From Jurassic Park to Global Health with new Thorne Harbour Health CEO Chad Hughes

From Jurassic Park to Global Health with new Thorne Harbour Health CEO Chad Hughes

Jack and Cal are joined by new Thorne Harbour Health CEO Chad Hughes, and discuss the critical challenge of delivering equitable health services to our diverse communities in regional Victoria and South Australia. Chad dives into the organisation’s strategy of embedding practitioners with lived experience into mainstream rural clinics to ensure privacy and reduce stigma for those not ready to come out locally. We also explore the unique dynamics of regional pride events and the importance of empowering local experiences over a one size fits all approach. Given the growing crisis of misinformation in the age of AI, Thorne Harbour’s forty-year legacy of trust is more vital than ever, especially as the organisation expands its national reach through innovative digital platforms. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro 01:56 – Chad’s origin story involving genetics, a trip to Uganda in the late 90s, and the pivotal moment that drove him toward public health 06:14 – Setting up harm reduction programs over four years living in a remote Nepalese village, learning the language, and overcoming his needle phobia 11:39 – Leadership philosophy, focusing on mentoring others, the satisfaction of population-level impact versus individual care, and his framework for making tough decisions under pressure 14:45 – Living in Daylesford, the unique nature of regional queer communities compared to the city, and the specific challenges of delivering health services to isolated trans and gender-diverse youth 20:00 – The importance of supporting local autonomy in events like Bendigo Pride 24:46 – Thorne Harbour’s 40-year history of adapting to diverse community requirements 28:47 – Misinformation and AI-generated content, highlighting why Thorne Harbour’s reputation for trusted health information is more valuable than ever 33:32 –  The current political climate, funding challenges in Victoria, the importance of a unified sector, and the significance of having a community member as the new Minister for Health 38:13 – Chad’s hobby of birding, his spark bird, and how observing nature serves as a mindfulness practice 48:14 – Parallels between the patience required for birding and the calm, observant leadership style needed to manage staff dealing with vicarious trauma and complex community crises 49:42 – Ensuring services are truly community-led, responsive to emerging threats like Mpox, and accessible to everyone regardless of location or identity Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell [http://joy.org.au/wellwellwell]. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org [http://thorneharbour.org] and samesh.org.au [http://samesh.org.au]

Odus Moore’s Advocacy and Digital Activism

Queer content creator and influencer Odus Moore joins us to unpack the unique challenges and responsibilities of being a voice for sexual health and harm reduction in the digital age. Odus traces his journey from streaming on Twitch during lockdown to highlighting the intersection of entertainment and serious health advocacy. We tackle the “influencer” label, the difficulty of securing ethical brand partnerships, and the necessity of values-based content creation in an increasingly polarised political landscape. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell [http://joy.org.au/wellwellwell]. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org [http://thorneharbour.org] and samesh.org.au [http://samesh.org.au]

Finding Belonging Through Volunteering – National Volunteer Week

Joel sits down with volunteers Phoebe and Leo to explore the power of giving back to the community in light of National Volunteer Week. Phoebe shares her journey from a university student seeking purpose to a researcher supporting LGBTQ+ women’s health. Leo discusses finding a safe haven in Melbourne after living in regions where queerness is criminalised. We discuss how volunteering acts as a kind of “mental gym” that breaks down social isolation and fosters genuine human connection across diverse backgrounds. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell [http://joy.org.au/wellwellwell]. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org [http://thorneharbour.org] and samesh.org.au [http://samesh.org.au]

Women Deliver Conference Reflections

After the 2026 Women Deliver conference in Melbourne, we discuss what real inclusion looks like – does it mean simply inviting diverse voices to an existing table or dismantling the structure itself? Rachel and Jordan in Melbourne are joined by Nikki Sullivan in Adelaide to explore the tension between tokenistic representation and the power of strategic coalition building across identity lines. We also explore the presence of colonial and military frameworks within a feminist space, the unique visibility of intersex voices, and the urgent need to move beyond siloed identity politics toward issue-based alliances. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au

Connect: HIV Self Test Vending goes National

We discuss how HIV self-test vending machines are breaking down barriers to testing for vulnerable populations across Australia with Zara Boulton, National Project Officer for Connect. From navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems to fears of stigma and discrimination, we explore the complex obstacles that prevent overseas-born individuals from accessing traditional testing services. Connect’s innovative approach of offering free, discreet, and convenient testing through strategically placed machines has proven remarkably successful, with pilot data showing strong community uptake and overwhelmingly positive user feedback. The national rollout now spans multiple states and territories, with local project officers ensuring the program adapts to regional needs and community preferences. Jack, Jordan, and Joel also reflect on Thorne Harbour Health’s internal knowledge sharing FRIDA conference. Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell. If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org and samesh.org.au