Latest Interviews on Yass FM

Bimbi Turner from the Yass Liberty Theatre talks coming movies, improvements and progress at the Liberty.

Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack chats about local happenings as well as the big events on the national political scene. 

Inspector Dave Cowell chats about policing events in Yass Valley this week including theft, drink driving, a truck fire and youth crime.

Karen chats to children's author Rhian Williams about how reading shapes and guides our lives. 

Gayleen rings in to discuss the very first Council meeting held in the new Crago Mill complex, arrangements for opening the buildings to the public and issues arising form the Council meeting.

Dave talks to Geoff about three crashes on the Hume Highway, some poor driver behavior and the traffic outlook for the coming weekend.

Yass FM's broadcast of the Yass Dawn service of the Yass Soldiers  Memorial Hall in Comur Street at 6am on ANZAC Day.

Yass FM's 11am broadcast of the 2026 ANZAC Day service from the Cenotaph outside the Memorial Hall in Comur Street.  

Michael chats to Geoff about a range of current events, immigration, the fuel crisis, the Ben Roberts-Smith arrest, new top brass at the ADF and local and regional ANZAC Day commemorations - including the work of Yass's Lilly Books in the Riverina writing competition.

Steve Nuehaus, President of the Yass RSL Sub-Branch, talks about the work of the RSL and this year's preparations for ANZAC Day.

Dave talks this week about a couple of very worrying cases involving excess speed, drugs and one of violent behavior in licensed premises.

Newly appointed Manager for Community and Engagement at Yass Valley Council talks about her new role and coming events in Yass Valley. Georgia  emphasizes the role of our library and the excitement surrounding the new library building.

Samantha Mernagh brings us up to date with events and progress at the Yass Railway Museum including new exhibits and exciting plans for the future.

As we approach Easter, Jo sits down with local pastor’s wife Julia Collings to talk about faith, loss and community. Julia shares her family’s experience of losing their home in a fire, their time in ministry in a mining town, and how it’s shaped the way she and her husband, Pastor Luke, now support others here in Yass. You’ll also hear what’s happening over the Easter weekend at St Clement’s Anglican Church. A warm, honest conversation to get to know Julia and gain a glimpse into life as a pastor’s wife in Yass.

Acting Inspector Mijok chats to Geoff about this week's police activity. It includes traffic incidents aas well as a house fire, general police activity.

We speak with Jeremy Roberts, Project Director, from Transgrid about the HumeLink East project in the Yass region - from increased road traffic and construction activity to local water and land impacts. Jeremy explains what’s happening now, what’s coming next, and the impact on the Yass Valley community. Find out more about Hume Link East: Website and Community Newsletters

Karen chats to local artist and illustrator Sara Phemister and Canberra based author Barbie Robinson  about their picture book collaborations.

Gayleen Burliegh CEO of Yass Valley Council comments on the highlights from the latest Council meeting including the new Commercial Hotel site proposal, Bookham wind turbines, the prospects for improved Council finances and the Crago Mill development.

Michael calls in form Canberra and discusses water policy, the fuel crisis, Commonwealth funding for Local Government and the impact of Matt Canavan as the new Nationals Party leader.

Vlad chats to Geoff about issues on the roads, vandalism of Council property and a horrific tractor accident.

Jo catches up with Emma Webb, a local Bowning farmer and chair of the Binalong Bowning Community Action Group (BBCAG), for an update on the Bendenine Wind Project, including what the upcoming scoping report means for locals, what the community needs to do next, and how to get involved with the BBCAG. She also tells us all about the community BBQ on 28 March. Contact the BBCAG BBCAG Facebook Page  bbcactiongroup@gmail.com  

Geoff chats with Yass Valley Council Director of Planning and Environment along with newcomer to the Council, Denis Chan. 

Acting Inspector Vlad Mejok gives a round up of police activity in the Yass Valley over the last week.

President of the Yass Men's Shed, Peter Davidson chats about their activities and extends an invitation to listeners to an open day at 6pm on Tuesday 17 March at the Shed.

Dave talks the week's events and also looks at the issues surrounding the growing number of eScooters in the Valley

Karen chats with Wee Jasper historian Jennifer Barton about sharing the joys of reading.

Anne and Geoff preview the upcoming Yass Show focusing on the new exciting events this year.

Michael chats to  Geoff about current poitical events and the visit of theSpeaker of the the House of Reps (Milton Dick MP) to Binalong and Sutton Public Schools.

To mark international women's Day, Jo speaks to Marina Maguire, our Yass Valley Australia Day Community Ambassador for 2026. As a mentor and advocate for mental health, Marina works with people to rebuild confidence and navigate life’s next chapter through coaching, mentoring and equine-assisted programs. Her work with Remount, supporting veterans and their families, has made a significant contribution to the community. Marina is also fresh from the Yass Valley Business Chamber International Women’s Day Breakfast, where she was part of the panel discussion alongside a group of distinguished local leaders - a wonderful example of women sharing their experience and leadership in a spirit of collaboration. Connect with Marina Remount Website Remount Facebook Gunben Website Listen again to the Business Breakfast panel - Yass Valley Business Chamber  

Dave talks this week about the good and the not so good from the Yass Picnic Races as well as a suspect arrested for a robbery.

Jo is joined by Judy Paterson and Karin Laird from the Yass & District Gardening Club for her monthly catch-up about what to to do in the garden this late summer/autumn. The lovely gardening ladies also have a good chat about water conservation and suitable drought tolerant plants in light of the Level One Water Restrictions that are in place across the Yass Valley. Also included: roses- fruit trees - water crystals - Yass Valley Council Tree Management Strategy Contact them:  yassdistrictgardenclub@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/YassGardeningClub  

Nathan Cooke, Director of Infrastructure and Assets, Yass Valley Council chats to Geoff about the iintroduction of water restrictions, progress on the new water treatment plant and the finish date for  Stage1 of the Crago Mill precinct.

Tommy Quick is a childhood stroke victim who has done amazing things to raise awareness and funds for research into childhood strokes. He takes time out from pedaling his way from Howlong to Parliament House, Canberra to chat to Geoff about the issue and his life.

Michael Collins form the Men's Table movement chats to Geoff about the Yass and Murrumbateman Tables and the upcomiing "Entree" event (11 March)which will allow potential new members to sample belonging to a Men's Table.

Inspector Cowell discusses detection of some very high speed motorists, illegal tobacco products and dealing with outstanding warrants.

Karen Chats with poet & Yass Valley Writers founder Jane Baker about home & writing.

Cr Al Charry joins Geoff to preview the first Council meeting for the year

Yass Valley Cat Rescue President, Karen Visser talks to Geoff about the Sunday's "Kittens & Cocktails" adoption event and the work of the cat rescue volunteers.

Inspector Dave Cowell returns with this week's roundup of police news

  Karen chats with yassfm presenter Wayde Chalmers about great books and the love of reading. 

Step back in time for the upcoming Wee Jasper Heritage Fair, to be held 25–26 April 2026 over the ANZAC Day weekend. Wee Jasper local and Heritage Fair organiser Nathan joins Jo for a chat about the event that will bring rural Australian lost trades, artisan skills, and rich local history back to life. The event, recognised by the National Trust of Australia and the ACT Heritage Festival, will feature traditional trades on display, including experts from Longford Academy Tasmania, Tharwa Valley Forge, Canberra Woodcraft Guild, Stonemasonry, and Bushskills Australia. There will also be guided tours of the recently restored 1800s police barracks, as featured on Restoration Australia. Keep an eye on social media and local advertising for further details. To assist with logistics planning in historic Wee Jasper, visitors are asked to please register their attendance at the following link: https://form.jotform.com/260421009796053 If you would like a market stall or more details about the event, please email Nathan on weejasperfair@gmail.com

Geoff talks to Michael about the goings on across the Riverina electorate and the wider political landscape against the background of the Liberals deciding on a new leader. 

Geoff goes to opening night of "Murder on the Menu" and finds a little gem to review.

In his final report for the time being,Inspector Nick Wiles reports on several incidents across the district in the last week, including the tragic fatal accident on the Cullerin Road.

Andrew Neil talks to Geoff about the community consultation for Council's Tree Management5 Strategy and the opening of the new Council buildings.

The introcudtion by Peter Gibbs and  the wonderful Australia Day speech given by Ambassador for Yass Valley, Ben McGuire at Coro0nation Park on Australia Day 2025.

Karen chats with cross disciplinary artist and performer Elizabeth Walton about her writer's journey.

What’s driving the sweet success of award-winning Murrumbateman? In this episode, Jo chat's with Yasmin Coe, founder of the Murrumbateman Chocolate Company, about chocolate, community and collaboration. Yasmin talks about local producers raising the bar in Murrumbateman, award-winning events in the region, and the ways the community comes together to support the Makers of Murrumbateman. As part of our new 'Wellbeing with Local Business' series in conjunction with the Yass Valley Business Chamber, this is a celebration of regional pride, collaboration, and local business — with chocolate at the heart of it. Find and connect with local businesses through:  Yass Valley Chamber Business Directory. Makers of Murrumbateman Contact Yasmin Coe: Murrumbateman Chocolate Company  

Wellness Valley has a special guest host, John Thorne from Classic Yass Valley, leading a thoughtful conversation with Sally Walker - internationally recognised flautist, performer, academic and music educator. Sally is a lecturer in Classical Performance (Woodwind) at the Australian National University, a guest Principal Flautist with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and an artist who has toured internationally. Reflecting on her recent performance with the Yass Music Club, she shares insights into her life, her career and living in the Yass Valley.

Ben Maguire AM reflects on the healing power of horses, community and what is means to be Australian this Australia Day.  A lifelong horseman, mental health advocate and this year’s Yass Valley Australia Day Community Ambassador, Ben speaks about what it means to represent and serve a community, and how values like care, resilience and connection sit at the heart of the work he and his wife Marina do through Remount, and their family farm, Gunben. Ben also shares an exciting new chapter with their horsemanship and equine wellbeing programs now opening to the wider community, offering more people the opportunity to experience the grounding, restorative power of horses in the Yass Valley. An inspiring conversation about healing through connection — to horses, to land and to community, and above all what it means to be Australian.   Yass Valley Australia Day Ceremony 2026 - Coronation Park, Yass - Breakfast BBQ from 7.30am, awards and citizenship ceremony 8.30am - 10.30am  Connect with Ben  Remount Website Remount Facebook Gunben Website Ben Maguire Facebook