Recently I received a letter from the Queensland Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch.
She was eager to address a growing issue impacting our community.
It can strike anyone at any time and does not discriminate.
As we have seen across the globe, the ripple effects of Covid-19 are far-reaching and devastating.
This pandemic is having a significant impact on the psychological and mental well-being of people everywhere.
The Queensland Government is hoping to address this by undertaking a Parliamentary Inquiry into social isolation and loneliness.
Council will make a submission based on our experiences in the City of Logan.
We are hearing stories from the coal face. One local resident became addicted to gambling.
They were in a socially isolated situation and the major intervention to help resolve the issue was getting involved in activities at their local community centre.
The programs and services that are delivered from our community centres, libraries and in our parks are sometimes the only social interaction people have.
When those facilities have to be closed due to restrictions, it sometimes can be to the detriment of some sections of our community.
Domestic and family violence is another major issue that is increasing as a result of social isolation.
The Queensland Domestic Violence Services Network found that during periods of lockdown and social isolation the risk of violence against women and children increases.
At the same time access to support services decreases when providers are forced to close their services temporarily.
Other casualties are schools. A move towards a remote, online model of learning has impacted families and teachers.
We are seeing a digital divide, where students who do not have access to technology and internet at home, are unable to fully participate in online education.
Some of these students are getting left behind.
There are many seniors within our community without technology and internet to connect with important and up-to-date information and services.
Members of our culturally and linguistically diverse community are also impacted.
Struggling to understand and interpret information due to language or system barriers is common.
Council will do its bit by increasing investment in infrastructure that allows people to connect, such as libraries and community centres.
We are also increasing programs and services that assist in bringing people together.
Please reach out and support, or just have a chat, to those who might be feeling alone or isolated.
It could make a world of difference.
