Nick Feik On Tasmania’s Child Sexual Abuse Scandal; The Campaign To Save Ballara – Alfred Deakin’s Historic Home; The Fish Creek Footy Club Rebuilds

Please note the first interview of this episode contains topics that may distress some listeners, including allegations of child sexual abuse and harm to children. Please see helpline information below.

Host Amy Mullins speaks with Nick Feik, freelance journalist and former editor of The Monthly, about his essay in The Monthly which details his own investigations and the findings of a Tasmanian commission of inquiry that uncovered decades of abuse towards young people in the state's care, including at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre and Launceston General Hospital. Nick also talks about the damning Richardson Report into the Home Affairs Department and the media's current lack of scrutiny towards the then responsible minister, Peter Dutton MP.

Then, Amy speaks with Tom Harley, great grandson of former Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, and Emeritus Professor of Politics Judith Brett. They talk about the Save Ballara campaign, which is under threat of auction and development. Tom is seeking to protect the 1.68 hectare bush garden and historic home of Australia’s second Prime Minister Alfred Deakin. Ballara is a unique early 20th century bungalow home, inspired by Californian and Colonial Indian architectural styles. It was designed by Pattie Deakin and is situated in old Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine Peninsula. Tom and Judith talk about the significance of Ballara to Deakin's personal and political life, as well as to his wife Pattie Deakin, and why Tom wants to make Ballara and its historical contents an asset for the Australian public to engage with.

Finally, Amy speaks with Ray Stefani, Co-President of the Fish Creek Football Netball Club. They chat about the small town of Fish Creek in South Gippsland and the footy club’s long and successful history. The Fish Creek Football Netball Club is the most successful country footy club in the state, with its Seniors team winning 37 premierships since its inception in 1903 (well 38, really...). They also talk about the devastating fire that destroyed their clubhouse and almost everything in it on 4th November 2023 and their efforts to rebuild. Their Rising From The Ashes Gala Dinner is on Saturday 2nd March, 6pm-11pm at Leongatha Hall, with AFL and netball stars Brendan Fevola, Neil Balme, Leigh Montagna, David Parkin, Belinda Snell, and Kate Eddy in attendance. Donate to Fish Creek's GoFundMe here.

HELPLINES:

If you or anyone you know needs mental health support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

For support related to child sexual abuse, you can call Bravehearts on 1800 272 831.

Children and young people up to 25 can seek help via the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.