Putting people with disabilities under a positive spotlight, locally-based (and internationally operating) video production company Trending Media Australia has now partnered with Redcliffe-based disability support non-profit ROPE to bring AbiliTV to air.
AbiliTV is now a regular TV show that expands on ROPE’s ethos of empowering personal development through the provision of information, education and life skills training.
Co-director Aaron Lucas, who, together with co-director Jesse Ellis, created Trending Media in 2014, said the idea started when ROPE CEO Wes Bleakly engaged his company to produce marketing content.
“Given the variety and depth of ROPE programmes, we suggested to Wes that instead of just creating marketing videos, we could produce a TV show to highlight them all,” Mr Lucas said.
In this way, ROPE TV was born, and after two fantastic seasons of the series, the need for something with a broader focus became apparent.
“We started to realise that we could really make an impact in the disability space and aimed to take the show national,” Mr Lucas said.
After the first show aired (featuring special guests Jimmy Jan and NDIS Minister Bill Shorten) and a launch event put together, the show is now filmed monthly.
Speaking about the launch event, Mr Lucas said that it was amazing, with a great mix of attendees and “everyone buzzing with excitement and support for the new series.”
“Paralympian Rowan Crothers OAM showed up, as well as Peter Doherty from Brisbane Airport’s media team,” Mr Lucas said.
Trending Media Australia Partners with Redcliffe-Based ROPE to Bring AbiliTV
Even though Trending Media produces the show, ROPE members contribute significantly by using the autocue, running the floor during studio shoots, operating the camera and even hosting the show.
Mr Lucas said the show was already helping to change the perception that individuals with disabilities are less capable of living fulfilling and successful lives.
“In reality, most are perfectly capable of achieving great things; they just do it differently or think about it differently,” Mr Lucas said.
He said that people often don’t realise the incredible things individuals with disabilities are accomplishing.
“It’s wonderful to showcase these amazing stories, but it’s also important to highlight the challenges and struggles they face, so people are aware of both the triumphs and the obstacles in their lives,” Mr Lucas said.
Check out AbiliTV on YouTube or by locating AbiliTV on the CTV+ app. Find out more about Trending Media, visit their website here.
In terms of ROPE, visit their website here.
Read more stories from our Redcliffe Guide print magazine here:
- Reddy Roundup: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- The Scoop on Poop
- Redcliffe Museum Launches Interactive Space Exhibition
- Jan Set to Raise the Barbell
- Redcliffe’s Convicts
- Headspace Redcliffe Celebrates a Decade of Support for Youth
- Local School Develops Future NRL Stars
- Everything You Want to Know About Dying But Are Too Afraid to Ask
- Local Dragon Boat Team Shines at State Championships
- Blocks Podcast Review
- PAGE8 Turn Over a New EP
- Hundreds of Beavers Movie Review
- Raise It for Redcliffe Hospital Giving Day
Photos courtesy of Bruce Redman
