Townsville Bulletin - Townsville Weekend
VIBRANT HUB FOR WOMEN
Jade Nelson’s The Women’s Society in Townsville combats loneliness, fosters connections, and empowers women through a vibrant community movement
Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, one woman’s mission to combat loneliness and foster genuine connections has sparked a vibrant movement.
Jade Nelson, at 29, is not just a local business owner with a penchant for travel and meeting new people, but also the visionary behind The Womens Society, a pioneering organisation dedicated to uniting women and empowering them through shared experiences and support.
“When I first moved to Townsville three years ago, I was inspired by my own frustration with how difficult it can be to meet up with people when you have a busy lifestyle,” Jade tells NQ Weekend. “I started The Womens Society in response to the prevalent issue of loneliness and isolation among women in our community.
“I wanted to create a platform where it was solely about forging authentic, meaningful connections within the community.”
Jade says she loved Townsville from the moment she arrived three years ago.
“When I landed in Townsville, something just clicked. I fell head over heels for this city and decided to put down roots here.”
But continually moving from location to location can often lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation
“When one is constantly jumping from place to place, it can feel quite lonely and isolating. I knew I couldn’t be the only one that has had enough of networking groups that ultimately let you down.
“I wanted to step away from putting people in groups and clicks, and just bring wonderful women together in a safe space. So when I gained a small number of members, I was over the moon. We are growing daily and getting closer to three thousand members.”
The Womens Society has rapidly evolved from a budding idea into a thriving community hub under Jade’s stewardship.
Through a carefully curated range of events and meet-ups, Jade has built a “safe space” for women to share experiences, build friendships, and empower each other.
Jade’s background in event co-ordination, spanning from luxury five-star gatherings to community-based sausage sizzles across Australia, positioned her perfectly to spearhead such an initiative.
“I’ve always been drawn towards creating lasting memories,” she explains. “I’ve coordinated events all over Australia, in many different settings from luxury five-star to community sausage sizzles.
“Townsville is a beautiful city, and it gives me so much pleasure to showcase what this place has to offer. People will always remember how they feel more than the action itself right?”
The sense of community and belonging that The Womens Society fosters is its cornerstone. “We prioritise creating a supportive and welcoming environment. The group provides a supportive environment free from judgment, fostering empowerment and confidence among women.”
It’s a mission that has seen tangible results, with members often sharing personal transformations - from increased confidence to wider social circles - that have significantly improved their lives.
The impact of The Womens Society on Townsville has been significant.
“Our meetups and events not only bring our community together but also support local businesses and facilitators here in Townsville.
“I’m passionate about our city and creating engaging events that showcase our local talent, raise money and support small businesses.’’
The Society has also been a platform for combating loneliness, offering a genuine and real community touchpoint in an age where digital connections often dominate.
Unique events, such as fine dining setups during full moons, monthly coffee meet-ups, and creative workshops, ensure that The Women’s Society’s calendar is bustling with activity.
It’s not just about diversity in activities but fostering an environment where friendships can flourish.
Jade’s dedication to this cause is evident. As she steers The Womens Society towards its official launch as a non-profit, her vision includes expanding partnerships and enhancing outreach.
“I am currently exploring partnerships with local organisations to enhance our offerings and reach a wider audience and create bigger events,” Jade says. “We have started finding sponsors to be able to create exciting and unique meet up opportunities.
“What truly stands out to me about The Womens Society is the genuine care and support shown by our members, who consistently watch out for one another, displaying remarkable warmth and thoughtfulness in their interactions both at events and within the group.
“Our members have even showed amazing support at our charity events with our most recent charity raffle raising over $2000 for The Women’s Centre. I was blown away with the amount of support and generous donations to help struggling families in Townsville.”
Inspired by this success and the impact on our community, Jade is excited about the line-up of volunteering and charity events planned for the group.
“I feel very passionate about this initiative and feel I can really make a difference within our community.”
One of the major challenges in growing The Womens Society has been managing its rapid expansion.
“Balancing the duties of the society alongside multiple business ventures has tested my abilities, yet has proven to be an incredibly rewarding experience.
“Implementing clear guidelines, fostering open communication, actively seeking feedback from members and forging connections with key figures in local community groups and businesses, I have been able to evolve and adapt alongside our group.”
For women in Townsville hesitant to take the step towards joining, Jade’s message is clear.
“To women who may be hesitant to join, I would say that The Womens Society is a welcoming and inclusive community where you can be yourself, connect with like-minded women, and receive the support and encouragement you deserve.
“Every meet up includes new members, lots of which come on their own to meet new people. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back— take the first step towards connections and community.”
Moreover, The Womens Society is actively seeking partnerships with local businesses, facilitators, and volunteers to expand its offerings.
“We’re always looking to collaborate to create more fun and creative events that not only benefit our members, but supports our community as a whole,” Jade says. “Women in Townsville can get involved with The Womens Society by liking/ joining our Facebook group, attending our events, volunteering for initiatives, or reaching out to us directly online.
“We always welcome women from all walks of life to become part of our community and experience the benefits first-hand.”
As The Womens Society continues to grow and evolve, its foundational goal remains unchanged: to provide a space where women cannot only meet but thrive together.
For Jade, what began as a quest to find her place in a new city has transformed into a movement that empowers women to embrace community, connection, and change.
Go to The Womens Society’s facebook page to connect.