From a young age Nihal Iscel has been assisting others and acting as an advocate. This week, Simon had a fascinating conversation with this passionate and strong woman with a vast knowledge gained from a variety of life experiences.

International Day of People with Disability is recognised each year on 3 December. Nihal suggests that this year's theme, 'Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress’, could perhaps be considered a proper 'celebration' when we have reached full and meaningful inclusion for all.

Learn what this means and so much more from someone who has worked hard to create change to benefit others since she was a child, both in her country of birth Türkiye, and Australia.

We are all part of one community and we all have an equal role to play within that community.

From a young age Nihal Iscel has been assisting others and acting as an advocate. This week, Simon had a fascinating conversation with this passionate and strong woman with a vast knowledge gained from a variety of life experiences. International Day of People with Disability is recognised each year on 3 December. Nihal suggests that this year's theme, 'Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress&rsquo;, could perhaps be considered a proper 'celebration' when we have reached full and meaningful inclusion for all.
Learn what this means and so much more from someone who has worked hard to create change to benefit others since she was a child, both in her country of birth T&uuml;rkiye, and Australia. We are all part of one community and we all have an equal role to play within that community.

Nihal: born to be an advocate & activist

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/23a6b68e-0bc5-4171-adb8-b3a7007f4a68/transcript

This week on In Plain Sight join Simon as he chats to the ever enthusiastic Tara Le Flohic, a creative film maker using the medium to shine a light on homelessness, especially in women. Tara is now living her best life but it hasn't always been that way. She uses her creative skills and film making to explore and illustrate important and neglected aspects of society. She uses her experience of homelessness to share emotion and stories that are marginalised or unheard. 

Tara's film project "Just Three Things" discusses the phenomena of what happens to people experiencing homelessness, focusing on female perspectives. It delves into keepsakes or possessions that are held on to and keep one going through hard times.

What things could you not bear to live without?

This week on In Plain Sight join Simon as he chats to the ever enthusiastic Tara Le Flohic, a creative film maker using the medium to shine a light on homelessness, especially in women. Tara is now living her best life but it hasn't always been that way. She uses her creative skills and film making to explore and illustrate important and neglected aspects of society. She uses her experience of homelessness to share emotion and stories that are marginalised or unheard.&nbsp;
Tara's film project "Just Three Things" discusses the phenomena of what happens to people experiencing homelessness, focusing on female perspectives. It delves into keepsakes or possessions that are held on to and keep one going through hard times.
What things could you not bear to live without?

 Just Three Things: Tara's Story

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/ec7f929d-7e02-4479-82cb-b3a00019ff84/transcript

This week, Simon speaks with ICONYX, who hails from the East Kimberley from the Kukatja and Pintupi mobs and now lives in Boorloo (Perth) on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja. She is a passionate songwriter, has perfect pitch, plays piano and guitar, loves to sing, and is blind.

ICONYX started producing her own music under the mentorship of Boss Arts Creative. Enjoying all music, especially hip hop and pop, she has also covered Archie Roach's Mulyawongk and Gurrumul's Baru. ICONYX won the 2025 WAM Song of the Year in both the Indigenous and Act, Belong, Commit categories for her original Black On Trak.

On ICONYX's Linktree, accessible here, you can find articles about her as well as links to streaming services to hear her music.

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Gemma jumps into the producer chair this week while Andrew is away. She and Simon kick off the show acknowledging a huge milestone for Vision Australia Radio Perth: 10 years of service! Find out more about our programs on the VAR website, and get in touch anytime: radio@visionaustralia.org or call 6246 4500.

This week, Simon speaks with ICONYX, who hails from the East Kimberley from the Kukatja and Pintupi mobs and now lives in Boorloo (Perth) on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja. She is a passionate songwriter, has perfect pitch, plays piano and guitar, loves to sing, and is blind.
ICONYX started producing her own music under the mentorship of Boss Arts Creative. Enjoying all music, especially hip hop and pop, she has also covered Archie Roach's&nbsp;Mulyawongk&nbsp;and Gurrumul's Baru. ICONYX won the 2025 WAM Song of the Year in both the Indigenous and Act, Belong, Commit categories for her original Black On Trak.
On ICONYX's&nbsp;<a href="every%20article%20that%20has%20covered%20me%20and%20my%20story%20-%20as%20well%20as%20links%20to%20streaming%20services%20to%20download%20my%20music.">Linktree, accessible here,</a> you can find articles about her as well as links to streaming services to hear her music.
--
Gemma jumps into the producer chair this week while Andrew is away. She and Simon kick off the show acknowledging a huge milestone for Vision Australia Radio Perth: 10 years of service! Find out more about our programs&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.visionaustralia.org/program-guides/perth-program-guide">on the VAR website</a>, and get in touch anytime: <a href="mailto:radio@visionaustralia.org">radio@visionaustralia.org</a> or call 6246 4500.

ICONYX: pitch perfect East Kimberley artist

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/de0ae3a6-afa3-421e-a799-b3950019990d/transcript

This week, Andrew and Simon speak to Kate Champion, Artistic Director at Black Swan State Theatre Company in Perth, Western Australia, about their 2026 program. Black Swan is committed to inclusion and accessibility in the arts, and Kate shares their accessibility initiatives with us, which include audio description, tactile tours and Auslan interpretation.

A season of bold voices and fresh perspectives, Black Swan's 2026 program showcases iconic reinventions, daring new commissions, and stories that speak directly to the world we live in today. Find out more about the 2026 program on their website.

Vision Australia Radio is a proud accessibility partner of Black Swan State Theatre Company.

This week, Andrew and Simon speak to Kate Champion, Artistic Director at Black Swan State Theatre Company in Perth, Western Australia, about their 2026 program. Black Swan is committed to inclusion and accessibility in the arts, and Kate shares their accessibility initiatives with us, which include audio description, tactile tours and Auslan interpretation.
A season of bold voices and fresh perspectives, Black Swan's 2026 program showcases iconic reinventions, daring new commissions, and stories that speak directly to the world we live in today.&nbsp;Find out more about the 2026 program <a href="https://blackswantheatre.com.au/season-2026">on their website</a>.
Vision Australia Radio is a proud accessibility partner of Black Swan State Theatre Company.

Curtains up, barriers down - making theatre accessible to all

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/f00e9d5f-a762-47dc-a66a-b392007d2da7/transcript

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This week, Simon revisits his conversations with three staff members from DADAA, a West Australian arts organisation finding creative ways to reduce disadvantage in the arts for people with disability.

DADAA stands for Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts, Australia.

DADAA aspires to be a voice of ambition, daring, and innovation, providing opportunities for creative expression and development for people with all abilities.

To challenge preconceptions and perceptions, think differently and freely, and create great art – art that changes people’s lives.

You can find out more about DADAA on their website: dadaa.org.au

Many thanks to Dennis Collins for his assistance in producing this week's episode.

This week, Simon revisits his conversations with three staff members from&nbsp;DADAA, a West Australian arts organisation finding creative ways to reduce disadvantage in the arts for people with disability.
DADAA stands for Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts, Australia.
DADAA aspires to be a voice of ambition, daring, and innovation, providing opportunities for creative expression and development for people with all abilities.
To challenge preconceptions and perceptions, think differently and freely, and create great art &ndash; art that changes people&rsquo;s lives.
You can find out more about DADAA on their website: <a href="https://www.dadaa.org.au/">dadaa.org.au</a>
Many thanks to Dennis Collins for his assistance in producing this week's episode.

Creative expression for people of all abilities at DADAA

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/a8b70922-4e5f-4a45-b8ac-b387005e280c/transcript

Join Simon and Andrew on a journey of discovery as they travel with Ben Yew from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to the sleepy seaside town of Bunbury, Western Australia.

While Ben was looking for a spark to inspire him as he recovered from cancer, he was motivated to try to inspire others who might be going through a similar situation. Ben is a renowned award winning brilliant photographer and visual storyteller. He began his creative journey as a destination wedding photographer, and has now focused his talents on highlighting everyday people sharing important and often vulnerable moments.

Ben's One Bunbury Project celebrates 100 remarkable individuals from Bunbury, and is also a book of the same name. Find out more here on Ben's website: onebunbury.com.au

This project is more than just a book. It’s the beginning of a movement, with proceeds supporting the launch of an Inspirational Scholarship program for young creatives and the expansion of One [City] projects nationally and globally.

Join Simon and Andrew on a journey of discovery as they travel with Ben Yew from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to the sleepy seaside town of Bunbury, Western Australia.
While Ben was looking for a spark to inspire him as he recovered from cancer, he was motivated to try to inspire others who might be going through a similar situation. Ben is a renowned award winning brilliant photographer and visual storyteller. He began his creative journey as a destination wedding photographer, and has now focused his talents on highlighting everyday people sharing important and often vulnerable moments.
Ben's One Bunbury Project celebrates 100 remarkable individuals from Bunbury, and is also a book of the same name. Find out more here on Ben's website: <a href="https://onebunbury.com.au/">onebunbury.com.au</a>
This project is more than just a book. It&rsquo;s the beginning of a movement, with proceeds supporting the launch of an Inspirational Scholarship program for young creatives and the expansion of One [City] projects nationally and globally.

Ben & One Bunbury, a community with a story  

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/bcc5ea32-be9c-493d-bbc7-b3840081ab5a/transcript

This week, join Simon and Andrew as they chat to the founding members of the band The Grand Delusions Art Karnasuta (Vocals, guitar) and Emmanuel (Manny) Lee (Keyboard) about their mission to inspire community involvement through music.

Art and Manny discuss how they manage their respective vision impairments while encouraging others to join in community activities. Reinforcing the importance of sharing personal anecdotes and lessons to assist those with similar situations or struggles. It is truly inspiring to see how music can create a sense of belonging, joy and confidence through shared experience and vulnerability.

For those based in WA who are blind or low vision, here are some great community groups to join:

Blind Golf WA

Can be found through Facebook or the Blind Golf Australia website which hosts games around the country to build skills, share a passion for golf and create friendships. 

WA Tandem Cycling

Can be found here to participate in regular rides for fun or participate in community events. 

 

This week, join Simon and Andrew as they chat to the founding members of the band The Grand Delusions Art Karnasuta&nbsp;(Vocals, guitar)&nbsp;and Emmanuel (Manny) Lee&nbsp;(Keyboard) about their mission to inspire community involvement through music.
Art and Manny discuss how they manage their respective vision impairments while encouraging others to join in community activities. Reinforcing the importance of sharing personal anecdotes and lessons to assist those with similar situations or struggles. It is truly inspiring to see how music can create a sense of belonging, joy and confidence through shared experience and vulnerability.
For those based in WA who are blind or low vision, here are some great community groups to join:
Blind Golf WA
Can be found through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Blindgolfwa/">Facebook</a> or the <a href="https://blindgolf.com.au/">Blind Golf Australia </a>website which hosts games around the country to build skills, share a passion for golf and create friendships.&nbsp;
WA Tandem Cycling
Can be found <a href="https://watcac.org/">here</a> to participate in regular rides for fun or participate in community events.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Finding Joy and Community Through Music

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/a9de4812-cf06-4f42-a920-b37d001e303f/transcript

This week, Simon and Andrew are joined by Paul Grace, author of Operation Hurricane: the story of Britain's first atomic test in Australia and the legacy that remains, the fascinating story behind Australia’s first nuclear weapons test.

Paul takes us on a captivating journey through the dramatic events of 1952, when the British detonated a nuclear bomb off the Montebello Islands on Western Australia’s north coast. Through meticulous research and a deep personal connection, Paul brings this complex slice of history vividly to life - uncovering both the human stories and the lasting legacy of those tests.

It’s a conversation that’s as warm and engaging as it is thought-provoking, with Paul’s passion and curiosity shining through every moment. A remarkable story, beautifully told, and a chat you won’t want to miss.

Paul recently appeared at the Totally Lit Festival in Fremantle, WA, for which Vision Australia Radio was a proud media partner.

This week, Simon and Andrew are joined by Paul Grace, author of Operation Hurricane: the story of Britain's first atomic test in Australia and the legacy that remains, the fascinating story behind Australia&rsquo;s first nuclear weapons test.
Paul takes us on a captivating journey through the dramatic events of 1952, when the British detonated a nuclear bomb off the Montebello Islands on Western Australia&rsquo;s north coast. Through meticulous research and a deep personal connection, Paul brings this complex slice of history vividly to life - uncovering both the human stories and the lasting legacy of those tests.
It&rsquo;s a conversation that&rsquo;s as warm and engaging as it is thought-provoking, with Paul&rsquo;s passion and curiosity shining through every moment. A remarkable story, beautifully told, and a chat you won&rsquo;t want to miss.
Paul recently appeared at the <a href="https://totallylit.au/">Totally Lit Festival</a> in Fremantle, WA, for which Vision Australia Radio was a proud media partner.

Operation Hurricane: A Story 70 Years in the Making

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/1c8a802e-aad9-430d-87e0-b3760080ea5d/transcript

This week on the show Simon and Andrew chat to the Honourable Dr Tony Buti MLA about his recent appearance at the Totally Lit festival in Fremantle, where he hosted a panel discussion on his book 'Alkira' written about his daughter with Cri-du-chat syndrome. The discussion delves into his personal experience as a father raising a child with Cri-du-chat, and the struggles Tony and his wife Mandy faced along the way.

Tony describes with great warmth and compassion the journey of heartbreak, resilience and joy; from discovering his daughter has this rare condition to the response & action taken by himself and his wife to ensure that their bright daughter has a fulfilling life. One of the aims of the book is to help challenge how we approach disability and move toward a more just and inclusive society for all.

We very much appreciated Tony coming in to talk with us; it was a moving and informative conversation.

This week on the show Simon and Andrew chat to the Honourable Dr Tony Buti MLA about his recent appearance at the Totally Lit festival in Fremantle, where he hosted a panel discussion on his book 'Alkira' written about his daughter with Cri-du-chat syndrome. The discussion delves into his personal experience as a father raising a child with Cri-du-chat, and the struggles Tony and his wife Mandy faced along the way.
Tony describes with great warmth and compassion the journey of heartbreak, resilience and joy; from discovering his daughter has this rare condition to the response &amp; action taken by himself and his wife to ensure that their bright daughter has a fulfilling life. One of the aims of the book is to help challenge how we approach disability and move toward a more just and inclusive society for all.
We very much appreciated Tony coming in to talk with us; it was a moving and informative conversation.

Tony Buti: Lawyer, Academic, Politician, Attorney General and Author

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/ef3b7dc9-12d4-4b02-9b0b-b36f000df738/transcript

This week, Andrew and Simon are joined by Peter Stotzer, a long-term volunteer presenter at Vision Australia Radio Perth. Peter hosts the wonderful 'Sites, Sounds & Songs', a program taking listeners on a virtual journey of different locations around the world, each paired with a personally chosen song that captures the spirit of the place.

We also explore Peter’s passion for cycling, and learn how his interest in competitive cycling led him to be actively involved with tandem cycling as a front rider (pilot) for vision impaired cyclists.

Check the program guide in your area for the broadcast times of 'Sites, Sounds & Songs' on our website. Unfortunately due to copyright restrictions on playing music, the program is not available via podcast.

Western Australian Tandem Cycling Advisory Council (or WATCAC for short) is based in Perth, Western Australia. Volunteer run, their purpose is to promote the integration of blind and vision-impaired cyclists into the cycling mainstream using tandems. WATCAC organises regular rides for fun and fitness and also participates in community cycling events. For more details go to their website. You can also follow WATCAC on Facebook (@WATCAC) and Instagram (@tandem.watcac).

To find out more about volunteering at Vision Australia Radio, please send an expression of interest to radio@visionaustralia.org.

This week, Andrew and Simon are joined by Peter Stotzer, a long-term volunteer presenter at Vision Australia Radio Perth. Peter hosts the wonderful 'Sites, Sounds &amp; Songs', a program taking listeners on a virtual journey of different locations around the world, each paired with a personally chosen song that captures the spirit of the place.
We also explore Peter&rsquo;s passion for cycling, and learn how his interest in competitive cycling led him to be actively involved with tandem cycling as a front rider (pilot) for vision impaired cyclists.
Check the program guide in your area for the broadcast times of 'Sites, Sounds &amp; Songs' <a href="https://radio.visionaustralia.org/program-guides">on our website</a>.&nbsp;Unfortunately due to copyright restrictions on playing music, the program is not available via podcast.
Western Australian Tandem Cycling Advisory Council (or WATCAC for short) is based in Perth, Western Australia. Volunteer run, their purpose is to promote the integration of blind and vision-impaired cyclists into the cycling mainstream using tandems. WATCAC organises regular rides for fun and fitness and also participates in community cycling events. For more details <a href="https://watcac.org">go to their website</a>. You can also follow WATCAC on Facebook (@WATCAC) and Instagram (@tandem.watcac).
To find out more about volunteering at Vision Australia Radio, please send an expression of interest to <a href="mailto:radio@vision">radio@visionaustralia.org.</a>

PS: who has a love for places and stories

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/cbc5ef72-e446-43dc-b219-b36800ddc195/transcript

In Plain Sight, hosted by Simon Chong and produced by Andrew Williams, is a program where we highlight the incredible stories of people who are making a positive impact in the community and disability sector. Giving a voice to dedicated disability advocates demonstrating advocacy in all its different forms, shining a light on those who might otherwise be hidden ‘in plain sight'.

Get in touch with the program team via: inplainsight@visionaustralia.org. Simon and Andrew would love to hear your feedback, thoughts and ideas.

In Plain Sight, hosted by Simon Chong and produced by Andrew Williams, is a program where we highlight the incredible stories of people who are making a positive impact in the community and disability sector. Giving a voice to dedicated disability advocates demonstrating advocacy in all its different forms, shining a light on those who might otherwise be hidden &lsquo;in plain sight'.
Get in touch with the program team via:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:inplainsight@visionaustralia.org">inplainsight@visionaustralia.org</a>. Simon and Andrew would love to hear your feedback, thoughts and ideas.

In Plain Sight by Vision Australia Radio

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