One in four young Australians still report being bullied, yet so many school “anti-bullying” approaches struggle to create any real shift. It raises a bigger question about what we’re missing — and why the message so often lands without changing behaviour.

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Rosie Thomas OAM, co-founder and executive director of Project Rockit, to explore bullying as more than isolated incidents — but as a culture shaped by repeated behaviour, power imbalance, and the quiet influence of the audience.

Rosie’s work has been shaped by a clear belief: young people aren’t the problem to fix, they’re part of the solution. That belief led to the creation of Project Rockit, a youth-driven movement that challenges bullying, hate, and prejudice by centring the voices and experiences of young people themselves.

At the core of the conversation is a shift in how we define harm. From gaslighting to “banter” that crosses a line, Rosie explains why the damage isn’t just in the moment itself, but in what happens around it, when no one feels able to step in, and silence becomes the norm.

What sits underneath that is culture. And culture doesn’t change through one-off talks or top-down messaging - it shifts when young people are genuinely engaged, equipped, and trusted to lead.

Today, Project Rockit reaches schools and communities across Australia through a model that is co-designed and delivered by young people. Through social experiments, storytelling, and lived experience, students are given practical tools to move from bystanders to upstanders in a way that feels real, not rehearsed.

At the same time, the conversation doesn’t shy away from the realities of scaling this work. With high demand from schools facing significant need, Rosie shares the challenges of resourcing, maintaining integrity, and ensuring youth voice doesn’t become tokenistic, particularly when working with large partners and institutions.

Together, Jade and Rosie unpack:

• Why traditional anti-bullying talks often fail to land
• Bullying as culture: repetition, power and the role of the audience
• The impact of “banter”, gaslighting, and everyday behaviours
• The difference between youth-focused and youth-driven approaches
• How social experiments create lasting behaviour change
• What it takes to support young people to be upstanders
• The realities of scaling impact across high-need communities
• How to protect authenticity and avoid tokenistic youth engagement

This is a conversation about culture, agency, and what it takes to create safer environments for young people, not through lectures, but through connection, relevance, and trust.

If this resonated, subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can be part of the shift.

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Project Rockit Contact Details

Project Rockit Website – projectrockit.com.au

Project Rockit Foundation Website – projectrockitfoundation.org.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook – @projectrockit

Instagram – @projectrockit

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/project-rockit

TikTok - @projectrockit

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.
This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.

Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.

Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.

Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected]
Follow, rate, and share to help amplify these voices.
Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

When a child loses a parent due to illicit drug use, the silence around it can be as heavy as the loss itself. Stigma keeps so much unsaid, and children are left to navigate grief and confusion without the words or support to make sense of it.

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Jane Rowe, the founder and CEO of the Mirabel Foundation, to talk about the often unseen impact of parental substance use on children, and the grandparents and kin who step in, often overnight, to care for them.

Jane shares her journey from a traditional upbringing in the UK to punk-era London at Virgin Records, and eventually to Australia, where her work in addiction counselling revealed a glaring and painful truth: when a parent enters treatment, relapses, or dies, children are left behind, and too often, no one is tracking what happens next.

What follows is a conversation grounded in both heartbreak and hope. Jane explains how Mirabel has built a model of trauma-informed, long-term support that centres dignity, stability, and relationships. This isn’t short-term intervention - it’s walking alongside children and families for years, helping them rebuild a sense of safety and belonging.

The episode highlights the hidden reality of kinship care. Grandparents and relatives step up out of love, but often without the financial, emotional, or systemic support they need. It raises important questions about how we value care, who we expect to provide it, and what real support should look like.

Jane shares how initiatives like “Big Days Out” give children permission to just be kids, free from secrecy and stigma, creating connection and a deep sense of belonging. You will hear why kinship care needs more backing, and what everyday people can do right now to reduce stigma. 

Together, Jade and Jane unpack:

• What children experience when they lose a parent due to substance use
• Why these experiences often go unseen and unspoken
• The critical role of kinship carers and the gaps in support
• How trauma-informed, long-term care changes outcomes
• The importance of belonging, connection, and joy in healing
• What stigma and shame does to a child, and how we can challenge it
• What everyday people can do to better support children and families

If you care about child wellbeing, prevention, mental health, and stronger communities, this episode is for you. Subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more listeners find these stories.

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Mirabel Foundation Contact Details

Mirabel Website – mirabel.org.au

Facebook – @MirabelFoundation

Instagram – @mirabelfoundation

LinkedIn – Mirabel Foundation

YouTube - @TheMirabelFoundation

Read Jane Rowe's book - The Damage Undone

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.
This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.

Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.

Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.

Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected]
Follow, rate, and share to help amplify these voices.
Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

A country that prides itself on fairness still locks up children as young as 10. That single reality cuts through the noise of “youth crime wave” headlines and forces a deeper question: what does it say about us when punishment becomes the default response to children facing deep disadvantage?

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Emily Mayo from the Justice and Equity Centre and the Raise the Age NSW campaign to unpack what’s really driving youth justice in Australia, and what it would take to change it.

Emily brings clarity to a complex issue, explaining in plain terms what “raising the age of criminal responsibility” means, and why Australia remains out of step with global standards. She traces how the current system disproportionately impacts children already facing deep disadvantage — particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children — not because of who they are, but because systems are failing to provide the support they need to thrive.

A crucial shift in the conversation is moving away from “what did the child do?” to “what is happening for this child?” Many of the young people caught up in the justice system are living with trauma, disability, poverty, homelessness, and unmet health needs. This isn’t about excusing harm, it’s about understanding the conditions that drive it, and what actually prevents it.

The episode also surfaces a fact often missing from public debate: most younger children in detention are held on remand, meaning they have not been found guilty. At the same time, some children are more likely to be policed and escalated for the same behaviours that others move through without consequence. It raises urgent questions about fairness, accountability, and what safety really means.

Cost is part of this story, too. With youth detention exceeding $1 million per child per year, the system is not only failing children - it’s a costly investment in outcomes we know don’t work. In contrast, early intervention, diversion, and community-led support consistently show better results for both young people and community safety.

Together, Jade and Emily unpack:

• What “raise the age” actually means in practice
• Why Australia still imprisons 10-year-olds
• The link between early criminalisation and lifelong system involvement
• How trauma, disability, and poverty intersect with youth justice
• The reality of children on remand and what it reveals about the system
• Why detention is expensive and ineffective
• What evidence-backed alternatives look like
• How narrative, politics, and public perception shape reform

This is a conversation about truth-telling, prevention, and what it really takes to build safer communities, and why choosing care over punishment is not just more humane, but more effective.

If this moved you, subscribe, share the episode with a mate, and leave a review so more people can engage with the reality behind the headlines.

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Raise the Age NSW Contact Details

RTA NSW Website – raisetheagensw.org.au

Watch the 'Ten Is Too Young' campaign video 

Watch the 'Better Way for Kids and Communities' video

Justice and Equity Centre website – jec.org.au

Email – [email protected]

Facebook – @RaiseTheAgeNSW

Instagram – @raisetheagensw

Join the movement

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.
This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.

Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.

Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.

Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected]
Follow, rate, and share to help amplify these voices.
Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

A child in care looks you in the eye and asks, “How much do you get paid to do this?” That single question gets to the heart of what kids in out-of-home care often miss most: a dependable adult who chooses them, consistently, without a transaction attached. 

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Bronwyn Sheehan OAM, founder and CEO of the Pyjama Foundation, to explore how one hour a week can rebuild trust, support early literacy, and gently shift the trajectory for children living in foster, kinship, and residential care.

Bronwyn’s journey began early, with a deep awareness of inequality, and was further shaped through her work as a nurse and midwife, where she witnessed the realities many children face from the very beginning. Those experiences made it impossible to look away and set her on a path toward action.

A defining moment came when Bronwyn met an 18-month-old boy, newly placed in care - frightened, unsettled, and disconnected. What he needed wasn’t complex: routine, warmth, and someone to show up. That realisation became the foundation for the Pyjama Foundation, built on a simple but powerful idea - that one consistent adult, showing up week after week, can help a child feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.

Today, the Pyjama Foundation supports children living in foster, kinship, and residential care through its Pyjama Angel program - volunteers who spend one hour a week reading, playing, and building trust. It’s a model grounded in early literacy, but driven by something deeper: connection, choice, and consistency.

Together, Jade and Bronwyn unpack:

- The moment a child asks, “How much do you get paid to do this?” 
- The 18-month-old boy who shaped the creation of the Pyjama Foundation
- Why trauma impacts brain development, learning, and literacy outcomes
- How “choice plus consistency” helps children feel safe enough to engage
- What makes a great Pyjama Angel
- How initiatives like National Pyjama Day are building awareness and action

This is a conversation about trust, belonging, and the power of showing up — and what becomes possible when every child has someone in their corner, simply because they choose to be there.

If this moved you, subscribe, share the episode with a mate, and leave a review so more people find these stories and help kids in care feel seen.

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Pyjama Foundation Contact Details

Website - www.thepyjamafoundation.com

National Pyjama Day - Fri 24th July 2026 - fundraise.thepyjamafoundation.com/event/

Email - [email protected] 

Facebook - @facebook.com/pyjamafoundation

Instagram - @https://www.instagram.com/thepyjamafoundation/

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.
This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.

Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.

Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.

Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected]
Follow, rate, and share to help amplify these voices.
Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Dominic Brook, founder of MMAD (Musicians Making a Difference), to explore how love, resilience and external belief can combine to change the course of a life.

Dom grew up with a single mum doing her best under complex and often difficult circumstances. While love was always present, stability and consistency weren’t always possible — a reality shared by many families navigating structural and social pressures.

A turning point came when a neighbour stepped in with belief, safety and a guitar — offering not replacement, but reinforcement. That simple act became a catalyst, and later the foundation for MMAD: a model built on the idea that one additional caring adult can shift outcomes for a young person for life.

Today, MMAD works alongside young people living with deep disadvantage — including those navigating the child protection and youth justice systems — using music as a bridge to trust, expression and long‑term change. From early, messy hip‑hop camps to Futures Radio broadcasting from inside youth justice centres, Dom has built more than a program. He’s built a world where young people are seen, accepted, and supported to imagine a future beyond their past.

Together, Jade and Dom unpack:

• Dom’s formative years, instability and the search for a mentor
• The neighbour who gifted a guitar — and modelled belief when it mattered most
• Building early hip‑hop camps and the messy, courageous beginnings of MMAD
• Why music connects when young people have shut down from everything else
• Creating a safe “MMAD world” built on trust, acceptance, and possibility
• How programs grow skills, self‑belief, and durable pathways — not quick fixes
• Real stories of young people reframing identity and breaking cycles
• Futures Radio and changing the inputs inside youth justice
• The case for prevention, early intervention, and smarter public investment

This is a conversation about belonging, identity, and what becomes possible when systems stop asking “what’s wrong with you?” and start asking “what happened — and what do you need now?”

Learn more about MMAD:
🌐 https://mmad.org.au
📱 Instagram: @MMADAustralia (DMs open)

This episode was recorded at ARN Studios.

Need more light in your feed?
 Follow, share, and be part of the movement to bring the balance back.

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.
This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.

Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.

Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.

Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected]
Follow, rate, and share to help amplify these voices.
Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Megan Gilmour — 2025 ACT Australian of the Year, co‑founder and CEO of MissingSchool, and the powerhouse driving a national movement to end school isolation.

When Megan’s son Darcy survived a life‑threatening illness, she witnessed something far more invisible and devastating than the medical crisis — the sudden erasure of belonging. Cut off from school, friends and identity, Darcy’s fight for life became a fight for connection. And that experience ignited a decade‑long mission that has reshaped national policy, created Australia’s first report on school isolation, and pioneered world‑first telepresence robots to keep sick kids learning with their classmates.

Together, Jade and Megan unpack:

• The 40% of Aussie kids missing more than 10% of school — and why school isolation, not “school refusal,” is the real issue
• Why children with illness, disability, neurodiversity and mental health challenges are being failed by outdated systems
• How the pandemic proved we can innovate — and why we’ve since gone backwards
• The disproportionate load on women and mothers
• The global disruption shaking the “bum in a seat” education model
• What an equitable, future‑ready, high‑flex education system actually looks like
• Why belonging isn’t fluffy — it’s life‑saving

This is a powerful conversation for parents, educators, policymakers, employers and anyone who believes every child — regardless of health, identity, culture or circumstance — deserves the right to belong, to learn and to thrive.

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

MissingSchool Contact Details

MissingSchool Website - https://missingschool.org.au/

Email - [email protected]

Facebook - @facebook.com/MissingSchoolInc/

Instagram - @instagram.com/missingschool_org/

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.
This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.

Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.

Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.

Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected]
Follow, rate, and share to help amplify these voices.
Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

In a world where adversity often seems insurmountable, Kath Koschel's story stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. From breaking her back twice to losing her partner, Kath's journey is a testament to the human spirit's ability to rise above challenges. Her experiences led her to found the Kindness Factory, a global movement that has inspired millions to engage in acts of kindness.

Kath's life took a dramatic turn when she faced unimaginable physical and emotional challenges. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, she chose to channel her pain into purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is light to be found.

The Kindness Factory was born out of Kath's desire to make a difference. With over 8 million acts of kindness logged, the movement has shown that small gestures can have a profound impact. Kath's vision is simple yet profound: to create a world where kindness is the norm, not the exception.

One of Kath's significant contributions is the Kindness Curriculum, which aims to instill values of empathy and compassion in young minds. By teaching children the importance of kindness, Kath hopes to foster a generation that values connection and community.

Kath's journey has touched lives across the globe. Her story is a testament to the ripple effect of kindness, proving that one person's actions can inspire countless others. As Kath continues to share her message, she reminds us all of the power we hold to change the world, one act of kindness at a time.

Kath Koschel's journey is a powerful reminder that kindness is not just an act but a way of life. Her story inspires us to look beyond our struggles and find strength in compassion. 

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

Kindness Factory Contact Details

Kindness Factory Website - kindnessfactory.com

Kath Koschel website - kathkoschel.com

Email - kindnessfactory.com/contact-us/

Facebook - @facebook.com/Kindnessfactory/

Instagram - @instagram.com/kindnessfactory/

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.
This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.

Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.

Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.

Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected]
Follow, rate, and share to help amplify these voices.
Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

A child’s final wish became a blueprint for change. Host Jade Harley sits down with KidsXpress founder and CEO Margo Ward to chart the journey from “play lady” in a hospital ward to leading a nationally recognised, trauma‑informed model that embeds expressive therapy in schools and communities across Australia. Margo shares how music, art, dance, and drama help children regulate, reconnect, and recover when words aren’t enough, and why consistent, long‑term presence beats quick fixes every time.

Across moving stories and sharp insights, we dig into the data behind Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the neuroscience that validates creative modalities, and the uncomfortable truth that half of all mental health issues start before 14. Margo explains how KidsXpress evolved from small therapy groups to whole‑school partnerships, why teachers need mental health professionals by their side, and what it takes to win community trust after a crisis. The Snowy Valleys case study shows the ripple effect in action: safer classrooms, supported families, and children who find their voice.

We also talk practical steps for parents and carers: how to spot signs of distress, what to say when behaviour shifts, and why the process of play matters more than the product. On policy and systems, Margo makes a bold case for a Minister for Children, trauma‑informed teacher education, and sustained funding for prevention and early intervention. At the heart of it all is a simple challenge: choose one child and keep showing up. That’s how culture changes - one trusted adult, one brave school, one community at a time.

This episode is a testament to what vision, compassion, and relentless commitment can achieve for young people. Tune in to learn how Margo’s dedication continues to drive systemic change in mental-health care for children, and how KidsXpress is helping to create the future all children deserve.

If this conversation moved you, follow and share the show, leave a review, and pass it to someone who cares about kids’ mental health. Want to help? Connect with KidsXpress, start a conversation at your school, and tell us what you’ll do first.

This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.

KidsXpress Contact Details

Website - kidsxpress.org.au

Email - [email protected]

Facebook - www.facebook.com/KidsXpressAustralia

Instagram - @kidsxpressmentalhealth

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.
This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.

Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.

Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.

Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected]
Follow, rate, and share to help amplify these voices.
Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley

In this episode of No Ordinary People, host Jade Harley speaks with Lana Masterton, founder and CEO of Down the Track, a grassroots organisation based in Lake Cargelligo, NSW, dedicated to supporting disengaged and marginalised youth in remote communities.

Lana shares her personal journey and the deep challenges faced by young people in her region - many of whom are impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and exposure to family and domestic violence. Through innovative, culturally respectful programs, Down the Track fosters belonging, resilience, and empowerment.

Their early intervention model is designed to meet young people where they’re at - offering flexible, individualised support that adapts as needs change. Whether through diversionary activities, education, training, or mentoring, the organisation helps young people build the skills and confidence to make better decisions, regulate emotions, and pursue real, sustainable employment.

Influenced by BackTrack Youth Works in Armidale, Down the Track’s approach is rooted in community connection, cultural acknowledgment, and long-term impact. It’s not just about reducing youth crime - it’s about creating safe spaces where young people can explore their hopes and dreams, and build a future on their own terms.

This is a story of grit, vision, and the power of showing up - one young person at a time.

This episode was recorded at the Musicians Making A Difference studio - a charity transforming young lives through the power of music.

Down The Track Contact Details

Website - downthetrack.org.au

Email - [email protected]

Facebook - www.facebook.com/LCMBDownthetrack

Instagram - @downthetrack_

No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.
This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.

Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.

Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.

Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected]
Follow, rate, and share to help amplify these voices.
Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley