In this episode, The Boite’s CEO Dale Packard and Director Therese Virtue share how the organisation has been using music as a powerful tool for cultural celebration, connection and community engagement since 1979. Through performances, workshops and community programs, The Boite creates opportunities for professional standard multicultural performances, traditions and stories to be shared and celebrated.

Tune in to hear Dale and Therese discuss the importance of preserving and promoting cultural expression, the role music plays in building understanding between communities and how The Boite continues to create inclusive spaces where people can connect, participate and belong. This episode features performances by The Boite artists, showcasing their quality and how the universal language of music strengthens community connections through creativity and collaboration.

Performances include:

- Excerpt from Greek ensemble Estudiantina of Melbourne

- Celeste by Sebastian Lugo

- Lullaby by Zulya Kamalova

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

Follow The Boite on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_boite

In this episode, Bluebird Foundation's Bron Lawson and Kate Harris are joined by program participant Terry Kelly to share how this Geelong-based community arts organisation is using creativity to strengthen communities, foster inclusion and improve social, emotional and wellbeing outcomes. Through collaborative arts programs, Bluebird Foundation creates spaces where people feel seen and heard.

Tune in to hear Bron, Kate and Terry discuss the transformative power of the arts, the impact of creative participation on confidence, wellbeing and belonging, and how Bluebird Foundation is helping people discover their voices through meaningful artistic experiences.

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

Follow Bluebird Foundation on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bluebird_foundation/

In this episode, Pippin Remi, Executive Director, and Erin Adams, Marketing and Communications Manager, share the inspiring story of Women's Circus and its mission to create a supportive and inclusive space where women, transgender and non-binary people can build confidence, develop skills and connect through the transformative power of circus arts.

Tune in to hear Pippin and Erin discuss how Women's Circus is empowering participants to discover their strengths, learn new skills and build meaningful connections. Discover how the organisation is using creativity as a catalyst for inclusion, resilience and belonging while inspiring positive change on and off the stage.

To learn more, (and sign up to the mail list) visit: https://www.womenscircus.org.au/

Follow Women's Circus on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenscircus/

Women's Circus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenscircus

In this episode, Pride Cup CEO, Hayley Conway and Engagement Director, Caitlin Bunker share how the organisation is working to make sporting clubs safer, more welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQIA+ communities. Through education, advocacy and community engagement, Pride Cup partners with clubs and sporting organisations across Australia to foster environments where everyone can participate, connect and belong.

Tune in to hear Hayley and Caitlin discuss the important role sport plays in shaping communities, the ongoing challenges surrounding LGBTQIA+ inclusion and how Pride Cup is helping clubs create lasting cultural change. Discover how the organisation is empowering sporting communities to celebrate diversity, strengthen connections and ensure every player, volunteer and supporter feels valued both on and off the field.

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

Follow Pride Cup on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pridecup/

In this episode, Kim Michod, Development Support Officer at Pets in the Park, shares how the organisation is supporting people experiencing homelessness, vulnerability and social isolation by providing free veterinary care and essential services for their pets. Through compassionate community outreach and volunteer-led clinics, Pets in the Park is helping keep people and their beloved companions together during difficult times.

Tune in to hear Kim discuss the powerful connection between people and their pets, the growing demand for accessible pet care services and how Pets in the Park is creating dignity, connection and community support for vulnerable Australians and their animals.

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

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsInTheParkAU/

In this episode, Andrew Schauble, CEO, and Felicia Bell, Head of Impact, share the inspiring story of Geelong Foodshare and its mission to alleviate food insecurity in the region. Through innovative food rescue programs, cooking classes, strong community partnerships and a commitment to dignity-driven support with their social supermarkets, Geelong Foodshare is ensuring thousands of individuals and families have access to nutritious meals when they need them most.

Tune in to hear Andrew and Felicia discuss the growing challenges surrounding food insecurity, the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change and how Geelong Foodshare redistributes enough surplus food to feed 20,000 people each week and provide vital community support.

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

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geelongfoodshare

New Mercer St Social Supermarket featured on 7NEWS: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1500870417671111

In this episode, Sally Beard, Founder and CEO of Backpacks 4 VIC Kids, shares how a simple realisation in her early days as a foster carer has grown into a vital support service for over 10,000 children and young people entering emergency care in Victoria. Backpacks 4 VIC Kids is a not-for-profit organisation that provides essential items to kids experiencing unstable living circumstances, ensuring they have access to the basic necessities many take for granted during times of crisis.

Tune in to hear Sally discuss the realities faced by children entering care, the importance of responding with dignity and compassion and how Backpacks 4 VIC Kids delivers immediate, practical support when it’s needed most. From backpacks filled with everyday essentials to specialised care packs, the organisation plays a critical role in helping young people feel safe, valued and supported.

To learn more, visit: https://backpacks4vickids.org.au/

Follow B4VK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backpacks4vickids_/

Watch Sally's appearance on Sunrise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn9lSfkt_9U

In this episode, CEO Teuila Reid shares the inspiring story behind Helping Hoops - a community-driven charity using social basketball as a powerful tool to engage, empower and support young people facing disadvantage and disconnection across Melbourne.

Tune in to hear Teuila discuss how Helping Hoops creates safe, inclusive spaces where participants can build confidence, develop life skills under the guidance of positive role models and experience a sense of belonging through sport. From weekly programs on local courts to broader community initiatives, discover how this remarkable charity continues to break down barriers, foster connection and create positive pathways - proving that basketball can be about so much more than the game.

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

Follow Helping Hoops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helpinghoops/

In this episode, Caitlin Dullard and Angela Buckingham provide a glimpse inside the iconic La Mama Theatre, exploring its rich legacy as a cornerstone of Australia’s independent theatre scene that nurtures bold, original voices and provides a platform for emerging artists.

Tune in to hear Caitlin and Angela share insights into the challenges and triumphs of sustaining independent theatre and the importance of artistic experimentation. Plus, learn about how La Mama continues to evolve while staying true to its origins with a fundraising initiative selling limited edition vintage poster prints to ensure future generations will have a space where stories are told, voices are amplified, and the magic of live performance thrives.

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

Purchase a La Mama Vintage Poster Print: https://www.lamama.com.au/shop/limited-edition-vintage-prints

Hugh Jackman with his La Mama vintage poster print: https://pressroomphilanthropy.com.au/la-mama-theatre/

In this episode, President Sean Callanan, Vice President Jodie Webb and Board Member Fiona Dinner share the story behind Thursday Girls, a Melbourne-based charity supporting women living with a terminal metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. Through a compassionate peer support network, Thursday Girls provides a safe and understanding space where women can connect with others facing similar experiences, share their stories and find strength in community.

Tune in to hear how the charity creates meaningful moments of connection through regular gatherings, events and supportive programs that help women navigate the emotional and practical challenges of their journey and how Thursday Girls continues to provide comfort, solidarity and hope for women and their families during an incredibly challenging time.

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

Visit the Thursday Girls Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ThursdayGirlsGroup-Australia