Blind Magic in Alice Springs

Hosted by Murray Stewart on episode 1,637 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, this episode centers on a passionate local dispute and the formation of a new Ratepayers Association. Murray explains why he’s committed to making Alice Springs his permanent home, why he helped create the Ratepayers Association, and what the group intends to protect — the towns history, its future, and the contributions of long-time volunteers.
The conversation covers the current conflict with the mayor and supporters of the Astor Hill proposal, concerns about divisive tactics being used by opponents, and the emotional debate around proposals such as renaming the town to "Mubuntawa." Murray defends local volunteers and community organizations, highlights the importance of sporting facilities that benefit groups like Running Academy Central Australia, the Desert Sports Foundation, and local athletics clubs, and expresses gratitude for contributions from people associated with the Australian-American defence facility.
Key points include Murrays call for respectful, democratic discourse rather than verbal aggression, his refusal to accept attacks on other community volunteers, and his determination to protect the town9s identity and the people who have built and supported it. Heather is briefly consulted on the episode number, and Murray reiterates his commitment to lead the Ratepayers Association in a positive, community-focused way moving forward.

murray talks about keeping ourself fit as we grow older

Episode 1634 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs features host Murray Stewart sharing a warm, playful take on connecting with young children as a vision-impaired grandparent. Murray opens with a chat about how he and a close friend from his support team sometimes struggle to relate to kids aged roughly 1–10, while feeling much more at home with teenagers from his athletics coaching background.
To bridge that gap, Murray describes a creative sound-based alternative to "I Spy": a game he calls "I Hear With My Little Ear." He recounts bringing the idea to life with his grandson (Hendrix) while visiting Cairns, and how the youngster loved the game. The episode includes lighthearted demonstrations of animal impersonations — Murray tries a rooster and the iconic Australian kookaburra — and teases a friendly challenge when he calls to play again.
Along the way Murray speaks with a member of his support team (a good friend) and touches base with Jin, offering listeners both company and encouragement. The conversation highlights practical tips for caregivers and grandparents: adapt activities to your abilities, lean into sound and imagination, and don’t be afraid to be silly — children respond to playfulness and shared laughter.
This episode blends gentle humour, real-life examples, and simple, actionable ideas for anyone wanting to deepen bonds with young children — especially when sight-based games aren’t an option. Produced by Blind Magic Communications, the show celebrates creative connection, family storytelling, and the value of playful experimentation.

Host Murray Stewart presents episode 1633 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, opening with a clear message of gratitude to the United States for its historical and ongoing partnership with Australia. Murray discusses AUKUS and the local Australian–American Defence Facility, explaining its surveillance role and significance for security across the South Pacific.The episode highlights the economic and social benefits the base has brought to Alice Springs over decades: jobs, construction projects like medical and sporting facilities, and personal contributions from US personnel and their families. Murray shares personal anecdotes about volunteers and community support—such as assistance with council work, fundraising for youth sports through the Desert Sports Foundation, and everyday courtesy from American residents—painting a picture of strong local ties.Murray explains why he and fellow Rate Payers Association members support keeping the base in town, arguing the facility is vital to both local prosperity and national defence. He criticises what he calls “extreme left anti‑American” sentiment and says he and others will make their views known to local leadership, urging respect and gratitude for the alliance and its history.The conversation turns to recent public debates in Australia, including the Sydney Swans saga and claims that political rhetoric is being used to demonise men. Murray cautions against sweeping generalisations, highlights examples of male heroism (police rescuing a woman and her dog, lifesavers and bystanders saving shark-attack victim Leah Stewart), and stresses that domestic violence is a community issue requiring mutual respect and collective action rather than blanket condemnation.Throughout the episode Murray balances local anecdotes, national security concerns, and social commentary—encouraging listeners to recognise the positive contributions of many, defend important alliances, and work together to address violence and uphold respectful behaviour. This episode is a mix of gratitude, civic advocacy, and a call for nuance in public debates.

Strap yourself in: Episode 1632 of Blind Magic and Alice Springs features host Murray Stewart sharing a passionate message to coaches and mentors about the transformative power of athletics. Murray opens with a personal memory — breaking the Australian 60m record at 19 — and explains how sporting achievement can create life-changing confidence.The episode focuses on practical coaching themes: the importance of base fitness, the coach’s role as a builder of character, and the step-by-step process of developing a young athlete. Murray uses the real example of junior athlete Harry Mircec in Alice Springs as a case study — from shyness and quiet beginnings to breaking his 800m personal best by a second as he prepares for the Northern Territory Championships.Murray emphasizes that coaches are VIPs in young athletes’ lives: mentors who not only improve times on the track but foster communication, resilience, and self-belief. He describes coaching as building a tower — starting with a strong base fitness so athletes can reach their potential — and celebrates the small victories that signal bigger growth.Key takeaways: the power of encouragement, how confidence begets confidence, the value of consistent base training, and watching a young athlete evolve physically and mentally. Listeners will hear a heartfelt call to action for coaches to recognize their impact and be present for the next generation of athletes.

Episode 1631 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, hosted by Murray Stewart, centers on the theme "Time is the greatest healer." Murray opens by sharing a personal comeback story — restarting his exercise regime after a recent illness and a blood clot episode — and reflects on the power of patience combined with positive action.He discusses the physical and mental benefits of getting back to movement: the surge of feel-good chemicals, improved red blood cell production at 545 metres above sea level, and how small, consistent choices (exercise, hydration, sunshine) support recovery and wellbeing.The episode also highlights a young athlete, 13-year-old Harry Mircec, who Murray coaches. Murray describes Harry’s rapid improvement, increasing speed and endurance, his responsiveness to training drills, and his upcoming trip to Darwin — offering a hopeful portrait of a teenager coming into his athletic potential through discipline and listening.Murray offers encouragement for listeners facing tough times: allow time to heal, intervene thoughtfully with positive habits, and trust that hardship can build valuable skills and resilience. He emphasizes that emerging from difficulty often equips you with tools and strengths you wouldn’t otherwise have—and that the future can be bright.This episode blends personal recovery, practical wellbeing tips, and an uplifting athlete story to remind listeners that healing takes time, that small actions matter, and that patience plus persistence leads to growth. This is episode 1631, a Blind Magic Communications production.

Hi everyone — Murray Stewart hosts Episode 1630 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, broadcasting from Central Australia. In this episode Murray responds sharply to the policies and public persona of Alice Springs’ newly elected Greens mayor, Aster Hill, arguing that her approach conflicts with the town’s history and threatens its future.Topics covered include the limits of mayoral power (noting law and order are primarily a Northern Territory Government responsibility), the federal nature of defence decisions including the Australia–US defence facility, and how much influence a local mayor really has versus broader state and federal authorities. Murray explains why he believes Aster Hill is more of a Greens spokesperson than a local mayor and expresses concern she may be using Alice Springs as a stepping stone to Canberra.Murray draws on his experience as a former deputy mayor to urge local civic engagement. He champions the concept of "controlled anger" — organizing concerned citizens into groups to channel frustration productively rather than into unhelpful rage. He announces an urgent meeting of the Rate Pies Association to coordinate local resistance and strategy, encourages ratepayers and taxpayers to make their voices heard, and signals readiness for the next election.Key points: the practical limits of local power, the difference between constructive civic action and destructive anger, the importance of collective organization, and Murray’s ongoing commitment to protecting and improving Alice Springs. The episode is a call to action for residents who care about local governance, services, land use, and the town’s future.

In episode 1629 of Blind Magic in Alice Springs, host Murray Stewart — speaking as president of the Alice Springs Ratepayers Association — delivers a fiery critique of Mayor Aster Hill and the local Greens. Stewart outlines his view that the mayor is undermining the town's traditions and future, and frames recent council decisions as an attack on Alice Springs' heritage.Topics discussed include the council's handling of the Australia Day ceremony, Stewart’s account of a recent car theft involving the mayor’s vehicle and his claim that charges were not pursued because the alleged perpetrators were Indigenous, and the mayor’s growing use of the indigenous name "Mubuntawa" in place of "Alice Springs" at council openings. Stewart connects these moves to a perceived dismissal of the town’s colonial-era history and those who built local infrastructure.The episode also covers local economic and security concerns: Stewart criticizes the mayor for voting against welcoming United States personnel at the Australian-American Defence Facility, arguing the base is a major employer and contributor to community life. He warns of severe economic consequences if the facility scales back or leaves.Throughout the show Stewart issues a direct call to action for long-term residents to mobilize, resist apathy, protect town history, and make the mayor ineffective or unelectable in future terms. The episode is outspoken, partisan, and focused on grassroots political organizing in Alice Springs.

Episode 1628 finds host Murray Stewart speaking candidly about recent life‑and‑health upheavals and his determination to move forward. Murray recounts a series of medical crises over the past few years — a major heart attack, multiple strokes, a serious seizure, and recent blood clots lodged in his right lung — and explains how he’s chosen resilience over resignation. He also shares that he has just finished his course of blood thinners and is preparing to travel to Darwin to continue his work as a coach.
Throughout the episode Murray mixes personal testimony with practical motivation. He discusses the mental and emotional challenges of recovery, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset, faith, planning for the future, and refusing to be defined by setbacks. He offers advice for anyone facing obstacles: find creative solutions, set deliberate goals, and keep moving forward.
The episode also highlights Murray’s role as a coach with the Running Academy of Central Australia. He celebrates a breakthrough with one of his athletes who overcame an emotional flatline to achieve personal bests in training. Murray previews upcoming competitions in Darwin — optimistic about strong performances in the 800m and 1500m — and reflects on coaching strategies used to crack through psychological barriers.
Listeners will hear about Murray’s community involvement, including his work with the Rate Payers Association in Alice Springs, and how those projects help him stay focused and purposeful. The overall tone is defiant and hopeful: acknowledging real danger and vulnerability but choosing action, excitement, and tangible goals over self‑pity.
This is a solo episode with Murray Stewart as the presenter; no external guests are named. Key takeaways include resilience after major health events, practical coaching insights on overcoming mental blocks in athletes, the importance of planning and positivity, and Murray’s personal commitment to continue coaching and community work despite ongoing risks.

Episode 1627: "Blind Magic in Alice Springs" features host Murray Stewart addressing a recent local controversy: Central Australia’s mayor, Aster Hill, reportedly chose not to press charges after a break-in in which keys were stolen and a partner’s car driven away. Stewart opens the episode reacting with anger and disbelief at the decision and sets the scene for a broader discussion about law, order and local politics.The host offers a pointed critique of the Greens and of what he describes as a lenient, race-influenced approach to prosecution. Stewart argues that failing to press charges sends the wrong message, undermines accountability, and can encourage further offending. He raises concerns about crime patterns in Central Australia, discusses incarceration rates among Indigenous people, and connects these issues to parenting, community responsibility and the perceived effects of left-wing policies.This is a solo episode with Murray Stewart leading the conversation. Listeners can expect a frank, opinionated take on the mayor’s choice, themes of race and justice, the consequences of non-prosecution, and calls for stronger accountability at the local level. The tone is highly critical and personal, reflecting Stewart’s frustration with what he sees as a growing problem across Australia.