Community Conversations
by Community Centres SA
The Community Conversations Podcast will feature stories and information on community development efforts, the programs being run by our members and general community interest topics. Across the State of South Australia there are volunteers and staff helping our community members to find connections, access to food, housing and education in an environment that welcomes everyone to their doors. Community Centres are open for anyone and provide place based activities to enrich the lives of our community. We will be interviewing Community Centre members, community connection partners and community stakeholders who will share their experiences, activities and upcoming events.The Podcast is aimed at highlighting the good work being done to make a difference at the grassroots level to address issues such as loneliness, homelessness, social injustice and how to improve wellbeing of our communities. Be sure to listen every week as we release each episode. The podcast will be easily accessibl
Episodes
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Community Partnerships for Rural Aged Care with Brad Grieve & Linda Doolan
In today's episode, we are joined by Brad Grieve and Linda Doolan from Mable. Mable operates a Community Partnerships program, a social enterprise model that connects aged care providers, community organizations, and local support workers through an online platform. The program initially began in...
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Rebuilding Community Volunteer Programs with Vanita Schwarz
This week we are joined by Vanita Schwarz from Volunteering South Australia and the Northern Territory. Vanita's career in volunteer management spans 20 years, beginning when she was just 16 years old. She has worked across local government and both small and large not-for-profit organizations...
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A Framework for Community Mental Health with Professor Lydia Woodyatt
In this week's episode, we are joined by Professor Lydia Woodyatt from the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work at Flinders University. Lydia is one of the developers of the Flinders Certificates in Mental Health and Wellbeing for Workplaces and Communities, where she also teaches. As…
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Beyond Programs: Meaningful Youth Participation with Stephen Sverchek
This week we are joined by Stephen Sverchek, Executive Manager of Innovation and Impact at Youth Opportunities. Stephen's career has spanned four continents where he has contributed to education, community development, and youth empowerment initiatives. With over a decade of experience, Stephen...
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Cyber-Smart Communities with Nicholas Michalakis
This week we are joined by Nicholas Michalakis, the Owner and Operator of Tweak IT. Tweak IT is a locally owned tech support service focused on delivering smart, accessible, and reliable IT solutions for homes, individuals, and small office environments. With over 20 years of industry experience,...
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Resource-Smart Advocacy: Community Solutions with Claire Johnson
This week, we're joined by Claire Johnson, Founder and Managing Director of Advocate 360. Claire shares her extensive experience in government relations and strategic communications, where she has advised industry associations, corporations, and startups navigating complex policy environments.…
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Growing Community: The Power of Shared Gardens with Naomi Lacey
This week, we are joined by Naomi Lacey from Community Gardens Australia. Naomi is a permaculturalist who is passionate about promoting healthy food systems, sustainable lifestyles, and cultivating community. Naomi believes that community gardens play a pivotal role in ensuring better health...
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Combating Loneliness: Community Solutions With Dr Nadia Corsini
This week, we're joined by Dr. Nadia Corsini, a behavioral scientist and senior research fellow at the University of South Australia. Dr. Corsini is passionate about translating evidence to solve pressing social and health challenges for industry, government, and most importantly, the public. The...
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From Trauma to Triumph with Jenni-Lee Keez
In this episode, we are joined by Jenni-Lee Keez, a survivor of anorexia nervosa and various associated mental health challenges, who has transformed her experiences into a mission of empowerment and healing. As a reality therapy certified counsellor, speaker, and teacher, Jenni-Lee shares…
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Building Connected Communities with Claire Boan
This week, Claire Boan, the Mayor of Port Adelaide Enfield Council, shares her journey into local government while emphasizing the vital importance of community engagement and grassroots connections. During our conversation, she discusses how these connections help shape stronger, more resilient...
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The Science of Cellular Cleaning: Understanding Autophagy with Tim Sargeant
In this week's episode, we're joined by Associate Professor Tim Sargeant from the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), a biomedical scientist leading cutting-edge research into autophagy - the body's natural cellular cleaning process. We explore how autophagy…
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Beyond Loss: Building Compassionate Communities with Shyla Mills
This week marks both Community Centre Week and National Palliative Care Week. To celebrate, we are joined by Shyla Mills, the CEO of Palliative Care South Australia—a leading charity and peak body for Palliative Care in South Australia. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at Flinders...
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Untangling Addiction and Recovery with Anna Martin
In today’s episode, we are joined by Anna Martin, lawyer and founder of the Untangle Project. Anna shares here journey of overcoming a 20-year gambling addiction. She realised that women deserved a better space to seek help, support and to advocate for change, and created The Untangle Project…
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Leading Change on Kangaroo Island with Priscilla Thomas
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Priscilla Thomas — a board member at Our Town KI and a dedicated program facilitator. With a strong background as an educator and community activator, Priscilla has spent several years working to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for children…
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The Hidden Cost of Gambling with Michael Baigent
In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Michael Baigent for an in-depth conversation about gambling addiction in Australia. Michael highlights the complex role gambling plays in the economy while also exposing the profound harm it causes individuals and communities. He explores the emotional,...
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Shaping Stronger NFP’s with Julie Black and Jessica Merrick
This week, we’re joined by Julie Black and Jessica Merrick from NFP Success to explore the pressing challenges facing not-for-profit organisations. They delve into key topics including board governance, financial sustainability, cybersecurity, and AI. Julie highlights the importance of strong…
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Building Strong Communities with John Peacock
In this week’s episode, John Peacock, CEO of Associations Forum, explores the powerful parallels between associations and community centres. He dives into the key elements that drive success in the non-profit sector, emphasizing the importance of strong governance, transparent financial planning,...
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Proactively Tackling Domestic Violence with Karen Bevan
In this episode, we are joined by Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia. Karen discusses the prevalence of domestic and family violence, and the outdated laws which do not adequately address sexual violence in Australia. Karen, also shares the organisation's 50-year history of supporting sexual...
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The Importance of Early Detection with Nick Lee OAM
In this episode, Nick Lee OAM, CEO of the Jodie Lee Foundation and co-director of Healthy Minds, highlights the concerning rise in bowel cancer diagnoses among younger people in the past 30 years. He shares his personal story of losing his wife Jodie to stage four bowel cancer, which inspired him...
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Physical Activity for Healthy Aging with Professor Anne Tiedemann
In this insightful episode, we're joined by Professor Anne Tiedemann from the University of Sydney, a leading expert in physical activity and healthy aging. We discuss Professor Tiedemann's research on fall prevention and practical strategies for maintaining an active lifestyle as we age. Her...
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Exploring the Podcast Revolution with Monique Bowley
This week we are joined by Monique Bowley, an accomplished executive producer and Manager of Podcasts at ABC. Together we explore the expanding podcast landscape, with Monique discussing the significant growth of podcasting and her curation of Pod Fest for Adelaide Writers Week. She shares…
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Transforming your sleep and health with Sabine Christelli
This week we are joined by sleep specialist Sabine Christelli who discusses the crucial role of sleep in overall health, emphasising its importance for memory integration, immune system function, and mental clarity. She reveals that 44-45% of people globally experience sleep disturbances…
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Empowering First Nations Communities with Stephanie Harvey
In this episode, Stephanie Harvey, CEO of Community First Development, discusses their vision to empower First Nations communities through community-led solutions. She shares valuable insights on building genuine relationships and creating culturally safe environments for Indigenous communities.…
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Plant Therapy and Cultivating Peace with Markus Hamence
In this engaging episode, interior designer and plant stylist Markus Hamence shares insights on the therapeutic power of plants. With 463 indoor plants of his own, Markus discusses plant care, mental wellness, and creating positive spaces. Through his workshop experience, Markus explores the...
About this show
The Community Conversations Podcast will feature stories and information on community development efforts, the programs being run by our members and general community interest topics. Across the State of South Australia there are volunteers and staff helping our community members to find connections, access to food, housing and education in an environment that welcomes everyone to their doors. Community Centres are open for anyone and provide place based activities to enrich the lives of our community. We will be interviewing Community Centre members, community connection partners and community stakeholders who will share their experiences, activities and upcoming events.The Podcast is aimed at highlighting the good work being done to make a difference at the grassroots level to address issues such as loneliness, homelessness, social injustice and how to improve wellbeing of our communities. Be sure to listen every week as we release each episode. The podcast will be easily accessibl
Hosted by
Community Centres SA
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