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Charles Edwards was a Prisoner of War in World War 2 spending a total of 1301 days in captivity. His bloody yet compelling story is one of extreme courage, sacrifice and a lot of luck.

In 1998, twenty hours into an abduction case involving a 16-year-old girl, Sergeant Peter Anderson was alone, crawling through a 100 year-old mineshaft with a dodgy torch. As he moved ahead through the damp tunnel, he came across a roll of black tape, a shovel and a large roll of plastic. He now feared the worst possible outcome.

Andrew Wallace has spent the last 20 years as a dedicated pathways co-ordinator helping students think about their future; but Andrew is also deeply passionate about the past.   Serving as a current member and former president of the Ballarat Historical Society, the group actively contributes to preserving and archiving local historical facts, reflecting their commitment to the community’s heritage.

David O’Neill’s Journey, is one woven with words. Crafting rhymes at the age of 15, he turned that skill into a thriving career in journalism and communication.  Now Dave is pursuing his dream of becoming a published author. He sat down and chatted with us about his first book "The Seagull that soared".

If you live in Ballarat, there’s a good chance you know Liana Emerson from somewhere. Maybe the Ballarat National Theatre? Winning this year’s Citizen of the year? Perhaps you know her from her band or possibly the tweed ride? Or maybe it’s from her personal style blog Finding Femme? There’s once thing for certain though …Liana knows herself. 

Andrew Sutherland, a multi-talented individual, possessing a unique blend of skills while maintaining an unassuming demeanour. As a poet, playwright, author, singer and lecturer, he has spent the past two decades away from Ballarat, dedicating his time to teaching in China. Now, he has returned to his hometown, bringing with him a wealth of experiences and insights.

Meet Ash Bedford, a distinctive personal trainer whose deep involvement in shamanic healing, sacred medicines, and yoga has not just helped him overcome personal struggles with depression but has also enriched him with invaluable insights to support others on their journey. 

Tim Sedgwick is an artist exploring different ways of expression, ideas and techniques in many forms through several artistic fields. “When I had secret birthday wishes, I wished I'd become an artist and create interesting things. My wish has come true. My dream came true. I am having so much fun.”  TIM SEDGWICK

Leigh Ericksen, the innovative mind behind Stoke Design, embarked on a remarkable venture in 2019 by founding a web and design studio. Fuelled by his desire to achieve a better work-life balance and spend quality time with his young family, Leigh was willing to do whatever it took to create a thriving business. I spoke to him about his journey and the invaluable lessons he learnt along the way.

Written by AI:  In this episode, we delve into the intriguing realm of artificial intelligence, featuring professor Peter Vamplew, a highly esteemed authority in the field. It is with great pleasure that we welcome him as our guest on the 20 Square Blocks podcast. Together, we embark on a captivating expedition, venturing into the forefront of AI research, examining its far-reaching effects on society, and delving into the profound ethical dilemmas that emerge in this rapidly advancing domain. Prepare yourself for an enlightening experience as we navigate the enthralling landscape of artificial intelligence within the dynamic framework of our podcast.

Michael Westlake is a master of creating soundscapes, carefully composing auditory experiences that transport audiences to other realms. Yet, amidst the symphony of his creative endeavours, he finds peace in the serene simplicity of silence, often finding solace in meditation to tap into his inner muse. https://www.michaelwestlakemusic.com.au/

Life is an adventure. Full of excitement, pain and a hell of a lot of mistakes that if we’re wise enough, we learn from. Zane Harris certainly learnt from his.