Humanity Platform

While driving in a taxi in Melbourne I was sparked into action by all the negative comments and ignorance I heard on the radio. I instantly rang the John Faine 774 program to remind people that yes the attacks in Paris are terrible however responding to hatred with hatred only gives the terrorists the victory they want. I also reminded listeners that due to my disability I have been lucky enough to experience the kindness of Christian, Muslim, and atheist alike. People that know me will tell you that I am a combat orientated person that has studied all the great military thinkers and I personally have come up with plans, techniques, and strategies should anyone try to hurt those I love. I completely believe that any terrorist no matter what their beliefs should be fought and stopped but you cannot attack an entire faith organisation based on the ignorant actions of a minority. If we make sure that we treat each other with love and respect no matter our backgrounds then evil will ne

With daily reminders that the Geelong economy is in a slow down And big businesses like Ford, Alcoa, and Shell leaving You'd be forgiven for thinking there is nothing but doom and gloom. Add to this the daily headlines about the growing ice epidemic It's easy to see how people might think there is nothing to keep smiling and stay positive about. But I'm here to tell you that you are wrong. People often look at me in my wheelchair with scars all over my body And say "how can you keep smiling and stay positive?" The answer is I choose to.. Every day I wake up and my body reminds me that, yes, I still have Cerebral Palsy But then I remind my body that I have everything I want. A beautiful wife, artistic oppurtunities, and the ability to speak up about the things I believe in. It is very easy to focus on the negatives.  I have learned in my life, however, if you approach the day with a positive mindset And something goes wrong it's never as bad as wo

Two days ago, Friday the second of October, I was honoured to be part of the Anxious Bird Book Launch and Sculpture Exhibition to highlight the power of recovery through art.  I chose to read the following poem at this mental health awareness night.  Bound by my Brain My experience with Depression 4/5/2015 My brain has turned black and started to escape my skull I think that's why I don't feel well All its matter uncurling, wrapping around my body and twice around the bed Making it so I don't want to lift my head The brain pumps a downer into my bloodstream  Turning me against every goal or dream The brain binds me with invisible shackles Until I'm like a dog trying to break free from its chain Once I'm secure and will not resist The brain gives the knife its next little twist With expert timing it sucks out all positive energy Leaving nothing but a void A place where my inner demons like to visit It's time to meet Anxious an

Growing up with a severe physical disability I have always known how lucky I am to have the power of speech. It is the gift of speech that has enabled me to live a life of independence and freedom. As a professional writer, blogger and social activist the stories I have been reading lately about freedom of speech being taken away from people horrifies me. The article I read a couple of weeks ago in The Age about the Sri Lankan bloggers being executed because they posted opinions against the government in particular, caused me concern and made me realise how lucky I am to live in a country where freedom of speech is respected. I have written many pieces sharing my political views criticising both sides of politics, I was able to do this without fear of retribution. Just this week yet another example of freedom of speech being taken away can be seen in the news when we look at the case of the journalists sentenced in Egypt for simply doing their job. I am neither for or against Julian

What follows is not meant to elicit sympathy, it is simply the truth of my life. The latest instalment of the Mission Impossible franchise has just been released and it got me thinking because my disability can make every day seem like mission impossible. My mission impossible is not about saving the world. It is about the simplest day to day tasks like pushing a button in the lift or putting a cup to my lips to drink but just like Ethan Hunt I always win in the end. Living with a disability has taught me to have a never give up mindset because if I do not think that way I wouldn't even get out bed. I believe that I have the mindset of a special forces warrior or an Olympic champion but because I do not have gold medals around my neck people do not see the victories I have every day. To me I am a champion because I can do the grocery shopping for my family. In my motivational talks I tell people that any goal can be achieved and no obstacle is too big to overcome and the reas

When I was sixteen I almost died and as soon as I woke up from that coma, I knew if I was to achieve anything before I die action must be taken. I’m always telling my wife nothing changes unless you take action. That's why I make action my number 1 life principle. A lifetime of pain has forced me to spend months in bed but when I am fit I act, whether through performing, writing or social advocacy. My life is proof you only achieve when you take action. The issues raised on Humanity Platform are big and some might think they are impossible but history is   full of amazing things because people took action. My family taught me just because my disability means I can’t do something the conventional way, it doesn’t mean I can’t do it. All I have to do is take the action I can and see what happens.   There are many things in this world that need action like ending world conflict, saving our environment, equality for all and an end to global poverty but the good ne

                                                  Reflections of a disability   I look in the mirror who do I see because it certainly isn’t me;   Every imperfection magnified like it’s under a microscope;   I don’t know how much longer I can cope;   They say the eyes are the windows to the soul;   I look through my eyes into my deep dark soul and I feel like I’m losing control;   When I was young and my life had just begun I dreamed a thousand dreams. I should have listened to my mum and dads advice,   because after all they have been here before. They always told me take it one step at a time and everything would be just fine.   I often wonder why I am here that there is no reason is my biggest fear;   all I want in life is my dreams to come true;   if they don’t I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do.   I look in the mirror and what