Broken to Brilliant's Voice of Survivors Podcast

Why We Must Say and Do Something – A Conversation with Bob Atkinson AO APM* In this episode of The Voice of Survivors, host Nicci Heath is joined by Bob Atkinson AO APM, former Queensland Police Commissioner and Patron of Broken to Brilliant. With a career spanning 44 years in the Queensland Police Service, Bob reflects on his lifelong commitment to justice, prevention, and victim support. The conversation draws on his experience as a Royal Commissioner into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, his work in youth justice, reconciliation, and his role in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and his ongoing advocacy for community-wide responsibility in addressing domestic and family violence. Together, Nicci and Bob explore: How domestic violence was historically treated as "private family business" Why societal change requires more than police or courts alone The importance of prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery The role of survivor-led organisations like Broken to Brilliant in long-term healing Why ordinary people "saying and doing something" is the real tipping point for change Bob shares why he became a Patron of Broken to Brilliant and why survivor-led, volunteer-run organisations play a critical role in rebuilding confidence, safety, and hope after abuse. * Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and the Australian Police Medal (APM) Photo Bob is one of the four Broken to Brilliant Patrons and Ambassador Left to Right: Bob Atkinson, Loretta Ryan, Bruce Sullivan and Karen Jacobsen. Links Mr Robert (Bob) Atkinson AO APM - 2019 Queensland Great Co-Chair Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council On Friday, 11 January 2013, the then Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce, appointed six Commissioners for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Bob was one of those Commissioners On 12 February 2018, Mr Robert (Bob) Atkinson AO was appointed Special Advisor to the Honourable Di Farmer MP, who was then Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. Mr Atkinson was asked to examine and report on a series of youth justice matters by 8 June 2018. The Atkinson Report On 15th December 2023, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide appointed former Queensland Police Commissioner Robert "Bob" Atkinson AO APM as an Assistant Commissioner. Thank you Thank you to Nikki for her passion for hosting this program and to Andrew (Nikki's Hubby) and all the family for your support in recording this podcast. Karen Jacobsen, our International Patron and the Australian voice in Siri, welcomes and thanks you for listening. Broken to Brilliant is an Australian not-for-profit charity that domestic violence survivors founded to support fellow survivors to rebuild their lives after abuse. We know how hard it is, having lived through the trauma of abuse and travelled the long road to recovery. Therefore, we founded the charity to provide hope and strategies to other survivors to make their journey a little bit easier. Thanks to Sound Engineer Chris McCallum, known as SoundO, for our Podcast training. Thank you to Joanne Helder, a Radio, Podcast & Communications Professional, for podcast training

In this inspiring episode of The Voice of Survivors, podcast host Nicci — a creative and talented domestic violence survivor inspired through Broken to Brilliant's Stepping Stones program — sits down with Karen Lindsay, Director of Broken to Brilliant™ and Founder of Financial Superwomen™. Karen brings a unique and powerful perspective: although she has not personally experienced domestic violence, she has dedicated herself to helping break the cycle of abuse through financial education, compassion, and advocacy. Karen shares how Financial Superwomen™ began with a simple idea — that every woman deserves the knowledge, confidence, and support to manage her money and rebuild her life. Today, her team of volunteer female professionals has delivered workshops across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Melbourne, empowering more than 450 women to gain financial security and stability. In their conversation, Nicci and Karen explore: Why financial abuse is one of the biggest barriers preventing women from leaving abusive relationships The life-changing impact of Financial Superwomen™ workshops How continued support — not just a single workshop — helps survivors regain confidence Karen's personal journey into Broken to Brilliant™ and why she agreed to become a Director The ripple effect of empowering one woman — and how it transforms entire families Karen's warmth, passion, and commitment shine through as she speaks about supporting survivors with love, kindness, and practical tools that can save lives. Find out more about the Financial Superwomen workshop on the Broken to Brilliant blog page: Empowering Women: Financial Superwomen Workshops for Domestic Violence Survivors Empowering Financial Superwomen – a step closer to financial security and stability Empowering women to become financially secure and stable. Financial Superwomen Thank you to Nikki for her passion for hosting this program and to Andrew (Nikki's Hubby) and all the family for your support in recording this podcast. Karen Jacobsen, our International Patron and the Australian voice in Siri welcomes and thanks you for listening. Broken to Brilliant is an Australian not-for-profit charity that domestic violence survivors founded to support fellow survivors to rebuild their lives after abuse. We know how hard it is, having lived through the trauma of abuse and travelled the long road to recovery. Therefore, we founded the charity to provide hope and strategies to other survivors to make their journey a little bit easier. Thanks to Sound Engineer Chris McCallum, known as Sound,o for our Podcast training. Thank you to Joanne Helder a Radio, Podcast & Communications Professional, for podcast training

In this heartfelt episode, rich with lived experience, metaphor, emotion, and strength survivors share their deeply personal journeys through grief, growth, and healing. We explore the transformative power of Broken to Brilliant's Stepping Stones program, which helped participants rediscover themselves after experiencing domestic violence. Through raw and inspiring stories, survivors reflect on the grief of losing their sense of self and how they reclaimed it through self-exploration, connection, and empowerment. The episode also features a survivor's reflection on being involved with the incredible creative expression of Circus in a Teacup, a performance by survivors at QPAC, that represents their journey of resilience and strength. Listen as these courageous voices take you on a path of transformation — from the grief of trauma to the growth that unfolds when survivors find their power once again. The Stepping Stones program was funded by the Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust.

Broken to Brilliant Voice of Survivors Get Uncomfortable to Get Comfortable: The Power of Stepping Stones In this heartfelt episode of The Voice of Survivors, we join two incredible participants of the Stepping Stones program on the final day of their overnight retreat. The Rode podcast equipment is set up in the lounge of a Brisbane apartment, rain tapping gently against the windows, with the river and city skyline in the distance. After breakfast and 9 sessions of creative exploration, these brave survivors sit down to reflect on the transformative ten- session journey of the Broken to Brilliant Stepping Stones A Creative Journey to Empowerment program. . Through poetry, art, and connection, they've uncovered parts of themselves once buried under the weight of trauma. In this episode, you'll hear a raw and inspiring conversation about what it means to get uncomfortable in order to grow, to heal creatively, and to rewrite your story with strength and self-worth. This is a powerful reminder that healing isn't linear—but when done in community, it becomes empowering. The Stepping Stones program was funded by the Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust

In this episode you will hear about Broken to Brilliant's HEART program - Healing Equine Art Resilience Therapy. HEART is held in a natural bush setting at The Therapy Pod in Tallebudgera Valley and the program was designed to promote safety & connection for domestic violence and abuse survivors and their children. In this episode Tracey, HEART facilitator and equine psychotherapist chats with two HEART participants about their experiences with the animals and moments of joy. Liam interviews the HEART program facilitators: Tracey is an Equine Assisted Therapist, Trauma Informed Psychotherapist and Counsellor. Lylle is a volunteer horticulturist assisting with animal handling. Amber a child support worker who volunteers Jane owner of the Therapy Pod & a neurodivergent therapist (counsellor/psychotherapist) We are very thankful that the 2022 HEART Program was funded by the CommBank Staff Foundation. Broken to Brilliant is an Australian not-for-profit charity founded by domestic violence survivors to mentor fellow survivors to recover, heal and rebuild their lives after escaping abuse. We know how hard it is, having lived through the trauma of abuse and travelled the long road to recovery. Therefore, we founded the charity to provide hope and strategies to other survivors to make their journey a little bit easier. Thanks to Sound Engineer Chris McCallum known as Soundo for our Podcast training. Thank you to Joanne Helder a Radio, Podcast & Communications Professional for podcast training Thank you to the Queensland Community Foundation for the grant for the podcast equipment and podcast training. Thank you to Karen Jacobsen our Patron and voice for the intros and outros. #Healing, #Art Therapy, #DV-ART, #Domestic Violence Survivors #HEART

In this session, you will hear from Kerry, Kate and thrivers sharing their experiences of art therapy. Broken to Brilliant held our two-day DV-ART program that is held over a two-week period. DV-ART is an acronym for domestic violence amazing resilient thrivers – because that is exactly what survivors of abuse are - amazing resilient thrivers! Charity Founding Director Kate Smith spoke with Kerry Tuck who explained how art therapy helps domestic violence survivors heal and how being creative gives survivors a voice by using symbolism and metaphors. There was an interesting development between art therapy days and Kerry explains something that happened which she learned from a police phone call. Some of the participants also took up the invitation to share their experiences of why they decided to join the DV-ART program and how they felt about the program in this podcast. Participants were excited to be involved in the program and a mother and daughter were able to attend together – they share how the art has helped them to let go. Susanne shared that her voice had been shut down and through art therapy, she felt she now had a voice. The process provided a lot more depth than expected and helped survivors step outside their comfort zone. Participants share how the DV-ART program is a valuable tool to help survivors to heal after abuse. Karen Jacobsen, our International Patron and the Australian voice in Siri welcomes and thanks you for listening. Broken to Brilliant is an Australian not-for-profit charity that domestic violence survivors founded to support fellow survivors to rebuild their lives after abuse. We know how hard it is, having lived through the trauma of abuse and travelled the long road to recovery. Therefore, we founded the charity to provide hope and strategies to other survivors to make their journey a little bit easier. Thanks to Sound Engineer Chris McCallum known as Soundo for our Podcast training. Thank you to Joanne Helder a Radio, Podcast & Communications Professional for podcast training Thank you to the Queensland Community Foundation for the grant for the podcast equipment and podcast training.

Netta, a freelance journalist, a Broken to Brilliant published author, public speaker and anti-domestic violence advocate interviews Fiona Ware about her work to prevent bullying and domestic violence. In this podcast, they talk about how Fiona became involved with the Charity Broken to Brilliant, the HEART program which helps domestic violence survivors heal and Fiona's children's book which aims to help prevent bullying and ultimately domestic violence. Fiona Ware is a Children's author, Community Consultant, Program Facilitator and Arts Therapist. about her work in preventing domestic violence through her books and anti-bullying program. Fiona has published two books and another book is being written and illustrated now: Charming Charlie and the Spectacular Sophia Sophia and Charlie and the In-Betweens Fiona is on a mission to prevent domestic violence & help survivors heal. Thanks to Sound Engineer Chris McCallum known as Soundo for our Podcast training... Photo -Left to Right: Chris, Netta and Fiona.

Stories from domestic violence survivors about how you can overcome adversity, recalculate and create a new chapter in your life. Be inspired by Jamie's story of why she has shared her story of strength and success and achievement since leaving the abusive relationship. This is the the final episode on our first High Tea podcast helping fellow domestic violence survivors rebuild their lives. Recorded at Broken to Brilliant's Christmas in July High Tea