Meeting friends the name of the game

The inaugural Crossroads Convention, at Swan Hill's Italian Social Club on April 27-28, gives people of all ages the opportunity to meet new friends, play board games, war games and role-playing games.

The event is being organised by Mallee Tabletop Games.

Member Rachael Kelly said the group played a number of popular classic games including several varieties of Cluedo, Monopoly, Backgammon and Dominoes, and a variety of card games.

The more adventurous may wish to sit in and learn some more modern strategy-based games, while those with a favourite game can take a labelled copy along and look for a group to join them in playing it.

"We try to be inclusive and want to give people the opportunity play games they may not have the opportunity to play with anyone else," Rachael said.

"It is a chance for people who miss playing board games, don't get the chance to play as often as they like, or want to learn new games, to meet new people in the Swan Hill region who have the same interests."

Volunteers will be on hand to lend a hand to anyone who is interested in learning new games.

Rachael described the club as her "lifeline" since moving to Swan Hill.

"I love that I can continue the hobbies I love now that I'm out here in the Mallee."

The club started as a casual gathering and has now grown into an organised community group which hosts board game evenings on Tuesdays and war game nights on Fridays.

It strives to provide an inclusive environment for people to experience new activities, build social connections, build self esteem, and improve strategic thinking and team building skills.

The Crossroads Convention is sponsored by Swan Hill Rural Council.

It will run from 9am-9pm both days.

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