Lunch & Learn: Relationships Australia presents Building connected communities where older adults thrive

This panel presentation featured Relationships Australia’s national and Queensland offices. Our presenters were Nick Tebbey, National Executive Officer, alongside Sam Robinson National Neighbours Every Day Campaign Manager and RA Queensland Senior Relationships Coordinator, Ben O’Rourke.

During the webinar, Building connected communities where older adults thrive, we explored how loneliness among older adults isn't just about feeling alone but is a serious risk factor for elder abuse and poor health outcomes as we age.

But here's the good news: we can do something about it!

The Relationships Australia team discussed how loneliness affects our older community members and, most importantly, what works to prevent it.

From neighbourhood-level initiatives like the Neighbours Every Day campaign to targeted one-on-one support programmes, they'll share practical, evidence-based approaches that bring real results. After all, building connected communities isn't just nice to have, it's essential for ensuring that everyone is safe, valued, and thriving.

Watch this important discussion on our YouTube channel:

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Nick Tebbey
National Executive Officer Relationships Australia National

Nick is the National Executive Officer of the Relationships Australia Federation. After working for over a decade in private legal practice, Nick has worked for a decade in the community sector, including for the last 6 years with Relationships Australia, a leading provider of family and children’s services in Australia.  In his role as National Executive Officer at Relationships Australia, Nick is proud to be heading up a passionate National Office team, and representing the Federation in a range of policy, advocacy and research opportunities. His team is responsible for delivery of Relationships Australia’s popular Neighbours Every Day campaign, promoting the benefits of social connection and belonging for everyone. 

Sam Robinson
National Neighbours Every Day Campaign Manager Relationships Australia National

Sam is the national Neighbours Every Day Campaign Manager for Relationships Australia. She has held senior leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector across Australia and South Africa, with expertise in experiential leadership training, conservation volunteering, and community development. A graduate of the Sydney Leadership Program, Sam holds a Master of Public Administration. She joined RA in 2012 and has led the Neighbours Every Day campaign since 2014, bringing together people, resources, and organisations to build stronger, more connected communities where everyone belongs. 

Ben O’Rourke
Senior Relationships Coordinator Relationships Australia Queensland

Ben has worked in Community Services for more than 17 years, dedicated to promoting the rights, safety and wellbeing of vulnerable people. As the Senior Relationship Services Coordinator at Relationships Australia Queensland, Ben oversees a suite of programs designed to support seniors, strengthen connections and ensure individuals feel safe, respected and valued. His portfolio includes: Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service Senior Financial Protection Service Elder Mediation Support Service Senior Social Connection Program Ben is deeply committed to raising awareness of elder abuse and fostering collaborative approaches that help communities prevent, recognise and respond effectively to mistreatment of older people. He is passionate about empowering individuals, building supportive networks, and contributing to safer, more inclusive communities.