Social norms of intolerance may be increasing isolation and loneliness in the Gippsland area of Victoria.
McKenzie Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Dr Charlotte McPherson, said many Gippsland residents felt intolerance and various kinds of discrimination stifled them from socialising within their communities.
The residents “described feeling unable to safely be themselves in their towns,” Dr McPherson said, “Leading them to mostly spend their free time in their homes, socialising with one another online, or going on day trips to Melbourne.”
Owner of On Clarence Studios in South Gippsland, Lucy Hersey, said a “competitive” culture intimidated some isolated local artists from working in-person with other artists.
“When you’re isolated in the country, and you’re alone, and you don’t have anyone else to ask, if you’re at home in your studio, just looking at Instagram for reference, you’ve got no idea.”
“You think you’re terrible and everyone else is great,” she said.
East Gippsland resident Kairen Gillam said non-inclusive attitudes can cause social opportunities to fragment into “clicky” groups.
“A lot of people can feel superior to others,” Ms Gillam said.
She said inclusivity is “saying hi to a mate” which includes “saying hi to people who are very different to you.”
Dr McPherson said a Gippsland resident felt that Melbourne represented a diverse and safer space for young people’s identities to be respected and celebrated.
Chief Executive Officer from Baw Baw Shire Council Mark Dupe said local and regional strategic planning from the last 10 to 15 years uncovered a vital need for a community social meeting place and First Nations keeping place.
Mr Dupe said the Council created the Baw Baw Cultural Connection Precinct application in response to findings.
“The Victorian Government has provided $4.5m to this regionally significant project,” Mr Dupe said.
“Continued investment is needed from all levels of Government.”
Ms Gillam said she organises dances for friends and their friends, but hopes for more social opportunities the young people in Gippsland.
