The Hair Therapist

Steven, the General Manager at Goodna Street Life, shares insights into his remarkable organisation and the impactful work they're doing to uplift the community. Join us as Steven discusses how we can collectively drive positive change, fostering self-worth to transform lives for those facing tough times.   Founder of Goodna Street Life, Helen Youngberry, alongside Steven and their Team of vo...

Imagine a life path that seems predetermined — from school dropout to criminal, violent offender, and drug addict. You excel in this tumultuous world, thinking it's where you belong. Then, one day, you experience a transformative moment of clarity. You realise your true calling is to be of service and leave behind your past of criminal activity.   Meet Luke, who has been serving our community...

Welcome to another insightful episode featuring Paula and Bec from QuIHN, who will be sharing their expertise on the services and support they offer.   In our society, there's a significant stigma surrounding addiction, often leading to judgment, marginalisation, and exclusion. QuIHN is an extraordinary organisation dedicated to providing social support and health services for those affected...

In today's episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Maggie, who brings us a raw and powerful perspective on the state of homelessness in South East Queensland.   With first-hand experience of life on the streets, Maggie's insights cut through the noise to reveal the stark reality of homelessness and its widespread impact on people from all walks of life. She'll help us understand the ur...

In this episode, Robert continues to tell the story of losing his cherished daughter, Morgan. He speaks of the profound efforts that he and his family have undertaken to bring about change, aiming to prevent future tragedies on Sydney Harbour. Their dedication has genuinely spared other families from enduring the same ongoing heartache. A true altruist, Robert also touches on his charity work at t...

This episode comes with an extra warning due to the horrific accident we’re about to discuss. A pleasure boat collided with a ferry, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives and leaving many others severely injured and traumatized.   This is every parent's worst nightmare – the unbearable heartbreak of losing a child. Robert and Kim Innes received devastating news that on 28 March, 2007, th...

Access to basic hygiene facilities, such as showers and laundry, is a fundamental human right that is often overlooked. Clean water and sanitation are essential for maintaining personal health and dignity. Unfortunately, many people, including those experiencing homelessness, do not have regular access to these facilities, which can lead to a host of health issues and social stigmatisation.  ...

Isabella’s story is a stark reminder of the failures in our society and systems.   From enduring abuse at home to facing institutional neglect, her journey through the foster care system highlights the urgent need for reform.   Becoming a ward of the state at just five years old, Isabella was shuffled from one family to another, never finding the stability every child deserves. Her exper...

Isabella’s story is a stark reminder of the failures in our society and systems.   From enduring abuse at home to facing institutional neglect, her journey through the foster care system highlights the urgent need for reform.   Becoming a ward of the state at just five years old, Isabella was shuffled from one family to another, never finding the stability every child deserves. Her exper...

Ryan’s childhood was marked by turbulence — something not uncommon for those raised in the 70s and 80s, when many parents carried unresolved trauma from their own pasts, unknowingly passing it down.   His story of navigating the challenges of having an alcoholic father, alongside his mother’s determined efforts to keep the family intact, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of ackn...

Gerry Blackwell is a strong, influential and resilient women, being all about taking action and overcoming the roadblocks that slow down the accessibility of support for our youth.   As CEO of Youth Development Foundation (YDF), Gerry and her Team have developed programs that achieve results, build mutual respect and establish solid relationships that support our youth in becoming responsible...

I’m always blown away to meet people like Jackson, listening to their experiences of domestic and family violence that occurred during their childhood. How it can be normalised until it makes its way into our adult lives, increasing the likelihood of experiencing unhealthy and toxic relationships. It may only be when we reach out for help that it becomes clear the cycle is continuing.   My qu...

Super hero Jen Shaw has started a remarkable organisation that gives hope to kids and young adults that have endured the traumas that result from the lack of having a safe and loving homes.   “We will do whatever it takes to help as many young people who are having a hard time as possible for however long it takes and no matter how hard it is.”   Every day they work with the most vulnera...

Today we’re talking to Celeste Schubiger, the Engagement Manager at OzHarvest, learning about one of Australia’s greatest super hero food rescue organisations!   OzHarvest was founded in 2004 by Ronni Kahn AO, after noticing the huge volume of food going to waste from her events business. Ronni did not set out to start a charity, rather just fix an obvious problem with a simple solution. Star...

Elle has bravely told her story of domestic and family violence with the hope that sharing her experiences will change the lives of others, even possibly save an individual or family from the unspeakable.   One woman is murdered at the hands of a current or former partner every week in Australia.   Elle has experienced terrifying domestic and family violence, in the forms of financial, m...

Tiffany and Nat are the dynamic duo behind Toowoomba’s most loved charities Bases Services Inc, a non for profit community development organisation that works with individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds that are in need in the Toowoomba and surrounding communities.   You will learn about the life changing programs they provide - the Basement Soup Kitchen, 2nd Shot, Operation Sho...

Tiffany and Nat are the dynamic duo behind Toowoomba’s most loved charities Bases Services Inc, a non for profit community development organisation that works with individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds that are in need in the Toowoomba and surrounding communities.   You will learn about the life changing programs they provide - the Basement Soup Kitchen, 2nd Shot, Operation Sho...

Imagine a world where you can’t afford to send your kids to their year 12 formal due to the exorbitant price tag. With families struggling with the cost of living, the housing crisis and family break down, this is a heartbreaking reality.   Tammy, founder of Formally Ever After, aka the Fairy Godmother, uses her magic wand by taking unwanted formal wear, saving it from landfill or the gatheri...

CEO Nadia Bromley from Women’s Legal Services Queensland (WLSQ) talks about how her incredible Team fight for the rights of women and children, providing them with accessible legal and social justice for a safer future.   WLSQ is committed to a society where every woman:   can live free from violence and discrimination. can tell her story, have it heard and respected, without judgement....

This is one of those conversations that make you realise there are still disabilities out there that do not have enough education or funding to provide the necessary understanding and support.   Bianca provides a confronting account of what it is like to live with tourette syndrome and tic disorder.   Some of you may remember hearing Bianca and her family’s story on 60 Minutes, when she...

Beau Haywood founder of Nourish Street Inc. operating on Brisbane’s Northside, supporting those living rough with his family and his best mate, Mack the dog.   Beau shows us that change is possible, overcoming a 25yr meth addiction, breaking the cycle. This experience gave him his “why” to start Nourish Street providing home cooked meals to those living rough and so much more to the Northside...

Kellie Rummery gives us an insight to the incredible support the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) provide support for our community for over 100 years, providing hard facts about what some people in our community are experiencing. These are the conversations that bring action to the ongoing problems being faced in our society…   Vinnies provide support to people living in poverty, or seek...

Catherine McCredie, a case worker, at Mission Australia’s inner Brisbane city service, gives us a window into the wrap around support Mission Australia provides to our community. Catherine’s lived experience provides some hard facts about what is going on for a lot of Australians…   Mission Australia proudly supported 146,096 people last year.   There is always a way forward for people i...

Jodie shares her bowel cancer journey, how she was told for years that she had hemorrhoids and waited patiently for the procedure to treat them.   Jodie faced mortality when ultimately diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. She chose to fight to stay alive and is now in complete remission, with no evidence of disease.   This experience has made her stronger, now shining a light of awarenes...

Beddown – The Good Night Initiative   Beddown is once again activating underutilised spaces into safe and secure overnight accommodation for people sleeping rough.   Guests are supported by experienced community service providers across Australia to reach the goal of ensuring everyone gets a good night sleep.   CEO Paul Tommasini provides us with the rich history of Beddown’s innova...