Centre for Stories

Casey Mulder is a Ballardong Noongar yorga with Dutch and English heritage. She works in a variety of education roles and is a freelance editor and writer. Casey shares how many cups of tea and an unusual friendship with an elderly couple in the Kimberley taught her the wisdom of creating safe spaces for Aboriginal stories to be told. Content Warning: These stories may include triggering content for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. So, if you're struggling while listening to this story, please don't hesitate to connect with 13 YARN on 13 92 76 and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. In this collection, you will hear live recordings from people who spoke about difficult truths, hidden histories and reimagined futures, all reflections of their lived experiences of colonisation in Walyalup and beyond. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

Nyul Nyul and Nyikina man Jason Hunter shares his journey of learning about the true history of his family: stolen land, people massacred, children stolen, lives controlled. He encourages all listeners to understand this is our shared history and our shared responsibility to change Aboriginal Australia's future. Content Warning: These stories may include triggering content for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. So, if you're struggling while listening to this story, please don't hesitate to connect with 13 YARN on 13 92 76 and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. In this collection, you will hear live recordings from people who spoke about difficult truths, hidden histories and reimagined futures, all reflections of their lived experiences of colonisation in Walyalup and beyond. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

Phil O'Donoghue is the Media Officer for UnionsWA and was actively involved in volunteer coordination and training in WA for the YES23 campaign during the Voice Referendum. He shares his story of the failure of the Yes for the Voice referendum campaign and advocates for Australians to embrace uncomfortable conversations, political debate and get involved in grassroots activism. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. In this collection, you will hear live recordings from people who spoke about difficult truths, hidden histories and reimagined futures, all reflections of their lived experiences of colonisation in Walyalup and beyond. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

Holly Story migrated to Perth, Australia as a ‘ten-pound pom'. Her ideas about Australia included expansive red spaces, kangaroos and Aboriginal people living in the remote northern deserts. As she began to ask more questions about Aboriginal cultures, she was shocked to discover a systematic, forced erasure of Aboriginal people and a more nuanced, complex picture of Australian history. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. In this collection, you will hear live recordings from people who spoke about difficult truths, hidden histories and reimagined futures, all reflections of their lived experiences of colonisation in Walyalup and beyond. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

Abid Imam is a Sports Manager, Presenter, Podcaster & DJ. Born to Pakistani and Fijian parents, he always felt like the odd one out amongst his classmates and friends. He started to use a fake name to introduce himself: ‘Steve'. Here is Abid's journey of learning to reclaim his true name and why he believes authenticity is an important aspect of building a relationship to boodjar/country. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. In this collection, you will hear live recordings from people who spoke about difficult truths, hidden histories and reimagined futures, all reflections of their lived experiences of colonisation in Walyalup and beyond. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

Trish Ratajczak was born and raised in Walyalup. She remembers a difficult childhood, with a hungry stomach and chaos that threatened to enter her bedroom. When she went in search of her biological father, she discovered she was Aboriginal. This is her journey of finding her mob. Content Warning: These stories may include triggering content for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. So, if you're struggling while listening to this story, please don't hesitate to connect with 13 YARN on 13 92 76 and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. In this collection, you will hear live recordings from people who spoke about difficult truths, hidden histories and reimagined futures, all reflections of their lived experiences of colonisation in Walyalup and beyond. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

Nandi Chinna had no real understanding of Aboriginal people or our colonial history until she moved to Walyalup/Fremantle as a young woman. After reading books and listening to Noongar elders, she began to feel uneasy about her own place in Australia – could she ever live here without a guilty conscience? This is her journey to finding belonging while acknowledging Aboriginal sovereignty. Content Warning: These stories may include triggering content for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. So, if you're struggling while listening to this story, please don't hesitate to connect with 13 YARN on 13 92 76 and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. In this collection, you will hear live recordings from people who spoke about difficult truths, hidden histories and reimagined futures, all reflections of their lived experiences of colonisation in Walyalup and beyond. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

In this story, Brendan shares his experience of training for the Rottnest Island Swim with an all-Aboriginal team while reflecting on Wadjemup's (Rottnest Island) painful history. Content Warning: These stories may include triggering content for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. So, if you're struggling while listening to this story, please don't hesitate to connect with 13 YARN on 13 92 76 and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. In this collection, you will hear live recordings from people who spoke about difficult truths, hidden histories and reimagined futures, all reflections of their lived experiences of colonisation in Walyalup and beyond. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

In this episode, Gerrard Shaw, a Whadjuk Elder with connections to Yued and Ballardong country, reflects on the long journey Australia has been on toward truth telling, reflecting on key historical moments and his own experiences being impacted by the Stolen Generations. Content Warning: These stories may include triggering content for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. So, if you're struggling while listening to this story, please don't hesitate to connect with 13 YARN on 13 92 76 and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. In this collection, you will hear live recordings from people who spoke about difficult truths, hidden histories and reimagined futures, all reflections of their lived experiences of colonisation in Walyalup and beyond. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

Story Hour is Centre for Stories' regular monthly podcast where we sift through our archives of recorded stories to bring you up to an hour of diverse, intriguing, and real experiences from (extra)ordinary people. This month's theme is SELF LOVE. Our storytellers share their personal experiences with self-love. They remind us that self-love is never simple, but it is always transformational. The journey to self-love is often made that much more difficult if you have experienced complex trauma, as many of us have. Examining the aspects of ourselves that we would prefer to hide, the events that have made us feel inadequate, and the memories we have been keeping to ourselves are all part of the process of self-love.  Featuring storytellers Angel Lee, Jay Anderson and Kate Purcell. If you liked this episode, find out more about our stories and services at www.centreforstories.com. Sound engineering and original music from Mason Vellios. Narrated by Luisa Mitchell.

Vaughan Wayne is a Whadjuk Nyungar man with connections to Yued and Ballardong country. He reflects on a haunting childhood memory of a shag, or cormorant, covered in oil by the Derbarl Yerrigan/Swan River. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

Mariela Espino Zuppa lives in Walyalup/Fremantle but is originally from Mexico. Her work aims to bridge divides—between ‘here' and ‘there', and ‘us' and ‘them'—fostering curiosity, connection, and systems of reciprocal care. In this episode, she shares her journey emigrating to the USA and later, Australia. Her deep desire to find a place she could belong to, where she would finally be accepted, is confronted by Australia's difficult past. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

Bill Adlam was born at and grew up in Merredin, Western Australia. Merredin is situated on the land of the Njaki Njaki people… but Bill didn't know this growing up. In this story, he shares his journey of discovering the dark history of his home town and that the past isn't often so far away as we think it is. Content Warning: These stories may include triggering content for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. If you're struggling while listening to this story, please don't hesitate to connect with 13 YARN on 13 92 76 and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: Truth Telling in Walyalup is a collection of stories from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that were shared in local resident's backyards all around Walyalup/Fremantle. The stories were reflections about Australia's shared colonial history and imagining a better future toward reconciliation. These stories were produced in partnership with and made possible by generous funding from the City of Fremantle. Find out more about their reconciliation journey and truth telling program at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Luisa Mitchell from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Cobie Mason.

Story Hour is Centre for Stories' regular monthly podcast where we sift through our archives of recorded stories to bring you up to an hour of diverse, intriguing, and real experiences from (extra)ordinary people. This month's theme is CROSSROADS. Being at a crossroads means grappling with indecision and the weight of potential outcomes. It's when the comfort of the known meets the uncertainty of the unknown, challenging us to make decisions that shape our future. In this episode, we'll hear stories from people who faced their own crossroads, revealing how these moments of choice shaped their lives and identities. Join us as we explore how navigating these critical points can lead to growth and transformation. Featuring storytellers Min Sheen Tan, Lee Scott-Virtue, Kris Marano and Reena Devi Seedhari. If you liked this episode, find out more about our stories and services at www.centreforstories.com. Sound engineering and original music from Mason Vellios. Narrated by Luisa Mitchell.

Story Hour is Centre for Stories' regular monthly podcast where we sift through our archives of recorded stories to bring you up to an hour of diverse, intriguing, and real experiences from (extra)ordinary people. This month's theme is THE BODY. The body is more than just flesh and bone; it's a canvas on which society paints its expectations, norms, and judgments. We are all subject to the world's gaze, and in turn, we internalize these perceptions, letting them shape how we see ourselves and how we move through the world. The body is a site of joy, pain, pride, and sometimes, conflict. It is where our deepest fears and greatest strengths reside. Featuring storytellers Sandi Parsons, Olivia Knowles, Nadia Heisler Walpole and Sankari Sivaramalingam. If you liked this episode, find out more about our stories and services at www.centreforstories.com. Sound engineering and original music from Mason Vellios. Narrated by Luisa Mitchell.

CONTENT WARNING: This story contains content that will be triggering for some, including mental illness and substance abuse. Please take care of yourself while listening and take a break if needed. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. After Kelly Campbell experienced a stroke, she lost her job and was suddenly dependent on welfare payments. Shocked to find the system was bureaucratic and unhelpful, she can't count the number of times she wasn't listened to. Then, after her rental lease ended, she found herself homeless. Supported by Shelter WA, funded by Sisters of St John of God and produced by Centre for Stories, More Than Our Stories is a collection of lived experiences of homelessness and housing insecurity from Shelter WA's HOME Lived Experience Advisory Group. Storytellers were supported to share some of their experiences and advocate for essential housing reform. If you enjoyed this episode, learn more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com or donate to support us. Thank you.

CONTENT WARNING: This story contains content that will be triggering for some, including mental illness and substance abuse. Please take care of yourself while listening and take a break if needed. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Anthea Corbett was always good at school – particularly art and painting. But as her life took a series of twists and turns as an adult – having children, suffering from addiction, being incarcerated – it became a struggle to return to the things she had once enjoyed in life. Supported by Shelter WA, funded by Sisters of St John of God and produced by Centre for Stories, More Than Our Stories is a collection of lived experiences of homelessness and housing insecurity from Shelter WA's HOME Lived Experience Advisory Group. Storytellers were supported to share some of their experiences and advocate for essential housing reform. If you enjoyed this episode, learn more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com or donate to support us. Thank you.

CONTENT WARNING: This story contains content that will be triggering for some, including mental illness and substance abuse. Please take care of yourself while listening and take a break if needed. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Lana Moon was always told she had so much potential. Yet the abuse and violence secretly occurring against her at home made her feel worthless. As a way to numb the pain and feel like a “normal person”, Lana turned to alcohol and other drugs. Supported by Shelter WA, funded by Sisters of St John of God and produced by Centre for Stories, More Than Our Stories is a collection of lived experiences of homelessness and housing insecurity from Shelter WA's HOME Lived Experience Advisory Group. Storytellers were supported to share some of their experiences and advocate for essential housing reform. If you enjoyed this episode, learn more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com or donate to support us. Thank you.

CONTENT WARNING: This story contains content that will be triggering for some, including mental illness and substance abuse. Please take care of yourself while listening and take a break if needed. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Due to family issues at home, a spiralling drug addiction and the consequences that followed, Gabby was already incarcerated in Banksia Hill Prison by the time she was fifteen. But it would take a long time for Gabby to realise she was suffering from mental illness too and needed help from others. Supported by Shelter WA, funded by Sisters of St John of God and produced by Centre for Stories, More Than Our Stories is a collection of lived experiences of homelessness and housing insecurity from Shelter WA's HOME Lived Experience Advisory Group. Storytellers were supported to share some of their experiences and advocate for essential housing reform. If you enjoyed this episode, learn more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com or donate to support us. Thank you.

Story Hour is Centre for Stories' regular monthly podcast where we sift through our archives of recorded stories to bring you up to an hour of diverse, intriguing, and real experiences from (extra)ordinary people. This month's theme is GENDER. Just as culture and society is fluid and complex, gender is a spectrum subject to the eye of the beholder and how the person identifies themselves. Gender-based discrimination and conversely, gender privilege, influences people's expression of their gender identity. Today we delve deeper into the importance of gender identity and the ways it moulds us, through four different stories. Featuring storytellers Emery Wishart, Noelle Martin, Dawson Ruhl and "Alice". If you liked this episode, find out more about our stories and services at www.centreforstories.com. Sound engineering and original music from Mason Vellios. Narrated by Luisa Mitchell.

Story Hour is Centre for Stories' regular monthly podcast where we sift through our archives of recorded stories to bring you up to an hour of diverse, intriguing, and real experiences from (extra)ordinary people. This month's theme is ROOTS. Our roots influence our values, our beliefs, and the way we navigate the world. In this episode, we delve into the journeys of individuals as they navigate the intricate process of connecting with, letting go of, or returning to their roots. Featuring storytellers Judy Ann Edgar, Michael, Widi Astuti and Alex Watson. If you liked this episode, find out more about our stories and services at www.centreforstories.com. Sound engineering and original music from Mason Vellios. Narrated by Luisa Mitchell.

Story Hour is Centre for Stories' regular monthly podcast where we sift through our archives of recorded stories to bring you up to an hour of diverse, intriguing, and real experiences from (extra)ordinary people. This month's theme is PREJUDICE, a deeply ingrained aspect of the human experience. Our stories show how prejudice manifests in myriad forms across societies and cultures. It's the lens through which we sometimes view others, coloured by stereotypes, biases, and preconceptions. Featuring storytellers Sarah Duguid, John Gilmore, Shizleen Aishath and Skye Windebank. If you liked this episode, find out more about our stories and services at www.centreforstories.com. Sound engineering and original music from Mason Vellios. Narrated by Luisa Mitchell.

Story Hour is Centre for Stories' regular monthly podcast where we sift through our archives of recorded stories to bring you up to an hour of diverse, intriguing, and real experiences from (extra)ordinary people. This month's theme is LOSS. Through personal narratives and shared reflections, we confront the complexities of grief, acknowledging its presence as an inevitable part of the human journey. Featuring Alexandra Geneve, Carly Dudly, Rowena Alexander and Graham Edwards. If you liked this episode, find out more about our stories and services at www.centreforstories.com. Sound engineering and original music from Mason Vellios. Narrated by Luisa Mitchell.

Story Hour is Centre for Stories' regular monthly podcast where we sift through our archives of recorded stories to bring you up to an hour of diverse, intriguing, and real experiences from (extra)ordinary people. This month's theme is TRANSITION. Transition is the silent conductor orchestrating the symphony of life, guiding each individual through the ebb and flow of change. It shapes our identities, reshapes our destinies, and beckons us forward with the promise of new beginnings while bidding farewell to the comforts of the past. Featuring Dr Tanja Glusac, Uncle Ben Taylor, Shamit Saggar and Paddi Creevey. If you liked this episode, find out more about our stories and services at www.centreforstories.com. Sound engineering and original music from Mason Vellios.

After ending an abusive and unhappy marriage, Rachel Farnay decided to become an IT and STEM teacher. She hoped that through teaching, she would never be lonely again. Soon she found that it was the students who would give her a joy and meaning she had never experienced before. Funded by City of Joondalup and produced by Centre for Stories, Colourful Stories is a collection of experiences set to the theme of ‘Better Together' and showcased at the Joondalup Festival 2024. These stories came from residents living in Joondalup and the surrounding suburbs who shared a belief in the power of connection and community, reminding us of the strength and value we gain when we overcome individual desires, ego and biases to value unexpected people and places around us. If you enjoyed this episode, learn more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com or donate to support us. Thank you.

After a shock diagnosis of a brain tumour, Natalie Bock's surgery left her vulnerable and isolated at home while she recovered. She couldn't work, she couldn't live, and as she wasn't technically a ‘senior' or ‘living with a disability', many support services wouldn't help her. Desperate, she decided to make friends in unexpected places. Funded by City of Joondalup and produced by Centre for Stories, Colourful Stories is a collection of experiences set to the theme of ‘Better Together' and showcased at the Joondalup Festival 2024. These stories came from residents living in Joondalup and the surrounding suburbs who shared a belief in the power of connection and community, reminding us of the strength and value we gain when we overcome individual desires, ego and biases to value unexpected people and places around us. If you enjoyed this episode, learn more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com or donate to support us. Thank you.

This story was shared by Jenny Martin. Here, she shares how after her divorce, she entered the ‘age of invisibility' as a single woman in her 50s and struggled through anxiety and depression. Her saving grace was an unexpected place – Mullaloo Beach. Funded by City of Joondalup and produced by Centre for Stories, Colourful Stories is a collection of experiences set to the theme of ‘Better Together' and showcased at the Joondalup Festival 2024. These stories came from residents living in Joondalup and the surrounding suburbs who shared a belief in the power of connection and community, reminding us of the strength and value we gain when we overcome individual desires, ego and biases to value unexpected people and places around us. If you enjoyed this episode, learn more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com or donate to support us. Thank you.

This story was shared by Jerome Masamaka. Jerome shares how as a young boy growing up in Ghana he accidentally killed his clan's sacred totem bird – the sparrow. The guilt and anxiety that plagued Jerome kept him up at night and would eventually influence the writer he would one day become. Funded by City of Joondalup and produced by Centre for Stories, Colourful Stories is a collection of experiences set to the theme of ‘Better Together' and showcased at the Joondalup Festival 2024. These stories came from residents living in Joondalup and the surrounding suburbs who shared a belief in the power of connection and community, reminding us of the strength and value we gain when we overcome individual desires, ego and biases to value unexpected people and places around us. If you enjoyed this episode, learn more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com or donate to support us. Thank you.

Story Hour is Centre for Stories' regular monthly podcast where we sift through our archives of recorded stories to bring you up to an hour of diverse, intriguing, and real experiences from (extra)ordinary people. This month's theme is LANGUAGE. Language, the very fabric of human connection, holds within it a myriad of stories, experiences, and emotions. It serves as a vessel for our thoughts, a mirror reflecting our heritage, and a bridge connecting us to one another. If you liked this episode, find out more about our stories and services at www.centreforstories.com. Sound engineering and original music from Mason Vellios.

Content Warning: Domestic violence, suicidal ideation, drug use. This story was shared by Bianca, who escaped an abusive relationship and quit drugs after falling pregnant. And yet her ex-partner still refused to leave her alone. Struggling with a broken legal system, it was the love for her children that kept her going in the darkest times. Funded by Anglicare WA and produced by Centre for Stories, Against All Odds is a collection of lived experiences of homelessness, housing insecurity and financial distress. These stories reflect on experiencing a broken system. Although these struggles happened many years ago for some of them, their stories were ironically recorded during Australia's cost-of-living crisis in 2023, which continues today. The public health issues of homelessness and poverty are as relevant as ever for many modern families. Here, our storytellers share what they believe needs to change about that system. Find out more and support our mission at www.centreforstories.com.

Content warning: Suicidal ideation. Story Hour is Centre for Stories' regular monthly podcast where we sift through our archives of recorded stories to bring you up to an hour of diverse, intriguing, and real experiences from (extra)ordinary people. This month's theme is LOVE. Love, the essential force behind all human experience, shapes our identities, fuels our passions, and binds us together in ways both tender and complex. Love can be exhilarating, uplifting, and transformative, yet it can also be complex, challenging, and riddled with uncertainty. It's both a beacon of light and a shadowy abyss, weaving its threads through the fabric of our lives. Find out more about our stories and storytelling services at www.centreforstories.com. Sound engineering and original music from Mason Vellios.

Content Warning: Family and domestic violence. This story was shared by Lisa Dodson, who escaped an abusive relationship and started a new life with her children. Still under constant threat and struggling to find a place to rent in the cost-of-living crisis, this is how Lisa found a light at the end of the tunnel. Funded by Anglicare WA and produced by Centre for Stories, Against All Odds is a collection of lived experiences of homelessness, housing insecurity and financial distress. These stories reflect on experiencing a broken system. Although these struggles happened many years ago for some of them, their stories were ironically recorded during Australia's cost-of-living crisis in 2023, which continues today. The public health issues of homelessness and poverty are as relevant as ever for many modern families. Here, our storytellers share what they believe needs to change about that system. Find out more at www.centreforstories.com.

Content Warning: Substance abuse/drug addiction. This story was shared by Tanya Smith, who shares how just one person viewing her as a human being helped her to overcome a drug addiction and find meaning in her life. Tanya now helps others recovering from substance abuse at Doors Wide Open. Funded by Anglicare WA and produced by Centre for Stories, Against All Odds is a collection of lived experiences of homelessness, housing insecurity and financial distress. These stories reflect on experiencing a broken system. Although these struggles happened many years ago for some of them, their stories were ironically recorded during Australia's cost-of-living crisis in 2023, which continues today. The public health issues of homelessness and poverty are as relevant as ever for many modern families. Here, our storytellers share what they believe needs to change about that system. Find out more at www.centreforstories.com.

Story Hour is Centre for Stories regular monthly podcast where we sift through our archives of recorded stories to bring you up to an hour of diverse, intriguing, and real experiences from ordinary people. This month's theme is HOME. What does home mean to different people? What is it like to craft a new one for yourself, or to find belonging in your old one? What is it like to not have a home at all? ft. Lucy Aboagye, Jay Anderson, Nisha D'Cruz and Victor Adeselou. All story copyright belongs to the storytellers. Find out more about our stories and storytelling services at www.centreforstories.com. Sound engineering and original music from Mason Vellios.

This story was shared by Nigena author and historian Dr Cindy Solonec. Cindy's story is about the passing of her Aunty Edie and how the health system didn't address her cultural and spiritual needs. This story was recorded at the Joondalup Reception Centre in September 2023 and made possible with funding from the Australia Communities Foundation. Photo credit: Duncan Wright. To find out more about this story and Hear Our Voice, head to www.centreforstories.com.

This story was shared by Whadjuk Nyungar Elder Dr Gerrard Shaw. Uncle Gerrard's story is a warning that the injustices of past government policies must never happen again – and what it looks like when government works together with Aboriginal communities. A warning that this story contains reference to the Stolen Generations. This story was recorded at the Joondalup Reception Centre in September 2023 and made possible with funding from the Australia Communities Foundation. Gerrard's story was also translated into Mandarin by Luoyang Chen - you can read the Mandarin transcript on the Centre for Stories website. To find out more about this project, head to www.centreforstories.com.

This story was shared by Wardandi Bibbulmun artist and singer Jarred Wall, otherwise known as “Boox Kid”. Jarred's story is about his growing unease with the youth justice system and his discovery of strength and unity in Nyungar language and song. This story was recorded at Edmund Rice Centre Mirrabooka in October 2023. It was made possible with funding from the Australia Communities Foundation. Learn more about Hear Our Voice and the other stories at www.centreforstories.com.

This story was shared by Ballardong Noongar writer, editor and teacher Casey Mulder. Casey's story is about her first experience as a graduate teacher working in the remote Aboriginal community of Halls Creek in the Kimberley. This story was recorded at Centre for Stories in September 2023 and made possible with funding from the Australia Communities Foundation. Find out more about Hear Our Voice at www.centreforstories.com.

This story was shared by Ngarluma filmmaker and dancer Perun Bonser. Perun's story is about how he decided to use film and art to show Australia there are different stories about Aboriginal people – more than just the dominant narrative given by the mainstream media. This story was recorded at Edmund Rice Centre WA in October 2023 and made possible with funding from the Australia Communities Foundation. Find out more about HEAR OUR VOICE at www.centreforstories.com.

This story was shared by poet and Indian Australian author Lakshmi Kanchi. Lakshmi's story is about how her newfound sense of belonging in the Perth wetlands came under threat during the Roe 8 highway development proposal. This story was recorded at the Joondalup Reception Centre in September 2023 and made possible with funding from the Australia Communities Foundation. Lakshmi has also shared her story in Hindi. You can listen to the Hindi interpretation of her story on the Centre for Stories website. For more information about Hear Our Voice and listen to other stories, go to www.centreforstories.com.

This story was shared by Bardi storyteller and navy veteran Ron Bradfield. Ron's story is about how a chance meeting with a stranger led to a trip down memory lane into the multicultural heritage and harmony of Broome in the 1950s. This story was recorded at the Chinese Moon Lantern Festival in the Scarborough Community Hub, September 2023. It was made possible with funding from the Australia Communities Foundation. Find out more about Hear Our Voice and Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. Photo credit: Pranay Singh.

This story was shared by Whadjuk Nyungar descendent and writer Luisa Mitchell. Luisa shares how a cultural trip with relatives turned sour one night when two police showed up at their caravan park with questions. Luisa also produced the Hear Our Voice project and is a coordinator at Centre for Stories. This story was recorded at Centre for Stories in September 2023. It was made possible with generous support from the Australia Communities Foundation. Find out more about Hear Our Voice and Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. Photo credit: Duncan Wright.

Katelyn is an award-winning goalkeeper for the ParaMatildas. Founded in 2019, the ParaMatildas is Australia's first national team for women and girls with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and symptoms of stroke. Katelyn recently won the inaugural ParaMatildas Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Tournament after a silver medal winning run in their first international Women's World Cup campaign in 2022. Game Changers is a collection of stories from WA elite athletes past and present considered to be the best in the game; and from community role models who are courageously making soccer more accessible and equitable for future generations of women, young girls and newcomers of all genders to the game. Find out more at centreforstories.com.

Mikayla is a sports scientist and educator. A woman of many talents, she is currently completing her PhD studies at Notre Dame University in gender equity in soccer. She also works as a strength and conditioning coach for Fremantle Dockers in the AFLW, and as a mentor for young girls in soccer through the Gaining Ground. Game Changers is a collection of stories from WA elite athletes past and present considered to be the best in the game; and from community role models who are courageously making soccer more accessible and equitable for future generations of women, young girls and newcomers of all genders to the game. Find out more at centreforstories.com.

Growing up in Margaret River and not initially taking soccer seriously as a career, Tash took an unusual route to becoming captain of the Perth Glory Women's League, replacing Sam Kerr in 2019. Tash believes in making space for others to lead through their strength, and is honoured to join a movement of strong women paving the way for future generations of soccer-lovers. Game Changers is a collection of stories from WA elite athletes past and present considered to be the best in the game; and from community role models who are courageously making soccer more accessible and equitable for future generations of women, young girls and newcomers of all genders to the game. Find out more at centreforstories.com.

Goalkeeper for international Women's Super League clubs and Australia's national team the Matildas, Lydia is a proud Nyungar woman who grew up playing in the red dirt of Kalgoorlie, a small town north-east of Perth, before moving to Canberra to pursue her career in soccer. She has been inducted into the Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame. Game Changers is a collection of stories from WA elite athletes past and present considered to be the best in the game; and from community role models who are courageously making soccer more accessible and equitable for future generations of women, young girls and newcomers of all genders to the game. Find out more at centreforstories.com. Photo credit: Ann Odong.

Soccer runs through the Brooking family's veins. Thembi and her daughter Ischia both play soccer, while Thembi's husband coaches. After migrating from Zimbabwe to Perth, Thembi started out playing soccer in an area of Perth where there was less opportunity for young girls to play and is now proud to see that changing for her daughter, Ischia, who is playing at an elite level with the Junior Matildas. Game Changers is a collection of stories from WA elite athletes past and present considered to be the best in the game; and from community role models who are courageously making soccer more accessible and equitable for future generations of women, young girls and newcomers of all genders to the game. Find out more at centreforstories.com.

Tracey Wheeler is an early champion of women in soccer, representing Australia in our national team the Matildas first as a midfielder, and later as a goalkeeper. She made her international goalkeeping debut against New Zealand in 1989, and has played 55 international matches for Australia, including three games at the 2000 Olympics. Game Changers is a collection of stories from WA elite athletes past and present considered to be the best in the game; and from community role models who are courageously making soccer more accessible and equitable for future generations of women, young girls and newcomers of all genders to the game. Find out more at centreforstories.com.

Sports journalist Ann Odong travels with the national Matildas team and is Digital Content Project Manager for Football Federation Australia. Ann's story begins when her family were forced to flee Uganda as refugees. They resettled in Perth, Western Australia. Growing up in a new country, Ann found the best way to connect with other kids was through a shared passion for playing soccer. Game Changers is a collection of stories from WA elite athletes past and present considered to be the best in the game; and from community role models who are courageously making soccer more accessible and equitable for future generations of women, young girls and newcomers of all genders to the game. Find out more at centreforstories.com.

Jaime is a trans woman, soccer player and committee member for the South Perth Pride Football Club, an inclusive soccer club for players of all different backgrounds, races, ages, abilities and sexualities. Game Changers is a collection of stories from WA elite athletes past and present considered to be the best in the game; and from community role models who are courageously making soccer more accessible and equitable for future generations of women, young girls and newcomers of all genders to the game. Find out more at centreforstories.com.

Marilyn has the great honour of being the first West Australian female referee to crash into the male-dominated game in the late 1970's. In 1992, she was the first woman to run the line in a national men's soccer league game. Game Changers is a collection of stories from WA elite athletes past and present considered to be the best in the game; and from community role models who are courageously making soccer more accessible and equitable for future generations of women, young girls and newcomers of all genders to the game. Find out more at centreforstories.com.