
Community Disconnection: Rebuilding Social Networks in Rural Australia
In the quiet towns and regional centres across Australia, a silent crisis is unfolding. Social disconnection—the gradual unravelling of community bonds—has become increasingly prevalent, transforming the social landscape of communities like Ararat, Victoria. The statistics tell a sobering story: 15% of Australians experienced social isolation in 2022, with young males aged 15-24 showing particularly concerning…