Community Heroes Podcast

We all hear the stories in the news about the detention rates, drug and alcohol abuse and dire circumstances that teenagers face in the Northern Territory. I am honoured to share this incredible guest with you that has taken this challenge and found a way to create positive change in these kids lives so that they can learn, grow and change their lives and be a role model for other youth.Adam Drake trained actor/director and fitness instructor and founder of Balanced Choice, has taken his skills and experiences to develop evidence-based program that is designed to educate at-risk young males about balance of the body, mind and spirit. The aim is to promote positive physical and mental activities to encourage young people to nourish the body, mind and soul and to make positive choices to live their best lives and achieve their goals. To create better mental health literacy, practical life skills, healthier relationships with peers and family, increased self-efficacy and resilience, a positive sense of the future, and a greater sense of connection to self and others.Balanced Choice works predominantly with young people in the youth justice space. They also facilitate professional development workshops based on team building and self-care to private organisations.To contact Adam or find out more go to https://www.balancedchoice.org/https://www.facebook.com/balancechoice/https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-drake-0626a3103/

After retiring from a well established as an Electrical Engineer that Colin Lambie found his calling to provide support and assistance to companies, community groups and residents on the benefits and cost effectiveness of solar power. Always being curious about the power and versatility of natural power; it was his work with the Y Service Club of Bendigo which he had been a member of for 20 years. That lead Colin to become a founding member of the Bendigo Sustainability Group in 2007 whose focus is environmental sustainability, which includes reducing greenhouse gases by replacing electricity coming from coal burning power stations in Latrobe Valley with solar. Incredibly his work through both community groups merged and resulted in me running classes about climate change science, greenhouse gases and how to reduce them across Asia.Big fan of Colin's story and his dedication to supporting those around him and serving his community it's awe-inspiring. Here are the links to connect with Colin and his community involvement groups.https://www.facebook.com/BendigoSustainabilityGroup/ https://www.facebook.com/YsMenBendigo/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/333509920165721/

Born and raised in the city Vanessa and her husband made the tree change to regional Victoria. Being a driven and avid journalist she made her own way in connecting into the town through her genuine passion about sharing the stories of those in the area. Out of necessity Vanessa founded Join The Crew a movement like no other! Giving these community services, causes and groups the opportunity to share, connect, meet and attract people to them. An exciting and inspiring journey with big ambitions! Join in with Join The Crew TV - follow their Facebook page for more information. http://jointhecrew.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/jointhecrew.community/

Kevin Mack was just 16 when he signed on as a Victoria Police cadet in 1978, and 18 when he was posted as a junior constable to Port Melbourne. However, as fate would have it he was sent back to his home turf in 1986 where it was here he found his calling to be more than just a policeman. It was here Kevin became a beacon of understanding, hope and the listening ear that changed the course of the lives who he encountered.He has been known for decades around Albury-Wodonga as the community cop who took young people under his wing, founding a project to provide therapy and direction through camping in the wilderness of the high plains and rafting on fast-flowing rivers. He set about becoming a leader and mentor and adviser to young people who otherwise might have lost their way. From this work he was the 2010 Albury Citizen of the Year.After many trips to Parliament, campaigning to become a Federal Minister and many hours spent rubbing shoulders and conversations with the powers that be of our nation. It's quite clear to see that Kevins passion and purpose lies with the heart of the people. Those that don't have the voice heard from the upper echelons of society, but whose food and produce we consume on a daily basis.

Rebel Black - syntropic entrepreneur, human agronomist - whose mission in life is to #thrive, #heal and #evolve!Raised on a farm in rural NSW Australia and is the CEO & Founder of THE Rural Woman, a global business which she operates, with support of a remote team from her office on the opalfields in Lightning Ridge, Outback NSW. Rebel loves growing,harvesting, talking about and eating local food, creating safe spaces for people to heal through trauma, working online creating communities and inspiring rural women to #bloomwheretheyare. THE Rural Woman is an innovation driven, creativity inspired, resilience building, productive, proactive, supportive eco-system of rural women from around the world, connecting, learning and discovering together on the topics that matters to us!Rebel is a champion of Rural Woman, and also an advocate of collaboration, connection and support through her town of Lightening Ridge by providing space for Thai Food, Yoga classes and accommodation for tourists. To connect with Rebel and THE Rural Woman go to: https://theruralwoman.com/https://www.facebook.com/TheRuralWoman/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebelblack/