Panel Discussions

Unravelling the meaning of time well spent

“We need to see time as like gold,” says Amanda Rose, founder of Entrepreneurial and Small Business Women Australia.

Time is a precious commodity. Each day, humans all around the planet are gifted the same amount of time. How do we get to the end of a day and, eventually, to the end of our lifetime, and know that we’ve spent our gift of time well?

What does it mean to be successful?

Many people aspire to be successful without first defining what success means to them, and how to achieve it.

The definition of success varies from person to person, and there are often many factors that come into play when defining what success looks like for different people.

In this Helping Hands panel discussion, Amanda Rose, business mentor and entrepreneur; Jon Owen, CEO of Wayside Chapel; and Jenny Blok, Aged Care chaplain; talk about success, and show that one size does not fit all!

Finding family outside the box

“The notion of family”, says Mike Gore from Charitabl., “is incredibly fluid. It’s always changing.”

Mike has a unique family story. Born in India and adopted at six months old by an Australian family, he was a 'dark skinned kid' who grew up in one of the whitest neighbourhoods in Sydney. He is  joined by Emmylou Brasser, from the Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Services, and by Brett Ryan, from Focus on the Family Australia, to explore exactly what family is and where to find it.

For the love of humanity

“Generosity is about giving," says Kristy Muir, the CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, "and giving is a love of humanity."

On this Helping Hands panel discussion, Kristy Muir, Adam McCurdie and Mike Gore discuss Charitable Giving and Generosity.

Celebrating Aussie Mums

The role of a mum is unique, says Emmylou Brasser, from the Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Services.

Emmylou, and other case workers and social workers, support young people to learn life skills and assist with other practical needs but, she says, she would never presume to replace the relationship a young person has with their mum, no matter how complex it is.

Enabling Kids to Thrive

The environments we create for young people and children to rest, play and learn can hinder, or help them to thrive.

This week, we discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for children and young people, and identify the three main environments in which kids spend the majority of their time – at home, online and at school.

The business of changing the world

Socially aware businesses have an incredible impact on society as they tackle environmental and social issues, in addition to providing employment and making a profit.

They exist to benefit themselves, their customers, their social cause, and the economy, but what does it look like for a business to be socially aware in practical terms?

The ANZAC Spirit is Inspiring Aussies to Soldier On!

The importance of ANZAC Day is one of the few days in our national calendar that all Australians can agree on.  It’s a day when we reflect on the sacrifices of those who paved the way for the freedoms that we enjoy, and celebrate their legacy.

Is Easter still significant in Australia?

Australia is home to many cultures, so the way we celebrate and think about Easter continues to develop and change as well. For some, Easter is at the centre of their faith, and for others, it’s a rare opportunity to relax over a long weekend. 

Keys to living an impactful life

We all know someone who is living an impactful life. For panellists, Darren Thomas, Raewyn Elsegood and Keith Garner, who join host, Laura Bennett, on this episode of Helping Hands, living an impactful life has evolved gradually through a series of choices, often in response to their realisation that they can be the answer to a present need. 

Equipping parents to start the new school year well

The greatest desire for any parent of school-aged kids at this time of year is for their children to start the school year confident and happy. But have you considered how your own ability to start the school year well might impact your children’s success? 

Love Your Neighbour

Brett Ryan, Davyn de Bruyn and Michael Duckett join host Laura Bennett to discuss loving your neighbour. What does it mean to love your neighbour? What does this concept look like when seen through the lens of our family contexts, cultural backgrounds or heritage?

Heroes and Role Models

Collett Smart, Nathan Brewer and Nathaniel Marsh join panel host, Laura Bennett, to discuss heroes and role models. What makes a hero or role model? Should they possess certain qualities? Are there potential pitfalls if someone puts us on a pedestal as their hero or role model?

Overcoming adversity

Collett Smart, Justine Whitchurch and Rev. Keith Garner join panel host, Laura Bennett, to discuss overcoming adversity. Is it easy to recognise adversity? Is adversity something we can expect to conquer on our own?

Caring for ageing parents

Ian Barnett, Jenny Blok and Michael Duckett join host Laura Bennett to talk about caring for ageing parents. What do ageing parents struggle with most as they transition from being carers to needing care? Do parents ever stop caring for their children? Or do the ways they show care change and adapt over time?