Jo Briskey MP: Leadership & Her Journey to Parliament | Bridged By Words
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Jo Briskey MP shares the journey that took her from developmental psychology and community advocacy to the Australian Parliament. The Member for Maribyrnong reflects on election defeats, succeeding Bill Shorten, listening to people in difficult moments, and why curiosity matters in politics. She also offers a powerful message for aspiring leaders: you don’t need the perfect résumé — and you don’t have to wait for permission to step forward.
Rachel Westaway MP | Politics, Leadership & Prahran
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Rachel Westaway MP shares her journey from business and multicultural advocacy to representing Prahran in the Victorian Parliament. She reflects on grassroots campaigning, the realities of preselection, building trust within a community, and why aspiring politicians need to understand the people they hope to represent. Rachel also shares her advice for anyone considering a future in public life.
Steve McGhie MP: Public Service, Leadership & Political Advice | Bridged By Words
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Steve McGhie MP reflects on his journey from paramedic and union leader to the Victorian Parliament. He shares lessons from decades of public service, the unexpected call that led him into politics, handling criticism, representing a rapidly growing community, and why aspiring leaders should focus on helping people, building genuine relationships, and choosing work they truly believe in.
Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell | Political Leadership, Regional Victoria & Parliament
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell shares her journey from regional life and farming to representing Northern Victoria in the Victorian Parliament. She reflects on the water issues that first drew her into politics, the importance of real-world experience, building professional relationships across party lines, and finding the right mentors. Rikkie-Lee also offers candid advice for aspiring leaders on self-belief, staying grounded, serving your community and becoming the kind of representative you once wished you had.
JODIE BELYEA: FROM COMMUNITY LEADER TO PARLIAMENT | BRIDGED BY WORDS
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Jodie Belyea shares her journey from community work and founding the Women’s Spirit Project to becoming the federal Member for Dunkley. Drawing on her experiences of adversity, youth work and political campaigning, she offers practical lessons on courage, resilience, service and leading alongside the people you represent.
ALICE JORDAN-BAIRD on Leadership, Gorton & Putting Your Hand Up | BRIDGED BY WORDS
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Alice Jordan-Baird MP, Federal Member for Gorton, shares her journey from growing up in a politically engaged family in Melbourne’s west to serving her community in Federal Parliament. Alice reflects on grief, courage, workers’ rights, progressive patriotism, and why aspiring leaders should put their hand up even when they feel ordinary, unsure, or not ready.
Steve Georganas MP on Community, Migration & Political Leadership | bridged by words
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Steve Georganas MP shares his journey from growing up in a working-class migrant family in Adelaide to serving more than 20 years in Federal Parliament. He reflects on the lessons his parents taught him, the importance of community advocacy, the perseverance needed to win a seat, and why listening without judgement is at the heart of good representation.
Chris Crewther MP on Resilience, Public Service & Political Leadership | Bridged By Words
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Chris Crewther MP shares his journey from growing up in Horsham to serving in both federal and Victorian Parliament. He reflects on resilience, political setbacks, modern slavery, constituent service, and the importance of listening across differences, offering practical advice for aspiring leaders on how to stay grounded, serve your community, and make change through public life.
RICHARD RIORDAN: COMMUNITY, COMPROMISE & POLITICAL LEADERSHIP | BRIDGED BY WORDS
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Richard Riordan MP reflects on the lessons that shaped his journey from local community life to the Victorian Parliament. From learning when to compromise, to understanding what is worth “dying in a ditch” over, Richard offers practical advice for aspiring leaders on community service, political judgment, honest communication, and staying grounded in the people you represent.