Open Learning — The City of the Bush — This program introduces the Bulletin magazine and some of the writers who contributed to it. The debate between two of the most famous Bulletin writers, "Banjo" Paterson and Henry Lawson — over the relative merits and shortcomings of the bush and the city — are examined. ABC Radio National, Wednesday, October 12, 11.05am.
The Coming Out Show — Young Women and Sex — With Kath Duncan and Jackie May. This program, made by two young women, covers "the first time", safe sex, young motherhood and cultural difference. The phone lines are opened up to hear what young women think about sex in the '90s, with studio guests on hand to bounce ideas and attitudes around. ABC Radio National, Thursday, October 13, 7.15pm.
That's History — The Liberal Party: "You Can't Win with Menzies!" — It was said as late as 1948, "You can't win with Menzies!" Old hatreds and suspicions made many doubtful of his electoral chances; but Menzies campaigned well in 1949, appealing to women voters and those alienated by postwar rationing. The Liberals went on to hold government for the next 23 years. But their hold on office was not as easy as it might look now, especially in their first few years in office. ABC Radio National, Friday, October 14, 7.10pm.
Books and Writing — Melbourne Writers' Festival — Interviews, panel discussions and highlights. ABC Radio National, Sunday, October 16, 7.25pm.
Just Jazz — Encompassing the world of jazz from early Ragtime to Swing and Big Band singers, male and female. With information on what's happening here and around the world, the program has an emphasis on Australian jazz. 2SER-FM, Sundays, 11.30pm.
Soundstage — Stirrings Still — Two short monologues by Samuel Beckett. A Piece of Monologue, performed by Ronald Pickup, was originally broadcast to celebrate Beckett's 80th birthday. Stirrings Still, performed by Barry McGovern, was the last work Beckett wrote before he died in 1989. Both monologues deal with time, existence and mortality in Beckett's rhythmic, hypnotic prose style. A BBC production. ABC Classic FM, Tuesday, October 18, 8pm.
(In Tasmania, ABC programs are one hour later than listed.)