Meet Lucas Ivkovic, Moonee Valley’s own social media sensation, boasting over 6 million followers across TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. From his days playing junior football on the soccer fields of Moonee Valley, his high school and involvement in local theatre to creating viral comedy sketches that resonate worldwide, Lucas’s journey is a testament to creativity and hard work.

In this episode, we explore:

• Lucas’s roots in Moonee Valley and how the local community shaped his creativity.
• The story behind his iconic character, "Kevin," and how musical theatre influenced his sketches.
• Insights into the world of content creation, from viral growth to navigating brand deals.
• Fun rapid-fire questions about his favourite local spots and hangouts.

Tune in for an inspiring chat about staying authentic, building an audience, and making it big in the digital world! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments.

Also on YouTube!

This episode was filmed at Content Hype's Moonee Ponds Podcast Studio. Learn more here:
https://contenthype.com.au/
https://contenthype.com.au/content-hype-studio/

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring local stories.

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we sit down with Stephen Simone, a local hero and a friend of our host, Matthew Galea. Stephen shares the incredible story behind the Silent Sight Foundation, his advocacy for a cure for Usher Syndrome, and the deeply personal journey as a father to two boys battling this genetic disease. Discover how Stephen is driving groundbreaking research, raising awareness, and uniting the community to restore hope and sight for families affected by Usher Syndrome. Join us for this powerful conversation about resilience, innovation, and the strength of a parent’s love.

Learn more about the Silent Sight Foundation: https://www.silentsight.org/

This episode was filmed at Content Hype's Moonee Ponds Podcast Studio. Learn more here:
https://contenthype.com.au/
https://contenthype.com.au/content-hype-studio/

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring local stories.

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we chat with Sam Agostino, the heart and soul behind Mamma Lina’s café on Mount Alexander Road. Sam shares his journey from corporate life to creating a beloved local dining institution, steeped in family traditions and authentic Italian flavours.

Discover how Mamma Lina’s became a cornerstone of the community, hosting fundraisers, marking life milestones, and honouring his late son, Robert, through heartfelt tributes. We also delve into Sam’s latest venture in sustainability, tackling the challenge of solar panel recycling in Australia.

Tune in for a story of resilience, family, and giving back, with a side of delicious food recommendations you won’t want to miss!

Book in at Mamma Lina's: https://www.mammalinas.com.au/

Moonee Valley Voices is produced by Content Hype at Content Hype Studio, your local Moonee Valley Podcast Studio.

https://contenthype.com.au/

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we chat with Stef Carniato, the inspiring founder of Gratofy, a gifting platform that's making waves in 2024. Stef shares her journey from growing up near Moonee Valley to launching a business that solves one of the biggest challenges in gift-giving: finding the perfect gift.

Discover how Stef’s experience living in New York City shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, her passion for meaningful connections, and why she’s on a mission to put gratitude back into gifting. With Christmas around the corner, Stef offers insights into gifting trends and how Gratofy provides the ultimate solution for both personal and corporate gifting.

Stay tuned for Stef’s favourite Moonee Valley spots and why the local community holds such a special place in her heart.

Learn more about Gratofy:

• Website: gratofy.com.au
• Instagram: @gratofy
• Facebook: Gratofy Gifting
• LinkedIn: Gratofy

About Content Hype
This episode is brought to you by Content Hype, a content marketing agency and Melbourne podcast studio. Located in Moonee Ponds, our studio is where local stories come to life. From professional podcast production to creative storytelling for brands, we help businesses and individuals connect with their audience through authentic content. Learn more about our services and start your content journey with us today.

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we sit down with Stacey Harley, a dedicated member of the grassroots community group, Liveable Moonee Valley. Stacey shares insights into the group’s mission to foster transparency and community engagement around the Victorian Government's Activity Centres Program, a development initiative impacting Niddrie and North Essendon.

We delve into the group’s concerns, including the potential for high-rise developments and limited infrastructure support, alongside the lack of resident consultation. Stacey highlights the local group's journey, from gathering over 350 residents at a recent community meeting to collaborating with experts and local representatives. Tune in to understand the broader implications of these changes on local Moonee Valley residents and find out how you can get involved in shaping the future of our community.

Listen in to gain Stacey’s perspective on protecting Moonee Valley’s unique character, ensuring sustainable development, and supporting residents' voices.

For more information on Liveable Moonee Valley, check out their Facebook group here and follow them on Instagram at @liveablemooneevalley.

About Content Hype: Moonee Valley Voices is produced by Content Hype, a content marketing agency specialising in creating engaging stories for local communities. Our Moonee Ponds podcast studio offers the perfect setting to record your story and help it reach a broader audience. Whether you're a local business or community group, reach out to discuss how we can amplify your message. Visit us at Content Hype to learn more.

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Cachia, founder and CEO of Thriving Wealth. As a financial advisor, entrepreneur, and advocate for financial literacy, John’s approach to wealth management goes beyond the numbers. He’s passionate about helping people live fulfilled lives by aligning their financial goals with their personal values.

During our chat, we explored John’s deep connection to Moonee Valley, from his upbringing in East Keilor to his business roots on Keilor Road. His local community ties have been a driving force behind his mission to empower individuals and families through financial education. John spoke about his passion for teaching financial literacy to children and running workshops aimed at improving financial knowledge in the wider community.

John shared insights on the philosophy behind Thriving Wealth and the journey of starting his business at just 20 years old. We discussed how his company evolved from traditional financial planning to focusing on behavioural coaching, helping clients achieve not only financial freedom but also personal fulfilment. John’s story is a testament to the importance of financial literacy and the transformative power it holds for both individuals and the community.

If you're interested in financial education, community development, or learning how to align your personal and financial goals, this episode is a must-listen!

Links:

Website: https://www.thrivingwealth.com.au/

Cash Talk Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QAZzH5jw4VR4gbtfF5dXz?si=6c7b2afd9b984444

Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriving.wealth/

Follow Thriving Wealth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohncachia/

Tune in to hear how John is helping reshape the financial futures of so many, starting right here in Moonee Valley.

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we sit down with Corinne Barlow, the creative force behind Love Gwen Jewellery. Corinne’s journey from a local apprentice jeweller to building her own brand is both inspiring and heartwarming. After experiencing a traumatic robbery and later overcoming cancer, Corinne found healing and purpose through her jewellery designs, creating pieces that are deeply personal and full of meaning for her clients.

Corinne shares how her love for craftsmanship and her connection to the Moonee Valley community have shaped her business, from personalised name necklaces to unique, one-of-a-kind pieces made from repurposed jewellery. We also dive into the power of influencer marketing as Corinne reflects on how celebrities like Celeste Barber helped propel her brand to an international audience.

Join us as Corinne tells her story of resilience, creativity, and the healing power of art.

🎧 Listen now to hear Corinne’s inspiring journey!

✨ Check out Love Gwen Jewellery:
Website: www.lovegwenjewellery.com.au
Instagram: @lovegwenjewellery
Facebook: Love Gwen Jewellery

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices, we sit down with local soccer mum and soon-to-be-published author Amy Schembri to discuss her upcoming book, Making It or Not. Drawing from her personal experience as a parent of young athletes and a lifelong connection to football, Amy’s book dives deep into the challenges young players face – from team selection disappointments to the pressure to succeed.

Amy shares her motivation for writing the book, which was born out of her son's experience with being deselected from his soccer team. She also explains why the book is crucial reading for not only young athletes but also their parents and coaches. With interviews from professional players like Socceroo Josh Risdon, Matildas Chloe Logarzo and Emily Gielnik, and insights from sports psychologists, Making It or Not offers a raw, honest look at the highs and lows of a football journey and the valuable lessons that go beyond the pitch.

Tune in to hear Amy’s inspiring story, her deep connection to Moonee Valley, and the important message she’s bringing to the sports community about resilience, setbacks, and success.

https://amyschembriauthor.com/

Making It...Or Not - NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER: https://www.fairplaypublishing.com.au/products/making-it-or-not

Moonee Valley Voices is produced by Content Hype, at our Moonee Ponds Podcast Studio.

www.contenthype.com.au
https://contenthype.com.au/content-hype-studio/

In this special episode of Moonee Valley Voices, host Matt Galea sits down with none other than his father, Martin Galea, a seasoned conveyancer with over 40 years of experience. As the Director of Tick Box Conveyancing, Martin has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service in Moonee Valley’s property market, working closely with real estate agents, financial planners, and other local professionals.

Martin shares his journey from founding his first conveyancing firm in the 1980s to becoming a trusted name in the community. We explore how living and working in Moonee Valley has influenced his career, his passion for local sport, and the vital role that community relationships play in both business and personal life.

In this heartfelt conversation, Martin also shares his experience coaching local soccer teams, including the Essendon Royals, and the valuable lessons he’s learned about teamwork and leadership.

Don’t miss this episode, packed with insights on business, real estate, and community building in Moonee Valley.

In this episode of Moonee Valley Voices: Celebrating MV's Finest, we sit down with Mark Errichiello, the Director and Co-founder of Master Advocates, and a second-generation real estate agent with over 23 years of experience. Mark has worked in various roles within the real estate industry, including Real Estate Auctioneer, Sales Consultant, Senior Property Manager, and Franchise Director. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark has also been deeply involved in the community, serving as the Executive Chairman of the Essendon North Village Traders Association and as a member of the REIV Board of Directors.

Mark shares his journey into real estate, starting with his family’s roots in the business and transitioning into buyer’s advocacy, a field where he helps clients navigate the complexities of property investment. We discuss the evolution of the Moonee Valley property market, the challenges facing first-home buyers, and how Mark’s personal experiences, including his wife’s inspiring Paralympic journey, have shaped his approach to community and business.

In this episode, Mark also opens up about his decision to run for the 2024 Moonee Valley Council elections, where he hopes to bring a balanced, community-focused voice to the council. Tune in as Mark shares his insights on real estate, local development, and the importance of community-driven initiatives in Moonee Valley.

And of course, don’t miss the “Valley Faves” segment, where Mark reveals his favorite local spots in Moonee Valley.

Connect with Mark:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564025910231

Master Advocates: https://masteradvocates.com.au/

Connect with Matt and Content Hype!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-galea-87ab6941/

@content.hype on Instagram and @contenthype on TikTok

www.contenthype.com.au

Want to be a guest on the Moonee Valley Voices podcast? Fill out this form: https://form.jotform.com/241727149750056