About this Short Film
Odds Against 'The Simon Harrison Story' (Axel Newman, Australia, 2020) is a short film that reflects on themes of accident, amputation and the everyday work of living with a physical or medical disability. Rather than offering a fixed narrative, it touches on issues such as employment, driving licences, volunteering and the role of radio and announcers in community life. Screened in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, the film contributes to our programme by highlighting achievement, resilience and the practical questions people face. It is a thoughtful, grounded piece that invites audiences to consider ability, access and inclusion in familiar, real-world settings.
Film Details
Film Transcript
No transcript is available for this film.
Filmmaker
Axel Newman is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Axel Newman.
Ive had the absolute pleasure of knowing Simon just shy of his accident in 1996. For every challenge he has faced he has risen to the occasion with humility and grace strength courage and sheer determination. I couldnt think of a more honourable and deserving person to win by sharing his story with focus on ability.Love you Simon you are one in a million
Simon went to school with my son starting in year 3. His positive attitude is inspiring and is a measure of the great bloke he is. He has many mates from his schooldays including my son. Best wishes Simon. Bill stinson
The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience but where they stand facing adversity. Simon is an example of what one can do against the odds. Good work Harry.
Your a true inspiration and a fantastic leader Simon
Simon is the Voice of Strength Enthusiasm and Hope. I had the honour to meet him personally to find an excellent role model of great public speaker and facilitator with a sense of humour and genuine and humble personality. He is very generous in supporting us and supporting the community.
Simon is excellent
Simon is the leading presenter for the radio station. His attitude and professionalism to his workplace have no boundaries that his bodies limitations may suggest could hold him back.
Simon is an absolute gun A top presenter who speaks clearly and fluently and has incredible knowledge.
I first met Simon at Pittwater RSL where Simon ran the Sunday promotions. I would always sit at a spot near Simon and chat to him in between his announcements. Simons knowledge and memory recall of all things with thoroughbred racing is amazing and we had many interesting conversations. Over many Sundays our friendship grew and and we now meet regularly for lunch and a beer. Simon has overcome his disability and lives life to the full and his unmistakable voice makes him the voice of Saturday racing radio. Wish you all the best always mate.Cheers - Wayne
Simon makes a challenging job look easy. Professionalism personified.
Simon is an amazing person Ive had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times and I listen to him regularly on Sky Sports Radio . Your an inspiration to everyone.Good luck Simon .
Simon is an amazing talented and positive man. I had the pleasure of working with Simon and admire his talent and his positive nature.
Thank you Emily for sharing your brothers story it was wonderful
A gun presenter and an inspiration but best of all a good man. You deserve everything good that comes your way mate.
I have worked in radio for 25 years and in different genres...music talkback and sport. The most difficult job by far is a studio race coordinator. Simon has done this incredibly difficult and stressful job now for over 10 years. He is an inspiration.
Through sheer persistence and hard work Simon has risen above his disability to become a true success story. Well done Simon. You are an inspiration to others.
What an amazing showcase of ability From tragedy to triumph this story is inspiring
I have the privilege of working with Simon on Racedays on Sky Sports Radio and his story is an inspiring one and his entry is aptly named Odds Against
Congratulations and Best of luck my dear friend I couldnt be more proud of you
What an inspiring extraordinary story. Shows how much you can achieve in the face of tragedy
I had the pleasure of training Simon from day one. I am so proud of all that he has achieved. An inspiration to all.