Conversations with The Smith Family

Distinguished Professor George Williams AO joins us to talk about the financial pressures forcing too many university students to skip meals and sleep in cars. He explains how we can better support young people and why universities must fight for equity and change.   He also explores the importance of the humanities in an age of misinformation and AI, and how showing up where students are – even on TikTok – has been a game changer for building real connection.      George is the Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, and has decades of experience as a teacher, scholar and senior leader in higher education. Alongside that he is a barrister and one of Australia’s leading experts in constitutional law.  CREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family  Guest: Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, university vice-chancellor, educator and advocate   Audio production: Mylk Media    GET IN TOUCH Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au   Connect with us on: Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus LinkedIn @the-smith-family   The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jesse King, a descendant of the Waanyi people, has spent his life in and around classrooms – first as the child of a teacher, then as one himself. Today, he’s a policy leader and advocate, helping young people thrive as the Aurora Education Foundation’s Head of Impact and Data, and as a member of The Smith Family's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander National Advisory Group.   In this conversation with Doug Taylor, Jesse shares a fresh perspective on Closing the Gap and why redefining success in education matters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. He also talks about his area of passion – embedding Indigenous Knowledges into STEM – and the benefits this can bring.  CREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family  Guest: Jesse King, Head of Impact and Data, Aurora Education Foundation Audio production: Mylk Media    GET IN TOUCH Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au   Connect with us on: Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus LinkedIn @the-smith-family   The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How is artificial intelligence transforming our classrooms? Professor Leslie Loble AM unpacks the real-world impact of AI and technology on learning and education. From the benefits of personalised learning to the risk of widening inequality, she shares insights on what this fast-moving tech means for students today and into the future.   Noting "AI is not all doom and gloom", Leslie outlines how these tools can improve outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage – and what it will take to ensure this tech revolution benefits all students, not just a lucky few.  CREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family  Guest: Professor Leslie Loble AM, chair of the Australian Network for Quality Digital Education and Industry Professor at UTS’s Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion Audio production: Mylk Media    GET IN TOUCH Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au   Connect with us on: Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus LinkedIn @the-smith-family   The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if every child had an equal start in early learning? Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood, makes a powerful case for why every child should have access to high-quality, affordable early childhood education and care, and how failing to provide that risks entrenching disadvantage from the very beginning. Georgie unpacks why children who stand to benefit the most from early learning are the ones missing out, what recent reforms mean for families – and the big shift needed in Australia that could make all the difference. CREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family  Guest: Georgie Dent, CEO, The Parenthood Audio production: Mylk Media    GET IN TOUCH Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au   Connect with us on: Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus LinkedIn @the-smith-family   The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a new season of Conversations with The Smith Family – a podcast that dives into the big issues affecting young people, their education and their future.Over eight episodes, we explore ideas to help tackle educational inequality in Australia and ensure every child has the chance to thrive at school and beyond.Host Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family, is joined by a stellar line-up of guests, including education reformer David Gonski, early childhood advocate Georgie Dent, parenting expert Steve Biddulph and Australia's favourite maths teacher, Eddie Woo.Our first conversation will be out on Wed 16 April, with new episodes released monthly.CREDITSSeries producers: Jacqui Ooi, Kim BatchelorAudio production: Mylk MediaVideo production: Brown Tree Productions GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final conversation for 2024, Kelly, a parent with two children on our Learning for Life program, reflects on the year that’s been, as cost-of-living pressures continue to take a heavy toll on families and impact children’s education.    Her story highlights the difficulties many families on lower incomes are facing. In a recent survey of nearly 2,500 families supported by The Smith Family, almost 60% of parents and carers said they struggled to afford essential school items for their children this year.    Despite the challenges, Kelly is doing all she can to ensure her children don’t miss out on vital learning opportunities. Reflecting on her own schooling years, she emphasises the importance of creating a memorable and positive school experience for her children.   CREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family Guest: Kelly, Learning for Life parent Audio production: Mylk Media   GET IN TOUCH Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au   Connect with us on: Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus LinkedIn @the-smith-family   The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of building trusted partnerships with families to support their child’s education. The conversation draws on the experiences of Ben Blowers, who has worked directly with families on The Smith Family's Learning for Life program over the past five years. Ben shares insights into how The Smith Family engages with parents, offering not just financial and program support, but the personal support needed to help children thrive at school. He also highlights the challenges families are facing right now and their resilience in overcoming barriers. CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyGuest: Ben Blowers, Learning for Life Team Leader, The Smith FamilyAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the lead-up to Anti-Poverty Week, this conversation explores what poverty looks like in modern Australia and how digital poverty is leaving young people experiencing disadvantage further behind in education and employment opportunities.  Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, shares insights into what can be done to bridge this digital divide and how organisations are working to ensure every young person has the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Caroline is also the NSW co-chair of Anti-Poverty Week, alongside The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor. Actions you can take this Anti-Poverty Week to help young Australians in need:  Support the call to end child poverty in AustraliaSupport The Smith Family’s Digital Learning Essentials programLearn how your organisation can donate technology through WorkVenturesCREDITS Host: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family Guest: Caroline McDaid, CEO, WorkVentures Audio production: Mylk Media   GET IN TOUCH Learn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au   Connect with us on: Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustralia Instagram @thesmithfamilyaus LinkedIn @the-smith-family   The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, we feature highlights from our recent webinar, exploring how we can collectively support more young Australians to achieve success at school and beyond.Currently, one in four young Australians aren't completing year 12 or the equivalent – and the rate is much higher for young people experiencing disadvantage. Yet we know that higher educational attainment is associated with positive social and economic outcomes.This episode includes valuable insights from The Smith Family's Head of Research and Advocacy, Anne Hampshire, on our ongoing research into post-school pathways with over 2,000 young Australians, and a personal story from Cindy, a tertiary student on our Learning for Life program, who offers her perspective on what young people need to make a positive transition from school to further study or work. Plus, you’ll hear from our panellists, who share their views on ways to address the recent declines in school completion rates and ensure all young people are ready for a fast-changing labour market:·     Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, Chancellor of Western Sydney University;·     Christine Cawsey AM, Principal of Rooty Hill High School and a Board member at The Smith Family; and·     Dr Anthony Mann, Senior Policy Analyst, Directorate for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).You can watch the full webinar here.CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philanthropy has been a mainstay of The Smith Family's history, helping to transform the lives of thousands of young Australians through education.In this conversation, we welcome Shamal Dass, a renowned expert in philanthropy and social impact, to explore the world of philanthropic giving and how people and organisations can make a meaningful difference in their communities.  CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyGuest: Shamal Dass, Head of Family Advisory and Philanthropic Services, JBWereAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Education is a transformative force, yet the path to higher education isn’t always easy.In this conversation, we welcome Professor Mark Scott AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Sydney, to discuss the challenges facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds and initiatives in the university sector to break down these barriers. CREDITSHost: Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith FamilyGuest: Professor Mark Scott AOAudio production: Mylk Media GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Conversations with The Smith Family, a new podcast series hosted by Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family. In this series, we delve into initiatives across Australia aimed at empowering young people to transform their futures through education. Each episode brings together diverse voices from the Smith Family community, alongside educators, researchers, philanthropists, business leaders and policymakers. Together, we explore pressing issues impacting young people today and discuss effective strategies to create positive change. GET IN TOUCHLearn more about The Smith Family: thesmithfamily.com.au Connect with us on:Facebook @TheSmithFamilyAustraliaInstagram @thesmithfamilyausLinkedIn @the-smith-family The Smith Family acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which this podcast is made and their continuing connection to Culture and Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.