Episode 16: Mel Redsell OAM, A Brave Life

Episode 16: Mel Redsell OAM, A Brave Life

Author: Echo News June 19, 2024 Duration: 1:50:19

In this episode, we sit down with Mel Redsell, the inspiring founder of A Brave Life, a North Brisbane-based charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable mothers and their newborns. Mel shares her deeply personal journey from being a teenage mother in Townsville to becoming a registered nurse and midwife. She talks about the challenges she faced, including overcoming domestic violence and societal stigma, and how these experiences fueled her determination to create a support network for others in similar situations.


We delve into the founding of A Brave Life, exploring how Mel started the organisation in her spare bedroom and grew it into a vital resource for thousands of families across Queensland. Mel explains the core programs of A Brave Life, including the Baby Bundle program which provides essential items and ongoing support to mothers in need, particularly in rural and remote areas.


Throughout the conversation, Mel highlights the importance of community support, partnerships, and the dedicated team that drives the organization forward. She shares heartwarming success stories and discusses the systemic changes needed to better support vulnerable families in Australia.


Mel also offers valuable advice for young mothers facing similar challenges. She emphasizes the power of resilience, determination, and the impact one can make through compassionate action.


Tune in to hear Mel's inspiring story and learn how A Brave Life is making a significant difference in the lives of mothers and their babies. Discover ways you can get involved and support this incredible organization.


Also in this week’s podcast:

  • Our monthly real estate segment, PROPERTY PULSE, brought to you by our sponsor, The Whitehead & Crump Team from Harcourts Solutions. In Property Pulse, we dive deep into the latest trends, insights, and tips in the ever-evolving world of real estate - with a focus on local north-west suburbs.
  • Ferny Grove markets have moved to Brookside Shopping Centre from the Sunday 7th July 2024 
  • Rental and housing crisis in QLD and a report by the Queensland Council for Social Services 
  • Destination Spotlight - I take you for a tour through our local wine regions
  • Steve throws us back to the history of Cash’s Crossing.
  • Plus a bunch of upcoming events including those in the school holidays.


We hope you enjoy this week’s episode - let’s chat the Talk of the Town. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


There’s a particular rhythm to life in Brisbane’s north-west suburbs, and Talk of the Town by Echo News captures it perfectly. Hosted by Von and Steve, this weekly conversation feels less like a broadcast and more like catching up with well-informed neighbors who have a knack for finding fascinating stories right around the corner. The focus here is on the texture of the community itself-the new bakery shaping a high street, the artist turning a local landmark into a canvas, or the quiet efforts of individuals whose work strengthens the area’s social fabric. By weaving together elements of arts, business, and culture, each episode offers a nuanced look at what’s happening and why it matters. You’ll hear genuine interviews that go beyond simple announcements, exploring the challenges and triumphs behind local news. This podcast from Echo News serves as an essential, grounded companion for anyone curious about the forces-both economic and creative-that define their surroundings. It’s for residents who believe understanding your own suburb, from its community events to its emerging enterprises, is key to feeling truly connected. Tune in for a thoughtful, consistently engaging take on locality, where every discussion underscores the idea that the most compelling narratives are often unfolding just down the street.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 40

Talk of the Town by Echo News
Podcast Episodes
08: Amber Riddell, Teralba Park Honey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:22
Joining us in this week’s episode is the queen bee of Teralba Park Honey, Amber Riddell. Amber talks all things beekeeping, turning your hobbies into a thriving business and how to tap into community support along the wa…
07: Rob Hopkinson, Founder of Run with Rob [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:45
This week we hear the story behind 'Run with Rob' - a community running and fundraising group. We chat with founder Rob Hopkinson - a father, community advocate and a man with a big heart and an incredible ability to bri…
05:  Easter School Holiday Fun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:34
In this week's episode we chat about all things EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN - helping you make the most of down time with your kids. We profile local events and activities that won’t break the bank and will ensure you have…
04: Tony Yan from TerryWhite Chemmart Upper Kedron [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:15
In this week's episode we talk with Tony Yan from Terry White Chemmart Upper Kedron about Pharmaself24 - a game-changer in prescription collection! We also introduce our new weekly segments including 'What's hot, what's…
03: Local Destination Spotlight - Bullocky Rest (Lake Samsonvale) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:12
In this episode Steve shares about great local destination, Bullocky Rest at Lake Samsonvale and we chat about some local events coming up.A scenic picnic location, Bullocky Rest overlooks the picturesque surrounds of th…
02: Meet Your Hosts - Von and Steve! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:05
Meet Your Talk of the Town Podcast Hosts!Von is a local, born and raised in North Brisbane. She now lives in Albany Creek with her husband and three children. She loves painting, decluttering, exploring local thrift shop…
01: Welcome to Talk of the Town (by Echo News) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:27
In this podcast, hosts (Von and Steve) give a little tease as to what you'll find on this podcast. Join us each week as we break down the ‘Talk of the Town’ and shine a light on the stories that matter most in the North-…