Together We Grow

Hosted by Mercy Connect

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Latest episode

Jul 2025

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EN-AU

About the show

Join us for the Mercy Connect podcast series as we tackle contemporary issues impacting people with disabilities and those working in the sector. Our guests, including individuals with disabilities and caregivers, share their unique experiences and insights. Sponsored by Mercy Connect, this podcast sheds light on the challenges, triumphs, and opportunities in the disability community. Tune in to learn how we can create a more inclusive world.

Listen to episodes

15 recent

July 18, 2025Episode 729 min

Together We Grow: Season 2 Episode 7

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 7 of Together We Grow, recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, Traditional Custodians of this land.In this meaningful episode, Karen talks with Jon, program manager at Boys to the Bush, about the vital work this grassroots organisation does to support vulnerable boys across regional NSW and Victoria.Jon shares how Boys to the Bush began and how it has grown into a safe, welcoming space that empowers boys with practical life skills, guidance, and belonging. He offers powerful insights into how mentoring boosts boys’ confidence and resilience, and shares personal stories of challenges, triumphs, and transformation.This conversation reminds us of the simple but life-changing impact that time, compassion, and positive role models can have.Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a hopeful message about the power of connection — and how we can help shape a brighter future for our boys.After two heartfelt seasons of Together We Grow, we're pressing pause.Thank you to all our listeners, guests and supporters who've joined us on this journey of connection and community. It’s been a privilege to share voices that inspire change and celebrate the power of care.While we take this time to reflect and explore what’s next, stay safe, stay kind, and keep growing together. 💙

June 6, 2025Episode 632 min

Together We Grow: Season 2 - Episode 6

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 6 of "Together We Grow" recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land.In this heartfelt episode, Karen Cronin is joined by Leah, a foster carer whose journey offers a powerful glimpse into the realities of trauma-informed care. Leah speaks candidly about the emotional challenges and deep rewards of fostering — particularly when caring for children from complex backgrounds who may have experienced trauma, and for First Nations children who are overrepresented within the system, separated from culture, country and family.She shares her personal reflections on how fostering has changed her worldview, the importance of building trust with children who carry trauma, and the vital need for systemic and community support for both carers and the children they welcome into their homes.Tune in to hear an honest, moving conversation about healing, growth, and the strength it takes to hold space for another’s pain — and transformation.

April 9, 2025Episode 525 min

Together We Grow: Season 2 - Episode 5

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 5 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land.In this episode, Karen Cronin is joined by Scott, one of Mercy Connect's dedicated Disability Support Workers, to further explore the incredible impact of the Meals on Wheels program. Scott shares his first-hand insights into how the program supports the community while creating meaningful opportunities for participants to engage, grow and feel empowered, as well as sharing a personal reflection on his own lived experiences with autism, and his journey growing up in a world that once lacked awareness, and how that landscape has thankfully evolved over time.Tune into this insightful episode to hear stories from the frontline, learn about the challenges and triumphs of community service, and discover how you can get involved to make a difference in your community.

November 19, 2024Episode 416 min

Together We Grow: Season 2 - Episode 4

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 4 of "Together We Grow", recorded onsite at Mercy Connect, on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land. In this episode, Karen Cronin sits down with Karen Fraser from Meals on Wheels Albury to dive into the incredible work Meals on Wheels are doing to support the seniors and vulnerable people within our local community. Tune into this insightful episode to hear stories from the frontline, learn about the challenges and triumphs of community service, and discover how you can get involved to make a difference in your community. Together We Grow. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/meadows-groovetide

February 28, 2024Episode 329 min

Together We Grow: Season 2 - Episode 3

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 3 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land. In this episode we are joined by Caroline Cummins who will soon commence as the interim CEO of Mercy Connect, and also take over hosting duties of the ‘Together We Grow’ podcast series. As a speech pathologist and specialist behaviour clinician, Caroline has over twenty years’ experience working with people with a range of abilities and is passionate about the rights of people with disability and those in need and through her work strives to ensure their voices are heard. Tune into this insightful episode with a range of topics being discussed, including current challenges and opportunities within the disability sector, restrictive practices, and the principles of ‘choice and control’. Together we grow.

December 18, 2023Episode 219 min

Together We Grow: Season 2 - Episode 2

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 2 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land. In this episode, we are joined by Julianne Whyte, founder and CEO of AMARANTH FOUNDATION, which provides a range of services, including palliative care, across rural communities within the Riverina and Murrumbidgee regions of New South Wales. After graduating in nursing at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, Julianne then worked in the health care sector across rural and regional community settings, in acute and community-focused nursing roles. After 25 years in nursing and wanting to expand her knowledge of human behaviour and health inequity, Julianne attained a Bachelor of Social Work from La Trobe University in Wodonga. As an agent for change, Julianne established the Amaranth Foundation, which provides a range of services across rural communities situated within the Riverina and Murrumbidgee regions of NSW. She is a member and Director of the Australian Association of Social Workers and an accredited mental health social worker. Julianne is currently completing her PhD in the field of social work and palliative care, and in 2017 she was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her work in advancing palliative care in the community. Tune into this insightful episode with a range of topics being discussed, including the delivery of supports for people with disability living in regional and remote settings, the provision of palliative care to people with disability, and the essential Food Bowl program in Corowa. Together we grow.

November 3, 2023Episode 126 min

Together We Grow: Season 2 - Episode 1

Welcome to Season 2 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land. In the first episode for season 2, we are joined by Garry Whittaker the Regional Manager for Training Services NSW, within the Department of Education, since 2014. In 2020 Garry suffered a severe Traumatic Brain Injury resulting in Aphasia; an acquired impairment of language which is typically characterised by errors in word retrieval and selection impacting his language use considerably. Tune in to this insightful episode as Garry shares his experiences, knowledge, and perspectives on Traumatic Brain Injuries resulting in Aphasia and the ways we can improve our overall wellbeing with the inclusion of brain fitness into every-day life, in order to maintain and enhance our cognitive capabilities. Join us on this journey of growth, compassion, and creating a more inclusive society.

September 14, 2023Episode 834 min

Together We Grow: Season 1 - Episode 8

Welcome to Episode 8 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land. In this episode, we are joined by Jen Tait, the Managing Director of Purple Chicken, a for-purpose organisation that explores and develops new models and opportunities for people with disability that are often only available in urban locations. Jen has been a strong advocate for innovation in the disability sector for over 25 years, with a clear focus on employment, and self-advocacy. Jen is also a carer of a person with a disability and is very passionate about the benefits and importance of the National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS. Through the NDIS, Jen has witnessed the immense difference it can make to people with a disability, through the creation of opportunities and achievement of life goals, in line with their non-disabled peers, so that people with disabilities enjoy true equity within our community. Tune in to this insightful episode as Jen shares her experiences, knowledge, and perspectives on the NDIS and discover how the Purple Chicken has made a difference and created opportunities to people with disability achieve life goals and create equity within our community. Join us on this journey of growth, compassion, and creating a more inclusive society.

June 13, 2023Episode 721 min

Together We Grow: Season 1 - Episode 7

Welcome to Episode 7 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land. In this episode, we are joined by Steve Shiel, the General Manager of Customer Engagement at Personnel Group. For over 37 years, Personnel Group has been a leading Disability Employment Service provider, dedicated to fostering equality through employment. Originally hailing from Essendon, Melbourne, Steve now resides in Wodonga with his wife and two children, following a fulfilling 6-year period in the United Kingdom. With a longstanding career in the employment sector spanning more than two decades, Steve has always found joy in working with people. His unwavering commitment lies in assisting individuals to overcome the obstacles they face and actively participate in our communities. Tune in to this insightful episode as Steve shares his experiences, knowledge, and perspectives on breaking down barriers to employment. Discover how Personnel Group has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and empowering individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workforce. Join us on this journey of growth, compassion, and creating a more inclusive society.

May 19, 2023Episode 621 min

Together We Grow: Season 1 - Episode 6

Welcome to Episode 6 of "Together We Grow", recorded on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land. In this episode, we sit down with Justin Clancy MP, Member for Albury, and dive into the pressing issues affecting people with disability and their supports in our community. Justin, a dedicated member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly since 2019, has been representing Albury for the Liberal Party. Born and raised on a farm in Bowna, he continues to reside there with his wife and three children while managing his own veterinary clinics in Albury and Wodonga. Justin's commitment extends beyond his professional career, as he actively participates in various community activities, including Albury City's Sports and Advisory Committees, Companion Animal Advisory Committee, and Mercy Health's Community Advisory Group. Recently appointed as the Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Justin leverages his expertise to advocate for enhanced local services and facilities, striving to improve the quality of life for Albury residents and foster a nurturing environment for families. Join us for an enlightening conversation as we explore the challenges and opportunities for growth that lie ahead, together.