Panel Discussions

Bringing an end to toxic masculinity

“The best masculinity,” offers Graeme Cowan, during a recent Helping Hands panel discussion on the topic of positive masculinity, “It’s being protective, it’s being caring, and it’s being supportive.”

Today, Graeme is a respected resilience author and speaker and has a mountain of experience when it comes to supporting men to be the best versions of themselves. But Graeme’s simple, yet effective definition of masculinity comes from the fond memories he has of the way his own father valued his mother. He became Graeme’s role model, and it’s clear that his example of positive masculinity has left an indelible footprint on Graeme’s life.

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.

Celebrating all that's remarkable (and unremarkable) about our dads

This weekend, in families and communities all around Australia, dads, grandfathers and father figures will be recognised and celebrated for the important roles they play in our lives. And those roles, says psychologist, Collett Smart are on an exciting and encouraging new trajectory.

In this Helping Hands panel discussion, Collett is joined by Mike Gore, CEO of Charitabl.; and Graeme Cowan, Resilience Author and Speaker, to speak about today’s dad; how we can see the best in our dads and encourage them to be the best versions of themselves.

How to help on the hard road of hurt

Hurt, pain and regret is common to us all. Mark McCrindle, from McCrindle Research, says that Australians currently face big issues in relation to our declining health, financial strain and business struggles, but our biggest hurts come from broken relationships.

In this Helping Hands panel discussion, Mark is joined by Davyn de Bruyn, from Parramatta Mission, and Rev. Dr. Megan Powell du Toit to speak about the hurt we experience and how we all can be better equipped to help those we know who are hurting.

Taking the empty out of empty nesting

One of a parent’s most heartfelt desires is to see a cherished child transform into an independent adult. In the blink of an eye, our tiny baby-turned-giant is ready to leave the nest. But are we ready for this momentous time? 

When kids leave home, a complex mix of emotion results. It can leave us feeling emptier than the family home now is. In this Helping Hands panel discussion, experts Collett Smart, Ian Barnett and Nathan Brewer discuss empty nesting – how to prepare for it and survive the upheaval it can bring. 

Everyday purchases that make the world a better place!

Our buying power can do more for good than our charitable giving says Adam McCurdie, founder and CEO of Humanitix, and he says that by transforming our buying power into firepower, we can all make a genuine social impact for good.

In this Helping Hands panel discussion, Adam is joined by Prof. Kristy Muir, CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation; and Jess Moore, CEO of Social Enterprise Australia, to talk about ethical consumerism, and the role we can all play in helping to make the world a better place.

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.