The first episodes of this year’s season of the TV show aired last night and tonight is being sold as the beginning of  “Australia’s next big love story” when “sparks will fly and hearts will soar” as 18 women compete to be the woman bachelor Sam Wood chooses to ask to marry him. 

Ms Heath is concerned it’s yet another unhealthy portrayal of relationship building in mainstream media. 

With her role at Interrelate meaning she assists families with a history of domestic violence, mental health issues, drug and alcohol issues, or even basic miscommunication through the children’s contact service, mediation and counselling, Ms Heath said the message sent by such programs is the exact opposite to genuine, healthy relationships.

“These are unhealthy portrayals of men and women. It’s like they’re competing for the relationship,” Ms Heath said. 

Ms Heath, who’s been working in the fields of mental health and domestic violence as a counsellor for over 30 years, she believes such reality programs as well as the “sex sells” mentality of magazines and other media products promotes unhealthy rather than wholesome relationships. 

“One party of the relationship is the chooser. I don’t find that to be a portrayal of a healthy relationship,” she said. 

“The media shows the opposite of what reality is.”

I wonder why as a society we find this acceptable ... it’s reality TV but it’s not reality and I hope everybody realises this.”

She said it surprises her that society would’ve moved on from this type of competition as a form of entertainment 10 years ago. 

“It’s a bit different to view a contest between who’s gong to be the best chef in Australia and who’s going to be the best wife,” she said. 

HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think about the image of women and men projected on reality television shows? Email your comments or thoughts to ashlea.pritchard@fairfaxmedia.com.au