Women in the Surf Coast thank Social Butterflies Torquay founder Gemma Willocks for having made lifelong friends.<\/p>\n
“Butterflies for life is what a lot of people have said to me,” says Gemma.<\/p>\n
The group started in 2018 when Gemma worked up the courage to spearhead a social club run by women for women.<\/p>\n
“I had this idea of starting a club that was a lot more casual for people who don’t have time to join a traditional sporting club,” she said.<\/p>\n
“I put a post up on the Surf Coast Community Noticeboard and I was hoping for 50 responses. Somehow we ended up with hundreds.”<\/p>\n
Two years on, the group boasts more than 300 active members.<\/p>\n
Gemma said she was committed to encouraging physical interaction between the women, but COVID-19 restrictions had forced the group’s 10 co-ordinators to innovate their monthly mixers.<\/p>\n
“We’re still very much online communication to make sure that everyone has that support that they need through this time.<\/p>\n
“We’re trying to be a bit creative with it, so we’ve been doing Zoom trivia nights.<\/p>\n
“With most of us working remotely, we’re just starting a fitness fundraiser for Beyond Blue because it is such an important service right now.<\/p>\n
“We’re definitely still trying to keep it going through this, and we’ll do our best until we can get back to what we really love, which is face-to-face interaction.”<\/p>\n
Gemma said some of the ladies in the group had spread their wings and formed “sub-groups” based on their interests.<\/p>\n
She said one had organised a fundraiser for the Cancer Council, and that the group was selling butterfly badges for the Deafness Foundation.<\/p>\n
“The group is a platform to meet likeminded people. It’s become a big part of people’s lives down here.<\/p>\n
“Yeah, I had the idea and set it up, but I’m certainly not the only one who’s volunteering behind the scenes to make it all happen.”<\/p>\n
The young mum said many women found it challenging to make friends once they’re adults for a variety of reasons, with time, family commitments and work just a few of the biggest hurdles to jump over.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s really easy to get caught up doing things as a couple, or doing things with your kids, but this is something where we really emphasise doing things for yourself.<\/p>\n
“It’s time out \u2013 it’s women’s time. I think ladies need to support each other.”<\/p>\n
While the group isn’t in the position to open itself to new members, Gemma said she hoped others would consider starting a similar initiative.<\/p>\n
“The number of people involved in the Butterflies group shows that there is such a big need for finding new (and) casual ways to give people the opportunity to connect in the Surf Coast, but probably everywhere else, too.<\/p>\n
“I really hope others in the community think about starting more interest groups that don’t require a big commitment or cost. The Butterflies works because it is a simple concept.”<\/p>\n
Fellow Butterflies administrator Tiffany Looker described Gemma as an “amazing young lady”.<\/p>\n
“It’s amazing what Gemma has done for new people that have come to Torquay in the last five years.<\/p>\n
“She’s actually changed a lot of lives by starting this group.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Women in the Surf Coast thank Social Butterflies Torquay founder Gemma Willocks for having made lifelong friends. “Butterflies for life is what a lot of people have said to me,” says Gemma. The group started in 2018 when Gemma worked up the courage to spearhead a social club run by women for women. “I had […]<\/p>\n