Time With Uncle Elvis

In this episode of Time with Uncle Elvis, Elvis is joined by Abbas, a community networker from Western Sydney who works to promote peace, social cohesion, and community engagement. Abbas shares his passion for bringing people together and highlights the crucial role of young people in shaping Australia’s future. He explains that young people need opportunities, training, and responsibility to develop into the leaders of tomorrow, and stresses that communities and organisations still have room to improve in youth representation and involvement.Abbas also provides examples from his own work, showing how youth can be actively engaged in management, events, and subcommittees to build skills and confidence. The conversation touches on advocacy, creating structures that empower young people, and spreading awareness about organisations like Meca. And for a lighter moment, they even discuss favourite sandwiches! This episode offers insights into nurturing youth leadership, strengthening communities, and ensuring the next generation is equipped to lead.

In this episode of Time with Uncle Elvis, Elvis sits down with Bob Fitzgerald, a Blacktown City Councillor and board member of MECA (Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency), for an honest and inspiring conversation about young people, community, and the future of Western Sydney.Bob shares his reflections on the importance of social cohesion and introduces the idea of interculturalism—bringing people from different cultural backgrounds together to build a truly inclusive community. He highlights the key role organisations like MECA and initiatives such as the University Study Hub play in helping both young people and seniors connect, learn, and thrive.Together, Elvis and Bob explore what kind of environment young people need to reach their full potential, the value of listening to their voices, and the responsibility communities and councils share in supporting youth-led ideas and leadership.The discussion also touches on the power of sport in bringing people together, the importance of diverse representation in local decision-making, and how small everyday actions can strengthen social bonds.The episode finishes on a light-hearted note, with Bob sharing his love for simple tomato, cheese, and mustard sandwiches, sparking a fun chat about old-school lunches and the memories they bring.