COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS PODCAST
Latest Episode
This week we are joined by Sandy Pitcher, Chief Executive at The Department of Human Services!
In this podcast, Sandy Pitcher, Chief Executive of South Australia’s Department of Human Services, discusses the department’s mission to address diverse human needs with limited resources. She highlights programs supporting disability, autism, food security and Community Centres while stressing preventive measures and community collaboration.
Addressing family violence, Pitcher outlines systemic improvements explored by the Royal Commission, including insights from children and perpetrators. Emphasising early intervention, she calls for community education on issues like domestic violence, coercive control and financial literacy. By focusing on accessibility and empowerment, Pitcher underscores the need for holistic, collaborative approaches to reduce violence, foster resilience, and enhance well-being across South Australia.
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 India Wallace from Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha Hospice!
India Wallace, Spiritual Executive Officer of Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha Hospice, discusses the importance of addressing death-related taboos and how open conversations can ease fear and anxiety around the topic. She highlights the need for proactive planning, from funeral arrangements to legal matters, to help families navigate difficult times with less stress.
India also talks about the value of compassionate care in managing grief and supporting those nearing the end of life. Her goal is to create more opportunities for people to engage in meaningful discussions about death, life, and the role of hospice in the community. India previews the upcoming Death Festival on October 12, 2024, at Centennial Park. The event seeks to break taboos surrounding death, offering resources on grief, funeral planning, and legal matters
This week we are joined by Katrina Ryan, Voice Specialist and Voice Lecturer at Flinders University!
Katrina Ryan, a voice educator and former jazz vocalist, emphasizes the importance of voice in communication, leadership, and self-expression. Her career transition from performer to educator reflects her passion for teaching voice as a powerful tool. She highlights how women, in particular, feel pressure to lower their voices to sound authoritative and stresses the need for authentic vocal expression. Katrina addresses public speaking fears and offers private sessions and corporate workshops to help individuals strengthen their vocal skills, especially in challenging situations. She also provides lessons at her Kensington studio and community workshops to support people in rediscovering their confidence and voice.
This week we are joined by Jeremy Hurst, Co-founder and CXO of SpacetoCo!
In this podcast, Jeremy Hearst, co-founder of SpacetoCo, discusses how his platform simplifies venue hire for not-for-profits. Inspired by his own challenges in booking local halls, SpacetoCo launched in 2015 and now helps Community Centres and government spaces manage bookings more effectively.
The platform offers tools for compliance, insurance, and a flexible pricing model, including a free tier for smaller venues. SpacetoCo aims to save time for administrators and make venue hire more accessible, affordable, and streamlined, empowering local communities to connect through shared spaces.
This week we are joined by Andrea Petersen, Founder and Director of Not-for-Profit Accounting Specialists (NFPAS)!
Andrea highlights the challenges facing not-for-profits, emphasising the need for adaptable models due to rising living costs, housing issues, and food insecurity. Andrea also discusses NFPAS’s focus on financial management, board education, and governance to support sustainability in the sector.
Andrea stresses balancing innovation with stability, efficient resource use and technology adoption that includes AI for improved operations. We also discuss the importance of informed board decisions, volunteer management and strategic planning to help future-proof not-for-profits. This episode underscores the role of efficient governance and sustainable practices to ensure long-term success for organisations serving community needs.
This week we are joined by Michael Keelan from FIVEAA!
Michael Keelan, host of ‘The Gardening Show’ on FIVEAA, highlights gardening’s resurgence as a cost-effective way to tackle rising living expenses. He recommends growing seasonal produce for better taste and savings, with easy-to-grow crops like tomatoes and herbs.
Michael stresses the value of small, frequent purchases over bulk buys and promotes gardening to foster community bonds. He underscores the mental and physical health benefits of gardening and encourages education on easy crops, pot gardening, and community produce sharing. His passion stems from a family legacy, tracing back to his great-great-grandfather, Queen Victoria’s head gardener.
This week we are joined by David Militz, CEO of Carers SA!
On this weeks episode, David emphasised the significance of National Carers Week (October 13-19, 2024) in raising awareness for carers, who face financial stress, emotional strain, and complex systems. He highlighted the urgent need for better recognition and support for carers, including Carers SA’s services such as counselling and coaching.
The 2024 national carer survey revealed 60% of South Australian carers are financially stressed, with an average care duration of 11 years. David stressed educating the community and improving navigation systems to reduce carers’ burdens and financial losses.
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