Journalist • Author • Advocate
In the lead-up to Severe ME/CFS Day on August 8, Emerge Australia is proud to present a compelling new episode of the Emerge Australia Imagine podcast.
Join our CEO, Anne Wilson, as she sits down with renowned journalist, author, and advocate Tracey Spicer AM – a passionate supporter of Emerge Australia and a courageous voice who has personally experienced the challenges of long COVID and associated conditions. Tracey was Anne’s very first guest in our podcast program – and now 10 seasons, 60 episodes and 40k listens later – it’s time for them to catch up again.
Tracey’s extraordinary career spans nearly four decades in the media, with accolades including multiple Walkley Awards, the Sydney Peace Prize, and recognition as one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence. Her work in social justice, gender equality, and global advocacy is complemented by her role on the Global Advisory Board of For Humanity and her recent participation at the United Nations.
In this insightful conversation, Tracey shares her perspectives on the misconceptions surrounding ME/CFS, especially in its severe form, and discusses how society, media, and policymakers can better understand and support those affected. She emphasises the urgent need for improved healthcare responses, increased research funding, and powerful public awareness campaigns to elevate the voices of those living with severe symptoms.
We need to fund ME research at a level to match its prevalence. We need to mandate more clinical education. Gaslighting is real, and GPs must be educated. We must ensure Medicare and NDIS pathways for people living with ME/CFS, long COVID and associated conditions.
As we approach Severe ME/CFS Day, Tracey offers a message of hope, resilience, and a call to action for communities and governments alike. Don’t miss this inspiring episode — a vital step toward greater understanding and change.
To everyone living with Severe ME and your families, I want you to know you are seen, heard and loved. There is a community wrapping around you and supporting you in whatever way we can. We need to listen to your lived experience and learn from it. Every day we are learning more. Thank you for sharing your stories.
We are grateful for Emerge Australia’s Ambassador Bloom sharing her rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine to open and close our podcasts.
