With his 23 years working at the Batemans Bay Library, we've long admired Andrew Radford's efforts promoting inclusivity and the value of workplace diversity. So we're more than a little proud to see him shine on The Assembly.
The ABC hit TV series follows 15 autistic student journalists as they prepare and then interview six iconic Aussies. And it all began with an email…
"I'd already done the 'Future Leaders' course with Autism CRC. They got in touch saying I should apply," says Andrew.
Several Zoom meetings, then a Sydney trip to meet the show's producers, and Andrew was in!
"They asked, why journalism? I want more inclusive reporting, including by people with autism. It's a good way to extend the advocacy work I already do. They liked that; it took me to the next stage," says Andrew.
That next stage involved turning-tables on Australia's most experienced interviewer – Leigh Sales – who Andrew describes as a hero.
"We didn't realise when we first interviewed Leigh she was going to come back as our mentor. It was amazing working with her – she was so kind and helpful.
"We would research the other people to interview and write up our questions. Leigh would go through them with us, though she said our questions were very good. I think that's because people with autism have a different outlook."
Those 'other people to interview' included Sam Neil, Delta Goodrem, Amanda Keller, Adam Goodes and Hamish Blake. But it was Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who Andrew most enjoyed interviewing.
"During my research I found out the current prime minister loves silver ties, so on the day I wore a silver tie. That's probably rapport building but it's my favourite tie too, so a bit of a lucky coincidence," laughs Andrew.
Coincidence or not, that rapport building has Andrew confident enough to be asking the PM harder questions, like: "Was he seeing more people with disability in parliament? He said he would look into it."
Andrew says it's not just the pollies who are lagging behind. Neurodiverse people lack representation in the media too, so Andrew is heartened by a six-week ABC internship offered to all The Assembly participants.
"I'll be doing mine in Canberra – finding good-news stories on people with disability – and also a stint on radio with the garden show. That starts at the end of October."
From there, Andrew says, anything could happen.
"My dream would be Australian Story. I would love to work with Leigh on that. Doing The Assembly shows everyone what people with autism are capable of but there is still a way to go – people with autism need a voice and more positive portrayal.
"It's our time to shine."
You can stream The Assembly free on ABC iview.
- This story was first published in Council's quarterly newsletter for residents, Living in Eurobodalla. A printed edition is delivered to Eurobodalla's 26,000 households.
