Stories shared by "inspiring people" at Dubbo are some of the secrets to the success of a growing networking event, its founder says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Businesswoman Amy Rutherford's idea to bring community members together led her to launch Mingle.
A chance to "connect, meet and share", it started with about 30 people gathering in December, and by its fourth occasion in June drew about 80 people.
While Mrs Rutherford's original idea was for a networking event for fellow business owners, Mingle had quickly turned into "an all-inclusive event for the whole community".
The not-for-profit activity is held in St Brigid's hall.
Mingle's recipe is a mix of guest speakers to talk about a range of themes, live music and everyone is asked to bring a plate of food to share.
"The idea of sharing a plate adds a sense of community and brings people together - not to mention it is a good conversation starter," Mrs Rutherford said.
Her energy is focused on delivering the next Mingle event, which will be held from 6 to 8pm on Tuesday October 15 with the theme of 'multiculturalism in Dubbo'.
"We're so lucky to live in such a diverse community we need to celebrate that," Mrs Rutherford said.
"We will have six guest speakers from different countries who will share their stories about why they now call Dubbo home.
"This event we're asking people to bring a plate from a different culture."
'Health, wellness and nutrition' was the theme of the June event that drew the biggest crowd so far.
"I think the theme and the guest speakers definitely contribute to the numbers," Mrs Rutherford said.
"There are some very inspiring people in our town and it's easy to see people want to hear from them."
There are some very inspiring people in our town and it's easy to see people want to hear from them.
- Mingle founder Amy Rutherford
Encouragement from The Exchange helped the mum and entrepreneur to take the leap to start Mingle.
It's proved to be tougher than Mrs Rutherford imagined, but also rewarding.
"For me Mingle has also been a chance to step way out of my comfort zone," she said.
"Hosting the events and getting up in front of people public speaking is something that's always been daunting to me - just like most of the speakers we have at Mingle.
"Each event I feel more relaxed introducing our inspiring local speakers."
Mingle has made grass roots core to its operation.
"I ask local businesses and people to contribute a voucher that we can gift to our guest speakers - another way to get the community involved and be able to promote the local people and businesses who generously contribute," Mrs Rutherford said.
The October 15 event, with entry by gold coin donation, is the last for this year, but its founder says she is looking forward to continuing Mingle in 2020.
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
