Together We Grow Mercy Connect

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 3 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land.


In this episode we are joined by Caroline Cummins who will soon commence as the interim CEO of Mercy Connect, and also take over hosting duties of the ‘Together We Grow’ podcast series.



As a speech pathologist and specialist behaviour clinician, Caroline has over twenty years’ experience working with people with a range of abilities and is passionate about the rights of people with disability and those in need and through her work strives to ensure their voices are heard.


Tune into this insightful episode with a range of topics being discussed, including current challenges and opportunities within the disability sector, restrictive practices, and the principles of ‘choice and control’.



Together we grow.

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 2 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land.

In this episode, we are joined by Julianne Whyte, founder and CEO of AMARANTH FOUNDATION, which provides a range of services, including palliative care, across rural communities within the Riverina and Murrumbidgee regions of New South Wales.

After graduating in nursing at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, Julianne then worked in the health care sector across rural and regional community settings, in acute and community-focused nursing roles. After 25 years in nursing and wanting to expand her knowledge of human behaviour and health inequity, Julianne attained a Bachelor of Social Work from La Trobe University in Wodonga. As an agent for change, Julianne established the Amaranth Foundation, which provides a range of services across rural communities situated within the Riverina and Murrumbidgee regions of NSW. She is a member and Director of the Australian Association of Social Workers and an accredited mental health social worker. Julianne is currently completing her PhD in the field of social work and palliative care, and in 2017 she was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her work in advancing palliative care in the community.

Tune into this insightful episode with a range of topics being discussed, including the delivery of supports for people with disability living in regional and remote settings, the provision of palliative care to people with disability, and the essential Food Bowl program in Corowa.

Together we grow.

Welcome to Season 2 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land.

In the first episode for season 2, we are joined by Garry Whittaker the Regional Manager for Training Services NSW, within the Department of Education, since 2014.

In 2020 Garry suffered a severe Traumatic Brain Injury resulting in Aphasia; an acquired impairment of language which is typically characterised by errors in word retrieval and selection impacting his language use considerably.

Tune in to this insightful episode as Garry shares his experiences, knowledge, and perspectives on Traumatic Brain Injuries resulting in Aphasia and the ways we can improve our overall wellbeing with the inclusion of brain fitness into every-day life, in order to maintain and enhance our cognitive capabilities.
Join us on this journey of growth, compassion, and creating a more inclusive society.

Welcome to Episode 8 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land.

In this episode, we are joined by Jen Tait, the Managing Director of Purple Chicken, a for-purpose organisation that explores and develops new
models and opportunities for people with disability that are often only available in urban locations. Jen has been a strong advocate for innovation in
the disability sector for over 25 years, with a clear focus on employment, and self-advocacy. 

Jen is also a carer of a person with a disability and is very passionate about the benefits and importance of the National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS. Through the NDIS, Jen has witnessed the immense difference it can make to people with a disability, through the creation of opportunities and achievement of life goals, in line with their non-disabled peers, so that people with disabilities enjoy true equity within our community.

Tune in to this insightful episode as Jen shares her experiences, knowledge, and perspectives on the NDIS and discover how the Purple Chicken has made a difference and created opportunities to people with disability achieve life goals and create equity within our community. Join us on this journey of growth, compassion, and creating a more inclusive society.

Welcome to Episode 7 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land.


In this episode, we are joined by Steve Shiel, the General Manager of Customer Engagement at Personnel Group. For over 37 years, Personnel Group has been a leading Disability Employment Service provider, dedicated to fostering equality through employment.

Originally hailing from Essendon, Melbourne, Steve now resides in Wodonga with his wife and two children, following a fulfilling 6-year period in the United Kingdom. With a longstanding career in the employment sector spanning more than two decades, Steve has always found joy in working with people. His unwavering commitment lies in assisting individuals to overcome the obstacles they face and actively participate in our communities.

Tune in to this insightful episode as Steve shares his experiences, knowledge, and perspectives on breaking down barriers to employment. Discover how Personnel Group has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and empowering individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workforce. Join us on this journey of growth, compassion, and creating a more inclusive society.

Welcome to Episode 6 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land.

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Clancy MP, Member for Albury, and dive into the pressing issues affecting people with disability and their supports in our community.

Justin, a dedicated member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly since 2019, has been representing Albury for the Liberal Party. Born and raised on a farm in Bowna, he continues to reside there with his wife and three children while managing his own veterinary clinics in Albury and Wodonga. Justin's commitment extends beyond his professional career, as he actively participates in various community activities, including Albury City's Sports and Advisory Committees, Companion Animal Advisory Committee, and Mercy Health's Community Advisory Group.



Recently appointed as the Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Justin leverages his expertise to advocate for enhanced local services and facilities, striving to improve the quality of life for Albury residents and foster a nurturing environment for families.



Join us for an enlightening conversation as we explore the challenges and opportunities for growth that lie ahead, together.