Panel Discussions

Understanding and Addressing Domestic Violence 

Domestic violence is a national crisis affecting every corner of Australian society. That's the sobering message from Helping Hands panellists Delia Donovan (CEO of Domestic Violence NSW), Steve Frost (founder and director of Horizons Family Law Centre), and Kate Fylan (NSW and ACT State Manager of Family and Domestic Violence at the Salvation Army). 

Practical Support Can Save A Life

If someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are many practical ways you could help. Being available to listen, taking the person to an appointment, or encouraging them to contact professional support, are all simple steps and can be life-saving.

We discuss these and other practical ways to help someone experiencing domestic violence in this panel discussion with Lilly McKeich (Salvation Army National Domestic and Family Violence Specialist), Dave Kramer (founder of the HALT Program), and Lisa Annabel (CEO of Biyani House).

Having a Voice and a Choice Helps to Restore Dignity and Self-worth 

A purple velvet duvet. A scented candle. A piece of artwork. These simple choices might seem trivial when furnishing a home, but for survivors of domestic violence, the ability to choose represents something profound: the restoration of agency and self-worth. That's the message from Helping Hands panellists Ren Fernando (co-founder of ReLove), Steve Frost (founder and director of Horizons Family Law Centre), and Kate Fylan (family and domestic violence state manager at the Salvation Army). 

Safe Housing is “The Difference Between Staying or Leaving”

Safe housing is the vital first step needed to help someone flee domestic and family violence, according to Helping Hands panellists, Libby Caskey from the Women’s Housing Company; Steve Frost, founder at Horizons Family Law Centre; and Dave Kramer, founder of the HALT program and ambassador at Small Steps 4 Hannah.

Almost half of all people facing homelessness are women fleeing domestic and family violence. That’s why safe housing is a crucial first step for someone escaping abuse.

Safety and Security for Victims of Domestic and Family Violence 

A safe haven is more than a roof – it's where victims of domestic and family violence can feel safe, regain agency, and begin to heal. In this week’s panel discussion on Helping Hands, our panellists Lisa Annabel (CEO of Biyani House), Steve Frost (founder of Horizons Family Law Centre), and Libby Caskey (Community Development Manager, Women's Housing Company) discuss what is means to provide a safe haven. 

To Help a Victim of Domestic Violence, Listen and Believe Them

Listening and believing a victim’s story, respecting their choices, and offering practical help, could be the lifeline that helps someone break free from domestic violence. That’s the advice of Helping Hands panellists Lilly McKeich (Salvation Army National Domestic and Family Violence Specialist); Stacy Jane (Escabags founder and survivor); and Dave Kramer (founder of the HALT Program).

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.