Hi there, my name is Annabelle Moore, I am 24 years old, a born and bred Sydney sider, and I'm thrilled to be studying the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting at AFTRS. For as long as I can remember, my deep passion has always been for voice and the spoken word. I want to turn this natural gift of mine into a future career. Growing up I religiously competed in every speech eisteddfod and debate competition available, including representing my state and placing 2nd overall in Australia. I also completed a Certificate of Communication at just 17 years old. Outside of AFTRS - I am a proud ‘theatre kid’, working as a front-of-house usher at two of Sydney's most prestigious theatres the Sydney Lyric and Capitol Theatre. My hope for this course is to gain hands-on knowledge and experience and establish connections into an industry I care so deeply about.

After initially discovering community-led radio at university several decades ago, I have been involved with radio whenever work permitted, and recently joined the team at the local community station. Following an initial career working in both sports management and software development, I spent many years as an IT Programme Director and consultant, working throughout Australia and internationally. After winding down my career, I decided to return to study, and over the past three years, have completed a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing and Publishing, a master’s degree in Journalism, plus diplomas in Education Technology and Digital Journalism/AI. I am now undertaking advanced studies in journalism while working as a university researcher. A year ago, my love of radio led me to commence the part-time Diploma of Radio and Podcasting at AFTRS, where I can combine my passion for radio with my journalism skills, with the goal of working to develop the skills of future journalists and radio broadcasters as a media academic.

While on mat leave from my project management role, I found myself wondering how I’d drifted so far from my first love—storytelling. I joined a local writer’s group, armed with what I thought was a solid nonfiction piece. The feedback? Brutal. But one person pulled me aside and said, “I hear a great podcast in this.” That single comment sent me down a rabbit hole of binge-listening. Before I knew it, I was studying radio and podcasting at TAFE and applying for AFTRS. With previous experience in news, content, and communications, I’m excited to have discovered audio as a medium for crafting stories with depth that remind listeners of our shared humanity.

Before enrolling at AFTRS, I completed my Certificate 4 and Diploma in radio and podcasting at TAFE, and have been passionately volunteering at my local community radio station since high school. I am studying the Graduate Diploma at AFTRS to help me further develop my skills, and open me up to a wide world of opportunity within the creative industry. Once completing my studies I would love to work as a music programmer or music journalist, wishfully for a broadcast such as Triple J or Rage.

I'm Karl Svikis and I'm studying radio and podcasting because I love talking and being behind a microphone! Before enrolling at AFTRS, I'd been working as a voiceover for 7 years and completed my Cert IV and Diploma in Radio and Podcasting! When I finish my studies I would like to be either the host of a radio show or podcast!

I’m Kelly Monisse — a lifelong storyteller who believes a good conversation can fix almost anything… except maybe a bad haircut. I’m studying radio and podcasting because I’m fascinated by the way audio creates connection — how a single story, told well, can make you laugh, cry – or completely rethink your life choices on your morning walk! Pre-AFTRS, I’ve been working as a professional actor and voice-over artist working in film, tv, theatre and commercial spaces. I’ve also dipped my toes in the world of copywriting and content creation – learning how to share ideas that stop the scroll and craft stories that slap. As for what’s next? I’m open. I love learning from other people’s stories, exploring big ideas and playing in the theatre of the mind. Whether I find myself and skills suited to the fast-paced world of radio or creating long form podcasts … watch this space!

I come from the world of print, but I've grown to love the world audio, particularly narrative audio, and the possibilities of audio storytelling. As host of All the Best at FBi 94.5, I have the privilege of presenting the work of incredible audio storytellers. I look forward to learning, and working, in different formats and just want to learn as much as I can.

I’m studying radio and podcasting because I want to be able to tell the best stories possible and keep doing that for the rest of my life.   Before enrolling at AFTRS I presented The Tuesday Daily show on 2SER where I got to speak to lots of cool people and do some very fun things, including doing an entire show from Manly beach and interviewing Greg Page, the original Yellow Wiggle!   When I finish my studies I would like to work somewhere that I am able to be creative and put together my own show, podcast, segment… anything really. As long as I get to make something that I enjoy and am proud of, I will be happy.

Hello, my name is Leroy Creed-Jones. I was born and bred in Cairns located in Far North Queensland. But now I am living in Brisbane for better opportunities and to be closer to my family, my mother, my sisters, and my nieces and nephews. I am studying radio and podcasting because I wanted to get better at radio on a professional level. What I am most proud of is when I graduated Year 12 I was the first one in my family to do so, after a rough 3 years when my Dad passed. Before I enrolled at AFTRS I got my diploma in Film and Television at Batchelor Institute in 2017. Then I took a break to think about my career. I realised I enjoy hands-on media work. So I made the decision to study at AFTRS. I would like to use the skills I’ve learned when I graduate AFTRS, I’d want to start a podcast for a First Nation audience. And start my own radio station.

I’m studying radio and podcasting because I want to be the kind of storyteller that can give back to my audience and make a difference. Before enrolling at AFTRS, I had put my life on hold to be a full-time carer for my late aunt, who was battling cancer. I’m forever grateful to have had that opportunity because it changed my outlook on life. When I finish my studies I would like to have refined a podcast concept on heartbreak stories that will resonate with an audience and help them heal.

I am studying radio and podcasting to further develop my skills in creative and entertaining audio storytelling for an audience. Before enrolling at AFTRS, I have over twenty years of experience as a performer, promotor, producer and commentator in Australian professional wrestling. I produced the series Underworld Wrestling (2018-2019), which streamed on Amazon Prime Video (2018-2022.) When I finish my studies, I would like to work on various radio platforms, telling entertaining tales while also producing podcasts which showcase unique forms of audio storytelling.

I’m studying radio because it’s always been a world that I’ve been drawn to. My mum wouldn’t allow TV and there was a radio on in each room, all tuned to a different station when I was a kid. I’m studying this degree in the hopes that I can have a career at talkback stations. Once my studies are complete, I’d love to work for the ABC, I’m particularly drawn to Melbourne’s ABC Local station and the programme ABC Overnights.

Hello, I'm Micah Kickett, originally from Broken Hill NSW but also have connections to WA. I have a legal background and have worked as a criminal defence lawyer for a number of years, but have always been interested in the creative space, more around film & television, but recently I was volunteering as a broadcaster at the community radio station 2DFRYFM in Broken Hill. I found a love for radio and now work as a First Nations Affairs Reporter with the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) in partnership with the National Indigenous Radio Services (NIRS) and the Koori Mail. I decided to join AFTRS so I could learn the technical elements to producing radio and podcasts. I am still exploring what it is I ulitamely want to do in this space, but other than being a lawyer, I enjoy stand up comedy so could see myself having my own radio show or a podcast series to showcase my more humorous side.

I'm a passionate & quirky music, media & radio nerd. After working in the Commercial Radio industry over the last few years, I decided to study Radio & Podcasting to further enhance my skills, gain more confidence by collaborating with like-minded creatives, and network to benefit my future career. Before enrolling at AFTRS, I felt privileged to be mentored by some amazing industry professionals whilst working at Triple M Newcastle, but I knew there was still so much more for me to learn! When I finish my studies, my ultimate goal would be to land a job at the ABC, specifically at Triple J, Double J, or Triple J Unearthed.

I joined radio and podcasting because I love comedy, being collaborative and being creative. I feel as though radio is a stable career where I can explore these interests. Before enrolling at AFTRS I was a video editor at Fox Sports and worked as an assistant producer on The Back Page Live TV show. When I finish my studies I would love to work on a podcast/radio station where my interest in comedy can be explored, such as Triple J, ABC, the Aunty Donna podcast or the Hamish and Andy podcast.

Rachael Bourke is a panel operator based in Townsville, North Queensland- with a passion for stories and the people behind them! Whether she’s in a studio or out in the community, Rachael thrives on meaningful connections and reckons the best stories aren’t just told but felt. After two years of Journalism studies at James Cook University, Rachael decided to focus on her true passion (radio) and embarked on a Diploma of Radio & Podcasting online with AFTRS.

“The quieter you become, the more that you hear.” – Ram Dass   Hi, I’m Rebecca Graham, and I am absolutely thrilled to be studying radio and podcasting this year—proving to myself that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Arriving at GDRP 2025 feels like I’ve found my tribe, and I couldn’t be more excited to be here.   I am deeply honoured, humbled, and filled with immense joy to be selected as the recipient of the Glenn Daniel Smooth FM Scholarship. I am committed to upholding his legacy through my work in news and current affairs, while also exploring my passion for storytelling—whether it’s sharing unique experiences, uncovering unheard voices, or simply lulling listeners to sleep with a beautifully narrated bedtime story.   When I’m not in the studio, you’ll likely find me ocean swimming, practicing yoga, or striking up conversations with strangers.   Looking forward to an incredible journey ahead!

I’m studying radio and podcasting to gain further skills from industry experts and gain paid work. Before enrolling at AFTRS, I worked in pathology labs in NSW and Victoria for 15 years after completing my BSc in Biochemistry with Microbiology & Immunology electives at UNSW and MSc Medical Biochemistry at UTS. After having 3 kids. I started my own community radio show and completed my certificate 3 in screen and media. I won many awards for my community work in radio including Outstanding Volunteer of the Year 2024 from CBAA, Channel 7 Community Awards nominee, Local Citizen of the Year nominee. I am also a represented actor and model and have appeared in many films, TV productions and commercials to represent diversity. When I finish my studies, I would like to use my audio skills in commercial podcasting or radio.

With a background in animation and drawing for Disney, moving into radio was an obvious natural progression. I began my audio career as a casual producer for ABC radio and last year i made the brave move to apply for AFTRS. I am in my second and last year now and grateful that ABC still let me in the building, now as a full time contract producer. I work with legendary presenter Kim Napier on the ABC Northern Tasmania breakfast programme.