John Baxter - Australian Museum

John Baxter - Australian Museum

From Ablequest by 2RPH

February 6, 2026 · 15 min

About this episode

John Baxter discusses his experiences and advocacy for First Nations peoples with disabilities, highlighting systemic inequities in Australia's support systems.

"Uncle' John Baxter grew up with spina bifida, was fostered out to non-Aboriginal family and attended a three-storey high school in Box Hill, Victoria which was challenging for a boy on crutches. He completed an apprenticeship as a printer and graphic artist. Throughout his life he has been a fearless champion for improving the lives of First Nations peoples living with disabilities. He is the creator of a dedicated installation, "Not Fit for Purpose" now on display at the Australian Museum. He talks to Elaine Wziontek about the systemic inequities within Australia's disability support systems. And these challenges are especially acute in regional and remote communities. Original air date: 06.02.26 Support the show: https://donate.2rph.org.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Elaine Wziontek

Guest: John Baxter

Topics covered

  • disability
  • First Nations
  • systemic inequities
  • support systems
  • regional communities

Keywords

  • spina bifida
  • disabilities
  • advocacy
  • Australian Museum
  • Not Fit for Purpose

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Australian Museum

Places: Box Hill, Victoria, Australia

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