Shoshanna Griffin is a founder of Albury-Wodonga’s answer to the Tony's! That's right, the Amateur Performance in Theatre - or APT - Awards. Now in its sixth year, the APT Awards are creating change and connection in a region known for its commitment to amateur theatre and high-quality productions. Shoshanna’s life values are honesty, transparency, fairness, and opportunity. It’s how she approaches everything she does – be it volunteering, mentoring, or working in theatre.

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Wise, Wild &Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com

Ellen Crepaz is a Port Macquarie community-building powerhouse. A Western Sydney girl, Ellen and her family made the brave move of turning their holiday destination into their home back in 2015. It was when Covid lockdowns hit in 2020 that Ellen formed Port Macquarie Eats, an online community that helped restaurants pivot from dine-in to takeaway and delivery. This led to her being named NSW Hidden Treasure, as well as for her advocacy in the homelessness and mental health space.

Join Anna and Ellen for this fascinating conversation about food, community, mental health and of course something close to many hearts, Grandmothers.

Content Warning
A heads up that we touch on some heavier themes today like trauma and abuse, though we don't go into specific details. Just wanted to let you know before we start. If this episode brings up difficult feelings, or if you just need someone to talk to, support is available 24/7 through the following Australian services:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au
• 13YARN: 13 92 76 (Crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people) | 13yarn.org.au
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au
• Kids Helpline (Ages 5-25): 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au

In an emergency, please always call Triple Zero (000).

Credits
Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com

Let's head to the the rural centre of Deniliquin, sitting on the beautiful Edward River in the Southern Riverina, to meet local powerhouse, Chantelle Shevels. Chantelle wears many hats, including owner of Grassroots Finance, ex-President of the Deniliquin Show Society, and long-term Rural Fire Service Volunteer.

What's most inspiring about our conversation is Chantelle's passion for Deniliquin - or Deni as it’s more commonly known - her can-do attitude, her positivity and her collaborative nature. As you will hear, Chantelle loves a good mantra - including “don’t let a good disaster go to waste” or “be the change you want to see”.

After the interview, I was lucky enough to get a guided tour of the Deniliquin Show Grounds on the river bank - and I advise all our listeners to get themselves to Deni for a visit.

Credits
Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com