Stories of courage, resilience, love and support will be on show this September as people from across the south west Pacific gather at the Australian Transplant Games in Launceston.

While the focus will be on recipients living life to the fullest, spare a thought for the close family friends who have been on the organ transplant journey with them.

Sometimes the journey to a transplant is years, and for some people the experience happens again after an organ is rejected. 

Alison's daughter waited seven years for her first transplant while Jan's husband was thousands of kilometres from home when his condition deteriorated quickly.

Jan and Alison speak about their personal journeys, the highs and lows, and now the great joy they have seeing their families live life and involved with the transplant games.

https://www.donatelife.gov.au/

https://transplant.org.au/

https://australiantransplantgames.com/

 

 

 

Stories of courage, resilience, love and support will be on show this September as people from across the south west Pacific gather at the Australian Transplant Games in Launceston.
While the focus will be on recipients living life to the fullest, spare a thought for the close family friends who have been on the organ transplant journey with them.
Sometimes the journey to a transplant is years, and for some people the experience happens again after an organ is rejected.&nbsp;
Alison's daughter waited seven years for her first transplant while Jan's husband was thousands of kilometres from home when his condition deteriorated quickly.
Jan and Alison speak about their personal journeys, the highs and lows, and now the great joy they have seeing their families live life and involved with the transplant games.
<a href="https://www.donatelife.gov.au/">https://www.donatelife.gov.au/</a>
<a href="https://transplant.org.au/">https://transplant.org.au/</a>
<a href="https://australiantransplantgames.com/">https://australiantransplantgames.com/</a>
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Parents and Partners - their journey with organ transplants

Andrew Grubert is about to realise a dream - to participate in the Australian Transplant Games.

It's been a wait since 'covid' cancelled the event scheduled in Launceston several years ago.

Andrew has set his sights on athletics and swimming events but is very cagey about his performance times --- probably not wanting to frighten his competitors.

The opening event for the Transplant Games is a community 5km run on Sunday 27th September organised by DonateLife Australia .... and in training, Andrew is yet to make it to the 5k mark (or is he just foxing).

One thing is certain, Andrew is looking forward to mingling, mixing and making new friends with the transplant and donor communities.

https://australiantransplantgames.com/

https://australiantransplantgames.com/get-involved/community/donatelife-5k-fun-run/

 

 

Andrew Grubert is about to realise a dream - to participate in the <a href="https://australiantransplantgames.com/">Australian Transplant Games</a>.
It's been a wait since 'covid' cancelled the event scheduled in Launceston several years ago.
Andrew has set his sights on athletics and swimming events but is very cagey about his performance times --- probably not wanting to frighten his competitors.
The opening event for the Transplant Games is a community 5km run on Sunday 27th September organised by DonateLife Australia .... and in training, Andrew is yet to make it to the 5k mark (or is he just foxing).
One thing is certain, Andrew is looking forward to mingling, mixing and making new friends with the transplant and donor communities.
https://australiantransplantgames.com/
https://australiantransplantgames.com/get-involved/community/donatelife-5k-fun-run/
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Andrew Grubert - first time Games participant.

A hightlight of the Junction Arts Festival 2026 has got to be a harp marathon.

It's the idea of Emily Sanzaro to play a "mix-tape" of music from the five decades in her life.

Starting with the present decade, Emily will play the harp and sing along to her favourite music for seven hours.

A "Butler" will keep Emily on track through the decades and be on hand to help her maintain nourishment, stay hydrated and oversee the many costume changes.

Emily Sanzaro says Junction Arts is a great festival in Launceston to showcase local artists.... and told our Long Lunch program she is excited to be part of it

Forget the football, EMILY's MIXTAPE MARATHONbegins at 3pm on Saturday 19th 2026.

https://junctionartsfestival.com.au/event/emilys-mixtape-marathon/

 

A hightlight of the Junction Arts Festival 2026 has got to be a harp marathon.
It's the idea of Emily Sanzaro to play a "mix-tape" of music from the five decades in her life.
Starting with the present decade, Emily will play the harp and sing along to her favourite music for seven hours.
A "Butler" will keep Emily on track through the decades and be on hand to help her maintain nourishment, stay hydrated and oversee the many costume changes.
Emily Sanzaro says Junction Arts is a great festival in Launceston to showcase local artists.... and told our Long Lunch program she is excited to be part of it
Forget the football, <a href="https://junctionartsfestival.com.au/event/emilys-mixtape-marathon/">EMILY's MIXTAPE MARATHON</a> begins at 3pm on Saturday 19th 2026.
https://junctionartsfestival.com.au/event/emilys-mixtape-marathon/
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Harping for seven hours - Emily Sanzaro

As part of the fringe of the Tassie Scallop Fiesta at Bridport, the popular Mariners Muse story-telling session featured again this year.

For over two hours, it is a panel of diverse speakers telling their tales of involvement with the sea.

In this second part and closer to home, marine biologist David Maynard shared his passion for the underwater world particularly the waters of Tasmania.  He revealed his love of urchins, trout and his ideas on sardines and you’ll hear how he came to wear his first wet suit.

The final speaker for the evening was Captain Sarah Parry of the sail training vessel Windeward Bound. Sarah shared a history of being shanghaied in her early days with the Navy and then her vision of the Windeward Bound. Captain Parry revealed a personal “fleeting” connection with Bridport.

This was recorded on 24 July 2026.... and broadcast on City Park Radio 14 September 2026.

pic compiled by Nigel Mercer

As part of the fringe of the Tassie Scallop Fiesta at Bridport, the popular Mariners Muse story-telling session featured again this year.
For over two hours, it is a panel of diverse speakers telling their tales of involvement&nbsp;with the sea.
In this second part and closer to home, marine biologist David Maynard shared his passion for the underwater world particularly the waters of Tasmania. &nbsp;He revealed his love of urchins, trout and his ideas on sardines and you&rsquo;ll hear how he came to wear his first wet suit.
The final speaker for the evening was Captain Sarah Parry of the sail training vessel Windeward Bound. Sarah shared a history of being shanghaied in her early days with the Navy and then her vision of the Windeward Bound. Captain Parry revealed a personal &ldquo;fleeting&rdquo; connection with Bridport.
This was recorded on 24 July 2026.... and broadcast on City Park Radio 14 September 2026.
pic compiled by Nigel Mercer

Mariners Muse 2026 part 2

As part of the fringe of the Tassie Scallop Fiesta at Bridport, the popular Mariners Muse story-telling session featured again this year.

For over two hours, it is a panel of diverse speakers telling their tales of involvement and affinity with the sea.

In the first part this year, it was the record-breaking solo world circumnavigating Tasmanian sailor Tristan Gourlay out to beat his father’s record.

Then historian Nigel Mercer retold the life and sailing adventures of Captain William Pixley in the 1800’s.  Discover the link to Bridport Tasmania in this presentation.

......and of course the traditional 3 question quiz .... and should you want to challenge the answers to the quiz, remember this was recorded on 24th July 2026.

pic compiled by Nigel Mercer

As part of the fringe of the Tassie Scallop Fiesta at Bridport, the popular Mariners Muse story-telling session featured again this year.
For over two hours, it is a panel of diverse speakers telling their tales of involvement and affinity with the sea.
In the first part this year, it was the record-breaking solo world circumnavigating Tasmanian sailor Tristan Gourlay out to beat his father&rsquo;s record.
Then historian Nigel Mercer retold the life and sailing adventures of Captain William Pixley in the 1800&rsquo;s.&nbsp; Discover the link to Bridport Tasmania in this presentation.
......and of course the traditional 3 question quiz .... and should you want to challenge the answers to the quiz, remember this&nbsp;was recorded on 24th July 2026.
pic compiled by Nigel Mercer

Mariner Muse 2026 pt 1

Organ transplants required a team of dedicated professionals to prepare and care for for people undertaking the transplant journey.

At the Launceston General Hospital Renal Services, Lisa & Anna care for renal patients in Northern Tasmania who have had or are requiring a transplant due to kidney failure.

Currently, there are over 16,000 people on dialysis in Australia, and 1500 people waiting for a transplant.

An organ transplant is not a cure ... but most often means an improvement in the quality in life and enables recipients to work and participate more freely in society.

But any transplant cannot happen without the donation of an organ.

Lisa & Anna have been with the Renal Service for 20 years and have had the conversation with families to make sure their wishes to be organ donors are respected. 

Have you registered to be a donor and had the conversation with your family?

pic - Umi Quor

https://www.donatelife.gov.au/donatelifeweek

https://www.donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today

https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/australian-organ-and-tissue-authority-ota?language=en

https://transplant.org.au/

https://australiantransplantgames.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organ transplants required a team of dedicated professionals to prepare and care for for people undertaking the transplant journey.
At the Launceston General Hospital Renal Services, Lisa &amp; Anna care for renal patients in Northern Tasmania who have had or are requiring a transplant due to kidney failure.
Currently, there are over 16,000 people on dialysis in Australia, and 1500 people waiting for a transplant.
An organ transplant is not a cure ... but most often means an improvement in the quality in life and enables recipients to work and participate more freely in society.
But any transplant cannot happen without the donation of an organ.
Lisa &amp; Anna have been with the Renal Service for 20 years and have had the conversation with families to make sure their wishes to be organ donors are respected.&nbsp;
Have you registered to be a donor and had the conversation with your family?
pic - Umi Quor
<a href="https://www.donatelife.gov.au/donatelifeweek">https://www.donatelife.gov.au/donatelifeweek</a>
<a href="https://www.donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today">https://www.donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today</a>
<a href="https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/australian-organ-and-tissue-authority-ota?language=en">https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/australian-organ-and-tissue-authority-ota?language=en</a>
<a href="https://transplant.org.au/">https://transplant.org.au/</a>
<a href="https://australiantransplantgames.com/">https://australiantransplantgames.com/</a>
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Donate Life - Tasmania Cares

Inveresk in Launceston is not known as 'The Swamp' for nothing. So many stories just float to the top.

Helene Boyer's book "On The Swamp" details many stories of people known affectionally as swampies.

Through the thousands of years, the North Esk has regularly flooded to make it a fertile area, yet it has also seen some of the most spectacular flooding Launceston has ever seen. 

There was major flooding in 1893, 1964 and 2016 but nothing compares to the 1929 event when thousands of people needed to be evacuated to higher ground in the middle of the night.

With a couple of years to go before the centenary of the 1929 flood, Helene says it would be remiss of today's generation not to organise a range of events to celebrate the resilience, the tenacity of the people and true community spirit then and now.

 

If you would like to assist in creating a memorable event for the centenary of the 1929 flood ... contact Helene via Anne Hemmingway at the Launceston City Council

 

Inveresk in Launceston is not known as 'The Swamp' for nothing. So many stories just float to the top.
Helene Boyer's book "On The Swamp" details many stories of people known affectionally as swampies.
Through the thousands of years, the North Esk has regularly flooded to make it a fertile area, yet it has also seen some of the most spectacular flooding Launceston has ever seen.&nbsp;
There was major flooding in 1893, 1964 and 2016 but nothing compares to the 1929 event when thousands of people needed to be evacuated to higher ground in the middle of the night.
With a couple of years to go before the centenary of the 1929 flood, Helene says it would be remiss of today's generation not to organise a range of events to celebrate the resilience, the tenacity of the people and true community spirit then and now.
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If you would like to assist in creating a memorable event for the centenary of the 1929 flood ... contact Helene via Anne Hemmingway at the Launceston City Council
&nbsp;

100 years on - Launceston plans to celebrate the great flood

When four year old Henry Barrett was extremely ill, his family made a courageous decision.

On his death, Henry donated his organs so others could live a normal life.

Long before Henry joined the family, his parents had already discussed the possibility of themselves being organ donors..... but for a person so young, so lovable and so loved, it was almost a fait accompli after seeing so many other young people in the Children's Hospital.

Sarah Barrett and her daughter Delilah share their story, their experiences and the knowledge that their young son and brother has contributed greatly to the lives of others.

 

If you are keen to find out more and get yourself on the register ...  visit

https://www.donatelife.gov.au/find-your-local-donatelife-agency/donatelife-tasmania

https://www.donatelife.gov.au/

https://transplant.org.au/ 

 

 

When four year old Henry Barrett was extremely ill, his family made a courageous decision.
On his death, Henry donated his organs so others could live a normal life.
Long before Henry joined the family, his parents had already discussed the possibility of themselves being organ donors..... but for a person so young, so lovable and so loved, it was almost a fait accompli after seeing so many other young people in the Children's Hospital.
Sarah Barrett and her daughter Delilah share their story, their experiences and the knowledge that their young son and brother has contributed greatly to the lives of others.
&nbsp;
If you are keen to find out more and get yourself on the register ...&nbsp; visit
<a href="https://www.donatelife.gov.au/find-your-local-donatelife-agency/donatelife-tasmania">https://www.donatelife.gov.au/find-your-local-donatelife-agency/donatelife-tasmania</a>
<a href="https://www.donatelife.gov.au/">https://www.donatelife.gov.au/</a>
<a href="https://transplant.org.au/">https://transplant.org.au/</a>&nbsp;
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Donate Life - A Family Affair

For the first time, Tasmania is hosting the Australian Transplant Games and Launceston is getting ready to make them the best yet.

The local organising committee is powering ahead to ensure participants and families have the best adventure.

One of the local committee is Mark Brewer, a veteran of the Transplant Games. 

Mark's favourite sport is snow skiing, but for September in Spring, he is in training to master the petanque piste.

With less than three months to go, Mark told the Long Lunch program the call is now for volunteers to assist with the smooth running of the games; particularly for volunteers with experience or an understanding of running sporting events.

Can you help Mark ?

Visit the website https://australiantransplantgames.com/  and get involved.

The Transplant Games begin with a free community fun run (or walk) on Sunday 27th September. It's your invitation to get active and celebrate the 'life-changing' impact of organ and tissue donation.

https://www.donatelife.gov.au/find-your-local-donatelife-agency/donatelife-tasmania

https://www.facebook.com/transplantaustralia 

 

 

For the first time, Tasmania is hosting the Australian Transplant Games and Launceston is getting ready to make them the best yet.
The local organising committee is powering ahead to ensure participants and families have the best adventure.
One of the local committee is Mark Brewer, a veteran of the Transplant Games.&nbsp;
Mark's favourite sport is snow skiing, but for September in Spring, he is in training to master the petanque piste.
With less than three months to go, Mark told the Long Lunch program the call is now for volunteers to assist with the smooth running of the games; particularly for volunteers with experience or an understanding of running sporting events.
Can you help Mark ?
Visit the website <a href="https://australiantransplantgames.com/">https://australiantransplantgames.com/</a>&nbsp; and get involved.
The Transplant Games begin with a free community fun run (or walk) on Sunday 27th September. It's your invitation to get active and celebrate the 'life-changing' impact of organ and tissue donation.
<a href="https://www.donatelife.gov.au/find-your-local-donatelife-agency/donatelife-tasmania">https://www.donatelife.gov.au/find-your-local-donatelife-agency/donatelife-tasmania</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/transplantaustralia">https://www.facebook.com/transplantaustralia</a>&nbsp;
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2026 Australian Transplant Games - Launceston

In this year’s John West Memorial Lecture, Archeologist Brad Williams provides an overview of his team's work with the former Queenborough Cemetery exhumations and reburials 2024-25… and the stories of history sometimes forgotten.

The project involved the exhumation of nearly two thousand individuals from the cemetery, ending with the identification of 90% of those exhumed, their reburial and commemoration.

Along the way, Brad and his team made many discoveries about how the private cemetery owners a century ago used  "innovative" ways to use the limited space available for maximum returns.

As you listen to this podcast you may like to flip through the main report ... to follow the layout of the cemetery, what was discovered, how the remains were tabulated and treated with great respect.

https://www.hutchins.tas.edu.au/assets/Former_Queenborough_Cemetery_Report_on_Exhumations.pdf 

This annual lecture is part of the Launceston History Society monthly meetings - their March meeting was their 38th honouring the Rev John West. Through his writings in The Examiner in the early1800's, West contributed much to the debate on political, educational, religious and cultural issues of the day.

For more information

www.launcestonhistory.org.au

https://www.facebook.com/launcestonhistory/

If you are interested in family history research contact ....

https://www.tasfhs.org/

In this year&rsquo;s John West Memorial Lecture, Archeologist Brad Williams provides an overview of his team's work with the former Queenborough Cemetery exhumations and reburials 2024-25&hellip; and the stories of history sometimes forgotten.
The project involved the exhumation of nearly two thousand individuals from the cemetery, ending with the identification of 90% of those exhumed, their reburial and commemoration.
Along the way, Brad and his team made many discoveries about how the private cemetery owners a century ago used&nbsp; "innovative" ways to use the limited space available for maximum returns.
As you listen to this podcast you may like to flip through the main report ... to follow the layout of the cemetery, what was discovered, how the remains were tabulated and treated with great respect.
<a href="https://www.hutchins.tas.edu.au/assets/Former_Queenborough_Cemetery_Report_on_Exhumations.pdf">https://www.hutchins.tas.edu.au/assets/Former_Queenborough_Cemetery_Report_on_Exhumations.pdf</a>&nbsp;
This annual lecture is part of the Launceston History Society monthly meetings - their March meeting was their 38th honouring the Rev John West. Through his writings in The Examiner in the early1800's, West contributed much to the debate on political, educational, religious and cultural issues of the day.
For more information
<a href="https://www.launcestonhistory.org.au">www.launcestonhistory.org.au</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/launcestonhistory/">https://www.facebook.com/launcestonhistory/</a>
If you are interested in family history research contact ....
<a href="https://www.tasfhs.org/">https://www.tasfhs.org/</a>

JOHN WEST Memorial Lecture 2026 - Queenborough Cemetery

A range of local stories that have been previously broadcasted on Launceston's community radio station City Park Radio.

Stories from Launceston, the Tamar Valley and northern Tasmania.

Northern Tasmania Community Stories

Follow the podcast:

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