Making new friends can be tough at the best of times, and it can be even trickier if you are new in a close-knit country town. Australians are increasingly feeling lonely, with reports suggesting that a third of the population feels isolated. In regional Victoria, young people are coming up with creative ways to connect and build friendships.
Kimberley Hyslop, a native of western Victoria who moved to Port Fairy recently, experienced loneliness after the coastal relocation. Being unfamiliar with anyone in her new town, she struggled to find her community, especially in a sports-focused environment. As an individual with interests in crafts and reading, Ms. Hyslop had to put in extra effort to connect with like-minded individuals. She found solace in joining a book club and attending crafting workshops, which helped her expand her social circle.
Stacey Barnes, originally from the UK, settled in western Victoria and decided to create her own craft workshops to bridge the social gap in her community. Through her initiative, My Crafternoons, people gather to work on creative projects such as jewelry making and pottery, forming meaningful connections along the way.
Beth Knox, an avid surfer who moved to Port Fairy, joined a women’s surf program to make friends with similar interests. This led to the formation of a group of surfer friends who continue to hit the waves together. Surf coach Laura Graham highlighted the strong interest in the program, with more than 100 women applying for limited spots, showcasing the community’s desire to connect through shared activities.
Courtney Mathew found comfort and companionship at the Warrnambool Community Garden during a challenging period. Engaging in social gardening activities brought her closer to people of all ages, fostering a sense of community and support. Courtney emphasized the importance of such initiatives in cultivating strong friendships and providing a network of help in times of need.
Michelle Lim, CEO of Ending Loneliness Together, stressed the negative impact of loneliness on health and well-being, particularly in regional and remote communities. Loneliness has been linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Ms. Lim highlighted the importance of making connections across different age groups and being open to social opportunities as key steps towards combating loneliness and building meaningful relationships.
