Latest Interviews on Yass FM

Festival artistic director Andra Putnis tell us about the 2026 Program in general with a focus on 'Way Women Lead' panel featuring Storylines guests Dr Elise Stephenson & Melissa Bray.  

Karen chats with women's leadership and gender equity scholar and author Dr Elise Stephenson about her latest book, her work at GIWL - ANU and being on the discussion panel 'Way Women Lead' at the Canberra Writers Festival.  

Yass Valley residents could face a 70 per cent rates increase and Council is asking the community to have its say. Public consultation begins on Saturday at the Murrumbateman Field Days, with three financial models being put forward for community feedback. Mayor Jasmin Jones joins Jo Shipley to discuss what’s been agreed, what the proposed increase could mean for residents, how Council has arrived at its current financial position and what is being done to fix it. Have your say about the rates rise on the Yass Valley Council website - Your Voice Counts - SRV Engagement 2026  

Inspector Dave Cowell from Yass Police brings Geoff up to date on the goings on around the district including some overly fast motorists and the Dragon Dreaming Festival.

Canadian correspondent, David Armstrong-Whitworth chats to Geoff about the origins and practice of Thanksgiving in North America noting the differences in the Canadian and US marking of the holiday.

Betty Tindale from Yass Valley Can Assist chats to Geoff about upcoming events and fundraising for local cancer sufferers.

Jo talks to Sam Mansergh from the Yass Railway Museum about the aftermath of a devastating act of vandalism and theft that targeted the museum and vehicles belonging to the Canberra Transport Museum in early October.  Sam shares an update on the clean-up operation, the impact on the museum and how the community can lend a hand and help support the volunteers as they work to recover. We’ll also hear the latest on the Yass Railway Museum Christmas Markets  - Sunday 27 November - and find out what’s coming up as part of the Digging up the Past festival - Rail Tales Unsettling but True on Saturday 31 October.  Contact Details Yass Railway Museum on Facebook  Website  Find Jo Shipley 

Jo catches up with Tom White, Manager of the Murrumbateman Field Days, about what's planned for the event this year, how preparations are going - plus a full run down on attractions, exhibitors and food!  Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October Tickets available online at www.mfdays.com Find MFD on Facebook  or Instagram 

 Dr Elise Stephenson talks about launching Space XX: Gender, Power and the New Space Race, her latest book published by Monash University Publishing.    

Locals, book seller Kiloran and author Dr Elise Stephenson chat about family activities and book launches at Blue Door Books.  

Featuring details about the 'Love Your Bookshop Day'  book launch at Blue Door Books - 'Space XX' by Dr Elise Stephenson. Plus commentary on the inaugural 'Give Like Dolly Day', CWA literacy support program, Westwords Booktober, Sisters in Crime Australia, interesting interviews so far and yet to come on Storylines.  Listen again to the full episode at yassfm.org/storylines/books & women Tune-in tomorrow 07 October 2026 5pm-7pm for the Love your Bookshop Day episode.  

Karen chats with bibliophile Alicia about voracious reading for the sheer pleasure of it.   

  Rhiân fills us in on the 2026 mega program with some free events for children and young adults. 

Farmer and agricultural commentator Charlie Blomfield chats with Jo about his support for the Ride with Remountcampaign and the community concerns surrounding the proposed Benedine Wind Farm. They discuss why Charlie felt it was important to stand alongside the local community, the challenges major infrastructure projects can create for rural communities, and why he believes farmers need a strong voice in decisions that may affect their land, livelihoods and future. Connect with Charlie Podcast - @thelongpaddock Socials -  @boridgeree or @cblomfield Connect with Jo Socials - @Jo Shipley            

Mayor Jasmin Jones chats to Jo Shipley about being reappointed as Mayor for the period 2026-28, data centres, electricity and water security. Plus the latest news from the September Council Meeting. 

Catch up with latest news from Yass Police as Jo Shipley chats to Insp Dave Cowell. 

Catch up with latest news from Yass Police as Jo Shipley chats to Insp Dave Cowell. 

Jo and Kath give us a lively run down of what's on this spring across the Yass Valley, with an impromptu drumming session and a discussion about how drumming helps your mental health.  Including - Dragon Dreaming; Sand Green Golf Championship; Yass Railway Museum Picnic Day; Graveside Yarns; Gunning Fireworks; Borrowa Women's Health Night; Yass Valley Concert Band Showcase; Good Earth Psychic Fair in Yass.  Find all these events on Visit Yass Valley  Jo Shipley - Wellness Valley Facebook  Kath Kovac - Moodboost Drumming Facebook

Karen chats with Jessica about 'Big Blue & the Bossy Arm'.

Karen chats with wellness advocate Alistair about his book 'Well, Well, Well' and what it truly means to live well.

Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones joins Jo Shipley to discuss the $10 million Crago Mill announcement, advocacy for our aging memorial pools, Yass Valley's Settlement Strategy, Bookham’s new playground and raising her weight in gold for the upcoming CanAssist Family Fun Day at Cliftonwood.

Catch up with latest news from Yass Police as Al Solano chats to Sgt Vlad Mijok. 

Catch up with latest news from Yass Police as Al Solano chats to Sgt Vlad Mijok. 

Michael McCormack MP breaks from his busy schedule to chat to Yass FM about the week's top political stories from Canberra.

Acting Inspector Vlad Mijok talks to Geoff about the police action in the Yass area over the last week. Vlad reports on Operation FUME in which police checked huge numbers of vehicles on the Hume Highway at Mundoonen during the week.

How did a handful of passionate locals create one of the Yass Valley's most recognised community organisations? As Yass FM marks 25 years of a holding a permanent broadcasting licence, Geoff Frost, founding member and current President, chats with Jo Shipley and looks back on the past 25 years of Yass FM, sharing stories from the early days, memorable broadcasts, studio moves, colourful characters and the enduring power of community radio. A colourful look at 25 years of Yass FM's history with Geoff and Jo.   

Inspector Cowell  talks this week about a range of police work across the valley including drug affected drivers, domestic violence and about encouraging our young people to consider policing as a career.

Tamara Svirskis from the Very Short Film Festival chats to Geoff about the selection of twenty 3 to five minute films to be shown at the Liberty Theatre on Saturday night.

Jo chats with Morgan Tilker, Yass Show Society Young Woman of the Year, and Kerryn Paterson about the upcoming Yass Show Society Ball. On Saturday 5 September, the Yass Show Society will bring a touch of glamour to the newly painted Roundhouse at the Yass Showground, with a grand red carpet evening open to everyone. Hear about the vision behind the ball, what guests can expect on the night, and why this special event is an opportunity for the whole community to come together, dress up, and enjoy a fun evening in Yass.  Facebook: Yass Show Society Tickets for the Ball:  https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1580065 Contact: Kerryn Patterson - 0447 385 649

Judy Brooker joins Jo to talk about the Yass Tree Project, a Yass and District Gardening Club initiative documenting the significant trees that tell the story of Yass. Judy shares the history behind some of our treasured trees, and idea for a 'guided tree walk', why protecting our tree history matters, the challenges facing mature trees, and how the community can get involved to help preserve our historic trees for future generations. Contact: yassdistrictgardenclub@gmail.com The Yass & District Garden Club meets at 2pm on the third Tuesday of every month at St Andrew’s Hall, 2 Cliff Street, Yass.

Our local Federal Member, Michael MacCormack, talks of recent political events and progress on his new office to be located in Yass.

Inspector Cowell talks about the spate of drug and drink affected drivers detected in Yass Valley. He also has a few important tips for those riding or contemplating the purchase of e-bikes or e-scooters for their children.

Continuing our Empowering You series with internationally renowned medical intuitive, teacher and author Jean Sheehan. Jean shares her remarkable journey from growing up between Kuwait and Australia to becoming a global educator in medical intuition, sacred geometry and ancient wisdom. We explore how the body communicates, the importance of trusting our intuition, and the transformative lessons she has learned from sacred places such as Egypt and Uluru. Listen to Wellness Valley on Spotify and Substack, or listen again on YassFm.org Connect with Jean Sheehan Website Facebook   

Inspector Dave Cowell  returns to give a summary of Yass Police activity this week.

Sgt Vlad Mejok gives a run down of the weeks police action

Local Member of Parliament, Michael McCormack calls in to chat about remembering and caring for our Afghanistan and other veterans, water buy backs in the Murray Darling Basin and issues with wind turbines locally.

Inspector Cowell returns to talk about some high range drink drivers, domestic violence incidents and stealing in the local area this week.

Jo welcomes Kath Kovac back into the Yass FM studio for another inspiring conversation about the power of rhythm, connection and creativity. In this episode, Kath shares her recent adventures on a drumming retreat in Ghana, the cultural experience of learning traditional African rhythms, and why drumming can be such a powerful tool for mental health, emotional wellbeing and community connection. Kath also demonstrates the unique sounds and stories behind different African drums, giving listeners a glimpse into the world of rhythm and the joy that comes from making music together. Find out more about Kath and her Mood Boost Drumming sessions:  Facebook

Sgtr Vlad Mijok talks about the multi truck crash at Breadalbane and the ongoing problem of vandalism and poor youth behaviour in Yass.

                Andrew Neil, Director of Planning and Environment, talks about strategic planning in Yass Valley, illegal dumping, vandalism and NAIDOC week.                     andrew 

Geoff chats with lead actor Corben Cummings and Director Joe Morrissey about the latestt Repertory play "Aladdin and the magic lamp"

Jo chats with Nita Wheeler, a passionate Australian Native Orchid expert, and Michelle Whitters from the Yass & District Garden Club to explore the fascinating world of Australia's native orchids.  Nita shares insights into the native orchid species found in the Yass Valley, how to grow them, the challenges they face, and how we can help protect them. Michelle also chats about the essential winter gardening jobs that will prepare your garden for spring.

Have you lost yourself in motherhood? In this inspiring episode, Mel Ohana shares her thoughts with Jo on the 7 Pillars of Motherhood - a practical pathway that helps mums reconnect with themselves so they can show up for their children with more calm, confidence, and joy.  Jo and Mel chat about why self-care isn't selfish, how to move beyond overwhelm, and the simple steps that can help transform your experience of motherhood, and that of your whole family. Connect with Mel Ohana  Instagram: meetmelissaohana Facebook: Melissa Ohana 

Dyna talks of her inspiration for the film "Conquering Breast Cancer" and discusses the ongoing issues and progress being made in combating this insidious disease.

Dave gives a rundown of traffic incidents including a couple of crashes close to Yass, theft of railway infrastructure and measures to restrict access to pubs and clubs for a number of past offenders.

Karen chats with Emma & Esme about their debut novel and partnership.  

Our local Federal Member of Parliament chats to Geoff about delays to his new office in Yass, the cooling of support for large renewable projects, reviews the Government's budget policies and revisions, and comments on Pauline Hanson's National Press Club speech.

This week Dave talks to Geoff about a wide range of traffic related, rural and domestic offenses across the Yass Valley including a large illegal tobacco haul and the recovery of several stolen bikes and related good.

Jo chats with Jayne Hines and Wendy Flannery from the Yass Spinners, Weavers, Knitters and Crocheters group about the joy of yarn craft, the friendships formed, and the upcoming World Wide Knit and Crochet in Public Day taking place in Yass. Find out why knitting, crochet, spinning and weaving are enjoying a revival, discover the wellbeing benefits of these timeless crafts, and learn more about the free Knit & Sip event at YAZZBAR on Saturday from 2pm to 5pm. Whether you're an experienced crafter or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome to come along, bring their project, have a chat and get inspired. Knit in Public Facebook Event  Yass Spinners, Weavers, Knitters and Crocheters Facebook Page 

Meg Labrum, incoming Yass Rotary President, chats to Geoff about recent and current projects and future plans for our local Rotary club.