Married At First Sight’s Domenica Calarco has found love again.
The 31-year-old reality TV personality has officially gone public with her new romance, sharing a loved-up snap on Instagram with Bondi skater Jarod Bogunovich.
After taking a few months off from the public eye to focus on her mental health, Domenica looks happier than ever as she poses arm in arm with her new boyfriend.
The couple, enjoying the stunning backdrop of Bondi’s iconic Icebergs restaurant, looked effortlessly relaxed and chic for the romantic outing.
Domenica wore a chic oversized brown blazer, showing off her toned legs with black stilettos, while Jarod kept it casual in a white T-shirt, light blue jeans and white sneakers, with a red jumper draped over his shoulders.
The couple weren’t alone that night: one of Domenica’s cousins from Croatia joined them for dinner, making the evening a family affair.
While little is known about Jarod, he is no stranger to the local Bondi scene, with high-profile comedians Chris Lilley and Jesse Noonan following him.
The laid-back skater has clearly caught Domenica’s eye, offering her a fresh start after a tough few months.
Married At First Sight’s Domenica Calarco has found love again. The 31-year-old reality TV star has officially gone public with her new romance, sharing a loved-up photo on Instagram with Bondi skater Jarod Bogunovich. They both appear in the photo.
While little is known about Jarod (pictured), he is no stranger to the local Bondi scene, with high-profile comedians Chris Lilley and Jesse Noonan following him.
Domenica has been open about her recent struggles with mental health, revealing earlier this year that she took some time off to focus on her wellbeing.
Domenica revealed the depth of her struggle and described a moment when she realized she needed more help than her friends and family could provide.
“It was a moment when I felt a sadness I had never felt before,” Domenica shared.
Jarod has been nothing but supportive of Domenica, and recently took to his Instagram channel to share photos of Dom from a recent shoot.
“And the things that normally made me happy, like my dog or having my coffee in the morning, those little things couldn’t even get me out of that state. I just knew I needed a switch.”
Calarco admitted that he was in such a dark place that he didn’t want to be there anymore.
Reflecting on where he was just four months ago, he expressed disbelief at how far he has come.
“It’s really sad even when I think about where I was four months ago… I’m a different person now.”
Domenica has been open about her recent struggles with mental health, revealing earlier this year that she took some time off to focus on her wellbeing.
“I think I still have to deal with anxiety and depression, I feel like that’s going to be my path for a while. But to have all these new tools in my toolbox now to help me get through it is just, oh my gosh, it’s amazing.”
Living in the public eye has only added to the pressure, Domenica admitted, but she has found solace on the same platform that often draws criticism.
“People are quick to judge and say ‘get off social media, get out of the spotlight,'” she explained.
“But wait, this is a career I chose and one I really enjoy. And social media has been a big part of my recovery.”
The former makeup artist shared her heartbreaking journey through depression and anxiety in a candid interview on Today Extra earlier this month.
Domenica revealed that group therapy during her stay in the mental health ward was a turning point for her, and she now uses her social media platforms as a form of extended group therapy, where she fosters a safe space for her followers to share their struggles.
“I’ve built this really amazing community there and it’s something I’m really proud of,” she said, highlighting the positive aspects of social media in contrast to its often negative reputation.
Looking ahead, Domenica is determined to use her platform to make a difference in the mental health space.
She acknowledged how fortunate she was to have access to private health insurance, which allowed her to receive the care she needed, but expressed concern for those who are not as privileged.
“Being in a mental health ward and knowing how difficult it was to even get into one… I think Australia really has a lot to learn when it comes to mental health,” she said.
Domenica also spoke about the impact of the cost of living crisis, pointing out how it exacerbates mental health issues.
Domenica revealed that group therapy during her stay in the mental health ward was a turning point for her, and she now uses her social media platforms as a form of extended group therapy, where she fosters a safe space for her followers to share their struggles.
He called for greater attention to be paid to equipping people with tools to help those in need.
“I really want to partner with a charity… We need to focus on mental health first aid,” she urged.
“If your friend, your wife, your sister comes to you and says they don’t really have any problems, we don’t have the tools to help that person, to sort them out.”
As she continues her own healing journey, Domenica is committed to sharing her story in the hopes that it will help others.
“Just being open and vulnerable… I know that helps a lot of people. And if sharing my story can help one person, then I’ll keep doing it.”
For those with mental health issues, help is available. You can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14