Special Olympics NSW & ACT Leon Burwell Shield Tournament at Niagara Park Central Coast 13-14 June 2026

Special Olympics NSW & ACT Leon Burwell Shield Tournament at Niagara Park Central Coast 13-14 June 2026

Welcome back to Central Coast Stories and if you are joining me for the first time a very big welcome to you.  I am a journalist and your host Kayleen Bell, and this is a Sunrise Sound Productions podcast. Today I have the pleasure of bringing you an episode about the NSW and ACT Special Olympics Basketball tournament that was held on the Central Coast at the Niagara Park stadium on the 13th and 14th of June, 2026. A couple of weekends ago I was taking a lovely afternoon walk on the Terrigal boardwalk when I ran into some enthusiastic athletes who were competing in the special olympics basketball tournament.  When they found out I am a journalist and podcaster they invited me to go along.  The basketball event at Niagara Park was called the Leon Burwell Shield and athletes from 13 different clubs across NSW and ACT participated in the event.  Leon Burwell was a pioneering and deeply beloved figure in Australian disability sport, widely known as “Mr Special Olympics”. His contribution to Special Olympics Australia spanned decades from its national foundations through to grassroots community club development in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales. I had a chat with Jennie Harrison the Chair of Special Olympics Central Coast was happy to announce that they have ten (10) athletes from the Central Coast selected to participate in the National Games that will be held in Melbourne in October this year (2026). I also caught up with Leanne Langthorne the Co-Ordinator of the NSW Special Olympics Basketball for athletes with an intellectual disability or autism.  She organises four competitions throughout the year.  Athletes come from all over NSW and the ACT.  There were 172 athletes competing at the basketball tournament.  The youngest player was 8 and the eldest was 62 years of age.  Leanne said “the focus of the games is on what the athlete can do and making sure they are included and can play in a team atmosphere.”  It was my pleasure to attend this very inclusive and friendly event and provide a platform for members of the special olympics community to have their voices heard in this podcast. Special thanks to Jennie Harrison and Leanne Langthorne for their assistance today and special thanks also to the athletes, parents and coaches who feature in today’s episode of Central Coast Stories.  I hope you enjoyed today’s episode.  Please subscribe so you do not miss an episode and I would be very grateful if you would share this podcast as well.  Please note Central Coast Stories will be taking a break for a couple of months while I shift gears and work on my other investigative podcast Talking PFAS, but please enjoy past episodes in the meantime.  Thanks again for listening. Produced by Kayleen Bell Journalist - CEO Sunrise Sound Productions - Podcasts include Central Coast Stories & Talking PFAS sunrisesoundproductions@gmail.com [sunrisesoundproductions@gmail.com] (Spam or attempts to sell me things will not be replied to). All information is copyright.  This episode can be posted on a website  or shared via social media in its entirety with attribution.  On 22 April 2026, NDIS Minister Mark Butler announced at the National Press Club that social and community participation budgets will be reduced by 30 per cent. The average participant budget in this category is expected to drop from around $31,000 to $26,000 over the next two years, returning to roughly 2023 spending levels. These changes will roll out progressively from 1 October 2026, applied under existing planning arrangements ahead of the introduction of a new framework planning model. Link to National Press Club of Australia address https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VJa-mt-uTk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VJa-mt-uTk] Show Notes: Central Coast Info From Jennie Harrison the Chair of Special Olympics Central Coast.  Central Coast training events are held each week in basketball, golf, tennis, swimming, bocce and ten pin bowling.  Locations: Ten Pin Bowling - Bateau Bay & Wyoming, Basketball - Niagara Park Stadium, Tennis & Bocce - Ourimbah, Swimming - Gosford  Training is for athletes with an intellectual disability or with autism.  Current athlete age ranges include athletes as young as nine years old up to athletes in their sixties. Weekly fees are usually about $10.00 per week and $200 initial joining fee to join Special Olympics Australia which covers the athletes insurances. Regular newsletters are sent out and there is a private Facebook page you can request to join. Extra Information on Special Olympics: Special Olympics Central Coast: https://www.specialolympics.com.au/find-a-sport-near-me/nsw/central-coast [https://www.specialolympics.com.au/find-a-sport-near-me/nsw/central-coast] centralcoast.secretary@specialolympics.com.au [centralcoast.secretary@specialolympics.com.au] “We’re proud to be part of the Special Olympics Australia community which brings sport, joy and inclusion to people with intellectual disability/autism. Our shared vision is an inclusive Australia where people with intellectual disability/autism live active, healthy and fulfilling lives.” Special Olympics Australia: https://www.specialolympics.com.au/about/celebrating-50-years [https://www.specialolympics.com.au/about/celebrating-50-years] “In 2026 Special Olympics in Australia will celebrate 50 years of breaking barriers, changing perceptions and creating communities where every athlete belongs. ‘Celebrating 50 Years of Inclusion: The Next 50 Starts Here’ honours the people who have shaped this movement and the impact inclusion has had on lives across the country. For five decades our athletes have shown what is possible when people believe in their potential. Families have found connection and support. Coaches and volunteers have opened doors to opportunity. Local communities have grown stronger through the power of sport. These stories are the heart of Special Olympics in Australia.” Opportunity to Support this Community and Volunteer: “Special Olympics Australia (SOA) is seeking committed, skilled and values driven volunteers to join Team Australia for the 2027 Special Olympics World Games. These roles are critical to ensuring our athletes are supported, safe and empowered to perform at their personal best on the world stage.” Special Olympics National Games Australia: https://include.specialolympics.com.au/event/national-games-26/about-the-games [https://include.specialolympics.com.au/event/national-games-26/about-the-games] “From October 19-23, athletes from every corner of the country will come together in Melbourne, competing across 12 sports at the iconic Albert Park sporting precinct.   Melbourne’s Albert Park sporting precinct will host thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters in a week-long celebration of ability, empowerment and unity. This National Games marks 50 years of Special Olympics in Australia and showcases the strength of community through sport.  The 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games will be a celebration of courage, connection, and community, shining a light on the power of inclusion.” Special Olympics World Summer Games 2027: https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sport-and-competition/world-games [https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sport-and-competition/world-games] 16 – 25 October 2027 “Santiago, Chile will host the 2027 Special Olympics World Games, marking the first time in the organization’s 55-year history that a World Games will take place in the Southern Hemisphere.” See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Clinical Psychologist Heather Irvine Rundle - The READ Clinic - Affordable CBT program to help women in perimenopause and beyond

Show Notes (with helpful links at the end) Published 08/06/2026 Welcome back to Central Coast Stories, and if you are listening for the first time, welcome.  I am a journalist and your host Kayleen Bell. When I started this podcast I didn’t plan on doing so many episodes about women’s health and in particular perimenopause.  However, as I myself was navigating this incredibly tough journey with very little information I decided to use this platform to help mid-life women and the next generation of women to get information that is greatly needed about what can be the toughest decade of a woman’s life.   Today’s episode will be the last one on this topic for awhile, but it is a really great discussion I had with clinical psychologist Heather Irvine Rundle.  I do want to encourage men to listen today as well as there is useful information to help anyone manage their nervous system state.  As a disclaimer today’s episode is for general educational purposes and in no way should be taken as diagnostic or medical advice.  Listeners are encouraged to seek their own guidance regarding their physical and mental health from medical professionals.  Now a little about my guest Heather Irvine-Rundle is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years experience working in various roles throughout the UK and Australia. She is passionate about health care for women, and has a particular interest in working with women with postnatal depression, premenstrual dysmorphic disorder, menopause and women with trauma histories. Heather founded My Menopause Matters in response to the gap in the psychological care of women at this important stage in their lives. Bringing together her experience in psychology and lifestyle medicine, as well as training in the EMBERS menopause program in the UK, Heather developed the My Peri Matters Program. In addition to My Menopause Matters, Heather is a director of THE READ CLINIC [https://thereadclinic.com/] on the NSW Central Coast, and is a sought-after speaker and presenter. We discuss many things today and strategies to help navigate this difficult time for women, which doesn’t just affect women, it affects their spouses or partners and also their children. Heather will be talking about a supportive and affordable program she has created which she believes is a world’s first which combines “the first one we know of in the world that combines lifestyle medicine which is your exercise, diet, sleep, mindfulness.  It combines autonomic nervous system regulation and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) through a trauma lens.” My Peri Matters (MPM) is a CBT-Plus program designed to address the mental, emotional and physical shifts of menopause with science, not stigma. We help women move from overwhelmed to empowered. The My Peri Matters (MPM) program has been designed by women, for women, to help you manage your perimenopause symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, disrupted sleep, and hot flushes – all while building resilience, emotional clarity, and physical well-being. Now to today’s interview with Heather Irvine Rundle. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and if you would like to hear more about perimenopause and women’s health please go back and listen to episodes 6, 8, 9, and 10 and 15 in this podcast.   Please subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and also I would be grateful if you would share this podcast.   Thanks again for listening see you next time. Stats & Links 1. The Read Clinic Psychology: “The READ Clinic is the oldest and largest psychology practice on the Central Coast. Our clinics at Erina and West Gosford are home to over 40 psychologists and therapists dedicated to providing high quality, evidence-based psychology services. With over 45 practitioners offering psychology services at the READ Clinic there is someone for everyone. Our administration team is trained to help you find the right therapist for you.” https://mymenopausematters.com.au/ https://mymenopausematters.com.au/my-peri-matters/ [https://mymenopausematters.com.au/my-peri-matters/] 1. The Gottman Institute: https://www.gottman.com/about/ Our Mission Is to Foster and Sustain Greater Love and Health in Relationships “We recognize the challenges facing families today and believe that everyone deserves compassion. Our mission is to foster and sustain greater love and health in relationships. To achieve this, we actively reach out to families, offering support and resources designed to enhance relationship dynamics. We commit to ongoing, rigorous research programs that deepen our understanding of relationships and contribute to well-evaluated intervention strategies. Our goal is to ensure that our services are accessible to everyone, regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. We are also committed to the care and support of our Institute team, as we know that compassion must begin with ourselves.” https://www.gottman.com/blog/navigating-perimenopause-together-how-to-strengthen-your-relationship-in-midlife/ [https://www.gottman.com/blog/navigating-perimenopause-together-how-to-strengthen-your-relationship-in-midlife/] 1. Australasian Menopause Society – Supporting Midlife Women: https://www.menopause.org.au/about-ams/ [https://www.menopause.org.au/about-ams/] “The Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) is a professional community dedicated to supporting health professionals who care for women through midlife, menopause, and beyond. Together, we share knowledge, resources, and connections to advance evidence-based practice and improve women’s health.” 1. Circle of Security International: https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/ [https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/] John Bowlby, the "father" of attachment theory, described its importance: "Intimate attachments to other human beings are the hub around which a person's life revolves, not only as an infant or a toddler or a schoolchild but throughout adolescence and years of maturity as well, and on into old age. From these intimate attachments a person draws strength and enjoyment of life and, through what he contributes, gives strength and enjoyment to others. These are matters about which current science and traditional wisdom are at one." 1. The Holistic Psychologist - Reparenting: https://theholisticpsychologist.com/what-is-reparenting-and-how-to-begin/ [https://theholisticpsychologist.com/what-is-reparenting-and-how-to-begin/] “We can only give others what we have practiced giving ourselves.” I’ve worked with all different demographics of people. Over time I’ve come to understand that most people seek help for relationship “communication problems”, destructive habits (addiction, self-sabotage), identity confusion (“Who AM I”), and generalized feelings of low-self worth. Each of these issues manifest differently, but they’re all tied to one thing: conditioned behavior practiced since childhood. Some of you reading this might be thinking “My childhood is over, there’s no reason to go back there.” Or “If my childhood is where I learned most of my coping mechanisms, I’m screwed.” We tend to be protective and defensive around our childhood experience, but the truth is we have a unique opportunity to heal and consciously choose different behavior as adults. Regardless of what we have experienced in our past. This process is called reparenting.  Reparenting the Inner Child & Breaking Patterns with Dr. Nicole LePera, The Holistic Psychologist – Heal with Kelly podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q0sh7niA8I [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q0sh7niA8I] 1. The Attachment Project: https://www.attachmentproject.com/ [https://www.attachmentproject.com/] The Attachment Project’s genesis was born from the drive to distribute it’s insights on human attachment, as well as it’s alternative approaches to healing, to as many people as possible.  Today, people from all over the world are discovering more about their attachment styles using our online tools. Our goal is to keep expanding and finding new ways to raise awareness and interest in the science of human attachment.                 See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Coastal Goddess Women's Health Lunch Gynaecological Cancer & Perimenopause at Voco 02.05.26

Show Notes: Welcome back to Central Coast Stories, and if you are joining me for the first time, a very big welcome to you.  I am a journalist and your host Kayleen Bell and this is a Sunrise Sound Productions podcast.  On the 2nd of May, 2026 I had the pleasure of attending a Women’s Health Luncheon held at the VOCO Ballroom in Gosford.  This event was organised by Dr Kelly Needham and her wonderful team from Coastal Goddess in Saratoga.  The main purpose of this event was to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers and raise much needed funds to help support and save women through research.  The community event raised $30,000 in one short afternoon, bringing the total raised by Coastal Goddess, over five years to $115,000.  All funds raised are donated to WomenCan whose mission is to fund research and improve outcomes and provide hope for women.  WomenCan supports the Peak National Gynaecological Cancer Research Group to help advance research and save women’s lives. Another parallel but certainly main feature of the event was the emphasis on education around perimenopause.  Dr Kelly Needham says “Menopause is not a niche issue.  It affects half the population, yet countless women are still suffering without support.  Add to that the devastating reality of gynaecological cancer, where over 42,900 children are projected to lose their mothers in the next ten years, and the need for action becomes undeniable.  This is why the wanted to put on this event.   Federal member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid, officially opened the event, and journalist, author and media personality Shelly Horton did a fabulous job as MC of the event.  Shelly has been very public about her own difficult journey navigating perimenopause.  This was a very difficult edit to reduce a whole afternoon of important information down to this one episode.  There are a few speakers I have prioritised with a short snippet from the other great speakers. There will be helpful links in the show notes and you can also book a consult of course with the team at Coastal Goddess.   This episode will feature terms and descriptions of female anatomy and as such may not be suitable for young listeners.  I would encourage men not to switch off though, and to listen to the whole episode, to help better understand and support the wonderful women in their lives.  The information in this podcast is for education purposes and not diagnostic purposes.  Listeners are encouraged to seek personal, medical advice from their primary health physicians or professionals with menopause interest. Lastly there is a brief mention of suicide statistics and if at any time you wish to speak to someone during this podcast please remember there is phone support available from Lifeline 13 11 14.   Next episode of Central Coast Stories will publish mid to late June and it will be a discussion with Clinical Psychologist Heather Irvine-Rundle on her CBT program to help perimenopausal women as briefly mentioned in today’s episode. This episode was produced by Kayleen Bell, Journalist and host and owner of Sunrise Sound Productions - If you want to talk about how I can help you with your own event or podcast please email me at sunrisesoundproductions@gmail.comIf you have some interesting stories for me to investigate covering for Central Coast Stories podcast please email centralcoaststories@gmail.com As always thanks again for listening and please subscribe and share!! Thank you. Helpful Links: Dr Kelly Needham & The Coastal Goddess teamCosmetic & Women's Health Cliniccoastalgoddess.com.au [https://coastalgoddess.com.au/] Shelly Horton Book "I'm Your Peri Godmother"  Buy the book here: https://geni.us/ImYourPeriGodmother [https://geni.us/ImYourPeriGodmother] & On Audible here:  https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Im-Your-Peri-Godmother-Audiobook/B0FJ22M2KH [https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Im-Your-Peri-Godmother-Audiobook/B0FJ22M2KH] Following the event Shelly Horton announced a women's health tour on Today Extra a peri-menopause tour.  This is called "Hot, Healthy & Unbreakable! Midlife: Reimagined" in Australia.  This tour starts on Thursday 30/7/26 in Perth, followed by two shows in Adelaide on Sunday 02/08/26, then Melbourne on Monday 03/08/26.  Then Sydney on Thursday 06/08/26 and ending with two shows in Brisbane on Sunday 09/08/26.   Shelly will be hosting the event and will be joined by "Dr Vonda Wright, US orthopaedic surgeon loved by Australian audiences will focus on strength, longevity and staying physically powerful through midlife so that you become unbreakable from the inside out; and Dr Kelly Casperson, Urologist and expert in hormonal shifts you are experiencing in sexual and pelvic health; who will reassure you that you are not broken. Tickets are on sale via this link https://www.tegdainty.com/tour/hot-healthy-unbreakable [https://www.tegdainty.com/tour/hot-healthy-unbreakable] Shelly also consults with individuals to help assist their perimenopause journey at work via think link Peri Godmother at Workhttps://shellshockedmedia.com/im-your-peri-godmother/ [https://shellshockedmedia.com/im-your-peri-godmother/] WomenCan - Saving Lives “Over 7000 women in Australia and New Zealand are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer every year"https://www.womencan.org.au/about [https://www.womencan.org.au/about] PANEL: Obstetrician & Gynaecologist:  Dr Peta Skilbeck https://intuitionprivate.com.au/team/dr-peta-skilbeck/ [https://intuitionprivate.com.au/team/dr-peta-skilbeck/] Obstetrician & Gynaecologist:  Dr Helen Manning https://intuitionprivate.com.au/team/dr-helen-manning/ [https://intuitionprivate.com.au/team/dr-helen-manning/]   [There were venue mic issues on the day and Helen’s audio was not clear to include in the podcast]  Nutritionist:  Karen Aroney - Founder of ExecFuel Nutrition - Optimise Your Health During Perimenopause & Menopause E-Bookhttps://www.execfuel.com.au/store/p/optimize-your-health-during-perimenopause-menopause [https://www.execfuel.com.au/store/p/optimize-your-health-during-perimenopause-menopause] GP with special interest in Menopause:  Dr Shauna Watts - "All About You"Podcast https://www.allaboutyoupod.com/ [https://www.allaboutyoupod.com/] Clinical Psychologist: Heather Irvine-Rundle  - My Peri Matters Program (CBT) provides non-pharmaceutical interventions https://mymenopausematters.com.au/my-peri-matters/ [https://mymenopausematters.com.au/my-peri-matters/]https://mymenopausematters.com.au/ [https://mymenopausematters.com.au/] Women’s Health Physiotherapist: Lauren Thomson Physiozesthttps://physiozest.com.au/team/lauren-thomson/ [https://physiozest.com.au/team/lauren-thomson/] Mental Health  Central Coast Stories Podcast Episode 6 - Craig Gaunt & Perimenopausal Depression - Lots of helpful information in the “view Description” tab. Produced by Kayleen Bell Journalist - A Sunrise Sound Productionshttps://omny.fm/shows/central-coast-stories/ep-6-craig-gaunt-perimenopause-debbie-gaunt-founda?in_playlist=podcast#sharing [https://omny.fm/shows/central-coast-stories/ep-6-craig-gaunt-perimenopause-debbie-gaunt-founda?in_playlist=podcast#sharing] Lifeline 13 11 14 Supporting Your Partner Help Sheet - Menopause Alliancehttps://menopausealliance.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Supporting-Your-Partner-PDF.pdf [https://menopausealliance.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Supporting-Your-Partner-PDF.pdf] Brain Fog During Menopause Transition - Assessment help sheet (great to take to a GP visit) created by Psychiatrist Professor Jayashri Kulkarni Monash Her Centre Australia - Monash University https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/3800419/meno_31_11_2024_08_05_cgurvich_meno-d-24-00079_sdc2.pdf [https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/3800419/meno_31_11_2024_08_05_cgurvich_meno-d-24-00079_sdc2.pdf] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Ep 14 Dr John Irvine on "Music and the Mind" Dementia news plus music event CCGS funds to NeuRA Dementia Research 26.08.25 6.00pm

Welcome back to Central Coast Stories podcast.  I am a journalist and your host Kayleen Bell. Last week I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down in the Rhema Central Coast studios to interview clinical psychologist Dr John Irvine. He is one of the foundation team members organising an event at the Central Coast Grammar School. It is called "Music and the Mind." The concert will be held on Tuesday, the 26th of August, starting at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start.  The location is Central Coast Grammar School Performing Arts Centre at Arundel Road, Erina Heights.  The tickets are $35.00 for adults, $30.00 for concession card holders and students.  Discounts are available for group bookings and if you require wheelchair access you can contact the box office on (02) 43 65 84 97.  It will be a special evening of music, memories and meaning showcasing 40 years of musical talent.  You will hear from talented student and alumni performers. You will hear from paediatric psychologist Dr John Irvine, he will share his heartfelt mission, and memoir “80 Stories High.” You will also hear about powerful new developments in dementia research and how music therapy can support those living with dementia.  Proceeds from tickets and the book sales will help fund NeuRA in their fight to cure dementia and improve brain health through collaboration and innovation.   John has been a nationally recognised identity in the field of family psychology for many years. Dr John, together with his brother, Warwick, established the READ clinic in 1981, here on the Central Coast.   It is now the largest specialist psychology clinic in the region. Recently Dr John Irvine wrote a book dedicated to the wonderful children, parents, colleagues and grandparents he met in his many years in private practice, many of the stories come from his many years working at the CCGS as Consultant Psychologist under the Headmaster, Richard Lornie, OAM.  The book “80 Stories High; uplifting tales of humble heroes,” was also edited by Richard.  As John’s brother now has Vascular Dementia, all profits from the book go to NeuRA; the Dementia Research facility, attached to the UNSW. Disclaimer: I just want to point out that this podcast is for information purposes only.   Listeners are advised to discuss any of the medical interventions, vaccines or medicines mentioned in today’s episode with their professional GP before consuming any medication. At this event you will hear about breakthroughs in dementia research, which Dr John calls “green shoots” and how our neural pathways connect when music is enjoyed.    You will hear a lot more about this in today’s discussion.  Tickets https://auccgs.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150515 [https://auccgs.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150515] If you require assistance to purchase your ticket, are interested in a group/bus booking or wish to select a wheelchair access seat, please contact our friendly box office team on 02 4365 8497.   Dr John Irvine (Article on 80 Stories High) https://onthecoastpublications.com.au/onthecoastover55/dr-john-irvine-80-stories-high-interview/ NeuRA https://neura.edu.au/ [https://neura.edu.au/] General enquiries Please contact NeuRA reception on +61 2 9399 1000. [tel:+61293991000] Media enquiries Head of Communications, NeuRA Media Department on T: +61 4 5214 0477 [tel:+61452140477] or email media@neura.edu.au. [media@neura.edu.au] Donation and fundraising enquiries Please contact the Fundraising team on 1300 888 019 or email supporter@neura.edu.au [supporter@neura.edu.au]. Dementia Australia:  https://www.dementia.org.au/ [https://www.dementia.org.au/]   Alive Inside Documentary trailer https://youtu.be/fVkrI1R0XjA?feature=shared https://www.aliveinside.us/#land [https://www.aliveinside.us/#land] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H52mwVz8seg [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H52mwVz8seg]  More about the film with the makers   Garry’s Dream Audio story written and Produced by Journalist  Kayleen Bell (Broadcast in 2017 on ABC) – Younger Onset Dementia https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lifematters/garrys-dream/9103594       See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Ep 13 Journey of the Cross at Haasts Bluff NT 2024 with singers Part 3

Welcome back to a new season (3) of Central Coast Stories.  My name is Kayleen Bell.  I am a journalist and audio storyteller.  If you are joining as a new listener for the first time, a very big welcome to you.  I am so glad to be back for a new season after a ridiculously long unexpected break.  Life has come in like a flood several times and steered me off course for awhile.  But I am so glad to be back, doing what I love, finding and producing audio stories and interviewing lovely people on the Central Coast and sometimes people not living here but connected to the lovely Central Coast in some way. Nestled amongst some magnificent gum trees on the NSW Central Coast, Australia, you will find the Ken Duncan Gallery.  Ken Duncan is a world renown photographer.  His stunning photography is a reflection of the talent that he has spent five decades developing.  But what many people may not know about Ken Duncan is his passion and dedication and service to the remote Indigenous communities in and around Haasts Bluff in the Northern Territory.  Haasts Bluff is home to the Ikuntji community. In May this year, 2024, I had the wonderful privilege and opportunity to travel to the NT with Ken Duncan and fellow travellers on the first cultural tour to the lovely Haasts Bluff community.  I was blown away by this community, the peace in this community, the beauty of this community and the scenery.  It is not every day you get the chance to eat a honey ant straight out of the beautiful red earth of Australia, or wait at sunrise by  a waterhole for wild brumbies (two of my favourite experiences besides the walk up Memory Mountain).   We were warmly greeted when we arrived at the Alice Springs Terminal after flying in from all over the country.  There was myself and ten other fellow travellers and we headed in landrovers and made the three hour journey out to Haasts Bluff and we arrived on dusk just as the sun was setting to get our first glimpse of the cross up there on Memory Mountain.  I can't recommend it highly enough.  It was one of the most special experiences of my life.  The majesty from up there on that mountain when you are standing at that enormous cross and you are looking out at that 360 degree panorama is just breathtaking.  It is worth going just for that!   But to also get to be in the community, walk alongside the members of the community, and get to know them was also a real treat.  So as part of my collection of interviews from this NT trip.  First of all I have an interview with Ken Duncan and I chatting with a little bit of audio special magic in the background.  Then there will be  a second piece with mostly the voices of the community and fellow travellers and I will be narrating that one.  And then lastly, there is a third piece that I would like to play, which is more along the Christian history of the communities around Haasts Bluff and why they wanted the cross, and also the Indigenous evangelists that came to this area over 100 years ago.  And in the background of that piece there is some beautiful singing in language and one of their lovely elders Douglas is singing The Rugged Cross and it is just beautiful.  So I will be publishing these over the next few weeks and sit back and enjoy.   It is good to be back. Please subscribe so you don't miss an episode and consider rating or reviewing this podcast.  And I would be very grateful if you would share this podcast.  Thank you. For more information about the cross on memory mountain at Haasts Bluff and the tours or to make a donation you can go to the links below. https://walkawhile.org.au/ [https://walkawhile.org.au/] or https://memorymountain.com.au/ [https://memorymountain.com.au/] Please contact me if you wish at TalkingPFAS@gmail.com [TalkingPFAS@gmail.com] TalkingPFAS is my other podcast (covering PFAS in Australia and around the world). All information in this podcast is copyright.  This podcast episode in its entirety can by shared but no part of this podcast can be reproduced in any form without permission from the rights holder, Kayleen Bell Journalist.   Thank you so much for listening !! HISTORY: NB This history contains names of deceased Indigenous people.  From the plaques at the Memory Mountain Monument: Out the front of the Church at Haasts Bluff is a sign with the following information: The Lutheran Church at Ikuntji/Haasts Bluff "The first mission journey to this area was made in 1923 by Aboriginal Evangelists Nathanael and his wife Maria and Jacobus and his wife Alma.  It is because of them and the people who followed that the Haasts Bluff settlement was established." "On Sunday 25 September 1949 the old Lobethal SA bell sounded the call to come to worship and celebrate the dedication of the Haasts Bluff Lutheran Church.  The Church leaders who took part were Pastors Reuther and Pech, Pastors F W Albrecht and Gross, Evangelists Moses, Abel, Titus, Alexander, Obed, Joses, Albert, Richard and Traugott and Mr Kischade who was in charge at Areyonga.  Pastor Albrecht and Mr T G H Strehlow had translated into Arrarnta an order of service for opening the church doors and dedicating the church at the altar." 1930 - Evangelists "In 1930 Titus and Rolf were the first evangelists to make a permanent camp in the Haasts Bluff area.  These men were to provide food for the people coming in from the desert and to encourage them to settle down in the area.  Frank River Mission." 1946 - The Building "The church building was erected in 1946 by Lou Borgelt, Cliff Thompson and Erwin Heinrich assisted by local men Benjamin, Gordon, Stephen, Henry, Talbolba and Nabo.  The building  had been pre-fabricated in Adelaide by Mr Thompson.  Money was raised by showing films of Central Australia down south." Herman and Elizabeth Pech "In 1947 Pastor Herman Pech and his wife Elizabeth were appointed the first full-time missionaries at Haasts Bluff.  They established a huge vegetable garden which provided food for the whole settlement and also kept a herd of goats.  Herman and Elizabeth stayed until 1955 when Pastor P A Scherer took over." 1948 - A Hospital "When a measles epidemic broke out in 1948, the only building to house the patients was the church building.  This was before it was dedicated as a church.  In this building many lives were saved." 2019 - 70th Anniversary In 2019 the Church celebrated its 70th Anniversary.  Services are still held in the Church and it is also used for funerals and sing-alongs.        See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.