Justine Clarke's Australian songbook
06 November 2025

Justine Clarke's Australian songbook

Take 5

About

Justine Clarke is a legend. For most of her life she’s been in ours; as a child actor who graduated to a lifelong career on the big and small screen and into an acclaimed theatre actor. 

For the last 20 years she’s probably been entertaining your kids, as a regular on Play School and ARIA winning singer of many children’s albums. But running parallel to all of this, has been music. 

Way before she stepped into roles on Mad Max and Home and Away, music was her lifeblood. With our annual Ausmusic Month kicking off, Justine Clarke shares her Australian songbook.

Justine Clarke's song choices:

    1.Vince Jones – 'Jettison'2.Paul Kelly – 'From St Kilda To Kings Cross'3.Lisa Miller – 'Eleven'4.You Am I – 'Purple Sneakers'5.Angie McMahon – 'Slow Mover'

00:00 Introduction and Early Career

00:50 Justine Clarke's Musical Journey

03:02 Influence of Family and Early Music Exposure

04:53 Jazz and Live Music Experiences

05:00 SONG 1: Vince Jones – 'Jettison'

10:06 Paul Kelly and Iconic Collaborations

12:30 SONG 2: Paul Kelly – 'From St Kilda To Kings Cross'

16:44 Exploring Australian Country Music & ABC's Going Country

19:03 SONG 3: Lisa Miller – 'Eleven'

20:02 Reflecting on a Classic Australian Film

20:44 The Power of Music and Grief

22:33 Creating Music for Play School

23:29 Unexpected Career as a Children's Performer

25:53 Collaborations and Live Performances

26:16 SONG 4: You Am I – 'Purple Sneakers'

29:51 Memories of Tina Turner

33:17 SONG 5: Angie McMahon – 'Slow Mover'

35:58 Wrapping Up and What's Next

Watch Take 5 on ABC iview:

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-rowe