March 12, 2025 • 28 mins
Sam speaks to Camuran Albanoi, adult community mental health team leader at Goulburn Valley Health and organiser of a Harmony Day event on March 21.
They'll discuss mental health in Australia, and how to better involve and include voices from the wider community including people with disabilities.
Then later in the show we hear from Liz Dalakouras the editor of FYI, and Frances is back with a Reader Recommended.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
S1 (00:13):
From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's
your host Sam Colley.
S2 (00:23):
Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And
for the next half hour, we talk matters of blindness
and low vision.
S3 (00:30):
When it comes to human rights. Firstly, I my personal
beliefs are that we need to put human rights front
and centre at all times for those most marginalised and community.
When it comes to the disability, I do have my
own disability, not just because I have my own disability.
I don't want to be biased, but without. Human rights
(00:52):
are not only just for Australians, it's an international issue.
S2 (00:58):
Welcome to the program. This week we speak with Cameron
Albanese from Goulburn Valley Health, one of the organizers of
a Harmony day event in Shepparton to highlight the need
for greater mental health services and awareness in the Australian community,
especially for those with disabilities and the mental health challenges
(01:22):
they face every day. That conversation is coming up very shortly,
so make sure to stick around to hear more from Cameron. Then,
after we chat with Cameron, I'm joined by Liz Dalakouras,
the editor of Foyer Information, otherwise known as FYI, and
(01:42):
we finish up with a reader recommended from Frances. I
hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. On
the 21st of March, voices for Harmony Shepparton will be
celebrating Australia's diversity by coming together for an event to
(02:04):
mark Harmony day, where they believe change will only be
possible when. Australians from every walk of life, from every
corner of the continent, come together to insist on better
mental health for everyone, including members of the blind and
low vision community or people with disabilities more broadly. And
(02:27):
to speak with me further about the event. It's my
great pleasure to welcome one of the organisers, Cameron Albinoi,
from Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton. Cameron, welcome back to
Talking Vision. Always great to have you.
S3 (02:43):
Great to be on the radio again. Same. I'm absolutely
delighted to be again on Vision Australia Radio.
S2 (02:50):
Let's start off with Harmony day. Cameron tell us about that.
S3 (02:55):
Yeah. On a Harmony day since 1990 nine inches Australia
is celebrated on 21st of March, we come together to
celebrate Australia's rich cultural diversity and the benefits and strengths
it brings to the nation. However, the background of Harmony
(03:17):
day is in fact the United Nations International Day for
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which through UN resolution 20142,
session 21, it was decided to be observed 21st of
March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
(03:38):
And the history tells us that on the day on
21st of March 1960, police opened fire and killed 69
students at a peaceful demonstration in the Sharpeville in South
Africa against the apartheid pass laws adopted by the South
African government, a brutal regime that applied the theory of
(04:02):
inequality between the races, regardless of humanity's moral and ethical advances.
Proclaiming the International Day, the United Nations General Assembly in
1966 called upon the international community to redouble its efforts
to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Same in Australia
(04:26):
since 1999. As I mentioned before, the International Day for
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is referred to as Harmony day,
and it symbolizes by the orange awareness ribbon worn or
displayed by those associating with the day, ideals and morals.
(04:46):
Now the living in harmony everyone Belongs initiative, which is
every year, is designed to highlight the cultural issues and
celebrate our cultural diversity. It's about inclusiveness, respect and sense
of belonging for everyone. As Australians, we all have collective
goals such as help build a peaceful, cohesive and productive
(05:09):
future for our children by setting an example of how
to live in harmony, making the most of our racial, cultural,
social and religious diversity, and to put into practice the
best of traditional values, which is massive fairness, justice and equality.
At the same time, same celebrate Australia's many successes as diverse,
(05:32):
inclusive and harmonious multicultural society and to recommit to our
common values of respect and goodwill towards our fellow Australians
of all backgrounds. Now this is very interesting. At the end,
I'm saying that it's about the goodwill towards our fellow Australians,
same as you may know. United Nations Universal Declaration article one.
(05:57):
It goes to say all human beings are born free
and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with
reason and conscience, and should act towards one another in
a spirit of brotherhood that enforces that statement. In Australia
with U.N. Declaration of Human Rights.
S2 (06:18):
And I think this can go quite a bit further
than just talking about people of different races and different cultures.
We're talking about diversity and inclusion. We're talking about dignity
and human rights. And those are super core values that
people with disabilities also have the right to exist within.
(06:41):
And it's interesting that Harmony day has extended beyond being
a day of fighting against racial discrimination. It's gone towards,
you know, the whole community, as you've mentioned. And I'd
love to get your perspective on where this comes in
and where this is applicable in your perspective to the
(07:02):
human rights and dignity of persons with disabilities living in Australia.
S3 (07:08):
Thank you very much. That's a very powerful statement you made,
and I agree with all of them. When it comes
to human rights, firstly, I my personal beliefs are that
we need to put human rights front and centre at
all times for those most marginalised and community. When it
comes to the disability, I do have my own disability.
(07:31):
Not just because I have my own disability. I don't
want to be a bias, but without human rights are
not only just for Australians, it's an international issue. And
by lodging the foundation of human rights on 10th of
December 1948, it was decided that the international community was
(07:53):
the signators most of the countries of signatories, among them Australia,
to they envisage a world universal respect for human rights
and human dignity, the rule of law, justice, equality and
non-discrimination of respect for race, ethnicity, cultural diversity, ability or disability,
(08:17):
and giving equal opportunities to people to full realization of
human potential and contributing to shared prosperity. The issue with
Harmony Day and human rights is attached to this one
when it comes by shared sense of belonging, all of
which are essential to positive mental and physical well-being of
(08:41):
the person. I may say that Australia is one of
few countries who doesn't have National Human Rights Act. So politicians,
when they make decision, if we had that perspective, then
they need by law every decision they made or they
(09:01):
will make in the future. They have to go by
respecting the human rights to fellow Australians. Now same also.
I would like briefly to respond. You mentioned that about.
It's about the diversity, equity and inclusion. These are the
three closely linked values held by many. I'm referring in
organization settings, by many organizations that are working to be
(09:25):
supportive of different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities,
disabilities or disabilities, religious genders, and sexual orientation. Diversity, equity
and inclusion brings. I think it's so important. More we
embrace it, more we will progress. It brings unique experiences.
(09:47):
In my opinion, perspectives and knowledge brings innovative ideas to
the table same. They are often grouped together because they
are interconnected and it is only in combination that are
The true impact emerges. So this is my modest response,
but please feel free to ask me further in regard of.
S2 (10:09):
I think I'd be quite interested to hear about the
Harmony day celebrations that you'll be involved with coming up
on the 21st of March in Shepparton.
S3 (10:20):
Thank you very much. And firstly, absolutely, I'm excited that
we are having a guest speaker from Sydney, but in
a moment I will talk about it. But I'm also
excited that we are not only in Australia worldwide. This
day 21st of March is celebrated and it's a great feeling.
It's a great feeling that we are joining the international community.
(10:44):
After all, we share each other regardless of our differences.
We share each other's humanity and human dignity anyway. Voices
for Harmony Shepparton. In partnership with Australians for Mental Health,
we are celebrating Harmony day On 21st of March, which
is Friday this year, 25 at the Quality Hotel Parkway
(11:07):
in Shepparton. The doors are open 1:00. Same for 130
to start and it will go till 330. It's a
every single event we have been organising for the last
18 years. They've been three public events. The speakers will
include Kim O'Keefe. She's our local member of Parliament and
at the same time shadow assistant minister for Regional multicultural Affairs.
(11:32):
She will be speaking for 15 minutes on diversity and acceptance.
Then our special keynote speaker from Sydney, Executive Director of
Australians for Mental Health, Chris Gambian. He will be presenting
between 45 to 1 hour on the theme of mental
health in Australia as it is. You might like to
(11:55):
know Sam and the listeners to that. Chris Gambian is
a prominent national mental health leader with over 25 years
experience as a community organizer and public interest advocate, as
well as a deep passion for fair government and social justice.
If you'd like to know the same about. Australians for
(12:16):
Mental Health is an advocacy organisation entirely philanthropically funded, focused
on mental health reform. Founded by Professor Patrick McGorry. As
you remember Sam, he was Australian of the year in 2010.
S2 (12:31):
Yeah. Yes. Name does ring a bell. That does sound familiar?
S3 (12:35):
Yes. They are in the same group. Their goal is
this is. That's what resonates with me. The goal and
the vision and mission. But their goal is to build
grassroots support for mental health reforms. Bring together an alliance
of organisations who share the goals of transforming the way
Australia thinks on this issue, and to influence decision makers
(12:58):
to make it a national priority. That's in a nutshell.
If you'd like me to talk about that vision, I
can say that it's a system where anyone with mental
illness gets the care they need when they need it.
And our mission is to campaign for a future where
every mind matters. It's a collective of prominent Australians and
(13:19):
experts who believe that change will only be possible when
all Australians, from every walk of life, from every corner
of the continent, come together to insist on better mental
health for everyone.
S2 (13:33):
Sam, I'm sure that's a sentiment that a lot of
people can agree with. And if people are around in
the Shepparton area and they would like to head along Cameron,
how can they register to head along to the event?
What's the process there?
S3 (13:51):
The process some people they prefer by email, which we've
got the email address and phone number, mobile phone number.
But I say if anyone who is listening to the
program or their friends they want to bring along, they
are most welcome on the day. I would appreciate if
they can call me. I can give you the mobile
(14:13):
number which is for the event. It's all 421743699. Or
if they can make that phone call, that's fine. They
can come on the day. I can assure you, saying
that they won't be disappointed. I will welcome special. And
(14:36):
I made sure a week ago I took the invitation
to Vision Australia Radio in Nixon Street, in Pryor Street
in Shepparton, and I left the invitation there. So people
are most welcome to come. It is a respectful and
inclusive environment. What we do. Yeah. And what we do
(14:59):
for the last 18 years. Same voices for harmony. We
share information. We share knowledge and nurture relationships in a
spirit of Australian mateship. This is what we do. Sam.
S2 (15:10):
And before we jump off Cameron, I'll just get that
email from you as well. If that is the way
that people would like to get in touch. If they'd
like to send an email.
S3 (15:21):
Sure, sure. The email goes V for Victor, F for Fred,
H for Harry Shepparton. One word at gmail.com.
S2 (15:34):
Perfect. So that's v f h Shepparton at gmail.com. If
you'd like to get in touch and express your interest
in heading along to the Harmony day celebrations on the
21st of March. I've been speaking today with Cameron Albinoi,
(15:55):
Team Leader High priority discharge program at Adult Community Mental
Health at Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton, but he's also
one of the organisers for the Harmony day celebrations to
be held at Quality Hotel, Park Lake on the 21st
of March 2025, in Shepparton. Cameron, thank you very much
(16:20):
for your time as always. It's been great to chat
to you and hear about Harmony day.
S3 (16:26):
Likewise. Thank you very much. And my I may say
I'm so grateful that I do listen to regional Australia radio.
It has changed my life, my views, my opinions. I
see things differently mentally. I see things that it's the way,
(16:47):
how I haven't been seeing like seven years ago since
I started listening to the radio. It's absolutely jam radio program.
Thank you Sam for this.
S2 (17:03):
I'm Sam Coley, and you're listening to a talking vision
on Vision Australia Radio, Associated Stations of Reading Radio and
the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation
there with Cameron Albinoi. If you missed any part of
that chat with Cameron or you'd love to hear it again.
(17:24):
Talking vision is available on the podcast app of your
choice or through the Vision Australia library. You can also
find the program on the Vision Australia Radio website VA radio.org.
That's VA radio all one word.org. And now it's time
(17:45):
to have a chat with the editor of For Your Information,
otherwise known as FYI Liz Dalakouras, who joins me for
our monthly FYI chat. Liz, welcome back to Talking Vision.
Great to have you as always.
S4 (18:01):
As always, it's great to be here. Thanks, Sam.
S2 (18:03):
Now to start off with this week, we've got a
bit of an exciting record to have a chat about
a speed record that's just been set.
S4 (18:13):
It is very, very exciting. We have a Vision Australia client.
His name is Jamie who absolutely loves cars and has
done since he was a little kid. He holds the
title for the world's fastest blind person on a quarter
mile drag strip. Incredibly exciting for him.
S2 (18:29):
Yeah. Super exciting. Great to hear that. So many people
out there are doing really cool things, and that's just
one of them. But some other cool stuff that's happening
in the research space is a disability Centre of excellence
that's being set up through Swinburne.
S4 (18:48):
Yeah, exactly. Sam Swinburne University of Technology is set to
host Australia's very first disability employment centre of Excellence. It's
being funded by the Commonwealth Government, and the centre will
aim to improve economic participation and employment opportunities for people
with disabilities, and it will offer online resources focused on
(19:08):
lived experiences. So that's a really, really cool initiative that's
coming our way, certainly.
S2 (19:13):
And well, watch this space because there's a lot more
to come from there. It's just kicking off, but they've
got a lot of really exciting projects and research to
get stuck into. So we are going to follow that
with great interest and hopefully have a chat with a
few of them down the track. But staying in the
(19:35):
realm of research, Liz, the centre for Eye Research Australia,
is also gotten involved with Vision Australia recently and a
collaboration to launch a series of resources.
S4 (19:48):
Yeah, you've absolutely said it, Sam. In this edition of FYI,
we announced that we have teamed up with the centre
for Eye Research Australia in a digital collaboration to help
better support the blind and low vision community. So together
in each other's client newsletters will be sharing important news,
resources and research that can help people better understand their
(20:09):
vision loss and learn new ways to remain confident and independent.
So we all know here at Vision Australia, we're here
to offer you the service and support that you need
to thrive. And Sierra are dedicated to developing innovative resources
and conducting research to improve your diagnosis and overall wellbeing.
So we are just the 18 combined.
S2 (20:29):
We certainly.
S4 (20:30):
Are. For more updates.
S2 (20:31):
Yes, absolutely. Do know it's a lot of exciting resources
for people to check out. Now in terms of audio description,
we love our ad offerings at Vision Australia. So Michael
Ward's been quite busy with quite a few exciting new
plays and things like that. So one of those is
La Traviata. For people who can head along to the
(20:55):
opera house and check that one out.
S4 (20:57):
Absolutely. So on the 15th of March, at 1230, just
after lunch, head on down to the Sydney Opera House.
If you're local and you can see a sparkling encore
of La Traviata. It will be audio described for you
on that date, and it's just such a classic show.
It is not one to be missed.
S2 (21:14):
And Liz, just finally 100 K's coming up. 100 K
your way. The challenge over the month of April, and
as people may have heard earlier in the program, I
had the great pleasure of catching up with one of
our 100 K ambassadors, Jess Gallagher, to talk all about it. But,
(21:35):
you know, let's have a little bit of a chat
about 100 K and all the details that people can
find in this month's issue of FYI.
S4 (21:44):
Yeah, absolutely. Jess is amazing, isn't she?
S2 (21:47):
Oh she's wonderful.
S4 (21:48):
So, yeah, this April, join us and just have some fun,
stay active and in the process, raised some money for
Vision Australia. So you just need to take on the
challenge to move 100km in the month however you want
to move. You can run, you can jog, you can walk, ride, swim,
roll whatever you like to make every kilometre count. That's right,
(22:09):
every dollar you raise will help Vision Australia support the
blind low vision community.
S2 (22:14):
You can even row or ski or snowboard if you
find any snow up in the mountains. Or there's somebody
who danced their way to 100 K, you can get
super creative and do it any way you like. It's very,
really cool. A lot of different ways to do it.
So yeah, 100 K your way. Oh that's amazing. Now
(22:35):
before we jump off, Liz, let's get some details for
people in case they'd love to sign up to receive
their issue of FYI. They're thinking, oh wow, this sounds amazing.
I'd love to join the mailing list. What's the best
way for them to do that?
S4 (22:52):
Just visit our website. Vision Australia. Org slash. FYI pop
in your details and every Thursday fortnight you will get
the straight to your inbox.
S2 (23:02):
That's Vision Australia. Dot org slash FYI. Liz thank you
so much as always, it's been great to catch up
with you and chat about the latest issue of FYI.
S4 (23:15):
Thanks, Sam. Agreed. Pleasure as always.
S2 (23:18):
That was Liz Dalakouras, their editor of for your Information.
Otherwise known as FYI. And now here's Frances Kelland with
her radar recommended.
S5 (23:35):
Thank you Sam. The book today was the first book
in an incredibly successful series, the Outlander series, which went
on to become a successful television series as well. The
first book in the series is called Cross Stitch, and
for those of you who like a good historical fiction,
read with a little bit of a time slip happening.
(23:56):
You'll enjoy this series and Scottish history as well. Cross
stitch is by Diana Gabaldon. In 1945, a Claire Randall,
a former combat nurse, is back from the war and
reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon. Their blissful
reunion is shattered when she touches a boulder in one
of the ancient stone ruins, and is instantly transported to
(24:19):
a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in 1743.
Will Claire find her way back to her own time,
or is her destiny forever linked with Clan Mackenzie and
the gallant James Fraser? Let's hear a sample of Cross Stitch.
Part one in the Diana Gabaldon Outlander series. It's narrated
(24:41):
by Denise Kirby.
S1 (24:43):
It wasn't a very likely place for disappearances, at least
at first glance. Mrs. Baird's was like a thousand other
Highland bed and breakfast establishments in 1946. Clean and quiet
with fading floral wallpaper, gleaming floors and a coin operated
water heater in the bathroom. Mrs. bed herself was squat
(25:08):
and easygoing, and made no objection to Frank lining her
tiny Rose Sprigged parlor with the dozens of books and
papers with which he always travelled. I met Mrs. Baird
in the front hall. On my way out. She stopped
me with a pudgy hand on my arm and patted
at my hair. Dear me, Mrs. Randall, you cannot go
(25:30):
out like that. Here, just let me tuck that bit
in for you. There. That's better. You know, my cousin
was telling me about a new perm. She tried, comes
out beautiful and holds like a dream. Perhaps you should
try that kind next time. I hadn't the heart to
(25:52):
tell her that the waywardness of my light brown curls
was strictly the fault of nature, and not due to
any dereliction on the part of the permanent wave manufacturers.
Her own tightly marcelled waves suffered from no such perversity. Yes,
I'll do that, Mrs. Baird, I lied. I'm just going
(26:13):
down to meet Frank. We'll be back for tea.
S5 (26:15):
And that was Cross-stitch, part one in the Outlander series
by Diana Gabaldon. And there are all of the books
in the series in the collection. It's quite a long
series and it has so many fans. So if you
would like to get that book or any other of
the wonderfully long series that we have in the collection,
or short books, short stories, anything you're after, give the
(26:39):
library a call on 1300Â 654Â 656. That's 1300Â 654Â 656. Or you can
email the library at Vision Australia. Org that's library at
Vision australia.org.
S2 (26:55):
And that's all the time we have for today. You've
been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision
Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the
show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you.
So please get in touch any time on our email
at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. That's talking vision all
(27:19):
one word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's
Sam Coley saying bye for now.
S6 (27:29):
You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during
business hours on 1300Â 847Â 406. That's 1300Â 847Â 406. Or by visiting Vision
australia.org that's Vision australia.org.
From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's
your host Sam Colley.
S2 (00:23):
Hello, everyone. It's great to be here with you. And
for the next half hour, we talk matters of blindness
and low vision.
S3 (00:30):
When it comes to human rights. Firstly, I my personal
beliefs are that we need to put human rights front
and centre at all times for those most marginalised and community.
When it comes to the disability, I do have my
own disability, not just because I have my own disability.
I don't want to be biased, but without. Human rights
(00:52):
are not only just for Australians, it's an international issue.
S2 (00:58):
Welcome to the program. This week we speak with Cameron
Albanese from Goulburn Valley Health, one of the organizers of
a Harmony day event in Shepparton to highlight the need
for greater mental health services and awareness in the Australian community,
especially for those with disabilities and the mental health challenges
(01:22):
they face every day. That conversation is coming up very shortly,
so make sure to stick around to hear more from Cameron. Then,
after we chat with Cameron, I'm joined by Liz Dalakouras,
the editor of Foyer Information, otherwise known as FYI, and
(01:42):
we finish up with a reader recommended from Frances. I
hope you enjoy this week's episode of Talking Vision. On
the 21st of March, voices for Harmony Shepparton will be
celebrating Australia's diversity by coming together for an event to
(02:04):
mark Harmony day, where they believe change will only be
possible when. Australians from every walk of life, from every
corner of the continent, come together to insist on better
mental health for everyone, including members of the blind and
low vision community or people with disabilities more broadly. And
(02:27):
to speak with me further about the event. It's my
great pleasure to welcome one of the organisers, Cameron Albinoi,
from Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton. Cameron, welcome back to
Talking Vision. Always great to have you.
S3 (02:43):
Great to be on the radio again. Same. I'm absolutely
delighted to be again on Vision Australia Radio.
S2 (02:50):
Let's start off with Harmony day. Cameron tell us about that.
S3 (02:55):
Yeah. On a Harmony day since 1990 nine inches Australia
is celebrated on 21st of March, we come together to
celebrate Australia's rich cultural diversity and the benefits and strengths
it brings to the nation. However, the background of Harmony
(03:17):
day is in fact the United Nations International Day for
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which through UN resolution 20142,
session 21, it was decided to be observed 21st of
March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
(03:38):
And the history tells us that on the day on
21st of March 1960, police opened fire and killed 69
students at a peaceful demonstration in the Sharpeville in South
Africa against the apartheid pass laws adopted by the South
African government, a brutal regime that applied the theory of
(04:02):
inequality between the races, regardless of humanity's moral and ethical advances.
Proclaiming the International Day, the United Nations General Assembly in
1966 called upon the international community to redouble its efforts
to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Same in Australia
(04:26):
since 1999. As I mentioned before, the International Day for
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is referred to as Harmony day,
and it symbolizes by the orange awareness ribbon worn or
displayed by those associating with the day, ideals and morals.
(04:46):
Now the living in harmony everyone Belongs initiative, which is
every year, is designed to highlight the cultural issues and
celebrate our cultural diversity. It's about inclusiveness, respect and sense
of belonging for everyone. As Australians, we all have collective
goals such as help build a peaceful, cohesive and productive
(05:09):
future for our children by setting an example of how
to live in harmony, making the most of our racial, cultural,
social and religious diversity, and to put into practice the
best of traditional values, which is massive fairness, justice and equality.
At the same time, same celebrate Australia's many successes as diverse,
(05:32):
inclusive and harmonious multicultural society and to recommit to our
common values of respect and goodwill towards our fellow Australians
of all backgrounds. Now this is very interesting. At the end,
I'm saying that it's about the goodwill towards our fellow Australians,
same as you may know. United Nations Universal Declaration article one.
(05:57):
It goes to say all human beings are born free
and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with
reason and conscience, and should act towards one another in
a spirit of brotherhood that enforces that statement. In Australia
with U.N. Declaration of Human Rights.
S2 (06:18):
And I think this can go quite a bit further
than just talking about people of different races and different cultures.
We're talking about diversity and inclusion. We're talking about dignity
and human rights. And those are super core values that
people with disabilities also have the right to exist within.
(06:41):
And it's interesting that Harmony day has extended beyond being
a day of fighting against racial discrimination. It's gone towards,
you know, the whole community, as you've mentioned. And I'd
love to get your perspective on where this comes in
and where this is applicable in your perspective to the
(07:02):
human rights and dignity of persons with disabilities living in Australia.
S3 (07:08):
Thank you very much. That's a very powerful statement you made,
and I agree with all of them. When it comes
to human rights, firstly, I my personal beliefs are that
we need to put human rights front and centre at
all times for those most marginalised and community. When it
comes to the disability, I do have my own disability.
(07:31):
Not just because I have my own disability. I don't
want to be a bias, but without human rights are
not only just for Australians, it's an international issue. And
by lodging the foundation of human rights on 10th of
December 1948, it was decided that the international community was
(07:53):
the signators most of the countries of signatories, among them Australia,
to they envisage a world universal respect for human rights
and human dignity, the rule of law, justice, equality and
non-discrimination of respect for race, ethnicity, cultural diversity, ability or disability,
(08:17):
and giving equal opportunities to people to full realization of
human potential and contributing to shared prosperity. The issue with
Harmony Day and human rights is attached to this one
when it comes by shared sense of belonging, all of
which are essential to positive mental and physical well-being of
(08:41):
the person. I may say that Australia is one of
few countries who doesn't have National Human Rights Act. So politicians,
when they make decision, if we had that perspective, then
they need by law every decision they made or they
(09:01):
will make in the future. They have to go by
respecting the human rights to fellow Australians. Now same also.
I would like briefly to respond. You mentioned that about.
It's about the diversity, equity and inclusion. These are the
three closely linked values held by many. I'm referring in
organization settings, by many organizations that are working to be
(09:25):
supportive of different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities,
disabilities or disabilities, religious genders, and sexual orientation. Diversity, equity
and inclusion brings. I think it's so important. More we
embrace it, more we will progress. It brings unique experiences.
(09:47):
In my opinion, perspectives and knowledge brings innovative ideas to
the table same. They are often grouped together because they
are interconnected and it is only in combination that are
The true impact emerges. So this is my modest response,
but please feel free to ask me further in regard of.
S2 (10:09):
I think I'd be quite interested to hear about the
Harmony day celebrations that you'll be involved with coming up
on the 21st of March in Shepparton.
S3 (10:20):
Thank you very much. And firstly, absolutely, I'm excited that
we are having a guest speaker from Sydney, but in
a moment I will talk about it. But I'm also
excited that we are not only in Australia worldwide. This
day 21st of March is celebrated and it's a great feeling.
It's a great feeling that we are joining the international community.
(10:44):
After all, we share each other regardless of our differences.
We share each other's humanity and human dignity anyway. Voices
for Harmony Shepparton. In partnership with Australians for Mental Health,
we are celebrating Harmony day On 21st of March, which
is Friday this year, 25 at the Quality Hotel Parkway
(11:07):
in Shepparton. The doors are open 1:00. Same for 130
to start and it will go till 330. It's a
every single event we have been organising for the last
18 years. They've been three public events. The speakers will
include Kim O'Keefe. She's our local member of Parliament and
at the same time shadow assistant minister for Regional multicultural Affairs.
(11:32):
She will be speaking for 15 minutes on diversity and acceptance.
Then our special keynote speaker from Sydney, Executive Director of
Australians for Mental Health, Chris Gambian. He will be presenting
between 45 to 1 hour on the theme of mental
health in Australia as it is. You might like to
(11:55):
know Sam and the listeners to that. Chris Gambian is
a prominent national mental health leader with over 25 years
experience as a community organizer and public interest advocate, as
well as a deep passion for fair government and social justice.
If you'd like to know the same about. Australians for
(12:16):
Mental Health is an advocacy organisation entirely philanthropically funded, focused
on mental health reform. Founded by Professor Patrick McGorry. As
you remember Sam, he was Australian of the year in 2010.
S2 (12:31):
Yeah. Yes. Name does ring a bell. That does sound familiar?
S3 (12:35):
Yes. They are in the same group. Their goal is
this is. That's what resonates with me. The goal and
the vision and mission. But their goal is to build
grassroots support for mental health reforms. Bring together an alliance
of organisations who share the goals of transforming the way
Australia thinks on this issue, and to influence decision makers
(12:58):
to make it a national priority. That's in a nutshell.
If you'd like me to talk about that vision, I
can say that it's a system where anyone with mental
illness gets the care they need when they need it.
And our mission is to campaign for a future where
every mind matters. It's a collective of prominent Australians and
(13:19):
experts who believe that change will only be possible when
all Australians, from every walk of life, from every corner
of the continent, come together to insist on better mental
health for everyone.
S2 (13:33):
Sam, I'm sure that's a sentiment that a lot of
people can agree with. And if people are around in
the Shepparton area and they would like to head along Cameron,
how can they register to head along to the event?
What's the process there?
S3 (13:51):
The process some people they prefer by email, which we've
got the email address and phone number, mobile phone number.
But I say if anyone who is listening to the
program or their friends they want to bring along, they
are most welcome on the day. I would appreciate if
they can call me. I can give you the mobile
(14:13):
number which is for the event. It's all 421743699. Or
if they can make that phone call, that's fine. They
can come on the day. I can assure you, saying
that they won't be disappointed. I will welcome special. And
(14:36):
I made sure a week ago I took the invitation
to Vision Australia Radio in Nixon Street, in Pryor Street
in Shepparton, and I left the invitation there. So people
are most welcome to come. It is a respectful and
inclusive environment. What we do. Yeah. And what we do
(14:59):
for the last 18 years. Same voices for harmony. We
share information. We share knowledge and nurture relationships in a
spirit of Australian mateship. This is what we do. Sam.
S2 (15:10):
And before we jump off Cameron, I'll just get that
email from you as well. If that is the way
that people would like to get in touch. If they'd
like to send an email.
S3 (15:21):
Sure, sure. The email goes V for Victor, F for Fred,
H for Harry Shepparton. One word at gmail.com.
S2 (15:34):
Perfect. So that's v f h Shepparton at gmail.com. If
you'd like to get in touch and express your interest
in heading along to the Harmony day celebrations on the
21st of March. I've been speaking today with Cameron Albinoi,
(15:55):
Team Leader High priority discharge program at Adult Community Mental
Health at Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton, but he's also
one of the organisers for the Harmony day celebrations to
be held at Quality Hotel, Park Lake on the 21st
of March 2025, in Shepparton. Cameron, thank you very much
(16:20):
for your time as always. It's been great to chat
to you and hear about Harmony day.
S3 (16:26):
Likewise. Thank you very much. And my I may say
I'm so grateful that I do listen to regional Australia radio.
It has changed my life, my views, my opinions. I
see things differently mentally. I see things that it's the way,
(16:47):
how I haven't been seeing like seven years ago since
I started listening to the radio. It's absolutely jam radio program.
Thank you Sam for this.
S2 (17:03):
I'm Sam Coley, and you're listening to a talking vision
on Vision Australia Radio, Associated Stations of Reading Radio and
the Community Radio Network. I hope you enjoyed that conversation
there with Cameron Albinoi. If you missed any part of
that chat with Cameron or you'd love to hear it again.
(17:24):
Talking vision is available on the podcast app of your
choice or through the Vision Australia library. You can also
find the program on the Vision Australia Radio website VA radio.org.
That's VA radio all one word.org. And now it's time
(17:45):
to have a chat with the editor of For Your Information,
otherwise known as FYI Liz Dalakouras, who joins me for
our monthly FYI chat. Liz, welcome back to Talking Vision.
Great to have you as always.
S4 (18:01):
As always, it's great to be here. Thanks, Sam.
S2 (18:03):
Now to start off with this week, we've got a
bit of an exciting record to have a chat about
a speed record that's just been set.
S4 (18:13):
It is very, very exciting. We have a Vision Australia client.
His name is Jamie who absolutely loves cars and has
done since he was a little kid. He holds the
title for the world's fastest blind person on a quarter
mile drag strip. Incredibly exciting for him.
S2 (18:29):
Yeah. Super exciting. Great to hear that. So many people
out there are doing really cool things, and that's just
one of them. But some other cool stuff that's happening
in the research space is a disability Centre of excellence
that's being set up through Swinburne.
S4 (18:48):
Yeah, exactly. Sam Swinburne University of Technology is set to
host Australia's very first disability employment centre of Excellence. It's
being funded by the Commonwealth Government, and the centre will
aim to improve economic participation and employment opportunities for people
with disabilities, and it will offer online resources focused on
(19:08):
lived experiences. So that's a really, really cool initiative that's
coming our way, certainly.
S2 (19:13):
And well, watch this space because there's a lot more
to come from there. It's just kicking off, but they've
got a lot of really exciting projects and research to
get stuck into. So we are going to follow that
with great interest and hopefully have a chat with a
few of them down the track. But staying in the
(19:35):
realm of research, Liz, the centre for Eye Research Australia,
is also gotten involved with Vision Australia recently and a
collaboration to launch a series of resources.
S4 (19:48):
Yeah, you've absolutely said it, Sam. In this edition of FYI,
we announced that we have teamed up with the centre
for Eye Research Australia in a digital collaboration to help
better support the blind and low vision community. So together
in each other's client newsletters will be sharing important news,
resources and research that can help people better understand their
(20:09):
vision loss and learn new ways to remain confident and independent.
So we all know here at Vision Australia, we're here
to offer you the service and support that you need
to thrive. And Sierra are dedicated to developing innovative resources
and conducting research to improve your diagnosis and overall wellbeing.
So we are just the 18 combined.
S2 (20:29):
We certainly.
S4 (20:30):
Are. For more updates.
S2 (20:31):
Yes, absolutely. Do know it's a lot of exciting resources
for people to check out. Now in terms of audio description,
we love our ad offerings at Vision Australia. So Michael
Ward's been quite busy with quite a few exciting new
plays and things like that. So one of those is
La Traviata. For people who can head along to the
(20:55):
opera house and check that one out.
S4 (20:57):
Absolutely. So on the 15th of March, at 1230, just
after lunch, head on down to the Sydney Opera House.
If you're local and you can see a sparkling encore
of La Traviata. It will be audio described for you
on that date, and it's just such a classic show.
It is not one to be missed.
S2 (21:14):
And Liz, just finally 100 K's coming up. 100 K
your way. The challenge over the month of April, and
as people may have heard earlier in the program, I
had the great pleasure of catching up with one of
our 100 K ambassadors, Jess Gallagher, to talk all about it. But,
(21:35):
you know, let's have a little bit of a chat
about 100 K and all the details that people can
find in this month's issue of FYI.
S4 (21:44):
Yeah, absolutely. Jess is amazing, isn't she?
S2 (21:47):
Oh she's wonderful.
S4 (21:48):
So, yeah, this April, join us and just have some fun,
stay active and in the process, raised some money for
Vision Australia. So you just need to take on the
challenge to move 100km in the month however you want
to move. You can run, you can jog, you can walk, ride, swim,
roll whatever you like to make every kilometre count. That's right,
(22:09):
every dollar you raise will help Vision Australia support the
blind low vision community.
S2 (22:14):
You can even row or ski or snowboard if you
find any snow up in the mountains. Or there's somebody
who danced their way to 100 K, you can get
super creative and do it any way you like. It's very,
really cool. A lot of different ways to do it.
So yeah, 100 K your way. Oh that's amazing. Now
(22:35):
before we jump off, Liz, let's get some details for
people in case they'd love to sign up to receive
their issue of FYI. They're thinking, oh wow, this sounds amazing.
I'd love to join the mailing list. What's the best
way for them to do that?
S4 (22:52):
Just visit our website. Vision Australia. Org slash. FYI pop
in your details and every Thursday fortnight you will get
the straight to your inbox.
S2 (23:02):
That's Vision Australia. Dot org slash FYI. Liz thank you
so much as always, it's been great to catch up
with you and chat about the latest issue of FYI.
S4 (23:15):
Thanks, Sam. Agreed. Pleasure as always.
S2 (23:18):
That was Liz Dalakouras, their editor of for your Information.
Otherwise known as FYI. And now here's Frances Kelland with
her radar recommended.
S5 (23:35):
Thank you Sam. The book today was the first book
in an incredibly successful series, the Outlander series, which went
on to become a successful television series as well. The
first book in the series is called Cross Stitch, and
for those of you who like a good historical fiction,
read with a little bit of a time slip happening.
(23:56):
You'll enjoy this series and Scottish history as well. Cross
stitch is by Diana Gabaldon. In 1945, a Claire Randall,
a former combat nurse, is back from the war and
reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon. Their blissful
reunion is shattered when she touches a boulder in one
of the ancient stone ruins, and is instantly transported to
(24:19):
a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in 1743.
Will Claire find her way back to her own time,
or is her destiny forever linked with Clan Mackenzie and
the gallant James Fraser? Let's hear a sample of Cross Stitch.
Part one in the Diana Gabaldon Outlander series. It's narrated
(24:41):
by Denise Kirby.
S1 (24:43):
It wasn't a very likely place for disappearances, at least
at first glance. Mrs. Baird's was like a thousand other
Highland bed and breakfast establishments in 1946. Clean and quiet
with fading floral wallpaper, gleaming floors and a coin operated
water heater in the bathroom. Mrs. bed herself was squat
(25:08):
and easygoing, and made no objection to Frank lining her
tiny Rose Sprigged parlor with the dozens of books and
papers with which he always travelled. I met Mrs. Baird
in the front hall. On my way out. She stopped
me with a pudgy hand on my arm and patted
at my hair. Dear me, Mrs. Randall, you cannot go
(25:30):
out like that. Here, just let me tuck that bit
in for you. There. That's better. You know, my cousin
was telling me about a new perm. She tried, comes
out beautiful and holds like a dream. Perhaps you should
try that kind next time. I hadn't the heart to
(25:52):
tell her that the waywardness of my light brown curls
was strictly the fault of nature, and not due to
any dereliction on the part of the permanent wave manufacturers.
Her own tightly marcelled waves suffered from no such perversity. Yes,
I'll do that, Mrs. Baird, I lied. I'm just going
(26:13):
down to meet Frank. We'll be back for tea.
S5 (26:15):
And that was Cross-stitch, part one in the Outlander series
by Diana Gabaldon. And there are all of the books
in the series in the collection. It's quite a long
series and it has so many fans. So if you
would like to get that book or any other of
the wonderfully long series that we have in the collection,
or short books, short stories, anything you're after, give the
(26:39):
library a call on 1300Â 654Â 656. That's 1300Â 654Â 656. Or you can
email the library at Vision Australia. Org that's library at
Vision australia.org.
S2 (26:55):
And that's all the time we have for today. You've
been listening to Talking Vision. Talking vision is a Vision
Australia radio production. Thanks to all involved with putting the
show together every week. And remember, we love hearing from you.
So please get in touch any time on our email
at Talking Vision. At Vision australia.org. That's talking vision all
(27:19):
one word at Vision australia.org. But until next week it's
Sam Coley saying bye for now.
S6 (27:29):
You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during
business hours on 1300Â 847Â 406. That's 1300Â 847Â 406. Or by visiting Vision
australia.org that's Vision australia.org.
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