The Cauldron

Annette Poacher

The Cauldron brings together conversations with people who have faced hardship, rebuilt their lives, and found strength in the process. Each episode features a guest from the community — individuals, organisations, and advocates who have seen tough seasons up close. Hosted by Annette Poacher, the show creates a calm space for honest stories about resilience, support, loss, recovery, and the small moments that shape who we become. If you’re drawn to real voices and real experiences, The Cauldron offers thoughtful interviews that highlight courage, compassion, and the power of connection.

Episodes

  1. Aug 13

    Episode 4 - Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre - Mark Ellis - Let's Build A Village!

    In this episode of The Cauldron, I sit down with Mark Ellis, CEO of the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, an organisation that has been supporting and connecting people across the Sunshine Coast for more than 40 years. Mark takes us inside the Centre and the incredible work happening there every day — from the One Roof Food Project, Community Garden and Counselling services, to the volunteers, local businesses and community members who help make it all possible. We also talk openly about homelessness on the Sunshine Coast. What does homelessness actually look like in our community? Who is most at risk? How accurate are the numbers we hear, and how many people remain hidden — sleeping in cars, couch surfing or moving between temporary accommodation? Mark shares what he and his team are seeing on the frontline, the barriers people face when trying to rebuild their lives, and why we need to look beyond the stereotypes and remember the person behind the circumstance. We also discuss the Memory Tree at the Centre — a moving tribute to people experiencing homelessness who have lost their lives — and the reminder that every name represents a real person, a real life and a story that mattered. Finally, Mark takes us behind the scenes of the Sleep Bus, including why it was needed, how it operates, the challenges involved in keeping it running and the community support and volunteers that make it possible. This is a conversation about homelessness, but it's also about dignity, compassion, connection and the importance of rebuilding our sense of community. Community – Connection – Conversation The Cauldron

    Episode 4 - Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre - Mark Ellis - Let's Build A Village!

About

The Cauldron brings together conversations with people who have faced hardship, rebuilt their lives, and found strength in the process. Each episode features a guest from the community — individuals, organisations, and advocates who have seen tough seasons up close. Hosted by Annette Poacher, the show creates a calm space for honest stories about resilience, support, loss, recovery, and the small moments that shape who we become. If you’re drawn to real voices and real experiences, The Cauldron offers thoughtful interviews that highlight courage, compassion, and the power of connection.