Making new friends can sometimes be easier said than done, so Hornsby Shire Council is giving the community a helping hand with its first Speed Friending event this November.
Part of Council’s Hello Hornsby program and held during Social Inclusion Week, the free event at Hornsby RSL on Tuesday 24 November will give residents a fun and relaxed way to meet new people, start a conversation and make new connections.
Taking inspiration from the familiar speed dating format, but with friendship rather than romance in mind, participants will have the opportunity to chat with different people before sitting down together for lunch and continuing the conversation.
Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell said the event was a simple but meaningful way to help people feel more connected to their community.
“Sometimes all it takes is an opportunity to start a conversation. Speed Friending is about bringing people together in a welcoming environment, making new connections and perhaps even forming friendships that continue well beyond the day,” Mayor Waddell said.
“Through Hello Hornsby, Council is creating more opportunities for people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities to participate, connect and feel part of our community.”
Social Inclusion Week activities will also include a Morning Tea at Hornsby Library on Tuesday 17 November from 10.30am to 12.30pm, where local primary school students will share their thoughts on the importance of connection. Residents can meet new people and enjoy morning tea, with the free event open to everyone.
The activities are part of a busy end to the year for Hello Hornsby. In December, Council will support and host events celebrating International Day of People with Disability, including a community event at PCYC Waitara on Wednesday 2 December and an End of Year Concert and Lunch for people with disability and their carers at Magpies Waitara on Friday 4 December.
Hello Hornsby will round out the year with a Welcome Table at Hornsby Library on Wednesday 16 December and School Holiday Cupcakes & Chat at the Crusher Plant in Hornsby Park on Monday 21 December.
Launched in 2022, Hello Hornsby aims to create opportunities for people to come together, meet new people and connect with their community. Originally established for residents aged over 60, the program has since expanded to include youth, families, people living with disability and the wider community.
Speed Friending will be held from 10.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesday 24 November at Hornsby RSL. The event is free and includes lunch, with bookings required.
Find out more and book for Speed Friending and other upcoming Hello Hornsby events: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/hellohornsby
