The Alike WA Podcast Series

What helps volunteers feel confident, supported and able to stay?

Recorded in Busselton during National Volunteer Week 2026, this local panel conversation brought together volunteer managers, community leaders and people with lived experience to explore what meaningful volunteer support can look like in practice.

Hosted in collaboration with the Busselton Dunsborough Volunteer Centre, the discussion shares honest reflections, local examples and practical ideas for building strong volunteer teams, creating inclusive and welcoming environments, supporting skill development, and navigating challenging or sensitive situations.

This episode is for anyone involved in a volunteer-led group, community organisation or peer support setting who wants to strengthen how they support and value volunteers.

In recognition of Rare Disease Day, our staff member Emily had the pleasure of catching up with Renee Brown, Secretary for the Australian Pompe Association. Renee speaks about Pompe, its daily challenges, and the importance of raising awareness of rare conditions.

 

To learn more about Pompe and support available, contact Renee at secretary@australianpompe.org.au.

 

To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.

As part of our Rare Disease Day podcast series, Emily speaks with Michelle Robinson about the rare condition MELAS, a mitochondrial disease which Michelle and her family live with.

 

To learn more about mitochondrial disease and support available, contact The Mito Foundation Support Network at info@mito.org.au.

 

To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.

 

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

As part of our Rare Disease Day podcast series, Emily chats with Lisa Rynne, the co-founder of Sotos Syndrome Association, about the rare condition, her experience as a mother of a child with Sotos, and the importance of raising awareness about rare, genetic, and undiagnosed conditions.

 

To learn more about Sotos Syndrome Association Inc, contact info@sotos.org.au.

 

To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.

 

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In the lead up to Rare Disease Day, Emily catches up with Julia McDonald from Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group WA who shares her journey of diagnosis and living with a rare condition, and provides information about the WA Support Group.

 

To learn more about Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group WA, contact Julia at juliamcdonald@ozemail.com.au

 

To find out about peer Support Groups in WA, contact ConnectGroups at info@connectgroups.org.au.

 

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com