In this episode of Heart to Smart, we are joined by Our Watch’s Chair, Moo Baulch and Director, Desmond Campbell as they discuss integrating First Nations perspectives into charity governance frameworks. Our Watch is the national leader in the prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia. Sadly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience disproportionally high rates of violence, and are 31 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence–related assaults. Anecdotal evidence suggests that non-Indigenous men make up a significant proportion of perpetrators.*

Moving beyond Reconciliation Action Plans and ESG employment targets, Moo and Desmond discuss creating a culturally safe workplace that advances First Nations people, and ultimately results in more effective work for the benefit of the community. We learn how Our Watch’s principled approach in embedding First Nations perspectives into their governance framework has resulted in the establishment of a First Nations working group and them seeking the support of their Government members for incorporating the requirement for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander representation in Board leadership roles and an Indigenous Voice in their Constitution.

*Refer to the Our Watch website for resource references.

Please note that this episode was recorded in two parts and that some references to “last year” may relate to 2024.

On this episode of Heart to Smart, we are joined by former Meals on Wheels CEO, Les MacDonald to discuss membership models including the benefits and potential pitfalls. Les has a wealth of experience dealing with members after leading Meals on Wheels for over two decades. We explore and discuss complex structures, members rights, processes and primary advantages. This is an insightful episode for people who work within a membership driven charity structure.

https://nswmealsonwheels.org.au

“You don’t become a Founder to gain balance in your life”

In our fourth episode of Heart to Smart, we are joined by Sebastian Robertson, founder and former CEO, Director and Chair of batyr and Samantha Payne, the first CEO and co-founder of The Pink Elephants Support Network. Seb and Sam established their organisations as a result of their own lived experience and the need to help fix the gaps in their respective systems. In this episode, we hear the honest perspectives of these two founders on the challenges they’ve faced, including the continual battle experienced when the founder’s identity is tied in with the organisation. Seb and Sam also take us through what they have been able to achieve, their long lasting impact on people in society while in the job and what to do when you decide to leave the organisation you created.

Check out this episode on: Spotify: https://bit.ly/3MhkvWG Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gzeu94N2 Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/3YVzMUu

This episode contains sensitive topics, including miscarriage, loss of a child and mental health struggles. Please proceed with caution and prioritise your wellbeing. If you need support, please visit batyr or The Pink Elephants Support Network for more resources. If someone you know has attempted, or is at immediate risk of attempting to harm themselves or someone else, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.