New Saturday social program brings people together
A new Saturday program at Wallara will give people more opportunities to learn the skills that help form friendships, meet people and build social connections.
Wallara Connections is a new 24-week social learning program for adults with disability. It combines learning about communication and relationships with opportunities to practice those skills while spending time together.
Every Saturday is different. Clients will help shape what the group does, suggest activities, make plans together and explore shared interests.
Connections is planned to run on Saturdays from 10am–3pm, alongside Learning & Lifestyle’s Summer Semester. Expressions of interest are now open.
Learning the skills to make connections
Making friends involves lots of different skills — from knowing how to start a conversation to listening to others, understanding boundaries and staying safe.
Connections will provide a supportive place to learn and practise these skills.
The program will explore topics including:
- Starting conversations and meeting new people
- Communication and active listening
- Friendships and relationships
- Personal boundaries and safety
- Navigating disagreements and conflict
- Online safety
- Planning ways to stay socially connected.
As the program progresses, clients can build on what they have learned and practise it together in everyday situations.
Putting those skills into practice
Learning is only part of Connections. Saturdays will also give clients opportunities to use those skills while doing things together.
Weekly group lunches will be an important part of the program. Some will be held at Wallara, while others will take the group to local cafés, restaurants and pubs.
Chosen outings and activities will provide opportunities for conversation, discovering shared interests and getting to know one another better
That might mean deciding together where to have lunch, starting a conversation with someone new, joining a group activity or discovering that someone else enjoys the same things you do.
Clients will also be part of planing activities and helping the group create Saturdays that reflect their interests.
Connections at a glance
When: Saturdays, 10am–3pm
Planned start: From 3 October, 2026
Where: Keysborough or Dandenong – to be confirmed
Program length: 24 weeks
Support: 1:4 support ratio
Getting around: Public transport will be used when required
NDIS funding: Social and Community Participation
Who can join: Wallara clients accessing a 1:4 support ratio who are interested in developing social connections.
Expressions of interest are now open. The program will start once enough people have registered to form the group.
Interested in Wallara Connections?
If spending Saturdays meeting people, learning new skills and sharing experiences sounds like something you or someone you support would enjoy, complete the Expression of Interest form below.
The Connections team will be in touch to talk about the program and next steps.