Content Warning: This episode touches on some sensitive topics including mental health and family violence (beginning at the 14:04 mark and ending at 27:46 if you’d prefer to skip this). If anything you hear is distressing please reach out to someone who can help keep you safe. Or remember you can call 1800 respect on 1800 737 732.

On this episode of The Grapevine, as restrictions begin to ease in Victoria, Kulja chats with Matt Ruchel, the Executive Director for the Victorian National Parks Association about the results of their new poll highlighting a growing need for nature and parks amongst COVID-fatigued Melbournians.

And as domestic violence is exacerbated by lockdowns in Victoria, help seeking by victims of the ‘Shadow Pandemic’ has been severely limited. Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre Research Fellow, Dr Naomi Pfitzner discusses their research into the wellbeing toll on Melbourne practitioners responding to family violence during COVID-19.

Then, Federal MP and author Andrew Leigh gets on the line to talk about the role of local social connections in rebuilding communities in the aftermath of the pandemic. Leigh’s new book co-authored with Nick Terrell ‘Reconnected: A Community Builder’s Handbook’, explores what makes a successful community and to develop strong social ties.