The Cauldron

Annette Poacher

The Cauldron brings together conversations with people who have faced hardship, rebuilt their lives, and found strength in the process. Each episode features a guest from the community — individuals, organisations, and advocates who have seen tough seasons up close. Hosted by Annette Poacher, the show creates a calm space for honest stories about resilience, support, loss, recovery, and the small moments that shape who we become. If you’re drawn to real voices and real experiences, The Cauldron offers thoughtful interviews that highlight courage, compassion, and the power of connection.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 4 - Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre - Mark Ellis - Let's Build A Village!

    In this episode of The Cauldron, I sit down with Mark Ellis, CEO of the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, an organisation that has been supporting and connecting people across the Sunshine Coast for more than 40 years. Mark takes us inside the Centre and the incredible work happening there every day — from the One Roof Food Project, Community Garden and Counselling services, to the volunteers, local businesses and community members who help make it all possible. We also talk openly about homelessness on the Sunshine Coast. What does homelessness actually look like in our community? Who is most at risk? How accurate are the numbers we hear, and how many people remain hidden — sleeping in cars, couch surfing or moving between temporary accommodation? Mark shares what he and his team are seeing on the frontline, the barriers people face when trying to rebuild their lives, and why we need to look beyond the stereotypes and remember the person behind the circumstance. We also discuss the Memory Tree at the Centre — a moving tribute to people experiencing homelessness who have lost their lives — and the reminder that every name represents a real person, a real life and a story that mattered. Finally, Mark takes us behind the scenes of the Sleep Bus, including why it was needed, how it operates, the challenges involved in keeping it running and the community support and volunteers that make it possible. This is a conversation about homelessness, but it's also about dignity, compassion, connection and the importance of rebuilding our sense of community. Community – Connection – Conversation The Cauldron

    Episode 4 - Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre - Mark Ellis - Let's Build A Village!

  2. Jul 27

    Episode 3 - Sunny Kids - Kathleen Hope - Supporting Families, Strengthening Communities

    Episode 3 - Sunny Kids - Kathleen Hope - Supporting Families, Strengthening Communities What does it take to support families before they reach crisis? In this episode of The Cauldron, host Annette Poacher sits down with Kathleen Hope, CEO of SunnyKids, for an honest and inspiring conversation about the challenges facing families in our communities and the life-changing impact of early support. Kathleen shares how the rising cost of living, housing insecurity, domestic and family violence, and financial hardship are affecting more families than ever before. While SunnyKids is widely recognised for its work with children, its mission is much broader—supporting whole families through practical programs, early intervention and community connection to create stronger, safer futures. Together, Annette and Kathleen explore the importance of stepping in before families reach crisis, the power of collaboration between community organisations, and why hope can begin with a single conversation. In this episode you'll hear about: • The pressures facing families across our communities.  • How SunnyKids supports parents, carers and children.  • The importance of early intervention.  • Building resilience through practical support.  • Why community connection matters.  • How we can all play a part in supporting families. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, volunteer, community worker or simply someone who cares about making a difference, this episode offers insight, compassion and hope. About SunnyKids SunnyKids is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping children and families thrive. Through family support, education, early intervention and practical assistance, SunnyKids works to strengthen families and create safer, brighter futures. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.sunnykids.org.au Connect with The Cauldron 🎙️ Follow The Cauldron for more conversations with the people and organisations making a real difference in our communities. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572600872988 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheCauldron_Podcast Enjoyed this episode? If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow The Cauldron, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with your family, friends and community. Every share helps shine a light on the incredible people and organisations working to make our communities stronger. #SunnyKids #KathleenHope #TheCauldron #Community #FamilySupport #SunshineCoast #EarlyIntervention #ChildrenAndFamilies #CommunityConnection #Podcast

    Episode 3 - Sunny Kids - Kathleen Hope - Supporting Families, Strengthening Communities

  3. Jul 26

    Episode 2 - Meals On Wheels - Wendy Smith

    Wendy Smith – Meals on Wheels Moreton Bay When most people think of Meals on Wheels, they think of a meal delivered to someone's door. But there's so much more to the story. In this episode of The Cauldron, I sit down with Wendy Smith, General Manager of Meals on Wheels Moreton Bay, to explore how a simple meal can become a vital connection for people who may otherwise feel isolated and alone. We discuss:  The growing issue of loneliness in our communities.  How Meals on Wheels supports older Australians to remain independent.  The volunteers who become a friendly face and wellbeing check.  The increasing demand for services as our population ages.  Why community connection matters just as much as nutrition. This is a conversation about compassion, dignity and the extraordinary impact that ordinary people can have on the lives of others. If you've ever wondered how a meal can change someone's day—or even save a life—this episode is for you. Guest: Wendy Smith Organisation: Meals on Wheels Moreton Bay Community • Connection • Conversation

    Episode 2 - Meals On Wheels - Wendy Smith

  4. Jul 23

    Eats 4 The Streets - Michael Cox - More Than A Meal

    Michael Cox (Eats 4 The Streets) – More Than a Meal  Welcome to The Cauldron, where we sit down with the people and organisations making a real difference in our communities. The people changing lives don't always make the headlines. They should.  In this first episode, I sit down with Michael Cox, founder of Eats 4 The Streets, to explore the growing challenge of food insecurity and homelessness, and the remarkable impact one community organisation is having on the lives of those doing it tough. Our conversation goes beyond food. We talk about dignity, connection, the power of community, and the simple acts of kindness that can restore hope to someone who feels forgotten. In this episode, we discuss: • The story behind Eats 4 The Streets and why it was created. • The reality of homelessness and food insecurity in our communities. • The importance of treating every person with dignity and respect. • The volunteers and supporters who make the work possible. • How local communities can come together to make a genuine difference. • Practical ways you can support people in need. Whether you're passionate about community, looking to better understand the challenges faced by others, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of people helping people, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact. If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow The Cauldron, leave a review, and share this episode to help shine a light on the incredible people and organisations making a difference every day. Community • Connection • Conversation

    Eats 4 The Streets - Michael Cox - More Than A Meal
  • 4 Episodes

About

The Cauldron brings together conversations with people who have faced hardship, rebuilt their lives, and found strength in the process. Each episode features a guest from the community — individuals, organisations, and advocates who have seen tough seasons up close. Hosted by Annette Poacher, the show creates a calm space for honest stories about resilience, support, loss, recovery, and the small moments that shape who we become. If you’re drawn to real voices and real experiences, The Cauldron offers thoughtful interviews that highlight courage, compassion, and the power of connection.

Information

  • Creator
    Annette Poacher
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Cauldron