Impact Policy

In this special episode of the Impact Policy Podcast, we sit down with our Director of Policy and Research, Sean McCarthy, for an in-depth reflection on his journey at Impact Policy and his work across the New South Wales public sector. As Sean McCarthy prepares to take on new opportunities, we discuss key projects including systems readiness, structural reform, and the importance of moving from cultural safety to cultural responsiveness in policy and community engagement.Sean McCarthy shares valuable insights on shifting from the public sector to consultancy, the complexities of Aboriginal procurement, and building strong collaborative relationships among black businesses and government agencies. We delve into the nuances of co-design, organizational maturity, tackling lateral violence, and why genuine shared decision-making is essential for sustainable systems change.If you work in Aboriginal affairs, policy, or want to create more culturally responsive practices in your organization, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe and share if you find value in our conversation—your support helps us continue to deliver impactful content as a resource for the sector and the community.Topics Covered:The dynamics of cultural responsiveness vs. cultural safetyLearnings from systems reform and governance projectsBest practices for co-design and partnering with communitiesOrganizational readiness, maturity, and anti-racism strategiesThe ongoing evolution of cultural awareness in workplacesKey Topics CoveredTransition from Public Sector to ConsultingSean McCarthy shares insights about moving from the public sector into consulting, emphasizing the shift to more creative and solutions-based approaches 03:29.Aboriginal Procurement and Business CollaborationDiscussion of unique challenges and opportunities faced by Aboriginal businesses in procurement and the importance of collaboration over competition 06:05.Structural Reform and Shared Decision-MakingReflections on the importance of increased agency and shared power for Aboriginal communities within policy and governance structures 11:34.Lessons from Co-Design and Governance WorkSean McCarthy covers communication challenges, the significance of language, and strategies for implementing new models where little precedent exists 17:21.Incremental Change and Systems ReadinessThe complexities of systems change, the balance between incremental and uncompromisable standards, and how organizations can genuinely prepare for large-scale reform 26:12.Cultural Safety vs. Cultural ResponsivenessIn-depth discussion of the difference between achieving minimum standards (cultural safety) and embedding continual, responsive change (cultural responsiveness) in organizations 44:05.Organizational Maturity and Readiness AssessmentApproaches to measuring organizational maturity from anti-racism and cultural responsiveness perspectives; policy analysis, stakeholder feedback, and maturity frameworks 39:17.Cultural Supervision and Continuous LearningThe evolution from static cultural awareness training to ongoing cultural supervision and readiness as a demonstration of organizational maturity 54:10.Notable Quotes“Cultural safety is like a minimum requirement... best practice is cultural responsiveness, right? Because you’re actually responding to cultural need and feedback.” — Sean McCarthy 32:04“It's about that continual improvement. You’re never going to be perfect at it... but what you want to do is be better every day, every year, every whatever it might be.” — Sean McCarthy 48:43Additional ResourcesMention of “Women’s Training” as an example that breaks down static notions of cultural awareness (51:10); link to be added in episode description.Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and share the podcast to support self-funded, sector-building work (01:51).

Join hosts Moustafa Ardati and Sam Johnson for powerful, real conversations exploring lived experience, resilience, and mindset. In this episode, Moustafa Ardati—tri-code international athlete, counselor, coach, and doctoral researcher—shares his remarkable journey growing up with cerebral palsy, defying limitations, and challenging stereotypes about disability, education, and mental health.The discussion dives deep into overcoming adversity, shifting the narrative on addiction and identity, the importance of advocacy and self-belief, and practical insights into personal growth. Sam Johnson and Moustafa Ardati explore how mindset, opportunity, and support shape our stories, and why policy and practice must center lived experience and authentic inclusion.If you're passionate about access, equity, and inclusion—or just need inspiration to thrive no matter the obstacles—this episode is for you. Subscribe, share, and join the Impact Policy Podcast community to stay up to date and be part of the change!Themes:Lived experience and disabilityMindset and resilienceAddiction, trauma & identityPolicy, reform, and advocacyPersonal and professional growthListen now for moving stories, expert insights, and actionable advice to help you navigate and shape a more inclusive world.

In this latest solo episode, Sam Johnson takes us behind the scenes at Impact Policy, sharing powerful reflections on what it means to “Indigenise Masculinities.” Drawing on personal stories, recent thought leadership, and upcoming conference conversations, Sam Johnson explores the intersection of masculinity, colonization, and systemic change—especially in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and boys.This episode challenges the mainstream dialogue around masculinity, calling for a deeper understanding of culture, relationality, and community. If you work in policy, advocacy, or community, or if you’re just curious about reframing gender conversations in Australia, you’ll find practical insights and inspiration here.Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation.And don’t forget to follow Impact Policy for future thought leadership updates—no spam, just learning shared along the journey!#IndigenizingMasculinities #ImpactPolicyPodcast #ThoughtLeadership #GenderJustice #FirstNations

In this solo episode of the Impact Policy Podcast, host Sam Johnson shares the inspiring journey behind Impact Policy's decision to build a not-for-profit. Sam Johnson reflects on the organization's roots in community-driven work, starting with scholarship programs for Aboriginal young people and extending to current initiatives supporting girls in community sports. Drawing on personal experiences growing up in Glebe and the positive influence of accessible sports programs, Sam Johnson discusses the critical importance of breaking down barriers to participation—like financial hardship and transport—for young women and girls, especially those from Aboriginal and culturally diverse backgrounds.The episode outlines the vision behind the new not-for-profit, focusing on themes of access, equity, inclusion, and justice. Sam Johnson highlights how small acts, such as providing team transport or creating safe, girls-only sports spaces, can have a profound impact. With support from pro bono legal partners, Impact Policy is building a program (currently called the Impact Academy) that does more than teach basketball; it creates community, role models, and opportunities for youth who need them most.If you’re passionate about social impact, youth programs, or building inclusive communities, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insight into launching purpose-driven initiatives—and an invitation to get involved.

This episode dives deep into conversations around the lived experiences of Aboriginal people, the complexities of black identity, the intersection of joy and rage, and the ongoing journey of reclaiming power and telling authentic stories. The discussion, led by Kyan Mitchell, features reflections on Chelsea Watego’s influential work and her role in inspiring other black writers and thinkers to stand firm in their stories.Show Notes:0:00 — Introduction: Connection to Country & Mob, honoring Gadigal people3:00 — Welcoming listeners and context for today’s special guest4:00 — Black Thoughts: New book launch and its impact on self-reflection7:00 — Why rage and joy can—and must—coexist in the fight for justice11:00 — Personal histories: Growing up surrounded by blackness13:00 — The dangers of caricature and the right to the full range of human emotion16:00 — On privilege, working class backgrounds, and finding purpose in intellectual labor18:30 — Black joy as strategic resistance, spiritual cleansing, and everyday activism22:00 — Challenging deficit narratives: Healing from imposed identity25:00 — The violence of race breaking blackfellas & navigating complaints27:00 — Redefining what “winning” and “justice” can look like30:00 — Critique of “just be resilient” advice & how it compounds harm33:00 — Reflecting on generational differences and survival strategies35:00 — The politics and problems of “intergenerational trauma” narratives40:00 — Healthy skepticism: Whose interests do mainstream reconciliation and RAPs serve?42:00 — Rethinking black leadership: Not just a seat at the corporate table44:00 — The legacy and dismantling of black infrastructure and collectives47:00 — Reading "Black Men in Suits"—betrayal, gender, and humor as coping53:00 — Racialized gender tropes, policing, and invisibility of violence against black women58:00 — Shifting focus to the impact of racial violence, not intentions1:01:00 — The “newly identifying” phenomenon and its material impacts1:04:00 — Ancestry vs. lived relationship: Why community connection matters1:12:00 — Cautions around “lateral violence” language1:15:00 — Black critique as essential, not harmful: How to grow through challenging conversations1:19:00 — The importance of joy, safety, and community in black workspaces1:22:00 — Building collectives, creating new infrastructures, and learning from Proper Now1:28:00 — Storytelling, songlines, and the nourishing power of black narrativesIf you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a comment letting us know your thoughts.#BlackJoy #BlackPower #ImpactPolicyPodcast #IndigenousLeadership #RaceAndIdentity #StorytellingListen, reflect, and step into your own story with us at the Impact Policy Podcast.

Join Sam and Kuyan for a yarn about place based responses in social policy and community development. together they also explore issues around mental health and reflect on the NSW Aboriginal Knockout and its significance and impact for Aboriginal people, families and communities across NSW.

2. Personal Journey and Identity FormationKate Webber's Aboriginal heritage and connection to multiple nationsInfluence of family (grandmother, mother, and father's service) on identity and generosityChildhood experiences facing discrimination and racismNavigating conflict between pride in Aboriginal identity and external negativityCarrying forward family legacy and sense of service3. Identity Challenges Growing UpImpact of racism during primary schoolLack of Aboriginal perspective in education (focus on colonization, Captain Cook projects)Struggles with shame and belongingCode-switching and hiding identity in unsupportive environmentsImportance of family and community in fostering pride4. Mental Health and WellbeingEarly experiences of racism, bullying (relating to Aboriginal and Chinese heritage)The role of family and community support in building confidenceConnection between lived experience and academic/professional interest in psychologyMental health struggles in family history (grandmother’s depression, intergenerational impacts)Personal battles: low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, recovery from trauma5. Journey of HealingPower and importance of connection during crisisSteps toward regaining autonomy and controlBuilding supportive relationships outside toxic environmentsAdvances in self-care: regaining interests, healthier routines, addressing eating disordersGradual process of building resilience and confidence6. The Role of Systems and StructuresImpact of systemic racism and poverty (housing, education, social support)Inequity in government responses, resources, and societal structuresRacism embedded in systems affecting Aboriginal familiesThe importance (and gap) of culturally informed systems7. Racial Empathy Gap and AssessmentDefinition and examples of the racial empathy gapMedia’s role in perpetuating disparity in empathy and reportingImportance of accurate assessment for effective treatmentCritiques of mainstream frameworks and need for culture-bound syndromesNegative consequences of misassessment in child protection and mental health8. Decolonization and Systemic ChangeCritique of “West is Best” and “White is Right” mentalitiesMisguided attempts at tokenistic inclusion of Aboriginal perspectivesNeed for systemic overhaul, genuine power-sharing, and cultural equityChallenges of addressing siloes vs interconnected systems in Aboriginal policy (e.g., Close the Gap)9. Professional Highlights and Systemic AdvocacyPositive outcomes when First Nations people lead program designImportance of safe spaces and empowerment in professional and community developmentLeading leadership and development programs with successful resultsAdvocacy for elevating Aboriginal voices, genuine co-design, and decision-making power10. Creative Expression and StorytellingArtistic influences and background (family of artists and musicians)Role of art and creative writing/music in processing trauma and emotionsInterest in art therapy as a modality for healingHealing power of storytelling, slam poetry, and creative arts in Indigenous and marginalized communities

Adam Thompson, Director at Homes NSW, says you can’t bulldoze through Australia’s housing crisis—you need people at the heart of every decision.Homes aren’t just buildings. They hold memories, connections, and shape entire communities. That’s why listening to those in social housing is central to his work.Adam’s a proud “social housing kid” and stays connected to his roots—he knows firsthand how often tenants don’t feel heard, and he wants to shift that.True engagement isn’t just a box-ticking exercise or defensively keeping “future complaints” at bay. It’s about actually learning from lived experience and letting it shape policy.He insists that if you’re not honestly seeking input, don’t call it “engagement.” Call it consultation or a briefing—communities deserve clarity and honesty.Building trust is about “yarn at the front, business at the back”: have real conversations before getting down to the practicalities. Genuine relationships make all the difference.One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work. Every community is unique, so how you engage should fit their local needs. Sometimes it’s big town halls, sometimes it’s small group conversations.Engagement helps people see their ideas brought to life, whether via improved services, safer design, or simply being listened to. That pride and ownership are real.Leaders need to front up, communicate clearly, and handle tough conversations with conviction and authenticity. Trust comes from consistency and genuine care—not spin.Homes NSW is embedding tenant involvement at all levels, investing in participation teams, and making engagement a sustained presence, not just a reaction to complaints.Being honest about what’s possible, learning from Aboriginal engagement principles, and owning both wins and failures are all part of how real change happens.At the end of the day, Adam reminds us: it’s not just about homes, it’s about people, memories, and the fabric of communities. That’s what real progress looks like.