Serena’s Journey: Embracing Quiet Strength to Inspire Other Introverts
Serena grew up in Singapore in a home that valued stability, achievement and following a well-planned path. She studied law for its prestige and structure, later working as a lawyer for the government. After years in a secure career, Serena realised she felt trapped by expectations and began questioning her purpose. Taking time away from […]
Servicing the community’s needs and planning for the future with David Hassett • RMRS E11
David has made the River Murray his home since 1989, forming a deep bond with the land and its dynamic environment. Over 30 years, David’s involvement in the Mid-Murray region deepened, fuelled by his passion for roads and infrastructure. Seven years ago, David returned to the Mid-Murray area, bringing his expertise to the council as […]
Lyn Gregory’s Journey from Mormonism to Discovering her True Spirituality
Lynn grew up in a large, devoted Mormon family, deeply connected to her great great grandfather, Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon church, and shaped by strong traditions and high expectations. As a child, Lynn worked hard in school, followed strict family rules, and tried to live up to the “Mormon royalty” label placed on […]
Overcoming trauma and mental health impacts after natural disaster with Rob Gordon • RMRS E10
Dr Rob Gordon is a psychotherapist who specialises in trauma caused by natural and other disasters. He has been a consultant to the Victorian government and the Red Cross for disasters since 1989. In this podcast, Rob gives us a powerful and detailed explanation of the effects trauma resulting from disasters and describes strategies for […]
From Trauma to Healing Through Compassion and honesty with Darren Wagner
Darren grew up in a military family, moving often as a child and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. As a young man, he dreamed of acting but instead served as a paramedic and police officer, always drawn to helping others. Long years of frontline work took a toll, leading Darren to struggle with […]
Leading a community with empathy, and managing media misinformation with Peter Hunter • RMRS E09
Peter Hunter grew up by the sea, developing a lifelong love for water, which later shaped his deep connection to rivers and the natural environment. He began his career in 1977, serving as a teacher and later a school principal, honing his skills in leadership and community engagement. Peter transitioned into public service, joining the […]
Navigating the Immigrant Job Market: A Conversation with Kahlil Bagatsing
In this conversation, Khalil Bagatsing shares his journey from working in his family’s business in the Philippines to helping immigrants find skill-aligned jobs in the US. He discusses the challenges immigrants face in the job market, including the importance of customizing resumes, recognizing transferable skills, and overcoming credential recognition issues. Khalil emphasizes the significance of […]
Karen Humphries’ Unique Journey Through Chronic Illness
Karen was born in England to Irish parents and moved to Australia as a baby, growing up with a childhood full of change and learning to adapt to new situations. Early on, she faced undiagnosed medical challenges with clumsiness, gastrointestinal issues and hypermobility, always feeling there was something different and relying on instinct and persistence. […]
Rekindling a spirit of collaboration & keeping the community connected with Shannon Baxter• RMRS E08
Shannon worked initially in business and HR, then transitioned into local government nearly ten years ago, developing a passion for infrastructure while supporting management teams. As an intelligence officer for the Renmark Paringa Council, she coordinated resources, working diligently with her team to prepare for the River Murray flood’s impacts on the community. Shannon emphasised […]
Steve Rothwell on creating a Meaningful Life with Neurodiversity
Steve grew up feeling different, always curious and passionate about things his friends didn’t understand. Early on, he developed a love for words and storytelling that set him apart. As a child, Steve struggled with perfectionism and low self-esteem, not knowing he was neurodiverse. He saw the world differently and often felt isolated and misunderstood […]