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Recorded live at UX Australia 2026, we sits down with Steve Baty to explore what meaningful co-design looks like in practice. Together, they unpack the responsibility that designers hold when working alongside communities and ask what it really means to design with, rather than for, people and communties Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Impact Policy Podcast – Episode 50: Thoughts and Reflections | Unpacking some key learnings, challenges and highlights of the journey so far. In this special milestone episode, we celebrate our 50th with Holly West, one of Impact Policy’s original team members and a passionate driving force behind our research and strategy. Holly, a mum of two and long-time advocate in the community sector, joins us for a deep, reflective conversation about the Impact Policy Podcast’s journey so far. Looking back at the past 28 episodes, we unpack what’s resonated, what’s changed and how these conversations can challenge both us and the systems we navigate, and hopefully add some value to the sector and broader community. Connect and Support Impact Policy: Website: https://impactpolicy.com.au/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@impactpolicy If you value these conversations, please subscribe, share, and drop a comment with what you’d like to hear next. Chapters: 02:09 – Meet Holly West: Research, strategy, and community roots 04:04 – Surviving past 50 episodes 07:01 – Impact beyond podcasting: unexpected stories & community reach 13:18 – Reflecting on milestones and learning from guests 16:14 – Patterns and the power of relationships across diverse topics 18:11 – Most memorable episodes 24:36 – Storytelling as valid evidence and learning 26:09 – Guests who challenge and shape our thinking 30:01 – Reimagining community care and responsibility 39:13 – Building our studio and looking ahead 44:47 – The challenges of facilitation and holding space 46:04 – What we hope this podcast leaves behind 50:08 – Country, design, and environment in policy dialogue 58:53 – Building and activating the podcast community 1:06:01 – Creating an accessible platform for community storytellers 1:08:01 – The vision for the next 50 episodes #ImpactPolicyPodcast #AboriginalLeadership #SystemsChange #CommunityVoice #LivedExperience #Storytelling #CoDesign #PolicyReform #IndigenousResearch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We get the chance to sit with Rowena Welsh Jarrett, a proud Dharawal and Gumbaynggirr Woman and member of the Redfern and La Perouse communities. Rowena is a lifelong advocate for Aboriginal cultural heritage and Director at Wadjiid (RWJ PTY LTD). Born and raised on Gadigal land, Rowena has dedicated over 20 years to cultural heritage work, community leadership, and ensuring the continuation of cultural practices within urban Sydney and coastal communities. Rowena shares powerful reflections on the resilience of her family lines, the deep responsibility of being born and belonging to Country, and the importance of passing on cultural tools to future generations. She speaks on land rights, repatriation, and the realities of working with both grief and strength while navigating the pressures and expectations of cultural heritage practice. Rowena discusses the complexities of cultural continuity, the power of language revival, honouring matriarchal legacy, responding to curated histories, and explores her role in nurturing cultural tools to pass on to future generations. She challenges stereotypes of “frozen” or prehistoric culture and champions greater self-determination and respect for people of the land in both heritage work and policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Shantelle Thompson, Barkindji and Ngiyampaa Woman, three-time world champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, mother of five, educator, entrepreneur, and founder of the Kiilalaana Foundation and Warrior Heart movement. Shantelle shares her journey of becoming, reflecting on self-leadership, responsibility, and listening to her ancestors, whose voices continue to guide her as she walks a path grounded in strength, sovereignty and purpose. Shantelle openly reflects on her experience with burnout, survival, healing intergenerational trauma, and the ongoing work of holding herself accountable both as a mother and a leader. She discusses the importance of finding your people, nervous system regulation, being well as a responsibility, and her vision for her community and the next generation. We also dive into her sporting journey, the significance of Jiu Jitsu, and her advocacy for Women's empowerment in sport and culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Impact Policy Podcast, we sit down with Associate Professor BJ Newton for a grounded conversation on child removal, restoration, and the systemic realities facing Aboriginal families navigating the child protection system. Drawing on the Bring Them Home, Keep Them Home research, BJ reflects on the role of research as advocacy, the importance of community-embedded approaches, and why restoration must be centred in conversations about reform. The discussion explores the structural drivers that continue to see Aboriginal children over represented in out-of-home care, the barriers families face in reunification processes, and the need to shift from surveillance and intervention toward family-led, culturally responsive support. BJ also speaks to initiatives including Know Your Rights and ARC (Aboriginal Authority for Restoring Children), and the importance of returning decision-making and authority back to Aboriginal communities. Alongside systems analysis and policy discussion, the episode also reflects on the role practitioners can play in creating safe, relational spaces for families through informed judgement, empathy and culturally responsive practice. If you work across child protection, Aboriginal affairs, policy, research, or community services, this episode offers an honest and important conversation on restoration, accountability, and what meaningful systems change can look like in practice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of the Impact Policy Podcast, we sit down with our Director of Policy and Research, Sean McCarthy, for an in-depth reflection on his journey at Impact Policy and his work across the New South Wales public sector. As Sean McCarthy prepares to take on new opportunities, we discuss key projects including systems readiness, structural reform, and the importance of moving from cultural safety to cultural responsiveness in policy and community engagement. Sean McCarthy shares valuable insights on shifting from the public sector to consultancy, the complexities of Aboriginal procurement, and building strong collaborative relationships among black businesses and government agencies. We delve into the nuances of co-design, organizational maturity, tackling lateral violence, and why genuine shared decision-making is essential for sustainable systems change. If you work in Aboriginal affairs, policy, or want to create more culturally responsive practices in your organization, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe and share if you find value in our conversation—your support helps us continue to deliver impactful content as a resource for the sector and the community. Topics Covered: The dynamics of cultural responsiveness vs. cultural safety Learnings from systems reform and governance projects Best practices for co-design and partnering with communities Organizational readiness, maturity, and anti-racism strategies The ongoing evolution of cultural awareness in workplaces Key Topics Covered Transition from Public Sector to Consulting Sean McCarthy shares insights about moving from the public sector into consulting, emphasizing the shift to more creative and solutions-based approaches 03:29. Aboriginal Procurement and Business Collaboration Discussion of unique challenges and opportunities faced by Aboriginal businesses in procurement and the importance of collaboration over competition 06:05. Structural Reform and Shared Decision-Making Reflections on the importance of increased agency and shared power for Aboriginal communities within policy and governance structures 11:34. Lessons from Co-Design and Governance Work Sean McCarthy covers communication challenges, the significance of language, and strategies for implementing new models where little precedent exists 17:21. Incremental Change and Systems Readiness The complexities of systems change, the balance between incremental and uncompromisable standards, and how organizations can genuinely prepare for large-scale reform 26:12. Cultural Safety vs. Cultural Responsiveness In-depth discussion of the difference between achieving minimum standards (cultural safety) and embedding continual, responsive change (cultural responsiveness) in organizations 44:05. Organizational Maturity and Readiness Assessment Approaches to measuring organizational maturity from anti-racism and cultural responsiveness perspectives; policy analysis, stakeholder feedback, and maturity frameworks 39:17. Cultural Supervision and Continuous Learning The evolution from static cultural awareness training to ongoing cultural supervision and readiness as a demonstration of organizational maturity 54:10. Notable Quotes “Cultural safety is like a minimum requirement... best practice is cultural responsiveness, right? Because you’re actually responding to cultural need and feedback.” — Sean McCarthy 32:04 “It's about that continual improvement. You’re never going to be perfect at it... but what you want to do is be better every day, every year, every whatever it might be.” — Sean McCarthy 48:43 Additional Resources Mention of “Women’s Training” as an example that breaks down static notions of cultural awareness (51:10); link to be added in episode description. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and share the podcast to support self-funded, sector-building work (01:51). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join hosts Moustafa Ardati and Sam Johnson for powerful, real conversations exploring lived experience, resilience, and mindset. In this episode, Moustafa Ardati—tri-code international athlete, counselor, coach, and doctoral researcher—shares his remarkable journey growing up with cerebral palsy, defying limitations, and challenging stereotypes about disability, education, and mental health. The discussion dives deep into overcoming adversity, shifting the narrative on addiction and identity, the importance of advocacy and self-belief, and practical insights into personal growth. Sam Johnson and Moustafa Ardati explore how mindset, opportunity, and support shape our stories, and why policy and practice must center lived experience and authentic inclusion. If you're passionate about access, equity, and inclusion—or just need inspiration to thrive no matter the obstacles—this episode is for you. Subscribe, share, and join the Impact Policy Podcast community to stay up to date and be part of the change! Themes: Lived experience and disabilityMindset and resilienceAddiction, trauma & identityPolicy, reform, and advocacyPersonal and professional growth Listen now for moving stories, expert insights, and actionable advice to help you navigate and shape a more inclusive world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this latest solo episode, Sam Johnson takes us behind the scenes at Impact Policy, sharing powerful reflections on what it means to “Indigenise Masculinities.” Drawing on personal stories, recent thought leadership, and upcoming conference conversations, Sam Johnson explores the intersection of masculinity, colonization, and systemic change—especially in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and boys. This episode challenges the mainstream dialogue around masculinity, calling for a deeper understanding of culture, relationality, and community. If you work in policy, advocacy, or community, or if you’re just curious about reframing gender conversations in Australia, you’ll find practical insights and inspiration here. Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation. And don’t forget to follow Impact Policy for future thought leadership updates—no spam, just learning shared along the journey! #IndigenizingMasculinities #ImpactPolicyPodcast #ThoughtLeadership #GenderJustice #FirstNations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of the Impact Policy Podcast, host Sam Johnson shares the inspiring journey behind Impact Policy's decision to build a not-for-profit. Sam Johnson reflects on the organization's roots in community-driven work, starting with scholarship programs for Aboriginal young people and extending to current initiatives supporting girls in community sports. Drawing on personal experiences growing up in Glebe and the positive influence of accessible sports programs, Sam Johnson discusses the critical importance of breaking down barriers to participation—like financial hardship and transport—for young women and girls, especially those from Aboriginal and culturally diverse backgrounds. The episode outlines the vision behind the new not-for-profit, focusing on themes of access, equity, inclusion, and justice. Sam Johnson highlights how small acts, such as providing team transport or creating safe, girls-only sports spaces, can have a profound impact. With support from pro bono legal partners, Impact Policy is building a program (currently called the Impact Academy) that does more than teach basketball; it creates community, role models, and opportunities for youth who need them most. If you’re passionate about social impact, youth programs, or building inclusive communities, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insight into launching purpose-driven initiatives—and an invitation to get involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode dives deep into conversations around the lived experiences of Aboriginal people, the complexities of black identity, the intersection of joy and rage, and the ongoing journey of reclaiming power and telling authentic stories. The discussion, led by Kyan Mitchell, features reflections on Chelsea Watego’s influential work and her role in inspiring other black writers and thinkers to stand firm in their stories. Show Notes: 0:00 — Introduction: Connection to Country & Mob, honoring Gadigal people 3:00 — Welcoming listeners and context for today’s special guest 4:00 — Black Thoughts: New book launch and its impact on self-reflection 7:00 — Why rage and joy can—and must—coexist in the fight for justice 11:00 — Personal histories: Growing up surrounded by blackness 13:00 — The dangers of caricature and the right to the full range of human emotion 16:00 — On privilege, working class backgrounds, and finding purpose in intellectual labor 18:30 — Black joy as strategic resistance, spiritual cleansing, and everyday activism 22:00 — Challenging deficit narratives: Healing from imposed identity 25:00 — The violence of race breaking blackfellas & navigating complaints 27:00 — Redefining what “winning” and “justice” can look like 30:00 — Critique of “just be resilient” advice & how it compounds harm 33:00 — Reflecting on generational differences and survival strategies 35:00 — The politics and problems of “intergenerational trauma” narratives 40:00 — Healthy skepticism: Whose interests do mainstream reconciliation and RAPs serve? 42:00 — Rethinking black leadership: Not just a seat at the corporate table 44:00 — The legacy and dismantling of black infrastructure and collectives 47:00 — Reading "Black Men in Suits"—betrayal, gender, and humor as coping 53:00 — Racialized gender tropes, policing, and invisibility of violence against black women 58:00 — Shifting focus to the impact of racial violence, not intentions 1:01:00 — The “newly identifying” phenomenon and its material impacts 1:04:00 — Ancestry vs. lived relationship: Why community connection matters 1:12:00 — Cautions around “lateral violence” language 1:15:00 — Black critique as essential, not harmful: How to grow through challenging conversations 1:19:00 — The importance of joy, safety, and community in black workspaces 1:22:00 — Building collectives, creating new infrastructures, and learning from Proper Now 1:28:00 — Storytelling, songlines, and the nourishing power of black narratives If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a comment letting us know your thoughts. #BlackJoy #BlackPower #ImpactPolicyPodcast #IndigenousLeadership #RaceAndIdentity #Storytelling Listen, reflect, and step into your own story with us at the Impact Policy Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Sam and Kuyan for a yarn about place based responses in social policy and community development. together they also explore issues around mental health and reflect on the NSW Aboriginal Knockout and its significance and impact for Aboriginal people, families and communities across NSW. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2. Personal Journey and Identity FormationKate Webber's Aboriginal heritage and connection to multiple nationsInfluence of family (grandmother, mother, and father's service) on identity and generosityChildhood experiences facing discrimination and racismNavigating conflict between pride in Aboriginal identity and external negativityCarrying forward family legacy and sense of service3. Identity Challenges Growing UpImpact of racism during primary schoolLack of Aboriginal perspective in education (focus on colonization, Captain Cook projects)Struggles with shame and belongingCode-switching and hiding identity in unsupportive environmentsImportance of family and community in fostering pride4. Mental Health and WellbeingEarly experiences of racism, bullying (relating to Aboriginal and Chinese heritage)The role of family and community support in building confidenceConnection between lived experience and academic/professional interest in psychologyMental health struggles in family history (grandmother’s depression, intergenerational impacts)Personal battles: low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, recovery from trauma5. Journey of HealingPower and importance of connection during crisisSteps toward regaining autonomy and controlBuilding supportive relationships outside toxic environmentsAdvances in self-care: regaining interests, healthier routines, addressing eating disordersGradual process of building resilience and confidence6. The Role of Systems and StructuresImpact of systemic racism and poverty (housing, education, social support)Inequity in government responses, resources, and societal structuresRacism embedded in systems affecting Aboriginal familiesThe importance (and gap) of culturally informed systems7. Racial Empathy Gap and AssessmentDefinition and examples of the racial empathy gapMedia’s role in perpetuating disparity in empathy and reportingImportance of accurate assessment for effective treatmentCritiques of mainstream frameworks and need for culture-bound syndromesNegative consequences of misassessment in child protection and mental health8. Decolonization and Systemic ChangeCritique of “West is Best” and “White is Right” mentalitiesMisguided attempts at tokenistic inclusion of Aboriginal perspectivesNeed for systemic overhaul, genuine power-sharing, and cultural equityChallenges of addressing siloes vs interconnected systems in Aboriginal policy (e.g., Close the Gap)9. Professional Highlights and Systemic AdvocacyPositive outcomes when First Nations people lead program designImportance of safe spaces and empowerment in professional and community developmentLeading leadership and development programs with successful resultsAdvocacy for elevating Aboriginal voices, genuine co-design, and decision-making power10. Creative Expression and StorytellingArtistic influences and background (family of artists and musicians)Role of art and creative writing/music in processing trauma and emotionsInterest in art therapy as a modality for healingHealing power of storytelling, slam poetry, and creative arts in Indigenous and marginalized communities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Adam Thompson, Director at Homes NSW, says you can’t bulldoze through Australia’s housing crisis—you need people at the heart of every decision. Homes aren’t just buildings. They hold memories, connections, and shape entire communities. That’s why listening to those in social housing is central to his work. Adam’s a proud “social housing kid” and stays connected to his roots—he knows firsthand how often tenants don’t feel heard, and he wants to shift that. True engagement isn’t just a box-ticking exercise or defensively keeping “future complaints” at bay. It’s about actually learning from lived experience and letting it shape policy. He insists that if you’re not honestly seeking input, don’t call it “engagement.” Call it consultation or a briefing—communities deserve clarity and honesty. Building trust is about “yarn at the front, business at the back”: have real conversations before getting down to the practicalities. Genuine relationships make all the difference. One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work. Every community is unique, so how you engage should fit their local needs. Sometimes it’s big town halls, sometimes it’s small group conversations. Engagement helps people see their ideas brought to life, whether via improved services, safer design, or simply being listened to. That pride and ownership are real. Leaders need to front up, communicate clearly, and handle tough conversations with conviction and authenticity. Trust comes from consistency and genuine care—not spin. Homes NSW is embedding tenant involvement at all levels, investing in participation teams, and making engagement a sustained presence, not just a reaction to complaints. Being honest about what’s possible, learning from Aboriginal engagement principles, and owning both wins and failures are all part of how real change happens. At the end of the day, Adam reminds us: it’s not just about homes, it’s about people, memories, and the fabric of communities. That’s what real progress looks like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kuyan and Sean form Impact Policy dive deep into lateral violence and anti racism, below is an outline of some of the topics they navigate together 2. Lateral Violence: Definitions and Prevalence Description of lateral violence and its recurring presence in various sectors and work environmentsEmphasis on the lack of nuanced understanding of the root causesEncouragement to view the issue at both surface and systemic levels3. Root Causes and Systemic Issues Connection to colonization and genocide as foundational drivers of lateral violenceDismantling the myth that lateral violence is an “Aboriginal-only” issueExamination of environmental and systemic factors enabling lateral violence to persistComparison with experiences in other marginalized communities globally4. Understanding and Misunderstanding the Issue Noting that most people can give examples but lack depth in understanding origins and systemic componentsThe role of non-Aboriginal systems and practices in perpetuating lateral violenceDiscussion of reactive versus proactive responses: addressing symptoms vs. tackling root causes5. Difficulties Addressing Lateral Violence Tendency to address the issue at the individual level without systemic changeAnalogy: treating symptoms without curing the infectionChallenges faced by non-Indigenous people in engaging with lateral violence due to lack of systemic understanding and fear6. The Nuances and Workplace Triggers Importance of addressing both systemic and individual levelsNon-Indigenous reluctance to get involved, and its consequencesWorkplace examples: “advice shopping,” elevation of some Aboriginal voices over others, recruitment and competition triggersImpact of lack of transparency in recruitment and funding decisions7. Personal Experiences and Emotional Impact Sharing of personal and collective experiences of lateral violence within government and communityEmotional toll: when lateral violence follows individuals home and permeates personal life and community connectionsUnique burdens experienced by Aboriginal people navigating workplace and community pressures 9. Transparency, Integrity, and Leadership Lack of transparency in decision-making as a systemic contributorThe societal pattern in Australia of narrative control and withholding informationThe link between integrity, leadership, and willingness to be transparent10. Cultural Dynamics, Elevation, and Diversity Problems with elevating individual voices or “leaders” over the diversity within communitiesHomogenization—misunderstanding of the multiplicity of Aboriginal experiences and viewpointsTension arising from mismatches between workplace/sectoral elevation and community status11. Conflict and Accountability Distinction between healthy conflict and lateral violenceTraditional strengths of Aboriginal communities in conflict management and resolutionSeeking accountability vs. tearing down individualsReflection on how social and professional settings can foster unhealthy conflict compared to traditional or community-based resolution12. Language and Concepts: ‘Staunch’, Anger, and Misapplied Strength 13. Systemic Pressures and Double Standards 14. Practical Solutions and Advice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.