WARNING: This podcast contains graphic descriptions of physical, sexual and mental abuse of a minor.

"You need people around you that understand you, that care about you, that love you, that are on your side and cheering for you. That's what community is. People need that in their lives because without that, there is nothing else."

For the first 5 years of her life, Matilda suffered horrific physical, sexual and mental abuse at the hands of the very people who were supposed to care for and protect her. After continued neglect and being made to feel that she was the cause of her problems, Matilda confided to members of her church only to be told to keep quiet and not dishonour her family.

Thirty years later, Matilda was contacted by detectives investigating her abuser and asked if she was willing to testify against him. Through this excruciating process of reliving her childhood abuse, Matilda found her true family and community of supporters who gave her the strength to carry on and confront her abuser.

"Matilda" is a pseudonym used to protect the speaker's identity.

School of Strength. It’s a gym.

Where YOU matter and your GOALS matter.

Remember, strength is the secret sauce.

Visit https://schoolofstrength.com.au/

Co-producers: Adrian Day and Myoung Jae Yi

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WARNING: This podcast contains content about suicide.

Stewart Smith's father, Charlie, took his own life when Stewart was only 10 years old. It occurred during the cattle crash of 1973 when cattle prices plummeted and they became worthless. It was just after Charlie or 'Chas' had started his own business as a stock and station agent.

Reflecting on his own battle with mental health during the Johne's disease outbreak in the eighties, Stewart or 'Stewie' talks to Adrian about the joys of family and the camaraderie he's found in team sports, including being part of the Bega Roosters side that won the 1988 Clayton Cup, arguably the best team the NSW Country Rugby League competition has produced.

Like his father, Stewie is a stock and station agent and is known locally as the unofficial 'mayor' of the Bega Valley, helping countless farming families through the good times and bad.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WARNING: This podcast contains descriptions of injury and surgical procedures.

WARNING: This podcast contains descriptions of domestic violence and coercive control.

Vesna Andric's life story is one of strength and resilience. From her early days growing up in an immigrant family in Melbourne to serving the Bega community as the Program Manager at Staying Home Leaving Violence, Vesna has overcome loneliness, neglect, coercive control and a life-threatening injury - all the while helping those in need and acknowledging the trauma and grief in others.

Vesna's empathy, kindness and generosity of spirit will astound you as will her recovery from the life-altering injury she calls the SPLAT.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.