No Ordinary People

A country that prides itself on fairness still locks up children as young as 10. That single reality cuts through the noise of “youth crime wave” headlines and forces a deeper question: what does it say about us when punishment becomes the default response to children facing deep disadvantage?In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Emily Mayo from the Justice and Equity Centre and the Raise the Age NSW campaign to unpack what’s really driving youth justice in Australia, and what it would take to change it.Emily brings clarity to a complex issue, explaining in plain terms what “raising the age of criminal responsibility” means, and why Australia remains out of step with global standards. She traces how the current system disproportionately impacts children already facing deep disadvantage — particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children — not because of who they are, but because systems are failing to provide the support they need to thrive.A crucial shift in the conversation is moving away from “what did the child do?” to “what is happening for this child?” Many of the young people caught up in the justice system are living with trauma, disability, poverty, homelessness, and unmet health needs. This isn’t about excusing harm, it’s about understanding the conditions that drive it, and what actually prevents it.The episode also surfaces a fact often missing from public debate: most younger children in detention are held on remand, meaning they have not been found guilty. At the same time, some children are more likely to be policed and escalated for the same behaviours that others move through without consequence. It raises urgent questions about fairness, accountability, and what safety really means.Cost is part of this story, too. With youth detention exceeding $1 million per child per year, the system is not only failing children - it’s a costly investment in outcomes we know don’t work. In contrast, early intervention, diversion, and community-led support consistently show better results for both young people and community safety.Together, Jade and Emily unpack:What “raise the age” actually means in practiceWhy Australia still imprisons 10-year-oldsThe link between early criminalisation and lifelong system involvementHow trauma, disability, and poverty intersect with youth justiceThe reality of children on remand and what it reveals about the systemWhy detention is expensive and ineffectiveWhat evidence-backed alternatives look likeHow narrative, politics, and public perception shape reformThis is a conversation about truth-telling, prevention, and what it really takes to build safer communities, and why choosing care over punishment is not just more humane, but more effective.If this moved you, subscribe, share the episode with a mate, and leave a review so more people can engage with the reality behind the headlines.This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.Raise the Age NSW Contact DetailsRTA NSW Website – raisetheagensw.org.auWatch the 'Ten Is Too Young' campaign video Watch the 'Better Way for Kids and Communities' videoJustice and Equity Centre website – jec.org.auEmail – [email protected] – @RaiseTheAgeNSWInstagram – @raisetheagenswJoin the movementNo Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected], rate, and share to help amplify these voices.Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

A child in care looks you in the eye and asks, “How much do you get paid to do this?” That single question gets to the heart of what kids in out-of-home care often miss most: a dependable adult who chooses them, consistently, without a transaction attached. In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Bronwyn Sheehan OAM, founder and CEO of the Pyjama Foundation, to explore how one hour a week can rebuild trust, support early literacy, and gently shift the trajectory for children living in foster, kinship, and residential care.Bronwyn’s journey began early, with a deep awareness of inequality, and was further shaped through her work as a nurse and midwife, where she witnessed the realities many children face from the very beginning. Those experiences made it impossible to look away and set her on a path toward action.A defining moment came when Bronwyn met an 18-month-old boy, newly placed in care - frightened, unsettled, and disconnected. What he needed wasn’t complex: routine, warmth, and someone to show up. That realisation became the foundation for the Pyjama Foundation, built on a simple but powerful idea - that one consistent adult, showing up week after week, can help a child feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.Today, the Pyjama Foundation supports children living in foster, kinship, and residential care through its Pyjama Angel program - volunteers who spend one hour a week reading, playing, and building trust. It’s a model grounded in early literacy, but driven by something deeper: connection, choice, and consistency.Together, Jade and Bronwyn unpack:- The moment a child asks, “How much do you get paid to do this?” - The 18-month-old boy who shaped the creation of the Pyjama Foundation- Why trauma impacts brain development, learning, and literacy outcomes- How “choice plus consistency” helps children feel safe enough to engage- What makes a great Pyjama Angel- How initiatives like National Pyjama Day are building awareness and actionThis is a conversation about trust, belonging, and the power of showing up — and what becomes possible when every child has someone in their corner, simply because they choose to be there.If this moved you, subscribe, share the episode with a mate, and leave a review so more people find these stories and help kids in care feel seen.This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.Pyjama Foundation Contact DetailsWebsite - www.thepyjamafoundation.comNational Pyjama Day - Fri 24th July 2026 - fundraise.thepyjamafoundation.com/event/Email - [email protected] Facebook - @facebook.com/pyjamafoundationInstagram - @https://www.instagram.com/thepyjamafoundation/No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected], rate, and share to help amplify these voices.Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley