Mell Chun

Independent Journalism and writing from Lutruwita (Tasmania) and Naarm (Melbourne)

‘All The Best’ from FBi Radio

In September 2020, I was appointed Victorian State Coordinator of FBi’s award winning storytelling show, All The Best and in January 2021 I took on the position of Editorial Manager. I believe wholeheartedly in the value of free broadcast public radio and the strength of the communities that make it possible. You can listen to All The Best on the Community Radio Network and subscribe anywhere podcasts are found.

Mostly I’m editing other peoples stories, but I still get to make them sometimes too. Here are a few stories I’ve made for All The Best

Now that the Taliban once again have control of Afghanistan, one of the groups that have the most to fear are the Hazara people, this is the story of Hanif, who fled the persecution of the Taliban and ended up in Australia. Hanif’s story was written, narrated and produced by me with help from Danni Stewart, sound design by me with music from Blue Dot Sessions

I chat to my nephew Miro about his new obsession; a tiny South Pacific Island called Kiribati (pronounced ‘Kiribas’) and all the things he has learned about history, politics and environment along the way. Miro on Kiribati was written, narrated and produced by me, with original music and sound design by Ben Cannings

I wrote this story for Maddy Macquine, our beloved show host who moved on to greater things mid 2021. It’s about that inexplicable urge to leave. For The Love Of Leaving was written, narrated and produced by me, sound design by me with music from Blue Dot Sessions

This is a story about Tasmania, death metal and the calm inside the storm. For The Love Of Death Metal was written, narrated and produced by me with help from Ryan Pemberton. Sound design by me with music from At The Gates, Sanctify The Serpent, Oceans of Slumber, Psycroptic, Zeal and Ardor, Dark Tranquility and Cynic.

Under The Sun with Mell and Ben

Between March and September 2020. I teamed up with my partner, local musician and composer Ben Cannings, to make a weekly news commentary show for local Hobart station Edge Radio. I started working with Edge Radio in 2015 and have since developed a love for community radio and podcasting that has continued into my professional life. Below you can listen to all 20 episodes of the show. You can also find them anywhere podcasts are found, just search Under The Sun with Mell and Ben.

Season 2, Episode 2: Interview with Nala Mansell

June 26, 2020

This week's episode is entirely dedicated to a conversation I was honoured to have with Tasmanian Aboriginal activist Nala Mansell. Nala has worked at the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre for 16 years and currently works at the Riawanna Centre at the University of Tasmania, supporting Aboriginal students. She speaks eloquently and passionately about being Aboriginal in a country that is still governed by white nationalism and racist institutions. She speaks personally about the deeply embedded fear of the police in Aboriginal people and communities, as well as other issues such as lower life expectancy and stolen culture. Nala reminds us what real change looks like, not just saying 'sorry' but doing something about it.

**Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of racial violence and the names of Aboriginal people who have died.