North Richmond Community Health Podcast: Recent Episodes
North Richmond Community health
In this episode, we talk to community members from culturally diverse backgrounds about their positive and negative experiences of living in Australia. We also talk to Andrea, an expert in 'unconscious bias'. Unconscious bias is the hidden thoughts that can lead to racial discrimination, often without us realising it. Can we unlearn the hidden bias we all have? Andrea shares solutions for individuals and workplaces to reduce bias and promote cultural understanding.
Special thanks to community members:
Jing Hua / Mo
Lien Nguyen
Tranh Pham
Adila Zainal
Luul Abdisamad
Sumaya Keyse Abdinoor
Unconscious Bias Training Facilitator:
Andrea Gaddie (CEH: Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health)
Useful links:
Harvard Implicit Association Test
https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/research/
Unconscious Bias workshop enquiries:
https://www.ceh.org.au/request-training/
This episode commemorates Cultural Diversity Week (March 18th-24th) and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination March 21st).
Listen to Van's story about cooking, growing up as a child in Vietnam, and overcoming challenges after coming to Australia to start a new chapter in her life. She also reflects on how she built confidence and made new friends with other people who love to cook and share cuisine. Van's story shows how cooking can help us connect with our heritage, cultivate our skills, and empower our lives. Van is a cook at Cultural Catering, a social enterprise and a program of North Richmond Community Health. If you want to find out more or see what Van and the cooks have on the menu - visit https://www.culturalcatering.org.au/
Special thanks to Van Nguyen for sharing her story.
This episode, recorded during the 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, explores how we can consider culture when addressing gender-based violence - featuring counselors Hamsa Johnston and Zahra Abdurrahman.
They discuss the diverse manifestations of family violence, the cultural challenges in recognising abuse, and propose policy changes - particularly for temporary visa holders facing financial dependence and housing insecurity. This episode emphasises the importance of non-judgmental support, empowerment, and collaboration with social service providers who may not recognise signs of family violence.
Guests:
Hamsa Johnston, Counselling Case Worker at North Richmond Community Health
Zahra Abdurrahman, Specialist Family Violence Case Worker at the Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights
Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights: https://amwchr.org.au/
North Richmond Community Health: https://nrch.com.au/
In this episode, we interview NRCH’s dedicated General Practitioners (GPs) who have been serving their communities for over 30 years. We'll learn about the strategies GPs use to provide culturally appropriate care and ensure a positive healthcare experience for all patients. We'll also hear from people who have used services at community health centres like NRCH and their stories show how important these services are for our community. This episode was created in support of the Community Health First campaign, which aims to show the important role of community health services in our wider health system and to help them meet the needs of everyone.
https://www.communityhealthfirst.org.au/
Guests:
- Dr Gloria Moscattini (NRCH GP)
- Dr David Isaac (NRCH GP)
- My (community member)
- Jing Yuan Zhan (community member)
music:
Theme music - Tom Mitchell
Foreign Land - Common Interest
Le Lac - Sara Afonso
Imagine having the power to reverse an opioid overdose, to be a lifeline for your loved ones or community members.
In this episode, Crios, Proactive Overdose Response Initiative (PORI) Coordinator at NRCH’s Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR), sheds light on the opioid overdose landscape in Melbourne. Learn how prescription opioids contribute significantly to overdose statistics and how we can prevent overdose fatalities on a wider scale. We also talk to residents of the North Richmond community to understand the personal impact of naloxone training.
This episode was produced in commemoration of International Overdose Awareness Day.
In the episode, we join Khanh, who found freedom as a refugee in Australia as a small boy from Vietnam. He tells us how finding freedom in Australia transformed his family's life, enabling him to pursue his dreams and build a better future. We also hear from guests at the Twilight Market event, held at the Factory in Richmond, to mark #RefugeeWeek. Refugees share with us their perception of freedom, including stories of resilience and overcoming difficulties during their transition to Australia. This episode was recorded in commemoration of Refugee Week. Guest: Khanh Lam - Help and Support Officer Music: All Forgiven - Ketsa Theme song - Tom Mitchell
Today we walk with the NRCH Men's Walking Group, led by facilitator Wayne Russell, and learn how walking and companionship can make a significant difference to men's health. Welcome to a special episode of our podcast, where we explore the power of small changes in men's lives. Recorded in commemoration of Men's Health Week. Guests: Wayne Russell - Consumer and Community Liaison, NRCH Phil and Robbie - Men's Walking Group members
Music: Summer - Oak Studios Theme song - Tom Mitchell
In this episode, Achut Thuc discusses the unspoken battles and hidden stories surrounding mental health in Sudanese and Somali communities.
How does your community respond when someone faces mental illness?
This podcast will examine deep-rooted beliefs, and cultural norms that shape our response. We'll also explore the potential for compassion and understanding that lies within.
This episode also discusses the art of empathetic conversation! Our guests provide practical insights and guidance on how to approach and support someone who might be experiencing mental health challenges in our communities.
Tune in to be part of the conversation that aims to empower, educate, and break down barriers.
Presented by: Achut Thuc, Yarra Housing Estate Mental Health Project Coordinator
Guests: Maryan Mohamed, Health and Wellbeing Officer Kuich Johnson, Health and Wellbeing Officer
In this episode, Kuich (NRCH Health and Wellbeing Officer ) leads the discussion with two other young people and a compassionate counselor from Cancer Council Victoria, in an eye-opening discussion about vaping. What's fueling the surge in e-cigarette and vaping use, especially among young people? We discuss the factors that have contributed to this phenomenon. We'll delve into the allure of enticing flavors, uncover sneaky marketing tactics used by influencers and social media platforms, and give practical tips on how you can reduce harm to yourself and help your friends who are trying to quit.
Listen in and let's shed light on the dangers hidden behind the glossy filters and hashtags.
Presented by:
Kuich Johnson: Health and Wellbeing Officer
Guests:
Honey
Henry
Teresa Villani - Cancer Council Victoria
In this International Womens Day episode, Rida comments on religious stereotypes in the healthcare system. She also covers the impact of social media 'wellness influencers', and how we can build better communication, trust, and rapport between healthcare workers and Muslim women.
Guests: Rida Aleem Khan
Presenter: Mia Birrell
Music:
Podcast theme: Tom Mitchell
One of the myths about healthcare is that it is only about what happens in the hospital. Hoa's story highlights that you don't need to be a doctor to improve health outcomes - you just need to care.
This episode follows, Hoa, a Health and Support officer in the Community Empowerment and Development (CED) team at NRCH. We follow her as she co-designs health programs with her community, and collaborates with local organisations to achieve greater health outcomes for everyone.
Acknowledgments:* Hoa Tran - Health and Support Officer * Community Empowerment and Development (CED) team at NRCH * The Salvation Army * Carringbush Adult Education * The CED team works with the Community Connectors program, which seeks to fund local engagement through the employment of local residents living in the Richmond housing estate.
In this episode, our staff shares their personal experiences dealing with the stress and uncertainty of the past couple of years. We discuss the ways in which we have adapted to continue providing essential services to the community, including the changes in workplace infrastructure and the emotional toll the pandemic has had on staff. This episode provides valuable insight into the challenges faced by workers during the pandemic but also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and emotional well-being in the workplace. Featuring: * Jess Murray -Harm Reduction Practitioner at MSIR * Imogen Jordan - Complex Vaccine Case Manager * Ali Hassan Pervaiz (check spelling) Security Manager at NRCH * Wayne Russell - Consumer and Community Liaison * Dr Matt Penn - General Practioner * Brendan Coulten - Executive Manager Community Services and Consumer Empowerment
Presented by: Mia Birrell
Music:
Glacier - SalmonLikeTheFish
Adventure, Darling - Gillicuddy
Theme song: Tom Mitchell
As a child, Nathan grew up seeing the devastation of HIV/AIDs as portrayed in the media.
One day Nathan was diagnosed as HIV positive. It was hard to see it at the time, but it was the catalyst he needed to live his best life - and now he is helping others to do the same.
In this episode, Nathan talks about his experience with modern-day medical treatment, how he uncovered his life purpose, and how the biggest stress of an HIV diagnosis is not what you think it is.
Guests: Nathan Cair
Host: Mia Birrell
Theme song - Tom Mitchell
The Hepatitis B Community Perspectives Project is a community co-designed project with people living with hepatitis B. The project aims to explore the diverse experiences of living with hepatitis B. We explore community needs and recommendations for healthcare workers to improve care for people with hepatitis B. This project was developed by The Victorian Hepatitis B Alliance and funded by the Victorian Department of Health. We thank the project participants for their courage and generosity in sharing their journey to improve care for people living with hepatitis B. For further information, you can contact the VHBA here:contactvhba@gmail.com Or visit the VHBA website:https://www.doherty.edu.au/whoccvh/centre-activities/victorian-hepatitis-b-alliance Advisory Group members:* St Vincents Melbourne * Doherty Institute * North Richmond Community Health * LiverWell * other members of VHBA
project management:* Nafisa Yussf * Gabrielle Bennett
Acknowledgments:* Mei * Iza Dela Vega
To respond to violence, we need to address the root causes. These include patriarchy, systems of oppression, systemic racism, and inequalities. We also need to think about how gender is viewed in society. Today's episode features Christina Hotka deconstructing the core themes of 16 Days of Activism. Mx Christina Hotka (they/them) is a proud queer, non binary intersectional feminist, abolitionist, activist and community organiser. They have practiced alongside marginalised communities for 12 years in Meanjin and Naarm in the not-for-profit, government, and private sectors inclusive of key practice leadership roles in family/intimate partner violence. They enjoy being an overall ratbag and serenading their cat with Enya. Christina can be contacted for media/general inquiries at mxhotka@gmail.com. Take a look at the following links to learn more about the research mentioned in this episode:
Private Lives 3: https://tinyurl.com/yyx7dfhe Writing Themselves In 4: https://tinyurl.com/rty834yu Pride In Prevention: https://tinyurl.com/5xsm6u9m Christina recommends these resources for further reading: https://transfemme.com.au/ LGBTQI+ guidance for Family Violence services: https://tinyurl.com/yt66s3ee Presented by: Mia Birrell Music: Cinematic - Makaih Beats Theme song - Tom Mitchell
This episode celebrates Occupational Therapy Week. Speech pathologists Betty and Livia speak with Occupational Therapist (OT) Leo Gnavi, to discuss how OTs benefit the health and well-being of children.
Later in the podcast, Betty and Livia talk about how you can prepare your child for their first week at school. Presenters: * Livia Li: Speech Pathologist * Betty La: Speech Pathologist
with special guest: * Leo Gnavi: Occupational Therapist
Music: * Upbeat Funk Pop - Scott Holmes Music * Theme song - Tom Mitchel
Speech therapists from NRCH empower caregivers to support their children with speech and language development. In this episode with the Child Health and Development (CHAD) team, Speech Pathologists Livia and Betty chat about how to support children’s language development by using books at different ages and stages.
Produced and presented by: Livia Li, Speech Pathologist Betty La, Speech Pathologist
Voice clip: North Richmond Community Health clients
Books used for demonstration: “The very hungry caterpillar” by Eric Carle, “Food” from Hinkler Books, Each Peach Pear Plum” by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, and “Baby Goz” by Steve Weatherill.
SPA book of the year link: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/SPAweb/whats_on/Book_of_the_Year/SPAweb/What_s_On/Book_of_the_Year/Book_of_the_Year.aspx?hkey=6d7d21b1-0cd6-4b86-91e3-11884f031a02
Book of the Year - Speech Pathology Australia The winners in the five categories in Speech Pathology Australia 2021 Book of the Year Awards are: Birth to 3 years: Look, Baby! | Written by Janeen Brian and Illustrated by Renée Treml Three to 5 years: Boo Loves Books | Written by Kaye Baillie and Illustrated by Tracie Grimwood Five to 8 years: The Thing That Goes Ping! | Written by Mark Carthew and Illustrated by Shane McG www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
Music credit:
Upbeat Funk Pop - Scott Holmes Music
Theme song - Tom Mitchell
As part of NRCH’s regular podcast, this episode explores how Hepatitis C is tackled and treated at NRCH’s MSIR. The national campaign to eradicate Hep C can only succeed if it reaches people who inject drugs.
To that end, the MSIR has designed a service that is quick and easy to access, helping people who inject drugs to receive treatment they likely would not have been able to access in the past. As such, the MSIR will be critical if Victoria is to eradicate Hep C.
Guests:
- Jen Anderson - MSIR Registered Nurse
- Sione Crawford - CEO, Harm Reduction Victoria
- Dr Jacinta Holmes - Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital
Presented by: * Dr Nico Clark * Mia Birrell
Music:
Ripples - Ketsa
Theme song - Tom Mitchell
This episode commemorates the last day of the High Risk Accommodation Response (HRAR) program and reflects on the achievements of our HRAR Superstars. Nuraini asks staff about their success with the community and their dreams moving forward.
Presented by Nuraini Mahamud
Music
Talk2Me - Makaih Beats
Theme song: Tom Mitchell
NRCH has officially launched The Meeting Place Café. We unveiled the new alfresco area and the new neon sign at the front of the NRCH building. Listen in to be a part of the celebration, and hear our community members give their candid reviews of the new menu! Music: Ikaso (la maison tremble) - Lessazo Theme song: Tom Mitchell
What is healing for people who have escaped war and persecution?
In this episode, we discuss healing from a perspective that is not about masking and forgetting suffering but pushes us to create a more caring world.
This podcast was produced in commemoration of Refugee Week.
Presented by - Achut Thuc
Guests:
Maryan Mohamed - Health and Wellbeing Concierge, NRCH
Martha Monyping - Community and Consumer Liaison, NRCH
Music:
Sands of Windhoek -Mid Air Machine
Mountain Monk - Lob Loco
Theme song: Tom Mitchell
Since retiring as the Director of Anaesthetics at the Alfred Hospital, Dr Tony Weeks has been helping NRCH provide addiction support to clients of the Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR). With the help of Medical Director, Dr Nico Clark, Dr Tony, and MSIR staff have developed an industry-leading Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) program using Long Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB). In this episode, we learn more about Dr Tony’s journey, how this program works, and what the treatment involves. We also have the privilege of hearing from former MSIR client Peter whose life has been transformed by OAT.
This episode is co-hosted by Dr Nico Clark. He is the medical director of the Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR). He is an addiction medicine doctor with 25 years of experience in the Alcohol and Other Drug industry providing opioid pharmacotherapy treatment. He has conducted research and published on different options for opioid pharmacotherapy and, while working for the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, was instrumental in the development of the current global guidelines on pharmacotherapy. Presented by Dr Nico Clark and Mia Birrell
Music:
Ripples - Ketsa
Country Dream Squences - Lobo Loco
Theme song: Tom Mitchell
To mark Reconciliation week, NRCH participated in a march around the Richmond housing estate, led by local resident Uncle Robbie Thorpe, a proud Gunai and Kulin nation man. This episode documents that day and explores what reconciliation means in our community.
Music:
Indigenous Journey - Andy Littlewood
Theme song - Tom Mitchell
In the second episode with the Child Health and Development (CHAD) team, Speech Pathologists Livia and Betty address the frequently asked questions about what to expect for your child’s first speech pathology assessment session at North Richmond Community Health.
They chat about when to seek help from a speechie, what the assessments look at, and the next steps following the first appointment.
Presented by:
- Betty La
- Livia Li
- Mia Birrell
Voicemail clip: Imogen Harbourd
Music:
Where the Sun Set - Independent Music Licencing Collective
Bad Nostalgia - Anthem of Rain
Theme song - Tom Mitchell
Now that we have minimal COVID-19 restrictions, we will likely expect an increase in transmission of covid and, for the first time in a few years, a resurgence in influenza.
Today we talk with our medical experts about their approach to community engagement and vaccine advocacy within our East African community. We also discuss long covid, influenza, and why being up to date with all our covid-19 and influenza vaccination is as important now as ever.
Guests:
- Omar Elmi - Project Officer, CEH
- Ambereen Farouque - Long Covid Project Officer, CEH
- Imogen Jordan - Community Nurse, (acting) Complex Case Vaccine Manager
Presenter: Mia Birrell
Music:
Motherland - Ketsa
Chemistry - Makaih Beats
Save Yourself - Makaih Beats
Theme song: Tom Mitchell
It's World Immunisation Week and the theme is Long Life For All. This episode explores vaccine equity and special risk groups, with particular attention to migrants, refugees & people seeking asylum.
Gloria and Pier discuss what cultural competence is, what it looks like in a healthcare setting, and how we can apply it in our workplace in order to give the best care. They also discuss the collective actions needed to create successful health promotion and immunisation campaigns for diverse communities, and ultimately how immunisation has reduced vaccine-preventable diseases in Australia.
Guests:
- Piergiorgio (Pier) Moro - CO-ORDINATOR MULTICULTURAL HEALTH & SUPPORT SERVICE
- Dr Gloria Moscattini - GP at NRCH
Presenter: Mia Birrell
Music:
Can't touch me - Ketsa
No Clouds - Ketsa
Pamelo Mounka - Largent appelle largent
Theme song - Thomas Mitchell
NRCH provides therapy services for young children, offering Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Dietetics support. Today, two Speech Pathologists from the Child Health and Development Team introduce the services available, explore the popular topic of bilingualism and how parents can support their youngsters to thrive in a multilingual environment.
Presented by:
Livia Li, Speech Pathologist
Betty La, Speech Pathologist
Music Credits:
Upbeat Funk Pop - Scott Holmes Music
Heat - Derek Clegg
Inspiring Ambience - Scott Holmes Music
Theme song - Tom Mitchell
Links
Speech Pathology Australia - Communication Milestones Kit
North Richmond Community Health – Child Health and Development (CHAD) team
Contact us:
Website: https://nrch.com.au/
Phone: 9418 9800
Address: 23 Lennox Street, Richmond Victoria 312
The 2022 theme for International Women's Day is #breakthebias, and today we are discussing this topic with health professionals at NRCH - focusing on women's mental health in the community, the attitudes towards mental health in different cultures, and addressing the barriers women face to receive support.
Guests:
- Faiza Mahat, Community Nurse
- Nazik Nasser, Counselling Casework Program Manager
Presented by: Achut Thuc
Music credits:
- X2 - Makaih Beats
- Phases - HoliznaRAPS
- Burning - TriTachyon
- Nothing was the same - Makaih Beats
Theme song by Tom Mitchell
The Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) is a program of North Richmond Community Health, and the facility has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as an essential health service to help support people who inject drugs. Staff have worked with a simple goal in mind: to make sure no one is left behind. In practice, this meant both staff and clients have had to adapt to every new challenge presented by the pandemic.
Today we discuss how they implemented measures to ensure the MSIR could safely remain open during a pandemic so that it could continue to save lives and reduce pressure on Victoria’s public health and hospital system. We also talk to MSIR clients about their experience with the clinic, and staff members discuss the heart of their roles and the broader objectives of the clinic.
Guests:
Dr. Nico Clark, MSIR’s Medical Director
Sarah Hiley, Team Leader of the Harm Reduction Practitioner team
guests:
Sally Cordina, Practice Manager
Charlotte Grove, Vaccination Clinic Coordinator
Faiza Mahat, Community nurse
We explore how local organisations join forces to create new pathways to receive food assistance throughout the pandemic.
Thomas Mitchell, Community Food Project Coordinator, Cafe Manager-NRCH Sally Anthony, Community Development Worker-BANH Peta Christensen, Food Systems Leader-Cultivating Community
Today we speak to those who live and work in our community about their own stories during the pandemic and how they are helping others to come back stronger, and more resilient than before the pandemic.
Faiza Mahat, Community Enrolled Nurse at NRCH
Conor Sibly, Community Development Worker
Quinn Taylor, Community Wellbeing Officer
Maryan Mohamed, Health and Wellbeing Concierge
Achut Thuc, Mental Health Coordinator
CW: This episode describes experiences of family violence. For some people, this could feel overwhelming. If you need to talk to someone, support is available. Please call Lifeline on 131114.
Our guests today:
Achut, Mental Health Coordinator
Maryan, Health and Wellbeing Concierge
Rebekah, NRCH Counselling Case Worker
Meron - HRAR Health Concierge
Victorians aged 12 and older are now eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine!
Today we talk about why the vaccine is essential for this age group. We also talk about vaccine hesitancy in younger people, how to overcome it, and how to increase vaccine uptake in younger people.
Our guests today:
- Sandra Tay, Team Leader at Richmond Youth Hub
- Raghda Adam, Covid-19 Youth Ambassador
- Dr. Ines Rio, a Specialist General Practitioner at NRCH
HRAR means 'High-Risk Accommodation Response'. Every public housing area has an HRAR team– but the north Richmond HRAR is distinct, in that the team is made up of individuals from Richmond public housing. In this podcast we will uncover how their strategy has helped connect the community during the pandemic, and helped to ultimately achieve one of the highest vaccination rates in Victoria.