Shows
Towards BetterCreating Inclusive Futures Through STEM: Sarah Chapman on Empowering Girls and Communities in Regional AustraliaCreating Inclusive Futures Through STEM: Sarah Chapman on Empowering Girls and Communities in Regional Australia In this episode of Towards Better, Ricky is joined by Sarah Chapman, Founder of STEM Changemakers, Founder of the Townsville STEM Hub, and Co-Chair of Women in STEMM Australia, for a rich conversation about inclusion, opportunity, and community-led change through STEM. Together, they explore Sarah’s personal journey into STEM, the barriers women and underrepresented groups continue to face, and how community-based initiatives can create confidence, belonging, and real pathways into valued roles...
2026-01-2443 minTowards BetterConnecting Learners to Futures: How AAE Group Helps Local Business, Neuro-Diverse Learners & CareersIn this episode of the Towards Better Podcast, we sit down with Liam Thomas from All Access Education Group (AAE Group) to explore inclusive education, neurodivergent learning, and how stronger connections between education and local businesses can create better pathways from learning to careers.Liam shares the story behind AAE Group, the three businesses under its umbrella, and the mission driving their work with learners, families, schools, and employers. Together, we unpack the gaps that still exist in traditional education to employment pathways, particularly for neurodiverse and non-traditional learners, and what inclusive education looks like...
2025-12-1458 min
Impact Boom Podcast - Social Enterprise & DesignEpisode 596 (2025) Ricky Esterquest On Building Collaborative Regional CommunitiesOn Episode 596 of Impact Boom, Ricky Esterquest of Towards Better discusses how social enterprises can create inclusive and thriving communities through establishing meaningful employment pathways, and practical ways to activate local ecosystems, strengthen relationships, and balance impact with business sustainability.
If you are a changemaker wanting to learn actionable steps to grow your organisations or level up your impact, don't miss out on this episode!
If you enjoyed this episode, then check out Episode 579 with Matt Pfahlert on embedding social enterprise education and community asset ownership in rural Australia -> https://bit.ly/4lUbvWy
The team who made this episode...
2025-09-0226 minTowards BetterDigitising Dreams: Rob Birnie on Bridging the Digital Divide with LiteHaus InternationalEpisode Title: Digitising Dreams: Rob Birnie on Bridging the Digital Divide with LiteHaus InternationalDescription: From a single laptop donated from a garage in 2017 to a mission of digitising a million dreams by 2027, LiteHaus International has transformed access to technology for hundreds of thousands of students across Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia.In this episode, we speak with Rob Birnie, Australian Programs Lead at LiteHaus International, about his journey from volunteer to leading programs that have refurbished over 23,000 devices and empowered...
2025-08-1033 minTowards BetterWork, Life & IBD: Creating Inclusive Spaces for Invisible ConditionsEpisode Title: Work, Life & IBD: Creating Inclusive Spaces for Invisible ConditionsEpisode Description:Living with an invisible illness like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) comes with unique challenges—misunderstandings, stigma, and a constant battle for proper care. In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Hobson, a passionate advocate, author, and founder of IBD Hub. After nine years of misdiagnoses, Michelle finally found the answers she needed and turned her journey with Ulcerative Colitis into a mission to support others navigating Crohn’s Disease and IBD.Mich...
2025-03-0140 minTowards BetterEmpowering Lives: Leadership and Inclusion with CRU's Margaret RodgersWelcome to this episode of the Towards Better Podcast! I’m excited to have Margaret Rodgers, the Chief Executive Officer of the Community Resource Unit (CRU), joining us today. CRU is a remarkable organization dedicated to creating and promoting positive change, ensuring people with disabilities can belong to and actively contribute to social and economic life.With over forty years of experience working with people with disabilities and their families, Margaret's career has spanned numerous roles across Queensland, and her leadership at CRU has driven significant impact in the disability sector. Fr...
2024-11-1855 minTowards BetterPower of Music, Inclusion, and Employee Growth: A Conversation with Kosta and Jules from King Konz School of MusicWelcome to today’s episode of the Towards Better Podcast!We’re excited to be joined by Kosta and Jules, the passionate owners of King Konz School of Music, Townsville’s largest dedicated private music school. King Konz is not only about helping students play music like their idols but also about creating a community of growth and support for musicians of all ages and skill levels.In this episode, Kosta and Jules will share their journey in the music education industry, discuss the import...
2024-11-1850 minTowards BetterRedefining Roles: How Explore Property Munro & Co's Customized Employment Partnership is Transforming WorkPodcast Episode Title:Redefining Roles: How Explore Property Munro & Co's Customized Employment Partnership is Transforming WorkPodcast Episode Description:In this episode, we explore the innovative collaboration between Munro & Co Explore Property and Towards Better, showcasing how customized employment can redefine roles and create impactful opportunities. Join us as Jools Munro discusses their journey in crafting a tailored admin and marketing assistant role, and how this partnership is transforming the way we think about work and inclusion.Episode Highlights:Introduction to Munro & Co Explore Property...
2024-08-0844 minTowards BetterFostering Cultural Safety and Inclusion: A Conversation with CIC"Welcome to today's episode of the Towards Better Podcast titled 'Fostering Cultural Safety and Inclusion: A Conversation with CIC.' I'm your host, Ricky Esterquest, and today we're honored to have with us Theresa Hudson, an experienced Community Coordinator and Connector with a rich background in non-profit organization management. Theresa has a wealth of experience in community engagement, curriculum development, mentoring, team building, and leadership. She brings extensive knowledge in community and social services, coupled with a strong commitment to social support and community development.In this episode, we'll delve into CIC's Diversity & Inclusion action plan, exploring...
2024-08-0538 minTowards BetterEmpowering Innovators and Inclusion Part II w/ Andrew Schubert & Michael BromageOVERVIEW In this three-episode series, I have the pleasure of chatting with Andrew Schubert and Michael Bromage about the fascinating world of makerspaces in North Queensland. Andrew, a Technical Project Manager and founder of Urban Maker in Townsville, is dedicated to bridging the gap in STEM experiences for kids and young adults with Autism through the Innovation for ASD Initiative. With his background in electronics and experience in both civilian and military environments, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for innovation.Michael, a PhD Candidate and award-winning content pr...
2024-07-1039 minTowards BetterEmpowering Innovators and Inclusion Part I w/ Andrew Schubert & Michael BromageOVERVIEWIn this three-episode series, I have the pleasure of chatting with Andrew Schubert and Michael Bromage about the fascinating world of makerspaces in North Queensland. Andrew, a Technical Project Manager and founder of Urban Maker in Townsville, is dedicated to bridging the gap in STEM experiences for kids and young adults with Autism through the Innovation for ASD Initiative. With his background in electronics and experience in both civilian and military environments, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for innovation.Michael, a PhD Candidate and award-winning content p...
2024-06-2358 minTowards BetterCustomised Employment: Redefining work to bring out the best in people and business🌟 Discover the power of Customized Employment! 🌟In a recent podcast episode, Ricky delved into the concept of customized employment—a game-changer in creating inclusive workplaces for individuals with significant disabilities. Learn practical steps for implementation, success stories from North Queensland, and upcoming resources to revolutionize your organization's approach to talent acquisition and inclusivity. Ricky discussed the concept of customized employment, a strategy developed to improve employment outcomes for people with significant disabilities, and its benefits for creating inclusive workplaces. He outlined practical steps for implementing this approach, emphasizing the importance of engaging with organizations connected with peop...
2024-05-2527 minTowards BetterTeaching Kids Financial Savvy: A Conversation with Laura Carcary of My Money MeansLaura Carcary, founder of My Money Means.Laura teaches children all about money. She have developed some resources for children and families to use to help them teach children all about money. Laura is a qualified accountant and primary school teacher and believes learning about money is an essential skill needed in life. Starting with the basics of earning, saving, spending, sharing and being grateful are skills which can be learned from a young age. Thank you Laura for your time to share more about your enterprise, MyMoneyMeans.Website: Home - My Mone...
2024-05-1944 minTowards BetterKate Pearce . From Nurse to Nutritionist: Nourishing Lives through Proper Nutrition and Food ChoicesKate Pearce, founder of Nutrition Queensland and Healthy Little Eaters, has a unique story. With over a decade of experience as a registered nurse, Kate decided to pursue further studies to become a registered nutritionist. Her passion for understanding the effects of food on our bodies led her to create Healthy Little Eaters, a pioneering children's game that teaches kids to enjoy fruits and vegetables while learning abouttheir bodies. Kate's journey took a challenging turn with her own health,undergoing extensive facial surgery. However, this experience only deepened hercommitment to helping others...
2024-02-2251 minTowards BetterLuke Harlen . The Wellbeing Trainer . Improving Your Mental Fitness, Inspired by Pro Athlete ResourcesOn todays episode I am joined by Luke Harlen from The Wellbeing TrainerThe Wellbeing Trainer helps individuals and companies grow their wellbeing muscles so they can be proactive with their mental health and get mentally fit. He likes to think of himself similiar a coach or trainer at the gym, except Luke helps people grow their wellbeing muscles. This is done through his wellbeing workout which is a introductory program for people to learn and practice good mental health habits. LINKSWebsite- https://thewellbeingtrainer.com...
2024-01-0240 minTowards BetterMike Dyson . Good Blokes Co & Human Skills for Thriving CommunitiesMike DysonMike teaches social and emotional intelligence to educational and corporate leaders. Over the last 10 years he has facilitated group conversations with all kinds of people on all kinds of difficult topics - from mental health and suicide prevention, to educational wellbeing, to healthy masculinity, corporate culture and collaborative wellbeing.His great passion is the art and science of making those honest conversations possible… because when we do the work to create the right conditions for collective honesty… that’s when people feel a strong sense of belonging, and that’s when communities thrive. https...
2023-12-1646 minTowards BetterRick Scammell . NDE Collective . Adrenaline Fueled Apparel with a MessageWebsite: NDE CollectiveInstagram: NDE Collective (@nde_collective) • Instagram photos and videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NDE.Collective LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-scammell-12b44429a?originalSubdomain=au Support the showLove the podcast?! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify..Want to connect further, check us out on socials:.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TowardsBetterCoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/towardsbettercoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/37535138Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukUKGkOylJNNtUbWKMIfHQ.Thanks for...
2023-12-1057 min
Will Works PodcastE36: Advancing Disability Inclusive Employment: A Global PerspectiveIn this episode Patrick interviews Ricky Esterquest, founder of Towards Better, a social enterprise consultancy in Townsville, Australia. Ricky discusses the current workforce landscape in Australia, best practices for disability inclusion and success stories from partnerships between government, businesses, and people with disabilities. As former roommates turned international colleagues, Patrick and Ricky compare their experiences to identify both the progress made and work still needed in supporting inclusive employment.
2023-11-2939 minTowards BetterNatalie Siagian . The Personhood . A Humanistic and Colourful Creative Community for CreatorsMeet Natalie Siagian; A Creative rebel with a cause, Creator, Community Builder & Fun ADHD Founder of The Personhood, a humanistic and colourful creative community for creators who want to connect, accelerate passion projects and generate paychecks as humanly as possible. Nat left the corporate 9-5 creative advertising world in the middle of a pandemic and spontaneously moved to a tropical island known as Magnetic island to transform her passion project into a business full-time remotely.She believes in creating a better world for creators which democratises opportunities and redistributes wealth having escaped the 1998 c...
2023-11-0943 minTowards BetterFiona Pilchowski . The Kindness CatalystOn today’s podcast we’re joined by Fiona Pilchowski. Fiona runs a local business called Messages on Hold Townsville, but her history of work in the community sector and a passion for community development recently led her to start a new social enterprise called The Kindness Catalyst. The Kindness Catalyst uses innovative ideas to spread kindness across Townsville and beyond, while increasing social inclusion and mental health. LINKS:Web www.thekindnesscatalyst.com.auFacebook https://www.facebook.com/kindnesscatalystInstagram https://instagram.com/kindnesscatalyst?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==Email (or subscribe) fiona@the...
2023-11-0740 minTowards BetterShakira Todd . Wildlife Surrounds Conservation CentreShakira completed her Bachelor of Science (Zoology) degree at James Cook University in 2010 and holds a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management.She has over 15 years experience in environmental management, conservation and land management, and project management. Shakira has worked as an Environmental Scientist, Zoologist, Park Ranger and Project officer/manager in a variety of environmental roles in north Queensland and VictoriaCurrently Shakira is the Founder and Managing Director at Wildlife SurroundsLinks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakiratodd/ https://www.facebook.com/wildlifesurrounds/ https://sites.go...
2023-10-3143 minTowards BetterA Snapshot of Certified Social Enterprise Towards BetterOn this short episode, we have Ricky Esterquest, Founder & Principal Community Development Worker at Towards Better sharing a bit about his Social Traders Certified Social Enterprise including:An Intro from QLD Social Enterprise 'QSEC Stories' in 2022Their impact modelTheir mission and visionWho they work alongsideA snapshot of the impact they measureTo find out more about their social enterprise, their work or their impact, head to Home - Towards BetterSupport the showLove the podcast?! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify..Want to connect further, check u...
2023-10-2406 minTowards BetterLydia Canovas . Entrepreneurship & Innovation in North QLDTodays Podcast Guest:"Lydia is an economist with an MBA and a PhD in business management, specialising in innovation, entrepreneurship and investment operations. She is deeply passionate about supporting and advocating for entrepreneurs and social impact businesses. Over the past decade, Lydia has been actively involved in launching and investing in startups. She has also lent her support to accelerators and impactful investment groups, establishing herself as a key resource for founders and investors alike. Lydia offers valuable mentorship, guidance, and connections throughout Europe and, most recently, Australia. In the last three years alone, Lydia has...
2023-10-0552 minTowards BetterQLD Wrestling Alliance . Trent O Day & Seth TylersOn Today's Episode, we chat to professional wrestlers, Trent O'Day & Seth Tylers, both wrestling out of the QLD Wrestling Alliance.QLD Wrestling AllianceWebsite: Queensland Wrestling Alliance (qldwa.com.au)Facebook: FacebookYouTube: QWA wrestling - YouTubeEmail: contact@qldwa.com.auUPCOMING EVENTS: Queensland Wrestling Alliance (qldwa.com.au)Trent O'DayInstagram: Trent O’Day 🤼♂️ (@odayqwa) Facebook: FacebookEmail: booktrentoday@gmail.comSeth TylersInstagram: "Sexy" Seth Tylors (@seth_tylors) • Instagram photos and videosFacebook: FacebookEmail: Booksethtylors@gmail.com Support the showLove the podcast?! Leave us a review on...
2023-10-011h 03Towards BetterTina Ihme . Happy Vibes Cafe Townsville . A Certified Social EnterpriseFacebook: FacebookLinkedIn: Happy Vibes Cafe: Overview | LinkedInInstagram: Happy Vibes Cafe & Nursery (@happyvibes_cafe) • Instagram photos and videosSupport the showLove the podcast?! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify..Want to connect further, check us out on socials:.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TowardsBetterCoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/towardsbettercoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/37535138Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukUKGkOylJNNtUbWKMIfHQ.Thanks for Listening!.Ricky
2023-09-0534 minTowards BetterDavid Swayn . The 'Why' of Social Procurement & Social Inclusion in the WorkplaceWho is DavidDavid is a dad to four kids and loves to see people reach their full potential. He has spent most of his professional career creating better opportunities with and for people with disability in Australia in the areas of employment and education. He is a regular content advisor and contributor for the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training, a current committee member of the Australian Web Accessibility Initiative (OzeWAI), and a recipient of the Champions of Change award from EPHEA. His professional interests focus on projects that foster inclusion by design an...
2023-08-3153 minTowards BetterDave Dudley . TIDY UP Townsville . Cleaning Up Townsville one Bag at a TimeShow Notes, Links and Resources to be posted soon.Support the showLove the podcast?! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify..Want to connect further, check us out on socials:.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TowardsBetterCoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/towardsbettercoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/37535138Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukUKGkOylJNNtUbWKMIfHQ.Thanks for Listening!.Ricky
2023-02-0843 minTowards BetterToni Hort. Kicking Inclusion Goals Through Understanding Development & BehaviourIntroOn Todays Episode we are joined Toni Hort from Illume Development & Behaviour.Episode Highlights 4:00 minutes: Tell us more about Illume DB6:30: The Illume Method11:45: “If it’s important enough to yell come and tell”12:15: The most fun rule they have ever had 😅13:00: “The rules they really reflect Your family values and what you want”14:00: Parents as role models and teachable moments15:45: How to know you’re making progress on you and your child’s journey & keep it going
2023-01-311h 20Towards BetterElle Roberts. Rare Seed Agency . Diversity & Inclusion in the WorkplaceOn todays episode, Elle and Ricky chat about:Diversity and Inclusion in Workplaces and CommunitiesHaving the uncomfortable conversations - how do we do better, if we don't know better? How do we ASK without being insulting?Accommodations in the workplace - often not as hard or expensive as we thinkBeing a good ally - making your workplace SAFE for a more diverse community is about more than just having disabled toilets or SAYING you are a diverse workplaceEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS2:30- What does diversity and inclusion mean to you
2023-01-2746 minTowards Better7 Myths of Employing People with DisabilitiesOn Todays Episode I have a monologue to bust some myths of Employing People with Disabilities..7 MythsMyth 1: People with disability have limited skills and can only perform routine or repetitive tasksMyth 2: People with disability do not want to workMyth 3: It is difficult to attract qualified applicants with disabilityMyth 4: People with disability are less productive and unreliableMyth 5: Workplace modifications are always required and expensive.Myth 6: Hiring people with disability will negatively affect your other employees and workplace cultureMyth 7: Hiring people with disability will introduce the potential for safety problems and high accident rates.
2022-12-0638 minTowards BetterMichael Pugh . Townsville Hike & Explore . Fun, Friendship, Fitness and Inclusive CommunitiesOn Todays Episode we are joined by Michael Pugh. Michael is an avid outdoorsman and founder of Townsville Hike & Explore, social outdoor hiking and adventure community, based out of Townsville . The group is arguably the regions’ largest social outdoor hiking and adventure community, with over 12000 active members across channels in Oct 2022.Townsville Hike and Explore group is not a commercial operation or business. Events are free and organised/led by volunteers. This year, we have relied on the contributions of 12 volunteer walk leaders to host our events. The groups motto is “fun, fitness, friendship and commu...
2022-12-0243 minTowards BetterRoxane Foulser-Piggott . Building Volunteerism through FreddyMatchOn todays podcast I am joined by Roxane Foulser-Piggott from volunteering platform and social enterprise, Freddy Match Show Notes2:00: Who is Roxane & FreddyMatch?3:15: How did Freddy match come about & Why?5:00: “ wouldn’t it be perfect if you could just be matched with your perfect Volunteering role“7:00: Who is the Freddy match platform for or who can create an account?8:45: making the volunteering process easier10:00: engaging young people or those young at heart in Volunteering10:50: why many volunteer roles aren’t ideal for young people11:40: a dedicated volunteer platform for schools and school age students
2022-12-0253 minTowards BetterJoanne Lynam . Speaker & Author . Changing Mindsets & Perceptions through Valued RolesRESOURCES/LINKS:For AnyoneBOOK: An Angel at My Door. https://www.amazon.com.au/Angel-My-Door-daughter-potential/dp/0645076805/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=an+angel+at+my+door&qid=1619568275&sr=8-5 Joanne Lynam Speaker and Author Website: https://joannelynam.com/media-speaking/ What is Social Role Valorisation: https://www.towardsbetter.com.au/resources/srv/For Individuals and FamiliesCommunity Resource Unit: https://cru.org.au/ Belonging Matters: https://www.belongingmatters.org/ Imagine More: https://imaginemore.org.au/ Res...
2022-11-0250 minTowards BetterHelen Turner . Getting Older & Role of Family, Information, and New Ways of ThinkingGetting OlderEpisode Details:About InteCare NQ & Helen TurnerFamily GovernanceThe Importance of the Roles of Active Neighbour & HomemakerAlternatives to Aged CareDifferences between 'Home' and Aged CareMaintaining Roles & Reminders of our Past Roles when moving into Aged Care FacilityLonliness as we ageInteCare NQ - Townsville Aged care advice and placement consultancyResidential Aged Care Placement Service | Intecare NQResourcesBOOK: Ageing and the Good Things in Life: The Application of SRV to Supporting People as they Age. https://cru.org.au/product/ageing-and-the-good-things-in-life-the-application-of-social-role-valorization-to-supporting-people-as-they-age/Better Practice Project Handbook: https://www.acsa.asn...
2022-10-221h 05Towards BetterRyan Pedley . All Things EducationOn todays episode, we have some fantastic chats with Ryan Pedley around all things education.Here are some Highlights:2:30- Who is Ryan?8:30- Ryan's Life after Secondary School10:02- What brought Ryan to Australia11:30- Being in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)12:50- Moving from Canada to Australia to Teach13:13- Teaching in smaller Aussie Schools16:00- Working on family farm or moving to metropolitan area17:13- Distance Education19:00- School size and relation to school culture & staff roles19:30- Prep students to year 7 students in one class (small schools)22:30- Supporting...
2022-09-231h 00Towards BetterKylie van Luyn . Workplace Diversity, Inclusion, & Psychological SafetyWhat are some practical ways that organisations, teams, and leaders can foster workplace diversity, inclusion and psychological safety and take their teams along on this changemaking journey..Kylie and Ricky discuss this and more on this episode..Episode Details & Links:.11 mins: Empathy12 mins: “Quotas don’t automate inclusion”15 mins: The Benefits of D&I23 mins: Reflection questions around diversity and inclusion30 mins: We want change immediately. We want change immediately how can leaders support the change journey35 mins: How can we tap into the as...
2022-08-301h 08Towards BetterJames Jensen & Jason Lange . Links Between Healthy Soils, Healthy Gut, Healthy CommunitiesIm joined by two progressive soil & human health professionals, James Jensen & Jason Lange. We share groundbreaking conversations around the links between healthy lawns, healthy soils, and healthy humans and dive deeper into how we as individuals can play a part in improving our health, the health of the lands on which we live on, and the health of our neighborhoods and cities. .Links to topics discussed: Jason Lange (ATLAS Soils): https://atlassoils.com.au/James Jensen (Australian Nutrition Centre): https://australiannutritioncentre.com.au/Townsville City Council Sustainability: https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/wat...
2022-08-1057 minTowards BetterMichael Bromage . Creativity & CollaborationOn todays episode we hear from Michael Bromage, a Townsville based musician, producer, and now researcher interested in creativity and collaboration across communities.Michael and I share conversation about factors that foster and inhibit creativity and collaboration, what examples we see of this, and how things could be improved through actionThank you Michael for your time and enjoy Support the showLove the podcast?! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify..Want to connect further, check us out on socials:.
2022-07-0953 minTowards BetterDaniel Flynn . Competitive Chili Eating ChampionEp 8. Daniel Flynn . Competitive Chili Eating ChampionIn today's podcast episode we will hear from Daniel Flynn, an international award-winning champion in the competitive chili eating arena. Known by the name ‘Hot Wheelz’, Dan and I talk about his journey into the competition, the Chili eating community, personal growth associated with this sport, and what might be next for Townsville and Australia in the competitive chili eating space.Thank you Daniel for your time and we hope you enjoy! Links Discussed in the Episode:1. Hot Wheelz YouTube: https://y...
2022-06-2141 minTowards BetterKate Osbourne . Life Out Loud NQEp 7. Kate Osbourne . Life Out Loud NQSupport the showLove the podcast?! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify..Want to connect further, check us out on socials:.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TowardsBetterCoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/towardsbettercoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/37535138Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukUKGkOylJNNtUbWKMIfHQ.Thanks for Listening!.Ricky
2022-06-0938 minTowards BetterJason Lange . ATLAS SoilsEp 6. Jason Lange . ATLAS Soils.In todays podcast episode we will hear from Jason Lange, Co Director of Atlas Soils. Jason is an experienced Sustainability Practitioner that has focused much of his working career on integrated Energy, Water and Waste management with a focus on Dry Tropical solutions that are inspired by nature. He has over 10 years of experience in a broad range of environmental fields. These include Aquaculture, Environmental Management, Ecology, Sustainable Education, Behaviour Change Campaigns, Water Quality Management, Erosion and Sediment Control, Water Conservation and ecological regeneration.Jason and I chat about regenerating...
2022-06-0142 minTowards BetterJoe Mikaele Ah-Kuoi Jr. Strive LaneEp 5. Joe Mikaele Ah-Kuoi Jr. Strive LaneIn today's podcast episode we will hear from Joe Mikaele Ah-Kuoi Jr. founder of Strive Lane, a company on a mission to develop tomorrow's leaders. Joe and I chat about self-leadership, servant leadership, the next generation, and how parents and support networks can help nurture and develop the leadership skills of every young person. Thank you Joe for your time and we hope you enjoy!Support the showLove the podcast?! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify..Wan...
2022-05-1155 minTowards BetterShort Story: I have Two DaughtersA short story on mindsets, roles, and expectancies.When Jeff Strully was visiting Queensland from Colorado in the 90's, he told a very powerful story from his own life situation as a parent. The example, given here in this audio, about two other women in their early twenties, is told in the same way:The point of these two stories of young adults is that they are in fact the same person. How people are treated can depend on how they are seen and what roles and expectations are put on them.Hence...
2022-04-1402 minTowards BetterRoss McLennan . Townsville Chamber of CommerceIn today's episode, we have Ross McLennan CEO of Townsville Chamber of Commerce. Outside of his work role Ross is a passionate Surf Lifesaving Club volunteer, camper, fisherman, footy lover, and long-standing Townsvillian. Ross and I share a thought-provoking conversation about the Townsville business community, how our actions can shift perceptions, the experiences of inclusion in community and business roles, the importance of inclusive education, and lots more.Support the showLove the podcast?! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify..Want to connect further, check us out on so...
2022-04-0840 minTowards BetterJasmine Healy-Pagan . Youth RESET & Sundalah CommunityEp 3. Jasmine Healy-Pagan . Youth RESET & Sundalah Community.On todays podcast, we are joined by social entrepreneur. Wellness educator, trainer and founder of Youth RESET and Sundalah community Jasmine Healy- Pagan. Jasmine and I have some insightful conversation around her journey to the United States and back to Townsville, her social enterprise Youth RESET which is on a mission to empower our next generation with effective strategies to navigate through life’s challenges. We also learn more about Sundalah community, which she has created and cultivated over the last 14 years. And share meaningful conversation around our won well be...
2022-03-201h 09Towards BetterOliver Jesshope . People ThingsEp 2. Oliver Jesshope . People ThingsIn todays podcast episode we will hear from Oliver Jesshope, a Townsville based community builder, organiser and activist. Oliver and I have great conversation about his grassroots community development movement, ‘People Things’ and the role that it plays in mobilising and connecting citizens and communities particularly in the areas of democracy, politics and citizen led action. Thank you Oliver for your time and enjoy!Support the showLove the podcast?! Leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify..Want to connect furthe...
2022-03-0953 minTowards BetterBen Milbourne . C&B Designs Townsville .Ep 1. Ben Milbourne from C&B Designs Townsville.In todays podcast episode we will hear from Ben Milbourne, one of the directors of award winning building design company C&B Designs. Ben talks about his journey on thinking ‘outside the box’ about social inclusion and workplace culture in their business. We discuss the actions he and C&B took to shift their thinking and the stories of what came from looking beyond what they thought they saw.Ben also shares his learnings about workplace inclusion so that other business owners, employees, or members of th...
2022-02-2846 min
Real Men Real StoriesEpisode 10 - The Glass Half Full MindsetEpisode 10 - Glass half full mindset in a uncertain world with Ricky Esterquest, Managing Partner of Towards Better, a small community organisation in Townsville, QLD. He has been involved in the lives of people with a disability for the past 15 years and believes that both individuals and communities have assets, strengths, and contributions. He works with individuals and organisations to uncover those strengths, create valued social roles for people and to re-design organisations to deliver more value to people. He has held a variety of roles including Community Development Worker, Service Design Manager, Trainer & Assessor, and Community Consultant. He looks...
2020-05-2642 min