Louise Bryant is the Managing Editor of News Corp Australia's prestige and Conde Nast titles. With a rich background in media and publishing, Louise has worked with some of Australia's most esteemed and luxurious publications. Following the passing of her partner, Craig Moore, from early-onset dementia, Louise has become an advocate for dementia awareness and prevention. She founded Think Again, an initiative focused on challenging the perceptions of dementia and promoting early intervention.

Key Points:

• Early-Onset Dementia: Understanding and recognising the early signs of dementia can lead to better preparation and care management.
• Isolation and Support: Importance of having a support system and the role of carers in managing day-to-day challenges of dementia.
• Awareness and Advocacy: The need for increased awareness around dementia and challenging the stigma associated with it.
• Brain Health: Emphasising the importance of brain health through lifestyle changes, as preventative measures against cognitive decline.
• Resources for Support: Organisations like Dementia Australia and NeuRA Research Australia provide valuable resources and support for those affected by dementia.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I will never truly know the truth of his experience…but our love for each other is eternal." - Louise Bryant
2. "We should be talking about our brain health at an early age, not waiting until we're 65 plus." - Louise Bryant
3. "It's not often talked about, there's such a stigma attached to dementia." - Louise Bryant
4. "Everyone's carrying something. Just be kind." - Louise Bryant
5. "I hope this campaign will somehow change that eventually." - Louise Bryant

Resources:

• Think Again Initiative
• Dementia Australia: Provides support and resources for those affected by dementia.
• Neuro Research Australia (NeuRA): A medical research institute focused on brain health.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beverly Baker is the president of the National Older Women's Network. With extensive experience in advocating for the rights and well-being of older women, Beverly is dedicated to ensuring that aging populations have access to dignity, security, and well-being. Under her leadership, the network focuses on empowering older women through community engagement and lobbying for policy changes.

Key Points:

• The "Support at Home" initiative is meant to allow elderly Australians to live independently, but is fraught with structural and financial challenges.
• Many elderly Australians are struggling with increased costs and lengthy wait times for care package approvals.
• Despite government intentions, the aged care system remains provider-focused and lacks sufficient oversight and accountability.
• The privatization trend in aged care is placing profit over provision of services, impacting the quality and accessibility of care.
• Active political engagement and local advocacy are crucial for holding politicians accountable and driving reforms in the aged care sector.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's really a complete cyclone that's just sucking everybody into it and who knows where they fly out." - Beverly Baker
• "This should come as no surprise to people that people are going, oh, look at all the old people we're getting." - Beverly Baker
• "The trouble with you, Bev, is that I know what it's like to be your age. You have no idea what it's like to be mine." - Beverly Baker
• "Growing old should be with dignity, respect, and well-being that they are things that are absolutely essential." - Beverly Baker

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jane Caro is an accomplished Australian author, broadcaster, documentary maker, and social commentator. A Walkley Award winner, Caro has penned two best-selling novels and is frequently featured on the ABC show, "The Gruen Transfer". She is a passionate advocate for public education in Australia and critic of the funding disparities between public and private schools. Her career spans across various media, where she showcases her expertise and fervor for equitable education systems.

Key Points:

• Jane Caro critiques the significant funding gap between public and private schools in Australia, calling for an alignment of support with students' needs, rather than parental choice.
• The episode discusses the inequalities perpetuated by a neoliberal funding system, which often leaves public schools under-resourced while private schools thrive on public money.
• Caro suggests that a cohesive, inclusive education system benefits society as a whole, enhancing societal prosperity, equality, and overall well-being.
• The dialogue explores potential solutions such as revising funding models, promoting public school enrollment, and enacting policy changes that ensure fair access to quality education for all students.
• Caro emphasises the detrimental impacts of educational segregation, advocating for a more comprehensive and equitable approach to school funding.

Notable Quotes:

1. "It's bizarre. I mean, it's the same way we tax university students for their degrees more than we tax the fossil fuel industry."
2. "Basically, successive…governments have used education funding to reward the parents they approve of and punish the parents they don't approve of."
3. "If you can afford, send your child to a private school, and agitate to change the funding."
4. "Public schools remain comprehensive schools, so they tend to enroll the community's entire range. Those schools tend to do better academically."
5. "My sympathy for, oh, my kid was in a hard position. Yes, I get it, but what's the public good?"

Resources:

• Jane Caro's Book: "The Stupid Country: How Australia is Dismantling Public Education."

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.