How did a small university program become a bridge between students, academics and communities for more than 30 years?

In this first episode, we explore the origins of UTS Shopfront and the ideas that shaped it from the beginning. Through stories from founders, community partners and former students, we hear how collaboration, trust and a commitment to social justice helped create a program with lasting impact.

From preserving overlooked histories to supporting emerging organisations, we learn that the most enduring outcomes are often not the projects themselves, but the relationships built along the way.

Voices

Professor Paul Ashton - Co-Founder and former alternate director, UTS Shopfront

Pauline O’Loughlin - Founding program manager, UTS Shopfront

Bonney Djuric - Historian and Activist

Maia Ihemeje - Founder, Yung Prodigy

Professor Alison Page - Former Shopfront student

Scott Burns - Former Shopfront student and UTS Alumni

Hosted by Dr Mehal Krayem

Credits

Produced by Ali Aitken

Researchers - Dr Margaret Malone and Dr Cale Bain

Change the Story is an Impact Studios podcast.