Unfortunately, due to concerns with the ongoing lockdown in Victoria, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to postpone this panel discussion for the foreseeable future.

We understand the conversation around loneliness is needed now more than ever, so we’re heading back to the drawing board to try to see how we can bring this to you in the future (stay tuned!)

Stay safe, we hope to see you soon!

Following the overwhelming success of EM+I in 2019, we're reigniting the initiative post-COVID. Pro Bono Australia and Vollie are pleased to invite you to the first event in the 2021 series where we will be exploring how we can address Australia's loneliness epidemic.

Research tells us that most Australians will experience loneliness at some point in their lives. Coronavirus has only made this worse. As the pandemic forced us all indoors and away from our loved ones, it exacerbated the country’s feelings of isolation.

But who has been most affected? What’s the relationship between digital technology and loneliness? How does this play out across a growing digital divide? What should we be doing to change the course of the loneliness epidemic? We're bringing together an expert panel to find out.

Join us for a night of cocktails and company as we discuss what we can all do to make Australia a little less lonely.

What to look forward to:

We'll start the night with appetisers and drinks. Included in your ticket is:

🚪 Entry
🍸 Espresso Martini on arrival
🥘 Hot and cold appetisers including vegan friendly options
🍹 Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the night

After the panel discussion, the drinks will keep flowing for the networking hour. Come along to chat to like minded people about the biggest issues facing the social sector.

Live event details

When
Thursday, 24 June 2021
6pm - 9pm (AEST)

Where
The Park Melbourne,
at Albert Park

Ticket Price
In person - $39

Can't make the date or place? Join the virtual encore viewing.

When
Thursday, 1 July 2021
6pm - 7:30pm (AEST)

Where
Online

Ticket price
Virtual encore - $19

We know not everyone is in Melbourne. After our last series of events we heard from a number of you asking us to bring our events to you. So, we are very excited to introduce, for one night only, our virtual encore viewing party on 1 July 6pm to 7:30pm AEST.

Grab a plate of nibbles, shake yourself a martini and settle in to watch the fantastic panel discussion in a one-time-only encore session. Join the live chat to network with fellow viewers and share your thoughts on Australia's next epidemic: loneliness.

Who's on the panel?

Nick Tebbey is the national executive officer of Relationships Australia, a leading provider of relationship support services for communities in Australia. Nick has worked for years in the social and community sectors, including as CEO of the Settlement Council of Australia, the peak body for migrant and refugee settlement services.

Nick is proud to be heading up a team and representing a Federation of organisations across the country that is committed to social justice and inclusion, and supporting people to enjoy healthy relationships within their families and their broader communities.

Dr Michelle Lim is the chief scientific advisor and chairperson for Ending Loneliness Together, a national Australia network made up of universities and industry partners. Michelle is also the director of the Social Health and Wellbeing Laboratory at Swinburne University of Technology where she designs, delivers, and evaluates evidence based digital interventions that reduce loneliness.

Michelle is the chief investigator of the Australian Loneliness Report (2018) and the Young Australian Loneliness Survey (2019). She recently led the launch of the pivotal, Ending Loneliness Together White Paper. She also co-founded the Global Action on Loneliness and Connection.

David Spriggs is the CEO of the Infoxchange Group, a not-for-profit social enterprise with the vision of “technology for social justice”. He is passionate about creating a more digitally inclusive society and the role technology can play in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the for-purpose sector.

David is also chair of the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) and a board member of Specialisterne Australia working to create careers for people on the autism spectrum.

Sue Karzis is the first female chief executive officer of State Schools’ Relief, a not-for-profit organisation that improves the lives of tens of thousands of disadvantaged Victorian students, and their families, each year.

Under her leadership the not-for-profit has initiated new programs such as the iPads for Non-Verbal Students, the Myki travel assistance program, and the remote learning initiative. Sue has also been the driving force behind the SSR Shoes with a Purpose range of leather school shoes which are sold via the SSR website with every dollar from sales being reinvested into funding school children in need.