Scenic Rim locals are invited to drop in for a casual cuppa and a friendly chat at Council’s Cuppa in the Communi-tea sessions.
The Cuppa in the Communi-tea sessions, which launched this month, will become regular features of the Scenic Rim calendar to support individual and community wellbeing.
Rathdowney, on Thursday March 24, and Tamborine, on Friday March 25, will be the next in a series of region-wide events.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen says Cuppa in the Communi-tea aimed to reduce social isolation and strengthen community connections across the region.
“Cuppa in the Communi-tea is a simple but effective way of reaching out to those who may feel isolated and helping them to connect with others in a safe and friendly environment.
“The challenges faced by our community in recent years, drought, bushfire, the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent floods, have had a compounding impact on people’s feelings of social isolation and their ability to seek help.
“Members of our farming community, particularly men on properties, are at greatest risk of social isolation and often least likely to reach out for a helping hand.”
Key issues relating to the impacts of social isolation include mental health challenges, the ongoing effects of disaster events, lack of transport, issues affecting those working in the agriculture sector, financial stress, lack of access or information about available services and the increasing use of technology, with devices being seen as both a help and a hindrance in overcoming social isolation.
Cuppa in the Communi-tea was developed as an outreach program to help residents in rural communities connect with others as well as with Council services and service providers.
Each Cuppa in the Communi-tea event has been tailored to meet community needs and will offer something new each month.
Cuppa in the Communi-tea sessions will be held at the following locations on these days and times:
- Kooralbyn Men’s Shed – first Wednesday of the month, 10am-11am
- Aratula – Moffatt Park, first Friday of the month, 2pm-3pm
- Beechmont Old School, second Wednesday of the month, 10am-11am
- Harrisville Memorial Park, third Tuesday of the month, 10am-11am
- Peak Crossing Hall, third Tuesday of the month, 2pm-3pm
- Kalbar Civic Centre, third Thursday of the month, 10am-11am
- Rathdowney Post Office, fourth Thursday of the month,10am-11am
- Tamborine Memorial Hall, fourth Friday of the month, 10am-11am
