NATIONAL TALK BLACK – 12/03/2025
On todays National Talk Black via NIRS – National Indigenous Radio Service we have:
Dr. Michelle Olaithe, Clinical Director at HealthBright, talking about The women leading the future of tele-mental-health in Australia. In celebration of International Women’s Day, Michelle tells Trendy Trev about the female leaders at HealthBright, who are at the forefront of transforming mental health care across Australia. These women are driving innovation in tele-mental health, dismantling barriers, and ensuring that every Australian—regardless of location—has access to quality mental health support. These women are not only shaping the future of mental health care—they are leading a telehealth revolution that is bridging critical gaps in mental health accessibility in Australia. Dr. Michelle herself is A dedicated clinical psychologist, researcher, and leader, and is committed to enhancing the effectiveness, accessibility, and evidence-based approach of mental health services. Through her leadership at HealthBright, her research as an Honorary Fellow, and the mental health resources she provides, she continues to make a profound impact.
Karen Nicholls, The Royal Australian College of GP’s (RACGP) Spokesperson, talking about RACGP-NACCHO agreement continues commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) have furthered their commitment to jointly advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health by signing their third Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today. This MOU between the two organisations will see ongoing work and shared advocacy for effective, culturally safe and clinically appropriate healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities across the country. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the peak representative organisation for general practice, the backbone of Australia’s health system. They set the standards for general practice, facilitate lifelong learning for GPs, connect the general practice community, and advocate for better health and wellbeing for all Australians. Visit the link below for more!
Wendy Mason, Country Education Foundation of Australia Chief Executive Officer, talking about Three in four regional students need to leave home to study – it’s time to give education inequity the boot. Despite over a quarter (28%) of the population living in rural and remote areas, young people from rural, regional and remote Australia face significant challenges when accessing further education. In fact, almost half (48%) of Australians from major cities have attained a Certificate IV or above, compared to only 34% in a regional area. This education attainment gap is further illustrated by research findings from Country Education Foundation of Australia’s (CEF) Student Impact Report, with less than one in five (19%) students receiving financial assistance from family, despite over three quarters (79%) having to move away from home while studying. On top of this, less than half (39%) of students are eligible for, or receive, government support. Wendy discusses the education attainment gap, the main barriers that regional youth face when accessing education, and the Boot Bash initiative (Friday 14 March), which will see funds raised to support young people living in rural and regional areas.
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