The Uplift Podcast

This week we sit down with Kirsty Boag, who is part of Stars of the Hunter 2026, a fundraiser by the Cancer Council, an organisation that provides vital support, research and care for those impacted by cancer. Kirsty is no stranger to the devastating reality of cancer, having experienced it through many loved ones and, most recently, the loss of her best friend. In this episode, she shares what that journey has looked like… the grief, the memories and the moments that stay with you forever. When she was first asked to take part in Stars of the Hunter, her instinct was to say no… “I can’t dance.” But in reflecting on the people she loves, those who have gone through so much and those still fighting, everything shifted. What felt uncomfortable suddenly felt important. We talk about the heart behind her campaign, what Stars of the Hunter involves and how events like this help raise critical funds for the Cancer Council to continue supporting individuals and families through some of life’s hardest moments. This episode is raw, emotional and deeply personal. A reminder of love, loss and the strength people carry through it all… and how you can support her fundraising journey. Thank you for sharing these honest and vulnerable moments with us Kirsty 💜

This week, we sit down with Lisa Brock, Manager at Singleton Family Support to talk about the important work happening behind the scenes to support local families doing it tough. Lisa shares insight into the services they provide, including counselling, family support work, therapeutic programs and referrals, all delivered in a safe and welcoming environment for individuals and families navigating challenging times. Throughout the conversation, we explore the realities many families face, from financial stress to relationship challenges and the role community plays in helping people feel supported and connected. Lisa also highlights the small but meaningful ways Singleton Family Support can assist, including the use of donated coffee and grocery vouchers to ease immediate pressure. This episode is a powerful reminder of the impact local services can have and how small acts of kindness within our community can make a real difference. Lisa encourages listeners to reach out for support if needed and to consider simple ways they can give back and support others.

This week, we sit down with Beck and Anthony (Loz) Lojszczyk and their son Taylor, a local Singleton family sharing their deeply personal journey through parenthood, diagnosis and resilience. Taylor lives with a rare and complex undiagnosed syndrome, Beck and Loz open up about the realities of navigating medical uncertainty, schooling, family life and the emotional toll that comes with not having all the answers. We talk about the challenges they have faced, the strength it has taken to keep going and the community that has supported them along the way. Taylor also shares his dream to ride a bike and what that would mean for his independence, confidence and everyday life. This episode is a powerful reminder of the impact of community support and how coming together can help turn one young person’s dream into a reality.

This week we are joined by Jeremy Brett, General Manager at Morgan Engineering, a long standing family business that has been part of the Singleton community for generations. Jeremy shares his perspective on leadership, workplace culture and the responsibility businesses have to give back to the communities they operate in. We talk about the importance of building strong, values driven teams and how investing in people, particularly through apprenticeships and career pathways creates lasting impact well beyond the workplace. We also dive into how a positive internal culture can uplift a workforce, empowering employees to feel proud of where they work and motivated to support local causes and community initiatives. We wrap up with Jeremy’s call to action for managers and leaders: practical ways to strengthen culture, lead with purpose and create workplaces that not only perform well, but actively contribute to the wellbeing of their people and their community.

This week we are joined by Kim Nguyen - Singleton local, mining leader and the heart behind Soft Cogs Inc. Kim opens up about his journey, career and personal hardship and how that led him to build a bike riding community that has now raised over $1 million for charity. We also chat about the Soft Cogs groms mountain bike academy where local kids are learning to ride safely, grow in confidence and connect through cycling. We wrap up by sharing how you can get involved, from joining a Soft Cogs ride to supporting the cause or signing your kids up for the Groms mountain bike academy and becoming part of this incredible local movement!