What is 3rd Place?

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg, is the author of The Great Good Place in which he identifies that in modern suburban societies time is primarily spent in two places, the 1st (home) and the 2nd (work).

3rd Places offer a neutral public space for a community to connect and establish bonds. Third Places are the many public places where people can gather, put aside the concerns of home and work, and hang out simply for the pleasures of good company and lively conversation. They are the heart of the community's social vitality and the grassroots of democracy.

Chrysalis Insight

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Chrysalis Insight Inc. is a non-profit organisation that is committed to rebuilding and connecting community to lessen the destructive effects of problem gambling. Social isolation is a major contributing factor to gambling and other addictions.

Explore this site to find out more about how to find your own 3rd Place.
Join our online community
Read other’s stories
Make friends
Create your own blog
Find 3rd Places and events near you
Find advice, support and links to help those suffering from gambling addictions

Lonely? Be Connected. Find a 3rd Place.


Bored? Get Motivated Now.

3rd Place Events

10 Things You Can Do Alone

1. Busy some fresh rolls and salad, grab a blanket and head down to the beach or park for a picnic with the birds.
2. Sign up for a class at your local neighbourhood house. You could try yoga, water aerobics, cycling, dance, pilates.
3. Volunteer for a not-for-profit organisation - try www.volunteeringaustralia.org or seekvolunteer.com.au
4. Catch a show at your local theatre - The Lilydale Athaneaum Theatre is relatively cheap but quite a social night out.
5. Hire or borrow a bike and go for a ride.
6. Bake some biscuits or sweets and take them to an elderly neighbour or local nursing home.
7. Join a local interest group - see your local council website for groups like arts, crafts, mothers, walking.
8. Grab some water and lunch and go for a day hike in your nearest national park.
9. Join a gym and meet people while getting fit.
10. Check the local paper or gig guide for Trivia Nights or live music

Gabi’s “Hot, Passionate Affair with the Poker Machines”

yourlogo Gabriela Byrne was addicted poker machine gambling for more than four years. Besides losing more than $40,000 gambling, she also lost many friends and nearly ruined her marriage. She even contemplated suicide as being the only way out.
Read Gabriela’s story from being “totally hooked” to “complete freedom”, the development of the Free Yourself Program and the “The Third Place” concept.

Establishing 3rd Places

3rd Places can be cafes, pubs, neighbourhood houses, restaurants, markets, snooker halls, in fact any venue where people congregate. Chrysalis Insight Inc is providing existing venues with staff training, resources and support to market them to the community as welcoming, safe and engaging environments that:
  • Encourage social interaction
  • Support communication between people
  • Are inclusive, tolerant and safe