This week on Backchat, producer Sana Shaikh delved into the Hills Shire Council's recent move to halt sponsorship for drag story time events, citing concerns about content aimed at kids. The council, situated in Sydney's vibrant Bible Belt, voted 10-2 to put the brakes on such events. The segment pondered what this decision might mean for LGBTQ+ youth in the area, featuring insights from Jasmine Nour, a drag artist and former Hills resident. Plus, Backchat caught up with Greens Councillor Dr. Mila Kasby, one of the two councillors who voted against the motion.

Producer Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis breaks down the recent ICJ ruling in the South African case against Israel and what it means in terms of enforcable recommendations for the nations involved. Will the Palestinian people see any change as a result?

It's been a big week for Sweatshop Literacy Movement. The community-based publisher have just released Povo, a collection of works from 37 culturally and linguistically diverse storytellers, including celebrated authors and organisers like Daniel Nour and Sara Saleh. The collection also features emerging voices with stories written from the Asylum Seekers Centre and from schools in Sydney's West. This week Backchat producer Lilly Grainger had the opportunity to sit down with Commissioning Editor, Adam Novaldy Anderson to get to know 'Povo,' its writers and better understand why empowering youth of diverse cultutral, linguistic and low socioeconomic backgrounds is so important. 

This episode was hosted by Libby Hopper and Bec Cushway, and was produced by Sana Shaikh, Eva Sikes-Gerogiannis, and Lilly Grainger.