Community Matters

Community Industry Group
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Community Matters is the new podcast hosted by Community Industry Group’s CEO Nicky Sloan that dives into community-driven solutions for pressing issues. Join Nicky as she catches up with community leaders to hear inspiring stories, expert insights, and actionable ideas to create positive change. 

  1. Sep 8

    Supporting the Strength of Women – Navigating Menopause with Georgia Watson

    Menopause affects 51% of the population directly (and 100% of us indirectly) so it’s a topic we really need to get better at talking about. In this episode, Nicky does just that as she sits down with Georgia Watson, Menopause Service Coordinator for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, for a frank, refreshingly practical conversation about what menopause actually looks like, and the specialist support available for women navigating it. The numbers are eye-opening. While the average age of menopause in Australia is 51, perimenopause can begin years earlier and last up to seven years for some women. Around 80% will experience symptoms like joint aches, brain fog, and mood changes, with 20% facing symptoms severe enough to disrupt daily life. Add to that the fact that 40% of perimenopausal women experience anxiety or depression, and that 1 in 2 women will break a bone post-menopause, and it's clear why this deserves far more attention than it typically gets. Nicky and Georgia discuss how menopause so often collides with some of the biggest transitions in a woman's life: kids leaving home, career milestones, shifting relationships. Georgia unpacks how this overlap can quietly stretch and even erode resilience and coping capacity, amplifying the effects of symptoms for the individual. She also walks through what real support looks like: the ISLHD clinic's allied health-led approach, from initial assessments through to hormonal therapies, nutrition, exercise, and behavioural strategies tailored to the individual including the importance of strength, balance, and impact-based exercise for protecting bone density and long-term resilience as ageing progresses. This episode isn’t just for women going through menopause themselves. Nicky and Georgia make the case that menopause is a whole of community issue with relevance to partners, friends, colleagues, and employers alike and how awareness and simple practical shifts can make a real difference. Knowledge is power and this episode delivers it with warmth, honesty, and expertise. Whether you're navigating menopause yourself, supporting someone who is or just want to know more about it, there's something here for you and it’s reassuring to know that the women of the region have access to the services of Georgia and the team at the Illawarra Shoalhaven Menopause Service. Resources and Links: Illawarra Shoalhaven Menopause Service Illawarra Shoalhaven Menopause Service | Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD)The Jean Hailes website, which has a huge amount of information on women's health topics including menopause: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/Healthy Bones Australia website (factsheet on menopause and bone health): https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au/resource-hub/fact-sheets/ABC Conversations episode with Professor Jayashri Kulkarni who is a world leading expert in menopausal depression:  https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/jayashri-kulkarni-female-hormones-mental-health-rpt/105362644 Beyond Blue resource video with Prof Kulkarni discussing menopausal depression:  https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/womens-mental-health/perimenopause-menopause-mental-healthAcknowledgement of Country Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.  We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.  We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people. Music Credit: "Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    Supporting the Strength of Women – Navigating Menopause with Georgia Watson

  2. Aug 25

    Carrying Hope to Achieve a Home – Women’s Homelessness with Sabrina Hissey

    Older women are now the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness in Australia, and record numbers are being pushed into crisis by eviction from long term rentals and then being unable to afford rapidly rising rents.  In this powerful episode of Community Matters, host Nicky Sloan sits down with Sabrina Hissey, Acting Operations Manager of ROCC for Women, a Specialist Homelessness Service delivering case management to women who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the Illawarra. Sabrina unpacks the complex and often overlapping challenges facing the women ROCC supports.  From contact with the justice system, mental health struggles, social isolation, drug and alcohol issues, and family and domestic violence. She explains how the service works alongside women to set their own goals, building trust and close relationships over time, while empowering them toward independence at their own pace. ROCC's approach is refreshingly human, they work with women to figure out their own goals, then walk alongside them, building the kind of trust that only comes from showing up consistently, over time.  The conversation doesn't shy away from the hard realities of a fractured system: a three-year wait for priority housing, even a lengthy waitlist at ROCC itself, and clients sleeping rough while they wait for support. Sabrina stresses why early engagement is critical, and why community members have a role to play too in paying attention, staying curious, and reaching out when someone they know might need help. Listeners will hear about ROCC's peer support initiatives, designed to combat isolation through non-judgemental, paid peer mentoring, and how Sabrina and Sabrina's own reflections on how she and her team look after themselves doing such complex and emotionally challenging work. Despite a recent shift to greater certainty with a welcome five-year funding model, demand continues to outpace resources. As Nicky points out, Australia is the second wealthiest country in the world, so the issue isn't a lack of housing as such, but its unequal distribution. Sabrina closes with a moving reminder: "Homelessness is something that can happen to all of us," alongside the incredible story of one woman whose tenacity ultimately led her from the depths of crisis to a private rental and a job. This episode is a reminder that dignity, stability and a safe place to live shouldn't depend on your bank balance and that hope and a belief in a brighter future, even when things feel bleak, are not misplaced but essential. Links and Resources:  ROCC for Women website: https://roccforwomen.org.au/#heroFor Emergency accommodation: Link2Home on tel:1800152152The NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463For women at risk of homelessness due to FDV: Home - SASSI Phone (02) 4229-8523The homeless hub in Nowra: Shoalhaven Homeless Hub - SASSIFor young people, adults and families : Home | Southern Youth and Family Services Phone: tel:(02) 4221 7700Care South: Youth Support Services - CareSouthFor the Illawarra: Wollongong Homeless Hub | HomeWaminda- Mudgingaal Balaang  Women's refuge: Client Support - WamindaAge Matters- Age Matters - Empowering Older Australians - IRTAcknowledgement of Country Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.  We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.  We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people. Music Credit: "Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    Carrying Hope to Achieve a Home – Women’s Homelessness with Sabrina Hissey

  3. Aug 4

    Building a Workplace People Love - The Ripple Effect of Great Leadership with Jenni Hutchins

    In this episode of Community Matters, CEO of Warrigal, Jenni Hutchins, joins Nicky Sloan for a powerful conversation about leadership, workplace culture and how the way we treat our employees has a direct impact on the people they care for.  Jenni shares the remarkable story behind Warrigal achieving a 100% employee engagement survey response rate across more than 2,500 staff, breaking Australian records and proving that when people genuinely believe their voices matter, extraordinary things can happen. From reducing staff turnover to creating predictable care teams, Jenni explains how investing in culture doesn't just improve workplaces. It creates safer, more consistent care, helping older people feel known, loved and connected.  Together, Jenni and Nicky explore what it really means to build a values-driven organisation. They discuss why culture is much more than words on a wall, how it starts with the board and leadership teams setting the tone for the entire organisation, and why listening, psychological safety and genuine human connection are essential to creating environments where both employees and residents thrive.  The conversation explores how Warrigal's vision, A world where older people feel known, loved, and connected, shapes every decision the organisation makes. Jenni explains why this vision serves as the organisation's north star, influencing its culture, leadership and ultimately the experience of every older person in its care.  This episode is filled with practical leadership insights, inspiring stories and thought-provoking reflections for anyone leading a team, working in aged care, or wanting to create workplaces where people genuinely want to belong.  Links & Resources: Warrigal - Warrigal - Residential, Retirement & Home Care in Illawarra, Southern Highlands, CanberraAcknowledgement of Country Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.  We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.  We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people. Music Credit: "Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    Building a Workplace People Love - The Ripple Effect of Great Leadership with Jenni Hutchins

  4. Jul 21

    Growing Old Without a Home: Australia’s Hidden Housing Crisis with Natasha Debsieh

    In this important episode of Community Matters, Nicky is joined by Natasha Debsieh, Manager of Age Matters, an IRT Group initiative that supports older people across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla who are experiencing housing insecurity, social isolation and barriers to accessing the support they need. Drawing on her extensive experience working alongside some of the region's most vulnerable older people, Natasha shares the realities many face as they navigate housing insecurity, homelessness and the increasingly complex aged care system. Nicky and Natasha explore the uncomfortable fact that the fastest rate of growing homelessness in our region is for older people and particularly older women.  Natasha discusses the growing challenges for older Australians trying to access suitable housing and remain safely in their homes, and why stable, suitable housing is such a key foundation for living well later in life. “We are there to assist the amazing people that we work with to apply for, to access and to go through the journey of My Aged Care” explains Natasha. With compassion and honesty, Natasha reflects on the barriers older people encounter when accessing services, navigating the complexities of the My Aged Care system, lengthy waiting times, the limitations of phone-based assessments and the increasing prevalence of hoarding and squalor which Natasha describes as “a wicked problem”. She highlights the importance of person-centred support, helping people through times of crisis, and the vital role collaboration plays in helping individuals overcome barriers and access the services they need. The conversation also explores the work of Age Matters and its broader initiatives, demonstrating how community organisations can work together to support older people to remain safe, connected and independent for longer. Natasha shares stories of resilience and hope that show how the right support, at the right time, can make a lasting difference and how using a “housing first” approach can result in positive differences. This is sensitive discussion about the important work that Natasha and the Age Matters team (“inspiring, relentless, persistent” is how Natasha describes the team) are doing to support dignity, housing, ageing and the power of community, reminding us that every older Australian deserves the opportunity to age safely, with the support and stability they need to thrive. When people feel safe, stable and supported they are able to live quality lives and in turn contribute to their community. #CommunityMattersPodcast #AgeingWithDignity #AgeingWell #OlderAustralians #AgedCare #HousingSecurity #AgeingInPlace #CommunitySupport #HealthyAgeing #SocialInclusion #MyAgedCare Resources & Links: About the IRT Age Matters Program: Age Matters - Empowering Older Australians - IRTMy Aged Care - support for homelessness: Support for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness | My Aged CareAcknowledgement of Country Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.  We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.  We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people. Music Credit: "Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    Growing Old Without a Home: Australia’s Hidden Housing Crisis with Natasha Debsieh

  5. Jul 7

    FOSTER CARE: With Christine Wilde - It takes a village to raise a child

    In this heartfelt episode of Community Matters, Nicky Sloan is joined by Christine Wilde, an experienced Foster Carer with CareSouth, a community-based organisation that provides a range of services including Aunties & Uncles, Family Connections and youth and disability support services that support children, young people and families.  Drawing on her experience caring for 19 children over the years, Christine shares the realities of foster care, from the challenges children face when they first enter care to the incredible moments of watching them rebuild their confidence and simply enjoy being children again.  With compassion and honesty, Christine reflects on the importance of community in helping children and families through difficult times. She reminds us that every child's journey is unique and highlights how kindness, stability and supportive relationships can make a lasting difference in a child's life. She discusses the importance of routine, consistency, empathy and building trusting relationships, while reflecting on the rewarding experience of helping children heal and break the cycle of trauma.  The conversation also highlights the vital role caseworkers play in supporting both children and carers, the different ways people can become involved in foster care, and how others in the community can make a meaningful difference by supporting children and foster families in their community.  This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, hope and the extraordinary impact that ordinary people and supportive communities can have when they simply show up for a child in need.  Acknowledgement of Country Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.  We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.  We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people. Music Credit: "Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    FOSTER CARE: With Christine Wilde - It takes a village to raise a child

  6. Jun 23

    ADVOCACY FOR INCLUSION: With Rebecca Schmidt Lachlan – Helping others is helping ourselves

    At just 26 years old, Rebecca Schmidt Lachlan woke up from a stroke able to do only one thing: blink her eyes. What followed was a remarkable journey of reinvention, resilience, and purpose. In this episode, Nicky sits down with Bec, stroke survivor, author, radio host, inclusion advocate, and volunteer board director, for a conversation that is as practical as it is inspiring. Bec's story isn't just about surviving; it's about choosing to fight, adapt, and ultimately use her lived experience to make the world more accessible for everyone. From Survival to Advocacy:  Bec's stroke didn't just change her body — it changed her entire relationship with the world. Facing the daunting task of relearning life's basics, she describes having to "do everything all over again." But rather than retreating, Bec channelled that experience into something powerful: a deep, personal understanding of what it means to be excluded, and what it takes to change that. Her book, colourfully titled, “Shit! I'm 26 and Had a Stroke!”, captures the raw reality of that journey, and her work since has only amplified its message. Making Communities Work for Everyone: Through her role as Project Officer with the Flagstaff Group, Bec leads the We Belong Project, connecting people with disability to their communities and helping them find their voice when dealing with organisations and services. Her advocacy work is tangible and wins real results. As a driving force behind the Unanderra Access Group, Bec helped lead the campaign to make Unanderra Railway Station, a major transport hub with 72 stairs and zero accessibility, fully accessible through the installation of lifts and ramps. It's a powerful reminder of what community voices can achieve. Why Inclusion Is Everyone's Business:  One of the most thought-provoking threads of this conversation is Bec's challenge to the idea that accessibility is only a "disability issue." Being able-bodied, she reminds us, is always temporary. "None of us know when we are going to have injuries - we need to be open to and prepared for when that actually does occur, we have those things in place that we might want to use later on." It's a reframe that cuts through resistance and makes inclusion feel not just compassionate, but rational. Communicating with Courage and Curiosity: Bec offers genuinely useful guidance on how to communicate better with people with disability, encouraging curiosity over avoidance, and reframing difficult conversations through empathy: "If this happened to me, what would I expect, how would I feel?" She also models something rare: the ability to ask for help without shame. As she puts it, the worst that can happen is being told “no”. A Life Expanded: Winner of the National Courage Award at the 2024 Stroke Awards, Bec reflects on how disability, for all its challenges, has opened her eyes to a fuller experience of life. It's shaped her into someone more considered, more aware, and more connected to community. Her ethos is simple and self-reinforcing: "Help other people while helping ourselves to make sure everything works well in our community." This episode will leave you thinking differently — about inclusion, about vulnerability, and about the quiet power of showing up for others. Resources and Links: ·         Rebecca’s Book: Shit!! I'm 26 and had a Stroke » Altered Abilities ·         We Belong Project, The Flagstaff Group: WeBelong - Disability Support, Employment & Inclusion ·         Rebecca’s Stroke Foundation Courage Award: Rebecca recognised for tireless work… | Stroke Foundation - Australia Acknowledgement of Country Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.  We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.  We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people. Music Credit: "Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    ADVOCACY FOR INCLUSION: With Rebecca Schmidt Lachlan – Helping others is helping ourselves

  7. Jun 9

    INNOVATION EQUITY: With Tamantha Stutchbury - Why Diversity in Startups Is Everyone's Problem

    What if the solutions being built for tomorrow's world are only designed for half the people in it? That's the provocative question at the heart of this week's Community Matters, featuring Tamantha Stutchbury the Director of iAccelerate at the University of Wollongong and the 2026 Wollongong Local Woman of the Year. Tamantha brings a rare combination of scientific rigour and entrepreneurial fire to her work. After completing a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and research and commercialisation of a novel cancer therapeutic, she understands firsthand what it takes to move from a bold idea to a functioning business. Now she's channelling that experience into building something bigger: an ecosystem where anyone with a vision can become a founder. At the core of this engaging conversation is an uncomfortable truth about the startup world. Funding, mentorship, and opportunity are not equally distributed — and that means the solutions being built right now reflect a narrow slice of human experience. As Tamantha says: "If we are only funding one type of startup we are likely only creating solutions for one part of society." The challenge isn't just getting more diverse founders through the door. It's convincing the people holding the purse strings that there's even a problem to solve. "The biggest hurdle is getting the people writing the cheques to acknowledge it's a problem." It's a candid observation that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like the tables of power were set before they arrived. As Australia's largest and longest-running University backed startup accelerator, iAccelerate supports entrepreneurs at every stage, from the spark of an idea right through to building a scalable, successful company. It's sector agnostic and proudly so, with supported businesses ranging from music festivals to tech solutions to community services.  The program creates a collaborative ecosystem where founders can exchange ideas, access mentorship, and build the skills and confidence needed to move from ideation to implementation, a leap that Tamantha acknowledges is far bigger than it sounds. Tamantha is a passionate advocate for the Illawarra region. The close-knit nature of the Illawarra community makes it something of a perfect incubator, and iAccelerate is designed to harness exactly that. For community organisations and businesses stretched thin, iAccelerate offers a vital pressure valve, partnering with the community sector to explore solutions, and running programs where university students tackle real-world problems pitched by local businesses and organisations. Tamantha reflects on how those who have needed the greatest support in her personal life have shaped her and challenges us all, "Are you looking around at your community and ensuring that we are not leaving people behind?" The future being built right now will only be as inclusive as the people building it. iAccelerate is working to widen that circle, one founder at a time. If you have an idea and the drive to pursue it, visit their website or book a call with Tamantha’s team to find out more. Resources and Links: ·         iAccelerate: iAccelerate - empowering entrepreneurship - iAccelerate ·         Illawarra Flame Article: The 'academic black sheep' now powering jobs and industry Acknowledgement of Country Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.  We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.  We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people. Music Credit: "Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    INNOVATION EQUITY: With Tamantha Stutchbury - Why Diversity in Startups Is Everyone's Problem

  8. May 26

    PHILANTHROPY: With Susan Wallis – A Commitment to Kindness

    On this inspiring episode of Community Matters, Nicky sits down with local legend Susan Wallis, Head of Government and Philanthropy at Good360, a remarkable charity tackling one of Australia's most overlooked issues, the $4.5 billion worth of brand new goods going to landfill every year. Susan explains how overproduction is baked into capitalism, you need surplus to meet demand, but that surplus doesn't have to mean waste. That's where Good360 comes in, acting as a powerful connector between corporate surplus and the charities, schools, and communities that need it most. Since launching in 2015, Good360 has redistributed over $550 million worth of brand-new goods to more than 5 million Australians through supporting 4,700 charities and disadvantaged schools, including over 100 right here in the Illawarra. The range of goods is extraordinary: books, clothing, electrical appliances, and even, in one memorable moment, a pallet of cat food delivered by Susan herself in her little car. With cost-of-living pressures mounting, the demand for this model is only growing. As Susan puts it, "We are Australia's biggest marketplace connecting surplus and need." Susan also shares her deeply personal motivation, caring for her late daughter Grace, whose disability needs helped spark the very idea behind Good360. She speaks passionately about inclusion, volunteering, and the profound power of giving back. "I cope by giving, kindness is a major protective factor for me." This is a conversation about waste, generosity, and the quiet revolution happening when the right people decide to connect the dots. Because when kindness becomes a system, everyone wins. Resources and Links: ·         Good360 Website: Home - Good360 Australia   Acknowledgement of Country Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.  We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.  We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people. Music Credit: "Jarvic 8" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    PHILANTHROPY: With Susan Wallis – A Commitment to Kindness
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About

Community Matters is the new podcast hosted by Community Industry Group’s CEO Nicky Sloan that dives into community-driven solutions for pressing issues. Join Nicky as she catches up with community leaders to hear inspiring stories, expert insights, and actionable ideas to create positive change. 

Information

  • Creator
    Community Industry Group
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Community Industry Group
  • Show Website
    Community Matters

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