As we approach Easter, Jo sits down with local pastor’s wife Julia Collings to talk about faith, loss and community.

Julia shares her family’s experience of losing their home in a fire, their time in ministry in a mining town, and how it’s shaped the way she and her husband, Pastor Luke, now support others here in Yass.

You’ll also hear what’s happening over the Easter weekend at St Clement’s Anglican Church.

A warm, honest conversation to get to know Julia and gain a glimpse into life as a pastor’s wife in Yass.

Support the show: https://www.yassfm.org/

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We speak with Jeremy Roberts, Project Director, from Transgrid about the HumeLink East project in the Yass region - from increased road traffic and construction activity to local water and land impacts. Jeremy explains what’s happening now, what’s coming next, and the impact on the Yass Valley community.

Find out more about Hume Link East: Website and Community Newsletters

Support the show: https://www.yassfm.org/

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Jo catches up with Emma Webb, a local Bowning farmer and chair of the Binalong Bowning Community Action Group (BBCAG), for an update on the Bendenine Wind Project, including what the upcoming scoping report means for locals, what the community needs to do next, and how to get involved with the BBCAG. She also tells us all about the community BBQ on 28 March.

Contact the BBCAG

BBCAG Facebook Page

bbcactiongroup@gmail.com

Support the show: https://www.yassfm.org/

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To mark international women's Day, Jo speaks to Marina Maguire, our Yass Valley Australia Day Community Ambassador for 2026.

As a mentor and advocate for mental health, Marina works with people to rebuild confidence and navigate life’s next chapter through coaching, mentoring and equine-assisted programs. Her work with Remount, supporting veterans and their families, has made a significant contribution to the community.

Marina is also fresh from the Yass Valley Business Chamber International Women’s Day Breakfast, where she was part of the panel discussion alongside a group of distinguished local leaders - a wonderful example of women sharing their experience and leadership in a spirit of collaboration.

Connect with Marina

Remount Website

Remount Facebook

Gunben Website

Listen again to the Business Breakfast panel - Yass Valley Business Chamber

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Jo is joined by Judy Paterson and Karin Laird from the Yass & District Gardening Club for her monthly catch-up about what to to do in the garden this late summer/autumn. The lovely gardening ladies also have a good chat about water conservation and suitable drought tolerant plants in light of the Level One Water Restrictions that are in place across the Yass Valley.

Also included: roses- fruit trees - water crystals - Yass Valley Council Tree Management Strategy

Contact them:

yassdistrictgardenclub@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/YassGardeningClub

Support the show: https://www.yassfm.org/

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Step back in time for the upcoming Wee Jasper Heritage Fair, to be held 25–26 April 2026 over the ANZAC Day weekend. Wee Jasper local and Heritage Fair organiser Nathan joins Jo for a chat about the event that will bring rural Australian lost trades, artisan skills, and rich local history back to life.

The event, recognised by the National Trust of Australia and the ACT Heritage Festival, will feature traditional trades on display, including experts from Longford Academy Tasmania, Tharwa Valley Forge, Canberra Woodcraft Guild, Stonemasonry, and Bushskills Australia. There will also be guided tours of the recently restored 1800s police barracks, as featured on Restoration Australia.

Keep an eye on social media and local advertising for further details. To assist with logistics planning in historic Wee Jasper, visitors are asked to please register their attendance at the following link:
https://form.jotform.com/260421009796053

If you would like a market stall or more details about the event, please email Nathan on weejasperfair@gmail.com

Support the show: https://www.yassfm.org/

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What’s driving the sweet success of award-winning Murrumbateman? In this episode, Jo chat's with Yasmin Coe, founder of the Murrumbateman Chocolate Company, about chocolate, community and collaboration.

Yasmin talks about local producers raising the bar in Murrumbateman, award-winning events in the region, and the ways the community comes together to support the Makers of Murrumbateman.

As part of our new 'Wellbeing with Local Business' series in conjunction with the Yass Valley Business Chamber, this is a celebration of regional pride, collaboration, and local business — with chocolate at the heart of it.

Find and connect with local businesses through:

Yass Valley Chamber Business Directory.

Makers of Murrumbateman

Contact Yasmin Coe: Murrumbateman Chocolate Company

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Wellness Valley has a special guest host, John Thorne from Classic Yass Valley, leading a thoughtful conversation with Sally Walker - internationally recognised flautist, performer, academic and music educator.

Sally is a lecturer in Classical Performance (Woodwind) at the Australian National University, a guest Principal Flautist with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and an artist who has toured internationally. Reflecting on her recent performance with the Yass Music Club, she shares insights into her life, her career and living in the Yass Valley.

Support the show: https://www.yassfm.org/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.