Indigenous

In this compelling conversation with Lowanna Grant, Kerri Shying, a Wiradjuri poet with a mixed heritage including Chinese Australian ancestry, shares how poetry serves as a tool for emotional expression and cultural connection. Despite living with a degenerative disease, Kerri explains how poetry helped her regain her voice and connect with both her Indigenous roots and broader communities. Produced in Partnership with SBS and NITV [...]

Paul Constable Calcott, or Uncle Paul, a proud Wiradjuri man and artist, reflects on his life’s journey from a childhood impacted by polio to becoming a UN delegate advocating for Indigenous artists with disabilities. Through his involvement in the NuunaRon Art Group, Uncle Paul continues to create safe spaces for storytelling and cultural expression, helping others to find their voices through art. Proudly produced in partnership with SBS and NITV. [...]

Bianca Templar is an artist deeply rooted in her culture and an advocate for First Nations rights. Her creative journey is woven with tradition, community, and activism. In this episode Bianca yarns to Lowanna Grant as she shares the profound influence of the elders and mentors who have passed down traditional cultural art practices, shaping both her artistic expression and her identity. Proudly produced in partnership with SBS and NITV. [...]

Dr Richard Fejo, who is more affectionately known as Uncle Richie, is a Larrakia man who has dedicated his life to cross-cultural education and improvement of outcomes for Indigenous people. Living with limb difference Richie draws on his experience to educate and advocate for the improved health outcomes of Indigenous Australians, particularly through his role as the Elder on Campus for Flinders University. Proudly produced in partnership with SBS and NITV. [...]

Cass Best is a proud Gay Kamilaroi Mari who is non- binary and living with disability. They actively advocate for and engage with Mob and the LGBTQI+ community. Much of Cass’ advocacy focuses on intersectionality, working to create inclusive spaces for mob who are queer and live with disabilities. Being an advocate has not only improved Cass’ wellbeing, but has also improved inclusion and accessibility for others. In this episode Cass chats with Kerri-Lee Harding. Proudly produced in partnership with...

In this episode of Speak My Language: Disability we share the story of James Griffiths, a proud Wangaaypuwan man. After becoming blind in 2005, James has become a passionate First Nations advocate for disability inclusion. James is also an avid fisher and yarns to us about the art of blind fishing. This podcast was produced for NITV in partnership with SBS Audio. [...]

Professor John Gilroy is a Yuin man from the NSW South Coast and is a professor of Indigenous health and disability. For most of his life, John has worked in disability and ageing research and community development with Aboriginal communities, government, and non-government stakeholders. He is the first person to create Indigenous research methodologies in disability research. John is passionate about Aboriginal owned and driven research as means to influence policy and speaks on the important role of Aboriginal academia. ...

Gomoroi man Mat Fink has always been involved in Sydney’s art scene, first as a graffiti artist, and now as a tattooist. His Newtown based studio, Something Original, speaks to his own creative character. Diagnosed later in life with ADHD and Autism, Mat speaks about the neurodivergent experience and how it impacted his worldview. You can find resources and information about taking care of your mental health by visiting www.headspace.org.au/yarn-safe For 24/7 crisis support 24/7, contact 13YARN on 13 92 76 or visit their...

Cass Best is a proud Gay Kamilaroi Mari from Gunnedah. Cass is a non-binary Mari living with disability. Cass is a director of BlaQ and is currently the Aboriginal Community Development Officer for SSI. Much of Cass’ advocacy focuses on intersectionality, working to create inclusive spaces for mob who are queer and live with disabilities. In this interview, Cass talks about how advocacy has not only improved their wellbeing, but has also improved inclusion and accessibility for others.  Produced in partnership with...

Brian Edwards is a proud Wiradjuri man who became blind shortly after turning eighteen. He has worked as a disability advocate with Absec and the NDIS. Before becoming blind, he played rugby league for over a decade with the Redfern All Blacks. In this interview, Brian shares how he maintains his love for sport with Blind Cricket and now enjoys performing as a DJ.  For more information about blind sports, visit Vision Australia's website here. Produced in partnership with Koori Radio...

Kerri Shying is a poet of Chinese, Australian and Wiradjuri heritage, and is known for her bilingual pocketbook of poems  “sing out when you want me”, 2017,  “Elevensies”, 2018 and “Knitting Mangrove Roots” 2019. Based in Newcastle, Kerri co-covenes a bi-monthly online disability peer writing workshop group named Write Up. Kerri herself lives with disability and understands the importance of creating inclusive community spaces on and offline. You can request to join the Write Up Facebook Page here. Produced in partnership...

Dr Scott Avery is descendant from the Worimi people and is the Research and Policy Director at the First Peoples Disability Network (Australia). He is a leading scholar working in Indigenous disability, undertaking a PhD at the University of Technology Sydney on social inclusion and disability in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. He talks about the importance of accessibility and inclusion in education. His academic work is strengthened through his lived experience as a deaf person.  Produced in partnership...