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 leading and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

You’ll hear their reflections on what young people bring to community life, the challenges they face, and their advice for groups that want to engage youth but don’t know how. Their message is clear: when youth are listened to, respected, and given real roles, they bring energy, creativity, and solutions that benefit everyone.

🎧 Tune in to Episode 9 and be inspired by the voices shaping the future of our region.

This is our last episode of the season, so if you've been connecting with the podcast and finding value in the voices of our region, please share. You'll be hearing from us again in season 3.

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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 styles to offering real leadership opportunities, these stories highlight what happens when communities choose to work with youth, not just for them.

Listen in and be inspired to make your group a place where the next generation can truly thrive.

Our featured interview for this week was with Treading Lightly. You can find treading Lightly online at

https://tlinc.org.au/

And to find out more about any of the groups featured, head to

https://communityconnectss.com.au/

🎧 Listen now to discover practical steps and heartfelt insights into building youth-inclusive spaces.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Linehan and students from the Country Universities Centre, who share how regional students can access study spaces, mentoring, and career pathways without leaving town. Her insights reveal how places like CUC can act as critical support systems for young people looking to stay local and thrive.

🎧 Listen as we explore what happens when young people are invited to the table—and adults pull up a chair beside them.

Featured Projects

·      🚍 Get the Wheel Rolling – A push for better public transport in and around Ulladulla

·      🎶 Youth Music Hub – Affordable rehearsal spaces and a collaborative network for young musicians

·      🧠 NeuroStation – A safe, welcoming hangout space for neurodivergent and disabled teens

·      💙 Muck Up – A youth-led kindness campaign tackling bullying with creativity and care – in its 3rd year!

·      🎪 Milton Show Teen Program – Youth voices shaping a show that includes and excites them

·      🌙 Youth Night Market – A social enterprise-style market focused on affordability, connection, and purpose

·      🔦 Pathways to Purpose – A mentorship movement matching students with real-world mentors

·      🎓 Plus: Country Universities Centre Southern Shoalhaven – Supporting young people to study, connect, and succeed locally

🎧 Listen to “It Starts With an Idea” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or communityconnectss.com.au

📣 Share this episode and help support youth-led change in the South Shoalhaven.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 events that engage, connect, and reflect the spirit of our region.

You’ll learn:

·      Why collaboration makes events more impactful

·      The best ways to promote events (without spending a cent)

·      How to recruit volunteers and build lasting community energy

·      Tips to avoid burnout and boost your event’s success

Featuring real-world stories—from the Community Expo and Spirit of Christmas Festival to youth-led MuckUp events—this episode is a guide to making events shine, no matter the size.

“When people come together around a shared passion, it doesn’t feel like work—it feels like purpose.”

We’ve got you covered. Whether you're planning something new or looking to improve an annual favourite, explore our free resources, connect with other groups, and learn how to promote your event without the stress.

💛 Visit communityconnectss.com.au to get started.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 from Milton Follies, Milton Show Society, South Coast Arts and MuckUp, and discover what local events need now—and how you can get involved.

Whether you love building, baking, organising, creating, or just showing up—there’s a place for you. Community events are better with more hands, and they’re a great way to meet people and make a difference.

💛 Find out how at communityconnectss.com.au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 how they help bring generations together. Whether it’s a woodchop or a MasterChef cook-off, it’s clear that when we gather, we grow.

From helping out behind the scenes to sharing your talents on stage, there are so many ways to be part of the magic. Explore opportunities, connect with local groups, or start something of your own.

💛 Head to communityconnectss.com.au to find out how.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 wellbeing to helping events, groups, and services to thrive—volunteering matters more than ever.

We also dive into practical tips for finding the right role, how organisations can attract and support volunteers, and why connection is just as important as contribution.

Whether you’re looking to lend a hand or lead a team, this episode is packed with ideas, encouragement, and some very handy local resources.

🎧 Visit communityconnectss.com.au to get started.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 happens when community digs deep, gets creative, and backs each other up.

🎙 You’ll hear from:

·      The Rural Fire Service on recruiting through storytelling

·      Meals on Wheels and their genius idea to spark connection

·      The RSPCA and Sea Scouts on the power of persistence

·      Milton Ulladulla Entertainers and Millhouse Art Society on burnout, renewal, and creative joy

·      Surf lifesaving and Sea Scouts on raising the next generation of volunteers

This episode is packed with innovation, heart, and practical solutions. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin—or wondered where your spark has gone—you’re not alone. This is the real side of volunteering, and it’s full of hope.

🧡 As one guest says, “It’s amazing what an hour can do for somebody.”

Visit communityconnectss.com.au to find a group that fits your spark. Whether you’ve got 30 minutes or 30 years, someone in your town needs exactly what you bring.

Better Together is brought to you by Community Connect South Shoalhaven and supported by Business Milton Ulladulla

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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 real stories of people who roll up their sleeves for the love of their community. You’ll meet the people behind meals on wheels, and community centres, youth advocates, and quiet listeners who sit with people in their final days.

From the passionate voices behind St Vincent De Paul and the Bendigo bank with its volunteer board to heartfelt advocates of Compassionate Communities, this episode paints a rich picture of what volunteering really gives—to the community, and to the volunteer.

As one guest says:

"Sometimes, just talking—and really listening—is the greatest gift we can offer."

This isn’t just a celebration of volunteering. It’s a call to action. There’s a role for everyone—whether you're 15 or 85.

Ready to find your place in the story? Visit communityconnectss.com.au to explore local groups, discover events, and see where your hands and heart might be needed next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Australians were having with our complex and changing technology. Living Connected relies on volunteers throughout the South Coast to help older Australians.

To find out more about how to get involved in Living Connected, you can find them in the community directory at communityconnectss.com.au or search for Living Connected on Facebook, or go to the website livingconnected.org.au.

And to discover more opportunities in the South Shoalhaven for further education or volunteering opportunities, local events and more, head to communityconnectss.com.au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.