Dr Helen Barrie is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of South Australia. As a social gerontologist and geographer, Helen’s research has a focus on Australia’s changing population and the implications of this for society and communities. Much of this work involves an examination of the interaction between people and the built environment; community connectedness and social networks; all with a particular focus on ageing populations. She is proud to have been an AAG member for 16 years, and is a past student group leader, state and national president, and now a life member.