Creating Conditions to Grow the Good Life
Welcome to Your Community Conversation Bench
Sit down, relax
and have a chat!
Connect with someone new
Medina's community conversation bench is a place where you can connect with someone new. Whether you’re looking to make a new friend or just want to share a moment with a neighbour, this bench is here for you.
Conversation starters to break the ice
01.
Have you watched any good movies or shows lately?
02.
Do you have any pets? Tell me about them!
03.
What do you like to do in your free time?
04.
What’s a small act of kindness you’ve witnessed or experienced recently?
05.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
06.
What’s your favourite thing about living in this community?
07.
Do you have a favourite local spot you like to visit?
08.
Are you involved in any community activities or groups?
09.
What’s a piece of advice you’ve found really helpful?
10.
What’s a skill you’d like to learn or improve?
How to be a better listener
Tips for respectfully
ending a conversation
Express gratitude
“It was great talking with you. Thanks for the chat!"
Be honest
"I need to get going, but
I enjoyed our conversation."
Use body language
Stand up or start to gather your things as a gentle signal.
If you or anyone you know needs help
There's always someone willing to listen
The Story of the
Medina Sunshine Bench
This is a community-led project. The idea for a community conversation bench came from a community member with lived experience of mental health, with the aim of bringing sunshine into the lives of local residents. Anglicare WA commissioned Medina Sunshine Bench as a pilot in partnership with the City of Kwinana in 2024.
The bench was designed and created by local artisans Julian from Perth Wicking Beds and Rob from Heartwood. Their unique design was developed following consultation with the local community and the Medina Residents Group.
"As a community conversation bench, it was important for the seating arrangement to wholeheartedly encourage interaction and conversation. Inspired by the Sunshine Project name, we blended a sunflower's form with its petals as seating and user-friendly tables. We maintained a sustainability focus by using recycled wood and incorporating a water-wise wicking bed for plants at its centre."
Julian Corliss, Medina Sunshine Bench co-creator
In partnership with
