In the spirit of just beginning, and inspired by the Podcast team at The Imperfects, this first conversation of Bringing Community Back Together wasn’t planned, perfectly recorded, or neatly wrapped….but it is honest, it is important and it is about a problem that is affect all of us.

I had the serendipitous opportunity to speak with children’s author Brenton Cullen about his beautiful and deeply relevant book The Prime Minister Problem last week.

On the surface, it’s a children’s story, however it speaks to an issue much bigger, and close to my heart – the growing impact of social fragmentation, loneliness, and disconnection across generations, and the role we all play in rebuilding community.

“Old folks might feel a little left out. Lonely. So they hide away. They can seem angry or sad… but they might just want a friend.”

There is a simplicity in this story that cuts through in a way many of us spend years trying to articulate. It reminds us that while we often look to systems, services, or leadership for solutions… this is not something for Anthony Albanese and our government to solve alone. Community begins much closer to home…. as Brenton so aptly put it in our conversation

“ It takes a village when a baby is born… but it takes a village at the other end of life as well.”

This is the first episode of podcast Bringing Community Back Together, and whilst it may be a little rough around the edges, we have put it out there, because we really couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful place to begin.

When you have a moment, over your cuppa, walk or your commute to or from work I’d love you to listen, share, comment and reflect on the role each of us can play in strengthening connection in the communities around us.

Please also consider supporting pre ordering the book via Riveted Press, my 12-year-old also agrees it’s worth the read, and sharing across generations. We sincerely hope to see this amazing book introduced into Education curriculum so our next generation can join in having their voices heard, just like Brenton’s 10 year old character Wren.
Brenton will launch his book online on 28 April 10.30 Webinar with the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice (AIIP) for Global Intergenerational Week #GIW26 👏 👏 👏

👉 Listen to our conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gdKFHJvB
(Also available on Apple Podcasts)

#BringingCommunityBackTogether #CommunityConnection #Intergenerational #Socialisolation #CommonHumanity #ItsUpToAllofUs