Bendigo Business Stories

Alison Jones has dedicated herself to making a meaningful impact in the Greater Bendigo region.

Alison joined the Women’s Health Loddon Mallee (WHLM) team as the mental health lead, where her dedication has shone brightly. Over the past year, she's been at the forefront of delivering the WHLM flood recovery program and contributing to vital mental health and wellbeing initiatives throughout the region.

Alison's influence doesn't stop there. Beyond her role with WHLM, she wears another important hat as the creative director of the Castlemaine Fringe Festival. This role opens doors to connect with our community in truly meaningful ways.

Alison knows the value of self-care. She approaches life with a relaxed perspective, making ample time for things that bring joy - from walks in the bush to swims in nature. Plus, there's plenty of fun involved especially when she's playing ball with her trusty companion, Billie the dog.

In this conversation with Alison and host Kimberley Furness, we delve into the gendered impact of disaster on regional and rural women, social isolation and loneliness, and the increase (33% from 2011 to 2016) of older women experiencing homelessness.

Kimberley Furness is the national award winning publisher of OAK Magazine, a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. Kimberley is a long time content creator for print and digital, a social media trainer for rural business owners and the host of chart topping podcast A Friend of Mine.

Every successful community has a strong and growing business community.

Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our broader business community. We are member based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.

Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Our first guest speaker on the Bendigo Business Stories podcast is Jeremy Forbes, a proud Bendigo native with a remarkable mission.

In 2013, Jeremy co-founded Hope Assistance Local Tradies (HALT), a national grass-roots suicide prevention charity that champions the wellbeing of tradies and blue-collar workers. His passion for making a difference has propelled him onto the global stage, where he delivered a powerful TED talk, spreading awareness about mental health and suicide prevention far beyond our borders.

While HALT’s talks have resonated in Melbourne, interstate and regional areas, Jeremy is eager to bring more of this vital conversation back to his hometown, Bendigo. He's committed to breaking down the barriers of shame and stigma, encouraging everyone to reach out and seek help when needed.

But there is more to Jeremy than his incredible work. He currently calls Castlemaine home, where he enjoys the company of his cat, Maggie. His interests span from invigorating hikes to artistic shed and landscape painting, delving into history, and supporting the Collingwood Football Club.

In this insightful conversation with Jeremy and our host Kimberley Furness, we delve into mental health, community building, and real-life conversations.

This episode includes discussions about suicide, a topic we approach with sensitivity and care. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please reach out to a mental health professional or helpline like Lifeline. If it’s hard to talk, Lifeline also have a text service from 6.00pm until midnight (AEST), 7 days a week.

Call 13 11 14 - available 24/7 or visit the Lifeline website.

Kimberley Furness is the national award winning publisher of OAK Magazine, a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. Kimberley is a long time content creator for print and digital, a social media trainer for rural business owners and the host of chart topping podcast A Friend of Mine.

Every successful community has a strong and growing business community.

Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our broader business community. We are member based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.

Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

The first two episodes of this series will officially drop on Wednesday 4 October 2023 at a special launch event. Episodes will then be released on a fortnightly basis.

Welcome to our mental health and wellbeing series as part of the Bendigo Business Stories podcast, proudly produced by Be.Bendigo and supported by the Victorian Government.  

Wellbeing at work is becoming increasingly important for a new generation of post-pandemic workers. Join our host Kimberley Furness, as we talk to local experts, leaders and business operators about stories of wellbeing, resilience and good business practices.  

More and more professionals, and especially micro and small business owners, often operate from the heart of their home. Their path is not without challenges. The isolation, the self-reliance, the financial struggles, and the constant juggling of work, personal, and family life – it's a tough balancing act. 

That's where this podcast comes in. We're here to tell their stories and recognise what it takes to not only survive but thrive in business. 

If you’ve enjoyed an episode, please let us know by leaving a review via our socials or connecting with us online at bebendigo.com.au

Every successful community has a strong and growing business community.

Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our broader business community. We are member based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.

Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Welcome to Bendigo Business Stories, a podcast dedicated to celebrating our business landscape, uncovering stories, strategies, and the true essence of people who shape our local business community.  

In the ever-evolving world of business, there's something truly special about the stories that emerge from business owners right here in Greater Bendigo.  

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or simply curious about the incredible ventures happening in our region, you've come to the right place. 

Bendigo Business Stories is brought to you by Be.Bendigo; your local Chamber of Commerce dedicated to building a thriving ecosystem that supports and empowers local businesses to flourish. 

This podcast is just one of the many ways Be.Bendigo actively champions businesses in creating a vibrant and successful Greater Bendigo. 

Throughout our podcast journey, we will uncover the hidden gems of our Greater Bendigo business landscape. These stories are more than just success tales; they're windows into the strategies, challenges, and the heart and soul of the individuals shaping our community. 

Bendigo Business Stories is your compass, guiding you through the diverse and inspiring tales of our local business heroes. 

Every successful community has a strong and growing business community.

Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our broader business community. We are member based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.

Find out more via our website. Be social on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.