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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

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