Projects That Matter

In this episode, we explore the vital work of Taboo Menstrual Products, a social enterprise created eight years ago by two high school friends who shared a vision of making menstrual products accessible to vulnerable communities. Since then, Taboo has been on a mission to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure everyone has the resources they need. I speak with Eloise Hall, co-founder of Taboo, about how the organisation is driving change, improving menstrual health education, and empowering marginalised communities. Learn more about Taboo’s inspiring mission by visiting their website – ⁠www.tabooau.co

Discover the powerful impact of community arts in this episode, featuring Milk Crate Theatre, an organisation dedicated to empowering individuals through creativity. Celebrating 25 years of impact, Milk Crate Theatre supports people with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, and disability, offering a platform for their voices to be heard. In this episode, we’re joined by Margot, the Artistic Director with over two decades of experience in inclusive arts, and Kamini, a performer whose journey with the theatre began in 2016. Together, they share how Milk Crate Theatre’s unique approach to community arts is reshaping narratives and fostering empowerment. Learn more about their incredible work by heading to their website - www.milkcratetheatre.com

Dive into the world of impact with our latest episode featuring Viv Harvey-Wong, an International Programs Manager for UNICEF Australia. Join us as Viv unveils the incredible strides being made in gender equality and education through UNICEF’s innovative programs. From sports for development to child protection and preventing child marriage, Viv sheds light on the crucial initiatives shaping a better future for children in countries such as Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and Burundi. In this episode Viv highlights that without meaningful investment and change, we’re still 300 years away from achieving global gender equality - making your support of UNICEF’s work more vital than ever. Disclaimer: As an employee of UNICEF Australia, I want to clarify that Projects That Matter is an independent undertaking. The views expressed on the podcast are solely my own and do not represent the stance of UNICEF Australia.

Up & Over is dedicated to empowering people who have a disability by providing a supportive community where they can explore new opportunities and pursue their dreams. In this episode we were fortunate enough to speak to Christian Barwell, the CEO of Up & Over. Up & Over provides fun social groups, valuable upskill programs, and opportunities for travel. Their trips have included interstate travel and amazing overseas trips in Canada, Singapore, Fiji and more!

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking to Nic, a co-founder of Orange Sky who was nominated as the 2016 Young Australian of the Year. Nic and his best mate built their first van in 2014. They created the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service for people experiencing homelessness. From small beginnings, over the past eight years Orange Sky has grown to 56 services and has helped thousands of people experiencing homelessness. Nic speaks of the passion driving the creation of Orange Sky, and the stories of the people they impact all around Australia.

The Executive Director, Liz McRae joined us to speak about the incredible work of their disability clinic in Fallujah. The clinic provides support to children with a wide variety of disabilities, from mild to severe. Common conditions include paralysis, severe autism spectrum disorders, hearing and visual impairment, birth defects, and disabilities as a result of injury. The disability clinic provides general health consultations, physical rehabilitation, psychosocial support and more. Liz speaks of the strength of the children she has met, including an inspiring story of Aya, a 15 year old girl with a brain atrophy condition. Aya receives support from the clinic which has not only changed her life, but also her family’s.

In this episode we speak to Sam about his time volunteering at the City of Goodness in Ukraine during the war. The City of Goodness is an orphanage, and a shelter for mothers and their children. The war in Ukraine is ongoing but this foundation continues to provide lifesaving support. The war has resulted in shells hitting children’s hospitals, kindergartens, schools, and residential buildings. Civilians are hiding in basements, subways and bomb shelters. The City of Goodness accepts women with children and elderly people from all over the country. They provide shelter, food, medical supplies, and try their best to make the events happening less traumatic for children if they can. They have taken in three evacuee orphanages from the South of Ukraine.