In a world that feels busier, louder and more divided than ever, there’s something quietly powerful about sitting down to share a meal.
On Thursday 26th February from 5.00–6.30pm, Table 2452 is returning for 2026 to bring our community together again at Sawtell Public School for a free community meal — and everyone is welcome.
Table 2452 isn’t just about food (although there will be plenty of delicious dishes to enjoy). It’s about connection. It’s about neighbours meeting neighbours, Sawtellians meeting toormi families, Young people from William Bayldon School kicking a ball around with families of kids at Toomi Public. It’s about kids playing on the grass while adults have real conversations. It’s about creating a space where everyone — regardless of age, background or circumstance — can pull up a chair and belong.
Research consistently shows that social connection is one of the most important factors in our overall wellbeing. Strong community ties are linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression, improved physical health, and even longer life expectancy. In contrast, social isolation has been described by health experts as having a comparable impact on health to other major risk factors. Simply put: connection matters.
And yet, meaningful connection can be surprisingly hard to find.
We live in a time of online interactions, packed schedules and rising cost-of-living pressures. Many families are doing their best to keep up. Events like Table 2452 create a simple but powerful circuit-breaker — an invitation to slow down and gather. To contribute to and nurture our community in unstable times.
There is something special about the egalitarian nature of a shared meal. Food has always been central to community life across cultures. It dissolves barriers. It sparks conversation. It creates common ground. When we eat together, we build trust. When we see familiar faces again and again, we strengthen the social fabric of our neighbourhood.
For children and young people, these experiences are particularly important. Seeing adults connect positively, meeting people of different ages, and feeling part of something bigger than their own household builds a sense of safety and belonging. Communities where people know each other tend to be more resilient, more supportive and more responsive in times of need.
Table 2452 is about nurturing exactly that kind of community here in our 2452 postcode.
This upcoming meal will feature generous, delicious food prepared with care by the wonderful folks at The Hilltop Store along side young people from the Bongil Bongil Youth Collective. There will be plenty of space to sit, chat and enjoy the early evening together. You don’t need to bring anything. You don’t need to book. You don’t need to “know someone.” Just come as you are.
Whether you’re new to the area (welcome Mark Peterson – the new Sawtell Principal), have lived here your whole life, are raising young kids, navigating teenage years, or simply looking for a friendly conversation — this table is for you.
Because when we gather around a table, we’re doing more than sharing food. We’re strengthening the invisible threads that hold our community together.
So mark your calendar:
Table 2452
Thursday 26th February
5.00–6.30pm
Sawtell Public School
We can’t wait to see you there.
