Hi, I'm Australian para powerlifter Ben Wright. I've just been selected for the Paris Paralympic Games and you're listening to leisure link with Peter Greco on the Vision Australia radio network.

Hi, I'm Australian para powerlifter Ben Wright. I've just been selected for the Paris Paralympic Games and you're listening to leisure link with Peter Greco on the Vision Australia radio network.

It's just gone. 5:00. You're listening to Vision Australia Radio Adelaide here on 1190 7 a.m. via Radio Online, also through the TuneIn radio app. Look for Vision Australia, Radio Adelaide through your favourite podcast or streaming service and you're a big cheerio to our friends listening through 103.9 FM in Esperance in Western Australia. Peter Greco saying I'm saying Virgin Australia because that's what people in Paris are saying. And whilst in Adelaide do what they're doing in Paris, it's so much fun following the Olympic Games and so much looking forward to the Paralympic Games, this program coming to you from Ghana and come to you very shortly. We'll speak powerlifting with Ben. Right. Ben's off to Paris very, very soon. We speak to Kirstie Kelly, Sporting Wheelies and having a CEO challenge racing both awareness and funding for making people aware of accessibility. We'll catch up with Kamal. Shoot, if you're a writer and would like to have your work published or maybe even win some money, we'll speak to Kamal about that. David Mitchell will join us with some really good to follow tips to help your brain work better for longer. Sounds great. Belinda Hatley will join us. Cooking with tea. Don't adjust your radio, I said. Cooking with tea. Belinda from Brewed by Belinda will join us talking about that. The brew. That is true. Molly O'Brien will be with us from Bedfords. There are artists are taking part in the Sala festival. Will find out all about that. A chance for you to go along and also buy some of their work. So we'll find out about that. Lila Pintado will join us talking about pain and better ways to manage it, and Lindsay Parodi will join us from the very dramatic society they're putting on the Jersey boys. Your personal invitation is coming to you via the radio very, very soon. Well, we're all getting very much caught up with the Olympic Games, but the big game is about to start the Paralympics in a couple or so weeks time. Let's chat about it with powerlifter Ben Wright. Ben, welcome. Congratulations on your selection.

It's just gone. 5:00. You're listening to Vision Australia Radio Adelaide here on 1190 7 a.m. via Radio Online, also through the TuneIn radio app. Look for Vision Australia, Radio Adelaide through your favourite podcast or streaming service and you're a big cheerio to our friends listening through 103.9 FM in Esperance in Western Australia. Peter Greco saying I'm saying Virgin Australia because that's what people in Paris are saying. And whilst in Adelaide do what they're doing in Paris, it's so much fun following the Olympic Games and so much looking forward to the Paralympic Games, this program coming to you from Ghana and come to you very shortly. We'll speak powerlifting with Ben. Right. Ben's off to Paris very, very soon. We speak to Kirstie Kelly, Sporting Wheelies and having a CEO challenge racing both awareness and funding for making people aware of accessibility. We'll catch up with Kamal. Shoot, if you're a writer and would like to have your work published or maybe even win some money, we'll speak to Kamal about that. David Mitchell will join us with some really good to follow tips to help your brain work better for longer. Sounds great. Belinda Hatley will join us. Cooking with tea. Don't adjust your radio, I said. Cooking with tea. Belinda from Brewed by Belinda will join us talking about that. The brew. That is true. Molly O'Brien will be with us from Bedfords. There are artists are taking part in the Sala festival. Will find out all about that. A chance for you to go along and also buy some of their work. So we'll find out about that. Lila Pintado will join us talking about pain and better ways to manage it, and Lindsay Parodi will join us from the very dramatic society they're putting on the Jersey boys. Your personal invitation is coming to you via the radio very, very soon. Well, we're all getting very much caught up with the Olympic Games, but the big game is about to start the Paralympics in a couple or so weeks time. Let's chat about it with powerlifter Ben Wright. Ben, welcome. Congratulations on your selection.

Yeah. Thanks very much Peter. Appreciate it.

Yeah. Thanks very much Peter. Appreciate it.

Is it a bit like the rest of us once the games are on TV, you think? Well, we're not far away.

Is it a bit like the rest of us once the games are on TV, you think? Well, we're not far away.

Yeah. That's it. Well, as you mentioned, uh, the warm up is currently being, uh, displayed, uh, across the world. And so, yeah, this is the time to, uh, start gearing down and, and, uh, kind of, uh, focusing on, on what needs to be done. So, yeah, it's really exciting times. Are you happy.

Yeah. That's it. Well, as you mentioned, uh, the warm up is currently being, uh, displayed, uh, across the world. And so, yeah, this is the time to, uh, start gearing down and, and, uh, kind of, uh, focusing on, on what needs to be done. So, yeah, it's really exciting times. Are you happy.

With the way things are going? I mean, you've been selected, so that's kind of locked away, but, uh, I guess the sort of, uh, minutia of your preparation is that all kind of under control from your point of view?

With the way things are going? I mean, you've been selected, so that's kind of locked away, but, uh, I guess the sort of, uh, minutia of your preparation is that all kind of under control from your point of view?

Uh, yeah, it's actually going really, really well. So I had, um, not a great first half to the year, but, um, yeah, no, things are picking up and training is going really well. Recovery is going really well. Nutrition like we're just crossing all the t's and dotting the i's and uh, everything's starting to fall in place.

Uh, yeah, it's actually going really, really well. So I had, um, not a great first half to the year, but, um, yeah, no, things are picking up and training is going really well. Recovery is going really well. Nutrition like we're just crossing all the t's and dotting the i's and uh, everything's starting to fall in place.

I guess this may be a little bit of a temptation to kind of wrap yourself up in cotton wool, just in case it's there. I mean, maybe you've got to kind of balance things out a bit.

I guess this may be a little bit of a temptation to kind of wrap yourself up in cotton wool, just in case it's there. I mean, maybe you've got to kind of balance things out a bit.

Yeah, very much so. So like, I've, um, I've taken a bit of time off of work and so I'm, I'm basically going out to train. I'll, I'll go do my grocery shopping, but then I'm staying at home just trying to trying to stay away from everybody's, uh, viruses and infections and just trying to trying to keep healthy and and trying to be able to deliver the best performance I can.

Yeah, very much so. So like, I've, um, I've taken a bit of time off of work and so I'm, I'm basically going out to train. I'll, I'll go do my grocery shopping, but then I'm staying at home just trying to trying to stay away from everybody's, uh, viruses and infections and just trying to trying to keep healthy and and trying to be able to deliver the best performance I can.

Without being too personal. What's in your shopping trolley?

Without being too personal. What's in your shopping trolley?

Also, uh, at the moment I actually get to, um, go up a weight class. So I'm, I'm currently bulking. So, um, there is a lot of pastries, uh, with butter, a lot of full cream milk and, uh. Yeah, just just trying to fit, um, a bit more extra calories into my diet without trying to make me feel bloated and, uh, and make it difficult to train.

Also, uh, at the moment I actually get to, um, go up a weight class. So I'm, I'm currently bulking. So, um, there is a lot of pastries, uh, with butter, a lot of full cream milk and, uh. Yeah, just just trying to fit, um, a bit more extra calories into my diet without trying to make me feel bloated and, uh, and make it difficult to train.

Yeah, it's a great point, though, isn't I guess you got to, you know, enjoy. By the same token, you know, want to kind of overdo it or, you know, have that effect that, uh oh, I don't feel as well as I should.

Yeah, it's a great point, though, isn't I guess you got to, you know, enjoy. By the same token, you know, want to kind of overdo it or, you know, have that effect that, uh oh, I don't feel as well as I should.

Well, that's it. So usually when I'm competing, I am cutting down into a weight class. But I had previously done that. I'd cut down to the 80 kilo class to try and qualify in in that class. But then I've been given a wild card in the 88 kilo class. So I have, uh, I have about five and a half kilos that I can still play with. Um, and I thought gaining weight would be easy. Um, but it is, it is very, very difficult because you're always kind of, uh, stepping that that thin line between. Yeah, getting, getting enough food to, to make sure that you're gaining weight and, um, yeah. Being able to to still move and and be comfortable when you go about your, your daily routine. Interesting.

Well, that's it. So usually when I'm competing, I am cutting down into a weight class. But I had previously done that. I'd cut down to the 80 kilo class to try and qualify in in that class. But then I've been given a wild card in the 88 kilo class. So I have, uh, I have about five and a half kilos that I can still play with. Um, and I thought gaining weight would be easy. Um, but it is, it is very, very difficult because you're always kind of, uh, stepping that that thin line between. Yeah, getting, getting enough food to, to make sure that you're gaining weight and, um, yeah. Being able to to still move and and be comfortable when you go about your, your daily routine. Interesting.

You mentioned 80 kilos. Did you lift 80 kilos that. Ah, come and try a day or a talented day.

You mentioned 80 kilos. Did you lift 80 kilos that. Ah, come and try a day or a talented day.

Uh, yeah. So there was a, there was a come and try day when I was a junior and I lifted about 80 kilos. Um, and that was close to the, the age and weight class record in Australia at that point. So that was my comment. Yeah. So that was kind of when, um, powerlifting was in the back of my head. But but back then I was silly. I was trying to be a basketballer at five two. And so, um, when that didn't when that didn't work out, I made the change over to powerlifting and and haven't looked back since.

Uh, yeah. So there was a, there was a come and try day when I was a junior and I lifted about 80 kilos. Um, and that was close to the, the age and weight class record in Australia at that point. So that was my comment. Yeah. So that was kind of when, um, powerlifting was in the back of my head. But but back then I was silly. I was trying to be a basketballer at five two. And so, um, when that didn't when that didn't work out, I made the change over to powerlifting and and haven't looked back since.

Well, it's going to say, uh, very wise decision. Uh, you know, you've represented Australia at Commonwealth Games. Uh, um, that that would be a highlight.

Well, it's going to say, uh, very wise decision. Uh, you know, you've represented Australia at Commonwealth Games. Uh, um, that that would be a highlight.

Oh, yes, 100%. And especially, um, the most recent Commonwealth Games, I ended up taking away a bronze medal. So, um, definitely a career highlight.

Oh, yes, 100%. And especially, um, the most recent Commonwealth Games, I ended up taking away a bronze medal. So, um, definitely a career highlight.

What about as far as, um, you know, your competition in Paris goes? Do you know much about it? Or, you know, without being flippant, do you care much about it?

What about as far as, um, you know, your competition in Paris goes? Do you know much about it? Or, you know, without being flippant, do you care much about it?

Yes. Um, so I still very much care about the competition. Um, being a Paralympian, uh, has long been a dream of mine. So back in 2000, when I saw Louise Savage absolutely smashing it at the Paralympics, I knew then that I wanted to be a Paralympian. I didn't know, um, what sport I would do. Um, at that point, I wasn't really doing any sport. Um, I just knew that that's that's what I wanted to do, and that's where I wanted to end up. So, um, making the Paralympics is, um, the absolute culmination of a dream. And so, yes, I still very much care about the competition, but, um, I'm not too fussed where I place at this point. Uh, the, the, the goal was to make a Paralympics, and so now it's just all about putting together a really good performance, trying to get three really good lifts and just seeing where I end up in the rankings after that.

Yes. Um, so I still very much care about the competition. Um, being a Paralympian, uh, has long been a dream of mine. So back in 2000, when I saw Louise Savage absolutely smashing it at the Paralympics, I knew then that I wanted to be a Paralympian. I didn't know, um, what sport I would do. Um, at that point, I wasn't really doing any sport. Um, I just knew that that's that's what I wanted to do, and that's where I wanted to end up. So, um, making the Paralympics is, um, the absolute culmination of a dream. And so, yes, I still very much care about the competition, but, um, I'm not too fussed where I place at this point. Uh, the, the, the goal was to make a Paralympics, and so now it's just all about putting together a really good performance, trying to get three really good lifts and just seeing where I end up in the rankings after that.

I love those stories. The fact that I'm not going to do the math. You can tell me in 2000 how old you were, but you see, Luis Savage, who had an enormous profile at the time, still, as I guess, uh, and, uh, you know, that that impact the, the influence that that has on you, you know, 24 years later. I mean, that's that's powerful, isn't it?

I love those stories. The fact that I'm not going to do the math. You can tell me in 2000 how old you were, but you see, Luis Savage, who had an enormous profile at the time, still, as I guess, uh, and, uh, you know, that that impact the, the influence that that has on you, you know, 24 years later. I mean, that's that's powerful, isn't it?

Yeah. Yeah, it really is like, especially in wa um. Louise. Yeah, yeah. An absolute legend in any way. And so, um, you used to see her down around the traps, um, at different, uh, training sessions. And so. Yeah, to have someone that close be able to to be an inspiration to you and, and to be able to see them and interact with them and see what they do, um, was absolutely integral. And yeah, it's it's been a very, very long journey, but, um, it everything has been worth it.

Yeah. Yeah, it really is like, especially in wa um. Louise. Yeah, yeah. An absolute legend in any way. And so, um, you used to see her down around the traps, um, at different, uh, training sessions. And so. Yeah, to have someone that close be able to to be an inspiration to you and, and to be able to see them and interact with them and see what they do, um, was absolutely integral. And yeah, it's it's been a very, very long journey, but, um, it everything has been worth it.

And that's a great way to put it. And I mean, you know, I've said to a number of athletes, sort of, you know, since I've been doing this program, I mean, you don't know, you know, when you're competing in Paris in a few weeks time, some kid at home might be watching Ben Wright and thinking, well, I want to be a Paralympian, too. I mean, that is such an extraordinary message that you can be sending out without even kind of consciously realizing it.

And that's a great way to put it. And I mean, you know, I've said to a number of athletes, sort of, you know, since I've been doing this program, I mean, you don't know, you know, when you're competing in Paris in a few weeks time, some kid at home might be watching Ben Wright and thinking, well, I want to be a Paralympian, too. I mean, that is such an extraordinary message that you can be sending out without even kind of consciously realizing it.

Yeah, that that's it. Well, and I already get that and I, I realize, um, how much of an impact my sporting career had on so many other people, but it, it is absolutely fantastic, um, receiving messages on social media of people telling me that, um, they, they watch what I do, they love what I do, and and what I do, um, provides great inspiration for them. So, yeah, it is a very fantastic, heartwarming feeling.

Yeah, that that's it. Well, and I already get that and I, I realize, um, how much of an impact my sporting career had on so many other people, but it, it is absolutely fantastic, um, receiving messages on social media of people telling me that, um, they, they watch what I do, they love what I do, and and what I do, um, provides great inspiration for them. So, yeah, it is a very fantastic, heartwarming feeling.

Uh, good on you. Hey, how old were you in 2000, Ben? I said, I don't want to do the math, but you were only a young lad.

Uh, good on you. Hey, how old were you in 2000, Ben? I said, I don't want to do the math, but you were only a young lad.

Yeah, I was about 11 or 12 when that was happening, so, yeah, I was I was pretty young. And so. Yeah, up until then, um, being disabled, sport had not really played a large role in my life. So, um, at school, when when there were PE sessions, I was usually, um, the goal scorer or the, the boundary umpire. Just kind of something to, to give me to just kind of shut me up. Um, so yeah, being able to see those people, um, that, that look like me, um, and were like me provided fantastic inspiration and, um. yeah, 24 years later, um, we've we've ended up in a pretty good spot. Yeah.

Yeah, I was about 11 or 12 when that was happening, so, yeah, I was I was pretty young. And so. Yeah, up until then, um, being disabled, sport had not really played a large role in my life. So, um, at school, when when there were PE sessions, I was usually, um, the goal scorer or the, the boundary umpire. Just kind of something to, to give me to just kind of shut me up. Um, so yeah, being able to see those people, um, that, that look like me, um, and were like me provided fantastic inspiration and, um. yeah, 24 years later, um, we've we've ended up in a pretty good spot. Yeah.

That's incredible. And of course, you know, even over the last few days we've had, uh, the, uh, NDIS review and the recommendations and I guess they're sort of, uh, they make me smile a bit. I don't want to get too political, but they're kind of thinks that people with disabilities, we've been saying for years and years and years and, you know, all of a sudden, you know, the government gets these recommendations about the recognition, about the employment, about, uh, you know, opportunities. I mean, as I said, it's kind of a song we've been singing, you know, Austin and those that went before us with disabilities that have been singing kind of forever.

That's incredible. And of course, you know, even over the last few days we've had, uh, the, uh, NDIS review and the recommendations and I guess they're sort of, uh, they make me smile a bit. I don't want to get too political, but they're kind of thinks that people with disabilities, we've been saying for years and years and years and, you know, all of a sudden, you know, the government gets these recommendations about the recognition, about the employment, about, uh, you know, opportunities. I mean, as I said, it's kind of a song we've been singing, you know, Austin and those that went before us with disabilities that have been singing kind of forever.

Oh, yeah, 100%. So, um, my, my grandmother on my mother's side and my mother and my father have both been really big disability advocates for their whole entire life. And so, um, I was kind of born into that. And. Yeah, to see first the NDIS getting off the ground, um, and then what it is doing and, and what it is providing to people all around the country. Um, it's fantastic to see I still, I still think we need to do it better. And I still think we can do it better. But you can't be mad at the progress we have. I think it's fantastic.

Oh, yeah, 100%. So, um, my, my grandmother on my mother's side and my mother and my father have both been really big disability advocates for their whole entire life. And so, um, I was kind of born into that. And. Yeah, to see first the NDIS getting off the ground, um, and then what it is doing and, and what it is providing to people all around the country. Um, it's fantastic to see I still, I still think we need to do it better. And I still think we can do it better. But you can't be mad at the progress we have. I think it's fantastic.

Yeah. No. Well, it's cup. Cup half full rather than cup half empty, isn't it really, Wendy, the way you say it.

Yeah. No. Well, it's cup. Cup half full rather than cup half empty, isn't it really, Wendy, the way you say it.

That's correct. Yeah. So like. Yeah, um, I think I think we do need to, we do need to give credit where credit is due. But then I also think we need to be liaising with disabled people, um, to continue to improve the service. Um, so it can, it can grow up to be what we all imagined and what we all hoped it would be.

That's correct. Yeah. So like. Yeah, um, I think I think we do need to, we do need to give credit where credit is due. But then I also think we need to be liaising with disabled people, um, to continue to improve the service. Um, so it can, it can grow up to be what we all imagined and what we all hoped it would be.

But getting back to powerlifting, it's a small team that's going away. Is that kind of, you know, pluses and minuses as well. Like, you're kind of tight knit, but you're not sort of lost in the crowd. How is that kind of work for you?

But getting back to powerlifting, it's a small team that's going away. Is that kind of, you know, pluses and minuses as well. Like, you're kind of tight knit, but you're not sort of lost in the crowd. How is that kind of work for you?

Well, to be honest, I'm just I am just really incredibly excited that, um, powerlifting is back on the menu for Australia at a Paralympics. So it's been about 12 years since we had a powerlifting representative. And so to have two team members, so myself and my team mate Hany, um, is absolutely fantastic. And even, um, when it comes to the Commonwealth Games, um, Hani and I both received bronze medals at the same games, and that was, um, the first bronze, uh, the first medals at a Commonwealth Games that Australia has seen in a good couple of decades. And so, um, it is fantastic to be on this journey with Hani. I really enjoy Hani and our coach Simon. I really enjoy both of their company. And so, um, considering that we've been on this journey together, um, it's really special that I get to share this with both of them.

Well, to be honest, I'm just I am just really incredibly excited that, um, powerlifting is back on the menu for Australia at a Paralympics. So it's been about 12 years since we had a powerlifting representative. And so to have two team members, so myself and my team mate Hany, um, is absolutely fantastic. And even, um, when it comes to the Commonwealth Games, um, Hani and I both received bronze medals at the same games, and that was, um, the first bronze, uh, the first medals at a Commonwealth Games that Australia has seen in a good couple of decades. And so, um, it is fantastic to be on this journey with Hani. I really enjoy Hani and our coach Simon. I really enjoy both of their company. And so, um, considering that we've been on this journey together, um, it's really special that I get to share this with both of them.

Powerlifting can sometimes they and lifting in general can be a bit of a theatrical event or a theatrical, uh, sport. Are you into that or you're very serious.

Powerlifting can sometimes they and lifting in general can be a bit of a theatrical event or a theatrical, uh, sport. Are you into that or you're very serious.

Oh, no, you've I think you've got to have a bit of fun. I think that's that's how you stay. That's how you stay interested and invested in something if you if you're having fun with it. So. No, I'm, I'm always interested in having a bit of fun when it comes to that. And, um, I think showing that it can be fun and showing that it's not all serious as well is a way that we drum up support and and a way that we get people, um, involved. Because I'm, I'm not just in this for getting people to a Paralympics. I honestly believe that if disabled people can be stronger and so getting them in the gym, getting them lifting weights, working out, that is just going to make their life easier and it's going to make getting through society and participating in society so much easier. So I'm I'm just a very big advocate for having big, strong disabled people.

Oh, no, you've I think you've got to have a bit of fun. I think that's that's how you stay. That's how you stay interested and invested in something if you if you're having fun with it. So. No, I'm, I'm always interested in having a bit of fun when it comes to that. And, um, I think showing that it can be fun and showing that it's not all serious as well is a way that we drum up support and and a way that we get people, um, involved. Because I'm, I'm not just in this for getting people to a Paralympics. I honestly believe that if disabled people can be stronger and so getting them in the gym, getting them lifting weights, working out, that is just going to make their life easier and it's going to make getting through society and participating in society so much easier. So I'm I'm just a very big advocate for having big, strong disabled people.

Well, you'll live in the dream when you live in the, uh, live in the Creed, as it were. Been great to catch up. We are so looking forward to the games. Obviously we'll be following your progress. We've chatted a couple of times. I always enjoyed it. We wish you well and congratulations again on your selection. Have a great time over there and uh, look forward to catching up when you get back.

Well, you'll live in the dream when you live in the, uh, live in the Creed, as it were. Been great to catch up. We are so looking forward to the games. Obviously we'll be following your progress. We've chatted a couple of times. I always enjoyed it. We wish you well and congratulations again on your selection. Have a great time over there and uh, look forward to catching up when you get back.

Yeah. Thank you so much, Peter. I really appreciate you always getting me on your show. It's always a fantastic time. And, um. Yeah, I look forward to our chat in the future.

Yeah. Thank you so much, Peter. I really appreciate you always getting me on your show. It's always a fantastic time. And, um. Yeah, I look forward to our chat in the future.

Ben. Right there, off to the Paralympic Games in the sport of powerlifting. With some interesting research from Deloitte regarding empathy in the workplace, it seems like employers and employees don't quite see it the same way. Let's chat about it with the CEO for 8 p.m. Kirsty Kelley. Kirsty, love to meet you. Thank you for your time. Thank you for having me. This is a little bit disturbing. Kirsty. Would you say it is.

Ben. Right there, off to the Paralympic Games in the sport of powerlifting. With some interesting research from Deloitte regarding empathy in the workplace, it seems like employers and employees don't quite see it the same way. Let's chat about it with the CEO for 8 p.m. Kirsty Kelley. Kirsty, love to meet you. Thank you for your time. Thank you for having me. This is a little bit disturbing. Kirsty. Would you say it is.

It is, uh, and it's, uh, interesting, I guess, to see what's happening in the workplace, particularly post-Covid. Um, and the way that people are feeling.

It is, uh, and it's, uh, interesting, I guess, to see what's happening in the workplace, particularly post-Covid. Um, and the way that people are feeling.

So, uh, employers kind of think they are being empathetic enough, but employers don't, as I say, see it the same way.

So, uh, employers kind of think they are being empathetic enough, but employers don't, as I say, see it the same way.

Yeah, definitely seems to be a disconnect in this research.

Yeah, definitely seems to be a disconnect in this research.

What are some of the issues that come from something like this, or some of the repercussions, if I might say?

What are some of the issues that come from something like this, or some of the repercussions, if I might say?

Um, yeah. Look, it's uh, certainly sort of seeing the satisfaction of people in the workplace and seeing how that, uh, plays out in the employment market in the long term will be, um, interesting. And I guess one of the things that that we're looking at and through a challenge I'm involved with, uh, later in August, um, with Spinal Life and Sporting Wheelies, looking at the different types of people in the workplace. So looking at the diversity of the workplace and how we're catering to the different needs of people, I think is something that we need to, uh, consider in that happiness in the workplace. Um, we have, uh, you know, high proportion of people in Australia with disabilities of some form, but they're underrepresented, um, in the employment, uh, status. So something that we're looking at is how to get a greater diversity of people in the workplace. And I think that that can that can assist with, uh, a sense of wellbeing. Yeah.

Um, yeah. Look, it's uh, certainly sort of seeing the satisfaction of people in the workplace and seeing how that, uh, plays out in the employment market in the long term will be, um, interesting. And I guess one of the things that that we're looking at and through a challenge I'm involved with, uh, later in August, um, with Spinal Life and Sporting Wheelies, looking at the different types of people in the workplace. So looking at the diversity of the workplace and how we're catering to the different needs of people, I think is something that we need to, uh, consider in that happiness in the workplace. Um, we have, uh, you know, high proportion of people in Australia with disabilities of some form, but they're underrepresented, um, in the employment, uh, status. So something that we're looking at is how to get a greater diversity of people in the workplace. And I think that that can that can assist with, uh, a sense of wellbeing. Yeah.

Because I mean, it's physical, uh, emotional mental health, but also financial health that people are earning more money than they might be if they were on, uh, Social Security. That's got to be a positive thing as well.

Because I mean, it's physical, uh, emotional mental health, but also financial health that people are earning more money than they might be if they were on, uh, Social Security. That's got to be a positive thing as well.

It is. It's certainly one of the key sort of determinants of how people live their lives is their ability to access employment. And one of the the things in Australia is that, you know, there's still a high proportion of people with disability that that are employed, and it's not because they can't work or don't don't have that ability to work. But it's often around, um, either, you know, real or perceived barriers to employment. So spinal life um, and Sporting Wheelies do the CEO wheelchair challenge, which is. Yeah, as I said, coming up at the end of end of August, which is about raising awareness of, um, what it's like to be in a wheelchair. And so we have a range of people taking part around the country, um, spending a day in a, in a chair, moving around in their office and out in the community to experience that, take it into their workplace and, and gain a greater awareness, um, of what that's what that's like with the hope that people will make changes, uh, in their workplace and in their communities to be more inclusive of people with disability and particularly in the workforce.

It is. It's certainly one of the key sort of determinants of how people live their lives is their ability to access employment. And one of the the things in Australia is that, you know, there's still a high proportion of people with disability that that are employed, and it's not because they can't work or don't don't have that ability to work. But it's often around, um, either, you know, real or perceived barriers to employment. So spinal life um, and Sporting Wheelies do the CEO wheelchair challenge, which is. Yeah, as I said, coming up at the end of end of August, which is about raising awareness of, um, what it's like to be in a wheelchair. And so we have a range of people taking part around the country, um, spending a day in a, in a chair, moving around in their office and out in the community to experience that, take it into their workplace and, and gain a greater awareness, um, of what that's what that's like with the hope that people will make changes, uh, in their workplace and in their communities to be more inclusive of people with disability and particularly in the workforce.

So physical changes as well as attitudinal changes.

So physical changes as well as attitudinal changes.

Yeah, absolutely. So I took part in the challenge last year, um, for the first time. And uh, and my organization, uh, is involved in transport. So, uh, I represent transport planners, traffic engineers, and then all the professionals involved in designing our transport systems for paths and buses, trains, those sorts of things. And, uh, so getting out and about, uh, for me, it really highlighted that, um, while there are some positive aspects, we've made some, some good changes to make things more accessible. There's still a long way to go in our, um, you know, urban environments being, uh, accessible for people in wheelchairs and not, uh, not too difficult to navigate. And certainly, you know, in regional areas, I think can be even more challenging. Um, so while particularly where there's, you know, a lack of public transport, people are relying on cars and if they're not able to drive, it can really impact their ability to engage, um, in everyday life that, that, um, those of us who are able bodied just take for granted. So taking part in the challenge for me, uh, is, is really, uh, you know, a very sort of eye opening and humbling experience to, um, experience just for one day. What it's what it can be like when, um, you can't just move around freely, you know, that the the barrier of a, you know, a ten centimeter step, um, can make hundreds of meters of difference into how far you need to travel just to enter a building or or access something.

Yeah, absolutely. So I took part in the challenge last year, um, for the first time. And uh, and my organization, uh, is involved in transport. So, uh, I represent transport planners, traffic engineers, and then all the professionals involved in designing our transport systems for paths and buses, trains, those sorts of things. And, uh, so getting out and about, uh, for me, it really highlighted that, um, while there are some positive aspects, we've made some, some good changes to make things more accessible. There's still a long way to go in our, um, you know, urban environments being, uh, accessible for people in wheelchairs and not, uh, not too difficult to navigate. And certainly, you know, in regional areas, I think can be even more challenging. Um, so while particularly where there's, you know, a lack of public transport, people are relying on cars and if they're not able to drive, it can really impact their ability to engage, um, in everyday life that, that, um, those of us who are able bodied just take for granted. So taking part in the challenge for me, uh, is, is really, uh, you know, a very sort of eye opening and humbling experience to, um, experience just for one day. What it's what it can be like when, um, you can't just move around freely, you know, that the the barrier of a, you know, a ten centimeter step, um, can make hundreds of meters of difference into how far you need to travel just to enter a building or or access something.

That is so true, isn't it? I guess the other thing is that, uh, you know, we talked about, uh, transport and, you know, people that can't drive cars if you need cabs or, uh, hire cars, that can be very expensive. So we circle back to the employment opportunity and getting, you know, paid well or paid properly.

That is so true, isn't it? I guess the other thing is that, uh, you know, we talked about, uh, transport and, you know, people that can't drive cars if you need cabs or, uh, hire cars, that can be very expensive. So we circle back to the employment opportunity and getting, you know, paid well or paid properly.

Yes, absolutely. And so that makes a real difference. So, you know, if you if you can't easily access employment so, you know, physically get to a job, um, let alone actually the workplace themselves, it makes a real difference. And that can really affect people's sense of self and their their health and wellbeing and their financial capacity. And, and you know, we just have a I think it's a there's a really wasted opportunity in Australia with so many people that could, um, be far more engaged in, in our workplaces and in society. Um, you know, we need to make a change to, um, make it easier for people to get involved. A if you call it a, I guess a silver lining of Covid is that at least in, in some workplaces. And of course, it doesn't work for everything, but, you know, the ability to work, uh, more remotely and work from home and use of technology, um, can definitely make a difference. So people can, you know, work from home or comfortably and and not have to travel into the office as much. And so for people with disabilities that that is a great advancement. But it still doesn't, you know, address the need for people to be able to come together. Um, and that ability to come together in the workplace, um, for that exchange of ideas and social interaction as well as, you know, physically working is something that can be very challenging when you're in a wheelchair if if your employer isn't set up for it properly.

Yes, absolutely. And so that makes a real difference. So, you know, if you if you can't easily access employment so, you know, physically get to a job, um, let alone actually the workplace themselves, it makes a real difference. And that can really affect people's sense of self and their their health and wellbeing and their financial capacity. And, and you know, we just have a I think it's a there's a really wasted opportunity in Australia with so many people that could, um, be far more engaged in, in our workplaces and in society. Um, you know, we need to make a change to, um, make it easier for people to get involved. A if you call it a, I guess a silver lining of Covid is that at least in, in some workplaces. And of course, it doesn't work for everything, but, you know, the ability to work, uh, more remotely and work from home and use of technology, um, can definitely make a difference. So people can, you know, work from home or comfortably and and not have to travel into the office as much. And so for people with disabilities that that is a great advancement. But it still doesn't, you know, address the need for people to be able to come together. Um, and that ability to come together in the workplace, um, for that exchange of ideas and social interaction as well as, you know, physically working is something that can be very challenging when you're in a wheelchair if if your employer isn't set up for it properly.

Yeah, of course, if it's okay to ask, I believe that, uh, a young member of your family has a disability. So I guess you're kind of thinking long term. And if, um, they're going to have a bit more difficulty getting into work or physically and, uh, you know, actually getting into work, then obviously it's something that concerns you as a member of the family.

Yeah, of course, if it's okay to ask, I believe that, uh, a young member of your family has a disability. So I guess you're kind of thinking long term. And if, um, they're going to have a bit more difficulty getting into work or physically and, uh, you know, actually getting into work, then obviously it's something that concerns you as a member of the family.

Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. So my stepson has, um, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and so he uses a mobility scooter, and in time he'll use a power chair. And so for me doing the challenge, it's also about experiencing, you know, what it can be like for him. And, you know, getting off and on buses and those kinds of things. So, um, that that's certainly been one of the issues that even just, you know, getting down the, the sort of little the curb ramp at the end of our street or, you know, getting up a driveway can be really difficult. Just the little curbs that we put in our driveways are often a real challenge for people with, you know, in wheelchairs of some form. So yeah, for me, just experiencing that has has been important and helps me to have, I guess, greater empathy for what he experiences and also helps me to be looking out more when we're planning our, our journeys, um, to make sure that we can, can actually get there. But you'd be surprised the number of times that you go places and you know the lift is out of service. Or if you and I experienced this when I was on the challenge where, um, I entered a disability toilet and it was filled as a, used as a storage cubicle. So for me, I was able to, you know, get around in there, but if you needed to have your chair right next to the, um, the the pan, you wouldn't have been able to because it was filled with boxes. So, you know, that happens a lot. And and I think people just don't realize the, um, even the both the physical but also the psychological impact that that can have on people.

Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. So my stepson has, um, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and so he uses a mobility scooter, and in time he'll use a power chair. And so for me doing the challenge, it's also about experiencing, you know, what it can be like for him. And, you know, getting off and on buses and those kinds of things. So, um, that that's certainly been one of the issues that even just, you know, getting down the, the sort of little the curb ramp at the end of our street or, you know, getting up a driveway can be really difficult. Just the little curbs that we put in our driveways are often a real challenge for people with, you know, in wheelchairs of some form. So yeah, for me, just experiencing that has has been important and helps me to have, I guess, greater empathy for what he experiences and also helps me to be looking out more when we're planning our, our journeys, um, to make sure that we can, can actually get there. But you'd be surprised the number of times that you go places and you know the lift is out of service. Or if you and I experienced this when I was on the challenge where, um, I entered a disability toilet and it was filled as a, used as a storage cubicle. So for me, I was able to, you know, get around in there, but if you needed to have your chair right next to the, um, the the pan, you wouldn't have been able to because it was filled with boxes. So, you know, that happens a lot. And and I think people just don't realize the, um, even the both the physical but also the psychological impact that that can have on people.

And of course, the the challenge is taking place. They say later on this month, I guess it's kind of a slow burn, if I can put it that way. Kirstie, you know, you I know you've got a child in your family with a disability, but you know, if other people take it on board and they think, oh, yeah, actually, uh, now I kind of get it. And, you know, next year a few more people take it on board and hopefully in, uh, say in the long run, barriers get broken down.

And of course, the the challenge is taking place. They say later on this month, I guess it's kind of a slow burn, if I can put it that way. Kirstie, you know, you I know you've got a child in your family with a disability, but you know, if other people take it on board and they think, oh, yeah, actually, uh, now I kind of get it. And, you know, next year a few more people take it on board and hopefully in, uh, say in the long run, barriers get broken down.

Yeah, absolutely. And that's why, you know, part of this is getting, you know, lots of different, uh, business leaders and school principals and others from around the country to participate in challenges like this, um, so that they can experience it and share that that experience.

Yeah, absolutely. And that's why, you know, part of this is getting, you know, lots of different, uh, business leaders and school principals and others from around the country to participate in challenges like this, um, so that they can experience it and share that that experience.

Kirstie, if people want to find out more or help out Sporting Wheelies and also spinal life, what can we do? How can we find out more?

Kirstie, if people want to find out more or help out Sporting Wheelies and also spinal life, what can we do? How can we find out more?

Yep. So people can still register for the challenge. Um, and they can also donate to the challenge. So if you go to Sporting Wheelies Warrego forward slash CEO challenge, uh, you can register to participate if you're a business leader or you can donate to the cause. Be great to have that support and awareness out there.

Yep. So people can still register for the challenge. Um, and they can also donate to the challenge. So if you go to Sporting Wheelies Warrego forward slash CEO challenge, uh, you can register to participate if you're a business leader or you can donate to the cause. Be great to have that support and awareness out there.

And you made a great point off air talking about the fact that of course, the Paralympics are coming up. So a bit more awareness raising on. Absolutely.

And you made a great point off air talking about the fact that of course, the Paralympics are coming up. So a bit more awareness raising on. Absolutely.

Yes, absolutely. And you know that they will be in Australia in 2032 in Brisbane. So uh, definitely something that it's a great opportunity for us to really think more strongly about what we need to do in Australia to make our cities more accessible. It's also, you know, many people in their lives will also, um, have at least a temporary period of of having a disability. Or certainly as you get older, it gets harder to move around. So if we make our workplaces and our shops and schools and all the places that we go for leisure and our streets, um, more accessible for everyone, then everyone has a chance to, um, live and enjoy. And it's a great opportunity for tourism as well. So encourage all communities and businesses and governments to think more carefully about how to make, um, everything more accessible.

Yes, absolutely. And you know that they will be in Australia in 2032 in Brisbane. So uh, definitely something that it's a great opportunity for us to really think more strongly about what we need to do in Australia to make our cities more accessible. It's also, you know, many people in their lives will also, um, have at least a temporary period of of having a disability. Or certainly as you get older, it gets harder to move around. So if we make our workplaces and our shops and schools and all the places that we go for leisure and our streets, um, more accessible for everyone, then everyone has a chance to, um, live and enjoy. And it's a great opportunity for tourism as well. So encourage all communities and businesses and governments to think more carefully about how to make, um, everything more accessible.

Just give us the website again there Kirsty.

Just give us the website again there Kirsty.

It is sporting wheelies Augereau forward slash CEO challenge.

It is sporting wheelies Augereau forward slash CEO challenge.

Great speak to you Kirsty. Keep up the great work. Thank you. That's it Kirsty Kelly there Kirsty is the CEO for 8 p.m. telling us about the CEO challenge making a raising more awareness about accessibility.

Great speak to you Kirsty. Keep up the great work. Thank you. That's it Kirsty Kelly there Kirsty is the CEO for 8 p.m. telling us about the CEO challenge making a raising more awareness about accessibility.

On the Vision Australia network through your favorite.

On the Vision Australia network through your favorite.

Podcast service on 1190 7.

Podcast service on 1190 7.

A.m. in Adelaide, you're listening to Leisure Link.

A.m. in Adelaide, you're listening to Leisure Link.

It's time again for the listener Rattle Awards and the best person to speak to us about it is a regular guest on the program, Carmel Campbell. Great to catch up, as always.

It's time again for the listener Rattle Awards and the best person to speak to us about it is a regular guest on the program, Carmel Campbell. Great to catch up, as always.

Fantastic to speak to you, Peter.

Fantastic to speak to you, Peter.

Now they're on again.

Now they're on again.

I know it's the Scarlet Stiletto Awards for the 31st scholars to lead our wards. We've come a long way since we dreamt up the idea over a few drinks. In fact, quite a few drinks in Saint Kilda in, uh, 19, uh, 94.

I know it's the Scarlet Stiletto Awards for the 31st scholars to lead our wards. We've come a long way since we dreamt up the idea over a few drinks. In fact, quite a few drinks in Saint Kilda in, uh, 19, uh, 94.

Well, tell us about the award for, uh, new listeners tuning in all the time. We've been chatting for a while to you, but new people listening in. What are they? And in particular, uh, the, uh, this particular category, uh, what's that about?

Well, tell us about the award for, uh, new listeners tuning in all the time. We've been chatting for a while to you, but new people listening in. What are they? And in particular, uh, the, uh, this particular category, uh, what's that about?

Well, so, Sisters in Crime, um, decided that we should have an award for the best crime short stories because we knew that there was a a lot of talent waiting to be tapped. And so. Right, we were. So we set up the Scarlet Stiletto Awards, which of course, you know, has several meanings because the Salerno is as well as being associated with, you know, a rather awful form of female footwear that none of us on the judging panel, I have to say, uh, and, uh, as Convenors would ever, ever wear, I have to say. But anyway, so there are a shoe associated with women. There's also the second, um, meaning, which is of course is the stiletto knife. And so our trophies have always been scarlet stilettos with the, the stiletto heel sort of cut off and then plunging into a knife, knife into a mount. And of course, the scarlet, is a long association with some naughty women. And so that's another, another meaning to it. And also, of course, we wanted to play on the sort of the History of Writing award. So the UK Crime Writers Association, they have the Dagger Awards, the Golden Dagger, the Silver Dagger, etc.. So we've got the Scarlet Stiletto Awards and amazingly, you know, 34 winners, including the category award winners have gone on to have books published. Fantastic. It is. And then ten years ago, the Queensland chapter of Sisters in Crime decided to set up an award to honour a fellow member, Liz Navratil, who had been killed while crossing the road in her electric wheelchair. So it's a terribly tragic sort of story. She was born with cerebral palsy, and what some people might have thought were insurmountable obstacles, but she spent her life in the yard. She was on stage performing in plays. She had a one woman stand up comedy cabaret. She directed, she mentored, she wrote stage and radio plays. She chaired boards and she said she used her highly individual work for the transformational power of performance. And I just think that's so wonderful that her legacy is still honoured by the Queensland chapter.

Well, so, Sisters in Crime, um, decided that we should have an award for the best crime short stories because we knew that there was a a lot of talent waiting to be tapped. And so. Right, we were. So we set up the Scarlet Stiletto Awards, which of course, you know, has several meanings because the Salerno is as well as being associated with, you know, a rather awful form of female footwear that none of us on the judging panel, I have to say, uh, and, uh, as Convenors would ever, ever wear, I have to say. But anyway, so there are a shoe associated with women. There's also the second, um, meaning, which is of course is the stiletto knife. And so our trophies have always been scarlet stilettos with the, the stiletto heel sort of cut off and then plunging into a knife, knife into a mount. And of course, the scarlet, is a long association with some naughty women. And so that's another, another meaning to it. And also, of course, we wanted to play on the sort of the History of Writing award. So the UK Crime Writers Association, they have the Dagger Awards, the Golden Dagger, the Silver Dagger, etc.. So we've got the Scarlet Stiletto Awards and amazingly, you know, 34 winners, including the category award winners have gone on to have books published. Fantastic. It is. And then ten years ago, the Queensland chapter of Sisters in Crime decided to set up an award to honour a fellow member, Liz Navratil, who had been killed while crossing the road in her electric wheelchair. So it's a terribly tragic sort of story. She was born with cerebral palsy, and what some people might have thought were insurmountable obstacles, but she spent her life in the yard. She was on stage performing in plays. She had a one woman stand up comedy cabaret. She directed, she mentored, she wrote stage and radio plays. She chaired boards and she said she used her highly individual work for the transformational power of performance. And I just think that's so wonderful that her legacy is still honoured by the Queensland chapter.

Tell us about last year's winner, Carmel. Well, last.

Tell us about last year's winner, Carmel. Well, last.

Year's winner is, uh, was Sandra Tom Jones from not a, not the Tom petty squabbling sort of, you know, just so she herself is, um, an academic. She's also, uh, is autistic, and she's been on a mission to get people to understand about autism. And she's actually written a book called Growing Into Autism. And last year she won not only the award, but another award for another story in another category. So all power to her, we say.

Year's winner is, uh, was Sandra Tom Jones from not a, not the Tom petty squabbling sort of, you know, just so she herself is, um, an academic. She's also, uh, is autistic, and she's been on a mission to get people to understand about autism. And she's actually written a book called Growing Into Autism. And last year she won not only the award, but another award for another story in another category. So all power to her, we say.

And the focus of the Liz Navratil Award is the fact that it's a protagonist with a disability.

And the focus of the Liz Navratil Award is the fact that it's a protagonist with a disability.

That's right. And they've had various disabilities in the past. Some have been vision impaired, which your listeners will identify with. Mhm. Um, so I've had Parkinson's disease, several have been on the autism spectrum or been in wheelchairs. Anyway, each year people come up with the most fantastic, interesting stories. And and it's really good to see women with disabilities because the central character has to be a woman, um, out there, you know, fighting the good fight and I guess exercising a lot of agency.

That's right. And they've had various disabilities in the past. Some have been vision impaired, which your listeners will identify with. Mhm. Um, so I've had Parkinson's disease, several have been on the autism spectrum or been in wheelchairs. Anyway, each year people come up with the most fantastic, interesting stories. And and it's really good to see women with disabilities because the central character has to be a woman, um, out there, you know, fighting the good fight and I guess exercising a lot of agency.

Now, the awards for this year have just opened.

Now, the awards for this year have just opened.

They have. And this year we've got a record amount of prize money, 14,300, and there's altogether about 16 awards. And the Liz Navratil Award is offering 500 bullets. And there's also a brand new award. And Kate Kennedy, who won the first two awards. And then we had to ask her to be a judge, which is our rule two. She said, you know, you march on to become a judge or fair enough, not compulsory, but you're invited to become a judge anyway. So she's all of these years later, she's set up a new award called the Kate Kennedy Award for Best Story inspired by a Forensic clue. And the forensic clue is a now abandoned scarlet stiletto in the main streets of Melbourne. In fact, it's it's it's in a doorway of a, a Chinese, um, shop or restaurant in, uh, little Bourke Street in Melbourne. That doesn't have to be set in Melbourne. It's just, uh, that's just a clue. So, um, and your listeners who I know some of them, you know, most of whom are vision impaired, that's all they really need to know that there's some Chinese writing in the background and an abandoned stiletto, and they could just come up with any marvelous story after that.

They have. And this year we've got a record amount of prize money, 14,300, and there's altogether about 16 awards. And the Liz Navratil Award is offering 500 bullets. And there's also a brand new award. And Kate Kennedy, who won the first two awards. And then we had to ask her to be a judge, which is our rule two. She said, you know, you march on to become a judge or fair enough, not compulsory, but you're invited to become a judge anyway. So she's all of these years later, she's set up a new award called the Kate Kennedy Award for Best Story inspired by a Forensic clue. And the forensic clue is a now abandoned scarlet stiletto in the main streets of Melbourne. In fact, it's it's it's in a doorway of a, a Chinese, um, shop or restaurant in, uh, little Bourke Street in Melbourne. That doesn't have to be set in Melbourne. It's just, uh, that's just a clue. So, um, and your listeners who I know some of them, you know, most of whom are vision impaired, that's all they really need to know that there's some Chinese writing in the background and an abandoned stiletto, and they could just come up with any marvelous story after that.

Lick your fingers or, uh, your mind, uh, fill in the.

Lick your fingers or, uh, your mind, uh, fill in the.

Blanks. Exactly.

Blanks. Exactly.

Fantastic. Yeah, that.

Fantastic. Yeah, that.

It is a fantastic. And, I mean, we're trying to, um, encourage people to think, you know, about what you see and how it can inspire a story.

It is a fantastic. And, I mean, we're trying to, um, encourage people to think, you know, about what you see and how it can inspire a story.

And as you said, you know, you're the winner of this, uh, it can lead to work being published, which I guess will not necessarily every writer would like to do, but it's certainly a lovely recognition for your work.

And as you said, you know, you're the winner of this, uh, it can lead to work being published, which I guess will not necessarily every writer would like to do, but it's certainly a lovely recognition for your work.

Well, it is, and so what happens is that all of the winners winning stories put together in a an e-book. So up to the 15th cut, it's called The Scarlet Stone of the 15th card. And so this year will be the 16th cut. So they all go into that e-book which is launched on the night the award is given out, and people don't know they've won an award until that night. And suddenly, you know, they're not only have they won an award, but they're in a book and, um, uh, it's out there. And the the thing that we did last year, because it was the 30th anniversary and a big deal was to publish a hard copy book, but you can also get, of course, electronically called, um, Scarlet Stiletto, 30 Years of Mystery, Murder and Mayhem And that has got all of the winning stories from 1994, the top winning stories. So it's quite a big book. So it cost more than it cost about $37. But it's it's a fantastic read. I've read other collections of short stories and they are so disappointing overall that these are sensational. And the other thing that we've been doing is and this will be really good for your listeners, is that we have also been podcasting the winning stories. So all of the winning stories from the past 30 years have been podcast, and now we're on to stories that perhaps came second or third and and so on. And, uh, and, you know, of course, we've got an endless supply. And one of our members who's a, a lawyer turned actor turned, um, podcaster turned true crime writer, etc., and Susanna Lobez, who many years ago used to do the Radio National Law report. She's been broadcast, uh, podcasting them. And she's just fantastic because she can do all the voices and all the accents and it's just sensational. So they're a Bible for every one. A new one goes up every Friday. So last Friday was number 50 has gone up. And you just go to Spotify or Google Podcasts or whatever it is. You listen to your podcasts on and you can just do a search for this. Yes, called Scarlet Stiletto Bites Bites. So you just go on to one of those services and you'll find the 50 stories there. And what I advise people to do is to put it on while they're, you know, cooking or doing the housework or just lying around and just really savour the stories because it's really they're really worth a listen and they're so different. All of them are so different. Absolutely sensational.

Well, it is, and so what happens is that all of the winners winning stories put together in a an e-book. So up to the 15th cut, it's called The Scarlet Stone of the 15th card. And so this year will be the 16th cut. So they all go into that e-book which is launched on the night the award is given out, and people don't know they've won an award until that night. And suddenly, you know, they're not only have they won an award, but they're in a book and, um, uh, it's out there. And the the thing that we did last year, because it was the 30th anniversary and a big deal was to publish a hard copy book, but you can also get, of course, electronically called, um, Scarlet Stiletto, 30 Years of Mystery, Murder and Mayhem And that has got all of the winning stories from 1994, the top winning stories. So it's quite a big book. So it cost more than it cost about $37. But it's it's a fantastic read. I've read other collections of short stories and they are so disappointing overall that these are sensational. And the other thing that we've been doing is and this will be really good for your listeners, is that we have also been podcasting the winning stories. So all of the winning stories from the past 30 years have been podcast, and now we're on to stories that perhaps came second or third and and so on. And, uh, and, you know, of course, we've got an endless supply. And one of our members who's a, a lawyer turned actor turned, um, podcaster turned true crime writer, etc., and Susanna Lobez, who many years ago used to do the Radio National Law report. She's been broadcast, uh, podcasting them. And she's just fantastic because she can do all the voices and all the accents and it's just sensational. So they're a Bible for every one. A new one goes up every Friday. So last Friday was number 50 has gone up. And you just go to Spotify or Google Podcasts or whatever it is. You listen to your podcasts on and you can just do a search for this. Yes, called Scarlet Stiletto Bites Bites. So you just go on to one of those services and you'll find the 50 stories there. And what I advise people to do is to put it on while they're, you know, cooking or doing the housework or just lying around and just really savour the stories because it's really they're really worth a listen and they're so different. All of them are so different. Absolutely sensational.

Carmel, if people would like to enter into the award, where do we go to for that?

Carmel, if people would like to enter into the award, where do we go to for that?

Let's go straight to the Sisters in Crime website. You can just either search that or go w w w Sisters in Crime org.au. And, uh, you'll find it on the front page. And it gives you a. That's the media release. And then you can go it's got instructions for you to go to our dropdown box tab thing with um the scale Star Wars. And so you can enter electronically. You don't have to put in a hard copy of the story, just a PDF. All right. And you can sign up online.

Let's go straight to the Sisters in Crime website. You can just either search that or go w w w Sisters in Crime org.au. And, uh, you'll find it on the front page. And it gives you a. That's the media release. And then you can go it's got instructions for you to go to our dropdown box tab thing with um the scale Star Wars. And so you can enter electronically. You don't have to put in a hard copy of the story, just a PDF. All right. And you can sign up online.

Terrific. We'll put those details up on our Facebook page as well. Come. Well good luck. We'll keep in touch. Thank you and.

Terrific. We'll put those details up on our Facebook page as well. Come. Well good luck. We'll keep in touch. Thank you and.

Lovely to speak to you, Peter. And all power to your program.

Lovely to speak to you, Peter. And all power to your program.

You're very kind. That's Carol chute from Sisters in Crime, and in particular the Liz Navratil award that's just been launched.

You're very kind. That's Carol chute from Sisters in Crime, and in particular the Liz Navratil award that's just been launched.

Hi. I'm Emma merritt, a member of the Australian Gliders, and you're listening to Leisure Link with Peter Greco on the Vision Australia radio network.

Hi. I'm Emma merritt, a member of the Australian Gliders, and you're listening to Leisure Link with Peter Greco on the Vision Australia radio network.

It's that time of the month where we catch up with the health commentator, health expert David Mitchell. David, welcome, welcome. Thank you Peter. Hello everyone. Now last month we talked about tackling aging staying younger. You've got some tips that we can all kind of put into practice to help our brains. Yeah I thought we did spend enough time talking about what we could do, uh, both physically.

It's that time of the month where we catch up with the health commentator, health expert David Mitchell. David, welcome, welcome. Thank you Peter. Hello everyone. Now last month we talked about tackling aging staying younger. You've got some tips that we can all kind of put into practice to help our brains. Yeah I thought we did spend enough time talking about what we could do, uh, both physically.

And uh, by taking pills or changing diets and all sorts of things like that. But underneath it all, really, we've got to get the brain alive and keep it alive and keep it going for us to keep going. Now it all revolves around a two areas in the brain, one each side of the brain going from front to the back, underneath the big knobbly bits called the hippocampus. Um, and they're like two, two arches. Now, one of they are responsible for memory and for interpreting where we are, what we see and what we hear. Now, if we're to talk about this on the, uh, site disadvantaged site, it's probably better to say that don't worry if you can't see whatever we say is still going to be appropriate, because one side of the brain handles vision and the other side and place, as in where we are and where we're doing what we're doing, what's around us. But the other side control sound as in hearing. So as most of you would know that as your sight goes down, your your hearing goes up, and or if you get a hearing aid, the hearing goes up. Even better, that goes into the hippocampus and is assessed by it and held in what's called working memory, which is the memory that's happening in the now and goes on for as long as we're doing something. That's memory working memory. But that sends signals out to the rest of the brain saying, does this remind you of something? Have we heard this before? Have we heard this person before? Have we heard this subject before? So you're in Peter Greco's show. You're sitting in the lounge room, you're next to your computer, and you're hearing David Mitchell and Peter Greco talking on Peter Greco's show on Saturday afternoons. And I'm going to come back to that, because Peter is one of the most exemplary radio people that actually knows and understands about the hippocampus. And what he's doing is part of what is keeping you alive. So keep listening, because we're going to talk about a bit more in a little in a little while. But this hippocampus, in taking on vision and sound and words, makes makes a picture, a map, a model compares it with what's in the brain and adds it to the memory that's already there. Now the hippocampus is where all the new brain cells start. It's like a nursery. A plant nursery is growing. All these little seedlings, the little, little brain cells which when they come alive in inverted commas, they are looking for something to do. And if there's nothing that they're got to do, they die. So you hear about how we lose a million cells, brain cells a day type stuff. We can if we do nothing about it. But if we're using our brain, then we will keep those brain cells alive. And not only that, but they will take they will move from the hippocampus with whatever working memories around and take that to the various parts of the brain, and they'll work there. So it's like immigration and immigration. They're migrating or emigrating away from the hippocampus and invading or cohabiting other parts of the brain so the brain doesn't shrink, because you will hear that two people have gone for an MRIs are getting older, or you've got Alzheimer's because your brain is brain is shrinking. This is reversing it. Now, the things that keep this working memory going are therefore in maintaining curiosity and differences or change, which means and why. Peters. Uh, radio program is so brilliant because you never know what you're going to get with Peter. You never know who's going to be speaking or what they're going to be speaking about. Whatever. Each and every one of his speakers is actually engendering a sense of curiosity in everyone that's lucky enough to listen to Peter. And that curiosity sparks up these little cells in the hippocampus, and they can take us on journeys of our own, even without us thinking about it. To start with, it just automatically we locked into something. Think about I remember that well, that word that they said or that theme they were talking about. I remember that and away you go. You start drawing in the old memory into the new memory. That's that's at the moment we're calling it Peter Greco's Working Memory. And it's the new stuff is added to the old stuff, so it makes it a more enlarged picture or a more real picture or a more complete picture is is the way to go. So that's where listening to Peter, we listen to radio is so important. And it's the second bit is to actually use the knowledge that hearing is important to actually talk to yourself. So if you're listening to Peter or you're listening to David Mitchell and I forgive you for that. Uh, what what are you going to be doing, though, while is is thinking about it? But if you start to repeat a few words that Mitchell said like, oh, hippocampus, or whether you spell that, you've already invoked this curiosity signal at, which means that you will have harass yourself until you go and actually find out how to spell it, or what it all means, or how it fits in with this, this concept that Mitchell was talking about. In so doing, you are not only growing new brain cells, but you're actually releasing some chemicals called dopamine and dopamine. The neurotransmitter is the reward chemical. It makes you feel good because you're doing something. Now, you don't have to become a rocket scientist or a brain surgeon just chasing up what Mitchell's talking about. But just the mere thought that you were giving it some thought. There's a redundancy, if ever there was one. Um, but in so doing, you're actually are activating and adding something to your working memory and stimulating these new brain cells to grow out and travel further in the brain and do more things and keep us alive. So that's quite important. It also means if you're wandering around the house and starting to think, or things are just going around in your head, speak out aloud. Speak it out. And the rain will pick it up. When it's just going round and round and round in the circles. He's not actually helping the working memory. It's just annoying it. So it just doesn't have enough impact. But if you speak it out now, in the old days we used to talk about today, we would say to ourselves or say out loud every day, day by day, I feel myself getting better and better and better. We're now starting to realize that that did help people if they spoke it out aloud. Well, so if you walk around and say the crows are going to win this weekend, the crows are going to win this weekend and they can go somewhere else. Um, and I hope they fall off the ladder if you say that aloud. It is actually reinforcing your own thought processes and your own barracking, Uh, loyalty, for want of a better word, that the same thing happens to anything that that come up. But it is. It's why the the the concept of Siri for, for um, Apple computers and Alexa for Amazon type ones are saying, Alexa, do something or Siri do something. Speaking that out aloud is actually also waking up the working memory, waking up the hippocampus, adding something that you're just about to do so so you don't have to see it. You can sound in sounding it, you start things happening. So listening and listening to the radio, listening to Peter, listening to whatever is coming on to your computer or to or to your music system is good. And remember too, that if we are talking about this dopamine, the other thing that makes that dopamine is feel good principle is sad music. It's crazy, but what it does is it in evoking emotions of sadness, it also brings out another quality that we humans have called compassion, where you take it on board, but then you want to do something. And in the doing something in that activation also comes out dopamine. So suddenly you find yourself getting out of bed and doing something just because you listen to Richard Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem, which is one of my favourites for jumping me out of a of a bad mood or set, he took me into a sad mood to make me happy. Mood is just listening to something like that is actually releasing more dopamine, which is also, if you like, fertilizing the little cells in the hippocampus, which are going to keep our brains working longer and longer and stop that shrinkage that everyone talks about when they talk about Alzheimer's and dementia and so on. So it's really important you need to sound it out. And if you do have some vision, then the the sight side of the hippocampus is, is about not only looking at what's happening and what you're doing, but it's also if you are physically doing something like writing or typing or gardening or washing or scrubbing, that it enhances the signal to go to the hippocampus. So if you like, it makes it more real, makes the memory more complete as part of that which again stimulates those little new brain cells to grow and go on. So if you've got to use it and if you haven't got enough vision, then use sound. It's going to be so important. But it's got to be sound outside. If, for instance, you wanted to combine the two, what you'd be doing is, is as I'm writing, I'm actually reading out loud what I'm writing. Yeah. as I'm scrubbing it, I'm actually looking around and talking about something that is around me or happening like, well, I need to get a new dish that's a little bit, and or there's a hole in the tea towel, or I must get some more and different brand of dishwasher powder, or I'm looking out the window, or I'm looking around or I'm going to do something, but you speak it out aloud. Wow. So you just say, I need to think. I need to go to the shop, and I need to get all these things. You've forgotten it very quickly because you have an intensified the memory signals. You haven't used the sound component. And if you haven't written it down, then you've lost the sight component to stimulate the the working memory, to stimulate the hippocampus to make more brain cells. So speaking it out loud. And no, you're not nuts. It'll stop you going nuts.