Mums At The Table has launched a local group in Devonport, the first of its kind in the Australian state of Tasmania.
The Devonport Mums At The Table group officially opened in February, partnering with Devonport Seventh-day Adventist church.
“Launching our first Mums At The Table group in Tasmania feels incredibly special as we had been planning for this for a few years now,” said Melody Tan, project manager of Mums At The Table.
“We’ve always believed that every mum deserves a safe, welcoming village and now Tasmanian mums have a space to connect and feel less alone. This is just the beginning of building a community where mums can truly support and uplift one another.”
Pastor Jacob Ellis from the Devonport Seventh-day Adventist church first approached Mums At The Table about a partnership in August 2023.
“Through this partnership, I hope to see a thriving, welcoming space where mums can genuinely connect and feel supported,” said Pastor Ellis. “Success won’t be measured by the number of people who attend, but by the depth of the relationships formed and the sense of community that grows from those meaningful connections.”
Mums At The Table operates on a community-first model that equips local churches to build meaningful, lasting relationships with families beyond their congregations. By providing resources, training and a proven framework for hosting mum-focused gatherings, the initiative helps churches create safe, welcoming spaces where parents can connect, support one another and access practical help. Rather than relying on traditional outreach programs, the model centres on genuine connection, meeting mums where they are, fostering trust and strengthening the social fabric of the wider community.
“Partnering with Mums At The Table is a great opportunity for my own and other children to play in a safe environment whilst also nourishing bodies and souls, something that can feel quite low on the priority list as a mum,” said Melinda Pearson, volunteer moderator for the Devonport Mums At The Table group.
The group currently runs weekly Pilates sessions for mums while offering child-minding services during the workout. It also plans to organise playground meet-ups, walking groups and invitations to relevant church events in the near future.
“I am part of the Adventurers club at my local church and plan to encourage mums in our community with similar-aged children to join us,” said Analyn Jeffries, another volunteer moderator for the Devonport Mums At The Table group. “I would like to invite the mums to our church’s craft-making sessions and cooking and baking demonstrations.”
The Mums At The Table philosophy, adopted by the Devonport group, is to create a place where women feel genuinely known, encouraged and accepted into a community—the “village”—that supports them on their motherhood journey.
“My dream is to see women connecting with each other, being cared for and loved on,” said Ms Pearson. “To see women and children making lasting friendships, and ultimately having a relationship with Jesus.”
Mums At The Table groups provide safe, welcoming spaces where mothers can find connection, encouragement and practical support—whether through playgroups, park meet-ups, café catch-ups or special events.
Churches or individuals interested in being part of the ministry can contact Mums At The Table at hello@MumsAtTheTable.com or visit the Mums At The Table website.
