WARREN RODWELL - INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURER/

HOSTAGE SURVIVOR/SPEAKER/SONGWRITER

THE LONGEST HELD AUSTRALIAN CAPTIVE OUTSIDE WAR - IN-DEPTH PERSONAL INTERVIEW

by Lannah Sawers-Diggins

1 Please tell us a little bit about your childhood, your background; 

I am a W.A.S.P. (White Anglo Saxon Protestant), born on 16th June 1958 at Inglemere Private Hospital in Homebush, a suburb of Sydney, famous these days for the Olympic stadium. My mother often claimed, in all seriousness, that my father (deceased 1990) never paid the hospital bill. 

My ancestry is British, with the first of my namesake forebears being transported in 1838 from Salisbury, Wiltshire, England at the age of 19 to Hobart, Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) for stealing five silk handkerchiefs. After emancipation, David Rodwell and his young family (including my great, great grandfather David Cornelius Rodwell) followed the gold rush to Victoria. 

In the early 20th Century, David’s grandson (my great grandfather Samuel Richard Rodwell) pursued the lure of gold in western New South Wales, where he subsequently coughed himself to death through years of labouring in coal mines and a cement works. His son (my grandfather Stephen David Cornelius Rodwell) and bride, along with their three primary school age children (including my father, David Richard Rodwell, who later became a bricklayer), moved to Sydney during the Depression years. At the start of World War II. Stephen enlisted in the Australian Army. However, his marriage did not survive afterwards. 

My mother, Ellen Scott, had served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during WWII. Her family and free settler English/ (paternal) Scottish grandparents hailed from the New England region of northern NSW. Ellen’s father and grandfather were government railway employees during both world wars. My parents were keen dancers. This is how they met in the early 1950s in Sydney. 

I have an older brother and sister, with whom I have intentionally maintained relatively close and continuous contact with over the years. Our mother suffered with serious physical and mental health problems. She split up with our father and firstly placed us in St Christopher’s (Church of England) Home for Little Children, Taree NSW when I was 18 months old. Most of my formative years were in institutional Protestant care. There has been media mention in recent years that I was a ward of the state. This is not correct.

We were placed voluntarily in church care due to family circumstances, ill health and povertyIn fact, the official title given to children of that era/scenario is “The Forgotten Australians” (FA). A national apology to some 500,000 FA’s (including voluntary placements,state wards and British child migrants) was given by the then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and Federal Opposition leader, Malcolm Turnbull, on 16th November 2009.

On 23rd May 1965 (approximately three weeks before my seventh birthday), Ellen Rodwell (nee Scott) managed to get us out of Burnside Presbyterian Children’s Home in Parra-matta (Sydney) once she was able to secure a centrally located two bedroom State HousingCommission flat in her hometown of Tamworth NSW and an invalid pension. Two pounds (four dollars) was all she had in the first month. There were no supporting parent benefits or community support programmes at that time.

Coincidentally, Ellen Rodwell died (at age 55) 16 years later on the same day – 23rd May. The causes of death were recorded as: i) Acute heart failure (days); ii) Emphysema (years); iiiUlcers (years) and iv) Malnutrition (years). Her demise can only be regarded as nothing less than a merciful release.The inscription on her plaque reads, “The suffering is over, but the pain lives on for those who remember our ever-loving mother”.

Tamworth West Public School was diagonally across the road from us. Classroom learning and after hours study captured my young imagination and suited the quiet home environment my mother required. A few years earlier, at the age of four in church homes, it was noticed that I had not started speaking. Apparently, my speech was undeveloped. My siblings and I were in different age groups and church homes and I didn’t really have anyone to talk to anyway. I attended speech therapy whilst in third and fourth grades, absorbing myself in as much formal education as I could. Here was a field of endeavour, in which I was free to research, ask questions and explore to my heart’s content. For most subjects, I was placed in classes two years ahead of my age. By the end of primary, I was school dux and vice-captain making public speeches (on auspicious occasions, such as ANZAC Day and Easter), as well as a recipient of a bursary for the first four years of high school.

Swimming (and sunbaking) at the town public baths was my preferred sport/pastime during summer. Any coastal vacations were relished. Playing and tackling as a rugby league second rower during winter, provided me with camaraderie and some useful strategic skills and attitudes for life. We did not have a family car, so the main modes of transport available were walking or bike riding. My older brother introduced me to cycling as an interest and sport.

By the age of 12, all seemed stable, even dandy, until my mother’s health deteriorated further. She suffered greatly through intense bouts of loneliness and depression, accompanied by a nasty addiction to prescribed medication. My siblings had already left school and home and were working.

For the first six months of high school, I was placed in the notorious Salvation Army Gill Memorial Home for Boys in Goulburn NSW. Even though the privileges of being No. 1 or head boy were extended to me, I absconded and returned to what I regarded as my hometown, attending Tamworth High School. Over the years since then, the city of Tamworth has become known as the “Country Music Capital of Australia”.

After leaving school, I gained employment with the NSW Railways, completed relevant specialized studies, performed platform and clerical duties in the telegraph/parcels/booking offices and goods shed on the mid north coast, before relocating to the metropolitan network in Sydney. A few months prior to turning 20, I voluntarily enlisted in the Australian Regular Army.This was during peace time.

My mathematical/analytical abilities saw me initially allocated to the Royal Australian Survey Corps(map making). I later transferred to the Royal Australian Engineers corps and trained as what is now referred to as a combat engineer (roads, bridges, airfields, trenches, water supply, booby traps, minefields,explosives, firefighting and first aid). With the rank of sapper; ingenuity, resourcefulness and improvisation were key characteristics.

Upon discharge from the military, my sights were focused on gaining formal tertiary qualifications and hands-on managerial experience in business (finance, property, conveyancing and insurance). As I successfully climbed the corporate ladder, I realized that I did not possess any excessive levels of greed. My conscience steered me away from the commercial world into personal counselling roles, particularly those burdened with monetary concerns, much the same as my own mother, who had spent hours alone crying at night over the kitchen table.

My first wife and I met in Brisbane. Our three children (two sons and one daughter) are now adults leading their own independent lives elsewhere.

At the turn of this century, I reassessed and reinvented myself by studying computers (hardware, software,internetworking, website design), thinking such skills would assist when moving abroad as an expatriate.There is no doubt that computer technology has played a significant role for me since hand.

Travel always appealed to me. Apart from broadening the mind, I felt that moving away from Australia and living as an expatriate for an extended period would allow me to better understand myself, the world and others. I had already circled the globe once, so I wasn’t venturing into the total unknown.

At the age of 44, I challenged myself with climatic, linguistic and cultural shock by accepting an English teaching role in socially isolated provincial northern China.You could say that I did the hard strokes and paid my vocational dues there. The next natural step was to do formal training in Thailand the following year in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). I returned to mainland China afterwards via India, Nepal and Tibet.

Better familiarizing myself with the demographics of the People’s Republic, I accepted full time government university teaching jobs in preferred locations. The language departments/faculties taught business, culture, linguistics and literature. Business communication and culture were always my favourites, but I was also introduced to journalism by being given it as a subject to teach for a couple of semesters. Please bear in mind that my students were often post graduates (aged 22 -30) proficient in English as a second language.

Chinese professors shared my philosophy that the purpose of education is to produce enlightened minds. Academia suited me well. Vacation breaks were frequent and lengthy, so I was able to travel extensively,domestically and worldwide. To date, I have been to 50 countries in Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, the Middle East, and United Kingdom.

Extra curriculum opportunities were often presented to me when contact was made from within and outside the universities that I was associated with. These included judging and compering national English speaking, singing and acting contests; attending official banquets and conferences; writing/editing for newspapers and magazines; involvement as an honorary envoy for the local state association for friendship with foreign countries; collaborating with the production, promotion and distribution of a hardcover publication of a book designed as a comprehensive guide to the culture of Sichuan province in the southwest of China; as well as doing interviews for radio, television and printed media.

Separately, military history intrigued me, so my travels also included Changi Prison and The Battle Box in Singapore; The River Kwai and Death Railway in Thailand; The Killing Fields in Cambodia; The War Museum in Vietnam, The International Peace Centre in Japan and Auschwitz Extermination Camp in Poland.

Having been raised in church homes and being part of a generation that considered Sunday School to be beneficial and normal, I have been able to travel,work, live and interact in societies with different and mixed religious perspectives (Agnostic, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, and Judaism). My most significant voluntary stints to date include teaching English at a Buddhist University in Myanmar (Burma) to monks and local laypeople, plus participation in an education development programme in South America through the United Nations.

In 2009–2010 (aged 51), I returned to Australia for the best part of a year with the intention of completing a course in peace building for the troubled small nations of the Pacific Islands and South East Asia. Dates did not coincide and course structures appeared to have changed. Alternatively, I enrolled in a Christian counselling course. I determined that if counselling fell between the two stools of psychology and theology, then my own personal leaning would be towards humanitarianism. I subsequently did an external Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling) over the span of 18 months. However, government funding cuts drastically affected the (NGOs) non-government organizations providing such service to the general public.

An interest in anthropology had developed within me over the years of living in the world at large. Human migration patterns and cultural influences became more obvious. The latter part of 2010, I commenced teaching English at a medical college in the province of Inner Mongolia, northern China. Figuratively speaking, the world had turned by the start of 2011, and I was at a stage of life contemplating my future. Well, at least for the next five – 10 years.

Before departing South America in 2009, I had been learning Spanish. I did Latin in high school, so reading Romance languages was not really of concern. The quiet stage of learning another language was passing. I had begun thinking in Spanish, but I wasn’t ready then to totally leave the English-speaking world. Allowing for seasons, a flight valid for one year was booked from Shanghai to the United Kingdom as a gateway to South America. With spare time up my sleeve, I visited South Korea and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The northern winter had been long and I craved some warmth. My life changed completely when I next travelled to The Philippines.

2 You have led an amazing life to date, including being held captive for 472 days. Please tell us something about this;

I have the dubious distinction of being the longest held Australian captive out of war, after being shot through the right hand when seized from my home at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines on December 5, 2011 by the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG),Islamic militant terrorists. It was necessary to eventually have a finger amputated.The ASG threatened to behead me if the original ransom demand for $US2 million was not paid. Both the Philippine and Australian governments had strict policies of refusing to pay ransoms. Australia formed a multi-agency task force to assist the Philippine authorities and liaise with my family. A news blackout was imposed. Filipino politicians helped negotiate the release. After the payment of $AUD94,000 for "board and lodging" expenses by my siblings, I was released 472 days later on March 23, 2013, and subsequently returned to Australia to rehabilitate, after .losing about 30 kilograms in weight due to starvation. March 23rd would have also been my late mother's birthday.

More than 15 months hiding in isolated tropical island jungles, including more than 15 months hiding in isolated tropical island jungles, including 10 weeks in a war zone during Ramadan, resulted in arthritis and neuropathy setting into both fee tcausing shooting pain up to and above my shins. Combined with the lack of food, exercise and nutrition, I was barely able to walk unaided. My vision and hearing diminished. Upon release, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), looking very much like a skeletal prisoner of war. At my first media conference, reporter Zoe Daniel from the Australian Broadcasting Commission eloquently described me as “a broken depleted human being”, who appeared to have aged by 20 to 30 years.

3 How exactly did this come about?

I had previously been to The Philippines and liked the warm climate, beaches and friendly people. English was widely spoken and living costs were reasonably low. With the Australian dollar high and some reserve capital behind me (not enough to really do much with elsewhere), I embarked on a plan of setting up an international home base here, with the goal of eventually living between three countries; China, The Philippines and Australia.

I did marry a Filipina, who wanted to live close to her family in a provincial region. This suited me because I had grown up in a country town, so I built a house over the span of six months, in a new subdivision on the outskirts of a small capital city. I was assured by the developer and local officials that I was in a safe region. This is where I was shot and abducted about three weeks prior to Christmas 2011. Fortunately for my spouse, she was at her parents’ home in another village when the kidnapping occurred.

SITUATION NOT NORMAL –Lyrics by Warren R Rodwell (2015)

www.youtube.com/embed/RbGJCS0iTjo

Shot through the hand

Cuffed and dragged…

Across the land

Down to the boat

I heard these words from my host

Situation, not normal

Situation, not normal

See the state I’m in

Frail and dampened

Too stunned to grin

But now, not so handsome

Who can I trust in the place that we’re at No sense of rescue Somehow, we knew

there’s no turning back

Situation, not normal

Not normal at all”

Situation, not normal

Faith is not mine

Hope is just a false lie

A knife at my throat

Reminds me I’m still alive

Strung up, with hate

No chance of escape,

Bound and gagged,

Trapped in their crusade,

And all I could hear

Were these words from my host

Situation not normal, Situation not normal

With a media blackout

No one knowsmy plight

Losing strength and weight

Barely able to survive

With the pain of suffering

Wasting away almost everything

Ribcage too big for my skin

And a head held for ransom

Situation, not normal

Not normal at all

Situation, not normal

4 Because of this nightmare, you have been extensively interviewed in Australia, the USA,the UK, Europe, The Middle East and Asia. Has this been through all forms of media? Can you please tell us a little bit about this?

Based on the official transcripts of interviews conducted with the Australian Federal Police and with my own collaboration, the biography “472 Days Captive of the Abu Sayyaf -The Survival of Australian Warren Rodwell” by independent Australian researcher Dr Robert (Bob) East was published in hard cover and electronic versions by Cambridge Scholars Publishing, United Kingdom (2015) ISBN 1-4438-7058-7. In popular culture, Blue Mountains (Sydney Australia) techno Cow-punk band Mad Cowboy Disease composed, performed and released “Situation Not Normal”,a song I wrote, based on my ordeal. I have included the lyrics in this interview for readers.

Award-winning Filipino journalist and CEO of Rappler, Maria A. Ressa wrote at some length about my case in the international edition of her Imperial College Press - published book “From Bin Laden to Facebook: 10 Days of Abduction, 10 Years of Terrorism' ISBN 978-1-908979-53-7 (Refer to Pages 265 -271) Crowdsourcing for ransom and social media (such as, Facebook and YouTube) were used by Abu Sayyaf during negotiations. The author asserts on Page 270; "Social media is changing what was once a closed dialogue between kidnappers, their victims and governments."

Additionally, (reserve) Colonel in the Israel Defence Forces and research fellow at the International Policy Institute for Counter Terrorism (ICT), Dr Shaul Shay, analysed my terror abduction in: 'Global Jihad and The Tactic of Terror Abduction : A Comprehensive Review of Islamic Terrorist Organisations'. ISBN 978-1-84519-611-0 (Sussex Academic Press).

There has been extensive world media coverage of my case and I during captivity by all major media networks in various languages. This still continues as terrorists involved are captured and other international events unfold. Interviews I have done include television (For example:  'Today Tonight', 'TheToday Show' and 'The Sally-Anne Show'), radio [Australian ABC Radio National 'Sunday Profile' and 'The Chris Brake Show' (four times) from the USA]. Topics vary from terrorism to psychological, cultural, philosophical and historical insights. Newspapers and magazines have also run features on me. Many videos have been uploaded to YouTube. In so far as public speaking for training purposes goes, I have willingly cooperated with the Australian military. As a side note, the 'Sunday Profile' homepage states that the program 'features major players in Australian life, with background information and detailed analysis complementing in-depth interviews'. I understand that my own original interview has been played on at least three separate broadcasts so far. From a public speaking stance, that is most satisfying.

5 And the Government now will not compensate you. What is their reasoning for this?

There is an Australian Federal Government compensation scheme in place for victims of terrorism abroad. The maximum amount available would cover the balance I owe my siblings for my release and life. To be eligible to make application, the incumbent Prime Minister must officially declare my kidnapping as an act of terrorism. Even though I have patiently gone through the correct channels by lodging a request to the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department, the formal response is that the matter is now one for the Prime Minister to decide.

Regardless of repeated efforts to communicate directly with the current or previous Prime Minister, as well as other significant politicians, I seem to be getting overlooked or ignored.This is rather ironic. As already mentioned, the present Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made an apology to Forgotten Australians when he was Opposition Leader back in November 2009. As time has passed, one could say that the Forgotten Australians have been forgotten again, not only in a collective sense, but also individually.

A newspaper story entitled: 'Threatened With Beheading, Starved and Held Hostage for 472 Days, but Government Won't Compensate Kidnapped Australian as Incident L Wasn't OFFICIALLY a 'Terror Event' was published on 6th April 2015 by the Daily Mail (Australia and United Kingdom). Although Australia had a different leader at that time, the now current Prime Minister and his assistant with counter terrorism, have also been notified. Even members of the federal opposition and other parties have been approached, but to no avail.
On the recommendation of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) with specific reference to my case, the Attorney General’s Department relisted the Abu Sayyaf Group in 2013 as a terrorist organisation: “Directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning or assisting in the doing of terrorist acts”.

I was quoted in the Daily Mail as follows, “The prime minister has no time for doing things like this” and I attributed part of this situation to my low public profile. I was not a convicted drug smuggler nor a journalist. There were no political points or gain to be made through recognising me or acknowledging my eligibility for compensation as an Australian.

6 You also have many other skills. What exactly are they?

Resilience, adaptability, versatility, pragmatism, perseverance and a dry sense of humour; all rate up high, with advanced maturity being my greatest asset (skill). It is probably the best benchmark for assessment of where I am at in my own personal evolvement. Having travelled extensively experiencing some wonderful yet unexpected adventures and reactions (positive, negative and spontaneous), surviving prolonged starvation and beheading threats, being shot and subsequently resettling back in my home country. All of these have yielded a greater self-mastery of emotions and attitudes along with a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the world and life. By western standards, I could be viewed as being complex(sophisticated). However, a Chinese colleague once described me as being “a simple person, who does complex things”.

I usually take a top-down view of myself and diligently endeavour to understand, in simple terms, what’s going on around me, approaching tasks or problem-solving methodically and rationally. Mid-life crisis never lasted long. I acknowledge my own mortality and feel an inner peace from the acceptance of life, looking back on my accomplishments with some satisfaction, allowing for inherent natural constraints and restrictions. The media and history books classify me as “a former soldier, university teacher, hostage survivor and songwriter”. During the kidnap period, I was often referred to as an “international adventurer”. For general purposes nowadays, I would be inclined to endorse“academic/creative” as an enduring tag.

7 You are also a songwriter for the group ‘Mad Cowboy Disease’. How long have you been doing this for? Do you write all the songs for the group? Do you also sing and/or play an instrument?

No. I do not professionally sing or play any instruments. My stage skills are normally applied through public speaking or media interviews.

It was through social media, about one year ago, that I connected with the lead singer, Josie Critter. We clicked immediately. I had already penned lyrics and knew instinctively that Josie’s almost treacle vocals and passion for music could do the most justice to convey the raw feeling required.The tune, lyrics, instruments, and of course Josie Critter’s deep voice really come across as a finely crafted dark, powerful, haunting yet rhythmic, blend, timed to perfection.

The satirical cabaret-style techno cow-punk band 'Mad Cowboy Disease' formed in 2007. They normally write their own songs. JosieCritter has been a musician for decades on end. My first published song 'Situation Not Normal' is a gut-wrenching,almost danceable outline of my suffering in a frank non-bitter way. It was composed and performed with an “Arab blend gangster rap feel”. The band’s fourth album, as yet untitled, will feature 'Situation Not Normal'.

My next song with 'Mad Cowboy Disease' will feature the talented Patsy Inclined, as the mood, theme, tempo and general style is different to Situation. It would probably be imprudent for me to go into much more detail at this stage. Nevertheless, there is another well-established performer that I have had in depth discussions with over an extended time. His touring schedule is full, but he does have my lyrics of an upbeat piece and I understand he is progressively working on them, or at least, that’s what he tells me.

8 You have many other interests as well. What do you enjoy doing in your ‘spare’ time?

Neuropathy in both feet has slowed me down a lot physically, although that is gradually improving. For the first year or two of being back in Australia, my emotions were numb. I didn’t get out much. My way of reconnecting with the larger world that I knew, was to get active again on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter).I build my own websites and administer some discussion groups. My circles mainly include media personnel, life coaches, published writers and speakers. In other words, switched-on positive folk.

I keep abreast of world events, especially terrorism, as my own experience has given me considerable insight. Journalists and academics often correspond with me.

Photography has been a continuous passion. My digital art flair has developed significantly. To date, I have created more than 120 YouTube video clips. Because I am waiting on a political decision regarding the official declaration of my criminal abduction as an act of terrorism, I have followed Ausan federal politics closely enough to understand its inconsistencies and contradictions. Having said that, I try to be as pragmatic as reasonably practicable and harbour no political aspirations of my own. At least, not in the foreseeable future.

9 You have also amassed numerous awards. Please tell us about that;

The most recent award that I have received is a certificate of thanks from the Commonwealth Government in recognition of voluntary local community service. It is highly unlikely that I will ever get an Order of Australia medal, be made Australian of The Year, or anything similar.

Award ceremonies and formal dinners are delightful to attend. However, I craved hot potato chips with tomato sauce (ketchup) when I was close to death starving in the jungle for 472 days.

10 What are your short and long term goals for the future?

I am at a stage of life where I don’t really need to make long term plans. Except for basic living costs, I have no debt or burdensome relationship responsibilities/obligations. The consequences of being kidnapped will have consumed a five year span of my life by the end of 2016. If you recall, I had formulated a five year plan when moving to The Philippines in 2011. It is not advisable for me to return to the same region.

It was my own concern to determine how much my siblings kindly and generously contributed for my release. My mid-term goal has been to repay them. Thus, releasing myself from that financial undertaking. Legitimate compensation for being a victim of terrorism overseas would see me straight. This may occur during the coming 12 months. If so, then the next five year plan could be considered.

My current lifestyle is comfortable, but a beach, more physical exercise and social mobility would further enhance it. Whilst captive, I relished the prospect of circling the globe for a third time and possibly taking some dance lessons. A ship cruise would also be fun. However, those few options are yet to be seriously actioned. In the near future, I expect to have another song released. An extended play (EP) album tends to consist of five songs, so that is the total number I am heading towards, as the term “one hit wonder”, in my opinion, is rather lame. Producers of an international television series have already expressed interest in making a documentary of my story. Actors would be supplied. All going to plan, this project could be completed this year. That would suit me fine. In the meantime, I remain open to any other suggestions, opportunities or requests.

To avoid any potential misunderstanding, it should be noted that I am neither a philanthropist, nor an activist. Granted, the world has its problems. If the lucky among us have nine lives, then I have calculated that I have two left and I would prefer to keep the last one in reserve.

11 Is there anything further you would like to add to this to share with the world?

As part of the 2015 Australia Day Honours, Australian Army Lieutenant Colonel Paul Joseph Barta was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for outstanding devotion to duty as the Assistant Defence Attaché Manila during the Australian whole of government response to my kidnap for ransom (and immediately following, the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan). At the 2015 Australian Federal Police Foundation Day award ceremony in Canberra, 14 AFP members received the Commissioners’ Group Citation for Conspicuous Conduct for their work in support of the Philippine National Police and Australian Government efforts to release me. I have nothing, but respect and praise, for all Commonwealth government agencies involved, especially; The Australian Defence Force (ADF), Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

LINKS

Website

Twitter
FaceBook

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THIS MUSICIAN IS USING HIS FAME TO FIGHT THE ICE EPIDEMIC

PLEASE WELCOME

RHETT MAY

I reckon there should be more Rhetts in this world. Originating from Calcutta, Rhett May is using his talents and fame to fight the deadly ICE epidemic. While there is a lot more to him than published here, along with his group 'Lucifer'  he has travelled through some of our mighty outback - and was wonderful enough to answer some questions about this. His answers follow:

In the heady 70s, along with your band, you toured parts of outback Western Australia. Which towns did you actually perform at?

We performed at Geraldton, Carnarvon, Karratha, the US base in Exmouth, Port Hedland. Also Albany, Bunbury and Kalgoorlie.

How did you enjoy travelling the outback? Were the people friendly, warm and welcoming?

We absolutely loved travelling and playing to the differing tastes of the locals in each of those towns; of course, the Americans were simply the craziest for our music too - but everywhere we went the locals were incredibly supportive and friendly. Always inviting us back to their áfter parties'.

I am thinking you would not have visited any of the sheep and/or cattle stations?

Unfortunately we didn't get around to any sheep/cattle stations, but we did meet a couple of families in their caravans camping beside a river in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy in 1974. They had lost their homes and all their personal belongings and simply fled Darwin.

You also visited some Indigenous communities. And have quite a story to tell about that. Would you like to tell us something about this too please?

We didn't visit communities specifically. We came across a number of Indigenous people during our travels on the road. One occasion was when we stopped off to investigate some smoke rising about 300 metres off the unmade road. We came upon a family camped beside a fire roasting a wombat on a spit. They offered to share their meal with us but we were on a tight schedule and after chatting briefly about their day, gave them some water and continued on our travels.

On another occasion we were travelling fairly slowly over an unsealed, corrugated dirt road and suddenly, out stepped a couple of guys with their spears in hand. We absolutely freaked but stopped and had a discussion with them about their lives on the move. They had been travelling for a couple of days and simply wanted to see what this great big green truck was doing in the middle of the outback.

We went back to their campsite to see this huge eagle in a cage. It must have been a pet or lucky charm for them. But they opened the cage door and let it out to fly around. It couldn't go very far as it had a rope attached to one of its legs. They couldn't understand that we found it cruel to capture and restrict such a magnificent creature. We were assured that it was not on their menu.

What were your feelings about the outback? Positives? Negatives?

I didn't really think about the outback as 'positive' or 'negative'. To me, everything we did, everywhere we travelled and performed was exciting. All our adventures were fun and new experiences. We simply enjoyed ourselves. Those were simpler days where you took what came to you and made the most of it!! Thinking back, it was all exciting - times to be able to meet and share and experience!

Did you travel by van or fly to the cities/towns and then by car? How was the transport organised?

We travelled everywhere in a convoy. We owned a huge van/truck which was painted lime green and had our name plastered right across, so everyone knew who we were as we entered the townships. Many a time we slept under the stars between towns and states.

Would you want to travel the outback again?

I'm certain I would if the opportunity permits. However, I'm not certain the experiences would be similar as times change and travel has sped up, so the languid and relaxed travel doesn't seem to fit people's agendas these days.

How long were you in each town?

Most times, overnight. But we did a number of residencies for two to four weeks at a time. It was the travelling to and from that was the adventure and the most fun.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the world about this?

Just to thank you for your interest in my past and present and ask you to remind everyone that my music is still as strong, if not stronger, than ever. Please try to access my website (links are below) and my social media sites - listen to the message in each song, spread the word that Rhett May has fabulous and thought provoking songs that will also entertain!

LINKS

     Website
     YouTUBE/Subscribe
      FaceBook
      Twitter
     Soundcloud
     Reverbnation

 

PLEASE MEET

MARK OLIVE

INDIGENOUS CHEF EXTRAORDINAIRE

Please tell us a little bit about your childhood and background, your culture and heritage;

Growing up in a small town called Dapto in the 70s was so fortunate for me. Wollongong, being a city in those days, driven by the steel works and mining. Being a Bundjalung man from the Illawarra region, I've become more aware of my culture and the diversity that exists, as I grew older. It wasn't something that you were aware of growing up as it was just part of your life. So going to school with kids from all walks of life and nationalities, racism wasn't really a big part of our life. Being one of a handful of Indigenous families in the area we blended in quite well with the vast majority of Europeans, Americans, British and Islanders and with that it was an interesting insight into other cultures through the mix of people from around the world.

You are a leading chef. Have you always enjoyed cooking? Please tell us a little bit about that - how long you have been cooking, what inspired you to start etc;
In my 30 odd years in cooking I have always seen the kitchen as a safe haven for myself. I love the environment and the creative aspects that the job brings. When you have the right mix of people and music in a productive kitchen it can be magic. Growing up watching my aunts and mum cooking was always enjoyable and as in a lot of Indigenous families the kitchen was a focal and social point in the home. I would sit and watch them mixing things together in a bowel and put it in the oven and it would come out cooked. As a kid that was like magic to me - which inspired me to start making biscuits and cakes around nine years old.

You now cook in city restaurants, on TV shows and universities/education institutions among more. Have you always cooked in the cities and in such situations or have you also cooked in the country, perhaps back at your childhood home, for large numbers of people?
I was trained in a city hospital. Seems funny but back in the 70s and 80s food was prepared fresh and every day. We as apprentices had to do time in the variety of stations around the kitchen. The salad, vegetable, dessert, meat and fish, dietary and pasta kitchens were big and when cooking for a 1200 bed hospital the task was huge but it was a great learning environment as well as social environment working with people from all over the world. These days I work all over the world in different environments and my training and people was a huge aspect to my success today. I love visiting different Indigenous communities, remote and regional cooking in camp and earth ovens, exploring the variety of foods and people and elders from those areas.

You have had your own cooking series. Please tell us about that;
I had an idea for a cooking show in the early 90s and it wasn't until I put myself through Melbourne's premier film school, VCA in Victoria, did I get the opportunity to develop the series and approach the ABCs Indigenous affairs programme, 'Message Stick' to have a 10 minute cooking spot that it all came together. After that, the concept was developed to showcase our amazing country, bushtucker and Aboriginal culture and the series: 'The Outback Cafe' was developed in collaboration with Tourism Australia and the State Tourism Organisations and has been shown around the world and in Australia. It's been an amazing journey and there is a lot more than happened along the way but fundamentally that was how it all unfolded.

You have cooked on TV and in the above. Have you ever cooked in movies at all?
When I had a restaurant in Sydney called 'The Midden' in the 90s I did  cook for film sets which was a great way to be on set and see how all the machinations of the TV and film world worked and inspired me to get into film school and make short films and develop my ideas for a cooking series.

You have some pretty major clients, including Oprah. Please tell us about that;
That was an amazing experience cooking for Oprah's guest whilst in Victoria. These people were taken on a trip of a lifetime and to meet them was a pleasure. They embraced our workshop and got to try kangaroo, emu and crocodile as well as the native fruits and herbs from around the country. It was incredible!

You do have your own business, a restaurant. Do you have more than one? When did you begin this/these and why?
I have had a restaurant and catering company and they are both hard work. I basically started them to get and give people an idea that we have this amazing produce in the country and we don't utilize them. We are blessed to have so much that others around the world are in awe of and that we as Australians take a lot of it for granted. On my crusade to educate our country of these amazing Indigenous foods and produce we have, I have been able to get it on the palate and consciousness of the Australian people which I hope in time will be our national cuisine.

2013 was a very big year for you. Please tell us about that;
Every year has been a big year and don't think 2013 was any different, only that my focus is to educate and inspire young Indigenous and non-Indigenous kids the value of what we have and I think that is where we have to, as mentors, is to focus on the next generation.

You have also been selected for 'Friends of Australia - Plans for the Future'. Is this correct? Please tell us about that;
'Friends of Australia' is Tourism Australia's advocacy programme where influential ambassadors and opinion leaders act as storytellers for Australian holidays in the mainstream media sectors. Through a range of initiatives such as media hosting and profile raising opportunities such as the recent Australia campaign at Milan's World Expo and Restaurant Australia, I get to travel and educate people all over the country and globe about Australia and its amazing food regions and fresh produce and Indigenous people.

You have also trained under major European chefs. Please tell us more about that;
'Rino is an Italian chef and came to Australia in the 60s after travelling the globe. He settled in Wollongong and I was fortunate to have a patient and hands on teacher to guide me through my career. We're still great mates and regularly keep in touch. Through my travels, I've certainly enjoyed working alongside other chefs including Indigenous chefs from other countries presenting Australian cuisine and creating fusion dishes from our respective countries.

And you have published your own cookbook. Have you written more than one? Do you have plans for further books in the future?
Plans are in the pipe-works for a new book when I get a bit of time; also I want to develop product for the Black Olive brand, so watch this space!

What and/or who are your inspirations?
My family and friends inspire me a lot. My values and attitude to life stems from them. A few chefs inspire me and growing up there wasn't much on TV so we had to be creative in a more practical and imaginative way, which I think inspired a lot of what we see today.

What are your short and long term plans for the future?
Another TV series, a new book, develop produce and retirement!

RACISM - CONTINUES TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM

Make no mistake - racism is alive and well worldwide, sadly. And yes, it seems that there certainly are barriers.

I feel incredibly proud to be connected with quite a few of our amazing Aboriginal people – they are all lovely and they are absolutely and justifiably passionate about their heritage and culture. When I was asked to write this article, I turned to some of them to gain their perspectives of the above problems. And their responses have stunned me. They shouldn’t have – I should have had some idea of how bad racism is in Australia – but I didn’t. And what they have told me is literally only scratching the surface.

Looking at medicine, for example – it seems that the number of Aboriginal doctors is rising but trying to gain access to resources that they need to achieve their ambitions, apparently is causing huge problems. There are countless barriers that need to be removed for these people to get ahead. Simply because of who they are, it’s not happening – or if it is, it’s much harder for them than for anyone else. Racism is rife in every sector.

Too many white Australians still believe that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are just lazy and are no good – at the same time, these are the people who want to challenge the narrative that Muslims are all terrorists. In my opinion, this is not true. None of it. However, if you want to think about it – seriously, just remember that remaining silent in the discrimination of others really makes you just as racist - not that that is going to make a bar of difference to many. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – you know, the First Peoples to inhabit our nation - have faced systematic oppression for centuries and have always lived in a situation where they are shunned and belittled by migrants and colonisers alike

One of my friends asked me which aspect I was actually interested in – education, housing, health, employment, economic development, sport, media, land rights – whoa! The list continues. Then she asked whether I was asking about systematic racism, institutionalised, online – or ‘just’ to your face? She added that there are just so many barriers occurring across the board, due to racism that it’s really only those that are unable to access due to racism that are acutely aware of it. It seems that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people no longer even try to access any resources that do not show any sign of Aboriginal cultural understanding. How tragic.

They have problems trying to access private rentals, as do other immigrants to Australia, from what I understand. All racism. Access to varying services. Access to information. Barriers abound everywhere.

I was given a lot of examples by my different connections, all of whom I consider to be friends, but really far too many to even think about covering here. One lady recalled an incident that her son experienced. It involved the boy being falsely labelled a thief – there is a considerable story to this, too much to recount here, but suffice to say that the mother said she had to teach her son to just deal with it. She felt it was useless for them to fight the accusation because no-one really cares anyway. They would be told that they had ‘misinterpreted the actions’, 'pulled the race card', 'acted irrationally', 'had other problems' - or they were just not needed as a customer. Given that the entire thing was not the fault of the son, I find this amazing – I would not have thought any business at any time could afford to lose customers.  It’s a store I wouldn’t be going near again. Barriers.

During the times of the Black Civil Rights movement in the 60s and 70s, the Aboriginal Elders and supporters met to create the very foundation of basic services for their people who live in the capital cities on the eastern coast of Australia. In doing this, they fought for things that  should have been taken for granted – legal and health services, access to education and public housing etc. These are basic services, for goodness sake – services that all mankind should have access to. They are not luxuries but even now they are only in the city centres. For Aboriginal people living in remote communities – these services do not exist, pure and simple. They should exist – but they don’t.

Treatment of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is unacceptable. One of my friends tells me that she has the ‘gift of the gab’ which has helped her talk her way past the inbuilt racism that they see whenever they try to step in to the ‘white world’- a term many detest using. It seems that most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are living in two worlds: at home, they can be themselves and be black, but when they go to work (if they are lucky enough to have a job) they try to act white. She adds that those who cannot step out of their ‘black world’ are the ones who fail. So sad. This is a result of past experience and treatment of their Elders – it seems their people who do not live in such a way are seen as too radical if they have different views to the majority.

So, yes, there is racism everywhere and many, many barriers exist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Another friend also mentions that the worst kind of racism she has found is the role that mainstream media portrays of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or Indigenous (which she explains is actually the lazy term the media prefers to use the keep the word count down) people. She adds that it is very fortunate that we have the ABC and SBS who do go out and find positive stories, but sadly the negative stories aired by the commercial channels are the ones that create the vacuum seal of the worst things happening in our communities. She adds there is never a thought about the struggles the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander people live with on a daily basis.

She also recalls an argument she had with one of her relations in the 1980s. It seemed he, like so many white Australians, was complaining that Aboriginal people get everything for free. This is a complaint that I can verify as I hear it regularly too. But it’s not fair. Not at all. And this is a very typical example of one of those barriers. My friend explained that earlier that week, her niece (step-daughter of the above-mentioned relation) unsuccessfully applied for Austudy. The reason for the failure? She is related to a white man who earns too much money and because he is married to her mother, a black woman, the lass is not eligible for Austudy. Seems to be to be a very clear barrier.

Another friend, an artist, tells of some very blatant racism that he has endured. He mentions that sometimes it is the covert body language of Non-Indigenous persons that convey their inner racism. When this talented artist has attended workshops, he could ‘feel’ Non-Indigenous people looking at him in a critical way. How absolutely shameful. It seemed he was the only Aboriginal person in the room at one stage and when the workshop ended and it was time for mingling, he was left standing alone despite his own efforts at trying to approach people. They just turned away. Attending other art award evenings he has simply been ignored.

Many people claim they are not racist at all – but they are. And there are times when my blood boils when listening to conversations around me. People making racist jokes, at the same time claiming that they are not racist. And I have heard non-Indigenous people claiming that certain things should not be accessible to Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander people. Why not? I have asked, only to be ignored. So, effectively, they are encouraging those barriers.

My artist friend continues by adding that Aboriginal people have an inner radar for the ‘vibes’ that other individuals give off. It’s all about energy and believe me, they feel it.  Even through his amazing artwork (which I have had the huge fortune to see and write about) he is connecting to country – his style of painting is a blend of landscape and also some ancestral dreaming work from his inner visions. It can also be dictated by distinct areas of Aboriginal culture. Looking at his work and having grown to know this man (and his wife) through emails etc even I am starting a feel a little of the power that he talks about. But then, I am not racist.

When this artist recently applied for an arts grant (still pending approval), he was rather – interested – when approaching people to write letters of support for him. As he explains, some were helpful, others not interested. Some were outright rude. When I was approached, I felt so privileged that I wrote one which I can only hope will help him achieve the success he so deserves.

This amazing man and his wife have gone on to tell me some amazing stories of pure and blatant racism which has been displayed to them. They have not been included here as this article is calling more for barriers – and anyway, my blood is now boiling.

What I cannot understand and continues to annoy me so much – why are there barriers in place for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when some of their skills, as in the works of the above artist, could do so much for Australia, for all our homeland?

But racism and those associated barriers are not confined to our Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people. Australia, like most nations, is blessed with an enormous multi-cultural population – but so many of these people, whether legal immigrants or not, share that feeling of racism. A German friend of mine tells about some of her experiences and those of her family, when they first came here in 1964. As Germans – you know, normal people - they were subjected to some awful treatment, being called everything under the sun. Horrible. As my friend says, she still feels bad about the shame she was made to feel simply because of where she was born. While she has not mentioned any particular barriers, I have absolutely no doubt they were well and truly present. Just because they were German. She does add that sometimes she feels the price paid for trying to be a ‘true blue Aussie’ – is way too high. Agreed.

A final word from one of my Aboriginal friends. As she says, sadly the above is the image that most people who aren’t Aboriginal have of the First Peoples of this country – and of some immigrants. In her own words: ‘Sadly this is the image that most people who aren’t Aboriginal have of the First Peoples of this country. We live in one of the richest countries in the world, but Aboriginal people are living in third world conditions. We don’t choose to have poor health, poor education, poor living standards or work in jobs that pay way less than what we can possibly earn. This is life for most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’.

So, yes – there continue to be barriers everywhere, right across the board.

THIS CHARACTER ACTRESS, COMEDIENNE, AUTHOR, WRITER, RESEARCHER, EQUESTRIENNE...

HAD ME LAUGHING WITH HER OPENING SENTENCE.

PLEASE MEET

SALLY STRATSO

1    Please tell us a little bit about your childhood, your background;

I had no brothers or sisters to blame things on, so I was the sole focus of my parents' attention. This was both good and bad! My father was a police officer...for real! Always on the lookout for delinquent behaviour!

2   You are a character actress, comedienne, writer, researcher, equestrienne and published author. Have you always wanted to be in entertaining, somehow or did you aspire toward something different completely when you were younger?

I was always writing stories, as far back as I can remember. I would rush home at lunch time, writer a short script, then take it back to school, talk my teacher into letting us rehearse and then perform for the class. And we are talking elementary school here!

3   You have performed in quite a few TV programmes/shows etc. Can you tell us which ones and a little bit about that generally?

Well, my favourite was a TV series about professional wrestling; I played the physician in several episodes. This was awesome because much of it was filmed in their dressing rooms! But also because the director let us improvise and the scenes in the ring were filmed in front of a live audience. I remember him coming up to me afterwards and laughing:  'I didn't know where you were going with that!' Some of the films I have been in - 'Hit Man', 'The Riff', 'Holiday in Her Heart', 'Painted Hero' and 'Slap Her, She's French'. Among the TV series are 'Walker, Texas Ranger' (two episodes), 'PCW' (two episodes) and 'Hawaii Five-O'. Commercials include 'Nike', 'Marcus Cable' and 'Disney'.

4  You also have some 'special abilities'- ie you can read at quite a few words per minute. Please tell us something about this;

When I check out books at the local library, patrons are sometimes amazed at the quantity. I explain that I can read very fast and they always say:  'What a gift!' I can read 1,189 words (per minute) with comprehension. This fact has made it very easy to research and in Diplomacy and Military Studies at Hawai'i Pacific University, I excelled in Open Source Intelligence Gathering. I like to listen to 'Big Data's' song 'Dangerous', because I was told by an instructor that as a great researcher, I was dangerous! LOL.

5   You have also done some teaching? When, where and what exactly?

I taught at both a four year university and several community colleges in Texas. My areas of expertise are: US History, US Government, Texas History, Texas Government and English Composition. I have also tutored students in writing. This was between 2004-2010. However, I did standup comedy for some years before this and I can tell you, standup was excellent practice for teaching college.

6   As a writer, what publications do you have on the market?

In the past, I have posted some online stories/poems, on HauntedHawaii.com and PoetryMagazine.com. The only thing I really have on the market right now is myself. I am on sale today. Just so people know.

7   Are you self or traditionally published?

I have written for Lemons Newspapers, The Bastrop Enterprise, Lewis Newspapers, Indie Slate Magazine and Equus, among others. My column, 'Northern Lights' ran in several Texas newspapers in the 90s. I used it in my standup then, too! I have penned six screenplays and written numerous spec scripts.

8   What are you working on at the moment, be it writing, acting or whatever?

I have a blog, www.sallystratso.com, in which I write material that I then use in my standup comedy in Waikiki. I am currently learning how to do the Moonwalk! I also promote several actors, directors and comedians on my website.

9   Have you had to face and overcome any/many problems/challenges and/or adversities in your life?

My life has been a soap opera - I broke my neck when a horse fell on me and I was partially paralized for a year; have had amnesia; double pneumonia; blood clots; a brain abscess; numerous broken bones, including a badly fractured tibia in 2014; and the absolutely worst chronic and acute case of stage fright that I have ever seen or heard of. (Eleanor Roosevelt said that a person must do what he or she fears the most, but I don't think she meant to do it every day!).

10  You are also something of an equestrienne. Can you please tell us a little bit about that;

My family owned a stable and we boarded horses, gave lessons, trained hunters and jumpers and travelled to shows. Once, when I was nine years old, we had a horse that just defied everyone's attempts to ride it. I sneaked into the stable one night, climbed up on this horse, then rode it round and round until it was dizzy. The next day, I rode the horse out of the stall and into the stable yard. Incredulous looks were followed by a long spell of being grounded, not by the horse, never by that horse, but by my horrified parents. Another time, I trained a stubborn horse to get into a trailer by riding it in! Grounded again. I did break my neck when I was 23 when a horse fell with me and rolled over me. However, this was not really a bad thing because once I healed, I actually won way more championships because I had learned to slow down a little!

I have not owned a horse since moving to Hawai'i in 2010. Yesterday, though, I put an ad in the local paper. The ad begins:  'Do you have a bad-tempered horse that you would like to part with?' I think I have it in me to train another horse! After all, I am only 62. 62 1/2.

11   Are you professionally managed or do you represent yourself?

I am represented by the ADR Agency in Kaneohe, Hawai'i.

12   Have you done a lot of media interviews?

Do depositions count?

13   What and/or who are your inspirations?

Artist, actor, director, writer, philanthropist and friend Jack Lord...long story...

14   What do you enjoy doing in your 'spare' time?

Spending time with my family, my pets - and now looking for a new horse.

15   What are your short and long term professional goals?

I love doing standup; in the beginning, it took a bottle of Imodium to get me up on stage, but now I love it! I enjoy making people laugh; it's so good for them. I would also like to do more film work.

16   Is there anything further you would like to share with the world?

The universe will speak to you if you only listen. What you put out there will come back to you, tenfold! People cross your path for a reason, so help everyone that you can. Always, always be a cheerleader, for others and also for yourself!

DIANNA CORCORAN - AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY SINGER AND GOLDEN GUITAR WINNER

1. Please tell us a little bit about your background;

I was born and bred in Parkes NSW, Australia. Mechanic dad and Avon Lady mum with a farming background. My life now takes me all over the world.

2. You are a country singer. Have you always wanted to sing or did you aspire toward something else when you were younger?

My mum said I was singing before I was talking. Music has always been in my bones and although I had dreams of working with animals or being some kind of visual artist, I think the universe made the decision for me. Music will be my life and is in my blood.

3. How did you ‘break’ into singing?

Australia is lucky to have a strong network country music talent quests. My home town had a large one that got me into the genre. My parents made it their hobbies to get me around to as many of these competitions as they could manage. Sometimes traveling long hours on weeks ends. It never really mattered if I came home with a trophy, it was all about the music and going experience. I made great life long friends, too.

4. Do you have a manager or do you represent yourself?

I have a team here in the US but I have pretty much been unmanaged my entire career. I oversee most things while I have a label, publisher and PR company that take care of some details. A lot of my time is not spent on music unfortunately and a lot of people are unaware of the extensive work that is done in the office behind the scenes.

5. Have you won any/many awards? Please tell us a little bit about that;

Including all of those little talent quests, I’ve actually accumulated over 400 awards. Some of the major ones include two Golden Guitars (Australian Country Music Awards). One for Female Artist of the Year and the Other for New talent of the Year.

6. I understand you have also entertained some of our troops overseas. Please tell us something about that;

Is most probably the highlight of my career. I have done three entertainment deployments with the military and will be forever grateful for the experience and opportunity to share my music with a most appreciative crowd. I got to experience things that a limited amount of civilians will ever see.

7. You have also travelled the world with some other major entertainers. Can we know who and where and when you have travelled?

One of the greatest gifts that music gives me is my traveling and experiences. I've worked as a songwriter and producer right throughout Europe, Asia, South Pacific, North America and the list goes on. I have a team of Grammy award winning writers, producers and artists that I’m lucky enough to work with time and time again.

8. What other jobs did you hold prior to entertainment?

Recruitment executive, Pizza Hut manager, elderly care worker and the list goes on. In the early days I held a lot of jobs in order to support the launch of my music career.

9. What do you enjoy doing in your ‘spare’ time?

I love anything in the outdoors. Hiking, camping and I LOVE to just watch TV. I’m not very good at switching off and TV helps me do that.

10. Who and/or what are your inspirations?

Life. Just life. I love to drive long distances and meet new people. These experiences are a constant source of inspiration.

11. Is anyone else in your family in entertainment?

All members of my family were musical. Mum sang, Dad played drums, Biggest brother studied violin and next big brother down is an amazing bass player. None of them pursued it as a career, though.

12. Have you many DVDs released?

I have never released a DVD. Yet :-)

13. Have you done a lot of media interviews, including guesting on TV shows at all?

A LOT. My entire adult life has been filled with media ranging from TV to Magazine.

14. What are your short and long term goals for your career?

I always feel guilty for answering this way, but I really don't focus on goals. I enjoy the journey and take every opportunity that comes my way. I guess if there were any goals, it is to simply get my music to the masses. Thats a big job that will continue for the rest of my life.

15. Do you also write your own songs as well as writing for other singers at all?

I write all of my own material and also write for others. My songs are true stories and being an authentic story telling artist is important to me.

16. Is there anything further you would like to add to this?

Thank you for your support!!! 

LINK:  FaceBook

New album and American Debut released January 29th 2016. Dianna Corcoran - In America.