Mel sits down with Salli Cohen, founder of The Policy Room and a seasoned policy practitioner with over three decades of experience, for a powerful conversation about advocacy, resilience, and the role of good policy in shaping communities. Salli shares her personal journey, the tribulations she has faced, and the lessons learned from working across government, the not‑for‑profit sector, and community organisations. With a background spanning criminology, public administration, and frontline service delivery, she brings a rare blend of lived experience and professional expertise.
Together they explore youth advocacy and empowerment, the importance of amplifying young voices, and how well‑crafted policy can positively impact communities. Salli reflects on the challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the Northern Territory, highlighting the urgent need for culturally informed, community‑driven solutions. She also speaks to the resilience required to navigate personal and professional hurdles while staying committed to advocacy, and why curiosity, courage, and capability are essential for leaders and policy teams.
This conversation is not just about policy, it’s about people. Listeners will walk away with insights into how advocacy and good governance can transform lives, especially for young people navigating systemic challenges. Salli’s story is a testament to resilience, and her work underscores the power of policy done well to create lasting social impact.
On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.
The topics in this podcast are of general nature, we are not licensed professionals, so if any of the content brings up anything for you, please turn it off and reach out for support:
Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.
13YARN - Call 13 92 76 | 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Home | 1800RESPECT National Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselling Service
Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800
Ask Izzy Search over 450,000 support services
CREDITS:
Host: Melissa Alsemgeest
Guest: Salli Cohen
Editor: Robert Alsemgeest
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