The Glitter Effect

In this powerful episode, host Kate welcomes Dr. Anthea Skinner—musician, researcher, and disability advocate—whose lived experience has inspired a groundbreaking initiative: the Adaptive Music Bridging Program.

A collaboration between the University of Melbourne and Melbourne Youth Orchestras, the program is revolutionising access to music education by providing adaptive instruments and inclusive learning spaces for children with disabilities. Anthea shares how her own journey as a disabled musician led to creating opportunities for kids to take their first music lessons and play alongside their peers in bands and orchestras.

This episode celebrates inclusion, innovation, and the belief that no child should be left on the sidelines of music.

Adaptive Music Bridging Program: https://tinyurl.com/yhvkbvrk

In this powerful episode of The Glitter Effect, we meet Bernadette Blair, founding board member and chair of Next Steps Australia, a compassionate force supporting women and families escaping domestic and family violence.

Bernadette shares the emotional journey behind the creation of the organization — from her early experiences as a school principal to heartbreaking stories from family members in the medical field. The defining moment came when she learned of an extreme case of violence that compelled her to take action.

Founded on the belief that everyone deserves dignity and a second chance, Next Steps Australia provides practical support such as Manchester (linen) packs and parenting essentials to help survivors rebuild their lives after leaving crisis accommodation.

This episode is a conversation about resilience, hope, and community-driven action, showing how small, thoughtful acts can lead to life-changing impact.

Next Steps Australia: https://nextstepsaustralia.org.au/

In this heartwarming episode of The Glitter Effect, we shine a light on Jane Bourne — community leader, changemaker, and co-founder of Kiama Unplugged, a grassroots movement inspiring people to put down their phones and reconnect in real life.

Based in the beautiful coastal town of Kiama, New South Wales, Jane and her partner Ian have created a space for genuine human connection through music, games, conversation, and simple shared moments. Born from a growing concern about the impact of smartphones — particularly on young people — Kiama Unplugged encourages presence, belonging, and joy in the everyday.

Host [Your Name] chats with Jane about how the movement began, the transformative power of unplugging, and why sometimes the most meaningful connections happen when we put our devices away and truly show up for one another.

✨ The Glitter Effect celebrates the kindness, creativity, and courage of everyday legends who are making a real difference — proving that when we each shine a little light, we make the whole world sparkle.

Kiama unplugged: http://www.kiamaunplugged.com/

In this episode of The Glitter Effect, host [unnamed] welcomes Nic Marchesi, co-founder of Orange Sky, the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service for people experiencing homelessness.

Nic shares the inspiring story of how he and co-founder Lucas Patchett—two 20-year-olds from Brisbane—started Orange Sky in a garage with nothing more than a van named Sudsie, some washing machines, and a bold belief that clean clothes and conversation could restore dignity.

Originally aiming to improve hygiene for people doing it tough, they quickly discovered the true power of human connection. The simple act of sitting down for a chat while laundry spun became the heart of their mission.

Since its humble beginnings in 2014, Orange Sky has grown to over 50 services across Australia, covering nearly 400 locations weekly, with thousands of volunteers. Despite its expansion, the mission remains the same: positively connect communities by offering clean clothes, warm showers, and—most importantly—non-judgmental conversation.

Nic reflects on early challenges, the learning curve of launching a charity at 19, and the deep impact of empathy, dignity, and connection in supporting those experiencing homelessness.

Orange Sky: https://orangesky.org.au/

In this heartfelt episode of The Glitter Effect, host welcomes Tina Kendall-Davies, a seasoned counsellor with over 20 years of experience helping people through grief, trauma, and mental health challenges. Tina is the founder of Anytime Counselling, a service created to reach those who often fall through the cracks of traditional support systems—especially in remote or rural communities.

Tina shares her journey from a passion for teaching to becoming a full-time counsellor. Initially aiming to be a school counsellor, she grew frustrated with the limitations of the education system—where bureaucracy often hindered real, meaningful help for students. This frustration ultimately led her to retrain and open her own counselling practice.

Her “aha” moment came after a late-night emergency call from a distraught mother whose son had attempted suicide. Unable to find help with a 6–8 week waiting list, the woman turned to Tina, who saw first-hand the urgent need for immediate, compassionate care. That night became the turning point. Exhausted but deeply moved, Tina and her husband made the life-changing decision to expand her counselling services and commit to meeting people where they are—emotionally and geographically.

Throughout the episode, Tina speaks about the power of empathy, showing up consistently, and how even small acts of care can transform lives. She’s a beacon of hope for families in crisis and a true “glitter spreader” in the mental health world.

Anytime Councelling: https://anytimecounselling.com.au/

🎙️ The Glitter Effect – Episode Summary

Guest: Matt Cronin, Co-founder of the Pat Cronin Foundation
Host: Kate Gniel
Theme: From Tragedy to Legacy – Choosing Courage, Kindness, and Change

In this heartfelt and powerful episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate Gniel sits down with Matt Cronin, co-founder of the Pat Cronin Foundation and proud father of Pat Cronin, whose life was tragically cut short in 2016 due to a coward punch attack.

What begins as a story of unimaginable loss transforms into a moving discussion about resilience, purpose, and advocacy. Matt shares the emotional journey of losing his 19-year-old son, Pat, following a senseless act of violence during a night out with friends. Pat was doing exactly what he’d been taught — looking out for his mates — when he was struck by a single punch that ultimately ended his life.

Matt opens up about the immediate aftermath of Pat’s injury, the strength of his family, and the pain of turning off life support just days later. But rather than letting grief consume them, Matt and his family channelled their heartbreak into action. Through the Pat Cronin Foundation, they now dedicate themselves to educating young people, promoting non-violence, and encouraging others to “choose to walk away.”

Listeners will be inspired by Matt’s unwavering commitment to change, the values of kindness and courage that Pat embodied, and the ripple effect one life can have when honored with love and purpose.

This episode is a moving tribute to Pat and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

🕊️ “We’re a family of five, and we’ll always be a family of five.” – Matt Cronin

Pat Cronin Foundation: https://patcroninfoundation.org.au/

In this inspiring episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate Gniel chats with Barbara Gill, the dynamic General Manager of Garage Sale Trail—Australia’s biggest community reuse event. What began as a spontaneous idea during a local Bondi festival in 2010 has now blossomed into a nationwide movement promoting sustainability, community connection, and the circular economy.

Barbara shares the incredible journey of the Garage Sale Trail, from humble beginnings with 180 local sales to now partnering with over 90 councils across Australia. Under her leadership, the initiative has diverted hundreds of tonnes of items from landfill, saved Aussies millions of dollars, and—perhaps most importantly—fostered lasting community connections, one garage sale at a time.

Listeners will learn how this grassroots movement is making sustainability fun, practical, and empowering—proving that creativity, community, and a little bit of glitter can create real change.

✨ Key Takeaways:

The accidental origins of Garage Sale Trail in Bondi Beach

How secondhand selling is making a big environmental impact

The importance of community in driving sustainable behavior

Plans for expanding the movement beyond Australia

💬 “Don’t dump it, sell it”—the simple idea that sparked a reuse revolution.

Garage Sale Trail: https://www.garagesaletrail.com.au/

In this inspiring episode, host Kate is joined by Ben Duffy, a 20-year-old with a huge heart and unstoppable determination. Ben is currently taking on the challenge of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise awareness and funds for the Pat Cronin Foundation, which works to end coward punch violence and promote a safer, kinder community.

Ben shares the emotional story behind his motivation—sparked by a school presentation from Pat’s father, Matt Cronin—and how his love for sport and passion for purpose led to this incredible physical and mental challenge.

More than just a marathon runner, Ben is creating a ripple effect of compassion, mateship, and awareness with every step he takes.

Ben Duffy 52 Marathons: https://patcroninfoundation.org.au/ben-duffy-52-marathons-in-52-weeks/

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Glitter Effect, Kate sits down with Jen Waltmon — a passionate mental health advocate and suicide prevention leader whose journey from personal adversity to national impact is both moving and inspiring.

Jen shares her deeply personal story, beginning with a childhood shaped by trauma, addiction, and the early loss of both parents. She opens up about her own struggles with clinical depression and suicidal ideation in her 20s, navigating intense grief and loneliness without siblings or a support system. Her lived experience became the catalyst for profound transformation.

After a successful 23-year career in learning and development, Jen made a life-changing pivot into the mental health and suicide prevention space. Since then, she’s worked with leading organisations including Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute, and now serves as Lived Experience Lead at Suicide Prevention Australia.

More than just her professional roles, Jen is a powerful storyteller, researcher, and change-maker. She’s an outspoken advocate for mental health reform, accessibility for people with disabilities, and a wide range of human rights including women’s, LGBTQ+, and children’s rights. Her commitment to community runs deep — even extending to being a dedicated blood and plasma donor, which is how she first connected with the host.

Together, they explore themes of grief, healing, purpose, and how we can all “sprinkle a little glitter” where it’s needed most. Jen’s story is a testament to resilience and using pain as a platform for change — perfectly embodying the spirit of The Glitter Effect.

Suicide Prevention Australia: https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/

In this inspiring episode of The Glitter Effect, host Kate sits down with Rochelle Courtenay, founder of Share the Dignity, a groundbreaking Australian charity tackling period poverty. Rochelle shares the powerful story behind the movement’s creation — sparked in 2015 when she read an article about homeless women using makeshift items like socks and newspaper during their periods.

Outraged and moved to act, Rochelle began collecting sanitary products through her personal training clients, ultimately launching a grassroots initiative that grew into a national force. From wearing a sanitary pad dress to raise awareness to lobbying parliament, Rochelle has fearlessly confronted the stigma around menstruation.

This episode dives into her journey, the challenges she faced, and the massive impact her work has had on restoring dignity to women and girls across Australia. Rochelle’s story is a testament to the power of compassion, community, and action.

Share the dignity: https://www.sharethedignity.org.au