The Australian state of Queensland has launched a new podcast, in partnership with production company The Peers Project, aimed at making travel more accessible for people with disabilities.
The series, titled Accessed That, is hosted by stand-up comedian Oliver Hunter, who openly speaks about living with Cerebral Palsy, and paralympic swimmer and TV presenter Karni Liddell, who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy as a child.
The ten-episode weekly series features co-hosts Hunter and Liddell in conversation with a number of guests including TikTok star Jimmy Jan, ‘appearance activist’ Carly Findlay, and artist Prue Stevenson.
“For people with a disability, the best resource to prepare for anything, especially travel, is to hear directly from others with lived experiences,” said Hunter. “Firsthand reviews are what the Accessed That podcast offers. Each episode is filled with experiences straight from the horse’s mouth.”
The launch of the podcast is part of Queensland’s aim to become the world’s all–abilities destination of choice ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. According to tourism minister Stirling Hinchliffe, the Queensland Government has declared $12 million to be invested in accessible tourism in 2023 by accelerating inclusive infrastructure, technology and industry knowledge.
As part of this commitment, government body Tourism and Events Queensland is launching a marketing campaign with above-the-line placements across out-of-home and radio formats, targeted placements on social media channels, and podcast network advertising to drive awareness about accessible tourism in Queensland.
“Accessed That is about sharing supportive and welcoming travel experiences to inspire visitors of all-abilities to explore Queensland’s great lifestyle and iconic destinations,” said Hinchliffe. “Accessible tourism is a transformative $1.8 billion opportunity for the visitor economy and good jobs because Queensland is too good not to be enjoyed by everyone.”
“Queensland’s focus on inclusivity is something we greatly admire, and is directly aligned with The Peers Project’s mission to raise diverse voices and stories through the powerful medium of podcast,” said The Peers Project CEO Michelle Akhidenor. “Bringing a podcast project like this to life for Queensland, and the incredible guests and hosts who have shared their stories, is an opportunity the scale of which is not lost on us, and we greatly value their partnership.”
