Remarkable Regional Business

Lachlan Edwards - OFRM Lawyers

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 28
Guest: Lachlan EdwardsBusiness Name: OFRM LawyersWebsite: https://ofrm.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachlan-edwards-ba0283198/
 
 
Topics Covered
/ Making Law Engaging and Practical for Business OwnersLachlan Edwards shares his approach to making law more relatable for small business owners, breaking down complex legal concepts into understandable and practical advice. His goal? To be the lawyer who makes law not boring.
/ The Four Phases of Legal Business SupportLachlan outlines a proactive legal framework for business success:
Setup – Choosing the right business structure (sole trader, company, trust).
Support – Creating infrastructure like contracts, guest waivers, and IP agreements.
Responsive – Handling employment issues, conflicts, and social media risks.
Exit – Facilitating clean and fair transitions with ownership agreements.
/ From Courtroom to Counsel: Inside a Regional Law FirmOFRM is a multidisciplinary law firm serving individuals and businesses across regional Victoria. Lachlan describes the firm's structure, team collaboration, and the breadth of services offered — from wills and estates to family, property, and commercial law.
/ Beyond the Billable Hour: Value-Based PricingLachlan explains OFRM’s shift away from traditional time-based billing. Instead, they’re adopting value-based pricing to align legal services with business outcomes, especially in commercial and conveyancing matters.
/ Building a Collaborative Legal TeamTo avoid departmental silos, OFRM encourages cross-pollination between its legal teams through regular “lunch and learn” meetings. This creates a dynamic learning culture and stronger client service.
/ Governance vs. Operations: The Leadership Balancing ActAs a law firm director and board member at organisations like Bendigo Stadium and Bendigo UFS, Lachlan discusses the challenge of separating strategic governance from day-to-day operations — a vital skill for any business leader.
/ Law and Leadership Through Real-World ScenariosIn a light-hearted "Will Caleb Go to Jail?" segment, Lachlan guides the host through real-world scenarios involving partnerships, intellectual property, and employee misconduct — offering legal insight in an engaging, relatable format.
 
/ Unwritten Agreements and the Partnership RiskA cautionary tale on the dangers of informal collaborations. Lachlan explains how lack of agreements in creative partnerships can lead to legal disputes — and how simple documents could prevent big headaches.
/ Employment Law: Social Media, Misconduct, and Legal RiskLachlan explores how businesses should handle controversial employee behavior online, the role of employment contracts and policies, and how anti-discrimination laws influence termination decisions.
/ Personal Journey: From Deniliquin to Law DirectorLachlan recounts his shift from journalism to law, his early days in community legal centres, and how living abroad helped him find clarity in his career. His story reflects the values of persistence, service, and local impact.
 
References
OFRM – https://ofrm.com.au/
Fair Work Legislation - https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/legislation
Bendigo Stadium / Red Energy Arena - https://redenergyarena.com.au/
Bendigo UFS - https://www.bendigoufs.com.au/
Consumer Action Law Centre - https://consumeraction.org.au/

Anthony Jenkin - Outlier Studio

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 27
Guest: Anthony JenkinBusiness Name: Outlier StudioWebsite: https://outlierstudio.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-jenkin-6b553785/
 
 
Topics Covered
/ From Carpentry to Climate-Conscious Design: The Birth of Outlier StudioAnthony shares his unconventional journey from carpentry and skatepark construction to founding Outlier Studio — a design firm committed to creating energy-efficient, durable homes. His early trade experiences and later education in building design and entrepreneurship shaped a mission-driven business.
/ Verifying What’s Built Matches What’s DesignedOutlier Studio specialises in “as-built verification,” using onsite testing to ensure homes are constructed exactly to energy efficiency specs. Anthony highlights how common it is for features like insulation to be compromised during construction — often unnoticed by builders or regulators.
/ Blower Door Tests and Energy Modelling: Tools of the TradeThe episode dives into the specifics of energy audits, including blower door tests and thermal imaging. These tools expose air leaks and insulation failures and guide low-cost upgrades that significantly boost energy efficiency and comfort.
/ Australia’s ‘Glorified Tents’: A Housing Wake-Up CallAnthony critiques the poor thermal performance of many Australian homes, especially compared to global standards. He cites alarming World Health Organisation data showing that many rental properties fall below minimum safe temperatures — especially harming vulnerable populations.
/ Designing for Health and Comfort, Not Just AestheticsInspired by passive house principles, Outlier Studio designs homes that prioritise air quality, thermal stability and occupant wellbeing. Anthony explains how airtight construction, controlled ventilation and even plant placement can create healthier living environments.
/ A Full-Service, Performance-Driven StudioOutlier handles everything from client briefs and regulatory research to energy modelling, concept design and construction phase testing. Their integrated approach avoids budget blowouts by involving builders early and managing cost throughout the design process.
/ Architect vs Building Designer: What’s the Difference?Anthony unpacks the legal, educational and practical distinctions between architects and building designers — and why the title isn’t always a proxy for quality. His advice? Interview the designer, assess values alignment and focus on relationships over labels.
/ The Courage to Niche: Committing to Sustainable BuildsA pivotal decision to only accept sustainable projects redefined the business. Anthony speaks candidly about the fear of losing work — and the unexpected rewards of finding a community that shares his passion and supports open knowledge-sharing.
/ Modular Construction and European Prefab PanelsOutlier Studio has expanded to offer prefabricated, high-performance wall systems imported from Europe. These panels reduce waste, speed up builds, and ensure long-term insulation and durability — a game changer for remote or hard-to-build areas.
/ Vertical Integration: From Design to Turnkey DeliveryThe studio now builds complete modular homes off-site and delivers them ready-to-live. Anthony reveals how this leap was powered by smart systems, tech stacks, and a lean team — allowing them to grow without rapidly expanding headcount.
/ Leading a Business That Builds You BackAnthony and the host reflect on how building a values-driven business catalyses personal growth. From mental resilience to sales and leadership, Anthony shares how the business journey shaped him — and why constant learning is key to staying relevant and impactful.
/ Scaling Sustainably with PurposeWhether it’s future government partnerships, prefab innovation, or creating more energy-literate builders, Anthony’s vision is national. His mission is simple: better homes for Australians, built with performance, dignity, and health in mind.
 
References
Passive House Standard – https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/passive-house
Blower Door Testing – https://outlierstudio.com.au/research/thermal-performance-check/
World Health Organization Housing Standards – WHO Housing Guidelines
Outlier Studio – https://outlierstudio.com.au/

Shannon Lemanski - Aqua Ubique

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 26
Guest: Shannon LemanskiBusiness Name: Aqua UbiqueWebsite: https://aquaubique.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-lemanski/
 
 
Topics Covered
/ Turning Air into Water: The Aqua Ubique Story
Shannon introduces the core concept behind Aqua Ubique: a water cooler that doesn’t require plumbing or bottles, but instead generates clean, mineral-rich drinking water from air. He explains the proprietary filtration and mineralisation process, and how it delivers premium water without harmful chemicals or microplastics.
/ From Army Officer to Startup Founder
A deeply personal origin story traces back to Shannon’s time in the Australian Army. His experience managing drinking water logistics during overseas deployments — and witnessing local communities scavenging plastic bottles for clean water — planted the seeds for a socially driven enterprise.
/ Tackling Australia’s Hidden Water Crisis
Shannon sheds light on the staggering reality that over 8% of Australians, especially in remote or Indigenous communities, lack access to safe drinking water. He shares shocking examples from places like Cherbourg, where children drink cola instead of formula due to water mistrust.
/ Engineering with Empathy: The Product Design
The machines are designed to operate reliably in diverse Australian climates, from humid offices to drier regions like Bendigo. Shannon emphasises user-friendliness, minimal maintenance and data transparency as key differentiators from offshore alternatives.
/ A Social Enterprise Model That Scales
Aqua Ubique operates on a “buy five, give one” model: for every five office units sold, one machine is deployed to a remote community. This approach solves both a commercial and social problem, making every customer part of the impact story.
/ Positioning for Purpose and Profit
Shannon explains why social good isn’t enough — products must also be more affordable, more effective and deliver better value. His pricing model saves businesses money while cutting plastic waste and emissions.
/ Strategic Thinking: Military Roots, Business Execution
Using military planning tools like SMEAC and mission appreciation, Shannon approached the startup like a tactical operation. His first business plan was literally sketched using army formats to map competitors, allies and customer segments.
/ Winning Without Paid Marketing
Despite zero marketing spend, Shannon has achieved rapid sales growth through highly targeted outreach, local networking and word-of-mouth. He pinpoints small to mid-sized businesses with high bottled water usage and services them within 90 minutes to ensure quality support.
/ Offers So Good They Convert Themselves
Shannon describes the slam-dunk offer inspired by Alex Hormozi: 90-day risk-free trial, full refund plus $100 for wasted time. The results? Zero returns and sky-high conversion rates.
/ Leadership, Legacy and Staying Values-Driven
As a father and former officer, Shannon reflects on humility, servant leadership, and building a business that aligns with deeply held values. He rejects commodification in favour of relational business that customers are proud to support.
/ Vision for the Future
With strong early traction and national banks courting Aqua Ubique to support ESG goals, Shannon aims to scale nationwide, and ultimately, globally. His mission is clear: deliver 1 million litres of clean water into communities by 2030.
 
References
Alex Hormozi – How to Turn Trash into Cash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaiLcj6tzBQ
Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council Water Crisis  – https://nit.com.au/08-10-2024/14116/queesland-government-announce-26million-to-tackle-cherbourgs-long-running-water-crisis
Silicon Coast – Sunshine Coast innovation ecosystem https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/business/regional-innovation/the-ecosystem

Tom Isaacs - PRD Bendigo

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 25
Guest: Tom IsaacsBusiness Name: PRD BendigoWebsite: https://www.prd.com.au/bendigo/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tom-isaacs-45b69397/
 
Topics Covered
/ Building PRD Bendigo from the Ground UpTom shares the journey of growing PRD Bendigo from zero market presence to one of the leading real estate agencies in the region. He reflects on the early days, unexpected opportunities, and how initial “dumb luck” evolved into strategic business decisions.
/ Reimagining Real Estate Business ModelsThis episode unpacks how Tom departed from the traditional real estate model to build a fully resourced, department-led structure. From media to sales to admin, each arm of the business supports growth and enables team specialisation.
/ Creating Career Pathways and a Scalable TeamTom explains how PRD fosters long-term careers by developing internal pathways - from support roles to independent agents or management tracks. The team culture is built on clarity, mentorship and flexibility.
/ The Power of Culture CaptainsA standout initiative, “culture captains,” empowers team members to uphold values and call out misalignment, creating peer-led accountability. Tom discusses how this simple framework transformed team dynamics and strengthened internal cohesion.
/ Investing in People and Personal GoalsRather than traditional KPIs, PRD’s leadership begins with personal aspirations. Whether it’s buying a home or starting a family, team reviews are structured around what matters most to each employee.
/ Embedding Community into the Business ModelTom shares the origin and structure of the PRD Community First Fund - a quarterly initiative where staff contributions are matched by the business to support underfunded community organisations. Past recipients include Sunshine Bendigo and Southern Cross Kids Camp.
/ Changing Public Perceptions of Real EstateTom and host Caleb discuss the negative stereotypes around real estate agents and how PRD is helping shift that narrative through service-first mindsets, trust-building and long-term community commitment.
/ Leadership Lessons and Evolving RolesFrom hands-on sales to full-time leadership, Tom reflects on stepping out of the frontline, especially during COVID, and how that transition demanded new approaches to empathy, vision and business planning.
References
PRD Bendigo – https://www.prd.com.au/bendigo/ Sunshine Bendigo – https://www.sunshinebendigo.org.auSouthern Cross Kids’ Camp – https://www.sckc.org.auSimon Sinek – https://simonsinek.com

Ben Amos - Innovate Media

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 24
Guest: Ben AmosBusiness Name: Innovate Media Websites: https://innovatemedia.com.au/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/beninnovate
 
Topics Covered
/ From Videographer to StrategistBen Amos shares his journey from traditional video production to becoming a pioneer in video strategy. He discusses the realisation that delivering high-quality videos without strategic input often fails to deliver real value to clients.
/ Why Video Needs StrategyBen and host Caleb discuss the importance of video strategy in business - how it connects business goals with audience needs, customer journeys, and platform-specific execution. They break down what it means to move from “video for video’s sake” to intentional, goal-oriented video content.
/ Innovate Media and Regional RootsBen gives an overview of his agency, Innovate Media, based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He talks about the unique opportunities and challenges of running a regional business and how regional agencies can still lead globally in innovation and thought leadership.
/ The Rise of the Video StrategistThe role of a video strategist is dissected - part producer, part marketer. Ben emphasises the importance of helping clients choose the right video for the right audience at the right time and measuring results meaningfully.
/ Educating Through Content and PodcastingBen reflects on launching the Engage Video Marketing Podcast as a way to “learn out loud.” Now with over 300 episodes, the podcast has grown into a platform that attracts clients, builds authority and deepens his industry relationships.
 
/ Launching an Online Brand and BookBeyond his agency, Ben talks about building a personal brand through content, courses, and coaching—culminating in the release of his book Engage. He outlines how this thought leadership initiative has fueled both personal and business growth.
/ Resilience and Revenue in a Challenging YearBen explains how 2024 began with uncertainty but ended with Innovate Media’s strongest year in revenue. He attributes this success to long-term client relationships, consistent value-driven communication and strategic selling.
/ Business Lessons and Leadership GrowthBen shares key lessons from over 16 years in business, including learning to manage time and ideas, building protective routines around work-life balance and developing a mission-first mindset with clients and his team.
/ Lead with Value, AlwaysThe episode emphasises the power of leading with education, not sales. Ben advocates for a business approach rooted in generosity, strategic listening and building genuine trust - especially when selling creative or consulting services.
References
Engage the Book – https://engagevideomarketing.thrivecart.com/engage-book/ Engage Video Marketing Podcast – https://engagevideomarketing.com/podcast/ Riverside.fm – https://riverside.fm/ Smart Passive Income Podcast – https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/spi/ Loom – https://www.loom.com/ 

Julie Sheahan - 3D Physiotherapy Health Group

Remarkable Regional Businesses – Episode 23
Guest: Julie SheahanBusiness Name: 3D Physiotherapy Health GroupWebsite: www.3dphysio.com.au/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julie-sheahan-5b90b3165/
Topics Covered
/ The Philosophy Behind 3D PhysiotherapyJulie Sheahan introduces the mission of 3D Physio, a practice grounded in the biopsychosocial model of care. She explains how their approach treats not just physical symptoms but the whole person—body, mind, and soul.
/ Evolving the Clinic ExperienceJulie outlines how the practice has expanded to include multiple locations, a purpose-built exercise studio, and integrated services like podiatry and naturopathy. The goal is to offer a holistic health hub that supports prevention and empowerment.
/ Rethinking Traditional PhysiotherapyRather than relying on ongoing appointments, Julie and her team focus on education and self-management. They help clients understand the root cause of injuries, develop personalized strength programs, and shift toward long-term, preventative care.
/ Combatting the Reactive Healthcare ModelJulie challenges the conventional, reactive model of healthcare and instead promotes a culture of proactive well-being. She emphasizes the need to shift both public perception and healthcare practices to support prevention over treatment.
/ Strength and Aging WellJulie shares how 3D Physio runs programs like Strong for Life, GLA:D, and Onero to support older adults with strength, balance, and mobility. Clients in their 70s and 80s are performing exercises like deadlifts and lunges, redefining what’s possible as we age.
/ The Impact of Food and Inflammation on HealthWhile not a nutritionist herself, Julie discusses how diet—particularly industrialized, boxed foods—can lead to chronic inflammation and poor musculoskeletal health. She stresses the importance of whole, nutrient-dense foods to support healing and performance.
/ Building a Mission-Driven TeamJulie reflects on creating a culture where every team member is aligned with a shared “why.” From regular alignment days to hiring based on values, she’s focused on creating an environment where purpose drives performance.
/ Business Growth, Awards, and LeadershipJulie shares the story of starting 3D Physio in 2018 and gradually growing the team and services. She discusses winning multiple Bendigo Business Excellence Awards, including the Regional Women’s Award, and how mentorship and strategic hiring have supported her leadership journey.
/ Managing Change Without Burning Out the TeamRecognizing the challenges of being an ideas-driven entrepreneur, Julie brought in a change consultant to help structure and pace innovation. She explains how this improved internal communication, stabilized the team, and allowed them to implement new systems more effectively.
References
GLA:D Program – https://gladaustralia.com.au/Radical Candor (book) – https://www.radicalcandor.com/Biopsychosocial Model of Care – https://www.physio-pedia.com/Biopsychosocial_Model Bendigo Business Excellence Awards – https://bbea.com.au/
 

Kyle Racki - Proposify

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 22
Guest: Kyle RackiBusiness Name: ProposifyWebsite: https://www.proposify.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleracki
Topics Covered
/ The Journey of Proposify
Kyle Racki shares how he transitioned from a freelance designer and agency owner to the founder of Proposify. He talks about the early frustrations of creating proposals manually and how that led him to develop a SaaS solution that streamlines and improves the proposal process for businesses.
/ Building and Scaling a SaaS Business
Proposify started as a small, bootstrapped venture and has since grown into a 65-person company. Kyle discusses the early growth phase, the impact of adding features like e-signatures and proposal templates, and how they found their product-market fit.
/ The Challenges of Rapid Scaling
Scaling too quickly brought unexpected challenges. Kyle shares insights on why adding more people doesn’t always lead to greater efficiency, how too many management layers slowed decision-making, and why they ultimately scaled back from 110 employees.
/ Leadership, Culture, and Radical Candor
As the company grew, Kyle realized the importance of fostering a strong company culture. He explains how he introduced “Radical Candor” as a core value, encouraging open, honest feedback while maintaining a positive workplace environment.
/ Personal Growth as a Founder
Kyle reflects on the personal and professional development required to lead a growing company. From learning to have tough conversations to seeking mentorship and business coaching, he shares how continual self-improvement has played a critical role in Proposify’s success.
/ Vision, Strategy, and Staying Connected to Customers
Rather than focusing solely on high-level strategy, Kyle emphasizes the importance of staying involved in the day-to-day realities of the business. He explains how engaging with customers, keeping an eye on competitors, and understanding industry trends help shape the company’s direction.
/ The Power of Online Proposal Software
Proposify simplifies the proposal process, making it easy for businesses to create, send, and track professional proposals. Kyle highlights key benefits, such as real-time updates, integrated e-signatures, and data tracking—giving sales teams the tools they need to close deals faster and stand out from the competition.
/ The Role of Founder Branding vs. Product Excellence
While personal branding can be valuable, Kyle believes the best companies focus on building great products rather than making their CEOs famous. He shares examples of companies that have succeeded without high-profile founders and discusses what really matters when scaling a SaaS business.
References
Proposify – https://www.proposify.com
Radical Candor by Kim Scott – https://www.radicalcandor.com/ 
Zapier – https://zapier.com/ 
Loom – https://www.loom.com/ 

Kira Hyde - The KH Studio

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 21
Guest: Kira HydeBusiness Name: The KH StudioWebsite: https://www.thekhstudio.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirahyde/
 
Topics Covered
/ The Journey of The KH Studio
Kira Hyde shares how she founded The KH Studio, a boutique brand design and marketing agency based in Bendigo. She explains how the business has evolved from a solo operation focused on branding and website design into a full-service marketing agency that now offers SEO, Google Ads, social media management, and marketing strategy.
 
/ A Strategy-Driven Approach to Branding and Marketing
Kira discusses how The KH Studio differentiates itself in the competitive marketing industry by offering strategy-first, integrated digital solutions. She highlights the importance of blending branding, creativity, and technology to deliver bold, high-impact results for businesses across various industries.
 
/ Scaling a Business to Meet Client Needs
The KH Studio has grown by carefully listening to client needs and expanding its service offerings accordingly. Kira explains the journey from a freelancer to a business leader, the challenges of scaling a boutique agency, and how her team has developed long-term client partnerships.
 
/ Business Growth and Lessons in Leadership
Kira shares key insights from her entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges of hiring employees vs. contractors, maintaining company culture, and creating a sustainable business model. She also talks about the importance of business mentorship, the impact of working with a board of advisors, and the personal growth required to lead a creative business.
 
/ Award-Winning Excellence
The KH Studio was recently recognised at the 2024 Bendigo Excellence Awards, winning the Professional Services Firm of the Year. Kira reflects on what this award means for her business and the importance of elevating creative professionals in the regional business landscape.
 
/ The Role of Processes and Systems in Business Success
Kira explains how implementing structured processes and automation has allowed The KH Studio to deliver high-quality results while remaining boutique. She shares insights on how they use client portals, time tracking, and streamlined workflows to enhance efficiency and improve the client experience.
 
/ Building a Team That Works for Your Business Model
Unlike traditional agencies, The KH Studio operates with a hybrid team structure, consisting of core team members and specialised contractors. Kira explains why this model provides flexibility, scalability, and top-tier expertise, allowing them to compete with larger agencies while maintaining a personalised, boutique approach.
 
/ The Entrepreneurial Journey & Work-Life Balance
Starting her business at just 20 years old, Kira has had a unique entrepreneurial journey—including traveling through Europe while running her business remotely. She shares lessons on balancing work and life, staying motivated as a business owner, and the importance of trusting your own instincts when making business decisions.
 
References
The KH Studio - https://www.thekhstudio.co/Bendigo Excellence Awards - https://bbea.com.au/award-categories/Tools & Systems Mentioned: CRM software, Slack, Google Ads, SEO tools, client portals
 

Joe Ciancio - Maxsum Consulting

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 20
Guest: Joe CiancioBusiness Name: Maxsum ConsultingWebsite: www.maxsum.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ciancio-gaicd-76a95a1a/
 
Topics Covered
/ Introduction to Maxsum Consulting
Joe Ciancio, founder and Managing Director of Maxsum Consulting, shares the story of how the business evolved from a small IT solutions provider to a consulting firm focused on business strategy, technology integration, and digital transformation. He explains how rebranding from “Maxsum Solutions” to “Maxsum Consulting” reflects their shift from IT services to strategic business enablement.
 
/ Moving Beyond Commoditised IT Services
Joe discusses how technology is often seen as a necessary but low-value utility, like electricity, rather than a strategic asset. He emphasises the importance of aligning technology with business goals to drive efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage.
 
/ Strategic IT Partnerships vs. Transactional IT Services
Maxsum Consulting prioritises working with businesses that view IT as a strategic enabler rather than just a cost. Joe explains how they engage with organisation’s that seek long-term IT partnerships, focusing on business outcomes rather than low-cost, one-off solutions.
 
/ The Power of Data and AI in Business Growth
Joe highlights how data is the most valuable asset for modern businesses, comparing its impact to that of oil in the industrial era. He discusses how AI tools are now accessible to small and medium-sized businesses but require proper implementation and data security measures to be effective.
 
/ Security Challenges in the Age of AI
With AI-driven tools like Microsoft Copilot making data more accessible, Joe stresses the importance of securing internal information. He shares insights on how businesses must carefully manage access to sensitive data to avoid unintentional breaches and misinformation caused by AI "hallucinations."
 
/ Change Management and Digital Transformation
Technology alone does not drive change—people do. Joe discusses the critical role of change management in IT implementations, citing examples of businesses that failed to adopt new technology due to poor training and communication. He shares best practices for successfully integrating new systems into an organisations workflow.
 
/ Serving Diverse Industries Across Victoria
Maxsum Consulting operates across multiple industries, including professional services, local government, manufacturing, mining, and non-profit sectors. Joe explains how their approach is tailored to the unique needs of each industry, particularly in high-compliance fields like aged care and disability services.
 
/ Business Growth and Organisational Culture
Joe reflects on how Maxsum Consulting’s internal growth journey has been shaped by clearly defined cultural values. He shares how their company’s mission—"Enable Opportunity and Realise Potential"—guides both their client engagements and internal team development.
 
/ Personal Growth and Leadership Lessons
Transitioning from a hands-on IT technician to a business leader required Joe to develop new skills in delegation, trust, and strategic decision-making. He shares key lessons in leadership, including the importance of empowering teams, maintaining work-life balance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
 
References
Maxsum Consulting - https://www.maxsum.com/Microsoft Copilot - https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/FvkUQRLGyjJpcsXcKq7hmISO Certifications - https://www.iso.org/home.html
 

Lisa Renato - Lifeline Loddon Mallee

Remarkable Regional Businesses - Episode 19
 
Guest: Lisa Renato
Business Name: Lifeline Loddon Mallee
Website: www.lifelinelm.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisamrenato
 
Topics Covered
/ Introduction to Lifeline Loddon Mallee:
Lisa Renato introduces Lifeline’s mission, explaining its critical role in providing crisis support and suicide prevention services. She shares how the organisation serves regional communities and why local awareness is essential.
 
/ Lifeline’s Local and National Impact:
Lifeline operates 24/7 crisis support services through call centres in Bendigo and Mildura, staffed by nearly 100 volunteers. While most people recognise Lifeline’s national hotline (13 11 14), many are unaware of the regional centres that answer these calls. In addition to crisis support, Lifeline delivers mental health first aid, suicide prevention training, and domestic violence awareness programs.
 
/ The Scale of the Crisis in Australia:
Lifeline Australia answers approximately 1.3 million crisis calls annually, with 2% classified as imminent suicide risk. Financial stress, loneliness, and economic challenges are driving an increase in calls. Locally, the Loddon Mallee call centres answered 22,000 calls last year, reflecting the high demand for support in the region.
 
/ Volunteerism and Community Engagement:
Volunteers at Lifeline not only contribute their time but also gain valuable skills in crisis intervention, active listening, and mental health awareness. These skills often extend into their personal and professional lives, allowing them to support friends, family, and colleagues in distress. Since COVID, recruiting and retaining volunteers has become more challenging, making community engagement and flexibility crucial in maintaining a strong team.
 
/ Leadership in a Non-Profit Environment:
Transitioning from the corporate world to non-profit leadership required Lisa to rethink traditional business strategies. Instead of focusing on sales and profits, her leadership now centres on volunteer engagement, trust, and accountability. She shares how she moved away from micromanagement and embraced outcome-based leadership to create a culture where volunteers and staff feel valued and motivated.
 
/ Fundraising and Sustainability:
With 75% of its annual funding needing to be raised independently, Lifeline Loddon Mallee relies on a mix of revenue streams. The organisation operates a thrift store as a social enterprise, providing affordable goods while generating income to support crisis services. Additionally, they offer mental health first aid training to businesses and community groups. The Hello for Hope campaign unites local businesses and individuals in fundraising efforts, demonstrating the power of community-driven support.
 
/ Suicide Prevention and Regional Challenges:
In 2022, Australia recorded 3,249 deaths by suicide—nearly double the national road toll. Men account for 75% of suicides, with rising rates among men over 65. Lisa highlights the need for targeted community initiatives that encourage early intervention and support. By increasing awareness and equipping people with the skills to recognise distress, Lifeline is working towards its vision of a suicide-free Australia.
 
/ Personal Growth and Lessons in Leadership:
Lisa reflects on her leadership journey, emphasising the importance of delegation, trust, and flexibility. She has learned to create an environment where team members take ownership and feel safe to contribute ideas and take risks. By fostering a culture of psychological safety, Lifeline Loddon Mallee encourages innovation and adaptability in its mission to support those in crisis.
 
References
Lifeline Australia: www.lifeline.org.au
Lifeline Loddon Mallee: www.lifelinelm.com 
Crisis Support Hotline: 13 11 14 (Available 24/7)
Mental Health First Aid Training: www.lifelinelm.com/start-training