Connection is something we all need. Whether it’s chatting with a neighbour, joining a local activity or meeting someone new, feeling connected helps us feel supported, valued and part of our community.
From 3 – 9 August, Banyule City Council is recognising Loneliness Awareness Week, a national campaign led by Ending Loneliness Together. This year's theme, Make Room for Connection, highlights the everyday ways we can help people feel welcome and connected.
Starting a new job, moving to a new area, becoming a parent, retiring or feeling disconnected from people around us can all lead to loneliness. Many people experience it at different times in their lives.
In Banyule, around 24% of residents say they feel lonely. Feeling lonely is not a personal failure. Creating opportunities for connection is something we can all work on together. By building a welcoming and inclusive community, we can help people feel more connected.
What we've heard from our community
Through community engagement, we've heard that many residents want more opportunities to connect with others but often don't know what's available.
People have also told us they want opportunities that:
- match their interests
- fit around work and family life
- make it easy to meet people
These insights continue to shape Council's work through our Health and Wellbeing Plan, where Social Connection with Purpose is a key priority.
One way we're supporting this priority is by making it easier for people to discover the many opportunities already available across Banyule.
Discover ways to connect across Banyule
Whether you're looking to meet new people, explore a new hobby or become more involved in your local community, Banyule offers a wide range of events, programs and activities to help people connect.
Council programs, activities and services
Explore Council led local festivals, community celebrations, activities happening throughout the year:
Major Events and Festivals
What's On
Join a friends of group
Shop48
Youth Services: Jets (Dungeon and Dragons, New Hope, AWAG, Jets Amplify, Rainbow Space, Jets Express)
Older people: Age friendly clubs (U3A, Italian Seniors, Chinese Seniors, Contact Bundoora, Greek Seniors, Probus Club, Greensborough National Seniors, Social and Activities Club, Life Activities Club, Monty Hub, OM:NI, Salvation Army LLLs)
Yarra Plenty Regional Library programs
Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) offers a range of free programs including book groups, craft sessions, gardening groups, conversation groups, games, writing workshops, meditation sessions and more.
Ivanhoe Library programs
YPRL events
Community groups and neighbourhood houses
Neighbourhood Houses provide people of all ages and backgrounds with places to meet, share, exchange information and learn together in supportive and nurturing environments.
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Olympic Adult Education Neighbourhood House
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Rosanna Fire Station Neighbourhood House
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Greenhills Neighbourhood House
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Watsonia Neighbourhood House
Explore your community
There are many ways to connect across Banyule through recreation, community organisations and local places where people come together. Whether you're looking to improve your wellbeing, meet people with shared interests or explore what's happening in your neighbourhood, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
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Local activity centres: Banyule's shopping precincts and activity centres are more than places to shop – they're community spaces where people come together through markets, local events, seasonal celebrations and neighbourhood activities. Visit Traders Associations and Activity Centres to find one near you.
Not sure where to start?
Finding the right activity can sometimes feel overwhelming – especially when there are so many options and you're not sure which one is right for you.
Service Navigation is a free Council service that helps you discover local groups, activities and community services based on your interests, goals and circumstances.
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, learn something new or become more involved in the community, the team can help point you in the right direction.
Contact Service Navigation
Every connection counts
This Loneliness Awareness Week, take a moment to make room for connection.
Whether it's reaching out to someone you haven't spoken to in a while, trying a new activity or making time for a conversation, every connection helps build a stronger, more connected Banyule.