Anna Vidot
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Professional radio news talking-type person. Generally interested in stuff. Likes your cat photos. Opinions are mine.
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Articles by Anna Vidot
Confusing Austria and Australia
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Charley's whole world changed one summer morning
Charley Carey had always been on top of managing the epilepsy her partner Harrison lived with. They had check-ups and doctors appointments, but were never told about the devastating possibility of 'SUDEP'. Story by Anna Vidot and Hinako Shiraishi, production by Elsa Silberstein.
40 years of music and the Hoodoo Gurus still surprise audiences, announcing headline act in Symphony in the Park in 2024
You may have heard the Hoodoo Gurus are heading to the ACT next March but this will be the Hoodoo Gurus like you have never seen them before. They'll be headlining Symphony in the Park, alongside the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, in their first Canberra performance since 2017. Hoodoo Gurus frontman and songwriter, Dave Faulkner and the composer who is working on this project, Alex Turley joined ABC Canberra Drive's Anna Vidot to talk about how this unique collaboration came about. Broadcast
Infectious diseases physician Sanjaya Senanayake reflects back on the pandemic
What were the lessons you learnt during the pandemic? Infectious diseases physician at the Australian National University Medical School, Professor Sanjaya Senanayake reflects back on the pandemic with ABC Canberra Drive host Anna Vidot.
Caitlin Figueiredo recognised for her work getting younger people a seat at the political table
Aiming to 'pass the baton' onto the next young leaders, the ACT's Young Australian of the Year 2024 steps into her new role. Caitlin Figueiredo, co-chair of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition, has been recognised for her work getting younger people a seat at the political table. She spoke with ABC Canberra Drive's Anna Vidot about what this recognition means to her and what she plans to do with her time as ACT Young Australian of the Year.
No kangaroos in Austria, so why do so many people still confuse it with Australia?
They might be on opposite sides of the world, but it seems some people still don't know that Austria and Australia are different countries. Many Australians have probably heard the stories that Austria's international airports have special helpdesks just to deal with confused tourists who thought they were flying Down Under, only to arrive in the land of the Sound of Music. But: is that true? And, honestly, do people really confuse Australia and Austria? Truly?
How would you rate the health of your bones?
Exercise and bone health go hand in hand. So how can older Australians ensure their bone health is taken care of?
This is what motivates Caitlin Figueiredo to be ACT's Young Australian of the Year
"He was my husband, he was my kids' father, he was his mum's son"
"He was my husband, he was my kids' father, he was his mum's son" - ABC listen
If you haven't heard of SUDEP, or Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, you're not alone. Charley Carey was left devastated after her husband passed away suddenly on what was going to be a normal Saturday morning in 2022. Now the Canberra widow is on a campaign to keep Harrison's memory alive and spread awareness of SUDEP. The mother of two young boys spoke with ABC Canberra's Anna Vidot on Drive about losing her partner out of the blue.
From Canberra to Kyiv: Improv finds a universal language. - ABC listen
"He was my husband, he was my kids' father, he was his mum's son"
Should you be worried about the uptick in Canberra-based ticks?
Vets in the ACT are urging pet owners to protect their pets from paralysis ticks, after seeing almost double the number of critical cases this October, compared to last year. Emergency pet Vet Frazer Boneham spoke to Drive's Anna Vidot about where these ticks are coming from.
Illegal dumping an unsightly, expensive problem for charities - ABC listen
As cost-of-living pressures continue to bite, Canberra's charities say they are seeing continued illegal dumping of goods outside their shopfronts. That's a problem which costs charities millions of dollars a year - money they can ill afford. National director of Salvos stores Matt Davis attributes it to the rising cost of disposing of waste, among other factors. He spoke to Drive's Anna Vidot about the stores where this is most problematic in the Canberra region. Broadcast 2 hours ago
The Fitness Test: Menopause
Illegal dumping an unsightly, expensive problem for charities
More younger people are being diagnosed with glaucoma, prompting concern
People tend to think of glaucoma as an older person's disease, but new statistics show younger people are now starting to be diagnosed more often. That's of concern to Glaucoma Australia, which is urging everyone to go and get their eyes tested, even if they don't have a family history of the disease. Drive's Anna Vidot spoke to the group's president Maree O'Brien about what's going on.
Concerns grow about Voice referendum misinformation in multicultural communities
A Canberra multicultural leader is concerned about the spread of misinformation within his community ahead of the upcoming Voice referendum. ACT multicultural ambassador Mainul Haque says he knows many people who are relying on partial information or rumours instead of looking up answers themselves. He's also worried conspiracy theories are gaining traction.
ACT drug decriminalisation laws will apply at ANU campus: ACT Attorney-General
Ahead of the ACT's drug decriminalisation laws coming into effect later this month (28 October), ANU students were shocked after being told the reforms would not apply on campus. A letter sent to residential students in early October stated the campus was a "Commonwealth authority on federal land, subject to Commonwealth law". However, following some questioning, the university was later forced to amend that statement and clarify the campus is indeed subject to ACT laws.
Where do you stand on daylight savings time? - ABC listen
Daylight savings can be a somewhat controversial issue. But whether you love it or hate it, it's here for another year, and the Sleep Health Foundation would like to hear from you about where you stand. Visit their website below to learn more.
What's your very Canberra connection to Parliament House? - ABC listen
It's true that Parliament House belongs to the whole country. But given it's situated here in Canberra, Canberrans have pretty special connections of their own. Ahead of Australian Parliament House's open day on Sunday, 8 October, Drive's Anna Vidot asked listeners to share their connections to the building. Neil from Evatt had a pretty incredible story to share about a special question he asked on a fateful night in 2001.
Public servants reject pay deal, will scale up industrial action - ABC listen
The Community and Public Sector Union will reject the federal government's service-wide pay offer of 11.2 per cent over three years and ramp up industrial action after the deal failed to garner "clear" support from members. In a poll of around 15,000 union members, 48.1 per cent rejected the deal while 51.9 per cent of members voted in support of it.
Busting the 10,000 steps a day myth - ABC listen
Have you ever embarked on a mission to do your 10,000 steps a day? Turns out, there isn't much evidence which supports you needing to walk between six and eight kilometres a day to be healthy. In fact, as exercise physiologist Kirra Rankin told Drive's Anna Vidot, it's really not that achievable for most of the population.
Direct flights between Canberra and the US one stop closer
Direct - or at least one-stop flights - between the US and Canberra could soon be a reality. Chief Minister Andrew Barr is currently in the US on an eight-day trip to lobby for connections between the nation's capital and New York, as well as Dallas, with stopovers in Auckland or Nadi. Drive's Anna Vidot spoke to Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum, about whether there's a market for these flights.
Are grandparents an endless source of free childcare? - ABC listen
We know people are working for longer than ever before in their lives. But grandparents are also - in many families - picking up more and more of the childcare load. So, how should that be managed? Is there ever such a thing as relying too much on the kindness of your older relatives? Drive's Anna Vidot spoke to COTA Australia Acting Chief Executive Officer Corey Irlam about the growing trend.
Could you live without your car in Canberra? What about for one day?
In November, one area in Canberra will be car free, for one day. It'll be somewhere in Braddon and this mysterious unnamed street will be car-free for one day as part of a Sustainable-Travel Street Party ... The government says there'll be demonstrations from local retailers and advocacy groups showcasing sustainable, zero emission transport options that are available in the Territory.
Nearly two thirds of Australians have not have a skin check in the last 12 months - ABC listen
When was the last time you had a skin check? Research from the Skin Hospital found that nearly two-thirds of Australians have not had a skin check in the last 12 months. Shockingly, more than half of respondents confessed they are not planning a skin check anytime soon either. ABC Canberra Drive's Anna Vidot spoke with Alex Dreyer from the Cancer Council ACT about how a thorough look at your skin could save your life.
Canberra's growing multicultural community wants a large events venue - ABC listen
There has long been talk of redeveloping Exhibition Park in Canberra and building a large, multi-purpose events venue which could be used for large gatherings like multicultural weddings and festivals. In fact, a new venue was even an election commitment from the current ACT Government. But in the years since, those plans have been scaled back to simply a redevelopment of an existing building on the site. That's not sitting well with everyone.
The Fitness Test: Exercising in the heat
It's already getting warmer out there and it looks like this summer is shaping up to be a hot one. What does that mean for your exercise goals? Drive's Anna Vidot spoke to exercise pyhsiologist Kirra Rankin about how to work out safely in the heat.
Meet Imogen McMillan: a Canberran making moves in the world of skateboarding
Ever seen a person float through the air, swerving from side to side at a neck breaking pace with a pair of gloves and fertilizer in her hand? You might have spotted Canberran's Imogen McMillan at her finest, she's a horticultural apprentice from CIT and a slalom skateboarder. She's about to head off to compete in the Slalom Skateboarding World Championships in the US but not before showcasing her garden at this year's Floriade.
The 'ugly shadow' of chronic pain - ABC listen
Canberra-based public servant Megan Kuleas describes living with chronic pain as like having an "ugly shadow". She says because she looks healthy, it can be difficult to tell people about he ongoing battle with endometriosis, PCOS and a heart condition. Megan has joined with advocacy group Painaustralia in calling on the Federal government to double the number of allied health visits funded through GP management plans.
Here's how to stay safe around snakes as the weather warms up - ABC listen
As the weather warms up, it's not only humans who are increasingly out and about. Snakes are also more active during spring. Giving them space is your best bet when it comes to staying safe but there are a few other tips you should know before you head out into the great outdoors. Drive's Anna Vidot got the lowdown from Canberra snake catcher and ANU Snake Ecologist Gavin Smith.
ACT loses AAA credit rating
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The ACT has had its AAA credit rating downgraded to AA+ by global ratings agency S&P Global. While the Opposition has blasted the government for its economic management and growing debt, the Territory's Chief Minister and Treasurer Andrew Barr said there's no cause for alarm. Independent economist Saul Eslake spoke to Drive's Anna Vidot on ABC Radio Canberra about what the implications of this move are.
By Anna Vidot Verified, Lottie Twyford Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Stephen-Smith on 'pointless' Calvary inquiry process - ABC listen
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The ACT's Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said a federal senate inquiry into a bill which would have forced the ACT Government to inquire into its acquisition of the former Calvary Public Hospital failed to unearth anything new. Instead, she described the entire process as one which was politically motivated. She spoke to Drive's Anna Vidot following a committee majority deciding the ACT Government should not be compelled to hold an inquiry into its acquisition of the hospital.
By Anna Vidot Verified, Lottie Twyford Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Scullin residents set out to save mature trees - ABC listen
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Scullin residents are urging the ACT Government to leave mature, native trees alone as it embarks on building community housing in their suburb. The group says they are not opposed to the development itself but would like to see it done without removing any hollow-bearing trees. Principal petitioner Adele Sinclair told Drive's Anna Vidot those trees provide important habitats for native wildlife and are difficult to replace.
By Anna Vidot Verified, Lottie Twyford Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Plans lodged for future of Acton waterfront - ABC listen
The City Renewal Authority has now officially lodged its approval plans for a temporary and permanent park at West Basin with the National Capital Authority. They are now calling for Canberrans to have their say. Drive's Anna Vidot spoke to Malcolm Snow, City Renewal Authority CEO about the plans.
Two new Canberra dog parks to get tails wagging - ABC listen
Designs for dog parks in Franklin and Lanyon have just been finalised. Anna Vidot spoke to Sophie Clement, acting executive branch manager of infrastructure delivery at Transport Canberra and City Services about the plans.
Warning for foragers after brain worm extraction - ABC listen
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Experienced foragers have highlighted the importance of food safety after a parasite was extracted from a woman's brain at a Canberra hospital. Researchers believe foraged warrigal greens could have been carrying the live roundworm which made its way into her brain. Diego Bonetto, author of Eat Weeds: A Field Guide to Foraging, spoke to Drive's Anna Vidot on ABC Radio Canberra about the kind of safety measures foragers should take.
By Anna Vidot Verified, Lottie Twyford Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Government to hurry along Gungahlin cinema - ABC listen
For over a decade, the Gungahlin community has been left wondering whether a proposed cinema will ever be constructed. One local MLA has had enough and is calling for the ACT Government to get involved. Anna Vidot was joined by Labor MLA for Yerrabi Michael Pettersson to discuss the hold-up.
Flying High: Canberra woman competing in Hot Air Ballooning Championships
Canberra is a great city to live in if you're a fan of hot air balloons. This is certainly true for Alana Kahl, who is one of the few female balloon pilots in Australia. She is currently preparing to compete in the Women's Hot Air Ballooning Championships in Northam, Western Australia. Alana spoke to Anna Vidot on ABC Radio Canberra about the competition.
Flora could one day be a guide dog, Clare is helping her get there - ABC listen
Before a guide dog can get to work, they have to be raised and trained by people like Clare Smith. She's been raising guide dogs like six-month-old puppy Flora since 2020. Clare spoke to Anna Vidot on ABC Radio Canberra about the process and what got her into it in the first place.
Bee stings hurt, could they be the future of medicine too? - ABC listen
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Being stung by a bee is not a pleasant experience for anyone. But for one researcher it was enough to get him thinking about how bee stingers could be used in medicine. A team at UNSW Canberra is now looking at how the properties of a bee stinger could be used in the next generation of micro medical devices. Associate Professor Sridhar Ravi spoke to Drive's Anna Vidot about where the project is up to.
By Anna Vidot Verified, Lottie Twyford Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
The Fitness Test with Kirra Rankin: Post-performance lull
If, like many, you've been following the Matildas throughout the Women's World Cup, have you spared a thought for what the team will go through next? Finding a new goal after the highs and lows of one tournament can be really tricky. Exercise physiologist Kirra Rankin spoke to Drive's Anna Vidot about how elite athletes do it, and what the lessons might be for the rest of us.
ACT Government to phase out wood heaters by 2045 - ABC listen
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The ACT government will move to phase out wood heaters in Canberra by 2045, acknowledging the plan will not be popular with everyone. It follows a report earlier in the year from the ACT's Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment which found there was "no safe level of air pollution for human health". Dr Sophie Lewis spoke to Drive's Anna Vidot about what she found in her report and what she'd like to see happen next.
By Anna Vidot Verified, Lottie Twyford Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
An ode to the Matildas ... and what comes next - ABC listen
Canberra writer Catherine Russell is emotional when she thinks about how much love there is for the Tillies. It's a far cry from the days of women playing football in front of empty stands. Here's her poem in support of the Matildas. Go enter this colosseum built for dreams. My dreams. Your dreams. Her dreams... that young girl, Playing with the boys, Told she can't, she shouldn't She's done.
The Fitness Test: Recovering After Exercise
Matildas' fever is sweeping the nation, flying from stadium to stadium to play their next game. With only a few days in between matches, how do they recover in time? Are there lessons to be learned from these elite athletes that we can apply to our exercise routines? Canberra exercise physiologist Kirra Rankin joined Anna Vidot on the ABC Canberra Drive show to unpack recovery after exercise.
Why free public payphones are an essential for thousands of Australians
Two years ago, Telstra made all calls from public phones free, and since then demand has more than doubled. The Telco giant says more than 250,000 calls have been made to critical services like 000, Lifeline and Centrelink in the last 12 months. Associate Professor in Network Engineering at RMIT Mark Gregory spoke with Drive's Anna Vidot on the phone, about the phones.
Where do you go to see Canberra's most beautiful blossoms?
It feels a little early for spring but Canberra's beautiful blossoms are already starting to provide riotous colour around the city. But why do we have so many blossoms? ABC Canberra's Anna Vidot spoke to Rachael Dawes from Transport Canberra and City Services about how to find the best of the bunch.
Have you got one of these coins in your pocket? - ABC Canberra
If you have one of these coins in your pocket, you might want to hang on to it rather than spend it. Two of Australia's coins have been in internationally recognised in the Coin of the Year Awards. The $2 honey bee coin took out the best in circulation while the Great Barrier reef coin took out most artistic. ABC Radio's Anna Vidot spoke to CEO of the Royal Australian Mint Leigh Gordon about the very special - and now world-beating - coins.
ACT Government responds to Canberra man's death in NSW prison - ABC Canberra
The ACT Government has acknowledged the sadness of the death of a Canberra man in a NSW prison. TJ Dennis killed himself in the Silverwater Correctional Complex in New South Wales over the weekend. He had previously been depicted in a hangman game by Canberra prison staff. In response, Indigenous advocates have called for an inquiry into the circumstances which led to this tragedy.
Canberra business don't want Matildas public holiday - ABC Canberra
Calls for a public holiday if the Matildas win the FIFA Women's World Cup are growing louder as the tournament continues. But not everyone is convinced this idea has merit. Canberra Business Chamber chief executive Greg Harford told Drive's Anna Vidot there are better ways of celebrating, without hurting businesses.
ACT Government releases report from inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's prosecution
The ACT government has publicly released the report from the inquiry into the prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann. It's been done earlier than originally intended after copies were provided to select media outlets last week. All ten of the recommendations made by the inquiry have been accepted by the government. ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury spoke to Drive's Anna Vidot about the report's findings.
Your afternoon caffeine fix could be hurting your sleep - ABC Canberra
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Many of us start our day with a good strong coffee, but how many of us are guilty of also reaching for a 3pm (and even later) pick-me-up? That late caffeine fix could be having an impact on your sleep. On ABC Radio Canberra, Drive's Anna Vidot spoke to CEO of the Sleep Health Foundation Moira Junge about what that might be doing to your body.
By Anna Vidot Verified, Lottie Twyford Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
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