Speak my language is a language program that provides information about healthy ageing to culturally and linguistically diverse seniors and their carers.
The project harnesses the strength and scope of community radio to inform culturally and linguistically diverse communities about the Commonwealth’s aged care system.
Conversation in Perth
On 6 May a conversation about ageing well in Australia was held in Perth facilitated by the national Speak My Language Manager Terrie Leoleos and Jenny Bray (ECCNSW) with the co support of Tracey Porter from ECCQ Diversicare and their partner ECCV and with special guest, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care and Minister for Indigenous Health, Ken Wyatt AM.
The conversation featured bilingual facilitators, carers and CALD ambassadors from across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
Click here to listen to the podcast
The Minister and guests talk about the importance of what it means to age well in Australia for CALD communities, concerns about elder abuse, carers needs, and the challenges within a complex aged care system. The podcast features the innovative practices and programs delivered by our CALD senior ambassadors, who have also been integral in helping Speak My Language facilitating conversations in over 25 languages, about ageing well across the country over the past 2 years.
This is what some of the participants said:
“This is a very powerful conversation. …
The only way to overcome barriers to accessing aged care is to talk. The Minister gave us a valuable insight as well. …this is just a start”
Gordana Spirovska, MCCI, Illawarra, NSW
“The quality of the recording reflects the vibrant conversation on the day. I feel honoured to be part of the discussion”
Odysseas Kripotos, Fronditha Care, Victoria
“The minister showed that he wasn’t a politician, or government, he demonstrated he was a true humanitarian…. such a great conversation, thank you Minister for your valuable time and insight”
Eva Alfris, Carer and Ambassador, Victoria
“I cannot thank the ECC’s and Speak My Language enough for creating this platform for us to meet the minister and to explain to him in person the challenges and incredible solutions developed by CALD communities on the ground. I am proud to be a Bilingual Facilitator of the Speak My Language program… I believe the work has only just begun….”
Anju Marthu, Hindi and Punjab Bilingual Facilitator and Founder of the Indian Dementia Forum, NSW
“What a powerful conversation…the Minister demonstrated he is definitely listening and understand the challenges we are experiencing. An incredible man who took time out to meet ordinary people living extraordinary circumstances… thank you Minister!….”
Maria Berry, Seniors and Elder Abuse Advocate and Spokesperson, Victoria
Speak my language
Through simple in-language conversations on-air, the Speak My Language project assists senior members of our communities to understand recent changes to aged care, and make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Tune in and listen to your favourite ethnic radio stations as they speak to aged care experts and hear from families who share their stories and their secret to ageing well in Australia. Join us as we broadcast live across Australia, in over 25 languages, across 80 ethnic radio stations in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT.
The Speak My Language program is an initiative funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund Research and Innovation Grants 2017. It is proudly supported by ECCNSW and its primary partners ECCV, ECCQ (Diversicare) and our national broadcasting partners SBS and NEMBC.
For more information about Speak My Language visit www.speakmylanguageradio.com
