About us
Good Conversation Club is a social Meetup group for people who enjoy good conversation while doing simple, enjoyable things together.
Rather than loud venues or high-pressure mixers, this group brings people together through everyday experiences: walks, picnics, gallery visits, shared meals, and relaxed gatherings where conversation flows naturally.
WHY THIS GROUP EXISTS
After a decade of going along to other people's events, one thing came up again and again. People arrive somewhere new, hover at the edge, and go home without really meeting anyone. Not because they're unfriendly. Most social settings just don't give you anywhere to start.
Our organiser hovered at plenty of edges herself, back when she was just another guest.
So when she started running events, inclusivity was the thing she built them around. Something to do, someone to introduce you, and a few good questions if conversation needs a nudge. From there it's mostly just a good time with people who also said yes and turned up.
For some people this is a place to practise. To say the thing, join the group, be a bit more themselves than usual. For others it's the opposite: somewhere to stop performing, put the work self away, and just be quiet and easy in good company.
Both are completely welcome, and you don't have to decide which one you are before you come.
COMING ON YOUR OWN
Coming on your own takes a bit of nerve. It's also how most people arrive, so you'll be in good company from the start. Your host will welcome you, get things started, and encourage people to approach each other.
WHO IT SUITS
Adults roughly 25 to 50 who are young-at-heart, socially curious, and enjoy meeting people through shared experiences. Whether that's a relaxed walk and a chat or a more playful themed event.
Many members appreciate a healthy, balanced lifestyle: smoke-free environments, low-key socialising, nourishing food, and conscious ways of living. There are no strict rules here, just a shared appreciation for feeling good and enjoying life.
Events are generally chosen with public transport access in mind, so they're easy to get to from across the city and surrounding areas.
WHAT WE RUN
Most events are free. Some are ticketed, and a few of those are for singles only. Every listing says clearly which kind it is, what's included, and what you pay for on the day.
WHO RUNS THIS GROUP
The organiser is a relationship and leadership coach. Connection and health sit at the top of her list of values, and the group runs on much the same things she coaches: curiosity, playfulness, personal responsibility, integrity, and a bit of boldness when you feel like it.
She'd also say the inner stuff comes first. How you feel and what you believe tends to influence how you act, rather than the other way round, so this isn't a group about performing your way into being more sociable. If you're curious to learn more - join an upcoming workshop.
There's a coach's fingerprints on how things are run, but social events aren't coaching sessions. If you're talking about something you want to change, she may well offer to support.
GCC runs complimentary online workshops, which are interactive sessions and sometimes end with an offer to work together.
Social events are hosted by volunteers, sometimes the organiser and sometimes other members, and you'll see who's hosting on each listing.
If you value ease, curiosity, good company and a proper laugh, you'll feel at home here.
COMMUNITY GUIDELINES
Good Conversation Club works best when everyone helps create a respectful, inclusive atmosphere. These guidelines are here to support that.
1. COME AS YOU ARE
There's no expectation to perform, impress, or be "on".
You're welcome to:
- Be quiet or chatty
- Join conversations or take space
- Listen more than you speak
There's no right way to show up.
2. CONVERSATION IS AN INVITATION, NOT AN OBLIGATION
At some events, conversation prompts may be available.
You're welcome to:
- Use them
- Ignore them
- Let conversations unfold naturally
They're simply there to support ease and help move beyond small talk if you want to.
3. BE PRESENT AND INCLUSIVE
Good conversations are co-created. Please aim to:
- Listen as much as you speak
- Notice who's included, and who isn't
- Avoid dominating conversations
- Allow space for different perspectives
Presence matters more than having something impressive to say.
4. KEEP THE SPACE RESPECTFUL AND DRAMA-FREE
These events are not a place for:
- Gossip about people who aren't present
- Complaining without self-reflection
- Repeating negativity loops
Honest sharing is welcome. Blame and venting are not.
5. CONNECTION OVER AGENDA
Good Conversation Club events are about human connection first.
You're welcome to:
- Expand your social circle
- Meet like-minded people
- Grow your network organically
Some events may naturally lend themselves to networking, particularly those designed for business owners, creatives or professionals. There's no expectation to pitch, promote, or exchange contact details. Let connections unfold naturally and respectfully.
6. CONSENT AND BOUNDARIES MATTER
Please respect:
- Physical boundaries
- Emotional boundaries
- Different comfort levels with sharing
Curiosity is welcome. Pressure is not.
7. FEEDBACK AND REVIEWS
Reviews genuinely help, and I'm always keen to learn how these events can be better.
If you're leaving a 4-star or lower review, please include specific, constructive feedback. It helps me understand:
- What felt missing
- Whether the event description matched your experience
- What could be improved or made clearer next time
Thoughtful feedback shapes better events for everyone.
8. SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Good Conversation Club works because everyone contributes to the tone of the space. By attending, you agree to:
- Take responsibility for your experience
- Communicate respectfully
- Engage with curiosity and kindness
9. COMPLIMENTARY WORKSHOPS ARE A DIFFERENT THING
Some of what we run online is a complimentary workshop rather than a social gathering. Those are interactive, they're about a topic, and they sometimes finish with an offer to work together. Come for the workshop and leave it there if that suits you. Nothing changes about how you're welcomed at the socials.
IN SHORT
These events are about ease over effort, presence over performance, and connection over outcome.
Thank you for being part of the Good Conversation Club community.
See you at the next one.
Upcoming events
4
Late lunch + Gratitude Walk
Cooktaoo Kitchen, 60 Bridge Raod, Richmond, AUThis event combines good plant-based food and time outdoors with good humans - so here we go.
We're starting with lunch at Cockatoo Kitchen, 60 Bridge Road, Richmond - Asian / Thai, 100% vegan (bonus points if you've been craving a good curry). Come hungry, come as you are.
It's a small venue so only the first 6-8 people who arrive can order lunch here. Other people can order next door or across the road so we don't overwhelm these small shops with our big crowd.
Once you have your take-away, congregate on the footpath with the host. By 2pm we'll start walking to nearby Yarra Park to eat together on the picnic tables / grass - perfect for a sunny day.
The tables and benches are next to the playground. See photos for map of where to go.
Once we've eaten in the park, we'll wander towards the Royal Botanic Gardens for a gratitude walk - takes about 30 minutes to get there, easy pace, no extreme fitness level required.
If you've never done one, here's the shape of it:
- Leave the phone in your pocket (or on silent) - just for this bit
- Notice 3 things you can see… 3 things you can hear… 2 things you can feel (the breeze, the sun on your skin)… 1 thing you can smell
- Appreciate the small stuff - comfy shoes, a nice tree, someone's laugh
- Silently reflect, or say your thanks out loud as you go - whatever feels natural
Gratitude and stress genuinely can't hold the same space in your brain at once - so this is 30 minutes of your nervous system getting a proper break, dressed up as a nice walk.
Feel free to bring a journal (optional) - once we're in the gardens, there'll be a chance to share gratitude for what you're calling in, as if it's already happened. Eg - if you're wanting new friends, you might share that you're grateful you've met some like-minded people who you now catch up with regularly… that you laugh a lot together… that it feels easy. Speak it like it's already yours.
Once we reach the gardens, no pressure to stick around as a group - keep chatting with whoever you've clicked with, explore solo, or head off and get on with your Saturday.
Details
📍 Footpath - Cookatoo Kitchen, 60 Bridge Road, Richmond OR nearby venues.
🕜 Saturday 15th August, 1:30pm
🥗 2pm we walk to park to eat. (see photos for maps)
🚶♀️ 2:30pm Gratitude walk (~30 min to the Botanic Gardens)
☔ If raining - bring umbrella / rain jacket / gumboots. We can sit under cover at MCG to eat.Come as you are - conversation's an invitation here, never an obligation. Can't wait to see who shows up.
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HOST RESOURCES:
https://mastercoaches.net/good-conversation-club-questions.pdf
Print double sided. Cut up cards. Hand out at start of event. Guide people to introduce themselves to other guests eg eg talk to someone wearing the same colour or someone who is similar height.21 attendees
(Co-hosts required) 🎨 Street Art Photo Walk & Conversation - Fitzroy
Brunswick Street Gallery, 322 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne, AU**Interested in co-hosting this event? Message Sarah Rus to learn more***
Join us at 4:30pm for a relaxed street art walk through Fitzroy, exploring laneways, murals and hidden creative spots while conversation unfolds naturally along the way.Where to meet: out the back of 322 Brusbwick Street - look for the group on the footpath. We start walking at 4:45pm sharp.
If you love photography, bring your camera or smartphone (charged) to snap some fun photos along the way. We often pose in front of our favourite artworks. Be prepared to be silly with us 🤪 (optional, of course.)
This event is about moving at a comfortable pace, noticing what's around us, and letting conversation unfold organically as we walk.
There's no need for art knowledge - curiosity is more than enough.
The walk has a light structure to help things flow, but nothing rigid. You're welcome to chat as much or as little as you like, and enjoy the experience your own way.
Running late? Use the map in the photos to catch us up, and keep an eye on the group as we move between laneways.
Recommended: download the Street Art Cities app, which we'll use to hunt down the art.
After the walk (around 6pm) you're welcome to stay on for dinner nearby - completely optional. Head back to where we started and choose between:
- Hecho En Mexico, 326 Brunswick Street
- Yeshi Ethiopian Restaurant, 328 Brunswick Street
- Tawooq Fitzroy Lebanese, 329 Brunswick Street
Have a chat on the walk and decide together where you'd like to eat.
Best suited to adults who are young-at-heart and enjoy exploring the city, being outdoors and connecting through shared experiences.
Most of our members are somewhere between 25 and 50. Strictly 18+.
Sometimes the day doesn't go entirely to plan - a laneway is closed, the group spreads out, the weather turns. That's part of it. Come as you are, keep an eye on the plan, and enjoy what's in front of you.
Conversation's an invitation here, never an obligation. Can't wait to see who shows up.
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HOST RESOURCES:
https://mastercoaches.net/good-conversation-club-questions.pdf
Print double sided. Cut up cards. Hand out at start of event. Guide people to introduce themselves to other guests eg eg talk to someone wearing the same colour or someone who is similar height.3 attendees
(Co-hosts required) Beach Walk & Good Conversation | Brighton to St Kilda
Brighton Beach Station, Brighton Beach Station, Brighton VIC 3186, Melbourne, AU****Interesting in co-hosting this event? Send a message to Sarah Rus to learn more****
A gentle seaside walk from Brighton to St Kilda, for people who enjoy meaningful conversation without pressure or performance.
It's 8km along the foreshore - around two and a quarter hours at an easy pace, with stops. Flat the whole way, and beautiful.
We walk in small clusters that naturally re-form as we go, so you'll end up talking with several different people rather than the same one the whole way.
Where to meet
📍 Brighton Beach Station carpark, behind the station near the bicycle parking (see the map in the photos)
🕒 3:30pm for a 3:45pm start
🚶 First stop is the Beach BoxesRough timings
- 3:30pm - meet at Brighton Beach Station carpark
- 3:45pm - start walking
- ~4:05pm - toilet stop at Brighton Baths
- ~5:10pm - passing Elwood Beach
- ~6:00pm - arrive St Kilda, optional dinner
On the walk
There's light structure so nobody feels awkward arriving on their own, but plenty of freedom to just enjoy the views and the company.Good Conversation questions will be available - completely optional.
We'll regroup at a few points along the way, including the toilet stop at Brighton Baths. You're welcome to peel off at any station along the route if you've had enough - no need to explain, just let one of us know.
This is for you if you enjoy
- Thoughtful, curious conversation
- Being outdoors and moving your body gently
- Social connection that feels relaxed and human
- Meeting likeminded people without loud venues or small talk overload
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, layers, water and sun protection. It's the bay, so it's usually cooler and windier than the city.Weather: we walk in light rain. If it's genuinely miserable we may post here by midday - check the event page before you leave home.
Afterwards
Optional dinner in St Kilda from around 6pm for anyone who'd like to keep talking. Suggestion: Mya Tiger - the food is lovely, and there's a hidden bar upstairs worth a look.Running late?
We start walking at 3:45pm and follow the foreshore path the whole way, so we're easy to find. Either walk quickly along the path to catch us up, or take a train or tram to a point further along and wait by the beach path for us to pass. Elwood Beach around 5:10pm is the easiest place to join us. The route map and timings are in the photos.Please note the host won't be checking their phone once we set off - they're on the walk too, and they'd rather be present with the group than on a screen. Everything you need is in this description.
Who it's for
Young-at-heart adults, most of our members somewhere between 25 and 50, though the vibe matters more than the number. Strictly 18+.Come as you are. Conversation's an invitation here, never an obligation.
Cost: free.
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HOST RESOURCES:
https://mastercoaches.net/good-conversation-club-questions.pdf
Print double sided. Cut up cards. Hand out at the start of the event. Guide people to introduce themselves to other guests - for example, talk to someone wearing the same colour as you, or someone about your height.
Call Mya Tiger ((03) 9534 0211) to make 6pm table reservation for ~10 people. Update on the walk at 5:30pm when people share what their plans are for after the walk.4 attendees
Past events
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