Lauren Thornborough and Lauren Wilson.
The Village, the Australian initiative supporting working parents in media, has announced the launch of a podcast in partnership with Mamamia and its first Melbourne event as it marks more than a year since launch.
The organisation has grown to more than 800 members since launching in May 2024, hosting four events in 2025.
The Village will debut its original podcast "It Takes a Village" produced with Mamamia, featuring conversations with parents working in media about balancing deadlines, pitches, client wins and family life.
"This podcast is about telling the real stories of parents in our industry celebrating the wins, acknowledging the challenges, and building connection through honesty," said The Village co-founder Lauren Thornborough.
"By sharing these experiences, we hope to inspire change and strengthen our community."
The Village will expand to Melbourne on Thursday, September 11, with its first event in the city, hosted by oOh!media. Titled "Fill Your Cup", the mentor event will begin with a conversation featuring EssenceMediacom chief investment officer Sarah James and oOh!media chief product and marketing officer Bel Harper.
"Expanding into Melbourne is an important step in making our community truly national," said The Village co-founder Louise Wilson.
"We're committed to creating spaces where parents in media feel seen, supported and empowered, wherever they are."
oOh!media has renewed as a foundational partner for a second year while PubMatic has joined as a new partner.
"Being part of The Village board and involved in its events, it felt natural to 'walk the walk' and bring PubMatic ANZ into this incredible initiative," said PubMatic ANZ director of sales Ricky Chanana.
"I'm genuinely grateful for the support from every level of our business, who were eager from day one to partner and help The Village grow its positive impact on our industry. We are also proud that we're the first adtech company to step up, and we hope this inspires other global adtech partners to join us in making a difference."
Harper said The Village was filling an important void in the industry.
"So many parents in our industry struggle with the pressure and demands of our jobs along with the juggle of being a present and caring parent," she said.
"oOh! are thrilled to continue our support and help drive awareness of the amazing events, mentoring connections and support that Lou, Lauren and The Village team have created to help sustain the great talent we have in the media industry."
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