January 19, 2025 • 31 mins
Astrid Hocking, the inspirational powerhouse of the not-for-profit world, shares her incredible journey and insights from two decades of empowering vulnerable children. Astrid has become a beacon of hope for local and international communities through her dynamic leadership at Hearts and Hands. Her tireless advocacy, through initiatives like the Umbrella Hearts campaign, strives to break cycles of child abuse. At the same time, her commitment to the Butterfly Hearts program uplifts those with mobility challenges. Astrid's collaborative work with orphanages in the Philippines, offering trauma-informed training for caregivers, paints a picture of compassion in action.
Our conversation unfolds the transformative power of Hearts Enhanced, an organisation devoted to empowering communities and protecting children. Astrid's work in the Philippines, helping 33 communities transition from living on dump sites to learning sustainable livelihood skills, is a testament to her impact. The Umbrella Ribbon campaign further underscores the importance of child protection awareness. Drawing from her experiences as a foster parent to nearly 90 children, Astrid shares the challenges and triumphs of fostering, emphasizing the necessity of unconditional love and nurturing environments.
Looking to the future, Astrid envisions expanding the reach of Hearts and Hands through initiatives like the Orange Ride and Camp Teddy, which aim to spread child protection awareness. We delve into the importance of community involvement and how collective efforts can drive positive change. Astrid's journey from saving Hearts and Hands from closure to building a supportive community of like-minded individuals exemplifies the power of collaboration. We invite you to support initiatives like the Small Steps for Hannah event, underscoring our vital role in fostering stronger, kinder communities.
Hearts and Hands
www.heartsandhands.net.au
---
HANNAH'S STORY
www.smallsteps4hannah.com
These sessions aim to create more awareness and empower members of the community about the early warning signs of coercive control and the tragic but inspirational story of Hannah Clarke, her three children and her family.
Presented by Michael Jeh, DV Prevention Educator
Wallsend Diggers
Friday 31 January 2025 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
5 Tyrrell Street, Wallsend NSW 2287
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1335736?qr=true&qr=true
SURVIVORS R US
Fri 31 Jan 2025 1:30 PM - 3:25 PM
57 Pendlebury Rd, Cardiff NSW 2285
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1335751?qr=true&qr=true
TORONTO WORKERS CLUB
Fri 31 Jan 2025 6:00 PM - 7:55 PM
James St, Toronto NSW 2283
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1335781?qr=true&qr=true
Thank you for listening!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Leon Goltsman (00:02):
Good morning, good afternoon or good evening
wherever you are, and welcomeback to Engaging Conversations.
I'm your host, Leon Goltsman,and I'm excited to share our
latest podcast with you as wehit the ground running in 2025,.
I want to take a moment tothank you, as always, for your
ongoing support and engagement.
It's a privilege to bring thesepowerful stories and
(00:23):
conversations to such anincredible community of
listeners.
Now, before we begin, a quickshout out to one of our amazing
sponsors, Niaz Cannoth.
As principal and lendingspecialist and co-founder of
Invest Intelligence, Niazempowers investors with socially
responsible strategies,particularly in disability
(00:43):
accommodation.
Thank you, Niaz, for supportingengaging conversations and
helping us make an impact.
Now on today's guest, a leaderwhose work is transforming
communities and touching livesin profound ways.
I'm honoured to introduceAstrid Hocking, the driving
force behind Hearts and Hands.
This remarkable not-for-profitis devoted to breaking the cycle
(01:07):
of child abuse through itsUmbrella Hearts campaign,
empowering disadvantagedcommunities and providing
resources for those living withmobility challenges via
Butterfly Hearts.
Astrid's journey includes overtwo decades as a foster parent,
partnerships with an orphanagein the Philippines and a
steadfast belief that protectingchildren is everybody's
(01:29):
responsibility.
Astrid embodies the spirit ofunconditional love, offering
people choices and opportunities, showing just how much can be
achieved when communities unitewith compassion, courage and a
common goal.
It's an inspiring conversationabout uplifting entire
communities and creating betterfutures for those who need it
(01:50):
most.
So, without further ado, let'sjump into this enlightening
discussion with Astrid Hockingof Hearts and Hands.
This is a story you won't wantto miss.
Astrid Hocking (02:01):
Hi, my name's Astrid Hocking.
I've been married for 49 years.
I've done a whole lot of thingsin my past different
experiences, from teaching,foster caring, training and
running support and training forfoster carers, teaching adults
lots of different things.
And I'm currently involved in awonderful charity called Hearts
and Hands, communityDevelopment, who run a few
(02:23):
different programs.
To be involved in Hearts andHands came about quite by
accident, because my husband andI had been foster carers for a
long, long time and my husbandcame to a decision that he'd had
enough.
He didn't have the patience todo that anymore and I said I'm
not finished, I want to still beworking or doing something with
children.
And I was introduced to a ladywho was planning a trip to the
(02:44):
Philippines.
So I said to her so what wouldyou like to do in the
Philippines?
What do you do in thePhilippines?
And she said well, mysister-in-law runs an orphanage
so I can go and visit there.
And I just looked at her andsaid can I come?
Because that seemed like anopportunity to work with
children that I really enjoyed.
So three months later I was on aplane with this total stranger
who is now a very good friend,and went along to the orphanage
(03:05):
in the Philippines, fell in lovewith the children and the
people and just worked withchildren there who were rescued
from trafficking and abandonment.
So those children kind ofreplicated the children we'd
cared for for 24 years in ourfostering career and it just
meant that it was something else.
I could continue working withchildren but not actually have
them in our home.
And what year was that?
That was in 2013,.
(03:27):
So 11 years ago.
And since then I go to thePhilippines twice a year, visit
with the children, spend a lotof time with them and I also run
because of my background intrauma and in foster caring.
I run training for the carerswho look after the children,
because there's no such thing asprofessional development for
them in a third world country.
So I run training for them tohelp them better understand the
(03:49):
children and their developmentand their trauma.
Leon Goltsman (03:52):
Hearts Enhanced, does focus on empowering
communities.
I know you yourself and yourteam do an incredible,
incredible lot, not just for oneorganisation, but bringing a
lot together.
Can you share an example of acommunity you've worked with and
the transformation you'vewitnessed?
Astrid Hocking (04:10):
Well, definitely some of the transformation that
we've been involved with.
Originally, when I went to thePhilippines, I was interested in
the children in the orphanage,but then I realised that that
particular charity Hearts andHands also worked in
disadvantaged communities, someof whom were living on dump
sites for survival, and theywere going out teaching them
livelihood skills such as sewingor hollow block making, bakery,
(04:30):
different skills that theycould earn an income so they
didn't have to live on the dumpsites.
And we've managed to so farhave 33 communities that no
longer do that for theirsurvival and they have income,
which has been really, reallyuplifting for us as well that we
can make that difference forpeople.
Leon Goltsman (04:47):
And the Umbrella Ribbon campaign raises awareness
about child protection.
What does this initiative meanto you and how do you see it
making an impact?
Astrid Hocking (04:57):
The Umbrella Hearts campaign started in the
Philippines.
Back again to the orphanage, incaring for children who'd been
traumatised by child trafficking, I realised that the carers
were basically like an umbrella,because the umbrella is a
symbol of protection.
So we designed a simple pieceof ribbon that has an umbrella
on it and it's bright orangebecause we think children
(05:18):
deserve to be bright and cheeryand happy and optimistic, and we
encourage people to wear thatribbon to start a conversation
and say it's not okay to hurt achild.
That's our mantra.
It's not okay to hurt a childEvery day.
It's not okay.
And we say that protectingchildren's everyone's
responsibility.
So we just.
It's really close to my heart.
The protection of children hasalways been there for me for a
(05:39):
long, long, long time.
It's just a lifelong passion.
If we can do anything to spreadthat message as far and wide as
we can to help protect childreneverywhere, that would be
wonderful.
Leon Goltsman (05:52):
On a personal level, have also been a foster
parent for over 24 years, caringfor around 90 children.
How has that shaped yourperspective on supporting
vulnerable children and families?
Astrid Hocking (06:03):
Caring for those children over the 24 years has
been an amazing experience,uplifting at times, very, very
challenging at times, when youhave children who have come from
abused and traumaticbackgrounds themselves and a
very, very disadvantage for thefact that they're leaving their
normality, coming to astranger's home.
(06:25):
So we have to get used to them,they have to get used to us and
our routines and every householdis different.
So it is a challenge for thechildren and I think that's
probably from my perspectivealways trying to put myself in
the child's shoes as well, tothink where have they come from,
what do they need the most?
And from my perspective, Ithink that children everywhere
(06:46):
are very good at something.
Sometimes it's ourresponsibility as an adult to
find what they're good at, butit's also our responsibility to
give them love, unconditionallove, not based on their
behaviors, not based on whatthey do or what they can or
can't do, just unconditionallove, which we all deserve.
And then realizing that we needto also teach them that there
are other choices they can makein life, other opportunities we
(07:08):
can give them.
And if children have come froma traumatic, abusive background,
unless they're shown anotherway of life, they'll become the
next generation of abusiveparents, and we don't want that
for our society.
So I want to really help make adifference.
That's what I've been trying todo for a long, long time.
Leon Goltsman (07:24):
And you are making a huge difference in the
local communities, but you'realso you spend a lot of time
overseas partnering up withorphanages.
What are some of the challengesand triumphs you've encountered
in this international effort?
Astrid Hocking (07:38):
Travelling to the Philippines is a challenge
in that our cultures are very,very different.
Their culture is that if theparents are not able to, for
whatever reason, look aftertheir children or actually in
the Philippines, a lot of theirparents travel overseas and
leave the children behind to belooked after by either their
parents so the grandparents oraunties and uncles, but because
(08:01):
they haven't had, as invested, atie with the children, many of
those children then becomeabused as well.
Just on the island that I go to, which is the island of Negros,
there are 4.6 million peopleand they're estimating that
almost a million of thosechildren are abused in some way.
That's a huge percentage of thechildren in that area.
(08:22):
That's where we really want tomake a difference across
everywhere.
But the difference in culture Istruggle with because it is
very different.
But I also think that, nomatter where you are, if we tell
people what they can't do and Iknow new people coming into
Australia we have refugees whocome here they come from a
different cultural backgroundwhere they can or they do
(08:43):
practice different child raisingperspectives.
Sometimes that involves what wenow see as abuse.
We tell them they can't do that, but we don't actually give
them strategies to change that.
If we say to somebody you can'tdo something, we have to give
them alternatives, and that'ssomething we're not good at.
So I like to say, no, well,let's look at other strategies.
(09:03):
I know in all of the childrenthat we cared for and my own
children, because we do havebiological children as well I
think one of the things that Ilearned very early on was not to
physically use punishment inany way on a child, because I
did smack one of my own childrenonce the only child I ever
smacked because he was puttingsomething in a PowerPoint after
being told not to, and he stilldid it.
I smacked because he was puttingsomething in a PowerPoint after
(09:24):
being told not to, and he stilldid it.
I smacked his bottom and he wasonly two and a half.
Within 10 minutes he smackedhis little brother, who was a
baby.
He smacked him, and when I saidto him that was the wrong thing
to do, he looked at me and saidbut mummy, you smacked me and I
learned from that that what Ihad done was teach him violence
was okay.
He just didn't know the extent,and that's the problem we have
(09:46):
as well when people say, well, Iwas smacked, or this happens to
me, or I'm only gentle.
The problem is people don'talways know what the extent is
and they do it further than whatthey may otherwise do or what
they really intend and they sayit's okay.
But it's actually not becauseyou're teaching violence is okay
.
Leon Goltsman (10:04):
One of the things , as well, that I admire.
There's a lot of things Iadmire about your organisation,
but one of them is ButterflyHearts, which offers resources
for people with mobility issues.
What inspired this initiativeand how is it making a
difference in people's lives?
Astrid Hocking (10:20):
Butterfly Hearts came about quite accidentally
because my husband was involvedin a bad accident and he
realised he needed furthersupports in different ways, and
he said I don't like the termdisabled, I don't want to be
called or labelled disabled.
And so we became verypersonally aware of what was
happening with our society.
We labelled people and we wantto say no, everyone is very,
(10:42):
very important.
Some people just have morestruggles than others.
And we want to know no,everyone is very, very important
, some people just have morestruggles than others.
And we want to know how we canhelp with those struggles.
So we try to say that those thathave a supposed issue of some
kind in their movements, we say,rather than you can't do those
things, we want to change thingsaround and say we have a can-do
attitude.
Sometimes we just have to finda different way to do things and
(11:04):
try to make it positive.
So we offer lots of information.
People can go there and fairlyeasily access the information
that they want to where theremight be services.
It's Australian-based, it'sweb-based, easy to access lots
of information there.
So it's not labelled asdisabled, it's labelled as those
people that may have mobilityissues and that can be of any
(11:25):
age, and as we age certainly asI am a grandmother as well we do
find that there are strugglesin certain ways, and we just
need to find how we can dothings rather than say we can't.
Leon Goltsman (11:38):
And that's a very , very good point that you've
raised.
But it also what that does isit reaches out to volunteers,
and volunteers, as we know, playa significant role in the kind
of work that you do.
What makes someone a greatvolunteer and how do you ensure
they feel valued and impactful?
Astrid Hocking (11:56):
I think volunteers are very, very
important.
Our charity the Hearts andHands are totally volunteer
based.
None of us are paid foranything.
We don't have any governmentfunding.
We just do fundraising fromtime to time to keep our
organisation going.
Everything we do is volunteerdriven and it's really just
about telling people they areimportant and showing them that,
(12:18):
giving them a pat on the back,saying thank you for the work
they do, showing that they arevalued, giving them a
certificate of appreciation.
A couple of years ago I didcertificates for each of our
volunteers who just come alongbecause they want to make a
little bit of difference, don'thave a lot of time.
Sometimes it's a social outingto be involved in something as
well, to volunteer and work.
And when I did thosecertificates a couple of years
(12:40):
ago, one of the ladies who wasin her 60s, said to me I've
never been recognised oracknowledged for anything I've
done, and she was just over themoon and I thought, no, that is
really, really super important.
So we do like to giverecognition, give them a pat on
the back and give them some food.
Food's always important, it's amotivator, it's also something
(13:01):
that connects people, thatsocial experience getting
together.
So it's not just volunteeringand helping, but knowing they
can make a difference and beingtold constantly that they are
making a difference to helppeople.
Leon Goltsman (13:13):
And you mentioned food.
One thing I can say about foodis that food is the
international language of love.
Do you agree with that?
Astrid Hocking (13:21):
Absolutely.
It's definitely a language oflove we always have.
When we get the volunteerstogether, we always have a
lovely morning tea.
My husband acts as the baristaand they tell him what sort of
coffee they want and we alwayshave a nice chit-chat around
that time.
So it's social time as well andthat is very, very important.
Sometimes we even have you saidabout international sometimes
we call it an internationalmorning tea and they'll bring
(13:42):
and each one contributes in someway, and they'll bring
something from their ownbackgrounds and it's nice to
really have that reflection ofwhere people have come from and
discussion about that food too,but the real fundamental reason
and purpose for doing what youdo and I also noticed your nail
polish is also orange, that's.
My granddaughter painted myfingernails, yes, but she always
(14:04):
.
Everyone laughs and many of myfriends say to me if we see
orange in the shops anywhere, wealways think of you.
So it's really nice to beremembered for something special
too, but it's all to do withthe children.
It's just that colour ofbrightness and happiness for
children.
So let's all just protect ourchildren.
Wherever we can, do whatever wecan to protect the children.
Leon Goltsman (14:23):
I love your message and, of course, child
abuse prevention is a criticalfocus of what you and the
volunteers and your organisationis trying to achieve.
How do you approach thissensitive topic to create
meaningful conversation andchange?
Astrid Hocking (14:39):
Well, I think the fact that we have the
ribbons which is a very simpleribbon, as I said before, with
orange and the umbrella on itit's our own design, our own
ribbon.
Now we actually have them inmany, many places that people
can purchase a ribbon.
We also give them away.
We go to expos and shows andthings, really trying to promote
it as widely as we possibly can.
(15:00):
Go to councils and talk tocouncillors about getting um
councils on side lake macquariecouncil has made an official
motion to say they absolutelysupport our organization and
what we do with the umbrellaribbons.
But wearing that ribboneverywhere and I do wear it
every day, no matter where Igoing.
I can go to special awardsnights or whatever else that's
(15:20):
happening and I will still wearmy ribbon.
And people always comment andthe thing that wearing the
ribbon is, it's the conversationstarter.
People will say what is that?
Because they don't recognise it.
I have to say I have a goalthat everyone eventually will
recognise that and do somethingabout it.
It starts the conversation.
They ask what is the ribbon?
(15:44):
You can say it's about childprotection and on goes the
conversation.
You can challenge people'sthinking just by wearing a
ribbon and I know it's changedbehaviours.
It has changed communities inthe Philippines.
We now have many communitiesacross the Philippines who say
they have zero tolerance toabuse, because we've talked to
them about that ribbon and theywear the ribbon as well and
they're actually promoting itvery big over there.
It has been launched officiallyas a program in Australia with
National Child ProtectionAwareness Day declared in
(16:06):
September, even though we sayevery day it's important.
It's also been launchedofficially in the Philippines as
a recognised child protectionawareness campaign.
So we're really just trying tomake a difference wherever we
can.
Leon Goltsman (16:19):
I think we need to knock on some of the doors of
our elected representatives.
I might actually speak to youabout this offline, especially
this time of year.
Now everyone's talking aboutelection and everyone's talking
about what they're going to dofor the economy and what they're
going to do to improve thestandard of living.
Astrid Hocking (16:44):
But this is the fundamental issue that often
falls through the cracks.
Yep, definitely we need to bespeaking to more people, but I
have to say one of the thingsthat we've started now.
We've realised we've beenraising that awareness for so
long, because we officiallylaunched this in 2015 as a
program and we've been doingwhat we can in small ways, but
we're getting larger.
We've now said that, well, okay, we've done awareness, we're
still continuing to do that.
We then started an advocacy andwe have been visiting
(17:08):
politicians.
I've been to Canberra, I'vebeen to Sydney, I've been to
political offices.
We have the Hunterrepresentative for federally,
dan Ripicoli, as an ambassadorfor the program as well, and I
also wanted to mention that wehave a lot of support from our
local member for the LakeMacquarie area, and that's Greg
Piper.
He's been fantastic in thesupport of Hearts and Hands and
(17:31):
our program for Umbrella Hearts,and I just want to say thank
you to Greg for that support,because it's important and
within Greg's area, on the 31stof January, we're running a
session called Small Steps forHannah, which is around raising
awareness of domestic violencein our communities, and I think
that's really, really importantto go with our programs as well,
(17:51):
because in domestic violencealmost every case involves
children.
So on the 31st of January inToronto we're running that
session.
So that would be wonderful forpeople to attend and I'm sure
Greg will be supportive of that.
So if people wanted toparticipate or attend, if people
would like to come along tothat event on the 31st of
January.
It's being held at TorontoWorkers' Club and you can book
(18:12):
that through Try Booking.
It's called Small Steps forHannah and it's on at Toronto
Workers' Club.
Leon Goltsman (18:17):
Oh, that's fantastic.
Well, I'll definitely put.
Astrid Hocking (18:21):
And we are speaking to lots of politicians.
We do need to do that even more.
So that's our advocacy as well.
And then we're going intoaction because we think that
again, what I said before is,rather than saying people what
you can't do, we have to replacethat with some suggestions of
what you can.
So we've actually now have acouple of things happening.
We've got Changing PracticePractice Change as a program on
(18:44):
our website that's availablefree to everyone.
They can look at that, answerquestions, which actually gives
them the opportunity to reflecton where their own parenting
styles come from, and when youreflect on that, you can make
changes because it gives you theopportunity to think.
Then we also have our book nowthat we've released, called
Basics of Child Raising, whichis a very simple small booklet
(19:07):
available to anyone.
We've got some sponsorships andcertainly seeking further
sponsorship of that book to handit out wherever.
It may be useful to anyone thatthey can read that and have
some suggestions, and we'd lovefeedback on that as well.
So if somebody wants that,we've got the website as well
wwwheartsandhandsnetau.
Looking at that website, you'llfind some different resources
(19:31):
there Butterfly Hearts, umbrellaHearts lots of information,
lots of links to other sites aswell.
That could be useful.
So we're hoping to go into allof those areas of awareness,
advocacy and action.
Leon Goltsman (19:42):
Astrid, that's fantastic, and I'll have all
that available on the show notesas well.
Astrid Hocking (19:46):
Thank you.
Yeah, that's wonderful.
There's a lot of stuff thereand a lot more available, and
ideas are very, very welcome.
Volunteers are very welcome.
Donations are very welcome aswell.
We have an organisation inMelbourne as well that currently
sponsor our book and are doingquite a lot for us through the
Royal Children's Hospital inMelbourne, and we're looking for
(20:09):
more opportunities to spreadthat further.
Leon Goltsman (20:13):
Oh well, this is fantastic.
Thank you so much for all thatyou do.
Astrid Hocking (20:17):
Thank you.
Thank you, it's wonderful to beable to share the information
as well.
Leon Goltsman (20:21):
Astrid, you're very inspiring.
You know someone who's comefrom a teaching background to
charity work.
What skills or experience fromyour teaching career has been
the most valuable in yourcurrent role?
Astrid Hocking (20:34):
I think, sharing recognising that people are
important.
I have a saying that says and Ilearned this in a business a
long, long time ago everyone hasan invisible sign around their
neck that says make me feelimportant.
So look at people.
When you speak to them, try toremember their names, and that's
always a bit of a challenge,but I really try to do that.
I can certainly do it withchildren more so than adults.
(20:56):
But I think also just respect,being respectful and kind and
gentle in whatever you do, notbeing adversarial Probably those
things are quite important tome.
Leon Goltsman (21:08):
And somebody who gives it 110% in what you do.
I also am very fortunatebecause I do take glimpses of
your personal life and forpeople who lead busy lives, how
do you balance your life?
Astrid Hocking (21:25):
I think one of my biggest things is my passion.
My husband sometimes says Ihaven't learned to say no just
yet.
I'm getting better at that.
I think taking care of yourselfis always very, very important.
You do need to have some timeout for yourself, and I
recognise that.
I've currently got mygrandchildren staying with me
and loving every moment of that.
(21:45):
I do try to spend a little timeeach week just for me in doing
something social.
It might be just catching upwith someone with a coffee,
having a bit of a debrief, andalways the conversation gets
around to hearts and hands.
But it's something that I amvery passionate about, but doing
something with a heart.
And sometimes people say to meso what does retirement mean to
(22:05):
you?
Because I did retire eightyears ago.
But in that I say thatretirement has a different
feeling because it just meansthat you can do whatever you
want.
You can get up in the morningand do what you choose to do
with a passion.
You just don't get paid for itbecause it's voluntary, but it's
a lot of fun.
Leon Goltsman (22:24):
But the rewards are often a lot greater.
Astrid Hocking (22:26):
Absolutely.
The rewards are different.
Yeah, it doesn't have a thing.
I also have one other sayingthat about professionalism,
because people quite often linkprofessionalism or a profession
of such with a monetary valueand with a paycheck.
Professionalism to me is anattitude, not about the paycheck
.
Leon Goltsman (22:44):
And the satisfaction.
Astrid Hocking (22:46):
Absolutely the satisfaction and knowing you are
making a difference.
Leon Goltsman (22:49):
Well, you certainly are, and talking about
making a difference, whatadvice would you give to someone
who, too, wants to start acharity organisation or get
involved in the community work,but doesn't know where to begin?
Astrid Hocking (23:04):
I think, just making sure that it is something
you have a passion for and havea belief in, and work with that
with integrity.
Things will happen when they'remeant to be.
I didn't start Hearts and Hands, however, when, just a few
years ago, the people who hadstarted the organisation came to
me.
They knew I had a passion forit, and they came to me and said
look, we're going in differentdirections and we're going to
(23:26):
close the charity unless youwould like to take it on.
I thought for about 30 secondsand went no, you cannot close it
.
No, okay, I'll take it on, andaway they went.
But what I did then was gatheraround me people who also
believed in that, people whoknew me, and I rang quite a few
friends and said look, I reallyneed some help.
I can't do this on my own, sohaving someone around you as
well was important.
I rang quite a few friends andsaid look, I really need some
help.
I can't do this on my own, sohaving someone around you as
(23:47):
well was important.
I gathered quite a few friends.
They came to my home, we had ameeting and I had five people
put their hands up and say yes,we're on the board.
We're there with you, so gatherpeople with like-minded
thoughts as well.
Leon Goltsman (23:59):
Well, that's very , very important to have the
right people around you.
To have the right people aroundyou.
The first thing I was thinkingnow is 30 seconds.
What took you so long?
Astrid Hocking (24:08):
Well, maybe it wasn't 30 seconds.
I was scared.
I was absolutely scared, I haveto say.
The very first time when Ifirst decided to even be
involved in 2013, when I'd askeda total stranger can I come,
too, to this orphanage in thePhilippines, I barely knew where
the Philippines was, let alonegoing to this country, and three
months later, getting on aplane with somebody I also
(24:29):
barely knew, I cried quite a bitof the way between Sydney and
Manila, flying there, and theair hostess thought I was scared
of flying and I couldn't tellher no, it was just that I'm
scared of what I'm doing.
I don't know what I'm going todo when I get there.
So it was rather a strangething to look back on, but it
was just something I knew I hadto do.
It was just something I really,really, really wanted to do.
Leon Goltsman (24:49):
Well, looking back, it was a very courageous
move, but we're here at a startof a new year, 2025, looking
ahead and what are your dreamsfor Hearts and Hands, and how
can the community get involvedto support your vision?
Astrid Hocking (25:03):
I would love more support.
We would love to have morevolunteers in different
locations as well.
We've had some very successfulchild protection events that we
ran in September this year andwe'd like to see those become
Australia-wide.
And one of those was a bikeride a motorbike because it's a
passion of my husband's and wecall that the Orange Ride for
Child Protection, and wegathered a lot of motorbike
(25:25):
riders around and we went fromone location to another.
We had the Lions Club as well,very supportive of us, running
breakfast for the riders, andthen we had a family fun day of
activities at the end and we'dlike to see those kind of events
.
Further around.
We had Camp Teddy, where weinvolved children because we
thought this is about children,we need to do that in a fun way
(25:47):
as well, so children couldregister their teddy bear or a
soft toy to come along with usfor two weeks and they could
register and tick off someactivities the teddy would do
when they go off on camp and wecollected all these teddies and
soft toys and took photos ofthem in different locations and
they could go kayaking orabseiling or all different
having a picnic all differentsorts of things they could do,
(26:10):
and I think we can set those upin different locations as well,
really just to spread themessage, because we had children
saying that this is about us,this is about child protection,
so we need to be cared for.
So it was wonderful to have thekids involved as well in a fun
way.
So my goal I guess from thechild perspective part sort of
thing as you can tell I'm verypassionate about that for
(26:30):
Umbrella Hearts and for ourribbon to be recognised
everywhere so that if somebodysaw the orange ribbon with the
umbrella on it they would knowthat's about child protection.
That would be my goal thateveryone could recognise.
That's what it's about have theconversation and make change in
our community.
Leon Goltsman (26:44):
That's what it's about have the conversation and
make change in our community.
Well, how about in 2025,?
We'll do one year at a time.
We'll get those ribbons outthere.
I might have to get a wholeheap from you.
Astrid Hocking (26:53):
Yep, and that can absolutely be done.
We have in my home.
We have a band of 20 volunteerswho come on a regular basis and
that's growing and they make upthe ribbons.
We buy the ribbon wholesale andwe get all the different
components, put them alltogether professionally and then
distribute them as wide as wecan, and we're doing that more
(27:13):
often.
And people have actually saidat our last AGM because I have a
particular volunteer who's verypassionate about that and
that's his baby.
He's in charge of setting thatup and getting the team all
working with that and heactually said well, if she's
going to be out there morepromoting this, we need to be
making more, so we might need tomeet more often to make more
ribbons.
So we can absolutely do that.
Leon Goltsman (27:34):
So we need to see more ribbons out there.
Now, if you're a school, ateacher, a student, even a
council worker, what would theyneed to do to get ribbons?
Astrid Hocking (27:46):
If you'd like to get more ribbons.
One of the ways to do that isto either contact me personally
or you can go onto our website.
We've got a little shop on thewebsite.
We can send those ribbons toyou.
If you just let us know howmany you need, we can send them
out.
We On the website, we can sendthose ribbons to you.
If you just let us know howmany you need, we can send them
out.
We've sent large packages outto different organisations.
We'd like to see councilworkers, police, schools,
(28:06):
hospitals all wearing theribbons so that they can share
that message that it isimportant, but particularly
anyone working in the area ofchildren your schools, your
hospitals, child protectionworkers all of those need to be
wearing that and saying this isvery, very important to everyone
, but it is everyone'sresponsibility.
It's not a case.
Somebody said to me recently ohwell, you know I'm not a
(28:28):
mandatory reporter so I don'tneed you.
She was telling me about anissue that she knew of, of some
child abuse that was happening,and she said oh, but.
And I said have you reportedthat?
I said you're telling me, butI'm getting that information
secondhand.
Have you reported?
She said, oh no, I'm not amandatory reporter.
I said that doesn't matter.
I said as far as I'm concerned,every person in our community
(28:50):
needs to be consideredthemselves as a mandatory
reporter Everyone.
If you're aware of child abuse,you need to report it.
If you don't, you're beingcomplicit and you're saying it's
okay.
Leon Goltsman (29:00):
Well, we're in this together, so we all need to
call out good activity,recognise people who do good
things, but also call out thethings that need to be called
out, and I commend you foreverything that you do.
Thank you for coming on andspeaking to me and sharing your
journey with the audience.
It's great to have you here.
Astrid Hocking (29:20):
It's been a privilege and a pleasure, but
thank you because I love theopportunity to share this
information.
Leon Goltsman (29:25):
Thank you very much, and that's a wrap.
A heartfelt thank you to ourspecial guest, astrid Hocking,
for sharing her incrediblejourney, one that reminds us how
simple acts of kindness can setoff a chain reaction of
life-changing transformations.
From fostering nearly 90children to uplifting entire
communities through hearts andhands, astrid exemplifies the
(29:48):
power of unwavering dedicationand genuine compassion.
And speaking of genuinecompassion, there's one story
that Astrid shared after wefinished recording that truly
struck my heart.
It's about a young lady who shemet in the Philippines, an
infant at the time, wholiterally took Astrid by the
hand on her very first visit.
(30:09):
Over the years, that littlegirl grew up to earn a
university degree and took careof her younger siblings.
When her wedding day finallycame, she asked Astrid to walk
her down the aisle becauseAstrid was the closest thing she
had to a parent.
Now, if that's not a reason togive back, I don't know what
else he has.
(30:29):
Astrid said, and I couldn'tagree with her more Community,
after all, is giving back andmaking the world a better place.
If you'd like to support Heartsand Hands or learn more about
the Umbrella Hearts RibbonCampaign, you'll find all the
details in our show notes, andplease remember there's an
upcoming event on January 31stSmall Steps for Hannah.
(30:52):
Your support and engagement canmake a real difference there
too.
A final thanks to our sponsor,Niaz Cannoth, for making this
show possible, and thank you, asalways, to our wonderful
listeners for tuning in, sharingthese stories and helping us
build stronger kindercommunities, one conversation at
a time.
If today's episode resonatedwith you, please share it with
(31:15):
your friends and family.
Your support helps us continuebringing these impactful stories
to light.
I'm Leon Goltsman and I lookforward to our next engaging
conversation.
Until then, stay safe, stayconnected and let's keep making
a difference together.
Good morning, good afternoon or good evening
wherever you are, and welcomeback to Engaging Conversations.
I'm your host, Leon Goltsman,and I'm excited to share our
latest podcast with you as wehit the ground running in 2025,.
I want to take a moment tothank you, as always, for your
ongoing support and engagement.
It's a privilege to bring thesepowerful stories and
(00:23):
conversations to such anincredible community of
listeners.
Now, before we begin, a quickshout out to one of our amazing
sponsors, Niaz Cannoth.
As principal and lendingspecialist and co-founder of
Invest Intelligence, Niazempowers investors with socially
responsible strategies,particularly in disability
(00:43):
accommodation.
Thank you, Niaz, for supportingengaging conversations and
helping us make an impact.
Now on today's guest, a leaderwhose work is transforming
communities and touching livesin profound ways.
I'm honoured to introduceAstrid Hocking, the driving
force behind Hearts and Hands.
This remarkable not-for-profitis devoted to breaking the cycle
(01:07):
of child abuse through itsUmbrella Hearts campaign,
empowering disadvantagedcommunities and providing
resources for those living withmobility challenges via
Butterfly Hearts.
Astrid's journey includes overtwo decades as a foster parent,
partnerships with an orphanagein the Philippines and a
steadfast belief that protectingchildren is everybody's
(01:29):
responsibility.
Astrid embodies the spirit ofunconditional love, offering
people choices and opportunities, showing just how much can be
achieved when communities unitewith compassion, courage and a
common goal.
It's an inspiring conversationabout uplifting entire
communities and creating betterfutures for those who need it
(01:50):
most.
So, without further ado, let'sjump into this enlightening
discussion with Astrid Hockingof Hearts and Hands.
This is a story you won't wantto miss.
Astrid Hocking (02:01):
Hi, my name's Astrid Hocking.
I've been married for 49 years.
I've done a whole lot of thingsin my past different
experiences, from teaching,foster caring, training and
running support and training forfoster carers, teaching adults
lots of different things.
And I'm currently involved in awonderful charity called Hearts
and Hands, communityDevelopment, who run a few
(02:23):
different programs.
To be involved in Hearts andHands came about quite by
accident, because my husband andI had been foster carers for a
long, long time and my husbandcame to a decision that he'd had
enough.
He didn't have the patience todo that anymore and I said I'm
not finished, I want to still beworking or doing something with
children.
And I was introduced to a ladywho was planning a trip to the
(02:44):
Philippines.
So I said to her so what wouldyou like to do in the
Philippines?
What do you do in thePhilippines?
And she said well, mysister-in-law runs an orphanage
so I can go and visit there.
And I just looked at her andsaid can I come?
Because that seemed like anopportunity to work with
children that I really enjoyed.
So three months later I was on aplane with this total stranger
who is now a very good friend,and went along to the orphanage
(03:05):
in the Philippines, fell in lovewith the children and the
people and just worked withchildren there who were rescued
from trafficking and abandonment.
So those children kind ofreplicated the children we'd
cared for for 24 years in ourfostering career and it just
meant that it was something else.
I could continue working withchildren but not actually have
them in our home.
And what year was that?
That was in 2013,.
(03:27):
So 11 years ago.
And since then I go to thePhilippines twice a year, visit
with the children, spend a lotof time with them and I also run
because of my background intrauma and in foster caring.
I run training for the carerswho look after the children,
because there's no such thing asprofessional development for
them in a third world country.
So I run training for them tohelp them better understand the
(03:49):
children and their developmentand their trauma.
Leon Goltsman (03:52):
Hearts Enhanced, does focus on empowering
communities.
I know you yourself and yourteam do an incredible,
incredible lot, not just for oneorganisation, but bringing a
lot together.
Can you share an example of acommunity you've worked with and
the transformation you'vewitnessed?
Astrid Hocking (04:10):
Well, definitely some of the transformation that
we've been involved with.
Originally, when I went to thePhilippines, I was interested in
the children in the orphanage,but then I realised that that
particular charity Hearts andHands also worked in
disadvantaged communities, someof whom were living on dump
sites for survival, and theywere going out teaching them
livelihood skills such as sewingor hollow block making, bakery,
(04:30):
different skills that theycould earn an income so they
didn't have to live on the dumpsites.
And we've managed to so farhave 33 communities that no
longer do that for theirsurvival and they have income,
which has been really, reallyuplifting for us as well that we
can make that difference forpeople.
Leon Goltsman (04:47):
And the Umbrella Ribbon campaign raises awareness
about child protection.
What does this initiative meanto you and how do you see it
making an impact?
Astrid Hocking (04:57):
The Umbrella Hearts campaign started in the
Philippines.
Back again to the orphanage, incaring for children who'd been
traumatised by child trafficking, I realised that the carers
were basically like an umbrella,because the umbrella is a
symbol of protection.
So we designed a simple pieceof ribbon that has an umbrella
on it and it's bright orangebecause we think children
(05:18):
deserve to be bright and cheeryand happy and optimistic, and we
encourage people to wear thatribbon to start a conversation
and say it's not okay to hurt achild.
That's our mantra.
It's not okay to hurt a childEvery day.
It's not okay.
And we say that protectingchildren's everyone's
responsibility.
So we just.
It's really close to my heart.
The protection of children hasalways been there for me for a
(05:39):
long, long, long time.
It's just a lifelong passion.
If we can do anything to spreadthat message as far and wide as
we can to help protect childreneverywhere, that would be
wonderful.
Leon Goltsman (05:52):
On a personal level, have also been a foster
parent for over 24 years, caringfor around 90 children.
How has that shaped yourperspective on supporting
vulnerable children and families?
Astrid Hocking (06:03):
Caring for those children over the 24 years has
been an amazing experience,uplifting at times, very, very
challenging at times, when youhave children who have come from
abused and traumaticbackgrounds themselves and a
very, very disadvantage for thefact that they're leaving their
normality, coming to astranger's home.
(06:25):
So we have to get used to them,they have to get used to us and
our routines and every householdis different.
So it is a challenge for thechildren and I think that's
probably from my perspectivealways trying to put myself in
the child's shoes as well, tothink where have they come from,
what do they need the most?
And from my perspective, Ithink that children everywhere
(06:46):
are very good at something.
Sometimes it's ourresponsibility as an adult to
find what they're good at, butit's also our responsibility to
give them love, unconditionallove, not based on their
behaviors, not based on whatthey do or what they can or
can't do, just unconditionallove, which we all deserve.
And then realizing that we needto also teach them that there
are other choices they can makein life, other opportunities we
(07:08):
can give them.
And if children have come froma traumatic, abusive background,
unless they're shown anotherway of life, they'll become the
next generation of abusiveparents, and we don't want that
for our society.
So I want to really help make adifference.
That's what I've been trying todo for a long, long time.
Leon Goltsman (07:24):
And you are making a huge difference in the
local communities, but you'realso you spend a lot of time
overseas partnering up withorphanages.
What are some of the challengesand triumphs you've encountered
in this international effort?
Astrid Hocking (07:38):
Travelling to the Philippines is a challenge
in that our cultures are very,very different.
Their culture is that if theparents are not able to, for
whatever reason, look aftertheir children or actually in
the Philippines, a lot of theirparents travel overseas and
leave the children behind to belooked after by either their
parents so the grandparents oraunties and uncles, but because
(08:01):
they haven't had, as invested, atie with the children, many of
those children then becomeabused as well.
Just on the island that I go to, which is the island of Negros,
there are 4.6 million peopleand they're estimating that
almost a million of thosechildren are abused in some way.
That's a huge percentage of thechildren in that area.
(08:22):
That's where we really want tomake a difference across
everywhere.
But the difference in culture Istruggle with because it is
very different.
But I also think that, nomatter where you are, if we tell
people what they can't do and Iknow new people coming into
Australia we have refugees whocome here they come from a
different cultural backgroundwhere they can or they do
(08:43):
practice different child raisingperspectives.
Sometimes that involves what wenow see as abuse.
We tell them they can't do that, but we don't actually give
them strategies to change that.
If we say to somebody you can'tdo something, we have to give
them alternatives, and that'ssomething we're not good at.
So I like to say, no, well,let's look at other strategies.
(09:03):
I know in all of the childrenthat we cared for and my own
children, because we do havebiological children as well I
think one of the things that Ilearned very early on was not to
physically use punishment inany way on a child, because I
did smack one of my own childrenonce the only child I ever
smacked because he was puttingsomething in a PowerPoint after
being told not to, and he stilldid it.
I smacked because he was puttingsomething in a PowerPoint after
(09:24):
being told not to, and he stilldid it.
I smacked his bottom and he wasonly two and a half.
Within 10 minutes he smackedhis little brother, who was a
baby.
He smacked him, and when I saidto him that was the wrong thing
to do, he looked at me and saidbut mummy, you smacked me and I
learned from that that what Ihad done was teach him violence
was okay.
He just didn't know the extent,and that's the problem we have
(09:46):
as well when people say, well, Iwas smacked, or this happens to
me, or I'm only gentle.
The problem is people don'talways know what the extent is
and they do it further than whatthey may otherwise do or what
they really intend and they sayit's okay.
But it's actually not becauseyou're teaching violence is okay
.
Leon Goltsman (10:04):
One of the things , as well, that I admire.
There's a lot of things Iadmire about your organisation,
but one of them is ButterflyHearts, which offers resources
for people with mobility issues.
What inspired this initiativeand how is it making a
difference in people's lives?
Astrid Hocking (10:20):
Butterfly Hearts came about quite accidentally
because my husband was involvedin a bad accident and he
realised he needed furthersupports in different ways, and
he said I don't like the termdisabled, I don't want to be
called or labelled disabled.
And so we became verypersonally aware of what was
happening with our society.
We labelled people and we wantto say no, everyone is very,
(10:42):
very important.
Some people just have morestruggles than others.
And we want to know no,everyone is very, very important
, some people just have morestruggles than others.
And we want to know how we canhelp with those struggles.
So we try to say that those thathave a supposed issue of some
kind in their movements, we say,rather than you can't do those
things, we want to change thingsaround and say we have a can-do
attitude.
Sometimes we just have to finda different way to do things and
(11:04):
try to make it positive.
So we offer lots of information.
People can go there and fairlyeasily access the information
that they want to where theremight be services.
It's Australian-based, it'sweb-based, easy to access lots
of information there.
So it's not labelled asdisabled, it's labelled as those
people that may have mobilityissues and that can be of any
(11:25):
age, and as we age certainly asI am a grandmother as well we do
find that there are strugglesin certain ways, and we just
need to find how we can dothings rather than say we can't.
Leon Goltsman (11:38):
And that's a very , very good point that you've
raised.
But it also what that does isit reaches out to volunteers,
and volunteers, as we know, playa significant role in the kind
of work that you do.
What makes someone a greatvolunteer and how do you ensure
they feel valued and impactful?
Astrid Hocking (11:56):
I think volunteers are very, very
important.
Our charity the Hearts andHands are totally volunteer
based.
None of us are paid foranything.
We don't have any governmentfunding.
We just do fundraising fromtime to time to keep our
organisation going.
Everything we do is volunteerdriven and it's really just
about telling people they areimportant and showing them that,
(12:18):
giving them a pat on the back,saying thank you for the work
they do, showing that they arevalued, giving them a
certificate of appreciation.
A couple of years ago I didcertificates for each of our
volunteers who just come alongbecause they want to make a
little bit of difference, don'thave a lot of time.
Sometimes it's a social outingto be involved in something as
well, to volunteer and work.
And when I did thosecertificates a couple of years
(12:40):
ago, one of the ladies who wasin her 60s, said to me I've
never been recognised oracknowledged for anything I've
done, and she was just over themoon and I thought, no, that is
really, really super important.
So we do like to giverecognition, give them a pat on
the back and give them some food.
Food's always important, it's amotivator, it's also something
(13:01):
that connects people, thatsocial experience getting
together.
So it's not just volunteeringand helping, but knowing they
can make a difference and beingtold constantly that they are
making a difference to helppeople.
Leon Goltsman (13:13):
And you mentioned food.
One thing I can say about foodis that food is the
international language of love.
Do you agree with that?
Astrid Hocking (13:21):
Absolutely.
It's definitely a language oflove we always have.
When we get the volunteerstogether, we always have a
lovely morning tea.
My husband acts as the baristaand they tell him what sort of
coffee they want and we alwayshave a nice chit-chat around
that time.
So it's social time as well andthat is very, very important.
Sometimes we even have you saidabout international sometimes
we call it an internationalmorning tea and they'll bring
(13:42):
and each one contributes in someway, and they'll bring
something from their ownbackgrounds and it's nice to
really have that reflection ofwhere people have come from and
discussion about that food too,but the real fundamental reason
and purpose for doing what youdo and I also noticed your nail
polish is also orange, that's.
My granddaughter painted myfingernails, yes, but she always
(14:04):
.
Everyone laughs and many of myfriends say to me if we see
orange in the shops anywhere, wealways think of you.
So it's really nice to beremembered for something special
too, but it's all to do withthe children.
It's just that colour ofbrightness and happiness for
children.
So let's all just protect ourchildren.
Wherever we can, do whatever wecan to protect the children.
Leon Goltsman (14:23):
I love your message and, of course, child
abuse prevention is a criticalfocus of what you and the
volunteers and your organisationis trying to achieve.
How do you approach thissensitive topic to create
meaningful conversation andchange?
Astrid Hocking (14:39):
Well, I think the fact that we have the
ribbons which is a very simpleribbon, as I said before, with
orange and the umbrella on itit's our own design, our own
ribbon.
Now we actually have them inmany, many places that people
can purchase a ribbon.
We also give them away.
We go to expos and shows andthings, really trying to promote
it as widely as we possibly can.
(15:00):
Go to councils and talk tocouncillors about getting um
councils on side lake macquariecouncil has made an official
motion to say they absolutelysupport our organization and
what we do with the umbrellaribbons.
But wearing that ribboneverywhere and I do wear it
every day, no matter where Igoing.
I can go to special awardsnights or whatever else that's
(15:20):
happening and I will still wearmy ribbon.
And people always comment andthe thing that wearing the
ribbon is, it's the conversationstarter.
People will say what is that?
Because they don't recognise it.
I have to say I have a goalthat everyone eventually will
recognise that and do somethingabout it.
It starts the conversation.
They ask what is the ribbon?
(15:44):
You can say it's about childprotection and on goes the
conversation.
You can challenge people'sthinking just by wearing a
ribbon and I know it's changedbehaviours.
It has changed communities inthe Philippines.
We now have many communitiesacross the Philippines who say
they have zero tolerance toabuse, because we've talked to
them about that ribbon and theywear the ribbon as well and
they're actually promoting itvery big over there.
It has been launched officiallyas a program in Australia with
National Child ProtectionAwareness Day declared in
(16:06):
September, even though we sayevery day it's important.
It's also been launchedofficially in the Philippines as
a recognised child protectionawareness campaign.
So we're really just trying tomake a difference wherever we
can.
Leon Goltsman (16:19):
I think we need to knock on some of the doors of
our elected representatives.
I might actually speak to youabout this offline, especially
this time of year.
Now everyone's talking aboutelection and everyone's talking
about what they're going to dofor the economy and what they're
going to do to improve thestandard of living.
Astrid Hocking (16:44):
But this is the fundamental issue that often
falls through the cracks.
Yep, definitely we need to bespeaking to more people, but I
have to say one of the thingsthat we've started now.
We've realised we've beenraising that awareness for so
long, because we officiallylaunched this in 2015 as a
program and we've been doingwhat we can in small ways, but
we're getting larger.
We've now said that, well, okay, we've done awareness, we're
still continuing to do that.
We then started an advocacy andwe have been visiting
(17:08):
politicians.
I've been to Canberra, I'vebeen to Sydney, I've been to
political offices.
We have the Hunterrepresentative for federally,
dan Ripicoli, as an ambassadorfor the program as well, and I
also wanted to mention that wehave a lot of support from our
local member for the LakeMacquarie area, and that's Greg
Piper.
He's been fantastic in thesupport of Hearts and Hands and
(17:31):
our program for Umbrella Hearts,and I just want to say thank
you to Greg for that support,because it's important and
within Greg's area, on the 31stof January, we're running a
session called Small Steps forHannah, which is around raising
awareness of domestic violencein our communities, and I think
that's really, really importantto go with our programs as well,
(17:51):
because in domestic violencealmost every case involves
children.
So on the 31st of January inToronto we're running that
session.
So that would be wonderful forpeople to attend and I'm sure
Greg will be supportive of that.
So if people wanted toparticipate or attend, if people
would like to come along tothat event on the 31st of
January.
It's being held at TorontoWorkers' Club and you can book
(18:12):
that through Try Booking.
It's called Small Steps forHannah and it's on at Toronto
Workers' Club.
Leon Goltsman (18:17):
Oh, that's fantastic.
Well, I'll definitely put.
Astrid Hocking (18:21):
And we are speaking to lots of politicians.
We do need to do that even more.
So that's our advocacy as well.
And then we're going intoaction because we think that
again, what I said before is,rather than saying people what
you can't do, we have to replacethat with some suggestions of
what you can.
So we've actually now have acouple of things happening.
We've got Changing PracticePractice Change as a program on
(18:44):
our website that's availablefree to everyone.
They can look at that, answerquestions, which actually gives
them the opportunity to reflecton where their own parenting
styles come from, and when youreflect on that, you can make
changes because it gives you theopportunity to think.
Then we also have our book nowthat we've released, called
Basics of Child Raising, whichis a very simple small booklet
(19:07):
available to anyone.
We've got some sponsorships andcertainly seeking further
sponsorship of that book to handit out wherever.
It may be useful to anyone thatthey can read that and have
some suggestions, and we'd lovefeedback on that as well.
So if somebody wants that,we've got the website as well
wwwheartsandhandsnetau.
Looking at that website, you'llfind some different resources
(19:31):
there Butterfly Hearts, umbrellaHearts lots of information,
lots of links to other sites aswell.
That could be useful.
So we're hoping to go into allof those areas of awareness,
advocacy and action.
Leon Goltsman (19:42):
Astrid, that's fantastic, and I'll have all
that available on the show notesas well.
Astrid Hocking (19:46):
Thank you.
Yeah, that's wonderful.
There's a lot of stuff thereand a lot more available, and
ideas are very, very welcome.
Volunteers are very welcome.
Donations are very welcome aswell.
We have an organisation inMelbourne as well that currently
sponsor our book and are doingquite a lot for us through the
Royal Children's Hospital inMelbourne, and we're looking for
(20:09):
more opportunities to spreadthat further.
Leon Goltsman (20:13):
Oh well, this is fantastic.
Thank you so much for all thatyou do.
Astrid Hocking (20:17):
Thank you.
Thank you, it's wonderful to beable to share the information
as well.
Leon Goltsman (20:21):
Astrid, you're very inspiring.
You know someone who's comefrom a teaching background to
charity work.
What skills or experience fromyour teaching career has been
the most valuable in yourcurrent role?
Astrid Hocking (20:34):
I think, sharing recognising that people are
important.
I have a saying that says and Ilearned this in a business a
long, long time ago everyone hasan invisible sign around their
neck that says make me feelimportant.
So look at people.
When you speak to them, try toremember their names, and that's
always a bit of a challenge,but I really try to do that.
I can certainly do it withchildren more so than adults.
(20:56):
But I think also just respect,being respectful and kind and
gentle in whatever you do, notbeing adversarial Probably those
things are quite important tome.
Leon Goltsman (21:08):
And somebody who gives it 110% in what you do.
I also am very fortunatebecause I do take glimpses of
your personal life and forpeople who lead busy lives, how
do you balance your life?
Astrid Hocking (21:25):
I think one of my biggest things is my passion.
My husband sometimes says Ihaven't learned to say no just
yet.
I'm getting better at that.
I think taking care of yourselfis always very, very important.
You do need to have some timeout for yourself, and I
recognise that.
I've currently got mygrandchildren staying with me
and loving every moment of that.
(21:45):
I do try to spend a little timeeach week just for me in doing
something social.
It might be just catching upwith someone with a coffee,
having a bit of a debrief, andalways the conversation gets
around to hearts and hands.
But it's something that I amvery passionate about, but doing
something with a heart.
And sometimes people say to meso what does retirement mean to
(22:05):
you?
Because I did retire eightyears ago.
But in that I say thatretirement has a different
feeling because it just meansthat you can do whatever you
want.
You can get up in the morningand do what you choose to do
with a passion.
You just don't get paid for itbecause it's voluntary, but it's
a lot of fun.
Leon Goltsman (22:24):
But the rewards are often a lot greater.
Astrid Hocking (22:26):
Absolutely.
The rewards are different.
Yeah, it doesn't have a thing.
I also have one other sayingthat about professionalism,
because people quite often linkprofessionalism or a profession
of such with a monetary valueand with a paycheck.
Professionalism to me is anattitude, not about the paycheck
.
Leon Goltsman (22:44):
And the satisfaction.
Astrid Hocking (22:46):
Absolutely the satisfaction and knowing you are
making a difference.
Leon Goltsman (22:49):
Well, you certainly are, and talking about
making a difference, whatadvice would you give to someone
who, too, wants to start acharity organisation or get
involved in the community work,but doesn't know where to begin?
Astrid Hocking (23:04):
I think, just making sure that it is something
you have a passion for and havea belief in, and work with that
with integrity.
Things will happen when they'remeant to be.
I didn't start Hearts and Hands, however, when, just a few
years ago, the people who hadstarted the organisation came to
me.
They knew I had a passion forit, and they came to me and said
look, we're going in differentdirections and we're going to
(23:26):
close the charity unless youwould like to take it on.
I thought for about 30 secondsand went no, you cannot close it
.
No, okay, I'll take it on, andaway they went.
But what I did then was gatheraround me people who also
believed in that, people whoknew me, and I rang quite a few
friends and said look, I reallyneed some help.
I can't do this on my own, sohaving someone around you as
well was important.
I rang quite a few friends andsaid look, I really need some
help.
I can't do this on my own, sohaving someone around you as
(23:47):
well was important.
I gathered quite a few friends.
They came to my home, we had ameeting and I had five people
put their hands up and say yes,we're on the board.
We're there with you, so gatherpeople with like-minded
thoughts as well.
Leon Goltsman (23:59):
Well, that's very , very important to have the
right people around you.
To have the right people aroundyou.
The first thing I was thinkingnow is 30 seconds.
What took you so long?
Astrid Hocking (24:08):
Well, maybe it wasn't 30 seconds.
I was scared.
I was absolutely scared, I haveto say.
The very first time when Ifirst decided to even be
involved in 2013, when I'd askeda total stranger can I come,
too, to this orphanage in thePhilippines, I barely knew where
the Philippines was, let alonegoing to this country, and three
months later, getting on aplane with somebody I also
(24:29):
barely knew, I cried quite a bitof the way between Sydney and
Manila, flying there, and theair hostess thought I was scared
of flying and I couldn't tellher no, it was just that I'm
scared of what I'm doing.
I don't know what I'm going todo when I get there.
So it was rather a strangething to look back on, but it
was just something I knew I hadto do.
It was just something I really,really, really wanted to do.
Leon Goltsman (24:49):
Well, looking back, it was a very courageous
move, but we're here at a startof a new year, 2025, looking
ahead and what are your dreamsfor Hearts and Hands, and how
can the community get involvedto support your vision?
Astrid Hocking (25:03):
I would love more support.
We would love to have morevolunteers in different
locations as well.
We've had some very successfulchild protection events that we
ran in September this year andwe'd like to see those become
Australia-wide.
And one of those was a bikeride a motorbike because it's a
passion of my husband's and wecall that the Orange Ride for
Child Protection, and wegathered a lot of motorbike
(25:25):
riders around and we went fromone location to another.
We had the Lions Club as well,very supportive of us, running
breakfast for the riders, andthen we had a family fun day of
activities at the end and we'dlike to see those kind of events
.
Further around.
We had Camp Teddy, where weinvolved children because we
thought this is about children,we need to do that in a fun way
(25:47):
as well, so children couldregister their teddy bear or a
soft toy to come along with usfor two weeks and they could
register and tick off someactivities the teddy would do
when they go off on camp and wecollected all these teddies and
soft toys and took photos ofthem in different locations and
they could go kayaking orabseiling or all different
having a picnic all differentsorts of things they could do,
(26:10):
and I think we can set those upin different locations as well,
really just to spread themessage, because we had children
saying that this is about us,this is about child protection,
so we need to be cared for.
So it was wonderful to have thekids involved as well in a fun
way.
So my goal I guess from thechild perspective part sort of
thing as you can tell I'm verypassionate about that for
(26:30):
Umbrella Hearts and for ourribbon to be recognised
everywhere so that if somebodysaw the orange ribbon with the
umbrella on it they would knowthat's about child protection.
That would be my goal thateveryone could recognise.
That's what it's about have theconversation and make change in
our community.
Leon Goltsman (26:44):
That's what it's about have the conversation and
make change in our community.
Well, how about in 2025,?
We'll do one year at a time.
We'll get those ribbons outthere.
I might have to get a wholeheap from you.
Astrid Hocking (26:53):
Yep, and that can absolutely be done.
We have in my home.
We have a band of 20 volunteerswho come on a regular basis and
that's growing and they make upthe ribbons.
We buy the ribbon wholesale andwe get all the different
components, put them alltogether professionally and then
distribute them as wide as wecan, and we're doing that more
(27:13):
often.
And people have actually saidat our last AGM because I have a
particular volunteer who's verypassionate about that and
that's his baby.
He's in charge of setting thatup and getting the team all
working with that and heactually said well, if she's
going to be out there morepromoting this, we need to be
making more, so we might need tomeet more often to make more
ribbons.
So we can absolutely do that.
Leon Goltsman (27:34):
So we need to see more ribbons out there.
Now, if you're a school, ateacher, a student, even a
council worker, what would theyneed to do to get ribbons?
Astrid Hocking (27:46):
If you'd like to get more ribbons.
One of the ways to do that isto either contact me personally
or you can go onto our website.
We've got a little shop on thewebsite.
We can send those ribbons toyou.
If you just let us know howmany you need, we can send them
out.
We On the website, we can sendthose ribbons to you.
If you just let us know howmany you need, we can send them
out.
We've sent large packages outto different organisations.
We'd like to see councilworkers, police, schools,
(28:06):
hospitals all wearing theribbons so that they can share
that message that it isimportant, but particularly
anyone working in the area ofchildren your schools, your
hospitals, child protectionworkers all of those need to be
wearing that and saying this isvery, very important to everyone
, but it is everyone'sresponsibility.
It's not a case.
Somebody said to me recently ohwell, you know I'm not a
(28:28):
mandatory reporter so I don'tneed you.
She was telling me about anissue that she knew of, of some
child abuse that was happening,and she said oh, but.
And I said have you reportedthat?
I said you're telling me, butI'm getting that information
secondhand.
Have you reported?
She said, oh no, I'm not amandatory reporter.
I said that doesn't matter.
I said as far as I'm concerned,every person in our community
(28:50):
needs to be consideredthemselves as a mandatory
reporter Everyone.
If you're aware of child abuse,you need to report it.
If you don't, you're beingcomplicit and you're saying it's
okay.
Leon Goltsman (29:00):
Well, we're in this together, so we all need to
call out good activity,recognise people who do good
things, but also call out thethings that need to be called
out, and I commend you foreverything that you do.
Thank you for coming on andspeaking to me and sharing your
journey with the audience.
It's great to have you here.
Astrid Hocking (29:20):
It's been a privilege and a pleasure, but
thank you because I love theopportunity to share this
information.
Leon Goltsman (29:25):
Thank you very much, and that's a wrap.
A heartfelt thank you to ourspecial guest, astrid Hocking,
for sharing her incrediblejourney, one that reminds us how
simple acts of kindness can setoff a chain reaction of
life-changing transformations.
From fostering nearly 90children to uplifting entire
communities through hearts andhands, astrid exemplifies the
(29:48):
power of unwavering dedicationand genuine compassion.
And speaking of genuinecompassion, there's one story
that Astrid shared after wefinished recording that truly
struck my heart.
It's about a young lady who shemet in the Philippines, an
infant at the time, wholiterally took Astrid by the
hand on her very first visit.
(30:09):
Over the years, that littlegirl grew up to earn a
university degree and took careof her younger siblings.
When her wedding day finallycame, she asked Astrid to walk
her down the aisle becauseAstrid was the closest thing she
had to a parent.
Now, if that's not a reason togive back, I don't know what
else he has.
(30:29):
Astrid said, and I couldn'tagree with her more Community,
after all, is giving back andmaking the world a better place.
If you'd like to support Heartsand Hands or learn more about
the Umbrella Hearts RibbonCampaign, you'll find all the
details in our show notes, andplease remember there's an
upcoming event on January 31stSmall Steps for Hannah.
(30:52):
Your support and engagement canmake a real difference there
too.
A final thanks to our sponsor,Niaz Cannoth, for making this
show possible, and thank you, asalways, to our wonderful
listeners for tuning in, sharingthese stories and helping us
build stronger kindercommunities, one conversation at
a time.
If today's episode resonatedwith you, please share it with
(31:15):
your friends and family.
Your support helps us continuebringing these impactful stories
to light.
I'm Leon Goltsman and I lookforward to our next engaging
conversation.
Until then, stay safe, stayconnected and let's keep making
a difference together.
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