Tasmania may be one of the few places that still harbours that old-fashioned community spirit, where neighbours all pitch in to help each other out.
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One Tasmanian man has taken the community sentiment and launched it online.
Michael Singline has set up a Facebook page, called Tasmanians helping Tasmanians, to connect those who need help with those able to provide it.
The Facebook page only began last week and already it has 300 likes, with offers and requests for help flowing in.
“It has absolutely exploded, especially in the last two or three days, our likes have tripled in the last two or three days,” Mr Singline said, adding they have received support from around the state and even around the country.
Mr Singline said the page began as an idea to help out everyday people who are struggling.
“I got the idea off seeing too many people, and reading about so many people, out there that are doing it genuinely tough and through no fault of their own,” he said.
“People can just lose their job, or receive an injury, or anything like that and your life can be completely changed very quickly.
“Our goal is to act as a safe go between for people that are in need of a hand ... and people that can volunteer their time and services.”
Mr Singline is working on creating a database of people who are able to offer their help and services, and when they are available.
Whilst anyone can make public requests on the page, Mr Singline said he has also been contacted directly by people wishing to remain anonymous due to their circumstances.
“We've been helping a young family that has had to get out of a bad domestic situation,” Mr Singline said.
“My number one goal or aim is to keep anybody who wishes to remain anonymous for any reason, I will respect that and protect their identity at all times.
“If people are scared to get on the page and ask for help I want them to be comfortable to come to me personally or privately and ask for help.”
After the overwhelming response Mr Singline’s page has received he has put the call out for some people to step in to help him with admin around the state, enabling the page to provide the best service statewide.
Mr Singline is looking for people in the North West, Launceston and Hobart, who can help connect people on the ground.
People can like the page, Tasmanians helping Tasmanians, on Facebook to add their support to the community cause.
