Shows
What Can We Do?A grassroots solution for the small plastic problem - Tim Miller, Lids4KidsThe Lids4Kids grass roots movement has stepped in to solve the small plastic problem in Australia.Lids4Kids Australia was founded as a grass-roots 100% volunteer project in May 2019 by Tim Miller, a Canberra-based full-time house Dad with three boys under ten. Today Lids4Kids is a registered charity committed to rescuing every plastic bottle lid from going into landfill to protect our environment and benefit kids.Highlights from this episode include why Tim started the organisation, the overwhelming community response, and how we can all do our part to help achieve zero waste....
2022-03-2223 min
What Can We Do?Play spaces for all abilities - Justine Perkins, Touched by OliviaPlay spaces for all abilities should exist at the heart of neighbourhoods.The Touched by Olivia Foundation was founded by Justine and John Perkins after they tragically lost their baby daughter, Olivia to a rare illness when she was just eight months old. Following this devastating event, John and Justine devoted themselves to positively enhancing the lives of children and their families. Highlights from this episode include the three principles of inclusive play, the power of communities and delivering social impact within communities by enabling partnerships and collaborations between business, government and other like minded charities.
2022-03-1533 min
What Can We Do?A sustainable future through co-operatives - Molly Kendall, The Co-op Federation.The time we live in presents an excellent opportunity for the future of co-operatives. COVID-19 has laid bare the failures of the current globalised capitalist system, which the co-operative model is well suited to address. Molly Kendall oversees Communications and Business Development at The Co-op Federation. The Co-op Federation advocates for the co-operative sector; raises public awareness; provides education, resources and networking opportunities; assists in forming co-operatives and like entities; and maintains links with other organisations interstate, nationally and internationally. Molly is a co-operative nerd from way back. She explored Australia's intentional communities from her early days to...
2022-03-0826 min
What Can We Do?Inclusive outdoor recreation in South East Queensland - Mathew Townsend, Nature FreedomOutdoor recreation has been a welcome respite for many, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, however more needs to be done to make these spaces inclusive. Mathew Townsend founded Nature Freedom in 2017, a social enterprise that gives people from all walks of life and all abilities the opportunity to connect with nature and each other. This was motivated by Mathew's own lived experience of living with autism and hearing impairment, and being often excluded from environmental groups and sustainability spaces.Video interview with captions available here. Nature Freedom runs a range of eco crafts...
2022-03-0221 min
What Can We Do?Empowering Australian seniors through technology - Nan Bosler AM, ASCCAAustralian Seniors are learning to use technology in safe and conducive environments through the help of community run computer clubs, supported by Australian Seniors Computer Club Association. Nan Bosler AM is the founder of this peak body that was set up in 1998. In this episode, Nan talks about the history of ASCCA, how it helps seniors, the best way to support seniors in their technology journey, and how the NBN delivered her grandsons to her. Nan Bosler AM is an Australian community activist and advocate for young people, the elderly and people with disabilities. She is...
2022-02-2224 min
What Can We Do?Economic equity and inclusive leadership for women- Sahera Sumar, Worldwide SheroesSahera Sumar is the Founder and Director of Worldwide Sheroes, a social enterprise that brings together a community of mentors and leaders to foster the next generation of female leaders. Sahera is a facilitator, coach, mentor, and keynote speaker. She has worked with leaders in over 25 countries in World Bank, WHO, and AKDN international development projects. In this episode, Sahera speaks about the lack of access to women leaders in a number of countries, her own experiences trying to fit in to a corporate culture, and the strength and value of the global community she has built.
2022-02-1529 min
What Can We Do?Narrowing the digital gap in North Eastern Sri Lanka - Sujan Selven, Upcycled TechThe North Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka have lower digital literacy levels, compared to the rest of Sri Lanka, and its neighbours.Sujan Selven is the Founder & CEO of Upcycled Tech, a not-for-profit that provides sustainable IT solutions for remote villages in the North Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. A Tamil refugee, Sujan is a social impact entrepreneur and human rights advocate.In this episode, Sujan talks about how Upcycled Tech started, the opportunities created for communities in these villages, and Upcycled Tech's vision for digital equity in Sri Lanka.What Can We Do...
2022-02-0827 min
What Can We Do?Mental health information for the Tamil community - Poonkulali Govintharajah, ThadamIn 2021, Poonkulali Govintharajah formed Thadam to build mental health literacy within the Sri Lankan Tamil Australian community.Poonkulali Govintharajah is a Sri Lankan Tamil psychologist, a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and holds her Master’s degree in Social Health. Poonkulali has a strong commitment to improving the mental health of our community with a strong focus on child protection and working with families.In this episode, Poonkulali shares discussing mental health through an appropriate cultural lens, why mental health stigma exists in her community, and the effects of intergenerational trauma.What Ca...
2022-02-0130 min
What Can We Do?From social housing to home ownership in Australia - Stephen Woodlands, Head Start HomesAs the waiting lists for social housing grows in Australia, many who are reliant on the system cannot navigate themselves out of it. Stephen Woodlands is the Founder and Managing Director of Head Start Homes, which harnesses innovation and collaboration to reduce homelessness and poverty by providing equal access to home ownership for single mums, First Nations Peoples and other families living in social housing. In this episode, Stephen shares his lived experience growing up in social housing, the three barriers Head Start Homes removes for its clients, and the importance of levelling the field for ho...
2022-01-2630 min
What Can We Do?Moving the needle on racism conversations - Gloria Tabi, Everyday InclusionGloria Tabi is an Author and the CEO of Everyday Inclusion. Gloria’s research specialises in Social Analysis on Race, Social Inequalities and Anti-Racism. As a Black African-Australian woman, Gloria brings well-grounded knowledge and experience of the impacts presented in race and gender identities. In this episode, Gloria talks about the critical misunderstandings about racism, the impact on racialised people and about her new book Inclusive Teams & Workplaces: Everyone Wins.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon.This podcast is also available on...
2022-01-1831 min
What Can We Do?Career roadmaps for individuals who face barriers to long-term success - Tinai Colawai, knext Career DesignTinai Colawai is the Founder & Director of knext Career Design – a social impact company with a mission to enable people of colour achieve long-term career success. Before launching her business in early 2021, she spent over 15 years working across the Pacific, Asia and Australia in HR leadership, strategic and specialist roles.In the first episode of 2022, Tinai talks about the common barriers culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals and people of colour (POC) face when working in Australia, the importance of diversity and inclusion in positions of influence, and the outcomes she hopes to see in the future....
2022-01-1129 min
What Can We Do?Leading community youth - Zahra Bayani, 2021 Young Citizen of the Year, City of SalisburyZahra Bayani is has done a lot for her community, since she arrived in Adelaide in 2017. Zahra is currently studying Bachelor of Physiotherapy Honours at University of South Australia and hopes that one day her studies will empower her to work with disadvantaged youth and women to support them in overcoming adversity to reaching their full potential as integral members of the community.In this episode, Zahra talks about how she got involved in volunteering, her political aspirations for the future and her advice for youth.What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media...
2021-12-1414 min
What Can We Do?Building a South Asian sisterhood of artists and creatives - Priyanka Kaur, MahalaPriyanka Kaur is a visual and resin artist who recently founded Mahala, a social enterprise. Mahala is Australia’s first gift box service that features products from South Asian women, pursuing side hustles, passion projects or small businesses. A percentage of Mahala's profits goes to the Australian South Asian Centre, a not for profit organisation. In this episode, Priyanka talks about why she started Mahala, the underrepresentation of South Asian creatives and artists here in Australia, and how she hopes Mahala will encourage women to pursue their creative passions.What Can We Do is produced by...
2021-12-0817 min
What Can We Do?A community for people who are experiencing homelessness and marginalisation - Ryan Naoum, Rough EdgesRough Edges is a community centre for people experiencing homelessness and other forms of marginalisation in Darlinghurst. This drop-in centre is operated by St John's Anglican Church and supervised by Team Leader, Ryan Naoum. As a service, Rough Edges aims to create a safe space where community is fostered and individuals can move from crisis to flourish.In this episode, Ryan talks about the issues facing Darlinghurst's communities, how Rough Edges has found new ways to create impact owing to the pandemic, and the misconceptions people have about communities experiencing homelessness.What Can We Do...
2021-12-0122 min
What Can We Do?Supporting financial abuse survivors in Australia -Tasnia Alam, ARISE FoundationThe Commonwealth Bank currently estimate that 16% of women will experience financial abuse in Australia during their lifetime.Tasnia Alam co-founded ARISE Foundation to reveal the impact of financial abuse and provide financial freedom for women traditionally considered 'unbankable'. Tasnia has a background in Applied Finance and Law and was most recently an Associate Director at NSW Treasury. She has a decade of public and private sector experience across various industries, including audit, legal, corporate finance and public policy development.In this episode, Tasnia talks about what motivated her to start Arise, what financial abuse looks...
2021-11-2419 min
What Can We Do?Serving the Brisbane Community - Ansary Muhammed, Merciful ServantsMerciful Servants has delivered over 150,000 packets of food over the last 7 years, supporting Brisbane's homeless and vulnerable populations. Managing Director, Ansary Muhammed, started this organisation with the aim to end hunger, in a city where approximately 1 in 200 people experience homelessness. In this episode, Ansary talks about what drives him, the challenge Brisbane's communities are now facing and how he's nurturing the next generation of community leaders. What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon. Prema works in a project and operations capacity in the not-for-profit sector.Check ou...
2021-11-1017 min
What Can We Do?Emerging Women Leaders in Australia - Charishma Kaliyanda, Liverpool City CouncillorA growing number of women leaders are emerging in Australia. Charishma Kaliyanda was elected to the Liverpool City Council in 2016. Charishma was born in Bangalore, India, and moved to Liverpool when she was four years old. Starting her journey in student politics, Charishma has become an important voice for Liverpool City communities. In this episode, Charishma talks about the hurdles women leaders of colour need to clear for elected office in Australia, how the recent strict lockdowns affected southwest Sydney communities, and why local community representation is important.What Can We Do is produced b...
2021-11-0323 min
What Can We Do?Food and community in the City of Casey - Olivia, Acciarito, COOK4CALDCOOK4CALD started providing food to people in the City of Casey community when the pandemic hit in 2020. The organisation was founded by Ashvina De Zoysa. Today it has grown into a 50 member strong volunteer organisation that has become a vital source of support for CALD individuals and families who live in the City of Casey and surrounding areas.In this episode, I speak to Olivia Acciarito, COOK4CALD's Treasurer. Olivia joined as a volunteer during the first summer food relief program in 2020. Olivia talks about the gap that COOK4CALD fills, the barriers that CALD...
2021-10-2722 min
What Can We Do?Raising Awareness of Chronic Illness and Disability - Tessa DeakTessa Deak is a Mount Gambier based disability advocate who has led and been involved in several chronic illness, mental health, and disability-related initiatives in the Limestone Coast. Tessa is passionate about making a change in her community and tries to use her lived experience of chronic illness/disability to educate others and spread awareness.Tessa has been recognised for her work and won the 7News SA Young Achiever Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Health Award in 2021, among other nominations. In this episode, Tessa talks about how she got started in advocacy work, the changes s...
2021-10-2019 min
What Can We Do?Intentional Storytelling - Paige Krystal WilcoxPaige Krystal Wilcox (she/her) uses Intentional Storytelling to create compelling stories that counter mainstream media's unhealthy or unhelpful bias, tropes, and stereotypes.In this episode, Paige shares why she got started in Intentional Storytelling, the challenges she initially faced, and what she has learnt through her journey so far. What Can We Do is produced by Samuham Media, and hosted by Prema Menon. Prema works in a project and operations capacity in the not for profit sector. Check out previous episodes and transcripts here: whatcanwedopodcast.com This podcast is also avail...
2021-10-1029 min
What Can We Do?Empowering families with low income - 6th Sense, Singapore6th Sense, a charity based in Singapore, recognises the growing inequalities in the country. They work with children and mothers who live in public rental scheme neighbourhoods, home to low income families whose total income is below 1500 Singapore dollars a month6th Sense and its volunteers conduct activity based workshops with the children, to help with expression, personal and community development. They go a step further and befriend the mothers, and guide them through daily issues they might encounter. In this episode, founders of the charity Abhishek, Manisha and Jezamine talk about how they enable the...
2020-11-2224 min
What Can We Do?Mindfulness & Emotional Intelligence - Usha Raman, Trainer and Life Coach.Mental health and emotional well-being, two things that are on many people's minds these days. In this episode, I speak to Singapore born Usha Raman, a trainer and life coach based in Perth, Western Australia. Usha's focus is mindfulness and emotional intelligence. Usha will give us a basic understanding of what mindfulness is, how it can help in difficult times and simple ways we can introduce the practice in our lives.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...
2020-10-2628 min
What Can We Do?The middlewoman for communities in need - Sofiah Jamil, Co-Founder, Hornbills Concepts and CommunicationsEnvironmental activism is growing steadily, as more of us are getting educated on the perils of climate change. While there is a lot of discussion on how changing human activities and behaviours can help in the fight against environmental threats, the actual solutions for some communities are not this simple. Sofiah Jamil realised this as an environmental activist. In Central Lombok, she witnessed that communities could not be focused on saving trees, when they were struggling for basic access to resources like water. Sofiah has since left her activism days behind in search of ways to meaningfully h...
2020-08-1918 min
What Can We Do?The Creative Hustle in Singapore - Rishi Budhrani, Actor, Comedian & Host of The Rishi Report.Singaporean and Singapore based artistes operate in a unique arts and culture environment - censorship, government funded grants and mainstream media channels that are mostly operated by state owned subsidiaries. This combination limits the scope of works that are produced. Rishi Budhrani has been navigating this industry for over a decade now as an actor, performer, entertainer and comedian. Rishi talks about how this distinctive landscape has shaped his craft, his latest project The Rishi Report, and how he thinks the industry will evolve post COVID.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.com
2020-06-2331 min
What Can We Do?Homelessness in Singapore - Liyana Dhamirah, Author & Entrepreneur.Homelessness is Singapore is a topic that is not widely discussed in the country. In recent years, there have been books published about inequalities in Singapore society, as well as academic articles. Liyana Dhamirah's book "Homeless - The Untold Story of a Mother's Struggle in Crazy Rich Singapore" is the first of its kind, told from a first person encounter. Liyana experienced homelessness over a decade ago, and she wrote this book to raise awareness. Today, she is a Befriender for those who are homeless, and helps them navigate Singapore's bureaucratic system to get the aid they need. She...
2020-06-1433 min
What Can We Do?The Generous and The Grateful is lightening the load for vulnerable people.There are a range of support services available across Australia to help people fleeing danger or at risk of being vulnerable. However, a lot of the times the burden of rebuilding their lives with essential household items falls on the vulnerable person. The Generous and The Grateful partners with available support services, by connecting household donations with the people that need them for a home. CEO and Co-Founder Carmen Platt talks about why she started this service, the difference it makes, and how all of us should approach helping.Website (for show notes and transcripts)...
2020-04-1920 min
What Can We Do?Faith can ground you in uncertain times.The world around us is becoming increasingly uncertain. Some people turn to faith at times like these. This special episode is a recording of my conversation with Pravrajika Gayatriprana, President of the Vedanta Society of NSW. A senior Nun of the Sri Sarada Math of the Ramakrishna Order, Pravrajika Gayatriprana talks about how faith and spirituality can help us through chaos.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-03-2530 min
What Can We Do?Benojo is making it easier to give.Online fundraising is a major source of funds for not for profits and charities. These organizations have faced criticism over the years about how a portion of donations do not go towards those in need. Benojo, led by Pascal Adolphe, is a fundraising platform that's trying to simplify the act of giving for donors and organizations. Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-03-1717 min
What Can We Do?The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre is diverting waste from landfills.About 7 million tonnes of waste goes into landfills each year in Australia. Guido Verbist and his team at The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre want that to stop. To date, the organization has diverted over 2 tonnes of waste from the landfill, and continue their efforts through repair cafes, education, their stores and by leading campaigns to hold manufacturers responsible.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-03-0820 min
What Can We Do?Vonne Patiag is amplifying minority voices in Australian contentAustralian content still has a long way to go in terms of representing diverse and inclusive voices, despite years of dialogue and debate. Vonne Patiag is a Filipino Australian filmmaker who has worked in the industry for over a decade. In this episode, Vonne talks about how he found his authentic voice, what it lends to his art, the inclusive practices he used in the making of his web series "Halal Gurls", and how POC content creators are finding their own platforms outside of traditional media.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.com
2020-03-0122 min
What Can We Do?Vaaranam Children's Books is connecting children through language.Tamil is the third most frequently spoken Indian language at home in Australia. However, there are no formal systems in place to help this language thrive and grow for future generations. The preservation of the language usually falls to families. Vanitha Veerasamy started Vaaranam Children's Books as a way to get her own child engaged in her mother tongue, and as a resource for other Tamil children living in Australia. Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...
2020-02-2319 min
What Can We Do?StartSomeGood is lowering barriers for social entrepreneursSocial enterprises are on the rise, as more and more people feel a call to live with purpose. Tom Dawkins founded StartSomeGood, a crowdfunding platform to lower barriers to ensure as many voices get represented in the social enterprise landscape. Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-02-1613 min
What Can We Do?Grace + Grit Social Enterprise is breaking the trafficking supply chain.Human trafficking has become the fastest growing crime in the past few years and experts agree that the problem is getting worse. Dr Abi Foluké Badejo, Founder & Director of Grace + Grit Social Enterprise, implements her research findings to effect social behaviour change, along with providing opportunities and options to survivors in Nigeria and Cameroon.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-02-0920 min
What Can We Do?SheQu Group Inc is empowering LBT+ women from CALD backgrounds.LGBTQI+ people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds face multiple barriers in society and in their professional careers. Kamalika Dasgupta, founder of SheQu Group Inc, wants to ensure that LBT+ women of colour in Australia have the tools and resources they need to live their best possible life.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-02-0221 min
What Can We Do?YourLink is helping Seniors with digital inclusion.Lack of digital inclusion affects approximately 2.5 million Australians, 10% of the population. YourLink's co-founder, Richard Scenna, talks about how the social enterprise is working to change this for a particular digitally excluded group - older Australians, seniors, through technology. Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-01-2620 min
What Can We Do?Season 2 TrailerWelcome back to Season 2 of this series.New episodes will be launched from 27th January onwards.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2020-01-2001 min
What Can We Do?Aggie Global is empowering Fijian famers to increase their income and food security.Lisa & Zoe Paisley are working with Fijian farmers to increase their income and food security through Aggie Global.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-09-1018 min
What Can We Do?Parramatta Women's Shelter expands accommodation services for womenLiz Scully and her board members are expanding crisis accommodation services for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with the opening of Parramatta Women's Shelter. Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-09-0314 min
What Can We Do?Dress for Success Sydney supports vulnerable womenMegan Etheridge is harnessing community goodwill to support vulnerable women, through Dress for Success Sydney.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-08-2818 min
What Can We Do?Perpetual Blooms is cultivating a sustainable floral industry.Anita Howell is cultivating sustainability and spreading compassion with repurposed event flowers, through Perpetual Blooms, in Sydney, Australia.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-08-2014 min
What Can We Do?Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew wants you to live your best plastic free lifeMalin Frick founded Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew, in Sydney, to solve an immediate litter problem on her local beaches. 5 years on, Malin and her Crew are leading the campaign against single-use plastic in their communities and neighbourhoods. Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-08-1317 min
What Can We Do?Access to education for Malawi girls - Nina Sackprasith, Vivre Co AustraliaAs a child, Nina Sackprasith knew she had to help children who were living in poverty. Now a young adult, Nina is turning this belief into a reality, through her homegrown beauty business, Vivre Co Australia. Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-08-0611 min
What Can We Do?Equalising access to education programs - Julian O'Shea, Unbound Australia.Inspired by his own unremarkable tertiary education in Australia, Julian O'Shea set up Unbound. His organization designs education programs that are more accessible and have real world and sustainable impact for communities across the Asia Pacific region.Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-2913 min
What Can We Do?Fostering stronger connections for refugees and migrants in Australia - Rinku Razdan, Connections AustraliaRinku Razdan migrated to Australia as a bride. After 7 years, she had to rebuild her life with a 3 year old son, with very little money. Her experience motivated Rinku to start Connections Australia, a multilingual, mobile app that uses data and API to connect migrants and refugees with a community, jobs and settlement information.SocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-2320 min
What Can We Do?What Can We Do - TrailerWhy I decided to start this podcast. Website (for show notes and transcripts)www.whatcanwedopodcast.comSocialsFacebookInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-1800 min