Better Together South Shoalhaven

What happens when young people are given a genuine seat at the table? In this special episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven , we hand the microphones to six inspiring youth leaders from across the Milton–Ulladulla region. From kindness campaigns and mentoring initiatives, to creating inclusive hangout spaces and designing local events, these young changemakers share the projects they’re lead...

What does it take for community groups to not just welcome young people, but to work alongside them as equal contributors? In this episode of Better Together , we hear from passionate youth and community members about breaking down barriers, making room for fresh ideas, and creating spaces where young people’s voices genuinely shape the future. From rethinking meeting times and communication style...

In this episode, we step into the exciting world of youth-led innovation in the South Shoalhaven. You’ll hear from passionate young changemakers as they pitch bold, creative ideas for a stronger, more inclusive community. From safer public transport to rehearsal spaces for young musicians, these students aren’t just dreaming—they’re designing real-world solutions. We’re also joined by Sophie Lineh...

Local events are the heartbeat of the South Shoalhaven—but what goes into creating something truly memorable? In this energising and practical episode, host Gemma Hart is joined by Kate, Leoni, and Matt from Community Connect South Shoalhaven for a deep dive into how local events come to life. From school newsletters to digital signage and AAA feedback sessions, they unpack what it takes to host e...

What does it take to pull off a great community event? In this episode, we go behind the scenes with the organisers, creatives, and quiet legends working tirelessly to bring joy to the Milton Ulladulla region. From sewing costumes and running youth-led kindness campaigns, to directing plays and painting murals—this episode highlights the people powering our festivals and shows. Hear real stories f...

From showgrounds to stage lights, local events do more than entertain—they help shape who we are. In this episode, we explore how festivals, performances, and grassroots gatherings in the Milton Ulladulla region foster confidence, creativity, and connection. You’ll hear from the Milton Show Society, Milton Follies, South Coast Arts, and youth-led group MuckUp as they share why events matter—and ho...

Volunteers are the quiet force behind almost everything good that happens in our community. But where do you start if you want to give back—or if you're looking for help? In this special resource-style episode, Gemma is joined by Kate, Leonie and Matt from Community Connect South Shoalhaven to explore the real impact of volunteering in the South Shoalhaven. From reducing loneliness and boosting we...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven , we go deeper into the world of volunteering—this time pulling back the curtain on what’s really going on behind the scenes. From volunteer burnout and dwindling numbers to distance, turnover, and changing community needs, we take an honest look at the challenges facing our local groups. But this isn’t just about struggle. It’s about what happen...

What makes someone give up their weekend to paint the local hall, care for a stranger, or run a woodchop competition in the pouring rain? In this moving and powerful first episode of Season 2, we explore the heartbeat of our communities—volunteers. Volunteering isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about belonging, healing, purpose, and connection. In this narrative-style episode, we dive into the...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Helen, an instigator for the group Living Connected. Living Connected is an organisation that helps senior members of the community to better understand and use technology. This could be support with using phones, the internet, and using everyday services online. The organisation started because of the increasing struggles older Austr...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Daniel, a long time member and actor of the local community theatre group, Milton Follies. Daniel talks about the range of shows Follies has covered, the community atmosphere it provides, and the ample opportunities and experiences Follies gives to its volunteers, from production work like lighting, to props and front of house. To fin...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Katy who is the President of the Ulladulla High School P&C. The P&C is a forum where parents and citizens of the local area can voice their concerns or ideas to the school body, and also work with the school body to ensure that the students are able to reach their full potential within the school. Katy discusses what this has...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Margaret who is a custodian with the Milton Ulladulla Historical Society. The group is concerned with the preservation of information and objects relating to the history of the Milton Ulladulla District. These include artefacts, photographs, films, audio files and documents. Margaret tells us what it is like to be involved in an organ...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Miriam Miller, the founder of Narrawilly Proggy Ruggers. Miriam tells us some wonderful stories about how the Ruggers got started with such a rare style of craft, what adventures the Rugging has led to and what to expect if you were to get involved in creating with the group. To find out more about how to get involved in you can email...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Jocelyn who is a volunteer with the Milton Ulladulla Red Cross Emergency Services. The group has more than 25 members who support communities before, during and after an emergency, both in the local area and around the country. Joycelyn tells us what it is like to support an organisation like the Red Cross, the different options volun...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Heidi who is a volunteer with the Bearded Fisherman Blokes Group. The group helps support men who may be suffering from mental health issues or find they are struggling a bit with day to day life. The group offers support around a variety of things from simple mateship to helping with finances and fines. Heidi tells us how the group c...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Adam and Sharon from MuckUp (Milton Ulladulla Community Kindness). Adam and Sharon tell us what instigated the idea for a group formed around kindness, the remarkable achievements the group has pulled off so far, the broad community support they have received and some exciting things to come. To find out more about how to get involved...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Brian, who is the vice president of the Ulladulla Men’s Shed. Brian tells us what its like to be in a local Men’s shed group, what activities are on each day, and what it has done for his life over the years. To find out more about how to get involved in the Ulladulla Men’s Shed, you can search for Ulladulla Men’s shed on Facebook or...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Maddie and Esther, who are volunteer peer tutors at Ulladulla High School. Maddie and Esther share what peer tutoring is and how it is set up, what young people get out of being tutored by their peers and how it has influenced their own perspectives on what volunteering can do for others.   To discover more opportunities in the S...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Glen (better known as Ponno), who is a volunteer with the Milton Ulladulla Football Club. The club has been around for decades in the Milton Ulladulla area, and hundreds of local children have grown up playing soccer as a Panther. The club always welcomes volunteers and has a great atmosphere for families. To find out more about how t...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Gillian, who is a land manager of the South Pacific Healthland Reserve. The reserve is a 14 hectare biodiversity reserve with flora and fauna unique to the south coast that is managed by community trustees. Volunteers have regular meet-ups and working bees at the site. To find out more about how to get involved in helping preserve thi...

In this episode we talk to Allison and Debbie from Shoalhaven Co-housing initiative about the groups efforts to explore and build a model for co-housing in the Shoalhaven. Co-Housing is a village model of living in community, in which residents have independence in their own homes, but are part of a friendly, cooperative community. A place to live simply and independently, but have more friendship...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we talk to Stuart Bellingham from Ulladulla Tafe about recent developments and the diversity of different courses and certificates available at our local TAFE hub. Stuart highlights how many short courses are currently fee free, and how TAFE is aiming to bring a wide variety of relevant educational opportunities to the South Shoalhaven. To find...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, we find out about the local RSPCA branch and what role volunteers play in keeping this vital service going. The RSPCA Shoalhaven branch is run exclusively by volunteers, who fundraise, develop foster networks and support pet owners who are struggling financially. It is vital and rewarding work and the Shoalhaven Branch welcomes volunteers with a...

In this episode of Better Together South Shoalhaven, find out about the amazing work our local Cancer Support Foundation gets up to. The Cancer Support Foundation has been going for more than 20 years and do amazing things in the community from advocay and support for those with cancer to bringing more cancer related services to the South Shoalhaven. Listen in to find out about their big projects,...