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. Sep 3

    Is January 26 the Most Racist Day on the Calendar? Unpacking new polling data with Laura Thompson

    What does January 26 mean for First Nations people and what would it look like to create a national holiday that everyone can be part of? In this episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, host Sarah Sherry sits down with her co-founder, Laura Thompson, to unpack new national research into racism experienced by First Nations people on January 26. Together with Future Super, Clothing The Gaps commissioned YouGov to conduct a nationally representative poll exploring First Nations people's experiences of racism, safety and belonging on January 26. The findings are confronting: 32% of First Nations people have experienced racism on the day, 40% have witnessed it, and one in four have felt unsafe or fearful. Laura and Sarah discuss what these numbers reveal, why the experiences behind the statistics matter, and why they believe Australia needs to rethink the date of its national holiday. They also unpack the proposal for an Australian Long Weekend — a public holiday held on the second-last Monday of January, while January 26 would be marked as a day of mourning, reflection and truth-telling. The proposal is supported by 54% of Australians, while more than 70% of First Nations people support shifting the date to an Australian Long Weekend. There is a Trigger Warning for Racism in this episode and we encourage listeners to go gently and seek support when needed: 13YARN (13 92 76) - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support Lifeline (13 11 14) - Crisis Support This episode explores: Why January 26 is described as a day of mourningWhy Clothing The Gaps commissioned the national pollThe scale of racism experienced and witnessed on January 26The rise of online racism and social media as a frontline for hateWhy younger First Nations people are carrying a particularly heavy burdenThe stories behind the statisticsThe impact of wearing your values on January 26The Australian Long Weekend proposalWhy January 26 could instead become a day of mourning and reflectionTaking the research to the parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate and violenceThe need for mental health support for people experiencing racismHow non-Indigenous Australians can visibly stand with First Nations peopleWhy changing the date alone won't solve racism, but can be a practical step forwardTurning research and evidence into meaningful actionThis is a conversation about racism, truth-telling and change. About listening to the experiences behind the statistics. And about imagining a national day that First Nations people can actually be part of. Guest Laura Thompson Co-founder & CEO, Clothing The Gaps Proud Gunditjmara woman Links Clothing The Gaps: clothingthegaps.com.au Australia Long Weekend: australialongweekend.com.au Petitions What about an Australia Long Weekend? - https://www.change.org/p/create-an-australian-long-weekend-move-the-public-holiday-from-jan-26 Jan 26 is Not a Date to Celebrate - https://www.change.org/p/australia-day-jan-26-not-a-date-to-celebrate Chapters 00:00 Why January 26 Isn't a Day to Celebrate 03:04 January 26 as a Day of Mourning 03:36 Why Clothing The Gaps Commissioned the Poll 05:29 What Politicians Said About Changing the Date 06:37 One in Three First Nations People Experience Racism 09:17 Racism Online & Social Media as the Frontline 10:38 Why Younger First Nations People Are Carrying the Burden 11:44 The Stories Behind the Data 12:48 The Australian Long Weekend Proposal 14:51 Marking January 26 as a Day of Mourning 15:53 Taking the Evidence to Parliament 18:27 Can Changing the Date Reduce Racism? 20:00 Why Laura Still Has Hope 20:45 How You Can Take Action 21:59 Standing Up Against Racism

  2. Jul 9

    The Power of Blak Retail

    More Than a Tee: The Truth About Blak Retail What does it really mean to build a space that centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people? In this emotional episode of Community Conversations by Clothing The Gaps, we sit down with Ebony, the retail manager who helped shape one of the most impactful Blak retail spaces in Australia. After six years of holding space, mentoring community, and guiding thousands of conversations, Ebony reflects on: What a “safe Blak space” actually looks and feels likeThe meaning behind Mob-only and ally-friendly clothingWhy political fashion is more than just what you wearThe emotional weight of working in a purpose-driven businessThe reality of allyship in action, not just intentionHow fashion can spark real conversations and changeWhat happened inside the store after the Voice referendumWhy visibility and representation truly matterThis is not just retail. It's a community. It’s identity. It’s activism in action. Chapters00:00 “There Aren’t Enough Spaces for Mob to Be Themselves” 00:44 Welcome & Ebony’s Final Week Reflection 02:33 Can I Wear That? Understanding Ally vs Mob 04:08 Why Mob-Only Pieces Matter 06:35 Allyship Is Just the Starting Point 08:42 Matching People to Conversations They’re Ready For 10:46 What a Safe Blak Space Feels Like 12:08 A Store That Centres First Nations People 15:52 Identity, Pride & Representation in Retail 18:12 Why the Mob Discount Matters 22:30 The Emotional Weight Behind the Counter 25:06 The Reality After the Voice Referendum 27:20 Holding Space for Community Grief 30:07 Why This Store Is More Than Retail 33:47 What Is Political Fashion? 36:49 Wearing Your Values & Building Trust 37:43 The Impact of the Free the Flag Movement 41:47 Why Visibility Matters All Year Round 42:48 Ebony’s Reflection After 6 Years

  3. 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.  00:16 – 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/

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

    Travis Lovett on a Walk for Truth

  7. 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

    Australia Day: If not Jan 26, then when?

  8. 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

    Read the comments - keep social media safe for Mob.
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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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