Transforming Perceptions

Áine speaks with Jarrod Sandell-Hay from PWDA following on from the Australian Federal Minister Mark Butler’s announcement on Wednesday 22nd April 2026 of the government’s plans to make huge cuts to NDIS spending and exit 160,000 participants from the program. How will these huge changes affect people with disability and their families? What are they most concerned about? What supports are currently available in the community? With huge unmet need, what will this mean to people living with disability and their families into the future?Jarrod is a disability communication specialist now working in policy and advocacy to strengthen the person-centred process, and to provide advice on NDIS reforms and systems change from the lived experience.

Áine speakse with Dr Evelyne Tadros, CEO of the Mental Health Coordinating Council. We discuss the announcement by Federal Minister Mark Butler MP on Wednesday 22nd April 2026 of the government’s plans to make huge cuts to NDIS spending and exit 160,000 participants from the program. Without adequate psychosocial supports currently available in the community and with huge unmet need, what will this mean to people living with complex mental health needs and their families?Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world.

Áine chats with Kristy Turnbull, a Practice Specialist in Relationship and Sexuality Education from Interrelate. Kristy shares why the old fashioned one conversation on the "birds and bees" no longer meets the needs of young people and their families. Kristy says that its essential that sex education begins from an early age and that there are multiple conversations throughout a young persons adolescence and early adulthood, each presented at a level that they can understand. Interrelate offers a range of training and support for kids, parents, families and schools which can be accessed via their website. Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world.

“The [Australian] Federal Government has committed $14.6 million in new funding to strengthen Australia’ response to allergic disease” and to support further research and education initiatives.Áine chats with Natalie Nguyen, mother of Edward, a 9 year old boy who has been diagnosed with multiple allergies. we discuss the challenges that Edward faces every day and how their family deals with challenges of a child growing up with an allergic disease.Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world. 

“The [Australian] Federal Government has committed $14.6 million in new funding to strengthen Australia’ response to allergic disease” and to support further research and education initiatives.Áine chats with Dr Sandra Vale, CEO of the National Allergy Council about the issues affecting the community and the impact on individuals and families dealing with allergic disease.Dr Sandra Vale has a background in public health nutrition with experience in project management and implementation, resource development and training. Prior to becoming the National Allergy Council Chief Executive Officer, Sandra was the ASCIA Education Officer and in that role was the project officer involved in developing and implementing the National Allergy Strategy.  Sandra completed her PhD through the University of Western Australia in the area of food allergy prevention.  She has a PhD; BSc (Nutrition & Food Science); Certificate IV (training and assessment).Our community radio show is on air on Saturday afternoons on 2xx 98.3 FM Community Radio Canberra.Transforming Perceptions, bringing you news, views, updates and information from the lived and living perspective, community, multicultural and mainstream mental health sectors; and music from round the world. 

In this episode Áine chats with Albert Jamae about his career in the entertainment industry working as a documentary film-maker, TV, radio, film and theatre as an actor, singer, dancer and children’s entertainer. Albert and his wife established a performing art school in their home town and mentored and supported many local kids who had a passion for performing. His increasing interest in writing and his own reflections on his childhood experiences brought Albert to explore men’s development, attending men’s retreats and men’s circles. Albert is now documenting his insights in a new book titled Shaping Tomorrow’s Man, which is due out in July 2026.

This interview was done live-to-air on Transforming Perceptions radio show and has been edited for podcast.Áine chats with James Gray, Principal Coordinator at BiPolar Australia about the upcoming global day of awareness for BiPolar on the 30th March 2026. James discusses the important work of Bipolar Australia, advocating for those living with and caring for those with bipolar in the community and working to influence change and policies within local and federal government. We also shares his personal experience and recovery from bipolar.James has a background in data analysis and hands-on experience across volunteer organisations. He's skilled at turning complex information into practical insights that promote growth and deliver real outcomes for people and communities.

Áine chats with Megan Spindler-Smith, Acting CEO of People with Disability Australia (PWDA) about the concerns expressed by families and those living with disability around the latest reforms to the NDIS and the Thriving Kids Initiative being rolled out across 2026 and 2027.  Key concerns expressed in feedback to PWDA and its member organisations are the lack of timely information about what people can expect and what is being proposed and how that may change eligibility and access to support; funding for foundational supports, including psychosocial supports; the introduction of algorithmic tools to assess participants, and whether the NDIS system is ready to transition at scale. Megan is a strategic, innovative and influential Executive Leader with over two decades of driving highly successfulinclusion, culture and change initiatives across the not-for-profit, public and private sectors.  They are currently theActing CEO of People with Disability Australia, the national cross-disability rights and advocacy organisation. As a proud Disabled person, they are passionate about developing and implementing profound intersectional-focused strategic change for people with disability at a national level, to foster widespread accessibility and integrated inclusion. Megan creates cultures ofrespect, inclusivity and intersectionality.  Through their lived experience, clinical and human-centred/organisational development background, they have driven change atthe national level for accessible media and inclusion of people with disability networks across multiple sectors. They were named as a finalist and the top 8 Disability Inclusion Changemaker 2024 and a finalist for the DLI Change Maker2022 and 2023. PWDA has been a peak national cross-disabilityand advocacy organisation in Australia since 1981.  They not only represent the needs and issues of people with a range of disabilities, but demonstrate inclusivity through theengagement of people with disabilities in their staffing, board management and membership.  ”They represent Australianswith disability at the United Nations, particularly in relation to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and are a designated Disabled Persons Organisation”.  PWDA area founding member of Disabled People’s Organisations Australia, with First Peoples Disability Network, National Ethnic Disability Alliance and Women with Disabilities Australia.  PWDA’s “vision is for a socially just, accessible and inclusive community, in which the human rights, belonging, contribution, potential and diversity of all people with disability are recognised, respected and celebrated with pride”. 

Áine chats with Tim Heffernan, about the launch of the advocacy toolkit on 12th February 2026 at Parliament House Sydney, NSW designed to assist and support individuals and organisations to argue the case for NSW to adopt a Human Rights Act.  A human rights Act would not only provide protections for vulnerable people living in the community, especially those living with disabilities and mental illness, but would also strengthen and support frameworks and structures that already exist in legislation and provide a human rights lens through which to create new legislation.Tim is an experienced Peer Worker with a demonstrated history of working from a lived experience perspective mental health.  He is skilled in Peer work, non-profit organisations, Social Services, Coaching, and Crisis Intervention.  Tim is a strong communityand social services professional with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused in English and Australian History from University of NSW (UNSW) and a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work from MHCC.

In Conversation Samantha James, Director at the Sensory Specialist: Áine chats with Sarah James, a small business commentator, Founder of the Sensory Specialist and disability advocate, who contributes to public conversations around inclusion, accessibility and consumer issues.  Sarah speaks about the concerns expressed by families around the upcoming reforms to the NDIS, changes to the Assessment tools and the introduction of Thriving Kids Program which are scheduled for mid-2026.As a former Psychology teacher, Sarah has worked closely with children of all needs and abilities.  This lived experience hashelped her to curate and develop inclusive tools that actually work for children and adults with a range of abilities. The Sensory Specialist is an NDIS registered provider which opened in 2020 and is based in Melbourne.  Sarah has recently been featured in The Age, The Herald Sun, The Sydney MorningHerald, 9Honey and ABC Radio Melbourne.

Karen is an Author, Veterinarian and Podcaster and lover of Australian wilderness, flora and fauna. I chatted with Karen Viggers about her journey to becoming an author. She has written five novels all based in Australia and is currently working on her sixth novel. Her stories have been set on the south eastern coast of Australia; Brunei Island and Antarctica; Canberra; and also Tasmania and include - The Stranding (2008), The Lightkeeper’s Wife (2011), The Grass Castle (2014), The Orchardist’s Daughter (2019) and Sidelines (2024).Her work is set in Australian landscapes and communities, and explores contentious issues, such as dying with dignity, displacement of First Peoples, wildlife conservation, clear-felling of native forests, and now, modern parenting and junior sport. She also co-hosts a podcast Secrets From the Green Room where she interviews writers and other book industry colleagues about books and writing. I really enjoyed chatting with Karen about her work. It made me think about my own love of writing and storytelling and how luxurious it might be to enjoy reading her stories across the festive season, either reading at home, on a beach, in the bush, or early on Christmas morning in bed.

Áine speaks with Dr Georgia Van Toorn. We discuss concerns about the potential negative impacts of the recently announced changes to the NDIS assessment process. The federal government has announced the introduction in mid- 2026 of computer-based algorithmic tools to standardise decision-making for individuals who are participants of the NDIS. These participants, who are living with disability, often have complex and very unique experiences and needs. It is unknown whether these changes will live up to the expectations of the disability community and the underpinning principles of the NDIS which was created to provide choice and control for people living with disabilities.Dr Van Toorn is a senior lecturer at the School of Social Sciences at the UNSW, and an associate investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society. Her research explores the growing impacts of data analytics and algorithmic decision-making in the public sector, with a particular focus on disability and social justice.

Coming into the festive season when many have an expectation of spending time with family and friends, and when many others experience loneliness and dislocation, Áine speaks with Josh about family and relationship breakdown that results in an estrangement of that/those relationships. We discuss what estrangement is, how it occurs and how we can address it across the festive season to ensure that we are making wise and healthy choices for ourselves. Josh has extensive experience working with community members and over a decade of frontline and leadership roles across the mental health and community sector. At EveryMan Australia, he leads the Violence Prevention Services, Counselling Service and Men’s Accommodation Support Services; and manages multidisciplinary teams delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions to men with high and complex needs. He is also a skilled psychologist and family therapist.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Australian Mental Health Prize, a decade of recognising Australians whose leadership, research and lived experience have transformed how we understand and respond to mental health. Established by the University of NSW (UNSW) Sydney in 2016, the Prize has honoured advocates, clinicians, researchers and community leaders who have changed lives and shaped national conversation. The 2025 winners reflect that legacy, by celebrating two national trailblazers and two emerging change-makers whose work is strengthening care, culture and connection across Australia.Áine speaks with Professor Pat Dudgeon (Perth, WA), prize winner in the category of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander. Pat was Australia’s first Aboriginal psychologist and a national leader in Indigenous mental health and suicide prevention. She was born and raised in Darwin, descending from the Bardi people of Kimberley. “As Director of the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention at the University of Western Australia, she has been instrumental in embedding cultural, strengths-based and lived experience perspectives into policy and services. She led the landmark Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project (ATSISPEP), whose 2016 report ‘Solutions That Work’ reframed national understanding of suicide prevention by centring Indigenous-led and culturally grounded responses. A founding chair of the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association, her work continues to shape research, policy and frontline practice across Australia”.

Chris discusses the findings of the recently released landmark report, the Mental Health Compass, conducted by Australians for Mental Health. The report has revealed “the diversity of attitudes towards the issue of mental health” and that the nation desire” more from their governments, communities and services.” Key findings include 59% of the population acknowledging that “Australia is experiencing a mental health crisis that requires urgent action”, and “76% believing that it can be addressed through the right approach, investment and leadership”. Better policy development and legislation with a focus on a whole-of government approach was seen as a solution; with loneliness being widely experienced and how that is impacting mental well-being. Other factors such as the cost of living crisis; and critically the impact of the rise of AI and other technology based mental health supports were also key issues of concern.Australians for Mental Health, is a grassroots mental health advocacy group who are urging governments to get serious about the root causes of mental-ill-health. As Chris said “the public wants policy decisions weighed against their mental health consequences, and they want systems and environments that make it easier to live well. It’s very clear what needs to happen. Governments must make mental health outcomes part of every major policy decision.”

Áine speaks with Markus Fischer following up on the interview they had in October 2021.  With the proliferation of gambling ads on the TV, social media and internet they discuss the impact on younger people, youngmen and women and about the importance of raising awareness and taking action around gambling harm every day.  Markus shares updates on the changes happening in the sector and in Canberra; especially the new drop in sessions available in the ACT to better support family members and friends of those at risk of gambling harm; and how the language being used to explain gambling is changing.  He discusses the need for role models and mentors from all sections of the community, especially the sporting community - people willing to share their experience and help young people to make better choices for their well-being.  Markus has a lived experience of gambling harm, and works within the ACT Gambling Support Service at Relationships Australia Canberra as a Peer Worker providing education, support and awareness-raising in the ACT region.  Markus shares his personal story and insights into the harmful impactsof gambling addiction and how that may affect a person’s mental health and well-being and relationships with families and friends. 

In this interview from October 2025, Áine chats with Croatian-Australian, local musician, artist and creative, Michael Simic, also known as Mikelangelo from Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen, about his latest solo show, 'In the Belly of the Whale' which he was touring through the eastern states and being performed at Smith's Alternative in Canberra. This rollicking and revealing tale, combining songs, storytelling, comedy, and physical theatre was co-created with writer/director Tracy Bourne, who has worked extensively in Australian music and theatre.. Michael shares a deeply personal story within the mythological imagery of "what happens when a man meets his alter ego in the belly of the whale?" Who is he when confronted by his darker self? What are his desires, his fears? How is he a man amongst other men? How is he a father, an artist, a husband?Michael is musician, performer and mentor, professional singer, songwriter, who has released over 17 independent albums, and toured across Australia, NZ and Europe and the UK. He is well-known for his work with his long term group Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen. Michael has recently been named the 2025 Canberra Artist of the Year. For more about Michael see - https://humecon.nsw.edu.au/michael-simic/https://www.facebook.com/mikelangelo.bsg/

In advance of Melbourne Cup Day Áine speaks with Kate Seselja, Founder of the Hope Project, Co-Chair Canberra Gambling Reform Alliance, Co-Chair of GHLEE-Gambling Harm Lived Experience Experts, Recovery Coach, Community Educator andPublic Speaker, on the impact of gambling addiction and harm.Kate established the Hope Project in 2015 to help others in the community who were struggling with gambling addiction.  Using her own lived experience, Kate speaks truth to power.  As an advocate and recovery coach she works to free others from the shame and stigma that can be an outcome of gambling addiction. In her advocacy work she in involved across a number of organisations and advocacy groups at both the state at national level to lobby for systemic change to legislation, gambling reform including putting safeguards around gambling products, holding the gambling industry to account, and for increasedfunding for education and support for those living with, and at risk of gambling harm.

In Canberra and many parts of Australia we have wonderful flower and Tulip Festivals at this time of year in Spring. In this interview we shift gears and get our hands into the 'dirt' and our minds onto what energises us and helps us to more deeply connect with nature and the world around us and why that is good for our well-being.Áine chats with Vivien Sinclair of IndieGreen. Vivien is a horticultural therapist who comes from an occupational therapy background. In a career shift, Vivien studied garden design in the UK and then a bridging course as a pathway to her work now supporting people to heal through horticulture.Our conversation is wide-ranging and covers the importance of having access to and engaging in nature for well-being, and how our cityscapes need more than ever to ensure biodiversity for local flora and fauna, as well as for spaces that ensure the health and happiness of communities. Vivien has a lifelong belief that people are a part of the natural world and that time spent in nature can stimulate, nurture and replenish each one of us. Nature-based activities are proven to increase our physical, psychosocial and mental health and wellbeing and should be accessible to all regardless of age, mobility and ability. Vivien tailors programs towards each person or groups requirements and goals with the aim of creating meaningful and practical outdoor spaces that empower people to engage in nature.

World Suicide Prevention Day 10th September and R U Okay Day 11th September 2025.During a week that is globally focused on preventing suicide rates around the world through breaking stigma and raising awareness about the impact of suicide; and with the R U Okay Day campaign aiming to increase help-seeking, Áine chats with Chris about how we can create change every day for better community well-being.Chris shares about the mission and vision of Australians for Mental Health, a grassroots mental health advocacy group who are urging governments to get serious about the root causes of mental-ill-health. We discuss whether one day each year devoted to asking each other whether are okay is adequate and whether we need to start talking about why we aren’t ok and what we can do create change for better well-being of our communities.

World Suicide Prevention Day 10th September and R U Okay Day 11th September 2025.Áine speaks with author Debbie Swibel about the importance of raising awareness around suicide to help support people who are struggling and encourage them to reach out for help. Debbie is a suicidologist, counsellor; therapist, criminologist and educator whose hope is to break down stigma and deepen the understanding surrounding suicide and mental health. Her new book shines a light on the darkest places, offering hope and breaking down stigma, through sharing personal stories of those impacted by suicide, alongside professional insights into its causes, consequences, and the journey beyond.

World Suicide Prevention Day 10th September 2025 - Child Homelessness Crisis in Australia – Vulnerability, Risk and Suicidality.In advance of World Suicide Prevention Day and R U Ok Day Áine speaks with Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia to discuss the latest data on child homelessness and the urgent call to federal, state and territory governments for immediate action to invest in safe housing and support for children experiencing homelessness.National data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has shown that unaccompanied children and young people aged 12 – 17 years are seeking support from specialist homelessness services and are often being turned away due to lack of beds or appropriate housing.  Without adequate investment they are becoming trapped in homelessness and are at significant increased risk of suicide and death.In “2023-2024, 4,462 children who presented for help needed medium term housing, but 2,863 did not receive it.  Over the same period, 4,435 children needed long term housing, but, 3,551, or 80.7 missed out (Homelessness Australia, HomeTime)”.  “The leading cause of death for the 520 children who died in the decade to 2023 was suicide ... Homelessness can have significant effects on mental wellbeing.  Australia cannot accept children dying because they are situations they have no control over (Chris Gambian, Australians for Mental Health).”

World Suicide Prevention Day 10th September 2025 - Changing the Narrative on Suicide, and the Child Homelessness Crisis in Australia – Vulnerability, Risk and Suicidality.In advance of World Suicide Prevention Day Áine speaks with John Macmillan, CEO Yfoundations, an expert working in homelessness advocacy to discuss the latest data on child homelessness and the urgent call to federal, state and territory governments for immediate action to invest in safe housing and support for children experiencing homelessness.National data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has shown that unaccompanied children and young people aged 12 – 17 years are seeking support from specialist homelessness services and are often being turned away due to lack of beds or appropriate housing. Without adequate investment they are becoming trapped in homelessness and are at significant increased risk of suicide and death.In “2023-2024, 4,462 children who presented for help needed medium term housing, but 2,863 did not receive it. Over the same period, 4,435 children needed long term housing, but, 3,551, or 80.7 missed out (Homelessness Australia, HomeTime)”. “The leading cause of death for the 520 children who died in the decade to 2023 was suicide ... Homelessness can have significant effects on mental wellbeing. Australia cannot accept children dying because they are situations they have no control over (Chris Gambian, Australians for Mental Health)”.

Áine speaks with Ingrid Roche, Senior Project Officer with the National Allergy Council, an Accredited Practising Dietitian with many years’ experience as a paediatric allergydietician working with lots of families with children who have been diagnosed with allergies.  Ingrid shares about the results of a the "2023 needs analysis conducted by the Healthy Eating Advisory Service" which identified that cooks did not feel confident to modify menus to meet both nutritional and safety standards ... [resulting in] inconsistent food provision, and increased risk of allergen exposure." “The new national training program ... is helping long day care services across Australia respond to a growing need of how to manager food allergies while providing nutritious meals for children with diverse dietary requirements”.  Of the “1.3 million Australian children underthe age of 12 attending childcare services … an estimated 52,000 to 86,000 children are living with a food allergy.” This has highlighted the need for the 11 short practical training modules that have been developed “for cooks, chefs andeducators in early childhood education and care.”Ingrid has "worked clinically with children and families with food allergy in her role as Senior Paediatric Dietitian in the Immunology Department at Perth Children’s Hospitalin Western Australia for 13 years and still works part time in her private practice.  Ingrid has been an active ASCIA member, serving as the Chair of the Dietitian Committee and leading the development of online training for dietitians, as well as an advanced face-to-face food allergy training course for dietitians which is a partnership between ASCIA and the Dietitians Association of Australia.  Ingrid has a strong interest in food allergen management in food service.  She was heavily involved in the development of the new menu and food service system at the new Perth Children’s Hospital."

Áine shares an interview with local emerging Canberra artist Elliott Fox.  Elliott migrated with his parents to Australia from Czechoslovakia as toddler.  Growing up, he always loved art creation, but chose to pursue studies that led him to a formal career in the Human Resources industry. Elliott shares his personal story of recovery and return to art after a mental health setback which dramatically altered his life path. His inspiring story and recovery parallels that of his rescue greyhound, Adam Barker who became his Muse and a fundamental force behind Elliott's art creation. Elliott is a staunch advocate for the abolition of GreyhoundRacing and passionate about supporting Greyhound re-homing. Elliott is holding exhibitions across August and September 2025 in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to raise awareness on the devastating impact of racing on Greyhounds and to advocate for the abolition of Greyhound Racing.To see more about Elliott or his work to support Greyhounds check out - https://share.google/images/KxQaSppq5xkZXqDil

It is National Homelessness Week in Australia from 4 - 10 August 2025. National Homelessness Week is a national week of awareness that shines a spotlight on the growing crisis of homelessness in Australia.Áine speaks with Shayne Herriott, Chief Operating Officer from Orange Sky about the latest research data on homelessness and how community members can better support those living with homelessness.

I speak with Jennifer Tierney, Executive Officer, Médcins San Frontières, Australia to hear directly of the dire situation in the Gaza Strip and the urgent need for action from global powers to stop the genocide of Palestinians. The deliberate starvation of babies, women, children, elderly and people with disabilities, daily shootings of those seeking food and water, have become a brutal occurrence.  After 22 months, MSF staff, and workers from other Aid organisations on the ground are also succumbing to malnutrition due to a lack of food, leaving them with a sense of hopelessness and the belief that the world has forgotten about them.We discuss what ordinary people in Australia, who are finding the situation distressing, can do to help, what practical actions we can take to support MSF and those suffering in Gaza.

Áine has a wide-ranging conversation with CEO Greg Aldridge OAM, and Josh Hewitt of Everyman Canberra. Everyman does valuable work by providing support to men in the ACT and surrounding region who marginalised and experience high and complex needs. Greg and Josh discuss the challenges of providing support to this cohort in a sector that is constantly underserviced and under-supported. Our conversation also takes in the complexities for men living in a world that is constantly changing and more pressured than ever before. The #metoo movement and #Notallmen campaigns and work to prevent violence. How men define themselves, is very much down to the structural and community supports they have, and in being able to enact the very best versions of themselves.

Áine chats with local Canberra Artist and Musician, Michael Simic.  Michael is better known to some as Mikelangelo, front man of Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentleman, which was formed over 20 years ago with Phil Moriarty of The Gadfly’s fame and the late David Branson.  After a three year hiatus the band are touring to commemorate the 20 year anniversary tour of their amazing album - Journey Through the Land of Shadows released in 2005 and all things BSG’s.

Áine speaks to Susi Tegen, CEO of the National Rural Health Alliance about the proposed changes to the NDIS travel allowance which will be introduced on 1st July 2025. Service providers and people living with a disability in rural, regional and remote communities have expressed serious concerns around the potential impacts to the delivery of essential support services in their communities which already suffer from inequity in health care provision; a lack of access to local services and long travel times to seek appropriate health and disability care.“Under the proposed changes, providers will face limits on the travel they can claim when supporting participants in harder-to-reach areas.  This poses a major threat to cliniciansworking in rural Australia [who are] assisting people with disability, where long-distance travel is a necessity, not a choice”.

Áine chats with former four-time Paralympian and medal-winning wheelchair basketball player Koen Jansens.  Originally from the Netherlands, Koen was born with spina bifida.  As a teenager he discovered wheelchair basketball, which led to an elite sporting career spanning over a decade.  He represented the Dutch national team at four Paralympic Games: winning gold in Barcelona (1992), silver in Sydney (2000), and competing in Atlanta (1996) andAthens (2004). Now current President of the Manly Wheel Eagles, assistant coach and board member of Wheelchair Basketball Australia, Koen talks about the national wheelchair basketball league that tips off this weekend; how wheelchair basketball changed his life and the importance of access to exercise and sporting activities for people living with a disability.

Áine chats with Shaun Pianta, Disability & Inclusion Advocate, Paralympian, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Podcaster and Brand Ambassador for atWork Australia. As a Paralympian Shaun defied his visual impairment to train in Para-alpine skiing to became a member of the Australian Para National team. He dedicated the next four years of his life to the sport and represented Australia at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in South Korea, competing in the men’s slalom and giant slalom visually impaired division. Shaun shares his personal experience of seeking employment as a person with a disability post the games. He speaks of the importance of leadership in the workplace, of the value of creating systems which ensure diversity and equity as foundational principles of a successful organisation. Shaun also gives examples of how atWork Australia has identified workplaces that are inclusive and appropriate for people with a disability, and how they can assist those from diverse cultural backgrounds and abilities back into employment.

Áine speaks with Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia to discuss the key findings from the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council’s ‘State of the Housing System 2025 report.  “The report revealed households are under growing pressure, with increasing rental stress, and a sharp rise inpeople stuck in rental stress for over two years, and social housing as a proportion of all housing continuing to decline”.  Kate discusses housing affordability, the need for urgent investment in social housing, greater funding and support homeless services and the factors underpinning the rise in mental distress and poor well-being of renters and the homeless.

Áine chats with Mark about the work of Menslink in the ACT. Menslink have been active in the ACT for over 20 years with free counselling, mentoring and education programs that they provide free and which are available to help support young men.  Mark also shares about some of his early experiences and the struggles that made him passionate about working to support young people in our community.

Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine, CEO of Australia's National ResearchOrganisation for Women's Safety (ANROWS), shares some of the key discussion points from their recent national conference held on 14th - 16th May 2025 under the theme of: Listen, Learn, Act: Centring Children And Young People to End Violence. The conference brought together over 60 speakers and with over 700 people attending including youth advocates, researchers, frontline practitioners and policymakers. Recognising the importance of young people's experiences and their stories by placing them at the heart of the conversation has marked a national shift in Australia's dialogue around violence in our communities. Essentially ensuring that young people are partners at the forefront of co-designing effective, evidence-based responses to address violence in our communities. Tessa provides a clear and distinct insight from the voices of youth delegates who attended the conference who bravely shared their collective wisdom and solutions to creating long-term and effective change to the systems that are available to support them and their families in the community; and the what they see as the path forward to reducing violence. Tessa was the founding CEO of Health Justice Australia, the national centre for health justice partnership, prior to joining ANROWS in 2024. Originally a criminologist, she has worked in health, criminal justice and human rights organisations in Australia and internationally. She was previously Deputy CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service and was the inaugural Fulbright Professional Scholar in Non-Profit Leadership. Tessa’s PhD looked at the detention and release of mentally disordered offenders.

Megan Daley is an award-winning children’s author and teacher-librarian, and a founding member of YourKid’s Next Read, along with fellow authors Allison Tait and Allison Rushby. In 2017, Megan and two other mother's, Allison Tait and Allison Rushby were inspired by their own challenges with helping their kids to become readers, to identify and share quality children's books with friends in their community. Not all kids are readers, or find reading easy. Megan says finding books that interest them can require creativity. Initially they established a Facebook page, Your Kid’s Next Read which has now grown into a movement amassing a following of over 38,000 members; the 200th episode in a popular podcast series; and a newsletter, all aimed at growing readers and writers and helping parents find books to interest their kids”.

With rates of gendered violence remaining devastatingly high, more needs to be done than simply understanding the problem. Áine speaks with Dr Meredith Nash, to discuss the topic of Sexual Harassment and Gender Equity and the need for evidence-based research and leadership in our workplaces and community to respond to gendered violence. Dr Meredith Nash, an internationally recognised genderequity leader and former National Lead for Respect@Work at KPMG Australia, who also led the transformative 2022 Nash Review of Diversity, Equity and Inclusionin the Australian Antarctic Program, as Director of Communications and Engagement.  She is involved with theAustralian National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) as a translational researcher and as a member of their executive.

Áine chats with Lucas Hayden, the regional manager for Royal Life Saving Australia about the hazards and skills required to stay safe around water in Australia, and theparticular challenges facing swimmers in our ACT and surrounding region.Royal Life Saving Australia NSW has just celebrated 130 years and the ACT branch will celebrate 50 years of support for the ACT community later this year.  In spite of advertising campaigns, many people still get into trouble in our waterways.  “The National Drowning Report 2024 revealed 323 drowning deaths between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, a 16% increase compared to the 10-year average … with 1 in 5 fatalities happening at rivers and creeks”.  Many migrants and people from overseas lack both the ability to swim and knowledge of water safety in Australia.  With these statistics learning to stay safe around the water is an imperative for all Australians.

International Women's Day 2025 - 'Accelerate Action'.On International Women’s Day 2025 Áine chats with Michael Bayliss, Communications Manager and Spokesperson for Sustainable Populations’ Australia (SPA) about the recent massive funding cuts to by the Trump administration to international aid agencies and how this will affect women's progress and their access to family planning and other support services globally. How can women be supported to 'accelerate action' and achieve equality in the current global climate. We also discuss the current global political situation, climate change and population sustainability.

Áine speaks with Eryn Marshall, a local emerging Canberra artist. Eryn "aims to use her art as a tool for social change by starting the conversation about eating disorders [helping] to break down the stigma".Growing up Eryn always loved art and drama. During her teenage years, as well as creating her own artwork, she also loved acting in theatre performances, and considered that acting might be her career path. At 19 she developed an eating disorder. She speaks openly about her experience. Her eating disorder mentality; how that affected her life, work choices; the steps she took to seek help; and her eventual recovery through focus and exploration through her art creation and practice. Eryn says, " ... healing is possible and awareness matters". "An exploration of colour helped Eryn rediscover the optimism that’s everywhere around us if we just look for it. Now, she shares her experience through her art to break the stigma of eating disorders and encourage understanding".Eryn "takes the raw and the real – the bits people try to hide – and turns them into art that pops, art that smiles, art that screams… “hope wins!”Eryn is passionate about raising awareness for and support for those living with eating disorders and donates 5% of each artwork to the Butterfly Foundation.Eryn can be contacted through - https://www.erynmarshallartistry.com/

Áine chats with Sammy Moynihan, Artistic Director of Stages of Empathy at Rebus Theatre about their latest project and working with people with disabilities to create moving and thought provoking works.Stages of Empathy is a transformative, interactive training program designed to help community groups - including sports clubs, arts collectives, hobbyist organisations and special interest groups - become more accessible for autistic people and people with intellectual disabilities, and psychosocial disabilities. The project will also look at the intersection of disability and LGBTQ+ identities.Rebus is seeking community groups and organisations across the ACT, NSW and VIC to take advantage of this amazing free inclusion training opportunity. Stages of Empathy is tailored for all types of community groups. Stages of Empathy uses Forum Theatre, a proven, hands-on approach that brings real-life scenarios from our community consultations to the stage. Rebus theatre facilitators and actors all have lived experience of disability, and have developed the program based on community consultations.Participating organisations explore accessibility challenges through role-playing, gaining insight and practical strategies to make their organisations more inclusive.

Áine speaks with Brian Corley, CEO, Community Options ACT about the difficult decision to withdraw from providing services under the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Commonwealth funded Aged Care Services by June 30, 2025. Community Options ACT has been providing specialised support to the ACT community for over 30 years. The decision follows significant changes to Commonwealth aged care programs and the evolving NDIS framework. An exhaustive review of the new reforms found the continuation within these service models financially unsustainable long term".Community Options will continue to operate as an independent, grassroots case management service, supporting at-risk individuals and families across various sectors.

"PWDA is calling on state and territory governments to stop delaying and commit to properly funding foundational supports now".Áine chats with Trinity Ford, president of PWDA about why PWDA are calling for state and territory governments to implement vital foundational supports; the impacts of the delays on people living with disabilities and their families and carers. Foundational supports have always been the responsibility of state and territory governments. When the NDIS was introduced many walked away from disability services and are now refusing to step up when people need support the most.Ms Ford discusses the challenges being faced - "People with disability are being squeezed from both sides. The NDIS is tightening access, reducing the supports available to many participants, and now states and territories are refusing to deliver the services they were always responsible for."Trinity is a research and policy consultant and a training lawyer, with six years’ experience in the disability sector. She is a proud neurodivergent trans woman with physical, neurological, psychosocial and sensory disability. Her main disability policy interests are desegregation and rights instruments.

"Data reveals that a staggering 1.16 million (19%) young people lack access to a laptop or desktop computer intheir home – including 400,000 Aussies who are high school age and above. With schools across the country having orrolling out mandatory ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) requirements, insufficient access to technology can interfere with students’ ability to learn and keep up with homework. In fact, digital inclusion is increasingly important foreducational outcomes, with one report noting students who have positive homework behaviour, have a higher chance of completing Year 12 and increasing their likelihood of entering the workforce."ÁIne chats with Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures to discuss why device donations are an essential part of closing the digital gap; the importance of digital inclusion for disadvantaged students and how a National Device Bank is working to refurbish and distribute donated devices to digitally excluded communities.

Áine speaks with Peter Heggie, Carer Co-Chair of the National Mental Health Consumer Carer Forum (NMHCCF), and a representative of Carers Australia. We discuss the concerns of those living with disability about the NDIS reforms and the Amendment bill that was passed in the Senate on Thursday 22nd August 2024.  The lack of proper co-design and consultation and how the process has impacted the disability community, the removal of supports and the potential long-term impacts this will have on NDIS participants and their families and supporters. "In late March many in the disability community were surprised when the government introduced a new piece of legislation to get the NDIS “back on track”. The route of the bill through parliament has not been easy and many in the disability community have been highly critical of it, even calling for the current reforms to be scrapped altogether. On Wednesday, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said agreement had been reached with states and territories about how they will work together regarding the scheme. The provision of “foundational” disability support and services outside the NDIS has been a sticking point (The Conversation - 22/8/2024)."

Áine chats with Sonia who was interim CEO of MARRS for 8 months before being confirmed in her role as CEO on the 1st July 2024.  We talk about the work of MARRS and the well-being needs of people from migrant and refugee backgrounds seeking to make Australia and Canberra home.  Sonia was born in Australia to Italian migrants.  Growing up in Australia she is keenly aware of the challenges faced by migrant children who navigate a life between two cultures – that of the old country of their parents and family, and that of the new country, Australia.  She and her family experienced racism at times, which later impassioned her to study law and work in the field of human rights.  She is a solicitor and human rights lawyer and has a Masters in International Law majoring in human rights law.  Through her career she has set up and managed human rights programs in Pakistan and Sudan, worked on child labour rights in India; as a refugee lawyer in Australian immigration detention centres; and worked as a resettlement consultant for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.  Sonia has held numerous leadership roles including three years as the CEO of Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services in regional Victoria during the height of the Covid Pandemic; and was a former deputy chief executive of the ACT Disability, Aged and Carers Advocacy Service (ADACAS), in the ACT.

Dale Barlow, is an internationally renowned Australian Jazz Saxophonist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Clarinettist, Flautist and Composer. He is winner of several ARIA Awards, Album of the Year/ Jazz performer of the year/ International Artist of the Year/ Bicentennial Artist of the Year and has four Mo Awards and grants.   Áine chats with Dale about his life and experience of playing and creating music.  Dale grew up surrounded by music.  His father was a professional musician, his mother and grandmother played the piano and it was no surprise that he was playing with professional bands from the age of 14 years old and in a youth Jazz big band with a young James Morrison.  Music took Dale to New York in the 1980’s where he studied and gained the most extraordinary musical experiences.  Dale discusses music composition and his particular creative process.  His experience of being stuck in Thailand for two years during Covid, and his eventual return to Australia which Dale says was a bit of a culture shock.  We talk about his international experiences and how the world has changed and what he’s doing now in the music industry in Australia. In Australia and South East Asia Dale has performed with many artists and groups, includinCg Keys Music Association, The Benders, Bruce Cale, Roger Frampton, , Matt Finish, Vince Jones, Margaret Ulrich, Kate Cebrano, Indra Lesmana, and Dwiki Dharmawon.  Dale's group 'The Wizards of Oz' with Paul Grabowsky, Lloyd Swanton and Tony Buck, was the first Australian group to undertake a major 2 continent tour (USA/Canada/Europe) with assistance from the Australia Council for the Arts. Dale has played and toured and recorded with many other jazz greats including Sonny Stitt, Chet Baker, Gil Evans, Jackie McLean, Billy Cobham, Dizzy Gillespie, Curtis, fuller, Eddie, Palmieri, Benny Golson, Lee Konitz, Helen Merrill, Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Barron, Ray Drummond, Dave Kikoski, Richie Cole, Billy Higgins, Freddie Hubbard and Wynton Marsalis, Cindy Blackman, Ernie Wattsm Eddie Henderson, Jeff Watts, Essiet Essiet, Bennie Green and Mike Nock.  He played with the Gil Evans' Big Band, and was a member of the Billy Cobham band for 3 years.

Áine speaks with Howard Conkey, author the book Tad’s Legacy.  The book documents the tragic death of his long-time friend Tad Kahsai who was experiencing psychotic symptoms after many years of alcohol misuse.  It raises questions about the supports available to vulnerable people living with both alcohol and mental health issues; the drug and alcohol support systems in ACT and the need for reforms to the Mental Health Act to better protect people at risk of self-harm.  “Tad Kahsai came to Australia from worn-torn Eritrea.  He studied at the Australian National University in the 1970’s” where he met Howard.  He later worked as a Geography teacher, and was part-owned Club Asmara in Civic.  Tad was gifted and a vibrant personality.  “He was well known in Canberra and active in humanitarian activities for his birth country”. “Howard ... said his friend Tad’s death was a tragedy best described as a train wreck of what could go wrong did.  Mr Kahsai went missing from Calvary Hospital while hallucinating and judged not to be competent at the end of 2015.  A missing person investigation by police and on-ground search failed to find him and his body was discovered by chance by students near Bruce Stadium three months later”.

 Áine speaks with Vesna about her multicultural women’s project - An Unexpected Life, a collection of personal stories of migrant woman.  The project was a labour of love and collaboration with the wonderful women she met over the years through the process of establishing herself in Canberra Australia after leaving Serbia 34 years ago.  A few years ago Vesna became involved in writing and performing poetry in her mother tongue, through the Mother Tongue Poetry group.  In the group, multicultural women are inspired and supported to create and recite poetry in their own languages which increases their confidence while showcasing their stories and identities.  She became fascinated with the stories of other migrant woman she met through her journey to establish herself in her new country and wanted to showcase their courage, bravery in moving to another country, learning English and contributing to the broader fabric of Canberra society.  There are 12 stories from woman who came from Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chile, Ghana, Macedonia, Malaysia, Peru, Romania, Serbia, Sri Lanka and South Africa The Book is being launched on at 10am Saturday 20th April 2024 at the Gorman Arts Centre in Ainslie Avenue Canberra City. 

Áine speaks with Amanda Hughes a registered music therapist about music therapy as a career pathway for musicians.  Amanda completed her Master of Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne in 2023, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Canberra majoring in Counselling.  She brings her own lived experiences with mental ill health and first-hand encounters with the power of music to her practice to helps ensure she works to the highest standards, along with a commitment to continuing professional development to ensure she stays at the forefront of therapeutic techniques. She specialises in mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), early childhood and adolescents, and family relationships, tailoring each session to the unique needs of every participant, and fostering an environment where music becomes the catalyst for healing and personal growth. Amanda believes “in the transformative power of music and strive[s] to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those [she] work[s] with in her practice”.