Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- periphery / pəˈrɪf ə ri / (n.) – the outer part or edge of an area
Example:The company’s warehouse is on the periphery of the city for easy access to highways.
- dedicated / ˈdɛd ɪˌkeɪ tɪd / (adj.) – relating to someone who has strong support for a person, organization, cause, etc.
Example:He is a dedicated father who always puts his children first.
- firsthand / ˈfɜrstˈhænd / (adv.) – having personally experienced or seen something
Example:He saw the accident firsthand and reported it to the police.
- come across (something) / kʌm əˈkrɔs / (phrasal v.) – to discover something in an unexpected way
Example:The marketing team often comes across problems in its projects, so the members always prepare an action plan.
- constituent / kənˈstɪtʃ u ənt / (n.) – a person who lives and votes in an area
Example:The mayor listened to the concerns of his constituents.
Article
Read the text below.
Loneliness is a widespread issue across Australia, with studies showing it can have a harmful effect on both mental and physical health.
In the outer suburbs of Melbourne, residents are taking action to ensure their communities stay connected.
Gaye Martin has come to a cafe on the northern periphery of Melbourne to meet a group of women. At first sight, this looks like a routine gathering over a hot drink. But this women’s group has a specific aim: fighting social isolation.
And it was created by one very dedicated volunteer. “It’s just amazing. I don’t even want to get paid for doing it. It’s just so nice,” says Craigieburn resident Gaye Martin.
Martin had a career in aged care, and she saw firsthand how people in her area were feeling lonely.
“When you go there, they’re just so excited. Some start crying because they haven’t seen anyone for a week,” says Martin.
Through social media and word of mouth, Martin advertised her weekly coffee club to help women like her stay socially connected. There isn’t much reliable data on loneliness issues in specific locations, but Martin isn’t the only one who noticed social isolation in the outer suburbs.
Craigieburn Deputy Mayor Naim Kurt says he also comes across the issue while talking to his constituents.
“I door knocked something like 6,000 homes (during recent elections), and it was really surprising how many people were coming to us, inviting us into our homes for a coffee, telling us stories about how they lost the partner, how their children weren’t seeing them,” says Craigieburn Deputy Mayor Naim Kurt.
Craigieburn is one of the many towns that make up the Hume local council, one of the country’s fastest-growing and most diverse areas.
According to a 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics report, almost half of its population was born overseas.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- How effective are community-led initiatives in addressing social isolation? What are the advantages and limitations of volunteer-run social groups compared to government-funded programs? How can communities encourage more people to take part in these initiatives? Discuss.
- What challenges might arise when neighbors and community members are not connected? Would you feel comfortable living in a neighborhood where people don’t interact with each other? Why or why not? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Social media allows people to stay in touch, but some argue that it makes people feel lonelier. Do you think social media strengthens or weakens social connections? Why do you think so? What are some ways people can use social media to improve real-life friendships rather than replace them? Discuss.
- As life becomes busier, staying socially connected can be challenging. Do you think technology and modern lifestyles are making it harder for people to maintain meaningful relationships? Why or why not? Discuss.
