“I’ve had a lot of things happen to me in life, and you get a bit down in the dumps. Then you’ll come out to the shed, and someone will say ‘what’s wrong?’ and you can sit down and have a talk. After that, you don’t feel so bad.”
Dee Douglas is a passionate member of the Townsend Men’s and Women’s Shed, an inclusive space on the North Coast of NSW where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to support one another. Like many Australians living in rural and regional communities, Dee has felt the power of connection, and without the price tag.
Life is never straight forward, and can be a juggle for many, weighed down by the ever-increasing cost of living and the financial struggles that accompany it. When money’s tight, social connections can feel like a luxury that’s slipping out of reach. After all, in a world where everything costs, how do you justify spending on anything other than what’s absolutely necessary? But in times like these, when finances threaten to put up walls, it’s often the strength of community that’s able to break them down, in the most unexpected and creative of ways.
You might be thinking, how do you take part when you’re struggling to keep up with bills? There’s that nagging feeling of shame that keeps some from getting involved – should I really spend money on myself? But despite these hurdles, the beauty of rural and regional Australia lies in its ability to adapt, finding low-cost or even free ways to connect and keep the community spirit alive.
It doesn’t take a fancy dinner out to nurture friendships. Communities often have informal, volunteer-driven groups that bring people together without breaking the bank. Think of the Mums and Bubs groups, meeting up for a coffee and a chat, or the Men’s and Women’s Shed in the community of Townsend, near Yamba. These groups build networks of support and improve the mental well-being of everyone involved—no credit card required.
Pam Flemming also attends the Townsend Men’s and Women’s Shed and shares how rewarding it is to use her hands creatively and to connect with others.
“The mental health side of this is huge. I was recently in hospital for a back injury and all I could think about was getting back to the shed. Friday is the most special day of my week.”
A benefit of regional towns and smaller communities is you don’t have to look far to find a friendly face. Whether it’s striking up a conversation while walking the dog, picking up the phone, or attending a local event, those small, everyday interactions remind us we’re not alone in this world. When you know there’s someone around to rely on, life becomes a bit more fulfilling, even in the most isolated of places.
When challenges arise, communities that are socially connected are better able to bounce back. People pull together, helping one another navigate difficulties with strength and solidarity. At the heart of it all, the key to holding these bonds together—especially when finances are tight—is the shared value of support, empathy, and cooperation. The sense of belonging that arises from these bonds is priceless, giving individuals the emotional strength they need to weather life’s storms together, no matter what comes their way.
If you’re experiencing feelings of isolation, reach out to your local Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) coordinator.
RAMHP coordinators can provide tools, resources, and links to support, whenever and wherever it’s needed, like the Townsend Men’s and Women’s Shed.
As published in the National Rural Health Alliance’s Partyline newsletter – March 2025 edition.