In South Burnett, the wide-open spaces we love can sometimes come with a quiet cost: isolation. For many residents — especially older adults, caregivers, and those living on remote properties — the distance between neighbours can feel more emotional than physical. And when mental health challenges arise, the support can feel just out of reach.
The Rural Reality
Living in a rural area brings unique pressures. There’s the stigma that still lingers around mental health, the limited number of local services, and the simple fact that it’s harder to ask for help when you feel like you’re supposed to be “toughing it out.” According to the ACDC Project’s recent outreach in South Burnett, over 30% of participants reported high levels of psychological distress — more than double the national average.
Older residents, in particular, often face a double burden: the emotional toll of loneliness and the challenge of navigating unfamiliar technology. Caregivers, too, can feel invisible — giving so much of themselves while quietly burning out.
Finding Connection in Unexpected Places
But there’s hope. Sometimes, it starts with something as small as a wave across the fence or a chat at the post office. One Kingaroy resident, Peter, 72, shared how a neighbour’s simple offer to help him set up a telehealth appointment led to more than just medical advice — it opened the door to regular check-ins and a renewed sense of belonging.
“I didn’t think I needed help,” he said. “But once I started talking, I realised how much I’d been holding in.”
Digital health services, like those highlighted in our previous article, are also playing a growing role. When paired with local support and a bit of encouragement, they can be a lifeline — especially for those who find it hard to leave home.
Where to Lend a Hand — or Find One
Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to combat isolation — for both the giver and the receiver. Here are a few local opportunities:
- South Burnett Regional Council — help at Visitor Centres, libraries, or community events.
- South Burnett Peace of Mind — local mental health support and peer advocacy.
- RSPCA Kingaroy — assist with animal care and community outreach.
- Check with Lifeline, Red Cross, or BlueCare for volunteer roles across the region.
Speak Up, Reach Out
If you’re struggling, or know someone who is, don’t wait. Talk to your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan, or contact local services like South Burnett Psychology or Essential Health Services.
And if you’re doing okay? Reach out anyway. Say hello to a neighbour. Offer to help someone with their phone or computer. Invite someone to an event. These small acts are the threads that hold our community together.
Because in South Burnett, no one should have to face the distance alone.
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