The Churchill Collective

World War I tore many Australian families asunder, but Indigenous Australian families in particular, with their limited access and resources, were often left wondering where their relatives had fallen, and where they now rest. One man on a mission has now answered many of their questions. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer delves into the fascinating journey of Joe Flick, a man dedicated to documenting the stories of Indigenous Australian soldiers who fought in the Great War. Discover how Joe's passion has not only answered century-old questions but also brought solace and recognition to many families. Through his studies, Joe has shed light on the forgotten contributions of Indigenous servicemen.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine being a classical musician who suddenly, and unexpectedly, loses her sight. That was a crisis overcome by Morwenna Collett, who subsequently turned her experiences into a passion for making the arts more accessible to disabled people. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer explores Morwenna’s amazing, and inspiring, life. Living with Multiple Sclerosis isn’t easy, but nevertheless Morwenna has transformed her challenges into triumphs, becoming a leader in arts accessibility in Australia thanks to a Churchill Fellowship that allowed her to study innovations abroad.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our culture’s voracious adoption of "fast fashion", with its exploitation and carbon footprint, is creating mountains of waste around the world. So how can we change Australia’s attitudes? In this episode of The Churchill Collective, Adam Spencer explores innovative recycling and upcycling techniques with Jane Milburn, an agricultural scientist who has embraced the “slow fashion” movement as the founder of her company, Textile Beat. Jane discusses how emphasising the importance of natural fibres and personal style can reduce fashion waste. Drawing parallels with the "slow food" movement, she advocates for a thoughtful approach to clothing consumption. Jane shares her Churchill Fellowship experiences, highlighting global initiatives that inspire local actions to combat unsustainable practices. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Making Australia the best country in the world to be a sportswoman is an admirable dream, and one woman is working to make it happen. Sydney Swans Executive General Manager for AFLW, Kate Mahony, has dedicated her professional life to the cause. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer joins Kate to explore the triumphs and challenges of Australian women's sport, and how Australia can lead the way in supporting female athletes by adopting the best practices from overseas. Kate Mahony’s Churchill Fellowship journey took her across the globe to bring back innovative methods to inspire local change in female medical care, resources, and the unique needs of sportswomen. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian police forces may have superb track records in solving homicides, be they new or cold cases. But there is always room for improvement, particularly when detectives find themselves confronted by growing caseloads. In this gripping episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer shines a torch into the world of homicide investigation with Detective Inspector Tim Day of Victoria Police. From solving cold cases and gangland murders to learning groundbreaking techniques overseas, Tim shares his extraordinary journey in law enforcement. Discover how his passion for forensic medicine evolved into a stellar career in policing, and how his Churchill Fellowship helped bring innovative investigative methods back to Australia. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoos have changed for the better in recent decades, but there are many good ideas left to be discovered overseas. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer chats with Sarah Brown, the Director of Community Engagement at Zoos South Australia, about innovative methods to enhance zoo experiences for both animals and visitors. Learn about Sarah's Churchill Fellowship journey, her groundbreaking work with cross-fostering endangered species, and the exciting integration of so called 'phygital' technology to connect people with nature. Listen and learn about the vital role zoos play in preserving biodiversity.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would it be like to enter a remote community with shocking water quality, only to leave the people with fresh, clean liquid finally running from their taps? This is the life of Churchill Fellow Eric Vanweydeveld. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer interviews Eric about the critical issue of water quality in regional and remote Australia. Eric shares his journey of studying innovative water treatment solutions abroad and bringing that knowledge back to Australia. He discusses the significant challenges faced by remote communities, especially First Nations, and how new technologies like containerised water treatment and renewable energy can make a difference. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A talented hair artist and wigmaker, Selena Pertzel was never going to be content in a normal salon. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer introduces us to Selena and explores how and why she left her hairdressing job on the Gold Coast to become one of the most important hair artists in the Australian film industry. Selena recounts her work on films like the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’ and what it’s like to work with stars like Johnny Depp and Russell Crowe. She also discusses her Churchill Fellowship experience, where she travelled to London to learn the art of custom wig-making, aiming to contribute to the growth of the Australian film industry. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate change is gradually threatening the existence of many of Australia’s endemic species, but is the country doing everything it can to help preserve them? Could we learn from experiences overseas? In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer explores this emerging crisis with environmental scientist and author Timothy Low, who specialises in preserving our native reptiles. Tim discusses his experiences from his Churchill Fellowship, which was designed to uncover new ideas for species preservation from the Northern Hemisphere, and explains how global initiatives can inform scientists back home in Australia. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France is the place to go to learn some of the best cooking skills, and in this episode of The Churchill Collective, we travel to the French countryside to discover new skills that can be brought back and enjoyed in Australia. Host Adam Spencer explores the passions behind that country’s charcuterie tradition, and how artisan chef Sascha Randle intends to bring it all home to Australia. The first recipient of a memorial fellowship dedicated to the late daughter of TV Chef Maggie Beer, Sascha describes her journey from Melbourne to France, where she’s perfecting traditional French charcuterie techniques. Sascha discusses her background, the art of charcuterie, and her experiences learning from renowned French chefs. She shares her vision of bringing these refined skills back to Australia to inspire local culinary practices and elevate the nation's food culture.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s homelessness crisis is growing, particularly in the big cities. But although the problem is often on their doorsteps, local councils have been feeling powerless. With most powers in the hands of Canberra or the states, what can councils do? In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer investigates this pressing issue with anthropologist and writer Leanne Mitchell, a Churchill Fellow who went overseas to fill an Australian knowledge gap. The discussion highlights innovative global solutions to homelessness and how they can be adapted locally. Leanne shares her insights from her international research, emphasising prevention strategies and the crucial role of local governments in tackling this complex issue.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jodie Williams is a sound artist and historian from Norfolk Island, who embarked on a Churchill Fellowship journey to explore the soundscapes and heritage of her remote island home. In a conversation with host Adam Spencer about her art practice, Jodie emphasises the importance of sound in preserving memories and connecting generations, especially in the context of remote island communities. She has also received a Churchill Impact Funding Grant to bring sound healing and heritage preservation to her community, including aged care. Jodie shares her advice for aspiring artists and researchers looking to explore their heritage through sound and multimedia.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s another example of how one person can change Australia for the better with just a little help. In this episode, host Adam Spencer interviews Kate Cole, a scientist and engineer who embarked on a Churchill Fellowship to improve workplace safety in the underground construction industry. Kate's journey takes her to the world’s tunnelling epicentres, where she learns best practices for managing the dangers of crystalline silica dust exposure in tunnels. She discusses the shocking lack of awareness about silicosis, outdated workplace exposure standards, and challenges in implementing health and safety measures. Kate discusses her efforts to bring about positive change in Australia, including collaborative projects, workshops, and improvements in air quality monitoring. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer explores the world of vaccines and efforts to make sure they are safe to use. Professor Nicholas Wood, a paediatrician and immunisation researcher, discusses his experiences studying vaccine safety and innovation during his Churchill Fellowship travels. From the development of mRNA vaccines to addressing vaccine hesitancy, Professor Wood talks about critical aspects of immunisation. He also outlines the need for a national vaccine safety office in Australia and the importance of understanding viruses in the ongoing battle against infectious diseases. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we find new medicines from ocean creatures, and then how can we speed up those drugs’ development? These are questions being answered by Dr Michela Mitchell, Australia's first sea anemone taxonomist. In this episode, host Adam Spencer explores the fascinating world of sea anemone toxinology and its potential in drug development. Dr Mitchell discusses her journey from computer programming to marine biology and her research on sea anemone venom. She highlights the complexities of venom extraction and analysis, as well as the need for collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies to expedite drug development. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we know what is really going on behind bars in Australia’s prisons? In this episode, host Adam Spencer explores the secretive world of intelligence gathering in the corrections system. He interviews Helen Glazebrook about her fascinating career as an intelligence officer, and her experiences during her Churchill Fellowship, where she visited various countries to learn about intelligence methodologies and state-of-the-art technology. Helen highlights the need for greater collaboration and intelligence sharing between agencies, as well as the potential benefits of lifetime monitoring for serious organised crime offenders. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Scott Sleap is helping Australia reach for the stars through his involvement in the space industry and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) education. In this episode, host Adam Spencer speaks with this passionate educator and explores his fascinating journey. Dr Sleap discusses his experiences as a Churchill Fellow, travelling to learn about space science and STEM education worldwide. From behind-the-scenes access at NASA to exploring the educational potential of Disney theme parks, his journey is an example of how Australians can gain valuable knowledge abroad and bring it back to inspire locally. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One person’s passion can change the world for everyone else. In this episode, host Adam Spencer talks to Ian Jarratt, the man responsible for bringing unit pricing — something we all use — to Australia. An executive member of the Consumers Federation of Australia, Ian is passionate about unit pricing, which provides standardized pricing for products, making it easier for consumers to compare prices. He discusses how his Churchill Fellowship allowed him to scour the world for the best system, and he reflects on its huge impact and the need for ongoing improvement. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What constitutes a good death, and to what extent should family and friends be involved in the process? In this thought-provoking episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer talks with Rebecca Lyons, who is an advocate for reimagining the funeral industry. Rebecca's unconventional journey from real estate to the funeral sector led her to question traditional practices. Through a Churchill Fellowship, she explored global approaches to death, finding inspiration, particularly, in Mexico's communal mourning rituals. Rebecca champions home funerals and natural burials, aiming to empower families in their grieving process. Her work extends to the Australian Home Funeral Alliance, an initiative focused on education and support.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can we take the fear away from of the court process, so that witnesses don’t become traumatised? In this episode, host Adam Spencer explores the inspirational work of Julie Morrison, the Founder of Justice Dogs Australia and Victims Engagement Coordinator at the Office of Public Prosecutions in Victoria. Julie shares her journey from a science and education background to working in the criminal justice system and how her love for dogs led her to the idea of using therapy dogs to support victims in court.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.