In this recent broadcast, I appear reading a short extract from my book as well as in an interview with the multi-talented Karena Wynn-Moylan who presents a weekly program on community radio entitled Arts Canvass (from about 1’04”, coming out of a Billy Bragg song).
What is interesting about this interview in which I address the issue of the largely untold story about the three organisers behind the Drug Grannies’ adventure — Philip Shine, Vern Todd and Mr X — is that it is broadcast on Byron Bay-FM — the very station at which Philip Shine was general manager until 2023. After Shine served 6.5 of the 10 year German jail sentence for drug distribution, he returned to Sydney in the late 1980s.
Soon after, he began working in community radio where he remained involved for more than 35 years. In that time, he managed several stations including Eastside Bondi, 2SER Sydney and lastly, BAYFM 99.9. Philip Shine was also involved with Australia’s early digital radio network and spent time as a board member of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA). In October 2022, he was recognised by the CBAA with its Michael Law award in honour of his sustained and outstanding contribution to Australia’s community broadcast sector.
I have met Philip Shine once: in jail in Darmstadt in 1982 (p266 in the book) where Shine was awaiting sentencing in his trial. Despite numerous direct and indirect approaches, Philip Shine has refused to tell me his side of the story. Maybe one day …
🎤 Here is the interview:
🎤 And here is where I read an excerpt from the book:
Sandi Logan 