The peak body for First Nations children and young people has launched a new podcast, giving the voices of Indigenous children and families across the country centre stage.
The first of its kind in Australia, Kids, Culture, Community - SNAICC Yarns, inaugurated by SNAICC - National Voice for our Children, places First Nations knowledge and lived experience front and centre of national conversations about childhood, family, and culture.
SNAICC chief executive Catherine Liddle said the podcast fills a critical gap in the media landscape, and said it ensures stories and lived experiences - from grassroots voices to national conversations - are shared and heard.
Ms Liddle, an Arrernte/Luritja woman from Central Australia, said each episode would cover "real-world issues" impacting Indigenous children, with "expert insights and grassroots wisdom" shared through a "strengths-based, community-led lens".
"The podcast is a powerful storytelling platform and serves as a vital resource for the child and family services sector that will inform and advocate for systemic change, while promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and culture," Ms Liddle said.
SNAICC have led calls for Indigenous-led reforms for families and children as the best method to help close the gap, putting pressure on governments to enact better policies to help First Nations families.
Ms Liddle said SNAICC Yarns has "a bunch of exciting episodes lined up," showcasing the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations (ACCOs) and giving listeners the chance to hear "practical information, valuable resources and actionable advocacy to inspire change".
The podcast will be available on a wide range of platforms, with Ms Liddle saying it is designed to be an "ongoing, accessible resource for practitioners, policymakers, educators and the general public".
Kids, Culture, Community – SNAICC Yarns is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Podcast Index.
Episodes are also available via SNAICC's website.