In this episode, Leah is joined by Geoff, Sarah, and their children, Craig and Chelsea. Together, they share honest and courageous reflections on domestic and family violence, mental health, and the long-lasting impact of trauma.

Geoff speaks openly about growing up with violence, the challenges he faced as a young person, and his determination to break the cycle. Sarah shares her own lived experience of domestic violence and the role connection and support played in rebuilding her life. Craig and Chelsea offer thoughtful insights into growing up in a family where openness, communication, and mental wellbeing are prioritised.

This conversation highlights the power of lived experience, the importance of community support, and how talking openly about difficult topics can create pathways to healing and hope.

If this episode resonates, reach out to someone in your circle, check in on a neighbour, or get involved with the Mid Murray Suicide Prevention Network. And if you need support, please contact:

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental-health support and counselling)

Download a transcript of this episode here.

Hosts Mandy and Cathie introduce guest Niya Lee, a local yoga instructor whose practice was born out of personal hardship. Niya shares how yoga helped her through a tumultuous marriage breakup and subsequent legal battles, leading her to advocate for mental health and community well-being through yoga.

The conversation explores the benefits of yoga, its applicability to various groups including men and the elderly, and potential collaborations for community wellness events. 

If this episode resonates, reach out to someone in your circle, check in on a neighbour, or get involved with the Mid Murray Suicide Prevention Network. And if you need support, please contact:

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental-health support and counselling)

Download a transcript of this episode here.

In this episode, Mandy, Helen, Joe, and Cathie from the Mid Murray community discuss their writing journeys, emphasising the shared experiences of living in the Mid Murray region.

The conversation covers their diverse writing styles, from poetry to fiction and historical accounts, and delves into the creation of the Scriveners Review, a community journal. They discuss the personal nature of writing, the importance of place, the concept of imposter syndrome, and the potential for community grants to support local literary endeavours. The episode is rounded off with reflections on the therapeutic benefits of writing and the communal value of shared stories.

If this episode resonates, reach out to someone in your circle, check in on a neighbour, or get involved with the Mid Murray Suicide Prevention Network. And if you need support, please contact:

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental-health support and counselling)

Download a transcript of this episode here.

In this episode, Mike and Bill share what keeps them volunteering, what the Mannum Men’s Shed means to the town, and why connection matters more than ever. Both men arrived in different ways, but landed in the same place: helping out because it feels right, fills the days with purpose, and quietly holds the community together.

They talk about the floods, the long history along the river, the odd jobs, the breakfast conversations, the jokes, the rough edges, and the moments that genuinely save lives. They speak plainly about loneliness, ageing, health, mental wellbeing, and what happens when someone simply says, “Glad you’re here.” It’s not fancy. It’s just human.

They also reflect on how sheds get started, how young people might be encouraged to step into volunteering, and what keeps a community group strong.

If this episode resonates, reach out to someone in your circle, check in on a neighbour, or get involved with the Mid Murray Suicide Prevention Network. And if you need support, please contact:

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental-health support and counselling)

Download a transcript of this episode here.

A warm and honest conversation with Simone and Tahleah about living with ADHD, late diagnosis, school experiences, masking, medication, family dynamics, and the relief that comes with finally understanding your own brain.

They explore the differences between internalised and externalised symptoms, why so many girls are overlooked, and how understanding ADHD reshapes relationships, self-compassion, and confidence.

This episode offers grounded examples, lived-experience wisdom, and plenty of relatable moments for anyone who has ever wondered why things feel harder than they "should."

If this episode resonates, reach out to someone in your circle, check in on a neighbour, or get involved with the Mid Murray Suicide Prevention Network. And if you need support, please contact:

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental-health support and counselling)

Download a transcript of this episode here.

In this episode, Leah chats with Mandy about the joys and mental health benefits of gardening in the Mid-Murray. From humble beginnings with pot plants to thriving native gardens, veggie patches, and even chickens, Mandy shares how cultivating her garden has not only brought beauty and sustainability to her life but also strengthened her community connections.

The conversation also explores ShareWaste, a national initiative that allows residents to recycle kitchen scraps into compost, fostering local networks and reducing landfill waste. Leah and Mandy discuss practical tips for successful composting, dealing with soil challenges, and how gardening encourages mindfulness, wellbeing, and self-esteem.

This episode highlights how ordinary people in the Mid Murray are cultivating extraordinary lives through connection, sustainability, and shared experiences.

If this episode resonates, reach out to someone in your circle, check in on a neighbour, or get involved with the Mid Murray Suicide Prevention Network. And if you need support, please contact:

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental-health support and counselling)

Download a transcript of this episode here.

In this episode, the team sits down with Tim Rogers — former professional ballet dancer, educator, drum maker, and all-round chameleon. Tim shares his journey from Adelaide to the Australian Ballet, his move to WA, his shift into education and community arts, and how he eventually landed in the Mid Murray. The conversation explores identity, resilience, reinvention, and the surprising threads that connect people in regional communities.

If this episode resonates, reach out to someone in your circle, check in on a neighbour, or get involved with the Mid Murray Suicide Prevention Network. And if you need support, please contact:

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental-health support and counselling)

Download a transcript of this episode here.

In this first episode of the Caring Connected Communities podcast, the team behind the Mid Murray Suicide Prevention Network introduces themselves and the purpose of the podcast: reducing stigma, sharing lived experience, and strengthening community connection across the region. They explore personal stories, the impacts of recent crises, rural mental-health challenges, survivor guilt, and the importance of checking in with each other.

Presenters on this episode:

Ash – Host; long-term suicide-prevention volunteer (Samaritans UK)

Cathie – Founding member of Mid-Murray SPN; Co-Secretary; lived experience; long-time Sedan local

Leah – Co-Secretary of Mid-Murray SPN; StandBy Support After Suicide; lived experience; community development

Simone – Mayor of Mid-Murray; lived experience; community advocate

If this episode speaks to you, reach out, connect, or share your story with the Mid Murray Suicide Prevention Network. New members and local voices are always welcome. And if you’re struggling, please contact:

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental-health support and counselling)

Download a transcript of this episode here.