Can Stories Shape Communities? How Bendigo Found Self-Belief S26 Ep4

Tim chats with Anthony Radford about how stories can have a positive impact on how people think and act. Anthony grew up in Broadford and is now a Bendigo-based media professional who cares deeply about good storytelling and strong local communities. Through Radford Media, he works with community organisations, Traditional Owners and businesses to help them tell clear, honest stories about who they are and what they stand for, with a strong focus on regional voices. He has a lot of experience about communication strategies related to climate action. He was a journalist for 20 years and won a Walkley Award (a finalist twice!) and a Quill Award.He is one of the founders of Believe in Bendigo, an initiative that encourages pride, confidence, and connection in the city while respecting its history and diversity. It was very active supporting the planning application for a local mosque. Campaigning through story telling is a big part of his life and work. He has also been involved in campaigns to build a $630million hospital in Bendigo and a $110m pipeline to secure the city’s water supply. Both of which the city is benefitting from today.Anthony’s work is about sharing positive local stories and bringing people together, grounded in a belief that communities are stronger when people believe in their place and in each other. So much of his work has relevance for communities in Mitchell Shire, and the local and global issues we are struggling with at this time.