NATIONAL TALK BLACK – 11/06/2025
On todays National Talk Black via NIRS – National Indigenous Radio Service we have:
Danny Staton, Regional Director at Fortem Australia, talking about Australia unites to thank a first responder with 10 days of gratitude. First responders are the backbone of emergency response, providing life-saving assistance in moments of crisis. Despite their dedication, mental health challenges are common. In fact, one in three experience high or very high psychological distress from trauma experienced on the job, much higher than the general population. This alarming figure highlights the urgent need for greater support and appreciation of the sacrifices first responders make. Police officers, paramedics, firefighters, emergency call operators, volunteers in state emergency, marine rescue, and search and rescue organisations, take on physically and emotionally gruelling responsibilities, witnessing traumatic events that can leave lasting psychological effects. Concerningly, PTSD affects between 10% and 23.2% of first responders, and nearly one in seven (15%) are impacted by anxiety and depression. First responders’ dedication, while critical, is frequently taken for granted. That’s why, this June, Australians are coming together for 10 Days of Gratitude, leading up to Thank a First Responder Day on Wednesday 11 June. Now in its sixth year, the national initiative, founded by Fortem Australia—a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of first responders and their families—recognises the commitment and sacrifices first responders and their families make every day to keep the community safe. To mark the occasion, schools, community groups, councils, and businesses are hosting barbecues, morning teas, and other events to honour first responders. Messages of gratitude will be shared across social media, and monuments around Australia will be illuminated in tribute. As a key annual fundraising initiative, the celebrations play a vital role in ensuring ongoing support for first responders and their families. Australians are encouraged to participate in the campaigns by leaving a message of gratitude, attending an event, or making a donation. Danny Staton is Fortem’s Regional Director overseeing Queensland, NSW and South Australia. He was previously a serving police officer in both Australia and the UK. To donate, find an event, or to leave a message of gratitude to first responders during 10 Days of Gratitude or on Thank a First Responder Day, visit www.thankafirstresponderday.org.au.
John Leha, AbSec CEO, talking about how a New Funding Model has become a Turning Point for Aboriginal Children and Families in NSW. AbSec – NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of a $180 million per annum investment in Family Preservation, including a dedicated Aboriginal Family Preservation (AFP) approach developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities. The model includes five-year block funding contracts, equitable pricing, and a commitment to direct 40% of service delivery funding to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)—a significant shift that reflects a more inclusive, culturally grounded response to keeping children safe and connected. AbSec will continue working closely with the ACCO sector, government, and communities to ensure the successful implementation of the Aboriginal Family Preservation model across New South Wales. You can find out more via the link below!
https://absec.org.au/…/statement-from-our-ceo-absec…
Channa Seneviratne, Telstra Technology Development and Innovation Executive, talking about Regional Australia receives a lifeline as nation’s first satellite to messaging to service launches, providing SMS access where the network doesn’t reach. Telstra has just launched Australia’s first satellite to mobile messaging service – Telstra Satellite Messaging. It lets eligible customers send and receive text messages from their compatible mobile phone via satellite from some of Australia’s hardest-to-reach places. They’ve been testing it for months, with more than 55,000 texts successfully sent. It uses Starlink Direct to Cell satellites to help connect when beyond the range of Telstra’s mobile network coverage, if you are outdoors and with a clear line of sight to the sky. It’s rolling out to customers with compatible plans and devices from today. Australians are encouraged to keep up to date on how to use and access Telstra Satellite Messaging at the link below!
telstra.com/satellite-messaging.
Have something happening in your community, and you want to talk about it, give us a call on 1800 422 416. Or Give us a text on 0457 140 550!
We would also like to thank the Community Broadcasting Foundation and National Indigenous Australians Agency for their support here at BBM 98.7FM.
Make sure to tune in Monday-Friday 11am-12pm QLD Time to stay up to date with the latest national events.
