Open Day to connect Geelong’s women

A NEW opportunity for women over the age of 50 keen to meet like-minded individuals, has presented itself to the Geelong region.

Australian organisation Connected Women is hosting its first Open Day in the region on May 20 to establish a long-lasting network local women to create new friendships.

Co-founder of Connected Women, Stephanie Leibovitch, said Connected Women started in Perth a year ago to combat the rising epidemic of loneliness impacting Australians now more than ever.

“Our primary purpose as an organisation is to facilitate friendships between women over 50,” Ms Leibovitch said.

“We conducted some research and found that women find it harder to create those friendships at that age, typically as a result of kids leaving home, semi-retirement lifestyles, or even women coming out of divorces.

“The upcoming Open Day will aim to get the ball rolling on setting up some of those friendship groups in Geelong.”

The event will be held at the Hinchcliff Room in the Eastern Hub at 285a McKillop St, Geelong.

Connected Women has more than 60 local area group networks across Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.

“The open days are super inclusive, fun, and I’ll be honest, these women just get chatting and we can’t seem to stop them once it gets to that stage,” Ms Leibovitch added.

“These events tend to be really lively as well, relaxed too, it’s not a formal environment as well.

“It’s just a good chance to let your hair down for a bit, have a bite to eat or something to drink. I couldn’t recommend it more.”

For $15 per month, Connected Women’s memberships allow women to engage in both the online community and via meet ups in their local area.

These could be simple coffee catch ups, or more involved activities such as a hike or visit to a vineyard.

Members can join activities organised by Connected Women or schedule their own.

The Open Day is a free event for all attendees. Tickets can be found be found here eventbrite.com.au/e/connected-women-melbourne-open-day-geelong-tickets