Life's Lottery: Backing Kids season 2

We live in a wealthy nation but the experiences of Australian children are diverse, with many experiencing real challenges in their everyday lives. Two years into the pandemic, there are strong concerns about the impact on kids and the cost to their wellbeing, especially for those who were already behind.

In this episode, we hear from National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds, who is calling for a concerted effort to elevate the rights, needs and voices of children in the national conversation. She wants action around systems that affect our kids and she’s putting political leaders and policy makers on notice.

We also meet Kaytlyn Johnson, a student and musician from north-west Tasmania. Kaytlyn, a Palawa woman and the 2022 Young Tasmanian of the Year, offers her observations on navigating the challenges faced by young Australians.

Produced by UTS Impact Studios:
Executive Producer: Olivia Rosenman
Audio Producer: Nicole Curby
Researcher/writer: Jackie May
Theme music and Sound Design: James Milsom
Graphic design: Celia Neilson

In season 2 of Life’s Lottery we explore how we can best support and back children through better policy making and public investment. How do we create a society where all kids can thrive? Join us for a series of thought-provoking conversations about how to put children at the centre and why it makes sense for all of us. 

Visit lifeslottery.com.au to learn more.

Music credit: Kedalak Night Time. Written and performed by the Ngaalang Moort Singers. 

Produced by UTS Impact Studios: 
Executive Producer: Olivia Rosenman
Audio Producer: Nicole Curby
Researcher/writer: Jackie May
Theme music and Sound Design: James Milsom
Graphic design: Celia Neilson

We know what children need in their first five years to develop to their full potential, so why isn’t action around this at the top of the national agenda? Former Premier and South Australian Minister for Children, Jay Weatherill, leads the Thrive by Five campaign, which seeks to change that. He’s advocating for a universal, high quality childcare system for all Australian children. What would it take to get the states and the Commonwealth to cooperate and hasten the pace of reform to improve kids’ outcomes and better support parents and carers?

Ebony Curtis also shares her story of becoming a mum for the first time at 15. What’s it like to navigate pregnancy and raising children when you’re not an adult yourself? As a young parent who has pursued her education and career dreams, while adding to her family, Ebony also lends her lived experience to the work of The Brave Foundation. Brave works to support teens in their communities to become the parents they want to be, while also juggling their own education and other needs.

With thanks to: Jay Weatherill, Ebony Curtis, Brave Foundation