TheLonely CitySPECIAL EDITION VOICE
COMMUNITY ACTION WORKS!
COVER Roger Metry of Roger Shoe Repairs
AUTUMN 2025 | ISSUE 147 | ISSN: 0155-7106
Inner Sydney Voice is the journal of the Inner Sydney Regional Council for Social Development Inc. We are a not-for-profit organisation committed to the idea of information as a tool for community development. Inner Sydney is defined as the LGAs of City of Sydney, Bayside, Randwick, Waverley, Woollahra, and Inner West.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
ISV office is located on the land of the traditional owners of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and pay our respect to the traditional owners of the lands across the areas we service, including the Bidjigal, Birrabirragal, Gadigal, Gweagal and Wangal people. We acknowledge that sovereignty over these lands has never been ceded.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
EDITOR Isabelle Hore-Thorburn
SUB-EDITOR Alison Turner
CONTRIBUTORS
Bob Davidson | Michael Fine | Ollie Gatfield
Marika Kontellis | Luna Michaels } Jason Phu Alistair Sisson | The Social Impact Lab
DESIGN Stevie Bee
MEMBERSHIP + SUBSCRIPTIONS
Saskia Eichler-Cheney
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The opinions expressed in Inner Sydney Voice magazine do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher, the publication nor our funders. Unless stated otherwise, opinions belong to contributors, not the organisation or group with which they work. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for any contributions. Copyright belongs to the contributors.
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
The lonely city
This edition of Inner Sydney Voice is about the importance of socially connected communities. In exploring what that means, people have consistently talked about social isolation, exclusion and loneliness
These social issues are not new. But they are being shaped and intensified by new conditions. The marketisation of care, the erosion of local services, digitisation, insecure housing and rapid urban development have made it harder to maintain the everyday connections that once anchored community life.
Terms like “epidemic” and “crisis” are often invoked to draw attention to this shift. These words shape policy and guide funding, but they can also simplify the issue. Social isolation and loneliness are too often treated as something to be “fixed” by professionals or programs, rather than as a reflection of deeper structural conditions.
In preparing our submission to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Loneliness (p. 11), and through conversations for this issue, we heard from people across the inner Sydney region. Their experiences show that loneliness is rarely a personal failure. It’s a social outcome produced by systems that displace, exclude and neglect.
We also heard how people are staying connected, sometimes through organised action, often through quiet, integrated everyday activities.
In Redfern, Roger Metry’s shoe shop offers conversation and consistency (p. 14). In Waterloo, tenants are organising to protect the relationships they’ve built over decades (p. 12). In Paddington, neighbours are stepping in to support boarding house residents facing redevelopment (p. 10).
Older people are calling for local services that support not just independence but connection (p. 16). Young people are reclaiming offline spaces on their terms (p. 18). People with disability are challenging systems that isolate rather than include (p. 24). And in Pyrmont, Glebe and Haymarket, communities are reimagining public space to foster belonging (p. 20).
In Community Voices (p. 26), residents reflect on how they stay connected: through dogs, Tai Chi, rummy nights, sports, and simply showing up for each other.
Rather than a catalogue of problems, this issue is a record of what’s already working. There’s no single fix for loneliness, but there are many solutions that are being lived, shared, and strengthened in our communities.
— Isabelle Hore-Thorburn, Editor
WATERLOO SOUTH:
The relocations have begun
Waterloo South tenants living in the two blocks surrounded by John, Cope, McEvoy, and Mead Streets to the south of the estate were hand-delivered relocation notices on 27 February, advising them they will be relocated within the next six months.
For some, it was upsetting; for others, it felt well overdue, and for many in Waterloo South, Central, and North, their housing future is still unclear. Relocations will continue in stages over the coming years as part of the broader redevelopment.
The priority now is to make sure that residents are treated with dignity and find the best outcome for their needs. Homes NSW has assigned relocation officers to assist tenants, but independent legal advocacy and community support services are also available. Redfern Legal Centre, Counterpoint Community Services, and Kinchela can provide advice, support, and connections to services throughout this significant process for the community.
WHO IS SUPPORTING TENANTS?
Homes NSW Relocation Officers have
been assigned to tenants in Stage One. These officers are the primary contacts for relocation details, housing options, and practical support during the move. They can answer questions and help tenants understand the process. However, independent support is available for those who want advocacy and advice beyond what Homes NSW provides.
GET LEGAL SUPPORT FROM REDFERN LEGAL CENTRE
If you have received a relocation letter, Redfern Legal Centre offers free, independent legal advice to help tenants understand their rights and options. They can:
n explain your legal rights in the relocation process n advocate to ensure your housing needs and preferences are met n support you at relocation interviews (this one is important) n challenge decisions if something does not seem right.
For tenants in Stage One, contacting Redfern Legal Centre early means you have the best chance of securing the right outcome for your situation.
STAY INFORMED AND CONNECTED
For all tenants, whether relocating now or in the future, staying informed is important. Even if you are not moving yet, these two organisations can help answer questions and provide guidance on what to expect.
n Kinchela provides culturally safe support and advocacy, particularly for Aboriginal tenants.
n Counterpoint Community Services continues to be a trusted source of information and practical support for tenants, connecting them to essential services and helping them navigate changes.
City of Sydney endorses ambitious affordable housing scheme
The City of Sydney Council has approved a bold new affordable housing scheme, expected to generate at least $60 million annually for new affordable housing.
The initiative follows two motions from the previous council term, longstanding pressure from community groups, advocacy organisations, and councillors for greater contributions from developers to meet the city’s growing affordable housing needs.
Key changes in the scheme, outlined in the council papers, include:
n A significant increase in the cash
contributions developers must pay for affordable housing, especially in the city’s most expensive areas.
n A blanket 20% contribution for residential rezonings that result in additional height or floorspace.
n A doubling of the contribution from commercial rezonings in the CBD, from 1% to 2%.
n New powers for the council to require affordable housing to be built on-site.
Independent economic modelling supports these proposed changes, showing that the higher contribution rates will not undermine the viability of
development. This comes at a critical time, as Sydney grapples with some of the highest housing costs in the world, with projections indicating worsening affordability without greater demands on private developers.
While the City of Sydney’s previous affordable housing schemes have only resulted in 1% of the city's housing supply being delivered through developer levies, this new initiative sets a more ambitious state-wide standard. It also highlights the comparatively minimal demands placed on developers by the NSW Government, especially when measured against the City’s plans.
Community Justice Centre Program to be scrapped by EOFY
On 17 October, mediators received an email from the Department of Communities and Justice announcing the government’s decision to close Community Justice Centres (CJCs) in NSW and repeal the Community Justice Centres Act 1983, which has governed this vital service for decades. The closure is set to take effect on 30 June this year.
disputes, family conflicts, and small claims without the need for costly and time-consuming legal proceedings.
Since its inception as a pilot program in 1980, CJCs have provided accessible, community-driven avenues for justice for people who otherwise couldn’t afford legal representation. For over 40 years, the CJC has played a critical role in resolving neighbour
The sudden announcement of the CJC’s closure has distressed mediators and service users (many dealing with noise complaints, tree disputes, and access rights). Mediators say the decision was made without inquiry, consultation, or transparency, raising concerns about the impact on those who rely on these services and the future of access to justice for all.
The Department of Communities and
Justice has stated that an in-house mediation service will be introduced for court-mandated referrals starting 1st July 2025. In a statement following the announcement, a spokesperson for NSW Attorney General Michael Daley claimed that demand for CJCs had “fallen significantly” due to the availability of other mediation services.
The closure of these centres means reduced access to justice for vulnerable individuals and communities who will now face additional barriers to resolving disputes. It also places more significant pressure on already overstretched court and legal systems. This decision is yet another blow to the accessibility of essential services, disproportionately affecting those most in need.
Tenants’ Union investigates surge in ‘nogrounds’ evictions before law reform
The Tenants’ Union is investigating a concerning rise in ‘no-grounds’ evictions ahead of upcoming changes to eviction laws.
On 24 October, last year, the NSW Government announced significant changes to eviction laws. In a historic win for tenants, the long-fought battle to ban ‘no-grounds’ evictions was finally won — a change that the Tenants' Union of NSW has campaigned for over many years. However, with the new laws not coming into effect until early 2025, the Tenants’ Union has been
hearing reports of an increase in nogrounds terminations before the change takes place.
Based on a survey launched in late December, their investigation has already gathered responses from 15 tenants. Of these, all but one had
Homes NSW bringing tenant participation back in-house
Over the next few months, Homes NSW will be establishing a new team dedicated to tenant and community engagement.
Dare Kavanagh of Homes NSW told ISV, “The Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson and CEO of Homes NSW Rebecca Pinkstone are keen to elevate the voice of the tenants within the Department and to the Minister and to improve services for tenants. Since January 2025, the tenant participation program has been managed within HOMES NSW so that matters can be dealt with more directly within the department.”
Inner Sydney Voice was one of a number of agencies funded to enable and provide tenant participation and
engagement activities. Previous government and bureaucratic policies had seen the contracting out of these relationships with NGOs. Inner Sydney Voice believes Homes NSW should be responsible for overseeing tenant participation and engagement. It is a good move, and let’s be frank: the people leading this effort for Homes NSW are known and respected as leaders in participation and engagement. They come to the bureaucracy with existing credible relationships and values that put tenant rights, engagement and participation at the centre of practice. Advocacy, representation, and building the skills and capacity of tenants to effectively engage and participate are other things. Inner Sydney Voice and other independent
received eviction notices without specified grounds. Disturbingly, more than half the respondents had been living in their homes for three years or longer at the time of receiving the eviction notice. The majority (73%) were on periodic leases (month-tomonth).
n If you have recently been served a notice of lease termination or know someone who has, please let the Tenants’ Union know at https://lnkd.in/gagxmVpq
community-driven organisations such as Counterpoint, Tenants’ Union, and RedWatch will continue to play a fundamental role in safeguarding rights, disseminating information, and removing barriers to participation.
The Neighbourhood Advisory Boards (NABs) in the Sydney Inner City area will continue and will be managed by Homes NSW. If you are interested in getting involved as a tenant representative please contact Bianca or Bev at TenantParticipation@ homes.nsw.gov.au
In the coming months, other mechanisms to hear from and engage more with tenants will be established. The Waterloo Outreach program will continue on a Thursday and be managed by Ozharvest.
VALE: REST IN POWER, JOHN BUTCHER
John Butcher was a staunch activist whose commitment to social justice, peace, and the natural environment shaped inner Sydney. As a Catholic priest in Redfern in the late 1960s and 70s, he supported draft resisters and Indigenous rights campaigns and was an active participant in the fight for Aboriginal rights and against police corruption and racism in Redfern.
John’s community work extended far beyond his time as a priest. He helped to form South Sydney Community Aid, was the inaugural coordinator of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, and was a long-time member of the Greens. His advocacy continued through his leadership as president of the Cooks River Valley Association, his work as a gardener at the University of Sydney,
and his proud affiliation with the Mudcrabs.
John was also deeply committed to local politics, running as an independent candidate for council before leaving the priesthood, and nearly winning a seat. Known for his principled approach, sometimes stubborn but always ethical, he worked tirelessly for the good of the community. His legacy includes significant contributions to local environmental and social justice causes, such as his efforts to protect and rejuvenate the Cooks River, establish the Peace Park at Richardson’s Lookout, and create signage recognising Aboriginal history and resistance.
A key figure in the 1970s and 1980s wave of inner-city activism, John, alongside his partner Julie, was instrumental in the community-led
transformation of disused land in Redfern into the Douglas St People’s Park, which became a vibrant children's adventure playground and park through direct action. In recognition of his efforts, the City of Sydney unveiled new signage at the park on 8 March, the day before what would have been John’s 82nd birthday.
John’s legacy as an activist, campaigner, and community leader will never be forgotten. Principled, ethical, and deeply committed to making the world a better place, he inspired many, and his impact continues to resonate throughout the inner city.
John will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who worked alongside him in the pursuit of justice and equality. His legacy lives on through the many causes he championed and the countless lives he touched.
John Butcher in Redfern, 1974
PHOTO Les Miller
A public square for a global city
Around the world, vibrant squares shape great cities. For too long, Sydney has been missing a true public square, but that’s about to change.
For more than three decades, the City of Sydney, under successive Lord Mayors, has been progressively acquiring properties opposite Town Hall to create a future Town Hall Square. Now, they’re moving forward with plans for a much-needed space in the heart of the CBD for community, culture, and civic life.
Over the past few decades, Sydney has learned valuable lessons from limited, visionless design focused on short-term financial gain. We have learned that the built environment has a critical role to play in developing social health and wellbeing.
Measuring the social value of public spaces is a relatively new concept that is uncovering the benefits of good design initiatives and how they can deliver good financial, social and environmental impacts. While we know it is important, there is still no consistent way to measure the outcomes.
Local government agencies and developers are excited about using social value as an outcome measure –but there is a risk that social value is a term used and abused by promotion and marketing departments.
We need a shared language to measure and communicate the value of public space design, learn from past mistakes and hold decision-makers to account.
The Australian government recently launched Measuring What Matters, Australia’s first national wellbeing framework that will track our progress towards a more healthy, secure, sustainable, cohesive and prosperous Australia (Commonwealth Government,
The Treasury, Australia). The framework will need to be tested, but it is a good attempt to help us measure the social value of most of the things we do.
The Measuring What Matters Framework has five wellbeing themes:
n Healthy: A society in which people feel well and are in good physical and mental health, can access services when they need, and have the information they require to take action to improve their health.
n Secure: A society where people live peacefully, feel safe, have financial security and access to housing.
n Sustainable: A society that sustainably uses natural and financial resources, protects and repairs the environment and builds resilience to combat challenges.
n Cohesive: A society that supports connections with family, friends and the community, values
diversity, and promotes belonging and culture.
n Prosperous: A society that has a dynamic, strong economy, invests in people’s skills and education, and provides broad opportunities for employment and well-paid, secure jobs.
This framework will take time to test and refine, but it offers a way to measure the broader social value of our decisions beyond economic returns alone.
Given ongoing research highlighting concerns such as declining social cohesion (Scanlon Foundation 2022), rising racism, lack of affordable housing, and increasing social isolation, the case for investing in highquality, inclusive public spaces is stronger than ever. With thoughtful design and genuine community involvement, Town Hall Square could become Sydney’s new focal point for public life and deliver true social value for generations to come.
— Marika Kontellis, EO Inner Sydney Voice
Losing connections: The impact of boarding house closures
Boarding house models have long been under attack from various quarters: the residents themselves, their advocates, planning authorities, and surrounding neighbours.
In New South Wales, the movement to close boarding houses began in the early 1990s, gaining momentum and culminating in the introduction of the Boarding Houses Act in 2012. This landmark legislation was introduced in response to growing concerns about the safety and well-being of boarding house residents.
The reality is that the boarding house issue sits slap-bang in the middle of one of our most wicked social problems: housing affordability. Changes in public policy inevitably shape the behaviour of developers and boarding house owners. Following the 2012 reforms, residents and operators welcomed incentives to improve both the quality and availability of boarding houses.
Fast forward to 2025, and a new wave of housing development incentives and affordable housing policies has created fresh opportunities for property developers. At the same time, skyrocketing real estate prices have made long-held properties incredibly lucrative for landowners, often passed down through generations.
It is no real surprise, therefore, that despite months of advocacy from neighbours, housing groups, and local politicians, Selwyn Street Paddington boarding house is closing.
Residents have been rehoused across Sydney and placed into various forms of housing far from their
community and social connections.
The Selwyn Street homes were purchased by LFD Homes (an Australian property developer) to develop highend villas. They did their homework and knew that NSW government policies would support the vision.
The reality is that for decades, these boarding houses were home to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents: elderly men, many with chronic health conditions, who relied on the stability of their long-term accommodation. Ray, for example, had lived in the boarding house for 45 years. Now, he and his former housemates are adjusting to life apart, navigating unfamiliar neighbourhoods and struggling with social isolation, loneliness and the impacts.
Despite significant public pressure, including a petition that gathered over 25,775 signatures and appeals from Greens, Independent, and Labor councillors, the developer refused to sell to the City of Sydney or a community housing provider. While the NSW government and the council had expressed willingness to co-fund the
purchase to preserve affordable housing, this option was ultimately blocked by the developer’s refusal.
The forced displacement of Selwyn Street’s residents is part of a broader trend in Sydney, where affordable housing is rapidly disappearing in favour of high-end developments that serve fewer people. Just last year, a similar crisis unfolded at Dulwich Hill Lodge, where 75 residents were also forced out. While organisations such as Newtown Neighbourhood Centre worked tirelessly to rehouse them, the loss of community and support networks remains a painful reality for those affected.
Efforts are underway to keep in contact with the former Selwyn Street tenants, ensuring they don’t feel entirely abandoned. They’re not perfect, but boarding houses like these have long been a last line of defence against homelessness.
— Marika Kontellis, EO Inner Sydney Voice
ABOVE Protest, Taylor Square 22 February, 2025
ISV calls for connection
When Joan*, 73, found herself widowed and living in public housing on Sydney’s outskirts, her grief was compacted by social isolation. Her nearest relative was hours away, the local community centre had cut its weekend programs, and the cafés she once frequented were shut during the pandemic.
“All of a sudden, it was just me and the walls,” she said. Stories like Joan’s have reached crisis levels across NSW, prompting a parliamentary inquiry into the “prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness.”
Launched by the NSW Standing Committee on Social Issues, the inquiry seeks to uncover why more and more people find themselves chronically alone and the impact of that on individuals, families, communities and the public purse.
Inner Sydney Voice is among those who have submitted evidence, drawing on decades of grassroots work with older people, those with disabilities, and multicultural communities. Our submission paints a picture of loneliness as a multi-layered challenge, with roots in everything from housing policy and economic hardship to ageing and cultural stigma.
The pandemic undoubtedly intensified isolation, but it didn’t create it. For many in social housing or on limited incomes, loneliness is often the by-product of thin community networks and a lack of inclusive local facilities.
“Early intervention is key,” our submission stresses, highlighting that forging a sense of belonging should begin before individuals fall through the cracks. This goes beyond simply offering more social programs; it means designing systems that foster relationships, cultural understanding,
and mutual support.
So why now, and why this inquiry?
The NSW Government recognises that loneliness isn’t just a fleeting emotional experience—it’s a public health crisis. Chronic loneliness has been linked to cardiovascular disease, depression, and weakened immune systems. The cost to the healthcare system and the social fabric of local communities cannot be ignored. The parliamentary committee aims to bring attention to this often-sidelined issue and form recommendations for government, nonprofit, and community organisations.
Our submission emphasises that tackling loneliness requires a joined-up approach. Health services, councils, and community centres must work in tandem, ensuring people can find the practical and social resources they need. We argue for consistent funding so local organisations aren’t forced to operate on a shoestring budget or under the constant threat of closure. These small centres run drop-in sessions, group outings, and language meet-ups. These programs sound simple but often make the difference between someone feeling isolated and feeling part of a community.
Critically, ISV’s submission calls for recognising the “invisible barriers” that marginalised communities face. For instance, a person from a culturally and linguistically diverse background may hesitate to seek help if translation services are inaccessible or if they fear discrimination. Meanwhile, older LGBTQ+ individuals might be wary of mainstream services they worry won’t be welcoming.
Without conscious outreach efforts and cultural competence training, these groups remain disproportionately vulnerable to loneliness.
The NSW Standing Committee on Social Issues will now sift through oral
testimonies, research papers, and community submissions—including ours—and produce a report. If the recommendations see the light of day in actual policy changes, we could witness a turning point. More robust local funding, better coordination across sectors, and inclusive program design could sow the seeds of real transformation.
Joan’s story shows how loneliness can creep in when life takes a hard turn. But it also highlights the power of community: after months of isolation, she started attending a small knitting circle (once it reopened) run by a local volunteer group. Her weekly meet-up might look modest, but to Joan, it was “a reminder that someone cares if I show up.” It’s precisely that sense of being seen, welcomed, and understood that the parliamentary inquiry needs to understand and foster in their recommendations.
Communities that are resourced and set up to connect are more likely to care for each other. Design of public spaces, resourcing of the local neighbourhood centre, and accessible community-led activities have all been eroded after years of bad public policy and funding decisions.
As the inquiry continues, ISV remains committed to amplifying the voices of those whose isolation remains hidden behind closed doors. By teaming up with community partners, we believe a more connected future is within reach—one in which no one’s wellbeing hinges on a patchy postcode lottery or dwindling services. If the Government takes heed, this inquiry could mark a pivotal step toward acknowledging that loneliness is more than a private woe. It’s a shared responsibility, requiring vision and sustained investment in community life.
* Not her real name
A new vision for Waterloo’s high-rises
Alistair Sisson is interested in the political and economic dynamics of housing and cities. His doctoral research examined the politics of public housing policy in Australia with a focus on estate redevelopment, particularly the Waterloo estate.
While the redevelopment of Waterloo South is slowly progressing, the future of the rest of the estate is up in the air. Will the Minns government redevelop the high-rises, as the previous government planned? Neither Homes NSW nor the Minister has made any commitments, one way or another. A new project aims to provide them with an alternative approach.
The Melbourne-based non-profit architecture and design firm OFFICE, has begun work on a refurbishment strategy for Waterloo North, thanks to a City of Sydney ‘innovation and ideas’ grant. Retain, Repair, Reinvest: Waterloo North is a communityinformed feasibility study that will assess the viability of refurbishment — including the social, environmental and economic benefits — as an alternative to demolition and redevelopment.
This project follows three previous Retain, Repair, Reinvest (RRR) strategies for public housing in Melbourne. The RRR model retains existing communities by not relocating residents, repairs existing buildings to reduce the environmental impacts of construction, and reinvests savings to improve comfort and upgrade public housing. Previous RRR reports for the Ascot Vale, Barak Beacon and Flemington estates found that
refurbishing existing homes and building new infill housing would have substantial cost savings and better social and environmental outcomes.
The most recent strategy for Flemington’s high-rises was to bring all homes up to contemporary standards. This would involve new kitchens and bathrooms, double-glazed windows, air conditioning, plumbing system upgrades and new balconies retrofitted to each apartment, providing more living space and sunlight. It would save tenants money by reducing energy costs and save the government $364 million by avoiding relocation, demolition and other costs caused by forced relocations.
OFFICE is not the only one looking at how to make the most of existing
public housing – it’s part of a global trend. Across Europe and the United Kingdom, several 20th-century public housing complexes have been upgraded to meet contemporary needs, from Bordeux’s Grand Parc and Glasgow’s Cedar Court to Telli in Aarau, Switzerland. And we can now add Sydney to this list: Homes NSW announced in October 2024 that they will refurbish and re-tenant Telopea’s three towers after cancelling the contract for redevelopment.
OFFICE is now focusing on Waterloo — specifically the Matavai, Turanga, Solander and Marton buildings. With the help of local architects Alex Jones and Eddie Ma, they have started working on a strategy for refurbishment and infill.
WN RETAIN, REPAIR & REINVEST
Waterloo North and Central Community BBQ
5 April 2025 | 12-2pm | Waterloo Green | Matavai and Turanga
OFFICE is holding a community BBQ to listen to residents about what they would like to see for the future of Waterloo North and Central. Have a look at the draft RRR proposal and tell us what you think. We are undertaking a project called Retain Repair Reinvest (RRR), a community-informed feasibility study that looks at the viability of refurbishment as an alternative to redevelopment. The aims of Retain Repair Reinvest are
n Retain existing communities by not relocating residents,
n Repair existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions,
n Reinvest savings to improve comfort and upgrade public housing.
OFFICE is a not-for-profit architecture and design firm. As a registered charity, our operations, processes and outputs are bound by a constitution to make projects for the public good. Feel free to contact us: hello@OFFICE.org.au
The RRR project is independent from Homes NSW and separate to the redevelopment plans for Waterloo South. According to Homes NSW, residents living in Waterloo North and Central (the high-rise buildings) will not be relocated for at least 10 years. If you have questions about the Waterloo South redevelopment, you can contact Homes NSW Waterloo Renewal team via 02 9384 4134, WaterlooConnect@homes.nsw.gov.au or the Waterloo Connect Office, Shop 2, 95 Wellington Street.
Healing soles in a lonely city
cobbler Roger Metry has served his community. Here, he shares why it’s always worthwhile walking a mile in someone else’s shoes.
Roger Metry might be in his eighties, but he doesn’t feel a day over 30. For more than 65 years, he has been the proud owner of Roger Shoe Repairs in Redfern, where he has established a loyal customer base. Some senior Redfern locals have been dropping in for shoe repairs and a friendly chat since they were children.
As someone who makes a point of talking to his customers and checking in on his neighbours, Metry is the ideal person to ask about how the neighbourhood has changed over the years.
I expected a discussion about gentrification, overdevelopment and cost-of-
living pressures. But on this sunny Sunday morning, Metry was much more interested in getting philosophical. Here are some takeaways from our conversation.
ON LIFE IN THE INNER CITY
“Sydney is a beautiful city, but it’s a lonely city now. Very lonely. But I don’t feel lonely. My customers come around and talk to me, and ask for my advice.”
For Metry, the key to connection is reaching out to strangers, whether it’s the woman whose car broke down out the front of his store recently, or a regular who was dealing with depression.
“It doesn’t hurt if you walk past someone and say, ‘Hello, how are you?’ It doesn’t hurt. But people get too lonely and too selfish. Some of them, you know?”
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REACHING OUT TO STRANGERS
“One of the biggest issues around here is loneliness, but it’s up to the person.
‘‘
I don’t worry about things. I just let things come. Worry is the biggest killer in the world.
Roger Metry
You could be lonely, but there’s always someone to talk to.” And Metry is happy to be that person. “I like people that come up and talk to me and I ask for my advice. Right or wrong, I tell them what I know.”
ON LEARNING FROM LIFE
“People sometimes tell me something good; I put it in my heart. People tell me something bad; I put it next to it. So I know the good from the bad.” He’s sure to stay humble, though. “I’m a shoemaker. I’m not a professor. We all make mistakes. But if I do, I’m proud enough to apologise."
ON RESPECT AND POLITENESS
Although his neighbourhood has transformed, to Metry, one thing remains the same: “It’s nice to be polite.” And that, he believes, is the key to his longevity. “It doesn’t hurt. Some people don’t know how to. Money is power, but that doesn’t mean you lose respect for nice people because of those who are snobs. You take things
as they come, and if you’re smart enough, you learn from the bad.”
ON HUMANITY
“People are just like the weather– hot, cold, rainy and sunny. You take the good with the bad, but you learn a lot from the bad people. Humanity is life; you can’t judge people. Some are born nice, and some don’t know how to be nice, but you have to take it how it comes.”
ON FEELING YOUNG
“I don’t feel 80. I feel like I’m 30. Why? Because I am young. I’m healthy. I’m fit. I get up every morning at five o’clock, come to work, and work like hell."
ON THE SECRET TO A LONG AND HAPPY LIFE
“I don’t worry about things; I just let things come. Worry is the biggest killer in the world.”
n You can find Roger Shoe Repairs at 88 Redfern Street, Redfern
OLDER AND CONNECTED WHY LOCAL SERVICES MATTER
Loneliness isn’t new, but services have been sounding the alarm about the toll that it is taking on older adults in our LGA. At ISV, we’ve noticed a steady increase in requests to support socially isolated older people, as did community service leaders at JNC, ESC, NNC, and 4Cs. Determined to understand why, we commissioned Michael Fine (left) and Bob Davidson (right) to investigate the driving factors behind this trend and pinpoint effective local responses.
Ahead of the publication of Older and Connected, we spoke with one of the authors: Dr Fine, whose nearly five decades of research on ageing and care give him a unique lens on this growing problem. He points to a confluence of social, demographic, political, economic, and technological changes that have fragmented our communities and intensified individualism, alongside shifts in community development and aged care that have cut people off from the social connections they desperately need. Yet amidst this sobering reality, Fine offers hope, suggesting that revitalised local services could help combat this escalating crisis.
EARLY RECOGNITION OF LONELINESS AS A SOCIAL ISSUE
The first meaningful studies on loneliness coincided with research into the growth of the welfare state in Britain after WWII. Following the destruction of inner-city places in London and other cities during the Blitz, many older people were moved to new housing estates. When investigating the effectiveness of this social experiment, medical doctors and social policy researchers found that, cut off from their families and communities, these older people were identified as ‘socially isolated’.
“They didn’t have the means of
visiting their family. Often, they were left alone after their son had died in the war and their daughter-in-law had married someone else and moved away,” explains Dr Fine. “Now, they were facing these diseases and conditions that no one knew what to do with.”
Being socially isolated, the English researcher Peter Townsend reported, was a major cause of loneliness. This, he warned, often led to a decline in the older person’s general health. But isolation was not the same as loneliness. Indeed, it was possible to identify loneliness among older people who were surrounded by many others, such as in the old Workhouses that
after the war were often still used as residential care homes for the aged.
THE DECLINE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL
“Fast forward up through the 1990s and 2000s and we begin to document the loss of social capital that’s starting to occur in late capitalism.” Robert Putnam’s research on Civic Traditions in Modern Italy, for example, found that where patterns of civic engagement were weaker, regional governments tended to be more corrupt and inefficient. “There were little employment opportunities apart from farming, so if you couldn't work, then you were very lonely.”
A decade later, in Bowling Alone, Putnam looked at how social capital was falling apart in the US. “All the things that people were doing together were falling apart; people weren’t going to church or joining sports clubs. They were scared of walking around in a lot of neighbourhoods. And we were starting to find this in Australia and Sydney.” “As a result,” he says, “we started to pay attention to this issue of social isolation, particularly around older people.”
EVOLUTION OF COMMUNITY CARE IN SYDNEY
Dr Fine has researched and studied ageing and care for over forty years. Having completed postgraduate research in the Netherlands, widely considered to have one of the best aged care systems in the world, Fine returned to Sydney.
He explains that nursing services had existed in Sydney since the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that home nursing services were introduced as a specialist aged care service and in the 1960s, Meals on Wheels was developed to bring meals to isolated older people. However, there wasn’t a systematic program to help older people live independently in their communities.
Programme prioritised individualised funding that targeted high-needs patients. “That’s where all the expansion of services has gone in the last 20 years,” says the last 20 years,” says Fine.
THE EROSION OF LOCAL ACTIVITY CENTRES
Fine argues that the increased social isolation of older people is at least in part due to the individualisation and marketisation of care, and to the decay of social capital. He suggests that when older and frail people are discharged from hospital, “we need a system where they are referred to a community centre, ideally with a nurse. It’s important to get in early, so they have support around them. ‘It might be shopping, but they also need friends, they need connections. They need
‘‘
“We had hundreds of nursing homes but no community care. From the 70s, we started to say, ‘hey, we want something like what they have in Britain, Canada, and New Zealand.’” In 1985, the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program was introduced under the Labor government, based on the community development model. Fine visited service providers to research possible improvements to the program and was surprised by how positively they were received by users.
“These little services really started to grow; they were full of enthusiasm, and it was really interesting to see how much attention was being paid to building social support.” By 2012, however, there was a move towards marketisation, and in 2015, the Commonwealth Home Support
seems like an effective—and costeffective—solution. The report recommends extending the CHSP program beyond the existing high-risk recipients of aged care, to engage people before they become too withdrawn.
While loneliness is a serious issue across most age groups, for older people, the causes and solutions are distinct. “We need a system where, when an older, or frail person falls into the medical sphere, they are referred to an activity centre which also has a nurse, or to other services, social clubs and so on. The main thing for social isolation is getting in early.”
Ultimately, tackling isolation and loneliness among older adults will require a renewed focus on
All the things people were doing together were falling apart; people weren’t going to church, and they were scared of walking around in a lot of neighbourhoods. And we were starting to find this in Australia and Sydney.
someone to ring up and say ‘I’ve got a dreadful headache and I don’t know what to do.’”
AFFORDABLE INTERVENTIONS AND EARLY SUPPORT
“We need to target our services for older people but they don’t need the most expensive forms of therapy.” They need imaginative but fairly cheap forms of intervention. “The research that we’ve been looking at around the world shows that they really need early intervention to try to help maintain what physical help they’ve got left. You need to stay active, you need to meet up with other people and you need to form friendships.”
So what can be done? Greater investment in local activity centres
community-oriented programs, early referral systems, and low-cost but creative interventions. By rebuilding social connections and strengthening local activity centres, communities can offer older people the chance to maintain their independence, health, and most importantly, their sense of belonging.
n Dr Michael Fine is Honorary Professor, School of Social Sciences, Macquarie University n Dr Bob Davidson is Honorary Research Fellow, Department of Sociology, Macquarie University and a Director of Danett Associates
ABELISM AND ISOLATION IN THE NDIS
THE IMPACT OF NEOLIBERAL POLICIES ON LONELINESS AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
BY OLLIE GATFIELD
In 2022, I tore my ACL twice in one year, underwent surgery, and faced a prolonged period where I couldn’t walk or perform daily tasks. I relied on walking aids and heavy medication and needed help getting to work and university. Despite these challenges, with the support of friends, family, and colleagues, I was able to continue participating in activities as before.
At the time, I met the definition of having a disability, but unlike many people under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), I wasn’t labelled as disabled. More specifically, I wasn’t subjected to the ableism that often accompanies such labels, meaning I didn’t face the stigma or discrimination that people with permanent disabilities often do. The experience highlighted a troubling truth: while I temporarily experienced disability, the world treated me differently because I wasn’t defined by it. The privileges I was afforded, such as societal understanding and support, are not available to everyone with a disability.
profound loneliness—research from BMC Public Health shows that people with disabilities in Australia are 1.5 to 1.9 times more likely to experience loneliness than those without.
The NDIS was meant to offer a solution by promoting choice and control, providing direct funding to people with disabilities. As a disability support worker, I know that the system remains bureaucratic and impersonal, directing substantial resources to disability-specific services that often neglect, abuse, and exploit participants. I have seen first-hand how many, especially those with intellectual
‘‘
I suppose loneliness
Sophie Reid-Singer, a doctorate holder and current law student, has a different story. Living with a congenital bone disease, spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, Sophie has had a lifetime of challenges that reflect the lack of agency and autonomy many people with disabilities face within the current system. She shared her frustration with me, saying, “I’m studying a law degree, but I kind of think, damn, okay, what’s the point?”
In a society that prioritises productivity, many people living with disabilities experience economic marginalisation, exclusion, and devaluation. Government intervention to improve accessibility and inclusion has been minimal, leaving people with disabilities with fewer opportunities to form social connections, access social support, or participate fully in society. This social isolation can lead to
is the perfect way to describe it.
Sop hie Reid-Singer
and psychosocial disabilities, are forced into these services, leaving them with little control over their lives. Despite the NDIS’s claim of offering choice, the actual options available to participants are incredibly limited.
Unfortunately, mainstream services remain largely inaccessible to people with disabilities, pushing them to the margins of society. This lack of inclusivity is evident in employment statistics: only 22% of NDIS participants are in full award-wage employment, and just 19% of young participants are employed, compared to 91.43% of young people without disabilities. This disparity is driven by inadequate
support services, persistent stereotypes, and a lack of inclusive practices. As Sophie aptly noted, “Expanding mainstream services to better accommodate people with disabilities would be the best way to reduce costs.”
The limited access to employment not only perpetuates economic vulnerability but also reinforces social isolation and broader inequalities. To close this gap, we must improve the accessibility of mainstream services, promote inclusive hiring practices, and ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in the workforce and society.
My temporary experience with disability revealed the privileges I received, not due to personal resilience but because of the absence of ableism in my situation. For many living with permanent disabilities, these privileges are not as easily accessible. Sophie’s frustration, and the realities faced by people with disabilities within the NDIS system, highlight the deep flaws in how we approach disability and inclusion.
The economic marginalisation, institutional exclusion, and pervasive loneliness experienced by many people with disabilities demand urgent attention. While the NDIS was a step forward, it falls short of genuinely empowering individuals because it’s bureaucratic and doesn’t provide real choice and control. To address these issues, we must tackle systemic shortcomings, such as the lack of accessible services, inclusive employment, and comprehensive support. These changes will not only improve the lives of people with disabilities but also reduce societal inequality.
Loneliness is a widespread issue, affecting both those with and without disabilities. The root cause, however, is not individual deficits but systemic failure. We must build a more inclusive and accessible world where everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate, access meaningful opportunities, and find the social support they need to thrive.
WHERE WE BELONG CREATING INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES
BY THE SOCIAL IMPACT LAB, CENTRE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND INCLUSION, UTS
In 2023-24, the Social Impact Lab at the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, UTS, collaborated with communities in Glebe, Haymarket, Pyrmont and Ultimo to explore how inclusive and accessible spaces foster connection and a sense of belonging. This project explored inclusive and accessible spaces as a priority issue identified by community in our previous work to develop a future vision for an increased sense of belonging in a thriving community. Integral to this project was the persisting community concern of increased loneliness and isolation across the local area, which emerged as a key finding throughout this project.
As a community-driven project, the Social Impact Lab used strengthsbased and participatory methods to centre lived experiences of people who live, work, study or volunteer across
the local area. A community partners group, comprised of local advocates, community organisations, and local government, were crucial in guiding the project — from its design and recruitment of participants to making sense of community stories and recommendations for the future.
Through community conversations, workshops, collaborative sense-making and co-design processes, the Social Impact Lab worked with approximately 150 community members to co-develop a story of change – a narrative that describes what changes are needed for inclusive and accessible spaces to connect people and create a sense of belonging.
To feel safe and included in their community, community said they need access to safe and livable housing, enhanced safety in public spaces, mental health and wellbeing support, and services that are responsive and connected to community needs. As foundations, these provide stability and improved wellbeing so that people can engage with their neighbours, build connections with others to reduce
loneliness and isolation, contribute to community without the stress of housing insecurity, and feel safe emotionally and physically.
In talking about what makes spaces inclusive and accessible, community also highlighted the importance of:
n affordable activities and events, particularly given the increasing costs of living;
n information about what’s happening in the local community;
n learning opportunities that support people to contribute to community;
n activities, events and places that help community to learn about and practice collective caring for country;
n celebrating the strengths of diverse communities across the local area;
n shared spaces that people from diverse backgrounds can enjoy; and n having activities and events that are developed and led by local communities.
Collectively, community members across Glebe, Haymarket, Pyrmont, and Ultimo have articulated that these need to be in place for local community to
create inclusive and accessible spaces where people can connect with each other and create a sense of belonging. To complement community voice, the Social Impact Lab also undertook a literature review to understand existing evidence in what works to reduce loneliness and isolation. This review found that community-led programs, opportunities for intergenerational connection, and programs led by and for marginalised communities are successful initiatives which can reduce
loneliness and social isolation.
Together — community voice and existing evidence — provides a rich picture of what’s needed in the local community, strengthening the case for policies that:
n prioritise safe and affordable housing;
n provide funding for place-based organisations that respond to community needs;
n prioritise social infrastructure in urban planning such as parks,
QUOTES FROM THE PROJECT ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS
‘‘
You need community spaces, and events that are low cost, the cost of living is high and you don’t want that to be a barrier
[Talking about their vision for the future] We respect each other. We love neighbours. We look out for people –people who are older, with disability, or marginalised.
libraries, and community centres; and n increase investment in free and low-cost community spaces and events;
n enhance social inclusion policies for diverse and marginalised groups. Ultimately, this work provides a roadmap for significant social change across our local area to reduce loneliness and isolation, create a sense of belonging and connection to inclusive and accessible spaces in community, and build social cohesion.
I don’t want people to feel alone. I want to connect people and connect to country . . . connected to nature . . . understand
what being connected to the earth means.
THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT 7 WAYS YOUNG PEOPLE ARE CONNECTING IRL
BY LUNA MICHAELS
The loneliness epidemic is something that many of us feel on a personal level. Having no social contact outside of our very busy friends and family is isolating. When schedules don’t align, and the pool of friends seems to get smaller year by year, many young people, like myself, have turned to online spaces and nightlife.
Unfortunately, these popular avenues for forging connections don’t come without risk: Snapchat released a study that surveyed 6000 young people. It found that 69% had been victims of catfishing. This is when someone creates a fake online identity to trick others into believing they are in a real relationship or friendship with them. The goal is often to scam people out of money, blackmail them, or harm them in other ways.
A study by Monash University found that 80% of women experienced some form of sexual harassment on a night out. Walking into a nightclub or bar and
spending the whole night watching over your drink is disheartening, but it is the reality for many young people in Sydney.
It makes sense that, even in the face of a loneliness epidemic, young people like myself are apprehensive about venturing online or to bars and nightclubs to socialise. Nightlife should be associated with fun, not unwanted attention and the looming fear of the night going south.
Deep inside the minds of those looking for new connections is the very human desire for community. We need spaces for young people to connect that aren’t centred around alcohol.
While thinking about these issues, I had the determination to find safe places for us to meet others without putting ourselves in harm’s way. So, I’ve compiled a list of some of the safest places to meet new people in Sydney.
1GROUP CLASSES
ClassBento (classbento. com.au) is a website that showcases classes and experiences in your area for those who want
something out of the ordinary to do. Whether it’s crafts, cooking or art, these events allow you to sit down, create something special and find yourself among a group of like-minded individuals.
Check out the City of Sydney website for classes, workshops and inclusive events at any of their eight community and recreation centres.
2
FITNESS GROUPS
Running clubs offer you the chance to train with people who share your goals, whether you’re training for a marathon or just want to improve your physical fitness. There are endless online options, including clubs for serious athletes and womenonly options.
There’s also the option of joining a local team in your chosen sport. This builds team spirit and camaraderie with others who are just as passionate about the sport as you.
3
LATE NIGHTS
Themed nights at different venues are a nicer way to go out without feeling stuck with people
who might not make you feel comfortable.
You can engage in nights dedicated to certain artists or themes like emo, pop throwback or movie soundtrack nights. These can occur at places like Home the Venue, The Oxford Art Factory or Liberty Hall, without the usual crowds.
You can find these nights on social media accounts such as @ superficialparty, @ callmemaybeparty or @ sugarushparty on Instagram.
Whether you want to listen to your favourite artist all night or watch live performances, it’s nicer to know you’re in a crowd that has at least one thing in common at a time. Check out Eventbrite
4 SUNRISE SOCIAL
A County Down
Under hosts ‘Sunrise Socials’ in Bronte and Coogee Beaches, which gathers people to watch the sunrise each Saturday; you can enjoy a morning swim or just get to know some new faces with a beautiful view in front of you.
5 LIVE MUSIC
While it is a pretty expensive suggestion nowadays, sometimes waiting in line for your favourite artist is a good way to meet new friends. Knowing you already have a joint interest can be a great way to bond with others. https://sydneymusic. net/ is a great place to
find out what live gigs are happening in your area.
6 BOOK CLUBS
If you love to read, finding a book club in your local area can be a good way to engage in your hobby while also meeting others. You can pick a genre that you particularly like, and get to discuss books that you may not have thought to read otherwise.
The Meetup website and Facebook are where you’ll likely find the most niche clubs, but don’t forget to check your local library.
7 MOVIE CLUBS
Similarly, if you prefer your stories on the screen, you can also engage in cinema clubs that watch and discuss films. It’s easier to start conversations when the topic is already decided.
Cinema clubs can be found on meetup.com in your local area.
By prioritising safe, alcohol-free opportunities, we can create a stronger sense of community and combat the isolation many of us face. Moving forward, it’s crucial that we continue to invest in spaces that promote healthy connections so we can all find the support and companionship we deserve.
n Luna Michaels is a journalism student who runs a blog on culture and politics.
You’re welcome?
24 JANUARY – 28 MARCH 2025 | Verge Gallery Jane Foss Russell Plaza | 154 City Rd, Sydney featuring Serwah Attafuah, Mostafa Azimitabar, Billy Bain, Gosha Heldtz, Jacquie Meng, and Heath Nock
What does it mean to feel welcome in a land that is built on contradictions? Curated by Dharug artist Billy Bain, You’re Welcome? explores the ways in which a group of young Sydney-based artists form, express, and interrogate ideas of what it means to be welcome. Through non-traditional, figurative portraiture, these artists navigate their own multicultural identities and create both physical and digital space for community, despite an often hostile and unwelcoming wider Australian consciousness. Running concurrently with Invasion Day and The University of Sydney’s Welcome Week, You’re Welcome? celebrates and platforms these artists’ unique stories and perspectives — from the political to the surreal and humorous.
I feel personally that as a director, the stories I put to screen must be polarising, to be a weapon for igniting conversation and debate in order to change people's views on what Aboriginal society was and still could be.
CHARLES
PERKINS,
FILMMAKER
The Secret Buried Beneath the 1974 Aboriginal Affairs Siege Revolver|
Anear-fatal hostage situation, a hidden truth, and an act of quiet heroism: Revolver uncovers a gripping moment in Australian history that has remained untold for decades. This short documentary, expected to land on SBS in May 2025, revisits the “Black Siege” at the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in 1974.
Through the eyes of Eileen Perkins, wife of activist Charlie Perkins, Revolver tells the story of Bobby McLeod, who, frustrated by government mistreatment of First Nations people, stormed the department armed with a revolver. Holding four men hostage, the crisis could have ended in tragedy — if not for Charlie Perkins.
What history never recorded is the hidden act that diffused the standoff. While calming McLeod, Charlie quietly
removed the bullets, hiding them in his shoe before later burying them in his backyard. McLeod was arrested, but with an unloaded gun, he was ultimately released.
Decades later, Eileen shares this secret, shedding new light on a pivotal event in Aboriginal rights history. Directed by Charles Perkins, grandson of Charlie, and produced by Finbar Murphy, Revolver is a deeply personal exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the hidden sacrifices made for justice.
“For myself, this documentary highlights a need for First Nations unity, the story itself being a powerful example of brotherhood and selflessness, even in the face of terrible circumstances,” says director Charles Perkins.
Charles, whose work is deeply influenced by his grandfather’s legacy, hopes Revolver will challenge perspectives. “I feel personally that as a director, the stories I put to screen
must be polarising, to be a weapon for igniting conversation and debate in order to change people's views on what Aboriginal society was and still could be.”
Perkins is fast becoming one to watch in Australian filmmaking. His next narrative film will be making the festival rounds in Sydney this year. His ambitious project is a period piece set in the 1880s on Perkins' home country in the Arrernte lands (Mparntwe/Alice Springs). Based on a true but largely forgotten history, the film follows a young “Native Police” officer who is torn between his duty to enforce colonial rule and his own Aboriginal identity.
“Set during the birth of Alice Springs as we know it now, the story is a humanising tale of redemption, tragedy, and hope. It serves as a reminder of the cruel and inhumane past that intertwines white and Blak culture in Australia.”
COMMUNITY VOICES
To better understand how inner Sydney residents make connections in their daily lives, we asked community members for their insights and experiences.
YASMIN, 25 STUDENT
The internet was instrumental in finding social connections as a young, queer woman. Obviously, I understand the importance of the social media ban, but I think it puts the onus on the individual rather than the social media companies.
I personally hated social media. But now, I know how to use it better. I know what is good to engage with to help me feel connected. It’s a kind of love/hate thing. It’s so important to create and sustain community and so many young people, especially LGBTQ} youth and marginalised people, rely on social media to connect. But it can also make us feel disconnected.
I started posting on Instagram when I was 14 as a way of sharing things with friends when we weren’t physically at school together. But as I got older, I noticed that people would only share the “good parts” of their lives. Only seeing this curated side of people’s life wasn’t good for my mental health. Because of this dynamic, I felt more lonely and less connected.
When I take social media breaks, I feel more involved in my day-to-day life, but more disconnected from the world. On TikTok, for example, when I don’t have it, I don’t understand the
trends. There’s discourse that I feel like I’m not a part of.
ANNA, 37
ADMINISTRATION OFFICER
Now that I have a dog, I talk to my neighbours a lot more. I think people find it hard to make small talk, particularly since lockdown. Having a dog, especially a puppy, gives people an opening to make conversation. I think smalltalk is really undervalued. Some people think it’s superficial, but you never know how isolated someone is that you see every day. It might mean a lot to them. With a dog, I feel like I have a lot more little conversations with people that I used to just pass on the street.
KIM, 43 FILMMAKER
I moved to Redfern in 2019, so it’s been 6 years now, and I still feel like I’ve just arrived, like I’m a tourist. I don’t feel like I’m part of a community. I miss seeing people on the street and at the shops that I know and recognise and can chat to and catch up with, it’s as if we all live next to each other but in our own separate worlds, moving about the neighbourhood individually, not collectively.
I work from home, so that’s isolating already. Sometimes, I don’t go out at all if I have a busy day, my interactions with others are through emails or phone calls. I play sports, so that’s the main way I get involved with people who live in this part of Sydney; I see them a couple of times a week, but actually it’s hard to make friends there, I rarely see my teammates other than training sessions or games.
I’m looking for ways to be more involved with my neighbours, I saw there was talk of a community garden and I’m planning to follow that up. I’ve got flyers on my fridge about activities at the community art space on Redfern Street but I barely go; I guess work commitments mainly stop me, and the fact I don’t know anyone else that goes. I think about asking my neighbours over for dinner or to any parties I put on, and I have done this before, but few come, and only one has asked me back. Making friends and a community is possible, but you need to put in a lot of effort, time and commitment. If it’s not happening organically, I should try to create it myself. I’m hoping to do so this year by putting on a documentary club, somewhere nearby. So I’m still hopeful I can finally find a community for me here in Redfern this year. I’d love that.
KERRIE, 69 RETIRED
I grew up in a house with 11 people, so I love living alone now! I only knew one other person when I moved here in 2022, but eventually I made connections. There are heaps of ways to meet people if you want to. You just have to be a bit confident. I think some people are just whingers.
I did it by going to the park. First I saw people doing laughing yoga, and they invited me to join in. Another time, I was going for a walk after the doctor, and I saw a group of women doing Tai Chi.
These women came up to me and told me about Tai Chi. Now we go to the club and play Rummy-o. I never thought I would do that sort of thing. When I first saw it I didn’t think I could learn it. Now, I get so excited I can’t do a poker face. They invite me to Yum Cha, and we all go out for lunch when it’s someone’s birthday. When I got COVID, they were the ones who called me. They said, “When are you getting better? We need you!”
There are lots of things to do at the seniors centre. I never thought I’d go to a place like that, but you can get a sandwich for five dollars and a coffee for one dollar. They also have trips away, bowling, craft groups, and book swaps. I should go there every day to get lunch.
And if you need the bathroom, it’s nicer than a public toilet. You can go there if it’s hot or cold in your house. You can sit there as long as you like. Put a bit of lippy on, and someone will come and talk to you eventually. And buses will pick up and drop you home.
I know that It is lonely being a carer. One of the best things they do is respite care. They come and pick the person you’re caring for for the day and drop them home as well, so you have time to rest or run errands and see other people.
Libraries are also good. I know men and young people feel lonely. I would say, you can go to the pub and not drink.
LEO, 15 STUDENT
I mainly connect with friends at school. Sometimes, I talk to them on Roblox when I’m at home.
ROSE, 57 TEACHER
I’ve noticed that kids have fewer social skills coming into kindy. People like to blame the breakdown of social connections on covid and lockdown, but these things were already happening before the pandemic.
I don’t think they play with each other after school either; they go home and go online. I think parents have to take some responsibility. If they want their children to be resilient and have the skills to make meaningful connections, then they can’t pop them in front of the iPad.
PADDY, 55
UBER DRIVER
My parents-in-law are some of the most socially connected people I know, and they have only lived in Sydney for six years. As soon as they moved here to help look after the kids, they reconnected with people they grew up with in Saigon. Facebook helped, but within a day or so of being in Sydney, they had reconnected with about a dozen people, some of whom they hadn’t seen since 1977 and had limited contact with via family and letters.
Now, they are very involved in the Vietnamese temple, volunteering to cook there every month for a few days around the moon celebrations. They are also very involved with the Chinese community group CASS in Bankstown, My father-in-law is a key organiser there; they volunteer several days a month to organise and run events for elderly Chinese, like dancing and outings.
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