Conversations with The Smith Family

In our first conversation of 2025, Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family, sits down with David Gonski AC, the driving force behind Australia's landmark school funding reforms, to explore the current state of education and what's needed to ensure every child – no matter their background – has the opportunity to succeed. They discuss the legacy of the Gonski Report and the recent agreement to lift public school funding to the full amount recommended by the review. David also shares his views on what it takes to help young people thrive in tertiary education and the role of philanthropy in shaping better futures. CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyGuest: David Gonski AC, business leader, philanthropist and Chancellor, University of New South WalesAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a new season of Conversations with The Smith Family – a podcast that dives into the big issues affecting young people, their education and their future.Over eight episodes, we explore ideas to help tackle educational inequality in Australia and ensure every child has the chance to thrive at school and beyond.Host Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family, is joined by a stellar line-up of guests, including education reformer David Gonski, early childhood advocate Georgie Dent, parenting expert Steve Biddulph and Australia's favourite maths teacher, Eddie Woo.Our first conversation will be out on Wed 16 April, with new episodes released monthly.CREDITSSeries producers: Jacqui Ooi, Kim BatchelorAudio production: Mylk MediaVideo production: Brown Tree Productions GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're bringing you some of the highlights from our first season of conversations. If you'd like to hear more, you can scroll back through the feed to find the full episodes.This series has explored the work being done across the Australian community to help young people change their futures through the power of education.From expert insights to deeply moving personal stories, we've heard about some of the most pressing issues affecting young people today and how we can all make a positive difference in their lives.Thank you to all of our guests for sharing your stories and experiences, and to you, our listeners, for your support of the show. We'll be back with more conversations in 2025. CREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family Series producer: Jacqui Ooi Audio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCH Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on: Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus LinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final conversation for 2024, Kelly, a parent with two children on our Learning for Life program, reflects on the year that's been, as cost-of-living pressures continue to take a heavy toll on families and impact children's education.    Her story highlights the difficulties many families on lower incomes are facing. In a recent survey of nearly 2,500 families supported by The Smith Family, almost 60% of parents and carers said they struggled to afford essential school items for their children this year.    Despite the challenges, Kelly is doing all she can to ensure her children don't miss out on vital learning opportunities. Reflecting on her own schooling years, she emphasises the importance of creating a memorable and positive school experience for her children.   CREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family Guest: Kelly, Learning for Life parent Audio production: Mylk Media   GET IN TOUCH Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au   Connect with us on: Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus LinkedIn @the-smith-family   The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into Pay What It Takes, an initiative within the not-for-profit sector to address misconceptions around admin costs and why these shouldn't be seen as a measure of a ‘good' or 'bad' charity.The campaign aims to increase understanding of the true cost of running effective charities and creating a positive and lasting impact in our communities. Doug speaks with two of the co-founders of the campaign, Jo Taylor, CEO of the Siddle Family Foundation, and Lisa Allan, Head of Fundraising at The Smith Family, to explore why these admin costs – such as IT, HR, finance, fundraising and measuring impact – are essential for organisations to operate safely and efficiently, build strong and sustainable foundations, and deliver on their purpose. CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyGuests: Jo Taylor & Lisa Allan, Co-founders, Pay What It TakesAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of building trusted partnerships with families to support their child's education. The conversation draws on the experiences of Ben Blowers, a Team Leader at The Smith Family, who has worked directly with families on our Learning for Life program over the past five years. Ben shares insights into how The Smith Family engages with parents, offering not just financial and program support, but the personal support needed to help children thrive at school. He also touches on the challenges families are facing right now and their resilience in overcoming barriers. CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyGuest: Ben Blowers, Learning for Life Team Leader, The Smith FamilyAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this important episode for Anti-Poverty Week, we meet James Manton, an alumni of The Smith Family's Learning for Life program, who shares his deeply personal story of growing up in disadvantage, the impact it had on his education and how the right support at the right time helped him turn his life around.James also offers valuable insights into how our society can better support young people experiencing poverty and how he's now giving back as a volunteer mentor to make a difference in another young person's life. CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyGuest: James Manton, Learning for Life AlumniAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the lead-up to Anti-Poverty Week, this conversation explores what poverty looks like in modern Australia and how digital poverty is leaving young people experiencing disadvantage further behind in education and employment opportunities. Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, shares insights into what can be done to bridge this digital divide and how organisations are working to ensure every young person has the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Caroline is also the NSW co-chair of Anti-Poverty Week, alongside The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor. Actions you can take this Anti-Poverty Week to help young Australians in need: Support the call to end child poverty in AustraliaSupport The Smith Family's Digital Learning Essentials programLearn how your organisation can donate technology through WorkVenturesCREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family Guest: Caroline McDaid, CEO, WorkVentures Audio production: Mylk Media   GET IN TOUCH Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au   Connect with us on: Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus LinkedIn @the-smith-family   The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Volunteers play a vital role in shaping our communities, yet volunteering rates in Australia are in decline.In this conversation, we hear from Mark Pearce, CEO of Volunteering Australia, about the changing nature of volunteering and efforts to revitalise volunteering for the future. CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyGuest: Mark Pearce, CEO, Volunteering AustraliaAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, we feature highlights from our recent webinar, exploring how we can collectively support more young Australians to achieve success at school and beyond.Currently, one in four young Australians aren't completing year 12 or the equivalent – and the rate is much higher for young people experiencing disadvantage. Yet we know that higher educational attainment is associated with positive social and economic outcomes.This episode includes valuable insights from The Smith Family's Head of Research and Advocacy, Anne Hampshire, on our ongoing research into post-school pathways with over 2,000 young Australians, and a personal story from Cindy, a tertiary student on our Learning for Life program, who offers her perspective on what young people need to make a positive transition from school to further study or work. Plus, you'll hear from our panellists, who share their views on ways to address the recent declines in school completion rates and ensure all young people are ready for a fast-changing labour market:· Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, Chancellor of Western Sydney University;· Christine Cawsey AM, Principal of Rooty Hill High School and a Board member at The Smith Family; and· Dr Anthony Mann, Senior Policy Analyst, Directorate for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).You can watch the full webinar here.CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're meeting two award-winning primary school principals who see firsthand the challenges and hopes of young people experiencing disadvantage.Alison Forthuber and Rachel Armer have been educators for more than two decades, leaving an indelible footprint on thousands of young people over that time.In this conversation, Alison and Rachel share their passion for education, their inspiring approaches to teaching and the importance of community connections to positively impact young lives. They also discuss the challenges facing students and educators today, and what gives them hope for the future. CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyGuests: Alison Forthuber, Principal of Bellambi Public School, and Rachel Armer, Assistant Principal of Warilla North Public SchoolAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philanthropy has been a mainstay of The Smith Family's history, helping to transform the lives of thousands of young Australians through education.In this conversation, we welcome Shamal Dass, a renowned expert in philanthropy and social impact, to explore the world of philanthropic giving and how people and organisations can make a meaningful difference in their communities. CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyGuest: Shamal Dass, Head of Family Advisory and Philanthropic Services, JBWereAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inequality in Australia has grown and social connection is on the decline. How can governments and charities work together to support young people and strengthen our communities for a better future? The Honourable Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities, Treasury and Employment, addresses education reform, the future of volunteering, philanthropic giving and more in this wide-ranging discussion. CREDITSHost: Doug TaylorGuest: The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MPAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Education is a transformative force, yet the path to higher education isn't always easy. Professor Mark Scott AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Sydney, discusses the challenges facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds and initiatives in the university sector to break down these barriers. CREDITSHost: Doug TaylorGuest: Professor Mark Scott AOAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

School attendance is a complex issue affecting many students and families. Declining attendance levels have been making headlines in Australia and around the world. Dr Kirsten Hancock, The Smith Family's National Manager, Research and Evaluation, breaks down the latest trends and challenges, emphasising the need for supportive, non-punitive measures. Using both local and international research, she shares practical strategies for improving attendance and highlights how community collaboration and policy changes can help ensure every child has a chance to succeed in their education. CREDITSHost: Doug TaylorGuest: Dr Kirsten HancockAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Conversations with The Smith Family, a new podcast series hosted by Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family. In this series, we delve into initiatives across Australia aimed at empowering young people to transform their futures through education. Each episode brings together diverse voices from the Smith Family community, alongside educators, researchers, philanthropists, business leaders and policymakers. Together, we explore pressing issues impacting young people today and discuss effective strategies to create positive change. GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.