Tyler Redway
IN a first for the Penola community, a social group has been established to welcome new residents to the area.
The Friendship Group allows people who have moved to Penola to socialise with other new residents.
Established last year, the group has proven successful with a number of newly settled residents meeting monthly.
A new resident to the town and member of the group, Peter Dinmore said he settled in Penola from Goolwa due to the town’s lifestyle.
“I decided it was time to move and I have always liked Penola, it’s a nice little town,” Mr Dinmore said.
“When you come to a new town it is difficult, but when you’re in a small town you cannot do much but make friends with people.”
The newly settled community member was invited to the gatherings after he attended an event in town and soon found himself enjoying the socialisation.
Mr Dinmore said the group mostly consisted of older people who have retired to Penola to enjoy its laid-back lifestyle.
“I think the youngest person in the group would have been in their 50s while the rest of us are in our 70s,” he said.
“We meet for barbecues, at wineries and other venues for meals and it’s great to meet new people.
“There is nothing formal about it, nobody is formally invited, so the call is put out and anyone is free to join.”
People from across the country have been known to join the group for social outings and some people to choose to stay with the group for the long-term or some only for a specific event.
“I didn’t know much about the town, I just arrived and I decided to give it a go and see where it led me,” Mr Dinmore said.
