NATIONAL TALK BLACK – 22/01/2025
On todays National Talk Black via NIRS – National Indigenous Radio Service we have:
Mark Townend, CEO of Spinal Life Australia, talking about how the Delays in NDIS decisions are costing more than just time. Over the past 12-months, Spinal Life Australia have witnessed unprecedented demand for support in appealing NDIS decisions, with their members reporting delays of up to two years for decisions on critical supports such as personal care, nursing services, vehicle modifications, and housing modifications. Alarmingly, recent figures show there are 680,123 active NDIS participants, with more than half (53%) reporting difficulty accessing services due to long wait times. The delays also come at a significant financial cost to the scheme, as by deferring decisions, the NDIS is unintentionally driving up costs through avoidable legal fees, higher equipment costs due to inflation, and increased health risks to participants requiring urgent care. The delays are leaving Australians with disability without essential support that can lead to participants running out of funding entirely, despite flagging issues with the NDIS well in advance. Immediate action is needed to address these systemic issues and ensure the NDIS delivers on its promise of empowering all Australians with disabilities to live full, independent lives. You can find out more about Spinal Life Australia, below!
Stacey Pidgeon, National Manager, Research and Policy at Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, talking about Royal Life Saving Urging Men to ‘Make the Right Call’ for Water Safety This Holiday Weekend. Over the last decade, 2237 males have fatally drowned. On average, 220 fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, friends drown each year. Males continue to be over-represented, making up 82% of all drowning deaths. Inland waterways pose higher risks for younger men aged 25 – 34 years, with 41% of all drowning in this age group occurring at rivers/creeks, and lakes/dams. In comparison, men 35 – 44 years most commonly drown at beaches (26%). Alcohol is a significant factor for drowning in men. Research shows that 25 – 34 years age group reports the highest proportion (34%) of alcohol-related drowning compared to all other age groups. In response, Royal Life Saving has released it’s Make the Right Call campaign targeting men aged 25 – 45 years, encouraging men to look after their mates to keep each other safe around water, especially when swimming, boating, and fishing in rivers and lakes. Public holiday long weekends are known to be risky times for drowning, with many people travelling to unfamiliar locations, having social gatherings around water, which combined with predicted hot weather can make for a fatal combination. The Make the Right safety tips are: Avoid alcohol around water, Wear a lifejacket when on the water and Avoid going alone around water. To find out more, check out the link below!
https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/…/make-the-right-call
Hannah Wilson, Kids Helpline Official spokesperon, talking about yourtown Australia Kids Helpline @ School program. One of the most significant concerns, according to Kids Helpline, continues to be bullying. The impacts of bullying can lead to low self-esteem, health problems, poor grades and tragic outcomes. yourtown’s Kids Helpline @ School program is available nationally in primary and secondary schools (thanks to our principal partner Bupa Foundation). It provides early intervention and support to students and teachers within the school environment. Teachers can access classroom resources and book free Kids Helpline @ School sessions to have the support of Kids Helpline counsellors deliver virtual workshops with classes to help children and young people develop resilience, manage relationships, and become comfortable with reaching out for assistance. To find out more, check out the link below!
https://schools.kidshelpline.com.au
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.
