My name is Angelica Ojinnaka-Psillakis. I am a public health and social researcher, young carer, youth affairs leader, a second-generation migrant and proud Igbo woman. I love Blacktown. I’ve lived here for most of my life, and this is where I’ll stay – for its natural beauty, vibrant community and rich history. This podcast tells my story, as well as those of the people and communities where I live who are shaping and transforming their futures, using their strengths rather than dwelling on disadvantages.

Angelica is a global youth affairs leader, advocate, researcher and speaker. Her work explores what wellbeing looks like for her own community in Western Sydney. She is the host of Impact Studios’ new podcast, Sink or Swim.

Daisy Montalvo is a director and creative producer who has worked for key Western Sydney arts organisations including FUNPARK, PYT Fairfield and Blacktown Arts Centre. Daisy’s art and filmmaking shines a light on young people from the Blacktown area and the incredible things they are doing.

Esky Escandor is a multidisciplinary artist and community worker. He is the rapper in Worlds Collide, a seven-piece Western Sydney band. Esky believes that art and music have the power to make people connect and feel that they belong. For over a decade he has worked at the Mount Druitt Street University, helping young people develop creative skills, overcome drug and behaviour problems and find community.

Geetha Baht has lived in Toongabbie since the early ’80s, after migrating with her young family from Karnataka, South India. She is a respected elder in her Havyaka community and has been involved in community service and charitable organisations in her local area for over 35 years, including with HealthShare NSW and Healthy Living Toongabbie.

Hemanta Acharya has worked as a clinical nurse specialist and mentor to graduate nurses. She is also a talented football player who played for Australia in FIFA’s Football for Hope Festival, held during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Hemanta was born in a refugee camp in Nepal after her family was forced to leave Bhutan.

Kaz Therese is an award-winning interdisciplinary artist working across theatre, visual arts and dance. Kaz’s work has often involved the activation of new spaces, connecting communities and artists to broaden the experience of contemporary art and its audience, including as founder of FUNPARK in Mount Druitt in 2014. Kaz grew up on Chestnut Crescent in Bidwill.

Kelly Anderson is a Dhungatti and Gumbaynggirr woman who lives on Dharug land. Participating in the Too Deadly for Diabetes lifestyle program, Kelly overcame type 2 pre-diabetes. She’s shared her success with her family who have also joined the program and are experiencing health benefits.

Kim Loo is a doctor who has worked in the Blacktown LGA for over 30 years. She is committed to highlighting the evidence around social, environmental and commercial determinants of health. She is a tireless advocate for climate justice.

Leanne Tobin is a multidisciplinary artist of Irish, English and Aboriginal heritage, descending from the Buruburong and Wumali clans of the Dharug, the traditional owners of the Greater Sydney region. Leanne believes in the power of art to raise awareness and to heal.

Leanne Redpath is a Dharug artist, educator and book illustrator. She is also connected to the Burubiranggal, Warmuli and many other family groups across Sydney and NSW. She is a mother and grandmother, and she loves spending time with her family and on Country.

Maryam Zahid is an award-wining Afghan-Australian human rights champion, diversity and inclusion practitioner, self-taught artist and social commentator. She is the founder of Afghan Women on the Move Afghan and other women of diverse migrant backgrounds.

Mayor Chagai is the founder and head coach of Savannah Pride, a basketball club that mentors and connects young people through sport. At six years old, war forced Mayor to leave his South Sudanese village. He made his way via Ethiopia to a Kenyan refugee camp, where he discovered he had a gift for basketball.

Om Dhungel is a consultant, mentor, trainer, speaker and renowned community leader in Western Sydney. He was instrumental in the settlement of more than 5000 Bhutanese refugees in Blacktown, one of the most successful refugee initiatives in Australia’s history.

Stephen Gapps is an award-winning public historian whose work investigates the Frontier Wars and seeks their recognition as Australia’s first wars. Stephen grew up on Kastelan Street, on one of the few hills in Blacktown.

IMPACT STUDIOS

My name is Angelica Ojinnaka-Psillakis. I am a public health and social researcher, young carer, youth affairs leader, a second-generation migrant and proud Igbo woman. I’ve lived in Blacktown for most of my life, and I love it – for its natural beauty, vibrant community and rich history.

This project tells my story, as well as those of the people and communities where I live who are shaping and transforming their futures, using their strengths rather than dwelling on disadvantages.

Geetha Bhat has lived in Toongabbie since the early ’80s, after migrating with her young family from Karnataka, South India. She is a respected elder in her Havyaka community and has been involved in community service and charitable organisations in her local area for over 35 years, including with HealthShare NSW and Healthy Living Toongabbie.