Community Matters
Community Matters is the new podcast hosted by Community Industry Group’s CEO Nicky Sloan that dives into community-driven solutions for pressing issues. Join Nicky as she catches up with community leaders to hear inspiring stories, expert insights, and actionable ideas to create positive change.
Episodes
13 episodes
NAIDOC WEEK SPECIAL: With Charlie Ashby – Next Generation Rising: Cultural Healing in the Shoalhaven
In this powerful NAIDOC Week special celebrating the 2025 theme of "Next Generation: Strength Vision and Legacy," host Nicky sits down with Charlie Ashby, Cultural Lead for Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in the Sh...
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22:22
COST OF LIVING CRISIS: With Cath Daly - Food is the glue: Building community one meal at a time
“There’s got to be food and it’s got to be fun!” explains Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator Cath Daly about her approach to supporting community health and wellbeing.Nicky talks to Cath about supporting families and kids by provi...
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22:06
HUMAN RIGHTS: With Craig Foster AM –What would you do in the face of injustice?
In this powerful conversation, Nicky dives deep into fairness, equity, and social justice with Craig Foster AM—former Socceroos captain, sports broadcaster, author, human rights advocate and 2023 NSW Australian of the Year. Nicky and Craig disc...
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37:22
DISABILITY REFORM: With Edward Birt – The shift to registration for NDIS providers
This week Nicky talks to Ed Birt, Senior Policy Specialist at the Community Industry Group, about the shift towards a risk proportionate registration model for disability service providers that is coming to the NDIS. In December 20...
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33:47
DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT: With Rod Von Clark – More than a job - breaking down the barriers to employment success
Statistics show, despite years of disability employment strategies, rates of employment for people with a disability remain much lower than the general population. On this episode Nicky takes a deep dive with Rod Von Clark the CEO of the ...
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28:56
COST OF LIVING CRISIS: With Danna Nelse AM - How neighbourhood centres are pivoting to tackle the crisis
New research from the University of Wollongong reveals concerning levels of food insecurity for families across the Illawarra Shoalhaven region (see link below). On this episode Nicky speaks with Danna Nelse, Manager of the Albion Park &a...
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20:01
TRANSPORT DISADVANTAGE: With Maria Corsiglia - How Transport Disadvantage Deepens Vulnerability
In this Episode, Nicky is joined by Maria Corsiglia - Centre Manager, Barnardo's South Coast Children's Family Centre. Maria gives insights into how lack of access to public transport impacts the lives of people in vulnerable circumstances. Usi...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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15:28
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATON & CARE: With Kim Bertino - Getting it right for every child
In this important episode Nicky talks with Kim Bertino. Kim is the Chief Executive Officer of Big Fat Smile, a not-for-profit provider in the Illawarra providing Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services. Kim and Nicky disc...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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14:14
BED BLOCK P4: With Val Fell - A personal perspective on bed block
Aged Care, Ageing and Dementia Advocate, Val Fell joins Nicky to give a very personal account of being a patient who has experienced the impact of bed block. A member of the Minister’s Council of Elders and the National Older Persons’ Reference...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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16:31
BED BLOCK P3: With Tanya Southworth - STARS unblocking hospital beds one conversation at a time
In our third episode focusing on “Bed Block,” Nicky is shocked to learn that older people admitted to hospital are staying, on average, over 16 times longer than younger people. This is “Bed Block,” where people no longer in need of acute care ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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17:33
BED BLOCK P2: With Mark Sewell - Here come the Baby Boomers!
Aged care consultant Mark Sewell joins Nicky on this episode of the podcast bringing his wealth of knowledge and insights into the crisis facing the Health Care system due to “bed block”. Bed block is where people are unable to...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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31:44
BED BLOCK P1: With Margot Mains - Not just a Health issue (how bed block impacts the whole community)
Local Health District CEO, Margot Mains joins us to explore how hospitals are coping with the nearly 200 older people in hospital who need to move to, or return to, residential care. Margot explains how this impacts both older people...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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20:46
TRANSPORT: With George Takacs - the important benefits of Active Transport
Residents of the Illawarra Shoalhaven are being called to action! The Strategic Regional Transport Plan is open for consultation, offering a chance to shape the future of transport in our region. In this episode of Community Matters, Ni...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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17:32
