Care is Everywhere

In this episode, we feature 41-year-old Hani Watson from Brisbane, who'll be competing at the Paralympics in Paris as Australia's first female para powerlifter in twelve years. Hani was born with bilateral metaphysical dysplasia which bowed her tibia and femur bones, resulting in numerous surgeries and painful recoveries. She was introduced to powerlifting at an early age, yet becoming a Paralympian never crossed Hani's mind until a few years ago.

In 2021, she was classified for the sport and competed at the World Championships in Georgia, breaking an Oceana record and finishing 8th overall at only her second competition. Hani also broke Australia's 16-year medal drought in the sport when she won bronze in the women's heavyweight at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022 with a best lift of 127 kg. Our interviewer Emily caught up with Hani before she flew out to Paris and started by asking her how her journey in powerlifting first began.

Our Carers Queensland Local Area Coordinators continue to support local organisations to make practical changes to ensure people with disability have the opportunity to meet like-minded people in our community, participate in social activities, and build skills and experience. The community garden in Yarrabilba in the Logan region is managed by a dedicated team of volunteers, including today's guests, both of whom live with this ability and hold positions of responsibility on the gardens management committee.

First up in this episode, I chat with 27 year old Talecia from Yarrabilba, who lives with functional neurological disorder. Through her role as treasurer and garden manager, Talecia and her team have created a highly accessible garden, providing a wide range of community benefits, including produce that stems from their open garden policy.

Erik Horrie, a 44-year-old rower from the Gold Coast, represents the spirit of a Paralympian and has said that the “honour of being a paralympic medallist holds an even greater significance”. Several years ago, Erik's path was dramatically altered by a car accident that led to Paraplegia, which became the catalyst for his love of competitive rowing from 2011.

A highly decorated para-athlete, Erik competed at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the Rio 2016 Games and the 2020 games in Tokyo, cementing himself as Australia’s most successful Para-rower, with silver in the PR1 men’s single scull, adding to his two silver medals from the two previous Games. He is the first Australian rower to win three Paralympic medals. And this year, Erik is jetting off to Paris to represent Australia in para-rowing, once more. Our interviewer Emily caught up with Erik and started by asking him about how his para-athletic journey began.

Well, it's been four years since the summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo. During a time of COVID lockdown. The 2020 Games featured the highest number of athletes ever to compete at a Paralympics, with 4403 participants, including 1453 female para-athletes, the highest number in the history of the games. Four years on and the Paralympics are back bigger than ever, this time in Paris, France and here at Carers Queensland, we’re thrilled to share the stories of just some of these champions, with you.

In this episode, we feature two Para-swimmers, Rachael Watson from Brisbane, two-time Paralympian and gold medallist who is soon off to Paris to defend her title, and a young, aspiring swimmer from the Sunshine Coast, 17 year old Tiaan Haupt, whose dream it is to compete on this world stage.

The theme for this year's NAIDOC Week celebrations is Keep the Fire Burning - Black, Loud and Proud. Carers Queensland recognises the strength and vitality of First nations people and continues to work together with local communities to support First nations people with disability and carers by continuing the journey to reconciliation within Australia, we have developed our own reconciliation action plan as we strive to create social change and economic opportunities for First Nations Australians built on trust, respect and collaboration.

Men's Health Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing men's physical and mental health.  After witnessing the tragic events of the Dreamworld tragedy in 2016, 54-year-old Michael Clancy from the Gold Coast found support and companionship from an unlikely friend – a parrot.  Since discovering the therapeutic benefits of owning a bird, Michael has built the not-for-profit group ‘Parrots for Purpose’ and has paired over 1000 parrots with their new human companions. 

In this episode, we explore the intriguing world of parrots and their positive impact on well-being, from companionship and stress relief, to promoting physical activity and providing emotional support. Hear how these intelligent birds offer a range of benefits that can contribute to a healthier and happier life.

Qualified horticulturalist and nursery owner Nathan Freeney has been working in the community garden sector for over 15 years and has future plans to provide increased learning and employment opportunities for people with disability. Through his collaboration with Carers Queensland, the 32 year old Coolum resident has built strong relationships with several community gardens, including Beachmere, as he works towards creating greater inclusion by sharing his lived experience. Nathan has also started his own podcast to share the unique stories of people with disability. I caught up with Nathan and started by asking him about his long standing involvement in community gardens and the benefits to the community.

Carers Queensland is working with emergency service agencies to improve disaster response for people with disability.  Our Get Ready, Plan Ahead workshops, in conjunction with the Queensland Disability Network (QDN) aim to reduce disaster risk by including people with disability in disaster planning processes. By working closely with key groups, we are building stronger connections for people with disability to support themselves in an emergency.

In this episode we hear from a workshop participant who shares what they learned and how they developed their own Person-Centred Emergency Plan. We also interview a peer mentor in disaster preparation, who shares his lived experience, including the steps taken to better prepare for emergencies in their home environment.

To celebrate Autism Awareness Month, we are spotlighting the unique abilities and strengths of individuals with autism. Join us as we chat with Amy from Dalveen, a member of the Amplifying Young Voices reference group, and Phil Sharpe, president of the South Brisbane Men's Shed. Listen as our guests share their personal experiences and insights on promoting inclusion, challenging stereotypes, and breaking down barriers for individuals with autism. 

Tune in now to learn more about the incredible strengths and talents of individuals with autism. Don't forget to spread the word and join us in celebrating Autism Awareness Month. Thank you for listening.