Aneesh, a Master of IT student at UWA, leant into his creative side for a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship with Homeless Healthcare, producing engaging online content while learning more about homelessness and the importance of public advocacy.
“The McCusker Centre internship program stood out as a way to align my knowledge with a deeper sense of social purpose. I applied as I wanted to use my skills in a meaningful way, not just to build my resume, but to contribute to something that genuinely impacts lives,” Aneesh said.
“As a Digital Content Intern with Homeless Healthcare, I was able to help design and deliver storytelling content across social media.
“Along with social media posts, reels, and digital brochures, I helped launch the Impact podcast. For the first episode I interviewed Homeless Healthcare CEO, Alison Sayer, shedding light on the realities of homelessness and healthcare on WA streets, and helping to bring a complex and often overlooked issue into public conversations,” he said.
Homeless Healthcare, a not-for-profit established in 2008, provides healthcare services directly to those sleeping rough, works collaboratively with social services, and contributes to research collaborations. Ms Sayer said that Aneesh’s efforts to raise the profile of the organisation would assist in securing funding to support their work.
“Aneesh went above and beyond as an intern. We tasked him with creating a social media plan as well as content, and he had a lot of great ideas, including the Impact podcast,” Ms Sayer said.
In recognition of his significant contribution, Ms Sayer nominated Aneesh for the McCusker Centre for Citizenship Outstanding Intern Award.
Reflecting on his experience, Aneesh recognised his own personal learning as part of a project aimed at educating the broader community.
“The work I undertook aimed at reframing public perception around homelessness, moving from stereotypes to stories, and helping break down stigma. I was reminded that homelessness isn’t just about housing; it’s about health, dignity and the systems we build, or fail to build, around people,” he said.
“I wholeheartedly recommend the McCusker Centre internship for other students. It’s on of the few experiences in university where you don’t just learn how to work, but why you work, challenging you to contribute meaningfully while developing skills no classroom can teach.
“The internship sharpened by communication and stakeholder collaboration skills and taught me how to design content that is not only creative, but strategic and empathetic.”
The first Impact podcast episode is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.
Main image: Aneesh Bandari (second from left) with Homeless Healthcare staff Zoe Thebaud and Bobby Chasara, and CEO Alison Sayer (left to right).