Adelaide's only inclusive friend matching events
FRIENDSHIP FOR ALL PROJECT
Friendship for All is an initiative by the City of Burnside to support neurodivergent adults in forming meaningful social connections through friend-matching events. The program offers a structured, inclusive, and positive environment to meet potential friends through timed one-on-one conversations, aiming to create a supportive community.
Are you looking to expand your social circle and find genuine friends within the neurodivergent community in Adelaide?
Are you looking to expand your social circle and find genuine friends within the neurodivergent community in Adelaide?
These events aim to empower neurodivergent women to shine, collaborate, inspire, learn, support each other and network. We hold neurodivergent women in business events throughout Adelaide, including Hallett Cove, Prospect and Gawler. View our upcoming events on Eventbrite.
NEURODIVERGENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Mingle Co. is responsible for Adelaide’s #1 social friendship matching events for neurodivergent individuals. We create a warm and inclusive atmosphere where you can:
- relax
- meet other neurodivergent individuals like yourself
- make friends
- feel safe
- participate
- celebrate your uniqueness
BURNSIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNER EVENTS
The Friendships for All Program is proudly brought to you by the City of Burnside, with funding support from the State Government of South Australia and expert facilitation by Mingle Co.
We understand how important it is for everyone to have an equal opportunity to socialise and connect with others. Our friend matching events are designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for adults who are neurodivergent.
Violeta (Vee) Abarzua - Founder
My Story
I arrived in Adelaide in 1987 as a six-year-old refugee from Chile. At twelve, my family returned to Chile, but years later I found my way back to Australia as a young adult the place that truly feels like home.
My first job here was in the disability sector, and I fell in love with the work immediately. I don’t see disability; I see people. Over the past 21 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in many roles from support worker, day options, mentor to enrolled nurse, supervisor, and service coordinator. Each role deepened my understanding of inclusion, compassion, and the power of genuine connection.
After the birth of my last child, I faced challenges with depression and perimenopause. It was a turning point an invitation to pause, reflect, and realign my life with my passions. I wanted to continue helping others, but in a way that also nourished my own wellbeing. That reflection gave birth to Mingle Co., an organisation dedicated to creating sensory-friendly events for the neurodivergent community.
At Mingle Co., we focus on connection, friendship, and celebrating individuality. Our goal is to break down barriers that often lead to isolation and create spaces where everyone feels seen, accepted, and free to be themselves. Through our events, we nurture belonging and foster authentic relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities.
Out of this mission, Neurodivergent Women in Business was also born a network designed to celebrate, empower, and connect neurodivergent women across Adelaide.
This journey has been deeply rewarding. Every event, every connection, reminds me of the incredible power of community how, when we come together, we can create change not only in our own lives but in the lives of those around us.
I also volunteer as an event coordinator for Australian Film Diversity & Inclusion Film Festival; this festival is a platform for minority groups to share their stories and express themselves through film.
meet the team
WE ARE A TEAM IN ADELAIDE DEDICATED TO BRINGING SOCIAL EVENTS TO THE NEURODIVERGENT COMMUNITY
Derek is the MC at our events and takes on the responsibility of editing each podcast episode. With a background in both the disability sector and acting, he brings a wealth of experience to the table. His fun and compassionate character shines through, and he truly enjoys witnessing the connections that form among attendees at these events.
Katrina is an Authorised Civil Celebrant and trained End of Life Doula with a special interest in challenging taboos through empowering death literacy education. She’s also known as a librarian and performs as the fabulous Tippy Darlington. Katrina is the MC to the Neurodivergent Women in Business events.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create a community that celebrates every individual, irrespective of their disabilities- physical, intellectual, visible or invisible.
Vee’s journey to founding Mingle Co. began with a personal desire to create a community where people with disabilities could come together and build lasting friendships.
Recognising a gap in social opportunities for individuals with various disabilities in Australia, she set out to create a platform that celebrates individuality and fosters connection.
OUR VALUES
Mingle Co. is more than just an event company; it’s a movement. We believe in the power of human connection and the importance of creating a world where everyone feels valued and accepted.
Join us as we strive to build a more inclusive community in Australia, one friendship at a time.
Our Trusted Partners
We proudly work with trusted partners who share our values. Each one is carefully chosen, recommended and works alongside us to create lasting results.
LA Finance & Associates Pty Ltd, founded by Luis Abarzua, is built on over 16 years of banking and lending experience. After a rewarding career with BankSA and Westpac Group, Luis created LA Finance & Associates to offer a more personalised, transparent, and results-driven approach. We tailor finance solutions for first home buyers, refinancers, investors, and business owners.
Web & Digital was founded to empower small businesses and non-profits to thrive online. Our team of skilled professionals combines expertise in web design, digital marketing, communication design, and business strategy delivering creative solutions that truly connect with audiences.
I offer a range of specialised photography services designed to help your business shine. Whether you need mouthwatering images of your latest dishes, crisp product photos, or dynamic branding visuals, I’ve got you covered.
I believe that we all have a social responsibility to one another – no matter who, no matter where. We are all connected; we are all human. Everyone on this planet deserves love. Everyone on this planet deserves to be loved.” Akiroq Brost
You made the environment for this event so beautiful. My son, Thomas loved the evening.
Annie
I absolutely loved the event. This concept is fabulous.
Katie
Everything was so thoughtfully done. I felt really comfortable and supported by everyone. I totally recommend attending one of the friend-pairing events.
Barbara
ATTENDEE LOVE
