Chatty Cafe meeting proves life-changing for Murray Bridge couple

This story was contributed by AC Care.

A twist of fate and a friendly smile were moments that mattered for two Murraylands residents when it came to finding a life-altering connection at Chatty Café Murray Bridge.

What started as a coffee and a chat has blossomed into companionship for Robin Kavooris and Vonny Jaensch, who now lead busy lives full of meaningful connections after both overcoming profound loneliness following the loss of their partners.

The Chatty Café Murray Bridge regulars have shared their story to mark Loneliness Awareness Week – August 4-10 – with the 2025 theme “moments matter”, a fitting description of their journey.

Their story started at the Square on South Terrace, where AC Care Community Connections Murraylands support worker Sheila Millington – in collaboration with Murray Bridge Community Centre and the Haven Murray Bridge – launched South Australia’s first Chatty Café in August 2023.

Mr Kavooris was among the first people to attend the inaugural Chatty Café Murray Bridge after seeing a flyer while shopping.

“I had been lonely seeing my wife pass away back over three and a half years, and it was so quiet in my place,” he recalled.

“I thought I'd better go join the community at bingo or any other place to meet people, then I went to Coles and saw about Chatty Café.”

He became a regular as he attended the weekly Thursday morning sessions, forming connections with other Murraylands residents that lasted anywhere from minutes to months.

A twist of fate occurred a year later when Ms Jaensch went to the Square with a friend for an exercise class, only to discover they had the wrong time.

Instead, they were encouraged to come back the following day to Chatty Café – a moment that mattered greatly.

“When I came up that day, the first person I saw was Robin at the far end on the corner, and he gave me this big smile,” Mr Jaensch recalled.

“That was really just the very start, and gradually we became closer every week.”

As for their first chat, it was the loneliness they had both experienced since losing their partners that became the foundation of their early friendship.

“We were talking about how we had to get over living without our partners,” Ms Jaensch recalled.

“I'd lost my husband a year and a half before, and yeah … so we were both lonely, and I wasn't particularly looking for anyone yet.”

Their friendship continued to grow, with them meeting other friends outside of Chatty Café, before Mr Kavooris asked to take Ms Jaensch on a first date.

“We didn't let on here for a while, but eventually we said we are a couple now,” Ms Jaensch said.

Their bond has strengthened over their shared interests in gardening, travel, Mr Kavooris’ love of classic vehicles, and their affection for their pet dog Bella.

Importantly, it has also brought together their families and friends to create new connections across the community, spanning generations.

“We take the grandkids to the movies; that’s usually how the holidays go now,” Ms Jaensch said.

“We take the little ones, three of them, it’s lovely.”

While their social lives are a lot busier these days compared to before they met, the couple still head to the Square most Thursdays for a Chatty Café catch-up.

“It is just nice to be able to come here every week knowing you are going to have a good day, or you might be there for someone else, or someone there for you,” Ms Jaensch said.

“Without it, it wouldn't have been a journey, so we thank Chatty Café for being here, and luckily, I was here on the wrong day.”

Ms Millington encouraged the community to attend the free, weekly Chatty Café Murray Bridge sessions or stop for a chat with someone on the bright yellow Chatty Bench.

“Finding connection does not need a grand gesture or long journey; it often starts in those small moments where a smile or quick chat can make all the difference,” she said.

“Loneliness and social isolation have significant adverse health impacts, so we must all try to play our part in helping someone break through to find connection in the community.

“I can’t promise you’ll find the same meaningful connection as Robin and Vonny, but you might just find your positive moments that will matter in your journey.”

Chatty Café Murray Bridge will celebrate its second birthday this Thursday, August 7, and community members are invited to attend and join in the celebrations, or to drop by on Thursdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm at the Square, 2 South Terrace.