The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has launched Peeneyt Bubup, a nine-episode health and wellbeing podcast made with and for Kinship carers.
Produced by VACCHO’s Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing, Peeneyt Bubup explores the realities of Kinship caring – the joy of it, the weight of it, and how carers can access the health and wellbeing support they need. It is hosted by Uncle Charles Pakana, with guests including paediatricians, Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) workers, knowledge holders, psychologists – and Kinship carers themselves.
The podcast’s name comes from Kirrae Wurrong language and most closely translates to “strong children.” Like many Aboriginal languages carried through oral tradition, the phrase carries meaning beyond a direct English translation – capturing the idea that strong children are supported by strong families and Communities.
Executive Director of VACCHO’s Centre for Excellence for Aboriginal Families, Sheree Lowe said, “this podcast wouldn’t exist without our Kinship carers. We yarned with carers right across the state, and they told us what they needed: resources that speak to their real experience, their real challenges – delivered in a way that actually fits their lives. Not another document to read. So a podcast felt right.
“We hope it helps them to feel seen and valued – and to know that they are not alone.”
New episodes drop fortnightly from Friday 21 August 2026 on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
“Listeners can expect to hear real-life stories and experiences of Kinship carers, insights from health and wellbeing experts in psychology, paediatrics, nutrition and more – as well as yarns with Elders about navigating the systems available.
“This podcast will also provide a deeper understanding of the realities faced by Kinship carers and why they need to be seen and supported,” Ms Lowe said.
Peeneyt Bubup is made for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Kinship carers, non-Indigenous Kinship carers raising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family wanting to keep their social and emotional wellbeing strong.
Find Peeneyt Bubup by searching the title on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube, or via vaccho.org.au/aboriginal-families-wellbeing.
