Ross Solly
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One time breakfast presenter, political reporter, sports editor at abc radio.. now living in London and Lausanne.
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Articles by Ross Solly
The first Koels arrive in Canberra for love
Have you heard the call of the Koel bird in your backyard yet? The first Koels have migrated south and are starting to be heard all over Canberra. Kim Farley from Canberra Birds joined Roving Reporter Mary Goode in a bird hide at Jerrabomberra Wetlands this morning on ABC Radio Canberra Breakfast. Ms Farley says the birds have become more common after first arriving in Canberra in the 1970s. Ms Farley says while they didn't used to breed here, they now do. Ms Farley says they're an interesting bird.
Meet The Canberra Local Who Started Cathy Freeman's Historic Race
On the 25th September 2000, at the Sydney Olympic Games, Cathy Freeman took to the race track to secure the gold in a 400m final that stopped the nation. ABC Canberra Breakfast spoke to the local who played an integral role in this historic event — the man who fired the starting gun. His name is Mal Davies, and he is 92 years old. Ross Solly asked him about his unique role in this unforgettable moment in Australia's sporting history.
Peter Cain reveals why he left the shadow ministry - ABC listen
Liberal MLA for Ginninderra Peter Cain resigned from the shadow ministry "effective immediately" last Thursday citing concerns about the party's leadership. He has now revealed what led to that decision in his first interview since the move.
Leanne Castley speaks following Peter Cain's dramatic resignation - ABC listen
Opposition leader Leanne Castley has sat down with ABC Canberra's Ross Solly following the dramatic resignation of Shadow Minister Peter Cain yesterday afternoon. The Senior Liberal told ABC Canberra, "I know as much as you do".
The ANU Vice-Chancellor responds to the Nixon review - ABC listen
The Australian National University's (ANU) Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell sits down with ABC Canberra's Ross Solly following the release of a damning independent review into the culture at the ANU. The review outlined eight key findings and 17 recommendations.
Your Canberra Candidates: The ACT Senate Race
ABC Canberra Breakfast sits down with the key candidates from each ACT electorate ahead of the 2025 election. Ross Solly was joined by candidates for the ACT Senate, sitting Senator's, Labor representative Katy Gallagher and Independent representative David Pocock, as well as challengers Jacob Vadakkedathu from the Liberal party and Greens candidate Christina Hobbs to hear their pitches ahead of May 3rd. Australian Federal Elections, State and Territory Elections, Voting, Government Policy
Your Canberra Candidates: The Electorate of Riverina
ABC Canberra Breakfast sits down with the key candidates from each ACT electorate ahead of the 2025 election. Ross Solly was joined by representatives from the Electorate of Riverina, current National member Michael McCormack, Labor representative Mark Jeffreson and Greens representative Pheonix Valxori to hear their pitches ahead of May 3rd.
Your Canberra Candidates: The Electorate of Eden-Monaro
ABC Canberra Breakfast sits down with the key candidates from each ACT electorate ahead of the 2025 election. Ross Solly was joined by representatives from the Electorate of Eden-Monaro, current Labor MP Kristy McBain, Liberal representative Jo van der Plaat and Greens representative Emma Goward to hear their pitches ahead of May 3rd.
Your Canberra Candidates: The Electorate of Bean
ABC Canberra Breakfast sits down with the key candidates from each ACT electorate ahead of the 2025 election. Ross Solly was joined by representatives from the Electorate of Bean, current Labor MP David Smith, Liberal representative David Lamerton, Greens representative Sam Carter and Independent representative Jessie Price to hear their pitches ahead of May 3rd.
ACT Heritage Council knocks back Forrest church application
The Wesley Uniting Church in Forrest have had their ACT Heritage Council application knocked back. Ross Solly sat down with Heritage Council ACT Deputy Chair Catherine Skipington to understand what characterises heritage buildings in the ACT.
Your Canberra Candidates: The Electorate of Fenner
ABC Canberra Breakfast sits down with the key candidates from each ACT electorate ahead of the 2025 election. Ross Solly was joined by representatives from the Electorate of Fenner, current Labor MP Andrew Leigh, Liberal representative Bola Olatunbosun and Greens representative Dani Hunterford to hear their pitches ahead of May 3rd.
What is your vision for Commonwealth Park?
What do you want to see what's included in upgrades to Commonwealth Park? The National Capital Authority has today launched its new revitalisation concept plan and is asking the Australian community for feedback. ABC Canberra's Ross Solly sat down with NCA chief executive Karen Doran to find out more.
The ACT election washup with Ross Solly
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After writing a book about 40 years of the Raiders, this author has a few thoughts on the 2024 season - ABC listen
While Raiders fans crossed their fingers and hoped for the rare event of a draw, it was not to be as Newcastle defeated the Dolphins 14-6 at Hunter Stadium. The result means the Raiders NRL season is officially over, finishing in ninth place on the ladder. Raiders fan and author of 'The Milk', a book about 40 years of the Raiders, Matt Cleary joined Ross Solly on ABC Canberra Drive to discuss the 2024 season.
Bill Shorten leaves politics to be Vice Chancellor of the University of Canberra
Bill Shorten retired from politics today after almost two decades in parliament and announced his next job would be Vice Chancellor of the University of Canberra. UC Chancellor Lisa Paul AO told Ross Solly the university was "very lucky" to have secured the former union heavyweight for the top job. Ms Paul confirmed Mr Shorten would not be paid as much as his predecessor, Paddy Nixon, who received a $1.8 million salary in 2023. University of Canberra, Education, Government and Politics
Former INXS songwriter Andrew Farriss is coming to Canberra
Musician Andrew Farriss, is best known for his role as the keyboardist, backing vocalist, and main composer for rock band INXS. Stay tuned for dates, because Farriss told ABC Canberra Breakfast that he plans to come to Canberra on his next tour, to perform a show which he describes as a country-rock-folk fusion. ABC Canberra's Ross Solly spoke to Farriss about his life, career with INXS and upcoming tour.
What's the smell at the Mugga Lane tip?
Since 2015, residents of certain Tuggeranong suburbs have been impacted by the smell coming from the Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre. Residents are saying that the smell has become "unbearable", with some reporting that they feel they are unable to open their windows because it is so bad. A petition has been brought to the Legislative Assembly calling for the ACT government to investigate the issue and take appropriate action to manage the smell and protect residents' health and wellbeing.
Filmmaker George Gittoes has documented the lives of anti-war artists in Ukraine and Afghanistan
A new documentary by filmmaker George Gittoes, ‘Ukraine Guernica: Art Not War’ follows the lives of anti-war artists in conflict zones. Gittoes has created a series of anti-war documentaries since the US-invasion of Iraq in 2003 and has worked with peacekeepers in Somalia and Nicaragua. The ABC’s Ross Solly spoke to Gittoes on Canberra Drive about his newest documentary and the artists he met in Ukraine.
Official portrait of outgoing Governor-General David Hurley references Black Summer bushfires - ABC listen
Outgoing Governor-General David Hurley has been honoured with an official portrait in the Member’s Hall inside Parliament House. Former Australian National University painting lecturer Jude Rae is the artist behind the portrait, which references the Black Summer bushfires. ABC Radio Canberra’s Ross Solly spoke to Rae about the portrait and her inspiration.
Four long-standing childcare centres at the ANU face an uncertain future after the university decided to end their licenses
Parents of children at four childcare centres at the Australian National University (ANU) are devastated after they were told the centres' licenses would not be renewed. The ANU says the licenses will end in six months due to issues with maintaining the heritage-listed buildings where the childcare centres are located. Parents say the university has neglected the buildings and want the licenses extended for a further six months while community consultation is conducted.
Fading plumage: Canberra's cockatoos in the grip of circovirus
Cockatoos throughout Canberra have been observed with feather loss due to Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (psittacine circovirus). The virus leads to abnormalities in feathers and beaks, as well as immune system suppression, often resulting in high mortality rates. Transmission occurs among birds through contaminated food, excrement, and airborne feather particles. ABC's Ross Solly interviewed avian specialist Dr Grainne Cleary for insights into this concerning issue.
Solly's Satirical Singalong: Why is that smell so rancid? By Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds
Lyrics written by the ABC Canberra Drive listeners to the tune of "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" by Leo Sayer You've got a poop pump, not working What could that awful smell be Just close the door, before your walking It’s a pong, hanging on the breeze They're in a game, you know Bankin' on a win , you know Why is this smell so rancid Knew that smell there, straight away Something in Bruce smellin’ rancid They knew this, before yesterday It’s far from being enchantin’ Let me be candid, it’s...
University speaks with ABC Radio Canberra about protests - ABC listen
"They've been given a very clear direction and we hope that they listen to that direction." Those are the words of the Australian National University (ANU) Deputy Vice Chancellor to students at a pro-Palestine encampment on campus. Student protesters have been given a deadline of midday tomorrow to leave or risk facing further police involvement.
Jewish ANU students say encampment is a "glorification of violence" making them feel unsafe on campus
Gaza solidarity encampments have spread to university campuses across Australia, inspired by the movement on university campuses in the US. A number of students camped out on the ANU's Kambri Lawn on Monday night as part of a protest led by ANUSA, the ANU Students' Association.
ANU Gaza solidarity encampment organiser says Hamas "deserves our unconditional support"
Students at the ANU in Canberra have set up a Gaza solidarity encampment on campus in a move mirroring protests occurring at universities across the United States. Protest organisers Beatrice Tucker and Luke Harrison joined Ross Solly in the studio. Ms Tucker said she "would not condemn" the October 7 Hamas attack. "I actually say that Hamas deserve our unconditional support .... not because I agree with their strategy ... (I have) complete disagreements with that," she said.
Former Deputy Secretary of Defence calls for "shake-up" of senior staff in the "bureaucratic paradise" - ABC listen
A former Deputy Secretary of Defence has called for a "shake-up" of "senior people" in the Department and said defence had a problem of "learned helplessness." Today, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the government will spend an extra $50 billion on defence over the next decade. Total government investment in the military is expected to reach $330 billion through to 2033-34.
Justice Lee found Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins. What happens now?
Former NSW Supreme Court judge Anthony Whealy KC told the ABC's Ross Solly he expects Bruce Lehrmann will likely appeal findings that he raped Brittany Higgins in 2019. Mr Whealy - now the chair of the Centre for Public Integrity - also said he believed a second criminal trial was unlikely to happen. Bruce Lehrmann's initial criminal trial was abandoned due to juror misconduct with no findings against him.
Should the government rename a building because of links to colonial history? - ABC listen
Canberra community opening their wallets to save its only professional football team
Canberra community opening their wallets to save its only professional football team - ABC listen
Former Matilda Sue Read has met with Capital Football to discuss the future of Canberra United. She's heading a grassroots campaign to save the club with donations from the community, aiming for $300,000. The group had raised more than $40,000 by Monday afternoon. She spoke with Ross Solly after meeting with Capital Football's CEO and chairperson.
What would you do if you found a time capsule in your kitchen? - ABC listen
In 2002, a man wrote a note to the future and hid it in his house. 'My name is Greg Sheedy. I lived here from 1999...I am a plumber who works at the National Zoo and Aquarium... I am a professional skydiving instructor...I hope whoever finds this time capsule is in good health and has a ball while you are on the planet!' 22 years later, the letter has resurfaced on the Internet after a Canberran found the time capsule hidden under a kitchen cabinet.
Delta's back, chanelling the 1980s with her first song of the year - ABC listen
More than 20 years since Delta Goodrem burst onto the scene with her Innocent Eyes album, the celebrated singer is still churning out the hits with her new single 'Hearts on the Run'. The Aussie icon channels the 1980s with her first song of the year. Delta spoke with the ABC's Ross Solly about being a role model, bouncing back from cancer and her long career in the limelight since age 15.
Solly's Satirical Singalong: Where the Flowers Grow [Somebody that I Used to Know] by The Cashews
Lyrics written by the ABC Canberra Drive listeners to the tune of "Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye I remember when I brought the Nationals together I thought weatherboard and iron were our tickets to the sky I spoke words that only made sense to me And often said them in the wrong company But that was then and now I’m just a backbench member Think I got addicted to the public adulation Believing all my own press, looked a mess Then I found people were taking offence I ended up putting...
Tampons, toothbrushes and toasters to have 'nuisance' tariffs cut - will it save you money?
The federal government will cut the five per cent import tariff for nearly 500 items, including period products, pyjamas, and dodgem cars. But experts say it’s not going to be a huge relief from the cost-of-living crisis. Have a listen to this easy to understand explainer with Peter Martin AM, business and economy editor at The Conversation and a visiting fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University.
The National Vietnam War Memorial in Canberra vandalised - ABC listen
The National Vietnam War Memorial in Canberra has been vandalised this week with comments relating to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The memorial was spray painted in large red letters with phrases such as 'free Gaza' and 'eyes on Rafah'. ACT Policing said it happened at night and while police are aware of similar incidents in the city, they can't confirmed if they are related. John King from the ACT branch of the RSL spoke with ABC Canberra's Ross Solly about his disappointment in the actions.
Barrie Cassidy on what's happening during Enlighten at Old Parliament House in 2024
The Enlighten Festival has come to Canberra. Old Parliament House is stepping back in time to the 1980s, welcoming guests to a free evening of music, dance aerobis and some jazzed up costumes. Barrie Cassidy is the chair of the Museum of Australian Democracy, also known as Old Parliament House. He spoke with ABC Canberra's Ross Solly about the night and the work that the Museum does to shed light on the unsung heroes of Old Parliament House.
Mankini Equestrian Rider Shane Rose bares all with ABC Canberra Radio - ABC listen
Equestrian Australia has cleared three-time Olympian Shane Rose of wrongdoing after investigating a complaint about his attire during a fancy dress event last weekend. Rose wore an orange mankini during the competition at Wallaby Hill, south of Sydney. Equestrian Australia says it was standard practice to stand him down from competition while it conducted a review but the association has concluded he didn't breach the sport's code of conduct. The rider says he's been overwhelmed by public support.
Should politicians be subject to random breath testing at work? - ABC listen
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected the need for federal politicians to be subjected to random alcohol testing at parliament. But what does the public think? ABC Canberra producer Saskia Mabin hit the streets of Manuka to ask punters how they think their representatives should behave.
'Being [locked] in a car full of bug spray would be safer than drinking the Yass water'!
"Pure dirt... brown... really bad... " That's how the residents of Yass have described the quality of their water. Residents in the NSW towns of Yass, Murrumbateman, Bowning and Binalong have been told their water is unsafe to drink due to recent rainfall and floods have caused problems with water treatment. Yass Valley council told residents of the situation in a post of their Facebook page.
Is Canberra the city of love? - ABC listen
Is Valentines Day a sweet and sentimental tradition or a commercial trap? Drive producer Saskia Mabin hit the streets where of Canberra flower bouquets were selling like hot cakes and couples were enjoying romantic lunches to find out how Canberrans like to celebrate Valentines Day.
Why these parents are against fencing Farrer Primary School
A plan to erect a fence around Farrer Primary School has been met with pushback from concerned parents. Cybelle Ledez is one such parent. She spoke with ABC Canberra's Ross Solly on why most parents are against the fence, some still on the fence, and others in favour. The Education Directorate has been approached for comment.
ACT Greens are on a path for rental relief but what is the financial situation for a regular Canberran?
"The housing market is cooked." Those are the words of ACT Greens MLA Jo Clay who presented a Bill for an Act to essentially to freeze rent increases completely for two years, stop large rent increases between leases, and stop rent bidding. Ms Clay joined ABC Canberra's Ross Solly to talk about how it could practically be implented in the ACT while ABC Producer Saskia Mabin hit the streets of Mawson to see how Canberrans were managing their wallets in this cost of living crisis.
British rock band The Animals are about to embark on their Australian farewell tour
'House of the Rising Sun' was once considered one of the biggest songs - in fact many consider it to be the very first folk rock hit song. Drummer John Steel first formed The Animals when he and Eric Burdon met as art-school dropouts. Sixty years later, John is still fulfilling the legacy. He joined Ross Solly on ABC Radio Canberra Drive ahead of the band's final tour to Australia in March.
ACT Bar Association resists calls for removing good character references in sentencing convicted paedophiles - ABC listen
Child sex abuse advocates have labelled the ACT Bar Association's resistance to removing good character as a factor in sentencing offenders as tone deaf and a direct insult to abuse survivors. Child sex abuse survivor Harrison James is one of the leaders of the Your Reference Ain't Relevant campaign, which argues that a perception of "good character" is used by perpetrators to groom their victims, and this shouldn't assist convicted paedophiles in being handed a more lenient sentence.
If October's 2024 ACT Election was called right now... who would you vote for? - ABC listen
If the ACT Election was called today, who would you vote for? ABC Drive hit the streets and asked the people of Belconnen who they'd vote in and why. The answers might surprise you. Later, the ABC's chief analyst Antony Green chatted with Ross Solly about the results and what he thinks will come of this year's election.
Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud calls Canberra the "archetypal Australian city" ahead of his visit next month
If October's 2024 ACT Election was called right now... who would you vote for?
ACT pricing watchdog warns power prices could jump by more than $300 per year
The Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission has estimated that power prices could increase by 17% increase on average in 2024-2025. That's an extra $320 per year.
Explaining the stage three tax cuts with ACT Senator and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher
An overhaul of the stage three tax cuts will see the country's highest earners receive a smaller tax cut than they were expecting but there will be a bigger benefit for the majority of taxpayers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the details of the biggest policy shift in his government's first term when he addressed the National Press Club. The cuts are due to come into effect at the start of the next financial year, July 1.
Canberran Andrew Myssonski is running a marathon everyday in February 2024
Canberra-born Billy Bourchier to take stage as Tony in West Side Story
Canberra-born Billy Bourchier to take stage as Tony in West Side Story - ABC listen
Canberra's very own born and bred performer Billy Bourchier will be starring as the lead role of Tony in West Side Story on Sydney Harbour. The tenor joins Koa Kuku Yalanji Wakka Wakka soprano Nina Korbe who will star as Maria in the musical tale of a modern day Romeo and Juliet in New York City. Billy spoke with ABC Canberra's Ross Solly about his debut and finding out his talent for singing during a mandatory school choir audition.
Is it time for Australia's first Indigenous governor general? - ABC listen
David Hurley's five-year term as governor general of Australia will end later this year. The big question is, who will take over? Ross Solly spoke with Professor Tom Calma AO, co-chair of Reconciliation Australia and the 2023 Senior Australian of the Year, about whether the next governor general should be an Indigenous Australian.
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