00:06S1
This is studio one on Vision Australia radio.
This is studio one on Vision Australia radio.
00:13S2
Hello, I'm Sam.
Hello, I'm Sam.
00:14S3
And I'm Lizzie, and this is.
And I'm Lizzie, and this is.
00:15S2
Studio One, your weekly look at life from a low vision and blind point of view here on Virgin Australia Radio.
Studio One, your weekly look at life from a low vision and blind point of view here on Virgin Australia Radio.
00:21S3
On this week's show, have you seen.
On this week's show, have you seen.
00:22S2
The people selling the Big Issue magazine and wondered what is the story there? At 17, Chris had run out of places to live. He was on the streets with limited options. We hear how he picked himself up and how he's going today.
The people selling the Big Issue magazine and wondered what is the story there? At 17, Chris had run out of places to live. He was on the streets with limited options. We hear how he picked himself up and how he's going today.
00:37S3
As we always say at this point, please do get in touch with the show. Whether you have experience with any of the issues covered on this week's episode of Studio One, or whether you think there's something we should be talking about, you never know. Your story or insight may help somebody who's dealing with something similar.
As we always say at this point, please do get in touch with the show. Whether you have experience with any of the issues covered on this week's episode of Studio One, or whether you think there's something we should be talking about, you never know. Your story or insight may help somebody who's dealing with something similar.
00:53S2
Please contact us by email. Studio one at Vision Australia. Org. That's studio one at Vision Australia. Org or perhaps drop us a note on the station's Facebook page. We want to hear from you. Hello, Lizzy.
Please contact us by email. Studio one at Vision Australia. Org. That's studio one at Vision Australia. Org or perhaps drop us a note on the station's Facebook page. We want to hear from you. Hello, Lizzy.
01:06S3
Hey, Sam. How are you going?
Hey, Sam. How are you going?
01:08S2
I am going particularly well. Um, this is an interesting show. This is not, like, anything I think we've covered before. And it deals with some what you might call heavy issues, I'd say. And I think it also demonstrates that we're probably a couple of steps away or a couple of bad, uh, a couple of time issues of bad. Like, I'm finding it difficult to sort of say, say it, talk about it. Really. But, yeah, we're two bits of bad luck away from potentially disaster.
I am going particularly well. Um, this is an interesting show. This is not, like, anything I think we've covered before. And it deals with some what you might call heavy issues, I'd say. And I think it also demonstrates that we're probably a couple of steps away or a couple of bad, uh, a couple of time issues of bad. Like, I'm finding it difficult to sort of say, say it, talk about it. Really. But, yeah, we're two bits of bad luck away from potentially disaster.
01:44S3
That's right. And I think it's something that not many people think about in their daily lives, but it doesn't take much for us to to reach rock bottom, does it?
That's right. And I think it's something that not many people think about in their daily lives, but it doesn't take much for us to to reach rock bottom, does it?
01:55S2
Definitely not. And the thing is, so we are interviewing Chris, Chris Sales, the Big Issue magazine in Melbourne. And he's a father and his grandfather have the same eye condition. And, well, he was um, found himself on the streets with, well, no, no options because he'd run out of family members to live with.
Definitely not. And the thing is, so we are interviewing Chris, Chris Sales, the Big Issue magazine in Melbourne. And he's a father and his grandfather have the same eye condition. And, well, he was um, found himself on the streets with, well, no, no options because he'd run out of family members to live with.
02:19S3
Yes. And I think this is an issue that faces a lot of, of young people that perhaps don't come from the best circumstances.
Yes. And I think this is an issue that faces a lot of, of young people that perhaps don't come from the best circumstances.
02:28S2
Well, I know a few people that do live in the rural area, and they're lucky enough to have a good, solid family life and a good, uh, support network. So it does just goes to show that, uh, we're not all lucky, I suppose.
Well, I know a few people that do live in the rural area, and they're lucky enough to have a good, solid family life and a good, uh, support network. So it does just goes to show that, uh, we're not all lucky, I suppose.
02:44S3
And I think it's not just luck either, but all it takes is one slight change or breakdown of the family structure, and things can go so pear shaped. It affects a lot of people and in different ways as well.
And I think it's not just luck either, but all it takes is one slight change or breakdown of the family structure, and things can go so pear shaped. It affects a lot of people and in different ways as well.
02:58S2
And yeah, it could be anything. It could be uh, a marriage breakup. It could be something like domestic violence or something like that. That means that, uh, someone can't stay where they are or two people can't stay together. So, yes, dear listener, we are not our normal cheerful selves because the subject matter we are covering on this interview is perhaps a little bit heavier. But one thing that did surprise me was, um, despite everything that Chris has gone through, he was actually quite, um, positive about everything.
And yeah, it could be anything. It could be uh, a marriage breakup. It could be something like domestic violence or something like that. That means that, uh, someone can't stay where they are or two people can't stay together. So, yes, dear listener, we are not our normal cheerful selves because the subject matter we are covering on this interview is perhaps a little bit heavier. But one thing that did surprise me was, um, despite everything that Chris has gone through, he was actually quite, um, positive about everything.
03:29S3
I think that's the thing. When you've gone through a situation that forces you to your lowest point, if you can come back out of that again, your outlook on life tends to change. Me personally, I've been through some low points in my life, and I've managed to fight my way back to to being in a good place. And it does change your outlook. You can obviously you can see a lot more negatives in the world, but it also forces you to see the positives as well.
I think that's the thing. When you've gone through a situation that forces you to your lowest point, if you can come back out of that again, your outlook on life tends to change. Me personally, I've been through some low points in my life, and I've managed to fight my way back to to being in a good place. And it does change your outlook. You can obviously you can see a lot more negatives in the world, but it also forces you to see the positives as well.
03:58S2
I mean something also that I've thought of quite a lot and especially when I've, I've yes, I've had a few issues in my time is that when people talk about depression, often they're talking about clinical depression. And that is there's a chemical imbalance you're feeling at your lowest point. And yep, life is terrible. Yeah. But I don't think I mean, okay, maybe the issues of clinical depression amongst people with a vision impairment and there would obviously be people with that. But I think a lot of what we'd be suffering from at our times would be just, well, simple depression. You're either going to get angry or depressed about your circumstances. And if you're, um, you know, don't have anywhere to live if you don't have a job, if, uh, no one out there seems to care for you, I think you're not going to be too happy about it.
I mean something also that I've thought of quite a lot and especially when I've, I've yes, I've had a few issues in my time is that when people talk about depression, often they're talking about clinical depression. And that is there's a chemical imbalance you're feeling at your lowest point. And yep, life is terrible. Yeah. But I don't think I mean, okay, maybe the issues of clinical depression amongst people with a vision impairment and there would obviously be people with that. But I think a lot of what we'd be suffering from at our times would be just, well, simple depression. You're either going to get angry or depressed about your circumstances. And if you're, um, you know, don't have anywhere to live if you don't have a job, if, uh, no one out there seems to care for you, I think you're not going to be too happy about it.
04:48S3
No, I think they call that situational depression. And there's a clear and distinct difference. Obviously, as you said, with clinical depression, there being that chemical imbalance. I actually got told, um, by a psychiatrist once that if if you can determine the cause of what's making you unhappy or depressed, it's most likely not a chemical issue and it's more likely to be situational. Obviously, that doesn't apply to everybody. But the general rule of thumb is, yes, that there's a distinct difference.
No, I think they call that situational depression. And there's a clear and distinct difference. Obviously, as you said, with clinical depression, there being that chemical imbalance. I actually got told, um, by a psychiatrist once that if if you can determine the cause of what's making you unhappy or depressed, it's most likely not a chemical issue and it's more likely to be situational. Obviously, that doesn't apply to everybody. But the general rule of thumb is, yes, that there's a distinct difference.
05:18S2
And I will say to any listeners out there, if you are feeling that way, whether it's, uh, from your circumstances or from, um, you just are feeling that way, go and see somebody. Yes, uh, it seems obvious, but sometimes we like to do things on our own and we think, oh, if I see a counsellor or something like that, then it must mean there's something wrong with me. But no, sometimes you do actually need to see somebody. I mean, the way I like to compare it is you're walking down the down the road and you stub your toe on a brick.
And I will say to any listeners out there, if you are feeling that way, whether it's, uh, from your circumstances or from, um, you just are feeling that way, go and see somebody. Yes, uh, it seems obvious, but sometimes we like to do things on our own and we think, oh, if I see a counsellor or something like that, then it must mean there's something wrong with me. But no, sometimes you do actually need to see somebody. I mean, the way I like to compare it is you're walking down the down the road and you stub your toe on a brick.
05:58S4
Mhm.
Mhm.
05:58S2
So you complain to the council. The council removes the brick if you don't see somebody about your toe. You've still got a sore toe. So even if the source of what has been causing your anguish or whatever is, uh, being removed or has changed.
So you complain to the council. The council removes the brick if you don't see somebody about your toe. You've still got a sore toe. So even if the source of what has been causing your anguish or whatever is, uh, being removed or has changed.
06:18S3
The feelings are still there, the feelings.
The feelings are still there, the feelings.
06:19S2
Are still there, and you still need to deal with them.
Are still there, and you still need to deal with them.
06:21S3
And I think it goes double for people with disabilities. Um, a lot of blind, visually impaired people I know are super independent. You know, they don't want to ask for help in general. And so to ask help to address mental health issues, which are such a vulnerability is even more hard.
And I think it goes double for people with disabilities. Um, a lot of blind, visually impaired people I know are super independent. You know, they don't want to ask for help in general. And so to ask help to address mental health issues, which are such a vulnerability is even more hard.
06:40S2
Yeah. And I think the attitude often is, well, I've got a disability anyway, so I don't want people feeling sorry for me or anything like that as well. And uh, well again, these people are professionals and, um, they will help. I mean, I'm talking to somebody who has, uh, made use of counselors in the past. Yes. And, uh, I. Yeah. And some and I've had some very low moments and so and if anyone looks at the reasons that made me feel that way, they'd probably say, oh, well, I've gone through that too. But everyone is different.
Yeah. And I think the attitude often is, well, I've got a disability anyway, so I don't want people feeling sorry for me or anything like that as well. And uh, well again, these people are professionals and, um, they will help. I mean, I'm talking to somebody who has, uh, made use of counselors in the past. Yes. And, uh, I. Yeah. And some and I've had some very low moments and so and if anyone looks at the reasons that made me feel that way, they'd probably say, oh, well, I've gone through that too. But everyone is different.
07:13S3
We are. And, you know, it's a therapist's job or a counselor's job to look at the situation from an unbiased, observational point of view or observe your observational point of view. They're not there to judge you. They're not there to feel sorry for you. Um, and, you know, they they're only there to help. Your disability doesn't even come into effect.
We are. And, you know, it's a therapist's job or a counselor's job to look at the situation from an unbiased, observational point of view or observe your observational point of view. They're not there to judge you. They're not there to feel sorry for you. Um, and, you know, they they're only there to help. Your disability doesn't even come into effect.
07:36S2
So what I mean, is there anything you got from this interview? I mean, listen, you've heard this interview before. We've played.
So what I mean, is there anything you got from this interview? I mean, listen, you've heard this interview before. We've played.
07:43S3
It. Yes. I think the biggest thing for me that I took from it is that there is hope, no matter what, you can be at a very low point in your life and you can believe that things are ending and nothing's going to get better. But there is hope. That's what I really took away from it. And I think that's the message that I would be pushing to people is that don't give up. There is hope. There are people out there that are willing to help, that are willing to show compassion. What about you? What did you get from this interview? I think the.
It. Yes. I think the biggest thing for me that I took from it is that there is hope, no matter what, you can be at a very low point in your life and you can believe that things are ending and nothing's going to get better. But there is hope. That's what I really took away from it. And I think that's the message that I would be pushing to people is that don't give up. There is hope. There are people out there that are willing to help, that are willing to show compassion. What about you? What did you get from this interview? I think the.
08:15S2
Main thing was the positivity that Chris did, and also the amazing work that, uh, the, uh, staff and, uh, the contributors to the Big Issue magazine do it, uh, makes me think twice about, um, you know, buying that magazine because it does help the people who are selling it. But also, I think it makes us a bit more aware of what's actually going on out there.
Main thing was the positivity that Chris did, and also the amazing work that, uh, the, uh, staff and, uh, the contributors to the Big Issue magazine do it, uh, makes me think twice about, um, you know, buying that magazine because it does help the people who are selling it. But also, I think it makes us a bit more aware of what's actually going on out there.
08:38S3
Well, they talk about some pretty contentious issues, things that the population are facing today, things that we are all affected by. And I think that's important because often there's a lot of, you know, just sweeping things under the rug like it'll get better. But talking about these issues brings awareness to them and also contributes to meaningful change.
Well, they talk about some pretty contentious issues, things that the population are facing today, things that we are all affected by. And I think that's important because often there's a lot of, you know, just sweeping things under the rug like it'll get better. But talking about these issues brings awareness to them and also contributes to meaningful change.
09:00S2
So that's us talking. So let's listen to Chris and Amy who works for The Big Issue. If some of the items in today's episode of Studio One have caused you or anyone you know, distress, call one 800 respect. That's 1800 737 732 or lifeline on 13114. I'm joined by Chris, who has a fascinating story to tell. Some people might have actually seen his story in The Big Issue, and indeed, we're lucky enough to have a few people from the same magazine with us. But first, Chris, how are you going today? Good.
So that's us talking. So let's listen to Chris and Amy who works for The Big Issue. If some of the items in today's episode of Studio One have caused you or anyone you know, distress, call one 800 respect. That's 1800 737 732 or lifeline on 13114. I'm joined by Chris, who has a fascinating story to tell. Some people might have actually seen his story in The Big Issue, and indeed, we're lucky enough to have a few people from the same magazine with us. But first, Chris, how are you going today? Good.
09:45S5
Thank you. Sam, it's well today. It's a lovely day for me and a lovely day for the Big Issue.
Thank you. Sam, it's well today. It's a lovely day for me and a lovely day for the Big Issue.
09:52S2
Whereabouts are you now?
Whereabouts are you now?
09:54S5
Currently, we, uh, I'm here with our great editor, Amy, at the Big Issue head office.
Currently, we, uh, I'm here with our great editor, Amy, at the Big Issue head office.
10:02S2
So as I'm looking at the window here, it's a sort of a summer day in Adelaide because we haven't had a proper summer date, um, over here. And I've got magpies chirping in the background, and some of them expect a piece of cheese. What? What do you see when you look outside there?
So as I'm looking at the window here, it's a sort of a summer day in Adelaide because we haven't had a proper summer date, um, over here. And I've got magpies chirping in the background, and some of them expect a piece of cheese. What? What do you see when you look outside there?
10:16S5
Um, well, let's just say we're underground.
Um, well, let's just say we're underground.
10:21S6
We're in a basement office, so we don't have any windows, which is, you know, it's a we're underneath the Westpac bank on the corner of Swanston and Collins streets in Melbourne, but no windows for us.
We're in a basement office, so we don't have any windows, which is, you know, it's a we're underneath the Westpac bank on the corner of Swanston and Collins streets in Melbourne, but no windows for us.
10:35S2
So the underground magazine literally. All right. So on your average morning, Chris, what would you do when say the alarm goes off.
So the underground magazine literally. All right. So on your average morning, Chris, what would you do when say the alarm goes off.
10:44S5
Oh, first the alarm goes off at 3 a.m. due to the fact I live in regional Victoria and I get up, get ready, then walk to the train station, get on my 430 train, get into, uh, Melbourne Southern Cross, where my pitches at 645, and then have a quick coffee and then start at seven and work all the way through the 930.
Oh, first the alarm goes off at 3 a.m. due to the fact I live in regional Victoria and I get up, get ready, then walk to the train station, get on my 430 train, get into, uh, Melbourne Southern Cross, where my pitches at 645, and then have a quick coffee and then start at seven and work all the way through the 930.
11:08S2
Now you sell the Big Issue magazine. So, Amy, maybe you can tell us what is this magazine? Uh, even I can't miss it, um, out there on the streets because, uh, people selling it have become more and more common.
Now you sell the Big Issue magazine. So, Amy, maybe you can tell us what is this magazine? Uh, even I can't miss it, um, out there on the streets because, uh, people selling it have become more and more common.
11:22S6
Yeah. Look, the big issue has been around now for 27 years. We started in Melbourne in 1996. We're a magazine that is sold on the streets now all around the country by people who are experiencing some kind of hardship, whether it's homelessness, disadvantage or marginalisation. Um, the magazine itself, we have a lot of different stories in there. We try and tap into the zeitgeist. Um, the story, the edition that Chris is in had Taylor Swift on the cover for obvious reason. Um, the next one has June um, two the movie, which is really fantastic. But we also tell the stories of the people who sell a magazine like Chris every edition. Um, and we also look at issues of social justice. We have puzzles, we have recipes. There's a whole lot of stuff going in there. Um, the vendors, the people who sell the magazine, who we call vendors, they earn $4.50 for every magazine sold. So when you buy a big issue, you are directly supporting that person who you're buying from people like Chris. Mhm.
Yeah. Look, the big issue has been around now for 27 years. We started in Melbourne in 1996. We're a magazine that is sold on the streets now all around the country by people who are experiencing some kind of hardship, whether it's homelessness, disadvantage or marginalisation. Um, the magazine itself, we have a lot of different stories in there. We try and tap into the zeitgeist. Um, the story, the edition that Chris is in had Taylor Swift on the cover for obvious reason. Um, the next one has June um, two the movie, which is really fantastic. But we also tell the stories of the people who sell a magazine like Chris every edition. Um, and we also look at issues of social justice. We have puzzles, we have recipes. There's a whole lot of stuff going in there. Um, the vendors, the people who sell the magazine, who we call vendors, they earn $4.50 for every magazine sold. So when you buy a big issue, you are directly supporting that person who you're buying from people like Chris. Mhm.
12:23S5
Like I'll expand on what Amy just said about that. So we buy the magazines for 450 and sell them on for nine. And obviously we get to keep the extra 450 or um buy more magazines, which is generally what I do. But like the big issue is, you know, something that enables people who can't always enable is not always able to work.
Like I'll expand on what Amy just said about that. So we buy the magazines for 450 and sell them on for nine. And obviously we get to keep the extra 450 or um buy more magazines, which is generally what I do. But like the big issue is, you know, something that enables people who can't always enable is not always able to work.
12:47S2
So that can be a challenge. I mean, it's not just for people like ourselves with a vision impairment who can often have quite good qualifications but still find it challenging to get a job. But, I mean, if you have other challenging circumstances, that really does mean that, uh, yes, there are there are other issues out there, aren't there?
So that can be a challenge. I mean, it's not just for people like ourselves with a vision impairment who can often have quite good qualifications but still find it challenging to get a job. But, I mean, if you have other challenging circumstances, that really does mean that, uh, yes, there are there are other issues out there, aren't there?
13:04S5
Um, there's a there's a lot of different issues that can happen. And obviously the story I've got is there there was issues and I've gotten over them. So let us.
Um, there's a there's a lot of different issues that can happen. And obviously the story I've got is there there was issues and I've gotten over them. So let us.
13:16S2
Let us talk about you now. So, um, you are visually impaired and you've got a congenital eye condition. What is your eye condition?
Let us talk about you now. So, um, you are visually impaired and you've got a congenital eye condition. What is your eye condition?
13:24S5
Uh, my eye condition is anorexia and which is also causes glaucoma. So those are not at home that don't understand what any reader is. It's your. It's a lack of an iris, which is your colour part of your eye.
Uh, my eye condition is anorexia and which is also causes glaucoma. So those are not at home that don't understand what any reader is. It's your. It's a lack of an iris, which is your colour part of your eye.
13:38S2
Right. So how do you see the world. So if you're looking around the room is that can you compare? Have you lost any vision. Is there any way of actually comparing it?
Right. So how do you see the world. So if you're looking around the room is that can you compare? Have you lost any vision. Is there any way of actually comparing it?
13:47S5
Um, well I have I'm legally technically legally blind. So that's 660 vision and I have no peripheral due to the glaucoma. And basically everything's kind of blurry, but like the I had cataract surgery, so I have lost vision, so I can only see a certain distance and then everything goes blurry anyway.
Um, well I have I'm legally technically legally blind. So that's 660 vision and I have no peripheral due to the glaucoma. And basically everything's kind of blurry, but like the I had cataract surgery, so I have lost vision, so I can only see a certain distance and then everything goes blurry anyway.
14:09S2
And I'm presuming, owing to the low sight, that, uh, if you concentrate too hard on things for, for a long period of time, you'll get eyestrain, which I can tell you is a lot of fun, isn't it?
And I'm presuming, owing to the low sight, that, uh, if you concentrate too hard on things for, for a long period of time, you'll get eyestrain, which I can tell you is a lot of fun, isn't it?
14:18S5
It's a very much fun.
It's a very much fun.
14:19S2
So let's go right back. Your childhood sounds like it was relatively normal.
So let's go right back. Your childhood sounds like it was relatively normal.
14:25S7
Um.
Um.
14:26S5
Not really like I grew up. My grandparents because my mother and my father couldn't necessarily take care of me. Mhm. So I grew up with my grandparents and they, uh, helped me. They put me through private school and um, in that case, yes, necessary and all. But being somewhat of a disability in regional Victoria back in the early 2000s, there wasn't that much support out there. Like basically all we got was more time for tests and scribes. How did you.
Not really like I grew up. My grandparents because my mother and my father couldn't necessarily take care of me. Mhm. So I grew up with my grandparents and they, uh, helped me. They put me through private school and um, in that case, yes, necessary and all. But being somewhat of a disability in regional Victoria back in the early 2000s, there wasn't that much support out there. Like basically all we got was more time for tests and scribes. How did you.
14:59S2
Find how did you find school in the rural area?
Find how did you find school in the rural area?
15:02S5
Even at a private school there's not much support. Mhm. And and this has me looking back now that I know a lot of information and, you know, the support I got in school was very low because they didn't know what to do with me.
Even at a private school there's not much support. Mhm. And and this has me looking back now that I know a lot of information and, you know, the support I got in school was very low because they didn't know what to do with me.
15:17S2
Yeah I think a lot of our listeners are quite familiar with that. I mean, we have people from all age groups and I'm speaking for myself here. I mean, I went to school in the late 70s and the 1980s, and essentially the teachers were learning as they went along. You did have other things to do, though, I understand. And as for me, as for my background as a Paralympic athletes, you, um, did a bit of sport.
Yeah I think a lot of our listeners are quite familiar with that. I mean, we have people from all age groups and I'm speaking for myself here. I mean, I went to school in the late 70s and the 1980s, and essentially the teachers were learning as they went along. You did have other things to do, though, I understand. And as for me, as for my background as a Paralympic athletes, you, um, did a bit of sport.
15:38S5
Oh, yeah. Well, um, when I was eight years old, I had a, uh, world champion of rowing. Bertrand got me into rowing and, um, in the rowing club I went to, they had a disability program. So anyone, any ability can join and do rowing and learn how to do it. And because I had a lot of sight back then, I, I just got into it. And then it's been a sport I could do when I lost a lot of my sight when I was 15 and 16, and I got a lot of, um, a lot of places with that. With state championships, I got came second and I was at 1.8 in Australia in the nationals for, uh, para rowing, what they call it now. So yeah, it's a lot of things I did for that. And I'm very proud of myself for doing it. And, you know, I wish I could still do it, but some circumstances stopped me from doing it, you know, what can you do? But I still look back at it, and I'm proud of what I did.
Oh, yeah. Well, um, when I was eight years old, I had a, uh, world champion of rowing. Bertrand got me into rowing and, um, in the rowing club I went to, they had a disability program. So anyone, any ability can join and do rowing and learn how to do it. And because I had a lot of sight back then, I, I just got into it. And then it's been a sport I could do when I lost a lot of my sight when I was 15 and 16, and I got a lot of, um, a lot of places with that. With state championships, I got came second and I was at 1.8 in Australia in the nationals for, uh, para rowing, what they call it now. So yeah, it's a lot of things I did for that. And I'm very proud of myself for doing it. And, you know, I wish I could still do it, but some circumstances stopped me from doing it, you know, what can you do? But I still look back at it, and I'm proud of what I did.
16:38S2
The beauty of doing a sport is usually that it gives you some sort of, uh, purpose in life. Also, I found that also you get to meet more people and to mix in different circles you wouldn't normally mix. So when was that? Did you find that?
The beauty of doing a sport is usually that it gives you some sort of, uh, purpose in life. Also, I found that also you get to meet more people and to mix in different circles you wouldn't normally mix. So when was that? Did you find that?
16:50S5
Yes. So, um, I when I went to the nationals, I was under Rowing Australia and they basically the Paralympic team. Um, I got to know a lot of people through that. Uh, Mark Russell, who's also, I think he's also a blind rower, or he's at least a Paralympian. I know that he's a I'm, you know, I look up to people like that. So, you know, we may not be able to see you. We may not be able to do much, but we can, you know, we're up there with the some of the best in Australia.
Yes. So, um, I when I went to the nationals, I was under Rowing Australia and they basically the Paralympic team. Um, I got to know a lot of people through that. Uh, Mark Russell, who's also, I think he's also a blind rower, or he's at least a Paralympian. I know that he's a I'm, you know, I look up to people like that. So, you know, we may not be able to see you. We may not be able to do much, but we can, you know, we're up there with the some of the best in Australia.
17:23S2
So things changed though. So are you already said that, um, your parents weren't able to look after you? And, uh, so, I mean, your father had the same eye condition as you, so that's sort of understandable. And your mother left when you were, what? Uh, 13 I do. 13.
So things changed though. So are you already said that, um, your parents weren't able to look after you? And, uh, so, I mean, your father had the same eye condition as you, so that's sort of understandable. And your mother left when you were, what? Uh, 13 I do. 13.
17:40S5
Yeah. 13. Yes. So my, um, my mother and my father got separated when I was 13, and basically, I didn't really see that my mother that much right after that. And then a year later, I moved down to Melbourne to be with my aunt and uncle due to my grandparents not being able to look after me forever. They're getting older and they've got their own lives to live. And um, basically when I was 17, my aunt and uncle had enough of me and they didn't want me, and they said, get out. And that's when I became homeless. And there would be days where I'll be sleeping at Southern Cross Station or a random station on the beeline network, where I could just travel and try and keep warm every night and all that, or go to my grandparents for a couple of nights. It wasn't fun, but, you know, I survived.
Yeah. 13. Yes. So my, um, my mother and my father got separated when I was 13, and basically, I didn't really see that my mother that much right after that. And then a year later, I moved down to Melbourne to be with my aunt and uncle due to my grandparents not being able to look after me forever. They're getting older and they've got their own lives to live. And um, basically when I was 17, my aunt and uncle had enough of me and they didn't want me, and they said, get out. And that's when I became homeless. And there would be days where I'll be sleeping at Southern Cross Station or a random station on the beeline network, where I could just travel and try and keep warm every night and all that, or go to my grandparents for a couple of nights. It wasn't fun, but, you know, I survived.
18:37S2
It sounds I mean, it sounds really harsh. I mean, these are people these are your own flesh and blood. So but I can sort of understand it in a way, because, I mean, in my own family, I love my family, but we function really, really well because we're scattered all across the country. So we talk really, really well over the phone. We, and, uh, we function my way better than that. I mean, was that a similar situation that you were facing there?
It sounds I mean, it sounds really harsh. I mean, these are people these are your own flesh and blood. So but I can sort of understand it in a way, because, I mean, in my own family, I love my family, but we function really, really well because we're scattered all across the country. So we talk really, really well over the phone. We, and, uh, we function my way better than that. I mean, was that a similar situation that you were facing there?
19:00S5
Not really. Like, I didn't have much many people in my family, but, um, I wouldn't, you know, that would take me in, like, really? It was my grandparents. So no one really, because my aunt and uncle, no one had anything to do with me. But I couldn't put pressure on my grandparents because my grandfather has the same eye problem I do.
Not really. Like, I didn't have much many people in my family, but, um, I wouldn't, you know, that would take me in, like, really? It was my grandparents. So no one really, because my aunt and uncle, no one had anything to do with me. But I couldn't put pressure on my grandparents because my grandfather has the same eye problem I do.
19:22S2
Right? Right.
Right? Right.
19:23S5
And my grandmother's deaf, so I didn't want to put pressure on them. And you know. Right. Okay. It was. To try and fend for myself or, you know, just give up. And I was I was in the, the in that brain space where, you know what what could I do? I just didn't care at all. So, you know, what can you do? And I just had to start finding stuff to do, like going, um, to a disability advocate at, um, the Youth Disability Advocacy Service. And, um, they there might be advocate put me through to Melbourne City Mission to help me find a place to live.
And my grandmother's deaf, so I didn't want to put pressure on them. And you know. Right. Okay. It was. To try and fend for myself or, you know, just give up. And I was I was in the, the in that brain space where, you know what what could I do? I just didn't care at all. So, you know, what can you do? And I just had to start finding stuff to do, like going, um, to a disability advocate at, um, the Youth Disability Advocacy Service. And, um, they there might be advocate put me through to Melbourne City Mission to help me find a place to live.
20:05S2
Right back briefly though. I mean, so you were homeless for a while. How long?
Right back briefly though. I mean, so you were homeless for a while. How long?
20:10S5
I was homeless for nearly a year. Wow. I was between refuges and, you know, the streets and my grandparents. It's, you know, it's. What could I do? So. And then, um, eventually, I got into this place called the Lighthouse Foundation. That's a mental health triage. I did have a lot of mental problems because of what's happened to me. Understood?
I was homeless for nearly a year. Wow. I was between refuges and, you know, the streets and my grandparents. It's, you know, it's. What could I do? So. And then, um, eventually, I got into this place called the Lighthouse Foundation. That's a mental health triage. I did have a lot of mental problems because of what's happened to me. Understood?
20:32S2
Yes.
Yes.
20:32S5
And, um, I was just lucky to get into there. And they helped me get through a lot of things. And, um, eventually, you know, I've started the city, and I started to do what I need to do because I never got past you ten before I got kicked out. Okay. Yeah. Got past you ten. And then I was going to do VCA, and then I started doing VCA after I got into lighthouse. And, um, then I met my wife Portia, um, was in the ICU, and she lived at that point in the act. And I eventually moved up to Liverpool. And, you know, life went on.
And, um, I was just lucky to get into there. And they helped me get through a lot of things. And, um, eventually, you know, I've started the city, and I started to do what I need to do because I never got past you ten before I got kicked out. Okay. Yeah. Got past you ten. And then I was going to do VCA, and then I started doing VCA after I got into lighthouse. And, um, then I met my wife Portia, um, was in the ICU, and she lived at that point in the act. And I eventually moved up to Liverpool. And, you know, life went on.
21:11S2
So let's talk briefly about, um, well, mental illness because, um, I don't think there are very many people with a vision impairment who haven't had a problem like that. I think that really one of our disabilities really is the way that that society itself looks after us. And, uh, the doors that get slammed in our face in some ways. What? I mean, I've sort of I'm trying to find the right words here for it. I mean, sometimes people will talk about clinical depression, but sometimes depression is there because we are not happy about the circumstances in which you are. And of course, you're going to feel depressed. Does that. Yeah. Does that make any sort of sense to you?
So let's talk briefly about, um, well, mental illness because, um, I don't think there are very many people with a vision impairment who haven't had a problem like that. I think that really one of our disabilities really is the way that that society itself looks after us. And, uh, the doors that get slammed in our face in some ways. What? I mean, I've sort of I'm trying to find the right words here for it. I mean, sometimes people will talk about clinical depression, but sometimes depression is there because we are not happy about the circumstances in which you are. And of course, you're going to feel depressed. Does that. Yeah. Does that make any sort of sense to you?
21:53S5
It does, in a way. Like, um, when I was going to school, I would always be marginalised, really. Like, you know, I can't do this. I can't do that because of my size. And you know, that that really I was a teenager. But, you know, I wanted to try everything. So, you know, trying to say no to me really made me want to do it harder. Like rowing. People said I wouldn't be able to do it when I lost more of my sight. Yeah, I did it.
It does, in a way. Like, um, when I was going to school, I would always be marginalised, really. Like, you know, I can't do this. I can't do that because of my size. And you know, that that really I was a teenager. But, you know, I wanted to try everything. So, you know, trying to say no to me really made me want to do it harder. Like rowing. People said I wouldn't be able to do it when I lost more of my sight. Yeah, I did it.
22:23S2
You have a lot more of a stable life now. You met your wife. I mean, how did you meet her?
You have a lot more of a stable life now. You met your wife. I mean, how did you meet her?
22:28S5
I met her because of a friend that went to her youth group in Canberra, and he introduced me to her and, well, life went on. I met her in Albury like a little date thing and Aubrey for the first time, and yeah, just really kicked off from there. And then I moved up to live with her and then, um, eventually a couple of years later and two years later, even I moved down to, uh, more in Gippsland. But between that, I did join the Big Issue.
I met her because of a friend that went to her youth group in Canberra, and he introduced me to her and, well, life went on. I met her in Albury like a little date thing and Aubrey for the first time, and yeah, just really kicked off from there. And then I moved up to live with her and then, um, eventually a couple of years later and two years later, even I moved down to, uh, more in Gippsland. But between that, I did join the Big Issue.
23:01S2
Right? Tell me about your wife.
Right? Tell me about your wife.
23:04S5
Well. It's okay. What should I say? She's fully sighted. She's lovely. She's very nice.
Well. It's okay. What should I say? She's fully sighted. She's lovely. She's very nice.
23:13S2
What made her stand out? And what was the big thing that that you thought? You know, I want this person in my life.
What made her stand out? And what was the big thing that that you thought? You know, I want this person in my life.
23:20S5
That's a really hard question to answer, because it just. We just clicked like, I can't put it down to one thing. We just, you know. It just happened. We just got along. We talked. We, you know. We care about each other. It just. I just happened to, like, even today. You know, we still can't figure it out. But, you know, we love each other. That's what matters. You know, we were there for each other.
That's a really hard question to answer, because it just. We just clicked like, I can't put it down to one thing. We just, you know. It just happened. We just got along. We talked. We, you know. We care about each other. It just. I just happened to, like, even today. You know, we still can't figure it out. But, you know, we love each other. That's what matters. You know, we were there for each other.
23:48S2
How do you get along now with the rest of your family? Um, and, you know, you've gone through a lot now. Um, can you still deal with them the same way?
How do you get along now with the rest of your family? Um, and, you know, you've gone through a lot now. Um, can you still deal with them the same way?
23:56S5
Um. My father, I talked to him all the time. He's also a big issue vendor, so I always will say him at least every fortnight for the launch. My grandparents, I talk to them regularly and when I have a chance, got to Warrnambool and see them. You know, it's just something that's I'm happy to do. I'm happy with the family I've got.
Um. My father, I talked to him all the time. He's also a big issue vendor, so I always will say him at least every fortnight for the launch. My grandparents, I talk to them regularly and when I have a chance, got to Warrnambool and see them. You know, it's just something that's I'm happy to do. I'm happy with the family I've got.
24:19S2
How important is having that stability?
How important is having that stability?
24:21S5
When I was homeless, I didn't have that. I didn't know what to do and now I have, you know, I have something to hang on to. I have my wife, I have my grandparents and have my father.
When I was homeless, I didn't have that. I didn't know what to do and now I have, you know, I have something to hang on to. I have my wife, I have my grandparents and have my father.
24:33S2
Something I noticed when my life was the most unstable was my view of time itself actually changed. Some things that I thought took months were weeks, and, uh, sometimes weeks stretched out to what seemed like months. So did you ever notice that?
Something I noticed when my life was the most unstable was my view of time itself actually changed. Some things that I thought took months were weeks, and, uh, sometimes weeks stretched out to what seemed like months. So did you ever notice that?
24:47S5
Yeah, I thought the time aspect really went out the door for me when I was became homeless. It was pretty, pretty blasé. But, you know, it's it's I got through it and then everything returned to normal when I got some sort of stability.
Yeah, I thought the time aspect really went out the door for me when I was became homeless. It was pretty, pretty blasé. But, you know, it's it's I got through it and then everything returned to normal when I got some sort of stability.
25:06S2
Occasionally you might come across somebody who's troubled or having troubles themselves. Is there any advice you'd give people if they are thinking of, well, wondering what to do with their lives, if they're in a situation that was similar to yours, where they're they don't have a lot of options. Can you give us any advice on that?
Occasionally you might come across somebody who's troubled or having troubles themselves. Is there any advice you'd give people if they are thinking of, well, wondering what to do with their lives, if they're in a situation that was similar to yours, where they're they don't have a lot of options. Can you give us any advice on that?
25:24S5
Oh, a lot of issues I had where I didn't want to ask for help because of being, um, you know, being marginalized or being left out of things. I didn't I didn't want any help because I didn't want anyone to say no. What I would say to people is it's okay to ask for help. It's okay to say that you need assistance, because living with blindness, it's hard. You know, you have to have to ask for it. But you may not want to because you won't do it all yourself. I've learnt that, and you know I have to ask for help occasionally to get, you know, to be able to do what I need to do.
Oh, a lot of issues I had where I didn't want to ask for help because of being, um, you know, being marginalized or being left out of things. I didn't I didn't want any help because I didn't want anyone to say no. What I would say to people is it's okay to ask for help. It's okay to say that you need assistance, because living with blindness, it's hard. You know, you have to have to ask for it. But you may not want to because you won't do it all yourself. I've learnt that, and you know I have to ask for help occasionally to get, you know, to be able to do what I need to do.
26:02S2
Sometimes asking for help is really, really hard because yes, we blind people have a chip on our shoulder and it's like, well, um, I can do this. Yeah.
Sometimes asking for help is really, really hard because yes, we blind people have a chip on our shoulder and it's like, well, um, I can do this. Yeah.
26:12S5
I understand you know, that about the chip in the shoulder? You know, we don't like asking for help, but, you know, we'll get there.
I understand you know, that about the chip in the shoulder? You know, we don't like asking for help, but, you know, we'll get there.
26:20S2
Chris, thank you very much for having a chat with us. It was a great pleasure and, dare I say, an eye opener, a bit of a pun there, I think, in some ways. But anyway, thank you.
Chris, thank you very much for having a chat with us. It was a great pleasure and, dare I say, an eye opener, a bit of a pun there, I think, in some ways. But anyway, thank you.
26:31S5
Thank you very much, Sam.
Thank you very much, Sam.
26:36S2
If some of the items in today's episode of Studio One have caused you or anyone you know, distress, call one 800 respect. That's 1800 737 732 or lifeline on 13114. So that's a wrap for this week. A big thank you to the team at the Big Issue magazine. And an extra thank you to Chris for sharing your story.
If some of the items in today's episode of Studio One have caused you or anyone you know, distress, call one 800 respect. That's 1800 737 732 or lifeline on 13114. So that's a wrap for this week. A big thank you to the team at the Big Issue magazine. And an extra thank you to Chris for sharing your story.
27:08S3
And thank you once again for listening.
And thank you once again for listening.
27:09S2
Next week we dive back into the world of romance and dating. This time, however, we're looking at the world from an Lgbtq+ point of view and getting some vital dating advice for all of us.
Next week we dive back into the world of romance and dating. This time, however, we're looking at the world from an Lgbtq+ point of view and getting some vital dating advice for all of us.
27:22S3
Between now and then. Please to get in touch with the show. Whether you have experience with any of the issues covered on this week's episode of Studio One, or whether you think there's something we should be talking about, you never know. Your story or insight may help somebody who's dealing with something similar. You can email us at studio One at Virgin Australia. Org, that's studio one at Vision Australia.
Between now and then. Please to get in touch with the show. Whether you have experience with any of the issues covered on this week's episode of Studio One, or whether you think there's something we should be talking about, you never know. Your story or insight may help somebody who's dealing with something similar. You can email us at studio One at Virgin Australia. Org, that's studio one at Vision Australia.
27:43S2
Org or you can even leave us a comment on our Facebook page. The network's Facebook page is facebook.com, MVA Radio Network.
Org or you can even leave us a comment on our Facebook page. The network's Facebook page is facebook.com, MVA Radio Network.
27:52UU
Bye for now.
Bye for now.
27:57S1
Virgin Australia Radio gratefully acknowledges the support of the Community Broadcasting Foundation for Studio One.
