“We solve all the problems in the world in about half an hour,” Elaine joked. Originally from the Hunter Valley, the 84-year-old retired nurse cherishes Helen’s fortnightly visit, where they talk about everything from Elaine’s soccer obsession to their thoughts on politics.

“We talk about things that need to be done, and all sorts of things that we’d like to see done,” Helen said.

Struggling to cook due to failing vision, Elaine decided to move to Inverell to be close to her daughter after losing her dog, a constant companion for 13 years. However, with no history in the community, she found non-familial relationships hard to establish.

“I think people underestimate the importance of social connections,” she said. Elaine said that as a number of her close friends passed away, it was hard to look for more.

“It’s very hard to get someone to fill their shoes when you lose someone that you’ve been close with for years or worked with for years and had children with them, and all that sort of thing.

Helen agreed, and said she had a similar experience. 

“I was an older person when I come here to live, so I didn’t know anyone, basically. And when you’re at our age and moving, everybody else has got their established relationships,” she said.

“People don’t realise there’s so many people here that do need visitors, because not all families are around, whereas sometimes, even if they are, they don’t come.”

Elaine said it was important for residents to have connections to the world outside of the retirement community, and that the visitor’s scheme could benefit anyone who felt alone.

“It’s a two-way sword, really. If someone’s isolated in a community like that, they can come and talk to people who are also isolated in the community.”

The visitor’s scheme runs in McLean, Warialda’s Naroo and Moree’s Fairview. To volunteer, phone Helen on 67 295 091 or 0428 473 974.