Meeting with James Griffin, local MP for Manly
Reconnecting Manly: Meeting with James Griffin MP to Tackle Loneliness and Build Social Connection
This week, we met with James Griffin MP, Member for Manly, to discuss one of the most pressing yet often invisible challenges in our community, loneliness and social isolation, and how we can rebuild face-to-face connection in the wake of the pandemic.
The Challenge: Rising Loneliness in Our Community
Loneliness and reduced in-person social interaction have become significant issues across Australia since the pandemic. National data shows that this is not just an emotional concern — it’s a serious social and health issue.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), around 17% of Australians aged 15 and over reported that they often feel very lonely (2023).
The Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW) found that about 15% of adults were experiencing social isolation in 2023 — up from pre-COVID levels.
Among younger people, the issue is even more pronounced: a 2025 report by Ending Loneliness Together and the University of Sydney revealed that over 40% of Australians aged 15–25 describe themselves as lonely, likely intensified due to our reliance on digital connection.
Loneliness also carries an economic cost, with estimates placing the national burden at around $2.7 billion per year, or roughly $1,565 per person affected.
While these are national figures, they mirror concerns we are hearing locally. A recent Northern Beaches Council community feedback process highlighted that many residents (70%) feel there are too few spaces for casual social interaction such as informal places to meet, talk, and feel part of the community.
Meeting with James Griffin MP
In our meeting, James acknowledged the growing importance of social connection in community wellbeing and discussed the role of local spaces in addressing it. Together, we explored how government, local organisations, and residents can work together to create a more connected Manly.
Some of the ideas on the table included:
manly42 as a new community hub that offer accessible places for people to meet and collaborate
Encouraging partnerships between local businesses, community groups, and cultural organisations to create shared spaces for interaction
Developing arts and culture programs that bring people together through creativity, music, and creating a platform to feature Local Experts.
Building Places That Bring People Together
The message from the community is clear that people want more opportunities for casual, face-to-face connection. It’s not just about major events; it’s about everyday interactions, conversations at a local café, shared workshops, or creative collaborations that make people feel they belong. Those connections that give life meaning.
We’re grateful to James for his time and commitment to this cause, and for his openness to exploring practical solutions that strengthen community connection in Manly.
Looking Ahead
As we continue these conversations, we’ll be advocating for funding and support to develop spaces and initiatives that bring people together — because every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and connected.
Together, we can make Manly a community where loneliness is replaced by belonging, and where everyone has a place to connect.
