Series
“Good, thanks”
This is the response often given by those with a chronic illness or disability when asked how they are – despite this being far from their reality. This series looks behind the masks of those living with chronic illness and takes you into their world.
After being diagnosed with MS at 32, Tim has found lots to laugh about
Comedian and director Tim Ferguson started experiencing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis at 16. Since then, he’s learnt about the power of optimism.
- Brooke Campbell Bayes
‘I still have a job to do’: The MP diagnosed with motor neurone disease at 44
In Australia, the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years.
- Brooke Campbell Bayes
Tahlia had a stroke at age 10. Today, doing her own hair is an accomplishment
While “good, thanks” is the standard response of many people with a disability when asked how they are, there’s usually a lot more to say.
- Brooke Campbell Bayes
The hidden cost of the chronic migraines that shape this media personality’s life
Quick-witted and always ready with a joke, Katie “Monty” Dimond carries a significant health burden, one she shares with 400,000 Australians.
- Brooke Campbell Bayes
Michael knew something wasn’t right. His diagnosis knocked him for six
A life-changing illness threw his life into disarray and sent him into a mental health spiral. Finding a way to live with it has helped Michael recover the joy.
- Brooke Campbell Bayes
Richelle was the fittest she had ever been. And then she lost her vision
The AFLW player took herself to hospital, where she spent the next two weeks. When she returned to the field, she tried to go on as before. Then reality of her diagnosis set in.
- Brooke Campbell Bayes
Other series
Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026
This year’s laugh fest has kicked off, with more than 2000 performers stepping up to the mic. Here, our writers take a closer look
- 10 stories
Hate of origin: Inside football’s most intense rivalry
Essendon and Hawthorn have hated each other for more than 40 years, from some old-fashioned thuggery and a fake drug scandal in the mid-80s to last year’s failed bid by the Hawks to poach the Bombers’ captain.
- 5 stories