My guest today is the very talented Kim Cannan. Kim is a musician, composer and now author. Kim has over 40 years of playing music, which also includes teaching music as well. Kim has also released five albums, which we discuss today. Kim believes sonic environments in the community and in our own home are really crucial for our well-being. She is the founder of Sonic Healing Environment, a specialised music therapy program promoting neural development and healing. She has run workshops for pregnant mothers, youth, and dementia patients.
Kim has earned bachelor degrees in both music and psychology and she is passionate about the power of music to heal our emotions and also relax our mind and body. Her unique musical pieces have been featured on international radio, TV music channels, and airline inflight entertainment. Kim is very passionate about playing the Celtic harp and in today's episode, there is the added bonus of hearing some beautiful live harp that I recorded during my interview with Kim. I found myself in such a surprising state of total relaxation after Kim stopped playing the harp. In today's episode we discuss many incidents where music has helped people in times of grief, loss, sickness and tragedy. Kim shares very personal stories, and I also share some of my own.
On Saturday, the 18/6/2022, Kim will be hosting a very casual book launch to celebrate the completion of her first book "How Music Heals Us", which took her eight years to write. This book is a remarkable blend of science, philosophy and practical insight backed up by the latest research in music therapies, new technologies and neuro-science.
The book launch will be held, at The Impact Centre, at 19 Chetwynd Road, Erina between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. There will be some live music there, and other Central Coast musicians playing, and Kim will play some live harp as well. All are welcome to attend and Kim will be selling her book on the days, and there will be light refreshments.
Kim's websites & Facebook:http://www.kimcannan.comhttp://www.sonichealingenvironment.comhttps://m.facebook.com/sonichealingenvironment/Instagram: kim.cannan and sonichealingenvironment
Central Coast Stories by Kayleen Bell, Journalist/Host/ProducerTwitter: @C_Coast_StoriesEmail: centralcoaststories@gmail.comPlease consider subscribing to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.Next Episode - Surprise guest - First week of July, 2022

<div>My guest today is the very talented Kim Cannan. Kim is a musician, composer and now author. Kim has over 40 years of playing music, which also includes teaching music as well. Kim has also released five albums, which we discuss today. Kim believes sonic environments in the community and in our own home are really crucial for our well-being. She is the founder of Sonic Healing Environment, a specialised music therapy program promoting neural development and healing. She has run workshops for pregnant mothers, youth, and dementia patients.</div><div> </div><div>Kim has earned bachelor degrees in both music and psychology and she is passionate about the power of music to heal our emotions and also relax our mind and body. Her unique musical pieces have been featured on international radio, TV music channels, and airline inflight entertainment. Kim is very passionate about playing the Celtic harp and in today's episode, there is the added bonus of hearing some beautiful live harp that I recorded during my interview with Kim. I found myself in such a surprising state of total relaxation after Kim stopped playing the harp. In today's episode we discuss many incidents where music has helped people in times of grief, loss, sickness and tragedy. Kim shares very personal stories, and I also share some of my own.</div><div> </div><div>On Saturday, the 18/6/2022, Kim will be hosting a very casual book launch to celebrate the completion of her first book "How Music Heals Us", which took her eight years to write. This book is a remarkable blend of science, philosophy and practical insight backed up by the latest research in music therapies, new technologies and neuro-science.</div><div> </div><div>The book launch will be held, at The Impact Centre, at 19 Chetwynd Road, Erina between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. There will be some live music there, and other Central Coast musicians playing, and Kim will play some live harp as well. All are welcome to attend and Kim will be selling her book on the days, and there will be light refreshments.</div><div> </div><div>Kim's websites &amp; Facebook:</div><div>http://www.kimcannan.com</div><div>http://www.sonichealingenvironment.com</div><div>https://m.facebook.com/sonichealingenvironment/</div><div>Instagram: kim.cannan and sonichealingenvironment</div><div> </div><div>Central Coast Stories by Kayleen Bell, Journalist/Host/Producer</div><div>Twitter: @C_Coast_Stories</div><div>Email: centralcoaststories@gmail.com</div><div>Please consider subscribing to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.</div><div>Next Episode - Surprise guest - First week of July, 2022</div>

A podcast sharing the stories of local people who live on the Central Coast.  I believe every person has many stories to tell if they are given the time to talk and I find all people interesting.  This podcast may feature famous people but the main guests will be every day people who live on the Central Coast.
By Journalist, Host, & Producer Kayleen Bell

Central Coast Stories

My guest today is the very talented Kim Cannan. Kim is a musician, composer and now author. Kim has over 40 years of playing music,...

Episode 5 Kim Cannan Musician Composer Author "How Music Heals Us" Bonus Live Harp

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/

NeuRAhttps://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

 

 

 

Welcome back to Central Coast Stories podcast.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; The location is Central Coast Grammar School Performing Arts Centre at Arundel Road, Erina Heights.&nbsp; The tickets are $35.00 for adults, $30.00 for concession card holders and students.&nbsp; Discounts are available for group bookings and if you require wheelchair access you can contact the box office on (02) 43 65 84 97.&nbsp;
It will be a special evening of music, memories and meaning showcasing 40 years of musical talent.&nbsp; 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 &ldquo;80 Stories High.&rdquo; You will also hear about powerful new developments in dementia research and how music therapy can support those living with dementia.&nbsp; 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. &nbsp;
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.&nbsp; &nbsp;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.&nbsp; The book &ldquo;80 Stories High; uplifting tales of humble heroes,&rdquo; was also edited by Richard.&nbsp; As John&rsquo;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.&nbsp;&nbsp; Listeners are advised to discuss any of the medical interventions, vaccines or medicines mentioned in today&rsquo;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 &ldquo;green shoots&rdquo; and how our neural pathways connect when music is enjoyed.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;You will hear a lot more about this in today&rsquo;s discussion.&nbsp; Tickets <a href="https://auccgs.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150515">https://auccgs.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150515</a> 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.
&nbsp;
Dr John Irvine (Article on 80 Stories High)
https://onthecoastpublications.com.au/onthecoastover55/dr-john-irvine-80-stories-high-interview/
NeuRA <a href="https://neura.edu.au/">https://neura.edu.au/</a>
General enquiries
Please contact NeuRA reception on&nbsp;<a href="tel:+61293991000">+61 2 9399 1000.</a>
Media enquiries
Head of Communications, NeuRA Media Department on T:&nbsp;<a href="tel:+61452140477">+61 4 5214 0477</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:media@neura.edu.au">media@neura.edu.au.</a>
Donation and fundraising enquiries
Please contact the Fundraising team on 1300 888 019 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:supporter@neura.edu.au">supporter@neura.edu.au</a>.
Dementia Australia:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/">https://www.dementia.org.au/</a>
&nbsp;
Alive Inside Documentary trailer https://youtu.be/fVkrI1R0XjA?feature=shared
<a href="https://www.aliveinside.us/#land">https://www.aliveinside.us/#land</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H52mwVz8seg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H52mwVz8seg</a>&nbsp; More about the film with the makers 
&nbsp;
Garry&rsquo;s Dream Audio story written and Produced by Journalist &nbsp;Kayleen Bell (Broadcast in 2017 on ABC) &ndash; Younger Onset Dementia
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lifematters/garrys-dream/9103594
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Ep 14 Dr John Irvine on "Music and the Mind" Dementia news plus music event CCGS funds to NeuRA Dementia Research 26.08.25 6.00pm

Welcome back to a new season (3) of Central Coast Stories.  My name is Kayleen Bell.  I am a journalist and audio storyteller.  If you are joining as a new listener for the first time, a very big welcome to you.  I am so glad to be back for a new season after a ridiculously long unexpected break.  Life has come in like a flood several times and steered me off course for awhile.  But I am so glad to be back, doing what I love, finding and producing audio stories and interviewing lovely people on the Central Coast and sometimes people not living here but connected to the lovely Central Coast in some way.

Nestled amongst some magnificent gum trees on the NSW Central Coast, Australia, you will find the Ken Duncan Gallery.  Ken Duncan is a world renown photographer.  His stunning photography is a reflection of the talent that he has spent five decades developing.  But what many people may not know about Ken Duncan is his passion and dedication and service to the remote Indigenous communities in and around Haasts Bluff in the Northern Territory.  Haasts Bluff is home to the Ikuntji community.

In May this year, 2024, I had the wonderful privilege and opportunity to travel to the NT with Ken Duncan and fellow travellers on the first cultural tour to the lovely Haasts Bluff community.  I was blown away by this community, the peace in this community, the beauty of this community and the scenery.  It is not every day you get the chance to eat a honey ant straight out of the beautiful red earth of Australia, or wait at sunrise by  a waterhole for wild brumbies (two of my favourite experiences besides the walk up Memory Mountain).  

We were warmly greeted when we arrived at the Alice Springs Terminal after flying in from all over the country.  There was myself and ten other fellow travellers and we headed in landrovers and made the three hour journey out to Haasts Bluff and we arrived on dusk just as the sun was setting to get our first glimpse of the cross up there on Memory Mountain.  I can't recommend it highly enough.  It was one of the most special experiences of my life.  The majesty from up there on that mountain when you are standing at that enormous cross and you are looking out at that 360 degree panorama is just breathtaking.  It is worth going just for that!  

But to also get to be in the community, walk alongside the members of the community, and get to know them was also a real treat.  So as part of my collection of interviews from this NT trip.  First of all I have an interview with Ken Duncan and I chatting with a little bit of audio special magic in the background.  Then there will be  a second piece with mostly the voices of the community and fellow travellers and I will be narrating that one.  And then lastly, there is a third piece that I would like to play, which is more along the Christian history of the communities around Haasts Bluff and why they wanted the cross, and also the Indigenous evangelists that came to this area over 100 years ago.  And in the background of that piece there is some beautiful singing in language and one of their lovely elders Douglas is singing The Rugged Cross and it is just beautiful.  So I will be publishing these over the next few weeks and sit back and enjoy.   It is good to be back.

Please subscribe so you don't miss an episode and consider rating or reviewing this podcast.  And I would be very grateful if you would share this podcast.  Thank you.

For more information about the cross on memory mountain at Haasts Bluff and the tours or to make a donation you can go to the links below.

https://walkawhile.org.au/ or https://memorymountain.com.au/

Please contact me if you wish at TalkingPFAS@gmail.com 

TalkingPFAS is my other podcast (covering PFAS in Australia and around the world).

All information in this podcast is copyright.  This podcast episode in its entirety can by shared but no part of this podcast can be reproduced in any form without permission from the rights holder, Kayleen Bell Journalist.  

Thank you so much for listening !!

HISTORY:

NB This history contains names of deceased Indigenous people. 

From the plaques at the Memory Mountain Monument:

Out the front of the Church at Haasts Bluff is a sign with the following information:

The Lutheran Church at Ikuntji/Haasts Bluff

"The first mission journey to this area was made in 1923 by Aboriginal Evangelists Nathanael and his wife Maria and Jacobus and his wife Alma.  It is because of them and the people who followed that the Haasts Bluff settlement was established."

"On Sunday 25 September 1949 the old Lobethal SA bell sounded the call to come to worship and celebrate the dedication of the Haasts Bluff Lutheran Church.  The Church leaders who took part were Pastors Reuther and Pech, Pastors F W Albrecht and Gross, Evangelists Moses, Abel, Titus, Alexander, Obed, Joses, Albert, Richard and Traugott and Mr Kischade who was in charge at Areyonga.  Pastor Albrecht and Mr T G H Strehlow had translated into Arrarnta an order of service for opening the church doors and dedicating the church at the altar."

1930 - Evangelists

"In 1930 Titus and Rolf were the first evangelists to make a permanent camp in the Haasts Bluff area.  These men were to provide food for the people coming in from the desert and to encourage them to settle down in the area.  Frank River Mission."

1946 - The Building

"The church building was erected in 1946 by Lou Borgelt, Cliff Thompson and Erwin Heinrich assisted by local men Benjamin, Gordon, Stephen, Henry, Talbolba and Nabo.  The building  had been pre-fabricated in Adelaide by Mr Thompson.  Money was raised by showing films of Central Australia down south."

Herman and Elizabeth Pech

"In 1947 Pastor Herman Pech and his wife Elizabeth were appointed the first full-time missionaries at Haasts Bluff.  They established a huge vegetable garden which provided food for the whole settlement and also kept a herd of goats.  Herman and Elizabeth stayed until 1955 when Pastor P A Scherer took over."

1948 - A Hospital

"When a measles epidemic broke out in 1948, the only building to house the patients was the church building.  This was before it was dedicated as a church.  In this building many lives were saved."

2019 - 70th Anniversary

In 2019 the Church celebrated its 70th Anniversary.  Services are still held in the Church and it is also used for funerals and sing-alongs. 

 

 

 

Welcome back to a new season (3) of Central Coast Stories.&nbsp; My name is Kayleen Bell.&nbsp; I am a journalist and audio storyteller.&nbsp; If you are joining as a new listener for the first time, a very big welcome to you.&nbsp; I am so glad to be back for a new season after a ridiculously long unexpected break.&nbsp; Life has come in like a flood several times and steered me off course for awhile.&nbsp; But I am so glad to be back, doing what I love, finding and producing audio stories and interviewing lovely people on the Central Coast and sometimes people not living here but connected to the lovely Central Coast in some way.
Nestled amongst some magnificent gum trees on the NSW Central Coast, Australia, you will find the Ken Duncan Gallery.&nbsp; Ken Duncan is a world renown photographer.&nbsp; His stunning photography is a reflection of the talent that he has spent five decades developing.&nbsp; But what many people may not know about Ken Duncan is his passion and dedication and service to the remote Indigenous communities in and around Haasts Bluff in the Northern Territory.&nbsp; Haasts Bluff is home to the Ikuntji community.
In May this year, 2024, I had the wonderful privilege and opportunity to travel to the NT with Ken Duncan and fellow travellers on the first cultural tour to the lovely Haasts Bluff community.&nbsp; I was blown away by this community, the peace in this community, the beauty of this community and the scenery.&nbsp; It is not every day you get the chance to eat a honey ant straight out of the beautiful red earth of Australia, or wait at sunrise by&nbsp; a waterhole for wild brumbies (two of my favourite experiences besides the walk up Memory Mountain).&nbsp;&nbsp;
We were warmly greeted when we arrived at the Alice Springs Terminal after flying in from all over the country.&nbsp; There was myself and ten other fellow travellers and we headed in landrovers and made the three hour journey out to Haasts Bluff and we arrived on dusk just as the sun was setting to get our first glimpse of the cross up there on Memory Mountain.&nbsp; I can't recommend it highly enough.&nbsp; It was one of the most special experiences of my life.&nbsp; The majesty from up there on that mountain when you are standing at that enormous cross and you are looking out at that 360 degree panorama is just breathtaking.&nbsp; It is worth going just for that!&nbsp;&nbsp;
But to also get to be in the community, walk alongside the members of the community, and get to know them was also a real treat.&nbsp; So as part of my collection of interviews from this NT trip.&nbsp; First of all I have an interview with Ken Duncan and I chatting with a little bit of audio special magic in the background.&nbsp; Then there will be&nbsp; a second piece with mostly the voices of the community and fellow travellers and I will be narrating that one.&nbsp; And then lastly, there is a third piece that I would like to play, which is more along the Christian history of the communities around Haasts Bluff and why they wanted the cross, and also the Indigenous evangelists that came to this area over 100 years ago.&nbsp; And in the background of that piece there is some beautiful singing in language and one of their lovely elders Douglas is singing The Rugged Cross and it is just beautiful.&nbsp; So I will be publishing these over the next few weeks and sit back and enjoy.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is good to be back.
Please subscribe so you don't miss an episode and consider rating or reviewing this podcast.&nbsp; And I would be very grateful if you would share this podcast.&nbsp; Thank you.
For more information about the cross on memory mountain at Haasts Bluff and the tours or to make a donation you can go to the links below.
<a href="https://walkawhile.org.au/">https://walkawhile.org.au/</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://memorymountain.com.au/">https://memorymountain.com.au/</a>
Please contact me if you wish at <a href="mailto:TalkingPFAS@gmail.com">TalkingPFAS@gmail.com </a>
TalkingPFAS is my other podcast (covering PFAS in Australia and around the world).
All information in this podcast is copyright.&nbsp; This podcast episode in its entirety can by shared but no part of this podcast can be reproduced in any form without permission from the rights holder, Kayleen Bell Journalist.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Thank you so much for listening !!
HISTORY:
NB This history contains names of deceased Indigenous people.&nbsp;
From the plaques at the Memory Mountain Monument:
Out the front of the Church at Haasts Bluff is a sign with the following information:
The Lutheran Church at Ikuntji/Haasts Bluff
"The first mission journey to this area was made in 1923 by Aboriginal Evangelists Nathanael and his wife Maria and Jacobus and his wife Alma.&nbsp; It is because of them and the people who followed that the Haasts Bluff settlement was established."
"On Sunday 25 September 1949 the old Lobethal SA bell sounded the call to come to worship and celebrate the dedication of the Haasts Bluff Lutheran Church.&nbsp; The Church leaders who took part were Pastors Reuther and Pech, Pastors F W Albrecht and Gross, Evangelists Moses, Abel, Titus, Alexander, Obed, Joses, Albert, Richard and Traugott and Mr Kischade who was in charge at Areyonga.&nbsp; Pastor Albrecht and Mr T G H Strehlow had translated into Arrarnta an order of service for opening the church doors and dedicating the church at the altar."
1930 - Evangelists
"In 1930 Titus and Rolf were the first evangelists to make a permanent camp in the Haasts Bluff area.&nbsp; These men were to provide food for the people coming in from the desert and to encourage them to settle down in the area.&nbsp; Frank River Mission."
1946 - The Building
"The church building was erected in 1946 by Lou Borgelt, Cliff Thompson and Erwin Heinrich assisted by local men Benjamin, Gordon, Stephen, Henry, Talbolba and Nabo.&nbsp; The building&nbsp; had been pre-fabricated in Adelaide by Mr Thompson.&nbsp; Money was raised by showing films of Central Australia down south."
Herman and Elizabeth Pech
"In 1947 Pastor Herman Pech and his wife Elizabeth were appointed the first full-time missionaries at Haasts Bluff.&nbsp; They established a huge vegetable garden which provided food for the whole settlement and also kept a herd of goats.&nbsp; Herman and Elizabeth stayed until 1955 when Pastor P A Scherer took over."
1948 - A Hospital
"When a measles epidemic broke out in 1948, the only building to house the patients was the church building.&nbsp; This was before it was dedicated as a church.&nbsp; In this building many lives were saved."
2019 - 70th Anniversary
In 2019 the Church celebrated its 70th Anniversary.&nbsp; Services are still held in the Church and it is also used for funerals and sing-alongs.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Ep 13 Journey of the Cross at Haasts Bluff NT 2024 with singers Part 3

Welcome back to a new season (3) of Central Coast Stories.  My name is Kayleen Bell.  I am a journalist and audio storyteller.  If you are joining as a new listener for the first time, a very big welcome to you.  I am so glad to be back for a new season after a ridiculously long unexpected break.  Life has come in like a flood several times and steered me off course for awhile.  But I am so glad to be back, doing what I love, finding and producing audio stories and interviewing lovely people on the Central Coast and sometimes people not living here but connected to the lovely Central Coast in some way.

Nestled amongst some magnificent gum trees on the NSW Central Coast, Australia, you will find the Ken Duncan Gallery.  Ken Duncan is a world renown photographer.  His stunning photography is a reflection of the talent that he has spent five decades developing.  But what many people may not know about Ken Duncan is his passion and dedication and service to the remote Indigenous communities in and around Haasts Bluff in the Northern Territory.  Haasts Bluff is home to the Ikuntji community.

In May this year, 2024, I had the wonderful privilege and opportunity to travel to the NT with Ken Duncan and fellow travellers on the first cultural tour to the lovely Haasts Bluff community.  I was blown away by this community, the peace in this community, the beauty of this community and the scenery.  It is not every day you get the chance to eat a honey ant straight out of the beautiful red earth of Australia, or wait at sunrise by  a waterhole for wild brumbies (two of my favourite experiences besides the walk up Memory Mountain).  

We were warmly greeted when we arrived at the Alice Springs Terminal after flying in from all over the country.  There was myself and ten other fellow travellers and we headed in landrovers and made the three hour journey out to Haasts Bluff and we arrived on dusk just as the sun was setting to get our first glimpse of the cross up there on Memory Mountain.  I can't recommend it highly enough.  It was one of the most special experiences of my life.  The majesty from up there on that mountain when you are standing at that enormous cross and you are looking out at that 360 degree panorama is just breathtaking.  It is worth going just for that!  

But to also get to be in the community, walk alongside the members of the community, and get to know them was also a real treat.  So as part of my collection of interviews from this NT trip.  First of all I have an interview with Ken Duncan and I chatting with a little bit of audio special magic in the background.  Then there will be  a second piece with mostly the voices of the community and fellow travellers and I will be narrating that one.  And then lastly, there is a third piece that I would like to play, which is more along the Christian history of the communities around Haasts Bluff and why they wanted the cross, and also the Indigenous evangelists that came to this area over 100 years ago.  And in the background of that piece there is some beautiful singing in language and one of their lovely elders Douglas is singing The Rugged Cross and it is just beautiful.  So I will be publishing these over the next few weeks and sit back and enjoy.   It is good to be back.

Please subscribe so you don't miss an episode and consider rating or reviewing this podcast.  And I would be very grateful if you would share this podcast.

Please contact me if you wish at TalkingPFAS@gmail.com

All information in this podcast is copyright.  This podcast episode in its entirety can by shared but no part of this podcast can be reproduced in any form without permission from the rights holder, Kayleen Bell Journalist.  



Thank you so much for listening !!

Welcome back to a new season (3) of Central Coast Stories.  My name is Kayleen Bell.  I am a journalist and audio storyteller.  If you are joining as a new listener for the first time, a very big welcome to you.  I am so glad to be back for a new season after a ridiculously long unexpected break.  Life has come in like a flood several times and steered me off course for awhile.  But I am so glad to be back, doing what I love, finding and producing audio stories and interviewing lovely people on the Central Coast and sometimes people not living here but connected to the lovely Central Coast in some way.
Nestled amongst some magnificent gum trees on the NSW Central Coast, Australia, you will find the Ken Duncan Gallery.  Ken Duncan is a world renown photographer.  His stunning photography is a reflection of the talent that he has spent five decades developing.  But what many people may not know about Ken Duncan is his passion and dedication and service to the remote Indigenous communities in and around Haasts Bluff in the Northern Territory.  Haasts Bluff is home to the Ikuntji community.
In May this year, 2024, I had the wonderful privilege and opportunity to travel to the NT with Ken Duncan and fellow travellers on the first cultural tour to the lovely Haasts Bluff community.  I was blown away by this community, the peace in this community, the beauty of this community and the scenery.  It is not every day you get the chance to eat a honey ant straight out of the beautiful red earth of Australia, or wait at sunrise by  a waterhole for wild brumbies (two of my favourite experiences besides the walk up Memory Mountain).  
We were warmly greeted when we arrived at the Alice Springs Terminal after flying in from all over the country.  There was myself and ten other fellow travellers and we headed in landrovers and made the three hour journey out to Haasts Bluff and we arrived on dusk just as the sun was setting to get our first glimpse of the cross up there on Memory Mountain.  I can't recommend it highly enough.  It was one of the most special experiences of my life.  The majesty from up there on that mountain when you are standing at that enormous cross and you are looking out at that 360 degree panorama is just breathtaking.  It is worth going just for that!  
But to also get to be in the community, walk alongside the members of the community, and get to know them was also a real treat.  So as part of my collection of interviews from this NT trip.  First of all I have an interview with Ken Duncan and I chatting with a little bit of audio special magic in the background.  Then there will be  a second piece with mostly the voices of the community and fellow travellers and I will be narrating that one.  And then lastly, there is a third piece that I would like to play, which is more along the Christian history of the communities around Haasts Bluff and why they wanted the cross, and also the Indigenous evangelists that came to this area over 100 years ago.  And in the background of that piece there is some beautiful singing in language and one of their lovely elders Douglas is singing The Rugged Cross and it is just beautiful.  So I will be publishing these over the next few weeks and sit back and enjoy.   It is good to be back.
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