Macedon Ranges residents aged 55 years old and over are connecting through the power of coffee, with Village Connect coffee cup sessions.
Village Connect is a Macedon Ranges council initiative, funded by the government, to deliver free activities, information sessions, digital education sessions, and the pathways for carers walking group.
The coffee cup sessions started in August 2022 as a way for the community members to connect, especially during quiet and lonely times of the year.
Council’s director community Maria Weiss said the sessions help to build connections and reduce isolation.
“These coffee cup events have proven to be very popular and we have been receiving some very positive feedback from those who have attended,” Ms Weiss said.
“They are helping to build connections and reduce instances of isolation amongst those aged over 55 in our community, which is so important for health and wellbeing.”
Council said the Village Connect project has been shaped by over 140 responses received in a survey conducted from January to March 2022.
This survey revealed that 39 per cent of surveyed community members who were regularly attending activities in the Macedon Ranges prior to COVID-19 have not returned.
From the surveyed community members 37 per cent of them were aged between 70 and 79 years old, and 86 per cent were 60 years old or over.
Any resident aged 55 years old or over is welcome to attend and meet other like-minded locals over a complimentary coffee and cake while socialising and finding out about local activities and services.
The sessions are held regularly at various cafes through the shire, with attendance varying anywhere from 15 people to about four people.
Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/village-connect
Zoe Moffatt
