Over the course of five years, Barbara Quinn has been bringing people together one conversation at a time through the group she founded named Havachat.
The gatherings have become a lifeline for many women in the community.
What started around Mt Walker as a simple idea to create a space for connection, has grown into a close-knit group where laughter, support and shared experiences are always on the agenda.
“It began with six members and now there are around 30 ladies who are members of our group,” she said.
“They don’t always all come at once but when we have activities like our last one, anywhere between 25 and 27 ladies participate.”
That activity was making cactus creations, and each member chose a cactus cutting then designed it into a pot they’d selected.
“We bought the pots from Temu and I collected the cuttings from my garden,” she said.
“We are able to do things like this because we received a grant for approximately $3,600 from Bendigo Bank in November last year.
“That helps us with the activities for the whole year.”
The ladies pay $5 a week to be part of the Havachat and that helps keep the group running.
Meeting once a week, the Havachat ladies come together to enjoy a range of activities, from casual chats over coffee to games, crafts and the occasional outing.
“The first Tuesday of a month we meet at a cafe, and we do different crafts on the other three Tuesdays,” she explained.
But beyond the activities themselves, it’s the sense of belonging that keeps members coming back.
“For a lot of women, especially those who might be living alone or feeling isolated, this group is something to look forward to,” Ms Quinn said.
“It’s not just about what we do, it’s about being there for each other.”
