In this episode, Dewi Cooke, CEO of The Social Studio and creative leader Ms. Nyamal Omot share how fashion can be a powerful force for social change. Based at Collingwood Yards, The Social Studio is a social enterprise that supports young people from refugee and new migrant backgrounds to build careers in the fashion industry. The Social Studio provides accredited training, employment pathways and hands-on creative experiences - redefining what ethical fashion looks like in Australia.

Tune in to hear Dewi and Ms. Omot describe how The Social Studio's hive of creativity builds confidence, teaches people about the transformative power of fashion and produces clothing for sale that tell stories of identity, resilience and belonging.

To learn more, visit: https://thesocialstudio.org/

Visit the retail store: Collingwood Yards - Shop UG (Upper Ground). 6/30 Perry St, Collingwood, 3066. Wed, 12pm-5pm. Thurs-Sat, 11am-5pm.

Follow Ms. Omot on Instagram: @nya_omot

In this episode, (It's No) Drama's Artistic Director and Program Manager, Samara Cunningham and Founding Member, Steve Canning share how this Gippsland based, not-for-profit arts company is redefining how people with disabilities contribute to cultural life in our community through innovative, high-quality, multi-disciplinary art projects.

Tune in to hear Samara and Steve discuss how the organisation was founded, the vision that continues to drive its growth and the impact of its programs on young people, just like Steve, who may otherwise struggle to feel seen and heard. Through inclusive workshops and performance opportunities, (It’s No) Drama creates safe, supportive spaces where participants can explore their identities, develop practical skills and discover their voice — both on stage and in life.

To learn more, visit: https://www.itsnodrama.com/

'Mix Tape' Socials created by Pressroom: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLimibY9kWNFMoECTGmY76biAseq_M7jhO

Website: https://www.itsnodrama.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsnodramatheatre/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnodramatheatre/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNS0ZUVI1AN0C9ojdysSnyw

In this episode, Donna Lyon, Founder and CEO of Left, Write, Hook, shares how this unique program that blends boxing and creative writing is empowering adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and gendered violence to confront their past and turn trauma into strength by creating a safe space to express themselves, build skills and imagine new possibilities.

Tune in to hear how Donna drew on her own lived experiences as a trauma survivor to create this unique and rapidly expanding charity. Learn more about Left, Write, Hook's flagship 8-week workshop, which was first held in 2019 and has led to a published book of survivor stories and more recently an award winning documentary now screening on Netflix.

To learn more, visit: https://leftwritehook.org/

Read the book: https://leftwritehook.org/shop/p/left-write-hook-survivor-stories-from-a-creative-arts-boxing-and-writing-project

Watch the award-winning documentary on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81977680

In this special Christmas episode, we’re joined by Juliana Kay, Artistic Director of Young Voices of Melbourne, an organisation that has spent decades nurturing young singers and building a vibrant musical community. Juliana shares how the choir’s welcoming culture, diverse repertoire and strong emphasis on personal growth have helped thousands of young people find their voice—both on and off the stage.

Tune in as Juliana reflects on her journey with Young Voices of Melbourne, the unique challenges and joys of guiding young performers, and how each rehearsal, performance and shared moment of music-making contributes to confidence, connection and lifelong belonging.

Plus, this episode features a number of Christmas carols performed by the Young Voices of Melbourne. Enjoy!

To learn more, visit: https://yvm.com.au/

Carol #1: Carol of the Bells: https://open.spotify.com/track/2j9Ah9bYYA2EOTUsGYpjPm

Carol #2: The Silver Stars are in the Sky: https://open.spotify.com/track/5YB2Q6DLltkaEDEpaqbb9s

Carol #3: Ding Dong Merrily on High: https://open.spotify.com/track/32v3A1kpeFmvG07jacpxSt

Carol #4: Maringa Krismes: https://open.spotify.com/track/0dtym969ACy39aC6FuHXHv

Listen to the Young Voices of Melbourne’s Christmas Carols album: https://open.spotify.com/album/1peOLutGIYHBhUDJ2dZbC8

Watch Pressroom’s Moving Stories video: https://youtu.be/wc6-NGt0wW4

In this episode, Knit One, Give One's CEO Vicki Davis and Social Media Manager Jodie Kagan explain how a kind-hearted group of more than 20,000 volunteer knitters throughout Australia purchase their own wool and donate their time to knit beautiful, hand-crafted items that are distributed to people experiencing hardship via KOGO's vast network of partner agencies.

Tune in to hear Vicki and Jodie share how KOGO’s growth over the past 20 years has been shaped by the evolving needs of disadvantaged communities. Plus, how every one of the 100,000+ garments distributed each year is crafted with care and delivered with respect - providing recipients with a sense of warmth and dignity.

To learn more, visit: https://www.kogo.org.au/

Follow KOGO's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/knitonegiveone

Watch the video 'Knit One, Give One - Who We Are': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2DAXRqZgwA&list=PLimibY9kWNFMbKTK_owERJ6Mi_K2ghyRT&t=1s

Watch the video 'A Square Can Change A Life' on KOGO's homepage.

In this episode, The Community Grocer's CEO Georgia Savage shares how this Melbourne-based social enterprise brings affordable, fresh and culturally relevant produce directly to public housing estates and growth corridors across the city — helping make affordable, nutritious food accessible for all.

Tune in to hear how Georgia and her team are tackling food insecurity with dignity and choice, revitalising local food systems through weekly markets and fostering social connection in the process. She also discusses The Grocer Gift Card 'Pay It Forward' program, their innovative approach to emergency food relief and how partnerships and volunteers keep this community movement thriving.

To learn more, visit: https://www.thecommunitygrocer.com.au

Watch the 10 Year Anniversary Video created by Pressroom: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DClbzPbBCRk/

Grocer Gift Card "Pay It Forward' Program: https://www.thecommunitygrocer.com.au/grocergift

In this episode, Mums Supporting Families in Need's Strategy and Fundraising Manager Charlotte Davies shares how this volunteer-powered charity redistributes donated essential material aid to 110 agencies, providing a lifeline to more than 1,600 families in the Bayside and South Eastern suburbs each year.

Tune in to learn about some of MSFIN's innovations, such as their Hamper of Hope (everything a family would need when escaping domestic violence with nothing and are placed in safe accommodation) and their striking Donation Stations, proudly designed and produced by Pressroom Philanthropy.

To learn more, visit: https://www.msfin.org.au/

Find out more about MSFIN's Reverse Advent Calendar concept: https://www.msfin.org.au/reverseadventcalendar

In this episode, Rebecca Passlow, Executive Officer of the Penguin Foundation and Stuart Murphy, Ranger at Phillip Island Nature Parks, explore the remarkable conservation work taking place on Phillip Island, Victoria. From caring for injured wildlife to restoring native habitat and researching the impact of climate change, the Penguin Foundation supports the work of Phillip Island Nature Parks to help secure the future for Australia's coastal species - especially Phillip Island's beloved Little Penguin.

Tune in to learn more about one of Victoria's most popular tourist attractions - the nightly 'Penguin Parade' and how the Penguin Foundation's creative initiatives such as their 'Adopt a Penguin' program are preserving Phillip Island's flora and fauna for generations to come.

To learn more, visit: https://penguinfoundation.org.au/

Adopt a Penguin: https://penguinfoundation.org.au/donate/adopt/little-penguin

Buy the Children's Book 'Goodnight Little Penguins': https://www.penguin.com.au/books/goodnight-little-penguins-9781761349119

In this episode, Learning For Life Autism Centre's Co-founder Mary Muirhead, Head of Early Intervention Claire Birrell and Head of Allied Health Sarah Wood share the inspiring story of how this charity began 20 years ago and how early intervention makes a lifelong difference for children with autism.

Tune in to hear how their innovative Inclusion Works program is making real-time changes with lasting impact by empowering educators in childcare, kindergartens, and schools to build inclusive classrooms through hands-on support, practical tools and real-time coaching.

To learn more, visit: https://www.learningforlife.com.au/

Learning For Life's Giving Day, Thursday 16th October 2025: https://www.charidy.com/l4lifegivingday

In this episode, Co-Founder and CEO Janine Sigley and Volunteer Co-Ordinator Megan Morgan give an insight into this feelgood charity.

Throughout Australia, Story Dogs (and their volunteer owners) go into Primary Schools and conduct 20-minute reading sessions with children who may never have had books read to them and are in danger of falling behind in their literacy.

Tune in to hear about the how Story Dogs creates a calming, non-judgmental setting (outside the pressures of the classroom) that makes reading fun. As their self-belief grows, the child develops a love of reading and is on their way to becoming a confident, lifelong reader - the foundation of all learning!

To learn more, visit: https://www.storydogs.org.au/

Watch the explainer animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIa6UrYgpC4