Our special guest in this episode of Figuring Out Families is Bronwyn Melville. Bronwyn is on the Board of Newcastle Pregnancy Help. She provides advice to women who are pregnant either by choice, or whose pregnancy is unplanned.

Bronwyn, the mother of seven children and five grandchildren, talks about the types of issues affecting pregnant women today: some are from broken families while others have to deal with violent partners.

Bronwyn also speaks passionately about her presentation before the NSW parliamentary inquiry into the decriminalisation of abortion, prior to the Government passing new legislation.

In this Figuring Out Families podcast we talk to Dr Robyn Miller, Chief Executive of MacKillop Family Services. Robyn is a social worker and family therapist with more than thirty years' experience.

She also worked as a consultant with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Her organisation provides numerous services in the areas of Disability, Youth Support, Family, Education and Out of Home care.

In this episode, Robyn, who is the mother of five children, talks about the role that trauma plays in family breakdown and what is being done to better protect children at risk.

In this Figuring Out Families podcast we talk to Juli Sharp Executive Officer of Genesis Pregnancy Support. 

Juli’s been with the organisation for 20 years and previously served on the national board of Pregnancy Help Australia. She has written 10 sex and relationship education programs for schools called beREADY. Under her leadership, the organisation has also opened second-hand baby gear shops named ‘Reborn’ and introduced post abortion healing retreat weekends for women who are suffering.

In this podcast we speak to Juli about the issues facing young mothers and women expecting babies, the changing trend of abortion and how pornography is having an adverse effect on families and children.

Juli is a mother of three adult children and a grandmother of four.

Host:  David Ahern

By Majelan.media

The Salesians of Don Bosco, a Catholic Order serves the young, especially the disadvantaged and marginalised.  They have organised holiday camps for children for many years. 

In this episode of Figuring Out Families, we welcome Michael Gartland who talks about his involvement in the camps, firstly as a participant as a youngster and now years later as a camp leader. 

Michael speaks about his family upbringing and the positive experience the camps have on the children, especially those from broken or abusive homes.

In our first episode of Figuring out Families we are pleased to welcome Denis Fitzgerald, outgoing Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Victoria (CSSV).  Denis has been with CSSV for eleven years where he has been a staunch advocate for social justice and support for those most in need in our society.

Catholic Social Services Victoria assists the Catholic Church in following the teachings of Jesus Christ to stand with and serve those who are poor, disadvantaged and marginalised; and to work for a just, equitable and compassionate society.

As a peak body for Catholic community services in Victoria CSSV supports and enhances the work of service and justice of our member organisations. 

Join us as we talk to Denis about the issues and challenges facing families today, the main causes of family breakdown, and how it’s contributing to an increased problem in local communities and society generally.

Brought to you by Majellan.Media

Presenter: David Ahern

Here's a really short overview of Figuring out Families  The new podcast from Majellan Media.  

Episode 1 will be out 7 September.