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.
SONJA TERPSTRA: RESILIENCE, PUBLIC EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP | BRIDGED BY WORDS
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Sonja Terpstra reflects on resilience, public education, leadership, and the realities of political life. From leaving school in Year 10 to serving in the Victorian Parliament, she shares practical advice on persistence, community advocacy, mentorship, and why leadership begins with listening to people’s lived experiences.
AIV PUGLIELLI: YOUNG LEADERSHIP, REPRESENTATION & HOW CHANGE HAPPENS | BRIDGED BY WORDS
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Aiv Puglielli shares his journey from the arts into the Victorian Parliament and reflects on the realities of public leadership, representation, and political change. From grassroots campaigning to housing inequality and the pressures of public life, he offers an honest perspective on what it takes to step into politics and advocate for community in a rapidly changing world.
SARAH MANSFIELD: FROM GP TO PARLIAMENT | BRIDGED BY WORDS
In this episode of Bridged By Words, Dr. Sarah Mansfield shares her journey from frontline healthcare to the Victorian Parliament, and the moments that pushed her to step up. From witnessing systemic failures as a GP to building change through local government, she offers practical advice for aspiring leaders on finding purpose, navigating politics, and making a real impact in their communities.