving up their famous and award winning pies and pasties. We sit down with Owner, Ben Murphy to talk the history of the bakery and some of his secrets to success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - Ganmain Bakery

Hear all the History and stories behind one of Griffith's most popular community sporting groups the Griffith Ferals/Feral Joggers. The Ferals are running the Scenic Hill trails every Saturday and are the organisers of the annual 3C Tech Shop Bacchus on the Lake and Yenda Prods Half on the Hill See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the Curtain - Griffith Feral Joggers

In the week’s roundup we Matty Wray previews Australia’s largest Art Deco Festival being held in Leeton from July 7-9 and discover why Leeton is Described as the Jewel in Australia’s art Deco Crown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Round Up - Australian Art Deco Festival

Big time wrestling hits Wagga Wagga this week with Impact Wrestling coming to town. The current Impact X Division Champion Chris Sabin lets us know what to expect at the Equex Centre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners - Chris Sabin from Impact Wrestling

This week Jake catches up with Emma Corbett, one of the event organisers of one Wagga's biggest annual events, Festival Of W. Find out about all the exciting additions to the festival this year and the heavily stacked line up of performers across the two week long event. Plus, Matty Wray chats to Lia to find out about all the exiting productions heading to the Griffith Regional Theatre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Round Up - Festival Of W & Griffith Regional Theatre

Freezing your body in the hope that it can be brought back to life in a medically-advanced future - a sci-fi dream for big-city dwellers? Not necessarily! Peter Tsolakides of Southern Cryonics - who just opened a facility in Holbrook, right here in the Riverina - gives us a fascinating glimpse into the process, the technology, and the philosophy behind the cutting-edge procedure. Notes and links: "The Prospect Of Immortality" by Robert Ettinger, hosted as a PDF at cryonics.org Southern Cryonics on Facebook WebsiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind The Curtain - Peter Tsolakides, Southern Cryonics

This week the Spooners catch up with two-time premiership player Matt Suckling who started his footy career in the Riverina with East Wagga-Kooringal before being drafted by Hawthorn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midweek Spooners - Matt Suckling

we catch up with Rocci De Salvatore, owner of Mick’s Bakehouse in Leeton, to find out about the Bakery’s history which includes numerous statewide and national awards, it’s beginnings in the hand of Rocci’s brother Michael who today runs a wholesale Factory in Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mood & Food - Mick's Bakehouse

Matty Wray is joined by Griffith Ferals’ President Ron and Secretary Anthony to preview the 2023 Yenda Prods Half on the Hill on Sunday June 25. Plus Jake explores some of the exciting events taking place around Wagga Wagga this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riverina Round Up - 2023 Half On The Hill

Sophia Zappala loves her work as Service Navigator for not-for-profit mental health advocates Wellways. But the former nurse hasn’t always enjoyed her work. In this week’s Behind the Curtain podcast Sophia opens up about her time as a nurse during the height of the covid pandemic, and how it lead to her turning her back on the profession.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pandemic leads nurse to true calling -  Sophia Zappala Wellways

Jake sits down with Nick, Head Chef of the newly renovated Holbrook Hotel. From humble beginnings in Adelaide to becoming Head Chef at one of The Riverina's favourite pubs. Nick share his story and that of The Holbrook Hotel's and plans for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jelena Dokic is in town plus all the info on Christmas With The Con

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