Stories of Wonder

Deakin University

Stories of Wonder platforms and celebrates the real impact Deakin students, alumni, researchers and staff are making in the world, right now. Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B

  1. Jayden Battey: what is a career in community advocacy and development like?

    5d ago

    Jayden Battey: what is a career in community advocacy and development like?

    Jayden Battey’s career has spanned across community development, advocacy, live-in community housing management, and recently documentary filmmaking. Content warning: this episode contains discussion of homelessness and grief. For support in Australia visit: deakin.edu.au/24hoursupport or for support in another country visit spotify.com/resources Read more about Jayden’s story Learn more about Servants Community Housing Watch ‘Love in the Walls’ on SBS Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. (00:07) - Jayden Battey’s story (00:37) - Growing up with curiosity and empathy (01:59) - The drive to create belonging and connection (04:07) - Living with 28 others (09:20) - Redefining connection and community (12:14) - Day-to-day life (13:22) - Balancing work and purpose (14:42) - Studying economics at Deakin (17:11) - Thinking differently about systems and change (19:21) - The real cost of inequality (21:42) - Global systems, poverty, and impact (24:36) - Studying online at Deakin (26:47) - Learning to understand people and worldviews (29:57) - Making meaningful connections while studying (32:02) - Love in the Walls – the documentary (40:49) - Loss, grief, and real life in the community (42:37) - How advocacy really begins (45:57) - Advice for getting started in advocacy (47:19) - Living your values and leading with care (49:08) - Why giving back matters (55:45) - Quick fire questions (52:26) - What’s next for Jayden Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture.

    54 min
  2. Chantella Perera: from WNBL to AFLW to sports marketing and advocacy

    May 26

    Chantella Perera: from WNBL to AFLW to sports marketing and advocacy

    Hear Chantella’s journey, from her WNBL days and subsequent successful AFLW career to her advocacy work in women’s sports and leadership in sport marketing. Content warning: this episode contains discussion of racism, sexism, discrimination, and grief. For support in Australia visit: deakin.edu.au/24hoursupport or for support in another country visit spotify.com/resources Read more about Chantella’s story. Learn more about Women Sport Australia: womensportaustralia.com.au Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. (00:00) - Chantella Perera’s journey (00:35) - From Sri Lanka to sport – early life and beginnings (02:12) - College basketball and chasing the Opals dream (03:15) - WNBL highlights and lessons from sport (04:46) - Transitioning from basketball to AFLW (06:17) - Life after sport – study, work, and finding direction (08:04) - Discovering AFLW and starting again (12:20) - Purpose and giving back through sport (15:01) - The reality of being an elite athlete in Australia (18:04) - Identity, culture, and representation in sport (26:26) - Raising children and passing on culture (30:48) - Career transition into sport marketing (32:10) - Transferable skills from sport to leadership (34:05) - Building a career at KOJO (44:24) - Major events and creating fan experiences (47:42) - Women Sport Australia and advocacy work (50:54) - Progress and challenges in women’s sport (55:02) - Advice for aspiring athletes (56:44) - Quick fire questions (58:00) - What’s next for Chantella (59:10) - Outro Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture.

    1 hr
  3. Vice-Chancellor Iain Martin on Social licence and the future of universities

    Mar 10

    Vice-Chancellor Iain Martin on Social licence and the future of universities

    In this episode, we catch up with Deakin’s Vice-Chancellor, Iain Martin to explore the evolving role of universities. From his beginnings as a medical student in 1980s UK to leading one of Australia's major universities, he explores the delicate balance between education and research, the concept of social licence, and why "ceaseless curiosity" matters more than ever. Read Iain’s white paper on social licence here. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. (00:00) - Introduction (00:26) - University Experience (03:52) - Trust in Universities (05:21) - Social Licence and University Purpose (07:36) - The Role of Curiosity (08:19) - Evolution of Higher Education (11:50) - Rankings and Research vs Education (14:10) - Balanced Excellence at Deakin (18:04) - White Paper on Social Licence (23:45) - Universities and Difficult Debates (27:48) - Creating Safe Debate Spaces (29:27) - Personal Experience with Change (34:57) - The Evolution of University Research (40:24) - Making Research Accessible (44:05) - Deakin Research Highlights (46:06) - Why Study at University (48:45) - Student Experience and Support (50:16) - Advice for New Students (51:50) - Improvements in Higher Education (55:37) - Quick Fire Questions Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture. Information provided is as known at time of publishing.

    58 min
  4. Tim Harte’s story: from ballet to a career in research

    Feb 24

    Tim Harte’s story: from ballet to a career in research

    From ballet to a career in research and disability advocacy, Tim Harte’s journey is an awe-inspiring one. Tim sits down with us to share his story. Read the article Content WarningThis podcast includes discussion of lived experience with disability and discrimination. We encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing. You can pause, skip chapters and stop the episode at any time. A list of support services is available here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/student-life-and-services/health-wellbeing-and-safety/safety-security/emergency-and-crisis. For support outside of Australia, please visit http://spotify.com/resources. Editorial note The taxation treatment of Graduate Research (GR) scholarships is determined by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), not the Research Training Program (RTP) Guidelines or Deakin University. Under current ATO legislation, part-time scholarships are deemed taxable, whereas full-time RTP stipends are generally tax-exempt. This distinction sits outside of Deakin’s policy or discretion. It is something Deakin and the sector have lobbied the government about over many years. It is a genuine challenge for the sector and for all current and prospective candidates who cannot study at a full-time rate. In relation to awards and prizes, eligibility criteria may be set by either external funding bodies or by Deakin, depending on the award. In the case of PhD stipends Deakin’s own award (DUPR) align with the RTP awards (set by Commonwealth legislation) with restricted criteria for enrolment load, duration or progression requirements. We acknowledge that these criteria can have unintended impacts for part-time GR candidates, including students whose enrolment status reflects disability or other equity-related circumstances. Tim’s reflections highlight how these settings can be experienced as barriers in practice. More broadly, we recognise that the legislative and policy frameworks surrounding RTP stipends, enrolment load and taxation can create genuine challenges for some HDR candidates. While Deakin administers scholarships within parameters set by the Commonwealth Government and relevant tax law, these broader settings do not always align well with the diverse circumstances of HDR students. Click here to view the episode transcript. (00:00) - Introduction (01:11) - Ballet Journey (05:11) - Onset of Disability (16:00) - Leaving Ballet (18:33) - University Life (21:15) - Academic Achievements (26:00) - PhD Beginnings (27:29) - Research Challenges (33:01) - Structural Energy Storage (37:00) - Life Reset & Advocacy (43:00) - Disability Advocacy Work (46:41) - Speaking at the UN (54:31) - Behind the Scenes (58:00) - Leadership (01:00:02) - Disability & STEM (01:01:14) - Inclusion Matters (01:03:13) - ChemAbility Network (01:06:43) - Power of Community (01:08:55) - Representation (01:10:00) - Barriers in STEM (01:22:55) - Scholarships & Stipends (01:23:13) - Young Australian of the Year Victorian Nomination (01:24:26) - Representation in Awards (01:26:43) - Impact Vision (01:27:19) - Challenging Assumptions (01:31:17) - Desired Change (01:32:14) - Resourcing, power & systemic barriers (01:34:46) - Quickfire Round (01:36:17) - Final Reflections Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture. Information provided is as known at time of publishing.

    1h 38m
  5. Jo Weston’s netball career, leadership and advocacy

    Feb 10

    Jo Weston’s netball career, leadership and advocacy

    In this episode, Jo Weston takes us through her netball journey and unpacks how she balances a thriving sports career with study. Read more about Jo's story.Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Chapters00:00 – Introduction00:57 – The Vixens’ Fairytale Run03:34 – Handling Setbacks05:15 – Sending Off Coach Simone McKinnis07:05 – Jo’s Country Upbringing09:11 – Starting Netball11:54 – Netball as a Career14:52 – Becoming a Professional Athlete18:00 – Working While Playing for Australia20:55 – Growing with the Sport22:52 – Managing the Pressures24:52 – Advice for Younger Athletes25:53 – Studying a Master of Communication29:00 – Study Shaping Leadership31:41 – Storytelling and the Power of Sport34:10 – Netball Besties37:01 – Podcasting39:34 – Turbulence and Transformation in Netball40:00 – Negotiating Player Pay & Conditions44:50 – Leadership Under Pressure47:04 – The Rise of Women’s Sport49:50 – Advice for Girls in Sport50:55 – Looking Ahead to Brisbane 203252:00 – Life Beyond Netball53:57 – Quickfire Round57:01 – Closing Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture.

    57 min
  6. How student-staff partnership programs are transforming universities

    Jan 27

    How student-staff partnership programs are transforming universities

    In this episode, Cassandra Iannucci and Alex Green explore how student support programs are paving the way for more inclusive and equitable university systems.  Read more about Cassandra and Alex's work here: https://this.deakin.edu.au/career/how-student-support-programs-can-transform-universities/Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Chapters00:00 – Introduction00:36 – What is Students as Partners?01:33 – Cassandra’s Journey02:57 – Alex’s Story04:18 – Authentic Partnership in Action07:01 – Matching Students and Staff09:32 – Impact Moments11:00 – Shifting Attitudes in Higher Education11:34 – How Projects Begin13:07 – Voices from the Classroom Podcast14:46 – Students Mentoring Staff17:15 – Why Equity Matters18:25 – Avoiding Tokenism21:06 – Removing Barriers for Students24:01 – Lived Experience as a Catalyst25:43 – Career Impact26:14 – Tangible Changes Across Deakin33:36 – Normalising Partnership35:59 – Why Belonging Matters39:02 – Skills and Confidence42:00 –Proud Moments45:36 – What Staff Should Know About Students47:00 – Closing Reflections Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture.

    48 min
  7. Al Fricker on why decolonising education matters

    Jan 13

    Al Fricker on why decolonising education matters

    Al Fricker talks about the power of a great education, why we need to decolonise Australia’s education system, and the importance of Indigenous Australian representation in academia. Read more here.Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Content WarningThis podcast includes discussion of colonisation, systemic racism, genocide and intergenerational trauma. People who have experienced these may find some of this content difficult. People who have not been exposed to this content before, may find the information confronting and challenging. We encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing. You can pause, skip chapters and stop the episode at any time. A list of support services is available here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/student-life-and-services/health-wellbeing-and-safety/safety-security/emergency-and-crisis. For support outside of Australia, please visit http://spotify.com/resources. Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:54 – Al’s Journey into Education04:45 – Teaching Prep to Year 1207:00 – Schooling vs Education07:49 – Colonial Systems in Classrooms10:22 – Rethinking ‘Learning Needs’12:54 – What Does Decolonising Education Mean?14:30 – Productivity, Compliance, and Capitalism16:00 – Flipping the Model of Education18:34 – Indigenous Knowledges as an Alternative21:16 – Learning at the Right Time23:05 – Asking Better Questions of Young People24:52 – Curriculum Reform and Textbook Publishing27:12 – Five Ways to Decolonise Classrooms29:35 – Changing the System from Inside33:03 – Why Mandating Change Matters36:44 – Discomfort as Part of the Process39:08 – Intersectionality and Decolonisation42:58 – Moving Beyond Guilt to Action45:02 – Work, Identity, and Colonial Mindsets48:51 – Teaching with Integrity49:31 – Being an Indigenous Educator in Colonised Spaces53:45 – Authenticity and Resilience57:27 – The Long-Term Mission01:00:01 – Quick Fire Questions01:04:59 – Closing Reflections Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture.

    1h 5m
  8. Anna Charalambous on working in the film and TV industry

    12/30/2025

    Anna Charalambous on working in the film and TV industry

    As a successful film and TV producer, Anna Charalambous knows what it takes to succeed in the industry. From student films to SXSW premieres, Anna’s journey is our latest Story of Wonder. Watch Spreadsheet Champions now: https://www.spreadsheetchampions.com/ Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – Why Film? 02:00 – First Year Challenges 06:15 – Discovering Producing 09:00 – What Does a Producer Do? 16:00 – Problem-Solving on Set 20:00 – Breaking Into the Industry 27:00 – The Documentary Path 33:00 – Making Spreadsheet Champions 40:00 – Filming Around the World 46:00 – Challenges & Restrictions 52:00 – Funding & Festival Journey 58:00 – What Makes a Great Story? 01:03:00 – Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers 01:06:40 – What’s Next for Anna01:07:50 – Trailer: Spreadsheet Champions    Please note: The individual views and opinions expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect those of Deakin as an organisation. Deakin is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where both freedom of speech and academic freedom are vigorously upheld. Our community thrives on diverse opinions and perspectives, with open-minded inquiry and respectful disagreement essential to our university culture.

    1h 9m
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Stories of Wonder platforms and celebrates the real impact Deakin students, alumni, researchers and staff are making in the world, right now. Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B

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