This six‑part award nominated podcast series produced by Rasela Torise goes on to shine a National spotlight on Wise Older Women, sharing bold, authentic stories from women aged 55-85. Made possible through CBF support, the series champions older women and celebrates their vital role as wisdom holders in our communities. Each episode delivers powerful storytelling and unforgettable insight, amplifying the voices of older women and reminding us all, that their lifetime of experience isn’t only valuable, it’s transformative.

The CRN caught up with Rasela to ask her a few questions in the lead up to the project’s national release.

Q & A’s

  • Tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I grew up with a lack of vocal communication skills, which often left me feeling isolated and withdrawn. Discovering community radio transformed that experience. The microphone became an unexpected catalyst, enabling me to express myself with clarity and ease, ultimately helping me to find and use my voice. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity’s community radio offers. Over the past 24 years, I’ve contributed to the sector as a presenter, producer, grant recipient, trainer, mentor and committee member. Throughout this time my commitment has only strengthened, and I’m now dedicated to creating pathways for others to engage with community radio, find their own voices, and experience its empowering impact.

  • How and when did you first connect with community radio? 

I moved to Bondi in early 2000 and lived just behind the Bondi Hotel, which at the time housed the community radio station Bondi FM, a station I greatly admired. I was invited by friends to join them for their first broadcast, and after observing the studio in action, I was immediately captivated. When their program finished, they said they didn’t want to continue and offered the show to me. I immediately said yes and assumed the presenter’s role the following week without any training or mentoring and went on to present the show weekly for another six years before relocating to Byron and joining Bay FM.

  • Tell us about your station! What do you love most about being a broadcaster at BayFM? 

Bay FM is deeply woven into the fabric of our community, bringing together a wonderfully diverse group of volunteers and listeners. I am proud to contribute to such a well-respected and much‑loved station. The opportunities within community radio are genuinely limitless, often all it takes is a willingness to say yes. What follows is a sense of support, camaraderie and belonging, that makes you feel part of a family.

  • What inspired you to start WOW?

I was sitting at the base of the Hazards on the Freycinet Peninsula in lutruwita/Tasmania, speaking on the phone with my octogenarian friend Sandy Leathem who grew up there. She was reflecting on the challenges of ageing and her refusal to be dismissed or overlooked. She had experienced homelessness after losing her financial security during the global financial crisis, and her story moved me deeply. In that moment, I felt compelled to act. What followed was a project dedicated to elevating the status of older women and ensuring they receive the respect they deserve after a lifetime of hard work and contribution to society. Their wisdom should never be overlooked, especially that of the older woman, who is too often ignored or underestimated. Sandy is the motivation and inspiration for this project, and you can hear her story in Series 1 Episode 5.

  • What 3 words best describe your show? 

Authentic. Courageous. Connected.

  • What’s been a highlight of your program so far? 

Many standout moments have come from learning directly from the remarkable stories of older women and in turn providing them with a platform where they can be heard, seen and genuinely elevated. Sharing their stories with the wider community feels necessary at this time in the world’s evolution, helping to shift perceptions and broadening the understanding of the vital role older women play as knowledge holders and cultural contributors. Their insight is invaluable and ensuring it is recognised and celebrated feels not only important, but essential.

  • What makes you most excited about joining the Community Radio Network?  

I feel more honoured than excited to be joining the national network! My hope is that the stories we share resonate deeply with listeners across the nation, raising the status of all older women, and shining a new light on the invaluable humans amongst us. If you have the opportunity to stop and talk with an older woman, ask her about her life. I’m almost certain you’ll walk away thinking … WOW!

Series 1 can be heard here: Link to Series 1

Series 2 is underway and can be heard weekly throughout June & July on Belly – BayFM in the lead up to its national podcast release later this year.

A huge thanks goes out to all twelve participants of this two-part series without whom none of this would be possible!