COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS PODCAST
Latest Episode
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.
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
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.
In this engaging episode, interior designer and plant stylist Markus Hamence shares insights on the therapeutic power of plants. With 463 indoor plants of his own, Markus discusses plant care, mental wellness, and creating positive spaces.
Through his workshop experience, Markus explores the pandemic’s impact on plant cultivation, offers tips for indoor growing, and connects plant care to mindfulness and meditation. He also discusses his love for local arts and tribute bands, bringing his positive energy and practical advice to anyone interested in plants, wellness, and harmonious living.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Bryan Foley, project manager with Project Management Institute, who shares essential project management principles for community centers. In this episode, Bryan explores how to maximize benefits from limited budgets through effective planning strategies, scope management, and stakeholder engagement.
Discover practical tools and learn about sustainable funding models for community programs. Bryan introduces the PMI Adelaide mentoring program, which provides guidance and support to nonprofit organisations. Whether you manage a community center or want to learn project management best practices, this episode delivers actionable insights for successful project delivery.
In this insightful episode, Nicole Dwyer, CEO of Workskil Australia, provides a comprehensive overview of their initiatives supporting disadvantaged job seekers. The organization’s impact is demonstrated through various successful programs, including their corrections employment initiative that significantly reduced reoffending rates from 60% to 30%.
Nicole discusses the critical challenges faced by job seekers, particularly housing insecurity, with 17% of their caseload identifying as homeless, leading to Work Skill Australia’s $7.6 million investment in affordable housing units. The discussion covers mental health support services, employability skills training, and specialized programs for different demographics, including youth facing 9.5% unemployment rates and women over 55 entering non-traditional roles.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Peter Westoby, Director of Community Praxis Co-op, as he shares his innovative “spirited and soulful” approach to community building. In this thought-provoking episode, Peter challenges traditional perspectives on community development, offering fresh insights on balancing bureaucratic demands with genuine community engagement.
Discover how communities can thrive through active citizenship rather than conventional volunteering, and learn about successful initiatives that have transformed local communities. Peter’s candid discussion about embracing both successes and failures in community work provides valuable lessons for practitioners, students, and anyone interested in creating positive social change.
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