Community Matters

Getting a regular paid gig in the performing arts is no easy feat, but Ethan Arnold has done exactly that. In this enjoyable and thought-provoking episode of Community Matters, Nicky sits down with Ethan to hear his remarkable story.Ethan is a Performer, Writer and Creator with The Strangeways Ensemble — a local theatre group of seven professional actors, all performers with an intellectual disability, employed by the Merrigong Theatre in Wollongong. Born from a joint initiative between Merrigong and The Disability Trust, the Ensemble has been running since 2014, when they made their debut with the critically acclaimed production The Man Who Dreamt the Stars.Ethan joined the Ensemble in 2019, progressing from back-of-house production support to writing, acting and taking centre stage. In that time, the group has delivered five major productions, each one the product of a deeply collaborative, co-designed process that Ethan explains takes an average of three years to develop and bring to life.In this conversation, Ethan takes us inside that creative process, from the generation of ideas and script development right through to stage design and music and speaks about the camaraderie that makes the Ensemble's unique approach so special. He reflects on recent productions including The Seven, a thriller exploring the mysterious disappearance of seven people, and the powerful Something That Happened, which challenged ableism in theatre head-on. Inspired by a story of an international casting search for actors to perform in a version of Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, the production flipped the script on inclusion, with actors with disability auditioning for the lead roles of non-disabled characters, delivering a clear and compelling message: neurodiverse actors can do anything.Ethan also treats listeners to a rendition of part of his stage monologue Spider in My Room, offering a vivid glimpse into his imagination and creative voice. And he lets slip that a brand-new passion project, Grand Final Day, is already in the works.Having once put his creative dreams aside because of his disability, Ethan now reflects with quiet pride: "A dream that I doubted would happen, it's happening." For anyone who may be struggling to back themselves, his advice is simple and clear: "Never say never, you can do it!"The Strangeways Ensemble's upcoming Cabaret Show plays at Merrigong on 27 June before touring NSW, visiting Goulburn and Queanbeyan. See the link below for more information.Resources and Links:·         Merrigong Theatre's The Strangeways Ensemble: Merrigong Theatre Company·         The Disability Trust’s Altogether Drama Group: Altogether Drama - The Disability TrustAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

What does it mean to be one of the wealthiest nations on earth, yet leave one in six children living in poverty? In Australia, that contradiction is stark — and for nearly 40% of sole parent families, poverty isn't a risk on the horizon, it's the daily reality.In this episode, Nicky sits down with Melissa Andrews, Program Manager for Barnardos Communities for Children in Shellharbour, to explore what it actually takes to show up for vulnerable children and families — and why place-based, community-led programs like those facilitated here are among the most important investments our society can make.Communities for Children, facilitated by Barnardos, is one of 52 targeted programs operating in locations of need across Australia. In Shellharbour, Melissa and her team are doing far more than delivering services — they are building something lasting. The program is grounded in research and evidence, but at its heart, it is guided by a deceptively simple principle: be led by the children themselves.Barnardos is busy compiling the fourth State of Shellharbour’s Children Report and Melissa reflects on what the data reveals for its youngest residents. Since the 2019 report, the region has weathered COVID, bushfires, and a sustained erosion of housing stability. Cost of living pressures have intensified, and while some education indicators show improvement, the data points to areas of entrenched disadvantage that demand continued, long-term investment. Melissa is clear that raising the jobseeker rate would make a meaningful difference — and that community programs like Communities for Children are proven mechanisms for levelling the playing field.You'll hear about flagship initiatives like EduPlay camps, which bring children and families together in ways that build confidence, connection, and joy. The program's end-of-year awards night — celebrating achievements that might otherwise go unrecognised — is a powerful reminder of what it means to be seen. Melissa describes the deep networks of peers, mentors, and staff that form around young people in the program, and why those relationships matter long after any single activity ends.Perhaps most pressing is this: Communities for Children is currently under government review, and there is real anxiety about what the future holds. With 20 years of data demonstrating what works, Melissa makes a compelling case — not just as an advocate, but as someone who has witnessed lives transformed. One young woman, born into intergenerational poverty, is now in education and forging her own path forward. That story, Melissa says, is not the exception. It is the point.As Melissa puts it simply: "It's a really sound investment. It makes a lot of sense."Resources and Links:Barnardos Communities for Children Shellharbour programs -  Communities for Children | Barnardos AustraliaThe State of Australia’s Children 2025 Report - The State of Australia’s Children 2025 report - ACYWAThe AustralianAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

What does it look like when someone who has spent their career fighting for communities steps into parliament where decisions actually get made? On this episode of Community Matters, host Nicky Sloan sits down with Katelin McInerney, the newly elected Member for Kiama in the NSW State Government, to find out.Katelin brings something rare to the halls of parliament - a background rooted in community sector advocacy. That experience isn't just biographical colour; it's actively shaping the way she approaches her role as an elected representative. She's listening hard, and she wants that to translate directly into better frontline services for the people of her region.But as Katelin is quick to acknowledge, government moves slowly. Promises made in 2023 around funding certainty for community organisations are only now beginning to roll through — a reality that frustrates her as much as anyone. It's a tension she navigates with honesty and pragmatism, understanding that meaningful change requires persistence, locally informed advocacy, and pressure from the ground up. And it does work. The recent announcement of targeted funding to bring more aged care beds online in the region is proof that even seemingly insurmountable issues can shift when the right voices reach the right decision makers.The Kiama electorate faces a compelling and challenging set of pressures. An ageing population, surging demand for essential workers, a housing supply crisis, and infrastructure that simply hasn't kept pace with growth. Transport, health, education and housing sit at the top of Katelin's agenda - and she speaks candidly about what happens to communities when these needs go unmet. When an area is expensive to live in and the infrastructure isn't keeping up, disillusionment sets in. People become reactive, politics becomes divisive, and new arrivals stop feeling welcome. Katelin believes the antidote is removing barriers, building genuinely affordable housing, and ensuring growth is matched with investment - not left to fend for itself.At the heart of this conversation is something Katelin describes as one of the great privileges of her role - walking alongside community members at their most vulnerable moments. Whether it's someone arriving at her office in crisis or a community organisation trying to navigate a fractured system, she shows up ready to listen. And she has broad shoulders for the hard conversations too.Most powerfully, Katelin reminds us of something we can all too easily forget: we have far more in common than what divides us. Her work, week in and week out, is to find those shared human values and build from there.If you work in the community sector, this episode is essential listening. Your local member needs to hear from you - and as Katelin puts it it’s “a great privilege” to do so.Settle in. This is a conversation about what real representation looks like.Resources and Links:·       Katelin McInerney’s website: Katelin McInerney - NSW LaborAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Aboriginal Australians make up just 4% of the population — yet account for 36% of the prison population. And that number is still rising. This week, Nicky sits down with Aunty Barb Nicholson to ask the question Aunty Barb herself calls "the million-dollar question": why is this happening, and what do we need to do differently?Aunty Barb is a Wodi Wodi Elder whose life has been defined by a fierce commitment to social justice. Her work is about dignity, voice and ensuring stories that are too often silenced are heard.  She brings both urgency and wisdom to a conversation that couldn't be more timely - last year saw 34 Aboriginal deaths in custody, the highest annual toll since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, held thirty years ago. At the heart of this crisis, she argues, is a failure of duty of care: Aboriginal inmates enter the system already impacted by trauma and the burden of chronic health conditions, and these problems are then compounded and made worse when basic healthcare is not provided.But Aunty Barb doesn't only bear witness to injustice, she actively works to counter it. Since 2013, she has run the "Ngana Barangarai" (Black Wallaby) writers group at Junee Correctional Centre, publishing the unedited words of First Nations inmates in the Dreaming Inside: Voices from Junee Correctional Centre series through the South Coast Writers Centre. After thirteen volumes, the program has touched hundreds of lives, giving prisoners a voice, a sense of dignity, and the powerful experience of seeing their own story in print."The stories are raw," says Nicky, "but they are so incredibly powerful, they really do tell so much about how people end up in the justice system."Now heading into her 90’s, Aunty Barb shows no signs of stopping. This is an episode about systemic failure, but it's also about resilience, creativity, and one extraordinary woman's determination to make sure no voice goes unheard. Links and Resources: South Coast Writers Centre Shop – purchase Dreaming Inside here: Books — Store — South Coast Writers CentreClosing the Gap target performance - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in the Criminal Justice System: https://www.pc.gov.au/closing-the-gap-data/dashboard/outcome-area/criminal-justice/ 2023 SBS / NITV Article about Dreaming Inside - This beloved Wadi Wadi Elder is helping mob in prison become published authors | SBS NITVSBS story  / Youtube video of Junee Black Wallaby writers program Dreaming Inside at Junee Prison, NSW.Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This special episode of Community Matters comprises a keynote presentation from Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist at The Australia Institute, who makes the case as to why everyone in the community sector needs to care about taxation reform if we want to achieve a Fairer Australia.  Recorded at the University of Wollongong on the 20th of February 2026 this presentation explains the need and achievability to increase Australia’s revenue base through sensible and fair taxation reform.  Matt argues that community services, rather than fighting for a share of highly constrained funding, should instead be arguing for reform of the taxation system to increase government revenue.  Such reform would mean we could easily afford to deliver the programs and services we need to support the Australia we want with healthy communities and a cohesive society.  As Matt explains, “If we want a civilised society we have to pay more tax”.  However rather than higher taxes for low and middle income families Matt is talking about tax reform at the top end of wealth where corporations and the super-rich are presently getting an unfair advantage in Australia.  With increased taxation on our gas exports, wealth, superannuation and housing Matt illustrates how we could easily afford the services we need.  With the reforms presented here Matt demonstrates how Australia could raise an additional $110 billion per annum that would allow the community sector to deliver on it's promises of a Fairer Australia.The alternative, in the face of increasing austerity and a cost of living crisis – to continue to compete for a smaller and smaller slice of an insufficient pie – will just provide window dressing on growing inequality and reduced social cohesion in Australia.   This essential episode demonstrates why it is urgent that the community sector takes an interest to advocate for significant and meaningful taxation reform in Australia. Links and Resources: ·         Graphs as presented in this episode can be viewed here: Community Matters Podcast — Community Industry Group·         The Australia Institute Website: The Australia Institute - We Change Minds·         Gas: The Facts (how Australia is currently failing to tax it’s precious natural resources): Gas: The Facts - The Australia Institute·         Who should pay more tax? Article by Matt Grudnoff: The simple question at the heart of the capital gains tax debate: who should pay more tax, minimum-wage workers or wealthy investors?Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Accessing and navigating the NDIS is challenging for anyone—but for people whose first language isn't English, it's even more daunting. A 28-page application is just the start. Applicants also need multiple specialist assessments and reports to prove eligibility.  If you make it that far then there is the challenge of how to access supports and services.In this episode of Community Matters, Nicky speaks with Melissa Antoun, Disability Services Manager at Illawarra Multicultural Services (IMS), about the barriers facing people with disability from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds—and why this results in lower NDIS uptake."People from CALD communities are significantly underrepresented in accessing the NDIS," Melissa explains. This underrepresentation is identified in the NDIS’s own CALD Strategy which found “while 30% of all Australians identify as being from a CALD background, only 10% of participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) identify as CALD.”  To address this gap, the NDIS is funding programs like the IMS BRIDGE program. BRIDGE—Building Responsive Inclusive Diverse Group Engagement—uses peer support and capacity building to help people with disability "increase their knowledge and skills, understand their rights, and access more services."Melissa and her team have created an inclusive, safe, and culturally appropriate hub where community members can access support through workshops and one-on-one sessions. All BRIDGE workers are themselves from multicultural and CALD backgrounds, bringing deep understanding and empathy to their work."You need someone to support you, to be with you," Melissa says, addressing the language and cultural barriers participants face. "There's a lack of trust—many people don't feel safe accessing services due to past negative experiences."Beyond navigation support, BRIDGE helps participants use their plans effectively to achieve life-changing outcomes. This has led to better fund utilization, progress toward developmental goals, and protection from fraudulent providers who have previously exploited vulnerable participants.The impacts extend beyond individual participants. BRIDGE is building trust across the community and fostering collaboration with other services—demonstrating how culturally appropriate, in-language support can transform lives.Links and Resources:- IMS BRIDGE Program: BRIDGE – Illawarra Multicultural Services- NDIS Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Strategy: Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Strategy | NDISAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

When demand for homelessness services hits record levels, what does innovation look like to respond to the challenge?With 68,700 people on social housing waitlists across the state and over 3,000 waiting in the Wollongong-Shellharbour area alone, the homelessness crisis can feel overwhelming. But Kelly McGarrity, Housing Services Manager at Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services (WHHHS), is finding creative ways to respond and to meet people where they are.Fresh from receiving a Community Services Award for Leadership, Kelly joins host Nicky to discuss the changing face of homelessness in the region. "We are seeing more people than ever presenting at our services that are telling us that they are sleeping in their cars and in unsafe accommodation," Kelly reveals.One surprising innovation? Pet-friendly accommodation. When Kelly's team noticed demand from people with pets had more than doubled in just 12 months, they took action. "We know that people have such strong connections to their pets… their pets really help them through," Kelly explains. For many experiencing homelessness, the fear of losing a beloved animal companion can mean staying in unsafe situations far longer than they should.The conversation also explores an uncomfortable truth: homelessness increasingly affects older Australians and working people who simply can't find affordable housing. Kelly walks through the range of services WHHHS provides, from case management and tenancy support to crisis accommodation and their drop-in hub, while celebrating the amazing frontline staff who are “at the coalface everyday."Want to help? Kelly outlines practical ways the community can get involved, from volunteering and donations to business partnerships. You can even contribute through Woolworths stores around Wollongong to provide food and hygiene products for those in need.Links and Resources:Wollongong Homeless Hub: Wollongong Homeless Hub | HomeAIHW Data on Homelessness: Homelessness and homelessness services - Australian Institute of Health and WelfareHomelessness NSW (data, information and resources): Homelessness NSWAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

More than 1 in 10 Australians live with asthma—that's 2.8 million people. In the Illawarra alone, over 250 people are hospitalized each year, impacting not just those with the condition but their families and communities. In this informative episode of Community Matters, Nicky talks with Alexander Brown, Asthma Program Coordinator with Healthy Cities Australia, about a partnership that's working to change these numbers. Breathe Better Illawarra brings together Healthy Cities Australia and Asthma Australia to build an "Asthma Smart Community" - moving beyond reactive management to prevention..Since July 2024, the program has been working with schools, families, and the broader community, with a particular focus on children. In partnership with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District's Community Asthma Education Service, they're running self-management workshops that help people move beyond reactive treatment to understand and prevent asthma flare-ups before they happen.Alexander shares practical information about free resources including Asthma Australia's free first aid course and 1800 helpline, and dives into a critical but often overlooked issue: indoor air quality. With over 12% of Australia's asthma burden linked to indoor gas appliances, transitioning to electric alternatives or improving ventilation with rangehoods will significantly reduce flare-ups for those in homes still using gas for heating and cooking.The conversation also explores housing standards, particularly for renters. Alexander discusses Victoria's new requirements for landlords to electrify appliances at end-of-life replacement, and his advocacy through the NSW parliamentary inquiry into indoor air quality and updates to Wollongong City Council's Development Control Plan to bring these standards to the Illawarra and beyond. Discover how your community can breathe easier on this educational episode of Community Matters.Links and Resources:·         Healthy Cities Australia Breathe Better Website – get in touch with Alexander and find out about asthma courses and events - Breathe Better Illawarra | Healthy Cities Australia ·         Asthma Australia First Aid course (a great course for anyone who works with children) - Asthma First Aid Instructions by Asthma Australia·         1800 Asthma – book a call with an asthma educator for advice - Book Asthma Support with 1800 Asthma Call Service·         Find out more and contribute to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into indoor air quality - Clean indoor airAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The 2024 Closing the Gap report revealed a stark truth: 47% of the health gap for Aboriginal people, including life expectancy rates, is related to institutional racism, interpersonal racism, and intergenerational trauma. These findings make one thing clear: cultural safety isn't optional.But what does cultural safety actually mean for community service organisations, and how do we achieve it?In this episode, Nicky sits down with Becky Garrett, Operations Manager at SAHSSI and recent recipient of the 2025 Innovation Community Service Award for her work on cultural safety. Becky shares the transformative work happening at her organization and the lessons every service provider needs to hear.Key insights include:Cultural safety as lived experience – It's about the subjective experience of Aboriginal staff and clients, not just checkboxes on a form. Moving beyond the RAP – Despite having a Reconciliation Action Plan, SAHSSI knew something more was needed. Their cultural audit revealed critical gaps and sparked organization-wide buy-in.Walking the talk – SAHSSI created two dedicated Cultural Lead positions on Dharawal and Yuin Countries, properly remunerating staff for cultural work rather than expecting it on top of regular duties.The power of listening – As Becky says: "To really understand the impact of colonisation, you have to sit and listen really carefully".Despite not being an Aboriginal Controlled Organisation, SAHSSI took ownership: "These are our clients. We have to get this right."This conversation is essential listening for any leader ready to move from good intentions to genuine change.Links and Resources:SAHSSI website: SAHSSI | HomeClosing the Gap Report: Closing the GapThe National Anti Racism Framework: The National Anti-Racism Framework Full Report 2024Community Service Awards: Community Services Awards 2025 — Community Industry GroupInformation about Reconciliation Action Plans: Reconciliation Action Plans - Reconciliation AustraliaAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In a terrible indictment on disability inclusion in leadership and governance roles, across Australia's 300 largest companies, not a single director openly identifies as living with disability. Zero. And it's been that way for years. In this powerful episode of Community Matters, host Nicky Sloan sits down with Krystal Tritton, CEO of disability provider roundsquared, who describes this as “a horrible statistic, that has gone unchecked for so long”. As a busy executive who is totally blind Krystal brings a critically important perspective of lived experience to this significant issue of representation. Krystal and Nicky unpack why disability representation is unseen or non-existent at the highest levels of Australian leadership, and just what that is costing us all. The employment gap tells the story with only 53% of people with disability employed compared to 82% without.  This is a chasm that hasn't budged significantly in two decades, despite billions in government funding. The issue isn't ability; it's a society that frames disability through a lens of inability rather than possibility. “Our disability isn’t our identity. It’s part of us but it’s not who we are” explains Krystal. Having worked in the sector for 23 years, she explains that while the community sector is making inroads to disability representation at leadership levels, this is not happening in the corporate sector. “I would like to see people sitting at the board of Macquarie Bank, Coles, Woolies, Myers” she says as she explains how these companies are missing out on the representation of a huge cross section of their customer base. The ripple effects are profound. When a member of their advocacy group told Krystal, "Because you're a CEO, I see that I could be too," it clarified the power of representation. But that's exactly what's missing from Australia's ASX 300 boardrooms, leading to retailers designing inaccessible stores or tech companies designing solutions that don't work for everyone. Krystal's call to action is clear: set standards for employers for disability representation and inclusion with real jobs at real wages, embed a standard of experiential disability education as part of every higher education course engaging and paying people with disability to deliver, ask people with disability what they need and actually listen, and partner and recognise organisations doing it right. This conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about disability and leadership. Australia’s boardrooms are missing out and it’s time they caught up.Links and Resources:·         2025 AICD Board Diversity Index·         roundsquared websiteAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

What does it mean to truly live, even when facing a life-altering diagnosis?This life affirming conversation with Wollongong lawyer, board director, mentor and well-known community connector Graham Lancaster cuts to the heart of the value of civic engagement.  Graham was recently recognised with the Medal for the Order of Australia for his service to the law, and to the Illawarra community.Nicky explores with Graham how his involvement in voluntary activities including the Apex club as a young man set him on a journey of helping others throughout his life.  Graham says that he lives by The Golden Rule - treating others as you would want to be treated by them, and explains that “when you help people, people will help you.”Graham talks about the recent life changing experience of receiving a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Motor Neurone Disease and how he has focused on taking charge of his situation as best he can, tapping in to knowledge and lived experience of others to research and understand his condition and make lifestyle changes to support his best chances, slow progression of the condition, maximise his life span, function and quality of life.  Graham explains his philosophy and mindset saying, “The way you think will govern every action in your day and if you think positively and you are doing things A) with a purpose and B) for others, that is going to keep you healthy, keep you living, keep you happy”.Graham talks about the importance, despite devoting so much of his time to others of also making time for himself to recharge.  Graham talks about his love of poetry and how this creative expressive activity has also helped him to cope with life’s challenges.Graham’s sense of humour, warmth and humanity shines through in this meaningful and hopeful conversation that demonstrates how we are all part of community and how the things we do make an impact on others.Links and Resources: ·         Illawarra Mercury Article - Wollongong lawyer Graham Lancaster's career of giving back honoured with AM | Illawarra Mercury | Wollongong, NSW·         About MND - What is motor neurone disease (MND)?·         Yerbury Lab - Yerbury LabAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this essential episode of Community Matters, Nicky speaks with Alison Oyston, Manager of Illawarra Advocacy, about why the last 12 months have been "one of the most difficult in recent history" for people with disability. "There's a lot of danger inherent in the circumstances we are seeing at the moment, and we are really screaming risk from the rooftops at our organisation - people with disability are suffering." A perfect storm is brewing: housing crisis, cost-of-living pressures, reduced sector capacity, and ever-shifting NDIS goalposts. New restrictive NDIS rules are reducing funding flexibility, while "funding periods" drip-feed supports, leaving participants at risk of running out of funds for essential care. The statistics are startling: the NDIA has spent over $60 million on lawyers in 12 months to defend decisions through the Administrative Review Tribunal - yet over 70% of cases are decided in favour of participants. Meanwhile, Illawarra Advocacy is supporting people 77% above their funded target, with no increase in resources. "Are we not better served re-examining where we are investing our money?" Alison asks. The consequences are real and devastating. Alison references the recent death of a person with disability due to inadequate plan funding, highlighting the life-and-death stakes of funding decisions. This episode is essential listening for people with disability, families, providers, and anyone who cares about disability rights. Links and Resources: Illawarra Advocacy - https://illawarraadvocacy.org.auAdministrative Review Tribunal - Homepage | Administrative Review TribunalAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

What happens when 200 hectares of industrial land becomes available for transformation? For Wollongong, it represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the region's future while honoring its past.In this compelling episode of Community Matters, Nicky sits down with Michael Yiend, Head of Property Development at BlueScope, to explore an ambitious project that will create an estimated 20,000 jobs and fundamentally change how the community connects with this significant landholding.Michael explains how changes in steel-making technology have made this transformation possible, creating an unprecedented opportunity to diversify Wollongong's economy while maintaining the region's industrial heritage. The release of BlueScope's non-operational land as a Special Enterprise Zone opens exciting possibilities—from manufacturing and logistics to public spaces accessible to everyone. But this isn't just about economic development. Michael reveals how the project is built on four essential pillars: connecting industries, communities, country, and ecology.Discover how BlueScope is committed to working with traditional owners to ensure First Nations voices help shape the master plan, and how "amazing pockets of ecology" will be protected and enhanced rather than sacrificed to development. Learn about plans for cycling paths, pedestrian access, and multi-modal transport options that will increase permeability throughout the area, allowing the community to enjoy and move through this transformed space.From preserving heritage buildings like “Lindenfels”, the old general manager's house with deep regional history, to partnering with Dutch experts Bjarke Ingels on the master plan, this project demonstrates how industrial evolution can create wins for both business and community.Michael emphasizes BlueScope's fundamental connection to Wollongong: "Unless we are aligned with the community, our steel-making business just does not operate the way it needs to."  This philosophy drives ongoing community engagement and ensures local voices will shape the development.As Nicky perfectly summarizes: "Good for Community and Good for BlueScope."Want to learn more or contribute your ideas? Visit www.bluescopelandtransformation.com.au Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

With over 13,000 young people in NSW alone without a secure place to sleep tonight, it’s time we talked about youth homelessness and the critical lack of housing security for young people across our region.  Nicky unpacks this issue with Kristy Puckeridge, Manager at Southern Youth and Family Services (SYFS) on this vital episode of Community Matters.Kristy speaks to the range of issues that impact on housing security for Australian youth with lack of affordable housing options and poverty at the top of the list combined with influences of drug and alcohol, domestic violence, mental health and unstable, erratic and low paying jobs.  Accommodation support services provided by SYFS are explored including crisis accommodation, transitional housing and other options.  With over 5,500 young people supported by SYFS last year across their programs it is clear they are doing a lot of great work however 42% of young people seeking accommodation supports were “turned away”, a statistic that Kristy and the team would love to reduce.  However, this is indicative of the demand outstripping housing supply options.  Kristy and Nicky discuss the “bottleneck” that occurs when young people are stabilised in crisis accommodation supports, only to have nowhere to go next due to the absolute unavailability of rental housing across the state and the lack of longer-term social housing options.  Current income support levels mean that young people relying on this income are living well below the poverty line in those situations and rental options are literally non-existent meaning that young people cannot survive without additional supports.Kristy describes programs that SYFS offers like “Rent It Keep It” which is helping young people to understand their obligations as tenants and the role that real estate agents can play working in partnership with organisations like SYFS to ensure that young people can maintain tenancies.Kristy speaks to the resilience and capacity of young people she has worked with who inspire her every day to do the work she does and the transformative role she has played in seeing young people achieve stability and security.Resources:· Southern Youth and Family Services - https://www.syfs.org.au/· “Rent It Keep It” program - https://www.syfs.org.au/programs/rent-it-keep-it·  Find a Specialist Homelessness Service - https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/social-affordable/emergency-housing/find-a-specialist-homelessness-serviceAre you, or someone you know, homeless or at risk of homelessness?Call:Link2Home - 1800 152 152Child Protection Helpline - 132 111The Domestic Violence Line - 1800 65 64 63Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

With 32% of Australia’s population born overseas Australia is truly a nation of immigrants with a strong and diverse multicultural identity.  On this episode Nicky speaks with Allyson Pazos, Manager for Youth and Refugee Services at MCCI (Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra) about the important work they are doing in community supporting former refugees and new migrants to the region.Nicky and Allyson discuss the challenges for new settlers from refugee backgrounds and the fact that former refugees may experience “low social capital” meaning that they require focused support to understand the systems, make connections and settle into community.  Connecting to clubs, schools, meeting neighbours and learning the lingo, all things that are important to create a sense of social connectedness.  Empathy is important and while Allyson says that “People do feel welcome and privileged to be here” she also asks us to imagine “how would I feel” entering a new environment if you were displaced from your own home and culture.During the conversation Allyson covers challenges including digital literacy, something that is incredibly difficult to navigate but is such an important part of life for every Australian these days, and how digital literacy barriers create all sorts of barriers in other areas of life for a refugee settling in Australia.Allyson explains that there are systemic barriers to the recognition of skills and qualifications of immigrants.  With over 600,000 immigrants in Australia working in jobs for which they are over-qualified this means that Australia is not effectively capitalising on the capacity of immigrants to Australia.  Allyson encourages employers to “be bold” and invites employers to provide opportunity to former refugees to take on a job in their company.Allyson makes the invitation to reassess some so called “barriers” people see in refugees and consider them as strengths.  For example, being able to speak another language indicates a phenomenal communication skill that can be deployed by a forward-thinking employer.Housing is an area of significant challenge for all Australians including refugees and new immigrants who may not have references or be able to navigate the digital divide that makes finding a rental property challenging.Allyson and Nicky also tackle some of the concerning rhetoric about refugees that exists in some parts of the public domain (e.g. “queue jumpers") and tackles these incorrect and negative myths and stereotypes.Allyson calls out the importance of a welcoming civic society and organisations like surf lifesaving and sporting clubs in the role of welcoming people and  enabling them to be a part of the community.  “That cross cultural interaction to me, that’s when the magic happens” says Allyson as she reflects on some of the settlement initiatives she has been involved with in the Illawarra.Resources:·         About MCCI Settlement Services - https://www.mcci.org.au/settlement_refugees/our-services/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide that may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners. Resources and support are available and listed at the bottom of the show notes below.  In this episode of Community Matters Nicky talks with Lachlan Stevens, Director Founder and Veteran, about the importance of “a sense of purpose” and the work he is doing to support veterans transition out of military life and into fulfilling opportunities after serving their country.  With 78 veterans each year taking their life in Australia – this is literally lifesaving work.Having served Australia on two tours in Afghanistan Lachlan acknowledges both the loss of members of his own units in the line of duty and the trauma of losing even more upon returning home to suicide. Lachlan shares about the mental health challenges he experienced, and the need for better coordinated veteran support across the community as well as the value of mentors in the community who support veterans to make a successful transition.Lachlan details his work with Walk with us Kokoda and how he uses the Kokoda Trail to help veterans consider what their future looks like on the other side of their military service. “There is this projection that we care for veterans but that is not manifesting in terms of action and that is where I get a lot of my motivation for doing what we do at a grass roots level, at a community level” explains Lachlan, “that is what Walk with Us Kokoda tries to achieve.”Lachlan and Nicky also discuss employment opportunities for veterans and leveraging qualities of loyalty and service to create the sense of purpose that is needed to support veterans through valued roles.  The opportunity for making your organisation “veteran friendly” is explored.  Lachlan provides words of encouragement gained through lived experience “Passion is infectious”, he says, in acknowledging members of the Illawarra community, like local legend Graham Lancaster, who have supported him on his journey.Resources:Walk with us Kokoda - Walk With Us KokodaRaising the Bar Foundation - Raising the Bar FoundationThe Man Walk - About The Man Walk - Where The Journey StartedHis Boy Elroy – His Boy Elroy – N.B. Free coffee and cake for veterans Tuesdays and Thursdays. Saturday gym program + Bar Stool Brothers Mens Mental Health Barstool Brothers – His Boy ElroyVeteran and Mental Health Support Links:RSL NSW - Find Help | RSL NSWOpen Arms - Open Arms - Veterans & Families CounsellingLifeline - Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

“It’s a little bit mind blowing!” says Nicky in this vital episode as she talks Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Jagdeep Singh, Emerging Technologies and Innovation Specialist.  Jagdeep and Nicky take a much-needed look at the “big gap” that exists between the use of AI in the workplace and the boardroom and the guardrails, the guidance and the policy that guides staff and directors around organisational approaches to the use of this new technology.The shift in capability of AI has been enormous as Jagdeep explains that the advancement in digital technology to today’s large language models is "a game changer”.  AI can now interpret and process vast amounts of information, ask and receive answers, interpret and develop pictures and film and to learn and apply those learnings meaning that AI is infinitely more accessible and useful to everyone in the community. “The potential of this space to enhance our productivity, our collaboration, and our ability to do more with less is almost exponential” says Jagdeep.The capability and the access to this capability through the phones in our pockets and the laptops on our tables for every citizen to be able to take opportunity of this powerful technology means that organisations, no matter what their mission is, cannot ignore that the game has changed.  The fine line in opportunity comes with the requirement for us to manage the risks around the technology at the same time as realising the opportunities. Jagdeep explains, “we need to do it with eyes wide open so that we control it, we manage it, we protect the information that is very sensitive or personal and that we have proper guardrails as leaders and managers around it.” This important episode provides guidance for the consideration of Directors, Executives and staff of community service organisations as to how they should approach AI in relation to their own organisation to maximise benefits for participants, clients, staff and stakeholders to achieve quality services, manage risk, protect private and sensitive information and boost productivity and creativity.Resources and Links:• Get your tickets for the upcoming AI forum: “AI and the Board Table: Bring your organisation to the 21st century and beyond” in Warilla on 16th September 2025 here: https://events.humanitix.com/ai-forumAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

On this important episode of Community Matters Nicky talks with Karen Burdett, CEO of Greenacres Disability Services, and dives into the benefits of employment inclusion and the challenges we face today as a result of Australia not keeping pace with the OECD levels of employment for people with disability. Just reaching OECD averages on disability employment would see 117,000 people with disability employed and $11.9 billion in value to the GDP of the country.Karen articulates the benefits for employers of becoming more inclusive referring to studies that demonstrate employers who embrace disability inclusion enjoy better profits, greater innovation and a range of cultural benefits for their workplaces.As Karen explains the reality is that employing a person with disability can incur additional costs in relation to things like training needs, workplace adaptations and modifications and refers to existing programs that are a good place to start but that more investment is needed.  Karen would like to see an increase in NDIS participants having employment put into their plan with direct employment supports for individuals being funded at a much higher level.  Karen explains how more emphasis is needed on the importance of the expectations and assumptions of achieving employment for people with disability if we are to successfully engage people with significant disability in mainstream settings.Karen and Nicky also dive into the Big Idea of a “Workforce Disability Inclusion Act” to shift the dial on employment rates for people with disability through requirements to report on rates of disability employment within organisations and the public sector.  Otherwise, as Karen explains, “Unless you have that assisting policy-based piece as well it’s just a conversation, it goes on the goodness of people’s hearts.”Karen also talks about the innovative programs in the Illawarra right now to integrate people with disability into mainstream open employment settings and the work that organisations like Greenacres are doing to use their disability employment expertise to effectively partner with local employers to support people with disability into mainstream workplace settings.Resources and Links:·         Find out more about the Illawarra Disability Alliance here: Illawarra Disability Alliance·         Find out more about Greenacres here: Home-page - GreenacresAcknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual violence and disturbing content that may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners. Please use your discretion when deciding whether to continue listening. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, resources and support are available and listed at the bottom of the show notes below.  *************In this challenging and thought-provoking episode Nicky chats with Tracy Lumb, the Manager of Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre about the issue of non-fatal strangulation and sexual choking.  With a new study showing that 60% of 18- to 35-year-olds report having experienced choking during sex this is not an issue that we can just leave people to discover on their own.  As Tracy explains the danger around this behaviour is that it can lead to unanticipated health consequences, including brain injury, as well as leading to future coercive relationship issues.  Tracy uses the analogy of how we wouldn’t let a young person drive a car without any instruction or guidance, however when it comes to sex education we seem to not apply the same consideration and provide the guidance or instruction that would help young people navigate this important part of life. The discussion centres around the importance of breaking down stigma and raising awareness about how families and friends, members of the community and workers in the community sector can broach this important topic area and recognise the warning signs to protect themselves and others.  “Nobody should acquire a brain injury because they’ve consented to have sex.  We’ve started talking about brain injury in sports.  We just have to start talking about brain injury in sex,” says Nicky after learning from Tracy about the scale of the issue.Tracy and her team with the help of the new “It left no marks” resources and training are on a mission to normalise the discussion about non-fatal strangulation and sexual choking through better sex education in order to engage and make sure that young people are staying safe and learning the risks.Resources and Training:·         Find out more about the “It left no marks” resources and training here: Resources - It Left No MarksSupport Services:·         If you are in immediate danger call 000 and ask for the Police or and Ambulance.·         For ongoing support after strangulation or sexual choking contact your closest Women’s Health Centre - Women’s Health Centres NSW – Women's Health NSW·         For Crisis support after strangulation and sexual violence call the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 1800 424 017·         For help with strangulation as domestic and family violence call the NSW Domestic Violence Line 188 565 463·         Find out more about the work of the Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre here: Shoalhaven Women's Health Centre |Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode Nicky speaks with Alice Lans the CEO of Noah’s Inclusion Services to better understand how allied health disability services support functional outcomes for children with disability.  Alice is a Speech Pathologist by training and now leads a dedicated team of allied health professionals, support workers and early childhood educators at Noah’s all of whom are working together to support functional and developmental outcomes for kids with disability.  Alice talks about the importance of providing “the right support at the right place and the right time” to ensure the best outcomes.  Alice explains how collaboration is key to positive results and how her team supports families to understand the goals of their child’s therapy and to assist them to work in partnership to implement therapy supports through a coaching model.  Combining the expertise of the allied health professional with the family’s knowledge and care for their child ensures the greatest success.This collaboration and goal setting is being challenged with the current price settings for NDIS therapies having remained on hold since 2019 and some now even being reduced this year, together with a significant 50% reduction in travel charges that a therapist can make.  “Being able to be where the participant works, plays, spends time and learns is very important” explains Alice, warning that the continued pricing reductions are making this increasingly difficult for allied health services.Unfortunately, impacts will be felt the most by those already most disadvantaged in terms of people who are isolated, rural or remote participants and those that do not drive.  Alice talks about how this pricing situation is forcing already stretched Allied Health providers into “an ethical and financial dilemma”, where they need to choose to operate at a loss or to exit from their services those where the current travel situation is not viable.  Alice argues that these services are not only reasonable and necessary but in fact “essential” and that cuts to these services will seriously disadvantage children with disability. Additionally, as Alice explains, there are a cohort of people with disability for whom allied health services are keeping them healthy and out of acute care health settings and hospitals so that the return on investment for these allied health services, which may appear high cost, are actually a very wise investment.This is an important conversation that explains a complex issue in a way that everyone can understand.·       Find out more about the great work that Noah’s Inclusion Services are doing here: Homepage - Noahs  Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this enjoyable episode Nicky chats with Amarni Harris, a young Personal Care Worker with Warrigal Care.  With a workforce twice the size of the entire mining industry in Australia, aged care needs great people and faces an urgent need to grow the workforce to meet the increasing demand.For anyone considering a career in aged care this episode demystifies the pathways to getting into the sector, from volunteering, to certificate courses, to tertiary qualifications and the great opportunities and huge diversity of roles that are available.  Amarni talks about what motivated her to take up a caring role in aged care explaining, “I wanted to contribute to the community and make a difference”.  Now aged 19 and pursuing professional qualifications in Nursing Amarni reflects on the way her career choice has made such an impact on the trajectory of her life.  Amarni also describes what it is like to work with older people (telling Nicky “the first word that comes to mind is – Fun!”) and the amazing experiences she has had.  “It’s truly opened up my eyes to the big world” says Amarni reflecting on her deepening understanding about the reality of aging that all those that have the privilege of growing old will face.  Amarni even provides some great ideas for how the aged care sector can better appeal to younger workers like herself (listen up recruiters!).  Aged care providers, recruiters and policy makers will benefit from Amarni’s fresh eyes on the sector and her lived professional experience meaning this episode has something for everyone with an interest in aged care and the workforce challenges of staffing this essential service.•CareForce: Aged Care careers here: https://www.careforcehub.com/ •Warrigal Care here: https://www.warrigal.com.au/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this powerful NAIDOC Week special celebrating the 2025 theme of "Next Generation: Strength Vision and Legacy," host Nicky sits down with Charlie Ashby, Cultural Lead for Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in the Shoalhaven.  This is a conversation that will transform how you think about cultural healing and community connection.“We are in good hands” says Charlie as he opens up about the incredible work happening at Cullunghutti, where children are strengthening their cultural identity through immersive experiences on country. By embracing the bush, connecting with animals, and engaging with spirit and culture, these young people are discovering respect, belonging, and responsibility in ways that create lasting transformation.The conversation reveals how this approach is building resilient children and a deeply respectful community where trust flourishes.  The impact extends beyond Aboriginal children as Charlie explains how their truth-telling processes are helping non-Aboriginal educators become more effective supporters of young people.The discussion doesn't shy away from difficult topics – exploring how non-Aboriginal people can be genuine allies, addressing the legacy of the Voice referendum's No vote, and examining how cultural practices like Welcome to Country have become politicized despite their healing origins.Nicky brings vulnerability to the conversation, openly addressing the nervousness many people feel when engaging with Aboriginal culture, helping to break down barriers and awkwardness. Together, they create an invitation for listeners to join Cullunghutti's vital community work, emphasizing that everyone has a role in building resilient future leaders and strong young people.This episode offers both inspiration and practical pathways for meaningful cultural engagement and healing.  You can check out Cullunghutti’s great work at their website www.cullunghutti.org.au or drop in and say g’day next time you are in Nowra.Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

“There’s got to be food and it’s got to be fun!” explains Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator Cath Daly about her approach to supporting community health and wellbeing.Nicky talks to Cath about supporting families and kids by providing nutritious breakfasts and packed lunches and a place to connect and share.  After school programs, bingo and other community initiatives sees this little centre under Cath’s passionate leadership providing essential supports to the community.Nicky and Cath explore the connections between food and social and mental health, exploring the impacts of poverty and trauma and how the Food Security Program run from the centre is directly supporting up to 70 families a week from a large, diverse but vulnerable client base from across the region which relies entirely on donations from the community, individuals and groups like Oz Harvest and Club Grants.Nicky and Cath also explore issues around funding from the NSW Government which does not fund food and practical assistance.  This seems strange given the clear connection between having enough to eat and outcomes such as school attendance.Regardless Cath and the team make it work through sheer determination and embracing the support of the community.  There is so much going on at the “Neighbo” and Cath and Nicky talk about how the community can get involved and contribute through donations or volunteering to join in the tremendous work that Cath and the team are doing to help build resilience and safety for all members of the community.Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this powerful conversation, Nicky dives deep into fairness, equity, and social justice with Craig Foster AM—former Socceroos captain, sports broadcaster, author, human rights advocate and 2023 NSW Australian of the Year. Nicky and Craig discuss how his own life journey took him from country NSW and a sheltered worldview to a broader, more diverse and inclusive perspective shaped by exposure to the people and communities he experienced through his soccer career and his activism. Craig reflects on pivotal moments, including rescuing a refugee footballer from a Thai prison, supporting Afghan women fleeing the Taliban, and advocating for gender-equal pay in Australian soccer. Craig discusses the importance of systemic change, challenging power structures, explaining that resistance is to be expected and is a natural part of progress. He explains how taking action can create lasting impact and personal meaning. Ultimately, Craig’s message is one of empowerment and responsibility. He emphasises that all people are driven by a fundamental sense of justice and encourages listeners to consider their own responses to inequality by asking us the critical question: “What would you do?”.  His insights inspire reflection, empathy, and the courage to act in the face of injustice, making this conversation a compelling call to action to make the world a better place for everyone.To find out more about Craig and his work visit: www.craigfoster.netMusic Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

This week Nicky talks to Ed Birt, Senior Policy Specialist at the Community Industry Group, about the shift towards a risk proportionate registration model for disability service providers that is coming to the NDIS.  In December 2023 the NDIS Review recommended a risk proportionate registration model where all providers are registered based on the level of risk and complexity of their services.   Ed explains that presently only 6% of NDIS providers are registered.  Registration means that providers are governed by the NDIS Practice Standards and regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.  In 2025 the NDIA is poised to introduce registration requirements for Supported Independent Living , Support Coordination and platform providers with other service types to follow.Ed and Nicky explore the benefits of a regulated sector to support quality and safety for people receiving disability services and some of the present disparity that is a feature of the sector in terms of risks for people with disability, increased costs for registered providers and lack of oversight of unregistered providers.   Ed unpacks some of the challenges and risks associated with transitioning the market to greater regulatory oversight via registration and discusses how this will need to be undertaken in a well-planned, clear and collaborative fashion lead by government.   Link to NDIS Review Final Report Working together to deliver the NDIS. NDIS Review: Final Report (refer to page 214 for the recommended risk proportionate provider registration arrangements). Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Statistics show, despite years of disability employment strategies, rates of employment for people with a disability remain much lower than the general population.  On this episode Nicky takes a deep dive with Rod Von Clark the CEO of the Flagstaff Group to understand why.  Rod talks about some of the systemic and cultural barriers to people with disability achieving employment.   While getting a job is generally regarded as a great achievement and important to our identity and self-esteem, Rod also talks about the counter intuitive fear and vulnerability that can be associated with achieving employment and the importance of addressing the genuine concerns people may have about being disadvantaged through obtaining paid work.  To address the challenge Rod talks about a model of integrated employment with broad application where there is support as needed, high expectations and people are treated equally and with dignity in the workplace.  This is a whole of government and whole of community issue and here Rod articulates a helpful holistic model for an inclusive, relational and high performing approach to the workplace and thinking about work.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

New research from the University of Wollongong reveals concerning levels of food insecurity for families across the Illawarra Shoalhaven region (see link below).  On this episode Nicky speaks with Danna Nelse, Manager of the Albion Park & Albion Park Rail  Neighbourhood Centres, who is on the front line of seeing the impacts of food insecurity on families and individuals. A situation which she says is very real and only getting worse.  The Neighbourhood Centres which she manage have gone from being a place to connect and an information and referral service to now having to pivot into practical crisis supports, food, clothing, nappies, helping people pay bills, feeding kids and other care and crisis supports for people in need.Danna also discusses the impacts on providers of what she calls the “Not for Profit Starvation Cycle” that sees funding not keeping pace with inflation and cost of living for community services, meaning providers need to do more with less.  As she explains, Neighbourhood Centres are relying on donations and support from a community under pressure and from other NFP’s who are also affected creating a challenging cycle.  However it’s clear that Neighbourhood Centres, with their strong connections to the community are well placed to assist, and Danna gives practical ideas of how people can help and make a difference from donations, by volunteering or just giving a helping hand to someone in need.  Danna speaks to the importance of community connections, relationships and the many people that have mentored and supported her along the way.Link to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Food Survey from UOW: 2025 | Why community centres are the unsung heroes in the fight against hunger - University of Wollongong – UOWMusic Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this Episode, Nicky is joined by Maria Corsiglia - Centre Manager, Barnardo's South Coast Children's Family Centre. Maria gives insights into how lack of access to public transport impacts the lives of people in vulnerable circumstances. Using real life examples, Maria explores how vulnerable families are further disadvantaged by being unable to access services and supports. A poignant example is the story of the single mum who lost her job due to lack of transport and how that disadvantaged both her and her young family.She goes on to explain that families are put at risk when they can’t make mandatory appointments and encourages service providers – and other members of society – to walk in the shoes of people experiencing transport disadvantage.Maria speaks about the privilege of being able to drive and own a car and shines a light on the difference foster parents can make in the lives of vulnerable children and families.A powerful lesson for us all.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this important episode Nicky talks with Kim Bertino.  Kim is the Chief Executive Officer of Big Fat Smile, a not-for-profit provider in the Illawarra providing Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services.  Kim and Nicky discuss the multiple impacts on children, families and communities of a lack of access to quality affordable ECEC and the existence of "childcare deserts" often in regions which correspond with other forms of multiple compounding disadvantages and giving children a poor start at life.Global research confirms that children build invaluable skills in the first five years of life. From language, to social, emotional and cognitive development, this crucial period of intense growth informs later outcomes and is why accessing quality ECEC services allows children to thrive and get the best start in life meaning investment in this critical area must be a priority for government. Kim talks about recent strategies including the introduction of a wage subsidy, that have had positive benefits for the sector to improve workforce attraction and retention.  She describes innovative programs that Big Fat Smile is now operating to meet unmet need, and how the not-for-profit sector community sector is willing and able to work with government on solutions including capital funding for new centres to put resources back into community to meet the needs of children and families.Childcare Desert Report Victoria University: Mapping the childcare deserts: Childcare accessibility in Australia | Victoria University Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Aged Care, Ageing and Dementia Advocate, Val Fell joins Nicky to give a very personal account of being a patient who has experienced the impact of bed block. A member of the Minister’s Council of Elders and the National Older Persons’ Reference Group, Val was taken into hospital for a medical emergency and spent 3 weeks in a locked geriatric dementia ward – despite not having dementia and having spent decades working for better outcomes for people living with dementia and their carers. Val explores the impact of ageism, recounts personal experiences of ageism and reflects on how ageism is behind much of the lack of services for older people. She speaks about her hopes for the new Aged Care Act with its focus on keeping the older person at the centre. On finally returning home from hospital, Val was assessed for a Home Care Package, but at 96 years of age has been waiting over 6 months. Despite this, Val continues to fight for the rights of older people, continues to inform Government policy, and continues her work to support people living with dementia and their carers.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In our third episode focusing on “Bed Block,” Nicky is shocked to learn that older people admitted to hospital are staying, on average, over 16 times longer than younger people. This is “Bed Block,” where people no longer in need of acute care are unable to leave the hospital due to a lack of availability of residential care or not having the supports at home to meet their needs.In this episode, Nicky talks with Tanya Southworth, the Coordinator of the Supported Transition Assistance Response Scheme (STARS). STARS is a new voluntary program that is seeing great success in the Illawarra Health system, with referrals supporting older people to move out of hospital into suitable aged care options, supporting recovery and quality of life for the older person, and creating capacity in the hospital system. Tanya discusses the insights her dedicated group of specialist aged care volunteers have gained from their work with older people who are ‘Bed Blocked’ in hospital, and their families.Already, through the program, Tanya has managed to support 78% of those people referred to STARS to transition out of the hospital system. She credits this success to developing an understanding of the older people awaiting appropriate care, through conversation, and understanding the barriers to discharge. She shares some of the misapprehensions and concerns both older people and their families have about moving into residential services and reveals the real-life impacts that well-informed volunteers can have. Tanya also shares strategies we can all put into place to ensure our wishes are known and respected as we move into older age.In our third episode focusing on “Bed Block,” Nicky is shocked to learn that older people admitted to hospital are staying, on average, over 16 times longer than younger people. This is “Bed Block,” where people no longer in need of acute care are unable to leave the hospital due to a lack of availability of residential care or not having the supports at home to meet their needs.In this episode, Nicky talks with Tanya Southworth, the Coordinator of the Supported Transition Assistance Response Scheme (STARS). STARS is a new voluntary program that is seeing great success in the Illawarra Health system, with referrals supporting older people to move out of hospital into suitable aged care options, supporting recovery and quality of life for the older person, and creating capacity in the hospital system. Tanya discusses the insights her dedicated group of specialist aged care volunteers have gained from their work with older people who are ‘Bed Blocked’ in hospital, and their families.Already, through the program, Tanya has managed to support 78% of those people referred to STARS to transition out of the hospital system. She credits this success to developing an understanding of the older people awaiting appropriate care, through conversation, and understanding the barriers to discharge. She shares some of the misapprehensions and concerns both older people and their families have about moving into residential services and reveals the real-life impacts that well-informed volunteers can have. Tanya also shares strategies we can all put Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Aged care consultant Mark Sewell joins Nicky on this episode of the podcast bringing his wealth of knowledge and insights into the crisis facing the Health Care system due to “bed block”.  Bed block is where people are unable to leave the acute care hospital setting due to lack of availability of residential care or not having the supports at home to meet their needs. Mark steps through the demographic trends, including the arrival of the Baby Boomer generation now reaching their 80’s, that have brought us here.  He outlines the systemic issues that have meant we have not managed to keep up with the increased demands for residential care, home modification and home care support services.Mark and Nicky explore what needs to be done including the need for an additional 1,000 beds in the Illawarra Shoalhaven in the next few years.  Additionally Mark explains the importance of a continued focus on increasing accessibility across our community and in our homes, the range of supports currently available and what people who are aging and looking at entering the aged care system can do to plan and prepare for this important life transition we all must face.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Local Health District CEO, Margot Mains joins us to explore how hospitals are coping with the nearly 200 older people in hospital who need to move to, or return to, residential care. Margot explains how this impacts both older people who need and deserve specialised aged care, and health care opportunities for the whole community.Together we explore what the health district team are doing to actively address the current situation, and how the health sector is working with other sectors on long-term solutions.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Residents of the Illawarra Shoalhaven are being called to action! The Strategic Regional Transport Plan is open for consultation, offering a chance to shape the future of transport in our region. In this episode of Community Matters, Nicky speaks with George Takacs, Active Transport Taskforce Coordinator at Healthy Cities Illawarra, about the vital role of active and public transport in building healthier, more connected, and sustainable communities.Join us as we explore how transport impacts public health, the environment, and community connection—and how your feedback can make a difference.Links:Have your say: Follow this link to visit the Transport for NSW consultation platform to share your ideas and contribute to the future of our region.View the video version of the podcast here on Youtube.Healthy Cities: Find out more about Healthy Cities Illawarra ISATT (Illawarra Shoalhaven Active Transport Taskforce) here.Together, let's shape a transport system for a better tomorrow!Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Acknowledgement of CountryCommunity Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country. We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.Music Credit:"Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/