Listening to Aunty
We came across two interesting podcasts on our ABC this week. I don’t think that either of them gives any profound insight or revelations into traditional maritime culture, but we should feel privileged that we live in a country where the public broadcaster at least brushes up against the niche interest area we inhabit.
And bear in mind that in 1987 the ABC famously cost eight cents a day. Adjusted for inflation and population growth, the ABC today costs each Australian just half that amount. Since the mid-1980s the real funding has decreased by 28% or $336 million. This is 34% lower than the average of 18 comparable international public broadcasters.
From shipwreck to shore:
Maritime archaeology with Maddy McAllister
Imagine getting to explore shipwrecks for a living. Diving deep into the ocean to discover lost stories ... finding artefacts and boats on the ocean floor ravaged by the seas.There are around 900 shipwrecks off the east coast of Australia and it's Maddy McAllister's very job as a Maritime archaeologist to find and study them. (Click image below to listen to the podcast.)
How Joseph Conrad's visits to Australia influenced his writing
In the late 19th century, Joseph Conrad made a number of visits to Australia whilst working as a merchant seafarer. In his new book Marlow’s Dream, Martin Edmond recounts these voyages and explores the origins of Conrad’s stories. (Click image below to listen to the podcast.)
