The Legislative Council has unanimously supported a motion by Hon Connie Bonaros to refer an inquiry into loneliness to the Social Development Committee.

This is a significant step in recognising loneliness as both a public health and social issue.

Members from across parties spoke to the impact of loneliness on young people, older South Australians, people with disability, and those experiencing isolation.

The inquiry will explore prevalence, causes, current programs, and opportunities for new initiatives, community‑led responses, and cross‑government coordination.

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It’s been a year since Spark began their first community initiative in Balhannah. In that time, the initiative has launched six programs, hosted 193 events across the Adelaide Hills, and welcomed more than 1,000 attendances—sparking friendships and moments of belonging along the way.

None of this would have been possible without the 38 dedicated volunteers, known as “Sparkies,” who together have contributed over 1,000 hours to fostering connection and sharing valuable insights.

Congratulations to Spark and their volunteer team for making these initiatives such a success.

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MarionLIFE Community Services has launched a new Chatty Café in South Australia, creating a welcoming space for conversation, companionship, and connection.

Held every Monday morning from 9–11am at the MarionLIFE Community Centre (or in the community garden when the weather is fine), the café offers free coffee and a friendly environment where people of all ages can drop in, meet others, and share a chat.

No bookings or cost are required, and carers are warmly welcomed. The initiative builds on MarionLIFE’s history of tackling loneliness, offering a simple but powerful way to strengthen community ties.

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In November, Ending Loneliness Together’s National Loneliness Conference: Creating a Culture of Connection brought together over 160 people to share research, lived experience, and community‑led solutions.

Across two days of keynotes, panels, and thinktanks, new relationships were sparked and a collective vision for a more connected Australia took shape.

The Foundation for Social Connection has launched The Roadmap: Reimagining Infrastructure to Improve Social Capital—a practical guide for local governments to embed social connection into infrastructure decisions.

Drawing on national community visits and expert insights, it highlights the role of “third places” like libraries, parks, and gathering spaces in building opportunity.

The framework offers clear strategies and local examples to help municipalities foster more connected, inclusive, and economically vibrant communities.

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