In 2013, Sue Murdoch gained custody of her grandson, who was experiencing autism and family-related trauma. Due to limited disability support in Lithgow, NSW, she initiated a Facebook group to share her experiences and connect with others in similar situations.
Over 12 years, this Facebook group evolved into Nanna's Touch Community Connections, a volunteer-run charity primarily led by local women, including grandmothers. The organization provides cooked meals, conducts check-ins, and offers support to residents, particularly addressing issues of loneliness.
Lithgow, formerly a major coal-mining area, has faced economic uncertainty as the industry declines. The closure of mines and the planned shutdown of Mount Piper power station by 2040 have led to job insecurity and financial challenges. Eight years prior, the town experienced a series of suicides, highlighting a shortage of local mental health services. Ms. Murdoch subsequently trained in suicide prevention to address this gap, aiming to provide consistent local support.
Residents, such as Sarah Burton, report feeling a sense of community, friendship, and care through Nanna's Touch. A 2023 survey by Ending Loneliness Together indicated that one in three Australians aged 18 to 90 reported feeling lonely. A New South Wales parliamentary inquiry into loneliness has recommended easier access to funding for grassroots organizations that promote social inclusion, like Nanna's Touch. Ms. Murdoch emphasized the ongoing need for her community group to provide social connection and essential support to residents.