If you’re about to load up your car with donated goods and head to somewhere you think needs you – please stop a moment and listen to my podcast with Gopinath Parayil.  Gopi knows a hell of a lot more about working with communities in distress than most people.  And we, as well as those heading up international development orgs, should hear his message loud and clear.

Surf Life Saving is not only iconic, but is one of Australia’s largest volunteer organisations whose contribution to the community is, frankly, extraordinary. So, when I was offered the opportunity of speaking to Mike Anderson, their Community Education Project Officer, I jumped it at.

I learned so much from Erica who is at the sharp end of building communities and working with people who are marginalised or have trouble finding their community. As Erica says, you can’t love your neighbour if you don’t know your neighbour.

Maz is one of the world’s top reality showrunners. In the UK, Australia and the USA she’s had number one ratings busting shows and about a billion hits on her content on YouTube. But what I find especially fascinating about her is the way she builds (and disrupts) communities every time she takes on a new series.

It’s fascinating for many reasons. Firstly, it’s the only place where it’s legal to inject drugs in NSW. The law is literally different within its walls than anywhere else. And the reasons for this are important - the Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre Kings Cross, known as MSIC, saves lives.