The Little BIG Idea: Fighting Loneliness with Place, People & Purpose

Series 2
Written By Rocelyn Fandino

What if solving loneliness started with simply giving people a space to connect—and getting out of their way?

In this episode, Kerryn Powell talks with Sarah Mathews, CEO of the Little BIG Foundation, a powerhouse placemaker and social impact strategist, to explore how thoughtful community design can combat loneliness and transform the places we live. From jazz bands in courtyards to 90+ monthly events hosted by volunteers, Sarah shares how a developer’s experiment in post-completion engagement blossomed into a movement. Learn how gathering like-minded people, creating space for connection, and embracing imperfect starts can lead to big, lasting change.

Whether you’re a local leader, developer, or someone who just wants to see your neighborhood thrive—this episode will leave you inspired to turn a little idea into something truly big.

Key Learnings from this Episode:

  1. Small Actions Create Big Impact
    You don’t need a grand plan to change your community—just a willingness to start. Consistent, low-barrier activities like yoga classes or board game nights can become the glue that holds a neighbourhood together.

  2. Loneliness Is a Public Health Crisis
    Loneliness affects 1 in 4 Australians and has the same health impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Tackling it requires spaces and systems that make human connection easier and more natural.

  3. Community Leadership Can’t Be Centralised
    Real community connection happens when local people lead. The Little BIG model empowers volunteers to host events, make decisions, and shape the culture—while the Foundation provides support, not control.

  4. Developers Can (and Should) Play a Role Post-Completion
    Creating thriving places goes beyond construction. Developers have an opportunity—and arguably a responsibility—to invest in the social fabric of communities long after the last apartment is sold.

  5. Start Before You’re Ready
    Measuring social impact is complex, and perfection can be the enemy of progress. Sarah shares how trial, error, and openness to feedback have made their work—and reporting—stronger over time.

Connect with Sarah:

Want to connect or start having better conversations?

💬 Stay in touch or Contact our host Kerryn Powell to learn how Kerryn works with individuals, teams and groups who want to connect and create impact through better conversations

Rocelyn Fandino
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Reflection: Asking for Yourself Juggling the Struggle and Finding Courage