Building community, one connection at a time

21 Aug 2025

A wonderful example of a grassroots initiative fostering connection and confidence within the Chiltern community.

Every Thursday at 10am, between 10 and 15 people gather at local café Lulu & Didge for the weekly Chin Wag Café. Over coffee, conversations flow about family, friends, and what’s been happening in their lives. Just as importantly, it’s a chance to check in on one another’s wellbeing.

“Chin Wag Café began because people in town were worried about others who might be lonely or without family support,” explains Chiltern Neighbourhood House Manager, Maree Murphy. “When the Connecting Communities Upper Hume Pilot Project came along, it was the perfect fit for our community’s needs.”

With some seed funding to cover coffees, the Neighbourhood House recruited a Project Worker to act as host and help spread the word. “She did a wonderful job of welcoming people and finding those who might benefit from a friendly space,” says Maree. “Now, we’ve got a regular group who come every week, as well as others who drop in when they can.”

The Café has gone from strength to strength, with the current host sharing flyers and local news to keep everyone connected with what’s happening in town. Friendships have grown, and the group looks out for one another. “One of our participants is a widower who hasn’t missed a single week, and another lady who used to only come to Chin Wag is now joining other community activities,” Maree shares. “We’ve even got people giving each other lifts, checking in on each other at home, and planning a Christmas lunch together.”

Maree says the success of Chin Wag Café has been both practical and deeply personal. “It’s been so lovely to watch people grow in confidence, make new friends, and know they are part of a caring community. It really shows how something so simple can have such a powerful impact.”

Chin Wag Cafe stands out as a wonderful example of a grassroots initiative fostering connection and confidence within the Chiltern community.