Panel Discussions

Turning up the volume on positivity

“If we all believed that just bringing our little piece, whatever it is, could make a difference, it really does have a really positive impact,” says Joce Goto, Chief Operations Officer at giving App, Charitabl.

Joce is joined by Mark Jones, Chief Storyteller at the ImpactInstitute; and Max Jeganathan, former advisor to Federal Government, to speak about how we can both grasp and wield the power of positive influence in this thought-provoking Helping Hands panel discussion.

Ending the epidemic of isolation through intentional community connection

“We are made for relationships, we are made for connection,” says psychologist, Collett Smart. “Being social is so much a part of what feeds our wellbeing. And when we don’t have connection, we end up lonely.”

In this Helping Hands panel discussion, Collett is joined by mental health author and speaker, Graeme Cowan, and Hannah Gair, founder of StrongerHERside podcast, to explore the importance of intentional community connection.

Is it better to give than to receive?

“I remember loving getting presents as a kid,” says Fel Limmer, breakfast radio host at Vision Christian Radio, “and that expectation of it was all part of that joy. As a parent though … when I’m giving, it’s not because I’m giving a material piece … it’s an expression of my love for them.”

In this Helping Hands panel discussion, Fel is joined by Michaela Chanmugam, from Samaritan’s Purse Australia and New Zealand, and Nathan Brewer, a youth worker and mentor, to discuss the joy of giving.

Remaining Grounded When Things Spin Out of Control 

Whether facing everyday stress or devastating tragedy, learning to cope when life feels like it is spinning out of control begins with grounding ourselves physically, naming our feelings, and having the courage to simply be. 

This week, Helping Hands explores how to navigate moments of chaos with psychologist Collett Smart, chaplain and author Raewyn Elsegood, and i4Give co-founder Danny Abdallah.

Supporting People Through Tough Times: The Gift of Presence 

When tragedy strikes, the most powerful thing we can offer isn't advice or solutions – it's simply being present and creating a safe space. 

This week, Helping Hands explores what it means to support others during their darkest moments with Wayside Chapel CEO Jon Owen, chaplain and author Raewyn Elsegood, and i4Give co-founder Danny Abdallah. 

The Transformative Power of Forgiveness 

Forgiveness isn't about excusing wrongdoing or forgetting pain – it's about freeing ourselves to move forward. But understanding what forgiveness truly means, and how to extend it, requires a deeper look at this misunderstood concept. 

This week, Helping Hands explores the complex journey of forgiveness with psychologist Collett Smart, Vision Christian Radio CEO Phil Edwards, and chaplain and author Raewyn Elsegood.

Helping People to Live Their Best Lives: The Power of Presence 

Supporting others to live their best lives doesn't require perfection – it requires presence, authenticity, and the courage to sit with pain. 

This week, we explore what it means to help others thrive with Wayside Chapel CEO Jon Owen, chaplain and author Raewyn Elsegood, and i4Give co-founder and prison chaplain Danny Abdallah talking about how we can help people to live their best lives. 

The even playing field of healthy friendships

“Healthy friendships are all about mutuality,” says psychologist, Collett Smart. “It’s about being on that even field where one isn’t more important than the other.”

In this episode of Helping Hands, Collett is joined by Nathan Brewer, a youth worker; and Ian Barnett, the founder of the National Grandparent Movement, to discuss healthy friendships.

Flying Hope to Rural Australia: How Little Wings Keeps Families Together 

When a child in rural Australia faces a serious illness, accessing specialist treatment in major cities can put a massive strain on families. Little Wings is changing that, one flight at a time. 

This week, we explore how this small but mighty charity supports regional families with Little Wings CEO Clare Pearson, recipient parent Renee Baird Jones, and child and family psychologist Collett Smart talking about the challenges of medical treatment in rural and remote communities. 

A Deeper Meaning of Easter: More Than Just a Long Weekend 

Easter offers Australians a rare four-day break, but beyond the chocolate and time off lies a profound message about life, renewal, and community. This week, we explore the significance of Easter with psychologist Collett Smart, Vision Christian Media CEO Phil Edwards, and Wayside Chapel CEO Jon Owen.

How To Choose Which Charity To Support?

With over 60,000 registered charities in Australia, the not-for-profit sector plays a vital role in supporting communities and causes across the nation, but how do you choose which charity to support? That is one of many questions discussed in this extended Helping Hands panel discussion with Marion Bennett (Mission Australia's Executive of Practice, Evidence and Impact), Joe Ware (CEO of the Chatleigh Foundation), and Pip Kiernan (Chair of Clean Up Australia and daughter of late founder Ian Kiernan).

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Samaritan?

Whether it's listening to someone in distress, helping a neighbour after a tragedy, or simply stopping to say hello, being a good Samaritan is about putting compassion into action. That's the message from Helping Hands panellists Jon Owen (CEO of Wayside Chapel), Raewyn Elsegood (chaplain and author), and Danny Abdallah (co-founder of i4Give).

Making the Christmas Spirit Last All Year

Generosity, time to rest, and the Christian message of hope and love; these are some of the things we love about Christmas. But can we maintain them all year round? Our Helping Hands panellists: Felicia Limmer of Vision Christian Radio, youth worker Nathan Brewer, and Michaela Chanmugam of Samaritan’s Purse, say yes, we can.

How finding the right community helps us thrive

“You can unite over negative things,” says youth worker and mentor, Nathan Brewer, “but if you unite over a healthy thing like sport, or a really positive thing like helping others … it’s so good, and you see people come to life.”

In this Helping Hands panel discussion, Nathan is joined by Felicia Limmer, Vision Radio breakfast host; and Michaela Chanmugam, Marketing and Communications Manager at Samaritan’s Purse, to discuss communities that make a difference.

Understanding Connection to Country for Indigenous Australians

“Generally, the people who ask you to do a Welcome (to Country), the desire in their heart is to genuinely connect to Country,” shares Gundungurra man and Indigenous Education Facilitator, Uncle David King.