The Uplift Podcast

With bushfire season just around the corner (seriously, where has this year gone?!), we thought it was a good time to sit down with someone who knows a thing or two about it!   This episode, we are joined by well-known Singleton local Fred Turner who has spent over 40 years with the Rural Fire Service (RFS).   Fred takes us back to where it all started, from his first role with the RFS to some of...

Having somewhere safe to call home is something many of us take for granted but that is not the reality for everyone in our community.   In this episode, we sat down with Mary Spora, General Manager of Upper Hunter Homeless Support for a chat about homelessness and what it looks like right here in the Hunter.   Mary shares a bit about her background, how she got into this line of work and some of...

With the Singleton Show just around the corner, we sat down with Bill Stacey, President of the Northern Agricultural Association, for a chat about all things Singleton Show.   Bill takes us behind the scenes of an event that has been part of our community for more than 150 years! From the volunteers who put in countless hours throughout the year, to the stories, characters and traditions that make...

What does nearly two decades in policing teach you about people, community and the circumstances that shape our lives? This week on The Uplift Podcast, we’re joined by Mel McLachlan - former Detective Sergeant and current Singleton Councillor for a fascinating conversation about the experiences that have shaped her perspective on people and the community she calls home. Mel takes us from her 18 ye...

This week on The Uplift Podcast, we are joined by Tabatha Kattau for a deeply honest conversation about life's turning points, finding purpose and learning to live with greater intention. After more than 20 years in corporate leadership, Tabatha stepped away from the career she had built to follow a path of helping others. Today, she's an Emotional Wellness Therapist, NLP Master Practitioner, auth...

This week on The Uplift Podcast, we are joined by the wonderful Angela Penton for a conversation that will leave you thinking differently about people, workplaces and the power of inclusion. Angela has spent years working in Human Resources and has always believed that every person has unique strengths to offer. In this episode, she shares her experiences supporting people from all walks of life,...

This week we sit down with Scott Keesing, the General Manager of the Singleton Neighbourhood Centre, to talk about the people, challenges and stories at the heart of one of our community’s very important organisations. Scott shares his journey into community work, what he walked into when he first stepped into the role and how a few big ideas, strong partnerships and a passionate team have already...

This week we sit down with Felicity Dyson from the Dyson Family Foundation to talk about the heart behind Backpack Pals, a program supporting local children and families doing it tough. Felicity shares how Backpack Pals first came to life, the growing need within communities and the impact something as simple as a backpack can have on a child, not just practically but emotionally too. We also talk...

This week we sit down with Kirsty Boag, who is part of Stars of the Hunter 2026, a fundraiser by the Cancer Council, an organisation that provides vital support, research and care for those impacted by cancer. Kirsty is no stranger to the devastating reality of cancer, having experienced it through many loved ones and, most recently, the loss of her best friend. In this episode, she shares what th...

This week, we sit down with Monette Lee, a local mum Harry met by chance in Singleton, whose story offers a raw and honest insight into raising a child with a disability.   Monette shares her journey with her daughter Tassy, who is legally blind and lives with cerebral palsy and what everyday life, learning and support really look like behind the scenes. We talk about the challenges within the sch...

This week, we sit down with Lisa Brock, Manager at Singleton Family Support to talk about the important work happening behind the scenes to support local families doing it tough. Lisa shares insight into the services they provide, including counselling, family support work, therapeutic programs and referrals, all delivered in a safe and welcoming environment for individuals and families navigating...

This week, we sit down with Jan Fallding, a passionate Singleton local who has spent her life giving back to the community through music, work and volunteering. Jan shares stories from a remarkable journey that has included founding a large orchestra, building a career in strategic planning and contributing her time to many community organisations. We talk about the role music has played in her li...

This week, we sit down with Beck and Anthony (Loz) Lojszczyk and their son Taylor, a local Singleton family sharing their deeply personal journey through parenthood, diagnosis and resilience. Taylor lives with a rare and complex undiagnosed syndrome, Beck and Loz open up about the realities of navigating medical uncertainty, schooling, family life and the emotional toll that comes with not having...

This week, we are joined by Di Sneddon, a respected local journalist whose reporting has helped keep our community informed, connected and supported for many years. Di has covered thousands of local stories, from everyday achievements and milestones to major events, emergencies and natural disasters that have shaped our region. But beyond the headlines, who is the person behind the articles? In th...

This week we are joined by Jeremy Brett, General Manager at Morgan Engineering, a long standing family business that has been part of the Singleton community for generations. Jeremy shares his perspective on leadership, workplace culture and the responsibility businesses have to give back to the communities they operate in. We talk about the importance of building strong, values driven teams and h...

This week we are joined by Kay Sullivan, a Singleton local who has dedicated over 40 years of her life to serving the community, with a deep and lasting commitment to the Singleton Cancer Appeal.   Kay shares her journey and the incredible impact of the Singleton Cancer Appeal, including the vital funds raised to build four palliative care rooms at Singleton Hospital, with two more currently under...

This week we are joined by Kim Nguyen - Singleton local, mining leader and the heart behind Soft Cogs Inc.  Kim opens up about his journey, career and personal hardship and how that led him to build a bike riding community that has now raised over $1 million for charity. We also chat about the Soft Cogs groms mountain bike academy where local kids are learning to ride safely, grow in confidence an...

Before the stories drop, meet the voices! Rachel Baigent (CEO) and Harrison Kirkwood (Community Engagement Officer) are here to bring you The Uplift Podcast. Where community, inclusion and inspiring stories collide.   In this trailer, we are setting the vibe, sharing why this podcast exists and what is coming next.   Hit follow - new episodes every fortnight!