Join us for this panel presentation featuring Relationships Australia’s national and Queensland offices. Presenting will be Nick Tebbey, National Executive Officer, alongside Sam Robinson and Ben O’Rourke.
This webinar, "Building connected communities where older adults thrive", will explore how loneliness among older adults isn't just about feeling alone, it's 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.
Join the Relationships Australia team as they explore 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.
We look forward to you joining us for this important discussion.
Speakers
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.
Moderator
Claire Van Heyningen
Session Moderator | EAAA Board Member · Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA)
Claire brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and community engagement, with a strong focus on making a positive difference in people’s lives. She is currently the General Manager of Marketing and Communications at MTC FutureReady, where she helps lead programs that support people to build skills, confidence, and brighter futures. Claire’s career has taken her from creative agencies where she led award-winning campaigns to the not-for-profit sector, where she has worked on projects supporting inclusion, wellbeing, and access to services like the NDIS. Her work blends creativity and strategy with a deep commitment to social justice. Claire holds a Graduate Certificate in Management and is currently completing a Master of Business Psychology. She has also completed the Foundations of Directorship course through the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Social Impact Fellow through the Social Impact Hub.