Newcastle Libraries REAL

Welcome to the this is the third and final podcast in the YA Your Summer Stories series. Danni Hilliard chats with CBCA notable author Holden Sheppard about finding your identity, music and of course his recent novel, The Brink.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 7 th podcast in the Your Summer Stories Series. Skye Jones and the charming Fleur McDonald chat about her new breathtaking novel of rural suspense Broad River Station. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production produced by Newcastle Podcast Station  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 6 th podcast in the Your Summer Stories Series. Garry Disher's new novel Days; end, returns to the outback town of Tiverton, the rural beat of local cop Paul Hirschhausen where all is not as bucolic as you would expect. Dan Cox talks to Garry about Hirsch's latest travails. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production produced by Newcastle Podcast Station  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the second podcast in the YA Your Summer Stories series. Danni Hilliard chats with multiple award-shortlisted author Nina Kenwood about love, Vampire Diaries and of course her recent novel, Unnecessary Drama. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 5th podcast in the Your Summer Stories Series. Kirsty Manning is the author of 6 best-selling books. Today she will be talking to Pat Annetts about her latest novel, The Paris Mystery, the first of a new series with reporter turned amateur sleuth Charlie James. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production produced by Newcastle Podcast Station  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 4th podcast in the Your Summer Stories Series. Melanie Sargeant introduces us to one of her favourite authors Holly Throsby about her 3 rd novel, the clever and captivating Clarke. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production produced by Newcastle Podcast Station  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 3 rd podcast in the Your Summer Stories Series. Karen Eastwood meets Stella Prize winning author Heather Rose to chat about her luminous and compelling memoir Nothing bad ever happens here. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production produced by Newcastle Podcast Station  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 2 nd podcast in the Your Summer Stories Series. Jaye Ford chats to Chris Hammer about his stunning new thriller The Tilt . This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production produced by Newcastle Podcast Station  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the this is the first podcast in the YA Your Summer Stories series. Danni Hilliard  chats with ABIA Award-shortlisted author Tobias Madden about love, online gaming and of course his recent novel, Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production produced by Newcastle Podcast Station  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 1 st podcast in the Your Summer Series. Newcastle Libraries is happy to bring you another 7 sizzling summer reads. Skye, Karen and Pat have been reading through our exciting titles and are here to introduce you to this summer's number 1 must read list.  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production produced by Newcastle Podcast Station  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this standalone podcast, local drag icon Timberlina hosts a panel discussion with local performers. Discover where they pull their inspiration from and what it takes to hit the stage week in and week out. This is the perfect podcast for those with a mild curiosity or looking to start building their own drag queen empire!   This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production produced by Newcastle Podcast Station  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this podcast, Before Google, Megan Owen from Newcastle Libraries and Effie Karageorgos and Chip Van Dyke, Lecturers in History from the University of Newcastle will discuss what impact the internet and Apps have had on their fields of expertise. Be reminded, or discover, where we found recipes, phone numbers, music and self-diagnosed our illnesses before the magic of Google fell into our palms. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production produced by Newcastle Podcast Station  Producers: Melanie Sargeant & Fyona Smith.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirty years after the 1991 Royal Commission into Indigenous deaths in custody, many of its recommendations have yet to be implemented. Not only have we now reached the sad milestone of 500 Indigenous people dying in custody since its release, not a single person has been held accountable for any of these deaths. On this episode of Broken Chains we talk to Donna Meehan, an author and survivor of the stolen generation, about issues including Indigenous deaths in custody,  the Australian Black Lives Matter movement and her involvement in Kairos Prison Ministries. Links: Learn more about Donna's memoir  "It Is No Secret. The story of a Stolen Child" at Penguin books. Learn more about the Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families  "Bringing Them Home Report (1997)  Find out more about the IPROWD program. Listen to stories about Christmas in prison on ABC Radio National's program 'Who's going to make the gravy.' Dodson, Pat (17 April 2021)."Thirty years on, I sense the same storm brewing around Aboriginal deaths in custody". The Guardian. Kirkwood, Ian (7 June 2020)."5000 turn out for Black Lives Matter rally the biggest in Newcastle for years". The Newcastle Herald. Valentish, Jenny (12 April 2021). "'I had not one friend in the job to debrief with': life as an Indigenous police officer". The Guardian. There have been 500 Indigenous deaths in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991 nobody has been held accountable for these deaths. Indigenous people are six times more likely to die in custody than non-Indigenous people. Allam, Lorena (6 December 2021)."'Beyond heartbreaking': 500 Indigenous deaths in custody since 1991 royal commission". The Guardian.  Learn more about theKairos Prison Ministries program.    Views expressed disclaimer: The views, thoughts, opinions expressed throughout this series are solely attributed to the host and guests of the program and do not reflect those of the City of Newcastle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a first world country, Australia certainly has some extremely low standards that shock other developed nations. One is the fact we still lock up children as young as 10, in direct violation of the 2019 UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. On this episode of Broken Chains, we talk to Keenan Mundine, a former incarcerated child and the co-founder of Deadly Connections, about the ongoing battle to raise the age of incarceration in Australia.  Links: Check out the Deadly Connections website and their Facebook page. Listen to Keenan's speech to the United Nations. Watch Incarceration Nation on SBS. '100% of children detained in NT are Aboriginal'. NITV. 26 June 2018.  Allam, Lorena (16 July 2020). "Indigenous children 17 times more likely to go to jail than non-Indigenous youth". The Guardian. Earlier this year, 31 United Nations member states, including Canada, France and Norway, called on Australia to raise the age in line with the 2019 UN Committee on the Rights of the Child recommendation that 14 years should be the minimum age worldwide. The ACT is set to go it alone and become the first jurisdiction to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14. Ransley, Ellen (11 October 2021)."ACT committed to raising age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14, new report affirms". News.com.au.   Views expressed disclaimer: The views, thoughts, opinions expressed throughout this series are solely attributed to the host and guests of the program and do not reflect those of the City of Newcastle.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Considering Australia was founded as a penal colony, it's no surprise we have a long and painful history regarding prisons. On this episode of Broken Chains, we talk to Brett Collins, former prisoner and manager of Justice Action, about the history of the prisoner movement in Australia, and current campaigns to improve the rights of incarcerated people. Links: Check out the Justice Action website and their Facebook page. Read about the history of prisoner movement in Australia. Read about the 1976 Nagle Royal Commission into NSW Prisons. Read a biography on penal reformer Alexander Maconochie. Read about how prisoners around the world were released due to COVID, though not in Australia. Suliman, Adela; Eckardt, Andy; Joselow, Gabe (27 March 2020)."Coronavirus prompts prisoner releases around the world". NBC News.  Gregoire, Paul (8 May 2020)."Prisoners Lives Are Still at Risk: An Interview With Ex-Inmate Damien Linnane". Sydney Criminal Lawyers. Read about Serco's involvement in the prison system.  Flanagan, Francis (23 February 2020)."Public service, private contracts: how Serco was wired into our future". The Guardian. Holmes, Zeb; Nedim, Ugur (13 November 2017)."Serco-Run Facilities: Fraud, Failures and Fatal Errors". Sydney Criminal Lawyers. Perovic, Adele (5 November, 2018)."Despite crisis after crisis, government contracts still go to Serco". Crikey. It costs $525,000 to keep a child incarcerated in Australia for one year Incarceration Nation (Documentary). SBS. August 29, 2021. Event occurs at 1:19:25. Rogers, Des (26 August 2021). "New documentary 'Incarceration Nation' essential viewing for all Australians". ANTaR. In 2019  Mark Willacy of ABC's Four Corners  obtained more than 500 files detailing cases of children who have spent time in Queensland's watch houses. Views expressed disclaimer: The views, thoughts, opinions expressed throughout this series are solely attributed to the host and guests of the program and do not reflect those of the City of Newcastle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broken Chains Series 2  Series Blurb:  Get up close with the reality of Australia's prison system. Former incarcerated person Damien Linnane interviews other people since released from prison, about life both inside and after release. Podcast host Damien Linnane is the author of the crime novel Scarred, the illustrator of the book This is Ear Hustle, and the editor of Paper Chained, a journal posted free to inmates worldwide. He lives in Newcastle, Australia where he works primarily as an archivist. Links: Check out Damien's website: https://www.damienlinnane.com/ See Damien's exhibition with Newcastle libraries.  "Broken Chains: Prisoners unlocking potential". Newcastle Libraries. Education Behind Bars With recidivism rates extremely high in Australia, and with all evidence showing that educational courses decrease reoffending, one would imagine it would be a priority to get educational programs into prisons. However, the amount of programs available is far below what most would expect. On this episode of Broken Chains, we talk to Dr Lukas Carey, an educator, former prisoner and podcast host, about barriers faced by those wishing to use their time in prison constructively by studying. Listeners are advised this episode contains strong language. Links: Check out Lukas' podcast, Talking Time with Lukas and Alicia. Read more about Convict Criminology Academics working to help previously incarcerated people into academia to influence policy and procedures from the insights of lived experience. Read more about Strain theory – the strains that people face that cause them to start criminal activity. General Strain Theory  Read more about the After Prisons Network. Read more about the Prison Industrial Complex. Read more about the University of Southern Queensland's support for incarcerated students. Learn about Curtin Universities Prison Outreach Program. Read research into the importance of having people with lived experience into efforts to reduce reincarceration rates. Read a media release about the “world first” initiative to get tablets for video contact to incarcerated people in NSW.   Compare Australia's recidivism rate with the rest of the world here. Read more about Kirby Brownlow and ArcoFyre on Facebook.  In 1996–97, the number of prisoners in Australia accessing education averaged 57%. In 2018–19, the national average was 38.0%. NSW has the lowest percentage of incarcerated people attending education, at 22.9%. "Corrective Services"(PDF).Report on Government Services 1997. Productivity Commission: 426. "8 Corrective Services Data Tables". Report on Government Services 2020.Productivity Commission. Views expressed disclaimer: The views, thoughts, opinions expressed throughout this series are solely attributed to the host and guests of the program and do not reflect those of the City of Newcastle   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A missing man, an eyeless croc and an outback town of 11 people who mostly hate each other. Whatever happened in Larrimah, it's strange and precious and surprisingly funny. Journalists Kylie Stevenson and Caroline Graham have spent years trying to pin it down - what happened to Paddy Moriarty and his dog, how they disappeared, how they might take the whole town and something even bigger with them. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joanna Nell is a Sydney-based writer, GP and accidental advocate for positive ageing. Her bestselling debut novel The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village was published in 2018 with rights sold internationally. The tea ladies of St Jude's Hospital is her latest book. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Riviera House is the latest book from  New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Perth based Natasha Lester author of a host of historical fiction. Set in war time Paris and on the modern day Riviera this is a riveting tale of love and bravery. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twice-winner of the Miles Franklin Award, Michelle de Krester  share her insights into Scary Monsters  her latest book which is a profound and darkly funny exploration into racism, misogyny and ageism. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the brightest talents in Australian Crime writing and author of the hugely successful Gemma Woodstock series, Melbourne based Sarah Bailey introduces her stand alone thriller The housemate. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kay Kerr is an autistic author and journalist from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Her debut novel Please Don't Hug Me came out in 2020 and was shortlisted for Book of the Year for Older Children at the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA), and listed as a ‘Notable Book' by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA). Her second novel, Social Queue, was released with Text Publishing in October of this year. It is a funny and heart-warming romance about deciphering the confusing signals of attraction and navigating a path to love. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist, author of international bestsellers Scrublands, Silver and Trust. Join us to learn about his new standalone novel, Treasure & Dirt. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

REAL Podcast, Treasures from the Rare Book Room In this podcast, Bees for Dummies,  Danielle Lloydd-Prichard of Time to Bee and Mark Page from the NSW Department of Primary Industries will discuss why the bees need help, what you need to know to get started on your bee journey and the action you can take in your own backyard to help keep our bees alive and well in the environment See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Reilly has sold over 7.5 million copies of his books worldwide. The One Impossible Labyrinth, the final book in Matthew Reilly's bestselling action-adventure series, finds former SAS specialist Jack West Jr. back for one last hurrah.  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Summer Stories Program provides members with a diverse selection of titles and experiences for their summer reading.   This engaging podcast series will introduce you to this Summer's authors and their latest titles for your Summer Reading and listen pleasure.  Join some of our well-read library staff as they discuss the 7 fabulous titles that are this Summer's must read books.  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final episode of this mini-series on the 19th century publication Australian Orchids by R. D Fitzgerald explores the diversity of landscapes within the Hunter Valley that are conducive to orchids. If you are in the area, why not try walking along these trails in your very own orchid hunt? Lynda McPherson (author, botanical illustrator, and volunteer at the Hunter Region Botanic Garden) joins Lachlan Copeland (Eco Logical Australia) and Doug Beckers (NSW National Parks and Wildlife) to discuss surveys and conservation practices. Peter Weston (National Herbarium of NSW) and Sally Stewart (Librarian at the Royal Botanic Garden Victoria) discuss plant taxonomy and identification, whilst Tony Clark from the Australian Native Orchid Society offers a great community-based way to get involved and learn more. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part two of a three-part mini-series on the 19th century publication Australian Orchids by R. D Fitzgerald explores the unique ways that orchids are pollinated – from sexual deception to asexual reproduction. Lachlan Copeland from Ego Logical Australia, Doug Beckers from NSW (New South Wales) National Parks and Wildlife joins Peter Weston from the National Herbarium of NSW in explaining why our native orchids are so intrinsically linked to their pollinators. So, what does the world's kinkiest orchids have to do with a book? Sally Stewart, Librarian from the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria helps us dive deeper into the evolutionary research correspondence between Fitzgerald, Charles Darwin and Ferdinand von Mueller. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first of a three-part mini-series on the 19th century publication Australian Orchids that put our native varieties of Orchidaceae on the international stage. This episode Sally Stewart, Library at the Royal Botanic Gardens (Melbourne), and Peter Weston, Honorary Research Associate at the National Herbarium of NSW (New South Wales) help us to explore the life and times of ‘Gentleman Botanist' R.D. Fitzgerald and how his role as the Deputy General Surveyor for the NSW government supported the making of this collection. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes creativity comes out of the darkest corners. On the last episode of Broken Chains for season one, Damien Linnane and Jayde Farrell talk about using prison as a place to develop artistic talents. Damien and Jayde are both former Australian soldiers as well as being formerly incarcerated. Jayde Farrell now works full-time as a multi-medium artist, while Broken Chains host Damien Linnane is now a part-time artist specialising in graphite photorealism and is the illustrator of the book This Is Ear Hustle.  Links:  See Damien's exhibition with Newcastle libraries.  Broken Chains Newcastle Libraries.  Follow Jayde's art on Instagram. "Jayde Farrell". Instagram.   Follow Damien's art on Instagram. "Vigilante Studios". Instagram.  Learn more about books written by Damien Linnane. "Scarred and Raw". DamienLinnane.com.  Studies are commencing investigating the connection between military service and criminal offending    o   Kellie Toole and Dr Elaine Waddell (2020) Why are ADF veterans over represented in South Australian Prisons? University of Adelaide Law School, Research Unit on Military Law and Ethics  o   Kellie Toole and Dr Elaine Waddell (2020)  Too Many Veterans in South Australian Prisons The Last Post Magazine.   Learn more about synaesthesia.   o   Carpenter, Siri (2001). "Everyday fantasia: The world of synesthesia". American Psychological Association.   o   Palmeri, Thomas J.; Blake, Randolph B.; Marois, Ren (11 September 2001). "What is synesthesia?". Scientific American.  Read about an exhibition of artworks from Long Bay Art school program – Bar Codes: Artworks by Inmates of Long Bay Goal. 8 September 2001  - 4 November 2001 - Sydney Living Museums.   Read about Boom Gate Gallery, which sells artwork by current and former inmates of New South Wales Correctional Centres.  "Boom Gate Gallery". NSW Government.  Read more about creating art in the prison system. "Art in Prison". Justice Action. Retrieved 19 August 2021.  Read more about how Damien used art as a pathway after prison. Kellar, Jim (25 July 2021). "Newcastle artist Damien Linnane talks about his deal with Ear Hustle and Broken Chains show". The Newcastle Herald.  Read about weapons at Long Bay. Worsley, Ben (23 August 2017). "NSW prisons to be raided in contraband crackdown; authorities warn offenders 'will be found'". ABC News.  Prison catches people who fall through the cracks of society. Stewart, Anna (10 December 2017). "Lifetime prevalence of mental illness and incarceration: An analysis by gender and Indigenous status". Australian Journal of Social Issues.  People who have had problems with education often end up in prison. 14% of prisoners have completed Year Twelve, compared to 63% of the general population in Australia.  "Comparisons with the general community and prisoners internationally". Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2009.   Read more about how beneficial teachers can be in prisons, and how the NSW government fired most teachers from prisons.  o   Patty, Anna (19 September 2016). "NSW teachers fear downgrading of education for prisoners". The Sydney Morning Herald.  o   Long, Rob (9 March 2020). "Prisons struggling to fill teacher positions". New South Wales Teachers Federation.  Do you need some support after prison?  o    Samaritans    o   Surviving on the Outside: Getting out of Prison Community Restorative Centre   Check out more music by Louisa Magrics. "LXM music". SoundCloud.com.  Views expressed disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, opinions expressed throughout this series are solely attributed to the host and guests of the program and do not reflect those of the City of Newcastle.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“They only thing we can do for your mental health is give you the phone number of a service to call once you're released.”   With prisons overcrowded with people suffering from mental health issues, many would assume there would be adequate therapy available. But not only are people denied the treatment that could help stop the cycle or re-offending, the isolation and restrictions in the prison system further exacerbate existing mental health conditions. So how do the incarcerated navigate a system that seems engineered to stop them from getting better? Join former incarcerated persons Damien Linnane and Jacob Little as they talk about the lack of mental health treatment in prison.  Links:  See Damien's exhibition with Newcastle libraries.  Broken Chains Newcastle Libraries.   Read more about intergenerational incarceration.   Stephens, Ronnie K. (14 May 2021) Explainer: the cycle of intergenerational incarceration. Interrogating Justice.  Opie, Rebecca (18 February 2017). "Children of prisoners six times more likely to end up in jail; SA judge calls for better support". ABC News.  "[T]here is a common pattern of abuse in youth detention cases. ... they involve strip search as a disguise for child sexual abuse." Atkin, Michael (25 May 2021). "Two Aboriginal men claim they were sexually abused during strip searches in youth detention". ABC News.  "Boys as young as 13 years of age are being sexually abused by prison guards under the guise of strip searches while trapped in some of Australia's most well-known juvenile justice centres. This is not a historical issue, like many would like to believe." Lau, Michael (25 May 2021). "Strip searches used to disguise sickening sexual abuse of young offenders". Lawyers Weekly.  Help for survivors of institutional child abuse.   Royal Commission into Institutional responses to Child sexual abuse Contact and Support for detailed services in your state  1800 Respect - Call 1800 737 732   Lifeline - Call 13 11 14   Read more about reducing reoffending:  o   Doyle, C., Gardner, K., & Wells, K. (2021). The Importance of Incorporating Lived Experience in Efforts to Reduce Australian Reincarceration Rates. International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy.   o   Day, Andrew (2020) At a crossroads? Offender rehabilitation in Australian Prisons. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law.    o   Bushnell, Andrew.( 2019) Cutting Costs and Reducing Reoffending redesigning private prison contract for producing better results. Institute of Public Affairs.   Learn more about the VLAD laws:   Queensland VLAD laws were "excessively harsh". Wiggins, Nick (4 April 2016). "Queensland's anti-bikie VLAD law to be scrapped, bikies to be given control orders". ABC News.  VLAD prisoners faced "harsh prison conditions including solitary confinement, and prohibitions against family visits and outdoor exercise". "Report Finds VLAD Laws to be Unfairly Oppressive". Sydney Criminal Lawyers. 3 May 2016.  Pink uniforms for prisoners "was a stupid and ridiculous idea". Bavas, Josh (1 June 2015). "Newman government's pink bikie prison uniforms to be sold off as breast cancer charity fundraiser". ABC News.  "Bikies who walk away from outlaw motorcycle gangs can face large financial losses, intimidation and violence as a result of abandoning their commitment to a club." Hunter, Fergus (25 May 2021). "Bikies face $10,000 exit fees, threats and loss of assets for leaving clubs". The Sydney Morning Herald.  Listen to how mental health issues can become a pathway to prison. "Mental health issues 'a train to jail' for Indigenous Australian". ABC News YouTube channel. 2 November 2015.  Learn more about the Official Visitor Program. "Official Visitor Program". NSW Government. Retrieved 19 August 2021.  "[An inmate had] been in the [prison's] medical unit for two weeks in absolute agony, begging for treatment. All they'd done for him was prescribe Panadol and Nurofen" ... "Currently, when an individual is incarcerated, it's incredibly difficult to get access to adequate healthcare." Gregoire, Paul (20 May 2021). "Inmates Continue to Be Denied Medicare". Sydney Criminal Lawyers.  "Despite prisoners having some of the highest rates of mental illness of any population group, there is increasing evidence that prisons do not have the resources to address the extent of need." ... "Unlike Medicare-subsidised schemes in the community, most prisoners have limited access to ongoing [treatment]." Plueckhahn, Tessa M; Kinner, Stuart A.; Butler, Tony G (2015). "Are some more equal than others? Challenging the basis for prisoners' exclusion from Medicare" (PDF). Medical Journal of Australia.  "Personal phone calls in prison are limited to six minutes and must be paid for by the inmate. Collect calls are not allowed." Frequently Asked Questions Corrective Services NSW. (9 November 2020) Retrieved 16 August 2021.   Read about toxic masculinity in relation to mental health in prisons.    Kupers, Terry  A. (2019) Toxic Masculinity in and outside of Prison. Psychology today   Kupers T. A. (2005) Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of Clinical Psychology.     Read more about how to look after your mental health in prison (2021) How to look after your mental health in prison. Mental Health Foundation  Read about the positive mental health benefits of journaling. "Journaling for Mental Health". University of Rochester Medical Centre. Retrieved 19 August 2021.  Read more about the journal Damien edits and distributes to prisons. "Paper Chained - A journal of expression from beyond bars". PaperChained.com  Learn more about Jacob's organisation for victims. "About Time For Justice". AboutTimeForJustice.com  Listen to Jacob's podcast. "Survivor Stories". Apple Podcasts.  Find out more about how you, and anyone else outside prison, can access the Mental Health Treatment Plan. "Mental Health Treatment Plan". Health Direct. Retrieved 19 August 2021.  Check out more music by Louisa Magrics. "LXM music". SoundCloud.com.  Views expressed disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, opinions expressed throughout this series are solely attributed to the host and guests of the program and do not reflect those of the City of Newcastle.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Memory Room – Your libraries and dementia   Libraries connect with community and this special dementia-focused program does just that! Join art therapist, Alice Ropata and Kay Pisel as they unlock the treasures of the Memory room and invite members of the program, Kevin and Catherine Claydon, to share their experiences as the program celebrates its first anniversary. Learn about a new dementia program, ‘Playing with Light' about to be launched in our libraries.   Memory Room     https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/experience/library-projects/the-memory-room/the-memory-room  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dementia Australia: here for you Dementia Australia represent the nearly half a million Australians living with dementia and the almost 1.6 million Australians involved in their care.   It provides education, support and advocacy for every Australian impacted by dementia. Dementia support specialist, Gina Hayward joins Dan to discuss the array of services that are available to the Hunter community.   Gina will be joined by Ian and Wilhelmina Chalmers who share their experiences of using Dementia Australia's services.  Dementia Australia https://www.dementia.org.au/  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dementia Action Week occurs in September each year. Hosted by ABC broadcast journalist, Dan Cox, the Laughter and Tears podcast series invites members of our community living with dementia to share their experiences of love, loss, courage and hope. It provides current information from medical experts and looks at dementia services available in the Hunter region and beyond.  How do I know If I have Dementia?   A diagnosis of dementia can be a frightening and overwhelming experience for the individual and their family. It can also provide relief. Australia's pre-eminent researcher in the field, Professor Sue Kurrle will provide answers to many of the questions we have about dementia. As director of the Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney University  and Curran Professor in Health Care of Older People, Susan Kurrle places the person living with dementia at the heart of her research and advocacy.  Susan will be joined by locals, Rob and Alison Board who describe their journey with dementia so far.  Biography  https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/susan-kurrle.html  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond Prison  Being incarcerated is challenging enough, but sometimes the real battle begins when you leave prison, only to find a world that now seems much smaller. How do you deal with the stigma of having been to prison? How easy is it to find employment with a criminal record? And how do you pick up the pieces of your life and try and fit back into society? Join former incarcerated persons Damien Linnane and Richard Brooking as they discuss life after prison.  Links:  See Damien's exhibition with Newcastle libraries.  Broken Chains Newcastle Libraries.  In the US, every dollar spent on prison education saves taxpayers $4 to $5. (22 August 2013). "Education and Vocational Training in Prisons Reduces Recidivism, Improves Job Outlook". Rand Corporation.   To break even on the cost of prison education, recidivism must be reduced by between 1.9% and 2.6%. Davis, Lois M. et al (2013). "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education: A Meta-Analysis of Programs That Provide Education to Incarcerated Adults" (PDF). Rand Corporation.  A study of over 14,000 prisoners in Western Australia between 2005 and 2010 found prison education reduced recidivism by 11.25%. Giles, Margaret (2 March 2016). "Study in prison reduces recidivism and welfare dependence: A case study from Western Australia 2005–201". Trends & Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice.  Read more about the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for prison reform. "Criminal Justice Reform". Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Retrieved 15 August 2021.  Between 2009 and 2019, the QLD prison population increased by 55%, and the female prison population increased by 106%. "Corrections 2030" (PDF). Queensland Government. Retrieved 15 August 2021.  Read more about Timpson, a company in the UK who comprises 10% of their workforce with former prisoners. Lodge, Jan (9 December 2020). "Good for business and good for society: how organisations can hire more ex-offenders". The Conversation.  How underwater welding courses for prisoners in California help stop re-offending. Perry, Celia (2008). "Which Works Better Behind Bars, Scuba or Buddha?". Mother Jones.  People are 6 times more likely to go to prison if one of their parents has been in prison. Opie, Rebecca (18 February 2017). "Children of prisoners six times more likely to end up in jail; SA judge calls for better support". ABC News.  According to the United Nations General Assembly, the "willingness of politicians to reflect [media-induced] fears in penal policy have led to a reluctance to embed prisoners' rights to education and to develop models of education". Czerniawski, Gerry (2016). "A Race to the bottom – Prison Education and the English and Welsh Policy Context" (PDF). Journal of Education Policy.  It costs over $109,000 a year to keep someone in prison in Australia. Knowles, Lorna (8 August 2017). "Australia spending more on prisons, policing than other comparable countries: report". ABC News.  Treasurers in NSW are aware intervention strategies and rehabilitation programs are more effective at dealing with crime than incarcerating people but will not change anything as "it will just not fly with the public. It just will not fly with the cabinet." Knaus, Christopher (29 December 2017). "Prisons at breaking point but Australia is still addicted to incarceration". The Guardian.  Read more on links between marital status and reduced recidivism. Andersen, Signe Hald; Andersen, Lars Højsgaard; Skov, Peer Ebbesen (2015). "Effect of Marriage and Spousal Criminality on Recidivism". Journal of Marriage and Family.  Read more about how community work is considered a better alternative to minimum security prisons. Bartle, Jarryd (16 August 2019). "We know that prison doesn't work. So what are the alternatives?". The Guardian.  Check out more music by Louisa Magrics. "LXM music". SoundCloud.com.  Views expressed disclaimer:   The views, thoughts, opinions expressed throughout this series are solely attributed to the host and guests of the program and do not reflect those of the City of Newcastle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Modern Slavery Thousands of people are working in Australia for around a dollar an hour or less, and are not eligible for workers compensation, even if their supervisors are at fault and the accident results in permanent injury or death. Where is this possible in the 21st century? Only in the prison system, where incarcerated people are often expected to work in high-risk areas with training far below accepted Australian standards. Welcome to the first episode of Broken Chains where Courtney and I discuss prison labour, or as we prefer to think of it, modern slavery. Links:  See Damien's exhibition with Newcastle libraries.  Broken Chains Newcastle Libraries.  Indigenous Australians are incarcerated at disproportionate rates. (9 January 2018.) "Disproportionate incarceration rate". Australian Law Reform Commission.   Indigenous Australians are incarcerated at disproportionate rates and key features of best practice First Nations Healing models. Kym Bugmy, Terina King, Gail Gray, Melissa Merritt, Tara Morrison, Kelly Parker, Elizabeth Wymarra and Mindy Sotiri  (24 August 2020)  Community Restorative Centre submission for the select committee on the high level of First Nations people in custody and oversight and review of deaths in custody  Community Restorative Centre. Retrieved 16 August 2021.  Former Supreme court judge criticises the lack of computer access for education and rehabilitation purposes in NSW prisons. (20 April 2017.) "Ex-judge wants computers in NSW jail cells". SBS News.   Inmates trial tablet computers in cells advocated by former Family Court Chief Justice  Paul Gregoire (2 December 2020)  Computers in NSW prison cells: an interview with former Family Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Evatt. Sydney Criminal Lawyers. Retrieved 16 August 2021.  Studies and reports document how Government policy is not functioning, nor supporting inmate education and human rights:   (February 2018)  The Digital Divide: Access to digital technology for people in custody  Office of the Inspector of Custodian Services Government of Western Australia. Retrieved 16 August 2021.   Aysha Kerr, Matthew Willis (October 2018)   "Prisoner use of information and communications technology"   Trends & issues in crime and criminal justice. No. 560.  Australian Government Australian Institute of Criminology.  Retrieved 16 August 2021.   Human Rights and Prisoners  Australian Human Rights Commission. Retrieved 16 August 2021.   Custodian operations policy and procedures 8.3 Inmate Computers NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice. Retrieved 16 August 2021.                                                                                                                      While prisons may technically have computers for inmates, typically inmates have little or no access to them. Inmates in NSW have extremely limited options for studying, often only basic literacy or short courses. Linnane, Damien (4 June 2019). "After Being In Prison Myself, I Know Why So Many Offenders Go Straight Back". 10 daily.  Phone calls in prison cost $2.20 and are capped at six minutes. Linnane, Damien (31 March 2020). "I've Been To Prison, Your Quarantine Hotel Room Is Nothing Like It". 10 daily.  "Personal phone calls in prison are limited to six minutes and must be paid for by the inmate. Collect calls are not allowed." (9 November 2020) Frequently Asked Questions Corrective Services NSW. Retrieved 16 August 2021.   The default allowance for inmates is $15 a week. Kyriacou, Kate (9 August 2012). "Prisoners being served 'rotten food'". The Courier Mail.  "Inmates' weekly wages range from $24.60 to $70.55." Leeming, Lachlan (8 January 2018). "What tops the grocery list of NSW inmates?". Newcastle Herald.  "Sentenced prisoners are expected to work."(19 November 2020). "Chapter 2: Going to prison" (PDF). NSW Government. Retrieved 14 August 2021.  Employment after prison (2016). Adult Prisoner Participation in Education, Training and Employment in Australia, 2008–15. UNSW, Deakin University, Edith Cowan University ARC Linkage Project ID: LP140100329.  Retrieved 16 August 2021.  "Women in prison are ... sewing Australian flags, making bed linen. They are paid between 80¢ and $3 per hour." Poole, Melanie (29 June 2019). "In Victoria's prisons, women pay for men's violence". The Age.  Incarcerated people working in jobs in prison are not considered workers. They are not entitled to workers' compensation and are not protected by the Fair Work Act 2009. "Compensation Claims whilst in Prison". Caxton Legal Centre. Retrieved 14 August 2021.  "[Corrective Services Industries] claims 84.9 percent of inmates who can work, do. Last year, CSI had revenues of $113 million and made a $45.6 million profit." Brook, Benedict (28 March 2017). "Bed linen and boomerangs — the surprising products made by prisoners". News.com.au.  "Health services [in prison] are struggling to keep pace with the ballooning prison population." Fellner, Carrie (5 April 2021). "Inmates are ageing '15 years before the rest of NSW'". The Sydney Morning Herald.  Treasurers in NSW are aware intervention strategies and rehabilitation programs are more effective at dealing with crime than incarcerating people but will not change anything as "it will just not fly with the public. It just will not fly with the cabinet." Knaus, Christopher (29 December 2017). "Prisons at breaking point but Australia is still addicted to incarceration". The Guardian.  Check out more music by Louisa Magrics. "LXM music". SoundCloud.com.  Views expressed disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, opinions expressed throughout this series are solely attributed to the host and guests of the program and do not reflect those of the City of Newcastle.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get up close with the reality of Australia's prison system. Former incarcerated person Damien Linnane interviews other people about their life both inside prison and after release. In this series Damien and his guests unpack topics such as modern slavery, life beyond prison, mental health and art behind bars in relation to people and prisons in Australia. Host Biography Podcast host Damien Linnane is the author of the crime novel Scarred, the illustrator of the book This is Ear Hustle, and the editor of Paper Chained, a journal posted free to inmates worldwide. He lives in Newcastle, Australia where he works primarily as an archivist. Links: Check out Damien's website: https://www.damienlinnane.com/ See Damien's exhibition with Newcastle libraries.  Broken Chains Newcastle Libraries.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our Love Lambton Podcast series as part of Treasures from The Rare Bookroom.  Here we discuss the history of Lambton with local historian and author, Julie Keating and Robert Watson. Julie has written many books on the suburbs of Newcastle and is a second-generation Lambton resident. This chat is inspired by the love of the Lambton community for their suburb and its ongoing longevity. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our Love Lambton Podcast series as part of Treasures from The Rare Bookroom.  Here we discuss the history of Lambton with local historian and author, Julie Keating and Robert Watson. Julie has written many books on the suburbs of Newcastle and is a second-generation Lambton resident. This chat is inspired by the love of the Lambton community for their suburb and its ongoing longevity. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Chris Arnold, an avid home gardener and community garden enthusiast who set himself a composting challenge that involved recording the amount of scraps his household composted over 1 year. Find out how he makes the most of his small suburban plot, turning food scraps into compost gold. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amorelle Dempster is the face of Maitland's fresh food revolution, President of Slow Food Hunter and 2017 Maitland Citizen of the Year. Amorelle shares the incredible story behind her community food program which s ees 200 meals created each week for the disadvantaged, converting food waste into delicious meals.  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Sivyer from Feedback Organic shares his passion for growing food's future by converting food waste into food. Find out how composting can create a closed loop economy in your own backyard and start a revolution! This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This series of mini podcasts explores the cycle from turning food waste into compost through to delicious meals on your plate. Each 15 minute episode looks at local initiatives across the Hunter.  Hear from City of Newcastle Waste Education and Program Coordinator Therese Davis about council's new subsidised Home Composting Program that will help Newcastle residents divert food waste from landfill.  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're revisiting Newcastle's First Storytellers for NAIDOC week. This podcast series explores how Newcastle's Aboriginal communities share and tell stories. Australia has the world's oldest oral story telling culture and Newcastle has a rich collection of storytellers.  William Smith, Wirrigan Aboriginal Elder joins the series to tell us about his move to Newcastle and his  extraordinary early spent working alongside BHP building bridges between people and creating opportunities for many more. He talks beautifully about the way forward and shares stories of hope and inspiration from his and his ancestors journeys. He also explores the special place that Newcastle holds in his heart.  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're revisiting Newcastle's First Storytellers for NAIDOC week. This podcast series explores how Newcastle's Aboriginal communities share and tell stories. Australia has the world's oldest oral story telling culture and Newcastle has a rich collection of storytellers.  Ray Kelly Jnr comes from a local indigenous family. The Kelly family is synonymous with the Aboriginal community of Newcastle. His father, Ray Kelly Snr a respected Dhungutti culture  and language Elder.  Ray Kelly Jnr grew up in Newcastle and is a member of the Gattang language belt of east coast New South Wales. He's is a father of two, an artist and active member of Newcastle's Aboriginal arts community.   This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're revisiting Newcastle's First Storytellers for NAIDOC week. This podcast series explores how Newcastle's Aboriginal communities share and tell stories. Australia has the world's oldest oral story telling culture and Newcastle has a rich collection of storytellers.  Jake Ridgeway is a young indigenous singer, songwriter, performer based in Newcastle. Jacob weaves genuine storylines with sweet woven R&B/Rock grooves and soul drenched vocals into a warm melody grounded by his Worimi and Kamilaroi roots. The musical inspirations Jacob draw on include Troy Cassar-Daley, Justin Timberlake, Sam Hunt and Silverchair amongst others.  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're revisiting Newcastle's First Storytellers for NAIDOC week. This podcast series explores how Newcastle's Aboriginal communities share and tell stories.Australia has the world's oldest oral story telling culture and Newcastle has a rich collection of storytellers.  John Maynard is Professor of Indigenous Education and Research (Indigenous History) at the University of Newcastle. John is a Worimi Aboriginal man started with a family history research to become one of the world's most respected voices on Indigenous history.  His books include the Aboriginal Soccer Tribe and the Fight for Liberty and Freedom, which was shortlisted for the Victorian Premiers History Award and a book about convict artist, Joseph Lycett, titled True, Light and Shade and Aborigines and the Sport of Kings.  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're revisiting Newcastle's First Storytellers for NAIDOC week. This podcast series explores how Newcastle's Aboriginal communities share and tell stories. Australia has the world's oldest oral story telling culture and Newcastle has a rich collection of storytellers.  Saretta Fielding is an artist, entrepreneur and activist. A member of the Wanaruah Nation, of the Hunter Valley Region in New South Wales, she is the founder of Saretta Art and Design, and Malang Indigenous Corporation, a not-for-profit supporting the sustainable economic and social inclusion of Aboriginal people in the community.   Saretta Art and Design is acclaimed for high-quality original artworks, innovative textiles, homewares, and fashion lines.  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're revisiting Newcastle's First Storytellers for NAIDOC week. This podcast series explores how Newcastle's Aboriginal communities share and tell stories. Australia has the world's oldest oral story telling culture and Newcastle has a rich collection of storytellers.  Donna Meehan is a local author and member of the Stolen Generation. In this podcast Donna, shares her thoughts on NAIDOC Week 2020.  Donna's has written several books and shares her story with grace and forgiveness. Her autobiography, It is no secret, tells the story or her sixteen hour train ride to Broadmeadow railway station, her life in Newcastle and her reunion with her birth mother. Donna is an Aboriginal advocate and active member of the Newcastle community.  This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our Love Lambton Podcast series as part of Treasures from The Rare Bookroom.  In this episode we are discussing the overall history of Lambton prior to World War II with local historian and author, Julie Keating and Robert Watson. Julie has written many books on the suburbs of Newcastle and is a second- generation Lambton resident. This chat is inspired by the love of the Lambton community for their suburb and its ongoing longevity. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1922, Florence made her début with the British National Opera Company. At short notice, without stage or orchestral rehearsal, she replaced the lead singer as Brünnhilde in Wagner's The Valkyrie. She was an instant and lasting success. In 1952 she moved to Newcastle and took up a teaching position at the newly formed Newcastle branch of the New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music. This is a Newcastle Libraries REAL Production.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.