Transforming Perceptions Transforming Perceptions

Áine speaks with Howard Conkey, author the book Tad’s Legacy.  The book documents the tragic death of his
long-time friend Tad Kahsai who was experiencing psychotic symptoms after many years of alcohol misuse. 





It raises questions about the supports available to vulnerable people living with both alcohol and mental health issues; the drug and alcohol support systems in ACT and the need for reforms to the Mental Health Act to better protect people at risk of self-harm. 



“Tad Kahsai came to Australia from worn-torn Eritrea. 
He studied at the Australian National University in the 1970’s” where he met Howard.  He later worked as a
Geography teacher, and was part-owned Club Asmara in Civic.  Tad was gifted and a vibrant personality.  “He was well known in Canberra and active in humanitarian activities for his birth country”.



“Howard ... said his friend Tad’s death was a tragedy best described as a train wreck of what could go wrong did.  Mr Kahsai went missing from Calvary Hospital while hallucinating and judged not to be competent at the end of 2015.  A missing person investigation by police and on-ground search failed to find him and his body was discovered by chance by students near Bruce Stadium three months later”.

 Áine speaks with Vesna about her multicultural women’s project - An Unexpected Life, a collection of personal stories of migrant woman.  The project was a labour of love and collaboration with the wonderful women she met over the years through the process of establishing herself in Canberra Australia after leaving Serbia 34 years ago. 

A few years ago Vesna became involved in writing and performing poetry in her mother tongue, through the
Mother Tongue Poetry group.  In the group, multicultural women are inspired and supported to create and recite
poetry in their own languages which increases their confidence while showcasing their stories and identities.  She became fascinated with the stories of other migrant woman she met through her journey to establish herself in her new country and wanted to showcase their courage,
bravery in moving to another country, learning English and contributing to the broader fabric of Canberra society.

 There are 12 stories from woman who came from Afghanistan, Bosnia, Chile, Ghana, Macedonia, Malaysia, Peru, Romania, Serbia, Sri Lanka and South Africa

The Book is being launched on at 10am Saturday 20th April 2024 at the Gorman Arts Centre in Ainslie Avenue Canberra City. 

Áine speaks with Amanda Hughes a registered music therapist about music therapy as a career pathway for musicians.  Amanda completed her Master of Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne in 2023, and a
Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Canberra majoring in Counselling.  She brings her own lived experiences with mental ill health and first-hand encounters with the power of music to her practice to helps ensure she works to the highest standards, along
with a commitment to continuing professional development to ensure she stays at the forefront of therapeutic techniques.

She specialises in mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), early childhood and adolescents, and family relationships, tailoring
each session to the unique needs of every participant, and fostering an environment where music becomes the catalyst for healing and personal growth.

Amanda believes “in the transformative power of music and strive[s] to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those [she] work[s] with in her practice”.

Áine speaks with Maree Patsouras about her research on the experiences of working mums drinking during Covid.  The new studies by La Trobe University have shed light on the impact of additional responsibilities women assumed by ‘default’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, influencing a spike in drinking among working mothers.  Participants noted the lack of control they felt over their everyday lives and drinking as they juggled working from home, parenting, household, and teaching roles combined
with the limit on socialised activities outside the home.

 

Maree is currently a PhD student at the
Centre for Alcohol Policy Research (CAPR).  Her PhD is a mixed methods project focused on the social, commercial and structural factors influencing alcohol use among
working mothers.  Her other research interests include digital and media alcohol exposure, and emerging technologies.

Áine speaks with Mel Greenhalgh, Neuro-coach, Collective Wisdom Coaching and Consulting. Mel is presenting workshops for women, as a part of the Women’s Safety Program running from February - June 2024. The workshops are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Mel has 30 years of experience working in the community, youth work, in policy, research and higher education. She shares aspects of her personal lived experience and how that has led her into work as a Neuro-coach. We discuss the impact of the Covid Pandemic and how that affected us and our communities. How we feel about ourselves, and how we can progress through a journey of healing recovery, and by using strategies to build self-awareness and self-care, we can embrace greater understanding and empowerment.

We also discuss the upcoming workshops focused on women’s safety and unpack some of the reasons why it is hard to say, No.

Ben opens up to Áine about his personal lived experience of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He discusses his recovery journey, his work with Rebus Theatre as a community arts worker and how music creation helps him to raise awareness about ADHD as well as be who he truly is - a talented writer and composer.

Please Note - This interview features two original songs by Ben Drysdale which are available to stream on Spotify.