Community Conversations

Community Centres SA
Community Conversations

The Community Conversations Podcast will feature stories and information on community development efforts, the programs being run by our members and general community interest topics. Across the State of South Australia there are volunteers and staff helping our community members to find connections, access to food, housing and education in an environment that welcomes everyone to their doors. Community Centres are open for anyone and provide place based activities to enrich the lives of our community. We will be interviewing Community Centre members, community connection partners and community stakeholders who will share their experiences, activities and upcoming events. The Podcast is aimed at highlighting the good work being done to make a difference at the grassroots level to address issues such as loneliness, homelessness, social injustice and how to improve wellbeing of our communities. Be sure to listen every week as we release each episode. The podcast will be easily accessible on our website and can be downloaded on your preferred podcast platforms.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Plant Therapy and Cultivating Peace with Markus Hamence

    In this engaging episode, interior designer and plant stylist Markus Hamence shares insights on the therapeutic power of plants. With 463 indoor plants of his own, Markus discusses plant care, mental wellness, and creating positive spaces. Through his workshop experience, Markus explores the pandemic's impact on plant cultivation, offers tips for indoor growing, and connects plant care to mindfulness and meditation. He also discusses his love for local arts and tribute bands, bringing his positive energy and practical advice to anyone interested in plants, wellness, and harmonious living.

    21 min

  2. DEC 10

    Maximizing Community Center Program Impact with Bryan Foley

    Join us for an enlightening conversation with Bryan Foley, project manager with Project Management Institute, who shares essential project management principles for community centers. In this episode, Bryan explores how to maximize benefits from limited budgets through effective planning strategies, scope management, and stakeholder engagement. Discover practical tools and learn about sustainable funding models for community programs. Bryan introduces the PMI Adelaide mentoring program, which provides guidance and support to nonprofit organisations. Whether you manage a community center or want to learn project management best practices, this episode delivers actionable insights for successful project delivery.

    17 min

  3. DEC 3

    Tackling Unemployment and Reoffending with Nicole Dwyer

    In this insightful episode, Nicole Dwyer, CEO of Workskil Australia, provides a comprehensive overview of their initiatives supporting disadvantaged job seekers. The organization's impact is demonstrated through various successful programs, including their corrections employment initiative that significantly reduced reoffending rates from 60% to 30%. Nicole discusses the critical challenges faced by job seekers, particularly housing insecurity, with 17% of their caseload identifying as homeless, leading to Work Skill Australia's $7.6 million investment in affordable housing units. The discussion covers mental health support services, employability skills training, and specialized programs for different demographics, including youth facing 9.5% unemployment rates and women over 55 entering non-traditional roles.

    21 min

  4. NOV 26

    Spirited and Soulful Community Development with Peter Westoby

    Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Peter Westoby, Director of Community Praxis Co-op, as he shares his innovative "spirited and soulful" approach to community building. In this thought-provoking episode, Peter challenges traditional perspectives on community development, offering fresh insights on balancing bureaucratic demands with genuine community engagement. Discover how communities can thrive through active citizenship rather than conventional volunteering, and learn about successful initiatives that have transformed local communities. Peter's candid discussion about embracing both successes and failures in community work provides valuable lessons for practitioners, students, and anyone interested in creating positive social change.

    23 min
  5. Building Sustainable Communities with Sandy Pitcher

    NOV 18

    Building Sustainable Communities with Sandy Pitcher

    This week we are joined by Sandy Pitcher, Chief Executive at The Department of Human Services! In this podcast, Sandy Pitcher, Chief Executive of South Australia's Department of Human Services, discusses the department’s mission to address diverse human needs with limited resources. She highlights programs supporting disability, autism, food security and Community Centres while stressing preventive measures and community collaboration. Addressing family violence, Pitcher outlines systemic improvements explored by the Royal Commission, including insights from children and perpetrators. Emphasising early intervention, she calls for community education on issues like domestic violence, coercive control and financial literacy. By focusing on accessibility and empowerment, Pitcher underscores the need for holistic, collaborative approaches to reduce violence, foster resilience, and enhance well-being across South Australia.

    23 min
  6. Finding Your Voice with Katrina Ryan

    NOV 12

    Finding Your Voice with Katrina Ryan

    This week we are joined by Katrina Ryan, Voice Specialist and Voice Lecturer at Flinders University! Katrina Ryan, a voice educator and former jazz vocalist, emphasizes the importance of voice in communication, leadership, and self-expression. Her career transition from performer to educator reflects her passion for teaching voice as a powerful tool.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        She highlights how women, in particular, feel pressure to lower their voices to sound authoritative and stresses the need for authentic vocal expression. Katrina addresses public speaking fears and offers private sessions and corporate workshops to help individuals strengthen their vocal skills, especially in challenging situations. She also provides lessons at her Kensington studio and community workshops to support people in rediscovering their confidence and voice.

    24 min
  7. Growing Community Spaces with Jeremy Hurst

    NOV 4

    Growing Community Spaces with Jeremy Hurst

    This week we are joined by Jeremy Hurst, Co-founder and CXO of SpacetoCo! In this podcast, Jeremy Hearst, co-founder of SpacetoCo, discusses how his platform simplifies venue hire for not-for-profits. Inspired by his own challenges in booking local halls, SpacetoCo launched in 2015 and now helps Community Centres and government spaces manage bookings more effectively. The platform offers tools for compliance, insurance, and a flexible pricing model, including a free tier for smaller venues. SpacetoCo aims to save time for administrators and make venue hire more accessible, affordable, and streamlined, empowering local communities to connect through shared spaces.

    23 min
  8. Sustainable Strategies for Not-for-Profits with Andrea Petersen

    OCT 28

    Sustainable Strategies for Not-for-Profits with Andrea Petersen

    This week we are joined by Andrea Petersen, Founder and Director of Not-for-Profit Accounting Specialists (NFPAS)! Andrea highlights the challenges facing not-for-profits, emphasising the need for adaptable models due to rising living costs, housing issues, and food insecurity. Andrea also discusses NFPAS's focus on financial management, board education, and governance to support sustainability in the sector. Andrea stresses balancing innovation with stability, efficient resource use and technology adoption that includes AI for improved operations. We also discuss the importance of informed board decisions, volunteer management and strategic planning to help future-proof not-for-profits. This episode underscores the role of efficient governance and sustainable practices to ensure long-term success for organisations serving community needs.

    24 min
See All (25)

About

The Community Conversations Podcast will feature stories and information on community development efforts, the programs being run by our members and general community interest topics. Across the State of South Australia there are volunteers and staff helping our community members to find connections, access to food, housing and education in an environment that welcomes everyone to their doors. Community Centres are open for anyone and provide place based activities to enrich the lives of our community. We will be interviewing Community Centre members, community connection partners and community stakeholders who will share their experiences, activities and upcoming events. The Podcast is aimed at highlighting the good work being done to make a difference at the grassroots level to address issues such as loneliness, homelessness, social injustice and how to improve wellbeing of our communities. Be sure to listen every week as we release each episode. The podcast will be easily accessible on our website and can be downloaded on your preferred podcast platforms.

Information

  • Creator
    Community Centres SA
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Community Centres SA
  • Show Website
    Community Conversations

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