Speak My Language

Filling Your Cup: Tania Lewis on Finding Her Purpose

Tania Lewis is a proud Awabakal woman, mother, wife, and disability advocate. She leads an active outdoors lifestyle, and since acquiring her disability after having a stroke in 2011, Tania has found drive and purpose in advocating for her peers and building connection.

Back to Country: Paulette Bumarda on Securing Support and Returning to Family

Originally from the remote community of Gunbalanya, approximately 300 km from Darwin, Paulette Bumarda now lives in an assisted living residence to receive essential support for her complex care needs. Paulette lives with a rare degenerative condition known as Machado-Joseph Disease. While support is vital, it is equally important to her to return to Gunbalanya to stay connected with family and Country.

Advocacy and Academics: Dr Sheelagh Daniels-Mayes and Causing Trouble on Campus

Dr Sheelagh Daniels-Mayes is a Gomeroi woman with low vision. She is a Lecturer in Indigenous Studies and Deputy Associate Dean (Diversity & Inclusion – Disability) in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne. Her research applies an intersectional lens to the sociology of racism, Critical Indigenous Studies and Critical Disability Studies. Drawing on training in education, psychology, sociology and criminology, her publications explore a diversity of subjects.

Tunes and Technology: ICONYX on Developing Her Own Sound

ICONYX, a young emerging artist from the East Kimberley, is a passionate songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. As an artist who navigates life without sight, her storytelling is connected to Country, influenced by family and supported with new and old technologies.

Dreaming Big: Malachi Canning on Pursuing Athletics

Malachi Canning is rewriting what’s possible in para-athletics. Holding five Australian records across long jump, discus and shot put, Malachi traces his journey from Lismore Little Athletics to wearing green and gold at the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games in Brisbane and the 2023 Virtus Global Games in France. In this episode, he opens up about the mindset behind record-breaking performances, how he got his start with Lismore Little Athletics, and how he now has his sights set on competing at the Paralympics.