Building Stronger Communities | Saturday 17 October 2026 | SWR 99.9 FM

October Mental Health Month Series — Mental Health Starts Before Crisis

Strong families don’t happen because everyone gets everything right. They grow through understanding, connection, support and the everyday moments that bring us together.

This week on Building Stronger Communities, we explored a journey that touches so many of us — from pregnancy and becoming a parent through to early childhood, growing up, sport and family connections.

We often celebrate the arrival of a new baby, but how often do we stop to ask how the parents are really feeling?

And as children grow, are we giving them the opportunities to simply enjoy being children, or are expectations and pressures sometimes getting in the way?

These were some of the important conversations we explored during our Mental Health Month series, Mental Health Starts Before Crisis.

Pregnancy, Parenthood and Mental Health — Supporting the Whole Family

Becoming a parent brings enormous changes. Alongside the excitement and joy can come exhaustion, uncertainty, anxiety, financial pressure and changes to relationships.

During our Knowledge is Power segment, we explored perinatal mental health and why emotional wellbeing matters during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Mental health challenges during this period can affect mothers, fathers and partners. Experiencing difficulties does not mean someone loves their child any less or isn’t a good parent.

We also discussed the difference between the short-lived baby blues and more persistent postnatal depression or anxiety, and the importance of recognising when additional support is needed.

One question stood out:

When we visit someone with a new baby, do we spend more time asking about the baby than asking how the parents are coping?

Sometimes the most valuable support isn’t advice. It’s listening without judgement, preparing a meal, helping with everyday tasks or giving an exhausted parent an opportunity to rest.

Triple P Parenting – Supporting Families, Building Stronger Communities

Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook, and every family experiences its own challenges along the way.

On Building Stronger Communities, Michelle Hillier is joined by Carol Markie-DaDds, Triple P’s Australian Country Manager, to explore the importance of positive parenting and the role parents and carers play in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and development.

On Building Stronger Communities, we explore the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, which provides parents and carers with practical tools, strategies and support to help children thrive.

From managing everyday parenting challenges to building stronger relationships, encouraging positive behaviour and supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, Triple P offers flexible resources that families can explore at their own pace.

The conversation highlights the importance of supporting parents and carers without judgement, recognising that parenting approaches can differ across families and generations.

Because when we support parents, we support children — and when families feel connected and supported, we build stronger communities.

Listen to the Conversation

Hear our discussion about Triple P, positive parenting and the resources available to help families navigate the ups and downs of raising children.

[Insert interview audio player here]

Find Out More

Explore Triple P’s parenting programs and online resources:

https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au

Building Stronger Communities — Where everyone has a place and every story matters.

SWR 99.9FM | Saturdays 8am–10am

Brain Energy with Luke Evans — Sleep, Stress and Emotional Wellbeing

Sleep deprivation and ongoing stress can affect how we think, feel and respond to those around us.

In our Brain Energy segment, Luke Evans explored the relationship between sleep, stress and emotional regulation.

For parents caring for babies and young children, getting enough rest isn’t always easy. Recognising exhaustion and understanding its impact can help families respond to each other with greater empathy.

It also reminds us that supporting someone’s mental wellbeing can be as simple as recognising when they are running on empty.

Listen to Brain Energy with Luke Evans

Through Young Eyes Meets Local Locker Room — Giving Young People the Microphones

The second hour brought something special.

Piper Johnson from Through Young Eyes and Bethanie Jones from Local Locker Room joined forces to lead a conversation about growing up, childhood experiences, parenting, sport and belonging.

Rather than adults speaking on behalf of young people, Piper and Bethanie had the opportunity to lead the discussion and share their own perspectives.

Their conversation raised some interesting questions about how childhood experiences shape us.

Growing up as an only child

One of the things I particularly enjoyed was learning more about Piper and Bethanie’s experiences of growing up as only children.

It raised an interesting question: can growing up in a single-child family contribute to maturity?

Of course, maturity is influenced by many things, including relationships, experiences and the people who encourage and guide us.

What stood out was the value of listening to young people and recognising that they bring their own understanding of the world.

Gentle parenting across generations

Another interesting topic was gentle parenting and how different generations can interpret the term in different ways.

Parenting approaches continue to evolve, shaped by our experiences, changing expectations and the information available to families.

Rather than assuming one generation has all the answers, there is an opportunity to listen, learn and understand different perspectives.

Sport, childhood and the cost of participation

Sport can offer children much more than competition.

It creates opportunities for friendships, teamwork, confidence, resilience and belonging.

But rising registration fees, uniforms, equipment and transport costs can make participation difficult for families.

This is where community connection becomes important.

Something as simple as organising a carpool, sharing transport responsibilities or helping another family get their child to training can make a difference.

Sometimes building stronger communities starts with offering another child a lift to sport.

And perhaps we also need to remember that not every child needs to become a champion. Sometimes the greatest benefit is simply being part of something and having fun.

Listen to Piper and Bethanie — Through Young Eyes × Local Locker Room

Community Noticeboard with Siv

Our regular contributor Siv brought us another Community Noticeboard, helping listeners stay connected with what’s happening across Western Sydney.

Community activities, accessible opportunities and local services all contribute to stronger, more connected communities.

Listen to Siv’s Community Noticeboard

Switch Off & Connect — Five Minutes Can Make a Difference

We finished the program with a reminder that connection doesn’t always require a special occasion, an expensive activity or a perfectly organised family outing.

Sometimes it’s about putting the phone down, listening to a child talk about their day, reading a story together or asking a partner how they’re really feeling.

Throughout Mental Health Month, we’ve also been sharing our BRUSH challenge, encouraging everyone to give their mental wellbeing the same everyday attention they give their physical health.

B — Breathe: Take a moment to pause.

R — Reflect: Notice how you’re feeling.

U — Understand: Think about what you need.

S — Share: Connect with someone.

H — Habit: Make it part of everyday life.

This week’s BRUSH challenge

Give yourself five minutes to check in with your own wellbeing, and another five minutes to genuinely connect with someone you care about.

No distractions. No pressure. Just a moment of care and connection.

Small actions, repeated regularly, can help build stronger relationships.

Support for Parents and Families

You don’t have to wait until things become overwhelming to reach out for support.

These organisations provide information and resources for parents and families:

• PANDA — Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia: Support for expectant and new parents experiencing emotional and mental health challenges. panda.org.au
• Triple P — Positive Parenting Program: Practical parenting strategies and resources to help families build positive relationships and manage everyday parenting challenges. triplep-parenting.net.au
• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: Information and support throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. pregnancybirthbaby.org.au

Stronger Families Build Stronger Communities

One of the biggest messages from this episode is that looking after children also means looking after the people caring for them.

Parents need understanding and support. Children need opportunities to play, explore, make mistakes and feel heard. And communities have an important role in helping families feel connected rather than isolated.

A big thank you to Piper Johnson, Bethanie Jones, Luke Evans and Siv for contributing to this week’s program.

Next episode — Saturday 24 October: We turn our attention to life on the road, trucking, mental health and mateship, with a special focus on Convoy for Kids.

Join us every Saturday from 8am to 10am on SWR 99.9 FM — Sydney’s West.

Building Stronger Communities — Where everyone has a place and every story matters.

Michelle Hillier
Host, Building Stronger Communities