By Brendan Rees
A new community café in Cranbourne is serving up more ways to connect women, make new friends and have fun.
A Women’s Friendship Café celebrated its official launch on Wednesday 13 December at St John’s Community Hall in Cranbourne, opening its doors for all women with the motto: “busy women, busy lives, a small conversation can change a whole day.”
Women’s Friendship Cafes Community Liaison for Casey and Cardinia Elaine Smith said the launch proved to be successful with more than 40 women of all ages, cultures, and abilities celebrating a “lovely space,” to make friends and be themselves.
She said women spoke about their personal experiences and hopes for the future.
“We are a volunteer activity – women helping women, building a community and supporting each woman to take the next step in her life.”
“Cranbourne is such a growing place, with new families coming each week. We need to find a way to all come together and find local friends of all cultures,” she said.
“We can become isolated at home, maybe with little children, maybe without a car; maybe we don’t know our neighbours. Women’s Friendship Cafe is a place where we can come to make friends.”
Ms Smith said the café allowed women to have a sense of belonging and also enjoy activities like arts, craft and sewing.
“It is my deepest wish to see Cranbourne a place where we feel safe and we can see friends when we pick the kids from school or go to the shops.”
One participant named Margie said: “It is a chance to meet other cultures and feel part of the local life.”
The group meets during school terms each Wednesday from 10am till 12pm at St John’s Community Hall, located at 27 Childers Street in Cranbourne.
If you would like to find out better ways to connect with the community and be a part of the café please contact the Project leader Biftu Hawas on 0402526718.
All women are welcomed to attend.
