Impact Boom Episode 557 with Indio Myles
Fullest trauma-to-purpose arc, the 'vibe check' decision filter, culture of forgiveness, books that shaped the model, and Rick's generational-impact vision.
Rich source for quotes and origin story.
Media
Podcasts, press and broadcast.
Rick's coverage across podcasts, print, online and TV, going back to the first trade press feature in 2022. The richest sources for the full origin story are flagged.
Start here
If you have time for one source, start with Impact Boom Episode 557. If you have time for two, add Pressing:On. These two podcasts contain the fullest first-person account of the lived experience, the operating model and the case for change. Both are in the podcasts below, alongside the other richest sources flagged for quotes and origin story.
Podcasts
Pressing:On Worthy Cause episode
Program mechanics, the opportunity gap, and the policy economics of moving a participant from JobSeeker into paid hospitality work.
Rich source for quotes and origin story.
Press and online features
Couturing Baking for a brighter future
Founder backstory and the bake-a-thon that anchored Worthy Cause's first wave of funding.
SBS Food These food businesses are giving marginalised communities a 'fair go'
National coverage placing Worthy Cause among the food businesses opening structured pathways for people facing barriers to work.
Eleanor Baillieu Inside Worthy Cause, Melbourne's sweetest social enterprise
Long-form newsletter profile of the operating model and the people behind the cookies.
Flowers Across Melbourne Charity partner profile
Founder backstory and the New Grounds cafe detail.
The Funding Network A Recipe for Social Change
The hardest impact data on the record: $50,000 raised in the 2024 round, with six of seven completers moving into employment.
Rich source for quotes and origin story.
Peppermint Magazine Worthy Cause Bake-a-Thon
Origin in psychiatric care, the first bake-a-thon, and the 'seriously thicc' cookie voice. Also a full-page feature in print Issue 59.
Rich source for quotes and origin story.
The Commons Cookies with a Conscience
Lived experience, program mechanics and the first stockist relationship.
Rich source for quotes and origin story.
Food and Drink Business Biscuits building better lives
Earliest trade coverage of the cookie manufacturing operation.
MamaMag Cookies for a cause
Family and community-facing coverage of Worthy Cause.
Access Newswire Worthy Cause expands mission with launch of two social enterprise cafes
Announcement of the two New Grounds cafes on Melbourne Polytechnic campuses.
Broadcast
ABC News Worthy Cause TV segment
Mainstream TV coverage of the cafe and kitchen operation.
Nine News Worthy Cause TV segment
Mainstream TV coverage of the program.
JOY 94.9 How Worthy Cause helps the community
Long-form radio conversation on the program and lived experience.
Grants, awards and directories
Australian Unity Foundation Our Foundation grant recipients
Three-year commitment ($75,000 per year, 2025 to 2027) to fund the paid training program.
AMP Foundation SPARK Tomorrow Maker 2025
Cohort of 12 early-stage social entrepreneurs, 18-week subsidised program delivered with Impact Boom and Business For Good Network.
Link forthcoming.
Business Victoria 12 Victorian small business Christmas gift ideas
State government feature listing Worthy Cause among Victorian small businesses worth supporting.
Sitchu Melbourne What's On Melbourne listing
Melbourne what's-on guide featuring Worthy Cause.
Altasphere Worthy Cause product collection
Retail partner stocking the Worthy Cause cookie range.
Understorey Social enterprise profile
Cause directory entry.
Speaking engagements
Rick speaks regularly at industry events, corporate offsites, university panels and sector conferences. A consolidated speaking history is being compiled. In the interim, talk topics are listed on the speaking page, and recent appearances are noted in the podcasts above (Impact Boom, Pressing:On) and in The Funding Network's Pitch Night recap.
To invite Rick to your stage, use the booking page.
For journalists
For bios, headshots, the topic guide and contact details, see the press kit. Media enquiries with a deadline are triaged within 48 hours.