Welcome back to Central Coast Stories podcast.  I am a journalist and your host Kayleen Bell.

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down in the Rhema Central Coast studios to interview clinical psychologist Dr John Irvine. He is one of the foundation team members organising an event at the Central Coast Grammar School. It is called "Music and the Mind." The concert will be held on Tuesday, the 26th of August, starting at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.  The location is Central Coast Grammar School Performing Arts Centre at Arundel Road, Erina Heights.  The tickets are $35.00 for adults, $30.00 for concession card holders and students.  Discounts are available for group bookings and if you require wheelchair access you can contact the box office on (02) 43 65 84 97. 

It will be a special evening of music, memories and meaning showcasing 40 years of musical talent.  You will hear from talented student and alumni performers. You will hear from paediatric psychologist Dr John Irvine, he will share his heartfelt mission, and memoir “80 Stories High.” You will also hear about powerful new developments in dementia research and how music therapy can support those living with dementia.  Proceeds from tickets and the book sales will help fund NeuRA in their fight to cure dementia and improve brain health through collaboration and innovation.  

John has been a nationally recognised identity in the field of family psychology for many years. Dr John, together with his brother, Warwick, established the READ clinic in 1981, here on the Central Coast.   It is now the largest specialist psychology clinic in the region.

Recently Dr John Irvine wrote a book dedicated to the wonderful children, parents, colleagues and grandparents he met in his many years in private practice, many of the stories come from his many years working at the CCGS as Consultant Psychologist under the Headmaster, Richard Lornie, OAM.  The book “80 Stories High; uplifting tales of humble heroes,” was also edited by Richard.  As John’s brother now has Vascular Dementia, all profits from the book go to NeuRA; the Dementia Research facility, attached to the UNSW.

Disclaimer: I just want to point out that this podcast is for information purposes only.   Listeners are advised to discuss any of the medical interventions, vaccines or medicines mentioned in today’s episode with their professional GP before consuming any medication.

At this event you will hear about breakthroughs in dementia research, which Dr John calls “green shoots” and how our neural pathways connect when music is enjoyed.    You will hear a lot more about this in today’s discussion.  Tickets https://auccgs.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150515
If you require assistance to purchase your ticket, are interested in a group/bus booking or wish to select a wheelchair access seat, please contact our friendly box office team on 02 4365 8497.

Dr John Irvine (Article on 80 Stories High)

https://onthecoastpublications.com.au/onthecoastover55/dr-john-irvine-80-stories-high-interview/

NeuRA https://neura.edu.au/

General enquiries

Please contact NeuRA reception on +61 2 9399 1000.

Media enquiries

Head of Communications, NeuRA Media Department on T: +61 4 5214 0477 or email media@neura.edu.au.

Donation and fundraising enquiries

Please contact the Fundraising team on 1300 888 019 or email supporter@neura.edu.au.

Dementia Australia:  https://www.dementia.org.au/

Alive Inside Documentary trailer https://youtu.be/fVkrI1R0XjA?feature=shared

https://www.aliveinside.us/#land

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H52mwVz8seg  More about the film with the makers

Garry’s Dream Audio story written and Produced by Journalist  Kayleen Bell (Broadcast in 2017 on ABC) – Younger Onset Dementia

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lifematters/garrys-dream/9103594