The Aboriginal spirit is strong and ever-present

Monday, 13 September 2021 - 11:00am
Live broadcast from the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre

In an institution, freedom can be found only briefly - if at all. For Vickie brief moments of creativity and freedom were felt in the early hours, while the jail was still and quiet. But keeping culture and connecting with the Aboriginal spirit can feel impossible when you’re locked up. The Aboriginal culture is ancient, strong and ever-present in First Nations people; culture remains in the spirits of mob in prison, even when their physical presence to the land is cut off. 

In this episode, Kutcha and Vickie explore how inmates find creative expression, engage in the healing process and learn about culture while on the “inside”. Vickie shares how she found moments of peace during her time in prison through her creativity, daydreaming, writing and strengthening her spiritual connections.

In today’s episode, we hear from Roy, Jody, James, Danielle, and others in prisons across Victoria and “Beyond the Bars” broadcasters Shiralee Hood, Kerri-Lee Harding, and Johnny Mac.

20 Years on the Inside with Vickie and Kutcha
Monday 12:00pm to 1:00pm
A podcast series hosted by Vickie Roach and Kutcha Edwards reflecting on 20 years of the Beyond the Bars prison radio broadcasts.

Presenter

Vickie Roach and Kutcha Edwards

Topic

Episodes

Life beyond the bars

4 Oct 2021
In this final episode, Vickie and Kutcha explore the ideas and dreams of those on the inside for their lives on the outside. Dreams of making a difference, and ideas of contributing to their community and building a better future for the generations of Aboriginal people to come. Visions of steering the younger generation in the right direction, and hopes of supporting the older generation through reconnection with culture.

Listen to the lived experience of systemic institutionalisation

27 Sep 2021
Today’s episode is about listening to the depth of insight into the impacts of prisons on prisoners themselves. Who better to really listen to than those directly experiencing the failures of the system? Yet their voices seem to fall on deaf ears.

The daily grind

20 Sep 2021
On today’s show Kutcha and Vickie hear from the men and women on the “inside” about the daily grind. Life and work on the “inside”. We listen to the brothers and sisters who are living the grind day in, day out, and try to understand just what this system is doing to our people.

The Aboriginal spirit is strong and ever-present

13 Sep 2021
In this episode, Kutcha and Vickie explore how inmates find creative expression, engage in the healing process and learn about culture while on the “inside”. Vickie shares how she found moments of peace during her time in prison through her creativity, daydreaming, writing and strengthening her spiritual connections.