COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS PODCAST

Latest Episode

This week we are joined by Greg Pattinson, CEO of Foodbank SA!

Together we discuss strategies to combat food insecurity, including partnering with local businesses to manufacture and distribute meals, teaching people how to cook, and providing convenience options.

We explore the importance of leading people towards healthier choices and reducing their reliance on takeaways, and highlighted the role of food banks in providing essential services. Greg also discusses the potential for local community engagement and the need for augmenting existing services such as cooking classes or community gardens to provide a more comprehensive support system for those struggling with food insecurity.

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 Greg Pattinson, CEO of Foodbank SA!

Together we discuss strategies to combat food insecurity, including partnering with local businesses to manufacture and distribute meals, teaching people how to cook, and providing convenience options.

We explore the importance of leading people towards healthier choices and reducing their reliance on takeaways, and highlighted the role of food banks in providing essential services. Greg also discusses the potential for local community engagement and the need for augmenting existing services such as cooking classes or community gardens to provide a more comprehensive support system for those struggling with food insecurity.

This week we are joined by the co-founders and creative directors of Illuminate Adelaide!

Together we discuss the festivals focus on creating immersive experiences for all ages, emphasising accessibility and community engagement. We get insight into the authenticity and transformative power of AI-powered experiences and immersive arts. Furthermore, Rachael and Lee highlight the growth of Illuminate Adelaide and some of performances seen throughout the city.

We explore the intersection of fire, water, and technology in art, emphasising its calming and educational value. Rachael and Lee discuss leveraging emerging technologies, engaging local businesses, and encouraging community participation. Now recognised as highlight of Adelaide’s festival calendar, Illuminate Adelaide aims to transform the city into a magical, inclusive space through innovative and accessible art experiences.

 

In celebrating NAIDOC week, we are joined by Jason Downs from Reconciliation SA!

In this weeks episode, we engage in an in-depth conversation surrounding reconciliation and the importance of engaging First Nations communities in developing Reconciliation Action Plans through a First Nations perspective. Key discussions include the importance of education, awareness and mature workplace conversations.

Jason highlights the root causes of systemic issues in Indigenous communities and stresses addressing these underlying problems. Additionally, organisations are encouraged to explore Reconciliation Australia’s five dimensions of reconciliation and involve First Nations people in volunteering for shared understanding. Jason shares insights on fostering an environment of curiosity, friendliness, respect and urges listeners to subscribe to Reconciliation SA’s monthly newsletter for regular updates.

This week we are joined by Nancy Hermsen from Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN)!

Together we discuss the crucial role of spiritual care in healthcare, particularly for patients facing unexpected diagnoses and for stressing the importance of understanding patients’ needs, values, and beliefs. Nancy highlights the emotional aspects of healthcare, whilst addressing the complexities of family dynamics and patient advocacy.

Additionally, we discuss advocating for third-party facilitation to enhance communication. Nancy explores how spiritual care helps patients connect with medical teams and find meaning, whether through religion, nature, or personal connections. In this episode you will hear how patients share impactful stories, emphasising introspection, reconnection, and the significance of addressing unsolved issues and expressing love before death.

This week we are joined by Martin Walton from Lutheran Care!

In this podcast, we delve into Lutheran Care’s role within the ‘Community Connections’ program, where amazing work is being done combatting loneliness in our communities. Martin discusses the potential for Community Centres to build partnerships with the ‘Community Connections’ program for referrals and information sharing.

Martin provides insight into how Lutheran Care link individuals with essential services through trust and relationship building. We address the benefits of social prescribing, including activities like coffee mornings and connecting people to non-medical services to combat social isolation and improve quality of life. Additionally, Martin highlights how support for unpaid carers and addressing social determinants of health is crucial for improving the quality of life for those in care.

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This week we are joined by Gail Miller, author of ‘Aged Care Explained’!

Together we dive deep on the topic of aged care, including the topics of funding and financial planning in aged care, advocating for loved ones and assessment processes. Gail emphasises the importance of planning ahead, identifying trustworthy advocates, and addressing limited bed availability and transparency issues.

This weeks episode provides expert insight on aged care finance practices, assessments and the role of family involvement and advocacy in securing the best care. Additionally, we delve into the complexities of aged care and the issues surrounding aged care service provision. 

 

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

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