Highways of Hope: Tim Disken

The Banding Together project set out to capture stories from a range of people connected with the Australian music community in the COVID-19 era. The hardships unearthed are raw and real, but meeting these challenges has inspired acts of compassion, resilience, talent and innovation.

Music is playing a key role in many of these undertakings; a universal language keeping us connected and lifting our spirits. These stories provide a positive focus, signposts to be celebrated along the Highways of Hope.

Australian Paralympic swimmer Tim Disken was born premature, at 24 weeks, with Cerebral Palsy then suffered a stroke at three months. His journey to survive and navigate those challenges, including winning gold medals for Australia at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the 2018 Brisbane Commonwealth Games, have inspired many along the way.

Tim 'Disko' Disken’s journey is a wonderful example of the magic of music. This episode provides a unique insight into his relationship with music and how it fuels his desires to overcome life's challenges in and out of the pool, all the while winning gold medals and the admiration of his team members and the Australian public. A talented musician in his own right, Tim shares his inspirations including that of global dance music icon Avicii.

Amidst the challenges COVID-19 has created for Tim and his fellow Olympians and Paralympians, his love of music continues to lift his spirits and the spirits of those sharing the journey with him. A process those close to him call the “Afterburner Effect”.

Warning: this video contains references to bullying and death. If this content raises concerns for you or someone you know, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault responded to the challenges of COVID-19 by creating a series of video stories that capture, in real time, the impact that this pandemic has had on the music community.

Banding Together is the music community’s stories; the Australian Music Vault has simply helped capture them.

If you, or someone you know – including those connected to the creative industries – are facing mental health challenges, please contact one of the following helplines: Support Act Wellbeing Helpline on 1800 959 500; Arts Wellbeing Collective; Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.