Take a seat, have a chat

The City of Albany is encouraging tourists and locals to come together for a yarn on their newly installed “Happy to Chat Bench”.

Facing the Albany Waterfront Marina, the bench encourages passing pedestrians, fishers or cyclists to stop and chat with anyone sitting on the bench.

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the bench was an opportunity to create conversation and friendliness in the city.

“I think it’s terrific. I go riding in the morning, I say good morning to people and a lot people get a bit of a surprise that someone’s talking to them,” he said.

“I think, if we could get to a situation where people stop and chat to each other, ask them where they’re from, why they’ve come here, that would be great.

“I always find it interesting to ask why people come to Albany.”

Mr Wellington said the bench was situated at one of “the better spots around” and there were hopes to install a second bench at another waterfront location.

“With the redevelopment of Middleton beach... it would be another terrific spot for people to enjoy and make it an iconic spot for people to rest and relax as well,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to find reasons why; to get some different aspects on why we think this place is great and why other people think Albany is great.

“Locals, as well as tourists, can come to have a chat and find out the things they have in common.”