Community Connections made across the table in Tallangatta

22 Apr 2025

Tallangatta Neighbourhood House joins the Connecting Communities Upper Hume Project by creating café dates and connection over the table.

Tallangatta Neighbourhood House is thrilled to be part of the Connecting Communities in Upper Hume project, an initiative aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness in our community. This project works to link individuals with groups and activities happening in our area, ensuring that everyone can connect and thrive.

One of the cornerstones of this initiative is the role of a Community Connector. This person is available to support individuals, helping them get involved with various community events and activities. If you’re looking for a way to meet new people or join in local happenings, our Community Connector can guide you through the process and help you make those valuable connections.

To further support this goal, we host weekly Connecting Communities (CC) events, including our popular Talking Café, as well as monthly cuppas and lunches at the House. These events have become a lively hub where community members can gather, share stories, and build friendships.

This project was initially piloted with four Upper Murray Regional Neighbourhood Houses (UMRNHN) as Phase 1 and, due to its success, has now expanded into Phase 2. Tallangatta Neighbourhood House is proud to be a part of this next phase, continuing to help foster a sense of community and belonging for all.

The project has been made possible thanks to funding secured by UMRNHN from the Ovens Murray Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Alliance. This funding allows us to employ a Project Officer, who oversees the program, and covers expenses for catering and marketing. The initiative also relies on the generous support of volunteers who help host events and serve as Community Connectors.

Tallangatta Health Service has been an invaluable partner in this effort. Their My Community Home Care team, who provide in-home care services, are actively sharing information about the project with their clients. Additionally, their Health Promotion Officer is helping us engage with local Medical Centre staff, including GPs, to encourage formal referrals to the program, ensuring that everyone who could benefit from it knows how to get involved.

Our best promotion method has been through direct conversations—engaging with people one-on-one and handing out flyers to visitors at the House. We've also met with key local businesses, including our Op Shop, Newsagent, Hairdresser, Bank, Library, and Cafes, to ensure that everyone in Tallangatta knows about the program. Soon, we will be doing a letterbox drop to every home in our small town!

Additionally, we had a front-page article in the local newspaper, which helped spread the word. We continue to promote the program through Facebook posts, newsletters, and posters in shop windows, ensuring that the community is fully informed about the opportunities to get involved.

The Connecting Communities project has already proven to be a fantastic addition to our range of programs. The weekly events have provided real benefits to community members, with many beautiful new connections being made. One of our most heartwarming moments came during our last monthly lunch. After enjoying the meal, community members began swapping seats and talking to people from different tables. This natural mingling continued for over an hour, as everyone was enjoying the chance to connect with others in the community.

Having multiple Houses participating in this project is a huge win for all involved. We’ve been able to support a community member who has been attending our Talking Cafes, and although she will soon be relocating to Wodonga, we’ve been able to provide information about the Talking Cafes in Wodonga, ensuring she can continue her connections when she moves.

At Tallangatta Neighbourhood House, we’re proud to be a part of this exciting project that’s already making such a positive difference. Through collaboration and connection, we’re building a stronger, more supportive community, one conversation at a time.

We look forward to seeing even more of you at our upcoming events and continuing to grow the social connections that make Tallangatta such a wonderful place to live!