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Association Hub Podcast

Advocacy in Action: Amplifying Voices, Driving Change

Advocacy is the heartbeat of associations—ensuring their members’ voices are heard and driving meaningful change. It’s about influencing decision-makers, shaping policy, and creating a better environment for the communities they represent. But advocacy is not one-size-fits-all. Every association approaches it differently, tailoring their efforts to their unique challenges and opportunities.

In our podcast series on advocacy, we’ve explored how associations navigate this vital aspect of their work. From the innovative strategies of smaller associations to the large-scale campaigns of industry leaders, the episodes dive into what it takes to influence change effectively.

Take Wes Lambert’s relentless approach to policy reform that has set a new benchmark for association leadership, Michelle Blicavs from Surveyors Australia—a leader who proves that size doesn't determine impact. Or Paul Zahra of the Australian Retailers Association shows the impact of large-scale strategic interventions. Stuart Lamont's national campaigns for the Caravan Industry show how passion can rally an entire sector, while Luke Achterstraat from COSBOA demonstrates that collaboration is the true secret weapon of advocacy. We also have a consultant's perspective from Elaine Abery, who provides expert tips on creating effective advocacy strategies.

These aren't just interviews with experienced association professionals. They're real stories of resilience, strategy, and the unwavering belief that one voice—amplified, it can create monumental change.

Latest Episodes on Advocacy

🎧 #67: Building an Advocacy Powerhouse: Wes Lambert’s Recipe for Association Advocacy


In this episode, Olena Lima chats with Wes Lambert to uncover his bold strategies, sharp focus, and unwavering determination in association advocacy. Wes has been making waves in Australia’s restaurant and café sector, achieving policy wins in just 10 months that others have chased for decades.
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🎧 #50: Leading Through Growth and Advocacy: Elevating the Surveying Profession with Michelle Blicavs 


In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena chats with Michelle, CEO of Surveyors Australia, about her dynamic journey in transforming a long-standing association into a thriving, forward-thinking organisation. 
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🎧 #52: Never Waste a Crisis: Paul Zahra on Leading Through Challenges and Change


In this inspiring episode, Olena catches up with Paul Zahra, outgoing CEO of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA). Paul reflects on his journey leading the ARA through some of its toughest years—think COVID-19, economic shifts, and rapidly changing customer preferences. 

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🎧 #53 From Campsites to Canberra: Stuart Lamont on Powerful Advocacy and National Campaigns



Join Olena as she chats with Stuart Lamont, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, to uncover how bold strategies and relentless optimism fuel national advocacy and consumer campaigns.

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🎧 #54 Stronger Together: Amplifying Small Business Voices Through Association Collaboration with Luke Achterstraat


In this episode, Luke Achterstraat, CEO of COSBOA, shares how the power of collaboration amplifies the voices of small business owners who form the backbone of the Australian economy.
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🎧 #59: Seaweed, Startups and Sustainability: How to Build an Association with Impact with Lindsay Hermes



In this episode, Lindsay Hermes, CEO of the Australian Sustainable Seaweed Alliance, shares how ASSA grew from an idea to a thriving organisation, securing an $8.1M government grant.
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🎧 #55: Small Steps, Big Impact: Advocacy Framework for Small Associations with Elaine Abery



Drawing from her extensive background in government relations, Elaine shares a practical framework designed to help associations set realistic goals, tailor their messages, and establish meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.

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