A new free community event has made its way to the northside.
PLAY Boardgames is now being hosted at the Stafford Scouts Hall every Saturday evening; an event for all ages to socialise, play some board games and get together with the community.
Founder Janette Smith said the idea for PLAY Boardgames came after experiencing a bout of loneliness in the wake of the pandemic.
“I was inspired to start PLAY Boardgames from the feelings of isolation and loneliness I experienced during COVID,” Janette said.
“I thought there must be other people like me who experienced a difficult time during COVID and I wanted to help those people.”
Since finding a permanent home on the northside, there have been many new members who have benefited from the community event.
Catherine Hayward is a new member and said that PLAY Boardgames is the perfect place to connect with others in a stress-free environment.
“I have felt for years (that) higher community engagement is a way to become more open and outward-facing, but the opportunities for it with low overhead commitment are few and far between,” Catherine said.
“I think PLAY Boardgames is an extremely suitable space to foster community engagement. It’s not asking for any type of commitment of regular attendance or money, but the track record shows that PLAY Boardgames offers consistency.
“The generous and kind volunteers are there each week to open the doors for anyone who does want to come to connect with others…every week.”
PLAY Boardgames first originated in Bulimba in 2023 and a second venue was opened in Sunnybank in 2025. Due to popular demand, the event has now made its way to Stafford.
“The main emphasis is community and people meeting other people,” Janette said.
“A new member can expect to be greeted, led to a table, introduced to other players and then experience fun playing board games.”
PLAY Boardgames is entirely self-funded, with some donated games.
“I started PLAY Boardgames with the concept that it had to be free for the community and take place at the same time and place every week with no booking required,” Janette said.
For more information, search for ‘PLAY Boardgames’ on Facebook.
PLAY Boardgames
- Every Saturday, 7-10pm
- Stafford Scouts Hall
- 38 Appleby Road, Stafford
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