Speak Out Loud: Stories of Strength

Jessica Carey's deep connection with the Southern Downs Region goes back six generations. Today we chat about the cycles and seasons in nature, and that by choosing your mindset and your actions, you build your strength and resilience which positions you in a much better place to manage the changes, the cycles and the seasons in life. Jessica also shares her love of physical activity and sport, and the many opportunities across the region for joining in structured activities like sport, as well as unstructured leisure activities such as bushwalking that gets you connected with nature. Our conversation reflects many of the themes that we've explored in Season Two and I'm sure it will inspire you to get out there and get active.

Listen to the podcast conversation to hear Jessica share:

• her family connection to the Southern Downs
• her perspective of natural events that focuses on cycles and seasons 
• health is a value which guides her choices in nutrition, movement, stillness, sleep, relationships, goals and nature
• opportunities for people to get active in the region including structured sport and unstructured leisure activities
• how to find information about physical activities including asking other people, using social media, accessing council’s website and asking local businesses
• her favourite ways to get active and what motivates her
• local spaces for hiking including Girraween National Park
• ‘in town’ options for people to get active
• why she loves teaching children swimming skills
• opportunities for adults to get involved with a new sport or activity
• increase your physical activity by starting small, setting a goal and working towards it slowly whilst being kind and compassionate with yourself
• mindset, movement and connection creates change that can increase your resilience and improve your emotional and physical well-being
• it’s important to choose activities and ways of connecting that work for you
• her belief that the region has incredible opportunities to get active and explore the natural landscapes

 RESOURCES and LINKS
Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode and a full list of the services, organisations, events and resources mentioned

Read the transcript of the episode

Contact Jessica Carey

VIEW THE HOPE + GROWTH 2019 EXHIBITION ONLINE  (PHOTOS AND POETRY)

Contact Kathryn Walton from Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay

Series 2 has been jointly funded under the Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018)

The information shared in the podcast conversations and associated handouts is intended for general information only and is not necessarily the opinion of the producers, host and funding bodies. To the best of our knowledge, this information was correct at the time of publishing. Please consult with your doctor, health provider and relevant trained personnel for professional advice and support based on your individual needs. 

 Liz Fama'aea  joins me to share the value of being connected with your community. Liz grew up in Stanthorpe and was motivated to move back with her family a few years ago so they could reconnect and benefit from the support of the community. She has a really interesting story to share about the damage her home and property sustained during the September 2019 bushfire and the incredible recovery journey of the landscape and community which was reflected in the recent Hope + Growth Photo Exhibition. 

Listen to the podcast conversation to hear Liz share:

• her family connection with the Stanthorpe community on the Southern Downs
• one of the things she loves about being a photographer is bearing witness to and recording personal and community events 
• the Hope + Growth Photography Exhibition enabled people to share memories and feelings about the 2019 bushfire
• her own experience of the bushfire which damaged her home and property, and the remarkable story of what saved it
• the importance of knowing your fire risk and preparing your property
• the amazing recovery of the bush with explosions of growth and diversity
• her sense of hope for bush recovery as plants flower and provide food for wildlife
• things she’s learnt from the fire including: 
  • nurture your links and engage with your community
  • introduce yourself to your neighbours – it can be lifesaving!
  •  community can respond faster than governments in times of need
  • encourage a culture of mutual support – when you ask for help, it gives others “permission” to ask for help too 
  •  “survivor guilt” can be a barrier to people acknowledging the challenges and asking for help
• balancing personal space and community engagement is important
• the value of taking on the role of official photographer for the Hope and Growth Photography Exhibition Openings
• the exhibition was an opportunity to talk with others who had shared the bushfire experience and thank the emergency services workers
• immediate mental health support is vital during crises, but there is enormous value in community events even several years later 
• getting to know the bush around you helps you understand it and prepare for fires
• broad-scale community fire management strategies are vital
• more education is needed to protect and support communities in fire-prone areas including the sharing of knowledge by older generations, trained personnel and Indigenous land management workers

 RESOURCES and LINKS
Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode and a full list of the services, organisations, events and resources mentioned

Read the transcript of the episode

VIEW THE HOPE + GROWTH 2019 EXHIBITION ONLINE  (PHOTOS AND POETRY)

Contact Kathryn Walton from Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay

Series 2 has been jointly funded under the Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018)

The information shared in the podcast conversations and associated handouts is intended for general information only and is not necessarily the opinion of the producers, host and funding bodies. To the best of our knowledge, this information was correct at the time of publishing. Please consult with your doctor, health provider and relevant trained personnel for professional advice and support based on your individual needs. 

Carmel and Adam Wooding join me on the podcast today to chat about how digital technology can help you thrive by connecting you with your friends, family and community, as well as how digital technology is helping rural, regional and remote businesses across Australia thrive by connecting them with their customers and their teams. Carmel and Adam established their own business, Empower Digital, during the drought and the bush fires of 2019 in Warwick, Queensland. They also had plans to travel around Australia with their business when the pandemic changed what was possible. Their story reflects how important it is to have goals in your personal and your work or business life. But most importantly, it highlights the value of being flexible in how you work towards your goals. The themes in this episode encourage you to connect and to be flexible in life and business. 

Listen to the podcast conversation to hear Carmel and Adam share:

• their connection with the Southern Downs Region
• how they combined their interests in education and digital technology to create a family business in 2019 when the region was experiencing drought and bushfires 
• why their business goal is to empower people with the use of technology
• how they planned to combine their business and family goals in 2020 
• how the pandemic unexpectedly impacted their travel and business
• the adjustments they made to their family travel goals that enabled them to return to caravanning and working on the road
• the surprising silver lining that COVID-19 had for their business
• technology as a tool facilitates connection between people, businesses and communities in ways that help them to thrive especially in rural and regional areas
• access to technology and connectivity is a barrier in some parts of Australia where there are limited mobile phone and Internet services
•  fear or lack of confidence in using technology is also a barrier for many people
• adopting the mindset that everything in life is a learning process can help people access and enjoy the benefits of technology
• the importance of maintaining information literacy and remembering that everything you see on social media is not true or realistic
• being proactive with security measures is important 
• practical tools to help you overcome some of the challenges with technology include:
  •  keep software up-to-date with the latest versions of apps and programs you use
  • use a password manager 
  • use a different password on every different account
  •  turn on two-step authentication wherever possible 
  • be careful which links you click on and who you share sensitive information with
• supporting communities and businesses to improve connectivity and connection reflects the positive power of technology and facilitates self-determination
• COVID-19 has normalised virtual meetings and connections using technology

 RESOURCES and LINKS
Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode and a full list of the services, organisations, events and resources mentioned

Read the transcript of the episode

Contact Carmel and Adam Wooding at Empower Digital

Contact Kathryn Walton from Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay

Series 2 has been jointly funded under the Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018)

Tanya Jobling joins me for today's episode to share information about the Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group, a not for profit organisation which has been active across the region for 30 years. The Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group collaborates with other organisations to help the community connect with land management workshops and projects that benefit the health of the land and the health of the people. This includes education on techniques such as natural sequence farming, regenerative agriculture, bio controls and bushfire risk mitigation, as well as bush care groups which are open to anyone interested in getting involved. 

Listen to the podcast conversation to hear Tanya share:

• her connection to the Southern Downs in her role with the Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group
• the Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group delivers projects relevant to farmers, conservationists, bush carers and land managers
• farmers prepare for disruptive events such as floods, drought and fires which are a normal part of the landscape they manage
• a recent project was inspired by the early adopters of natural sequence farming in the region and delivered workshops, courses and funded works on local properties
• regenerative agriculture projects have looked at a range of techniques to build soil, biodiversity and agricultural health which creates resilient systems
• current regenerative agriculture projects include natural sequence farming, multi-species cover crops, pasture crops, grazing practices, tree establishment, soil health and system health for farming
• the benefits of regenerative agriculture can be seen across the landscape and the community
• many people are discovering that regenerative practices are interesting and rewarding as they gain a deeper understanding of the diverse range of options available and how they can work with the landscape
• change is certain, and a top tip for dealing with change is to focus your energy on looking after yourself and being prepared for change
• cultural burning workshops have helped participants understand the indigenous perspective of land management, the landscape health benefits of appropriate fire, and bushfire risk mitigation
• Landcare is resilient in the face of reduced funding, aiming to be an effective community group in the current system and looking towards the future

 RESOURCES and LINKS
Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode and a full list of the services, organisations, events and resources mentioned

Read the transcript of the episode

Contact  Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group

Contact Kathryn Walton from Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay

Series 2 has been jointly funded under the Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018)

Today's guest is Helen Lewis who shares valuable insights and tools to help you manage tough times. Helen is a primary producer from Picot's Farm near Warwick on the Southern Downs. She has a keen interest in educating communities about chosen change and unchosen change as well as decision-making for your farm, your business, your family, or your personal life that's based on your values and your longer term vision. Helen also shares some information about the Outback Way Project which highlights the benefits of connections within and between communities and the power of collaboration.

Listen to the podcast conversation to hear Helen share:

•  the story of her connection to the Southern Downs
• the emotional, physical and landscape impacts of bushfires, droughts and floods
• natural disasters are “unchosen change” 
• the process of managing “unchosen change” 
•  the process of “chosen change”
•  how a local farmers’ group has helped her manage her business through the drought
• the importance of improving your landscape function to mitigate the impact of natural disasters
•  focusing your energy and attention on your Circle of Control can grow your Circle of Influence and diminish your Circle of Concern
•  the value of early decision-making, knowing your “drought trigger point” and being clear on your risk level profile
• land management practices such as planned grazing helps prepare the soil for future weather events
•  values-based decision-making
• tools in the land management toolbox
• the importance of understanding how nature works so you know which tools to use
•  the Outback Way project 
• the Southern Downs Food Map 
• the mindset that you’re either winning or learning is a powerful, positive and pro-active space

 RESOURCES and LINKS
Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode and a full list of the services, organisations, events and resources mentioned

Read the transcript of the episode

Contact Helen Lewis, Picot's Farm

Contact Kathryn Walton from Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay

Series 2 has been jointly funded under the Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018)

Peter Gill is my guest on the podcast today. Peter lives on the Granite Belt in the Southern Downs Region where he's surrounded by bush land that's a habitat to a diverse range of vegetation and wildlife, including many birds which you might hear as you listen to this episode. For Peter, writing poetry is a catalyst for self-expression and creativity. He shares one of his poems with us today that conveys the relief and the despair of returning home after the bush fire in September 2019. Peter also shares with us the vital importance of preparation and being proactive, including asking for help of any kind, if you need it. 

Listen to the podcast conversation to hear Peter share:

•  his connection with the Southern Downs including what attracted him to the area
•  one of his poems “Returning Home” that was exhibited in the Hope + Growth Photography Exhibition
• how his poems include elements of emotional expression and education 
•  the agricultural community deals with stress each year such as hail, flood, fire and economic issues
• part of the strength of the community is that support is available
• it’s important to acknowledge when you need support
• you can access formal help and connect informally with others
• the Blue Tree Project is an awareness-raising initiative that encourages people to acknowledge difficulties and work towards solutions
•  there’s always a solution
• preparation for troubles such as bushfires is vital and includes mental preparation and practical action
• the bushfire provided him with an opportunity to simplify, put things in perspective, see the silver lining and reduce risk for future events, all of which enabled him to deal with loss and bounce back better
•  dealing with loss is not about moving on and forgetting, but moving on knowing you survived, recovered and identified ways to reduce your future risk
•   there is great value in taking the step of asking yourself how you can fix a problem or issue and then being proactive and taking action yourself  - don’t expect recovery to come to you
•   poetry is his preferred form of expression but other people might use painting, drawing or planting
• be prepared for ongoing cyclical seasons of dry weather, fires, wet weather and growth

RESOURCES and LINKS
Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode and a full list of the services, organisations, events and resources mentioned

Read the transcript of the episode

View the Hope + Growth 2019 Bushfire Photography Exhibition online

Contact Kathryn Walton from Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay

Series 2 has been jointly funded under the Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018)

Mary Findlay is my guest on the podcast today. Mary is the director of the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery and her enthusiasm for connecting people to the creative arts is incredibly contagious. As Mary says, the arts are a wonderful connector that brings people together as well as being a valuable way to express your own voice or story.

Listen to the podcast conversation to hear Mary share:

• the story of her connection to the Southern Downs
• how connection with your community can be strengthened slowly over time
• the history of the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
• information about the many events, collections and art prizes at the gallery 
• the gallery’s focus which supports local artists
• art as a form of self-expression and story-telling throughout history and today
• the Hope and Growth Photography Exhibition acknowledges the difficulties and celebrates the community as it recovers from drought and bushfire
• how locals and visitors can get involved with arts projects and pursuits in the region including workshops, groups, clubs and special events
• creative arts are for everyone no matter your level of skill or experience
• art helps people connect with each other and to share skills
• suggestions on how to get started if you’d like to get creative 
• 10-15 minutes of time is all you need to get creative and give yourself a bit of time during your day
• follow your heart and be creative in whatever way brings you a sense of peace, connection to yourself and connection to others
• art transcends differences and helps people find peace

 RESOURCES and LINKS
Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode and a full list of the services, organisations, events and resources mentioned

Read the transcript of the episode

Contact Mary Findlay at the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery
W: https://www.srag.org.au/ 
E: [email protected]
P: (07) 4681 1874
POST: PO Box 211, Stanthorpe, Queensland 4380

Contact Kathryn Walton from Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay

Series 2 has been jointly funded under the Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018)

Jolene Nelson joins me on the podcast today. Jo is the Visitor Management Ranger for the South West Region. We chat about the National Parks in the area, the activities that are on offer, and she shares with us the recovery journey that she's seen following the bush fires, particularly at Girraween National Park where she's worked for over 20 years. The region has some incredible green spaces and I really hope that this episode inspires you to get out there, to get active and to connect with nature. 

Listen to the podcast conversation to hear Jolene share:

• her connection to the Southern Downs and particularly Girraween National Park
• the protected areas in the region including Girraween and Sundown National Parks and Broadwater and Passchendaele State Forests in Queensland as well as Bald Rock and Boonoo Boonoo National Parks just over the border in New South Wales
• recreational opportunities including camping, walking, hiking overnight, mountain biking, bird watching, rock climbing, orienteering, paddling, swimming, 4WDing and simply enjoying nature
• the impact of weather and climate events on the National Parks including drought, wild fires and floods
• the difficulty of seeing the environment struggling with ongoing drought followed by the amazing recovery that happens in nature
• the cycles of stress and recovery that are evident in nature which bring a strong sense of hope
• National Parks Rangers have responsibility for fire management including planning and preparing fire strategies in partnership with other organisations
• seasonal tasks to prepare for fire seasons and minimise risk includes fire trail management and maintenance, updating neighbourhood contacts, prescribed burns and cultural burns
• the importance of being prepared, trained and ready to respond to wild fires
• the different activities available in Girraween and Sundown
• nature experiences including wildflowers, reptiles, possums, gliders, wombats and birds
• how spending time in nature can help you feel calmer, reset, reboot and disconnect from a busy life
• where to get more information about the National Parks in the area
• Girraween is currently undergoing a face lift with upgraded camping areas to better cater for visitors
• enjoying time in nature at National Parks is a popular way for people to cope with the pandemic

 RESOURCES and LINKS
Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode and a full list of the services, organisations, events and resources mentioned

Read the transcript of the episode

Contact Queensland National Parks (Department of Environment and Science)

 Contact Kathryn Walton from Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay

Series 2 has been jointly funded under the Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018)

Julia Keogh, President of the Warwick Chamber of Commerce joins us on the podcast today. The Southern Downs Region supports a wide range of industries and businesses, including agri businesses, which feel the direct impact of events such as drought, bushfire, and flooding. In this conversation Julia shares practical ideas for business owners to manage their preparation for, and their recovery from adverse events, such as these as well as the impact of COVID-19. I hope you'll be inspired for the future and enthused to take action after listening to this episode with Julia.

Listen to the podcast conversation to hear Julia share:
    • the story of her connection to the Southern Downs
    • why she first joined the Warwick Chamber of Commerce
    • the wide variety of businesses on the Southern Downs with primary production being a major economic driver
    • how recent events have impacted local businesses
    • the immediacy of bushfire and flood disaster response is in stark contrast to the ongoing and pervasive impact of long-term droughts and the COVID-19 pandemic
    • the increasing fatigue levels among business owners in the context of COVID-19 indicates the need to look after ourselves and our teams
       • experienced workers can be mentors for less experienced workers helping them to navigate challenging times and situations
    • why it’s important for all employers to provide resilience training and ongoing professional development for their staff
    • you can choose to focus on the negative impacts of tough times or to focus on and look for opportunities and solutions
    • the Chamber provides opportunities to develop peer networks and support
    • a flexible mindset helps business owners respond to changing times and needs
    • digital literacy is one of the surprising benefits of recent tough times
    • movement and action are necessary for vibrant communities to grow
    • it’s okay to feel nervous about the current times but what’s most important is focusing on what steps you can take
    • being too busy is never an excuse to not access solutions or supports
    • solutions will not manifest unless you invest the time and take the action
    • where and how you can access support as a business owner
    • how to create a sustainable business
    • her great hope for the business community is that we learn from past and recent experiences so the community continues to build resilience

 RESOURCES and LINKS
Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode and a full list of the services, organisations, events and resources mentioned

Read the transcript of the episode

Contact Warwick Chamber of Commerce
Find Warwick Chamber of Commerce on social media: @warwickchamberofcommerce

Contact Kathryn Walton from Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay

Series 2 has been jointly funded under the Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018)

Nathan Parkes joins me on the podcast today. Nathan is the president of the Dalveen Sports Club which is housed by the Dalveen Community Hall. The hall is a hub for this vibrant community that's located between Warwick and Stanthorpe on the Southern Downs. There's so much going on at the hall, so many opportunities to connect with locals and visitors, to get involved in volunteering and with community groups. And this community has some really innovative ideas that Nathan shared with me in this conversation. I hope the story of the Dalveen Community Hall inspires you to get involved with your community.

Listen to the podcast conversation to hear Nathan share:
    • the story of his connection to the Dalveen community on the Southern Downs
    • the many and varied uses of the Dalveen Community Hall precinct which houses the Dalveen Sports Club and Dalveen Rural Fire Brigade
    • the popularity of the Friday night community dinners and film nights in the hall
    • other groups that use the hall
    • the purpose of neighbourhood-safe spaces during natural disasters
    • how the Urban Design Framework is providing a way to progressively work towards long term community goals
    • the fascinating history of the hall dating back to 1882
    • hopes for the future of the Dalveen Hall including its continued role as a hub for the community
    • the special characteristics that make the Dalveen community unique and why Nathan loves being part of it

 RESOURCES and LINKS
Download a handout which includes a summary of the episode and a full list of the services, organisations, events and resources mentioned

Read the transcript of the episode

Contact the Dalveen Sports Club / Community Hall:
Dalveen Sports Club Facebook Page   
Dalveen Film Society Facebook Page
Dalveen Community Facebook Page
Dalveen Rural Fire Brigade

Contact Kathryn Walton from Kathryn Walton Consulting and Outdoors is my Therapy

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay

Series 2 has been jointly funded under the Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (2018)