Torquay Social Club opens its arms to locals

TORQUAY resident Matt Roccisano believes there can be no connection without vulnerability.

It’s a heartfelt mantra that is now guiding his efforts to create a safe space, through the newly formed Torquay Social Club, for the community to meet, share their experiences, and maybe even make friends.

Still in its infancy and led by the interests of those eager to take up the opportunities presented by the club, the initiative is already bringing together people of all ages and from all walks of life for laid-back catchups ranging from gentle walks along the foreshore to trivia nights at the Taphouse.

“It was really born out of my own personal experience because I’ve moved around a lot, lost friends, had to rebuild friendship groups again… I know how hard it is to make connections in a new town,” Mr Roccisano said.

When he realised this was a struggle shared by many newcomers to the community, Roccisano, who moved to Torquay in 2021, decided he wanted to “lead from the front”.

“That was really a turning point for me because I want to be a man of action, and I thought ‘Well, why not start something? Why not be the leader in this?’

“The world’s very disconnected at the moment. A lot of people moved here during COVID. They still have their jobs in Melbourne and are working from home, so they feel very isolated.

After struggling to “find his people” and a sense of belonging, Roccisano is now attempting to create a space where vulnerability was welcomed and seen as the first step toward genuine connection.

“The driving factor for mental health issues at the moment is isolation and a lack of connection. I’m on my own journey as well, so I’ve experienced all this. I come from a place of real, good intentions about helping people through those times.”

As the initiative grows, he’s hoping to collaborate with local facilitators on future, community-building events, and interest permitting, expand into activities like yoga, multi-day hikes and inclusive beach barbecues, while supporting Torquay’s business community along the way.

“It’s about connecting people and giving them a sense of belonging, but also giving back to the businesses, especially the businesses that do it quite tough during the winter.

“I really want to create a safe space for people, where they can come and be vulnerable and put themselves out there and make connections. They may not find their forever friends, but I think – at least everyone who I’ve spoken to – leaves these events better off for it – they’ve made some type of connection.

“And it’s not just for people who might feel isolated, it’s also for the locals who have that community spirit and actually want to welcome people.”

For more information, head to @torquaysocialclub on Instagram or search “Torquay Social Club” on Facebook.