In this powerful NAIDOC Week special celebrating the 2025 theme of "Next Generation: Strength Vision and Legacy," host Nicky sits down with Charlie Ashby, Cultural Lead for Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in the Shoalhaven. This is a conversation that will transform how you think about cultural healing and community connection.

“We are in good hands” says Charlie as he opens up about the incredible work happening at Cullunghutti, where children are strengthening their cultural identity through immersive experiences on country. By embracing the bush, connecting with animals, and engaging with spirit and culture, these young people are discovering respect, belonging, and responsibility in ways that create lasting transformation.

The conversation reveals how this approach is building resilient children and a deeply respectful community where trust flourishes. The impact extends beyond Aboriginal children as Charlie explains how their truth-telling processes are helping non-Aboriginal educators become more effective supporters of young people.

The discussion doesn't shy away from difficult topics – exploring how non-Aboriginal people can be genuine allies, addressing the legacy of the Voice referendum's No vote, and examining how cultural practices like Welcome to Country have become politicized despite their healing origins.

Nicky brings vulnerability to the conversation, openly addressing the nervousness many people feel when engaging with Aboriginal culture, helping to break down barriers and awkwardness. Together, they create an invitation for listeners to join Cullunghutti's vital community work, emphasizing that everyone has a role in building resilient future leaders and strong young people.

This episode offers both inspiration and practical pathways for meaningful cultural engagement and healing. You can check out Cullunghutti’s great work at their website www.cullunghutti.org.au or drop in and say g’day next time you are in Nowra.

Acknowledgement of Country

Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.

We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.

We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.

“There’s got to be food and it’s got to be fun!” explains Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator Cath Daly about her approach to supporting community health and wellbeing.

Nicky talks to Cath about supporting families and kids by providing nutritious breakfasts and packed lunches and a place to connect and share. After school programs, bingo and other community initiatives sees this little centre under Cath’s passionate leadership providing essential supports to the community.

Nicky and Cath explore the connections between food and social and mental health, exploring the impacts of poverty and trauma and how the Food Security Program run from the centre is directly supporting up to 70 families a week from a large, diverse but vulnerable client base from across the region which relies entirely on donations from the community, individuals and groups like Oz Harvest and Club Grants.

Nicky and Cath also explore issues around funding from the NSW Government which does not fund food and practical assistance. This seems strange given the clear connection between having enough to eat and outcomes such as school attendance.

Regardless Cath and the team make it work through sheer determination and embracing the support of the community. There is so much going on at the “Neighbo” and Cath and Nicky talk about how the community can get involved and contribute through donations or volunteering to join in the tremendous work that Cath and the team are doing to help build resilience and safety for all members of the community.

Acknowledgement of Country

Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.

We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.

We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.

In this powerful conversation, Nicky dives deep into fairness, equity, and social justice with Craig Foster AM—former Socceroos captain, sports broadcaster, author, human rights advocate and 2023 NSW Australian of the Year. Nicky and Craig discuss how his own life journey took him from country NSW and a sheltered worldview to a broader, more diverse and inclusive perspective shaped by exposure to the people and communities he experienced through his soccer career and his activism.

Craig reflects on pivotal moments, including rescuing a refugee footballer from a Thai prison, supporting Afghan women fleeing the Taliban, and advocating for gender-equal pay in Australian soccer. Craig discusses the importance of systemic change, challenging power structures, explaining that resistance is to be expected and is a natural part of progress. He explains how taking action can create lasting impact and personal meaning.

Ultimately, Craig’s message is one of empowerment and responsibility. He emphasises that all people are driven by a fundamental sense of justice and encourages listeners to consider their own responses to inequality by asking us the critical question: “What would you do?”. His insights inspire reflection, empathy, and the courage to act in the face of injustice, making this conversation a compelling call to action to make the world a better place for everyone.

To find out more about Craig and his work visit: www.craigfoster.net

Acknowledgement of Country

Community Industry Group' podcast is recorded on beautiful Dharawal Country, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and their Elders.

We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.

We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Aboriginal people.