NATIONAL TALK BLACK – 14/02/2025
On todays National Talk Black via NIRS – National Indigenous Radio Service we have:
Deon Whitford, Floods Hero, talking about his Act of Bravery. Deon didn’t hesitate to swing into action last Sunday at the Earlville Shopping Town rear car park, here in Cairns, when there was a cry for help. He was sitting in his ute when a young boy, about 9, frantically knocked on his window, saying there were two girls, aged about 7 and 9, caught in floodwaters in the nearby drain. Deon raced alongside the drain and saw the girls screaming ‘help’ in the rapids. He said he could see they were in big trouble as about 250m downstream the drain disappeared under the car park. Deon raced over to the other side and jumped in, reaching out to her and pulling her out of the water. Deon has been described as a hero by the community and will be nominated for a national bravery award. To find out more, check out the link below!
https://www.cairnslocalnews.com.au/act-of-bravery-2025-02-07
Michelle Olaithe, Clinical Director at Someone.health talking about Affordable mental health care in jeopardy as bulk billing options declining and out-of-pocket costs rising. With bulk billing rates declining and out-of-pocket costs rising, access to affordable healthcare is under greater strain than ever as financial barriers continue to prevent Australians from getting the support they need. With mental health care remaining one of the most pressing issues facing our nation, the issue of access and affordability is of particular concern. Yet, with only one in five (21%) GP clinics offering bulk billing services, millions are left without accessible care. While over two-fifths (43%) of Australian adults experience mental health challenges in their lifetime, just one in ten (10%) —approximately 2.7 million Aussies—accessed Medicare-subsidised mental health services in 2022–23. The gap is stark, and the need for solutions is urgent. Someone.health, Australia’s first and only bulk-billed telehealth-accredited service, is removing financial barriers and ensuring more Australians get the care they need. Someone.health range of services include bulk billed psychology, DVA, WorkCover, NDIS or self funded therapy. Their platform connects you with qualified, compassionate Medicare therapists who provide subsidised therapy for all Australians.
Dr. Simon Quilty and Jimmy Frank Jupurrurla, wilya_janta Chief Operating Officer and Chief Cultural Officer, talking about being one of FRRR “Climate Solutions Program” Grant recipients. Wilya Janta is an innovative aboriginal not-for-profit cultural consultancy that is truly led by community leaders and elders and supported by partners they have chosen to work with. They received the grant in regards to their “Tennant Creek Pilot ‘Explain’ Homes” project. Present-day houses in Tennant Creek and remote communities across the NT reflect ongoing failures in design, including poor thermal performance, lack of cultural consideration, overcrowding and insufficient maintenance. As a result, residents face health issues and financial hardships, often making difficult choices between paying expensive electricity bills for air conditioning and meeting basic needs, such as medication, food and education. Through culturally sensitive collaboration, design and building, Wilya Janta is pushing to define a new standard for housing in these communities. The aim of the project is to harness traditional ecological knowledge, cultural practices, and climate resilience insights from First Nations communities to create sustainable and culturally appropriate housing solutions. To find out more, check out the link below!
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.
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