LN Connect: Recent Episodes
Leisure Networks
This podcast series will take our listeners through Leisure Networks journey impacting people in our community through programs and services delivered. We will mix our industry knowledge with real stories and real facts that can better inform the community we serve.
Join Michael and Tim as they wrap up the year that was, some of the their highlights and ideas for the future
Former AFL player, Tackle Your Feelings Ambassador and Media Rising Star, Dylan Buckley joins the LN Connect Podcast to chat all things elite pathways, coaching, mental health, podcasts and life.
Check out the latest episode of @Leisure Network’s ‘LN Connect’ podcast with Michael and Tim, featuring Katherine O’Regan, CEO at Sports Environment Alliance.
They discuss all the latest news and issues around climate change, the link between sport and the environment, how organisations can get started on their sustainability journey and the role of elite sport in this space.
As a bonus episode of the Youth Engagement Podcast Series, we chat with two of VicHealth's 'Future Healthy Community Champions', James and Jessi, and learn a bit about what they're doing to amplify the voice of young people with a disability.
For the 4th Episode in the Youth Engagement Series, we chat with Lacrosse Victoria and Proud of Play on leadership, research, funding, education and lots more as we continue to put the spotlight on young people
On the latest episode of the Youth Engagement Series, we find out what's happening at Netball Victoria in the Youth Space with Jen Camilleri (Affiliate Services Manager)
Take a listen and hear about the impact their Youth Advisory Committee is having, it's ongoing benefits and the influence it's having on youth participation in the sport.
Supporting young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds is an important journey for the team at the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)
In Episode 2 of the Youth Engagement Series, the team chats with Boudene Hauraki about opportunities, equal partnership and his own cultural background.'
With the support of VicHealth and their 'Future Healthy' initiative, over the next four episode on the LN Connect Podcast we'll be focusing on young people. First up is Finnley and Ruqia from Youth Affairs Council (YACVIC).
As a volunteer, Lorraine has done it all. From rattling tins for the Good Friday Appeal to supporting the growth of the Lara Giants Basketball Club, the amount of hours is hard to keep track of.
In the latest episode of 'LN Connect' talks about her experiences, the opportunities and the importance of getting her family involved as well. A 'Club Legend' recipient in 2019 through the VIVA Energy Geelong Refinery Sports Awards, we thank Lorraine and the many volunteers across community sport for their contribution to the community.
National Volunteer Week is a chance for us to celebrate and recognise the vital work volunteers do.
In this episode hosts Tim and Michael caught up with Scott Cooper and mum Pam to learn more about Scott’s journey as a volunteer, the skills he learnt and how he is giving something truly wonderful and unique to the community.
Recently appointed President of the Westerns Football Netball Club, Vicki Clayton, joins us for the final episode of the 'President Series'. With a long affiliation with the club, Vicki chats community, support networks, advocacy and the simple pleasures of the role
In Episode 3 of the President Series. Michael King chats with Robin Lowe, President of the Sale Tennis Club.
With over 19 years experience as a club President, Robin talks about his evolution in the role and what that means in ensuring the Sale Tennis Club continues to be at the top of their game
Robin's advice for aspiring presidents "dive in and give it a go, you learn what you need to know by doing... from the outside sometimes it looks a bit daunting... it's a very rewarding process"
In Episode 2 of the President Series, Michael chats with Ian Barnes of the Warrnambool Tri Club. 'Barnesy' discusses his introduction to the sport, the club's successful volunteer retention strategies and his role as the club's President'.
First off the mark in this special four 'President' podcast series is Canadian born Bryan Wilson, President of the Wangaratta Pickleball Club.
Bryan has always had a passion for a variety of sports since he was a child. His love of Pickleball came about during a stint of living in New South Wales, where he played it three to four times a week. On his return to his home town, he started up the Wangaratta Pickleball Club in 2019 and took on the role of President.
In this episode, Tim talks to Bryan about his President role, his vision for the club and the exciting future of Pickleball in Australia.
Are you a community club, volunteer, aspiring local government employee or a neighbouring council?
Join us for this 60 minute masterclass in local government as Sarah Sytema and Cam Atkins takes us on a journey through the behind scenes work that takes place to activate, engage and support the Wyndham City Council community.
Listen in as we explore Stu's love of cricket, his transition to Cricket Australia and the story behind Cricket Australia's strategy for participation and growth
In Part B of Episode 1, we focus on community participation from the role of Club President, the successes of the past 24 months and the impact the Australian Men's and Women's teams have at a grassroots level.
Another year in the books for the LN Connect Podcast. Take a listen as Michael and Tim wrap up the year and give a glimpse to what is in store for 2022
This week, the podcast shift its lens onto more of a health focus as we're joined by VicHealth CEO, Dr Sandro Demaio
In wrapping up the Natural Born Coaches Series, we're joined by community coaches Brandon Ross and Olivia Liston as they reflect on their coaching career, the key moments and highlights of the series
Andre Borovec's coaching career has been a life long journey, from learning his trade using a golf ball and rocks to guiding Australia's top cricketers on a tour of Bangladesh.
On the latest instalment of the Natural Born Coaches series, we catch up with highly credentialed, Shannon Knox. A pioneer of women's footy in the Barwon Region, we chat pathways, mentors and coaching styles.
Wassim Rafihi is aspiring to be the first Lebanese coach in the AFL. Take a listen to the path that Wassim is taking to get there.
The Natural Born Coaches Series is here! First up is Simone McKinnis who takes us through her career with the Melbourne Vixens, leading the Tanzania National Netball Team and the mentors who have guided her along the way
Fresh off his Tokyo campaign, 3 x Paralympian Sam McIntosh joins the LN Connect Podcast
How do you maximise exposure post a global sporting event?
Listen to the latest episode of the LN Connect Podcast, as the team catches up with Paralympic Australia's, Scott Nicholas.
Ever wanted to play golf but don't know where to start? Have a listen to the latest episode of the LN Connect Podcast as we're joined by Golf Australia's Chris Crabbe
On the latest episode of the LN Connect Podcast, we catch up with Sam Dellamarta to discuss safeguarding of children. It comes at a particularly important time as junior sport participation continues to grow and advocacy of young people in decision making roles is building momentum
In this episode of LN Connect we go behind the scenes of our co-host Tim Downes. His personal story, the road to starting his career working in sport and the take home messages to those working within inclusion and diversity fields. Join us!
Currently holding the most discussed sports role in the Region (Acting Region General Manager for AFL Barwon), Georgia Hillman is willing to push the boundaries, stay true to her values and is about to embark on her most important role to date – becoming a mum.
Tune in to hear from Georgia Hillman.
In Part 2 of Episode 22, we speak to Peter Robertson and Paul Barnard.
Robbo (Peter Robertson) and 'The General' (Paul Barnard), have been around footy circles for a long time. Both are now a part of the Geelong Dragons and are continuing to strive for success, on and off the field.
When Elle Dow was taped on the shoulder for the FIDA (Football Integration Development Association) CEO role, she couldn't say no.
Listen to Elle as she takes the listeners through her journey to the role and what the FIDA Competition is all about.
This week's episode is centred around the 'This Girl Can' campaign with Leisure Networks staff members Tori Honner and Kimberley Brotheridge sharing their stories with the listeners.
Striving to be your best, tackling challenges head on and breaking down the stigmas, there is so much that goes on behind closed doors that we don't see at the surface.
Both are inspiring themselves, the ones around them and the future generations to be the best they can be
Join the team from the LN Connect Podcast together with Nathanael Gilbert to discuss'The COVID Recovery Game Plan' a report written by Nat.
The discussion centres around the impact of COVID-19, particularly volunteer retention, and how can sporting clubs resurrect themselves over the coming 12 months via a 3 step process.
Who better to talk about Grants with the team from the LN Connect Podcast than Lana Harries, Manager, Club Development at Sport and Recreation Victoria.
"We have a mega round for the sporting clubs program... we have been approved for a boost of $6 million''
The social media landscape of marketing is ever evolving. 2020 was a lost year for many people and businesses, but was a gain for many of the social media platforms because we relied so heavily on these platforms to stay connected with our friends, our family and our loved ones.
On the latest episode of LN Connect the team are joined by the incredibly talented and crowd favourite Chelsea Roffey who has appeared on panels for Eddie McGuire Tonight, AFL360, The Front Bar and The Beep Test, as well as being a regular spokesperson for TV and radio. Joining Chelsea is Pru Farrer Head of Marketing and Communications at Leisure Networks to chat about their highlights, lowlights and everything in between in their journey with marketing.
The social media landscape of marketing is ever evolving. 2020 was a lost year for many people and businesses, but was a gain for many of the social media platforms because we relied so heavily on these platforms to stay connected with our friends, our family and our loved ones.
On the latest episode of LN Connect the team are joined by the incredibly talented and crowd favourite Chelsea Roffey who has appeared on panels for Eddie McGuire Tonight, AFL360, The Front Bar and The Beep Test, as well as being a regular spokesperson for TV and radio. Joining Chelsea is Pru Farrer Head of Marketing and Communications at Leisure Networks to chat about their highlights, lowlights and everything in between in their journey with marketing.
Brand is a promise to a customer and culture is how you deliver on it.
Continue to enjoy Part 2 of our Culture Episode with Pip Jankowski, Head of People at Culture at Leisure Networks, and Damon Klutz, Work Culture Evangelist at Culture Amp, "How you get the job done is just as important as what you do"
Brand is a promise to a customer and culture is how you deliver on it.
Take a listen to Pip Jankowski, Head of People at Culture at LN, and Damon Klutz, Work Culture Evangelist at Culture Amp, in the latest episodes of LN Connect as they explore Culture. "Company Culture should inspire you to be a better version of yourself".
On Episode 16 the team from LN Connect take some time to chat key themes/predictions for 2021 and being ahead of the game.
It’s been a year like no other and the final episode for 2020 is a ‘Year in Review’.
Jesse Drever joins the LN Connect team in the studio to discuss what 2020 has been like for him, his roles in the community and the trends we’ll see going into 2021.
On the latest episode of the LN Connect Podcast, Jayde DeBondt and Ryan Storr join the team to discuss LGBTIQ+ in Sport, the purpose of Proud 2 Play, what research is telling us and what this means for the community in creating inclusive and safe spaces.
You know that feeling when you think maybe you’ve got something on your face and people are looking at you… it’s that!”.
On the latest episode of the LN Connect Podcast, Rana Hussain talks with Michael and Tim on racism in sport, culture and as a community, how we can ‘do more’ in creating better diverse and inclusive environments.
Two of the best in the business, Rochelle Eime and Clare Hanlon, join the LN Connect Podcast to discuss research, data trends, analysis and what this means for community sport moving forward post COVID-19 restrictions.
With the Seniors Festival coming to a close, Tim and Michael caught up with Leisure Networks’ Nat Nolan and Gymnastics Victoria’s Carolyn Bell to discuss the importance of physical activity for older adults, ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’
In Part 2 of Episode #10, Kate and Jerril reflect on their own personal journey, discuss females in leadership roles across sport, the ‘keepers’ they’ve encountered along the way and ‘moments that made us.
- In Episode #10 Part 1 – Michael and Tim catch up with experienced executives, Jerril Rechter and Kate Palmer, to talk through their views on Governance and Strategic Planning. Kate and Jerril emphasise the point of ‘having a really clear direction is critical’ and not having to reinvent the wheel. ‘If you haven’t pinched something (an idea) from someone else, then you’re probably not doing your job’.
Innovation is making a change or doing something differently that creates a better outcome’. In today’s episode, Michael and Tim chat with Tom Dixon from VicSport and Bec Lloyd from Rowboat about innovation, the process involved and how innovative practices are shaping the future of sport from National level to Grassroots and individual to group based activities.
Womens health has taken a real hit during the covid-19 pandemic. From physical to mental health women are not looking after themselves and majority of the time putting family first. Join Brenda Jones from Jean Hailes Foundation and Mel Backhouse from Vichealth to discuss the importance of good health, both medical awareness and the importance of physical activity initiatives. Check it, don’t regret it!!
The landscape of community sport is ever evolving, and with over 16 years of industry experience, Brooke has seen her fair share of trends come and go. With experience across local and state levels of government, Brooke shares her thoughts on strategy, in the latest episode of the LN Connect Podcast, and the significant role it can play in shaping a club’s future.’
This week the dynamic duo from LN Connect Tim Downes and Michael King delve into the topic of Physical Literacy with one of the AFLW Geelong Cats champions, who also happens to be part of our Leisure Networks team Kate Anderson.
So what is Physical Literacy? What are the benefits? Why is it so important for our young children to learn?
Kate is currently the program coordinator of Mini Movers a physical literacy based program that uses sports as a vehicle to increase the motor skills of children aged 3-7, ensuring they have the suitable skills heading into primary school and to give them the tools to stay physically active for years to come! So a great person to explore this topic with.
Kate's passion, enthusiasm, energy and warmth make her the perfect person to help our kids “Turn Screen Time into Play Time”
This Episode the LN Connect podcast team will be talking Disability in Sport, catching up with Shawn Stevenson from Sport and Recreation Victoria who has worked in the field of autism since 2003 and Madeleine Hogan a 3 time Paralympian, Bronze medallist at Beijing 2008, and London 2012 Track and Field athlete (Javelin) @Change Our Game ambassador and a board member of Disability Sport & Recreation Its so important for people with a disability to participate in sport for a number of reasons such as Fitness, Function, Family, Friends, Future and Fun!
Mental Health has been a talking point for a number of years but now there is a greater push for individuals and communities to advocate, communicate and share the importance of mental health and wellbeing. This week the team from LN Connect caught up with Michael Parker Manager, and Tayla John, Education Coordinator, from Read The Play to discuss what they’re seeing in community, the services they offer and how we can all work together in supporting ourselves and each other.
This episode tackles the topic of leading through a crisis and why it requires great empathy. Who better to talk about this than Leisure Networks CEO Libby Mears.
"Taking time and connecting with your staff and not being afraid of showing your own vulnerability especially when talking about the challenges. However it is also really important that decisions are made with confidence, in a timely way and that your communication speaks to all your people and their own situations. It is a privilege to lead through a crisis and an amazing opportunity for growth".
Simone Bellars head of womens Strategy at the Geelong Football Club and Leisure Networks Fiona Bennett Project Coordinator for the The Barwon Game Changer have a great conversation about how to future proof women and girls in sport.
As a starting point, creating a safe and supportive environment to have the conversations, having men at your club buy into the importance of gender equity and to create change we need to accept our current position and seek improvement.
The current situation regarding Covid-19 has had an extraordinary impact on our current industry environment. It has led to many temporary reductions and closures of clubs, facilities and events within the sporting industry - Tune in and listen to Tim Downes and Michael King as they discuss this and what we need to put our energy into re-booting engagement and connection with our community clubs.