BRAVE: Recent Episodes
Townsville Community Information Centre
BRAVE is about sharing the inspiring stories of ordinary people in our communities. The series is localised to North Queensland, Australia, encompassing the areas surrounding Townsville, Charters Towers, and Winton. In 2019, the region was devastated by an unprecedented monsoon event, with the Covid pandemic affecting it a year later. These stories will share struggles through both of those events, as well as other personal hardships that locals have fought through. We hope this series inspires you. BRAVE is an initiative of the Townsville Community Information Centre and jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
In this final episode of BRAVE for now, host and CIC Coordinator Teresa Hudson reflects on the process of making the series. She talks about some of the experiences she's had along the way, and provides an introduction to every episode. If you've been meaning to listen to BRAVE but didn't know where to start, let this episode be your guide.
We hope these stories from our local community have helped to inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Michael Prien knows what it's like to be doubted and ruled out. He also knows that, sometimes, the only thing a person needs is a chance. That's exactly what he's trying to do with his electrical contracting business CBD Electrical, where he is dedicated to taking on Indigenous apprentices to help built a brighter future. He's passionate about young people, the future, culture, and ensuring high standards of quality, and all of that comes through in this episode.
Michael's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Schools have been among the most visible social victims of the pandemic, with their closures making national news and affecting almost every family on some level. In this episode of Brave, we speak to a School Principal, Candi Dempster from Ryan Catholic College in Townsville, about the processes of supporting students and young people through unprecedented times. Candi is only a recent arrival from Charters Towers, however, so we also talk about some of the differences in life, support services, and resourcing between cities and regional areas.
Candi's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Fiona Hanson doesn't let things get in her way. Starting out with a working class background, she rose through the corporate world to hold significant roles with major national and multinational companies. After a lengthy career in that space, she moved to start her own small business. She now runs two local businesses and remains a keen sportsperson in her spare time. In this episode, Fiona shares her energy and the story of how her priorities and fortunes have changed over the years.
Fiona's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
The Salvation Army is best known for its humanitarian work, and it played a significant role in assisting people throughout the recovery from the 2019 monsoon. Hear from Brad Whittle, one of the organisation's Townsville-based Officers, in this episode as he explains some of the ways that the Salvation Army has helped the community in recent times and it has been a source of strength and security during his personal struggles.
Brad's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Tina Elliott's cattle property outside Winton was one of those devastated during the 2019 monsoon event. Despite losing 90% of their herd, Tina and her family persevered and focused on rebuilding. In this episode, she shares the tribulations and determination that make up those experiences, as well as talking about her ongoing role as a Councillor within the remote shire.
Tina's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
At almost 100 years old, Rosie Archer has a treasure trove of tales about life in remote communities tucked away in the recesses of her mind. The ones captured in this episode about growing up during the war years and supporting the community through various avenues surely make up only a tiny fraction. Rosie is fiercely independent, still living at home, so we also speak with her and her daughter Adele about why that's important, especially in remote communities.
Rosie and Adele's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
When Shelley Grainger was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a teenager, she never could have guessed that it would profoundly shape her life for the better. In seeking to overcome the problems associated with the disorder, she transformed the way she engaged with her health, which led her to start the healthy treats business, Nourishing Bites. In this episode, she tells us about her family's journey through that and how her son now inspires her.
Shelley's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Please note, this episode includes discussion of suicide. If this subject or anything else else discussed in this episode raises any concerns for you, please contact mental health support services in your local area. In Australia, these services include LifeLine (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636). For other services, please visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines
After a lifetime in the construction industry and project management, Leonard Coyte has more than a few lessons to share. He embraces that fact, acting as a mentor, supporter, and community advocate wherever he can. This episode features Leonard telling us about the formative experiences that shaped his beliefs and actions, as well as some of the lessons he's learned about getting the best out of the people around him.
Leonard's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Please note, this episode discusses domestic violence. If this subject or anything else discussed in this series raises any concerns for you, please contact support services in your local area. In Australia, these services include 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), LifeLine (13 11 14), and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636).
Most of BRAVE's guests are the unassuming people we pass on the street who have incredible stories of survival that we'll never know about. Sometimes, though, it's important to remember that the people who lead or inspire us every day may also have harrowing stories. In this episode, we hear from former Townsville City Councillor and current General Manager of the Townsville Business Development Centre, Verena Coombe, as she shares her life's difficulties.
Verena's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
One feature of small towns is that local government can very much be a part of the community. In this episode, Winton Shire Council's Community Development Officer Melissa Doyle explains how they achieve that in the western Queensland town, and how they have been forced to act and adapt throughout the struggles of recent years.
Melissa's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Please note, this episode discusses mental health, including post-partum depression. If this subject or anything else else discussed in this episode raises any concerns for you, please contact support services in your local area. In Australia, these services include LifeLine (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), and PANDA (1300 726 306). For other services, please visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines
Kareau McKey exudes energy and confidence, and she manages a fitness program for new mothers in the form of KangaTraining Townsville. Her path to this role is interesting, as it's bound up in the struggles she's had with post-partum depression following the births of her two children. In this episode, Kareau tells how her battles led to her triumphs, and explains how she's using what she's learned to help others going through their own problems.
Kareau's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Genie Cluff knows a thing or two about hardship. Most of her life has been spent on agricultural properties in the outback areas of western Queensland. It's meant a life spent battling against the rigours of Mother Nature, with floods and droughts being constant threats to her livelihood. In this episode, Genie provides a bit of insight about what it's like living off the land.
Genie's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
A helicopter tour with Elite Aviation Services is one of the must-dos if you ever visit Winton. Owner Hylton Ward is as knowledgeable as he is passionate about the outback town. He's a pilot, a business owner, and a key figure in Winton's tourism community. In this episode, he talks about the things that made him want to fly, what's brought him to the outback, and what's keeping him there.
Hylton's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
It was a star-crossed love that brought Ugo Kennedy to Townsville. In losing the love of his life, he lost himself, giving in to the lure of sadness and depression. But through the love of his mother and son and the discovery of an unexpected new hobby, he has found a kind of peace and a renewed sense of purpose. In this episode, Ugo speaks about his life in London, the burgeoning of love, and the whirlwind of his last few years.
Ugo's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Please note, this episode includes discussion of suicide. If this subject or anything else else discussed in this episode raises any concerns for you, please contact mental health support services in your local area. In Australia, these services include LifeLine (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636). For other services, please visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines
Melanie Grant knows well the challenges facing remote communities. As the owner of the Winton Newsagency, she's battled to keep news flowing to her community, while also diversifying to keep the business afloat. Her family has also been touched by suicide several times, and she speaks about how she and her family have come through.
Melanie's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Winton sits at the heart of Outback Queensland, a tiny town renowned for its cultural significance. In the main street of Winton is the Royal Theatre, an open-air cinema that has been operating in various forms for over a hundred years. But the glory days of the theatre seemed to be in the past, until an impassioned group of volunteers banded together to revitalise it.
In this episode, Geraldine Coughlan, one of the volunteers and a descendant of one of the Theatre's earliest owners, talks about growing up around it and the hows and whys of the revitalisation effort.
Geraldine's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Leigh Caldwell is one of the gentlest souls we've ever come across, and she manifests her unique energy through Happy Feat, a dance troupe for people with special needs. In this episode, Leigh talks about the events that inspired her to begin Happy Feat, as well as some of the challenges she's faced both in maintaining the group and in her personal life. Through it all, her bravery and positivity shines through.
Leigh's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Kate Banville is a freelance journalist. Joe Mikaele Ah-Kuoi is a mentor for our future leaders through Strive Lane. These titles are fairly new for both of them, as in the last few years, both Kate and Joe have stepped away from secure, successful careers as a newsroom reader and high school teacher, respectively, to chase their passions. In this episode, they talk about what led them to these decisions, and how they enacted them while balancing their family commitments.
Kate & Joe's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
For almost 30 years, Dan Wilschefski's family has been delivering fun to people all over Queensland through their amusement rides and leisure activities. As with so many other businesses in our region, covid restrictions brought incredible challenges, but now Dan is facing even bigger obstacles that have forced him to rethink everything that he has been doing for years.
Dan's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Whether he's working or talking, Scott Stalker doesn't seem to take much time to breathe. Over the past few years, he's exited the army and started five businesses in several different industries. It's been a breakneck journey for him, and he's learned. In this episode, Scott shares a few of the insights he's gleaned and some of the ideas that have driven him always onwards.
Scott's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
This podcast contains discussion of subjects that some listeners may find distressing. If this episodes raises any issues, please call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or SANDS on 1300 308 307. Other support services are available at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines
They say that time heals all wounds, but a little bit of support can go a long way in helping that process. That is a lesson Charters Towers local Diana Lynch learned after the passing her child. In this episode of BRAVE, Diana shares her story of grief, hope, and help.
Diana's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Well over 100,000 people in Australia are classed as homeless, and it's a situation that can affect absolutely anyone. Gali Blacher is determined to do her bit to help the situation. A few years ago, she co-founded The Good Box, a social enterprise that provides boxes of essential items to those in need. In this episode, Gali talks about the experiences that spawned the idea of The Good Box and the journey to making it a reality.
Gali's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Elizabeth Kempster grew up on the Channel Island of Jersey, but she's called Australia home since arriving here more than 50 years ago. Much of the time since has been spent in remote areas, as Elizabeth and her family eked out a living on stations. She has endless stories to share, and she's written a book to do just that. This podcast includes just some of those stories, from funny to heart-wrenching.
Elizabeth's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
From her first day on Earth, Felicity Harper has had to keep a keen eye on her health. Her kidneys failed by the time she was seven years old. Her first transplant came a few years later, but it wore out eventually, and she has had to rely on dialysis for the last decade. It hasn't stopped her, though, as she today runs a fitness studio and was recently lucky enough to receive what she considers a miracle: her daughter.
Felicity's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Please note, this episode includes discussion of suicide. If this subject or anything else else discussed in this episode raises any concerns for you, please contact mental health support services in your local area. In Australia, these services include LifeLine (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636). For other services, please visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines
Art, anxiety, and activism are just some of the topics that collide in Tania Ault's story. She's a Gudjala artist with a studio in the main street of Charters Towers, but she's also so much more than that. We first spoke to her as she was heading to a protest about improving the Indigenous housing situation in her community, and that's just a part of her activism and involvement in the social welfare of the Charters Towers region.
Tania's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Nancy Williams has had a long and varied life. She's spent the last 20 years building Cuisine To Go into one of Townsville's biggest catering companies, but never has she faced challenges like those thrown up in the last couple of years. Through the 2019 floods and the pandemic, she has had to learn to not take on the weight of the world because her own struggles have been tough enough.
Nancy's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
In the main street of Charters Towers is a very fashionable cow. Flo stands outside 2nd to New, a shop that gives new life to old furniture, which is run by a woman named Nicole. She's a first-time small business owner who opened the shop at the tail end of 2020, having previously been a single mother, a home builder, and much else along the way. In this episode, Nicole tells us a little bit about her life so far and how she dives headlong into whatever comes her way.
Nicole's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Please note, this episode includes discussion of suicide. If this subject or anything else else discussed in this episode raises any concerns for you, please contact mental health support services in your local area. In Australia, these services include LifeLine (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636). For other services, please visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines
This episode of BRAVE is dedicated to Sophie.
Katie Dunlop is extremely passionate about mental health, and one of the ways she manifests that in the community is by facilitating training by CORES (Community Response to Eliminating Suicide) to ensure that everyone is better able to talk about mental health and suicide and related issues. In this episode, she talks about why the subject matters so much to her and the little ways that everyone can help someone.
Katie's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
America's Old West remains a touchstone of our collective international culture. Michael Bethel grew up with those stories, which sparked a desire to be a cowboy. Today, he is one, making saddles and running Texas Longhorn Tours in Charters Towers. In this episode, Michael tells us all about his love for the Texas Longhorn breed of cattle, what it took for him to get started with them in Australia, and some of the stories he's collected over the years.
Michael's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
A handful of business mistakes a few years ago landed Kirsty in prison. Once there, she was drawn into the community and culture, which made breaking free from its insidious influence difficult. Once released, she developed a drug habit, which saw her in and out of prison for quite some time. She lost her business, her career, and her family, but she eventually reached a tipping point that inspired her to fight for what really matters and get her life back on track.
Kirsty's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
As her seventh pregnancy neared its conclusion, Tiffany Hopkins began to have vision problems. Once she realised, her sight deteriorated rapidly, requiring a quick response. The medical journey that followed meant striking a balance between the needs of herself, her unborn child, her large family, and the organisation of which she remains the CEO.
Tiffany's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Prospect Community Services is an invaluable part of the Charters Towers community, offering a wide range of support to anyone who needs it. Key to the organisation's long-term success has been a genuine, two-way engagement with the people who draw upon the services. It was that close relationship with clients that ensured Prospect was able to effectively pivot its approach when faced with the restrictions imposed to help combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prospect's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
This episode takes BRAVE back to Charters Towers to talk to Tarja Barnes, realtor and former President of the Charters Towers Chamber of Commerce and Mines. A couple of years ago, Tarja started Gold City Realty, with a focus on being embedded in the local community. In this episode, she talks about some of the issues facing Charters Towers, as well as her own path so far.
Tarja's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Sharine Milne, better known as Spanner, is unforgettable. One day, in the midst of a long career in hospitality, her daughter asked a question that prompted Spanner to rethink her life, setting her on a course that today sees her owning and managing a motorcycle repair shop. On the way, she's had to face down sexist attitudes, structural obstacles, and disasters, but she's overcome all of them to stand out as a proud, Indigenous woman.
Spanner's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Kath Hartas is one powerfully upbeat individual. Her relentless positivity has pulled her through events that would traumatise anyone. When Kath was 18, her vehicle was run over by a truck, causing life-changing injuries, but she's moved past that to now lead a fulfilling life as an unforgettable part of the Townsville community.
Kath's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Sally Batt is our first guest from Charters Towers. She is a wedding photographer who grew up from a rural background. She's been through several versions of herself over the years, and has worked hard over the past decade to set aside self-limiting thoughts and behaviours to become someone she is truly happy with.
Sally's story is just one of the many from our local communities that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Carl Lymburner was pulled into a life of drugs from a young age and spent years lost in their embrace. As he says, he's had a life of negatives, but he has learned from those painful experiences and is now dedicated to helping his community and sharing positivity.
Carl's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Althea Projects is a local community service helping those in need. Among its core services are fostering, homelessness assistance, and emergency food relief. However, the 2019 floods and covid introduced new challenges and forced the organisation to change its processes to be able to continue helping people through disasters and social restrictions. In this episode, CEO Paula La Rosa and Wee Care Program Manager Lynne Josey share the recent history of Althea Projects.
This story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Kylie Michelle joined the Army at the age of 34 because she wanted a career that was important. That took her away from her daughter, but she remained a mother, helping her daughter through the usual struggles, at times from half a world away. When she finally exited the Defence Forces, she was diagnosed with PTSD, but has since worked hard to re-enter civilian life and guide others on their journeys.
Kylie's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Raony Condini is an ineffable ball of energy and positivity, but his journey to becoming the person he is today has been long. His life has been punctuated by periods of having nothing but his determination to push forward. Today, he is the owner and head instructor at Gracie Barra Townsville, teaching jiu jitsu to any and all comers.
Raony's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Lachy Downey is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on in the local community through Unlock the Lachs, an organisation dedicated to ensuring inclusivity and assisting families with special needs. In this episode, Cayley Downey, Lachy's mother, speaks about the organisation and some of the struggles they faced during Lachy's short but impactful life.
Some listeners may find the content of this episode confronting. If you need help, please call LifeLine on 13 11 14 or reach out to support services in your region.
More information about Unlock the Lachs can be found here: https://www.unlockthelachs.com/
Cayley's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Beyond the trauma of her own past talked about in episode 7, Jo Lynam has faced additional struggles with her children. In this episode, Jo discusses the arduous process of adopting her two sons, Roshan and Laksiri, from Sri Lanka and the long journey to ensuring her daughter, Emma, found a place within our community.
Jo's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Jo Lynam is a unforgettable force for inclusivity within the Townsville community. In this episode, she shares the story of her rebellious streak, the traumatic event that reshaped her life as a young adult, and how she has worked to overcome that and become the inspiring, memorable woman she is today.
Jo's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
Please note, this episode includes discussion of sexual assault. If this topic raises any issues for you, please contact 1800 RESPECT or visit https://au.reachout.com/articles/sexual-assault-support for a list of support services available in your state.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
In July 2019, Kerry Schofield was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and given up to 24 months to live. Since then, she has faced her health issues with grace, energy, and pragmatism. In this episode, Kerry shares her story from her background in Early Childhood Education to the diagnosis, treatment, and the things she now wants to pass on to all who come after.
Kerry's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Keesha Booth is deeply passionate about empowering young people and enabling everyone to better understand the importance of consent and respectful relationships. She is a sexologist, youth facilitator, educator, and fierce feminist, and she brings her incredible energy to bear in this wide-ranging conversation.
Keesha's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
Please note, this episode includes discussion of sexual assault. If this topic raises any issues for you, please contact 1800 RESPECT or visit https://au.reachout.com/articles/sexual-assault-support for a list of support services available in your state.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Michael Bulley owns several Donut King stores around Townsville, but it's been a hard slog to get where he is today. From sleeping on the floor of his shop to almost going bankrupt following the introduction of the GST to suffering through the absolute devastation of the 2019 monsoon, Michael has stayed strong. He's bounced back from every obstacle life has thrown his way, and he's an absolute joy to talk to and listen to.
Michael's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
While on a bushwalk eleven years ago, social worker Amanda Nickson slipped and broke her neck—but didn't know it at the time. She hiked for several more days with an unstable fracture before learning about the severity of the injury. In this episode, Amanda shares the story of that week, the arduous recovery, her mental health challenges, and above all else the faith that has kept her going.
Amanda's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
Kell's Kitchen & Brew Bar was one of the many businesses devastated by the 2019 monsoon event in Townsville and covid. In this episode, we speak to its owner, Kelly Bolger, about the experiences that led her to open the cafe and how she has persevered through the difficulties of the past two years.
Kell's story is just one of the many from our local community that we hope will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.
Welcome to BRAVE, a podcast from the Townsville Community Information Centre.
In this first episode, our host Teresa Hudson speaks to her colleague and former café owner Helen Lynn about the origins of this project, Helen's experiences in business, and Teresa's own diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.
It's the first of many stories that we will be sharing from around the North Queensland region, and we hope they will inspire you.
BRAVE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This series is produced by Damien Lawardorn.