The Village, the industry-wide initiative for working parents in media, has announced a podcast with Mamamia, its first Melbourne event, and new commercial partners, just over a year since it launched.
Podcast Launch with Mamamia
The Village will release its first podcast, It Takes a Village, produced with Mamamia. The series will feature media professionals sharing the realities of balancing deadlines, client work, 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 Lauren Thornborough, Co-Founder of The Village
“By sharing these experiences, we hope to inspire change and strengthen our community.”
Mamamia has also extended its support as a Year 2 partner.
National Growth: Melbourne Event Debut
Since launching in May 2024, The Village has grown to more than 800 members nationwide, hosting four events in 2025.
On Thursday, September 11, The Village will hold its first Melbourne event, hosted by oOh!media. Fill Your Cup will feature Sarah James, CIO at EssenceMediacom, and Bel Harper, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at oOh!media, followed by mentor circles grouped by children’s ages.
“Expanding into Melbourne is an important step in making our community truly national,” said Louise Wilson, Co-Founder of The Village. “We’re committed to creating spaces where parents in media feel seen, supported and empowered, wherever they are.”
Stronger Together: Year 2 Partnerships
oOh!media has renewed as a Foundational Partner, while PubMatic has joined as a new supporter, backing The Village’s goal of driving inclusion and support for working parents in media.
“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 Ricky Chanana, Director of sales Pubmatic ANZ.
“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.”
“The void that The Village are filling in our industry can’t be underestimated. 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.
“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.”
Top image: Louise Wilson and Lauren Thornborough