Wanted: Dunnart Alive by Xanthe Smith
This week, a story about searching, both for the elusive Sandhill Dunnart and for a long-lost connection.
Xanthe revisits her childhood memories of meeting ecologist Sue Churchill, whose stories of the rare marsupial stayed with her for decades. From Sue’s years of digging pitfall traps in the desert to becoming the world Dunnart expert, their conversation explores Australia’s fragile biodiversity, the politics of conservation, and the search for something in the unknown – something you might never even find.
Produced by Xanthe Smith
Supervising Producer was Karla Arnall
This story was made possible by the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship.
For over six months, Xanthe worked with an industry mentor and got access to guest workshops on audiocraft.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship 2025, and a very special thank you to Jesse Cox’s family and friends, and to the incredible legacy he left.
All The Best Credits
Host: Kwame Slusher
Executive Producer: Melanie Bakewell
Events and Partnership Coordinator: Phoebe Adler-Ryan
Community Coordinator: Patrick McKenzie
Theme Music composed by Shining Bird
Special shout-out to our volunteers: Ray, Sue, Sharon, Lindsay, Andrew, Ash, and Emma.