Tribe’s bid for own clubhouse

Bringing people together to overcome loneliness and social isolation will be easier when the group Tribe Social Belonging opens its own clubhouse next month.

Work has started on fitting out shop 11, 457 Oxley Ave, Redcliffe, but help is needed to cover costs with a $20,000 fundraising campaign now in full swing.

Tribe Social Belonging Founder Ryan Elson says the group is growing and up to 50 people have been attending gatherings at local venues, which can put pressure on smaller hospitality businesses.

He’s excited to be opening a clubhouse members can call their own, with a café running Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays (7.30am-3pm) and live music and a bar operating on Friday and Saturday nights.

“There will always be an activity – games days, barbecues, karaoke, movie days. It’s about giving people a purpose to head out,” he explains.

Ryan says they will have a community club licence to operate and he is keen to create opportunities for emerging bands to play.

Ryan is also keen to host Tribe Youth events for under-25s who find the typical club/pub scene difficult or not for them.

How it will work

The clubhouse will be managed by Karen Wallace, and Ryan (pictured above left) will also employ an experienced barista but is keen to offer training and employment opportunities for new staff and volunteers.

His plan is to employ about six staff including people with disabilities or those who have had difficulty getting a job through no fault of their own.

“So many people are looking for staff but won’t give a person with disability a chance. If you’re patient with a person, it gives them an opportunity to have a go,” Ryan says.

“I want it to be a real community hub. It’s for people. I’m a big believer of people being part of Tribe, not just attending.”

Membership is $10 forever. Ryan says members can also be part of creating the space, by helping with working bees and other projects to get the clubhouse up and running.

“I’ve thought about it for a while and wanted to create a place but didn’t want it to become another drop-in centre,” he explains.

“I want to create a club that’s fun for everyone and is inclusive.”

There will be a soft opening for morning tea on Friday, August 5 from 10am ahead of the grand opening on Saturday, August 6 from 4pm.

Ryan is hoping to raise $20,000 which will help cover the fit-out and start-up costs including licences and insurance. So far, he has raised about $5000.

Everyone who donates more than $10, becomes a life member. Donations are tax deductible.

To find out more, head to the website or Go Fund Me page