August 1st 2026
Sometimes the greatest lessons about trust, patience and connection come from an unexpected teacher.
What comes to mind when you think of a horse?
For some, it’s a day at the races. For others, it’s a childhood memory, a favourite television show, or the excitement of learning to ride.
For many people, however, a horse becomes something much more.
In this week’s Building Stronger Communities, we celebrate the Horse’s Birthday by exploring the unique connection between horses and people, and the life lessons that often come from those relationships.
🎂 Michelle’s Reflection
Michelle shares personal memories of growing up around horses in Quakers Hill when much of the area was still acreage, including a childhood fall from a horse that resulted in a night in Blacktown Hospital.
She also reflects on the unique family tradition of sharing her birthday with both her dad and the Horse’s Birthday—complete with receiving plenty of carrots over the years—and celebrates her dad’s milestone 80th birthday with a special surprise phone call.
🎙️ Featured Guest – Tracey Ewings
With more than 40 years of experience in pony club, polo and horse management, Tracey Ewings shares how horses teach us:
- 🤝 Trust
- ❤️ Respect
- 🐎 Responsibility
- 🌱 Patience
- 🌟 Confidence
Her stories remind us that the relationship between a horse and a person is built over time and often creates friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
🧠 Knowledge is Power – Looking Beyond the Race
This week’s Knowledge is Power segment explored the Australian thoroughbred racing industry from a broader perspective.
While public conversations often focus on concerns about horse welfare, Michelle encouraged listeners to also consider the many positive contributions the industry makes to communities across Australia.
The thoroughbred industry supports thousands of jobs, from breeders, trainers and jockeys to stable staff, veterinarians, farriers, transport operators, feed suppliers and many other small businesses. It also provides opportunities for volunteers, sporting clubs and local communities through race meetings and regional events.
The segment also acknowledged that, like any industry, there are challenges. Ongoing improvements in horse welfare, safety and rehoming programs remain important, and many within the racing industry continue to invest in initiatives that improve the lifelong care of retired racehorses.
The key message was one of balance.
By recognising both the achievements and the challenges, we can have more informed conversations that support continuous improvement while acknowledging the many people who dedicate their lives to the care and wellbeing of these remarkable animals.
Because understanding the full story is what Knowledge is Power is all about.
🇦🇺 Community Champions
This week we honour the remarkable horses of the Australian Light Horse.
Their courage, endurance and partnership with Australian servicemen remind us that these incredible animals played an important role in our nation’s history and deserve to be remembered.
🎉 A Little Bit of Fun!
Would Piper and Bethanie know their famous horses?
Listeners were invited to test their knowledge in our Famous Horse Trivia Challenge, before Piper Johnson and Bethanie Jones revealed the answers in hour two.
How many did you get right?
🐴 Mr Ed
🐴 Black Beauty
🐴 Bullseye
🐴 Trigger
🐴 (And yes… there was a trick question!)
🎧 Plus This Week
✨ Brain Energy with Luke Evans
⚽ Local Locker Room with Bethanie Jones
👀 Through Young Eyes with Piper Johnson
📢 Community Announcements with Siv
📱 This week’s Switch Off & Connect challenge
❤️ Final Reflection
Throughout the morning one message continued to shine through.
Connection doesn’t always need words.
Whether it’s with a horse, a family member, a friend or a neighbour, trust is built through patience, respect and simply being present.
Sometimes a horse is far more than a horse.
It’s a teacher.
A companion.
A source of confidence.
And a reminder that some of life’s strongest connections are formed without saying a single word.
📻 Coming Up Next Week
Strong Men, Safe Families
Join Michelle as she welcomes:
- 🤝 Brooke from Relationships Australia
- 📖 Margaret Chipperfield, respected retired social worker and author of No Buts
Together they’ll explore healthy relationships, accountability, early intervention and the support available to help build safer families and stronger communities.
💙 Building Stronger Communities
Where everyone has a place… and every story matters.
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