Community Conversations with Pietro

In this episode we're coming to you from Connect Global, a drug and alcohol rehabilitations centre. Unlike other centres, this one is about rebuilding the man and not just treating existing addictions. We would like to thank Ross Pene, Program Manager, and some of the men who are a part of the program for sharing from their heart in this episode. We encourage you to share this podcast across your network to spread the word about how men are released from the pain of addiction and incarceration to become role models for their families, friends and the community.

Everyone loves a 'best of' album because you get to hear all your favourite songs on one album. We, in the podcast world, love it too.  For us, it's an opportunity to reflect on the various guests and the wealth of knowledge, skill and love they have for others.  In this podcast, Pietro unpacks three episodes and provides an overview of some of the nuggets of gold that really stood out to him. Our guests come from a range of backgrounds, but what is always consistent, is their heart to help others. We hope this episode makes your heart sing and you feel encouraged to listen to the back catalogue. We may be biased, but we'd be telling porky pies if we said we never relistened to our podcasts. Not because we like the sound of our own voices, but because hearing from such amazing people encourages us.Community Conversations exists to help share stories and experiences of the ways people are making a difference in the world. As a podcast, we aim to help provide information to people who work in the community services sector about services and people that go over and above, or, do something a bit different.

In this episode of Community Conversations our Producer, Michael Smith, jumps in to provide some insight to the highlights from podcasts we recorded in 2020 which was the year we started the podcast. 

In this episode of Community Conversations Pietro speaks with Robert Sams, the Executive Director and Volunteer Crisis Supporter for Lifeline Newcastle and Central Coast. Nearly everyone would have heard of Lifeline before, but there are some things that you definitely might not have known about the services they offer, how they are engaging with the community and the process for becoming a telephone crisis support volunteer. It will come as no surprise, on the back of drought, bushfires, floods and COVID-19 that calls to Lifeline are unprecedented and like most organisations/businesses, their revenue is down. That said, in the true spirit of Lifeline, they have just put on another 30 volunteers and as you will hear throughout the podcast, that is not a cheap exercise given the cost of training involved.We would encourage you to share this podcast to help raise awareness about the services offered and to consider how you or others might be able to get involved.Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14 or SMS 0477 13 11 14

Until recently Tanya Davies MP had a Facebook following of about 4000 people and in a very short space of time it has grown exponentially to 84,000. Is it divine favour or that she was willing to go against her own boss, the former Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her own party, the Liberal Party, to stand up for her constituents? Whichever it may be, her voice has been amplifying the thoughts and feelings of at least 80,000 people from her electorate of Mulgoa.When it comes to faith, there may not be a more diverse electorate than Mulgoa and it has been Tanya's faith driving her to serve people and be the difference. We hope you enjoy this episode that provides an insight to Tanya's heart and love for people.

NSW Member of Parliament, Alex Greenwich, has introduced a Bill to the NSW Parliament called the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill. This episode seeks to explore some of the issues with euthanasia and listeners will be challenged by the thoughts presented by our guests Bruce Robertson, Executive Pastor - HopeUC and Nikki Aben, NSW & ACT Coordinator - Australian Christian Lobby.  We encourage listeners to take the time to consider the many thoughts and questions raised and we are confident you will have more questions of your own at the end. This is a challenging topic and this podcast does not seek to be exhaustive in the content presented, we really just scratch the surface. Unfortunately, like many Bills that are debated in parliament, many citizens are often unaware that a new law is being considered. However, after listening to this podcast we hope you will feel compelled to share your thoughts with your Local Member of Parliament.

It was our pleasure to host the Honourable Mark Latham, State Leader for Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party for the latest episode of Community Conversations with Pietro. In this episode, Mark speaks about his time away from politics and his re-entry back into the political arena, the turmoil of the Labor Party and the union movement, parental rights, religious freedom, vaccine passports and the top 3 priorities of the One Nation Party and much more. Community Conversations with Pietro is a podcast for those who have a heart for helping others and Mark Latham demonstrates his heart through his advocacy for everyday Australians and has done so for a long time across his personal and political life.

In this episode, we welcome back Lawyer, Mark Ramsland to continue the conversation about Covid-19 and the Law. We cover questions such as how public health orders can be repealed if the queen has the constitutional power to avert emergency use powers, does the national cabinet have any legal powers, the impacts of suspending parliament, what freedom of association and freedom to assemble means, how can we trust the judicial system, freedom of information and so much more.  

In this episode of Community Conversations Pietro speaks with Mark Ramsland a lawyer from Newcastle, NSW Australia about the impacts of mandatory vaccinations, vaccine passports, employment and how the law is applied. There is a lot to learn and we've only scratched the surface. We look forward to unpacking a range of scenarios as they relate to the pandemic in future episodes.

In this current climate there is a new demographic of people experiencing homelessness. Not people who have drug, alcohol or gambling addictions and not the long term unemployed but people with jobs and a good rental history. Such is the shortage of housing that even first home buyers are finding it difficult, if not impossible to afford a home. In this podcast edition we speak to Sonia Hornery MP for Wallsend and Rick Prosser the CEO of The Soul Cafe. Our guests share what they see as the main reasons for the homeless crisis and offer some ideas on how to fix the problem. This will be compelling listening. #community #communityconversations #homelessness 

Most people have heard the word chaplain and will have a concept of what they are and do. But how accurate would that concept be? As someone working in the community services sector, I learned some things. In this episode, chaplains, John Wolfenden and Maureen Dunn share their experiences of working with communities hit by the worst fires in New South Wales history.

In this episode Pietro speaks with Janelle Karbowiak and Kim Taylor about their experience connecting with new Australian's. Also, Pietro speaks with Saied who came to live in Australia after fleeing Syria. Through this episode you will find out how you can make a difference in the lives of people who are looking for a community.

Zoe's Place is for those who have experienced an unplanned pregnancy the opportunity to pause, reflect and be guided, by unbiased help, to decide the next steps. In this episode we speak to Director of Zoe's Place, Selina Stewart, along with Mentor, Chantelle Newman and new mum and mentee Carlie about the support offered by Zoe's Place to both those who choose to give birth and those who choose to terminate. This podcast will offer support and hope to those who have been, or are currently, on this journey.

What happens when parents are drug affected and unable to raise their children? Mirabel is a support service for children who are being raising by family members who should be in a retirement lifestyle... yes grandparents. Truth, Mirabel is supporting grandparents in a way that, without their support, childhood neglect and poverty would be far worse. An organisation with no government funding in NSW they are unsung heroes who also need your support.

Our guests will share how mental health is impacting individuals and families during COVID19 and how to stay well and reach others who are isolated.In this episode Ann-Maria Martin, CEO of Survivors R Us, Tony Kitchener who is a psychotherapist and Christine Carr a nurse with a doctorate specialising in infectious diseases share stories and thoughts from their experiences here in Australia and overseas.