What does it take to lead a school - and a shift in mindset - in regional Australia? In this episode of The Journey , Matt Griffith sits down with Jenny Parrett, Principal of James Fallon High School, to explore her remarkable path through education, leadership, and reform. From moving schools seven times as a child to introducing a radical new model of learning at James Fallon, Jenny shares how personalised, project-based education is changing lives. She discusses the “school within a school” a...
Jul 07, 2025•43 min•Season 9Ep. 84
Michelle Hensel’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. A cancer survivor, mother, and community advocate, Michelle shares her journey from personal heartbreak to purposeful change. After losing her son Braden to a rare cancer, she has spent nearly a decade working to improve regional cancer care. This powerful episode explores grief, legacy, and the power of community to turn tragedy into hope.
Jun 01, 2025•44 min•Season 9Ep. 83
From kitchen hand to hospitality heavyweight, Guru Ghuman’s journey is one of hard work, heart, and a whole lot of happiness. In this episode, Guru shares how he built some of Albury-Wodonga’s most loved venues, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why true success comes down to community and mindset.
May 13, 2025•39 min•Season 9Ep. 82
Dee Healey, General Manager of The Albury Club, shares how one of the region's oldest institutions is staying relevant in modern times. From five-star resorts across Australia to leading this iconic venue, Dee’s hospitality journey is full of passion, purpose, and connection to the Albury-Wodonga region. A BMG Partners & 1494 2AY collaboration. #TheJourneyPodcast #AlburyClub #DeeHealey #RegionalStories
Apr 14, 2025•36 min•Season 9Ep. 81
In this episode of The Journey , we talk with Blair French, CEO of Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), who made the move to Albury-Wodonga just over a year ago. With a distinguished career in the arts, Blair shares his vision for MAMA, the impact of regional galleries, and why he chose to call our community home. Listen now and explore the stories shaping Albury-Wodonga. The Journey is a collaboration between BMG Partners and 1494 2AY, celebrating the people who live, work, and thrive in our region...
Mar 06, 2025•42 min•Season 9Ep. 80
In this episode of The Journey , we sit down with artist Nat Ward, whose breathtaking oil paintings capture the landscapes of Albury, the Murray River, and beyond. Nat shares her passion for the region and her latest project, the Noreuil exhibition at MAMA, which explores the deep historical connection between Albury’s Noreuil Park and the French village of the same name. Listen now for an inspiring conversation about art, history, and the beauty of our local environment.
Feb 04, 2025•30 min•Season 9Ep. 79
Welcome to Season 9 of The Journey ! This special episode marks BMG Partners' 50th anniversary as we sit down with founder Ross Black to reflect on his incredible story. From his early days as a solo accountant to creating a business built on family, community, and care, Ross shares the values and relationships that defined his journey - and what he believes true success looks like. Celebrate the unsung heroes of Albury-Wodonga with The Journey , where every story inspires us to live, grow, and ...
Dec 31, 2024•39 min•Season 9Ep. 78
In this episode of The Journey , we meet Renee Williams, owner of The Real Florist in Albury-Wodonga. Growing up in her father’s nursery, Renee developed a love for flowers and a deep connection to family values. Despite challenges with ADHD and dyslexia at school, she found her strength in creativity, transforming obstacles into opportunities. Renee’s story highlights resilience, her support for local makers, and how she kept people connected during the pandemic - all while staying true to her ...
Dec 01, 2024•39 min•Season 7Ep. 77
Join us on The Journey as we sit down with Jane Campbell, Managing Director of Campbells of Rutherglen and fifth-generation member of the iconic family winery. Jane shares her family’s rich legacy, from her ancestors' journey from Scotland in 1857 to the challenges and joys of running a 24/7 winery today. Discover the stories behind their famous Muscat and Bobby Burns Shiraz, the tradition of family members working away before returning home, and the unique passion that goes into every bottle. L...
Nov 04, 2024•39 min
We sit down with David Pendleton, founder of Stone Hill View, to hear his inspiring story of leaving corporate life in Melbourne for a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle in North East Victoria. From crafting eco-friendly products using recycled wool to running a thriving family farm, David shares how his passion for the land and love for simple, tactile products shaped his business and his life.
Sep 30, 2024•40 min
Join us as we sit down with Phil Shanahan, tennis coach, educator, and founder of the Margaret Court Tennis Academy. Discover how Phil has dedicated his life to coaching and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, legacy, and community.
Sep 03, 2024•35 min
In our latest episode, we sit down with Matt Vogel, the founder of Albury’s beloved ice cream store, Monumental Ice Creamery. Twelve years ago, Matt transformed a spontaneous idea into a community favourite, offering a delightful variety of ice cream and sorbet flavours made from locally grown produce and fresh seasonal ingredients.
Jul 30, 2024•37 min
In our latest episode, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Sharyn Hill’s School of Performing Arts and Creative Expression with a heartfelt conversation featuring its founder, Sharyn Hill. Join host Matt as Sharyn shares her remarkable journey of nurturing young talent in the Albury Wodonga community. Since 1984, Sharyn has helped thousands of children discover their hidden talents, boost their confidence, and apply their newfound skills in all areas of life through lessons in voice, mime, perf...
Jun 18, 2024•35 min
We sit down with Rod Taylor, President of the Albury Wodonga Chrysler Club and the driving force behind Chryslers on the Murray, the largest Chrysler show in the Southern Hemisphere. Don't miss this inspiring story of passion, community, and automotive legacy!
May 22, 2024•37 min
In this captivating interview, Derek opens up about his remarkable life journey. From dreaming of becoming an AFL player to achieving it at the age of 18 with the Port Adelaide team, Derek shares the highs and lows of his career. Derek's dedication to educating and inspiring both young people and the wider community about the rich history of Australia's First Nations is truly commendable. Join us as we delve into his story of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering passion.
Apr 09, 2024•42 min
In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul Clancy, the founder of Clancy’s Food Store and a seasoned pastry cook with a knack for creating mouth-watering delights that are loved by our community.
Feb 14, 2024•36 min
There is no other school like the Flying Fruit Fly Circus - or "Fruities" as it is fondly referred to here on the border. It's been an iconic part of Albury Wodonga's cultural fabric for 45 years now, and we spoke with their Executive Producer Tahni Froudist about what makes it so unique and why she couldn't imagine working anywhere else.
Feb 09, 2024•36 min
We kick off the new year with a significant milestone here at BMG Partners, as Stephen Mamouney marks an incredible 40 years with us! This special episode is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, exploring the significant shifts in the business landscape, financial regulations, and industry practices. It provides Stephen’s unique perspective on witnessing the building blocks of today’s Australian economy fall into place and the challenges and triumphs that have defined BMG Partners' journey over th...
Jan 08, 2024•35 min
Paul Temple is a fine arts photographer who began photographing concerts with his friend Ian Hood in the early 1970s. Their passion for capturing the bands that they love in film led them to become suppliers of images to media, promoters, and artists’ management. You can see a compilation of their famous images, mixed media and personal mementos that celebrate rock and pop performers from the early 1970s to the present day in an exhibit called "On Stage" at the Albury LibraryMuseum.
Nov 30, 2023•43 min
As the saying goes, if you choose a job that you love you will never have to work a day in your life. Well, that saying is very fitting for our next guest who is a movie enthusiast and the General Manager of Albury’s Regent Cinemas, Kelly Davis. Although Kelly has worked incredibly hard during her 17 years with Regent Cinemas – due to her absolute passion for the entertainment industry, she has relished every moment and is thriving in her career.
Oct 19, 2023•40 min
This month we bring you possibly our youngest guest on the program. However, the talented long-distance runner and three-time winner of Nail Can Hill Run, Patrick Stow has packed a lot into his 28-year journey!
Sep 27, 2023•46 min
We are talking to the owner of Albury Wodonga’s iconic restaurant, La Maison, Wassim Saliba, who has recently returned from an adventure riding his push bike all the way from Perth to Albury. In doing so, Wassim raised $60,000 for The Carevan Foundation, a Border charity that feeds homeless and disadvantaged people.
Aug 31, 2023•46 min
After requiring emergency open heart surgery in 2020, photographer Peter Charlesworth set out on a 2800-kilometre ultra-distance expedition for the Heart Foundation - and in doing so, set a new world record for the longest distance covered on a stand-up paddle board up, which was the entire length of the Murray River.
Jul 03, 2023•44 min
Sue Gold has no fear of embracing change - from nursing in the city to running a supermarket in the snowy mountains, to being appointed the Executive Officer of the Border Trust here in Albury. In this episode, Sue explains how everything she has done has led her to where she is now - and how she wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
Jun 26, 2023•35 min
Paul Marshall is the Regional Operations Manager for VRA Rescue NSW and also Captain of the Albury & Border Rescue Squad. He has been a volunteer with the Albury & Border Rescue Squad since 2003 and also served with Victoria Police for 17 years, 10 of which were in the Highway Patrol.
May 19, 2023•42 min
In this episode, we hear from Richard Hamilton, a former Olympic rower who now manages a dairy farm in the Mitta Valley. Richard is also a keynote speaker, professional coach, and Ambassador for Boys to the Bush - and he recently founded a leadership program called 'No Matter How Strong the Headwind'.
May 01, 2023•43 min
With over 40 years of high-level motorsport experience, people may take for granted what Brad Jones Racing do on the national stage. Taking on the best of the best, multi-million dollar teams in the premier motorsport class, Brad Jones Racing is proudly the only Supercars Championship team based in regional Australia - with their workshop and production facility right here in Albury.
Apr 03, 2023•41 min
This month we bring you the incredibly inspiring journey of Danica Erard, one of Australia’s most sought-after milliners who resides right here in Albury Wodonga. Lady Gaga is just the beginning of a very long list of A-List clients for whom Danica has had the honour and privilege of creating amazing headpieces. Zara Phillips, Rebecca Judd, Shani Grimmond and Lana Wilkinson are just some who have embraced Danica’s unique designs. And without a doubt, you will see many of her creations paraded ar...
Mar 06, 2023•35 min
Join us for a trip down memory lane as Kevin Poulton and Stephen Mamouney talk through some of the highlights and lessons learned from over 50 local personalities and unsung heroes that we've heard from over the past five years. We also have a very special announcement for you!
Jan 03, 2023•51 min
They say that if you love what you do, you never have to work another day. Well, our latest guest on The Journey is undoubtedly someone to whom this saying applies. To wrap up the year with some festive cheer, we’re talking with the talented singer and performer, Niki Strauss. Niki has featured in many of Albury’s large-scale local productions – including We Will Rock You, Kinky Boots, Cats and Chicago – and she will also be taking to the stage next week for the Carols by Candlelight in both Alb...
Dec 14, 2022•30 min
