COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS PODCAST
Latest Episode
In this episode, we are joined by Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia. Karen discusses the prevalence of domestic and family violence, and the outdated laws which do not adequately address sexual violence in Australia. Karen, also shares the organization’s 50-year history of supporting sexual assault survivors, offering services like national helplines and trauma counseling. She highlights the need for early education on consent and bodily autonomy.
We also hear from Rebecca at the Eastwood Community Center, who discusses their weekly ACE (Adult Community Education) programs, including financial literacy workshops and engagement activities. Rebecca also shares the importance of informal community engagement and volunteering. Tune in for an important discussion on these critical issues.
Where to Listen
Be sure to listen via Spotify, Apple Podcasts or the web player, weekly and follow our socials to stay notified as each episode is released.
About the Podcast
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.
Meet the Host
Kerrie Akkermans
Kerrie Akkermans, CEO of CCSA, is an avid supporter of the community sector. With years of experience as a broadcaster on FIVEaa, Kerrie has a natural ability to connect with guests and delve into their lived experiences and stories. Kerrie’s passion for supporting communities and sharing stories makes for an engaging and insightful listening experience.
Episodes
In this episode, we are joined by Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia. Karen discusses the prevalence of domestic and family violence, and the outdated laws which do not adequately address sexual violence in Australia. Karen, also shares the organization’s 50-year history of supporting sexual assault survivors, offering services like national helplines and trauma counseling. She highlights the need for early education on consent and bodily autonomy.
We also hear from Rebecca at the Eastwood Community Center, who discusses their weekly ACE (Adult Community Education) programs, including financial literacy workshops and engagement activities. Rebecca also shares the importance of informal community engagement and volunteering. Tune in for an important discussion on these critical issues.
In this episode, Nick Lee OAM, CEO of the Jodie Lee Foundation and co-director of Healthy Minds, highlights the concerning rise in bowel cancer diagnoses among younger people in the past 30 years. He shares his personal story of losing his wife Jodie to stage four bowel cancer, which inspired him to establish the foundation in her honor.
The conversation explores the foundation’s mission to promote early detection and prevention through a four-pillar approach: staying active, understanding family medical history, recognise symptoms, and participating in screenings. Nick advocates for policy changes to save lives and discusses the foundation’s creative initiatives, including the BEEP trek events, which engage the community and raise funds for their mission.
In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Professor Anne Tiedemann from the University of Sydney, a leading expert in physical activity and healthy aging. We discuss Professor Tiedemann’s research on fall prevention and practical strategies for maintaining an active lifestyle as we age.
Her “Active Women Over 50” project helps women increase physical activity through online coaching, motivational messages, and community support. Listen to learn about WHO guidelines for older adults and practical approaches including SMART goals, progress tracking, and finding enjoyable activities.
The episode covers balance and strength exercises for fall prevention and resources like the SA Exercise at Home website, while highlighting both the economic and mental health benefits of physical activity.
This week we are joined by Monique Bowley, an accomplished executive producer and Manager of Podcasts at ABC. Together we explore the expanding podcast landscape, with Monique discussing the significant growth of podcasting and her curation of Pod Fest for Adelaide Writers Week. She shares insights about various podcast genres, including true crime, global affairs, and female-focused content, highlighting shows like “If You’re Listening” with Matt Bevin and “Not Stupid” with Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez.
We chat about the relationship between podcasts and traditional media, emphasising how these platforms complement each other rather than compete. Monique particularly emphasises the intimate nature of podcasting and its unique ability to foster authentic connections with listeners.
This week we are joined by sleep specialist Sabine Christelli who discusses the crucial role of sleep in overall health, emphasising its importance for memory integration, immune system function, and mental clarity. She reveals that 44-45% of people globally experience sleep disturbances, primarily due to stress and overthinking.
Sabine provides practical recommendations, including establishing pre-sleep routines, avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime, and utilizing tools like blue light filters, white noise machines, and guided meditations for better sleep quality.
We also hear from Tammy Shepherd, CEO of Tailem Bend Community Centre, who shares insights about running community programs in rural areas, highlighting challenges related to sustainable funding and emphasising the need for greater recognition of community centres’ vital impact.
In this episode, Stephanie Harvey, CEO of Community First Development, discusses their vision to empower First Nations communities through community-led solutions. She shares valuable insights on building genuine relationships and creating culturally safe environments for Indigenous communities.
We explore successful initiatives including youth programs, literacy training, and driver’s license support, while offering practical guidance on developing effective Reconciliation Action Plans. The discussion delves into strategies for community centers to foster inclusive environments, emphasising the importance of self-determination and meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples.
Listen till the end when we visit Junction Community Center who hosted the governor for a special visit. The event was a great success enriched with Zumba classes and community-prepared food.
Contact Us
Send us your feedback, ideas for future episodes or contact our team if you would like to be a guest on the podcast.
info@communitycentressa.asn.au