Inner Sydney Voice Urges NSW Inquiry to Tackle Loneliness with Community-Based Reform
Photograph by Adrika Kayes
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 New South Wales, 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 (ISV) 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, non-profit, and community organisations.
ISV’s 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—programs that 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 (CALD) 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, 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.
For more information on the NSW Standing Committee on Social Issues Inquiry into loneliness, or to read our full submission, visit the NSW Parliament website.
* Not her real name