Audio
Beach access and safety, music therapy, sport, film, tea and B6
Leisure Link by
Vision Australia3 seasons
1 February 2025
1 hr 23 mins
Diverse interviews covering disability and sport, arts, recreation, health, social justice and lifestyle.
Vision Australia Radio Adelaide's Peter Greco presents wide-ranging interviews covering disability and sport, arts, recreation, health, social justice and general lifestyle.
In this week's edition:
- Brad Brider, from the South Australian Blind Cricket Team wraps up the National Cricket Inclusion Championships and shares experiences of playing against SA Politicians on Adelaide Oval.
- Andriana Petrakis, fresh from the Australian Open Tennis, has been chosen to host an International Women's Day event at Memorial Drive - as well as featuring in the January edition of SA Life.
- Lloyd Townsend, Director from Estara, invites anyone with mobility challenges who uses a wheelchair to attend Beach Access Days at Glenelg from February 9. For more info call 1800 378 272.
- David Mitchell, health commentator, puts recent Vitamin B6 news into perspective.
- Belinda Hellyer, from Brewed By Belinda, shares tips as to what temperature to best brew different teas for taste and health benefits.
- Danielle Snell, mother of an 8 year old child benefiting from Music Therapy, speaks passionately about its benefits - and her concern as the therapy is reviewed by the NDIS.
- Ryan Goodwin, Creative Director launches the 2025 Focus On Ability Short Film Festival, with financial prizes as well as money-can't-buy experiences.
- Jodie Hawkins, Executive Manager of Swimming Australia, discusses the "Don't Drink and Dive" Campaign, raising the importance of water safety.
00:16 Peter
It's just gone 5:00. A very happy Lunar New Year to people born in this year. Show wisdom and intelligence along with you, because you've chosen some delicious ... and Leisure Link here on Vision Australia Radio 1197 AM, online at VA radio, VA Radio Digital in Adelaide and Darwin through the TuneIn radio app. Look for Vision Australia, Radio Adelaide, your favourite podcast or streaming service. A huge thanks to Disability Media Australia - they also podcast our program - go to Powerd Media - Powerd Media. And our friends listening through 103.9 FM in Esperance in Western Australia. All aboard! Thank you so much for joining us. This program coming to you from Kaurna land. Peter Greco is my name.
Coming up very, very shortly. We'll talk cricket with Brad Brider. We'll talk tennis with Andriana Petrakis. I talked to Lloyd Townsend about a great opportunity for access at the beach. If you have mobility issues. That's coming up very soon. David Mitchell, our health commentator, will put all the B6 controversy into perspective for us from Brewed by Belinda, the Brew that is True... will talk to us about what temperature is best to brew your tea at. Also, catch up with Daniel Snelling. Daniel has a child who is receiving music therapy. It's under threat at the moment. Daniel will share his her story with us. Also, catch up with Ryan Goodwin from the Focus on Ability Film Festival. It's just been launched virtually on this program as we speak. And also catch up with Jodi Hawkins from Swimming Australia. Jodi's message, Don't Drink and Drive. Yes. Water safety - very, very important.
Well, the National Cricket Inclusion Carnival has concluded, South Australia finishing second to New South Wales. Let's catch up with one of the players of South Australia. Brad... great to catch up. Thanks for your time. First time we spoke to you - so welcome!
02:23 Brad
No worries Peter. Great to be on.
02:25 Peter
How was it for you?
02:26 Brad
Yeah, it was really good. We got a really good group to play with. Got four teenagers in there, so it's got a really good air about it. And, you know, we won the Spirit of Cricket award two years in a row. So it sort of speaks to how the group is going.
02:39 Peter
Yeah, that's a great achievement, isn't it? I mean, to win it one year is obviously a nice thing, but to kind of make it back to back, that's a great recognition. I guess if you saw the team spirit and the way the team plays the game.
02:50 Brad
Yeah, I think, with the young group, it's it's something that, you know, we're trying to win the tournament, obviously, but it's it's good recognition of our program and the work that Lachie and Amir sort of do to push it forward. And, yeah, it's good to see.
03:05 Peter
From your point of view, Brad, do you, did you take the most wickets as a B2?
03:10 Brad
Yeah. It was. There was a bit of a stuff up there. We had a good tournament, Lachie and I, but... yeah, not quite the most wickets, but we still... I still perform pretty well, I think, uh, we, uh, they added our dismissals and wickets into that, but no, we we did well, and, you know, it's something that is nice and, and whatnot, but yeah, we're not quite this time.
03:31 Peter
Alright. What about as far as the... game if you like, goes... they were all T20 matches weren't they?
03:36 Brad
Yeah. It's a shortened format throughout the tournament. We actually had one game we played at T10 for the first time, which was pretty interesting and fun to be a part of, but... yeah, T20s. We... missed out on our first game due to... some rain on the first day against ACT and we went through played WA, which is always a interesting experience for me, being a Perth boy. And which way won? And then we played Queensland, won that. And it was really special because some of our younger players, Beau and Ethan, were really integral to that performance, which was great. And then through a tough loss against New South Wales into a good win in Victoria.
04:16 Peter
But of course there's a great story coming from Thailand. Is that right?
04:20 Brad
Yeah she's exceptional. Great talent coming through and I'm sure she's going to be an absolute star in the women's game going forward along with Danny.
04:29 Peter
Yeah, as you say very, very young. So plenty of time ahead to improve and get even better. Of course, headland has established herself in the team for a few years now.
04:39 Brad
Yeah, well, she... when she played for us after completing at the... green yellow games in the women's, she was exceptional with the ball and bowled four overs in the final, and semi-final, you know, which just shows how highly we read her.
04:54 Peter
Terrific. What about as far as, for you? For yourself? Brad, coming up from Western Australia, what brought you to Adelaide?
05:00 Brad
I think it's the lifestyle and how easy it is to sort of get around here. Also, it's a great... I said, lucky that a very good man, as we all know. And, eah.
05:10 Peter
Don't put him up too much, Brad.
05:12 Brad
I've got, I've got a, it's a, nice man, but, eah. No, it's a good lifestyle. And, you know, I love WA. But it's a lot of work to maintain that program there. And I just sort of want to have fun and play cricket and, you know, a lot of good people here and that I've known for a long time. So yeah, it was a good opportunity.
05:30 Peter
Did Bucky Buchanan play in... Brisbane?
05:33 Brad
Yes he did. I copped a fair bit of stick from him while I was out there batting. I can't believe it. And he's a good man. I he introduced me to cricket when I played goalball back in the day. But yeah, he's... I think he'll... go till he drops. He loves it.
05:50 Peter
I'm pretty sure he played his first carnival in Brisbane in 1972. If you take your shoes and socks off and everything else, that's, you know, 52, 53 years ago, which is an extraordinary amount of longevity.
06:02 Brad
Yeah. It was really nice. A couple of years ago when we had our 50th year of the Venetians, we... got the WACA to give him, you know, access into the Hall of Fame there, which was really.
06:14 Peter
Wow. Yeah. Richly deserved. And, you know, he's had a few health issues over the years... which he's overcome and, and continue to play, which is testament to his character and also his courage and strength.
06:27 Brad
Yeah. Well, he's really fortunate to get that kidney replacement, obviously. And, yeah, it was, you know, he retired at one point just before then, which was, you know, as we said before, like he, you know, he's the kind of guy that wants to just keep playing. The fact that he did that, you know, it was pretty you know, the testaments were with that. But no, it's, yeah, it's great to see him back out there.
06:48 Peter
You played goalball. What made you turn to cricket or why such a focus on cricket now?
06:52 Brad
This is the hearing. I have a hearing impairment as well. So under the goggles I was pretty much just guessing, not hearing where the ball was going to go. And, you know, not knowing anything. Well.
07:04 Peter
I shouldn't laugh, but I think those with disabilities kind of laugh at each other's disabilities a little bit more comfortably. So, yeah. What the cricket, I guess you got a little bit of sight that you can use as well.
07:15 Brad
Yeah, exactly.
07:16 Peter
What about batting and bowling? What do you prefer?
07:18 Brad
It's probably changed over the years. I prefer used for bowling, then. Now it's... I don't work hard on my batting. That's sort of where it's gone to. And, yeah, it's where I've had the opportunity for Australia to do a couple of things. So yeah, that's probably where I specialise now.
07:34 Peter
Yeah. Well, last week on the program, we spoke to Leon Bignell, the Speaker of the House of Assembly here in South Australia, who played against the blind cricket team from SA at the Adelaide Oval. You were part of that. How was that?
07:45 Brad
Oh, it was an unbelievable experience, to be honest. I had the opportunity to play in the WACA and Adelaide Oval as well. And it's just something, you know, every every kid dreams of, you know, doing stuff like that. And, you know, there's a certain aura when you get out there. And Reuby and I were fortunate enough to open and have a nice partnership. And, you know, hitting a boundary on Adelaide Oval is just something that you can only dream of. And I could see in Reuby's face that a kid who's obsessed with cricket coming through and, you know, he smacked it around and made a 50 and I don't know when something I'm sure he'll take, you know, to the grave, letting these kids know.
08:22 Peter
That's Reuben Fairbank. Yeah, yeah, I've often said that's like a West Indian cricketer's name. Reuben Fairbank. I reckon it's probably the coolest name in blind cricket in Australia, but... that's just my rather obtuse observations, but certainly a very talented player. And speak about Reuben... he made the... so what's it called these days after the... NCIC that they name an Australian team or the 11?
08:47 Brad
Him and Lachlan made it... Reuben, he's an unbelievable talent. And he really, you know, when you're in the nets with him, and he really, he really listens and takes on board what you're trying to give him. So, you know, he works hard and he really deserved and had a fantastic tournament and started to show a bit more of the pressure and handled it really well.
09:06 Peter
And Lucky made it as well. And... Michael the Evergreen also got in.
09:10 Brad
Yeah. So I haven't thought about him. You won't be happy about that. But... no, he had a really good tournament and he always, he always steps up in the important moments, which is... good to see.
09:20 Peter
Actually. Not an amusing story, but kind of a bit of an unusual story with Michael and his Australian caps. Are you aware of that?
09:26 Brad
No, I don't know about that one.
09:28 Peter
Okay. Well, apparently, because of the matches that were washed out...
09:32 Brad
Oh, yeah. Yeah. 98. He...
09:34 Peter
Yeah, he almost did a Steve Smith, being stuck on nine, nine, nine, nine runs before the end of the summer. So, yeah, I'm sure Michael will get a chance. And along those lines, Brad, any news or news or any sort of rumours going around about what might be next for Australian representation?
09:51 Brad
We're not terribly sure at the moment. I think, obviously with the Australia [?mou], we get a tour every 12 months kind of thing, so I'm sure we'll find it. It'll sort of be finalised after in July, around what we're doing. But, you know, it could be a number of things. Talk about maybe Sri Lanka, England again, potentially India. So we're not too sure.
10:12 Peter
There are lots of opportunities. And... the WACA compared to the Adelaide Oval, can you compare? I guess they've both got their uniqueness.
10:19 Brad
I think for me it was a very special playing on the WACA. Just, you know, I work in the scoreboard there as well. Okay. You know, it's, you know, I'm looking to create [?nuffy]. So there's something a little special for me, but... like, the Adelaide Oval is probably the best stadium in Australia, so, you know, you gotta appreciate that opportunity as well.
10:39 Peter
I don't know about the WACA ground, but... that's in the turf. But the Adelaide Oval is magnificent, isn't it?
10:43 Brad
Oh, yeah.
10:44 Peter
Top notch. And of course, so you got all the... sort of history that goes with it. So do you get the change in the change rooms and that sort of stuff as well?
10:52 Brad
Yeah, yeah, we got full access. SACA, very good. Was where they give us, you know, we got to use the university ovals since Adelaide Uni as well. Karen Rowland, we try and train there every Wednesday leading up. So yeah, we're pretty privileged with all the access we got, including obviously playing that special game there.
11:08 Peter
Yeah, I know, but I've done the tour of the Adelaide Oval. I can highly recommend it. You go into the scoreboard but also to the change rooms and you know, as you say, for those that are sports, nothing's there's a, a certain... sort of... feel about being in an elite sports room like that. And I guess to be actually an elite athlete playing there and changing there, etc., and then going out onto the oval, that that's something pretty special.
11:29 Brad
Yeah, absolutely. It's yeah, it's something we can't we can't take for granted because, you know, Zed has played for a long time now. And that was only the second time he's got an opportunity to do that. So it's something we really hammered home on the day that to really take it in and enjoy it and take that opportunity because you never know, like when we're going to get that again.
11:48 Peter
Well, it's a great point you make. And we've talked about [?] and Bucky playing 50 years ago in the last... well no, maybe 10 or 20 years. The umbrella bodies, the Cricket Australia, soccer, WACA, they've really come on board as far as being much more inclusive and... receptive to... players with disabilities.
12:05 Brad
Yeah. Even in my short time, my first couple of tours for Australia, we... I paid for... yeah. And then yeah, since then they've jumped on and they pay for all the tours. And then now all state players don't have to pay as well, which really helps the growth of the game because you can get people on board and and show them what cricket can really be like and the social side of it as well, and the functional movement and the improvements he can make for people.
12:32 Peter
Well, it's a great point. I mean, the other thing is, heaven knows it's hard enough to get a job. And if you get a job and you want some time off, etc., it's pretty hard to hold down a job. So if you're looking to dip into your pocket every time you want to represent the state or your country, it's a bit of a tall order.
12:48 Brad
Yeah, it's not a massive difference in the psyche of the game as well, because you're trying to convince people to, you know, take it more seriously. You know, the fact that they're being paid to play essentially in that way or that their funds are being paid for, that makes a big difference. It also how you can approach the games in the sense that, you know, you can go a bit harder and there's not as much rotation, I guess, which is a bit of a negative. But, you know, Victoria running a franchise series soon, which... should be really good for that kind of thing as well.
13:21 Peter
Okay. So there's a bit more about that.
13:22 Brad
So Victoria and Victoria and New South Wales in conjunction are running a franchise cricket weekend, which is open invite. They've currently got about 40 people signed up already. So... it's at the end of March, I believe, and get a really good opportunity for people to develop their skills.
13:39 Peter
Almost like a blind IPL.
13:41 Brad
Yeah, it's really going to be like that. I think they're going to do a draft and everything.
13:44 Peter
Oh, cool. We'll have to follow it up. Thanks for the tipoff there Brad. Well done. You're a pseudo producer, I appreciate that. So good. Brad, congratulations to you. And the South Australian team are runners up to New South Wales.
Brad
We certainly are. Bat above our weight, pardon the pun, when it comes to our representations. I think you got to respect New South Wales though, right. They've done for six years. They're a very good team, well coached and well...
14:06 Peter
Well they've got a couple of interstate recruits haven't they.
14:08 Brad
Oh I'm not going to touch on that. I know he must have been.
14:12 Peter
Well just for those that might be aware of that... too many in-jokes. Steven Palmer of course, came from South Australia and Stefan Niro is a real out-and-out champion that comes from WA, but they play for New South Wales. That's what's important for that particular comp. So you're very diplomatic, Brad. The diplomatic corps might be calling.
14:30 Brad
So good.
14:31 Peter
Thanks for your time Brad.
14:32 Brad
Thank you.
14:33 S1
It's Brad Brider there. I think he might have a career in diplomacy after that. But South Australia finished second. And what under those three players, and also Aaron Lyle was recognised as well during the NCIC. And in coming weeks, we'll catch up with the athletes with intellectual disability and the deaf as well.
Well, it's been a big few weeks for tennis and in particular for our guest, Andriana Petrakis. Andriana, always great to chat. How you going?
15:04 Andriana
Hello, Peter. I am, I am awesome, thank you. How are you?
15:08 Peter
I'm very well. Not as awesome as you, but I'm sort of aiming to get there one day. And let's work backwards. You're not long back from Melbourne. Obviously. The Australian Open on all the tennis around that. How did you go and how was it for you?
15:25 Andriana
Last week at the Australian Open, I competed in my PW2 disability category. I came third overall in my singles and doubles.
15:40 Peter
How did you feel about that?
15:42 Andriana
I felt very proud and delighted with what I've achieved.
15:48 Peter
What was the field like? Was it a bit bigger than normal? Were there some players from overseas that took part as well?
15:54 Andriana
Yes, the event was much more, bigger. The players were from Australia, United Kingdom, Belgium and France.
16:06 Peter
Fantastic. So I guess that finishing third makes it really good because you're literally finishing third amongst a bunch of international athletes, not just in Australia.
16:17 Andriana
Yes that's right.
16:19 Peter
How did you think you played?
16:20 Andriana
My performance went really well throughout the matches because I stayed positive and calm, so I had to think strategically, like where to place the ball on the court against different opponents.
16:43 Peter
And finished third. And also... in the doubles, finished third. Who'd you play doubles with?
16:49 Andriana
My doubles partner was Brianna Tunney from Queensland.
16:54 Peter
Have you played with her before?
16:55 Andriana
Yes I have.
16:56 Peter
Yeah. I thought you had. So, yeah, obviously getting to know each other a little bit. As far as your... game plans go and your game style.
17:02 Andriana
Well, we have known each other for a long time, so we continued to build our teamwork in doubles together again. So that was a reinforcement for me.
17:16 Peter
Now, of course, you were there during the Australian Open. It's all about tennis. For those few weeks in Melbourne. What was that like sort of being caught up in all that atmosphere?
17:24 Andriana
What do you mean specifically, Peter?
17:26 Peter
Oh, I just thought of being around and sort of everyone talking tennis, you know, tennis everywhere, at Melbourne Park and all that. What was just being in and around that, like?
17:36 Andriana
Everywhere, was a hustle and bustle at Melbourne Park.
17:41 Peter
Yeah. What's that like? And it sometimes be a bit overwhelming to sometimes think, Oh, gee, it'd be nice just to have a bit of a quiet time, a bit of a chill out.
17:49 Andriana
No... the Melbourne Park atmosphere was so beautiful, diverse, and I can manage crowded places from the times I've been growing up, because when I was younger I never liked the crowds. So I'm used to the crowds now, Peter.
18:11 Peter
Fantastic. Now, you would have been a bit disappointed with your... pin-up boy, Stefan. Stefan... I, Stefan. That's it. I nearly said the naughty word. Then he got... knocked out early. What was that like? Did you... were you there for that or hadn't you arrived then?
18:28 Andriana
No. I've only watched the highlights. And when Stefanos Tsitsipas lost the first round at the Australian Open, my family and I were very disappointed and shocked about that. Mm. Not good.
18:47 Peter
No. Well you know you got to learn to lose as well as learn to win. What about as we saw, I talked about being in and around Melbourne Park, I believe you got close to a couple of players that you saw at close hand?
19:00 Andriana
Well, I have some news for what I did in Melbourne. Mm. At the National Tennis Centre I met the two pro players and I had a practice kit with them.
19:15 Peter
Who were...?
19:15 Andriana
They, their names are Kaushik from USA and Giuliana Olmos from Mexico.
19:26 Peter
Fantastic. What was that like? Because that must have been a great feeling.
19:30 Andriana
I felt privileged. The practice hit with the pro players was fun and very intense.
19:40 Peter
How did that happen? Did you ask, or how did that sort of opportunity come about?
19:45 Andriana
Well, I recognised Desiree and Juliana first because I have been a fan of them for a long time. Like when I watched some of the matches and then my Dad, Petrus asked the American player, are you Desiree? And then Desiree said, Yes, I am. And then my Dad said that I was the one that recognised Desiree, and my father said that I've competed in the intellectual impairment category at the Australian Open. So I've introduced myself to Desiree and Juliana, the pro players, and my dad asked them if they can have a hit with me. So those ladies said, Yes, that's fine. So they were happy that they had a hit with me.
20:43 Peter
Yeah, fantastic. How would that compare with some of the things you've done in tennis? Would that be one of the sort of big thrills?
20:50 Andriana
What do you mean?
20:51 S1
Well, you've you've won overseas. You've won in Australia. But playing with a couple of players on the pro circuit or having a bit of a hit with the players on the pro circuit, that would be a pretty big buzz.
21:02 Andriana
Yes, it was a huge buzz out.
21:09 Peter
Adriana, you also volunteered at the Adelaide International where you've done that before. What about earlier in the year? You were in a magazine?
21:17 Andriana
Yes, I was on the SA Life magazine.
21:20 Peter
What was that like?
21:20 Andriana
The SA Life magazine was a big honour and privilege that I felt grateful and made [?] proud for that magazine.
21:35 Peter
And you were there mainly because of your tennis?
21:38 Andriana
Yes, it was for my tennis.
21:40 Peter
Terrific. Did you buy a copy?
21:42 Andriana
Yes. My family and I bought a copy.
21:46 Peter
Yeah, that was, I think, January 2nd edition. Is that right?
21:49 Andriana
Yes. January edition.
21:51 Peter
All right, well, maybe if you go to a newsagent, there might still be some spare copies around. Might have got sold out, of course, because you being in it would have made it very popular. But if people have only found out about it today, if they'd like to go to the newsagent, see if they can get it back, or if they can, they can check it out. Andriana, it's always great catching up with you. We always run out of time. But congratulations on all you're receiving. What's next for you? Just briefly, what's what's next for you, the... tennis-wise or... what's next planned for you?
22:22 Andriana
Well, I have two things to tell you. In the beginning of March, I'll be competing at the PWI Victorian tournament at the Port. And on the 7th of March, I'll be a host at the International Women's Day at the Drive Function Room next door to the tennis court.
22:52 Peter
Oh, wow. Well, of course, you went over last year, weren't you? For International Women's Day?
22:57 Andriana
Yes. I was a special guest speaker at the International Women's Day last year.
23:02 Peter
And you're a host for this coming year at the Drive?
23:05 Andriana
Yes. I'll be a host in March.
23:08 Peter
Well, you do a great job with that. You do a great job with everything you do, and it's always great to catch up. We'll speak again soon.
23:15 Andriana
Thank you. Peter.
23:16 Peter
Yeah, that's the very, very awesome then, Andriana Petrakis and [?Basara] host, also guest speaker and also a pretty good tennis player as well.
23:27 Andriana
I appreciate your kind words.
23:32 ID
On the Vision Australia Network through your favorite podcast service on 1197 AM in Adelaide, you're listening to Leisure Link.
23:41 Peter
It's a hot weekend, getting hotter. If you'd like to get to the beach and you have mobility challenges, I think we've got some good news for you - from Estara, we've got acting director Lloyd Townsend. Lloyd, great to meet you and thanks for your time.
23:53 Lloyd
No. My pleasure. It's a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with with yourself and your wider audience to, I guess, advocate for their their time to come down to the beach and enjoy... the beach with us.
24:04 Peter
Tell us about this. So, you've had some more funding made available for beach access?
24:09 Lloyd
Yeah. So, yeah, this is the fourth year that we've been... providing beach access, or assisted beach access down at Glenelg Beach. And this year we were lucky enough to secure a social impact grant from the South Australian government. With Nat Cook being presented, presenting that with us of, you know, nearly $10,000, which has given us access to another beach chair to increase the volume of people that we can assist down to the beach, as well as some communication devices, to increase safety... and our operational abilities at the beach on the days.
24:43 Peter
I know you've had a couple already. The next one's coming up on Sunday, the 9th of February. So tell us a bit about how it all works.
24:49 Lloyd
Yeah, yeah. So yeah, we've had... quite successful two encounters so far this year in 2025 and our next one being the ninth. We have a booking system available, where members of the team will come down between 10 and 2, and assist people with their supports if they require, to help get them down onto the beach and into the water. During that time, we've got... five different options of beach accessible chairs, allowing people to get down and stay in a recumbent style chair in the water if need be, if they don't wish to get out or not. A strong swimmer and just want to feel, or an inability to swim as well and wish to feel the water on, on their body and and be a part of that water experience. And for those that are, you know, more abled and willing to get out of the chair or wanting to get out of the chair, there's the ability for those chairs to get them down and then out and about.
And we we have, you know, somewhere between 7 to 8 volunteers down there - looking after people's bags and day chairs or other equipment, up on the beach... foreshore, for safety reasons. And then the others are assisting with mobilising those chairs down to the water, assisting hold those chairs in the water to make sure that they don't drift out with currents if they may exist. And then, and for those that are out of the water, assisting them back into the chairs when that time comes. So, yeah, I guess that's, you know, our volunteers work very hard on those days to to make the experience enjoyable for... the user that's, you know, made the effort to come down to be with us.
26:22 Peter
And these are the people that are trained, aren't they, Lloyd?
26:24 Lloyd
Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, we have we've got a large range of volunteers here at Estara, you know, which is usually part of our clinical team or the wider... team here at Estara. So they could be occupational therapists, some a spinal nurse advisors, a physiotherapist, you know, all the way up to, you know, we've had, you know, our Chief Operation Officer there or our CEO there as well, most of us all with an allied health background of some description. So, yeah, all trains are, you know, around assisting with mobility transfers... and I guess the safety precautions of the chairs themselves.
27:00 Peter
As I say, it's been a hot summer. Still more heat to come. So getting to the beach is a great option. And if... you are a person with a, you know, physical challenge or a mobility challenge, sometimes that can be a little more difficult, and... difficult and particularly safe. You're part of a family.
27:13 Lloyd
Yeah, absolutely. It's you know, we do we do hear it from our members and and from of the some of the users that have come down and enjoyed being able to make it to the water for the first time in 20 years. You know, this is, you know, not necessarily, you know, the... this is the start of what we hope for, which is people to be able to go there whenever they choose to have access to the equipment. You know, with their family and friends to get down to the beach.
But I think, you know, this is a really good stepping stone that we're they're they know that we're there. It's that encouragement that we hope for people who wish to get back into the water, to take those first steps, knowing that there's a level of, you know, safety and... securement with us being there, and they know we're going to be there so that they know they're going to have access to those chairs, and support at those times.
28:00 Peter
Yeah. We've got a link that we can put up with our show notes to let people know how they can find out more, but it's important to book. Or can people just turn up? How does that work?
28:09 Lloyd
Yeah, it's in bookings. The bookings are great because that makes sure that we ensure that we've got, you know, the volunteers there and that we've got the right cohort. You know, we bring some towers down for those that forget towers. Ah, we always encourage people to bring their own towers and equipment that they require. But we do have some other stuff. We have some, you know, kickboards or water style toys, that can go into the water for those that get out of their chairs. The booking system is great because we've got that option for those that can't get out of the chair, that we know you have a chair and that you can be safely within that chair, for that hour. A lot of time.
But, you know, for those that, you know, may not make the booking system, you know, we still encourage you to come down knowing that we're there. We might not be able to get you in the moment that you rock up. But, you know, for some people, they may book the hour and then only, you know, venture into the water for 15, 20 minutes and come out. And then that chair is free for the next 40 minutes. So, you know, whilst you know, the booking system is great and we encourage people to get on there, if there is a day that you want to come down, that we are down there and you can't quite get into the booking, you know, feel free to to make the effort to come down and we will make more than the effort we can to help get you in the water for a period of time.
29:19 Peter
So next one is Sunday, the... February the 9th. What about from there? Just in case people, for example, can't make it that day?
29:25 Lloyd
Yeah of course. So we've got two in February, which is Sunday the ninth, and then followed by Saturday the 22nd of February. And then leading into March. We have our final two of this... 2025 summer period of... Friday, the 7th of March and Saturday the 22nd of March.
29:43 Peter
Well, that's a good idea to swap the days around just in case people can't make it. You know, on the on the one day that you might be there, there's a bit of an option as far as different days go as well.
29:52 Lloyd
Yeah. Yeah. It's definitely, you know, it's a step forward to trying to be inclusive and give that opportunity for, you know, when people may have their supports or when families may be available to help get people down to the beach, if that's an experience they wish to take.
30:06 Peter
Fantastic. All right. As I said, there's a link that we can put up on our show notes to let people know. But the next one is... the 9th of February. Now, whereabouts at Glenelg? And what sort of time does it get underway?
30:18 Lloyd
The first booking is available at 10 a.m. Our volunteers are usually there, you know, for half an hour to an hour before to help set up the sunshades and get all the the equipment out and ready. So that 10:00 is the official kickoff time. Sometimes people who are booked for ten get there a little bit earlier, and we can help get them down a little bit earlier. As always, the mustering point if if that's what we would call it, is next to near the big Ferris Wheel right next to the Moseley Beach Club there where they've got a... ramp down onto the sand. And that's where we've then laid the matting for the accessibility into the water.
30:52 Peter
Okay. So very... easy point to kind of use as a landmark.
30:56 Lloyd
Yeah, absolutely. And it's, you know, nice and central as well. So, you know, to, I guess, generate and make it, you know, inclusive and even normative, as opposed to having us tucked away down one of the forests where we're away from... everything else. So, you know, really easy access after the time into the high street or to the local pubs around. I should also mention that we... do have a lifter that comes down with us. And whilst the compliant accessible toilet is not exactly on the beachfront down at Glenelg, for those that know the area, we do have a an area, an enclosed area where that lifter can be operated and transfers for those that require a lift that can be done in privacy... and away from prying eyes, so to speak.
31:39 Peter
Well, sounds like you've thought of everything. Great to meet you for the first time. I'm sure we'll speak in the future. Thanks for your time.
31:44 Lloyd
No. My pleasure. Peter, thank you. And I look forward to seeing any of your listeners who wish to be involved.
31:49 Peter
Definitely. That's a great idea. So if you want to get away from a bit of the heat, uh, that's probably the ninth is the next one, and then another one in February. And then also in March, we'll put details up with our show notes. So go there and get all the information you need. As always, if you missed any of it, you can always give us a call at the radio station. [08] 8234 1197 during business hours.
32:10 Song
Bicycle.... Bicycle.... [FADES UNDER...]
32:13 Morgan
Hi. I'm Morgan Carter, County Youth Ambassador. You're listening to Leisure Link with Peter Greco on the Vision Australia Radio network.
32:20 Song
I want to ride my bicycle... I want to.... [FADES OUT]
32:38 Peter
Well, it's wonderful to welcome him back - our health commentator and health expert entering his third decade with us, David Mitchell. David, welcome. Happy new year.
32:48 David
Thank you. See you soon. I was telling my my son that I'd be doing this with more than 20 years, but, yeah, it's a nice reminder.
32:56 Peter
Oh, well done.
32:57 David
No, it doesn't make me feel a day older.
33:01 Peter
Younger than you did when we started.
33:02 David
Well, that's a worry, isn't it?
33:05 Peter
David, so much in the last few weeks in the mainstream media in particular regarding B6 poisoning, toxicity, all these emotive words are being used. Of course, we go to you when we want some perspective.
33:18 David
Yeah. What up, what up? Because the the news is when you first start reading, it's quite horrific saying that... vitamin B6 it can cause you to... have skin diseases, that it can cause you to have fatigue. It causes you a creeping numbness up, coming up in feet into the legs and beyond. It can cause you to be wobbly and have trouble walking in a straight line. It can disturb some of your hormones, and it sounds quite horrific, because B6 has been such a popular use in every way, in general health and and as an additive.
In fact, we talk quite blithely about multi B's pill is more important as we get older, because we're less good at or less efficient at processing or extracting B12, B6 or any other vitamins from particular foodstuffs. It's so easy though, when you think about it, that that Roland B6, we get it from salmon, we get it from chickens, we get it from fortified tofu, lamb chops, beef, sweet potatoes, bananas, potatoes, avocados, and my favorite nuts. Pistachio nuts are all very high in B6, so it would seem like even if you're a vegetarian, you're still going to be taking tofu. Or maybe you'll sneak in some pistachio nuts. I don't have a problem. So why is it so?
Well, the the data that we're seeing is that people are taking too much vitamin B6, and they're taking it often without knowing about it, because vitamin of the Shakespeares. It's such a useful, and it used to be thought of as being a safe one is being added into more and more other herbal mineral compounds, and particularly mixing it with chromium. So people that are getting cramps or people that are adding muscle issues and so on, they will often take a magnesium supplement and lo and behold, it will contain high doses of B6. Now, all of this sounds a bit scary, but the other side of it is is quite good news that we know about.
Because number one, if we are having any sorts of problems like the numbness and tingling or you're starting to get some unusual skin disorders that we needed to offer the doctor and make sure. And we also need to look at what we're actually taking and see how much time there is in it. Because what we've found is that if you take more than a certain amount of vitamin B6, it has to be converted in the body into the active form of vitamin B6. And if you take too much of it, the enzyme that breaks it down into B6 switches off. So we could be taking it, but we're not actually absorbing it. And you end up with the same symptoms as if we had a deficiency.
So exactly the same things that we talked about with the numbers and the tingling and the wobbly gait and skin disorders and mood disorders in particular, we get that effect because we're not actually extracting it. So we can have plenty of this original compound of B6 called pyridoxine. It stacks into our bloodstream, but it's not being used. It's it's just sitting there. So we need to be aware of that. And what the the data for this, these horror stories is that people that were taking anything up to 5000mg a day were getting this problem. We only need to take a pill that's got 25 to 50mg at any one time, and we would be safe and we can go up to 100 in some cases.
So as an example, if you sucked in right, that's right. If they're getting premenstrual symptoms with fluid and mood swings and so on, then you could take a little bit of extra B6 up to 100mg very safely. That's a long way away from 5000 or even from 250,000, whatever. It's a matter of a balance. It's a matter of just enough in a small amount does it, does a world of good. The body can process it and turn it in. And if so, then the B6 gets to be used by the body to make the brain chemicals to break down a chemical called homocysteine, which is then used to make the brain chemicals like serotonin and melatonin and dopamine, all those important words. They all come via B6 and B12 and folinic acid. The B6 is part of that triangle or triad.
To do that, if we had to take a small amount, it helps our skin. It helps fluid balance. So not only used for premenstrual symptoms, but it's also can be used for people that have carpal tunnel and me and my with my heart condition. Every now and then, the heart doesn't pump enough blood through and around so it doesn't get rid of the fluid. The fluid builds up and I get carpal tunnel syndrome, where I get numbness and tingling in the thumb and the index and the middle finger. And if I took a B6, it didn't make any difference, because in my case, I need to get rid of the fluid rather than B6.
But people who don't have the heart condition but are getting it, then seriously consider that they might be taking only a small amount, and remember that it doesn't take much in the way of food. And so that makes this... chicken is a really good start. And you add potatoes and sweet potatoes and pistachio nuts is another way of making sure that you're getting the right amount of it. So there is good news that it is about the amount, or the strength or the quantity that you're taking that is important. Don't go either. If you're taking compounds, particularly those with magnesium, that have got extra B6 in it. Back off. Just get the magnesium.
And alternatively take some being there museum and separately takes a small about 25 or 50mg of the pyridoxine B6 in tablet or capsule form. Then you're doing the best that you possibly can for your body, both the brain and the skin and the organs. All of those things work better at a low dose micro dose rather than a maxi dose.
39:34 Peter
So could someone have a blood test for it? Is it part of a conventional blood test, or is it more specialised than that?
39:39 David
Well, there is, but it's often difficult to get the doc to believe that you could possibly have that problem, and you might have to do a bit of soft talking or sweet talking to get the doc to do the to do the test. But realistically, start off by looking at how much B6 are you taking in? If you say that you are eating adequate amounts of those foods that I've mentioned and then you take mineral supplements, count it up, see how much it is, and it's an X amount. Certainly. Stop it for a start and have a have a blood test. And maybe that you'll need to go on and get a... what's called a nerve conduction test, where they check to see whether the nerves are conducting signals up and down the arms and the legs, because if they're not, then you're getting into more serious trouble.
But generally it can be reversed. That's also the good news. But start with irrespective whether you've got any of these things or not. Look at what you're taking. Because most of us in life take supplements, and most of us, as we get older, we take even more supplements because we're inefficient at extracting them from food or even from pills. But 2550 maximum of 100 of B6 in total is where you need to be.
40:59 Peter
And one of the things you said to us over the 20 plus years, David, is sometimes it's good to have a break from a supplement. Take it for a while, then have a break for a month or two and then come back to it. Would this be a similar sort of approach?
41:11 David
Well, it could be because B6, if we because it's that it is small amounts and we can we get it out of... a reasonable number of normal foods. We should be getting enough if we do take it though, as you said. Sure. Stop it every now and then. That means the three month rule that she had a break for a week every three months, just in case. And the levels could drop down. But we also know that that these six, if we've got it, it stays in the body for up to a month. Okay. So sometimes we need to be to be aware of that.
And if we suddenly get these sort of the numbness and the tingling and the wobbling and mood swings and so on, if we're getting those things, then we we need to stay off it for longer than a week, a month, three months on, one month off is probably the ultimate 25 to 50mg. Is that the best? Level up and get to 100. If you're getting premenstrual, or if you start to feel really moody and funny, or if you're getting some funny skin issues. They're all ways and means of self controlling it. And almost as if thought it was going to have a chick, uh, have a chat, see whether it's appropriate, given that you've checked that you are taking too much, you do a level, and the beauty of the level will be that it says, hey, never let it go that high again.
So the amount that you're taking is such and such. Bring it down from that, retest it in a month or two and that becomes then the normal for you. And occasionally, maybe once a year, you might have a double check to see that that's what's happening. But in the end, we're basically controlling it because it almost always is going to be that we are taking too much in in a tablet or a capsule form that could have 25 to 50 maximum 100. Particularly things like premenstrual or fluid retention is the way to go to self control, self manage and be well all at the same time.
43:10 Peter
It might be easier to get the doctor to agree now than it was maybe a couple of weeks ago before all this news broke.
43:17 David
Yes, indeed. That's always the case. But you know, you have to remember that not all of us read the same documents and not always believe what, what?
43:27 Peter
As long as they listen to this radio program, they're okay.
43:30 David
Yeah.
43:30 Peter
Set aside ten minutes a month to listen to this, and you'll be fine. You don't even... have to go to university.
43:37 David
Yeah, exactly. Yeah. It's... no rocket scientist. And not even Artificial Intelligence is required for this.
43:44 Peter
Yeah. Terrific. David, great to catch up. Welcome back. We look forward to catching up with you every month throughout the year.
43:49 David
Thank you Peter. Goodbye everyone.
43:51 Peter
David, a health commentator who puts things very much into perspective very succinctly.
Ah, it's great to hear Polly back with us for another year. But more importantly, so is Belinda for Brew by Belinda, the Brew that is True. 97A Old Port Road at Queenstown. Belinda, happy new year. Welcome back. Great to catch up again.
44:28 Belinda
Yeah. Happy New Year, everyone. Hasn't it gone far right?
44:32 Peter
No. It's ridiculous. Belinda, you left us last time we spoke to you with the... fact that Christmas Day your Nana Nola was going to turn 100. How did it all go?
44:42 Belinda
It was so good. Yes, she had the most wonderful day. We had a big, um, lunch and sort of afternoon tea at my dad's home in Mount Gambier with family and friends, and there was cake and it was very hot. But yes, she had a wonderful day. I think the highlight for her was receiving letters from the King and the Governor-General and the, oh...
45:09 Peter
Okay.
45:10 Belinda
Yeah, there were many letters and she was really touched by that. And they wrote really lovely, lovely notes. And, um, yeah, we made a big photo board, which was amazing to look back on her long life. And yeah, we drank tea and it was brilliant.
45:29 Peter
Actually, was it, when you think about it, 1924? So, you know, it hadn't been the depression yet. And of course, then the Second World War and so many things since then. And it's really cool that you still get a a physical letter rather than an email or a text that that must be a nice touch to something like this. And the Governor-General, the King and the Premier - that a pretty... good trifecta.
45:51 Belinda
It was amazing. It was amazing. Yeah.
45:54 Peter
May there be many more, 101 on the way, I think... I'm not sure where I read it or heard it that she's now aiming for the 200, which is a pretty cool thing. Pretty much like a batsman.
46:05 Belinda
Exactly. It was funny. She was just, you know, she's just shooting for another hundred years. She said, yes, I'll look forward to my 200th birthday. So she's in good spirits and good health, and it's just brilliant to have her in our lives. It's just so special.
46:20 Peter
And for people who might be aware, of course, when we spoke to you very, very early on, your interest and love of tea got you involved. Did it? Now you're doing it as a career.
46:29 Belinda
Yeah. That's right. She was definitely the inspiration from, you know, a very early age for me just to, you know, enjoy and share tea with others. So yeah, it's pretty special.
46:41 Peter
Now, I think that Enola has up to six cups of tea a day. What about the temperature at which the tea is brewed? How important do you think that is? And what's the kind of what's the what's the sort of going rate or what sort of things should we be thinking about?
46:56 Belinda
Yes. It's a very good point to explore, Peter, because, you know, I guess a lot of us just brew tea with boiling hot water. That's just kind of the way it goes. But when you really get into tea and learn about the sort of, you know, subtleties of different tea types, what you learn is that temperature and how long you brew tea for is like, vital, you know, to the outcome and the taste of the tea. So generally, lighter styles of tea like white tea, green tea, they really don't like boiling hot water. If you pour boiling hot water 100 degrees over the leaves, over these very sort of lighter leaves, you will essentially burn the leaves like you burn. You bring out the heat. The hot, hot water draws out the tannins. So you tend to get this bitterness and astringency that comes through.
So it's funny, a lot of people say to me, oh, I really don't like green tea. Or I find it really bitter. And then once we've had the discussion and I say, look, if you try bringing the temperature of the water down, it will be a completely different experience. And that was true for me also when I was first sort of getting into tea in a sort of deeper way. I didn't like green tea, and it was because I was brewing it, you know, incorrectly. The heat of the of the water was just it was too, too much heat and it was drawing out this bitter astringency in the leaves.
So generally lighter styles of tea green, white like around 80 degrees in temperature, and then Oolong teas, which are sort of that spectrum of leaves that sit between the lighter styles of green and white, and then the dark kind of fully oxidized black teas. You have this Oolong spectrum in the middle. You can, you know, brew it around the 90 degree mark, and then black tea and herbal tisanes are they love boiling hot water. You know, some people brew their black tea at sort of 95 to 100. So you can slightly lower that temperature of black tea if you don't really love the astringency of black tea. But yeah, generally black tea and herbal boiling hot water. And then, yeah, gradually sort of less heat as you move down into those lighter styles of tea.
49:31 Peter
Now, I know with some sort of maybe more expensive kettles, you can actually set the kettle to the temperature you want to kind of stop at. I guess in that sort of instance, you can stop it at 80 and then once it switches off, you can pour your cup. Are there any other ways you can cool it down if you haven't got that sort of kettle?
49:49 Belinda
Yeah, there are actually lots of ways that you can adjust the temperature. So I guess one way is you just let your kettle boil as normal and then, you know, flip the lid open and just let it cool for five or so minutes. If you want to be very particular, you can use like a thermometer and things like that. But not even I'm that tea nerdy. So that's one way you can also just, you know, bring the temperature down by adding a little bit of cold water. So yeah, there are a few ways. Also, you can stop the kettle before it hits that really rolling boil. You know, we know that a kettle obviously builds up heat. And you can get to know before that real rolling boil comes in, you can get to kind of know where just to shut it off earlier.
But having said all of this, I think what's really important is that everyone has a real, you know, personal taste. Like, I know some people who want a little bit of sort of strength and bitterness in their green tea, like, you know, I might brew a green tea at 80 and enjoy the kind of, you know, enjoy that version of it, but somebody else might want a bit more heat and a bit more strength drawn out. So it really is personal preference, but temperature does absolutely play a big part in the end result of the tea. The balance of the aromatic kind of compounds, the the tannins, the astringency, the bitterness or not, that's in the brew. So yeah, by all means play around. But generally white and green tea, lower temperatures, Oolong a little higher, around 90, and then black and herbals are all fully boiled water.
51:40 Peter
What about as far as the amount of time it takes for.
51:42 Belinda
Yes. Good point. So green tea is probably kind of the one that stands out here. Green tea really only needs a very short steep so you can be, you know, from 30s, but I usually go between sort of 1 to 2 minutes. Again, it's just because I guess it's just so sort of delicate that yeah, the longer you let it brew, you really are going to pull out this, this sort of bitterness that's inherent in the leaf. But most other teas I kind of say 3 to 5 minutes. So a white tea, an Oolong tea, a black tea, or any herbal tisane, around the 3 to 5 minute mark is a good time to brew.
And obviously we're talking loose leaf here, not tea bags, which do brew up quicker because their ingredients are much more finely chopped. So that's going to brew faster. But yeah, I'd say 1 to 2 minutes for green tea, 3 to 5 for others. But with herbal tea and fruit tisanes, sometimes the longer you leave them the better. So even like 10 to 15 minutes will really develop. Great kind of strong flavour in a herbal or a fruit tea.
52:54 Peter
We might explore that next time round, because a couple more things I'd like to ask you about the herbal and fruit tisanes. In the meantime, if people want to come and find you, you're back on deck after the holidays and all refreshed for 2025. Where can we find you and how can we get in touch?
53:09 Belinda
That's right, back on deck. So we are at shop 397A Old Port Road, or you can get in touch over the phone: 0419 839 702 or via our website at belinda.com.au .
53:28 Peter
Perfect, Belinda, great to have you back with us. Look forward to lots of interesting information throughout the year. And if there's something you'd like to ask Linda about when it comes to tea, any sort of tea, get in touch and we'll, uh, we'll ask Belinda to look into it. Great to catch up. We'll speak again next month.
53:42 Belinda
Sounds great, Peter. Thank you.
53:44 Peter
Beinda Hellyer there, from Brewed by Belinda, the Brew that is True - 97A Old Port Road at Queenstown.
53:53 Pierre
Hi, I'm Pierre Commis, CEO of Special Olympics Australia, and you're listening to Leisure Link with Peter Greco on the Vision Australia Radio network.
54:06 Peter
Well, last year we caught up with a couple of practitioners to talk about the fact that music therapy well, may not be included as far as the NDIS goes going forward. Let's speak to a parent who's got two kids who are receiving those services, and find out what sort of impact that decision could have. Danielle Snell is on the line. Danielle, great to meet you and thank you for your time.
Danielle
Thanks.
Peter
Tell us a bit about... you've got two children that are receiving services at the moment.
54:30 Danielle
Yeah, I have an almost eight year old and 14 year old.
54:34 Peter
And how long have they been receiving music therapy services?
54:37 Danielle
My youngest has now three years background in music therapy.
54:42 Peter
And what sort of difference does it make to their life?
54:45 Danielle
It's a pretty big impact on her life. She's mostly non-verbal, and through music, she's learned. She learns how to communicate all at any needs. She can now, when she communicates outside of music therapy, she uses those strategies to do it.
55:04 Peter
So it's not just during the sessions that there's benefit, but also away from the sessions that those benefits sort of keep rolling on.
55:11 Danielle
Yeah. It impacts the all every part of her day... when she has music therapy, she's, has less meltdowns throughout the day, she's more regulated, she's happier, and she is more engaged in other activities instead of being a hot mess.
55:28 Peter
And I guess we can kind of imagine a little bit of what sort of impact, positive impact that would have on you and as a family as well you as an individual, but as a family as well.
55:37 Danielle
Yeah, the whole family. When Evie's having a good day. Everyone's having a good day.
55:42 Peter
Yeah. So how did you discover it? How did you kind of come across music therapy as something that could help?
55:49 Danielle
I think it was... an old speech therapist that actually got me on to Alex Morse... so we thought we'd give it a try. I always knew that Evie was musical because she hadn't said any words, but she could sing Twinkle Little Star.
56:04 Peter
Yeah.
56:04 Danielle
So, yeah, I we gave it a go, and and she just blossomed from there.
56:09 Peter
We spoke to Alex late last year and a very impressive person, but also kind of, I think the sort of person, if you like, that it was easy to relate to and sort of very empathetic.
56:21 Danielle
Yes. It's fantastic. She makes my solo sessions very easy. She's accommodating and she's really good at what she does.
56:29 Peter
Danielle, one of the things we spoke to Alex about was the fact that in sort of... rural... Tasmania and of course, that's often difficult to find any type of service for people with disabilities when you're not in the city centric world that we live in in Australia. So I guess you've also found that.
56:46 Danielle
Across, yeah, across all... different services. Beauty. There's months, if not years waiting lists for speech as well as other services, like for incontinence nurse. Locally, there's only one that covers, I think, the North West. It's all about waiting.
57:05 Peter
Yeah, well, she spoke last week to a speech pathologist to talk about, you know, four year waiting list. And of course, if you've you got very young children, that's time that never that you never get back in terms of, uh, that that early intervention that you miss out on.
57:19 Danielle
You know, that the... early building blocks are from 0 to 5. So if you have to wait four years, you're missing a lot of good time.
57:29 Peter
So at the moment, I think there's kind of a bit of... research, because the NDIS, NDIA are looking for evidence-based therapy. I mean, Alex sort of put that to bed as far as some of the examples that Alex gave as to how it can help. So what did you think when you heard the news? And it must be very, very upsetting and unsettling to to a family like yours.
57:52 S16
Oh, when I first heard it, I was mortified. I went into a frenzy because I was like, I didn't know what we would do without it. And we still were still kind of in that state of panic. I'm just hoping that they will change their mind and say that... there is great benefit and that it's worth the money that they pay for it.
58:14 Peter
Where's that at at the moment as far as that, uh, sort of research or that review, because the last we heard there was going to be a review undertaken to see if it can kind of be... or if which is kind of up to the... music therapist, if you like to show that it was evidence based, you know, where that satisfies that review goes.
58:33 Danielle
I think we're waiting for the review to be finalised at the mid-March, to the end of March this year.
58:40 Peter
Okay. So so until then, things sort of continue as normal. Yeah, yeah. Do you have a period where maybe your services were kind of in limbo for a while, or have you just continued through and then you sort of wait for the... announcement as to what will happen going forward?
58:56 Danielle
Well, we haven't been doing... music therapy... because she's been on holidays, but we start back next week and we'll go up until the review decision and hope for the best.
59:10 Peter
I guess the other thing is that, Danielle, you know when you're dealing with a child, it's going to be really hard to explain to them all of a sudden if what they were benefiting from and what they were enjoying, if that kind of stops as well. You've got a the fact that the therapy is stopped and the benefits stopped, but kind of trying to explain why it's happening is probably pretty hard. I mean, we can't understand it, so no one's going to be able to understand why a decision like this could be made.
59:35 Danielle
Yeah, we wouldn't understand at all. But she doesn't request a lot. But she... when we drive past the... where Alex's building is, she says Alex, Alex, she wants to go in there. So if I have to tell her that No, we can't anymore, that's going to result in many meltdowns.
59:53 Peter
Have you had much to do with the review or indeed sort of given feedback or contacted the members of Parliament, or have you done kind of any lobbying in that area?
1:00:02 Danielle
Yeah, I've contacted as many politicians or MPs that I that I could get a hold of. I've given feedback. I've done a couple of other interviews, just to showcase the benefits.
1:00:15 Peter
What's the response have you received from the politicians?
1:00:17 Danielle
Well, it mostly just seems like the generic responses saying, let's have a review.
1:00:23 Peter
Don't you love those?
1:00:24 Danielle
Nothing personal.
1:00:25 Peter
Don't you love those? Yeah. Thank you for your... correspondence. We'll get back to you.
1:00:31 Danielle
Thanks.
1:00:32 Peter
Yeah. Yeah, it's very frustrating. Oh, one interesting thing... well, lots of interesting things, but... Jacqui Lambie, of course, who's... a very prominent... Member of Parliament from down in Tassie, I mean... given what people are saying about the polls, etc., someone like Jacqui could have a pretty important role, at and after the next election. Have you had much to do with her?
1:00:54 Danielle
No.
1:00:55 Peter
Alright. Well, might be... worth catching up because she seems to be fairly... empathetic to people who aren't getting a fair go. And that certainly seems the case.
1:01:04 Danielle
She was on the list of the ones that I emailed.
1:01:08 Peter
So what would you say? Like if you had to. I mean, I guess you've said in the last few minutes, just talk to us. But what would you say if a politician said, Well, why? Why should this be continued to be included in the NDIS? How would you kind of put your case?
1:01:20 Danielle
But the... impacts and the benefits to... our lives is much more worth what it costs, I think.
1:01:28 Peter
And I guess it's probably a lot of other stuff that goes on, not just in the NDIS, but in government spending generally. It probably is, money that... sort of floats down the stream and is probably wasted.
1:01:40 Danielle
Yeah.
1:01:41 Peter
Yeah, maybe. Better not comment on that, Danielle. I don't want to get the bubble that was... just me expressing my opinion. So that's okay. Danielle, good luck. We look forward to hearing more about the results of that review... hopefully in March. We'll certainly keep across that. Thank you for speaking to us. It's a very important thing as far as you and your family goes. Guys, we wish you well then. Well, here's hoping the right decision gets made. Thanks... Danielle Snell there. A mother of a child receiving music therapy. So we'll keep across those the developments as they happen with... well it seems pretty conclusive doesn't it. It certainly does make a difference when...
1:02:22 Peter
You're in elite company listening to Leisure Link here on Vision Australia Radio, VA radio, digital varadio.org and through the TuneIn radio app. Wonderful news - the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is about to get underway for another year. Their creative director, Ryan Goodwin joins us. Ryan, a little bit lightly, but happy New Year. Thanks for your time.
1:02:46 Ryan
Yeah, thank you so much for having me back. It's always a pleasure to be on the show and and the support of... yourself and Vision Australia Radio has been... tremendous for us.
1:02:56 Peter
Well, I don't know if it's my imagination, it seems like only yesterday that it was December 3rd and that wonderful stuff was on the SBS.
1:03:03 Ryan
Yeah, absolutely. But the great thing is, is, yeah, for your listeners out there is, uh, SBS On Demand still hold all that content. So there's about four hours of, uh, audio described closed captions, content on the on demand platform. Just go to search for explainability.
1:03:22 Peter
Ryan, you've been really good to us both to speak to us about the awards and, you know, promoting them, etcetera. But you've also been tremendous because you've lined us up with some tremendous filmmakers who have had such a great story to tell either themselves or about the films that they've made. That that must be, I guess, part of the buzz of being involved with something like this.
1:03:40 Ryan
Oh, yeah. Absolutely. We get, I guess, somewhat guardianship over some amazing stories. And, you know, we want the world to to view them and to hear them and and to to learn more. So, yeah, it's an absolute pleasure to be able to pass on some of those stories and have more people... hear them?
1:04:01 Peter
Yeah. Apart from the fact that you get your film on SBS and maybe get invited to go to the red carpet event, etc. when the winners are announced, you've got some pretty good news regarding prizes for this year's... awards.
1:04:13 Ryan
Yeah. Back over $100,000. We'll be giving away a brand new car. We've got some amazing industry experiences. We've just had... Sundance Film Festival over in the United States. It's been happening over the last week. So we've had some winners from last year over there or being part of that Sundance experience. So, they've very much had a good time over there and being able to share some of their film and... talk to other people in the industry. So that's been invaluable for them.
1:04:46 Peter
That's the kind of money-can't-buy experience, isn't it?
1:04:48 Ryan
Absolutely. And that's what we pitched. So if anybody's thinking about making a story, yeah, plenty of avenues for us to... share, but also for you to collect some amazing prizes.
1:05:00 Peter
I mean, it's the sort of thing with that opportunity that, you know, if you want to kind of make a career out of this or maybe try and, you know, get some tips and tricks as to how you can do stuff better, I mean, you know, you couldn't go to a better place.
1:05:14 Ryan
I wouldn't think so, Peter. And... yeah, completely agree with your sentiment.
1:05:18 Peter
Yeah. Well, as you said, a car also... up for grabs. I mean, that's pretty cool.
1:05:23 Ryan
Yeah, absolutely. And there'll be some cars up for grabs as well, for schools and for open entrance and, yeah, any organisations that want to get involved as well. But we're continually looking at... growing the festival. So if there is any sponsors, potential sponsors out there that wants to be part of such a massive platform as the festival and wants to get your brand... associated, please, yeah, reach out to us.
1:05:50 Peter
Alright. We'll give you contact details before we wrap up. What about that part of it? I mean, everyone knows how tough it is. Well, how tough it is for business, how tough it is for people to try to get business on board as sponsorship. You'll probably know different, but I guess you've got a bit of history behind you now, and you can kind of point to the stuff that you've done. These are the sort of things that we do that can be a great thing for you to kind of, you know, ride on our coattails, if I can put it that, like that.
1:06:15 Ryan
Yeah. That's fair. We, our platform is continuing to grow every year. So, you know, the people and the size of the groups that are associated with the festival, whether it be people submitting films, people viewing films, people coming to our screening events, people watching us... on TV... so there are some big brands that want to be associated, but, we want to continue to grow that. So that way we can keep getting the festival to more people and... more enticing prizes. And yeah, more of those money-can't-buy experiences.
1:06:50 Peter
There's lots of good things about what you do. I think one of the of the really positive and powerful things is the kids that get involved. So either they have a disability or doing films about disability. It kind of, you know, if you like teaching them young about the abilities and the things that are great about access and the things that are important about inclusion from a very, very young age. And, you know, obviously, these are the adults of the future, if I can put it that way.
1:07:15 Ryan
Yeah, absolutely. I'm really excited about the youth of today. I think we've... I think the youth of today are more inclusive thinking than ever. And I think that... it bodes well for our future. So, yeah, it's exciting for to have school students being part of the participation in this and the schools getting right behind it. And yeah, with that kind of inclusive thinking to last for the rest of their lives, it'd be amazing.
1:07:40 Peter
And again, it can be a career path. It might be as a film maker, but kind of doesn't matter what kind of role you go into, if you're more inclusive with your business acumen, you know, if you're capturing another 25% of the market, that might be excluded because the disability, then, you know, you got a bit of a head start on your on your opposition.
1:08:00 Ryan
Yeah, you're absolutely right. And, yeah, creating content has never been easier. And... there's never been such a thirst for content either. So people are creating every day and getting better at it. And, yeah, I think the amount of jobs out there at the moment for that kind of industry, you know, getting a start on the festival is a good place for us to... assist.
1:08:24 Peter
And it's not just limited to people in Australia.
1:08:27 Ryan
No. All around the world. Yeah. So we had 20 countries submit films last year. I'd be surprised if that ever dropped off. So we've got really strong support, across the African countries, some of the some of the Asian countries and Europe and America is also always big for us. And then obviously our neighbours over in New Zealand, really bat above their average.
1:08:50 Peter
A bit of... cross-Tasman rivalry.
1:08:52 Ryan
Yeah. Well... all in the one spirit here together.
1:08:57 Peter
And but of course, we're all going in the one direction. Fantastic. So...people can kind of, you know, be... thinking very hard about what they might want to put forward as far as this year's offering goes.
1:09:08 Ryan
Yeah, absolutely. If anyone wants any, uh, ideas or inspiration, head to our website. The films are all up there from the previous year's, so I think we've got over 4000 films up there now. So... prepare to spend a few hours, because it can be... a little addictive.
1:09:26 Peter
Yeah, yeah. So that sort of thing can be like that. I'll just watch one more before I... do what I really have to do. But... this is this is too good to pass up. Oh, just before you go, Ryan, what about the SBS involvement? Is that kind of locked in long-term, or is that year by year? How does that work?
1:09:41 Ryan
Yeah. So we had some great news just after all that content aired on SBS on December 3rd. Obviously, we remain on the on demand platform, but... SBS got in touch with us the week later and said... they were actually having people call in... to SBS, to commend them on having such great content. So they were very surprised. Normally if they get phone calls for complaints.
1:10:05 Peter
Mm, that's true.
1:10:07 Ryan
So yeah, they... were very happy with that and they've locked it in again for this year. So yeah, we can definitely say that being part of the festival, you're a big chance of... yeah, having your content on national TV at the end of the year.
1:10:21 Peter
Well, they do a really good job with audio description. They've really taken on board that as far as part of their sort of, regular programming goes. So that's really good to hear that. If people do want to find out more, where do we go to?
1:10:34 Ryan
Yeah. Focus on ability.com - they, all the details for this year's festival are up there across the social media platforms. So all our contact details are up big reach and no question is too small. Happy to help.
1:10:49 Peter
Ryan, great to catch up as always. They keep up the great work and we'll chat throughout the year.
1:10:53 Ryan
Thank you Peter, much appreciated.
1:10:55 Peter
It's Ryan Goodwin there, the very hard working Ryan Goodwin. Remember the last time we spoke to him? He was all dressed up in his bow tie, but he's also got his work clobber on. Now about the film festival for this year. We'll put those details up on our Facebook page. In fact, we'll put them up with our show notes as well. The Focus on Film Festival up and running for 2025.
1:11:16 CSA excerpt
No. No. No, no.
1:11:24 Peter
Well, very important message out from Swimming Australia. Don't drink and dive. Yes, Don't drink and dive. That is right. Apart from don't drink and drive as well. Let's talk more about it with Jodie Hawkins who's the Executive Manager from [Swimming] Australia. Jodie, thanks for your time.
1:11:39 Jodie
Thanks for having me, Peter.
1:11:41 Peter
Now this is on the back of some rather disturbing research.
1:11:44 Jodie
Yeah. Look, I mean, the statistics are that 1 in 5 adults who do drown do have alcohol in their system. So it's a really important message to, to share that, similar to the drink driving message that don't drink and drive, don't, don't get in the water if you've been consuming alcohol - it impairs your ability to make decisions. And it's a really important message, especially as we're in the peak of summer.
1:12:05 Peter
Yes, and there's still a lot of hot weather to come. I sense it's interesting, Jodie, with the research. I mean, obviously a lot of... young people drown, but in terms of the drinking and and drowning issue, it's sort of young adults that are said to be more at risk.
1:12:20 Jodie
Yeah, they are. And I think it's, you know, like everything, you get a little bit older, you get a little bit wiser and you become a bit more aware of your surroundings. I also think, you know, we don't have as many young adults or late, late age teenagers going through, and learning how to swim or staying involved in swimming. So it's just a really important message to don't drink and drive... dive. And also to get out there and learn how to swim. It's a really important skill set living in this country.
1:12:46 Peter
What about the statistics? I mean, particularly over the Christmas New Year period. The summer period, you know, you almost can't switch a television news show on without hearing about these tragedies. And obviously, if they can be avoided, that, well, in a sense makes it even more tragic.
1:13:03 Jodie
Yeah. That's right. And, you know, we do hear frequently and it's not just at beaches, it's at watering holes at lakes, rivers all across the country. You know, being water aware is really important. Knowing how to swim, knowing how to read conditions is is incredibly important and a real life skill here. And and when you add alcohol to the mix, when you're already maybe unsure around the water, it just... highlights the challenges that we face and the risks that some of our younger people take.
1:13:32 Peter
[?And much] more at risk in a sense or higher represented as far as numbers go.
1:13:37 Jodie
Yeah, the statistics would tell us that they are. And, you know, that's partly probably education and making sure... those decision making skills are developed... and the education does reach our young men as well as our young women. But the statistics do tell us that... young men are more at risk.
1:13:55 Peter
Is it a judgment thing? I'm thinking whether, you know, if you're under the influence, if you're in the water or get into difficulty, it's more challenging to get out of that difficulty if you're... under the influence rather than if you're sober.
1:14:07 Jodie
Yeah. You just, you don't have the same decision-making capabilities. So it's really important. Like when you get behind the wheel of a car, your decision-making capabilities are greatly reduced when you consume alcohol, when you do need to make those, you know, those life saving calls, you're just not prepared for it. So, yeah, I don't know. Drinking and getting in the water is really the message that we're trying to get across.
1:14:29 Peter
Now, this is an important message. You've got some pretty good partners on board as far as kind of... helping to promote the message and the wider benefits as well.
1:14:37 Jodie
Yeah, absolutely. And you know, with the... with Kate Campbell, who's recently retired, being involved, she's very well aware of, you know, water safety. And she's a passionate advocate for it. So to have her on board for this... message is... incredibly beneficial as well and really adds that voice to it.
1:14:56 Peter
What about in terms of... other sort of.,.. you know, the lifesaving movement, if you like, as well?
1:15:01 Jodie
Oh, yeah. I'm not sure about the position of... other partners, but Swimming Australia are very much dedicated to... amplifying this message through our channels and making sure that our audience and the wider Australian audience are really clear that the message is Don't drink and dive.
1:15:18 Peter
Jodie, obviously, with a program like this, we speak to a number of people who've also had spinal cord injuries, and sometimes it can be through diving in the, you know, in the wrong place, if I can put it that way. So, I mean, apart from the... you know, the consequences of drowning, which has put a permanent and fatal... there's other consequences as well, from making a decision under the influence that might otherwise be made.
1:15:44 Jodie
And it's just been, it's being aware of your surroundings and, you know, you don't know what's behind a wave, at the surf, in the surf, and you don't know what's underneath the water in lakes and creeks... being really aware of the water, the body of water that you're swimming in is... critically important. Obviously, when you're at a local swimming pool, it's very different to when you are in... an ocean or a, in a... lake or a creek. So... making sure you're fully aware of your surroundings so you don't end up injured or... God forbid, you know, no longer with us is really important, and you need a sober mind to do that.
1:16:18 Peter
I guess often we hear about, you know, choosing a skipper, for example, if you're going out with mates, etc., I guess mates can play a pretty important role here. Perhaps if someone who is a little bit... shall we say, more effective, they could be... perhaps if someone can take a bit of responsibility and say, Well, hold back, you know, just... take it easy. We can go swimming... in a little while... that sort of... leadership from someone with a bit of responsibility can help as well.
1:16:42 Jodie
Yeah. I think having someone who is prepared to to make the call that if alcohol has been consumed, then swimming is not an activity they're going to participate in, is critically important. So we want to make sure people are aware that, you know, any alcohol consumed shouldn't lead to to getting into the pool or getting into the water. And we do really rely on people, especially in those influential group environments, to... take the lead with that messaging.
1:17:07 Peter
You talked about the fact that there's obviously a lot of... sort of different settings where people do enjoy the water is one sort of setting more representative than others. I mean, as you talked about lakes and beaches and swimming pools, etc.
1:17:21 Jodie
I think by the look of it, it's pretty evenly split, although backyard pools do feature quite heavily in the statistics. So yeah, I think being relaxed at home maybe makes people a little more relaxed around that decision-making. But knowing that that's where, you know, a large portion of these drownings come from, probably highlights the fact that even at home, and especially at home, drinking and swimming do not mix.
1:17:47 Peter
It's a very important message. Jody, thank you so much. And as often with... situations like this, if... one person takes notice and... their life gets saved, it's certainly very much worthwhile. Now, people can get a bit more information from your website as well.
1:18:01 Jodie
Yeah. If they go swimming, they can also find centres to help them learn to swim. And we really encourage that as well because, you know, having that life skills is critically important. So we do have a Swim Finder product that allows people to find places to learn to swim.
1:18:15 Peter
It's really important because often, you know, it can be a cultural thing that if we've got people that are visiting Australia from overseas who might live in areas that... might never see a beach or see the water as often as we do, because so many of, so many of us live on the coast, perhaps they take that opportunity to learn to swim. So that's a good feature to check out as well.
1:18:36 Jodie
Yeah, exactly. We, you know, Swimming Australia, we want everyone to have access to learning to swim and being involved in swimming because we do believe it is a core life skill. So... there's plenty of information on how to get involved on our website.
1:18:49 Peter
Of course, there may be another way to get a bit fitter and a bit healthier. We're still early enough in the new year to perhaps turn over a new leaf if we want to be just a little bit healthier this year.
1:18:58 Jodie
Nothing like a delayed... New Year's resolution. Get started. So, yeah, perfect time of year to get involved.
1:19:04 Peter
Terrific. All right. Don't drink and dive. A very important message. Give us your website again, and we can put that up with our show notes as well.
1:19:11 Jodie
It's swimming.org.au ...
1:19:15 Peter
Pretty straightforward. Try to keep up the great work. And thanks for your time.
1:19:18 Jodie
Thanks, Peter. Appreciate the chat.
1:19:20 Peter
That's... Jodie Hawkins there. The Executive Manager for Swimming Australia. Don't drink and drive, don't drink and dive. And everyone will be a be a lot more happier, a lot healthier, and a lot safer. Just before we go to our quotes, I want to make a very special mention. We love all our guests. We value them all greatly.
I want to say a very special thank you to Danielle Snell, who we spoke to earlier in the program. Danielle said, I'm very shy, I'm very private. I don't like to talk publicly about these sort of things. However, this is such an important issue that Danielle was really, really pleased to come on and talk about it. So, Danielle, thank you and well done. You put your case really, really well and this is just a gross injustice as far as the NDIS goes and the NDIA regarding music therapists. Hopefully sanity will prevail. We'll keep you posted. But thank you Danielle for speaking to us.
Jordanna sent a quote in Jordanna says... Shoot for the moon - even if you miss, you'll land amongst the stars. And that's... Jordanna's favorite quote from... Norman Vincent Peale. And one that's come through from [?Mo Rocca], who often sends her quotes through. [?Mo Rocca] says... Three things you cannot simply hide are the sun, the moon, and the truth. So thank you very much for sending your quote through. Hope we might catch up with you throughout the year. I know you're doing some great work in the area of advocacy.
So birthdays before we go - a couple of Paralympics having a birthday, Nick [Hummer], track and field, and Amira Lee, para archer, happy birthday to you and Tim Hodge as well. Tim Hodge having a birthday as well. So happy birthday to you. Santo Bongiovanni having a birthday - we speak to Santo quite regularly. That Powerchair athlete champion looks very well. Loves the share market. Record highs this week Santo. So hopefully you're rolling in it in more ways than one. But fantastic there.
And also happy birthday to a person who does some great work behind the scenes on this program, and in all sorts of areas as far as... advocacy goes: Erica Webb. Erica, over there in Western Australia... Erica, keep up your amazing work, your resourcefulness, your research is, your resourcefulness is just absolutely above and beyond. Thank you for all your help for many, many years on this program. You've been wonderful, and in other areas, so long may you endure. Happy birthday to you Erica Webb.
That's it for the program. Sam Rickard, thanks so much for your help. Pam Green, thanks so much for yours. Reminding you as we like to do that link is available on that favourite podcast platform of yours. If you're listening through 1197 AM in Adelaide, keep listening. I know you will, because coming up very soon is Vicki Cousins with Australian Geographic. In the meantime, be kind to yourselves, be thoughtful and look out for others. Thanks again to Disability Media Australia for their support on Vision Australia Radio. This is Leisure Link.
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