The Bendigo Art Gallery has closed for an extended period to allow for some extensive reimagining (extensions and renovations) and renewing of their facility in View Street and their Curatorial Manager Lauren Ellis came in for a fascinating chat with Brett and Keith about why they are undertaking this huge exercise, what that will mean for their future, what will be happening with the collections and activities during that time, and a brilliant general chat about art.
Well worth a listen back!

The Bendigo Art Gallery has closed for an extended period to allow for some extensive reimagining (extensions and renovations) and renewing of their facility in View Street and their Curatorial Manager Lauren Ellis came in for a fascinating chat with Brett and Keith about why they are undertaking this huge exercise, what that will mean for their future, what will be happening with the collections and activities during that time, and a brilliant general chat about art. Well worth a listen back!

The Phatt Community Conversations are interviews with local community organisations during The Phatt on community radio station 106.7 Phoenix FM Bendigo, Australia. The Phatt is on Wednesdays 7am-9am with Keith and Brett, follow us for more more in-depth chats with community organisations.

The Phatt Community Conversations are interviews with local community organisations during The Phatt on community radio station 106.7 Phoenix FM Bendigo, Australia. The Phatt is on Wednesdays 7am-9am with Keith and Brett, follow us for more more in-depth chats with community organisations.

The Phatt Community Conversations

Lauren Ellis, Curatorial Manager from the Bendigo Art Gallery - 25th February 2026

Although relatively new to the role of councillor at The City of Greater Bendigo (like many of the new crop of councillors), Thomas Prince was elected as Mayor and takes pride in his hometown and being able to take an active role in growing the future for our communities.

He is passionate about the issues of waste management, recycling, roads and growing the economy, and is proud to be part of Greater Bendigo’s diverse and inclusive community.

Thomas has been an active volunteer in the community for the past 20 years and is currently studying part time at La Trobe University.

His past achievements include development of the Bendigo Dragons Gridiron Club and helping deliver school programs to get more children playing sport.

We were pleased to be able to welcome Thomas to the studio as part fo our monthly program of chatting with our local councillors.

Although relatively new to the role of councillor at The City of Greater Bendigo (like many of the new crop of councillors), Thomas Prince was elected as Mayor and takes pride in his hometown and being able to take an active role in growing the future for our communities.
He is passionate about the issues of waste management, recycling, roads and growing the economy, and is proud to be part of Greater Bendigo&rsquo;s diverse and inclusive community.
Thomas has been an active volunteer in the community for the past 20 years and is currently studying part time at La Trobe University.
His past achievements include development of the Bendigo Dragons Gridiron Club and helping deliver school programs to get more children playing sport.
We were pleased to be able to welcome Thomas to the studio as part fo our monthly program of chatting with our local councillors.

Cr. Thomas Prince, Mayor of The City of Greater Bendigo - 18th March 2026

Not enough people know about the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), but they do a heap of great work in providing grants and disaster recovery funds to smaller communities across Australia. As they are receiving the funds from the recent Harcourt Rising fundraiser event supported by Phoenix FM and a heap of other local businesses, music artists and members of the public, we thought it would be great to set them and. And sure enough, Sarah Gradie from FRRR came in to the studio to chat to Brett and Keith about what they do, and the great outcomes they help create for communities.

Not enough people know about the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), but they do a heap of great work in providing grants and disaster recovery funds to smaller communities across Australia. As they are receiving the funds from the recent Harcourt Rising fundraiser event supported by Phoenix FM and a heap of other local businesses, music artists and members of the public, we thought it would be great to set them and. And sure enough, Sarah Gradie from FRRR came in to the studio to chat to Brett and Keith about what they do, and the great outcomes they help create for communities.

Sarah Gradie from FRRR - 11th March 2026

Gather My Crew is an app-based initiative gives people the tools to show up - so no one has to go through tough times alone. The App helps people to connect to friends and family when they need help.
Kathleen Fair is a long-time Bendigo resident who is working to get Gather My Crew up and active here and she came into the studio to chat with Brett and Keith about the initiative, how it came about and how it's evolved to be a force for great outcomes across communities.
You can find out more from their website at www.gathermycrew.org 

Gather My Crew is an app-based initiative gives people the tools to show up - so no one has to go through tough times alone. The App helps people to connect to friends and family when they need help. Kathleen Fair is a long-time Bendigo resident who is working to get Gather My Crew up and active here and she came into the studio to chat with Brett and Keith about the initiative, how it came about and how it's evolved to be a force for great outcomes across communities. You can find out more from their website at <a href="https://www.gathermycrew.org">www.gathermycrew.org</a>&nbsp;

Lauren Ellis, Curatorial Manager from the Bendigo Art Gallery - 25th February 2026

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