West Gippsland Week

Across Australia's rural areas pest plants and animals are a constant problem. This reports is the first of three from a Forum organized by the regional Landcare network in South East Victoria.

In previous chats we have talked about concerns many have about the effects current amounts of screen time that young people indulge in. We take that further but then explore the idea also previously raised that "we are not our thoughts".

Although in limited quantities and thus relatively expensive, indigenous food crops are being produced on a farm in East Gippsaland, and may offer a new option for sustainable farming. Ian Hill reports.

Busstop films is a production, training and work placement organization that develops opportunities for people with disabilities to make films and gain work in the media both behind and in front of the camera. With recent success in several people working on the TV coverage of the Paralympics and many submissions to film festivals, this episode explores how and why Busstop films achieves these wins.

All those wooden pallets moving around the world (and often only used once) use up forest resources, but from where? Here Ian Hill explains.

Jason and Kerry Rantall experienced the impact of depression, bi-polar, suicide thinking, self medication and worked their own way through those difficulties. In the process saw that there was an important gap in the services available. Here we discuss the service and a major awareness (and fundraising) project.

The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria is a long standing organist largely representing drivers. In this episode we discuss a recent campaign to improve our understanding of road crashes and their causes and the recent survey of the condition of country roads.

It would seem obvious that we all hope for the opportunity to age with dignity, but for many aging can bring loneliness and depression. Here we discuss a lovely volunteer service which arranges visits with elderly folk either in nursing homes or in their own home to build a friendly relationship to supplement any paid support services.

In this day of open conversations there are still taboos, and they can mean some people have unfair restrictions. One such problem is incontinence. It is something that can confine people to home and is still not discussed, shocking often not even with medical professionals! Find out more with Sharron Parteous from the Continence Foundation.

Aging with Grace is a charity that arranges friendly visits to people in aged care or on a home care package. As CEO Esis Tawfik explains this is not about providing services, but companionship. There is opportunity for volunteers to help in a way that only a volunteer can - you can't really pay someone to be your friend. Currently there are places for both volunteers and clients - so if you know someone who would benefit from a regular visit you can refer....