What we’re about
Bringing the World Together to End Loneliness.
At the heart of CONNECT is a simple truth — we’re not meant to do life alone. Connection nourishes the soul. It offers us a sense of belonging, emotional safety, and the gentle reminder that we’re seen, heard, and valued. Through shared experiences, open hearts, and mindful movement, we create space for understanding, growth, and genuine relationships to flourish.
When we’re disconnected, it’s easy to feel lost or overwhelmed. Loneliness can quietly impact our emotional and physical wellbeing. But when we come together — to move, to breathe, to simply be — we begin to heal.
At CONNECT, we believe in the power of community to uplift, inspire, and remind us that we’re never truly alone. Through movement, mindfulness, and shared experiences, CONNECT brings people together in authentic and powerful ways. Whether you’re joining a beach gathering, an ICONIC experience, or simply having a heartfelt conversation, every moment is an opportunity to reconnect — with yourself, your community, and something greater.
## CONNECT at Barwon Edge – Saturday Mornings
7:00am–8:00am | Followed by CONNECT Over Coffee at Barwon Edge Café
Start your weekend with a soul-nourishing blend of mindful movement, meaningful conversation, and riverside calm—right in the heart of Newtown. Held weekly at the picturesque Barwon Edge, our Saturday morning CONNECT sessions are a beautiful way to ground yourself, meet new people, and feel part of something real.
### What to Expect:
Each session invites you to slow down and tune in—through practices like breathwork, gentle yoga, and guided mindfulness. Every week features a new facilitator and a different experience, but the heart of CONNECT stays the same: a space to belong, be seen, and simply be.
- 6.45am - Arrive and settle in
- 7:00am – Welcome + Connection Activity
- 7:10am – Gentle Movement and/or Mindfulness Practice (beginner-friendly, rotating weekly. (See www.theconnectinitiative.com or our socials for the Facilitator schedule)
- 7:55am – Thank you and Session Close
- 8:00am – Continue to CONNECT and converse over coffee at the Barwon Edge Café (optional, but always delightful)
### What to Bring:
- Yoga mat or towel
- Comfy layers (we're outdoors, so consider the weather)
- Water bottle
- A curious mind and open heart
### Booking Options:
Book casually week-to-week ($20 per session) or choose a CONNECT Monthly Pack for added value, consistency, and to deepen your connection to the community (enjoy 1 free session per month!).
Find full membership options on our website www.theconnectinitiative.com or purchase via Humantix ticket options.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- CONNECT at Ocean Grove - Wednesday SunriseGrove Pavilion, Ocean Grove
Tickets via Humantix - Registration essential!
CONNECT is bringing people together to combat loneliness and create authentic local connection through shared experiences in wellness, movement, and mindfulness.
Join us for a heartwarming session of movement, mindfulness, and community connection on Wednesday morning from 6.30am-7.30am. No prior experience needed—just bring your yoga mat or a towel, a blanket, and wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move and relax with ease. Expect light movement, guided mindfulness, and time to simply be, surrounded by like-hearted souls. Check out our FAQs for more information on what to expect.
- 6:15am - Arrivals & welcome
- 6:30am – 7:30am - CONNECT Session (conscious movement, deep grounding, and authentic connection)
- 7:30am onwards – Optional coffee gathering at The Dunes cafe (self-funded)
About the Session:
We begin with a gentle welcome and a short connection activity to help foster meaningful bonds within the community. This is followed by a mindful movement or stillness-based session, designed for all levels—especially beginners. Afterwards, linger a little longer… we invite you to stay and enjoy a relaxed coffee at a local cafe where you can continue the conversation with new and old connections.Each session is unique, with a different local well-being practitioner guiding you through a heart-opening CONNECT session — weaving together gentle movement, mindfulness and meaningful connection (think yoga, guided meditation, sound-baths, Pilates, Qi Dong, music, and breath-work. Our socials and website have more details about the practitioners for each upcoming session.)
Come and experience the magic of starting your day with community—because connection begins with you. Whether you're coming alone or with a friend, this welcoming hour invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and show up exactly as you are.
What to Bring:
· Yoga mat or towel
· Blanket
· Warm layers for comfort
· A water bottle
· An open heart and a willingness to connectTickets via Humantix - Registration essential!
- CONNECT at Ocean Grove - Wednesday SunriseGrove Pavilion, Ocean Grove
Tickets via Humantix - Registration essential!
CONNECT is bringing people together to combat loneliness and create authentic local connection through shared experiences in wellness, movement, and mindfulness.
Join us for a heartwarming session of movement, mindfulness, and community connection on Wednesday morning from 6.30am-7.30am. No prior experience needed—just bring your yoga mat or a towel, a blanket, and wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move and relax with ease. Expect light movement, guided mindfulness, and time to simply be, surrounded by like-hearted souls. Check out our FAQs for more information on what to expect.
- 6:15am - Arrivals & welcome
- 6:30am – 7:30am - CONNECT Session (conscious movement, deep grounding, and authentic connection)
- 7:30am onwards – Optional coffee gathering at The Dunes cafe (self-funded)
About the Session:
We begin with a gentle welcome and a short connection activity to help foster meaningful bonds within the community. This is followed by a mindful movement or stillness-based session, designed for all levels—especially beginners. Afterwards, linger a little longer… we invite you to stay and enjoy a relaxed coffee at a local cafe where you can continue the conversation with new and old connections.Each session is unique, with a different local well-being practitioner guiding you through a heart-opening CONNECT session — weaving together gentle movement, mindfulness and meaningful connection (think yoga, guided meditation, sound-baths, Pilates, Qi Dong, music, and breath-work. Our socials and website have more details about the practitioners for each upcoming session.)
Come and experience the magic of starting your day with community—because connection begins with you. Whether you're coming alone or with a friend, this welcoming hour invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and show up exactly as you are.
What to Bring:
· Yoga mat or towel
· Blanket
· Warm layers for comfort
· A water bottle
· An open heart and a willingness to connectTickets via Humantix - Registration essential!
- CONNECT at Ocean Grove - Wednesday SunriseGrove Pavilion, Ocean Grove
Tickets via Humantix - Registration essential!
CONNECT is bringing people together to combat loneliness and create authentic local connection through shared experiences in wellness, movement, and mindfulness.
Join us for a heartwarming session of movement, mindfulness, and community connection on Wednesday morning from 6.30am-7.30am. No prior experience needed—just bring your yoga mat or a towel, a blanket, and wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move and relax with ease. Expect light movement, guided mindfulness, and time to simply be, surrounded by like-hearted souls. Check out our FAQs for more information on what to expect.
- 6:15am - Arrivals & welcome
- 6:30am – 7:30am - CONNECT Session (conscious movement, deep grounding, and authentic connection)
- 7:30am onwards – Optional coffee gathering at The Dunes cafe (self-funded)
About the Session:
We begin with a gentle welcome and a short connection activity to help foster meaningful bonds within the community. This is followed by a mindful movement or stillness-based session, designed for all levels—especially beginners. Afterwards, linger a little longer… we invite you to stay and enjoy a relaxed coffee at a local cafe where you can continue the conversation with new and old connections.Each session is unique, with a different local well-being practitioner guiding you through a heart-opening CONNECT session — weaving together gentle movement, mindfulness and meaningful connection (think yoga, guided meditation, sound-baths, Pilates, Qi Dong, music, and breath-work. Our socials and website have more details about the practitioners for each upcoming session.)
Come and experience the magic of starting your day with community—because connection begins with you. Whether you're coming alone or with a friend, this welcoming hour invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and show up exactly as you are.
What to Bring:
· Yoga mat or towel
· Blanket
· Warm layers for comfort
· A water bottle
· An open heart and a willingness to connectTickets via Humantix - Registration essential!
- CONNECT at Ocean Gove - Wednesdays at Ocean Grove Beach (Spring/Summer Season)Ocean Grove main beach, Ocean Grove
6:30am–7:30am | Followed by CONNECT Over Coffee at The Dunes Café
There’s something special about starting your day barefoot on the sand, surrounded by community, with the ocean as your soundtrack. CONNECT at Ocean Grove Main Beach is a weekly ritual of movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection—designed to help you feel grounded, uplifted, and truly connected.### What to Expect:
Set against the stunning backdrop of the ocean, each session brings together gentle practices like yoga, breathwork, or guided meditation led by rotating facilitators. Whether you're here to breathe deeply, move freely, or simply feel seen, this is your time to reconnect—with nature, with others, and with yourself.
- 6:15am - Arrivals and Check-In
- 6:30am – Welcome + Connection Circle
- 6:40am – Guided Movement or Mindfulness Practice (no experience needed, all sessions suitable for beginners)
- 7:25am – Gratitude and Session Close
- 7:30am – Keep the conversation going over coffee at The Dunes Café (optional, but always a vibe)
### What to Bring:
- Towel or yoga mat (sandy feet welcome!)
- Warm layers for ocean breeze
- Water bottle
- Open heart and barefoot spirit
### Booking Options:
Our Wednesday Sunrise sessions are free to attend (but ensure you reserve your ticket here), because connection should be accessible to everyone. If you’re able, a small donation is much appreciated to help cover essentials like permits, equipment, facilitators, and insurance — and to keep these community gatherings alive. Every contribution helps someone feel seen, heard, and included, because connection matters!
