The Legacy Collective

In this inspiring Legacy Collective episode, Brendan sits down with Principal Mark Hitchen of Mount Warren Park State School. Mark shares how his school’s vision of Strive to Succeed goes beyond academics — focusing on unlocking each child’s promise through safety, respect, and meaningful relationships. You’ll hear real stories of community connection, the power of empathy in leadership, and how purposeful partnerships between school and home create lasting impact. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or school coordinator, this heartfelt conversation will leave you feeling inspired and supported. 00:00:43 Student Success Story 00:05:09 Strategies for Teaching 00:07:53 Students with Disabilities 00:10:26 Culture within the Staff and Student Body 00:13:43 Celebrating Events: School Fun Run 00:18:20 P&C 00:20:20 Family Life & Martial Arts 00:24:29 Who Influenced You? 00:29:32 Mark's Favorite Primary Teacher 00:33:16 Leadership Role 00:35:58 Why Mark got into Education 00:39:23 Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom 00:44:09 Final Words ★★★★★ Proudly brought to you by School Fun Run — where we help you create unforgettable fundraising memories, without the stress. 👉 Book your own fun run today → https://www.schoolfundraising.com.au/lets-chat 📞 Or call us on 1800 FUN RUN

In this powerful episode of The Legacy Collective, we sit down with Clay McCann, the founding Principal of Gainsborough State School, to talk about the heart behind building a school from the ground up — not just in bricks and mortar, but in culture, connection, and community. Clay shares his passion for creating a space where kids love to learn, families feel part of something bigger, and every person — parent, teacher, or child — is treated with dignity and respect. With high standards and a big vision, Clay walks us through what it really takes to lead a school that puts people first. If you're a parent, educator or P&C member who cares about creating lasting impact in your school, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Subscribe to the Legacy Collective for more real conversations with the people shaping stronger school communities across Australia. https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-legacy-collective/id1800062638 🔗 Learn more about School Fun Run and how we support amazing leaders like Clay at https://www.schoolfundraising.com.au/fun-run-podcasts schoolfundraising.com.au 00:45 Clay's influence on his pupils 07:35 Positive school culture 10:35 Lessons learned from being a foundation principal 15:04 Clay's favorite teacher: Mr Pitt 18:55 Leadership strategy 21:25 School culture 25:55 More than just a job! 27:29 Does Clay recommend a teaching career? 29:45 Final thoughts

Alan Knight might not have kids in primary school anymore — but that hasn’t stopped him from showing up. As Treasurer of the Kawana Waters State College P&C, and a proud grandfather of two, Alan shares why he continues to be actively involved in his school community. In this heartfelt chat, he opens up about the joy he gets from giving back, how School Fun Run has supported their fundraising goals, and the powerful legacy P&C groups leave behind. 💬 “You don’t need to have a child at the school to care about the community.” 🎧 Tune in to hear why being part of the School Fun Run family means so much — and how one man’s commitment is making a lasting difference. 📍 Learn more or book your own fundraiser: https://www.schoolfundraising.com.au/lets-chat ☎️ Need help? Call us on 1800 386 786 00:53 How Alan first got involved in his grandkid's school 06:48 Alan was new to Australia when he started volunteering 08:41 Kawana Water State College 20:09 What Alan gets out of the P&C 21:40 Working with School Fun Run 23:46 Does Alan recommend joining the P&C? 26:02 The P&C legacy #SchoolFunRun #TheLegacyCollective #PCVolunteers #CommunityHeroes #SchoolFundraisingIdeas #GrandparentsWhoGiveBack #ColourRunAustralia

This week on The Legacy Collective, we sit down with empathy educator, TEDx speaker, and mental health advocate Leanne Butterworth — a powerhouse of purpose with a message every school community needs to hear. 💬 “When people feel heard, valued and visible — everything changes.” In this episode, Leanne shares how empathy-based communication can transform our schools, our communities and our connections. From parenting to leadership, she’s on a mission to create happier, healthier environments where we all feel like we matter. It’s a must-listen for anyone who works with people — especially the incredible coordinators, teachers and parents we serve every day. 💛 00:43 What is empathy? 05:01 Practical examples of empathy. 10:10 Parenting in a digital age. 14:47 The lack of empathy hurts us. 21:33 Practical ways to work on your empathy. 26:46 Leanne's story 35:30 Teenagers 40:33 Facing the same direction 44:26 More tips for parents 49:11 Contact Leanne 🎧 Tune in now → [insert link] #LegacyCollective #EmpathyInAction #SchoolFunRun #LeanneButterworth #MentalHealthMatters #CommunityConnection #FeelHeard #SchoolCulture #ParentingWithEmpathy #bettertogether

“Behind the School Gate” with Janelle In this heartwarming episode of The Legacy Collective, Brendan from School Fun Run sits down with Janelle — a mum of two and a proud past member of her school’s P&C. Janelle opens up about what being on the P&C really involves, how she balanced volunteering with family life, and the incredible sense of community and purpose it gave her. She shares practical tips for new or future P&C members, what she wished she knew when she started, and how these roles help shape more than just school events — they build lifelong connections and community pride. Whether you're already part of a school committee or just thinking about getting involved, this episode is packed with genuine insights, relatable stories, and inspiration to help you leave your own legacy in your school community. 📲 Listen now and discover how your small acts can make a big difference. 00:56 Janelle as a Mum 09:50 Why Janelle joined the P&C 16:02 Legacy 18:15 P&C life 19:58 Benefits of being on the P&C 25:38 Tips for P&C members 29:11 Advice for new members 33:33 School Fun Run vs other fund raising companies 41:28 Why you should join the P&C 43:06 Definition of the P&C

In this episode, Brendan chats with the hilarious and multi-talented Meg Richards—professional photographer, content creator, and the comedic genius behind Kruz Creations on Instagram. With hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of views on her laugh-out-loud reels, Meg has carved out a truly unique space online. She opens up about her journey: from her early upbringing and close-knit family life to how she unexpectedly rose to fame on social media. Meg also shares the heart and hustle behind her one-of-a-kind brand and what keeps her creativity flowing. 00:40 Kruz Creations on Instagram 09:12 Early family life 17:29 Social Influencer 20:50 Legacy 24:50 Advice to kids and parents 28:50 Is social media good for kids? 32:13 Best moments 36:26 Adversary 37:20 Learned lessons along the way 38:00 Vulnerability and courage 42:40 What would you be doing if not a photographer? 🎧 Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at life as a digital creator! #TheLegacyPodcast #KruxCreations #MegRichards #ContentCreator #ComedyGold #InspiringVoices

In this episode, Brendan sits down with Keneti Galo, a Wellbeing Culture & Practice Consultant, to discuss the power of self-care, family connection, and making the most of every day. They explore practical strategies for families to prioritize wellbeing, create meaningful moments, and ensure that appreciation isn’t left for eulogies. Tune in for an insightful conversation on living with intention, valuing the present, and building a culture of care in your daily life. 🎧✨ 00:33 Intro to Keneti 03:28 Looking after self: recognise burnout 04:48 Strategies for parents 10:50 Social connectivity - quality over quantity 13:25 Legacy 16:01 Early life influences 22:38 Don't wait for eulogies 23:55 Final thoughts

https://happyfamilies.com.au/ https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast In this episode, Brendan sits down with Dr. Justin Coulson, founder of Happy Families and co-host of Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, for an insightful conversation about masculinity, personal identity, and the journey to creating stronger family connections. Dr. Coulson shares his personal story, the experiences that led him to launch Happy Families, and why understanding our own identity is key to being better parents, partners, and people. With a doctorate in psychology from the University of Wollongong, he brings research-backed wisdom and real-life insights to help families thrive. Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion on fatherhood, self-discovery, and building meaningful relationships. 🎧✨ 05:32 Early family life 11:11 Back to school 14:35 Post graduation 17:26 Parenting advice 22:00 Happy Families 24:01 Brendan's story 28:57 Masculinity 33:53 Young men 43:47 Our brain lies to us 44:39 Males and Females 49:24 Cycling up the hills 51:15 Practical parenting advice 01:01:28 Brendan's Mum 01:02:49 DMN: the need for downtime 01:06:43 Personal identity and resilience

In this episode, Brendan sits down with Dr. Justin Coulson, founder of Happy Families and co-host of Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, for an insightful conversation about masculinity, personal identity, and the journey to creating stronger family connections. Dr. Coulson shares his personal story, the experiences that led him to launch Happy Families, and why understanding our own identity is key to being better parents, partners, and people. With a doctorate in psychology from the University of Wollongong, he brings research-backed wisdom and real-life insights to help families thrive. Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion on fatherhood, self-discovery, and building meaningful relationships. 🎧✨ 05:32 Early family life 11:11 Back to school 14:35 post graduation 17:26 Parenting advice 22:00 Happy Families 24:01 Brendan's story 28:57 Masculinity 33:53 Young men 43:47 Our brain lies to us 48:09 Males and Females 52:54 Cycling up the hills 54:45 Practical parenting advice 01:04:58 Brendan's Mum 01:06:19 DMN: the need for downtime 01:10:03 Personal identity and resilience

In this heartfelt episode, host Brendan sits down with Abbie Williams, the founder of Letters of Hope, a not-for-profit that connects letter writers with people facing difficult times. 💌✨ Abbie shares her personal journey—from moving from England to Australia to the comfort she found in handwritten letters from her grandparents. Their words of encouragement sparked an idea that would grow into a global movement, delivering messages of hope to those who need them most. Join us for an inspiring conversation about kindness, human connection, and the power of a simple letter to change a life. 💙 00:50 The man on the bus story 06:45 How it all began 12:58 On a personal level 15:42 What's so special about a handwritten letter? 18:12 Impact of the first letters 20:48 Legacy 25:57 Helping children and young adults 28:30 Gratitude 33:09 Misconceptions around mental health 35:32 Advice on starting a charity 39:40 How schools can get involved #TheLegacyPodcast #LettersOfHope #KindnessMatters #MakeADifference #HumanConnection

In this episode, host Brendan sits down with professional big wave surfer turned keynote speaker, Mark Matthews. After a devastating surfing injury changed the course of his career, Mark had to redefine his identity and embrace a new path. He shares his journey of overcoming fear, finding gratitude in adversity, and using his experiences to inspire others. Tune in for a powerful conversation about resilience, transformation, and the mindset needed to take on life’s biggest waves.   01:02 Introducing Mark Matthews 04:19 Early school years 06:34 Big wave surfing 09:13 Fear 21:47 Mark's first big wave session 23:22 Legacy 26:58 Advice to kids 28:32 Mark's Mum 30:09 Gratitude 34:19 Gratitude texts 42:04 Final words of wisdom

In this inspiring episode, host Brendan sits down with Paralympic medalist Ella Sabljak to explore the meaning of legacy in sports and beyond. Ella shares the pivotal moments and people who shaped her journey in wheelchair basketball, from the mentors who ignited her passion to the teammates who pushed her to greatness. She also discusses her vision for the future, how she hopes to inspire and support the next generation of athletes. Tune in for a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and the lasting impact of sport. 0:00 Intro 01:02 Ella and her dogs 17:08 Advice to children with disabilities 18:43 Setbacks 22:38 Inspiration and advice during setbacks 26:27 Lessons learned from team sports 28:18 Greatest achievements 29:39 2032 Olympics 31:32 My Nana 33:16 School Life 42:08 Moving forward https://www.schoolfundraising.com.au https://www.funzy.com.au