Building Stronger Communities | 15 August 2026

What happens when young people take over the microphones?

In celebration of International Youth Day, Piper Johnson and Bethanie Jones stepped into the hosting chairs for a special youth-led edition of Building Stronger Communities.

The episode also recognised Never Give Up Day, bringing together young voices, honest conversations and an important reminder: no matter our age or circumstances, hope can be strengthened when we feel heard, supported and connected.

🎙️ Piper and Bethanie Take Over

Piper and Bethanie have become familiar voices on Building Stronger Communities through their regular segments, Through Young Eyes and Local Locker Room.

For this episode, they took on the challenge of hosting the full program—introducing segments, interviewing guests and sharing the issues and experiences that matter to young people.

Their enthusiasm, preparation and willingness to step outside their comfort zones demonstrated exactly why young people need opportunities to participate—not only as the leaders of tomorrow, but as valued contributors today.

👥 Young People Creating Change

Piper was joined in the studio by Chloe Kwan, while Bethanie spoke with Kushi Venkatesh, an Australian comedian and youth leadership activist.

Their conversations explored the experiences, interests and ideas of young people, while showing the different ways youth can contribute to their schools, sporting groups and wider communities.

Young people do not all share the same opinions or experiences—and that is precisely why creating space for a variety of youth voices is so important.

When adults genuinely listen, rather than assuming we already know what young people need, we can learn more about the challenges they face, the ideas they bring and the world they are helping to shape.

🎧 Listen to the Youth Conversations

🎧 Piper Johnson and Chloe Kwan

🎧 Bethanie Jones and Kushi Venkatesh

💡 Knowledge Is Power: What Can Young People Teach Us?

We often talk about the knowledge and life experience older generations can pass on to young people—but learning does not travel in only one direction.

In this week’s Knowledge Is Power, Michelle explored what older generations can learn from young people, particularly when it comes to technology and artificial intelligence.

Many older people respond to AI with an immediate “no.” Caution is understandable, and AI should never replace professional advice, personal judgment or genuine human connection. However, dismissing it before understanding it may mean missing tools that could make everyday life easier.

For example, AI could help grey nomads plan travelling routes, compare distances, develop packing lists or identify places to stop along the way. It may also help someone understand a new phone, draft a letter, prepare questions for an appointment or simplify complicated information.

Young people can help older generations explore new technology safely and confidently. In return, older people bring life experience, perspective and the ability to recognise when information does not feel quite right.

When generations are willing to listen and learn from one another, everyone benefits.

🎧 Listen to Knowledge Is Power: Learning Across Generations

🌱 Never Give Up Day: Linda’s Story

Content note: This section discusses suicidal thoughts and emotional distress.

Never Give Up Day can hold a different meaning for every person.

For some, it represents continuing towards a goal. For others, it may mean finding the strength to get through one more hour, reaching out for help or allowing someone else to stand beside them during a very difficult time.

Michelle revisited part of the shared-experience story of Linda Stenning, a previous Building Stronger Communities Community Champion.

Linda spoke openly about experiencing suicidal thoughts and the moments when continuing felt incredibly difficult. Her story is not shared to suggest that people must simply “push through” distress alone. It reminds us that asking for help, accepting support and changing direction can all be acts of courage.

“Never giving up” does not mean we must keep pursuing every expectation we place upon ourselves. Sometimes it means releasing an expectation, choosing a different path or recognising that we were never meant to carry everything alone.

By speaking honestly about her experiences, Linda now helps others feel less isolated and reminds us of the difference one compassionate conversation can make.

🎧 Listen to Linda’s Shared-Experience Story

📌 Community Noticeboard with Siv

Siv returned with this week’s Community Noticeboard, sharing local events, activities and opportunities bringing people together across Western Sydney.

From family-friendly events and community workshops to ways of becoming involved in your local area, the Community Noticeboard helps listeners discover what is happening close to home.

🎧 Listen to the Community Noticeboard with Siv

📵 Switch Off and Connect with Piper and Bethanie

Piper and Bethanie encouraged listeners to take part in this week’s Switch Off and Connect challenge—a simple reminder to step away from our screens and make time for real connection.

Technology can help us learn, communicate and stay informed, but it is also important to notice when it begins taking our attention away from the people and experiences around us.

Whether it is sharing a meal without phones, going for a walk, playing sport, reading a book or having a genuine conversation, even a short break from our screens can help us reconnect.

🎧 Listen to Switch Off and Connect with Piper and Bethanie

💚 Hope Grows Through Connection

This episode brought together two messages that are deeply connected.

Young people need to know that their voices matter, and people experiencing emotional distress need to know that their lives matter.

We may not always have the right words or know how to solve what another person is facing. Often, the most important first step is to listen without judgment, take their feelings seriously and help them connect with appropriate support.

Thank you to Piper Johnson and Bethanie Jones for embracing the opportunity to lead this episode, and to Chloe Kwan and Kushi Venkatesh for contributing their voices.

We also thank Linda Stenning for allowing her lived experience to be shared. Honest stories like Linda’s can create understanding, reduce isolation and offer hope to someone who may be struggling silently.

Because strong communities are created when every generation is heard, people are supported through difficult moments and everyone is reminded that they have a place—and their story matters.

📞 Support Is Available

If this episode raises concerns for you or someone you know, please reach out for support.

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Lifeline text support: 0477 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Emergency assistance: Call Triple Zero (000)

You do not need to wait until things become overwhelming before asking for help.

📚 Coming Up Next Week: Every Story Matters

Next week, Building Stronger Communities celebrates Book Week with a special episode:

Every Story Matters: The Power of Books, Stories and Imagination

We’ll explore how books and storytelling can educate, inspire and connect us across different generations, cultures and life experiences.

From the changing ways we read and the evolving role of local libraries to Australian authors, young storytellers and the possibilities of imagination, we’ll celebrate the many ways stories shape our understanding of ourselves and one another.

Join us next Saturday from 8am to 10am on SWR 99.9 FM—Sydney’s West, where everyone has a place and every story matters.