What Is a Yarning Circle—and Why Does It Matter?
Sometimes, the simplest moments bring the greatest connection. Sitting together, sharing stories, and having a laugh over a cuppa.
A Yarning Circle is a relaxed, culturally respectful way for people to connect, share stories, and feel part of a community. At Inclusee, this happens online, making it easy to join from home, no matter where you live.
That is exactly what our Yarning Circle with Danni and Uncle Gordon is all about. It is a warm, welcoming space where people can connect, listen, and feel part of something real.
Hosted by Danni and her Dad, Elder Uncle Gordon Cowburn, whose roots stretch across Wakka Wakka Country and Kabi Kabi Country, this monthly gathering is full of life, culture, and genuine connection. As part of the Inclusee Virtual Community Centre, people from across the country can come together without barriers of distance or mobility.
🌿 Where Did This Yarning Circle Come From?
This Yarning Circle comes from a beautiful connection between generations.
As Danni shares:
“My mum grew up on a mission in Cherbourg, Queensland, and my Dad grew up in one of Queensland’s oldest towns, Gayndah. Now, me and my Dad have come together to create something special.”
What they’ve created is more than a session, it’s a space for storytelling, understanding, and belonging.
🪶 What Happens in a Yarning Circle?
A Yarning Circle is a relaxed, culturally respectful way of bringing people together to share and listen.
At Inclusee, that means:
- A friendly, informal get-together from the comfort of home
- A chance to share stories—big or small
- A space to listen, learn, and reflect
- Plenty of laughs along the way
There’s no pressure, no expectations—just people coming together over a cuppa and a yarn.
🎤 What Can You Expect Each Month?
Every Yarning Circle is a little different - which is part of the fun!
You might experience:
- Stories about culture, family, and Country
- Reflections shaped by lived experience
- Light-hearted moments and shared laughter
- Occasional guest speakers dropping in to share their story
It’s real, it’s relaxed, and it’s always meaningful.
💛 Why Are Yarning Circles Important for Connection?
Many older Australians, and their families, are asking questions like:
- How can I stay socially connected from home?
- What activities help reduce loneliness?
- Are there safe, welcoming community spaces online?
Yarning Circles help answer those questions by offering:
Connection – building real relationships through shared stories
Respect – creating space to listen and learn from one another
Learning – sharing culture in an open, natural way
Belonging – feeling seen, heard, and welcomed
They show that meaningful connection doesn’t need to be complicated - it just needs to be genuine.
🌈 Who Is This For?
This space is open to anyone who:
- Wants to feel more connected
- Is curious to learn about culture and community
- Enjoys listening, or sharing, a story
- Is looking for a safe and welcoming social space
It is also a supportive option for family members, carers, and health professionals looking for ways to help someone stay socially connected.
Whether you’re joining for yourself, a parent, or someone you care about, you’re always welcome.
☕ How Can You Join a Yarning Circle?
It’s simple:
- Bring a cuppa
- Bring your curiosity
- Come as you are
As Danni and Uncle Gordon say:
“Come share your stories with us too—we’d love to get to know you, your family, and where you come from.”
