North Richmond Community Health Podcast

Ep.35: Our Shared Stories: Cultural diversity in Australia and building an inclusive society

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).

Ep.34: Van’s Culinary Journey: From Vietnam to Australia

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. 

Ep 33: Cultural Perceptions of Family Violence

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/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ep. 32: What does it take to build a healthier community?

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

 

 

 

Ep.31: Lifelines: Community Naloxone Program

Content warning: This episode will discuss drug overdoses in detail, which may be disturbing to some listeners. 

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You can learn to save a life in 5 minutes and 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.

 

 

 

Special thanks to:

Crios O'Mahony, Proactive Overdose Response Initiative (PORI) Coordinator

and local residents:

Judy, Tanya and Elizabeth

 

Music:

Ripples: Ketsa

Le Lac: Sara Afonso

NRCH intro theme: Tom Mitchell

 

 

Ep. 30 Embracing Freedom: Khanh’s Journey as a Refugee in Australia

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

 

Ep. 29: Walking the Path to a Healthier Life: with the Men’s Walking Group

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 impact that making small changes can have on our 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

Ep. 28: Addressing mental health stigma in African communities

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

 

 

Ep. 27: Vape Escape: the hidden dangers of vaping

In this episode, Kuich (NRCH Health and Wellbeing Officer ) leads the discussion with two other young people and a compassionate counsellor from Cancer Council Victoria, in an eye-opening discussion about vaping. 

 

This episode was also filmed as a video podcast, which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/2ipN4ogDQ8c

 

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.

Special thanks to Yarra Youth Services for hosting us, Cancer Council Victoria, and QUIT for your guidance and support.

  Presented by:

Kuich Johnson: Health and Wellbeing Officer at NRCH

Guests: 

Honey

Henry

Teresa Ponchard - Quitline counsellor

 

 

Ep:26 Transforming Healthcare for Muslim Women

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.

 

Guest:  Rida Aleem Khan

Presenter: Mia Birrell

 

Music: 

9 Days- Ketsa

Podcast theme - Tom Mitchell