In this episode, we’re bringing you some of the highlights from our first season of conversations. If you'd like to hear more, you can scroll back through the feed to find the full episodes.

This series has explored the work being done across the Australian community to help young people change their futures through the power of education.

From expert insights to deeply moving personal stories, we've heard about some of the most pressing issues affecting young people today and how we can all make a positive difference in their lives.

Thank you to all of our guests for sharing your stories and experiences, and to you, our listeners, for your support of the show.

We’ll be back with more conversations in 2025.

CREDITS

Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family

Series producer: Jacqui Ooi

Audio production: Mylk Media

GET IN TOUCH

Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au

Connect with us on:

Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia

Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus

LinkedIn @the-smith-family

The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final conversation for 2024, Kelly, a parent with two children on our Learning for Life program, reflects on the year that’s been, as cost-of-living pressures continue to take a heavy toll on families and impact children’s education. 

Her story highlights the difficulties many families on lower incomes are facing. In a recent survey of nearly 2,500 families supported by The Smith Family, almost 60% of parents and carers said they struggled to afford essential school items for their children this year. 

Despite the challenges, Kelly is doing all she can to ensure her children don’t miss out on vital learning opportunities. Reflecting on her own schooling years, she emphasises the importance of creating a memorable and positive school experience for her children.  

CREDITS

Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family

Guest: Kelly, Learning for Life parent

Audio production: Mylk Media

GET IN TOUCH

Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au

Connect with us on:

Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia

Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus

LinkedIn @the-smith-family

The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into Pay What It Takes, an initiative within the not-for-profit sector to address misconceptions around admin costs and why these shouldn’t be seen as a measure of a ‘good’ or 'bad' charity.

The campaign aims to increase understanding of the true cost of running effective charities and creating a positive and lasting impact in our communities.

Doug speaks with two of the co-founders of the campaign, Jo Taylor, CEO of the Siddle Family Foundation, and Lisa Allan, Head of Fundraising at The Smith Family, to explore why these admin costs – such as IT, HR, finance, fundraising and measuring impact – are essential for organisations to operate safely and efficiently, build strong and sustainable foundations, and deliver on their purpose.

CREDITS

Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family

Guests: Jo Taylor & Lisa Allan, Co-founders, Pay What It Takes

Audio production: Mylk Media

GET IN TOUCH

Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au

Connect with us on:

Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia

Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus

LinkedIn @the-smith-family

The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.