Normally shrouded in secrecy and sealed for 100 years, medical files have now exposed dark past of Wolston Park
Wolston Park closed in 2001, but it remains infamous for widespread allegations of sexual abuse, beatings, chemical restraint and “shock therapy” from the 1950s to 1980s.
How do you make friends when moving to a new town?
When Jade Gregory moved to a beautiful but isolated WA town, she struggled to connect with others. Now, she's bringing local women together.
Why hundreds of refugees from a forgotten war zone can't stop smiling
Almost 400 refugees, such as Rabi, from the war-ravaged Central African Republic now call this tropical Queensland town home. They're now inspiring artists with their stories.
Art brings colour and healing to town left ashen grey amid bushfire trauma
How do you make sense of natural disasters and trauma? This remote community uses art and creative expression as a form of therapy to support their healing and recovery.
These seniors had no idea what a podcast was, but now they're the stars of their own series
A new podcast series is enabling seniors to share stories from their lives in a bid to beat loneliness in aged care homes. And it's amazing what some people have done over the years.
Teenage autism diagnosis can 'help everything make sense', but what happens next can be life saving
Teenagers say an autism diagnosis can help explain why life has been more challenging for them than their peers. But how parents respond to their diagnosis can be crucial.
How running helps these mates start tough conversations in regional towns
Ben Pettingill, who is 98 per cent blind, needs someone by his side when he runs. With his mate Mike Rolls, the pair has found no shortage of people willing to run and chat about life.
Memory cafes ease loneliness for people living with dementia
Social interactions and community connection are often some of the first things people living with dementia lose.
How a British outsider became the talk of this remote mining town
Ted Blakeley came to Tom Price to help babysit his grandchild. Eight years later his coffee van is one of the most popular joints in town.
Nightmares, headaches, crying in the car: College staff describe impact of 'unsafe' work environment
Current and former staff of a Victorian high school say they feel unsupported as they face abuse, stalking and feelings of dread in their roles.
April has ADHD and struggles to unwind, but 'silent nights' help
The thought of vegging out on the couch is not relaxing to April Hélène-Horton. Instead, she likes to find activities that she enjoys and don't create more work or her, like "silent nights" and "shower makeup".
Students and aged care residents participate in happiness program
Two generations have come together in Adelaide for a program aimed at helping participants socialise, connect and understand each other.
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feel good:From tattoo stencils to ochre canvases, how Shal found connection to country through painting
After suffering burnout from the gruelling workload of tattooing, Indigenous punk artist Shal took up meditative painting as way to connect the city with country and mob.
New program combatting loneliness
Rates of loneliness and social isolation are increasing, and it can have a huge impact on physical and mental health.
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feel good:'As damaging as smoking': Program eases the burden of loneliness one catch up at a time
More people are reportedly feeling lonely after the COVID-19 pandemic, but a community program is helping older South Australians make meaningful social connections.
Trailblazing artists Stick Mob return, bringing their experiences to life in comic books
From high school sketchers to publishing success stories, these Indigenous graphic artists are preparing to launch the second series of their comic books, and say the whole experience feels "surreal".
Why horses are an 'amazing wellbeing thermometer' for these young First Nations People
Athena Perkusich says her special bond with a horse helps her connect and relax. She is among thousands of young people benefiting from an equine program in the Kimberley.
'Too cold to sleep': Homeless campers battle rain, mould and the unknown as winter temperatures plummet
Parts of Australia are recording their coldest temperatures in more than a decade, and people sleeping rough are bearing the brunt more than ever.
How being a 'bit silly' during circus class helps teens and seniors juggle life's ups and downs
This three-month circus program brings out everyone's "inner child" and shows you're never too old to learn new tricks — like hula-hooping and plate-spinning.
Sophia Antoncic moved to a tropical island for work.
After feeling burnt out from school and the traditional work life, 20-year-old Sophia Antoncic moved to a tropical island for slower-paced work.
Octogenarian Alex Tarr is still running on the edge, winning orienteering's mental game
Still quick enough mentally and physically to post competitive orienteering times, Alex Tarr outclasses many of his younger opponents.
This suburban 'sanctuary' is no junkyard — it's an alternative way for Aussie kids to play
In an adventure playground tucked away in a Brisbane suburb, a generation of kids are discovering an alternative way to play.
Raewyn lives with schizophrenia. She says it's harder to get treatment than it was 30 years ago
Raewyn Pepper is one of about 200,000 Australians affected by schizophrenia. She says despite talk of the state government making improvements to mental health services she thinks it is "a bit of a fallacy".
Could retirement communities be part of the solution to the nation's housing shortage?
By freeing up more properties for families, over-55 resorts could become a crucial part of the puzzle addressing Australia's housing crisis, according to the nation's peak retirement living body.
'People grieve in different ways': Emotions still raw a year after the Hunter Valley bus crash
Twelve months after the Hunter Valley bus crash claimed the lives of 10 people, affected communities and first responders are still coming to terms with the tragedy.