Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps

Clothing The Gaps

Community Conversations is the podcast from the certified Aboriginal business, social enterprise and B-corp, Clothing The Gaps. At Clothing The Gaps we often say it’s more than a tee — it’s a conversation starter. And this podcast is where those conversations continue. Each episode, we sit down with inspiring people from community to talk about justice, advocacy, and the stories behind the movements that got us to where we are today — and those shaping the future. These are conversations that matter — and we hope they spark many more.

  1. Jun 2

    Climate Action and Just Futures Collab with Tishiko King

    What does climate change actually look like when it’s happening to your home in real time? In this episode of Community Conversations from Clothing The Gaps, Sarah Sherry sits down with proud Kulkalgal woman, marine biologist and climate justice advocate Tishiko King for a powerful conversation about sea country, self-determination, climate justice and the future of Torres Strait Island communities. Tish shares what it feels like to grow up on Masig Island, why climate change is already reshaping life in the Torres Strait, and the emotional reality of fighting to protect culture, stories and country for future generations. The conversation also explores: Rising sea levels and climate impacts in the Torres StraitWhy First Nations-led climate solutions matterDecolonising wealth and philanthropyThe work behind Just Futures CollabClimate adaptation, seawalls and justiceIndigenous sovereignty and environmental protectionCommunity-led giving and climate actionThis is a deeply human conversation about responsibility, resilience and what climate justice really means when your homeland is on the frontline. 00:00 – “Picking up my ancestors’ bones like seashells”  00:16 – Welcome to Community Conversations  01:10 – Introducing Tishiko King  02:32 – What Masig Island feels like  06:24 – Life on a tiny Torres Strait island  08:24 – Who keeps Tish grounded  12:10 – The everyday reality of climate change in the Torres Strait  15:07 – Climate impacts on culture, country and ancestors  17:15 – Why climate justice is a First Nations issue  19:38 – The emotional weight of climate advocacy  22:00 – What self-determination actually looks like  24:49 – The risk of losing culture and country  26:19 – The story behind Just Futures Collab  29:03 – The Torres Strait climate human rights case  31:49 – Seawalls, adaptation and broken systems  38:11 – Decolonising wealth and philanthropy  41:35 – Funding Indigenous-led climate solutions  43:24 – What’s next for Just Futures Collab  46:04 – Everyday generosity and collective action  47:42 – Why mainland Australians should care  49:13 – Final reflections Connect with Tish and support Just Futures Collab here: https://www.justfuturescollab.org.au/

    49 min

  2. Jun 2

    Running, Resilience & Reclaiming Space | Sissy Austin on Take Back The Track

    Running, Resilience & Reclaiming Space | Sissy Austin on Take Back The Track  What happens when the place that brings you peace becomes the place that changes your life forever? In this episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, host Sarah Sherry sits down with her dear friend Sissy Austin for a powerful conversation about running, healing, justice, advocacy, and reclaiming public space. Sissy Austin is a proud Gunditjmara, Keerray Woorroong and Djab Wurrung woman, passionate runner, truth teller, and founder of Take Back The Track.   Following a violent assault while running on Country in 2023, Sissy began a deeply personal healing journey that would eventually lead her to complete the New York City Marathon through the Indigenous Marathon Project and launch a national movement advocating for the safety of women and gender diverse runners. This episode explores: Connection to Country through runningHealing after violence and traumaCommunity care and collective strengthThe Indigenous Marathon Project journeyRunning the New York City MarathonResilience, grief, and recoveryWomen and gender diverse peoples’ safety and public spaceMedia narratives and racismWhy Take Back The Track was createdThe future of safe running for allThis is a conversation about courage. About refusing to let fear steal joy. And about what it means to reclaim freedom, one step at a time. Guest Sissy Austin, Founder of Take Back The Track Links Take Back The Track ABC Article on Sissy's attack Chapters 00:00 Running, Healing & Connection to Country 02:45 Why Running Became Sissy’s Anchor 08:12 The Assault That Changed Everything 12:40 Community Care After Trauma 18:10 Returning to Running Again 23:00 Racism, Media Narratives & Public Response 26:05 The Indigenous Marathon Project Journey 33:10 Training Through Injury & Deep Water Running 36:35 Crossing the New York Marathon Finish Line 41:05 The Birth of Take Back The Track 46:05 Why Women Shouldn’t Have To “Run Safe” 49:18 Building a National Movement 51:00 Research, Advocacy & Changing Systems 51:57 The Future Sissy Wants For Runners

    45 min

  3. May 11

    The Legacy of the Aborigines Advancement League with Aunty Esme Bamblett

    What is worth saving in this country if not our history? In this powerful episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, we sit down with Dr Aunty Esme Bamblett, a respected Elder and long-serving CEO of the Aborigines Advancement League. With over 50 years of advocacy, leadership, and lived experience, as the current serving CEO of the Aborigines Advancement League, Aunty Esme shares: The truth about assimilation and its impact on Aboriginal communitiesThe origins and legacy of the Aboriginal Advancement LeagueStories of resilience, activism, and cultural survivalThe role of leaders like William Cooper and Pastor Doug NichollsThe importance of identity, kinship, and communityWhy Aboriginal culture is something Australia must protectWhat real allyship and “upstanding” looks like todayHer vision for the next seven generationsThis is more than a conversation. It’s a history lesson, a call to action, and a reminder of what truly matters. Chapters 00:00 “What Is Worth Saving in This Country?” 00:25 Welcome to Community Conversations 02:05 Aunty Esme’s Early Life & Family Story 05:08 Education, Motherhood & Leadership Journey 06:41 A Legacy of Activism & Political Strength 08:01 The Origins of the Aboriginal Advancement League 09:46 Community, Culture & Collective Responsibility 11:10 Walking in the Footsteps of Giants 13:09 The Power of Early Aboriginal Activism 15:54 Standing Against Global Injustice 17:15 Why Safe Spaces Like The League Matter 19:22 Fighting for Land, Rights & Community 20:06 The Truth About Assimilation 22:27 Place, Belonging & Cultural Safety 23:33 Saving Lake Tyers & Community Land 25:38 The Black Power Movement & Cultural Pride 27:04 “Black Is Beautiful” – A Turning Point 30:56 The League as “Mother” of Community 33:31 From Activism to Treaty Conversations 36:11 What The League Means Today 38:11 Thinking in Seven Generations 40:01 How to Support & Take Action 41:18 Why Aboriginal Culture Must Be Protected

    42 min
  4. Travis Lovett on a Walk for Truth

    Apr 14

    Travis Lovett on a Walk for Truth

    In this episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, we sit down with Travis Lovett, a leader in Australia’s truth-telling movement and founder of the Walk for Truth. This conversation dives deep into: Why truth-telling is essential for healing and progressThe real lived experiences behind Australia’s historyThe myths and misconceptions about First Nations peopleWhat the Yoorrook Justice Commission uncoveredWhy a national truth-telling process is needed nowThe emotional weight of carrying community storiesHow everyday Australians can be part of changeThe impact of the Walk for Truth movementWhat the future could look like if we get this rightThis isn’t about blame. It’s about understanding. Because healing can only happen when truth, justice, and action come first. Chapters 00:00 “History Is Always Told by the Oppressor” 00:24 Introduction to Trav & Truth-Telling 02:15 Identity, Language & Resistance 05:27 Where Australia Is Right Now 07:36 The Power of Walking Together 09:01 Calling for National Truth-Telling 11:01 Debunking Myths About First Nations People 13:15 The Weight of Truth-Telling Work 15:05 From Stories to Solutions 17:21 Why This Responsibility Belongs to Everyone 18:21 Truth → Justice → Healing 19:31 What a National Process Could Look Like 22:44 Why Truth-Telling Must Be Local & National 25:15 Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing Truth 28:21 Celebrating Strength, Not Just Trauma 28:46 For Those Who Feel Uncomfortable 31:36 Understanding Context, Not Blame 32:40 The Walk for Truth Movement 34:58 Why Walking Creates Real Connection 36:43 How You Can Get Involved 37:07 What Could Change in 10–20 Years 40:43 Ways to Support the Movement 42:09 Final Reflections & Invitation to Act More Information: The Walk for Truth - https://www.walkfortruth.com/ Yoorook Justice Comission - https://www.yoorrook.org.au/ Open Letter to the Prime Minister - Add your Name Here

    33 min
  5. Australia Day: If not Jan 26, then when?

    12/19/2025

    Australia Day: If not Jan 26, then when?

    January 26 is a date that continues to divide Australia. For some it is “Australia Day”. For many First Peoples, it is Invasion Day, Survival Day, or a Day of Mourning. In this episode of Community Conversations, host Sarah Sherry (Clothing The Gaps) is joined by Laura Thompson (Gunditjmara woman, CEO and co-founder of Clothing The Gaps) and Phil Jenkyn (OAM, barrister and community activist, co-convener of the Australia Long Weekend idea) to unpack why January 26 is not a date to celebrate, how community pressure is shifting public perception, and a new proposal that aims to create a more inclusive national moment. Together they explore symbolism and policy, cultural safety, truth-telling, and a practical alternative: an Australia Long Weekend set on the second last Monday in January, designed to keep a summer long weekend while quarantining January 26 as a day for mourning and reflection. Key takeaways January 26 carries deep hurt for First Nations people, and the day often brings heightened racism and division. Symbolism matters: changing an administrative date can be a meaningful first step toward larger justice and truth-telling. The Australia Long Weekend proposal aims to keep a summer celebration without anchoring it to colonisation. Momentum is growing because the issue now impacts many Australians, including new citizens who feel uncomfortable with January 26 ceremonies. Change requires respectful dialogue, accuracy, and shared responsibility from community, media, business, and government. Links and resources:Sign petition Australia Long Weekend website  Clothing The Gaps Not A Date To Celebrate campaign Learn more about January 26 and its history

    43 min
  6. Read the comments - keep social media safe for Mob.

    10/05/2023

    Read the comments - keep social media safe for Mob.

    In this podcast, Co-Founders of Clothing the Gaps – Laura Thompson (Gunditjamara) and Sarah Sheridan catch up with Felicity Cull. Felicity is Head of Digital Content (aka, Social Media Expert!) at a Strategic Communications Agency - Pesel and Carr.   Tune in to listen to our stories of how we are working to keep Clothing The Gaps a safe Blak platform especially, in the lead up to the Voice Referendum on Oct 14 and beyond. Felicity also, shares her top tips, so Mob can safely read the comments on social media. Read more in the blog: https://www.clothingthegaps.com.au/blogs/blogs/read-the-comments

    39 min
  7. Allyship, political fashion and the referendum - a yarn with Senator!

    09/25/2023

    Allyship, political fashion and the referendum - a yarn with Senator!

    This casual conversational podcast with co-founders of Clothing The Gaps, Laura and Sarah plus Senator Stewart explores the role allyship and political fashion in the lead up to the referendum for a First  Nation Voice to parliament and recognition in the constitution. The podcast yarn has many tips for how everyday Australians and business can stand in solidarity with First Nations people at this time.  We also share excitedly and emotionally about the  'Dress That Says Yes' and the fashion moment we created, when the Senator wore the couture gown Clothing The Gaps made her to the Parliamentary Mid winter ball. More about: Senator Jana Stewart is a proud Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman from North-West Victoria, and a mother of two. Jana is the youngest First Nations woman to be elected in Federal Parliament, and the first Aboriginal Labor Senator for Victoria. From her work at Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and the Child Protection System, all the way to the steps of parliament – Jana has never been afraid to stand up for others. Laura Thompson is a proud Gunditjmara woman for the Western district of Victoria, and mother to three teenagers. Laura is the co-founder and CEO of Clothing The Gaps she is also sister-in-law to Senator Stewart.  Laura has an educational background in public health and never expected to be running a clothing brand! Sarah Sheridan is deputy CEO and Co-founder of Clothing The Gaps. Sarah  is non-Indigenous and grew up in country Victoria - she meet Laura  whilst doing her Health Sciences student placement at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service back in 2013 - they have been working side by side ever since. Clothing The Gaps is an Aboriginal Social Enterprise and B-Corp. We registered as business in 2020. We unite people through fashion and cause.

    50 min
  8. 'Spirit of the March' Poem

    09/16/2023

    'Spirit of the March' Poem

    Spirit of the March watch YouTube video. The reasons at the heart of why First Nations people March.  Listen to the words of Joanne and appreciate that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people march they don't just walk for the reason outlined on the event poster - it's much deeper and personal than that! We march for our ancestors, we march for justice, we march for equality....  Spoken by: Robbie Thorpe (Gunai Kurnai) Dougie Briggs (Yorta Yorta, Wirundjeri) Courtney Ugle (Noongar) Medika Thorpe (Gunai Kurnai, Narungga, Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara) Nick Pearce (Co-founder, HoMie) Ellen Jacobsen (Social Impact Manager, HoMie) Written by: Joanne Dwyer (Gunditjamra) Directed by: Clothing The Gaps Sound by: Tori Yuksel Music by: Daen Ellis (Gunai, Yorta Yorta, Waka- Waka and Gunditjmara)

    2 min
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About

Community Conversations is the podcast from the certified Aboriginal business, social enterprise and B-corp, Clothing The Gaps. At Clothing The Gaps we often say it’s more than a tee — it’s a conversation starter. And this podcast is where those conversations continue. Each episode, we sit down with inspiring people from community to talk about justice, advocacy, and the stories behind the movements that got us to where we are today — and those shaping the future. These are conversations that matter — and we hope they spark many more.

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