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...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of building trusted partnerships with families to support their child’s education.   The conversation draws on the experiences of Ben Blowers, who has worked directly with families on The Smith Family's Learning for Life program over the past five years.   Ben shares insights into how The Smith Family engages with parents, offering not just financial and program support, but the personal support needed to help children thrive at school. He also...

In this important episode for Anti-Poverty Week, we meet James Manton, an alumni of The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, who shares his deeply personal story of growing up in disadvantage, the impact it had on his education and how the right support at the right time helped him turn his life around. James also offers valuable insights into how our society can better support young people experiencing poverty and how he's now giving back as a volunteer mentor to make a difference in...

In the lead-up to Anti-Poverty Week, this conversation explores what poverty looks like in modern Australia and how digital poverty is leaving young people experiencing disadvantage further behind in education and employment opportunities.    Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, shares insights into what can be done to bridge this digital divide and how organisations are working to ensure every young person has the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.  Caroline is...

Volunteers play a vital role in shaping our communities, yet volunteering rates in Australia are in decline. In this conversation, we hear from Mark Pearce, CEO of Volunteering Australia, about the changing nature of volunteering and efforts to revitalise volunteering for the future.   CREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family Guest: Mark Pearce, CEO, Volunteering Australia Audio production: Mylk Media   GET IN TOUCH Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au   Connect...

In this special episode, we feature highlights from our recent webinar, exploring how we can collectively support more young Australians to achieve success at school and beyond. Currently, one in four young Australians aren't completing year 12 or the equivalent – and the rate is much higher for young people experiencing disadvantage. Yet we know that higher educational attainment is associated with positive social and economic outcomes. This episode includes valuable insights from The Smith...

This week, we're meeting two award-winning primary school principals who see firsthand the challenges and hopes of young people experiencing disadvantage. Alison Forthuber and Rachel Armer have been educators for more than two decades, leaving an indelible footprint on thousands of young people over that time. In this conversation, Alison and Rachel share their passion for education, their inspiring approaches to teaching and the importance of community connections to positively impact young...

Philanthropy has been a mainstay of The Smith Family's history, helping to transform the lives of thousands of young Australians through education. In this conversation, we welcome Shamal Dass, a renowned expert in philanthropy and social impact, to explore the world of philanthropic giving and how people and organisations can make a meaningful difference in their communities.    CREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family Guest: Shamal Dass, Head of Family Advisory and Philanthropic...

Inequality in Australia has grown and social connection is on the decline. How can governments and charities work together to support young people and strengthen our communities for a better future?   We head to Parliament House for this conversation with The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities, Treasury and Employment, addressing education reform, the future of volunteering, philanthropic giving and more.   CREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith...

Education is a transformative force, yet the path to higher education isn’t always easy. In this conversation, we welcome Professor Mark Scott AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Sydney, to discuss the challenges facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds and initiatives in the university sector to break down these barriers.   CREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family Guest: Professor Mark Scott AO Audio production: Mylk Media   GET IN TOUCH Learn more about The...

School attendance is a complex issue affecting many students and families. Declining attendance levels have been making headlines in Australia and around the world.   In this conversation, education researcher Dr Kirsten Hancock breaks down the latest trends and challenges, emphasising the need for supportive, non-punitive measures. Using both local and international research, she shares practical strategies for improving attendance and highlights how community collaboration and policy...

Welcome to Conversations with The Smith Family, a new podcast series hosted by Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family. In this series, we delve into initiatives across Australia aimed at empowering young people to transform their futures through education. Each episode brings together diverse voices from the Smith Family community, alongside educators, researchers, philanthropists, business leaders and policymakers. Together, we explore pressing issues impacting young people today and discuss...