An Englishman Downunder ... in rural Australia - Broadcaster, Musician and Community Advocate

When my partner Phillip became critically unwell, Ambulance Victoria classified him as a Category One patient requiring immediate treatment. Yet, like so many others, he still faced a long wait in a crowded Emergency Department.

In this episode I share our personal experience—not to criticise the remarkable ambulance crews, emergency doctors and nurses who cared for Phillip with such professionalism and compassion—but to ask difficult questions about a health system under immense pressure.

What happens to those who don't have a health professional at home to monitor them? How many simply go home frightened, confused, or without the support they need?

This is a thoughtful and deeply personal reflection on the challenges facing regional healthcare, the dedication of frontline staff, and why meaningful change is urgently needed.

If you'd like to read the accompanying article and continue the conversation, you'll find the full reflection on my Substack page.

This morning I joined Steve Martin on ABC Ballarat to reflect on a week that became far more personal than I had expected.

After Phillip’s recent emergency admission to hospital, we found ourselves experiencing first-hand the pressures facing our health system. It was a reminder of the remarkable dedication of our ambulance crews, emergency department staff and clinicians, who continue to provide compassionate care despite working under enormous strain.

In this conversation, I share our experience, why it matters, and why supporting the people who care for us is just as important as improving the buildings they work in.

My thanks to Steve and the ABC Ballarat team for the opportunity to have this important conversation.

In this interview with ABC Ballarat's Steve Martin, I talk about the remarkable work of the Bigger Hearts Singing Circle and the Ballarat Dementia Alliance, and the special fundraising concert held to support people living with dementia and aphasia.

Music has an extraordinary ability to reconnect memories, restore confidence and bring joy, even when words become difficult. The Bigger Hearts Singing Circle demonstrates that singing is far more than entertainment—it is companionship, therapy and hope.

Thank you to Steve Martin and ABC Ballarat for helping share this important story with the wider community.

Interview © ABC Ballarat. Shared with gratitude to help promote the work of the Bigger Hearts Singing Circle and the Ballarat Dementia Alliance.

In the Midst of the Rain

Welcome to An Englishman Downunder.

Today's song was inspired by a remarkable day broadcasting live from the Ballarat Pride Market at the historic Mining Exchange.

Outside, the winter rain fell steadily and the world seemed full of troubling news. Inside, however, the hall was alive with colour, music, laughter and stories of courage, kindness and community. It was a reminder that hope often shines brightest on the darkest days.

In the Midst of the Rain is my musical reflection on that experience. It is a song about discovering that God's presence is often found, not in certainty or power, but in compassion, friendship and the simple act of standing with one another through life's storms.

Thank you for listening to An Englishman Downunder. I hope this song brings you a little hope, wherever you may be today.

Written by Kevin Harper Esq.
Performed using Kevin Harper's voice with AI-assisted production.
© 2026 Kevin Harper Esq.
Published by Saint Dunstan's House Press.

The Cup of Christ is my original hymn for this week's Substack reflection. Inspired by Jesus' words about offering a cup of cold water, it reflects on a week in which I received countless acts of kindness—from ambulance officers and hospital staff to patients, friends, choir members and community volunteers. Sometimes the smallest gifts carry the greatest grace.

Words and melody © Kevin Harper. Harmony and backing tracks created with AI assistance. Lead vocal performed by Kevin Harper.

Subtack Link is HERE

This Sunday afternoon, Bigger Hearts Singing Circle is presenting Stand By Me at York Street Church of Christ in Ballarat.

Bigger Hearts is much more than a choir — it helps people living with dementia and aphasia reconnect with the music, memories and friendships that have shaped their lives. Music is often the last memory to fade, and this wonderful group proves just how powerful singing can be.

All performers are donating their time, with proceeds supporting the ongoing work of Bigger Hearts. We’d love to see the community there.

he concert is at York Street Church of Christ, Ballarat, on Sunday 21 June from 1.30pm to 4.00pm. Admission is $20 ($15 concession), with all proceeds supporting Bigger Hearts and the ongoing work of the Dementia Alliance Ballarat.

In the midst of the rain, life continues to unfold in all its beauty and uncertainty. From the rolling paddocks of rural Victoria comes a reflective song about resilience, hope, and finding light when the skies are dark.

Inspired by the ordinary moments that shape our lives, this piece explores the courage to keep moving forward through disappointment, illness, loss, and change, while remaining open to grace, friendship, faith, and the unexpected kindness of others.

Recorded and shared by Kevin Harper Esq., broadcaster, musician, community advocate, and host of An Englishman Downunder, this episode is a reminder that even the heaviest rain eventually gives way to clearer skies.

Faith. Community. Music. Hope.

This episode contains original spoken introduction and commentary accompanying the musical work and is presented as part of the ongoing An Englishman Downunder podcast series.

That final sentence can sometimes help distinguish the upload from a pure music track, which may reduce the chance of Spotify's automated systems treating it as music-only content.

A song born from rain, reflection, and resilience. In this special musical episode, Kevin shares In the Midst of the Rain—a gentle meditation on finding hope when skies are dark and paths uncertain. Recorded in rural Australia and inspired by faith, community, and the quiet strength that carries us through difficult seasons.

#AnEnglishmanDownUnder #KevinHarper #OriginalMusic #FaithAndLife #AustralianPodcast

This morning I joined Apple FM to speak about the upcoming Ballan Autumn Festival — celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.

We discussed what this milestone means for Ballan, the return of the much-loved woodchop, the importance of supporting local businesses, and what visitors can expect on Sunday 15 March 2026 in the main street of Ballan.

The Ballan Autumn Festival is a free, community-driven event that brings together music, food, family activities and regional pride.

If you’ve ever wondered why small towns matter — and how community festivals keep them alive — this conversation is for you.

🎉 Ballan Autumn Festival

📅 Sunday 15 March 2026

📍 Main Street, Ballan

🎟 Free Entry

Come along. Bring a friend. Support local.

From energy market jitters to global summits, and from cabinet reshuffles to sporting drama — this week packed a punch. Kevin & Rupert cut through the noise, highlight what really matters, and offer a sharp-eyed look at what’s to come.

Listen in for thoughtful commentary, a touch of humour, and a clear-eyed view of the week that was.

🎙 Spotify Episode 4:

Kevin & Rupert Look Back on the Week