Radio Western Port

🎙️ Episode #32 Paul Pingiaro: From Boat Captain to Deputy Mayor, Building Legacy Through Leadership

In this episode of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, we sit down with Paul Pingiaro , a man who doesn’t just wear multiple hats… he hand-stitches them from grit, legacy, and action.

Paul’s story is a masterclass in grounded leadership. From building his family home with his dad, to earning his pilot's licence at 17, to running the award-winning Mornington Boat Hire and now serving as the Deputy Mayor of the Mornington Peninsula, Paul is proof that impact starts at home and scales through service.

We talk about:

⚓ Growing up with deep roots in Mornington and Mt Martha

✈️ His adventures as a young commercial pilot

🌱 Why tourism + conservation must walk hand-in-hand

🧭 The real reason he ran for Council

❤️‍🔥 And how he stays grounded through it all

This one is about leadership, legacy, and living in alignment with what matters.

💭 “When you lead with purpose, promises become action—and action becomes impact.”

— Paul

🎧 Tune in now. Your story matters here.

Anita is BACK for Episode #3 of Anita’s Community Catchups on Radio Western Port!

In this episode, Anita chats with Paula about all things hospitality, first aid & CPR, agricultural skills, and an exciting new horticulture course at Advance Community College.

Paula introduces the brand-new 12-week horticulture course at Somerville Community House, where you’ll explore the basics of plant care, garden planning, sustainable practices, and more. Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby, grow your own food, or step into a career in horticulture, this is the perfect next step.

📩 For more information or to register:

✉️ [email protected]

📞 5986 4623

🎧 Tune in and discover how you can get involved!

🎙️ The Joe Show – Episode #12 is here!

This week, Joe is back with another jam-packed episode covering everything from school going back, local good citizen awards, and tree planting in Somerville, to his candid take on local politics (or lack thereof).

Topics include:

Asbestos clean-up on US marine bases (due by Christmas)

Local government officials getting a pay rise

Fisheries Department staff slashed from 15 down to just 3

Joe’s frustration with pot holes and the cost of damage

Electric bikes & scooters becoming more like motorcycles – and almost colliding with Joe!

Mt Martha hairdresser award winner

Flag debate and criminal activity in Hastings

Joe’s upcoming scan at Peninsula Hospital

Plus, Joe shares his trademark humour, his no-filter thoughts on community issues, and plenty of stories you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Tune in now and catch up on all things local!

🎙️ Episode #31 – Breaking Cycles and Finding Your Voice with Alyson Richelle

In this powerful episode of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, host Hannah Swinnerton is joined by trauma-informed consultant, survivor, and former police officer Alyson Richelle.

Alyson’s journey from policing to advocacy is a story of courage, truth-telling, and hope. Through her platform What They Don’t Tell You and her podcast Ask Alyson Anything, Alyson is changing lives by supporting people navigating unsafe or abusive relationships, parenting through trauma, and breaking intergenerational cycles.

This raw, heart-opening conversation covers:

How Alyson’s lived experience as a survivor shaped her path

Why trauma-informed approaches are crucial in support services

Breaking cycles of abuse and overcoming systemic barriers

What healing looks like, even on the hardest days

💡 Whether you’re a survivor, supporting someone you love, or simply ready to be inspired, this episode will remind you that your story matters, and you’re never alone.

🎧 Listen now and remember: The more you believe in yourself, the more things you can achieve.

Inspired to Soar with Hannah – Episode #30 with Guest Deb

Today’s episode is one you won’t forget. Deb’s story is a powerful journey of love, heartbreak, resilience, and rediscovering herself after unimaginable loss.

Born in 1964 to Dutch parents as a first-generation Australian, Deb’s life was full of family, love, and adventure. By 28, she was a mum of three and later married her soulmate, Ron. But after nearly 21 beautiful years together, Deb faced heartbreak when Ron passed away suddenly.

Through grief, addiction, and the challenge of building a life on her own, Deb found healing through the gym, meditation, and the love of her eight grandchildren.

In this episode, she shares raw, honest reflections about overcoming adversity, breaking free from pain medication, finding strength after loss, and why “Nansy’s Daycare” with her grandkids brings her the most joy.

Deb’s story is proof that even when life feels impossible, you can rebuild and soar again.

💫 Tune in and be inspired to keep going, no matter where you are in your journey.

EP #30: From Grief to Growth – Deb’s Story of Love, Loss & Fierce Resilience

On this episode of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, we meet Deb , a first-generation Aussie, a mum of three, and a Nan to eight, whose life has been marked by love, loss, and breathtaking transformation.

After marrying her soulmate Ron and sharing nearly 21 beautiful years together, Deb faced sudden, heartbreaking loss. What followed was a battle through grief, addiction, and loneliness. But she didn’t stay down. Deb chose healing, through movement, breathwork, and the joy of being "Nan" to her grandkids.

This is a story of raw honesty, deep pain, and powerful renewal.

💛 Topics in this episode:

• Navigating sudden grief

• Recovery from addiction and trauma

• Breathwork, meditation & fitness for healing

• The unconditional love of grandchildren

• Choosing life after unimaginable loss

Press play and let Deb’s story remind you:

You can rebuild. You can rise. You were born to soar. 💫

Episode #29 — Ben Smith | Community, Compassion, and the Power of Showing Up

Welcome to Inspired to Soar with Hannah, the podcast where real stories spark real change.

This week, I’m honoured to be joined by Ben Smith, father, small-business owner, and CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre. Ben’s work supporting people through homelessness, housing insecurity, and financial crisis is reshaping what community care looks like on the Mornington Peninsula.

In this episode, Ben opens up about:

🧠 The mental health toll of loneliness and disconnection

🏡 What true community support means during times of crisis

👨‍👧‍👦 What being named 2024 Victorian Father of the Year means to him

🎤 The impact of his TEDx talk and why we must choose connection over independence

Ben’s story is a beautiful reminder that real leadership is rooted in empathy, resilience, and love.

💛 Whether you’re feeling disconnected or ready to take action in your own community, this episode is for you.

Listen now, and don’t forget: you are not alone.

Solo Motherhood, Strength & MS: Zoey’s Journey of Resilience

In this powerful episode of Inspired to Soar with Hannah, we’re joined by the incredible Zoey, a woman whose journey is equal parts heart-wrenching and awe-inspiring. From leaving home at just 15, finishing high school on her own, and becoming a solo mum at 18, to raising a neurodivergent child and facing a life-changing MS diagnosis , Zoey’s story is one of unshakable love, grit, and relentless hope.

We dive deep into:

- The realities of solo parenting

- Early signs and diagnosis of her son’s additional needs

- Mental health, burnout, and the importance of asking for help

- Living with chronic illness

- The truth about resilience and what keeps her going

Her honesty will move you. Her strength will inspire you.

🎙️ Episode 27: Brad Hill – Leading with Heart: Community, Mental Health & Public Service

In this inspiring episode, Hannah sits down with Brad Hill, three-time elected Frankston City Councillor, tech professional with over 40 years of experience, Justice of the Peace, father of five, and a man with community stitched into his DNA.

Brad shares his journey from reading local issues on Facebook to stepping into public service, the lessons he’s learned about leadership, resilience, and the importance of listening deeply to the people you serve. We dive into mental health, the balance between family and public life, and the quiet strength required to show up with integrity day after day.

💬 “To make a difference, you have to do more than vote or complain, you have to act.”

– Brad Hill

Whether you're navigating leadership, seeking balance, or looking to reconnect with your community, Brad’s story is a reminder that real change starts with compassion and courage.

🔗 Listen now and be inspired to rise, shine, and soar.

Episode #26 – From Northern China to Melbourne Café Owner: The Journey of Jeff

From a small village in northern China to the heart of Melbourne, Jeff’s story is a powerful blend of resilience, purpose, and quiet strength. In this episode, Jeff opens up about his childhood, migration journey, and how he built Pelikan Société into more than just a café — it's a home for community.

We talk about:

Moving schools 9 times in 12 years

The love story that changed everything

Mental health in the hospitality world

The courage to start over and thrive

Whether you’re navigating change, building a dream, or just need a reminder that your story matters, this one’s for you.

🎙️ Hosted by Hannah Swinnerton

💫 This is Inspired to Soar where real stories spark real change.