4BC Mornings - Highlights

Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings addressed growing tension between the Queensland Government and rowing officials - including members of the "Oarsome Foursome" - over hosting Olympic rowing events in Rockhampton. While supporting rowing on the Fitzroy River, Gary worries that political infighting and poor planning make the organisers look foolish on a global stage.

Gary Hargrave interviewed celebrity chef Alastair McLeod on 4BC Mornings about the upcoming Good Food & Wine Show returning to Brisbane from October 23rd to 25th. They discussed the event's 21-year history, the interactive cooking experiences, featured celebrity chefs like Miguel Maestre, and exclusive menu items like Japanese-inspired lamingtons.

Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings and former Labor MP Michael Danby criticise current Australian politicians for using cringe-worthy social media videos to engage younger voters, arguing that it trivialises serious governance and alienates the public. They discussed the degradation of political integrity, broader issues like social media oversight, and expressed outrage over recent policy missteps regarding military veterans' healthcare caps.

In an explosive morning development, police authorities - led by Victoria Police alongside Queensland Police - executed a high-profile raid on the CFMEU headquarters located on Campbell Street in Bowen Hills, Brisbane. On-the-ground news director Georgia Kondek reported live from outside the quieted building, noting that investigators were inside conducting searches and interviewing personnel as part of an ongoing, extended inquiry into the union's activities.

Tara Castle, CEO of Queensland Gives, joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to warn that nearly half of Queenslanders lack a valid will, exposing their families to severe legal chaos and unexpected fees. She urged listeners to take ten minutes to secure a legal will and consider leaving a lasting charitable legacy.

In this interview with Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings, Tex Perkins reflected on the evolution of Brisbane’s music scene, recounting his early days playing "badly played rockabilly" in makeshift venues like the Blind Hall, where police shutdowns were a regular occurrence. He discussed The Cruel Sea’s upcoming performance at Roma Street Parklands, clarifying that while the concert celebrates the 30th anniversary of their ARIA-winning album The Three Legged Dog, the band will play a mix of their greatest hits rather than the album in its entirety.

Australian motorsport icon Craig Lowndes joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to reflect on the 20th anniversary of the passing of his mentor, teammate, and racing legend Peter Brock. He shared personal memories of Brock’s unmatched fan-first attitude, invaluable life lessons, and the overwhelming emotional pressure of winning the inaugural Peter Brock Trophy at Mount Panorama in 2006.

Australian veterans are protesting outside Parliament House by laying down their service medals in a desperate plea against proposed funding caps on allied health services. Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings criticised the Albanese government, warning that limiting healthcare funding to $5,000 annually per veteran will severely compromise mental health support and destroy lives.

A new global report reveals that while two-thirds of Australians give back, average monetary donations have fallen to just 0.8% of income despite the nation's immense wealth. Philanthropy Australia CEO Maree Sidey joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to discuss how declining social cohesion, economic pressure, and charity scepticism impact giving, while highlighting that community connection - rather than raw wealth - drives true generosity.

Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings explored the critical vulnerabilities in Queensland's transport infrastructure, highlighting how recent bushfires forced the complete closure of the Warrego Highway and trapped heavy transport vehicles. Joined by Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon, they discuss the urgent need for major highway upgrades, safer driving protocols during fire season, and the risks posed by federal funding limits on flood-damaged road infrastructure.

The Wokey Pokey is our weekly opportunity to laugh at the world of woke that is slowly taking over...  Because if you don’t laugh - you cry.

After fleeing Taliban rule in Afghanistan as a child, Kubora Ali made history at age 18 by enlisting in the Australian Army as the first Afghan-Australian woman to do so. In this interview with Gary Hardgrave on 4B Mornings, she reflected on her journey, her transition to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), being named Enlisted Aviator of the Year, and her core message about the resilience and contributions of refugees in Australia.

RAAF Flying Officer Chris joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to discuss the intensive preparation and extreme precision required to fly a massive 128-ton C-17 Globe Master III low through Brisbane's CBD skyscrapers for the Riverfire event. Chris detailed the extensive simulator training, visual site inspections, hands-on stick controls, and constant altitude monitoring needed to coordinate safely with air traffic control while executing high-altitude survey runs and low-level city passes.

Gary Hargrave on 4BC Mornings is broadcasting live from Princess Alexandra Hospital, celebrating exceeding their $150,000 Double Donation Day target by reaching $155,000 to support crucial patient comfort items, advanced medical technology, and ongoing clinical research. Joined by Radiation Therapist Andrew Puffett, they discuss the personal impact of cancer, the transformative power of cutting-edge technology like 3D printing and immunotherapy, and the critical importance of early prevention over self-diagnosis.

Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings was joined by local volunteers Kate Walker and Katrina Trevethan to discuss the devastating cuts to federal funding for marking World War I veterans' graves. Despite initial multi-million-dollar commitments, the national budget has been slashed to just $58,000, severely capping the number of graves volunteer groups can legally and financially restore.

Australian scientist Associate Professor Arutha Kulasinghe is revolutionising cancer treatment by developing a "Google Maps" spatial profiling technology that maps tumours cell-by-cell. By decoding the complex communication and metabolic variations within individual tumours, his team aims to predict patient drug responses and personalise life-saving therapies.

Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings and public policy expert Dr. Scott Prasser discussed the Premier’s controversial proposal to reintroduce optional preferential voting (OPV) ahead of the 2028 Queensland election. They analysed whether the move is a principled decision or a tactical misstep that could accidentally hand regional seats to One Nation.

Co-host of the How Do They Afford That? podcast and co-author Michael Thompson joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to discuss his new book, 12 Months to Financial Freedom, which breaks down complex personal finance into 12 manageable monthly steps. He emphasised that despite rising inflation, rent, and interest rates, households can regain control of their money by setting clear goals, establishing a basic two-account budget for bills and daily expenses, and building a safety net through insurance and savings.

Brisbane has passed a milestone with the average baseline cost to build a standard detached home reaching $500,000, leaving many prospective homeowners priced out of the market. Dyan Johnson from Master Builders Queensland joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to talk about how high construction costs, red tape, and labour shortages are driving a major shift toward high-density unit developments.

Queensland Senator Matt Canavan joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to outline the Coalition's strategy to combat economic decline, lower living costs, and counter the growing political influence of One Nation. He argued that scrapping Net Zero targets, restoring domestic energy industries, and investing in regional infrastructure like the Inland Rail are critical to saving Australia from worsening financial instability.

The Prime Minister is facing sharp criticism for prioritising extensive international travel - including climate summits and multilateral events - over addressing Australia's domestic issues like housing, energy, and cost-of-living pressures. Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings warns that these overseas commitments and climate policies jeopardise national sovereignty, increase dependence on Chinese-made renewable technology, and expose critical infrastructure to growing foreign cybersecurity threats.

Former Queensland Senator Santo Santoro joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to discuss the upcoming return of Fest Italia to Brisbane's RNA Showgrounds on Sunday, September 20. The event promises an immersive cultural experience featuring live music, Italian engineering displays, nonna slipper-throwing competitions, and 10,000 freshly made cannoli.

Shadow Minister for Defence James Paterson joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to express severe alarm over reports detailing foreign influence peddling and university research loopholes. He warned that Chinese-backed networks are actively using fake social media bots to incite public outrage against Australian and U.S. data centres, aiming to sabotage Western AI capabilities while Australian taxpayer-funded research is simultaneously being leaked to foreign military-linked institutions.

Veteran Brisbane ICU nurse Jane Swancutt faced a shocking role reversal after casually mentioning a small lump to her doctor during the Christmas holidays, which led to a Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis. Instead of stepping into a new role in the hospital's cancer day care unit as a nurse, Jane endured six months of intensive chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, ultimately beating the disease to return to caring for patients at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings and LinkedIn strategist Kylie Chown discuss how automated recruitment bots are screening out experienced applicants over the age of 45. They explore actionable strategies - such as active networking, optimising online presence, and highlighting core skills - to help mature job seekers bypass algorithmic ageism and land unadvertised roles.

Following a major by-election loss in a previously safe Labor seat, Federal Politics Editor Michael Pachi joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to discuss how working-class voters are abandoning traditional parties over cost-of-living struggles and excessive regulations. The segment highlighted how growing voter dissatisfaction with both Labor and the Liberal Party could drastically reshape upcoming state and federal elections.

As an increasing number of Queenslanders downsize into strata-managed units and apartments, rising body corporate fees and sudden bill shocks are creating unexpected financial hardship. Nikki Lonergan, CEO of Archart Strata Professionals, joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to break down the hidden costs - from surging insurance premiums and maintenance contracts to unexpected special levies - and share essential advice on how buyers can protect themselves before moving in.

In an urgent discussion on Queensland's economic potential, Gary Hard and Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper break down how mounting government red tape and complex regulation are halting private sector expansion. They call for immediate structural reform - including tax threshold adjustments and streamlined digital processes - to prevent local businesses from drowning in compliance costs.

Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings vents his deep frustration over the Brisbane Broncos' disappointing season performance and recent operational missteps, calling on fans to pivot their support to the Dolphins for the remainder of the year. He then reads an official apology statement from the Broncos explaining that a stadium power outage disrupted Suncorp Stadium screens, leading to the accidental omission of captain Adam Reynolds’ full lap of honour in favour of a scheduled sponsor giveaway.

Dr. Lisa Philp and Dr. Jenny Gunter from the PA Hospital Research Foundation joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to discuss their ground breaking work on prostate cancer treatment resistance, comparing the disease's ability to mutate and evade therapy to navigating alternative routes on the London Underground. They highlighted the critical importance of early detection through simple PSA blood tests and called on the community to support their research during the upcoming Double Donation Day on September 3.

Following the tragic loss of their son in a 2018 farming accident, Queensland graziers Phillip and Adele Hughes channelled their grief into creating the Lachlan Hughes Foundation. Newly crowned the 2026 Bush Champions at the National Bush Summit, the couple joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to discuss their mission to train future agricultural leaders and restore Australia's soil without relying on government funding.

Australia faces an unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven by the rapid growth of AI data centres.  While global tech giants turn to nuclear energy to secure reliable power, Australian politicians face harsh criticism for maintaining bans on uranium mining and nuclear generation.

Following the shocking overnight death of country music icon Dolly Parton at age 80, Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Breakfast paid tribute while interviewing Tom Busby of Central Queensland duo Busby Marou. Speaking live via phone from a boat off the coast of Yeppoon, Busby reflects on supporting Dolly during her 2011 Australian tour, sharing how she personally complimented their set from her tour bus window and left an indelible mark on their lives.

In this segment of the Small Business Clinic, Red Zed's Natalie Irvine joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to break down how traditional banks are failing self-employed Australians during a period of economic pressure, record-high rents, and a shifting Brisbane property market. The conversation offered practical survival strategies for entrepreneurs, detailing how to combat staff shortages through positive workplace culture and how to reclaim time by using AI for routine administrative tasks.

Following official confirmation that Dolly Parton died at 80, The Voice Of Countdown Gavin Wood joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to celebrate her legacy of 50 studio albums, 100 million records sold, and global "Imagination Library" charity work. The discussion covered her early start with Porter Wagoner, her incredible songwriting speed, her vast award collection, and the profound grief that followed the loss of her asphalt-paving husband Carl Dean.

Faced with warnings from Beijing's new ambassador to respect China's "core interests," expert Michael Shoebridge warns that Australia is dangerously surrendering its national sovereignty for short-term trade profits. From broken promises on the Port of Darwin lease to neglected northern rail infrastructure and heavy reliance on U.S. military muscle, Australia remains trapped in an economic dependency that leaves the nation critically vulnerable.

 4BC Mornings host Gary Hardgrave pays an emotional tribute to music legend Dolly Parton following her passing at age 80, reflecting on her 11 Grammy wins, extensive philanthropy like the Imagination Library, and touching tributes from global icons like Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, and Donald Trump. The segment also highlights her iconic song covers and her selfless act of saving Porter Wagoner from bankruptcy.

Australian scientist Professor Katherine Kedzierska has been awarded the prestigious 2026 GSK Award for Research Excellence following two decades of research into why identical viral infections affect patients with vastly different severity.  Joining Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings, her ground-breaking work identified the "OLAH" gene switch, paving the way for a rapid blood test and targeted drug therapies to predict and prevent fatal inflammatory responses in high-risk patients.

Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings and journalist Chris Kenny dissect the surge in support for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation ahead of upcoming elections and the premiere of Kenny's Sky News documentary, The Fight for the Right. They argue that widespread voter disillusionment with both the Coalition and Labor - driven by immigration pressures, net-zero energy policies, and rising living costs - is pushing former major-party loyalists directly toward One Nation.

Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings and finance expert Noel Whittaker debate whether the Australian government treats superannuation as public money rather than citizens' personal wealth, arguing for infrastructure bonds to keep investments local. They also analysed how shifting tax rules, international capital outflows, and crippling municipal red tape burden everyday taxpayers and homebuilders.

S. Kidman & Co. CEO Adam Giles joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to announce the opening of their first flagship luxury retail store on Brisbane's Eagle Street, bringing iconic Outback clothing, custom hats, and premium boots straight into the CBD.  Beyond fashion, Giles issued a scathing critique, declaring "Australia is broken," pointing to excessive red tape, public sector growth, and Net Zero policies while calling for Northern Territory gas to be harnessed for domestic manufacturing.

Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings and Imagine8 founder Amanda Rosazzo unpack Australia’s impending $3.5 trillion "Silver Tsunami" wealth transfer, warning that nearly three-quarters of small business owners lack a functional succession plan. Amanda outlined how documenting intangible assets and operational systems through a "business search engine" prevents catastrophic valuation crashes and protects lifetime earnings from government tax grabs.

Following a chaotic media blunder by One Nation over immigration figures, Shadow Minister Jonathon Duniam joined host Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to outline the Coalition's plan to tie migrant intake directly to housing capacity. The discussion spanned the urgent need for regional infrastructure projects, the importance of shared Australian values, and Duniam's upcoming retirement from federal parliament.

The Wokey Pokey is our weekly opportunity to laugh at the world of woke that is slowly taking over...  Because if you don’t laugh - you cry.

In an uncharacteristic bipartisan deal, the Government and Opposition have aligned to tighten restrictions on TV and radio gambling ads. Find out how political pressure from rising third parties forced Canberra’s major rivals to compromise on sports betting rules.

As Australia’s national debt climbs past $1 trillion, a controversial proposal to merge private superannuation with public social security has raised major red flags for retirees. Drawing sharp parallels to Argentina’s disastrous 2008 pension grab, Gary exposed why your hard-earned retirement savings could be at risk.

Representing Brisbane's seat of Griffith at the Youth Parliament, Grace revealed how 150 student leaders are tackling massive issues like AI and domestic violence. Listen to her debate former MP Gary Hardgrave on whether Australia's political leaders are truly keeping the next generation in mind.

With rental prices soaring and many older women lacking superannuation after decades of unpaid caregiving, a single change in circumstances can mean losing everything. Founder Teresa Reed broke down how simple rental top-ups keep women housed and why Australia's housing crisis demands urgent action.

Patient demand in remote Queensland is now growing three times faster than the state’s population, pushing the Royal Flying Doctor Service to its absolute limits. Hear CEO Meredith Staib break down how crews flew an extra 400,000 kilometres this year to connect isolated patients with critical city care.

Kidney Health Australia CEO Chris Forbes joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Mornings to reveal that 2.5 million Australians unknowingly live with kidney disease symptoms, warning that up to 90% of kidney function can be lost before any symptoms appear.  To combat this silent crisis, the organisation has launched its bold "Taking the Piss" campaign, urging high-risk individuals - such as those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or over age 60 - to visit their GP for an 18-second urine test before irreversible damage occurs.