The Bold Platform

Meet Maddy from Little Dreamers

Maddy Buchner grew up caring for her younger brother, who had a range of chronic illnesses, and her mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. At nine years of age, she identified a gap in the support system for Young Carers and began to raise awareness through fundraising events and stalls. This eventually culminated in a business plan for an organisation called Little Dreamers, way back in 2009. More than ten years later and over 5,000 young people reached, Little Dreamers is now Australia's leading Young Carer organisation. Across a range of key support programs co-designed with young people in caring roles, they are breaking down barriers and empowering youths, with a vision to ensure that every Young Carer around the world is supported by someone or something by the year 2030. Maddy is one of the boldest young women I have had the pleasure of chatting with for the podcast. Whether you are a young carer or not, there is much to be learned from Maddy's story and her attitude to the work she does. You can learn more about Maddy and Little Dreamers at www.littledreamers.org.au

Meet Laura from Makeup For Change

Working in beauty salons during her early twenties introduced Laura to a number of women who felt comfortable confiding their personal stories and current situations with her during their appointments. In a safe space, often relaxed, and with a degree of anonymity, women often disclosed details with Laura about financial difficulties, domestic violence, illness, and abuse against their children by a loved one. Having experienced domestic abuse in her own life, Laura resonated with these women who just needed some kind of outlet for what they were going through, but the hardest aspect was that not only was she not qualified to counsel them, but that at the end of the day they would often leave the salon and Laura would never see them again. She had no way of knowing if they escaped violence, protected their children, their illness treated or terminal, or destined for bankruptcy. Laura wanting to find a way to establish her own business where women could still feel safe enough to confide in her, but have access to a range of resources to help them through whatever they were facing. In partnership with Women's Safety NSW, Makeup for Change is a project initiated Laura to help raise awareness of domestic abuse in its many forms, support those who have experienced abuse during their lifetime, and guide women to resources and organisations that can assist them. The Makeup for Change project will be providing a complimentary hair and makeup session to women who have previously experienced domestic abuse to: •Improve their sense of self worth •Spoil and provide a memorable, enjoyable experience •Allow a safe space in which to tell their story •Contribute to raising awareness for domestic abuse You can learn more about Laura and the Makeup for Change project at www.morganelwood.com/makeup-for-change If you or anyone you know needs help please contact 1800 RESPECT or visit www.1800respect.org.au/

Meet Danielle from Motherless Daughters

At the age of 23, Danielle lost her mother to a rare form of gynaecological cancer. Staring down the barrel of life's milestones without the support of her Mum, Danielle began searching for support groups where she could connect with other Australian women in their 20's who had also lost their Mum. Through the power of social media, Danielle connected with a local girl called Eloise who had also lost her mother. They planned to have a quick coffee catch up to meet face to face and six hours later in that Melbourne café, Motherless Daughters Australia was born. Motherless Daughters Australia now provides support to over 4,000 women and children who have lost their Mums through various events, an online support group and beautiful children's journals. Their goal is to connect and unite women in the same shoes to show them that they are not alone, facilitate and conduct research, and to raise awareness and provide education to the wider community. You can learn more about the special work of Motherless Daughters Australia at www.motherlessdaughters.com.au

Meet Ari from ARNA

In today's episode I am chatting with Ari who is one half of ARNA, her sister Natasha being the other half. ARNA's was born in ARNA in 2018 with the idea that they could create something that would help women make bold decisions every single day. That was their first bold decision into business. When I heard about ARNA and their motivatation to highlight bold stories, I couldn't wait to get them on the podcast! There is so much alignment in what we both do and I always believe, we are better together. These two sisters are passionate about women's empowerment, especially in equality and parity in the workforce. Check out their BOLD moves here. You can learn more about Ari and ARNA at www.arnaonline.com.au

Meet Helen from workRestart

Helen Black is the CEO of workRestart, a not-for-profit social enterprise that aims to empower people in gaol to re-start their lives and positively contribute to the community they live in. They do this by providing training, employment and business building skills. The real-world jobs provide a pathway that prepares incarcerated people for a new life upon release. The aim is to improve prisoners' chances of securing stable employment, significantly reducing the rate of re-offending and helping to build a safer community. This episode will absolutely challenge your thinking about those who 'do time' - please listen with an open heart and mind. You can learn more about Helen and workRestart at www.workrestart.com.au