VisAbility Radio on Demand

Ep 23: Love, dating and relationships for people who are vision impaired or blind

Dating in the 21st century is largely a visual experience, swiping left or right through polished profiles on dating apps. But, living with a vision impairment presents its own set of challenges.

In this episode, Clinical Psychologist Davinia and Youth Support Officer Ryan talk about love, dating and relationships for people who are blind or vision impaired.

They discuss their own dating experiences, staying safe and whether to disclose a vision impairment prior to meeting someone for the first time.

VisAbility Annual Review 2019

This is the audio version of VisAbility's 2019 Annual Review. Listen to our welcome from the Chair and Acting CEO, review our financials and treasurer's report, and hear a summary of highlights for VisAbility, Guide Dogs WA and Guide Dogs Tasmania.

Ep 22: "The Young Ones", Ryan Honschooten - Just Why It Matters

The Young Ones... how different are young people with a vision-impairment from their earlier generations? How has digital technology and new support systems influenced their response to living with blindness and low-Vision? Ryan Honschooten, Youth Support Coordinator at VisAbility, shares his observations and experience from his many years working with children and youths across a wide age-spectrum. We talked about their aspirations, anxieties and other issues which are common phases of growing up plus examining  other aspects peculiar to a youth living without sight.

Ep 21: "You've Got A Friend?", Jane Hannay - Just Why It Matters

You’ve Got A Friend?

Forget relying on social media to make new friends, there are others out there who share the same interests and who may be looking for company to do things together. Face-to-face interaction is loads more fun than “virtual  togetherness” but where do you start? Jane Hannay, a Community Builder at the wildly popular social connector organisation, Befriend, tells us how easy and rewarding it can be. Listen and start connecting with people now.  

Ep 20: "Gratitude", Kayla Brook - Just Why It Matters

Gratitude… Why being grateful really works out to be the better choice.

People call it an “Attitude of Gratitude” and by other names, but it really is firstly a virtue. So why should you and I be grateful, what can we be grateful for and how do we make it a part of our daily responses to the things that happen, even in those difficult moments?. Kayla Brooke, Employee Experience Officer at VisAbility, shares with us what she has learned about being grateful, how we can make a difference for nearly anyone we meet and help change things for the better.

Ep 19: "Baby, baby here we come!", Sinead Bryant - Just Why It Matters

Baby, baby here we come! Pregnancy can be both exciting and nerve-wrecking for any woman but what if you are vision-impaired? Sinead Bryant talks about how she discovered that baby was on the way and what she has been doing to prepare for baby Bryant’s birth. She shares some of the comical moments that will become part of her family’s memories along with  what she learned that has helped her experience a beautiful pregnancy despite her vision-impairment. This is one that no woman will want to miss.

Ep 18: Business Monologue - Just Why It Matters

Ever thought of minding your own business when traditional employment isn’t quite working?

 

Are you running into roadblocks on the traditional employment routes!? I would like to suggest taking some time to consider starting your very own business.

 

In this monologue Kenneth Phua challenges you to take stock of the skills and talents which you possess, regardless of what field of work it came from or what direct relevance these seem to have presently, and honestly assess if there might be something which could carve out an alternative source of income. Even your experience of disability can play into this - a surprising card that just might work in your favour. You will never know until you give it a go.

The Blind Argument – Episode 7 “Accepting sight loss”

Many people naturally find it hard to talk about the loss of their vision. Each individual will accept their disability at different stages.

How much should people know about your vision impairment and does it inevitably label you, so it may preclude you from social events?

In this latest edition of The Blind Argument, Clinical Psychologist Davinia Lefroy and Youth Support Officer Ryan Honschooten talk about acceptance and disclosure of vision impairment through their own lived experiences.

They look at it from a parent’s perspective as well as an individual one and discuss whether you should mention it in situations such as applying for a job or talking to someone new over a phone.

The Blind Argument – Episode 6 “Accessibility – what does it mean?”

It’s a word which has so many meanings and which is being used more and more in everyday life - we’re talking accessibility.

But what is accessibility and why is it so important? Accessibility comes in many forms and helps us to lead independent lives.

In this latest edition of The Blind Argument, Clinical Psychologist Davinia Lefroy and Youth Support Officer Ryan Honschooten talk about what accessibility means to them.

From Ryan’s frustrations to an app which claimed to be accessible, but wasn’t, and Davinia’s experience of travelling with a travel pass on public transport out of state, they mull over accessibility and inclusivity issues.

The Blind Argument - Episode 5 “Achieving independence”

We’re all being told how beneficial it is to be your own independent person, but it's easy to fall into the trap of relying on others.

How do you feel if you have to ask for help such as asking for directions to the bathroom? It’s natural not to want to seek assistance, because you may feel that you are burdening others.

In this latest edition of The Blind Argument, Clinical Psychologist Davinia Lefroy and Youth Support Officer Ryan Honschooten discuss ways we can achieve
independence through their own personal experiences and how best to deal with those situations which may prove challenging.

Ep 17: "Anticipation", Peter Renzullo - Just Why It Matters

“Anticipation” … Don’t Miss this movie coming out in August.

Peter Renzullo’s 112-minute feature film premieres in Perth on 11 August and on this episode Peter spoke about his experience in making this movie. He is a musician, a sound recording expert, a film-maker and also a legally blind person. So who says you have to be sighted to make a movie huh?

The Blind Argument - Episode 4 "Communication and Advocacy"

How do you communicate? Social media has had a big impact on the way we communicate especially among the younger generation.

If you have a vision impairment or are blind what’s the best way of getting someone’s attention? Perhaps you think it’s still important to position yourself so you are directly in front of someone when you are communicating with them.

In this latest edition of The Blind Argument, Clinical Psychologist Davinia Lefroy and Youth Support Officer Ryan Honschooten debate views and offer tips on interacting with others.

Ep 16: "Look What's Coming Out of the Wood", William Ford & Reg Pollan - Just Why It Matters

Look What’s Coming Out of the Wood… They make everything from bread-cutting boards. Coffee tables and wine-racks. These men and ladies are making furniture and having loads of fun, end yes they are all vision-impaired. Listen to William Ford and Reg Pollan talk about how it all comes together.

Ep 15: A Few Thoughts about "Just Why It Matters"

A  Few Thoughts about  “Just Why It Matters”

There are no two identical blind people. Each has his or her own aspirations, struggles, interests and yes even  their own quirks. That’s why I am sharing some of my own on this episode when I pull away part of the curtain to tell you somethings about myself. Kenneth Phua, host of “Just Why It Matters” speaks candidly in a monologue.

Ep 14: "Brain Injury and Blindness.. what you need to know", Donna Lindop - Just Why It Matters

Brain Injury and Blindness… what you need to know.

Can an injury to the brain result in blindness or a permanent vision impairment? What is the difference between a traumatic brain injury and an acquired brain injury? Is blindness caused by a brain injury necessarily the same as that linked to the health of the eye? Learn more by listening to this conversation with Occupational Therapist Donna Lindop. 

Ep 13: Making Education Accessible for Students with a Vision Impairment, Laura Hawkins - Just Why It Matters

Making Education Accessible for Students with a Vision Impairment. There are challenges, no doubt, but with the expanded knowledge in pedagogy developed particularly to meet the needs of people with vision impairment, opportunities for young children as well as those moving on to higher learning are becoming more accessible. Listen to Laura Hawkins, a psychologist, as she explains some of the challenges and break-through's in this field of education.

Ep 12: "No Broken Wings", Georgie Beasley - Just Why It Matters

Georgie is a young woman who is beginning to spread her wings to take on life. She talks about overcoming the trials of blindness as she sets out to chase her dreams and what she is learning along the way. Leaving her family home in the country where she grew up, Georgie is not afraid to have big dreams and not afraid to learn how different life in Perth can be.

Ep 11: "Looking Back and Ahead", Exclusive Interview with Dr. Clare Allen, CEO VisAbility - Just Why It Matters

In this interview with Dr. Allen she prepares to write the next chapter of her career after leading VisAbility for six years, she shares how she got started in her work in the disability sector, the lessons she has learned from people with disability, what she holds dear and why she will keep on doing what she feels called to. Join me in this exclusive interview.

Ep 10: Emmanuel Lee, Beyond Blindess - Just Why It Matters

Emmanuel Lee shares his journey of life which was interrupted, by the onset of blindness, but never halted. His story is characterised by a willingness to take on challenges and turn them into opportunities to develop new strengths which has led him to become a man of many talents.

Ep 9: What makes for a great work environment? Nilesh Makwana, CEO Illuminence - Just Why It Matters

What makes for a great work environment? A place where your ability and performance is considered as primary rather than a known disability. Nilesh shares his guiding  philosophy which informs his every decision concerning building a company which not only has a spirit of excellence but is founded on the high grounds of equal opportunity, co-creation and trust.

The Blind Argument - Episode 3 "Public Transport: Taxis vs Uber"

The Blind Argument is a debate-style podcast that discusses ‘hot’ topics that surround people living with disability, more specifically vision impairment and blindness.

Clinical Psychologist Davinia Lefroy and Youth Support Officer Ryan Honschooten debate these issues through their past and lived experience, and in doing so offer insights, education and understanding for people living with or without disability. One thing they both agree on is that there’s more than one ‘right’ way of doing things.

The Blind Argument - Episode 2 "Public Transport"

The Blind Argument is a debate-style podcast that discusses ‘hot’ topics that surround people living with disability, more specifically vision impairment and blindness.

Clinical Psychologist Davinia Lefroy and Youth Support Officer Ryan Honschooten debate these issues through their past and lived experience, and in doing so offer insights, education and understanding for people living with or without disability. One thing they both agree on is that there’s more than one ‘right’ way of doing things.

The Blind Argument - Episode 1 "Tough Love vs Nurturing"

The Blind Argument is a debate-style podcast that discusses ‘hot’ topics that surround people living with disability, more specifically vision impairment and blindness.

Clinical Psychologist Davinia Lefroy and Youth Support Officer Ryan Honschooten debate these issues through their past and lived experience, and in doing so offer insights, education and understanding for people living with or without disability. One thing they both agree on is that there’s more than one ‘right’ way of doing things.

Ep 3: Work - Live, Play, Work with AT Chat & VisAbility

Episode Three of the Live, Play, Work series is brought to you by AT Chat from the Independent Living Centre WA and VisAbility. This episode is called Work and focuses on how assistive technology (AT) can be an integral part of increasing productivity, communication and even getting to and from the workplace.

In this episode hear suggestions from expert assistive technology user Zel Iscel who was born blind and VisAbility Occupational Therapist Karen Titheridge. Hosted by AT Chat’s Danielle Loizou-Lake this engaging episode will give you ideas to become more efficient with your work.

Links to assistive technology mentioned in the episode:

Screen readers:

Jaws, NVDA

Screen magnification:

Zoom Text, Zoom Text Fusion

Humanware Screen Magnification range:

Desktop magnifier, Handheld magnifier, Digital Magnifier

Text to Speech apps:

Seeing AI App, KNFB Reader

Voice Over:

Voiceover Guide for IOS

Android Accessibility:

Android Talkback tips

Navigation Apps:

Google maps, Apple Maps, Blindquare, Moovit (Apple), Moovit (Google)

Headphone/headsets:

Bone conducting headphones (AfterShokz)

Braille Embosser:

Braille Note (Humanware), Braille Sense (HIMS)

Ep 2: Play - Live, Play, Work with AT Chat & VisAbility

Episode Two of the Live, Play, Work series is brought to you by AT Chat from the Independent Living Centre WA and VisAbility. This episode is called Play, and focuses on how assistive technology (AT) and community groups can help you to be active, involved in sport, competing, or just having fun.

In this episode hear suggestions and ideas from expert assistive technology user Zel Iscel who was born blind and VisAbility Occupational Therapist Karen Titheridge. Hosted by AT Chat’s Danielle Loizou-Lake this fun and light-hearted episode will give you ideas on how to be active this summer! 

Links to community groups mentioned in the show:

Swish with Blind Citizens WA

Tandem Bike Riding with the WATCAC

VisAbility Sport, Recreation and Leisure Program

Rockingham Running Group with Achilles Australia

No Lights, No Lycra

Links to assistive technology mentioned in the show:

Golf and lawn bowls AT

Tactile markers for treadmills

Pacer Pedometer Step Tracker App (Apple)

Fishability Fishing expeditions

AT tips on fishing (The Blind Captain)

Ep 1: Live - Live, Play, Work with AT Chat & VisAbility

Episode One of the Live, Work, Play series brought to you by AT Chat from the Independent Living Centre WA and VisAbility. This episode is called Live, and focuses on how you can host a party, evening drinks or barbeque at home. Listen to how assistive technology (AT) can make you the perfect host. 

In this episode, hear suggestions and ideas from expert assistive technology user Zel Iscel who was born blind and VisAbility Occupational Therapist Karen Titheridge. Hosted by AT Chat’s Danielle Loizou-Lake this fun and light-hearted episode will provide you with low cost AT insights, ways to use apps and how to entertain using AT. 

Links to assistive technology mentioned in the show:

PenFriend 2 Labeller

Sunbeam Bread Slicing Guide

Superlux Florescent Equipoise Lamp or Daylight triple Bright Lamp (both of these are clamp-on options) 

Bump-Ons Adhesive Indicators or Touch Dots (these are tactile markers for kitchen appliances)

Envision App: ELI 

Seeing AI App

Be My Eyes App

Tactile ruler

Tips for making cocktails

General Liquid Level

Braille board games

Ep 8: Making Apps Work for You, Justin James, Bankwest - Just Why It Matters

In episode 8 of Just Why It Matters, Justin James, Development Manager for Mobile Apps at Bankwest and Kenneth Phua discuss 'Making Apps Work for You'. The rise of smart devices saw our increased reliance on the use of apps and raises the question about the accessibility of this interface for people with a disability.  Listen to Justin James talk about this ever-growing tech space and why Bankwest is devoting energy to its development.

Ep 7: Binaural Sound, Vithya Vijayakumare - Just Why It Matters

In Episode 7 of Just Why It Matters, Vithya Vijayakumare shares how binaural sound can transport the listener to a distant place and offer a completely immersive sound experience (just like standing on a beach facing the ocean’s waves as they break on the shore).

Ep5: She's Got the Look by Women On the Seen

Episode 5 of the Women on the Seen series is titled 'She's Got the Look Part 2'. You loved Part One of She's Got the Look. We talked about makeup to coordinating clothes, right down to styling your hair and discussed the many ways that women with vision impairment can use to fashion a look that works best for them. 

However we've had outcries of 'the look isn’t complete' until we’ve talked about shoes, handbags, nails and accessories. So listen as Sinead Quinn and Janet Pettigrew share tips on how a woman with vision-impairment completes the finished glamorous look!

Ep4: Money, Money, Money by Women On the Seen

Episode 4 of the Women on the Seen series is titled 'Money, money, money'. Does the notion of financial planning come across as unrealistic to you if your main income stream is a disability support pension or a part-time job?

Do you feel that making provisions for a secure financial future belongs only to women who hold full-time employment or who are sitting on piles of cash? Does the NDIS have any part in this equation? Get ideas to manage your finances better as Janet Pettigrew speaks with Katie McDonald and Christine Tinley about money, money, money.

Ep3: A Garden Good Enough to Eat by Women on the Seen

Episode 3 of the Women on the Seen series is titled 'A Garden Good Enough to Eat'. Janet Pettigrew speaks to Anita Seery, who makes her garden grow the most beautiful and nutritious plants. From growing plants outdoors to greens that frame your window sills, Anita has tips that can transform your experience of gardening.

Ep6: Home Safe Home, Sergeant Matthew Sharpe, WA Police - Just Why it Matters

The home should be the safe haven for anyone, perhaps even more so for a person living with a disability. Sargeant Matthew Sharp of the WA Police talks about the common mistakes we can make that compromise home security as well as the simple measures we can take to protect ourselves. Also learn how to deal with threatening situations which may occur outside the home.

Ep2: Don't Let Rainy Days Keep You Down by Women On The Seen

Welcome to the second episode of Women On The Seen. This week's episode is called Don’t Let Rainy Days Keep You Down!

Every woman experiences bouts of anxiety or periods of feeling down but what is it like for women with a disability or vision impairment? How can you recognize these moments and more importantly what can you do to seek relief? Clinical psychologist, Davinia Lefroy and social worker at VisAbility, Marija Clark talk about these issues and suggest practical strategies on this episode.

If you have loved what you hear, let us know by sending a message to kenneth.phua@visability.com.au. Don't forget you can subscribe to VisAbility Radio On Demand on iTunes to stay up to date with our latest episodes.

Ep6: All Things Digital, All Things Accessible

In this final episode, entitled All Your Questions Answered, we take on your questions including those about digital aids for the kitchen, robot guide dogs, self-monitoring health devices, apps for shoppers, gadgets supporting learning and more.   

Guests: Dr. Scott Hollier, Sinead Quinn

Ep1: She's Got the Look by Women On the Seen

Welcome to the first episode of Women On The Seen. This week's episode is called She's Got the Look!

From makeup to coordinating clothes, right down to styling your hair there are many ways that women with vision impairment can use to fashion a look that works best for them. Listen to two women who have worked out their own systems and get tips which you can start using for yourself.

If you have loved what you hear, let us know by sending a message to kenneth.phua@visability.com.au. Don't forget you can subscribe to VisAbility Radio On Demand on iTunes and stay up to date with our latest episodes.

Ep5: All Things Digital, All Things Accessible

Episode five of All Things Digital, All Things Accessible with expert Dr. Scott Hollier.

In episode five, Dr Scott discusses the international standards that can provide assurance of quality, compatibility and perhaps pricing of all things digital and accessible. Dr. Scott Hollier offers insights from the perspectives of one who is in a position of influence on the international front of the initiative.

Guest: Dr. Scott Hollier

Host: Kenneth Phua

Editor: Matthew Clark

Ep4: All Things Digital, All Things Accessible

Episode four of All Things Digital, All Things Accessible with expert Dr. Scott Hollier.

In episode four Dr. Scott Hollier ventures further out by taking a look at what developments are going to benefit the person with a vision impairment. From augmented reality and ‘wearables’ to self-drive cars, these all seem to be within reach, but will it be that simple?

Guest: Dr. Scott Hollier

Host: Kenneth Phua

Editor: Matthew Clark

New Women's Podcast - Women on the Seen - Coming Soon

VisAbility on Demand introduces a New Women's Podcast in April 2018

Beginning in April 2018, the all new Women's Podcast will deliver insight, inspiration and diverse perspectives from women in Western Australia living with disability. Covering careers, education, sport, technology, fashion and family life, this series will have conversations that connect with you. Be empowered to live your life the way you choose by following the journeys of women who are forging their own paths. Don’t miss it.

We're currently calling all ladies to join in the conversation on your very own program. Have an idea of a name that represents all of the above? Let us know! We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing kenneth.phua@visability.com.au.

Just Why It Matters - Ep 4: "Web Accessibility Camp 2018", David Masters

Listen to host Kenneth Phua's exclusive chat with David Masters, Director of Corporate Affairs at Microsoft Australia and keynote speaker at the 2018 Web Accessibility Camp. In episode 3 of the series Just Why It Matters, David discusses AI, inclusive design and the future of accessibility.

Just Why it Matters - Ep 3: Davinia Lefroy

Reality Check, Clinical psychologist, Davinia Lefroy is also legally blind and therefore she is perfectly qualified to talk about the role, the importance and the benefits of psychological therapy for people with disabilities. Listen as she explains and shares from the view point of an expert and from her lived experience.

Ep3: All Things Digital, All Things Accessible

Episode three of All Things Digital, All Things Accessible with expert Dr. Scott Hollier.

This week Dr. Scott Hollier discusses the Internet of Things. The “Internet of Things” is making its presence felt but what is it, how will it benefit us and what will the future look like with the explosion of IOT capabilities? Dr. Scott Hollier unpacks these as we talk through the main issues of an IOT world.

Have a question, comment or query for Dr. Scott? Comment below or email us at kenneth.phua@visability.com.au, and he’ll get back to you in the final episode!

Guest: Dr. Scott Hollier

Host: Kenneth Phua

Editor: Matthew Clark

 

Ep2: All Things Digital, All Things Accessible

Episode two of All Things Digital, All Things Accessible with expert Dr. Scott Hollier.

In the second instalment Dr. Scott Hollier chats about what’s important to know when it comes to internet security for a person who has low vision or who is blind. The conversation also addresses the question of privacy protection and the considerations we need to factor in when making decisions on accepting  the terms and conditions of a device or even a mobile app.

Have a question, comment or query for Dr. Scott? Comment below or email us at kenneth.phua@visability.com.au, and he’ll get back to you in the final episode!

Guest: Dr. Scott Hollier

Host: Kenneth Phua

Editor: Matthew Clark

Ep1: All Things Digital, All Things Accessible

Wondering what’s out there in the digital and tech space for people with disability? Listen now to episode one of All Things Digital, All Things Accessible! Ask expert Dr. Scott Hollier how you can benefit from home gadgets, safe internet use, digitally augmented reality visual devices, wearable technology, driverless vehicles and much more! All Things Digital, All Things Accessible is a new six-part series on VisAbility Radio on Demand. Stay tuned for more episodes.

In the first episode Dr scott Hollier gives us a broad view of what digital devices are and why it’s vital that accessibility should be part of the conversation. VisAbility Radio Host Kenneth and Dr Scott talk about what accessibility is and how it benefits people with vision impairments plus some of the common misconceptions surrounding this subject.

If you have a question for Dr Scott, send us it via email to kenneth.phua@visability.com.au and he will address it in our final episode 6.

Host: Kenneth Phua
Editor: Matthew Clark

Hiding Place - Talking Book Collection

Title: Hiding Place

Author: Dave Goddard

Narrator: Alan Needhan.

Genre: Australian Fiction

Note: Strong Language

Date Published: January 2017

URl -

• Daisy 2.02: http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/131544
• ePub3: http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/131667

Summary: "Here's some pidgin, Mick," and Garrick spoke rapidly. "Who been dat pella? Where him been prom? You been subby him? Him been talk punny way, ay? Him been kardiya bloke."What?" Mick shook his head  quickly."I said, 'who is that man? Where is he from? Do you know him? Doesn't he talk in a strange way? He's a stranger in this place'." It's 2017. Mick Wilson's wife has taken off from Adelaide with a long-haul truck-driver and Mick's two little kids. In an attempt to find his family, Mick, a brick-layer and former top-level Australian Rules footballer, blindly heads for Alice Springs. In Central Australia, where many people go to hide from their past, Mick finds a different and challenging world. He stumbles into work on a remote cattle station, with an Aboriginal community close by. He also finds three very different women who shape his destiny. Racial tensions, tangled personal relationships, a mysterious mountain range and a struggling Aboriginal community and football team force Mick to become  part of a strange new world and way of being. Across a cultural divide, new understandings emerge in the most unlikely ways. Through it all, Mick searches and aches for his kids, but because of the people he comes to know, he's never alone.

The Wiluna Solution - Talking Book Collection

Title: The Wiluna Solution

Author: Dave Goddard

Narrator: Elwyn Edwards

Genre: Detective and Mystery fiction, Suspense fiction, Crime stories.

Date Published: August 2016

URl -

• Daisy 2.02: http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/130815
• ePub3: http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/130818

Summary: Who is Jessie Croft? Why has she disappeared from Wiluna? What is the mystery behind the mesmerising eyes? In seeking answers, Kalgoorlie Detective Superintendent Greg Johnson finds himself in Wiluna in the 1930s, which threatens his way of life and the lives of his three daughters and grandchildren. He learns a great deal about Wiluna: its significance as a gold-mining and cattle centre, as the railhead for the Canning Stock Route, and as a site for competing Aboriginal and European histories And he comes to understand that love, and caring for people and justice, can transcend extraordinary boundaries.

A History of the Beanbag - Talking Book Collection

Title: A History of the Beanbag: and other stories
Author: Susan Midalia
Narrator: Tracey Parker & Jim Limerick
Genre: Short stories, Australian fiction.
Date published: October 2015

URl:
• Daisy 2.02:http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/129253
• ePub3:http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/131960

Summary: "A History of the Beanbag and other stories" is the latest title in UWA Press' acclaimed "New Writing" series-This is a short story collection with a difference - a scenic tour of the surprises, secrets and fears lurking beneath the cracked veneer of domesticity and suburban complacency. With photographic precision, author Susan Midalia captures the fleeting beauty, light and darkness to be found in the ephemera of everyday life. Like the beanbag of the title, the stories are an invitation to settle yourself in for a reading experience by turns vivid, haunting, bizarre and strangely comforting.

Apple Core Wars - Talking Book Collection

Title: The Apple Core Wars

Author: Linda J Bettenay

Narrator: Elwyn Edwards.

Genre: War Stories, Historical Fiction, Australian Fiction

Date Published: May 2017

URl -

• Daisy 2.02: http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/131424
• ePub3: http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/131925

Summary: From the fertile fruit growing Perth hills to a World War II prison camp - this is a saga of two men battling for survival. Entwined in the battle is hatred, then mateship as they fight for their

lives and compete for the heart of their one true love. ‘The Apple Core Wars’, Linda J Bettenay’s third book, tells the story of Jacky Bellamy, Charlie Parkin and the beautiful Stella Cerini. Jacky is a wild boy from Karragullen, Stella a nurse who defies convention and Charlie an outsider from the enemy territory of Roleystone and rival for Stella’s attention. The normal hurly-burly of their early lives is contrasted against the bleak backdrop of Camp Fukuoka 14 in Nagasaki, Japan. Despite the awkward love triangle, a surprising friendship emerges when Jacky and Charlie are thrown together as prisoners of war.

Their lives are further challenged by an atomic bomb and a shocking family secret. The war ends and those who survive return home to an uncertain future.

Just Why it Matters - Ep 2: "Best of JohnO", Jonathan Mills

Jonathan Mills, affectionately known as JohnO, shares his journey from the perspective of a man who loses his 20/20 vision as a young lad to his current positive outlook of life. JohnO works hard, plays hard and best of all, he’s a joy to be with. 

Secrets Mothers Keep - Talking Book Collection

Title: Secrets Mothers Keep
Author: Linda J Bettenay
Narrator: Jim Malcolm
Genre: Detective and Mystery mystery, Crime stories, Australian Fiction
Note: Sexual Content, Graphic Violence
Date Published: September 2016

URl -
• Daisy 2.02: http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/130157
• ePub3: http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/130881

Summary: A brutal murder occurs on an isolated farm in the 1920's in Western Australia and the victim's wife and children are violently abused, scandalising the whole country. The killer has no apparent motivation but admits his guilt and the abused wife has to rebuild her shattered life. Secrets Mothers Keep traces how three lives are entwined. A young English boy with learning difficulties and the precursors of mental illness, learns to cope with his 'black moods' and poor social skills. He faces numerous challenges and finds support and strategies that enable him to survive. Finally an event makes him crack.

Wishes for Starlight - Talking Book Collection

Title: Wishes for Starlight
Author: Linda J Bettenay
Narrator: Jim Limerick.
Genre: Historical fiction, Australian fiction.
Note: Sexual Content, Graphic Content, Strong Language
Date Published: February 2016
URl -

• Daisy 2.02: http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/130008
• ePub3: http://visabilitylibrary.com.au/entry/131086

Summary: How does a deaf, orphaned, Noongar boy survive during the implementation of the draconian 1905 Aborigines Act? By having powerful and caring friends.' Starlight is born in 1889 in the thriving timber town of Canning Mills, Western Australia. He is discovered in a chicken coop living with dogs. The three white children who find him are remarkable: headstrong Mary who was born into a dysfunctional  family, the Italian immigrant Marco and fun loving Arthur. Gradually change arrives in their insulated lives; the friends confront reality - will their actions be enough to save those they love from harm?

Set largely in Western Australia, 'Wishes for Starlight' is a novel where friendship and loyalty are pitted against prejudice and disadvantage. It is a story about relationships, resilience and what equality and freedom really mean.