Transforming Perceptions

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”.

Áine speaks with Maree Patsouras about her research on the experiences of working mums drinking during Covid.  The new studies by La Trobe University have shed light on the impact of additional responsibilities women assumed by ‘default’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, influencing a spike in drinking among working mothers.  Participants noted the lack of control they felt over their everyday lives and drinking as they juggled working from home, parenting, household, and teaching roles combined with the limit on socialised activities outside the home.

Maree is currently a PhD student at the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research (CAPR).  Her PhD is a mixed methods project focused on the social, commercial and structural factors influencing alcohol use among working mothers.  Her other research interests include digital and media alcohol exposure, and emerging technologies.

Áine speaks with Mel Greenhalgh, Neuro-coach, Collective Wisdom Coaching and Consulting. Mel is presenting workshops for women, as a part of the Women’s Safety Program running from February - June 2024. The workshops are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Mel has 30 years of experience working in the community, youth work, in policy, research and higher education. She shares aspects of her personal lived experience and how that has led her into work as a Neuro-coach. We discuss the impact of the Covid Pandemic and how that affected us and our communities. How we feel about ourselves, and how we can progress through a journey of healing recovery, and by using strategies to build self-awareness and self-care, we can embrace greater understanding and empowerment.

We also discuss the upcoming workshops focused on women’s safety and unpack some of the reasons why it is hard to say, No.

Ben opens up to Áine about his personal lived experience of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He discusses his recovery journey, his work with Rebus Theatre as a community arts worker and how music creation helps him to raise awareness about ADHD as well as be who he truly is - a talented writer and composer.

Please Note - This interview features two original songs by Ben Drysdale which are available to stream on Spotify.

Lorena Flawn speaks with Dr Susanne Ilschner, Australian National University (ANU) School of Medicine and Psychology. Dr Ilschner has a BA in Visual Art and is currently a PhD Candidate pulling together her experience in lab, clinic and art to evaluate pathways to and meaning of a diagnosis of endometriosis, and gaining deeper insight into the socio-political context of disease. Her current project is engaging with biological questions of pathogenesis and fluid biopsy for diagnosis, involving extracellular vesicles analysed by microspectroscopy and microscopical methods. Her recent research project brought together women from Australia, France and other countries, to create artworks in various mediums that could be photographed, as a response to how they felt about or experienced Endometriosis.

"There is growing clinical and public awareness of the impact the common condition of endometriosis can have on the lives of sufferers. Women have long faced significant challenges in communicating the experience and reality of the condition to scientists, therapists and clinicians as well as within their everyday networks.

This exhibition explores communicating endometriosis through different forms of expression and response, including visual arts, music, dance, language and lab science. In this dialogue, we learn more about our bodies, emotions, embodied experiences, and their various understandable signs, fingerprints, or developed artistic expression." (Retrieved, 5, October 2023, from https://health.anu.edu.au/news-events/events/communicating-endometriosis-through-art-artists-respond).

World Sexual Health Day is the 4th September 2023 and this year’s global theme is ‘Consent’.  

 Áine Ní Tighearnaigh speaks with Jessica Grahame, Lecturer Sociology and Gender Studies to discuss the World Sexual Health Day Theme - Consent – Unpacking Affirmative Consent, power dynamics in sexual and intimate relationships.  

Jessica discusses why it is important to engage in an open dialogue in our communities and with intimate partners about affirmative consent. She shares from her expertise in gender research how we can share honestly and without coercion to better understand equal and affirmative consent.

Andrew Aspinall, veteran of the Australian Navy speaks with Áine Ní Tighearnaigh and Matt Pepar from Transforming Perceptions about his experience of recovery from PTSD through participation in the Veteran Surf Project on the south coast of NSW. Andrew rides out on a lone bike adventure to raise funds for the Veteran Surf Project on Saturday the 15th July 2023 and will spend 4 months traversing Australia.

Andrew joined the Royal Australian Navy as a Commissioned Officer in 1985 and studied Applied Science at the Royal Australian Naval College at HMAS Creswell at Jervis Bay. On graduation he undertook further professional training as an Executive Branch Officer in the surface fleet. He volunteered to train and serve in the Submarine Squadron, for the remainder of his service in the RAN which ended when he resigned in 1994. After leaving the RAN he studied for a Bachelor of Laws and worked within the Defence Industry. Over time he held increasingly senior roles within major multinational defence industry businesses, but knew something was “not quite right” with his mental health and instead of obtaining professional guidance he resorted to alcohol to deal with his mental health issues.  His use of alcohol became a chronic long term addiction. After decades of chronic addiction his brother stepped in and guided him towards some professional help and support. He discovered he was dealing with the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Addiction very commonly flows from PTSD which has a vastly higher rate of occurrence amongst defence veterans and emergency services first responders than it does in the general population.

After hospitalisation for PTSD and alcohol addiction he got involved with the Veteran Surf Project (VSP). The VSP began about two years ago. It was the brainchild of Rusty Moran an ex big wave pro-surfer whose father served in the navy during WWII  and suffered from chronic alcoholism and probably PTSD due to that service. Having himself recovered from the effects of trauma through surfing and having seen the impacts of trauma on his father, Rusty established the VSP to determine if surf therapy could assist veterans and first responders (who suffer from PTSD at a rate about 400% higher than the general population.

Andrew is undertaking an around the country solo adventure bike ride, raising awareness and more importantly funds for the Veteran Surf Project. This Project has had limited funding support from the Federal Health and require $150,000 to keep it going. The VSP has been incredibly beneficial to Andrew and hundreds of other veterans, serving ADF personnel and emergency service first responders and their families in recovering from PTSD and sometimes the impacts of addiction.

Donations for the VSP can be made at GoFundMe “Andys Adventure Around Australia”. Anyone interested in his solo motorcycle journey around the country can follow me on Facebook @Andys Adventure Around Australia.

Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt is a member of the stolen generations. Four generations of her family were stolen. She grew up under segregation and government control in Western Australia as part of the White Australia Policy and away from her family and without any human rights. She shares her personal story of survival, recovery through writing children’s books, creating art and poetry.

We chat about her latest children’s book Old Nana Quokka and its themes of caring for country, environment and our elders. The beautifully illustrated and crafted book helps younger children to understand and learn about our Australian animals, aboriginal storytelling and how if we look after Country, it will look after us. We yarn about Naidoc Week, and why it is so important for all Australians; the devastating impacts of being stolen; about racism and truth telling. Aunty Rhonda says “it’s hard to speak about and hard for people to hear, but we need to hear.” We need to strengthen our youth and have a strong voice and advocacy for our people. I ask Aunty Rhonda her thoughts on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and what our Indigenous Elders think. Speaking with Aunty Rhonda is always an extraordinary experience. It is full of insights into our first nations peoples, of learning, of stories that support understanding, wisdom and build a strong connection with our country.

Áine and Matt are joined in the studio by Alan and Jasmine to talk about the challenges of seeking connection and dating in the 2020's. 

We share from our personal experiences of dating and relationships mainly from a hetersexual perspective. We chat about our serious concerns about dating, values, communication, dating apps and also have a laugh and find common themes and threads, hopes and dreams that are experienced by others seeking to connect for companionship, or to find a partner.

The opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are based upon the personal experience of the participants and not necessarily those of either Transforming Perceptions or 2xx 98.3 FM Community Radio on which we broadcast our live shows.

We apologse that this is mainly from the heteresexual perspective and hope to bring you more diverse perspectives on the same topic in the future.

Matt Pepar interviews Neil Shepherd on Mindfulness as part of the 'Energising Your Life' segment. What is mindfulness and how can it help me manage difficult emotions and improve my wellbeing?

Neil Shepherd at Inner Synergy has professionally trained thousands of people in corporate and public programs for over 7 years. As his passion, he's also been learning and growing various practices for over 23 years - so has a rich background of knowledge & experience to draw on. Neil loves helping people develop skills in an often overly busy, challenging & exploding information age. It’s a time where skills in self-awareness, emotional regulation, personal leadership, stress management and resilience are no longer just “nice to haves”. He helps people build relatively simple, science-backed skills - that most of us just aren’t taught, or aware of. Neil defines this as "Growing Mind Intelligence”.

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh chats with Sarah Wilson, Executive Operations Manager at Multicultural Communities Council of the Illawarra MCCI about the services and supports they provide to multicultural communities in the ACT, Queanbeyan and the Illawarra. I also speak with Sarah about her experience of working in the UK prior to migrating the Australia, especially focusing on the differences in support and services available to diverse and multicultural communities and how that compares with the Australian health and mental health services and programs.

Sarah has over 17 years in the not for profit sector with experience in both Australia and the UK. She joined MCCI in early 2018 ans has been working closely with the management team to implement quality improvement throughout the organisation with a focus on human resources, work health and safety, fleet and facilities management. Prior to her work at MCCI, Sarah worked as the Operations Manager for a regional peak body representing the community services industry and prior to that had experience in managing a variety of employment and learning and development programs. Sarah also has extensive experience in social enterprise, including the creation of a not for profit recruitment and labour hire business.

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh is in conversation with Hamza Vayani, Chair of the World Wellness Group about the national multicultural health line - Multicultural Health Connect.

The phone line was an initiative of the World Wellness Group who are based in Brisbane. When the Covid Pandemic struck many international students and community members found themselves stranded without support, access to quality health, mental health information and resources to manage their well-being. The phone line was developed as a response to the needs of those multicultural and migrant communities. It operates in every state and territory excluding Tasmania and Queensland, (which has its own state phone line) and provides information in your first language on health and mental health services and supports available in your area.

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.

There is currently a world wide shortage of Ozempic, a drug used by people with diabetes but also popular with others who want to lose weight.  The drug is extremely important to those living with type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions.  There are concerns that the drug may not be available in Australia until mid-2023.  

Áine chats with  with Professor Cowley about  the purpose of the drug and why it is so important to the health and well-being of people living with these conditions.

Professor Michael Cowley is head of physiology in the School of Biomedical Sciences, and a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. He is also a doctor of philosophy (medicine) and has a particular interest in public health, obesity, metabolics and diabetes. Michael was also the Director of the Monash Obesity and Diabetes Institute (MODI), which focuses on developing new therapies for obesity and diabetes. He is particularly interested in why leptin resistance is high in obese people. He's also looking at some of our most dangerous obesity-related diseases.

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh and Matt Pepar chat with Alan Woodward Australian National Mental Health Commissioner, Founder of Lifeline Research, Board Member of Grand Pacific Health and involved with Lifeline International.  The award recognised and celebrated the outstanding mental health leadership in the clinical, academic or professional sectors at a national level.

Alan discusses how he traversed an unconventional path into the field of suicide research.  His upbringing in Wollongong, work as an evaluator, contributions to national mental health policy development and long and distinguished career working in the fields of mental health, crisis support and suicide prevention for 20 years as an executive leader, service and program developer, evaluator and researcher and as an expert on crisis lines and related community services.  

Alan has contributed to suicide prevention policy and program development nationally.  He co-chaired the Expert Advisory Group to the Special Advisor on Suicide Prevention and was a Board Director for nine years with Suicide Prevention Australia.  He worked for Lifeline Australia in various executive roles for 14 years until 2018, including the Lifeline Research Foundation.   Alan has a Master’s Degree in Social Science and Policy, a Business Degree in Public Administration and a Diploma in Arts/Communication and is a Fellow of the Australian Evaluation Society.

Quote – "The sad reality is that many people experiencing mental health problems that are affecting their enjoyment of life and limit their contributions to work, family, or community, do not approach services for help. A barrier can be the stigma surrounding mental health. People are reluctant to name their mental health needs for fear of being criticized, shamed or ignored. Worse still, some people who experience mental health conditions also experience discrimination towards them in how they receive (or don't receive) services, employment, education, recreation, cultural and community opportunities. Sometimes already vulnerable people have their human rights ignored” (Alan Woodward, Linkedin, 2022).

Donna Stanley, Proud Gungarri Umby Woman; Acting Executive Director Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh chats with Donna Stanley, Indigenous Mental Health Clinician about her award and work in supporting people of aboriginal backgrounds and her passion for lowering suicide rates and improving social, emotional and mental health and well-being for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Donna has a personal lived experience of suicide losing her brother 30 years ago. The experience spurred her on to train as an Aboriginal mental health clinician working in a variety of settings including drug and alcohol, providing policy advice on culturally and clinically safe models of care for indigenous communities in national mental health forums; developing education and training packages specifically for people of Indigenous backgrounds; and working with western area local health district indigenous communities to create appropriate supports for people with complex mental health issues and in rural and remote communities.

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh chats with Broadcaster Gary Thorpe OAM, Manager of 4MBS Classic FM Brisbane, Silver Memories and MBS Light about his recent national mental health award for his work on Silver Memories Radio which is broadcast via satellite to over 200 nursing homes across Australia. Gary founded Silver Memories 15 years ago and travelled overseas, researching extensively on Reminiscence Music Therapy through a Churchill Fellowship grant.

Silver Memories is a special nostalgia radio service developed by the Music Broadcasting Society of Queensland Ltd.  It was designed specifically to address social isolation and depression in Aged Care through Reminiscence Music Therapy.  The service provides a non-pharmacological tool for the management of dementia and related issues. Silver Memories operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and plays cheerful and gentle music from the 1940s to the 1970s. The broadcast also includes cheerio greetings and birthday calls from our friendly announcers, and features old radio serials and comedies which people listened to before the advent of television.

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh chats with Scientia Professor Jill Bennett Director of the Big Anxiety REsearch Centre (BARC) UNSW founder of the Big Anxiety Festival about the upcoming launch of the BARC and their work that is transforming mental health through cultural innovation.  “The [BARC] is a unique transdisciplinary enterprise, dedicated to transforming thinking and practice in mental health through creative collaboration and cultural innovation”.

[The BARC] “research lived experience through a unique combination of trauma-informed, psychosocial research and creative practice, developing the rich communications and engagement practices we need to understand, connect with and support everyday experiences of mental health, trauma and suicidality”.

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh and Matt Pepar chat with Craig Anderson, father of three about his personal lived experiences of post-natal depression.

The need for perinatal mental health support at an all-time high, with one in five new mums and one in ten new dads experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety, equating to around 100,000 Aussie parents each.

Craig is a Gidget Angel and was diagnosed with post-natal anxiety after his son was born.  When his wife was experiencing post-natal depression, he made his best effort to ensure he was supporting her.  However, he had been experiencing anxiety about leaving the house with his newborn son and would make excuses not to go out.  His wife eventually booked him in to Gidget House and he was diagnosed with post-natal anxiety.  He now is an advocate for Gidget House and wants to empower others to seek help when they need it after their children are born.  Craig and his wife now also have 14 month old twins.

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh and Matt Pepar chat with Cathy Ngo, mother of two about her personal lived experiences of post-natal depression as a person from a culturally diverse background.

The need for perinatal mental health support at an all-time high, with one in five new mums and one in ten new dads experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety, equating to around 100,000 Aussie parents each.

"Cathy Ngo is a social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and writer based in Sydney. She’s known for pushing the boundaries and agenda for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Cathy’s continued advocacy work and thought leadership is featured across many publications, including the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, ABC, SBS, Women’s Agenda, and on radio.

Cathy has a five-year-old son, Hendrick. When he was born, she struggled with deep perinatal depression and anxiety which lasted for almost three years. While she felt prepared for childbirth and the possibility of perinatal depression, nothing prepared her for the cultural expectations with hormones on overdrive.  As an Australian-born to Vietnamese parents, she had a choice to honour this tradition, but instead decided to lead things her own way.  She didn’t find many resources at the time on the intersection of cultural heritage and PND. The demands of meeting both her Asian roots and navigating parenthood were overwhelming. Determined to help other culturally diverse families, Cathy is passionate about supporting programs that break down the stigma and barriers in reaching out for help and support. 

The need for perinatal mental health support at an all-time high, with one in five new mums and one in ten new dads experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety, equating to around 100,000 Aussie parents each year we chat with Dr Yvonne Luxford CEO of the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre here in the ACT.

The centre is a community based non-government organisation providing support to families in the ACT.  As an Accredited Mental Health Service it provides perinatal mental health support to clients from pregnancy until their youngest child reaches two years of age. The organisation offers a range of programs tailored to provide mental, emotional and physical benefits to those experiencing perinatal depression and/or anxiety.

Áine Ní Tighearnaigh chats with Radhiah Chowdhury one of the editors of 'Admissions' (Upswell Publishing, 2022).  The book was recently launched in Melbourne at the Big Anxiety Festival during mental health month.  'Admissions' is a new anthology documenting the lived/living experience of mental health issues in Australia, featuring 100+ pieces from some of our leading writers, poets and public figures.

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.

October is National Mental Health Month promoting and raising awareness of issues affecting those living with disability, mental illness, or as a lived experience Carer or Consumer.

I speak with local Canberra girl Leisa Keen, who is not only a well-known and respected professional musician, music teacher, singer and producer of musical theatre, but who also shares the care of two sons with Autism with her partner, fellow musician Steve.

Leisa speaks openly about the challenges that musicians have faced across the past few years during the Covid lockdowns and how that impacted her and her families’ well-being, especially as Carers for their sons living with Autism.  She speaks about her role as a Carer, about Autism and the importance of music in her life. 

Leisa shares about her latest musical project the Olivia Show, ‘I Honestly Love You’ soon to be performed at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre on 28th October 2022, a fitting tribute to Olivia Newton – John recently deceased, whose endeavours in both music and life as a Cancer campaigner, animal lover and philanthropist inspired Leisa to pursue her love of singing and a career in the music industry.  We all need to be inspired and uplifted and this show seeks to do just that!

To hear more join us live, livestream or listen back On Demand off our 2xx Transforming Perceptions program page at 2xx 98.3 FM Community Radio. 

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.

"According to the Better Health Channel, 45% of adults will experience mental health challenges in their lifetime, with Lifeline reporting that 75% of those who take their own life are male".

Áine chats with Simon Jarvis about the support and needs of men in our communities today and how Mentoring Men is assisting.  "Mentoring Men aims to help men experiencing distress or a sense of helplessness by providing free one-to-one life mentoring, enabling them to adjust and transition to a better and normal quality of life”.  Mentoring Men is a registered charity and relatively new organisation founded in Sydney in 2018 to support men and provide a listening ear and mentoring.  They provide free long-term life mentoring programs for men Australia-wide. Focusing on a proactive approach, the charity seeks to engage with men who need help before they spiral into crisis. Simon discusses how the program works and who can be involved. 

Simon has a bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Psychology and over 20 years of management experience in the not-for-profit sector in the United Kingdom and Australia.  Simon brings a broad and deep range of expertise that puts the best Mentor and Mentee experience at the core of the Mentoring Men team. 

Transforming Perceptions on 2xx 98.3 FM Community Radio, 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.

On this weekend of the Garma Festival (July 2022) in the Northern Territory we share an Indigenous story of resilience and strength.

Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt is a member of the stolen generations.  Four generations of her family were stolen.  She grew up under segregation and government control in Western Australia as part of the White Australia Policy away from her family and without any human rights.  She shares her personal story of survival, resilience and recovery through writing children’s books, creating art and poetry.

We chat about her latest children’s book Bobtail’s Friend – From the Desert to the Sea which was inspired by Aunty Rhonda's own experiences.  It has themes around bullying and racism which are conveyed in a way that children can understand.  The beautifully illustrated and crafted book helps younger children to understand and learn about inclusivity and the importance of speaking up when you see someone being treated differently.  

We yarn about her book Alice’s Daughter – Lost Mission Child and the devastating impacts of being stolen; about racism and truth telling.  Aunty Rhonda says “it’s hard to speak about and hard for people to hear, but we need to hear.”  We need to strengthen our youth and have a strong voice and advocacy for our people.  Speaking with Aunty Rhonda was an extraordinary experience full of learning, being taught and sharing.

Transforming Perceptions on 2xx 98.3 FM Community Radio, 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 Rachel Green CEO of Sane Australia. Rachel shares her own lived experience story of recovery from mental illness, growing up in Canberra and how that has guided her work with SANE and in providing care to others who need mental health support.

In response to data from the Federal Government’s Productivity Commission showing that 150,000 Australians are currently missing out on vital psychosocial support services that could help them manage daily activities, increase social connection, and improve their quality of life, SANE has developed the country’s first digital and telephone service that provides ongoing mental health support. The service was co-designed with those with lived experience of autism, psychosocial and intellectual disability and representatives from Indigenous, multicultural and LGTBIQ+ backgrounds.

“Developed and delivered by leading complex mental health organisation SANE, this new service provides guided support for people with issues like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or OCD.  The service is also built for the autistic community and those with intellectual disability seeking mental health support”.  “Participants will have their own personalised programs of online or over the phone counselling and peer support as well as recovery activities, such as online community forums, social groups and art sessions – all via a new digital participant portal”.

In Conversation with Julie Tongs, OAM, CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjah, Nominee, Senior Australian of the Year 2022 and Author - The Housing Growth and Renewal Program - Impact on Indigenous Families in the ACT; Over-representation of Aboriginal People in the Justice System and Systemic Racism.

Julie is a Wiradjuri woman an incredible leader, service provider and campaigner for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT and beyond. She is openly acknowledged as a warm and generous person, ready with her time, offering advice and information on matters involving the health and wellbeing of the Australian Capital Territory’s Indigenous population.  She has been CEO of the ACT Aboriginal health and community service for 25 years overseeing the growth of the service and its role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and providing a culturally safe environment.

Julie provides us with raw and honest insights into the impact of a number of significant actions being undertaken by the ACT government.  The effects of forced removals of ACT Indigenous women from their public housing homes as part of the Housing authorities Growth and Renewal program which she has called the social cleansing of the inner north and inner south suburbs of Canberra. We also discuss the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the ACT justice system and the call for a royal commission. Julie is unapologetic and genuine about the impacts of our mainly white dominated perspectives and systems that keep Aboriginal people entrenched in poverty.

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 speaks with Dr Emma Campbell from the ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS) about their latest media release advocating on behalf of public housing tenants who are being threatened with the loss of their homes as part of the ACT governments' Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program.  

In the government's latest move this week to oust women, children, elderly and disabled tenants, government representatives rang tenants and gave them under 48 hours to arrange representation and prepare to appear before a government-appointed panel to request an exemption. 

"ACTCOSS CEO Dr Emma Campbell said: “ACTCOSS has written to the ACT government on numerous occasions asking for details of the promised refined process through which vulnerable tenants can receive a discretionary decision to remain in their properties (Canberra City News, June 15, 2022)."

Dr Campbell provides an update on what ACTCOSS and its partner organisations from the community sector are doing to advocate for these tenants.  She also talks about the importance and value to the whole community of planning a City around the needs of its most vulnerable citizens and should "commit to consulting with, and prioritising the needs of those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage (Canberra City News, 17 June 2022)".

Áine chats with boxing veteran and bestselling author Gary Todd who has released a very personal coming-of-age memoir called Annie's Boy, a tale of resilience and rising up above a violent childhood in gritty Dundee, Scotland, where fear and violence were rife, and struggle was an everyday part of life.  Gary and his mother Annie, who worked multiple jobs to put food on the table, were stuck in an abusive cycle, living in fear for their lives due to the intimidation and violence perpetrated by Gary's Father.  When Gary was only ten years old, everything came to a head as he was called to testify against his father in court as he ultimately tried to end the abuse for good.

Gary discusses aspects of his personal story, moving to Australia when he was 21 and his long-term passion for fitness using boxing as a way to overcome adversity and be strong to protect his Mum.  There is a great deal more to Gary's story which is documented in his new book Annie's Boy out now and available through New Holland Publishers and all good bookstores. 

Áine chats with Dean Widders National Rugby League (NRL) Indigenous Pathways Manager and former Roosters and Eels player about the NRL Indigenous Round 2022.

Dean is an Anaiwan Indigenous Australian from Armidale, and a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000’s and 2010’s. He works with the national Rugby League as an Indigenous Pathways manager supporting young Indigenous youth into employment and career pathways.

Áine chats with Markus Fischer, Peer Support Worker, Relationship’s Australia Canberra about his personal lived experience and recovery from the harmful impacts of alcohol and gambling addiction.

Markus works within the Gambling Harm Support Team at Relationships Australia Canberra as a Peer Worker providing education, support and awareness-raising in the ACT region.  He shares insights into the impact of alcohol and how that has affected his mental health and well-being and relationships with families and friends and dive into gambling harm.

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 speaks with Andy Fermo Co-founder of Invisible Injuries, a support service for veterans and their families who have been affected by their service and PTSD. 

Andy talks about his personal experience of service with deployments to Afghanistan in 2007 and 2009 with the SAS. He survived the impact of an I.E.D roadside bomb (Improvised Explosive Device), witnessing many traumatic incidences including the deaths and major injuries of his colleagues, experiencing first-hand “life outside the wire”.  Andy was medically discharged in 2010 and later diagnosed with PTSD. At the end of 2018, the culmination of a number of unforeseen circumstances resulted in Andy being at an “all-time low” along with his family they were essentially homeless.  It was these experiences and learning how to live with PTSD that inspired Andy and his wife Claire to establish Invisible Injuries.

The Voices of Gambling Harm Project - Relationships Australia and Mental Illness Education ACT (MIEACT)

Áine chats with with Markus Fischer, Peer Support Worker, Relationship’s Australia Canberra, and John Dickson, Programs & Delivery Manager Client Relations Manager, MIEACT, about the new Voices of Gambling Harm community education project.

Markus has a lived experience of gambling harm and works within the Gambling Harm Support Team at Relationships Australia Canberra as a Peer Worker providing education, support and awareness-raising in the ACT region.  John works within the mental health awareness and community education programs at MIEACT who have been delivering community education in the ACT since 1993.  The project is a collaboration between MIEACT and Relationships Australia, that seeks to provide tools and information to young people and community members through the sharing of personal stories from people who have experienced gambling harm.

Markus also shares some of his personal story and insights into the harmful impacts of gambling addiction and how that may affect a person’s mental health and well-being and relationships with families and friends.

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 Ní Tighearnaigh speaks with Father Wally Kalinecki of St Volodymyr's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Lyneham and Father Paul Nulley of St Joseph's Catholic Church O'Connor.  Father Wally tells us about his Ukrainian background, his birth in Poland, the ethnic cleansing that happened in his native village in the Ukraine and how his family eventually migrated to Australia. Father Paul was born and raised in Canberra.  He tells us about his calling to the priesthood which family and friends saw as preordained and his great friendship with Father Wally and his parish's prayers in support of Ukraine.  Canberra communities are deeply concerned for family members in the Ukraine with families and communities being torn apart and plead for families to keep in touch through whatever mechanisms they have in place. 

As part of the efforts in Canberra to demonstrate unity of our spiritual communities support for the Ukraine " ... Ukrainian and Russian priests sat together in the front pew of St Paul’s Anglican Church Manuka at an Ash Wednesday ecumenical vigil giving a powerful sign of unity and reconciliation.  They were among members of Canberra’s Christian churches who gathered in response to Pope Francis’ call to observe Ash Wednesday as a day of prayer and fasting for peace.  Russian Orthodox Archpriest Alexander Morozow and Fr Wally Kalinecki, of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, agreed that they desired to “pray for peace”.  

Áine speaks to these two amazing champions of Peace and compassion, discussing the war in Ukraine and the impact that it is having on local Ukrainian and Russian communities here in the Canberra region.  We pray together for a swift end to the war in Ukraine, for salvation for the people of the region, for understanding and compassion and for Peace.

People of the Ukraine can feel reassured that Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican Church and others and Ukrainian and Russian communities in Canberra Australia support their efforts to stay safe and fight for their homeland and that prayers are being offered daily for their survival and spiritual support.