Sutherland Shire Podcast Station

After a chance meeting in Cronulla, Linda Seymour ; An Independent candidate for the seat of Hughes, shared her story, struggles and success. She is described as Intelligent, Curious and Independent. Linda was the only female in her Architect Design Degree, became  mum to two girls, and was born and still lives in the Sutherland Shire.  Her incredible insight into grass roots representation has been a passion that together with other like minded residents created the 'We are Hughes' movement. Her success to date is attributed to her integrity and commitment to the environment and ensuring issues such as local communities are well resourced and represented.  Linda has seen the world change, overcome personal battles of judgement and she reflects how once she would cower at the inappropriate, disrespect and unkind, she now calls it out. "Women should have to be the champions in the fight' - Linda The online trolling in this campaign has been nothing short of what has come to be expected in the political arena but Linda says her feet are firmly on the ground and the people around her are the force field that allows her to stay focused on the job ahead.  You can find out more at www.lindaseymour.com.au   This is a community podcast by ShirePOD.   We are not affiliated with any party. Nor do we receive payment for these interviews.  

This episode is epic. Nicky's good friend Jason Ludlow met up with Darren and I at a pub on a recent trip to the UK.   He shares is current role with Sail GP as a host and commentator for those guests who want the up close experience of the best sailing events around the world.  www.theboatprincess.com  

Shellie Coan is the owner of Shellies Animal Care, a team of highly trained animal carers who look after your animals in their own home.  Combined with Doggy Day Care options, Daily Walks or the Pop In service, Shellie explains how her service not only provides a stress free pet sitting service but peace of mind.  In this chat you'll come to understand the real Shellie Coan, a woman who has owned her business for 15 years and has raised both her children and pets in a loving home.  Now she has found her people and the people of the Sutherland and St George Shire has found her.  Shellie shares her love of animals through story telling, remember clients by their pets name.  Having previousl undertaken animal husbandy studies and more recently becoming a certified breeder, Shellie is a wealth of knowledge and her network of experts are some of the most respected animal carers in Australia.  So whether you are going away for the weekend or overseas, Shellie finds the perfect home and pet sitter suited to your needs.   If you would like the convenience and security of someone looking after your pet in your own home, call Shellie. Visit the Website www.shelliesanimalcare.com.au  Follow on Instagram @shelliesanimalcare for daily dogcare entertainment and tips on how to best care for your pet. 

'Community Spirit is important'  Meet Cr Leanne Farmer, who was recently elected to the Sutherland Shire Council and will be your representative in A Ward for the next 2.5 years.  Leanne has lived in the Shire all of her life, creating a family, lifelong friendships and building a business that supports parents who need care for the their children outside the usual hours.   Leanne is passionate about preserving the beach side lifestyle and progressing local services. As an independent, Leanne brings a perspective that many residents have expressed.  She is one of the 7 female councillors during this history making election.  She is committed to understanding what locals want and upholding the responsibilities of the Council.  Leanne is a business woman, mother and local identity who is approachable and understanding of the need to rebuild our sea side community and would love to see the rest centre resurrected.  You'll find out more about Leanne on the Shire Independents website. Leanne is committed to working together as a strong council for greater outcomes across the Sutherland Shire that foster transparency and sustain infrastructure.  This was a candid conversation at Club W and I am grateful to Leanne for her time and insight. 

'She is the First Female Mayor elected to the Upper Lachlan'. Pam Kensit migrated from Ireland to Australia 32 years ago. She lives on a rural property with husband David, called 'Moorabinda', just outside Crookwell, NSW.  An active community member and volunteer, she  has raised 2 children and a menagerie of pets including Audrey and Abbey. An acclaimed artist, Pam exhibits every 3 years in Sydney and until recently would tend to the farm, paint in her studio, muster sheep or spend time in the garden.  These days Pam makes the 35 minute trip into Crookwell to attend to duties bestowed upon the elected Mayor of the Upper Lachlan.  Having sat on Council for a number of years, she has invested her time in standing committees that ensure the community interests are well represented. Pam says one of the first items on her agenda as mayor will be to lobby the federal government for improved communication systems in the bush. 2022 saw 5 female councillors elected to Council, with 4 men joining them to collaborate on the priorities of ensuring the farming and agriculture industries are supported. 2500 kms of roadway need to be maintained and upgraded so vital transport of stock and supplies can be transported to other areas and the city.  Also on the agenda is keeping the community groups like CWA, Rotary, The Mens Shed, Probus and View Club, who lobby for social change and support vulnerable residents thriving. Alongside Pam is the power house, Deputy Mayor, Mandy McDonald, which is proving to be a force of nature that matches any weather event.  Pam and I end this interview by cooking up tasty ideas for the Crookwell Potato Festival that celebrates 200 years. Over the years, Pam has developed strong connections to resettled Ireland migrants and regularly attend events that connect those who left during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, which spanned three decades between 1960's-1998. With a slight accent and an infectious laugh, Pam warmly welcomes her community members to come and 'chat' to her in chambers.  It was a privilege to visit her farm during sheering season, laugh over lunch looking out on the expansive garden and whilst deep in conversation we get to the heart of why she put her hand up for the top job.  Pam is also a published author and during the 2020-21 lockdown sat down to write her latest book Poems Outside The Fold. She is best known for her novel 'Dust to Mud', the contribution of a bush community to WW1. Pam is described by her colleagues as a natural born leader who does the doing.  She is known as a collaborative leader, patient and grateful for the opportunities the Australian country life has given her. Please reach out to Pam with any comments or questions  PKensit@upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au To visit Crookwell and the Upper Lachlan, click here. Make sure you visit places like Arcadia, Crieterion Hotel and Crookwell Services Club.  #country #bush #upperlachlan    

Women Should Be Two Things : Who She Wants and What She Wants. There is no doubt the ground swell of female voices stepping forward to contribute ideas and innovation is growing.  No longer are women prepared to be silenced, stay silent or remain quiet when the systems and rules fail to take into consideration the issues and concerns of women and girls.  This is the first in a series of interviews with women who have stepped into roles of representation at Local, State and Federal Government.  Today I am speaking with Cr Laura Cowell, of Ward E, who as a local resident in the Sutherland Shire openly shares why she believed she was the right person for a seat on Council.  Laura shares her experience and commitment to creating a safer, equal and well serviced sector of the local government.   Representing her community, residents and sporting arenas, Laura says the role was a steep learning curve that she is quickly embracing so she can make a difference in the next 2 years and 9 months. To follow Laura's journey www.lauracowell.com Follow on socials Facebook Instagram Other information about local council can be found here    

Over the last few months we have been productively producing a special series for the Female Voices in eCommerce with Chana from Owl and Monk.   Last week we launched and celebrated in style at The Last Course restaurant with the talents team of content creators and digital platform creatives.   We warmly welcome Chana and her team to the ShirePOD family.  Episode 1 Amy Cooper, Manager & Co-owner - Springboard Digital / Alpha Digital As Administration Manager and Co-owner of two digital marketing agencies in Brisbane (Australia), Amy is the mum to three kids under 4, and is primarily responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of internal processes, accounts and HR, both in the office and at home.    “The passion in the project is heightened when you own your own business... ", Amy Cooper.   Listen in to hear Amy's story and insights around: * Returning to work after maternity leave and why it was important to her * Agency culture and what she values when hiring and managing her teams * Strategy for next 12 months  * Advice to eCommerce clients for the year ahead * Stress management * Navigating technology with children    Amy's husband Matt founded Alpha Digital over 10 years ago and after having their first child it made sense for Amy to be involved. Alpha has grown into one of Australia’s leading digital agencies, partnering with some of Australia’s biggest brands, including Petbarn, City Beach, Pillow Talk and more. In the last few years, Amy and Matt launched a second digital marketing agency, Springboard Digital, which specialises in quality, cost-effective digital marketing for small to medium sized businesses, as well as larger businesses with simpler digital marketing needs. Some of Springboard's clients include Aceology, Owlete Active, Bianc and Bands of Courage.   Tech apps mentioned in podcast: Headspace, Calm, Uprise (EAP) and Slack   You can contact Amy directly at amy@springboard-digital.com.au   Hosted and Produced by Chana Imsirovic, eCommerce Specialist at Owl and Monk.   To learn more about this Podcast and Owl and Monk visit: www.owlandmonk.com.au

'There's Injustice, Corruption and it's Archaic.' - Grace Orah describes the current Family Law system as the opportunity to continue the abuse she was subjected to in her relationship. A process that places children in the middle of parents in conflict and on a battleground where no one wins.   Australian Family Law is in a national crisis, with jurisdictions failing to take responsibility and be held accountable for the safety, security and sanity of parents and children.  The Child is the play book for navigating the Family Court of Australia. Written from the experience of a de-identified author with the hope other parents who find themselves unable to afford the extraordinary costs of a lawyer, can educate and arm themselves with the tactics and games played inside and outside, the walls of a court room.  https://lnkd.in/guxGvmR6 Available on Amazon for $7.99 The Child is not only one woman's story but the guide to the processes, rules and strategies she was subjected to by her child's father's lawyers.  Described as 'Repugnant and Neglectful' this mother became the enraged lioness you'd expect.  Forced to defend baseless lies that lacked evidence, Grace shares how she continues to recover from these false allegations and the impact of prolonged proceedings that do not hold the abuser accountable. "A new Family System! (Note the word Court is removed!), that cradles our children, uses words that heal, supports victims, offers peace and guidance, brings justice and leaves no one financially destroyed!" #oneforall If you are experiencing domestic abuse, violence, post separation or legal systems abuse you can reach out for support to 1800 RESPECT.   Please note our guest on this podcast has been de-identified for her safety and that of her child.  Currently, Section 121 of the Family Law Act prohibits the publication of any specifics that are liable to identify a party to a family law proceeding. However, the provision has attracted criticism from those who say it leads to lack of transparency and accountability in the family court system. This means that the general community does not know a lot about the processes and procedures involved in the family law system. People are also often unaware of the factors that courts take into account and the decisions that judges make. Some journalists feel that the provision does more harm than good. Author and journalist Jess Hill in her 2019 book about family violence See What You Made Me Do, argues that Section 121 ‘allows bad behaviour within the system to go unchecked.’  This is the story of the Powerful Vs Powerless.    

In this International Women's Day episode, Pip speaks with Bron Williams, The Bias Specialist.  Bron's lived experience and expertise has given her the opportunity to have those difficult and awkward conversations with people who demonstrate unconscious bias.  With empathy and respect Bron brings to the surface, and consciousness, the bias created during childhood, through our education, experience and environment.  This year International Women’s Day is asking everyone to Imagine a gender equal world.  A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.  A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive.  A world where difference is valued and celebrated.  And I’d like to add a world where respect and kindness are the foundations. Together we can forge women's equality.  Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. At 16.20 - 17 minutes Bron explains when ‘difference is felt as a threat’ and how we as humans respond to the unknown through the lens of our preconceived bias.    Find out more about Bron at www.bronwilliams.com Stay tuned for more stories that promote the health, wealth and wellbeing of women IWD2022

In this episode Nicole continues to chat with Charlotte Pointuex exploring the rituals of a womens' cycle and how the First Moon Cirle is facilitated. This time is a special event for young girls and one to remember as a special shared time between Mothers, daughters and aunties.  All women gain knowledge they might not know themselves, tools and language to support the girls, and the ability to gift them what they might have had at this age. The loving welcome and clear empowered information so they can be confident, growing, developing and menstruating.    When we all hold space as a family and community for young girls to grow in this way, they blossom into empowered young woman. Nicole and Charlotte discuss how a positive experience as a tween getting your first period and developing is an opportunity for women to share their wisdom, learn and bond with their girls/niece.    I hope you enjoy this episode and Nicole invites all mothers and aunties to consider enrolling in the First Moon Circle where she will hold this special sacred space for you all.   www.nicoledargie.com