Why I Started Villagey
It all started with an idea.
Hi, I’m Fiona — the founder of Villagey. And no, this didn’t all start because I was feeling overwhelmed or lonely. In fact, I’ve been incredibly lucky to have strong family support around me while raising kids. That support has made all the difference. But over the years — especially through my work — I’ve seen just how hard parenting can be when that support isn’t there. When you’re working shifts. When you’ve moved away from family. When your closest friends are as exhausted as you are. When asking for help feels awkward, or like you’re failing.
As a paramedic and manager, I’ve worked alongside so many amazing people — often shift-working parents — who are doing their best to make life work with very little backup. I've seen the stress that comes from last-minute care gaps, the juggle of rosters and school pickups, the sheer emotional weight of trying to “do it all.” And it stuck with me.
The Village you know you Need (but don’t know how to Ask for)
I kept wondering: What would actually help? Just something simple. Something real. Something that makes it easier to support each other — without the awkwardness, without the overwhelm. That’s where the idea for Villagey started. At first, I imagined a platform where parents could swap care using a credit system — a way to make favours feel fair, and help feel more accessible. That part will still happen. But what I’ve learned since then is that we can’t start with the system. We have to start with connection. Because when you know someone, trust them, and feel part of something — you want to help. And asking for help doesn’t feel so hard. The tech becomes secondary. So Villagey is evolving. And honestly? It’s becoming even better than I first imagined.
What Villagey is now
Right now, Villagey is about bringing parents together in ways that feel easy, fun, and actually useful. It’s built on the idea that connection doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does have to feel good. We’re doing that in a few key ways:
Intentional parent chats — small, curated groups that connect local families with kids around the same age. No chaos, no pressure — just the right people at the right stage.
Inclusive, low-key events — casual meetups where kids can play and parents can talk like actual humans. Less circle time, more connection.
A vibe that’s cool, kind, and community-first — no comparison games, no cliques, no stress. Just good people, good chats, and the sense that maybe you do belong.
It’s not about fixing parenting. It’s about making it a little lighter — and a lot more social!
A little more About Me (and what comes Next)
Right now, I’m juggling a few hats: I’m studying for my MBA, I’m working as a Senior Team Manager at Ambulance Victoria, I’m parenting two kids, and I’m still trying to be a decent wife, friend, and human being. But alongside all that, I’m building Villagey — not because I have extra time, but because I believe deeply in what it can become. Because I care about the wellbeing of parents. And the joy of children. Because I know that when parents feel supported, families thrive.
And thriving families create stronger, more connected communities.
So that’s the vision: To make parenting feel more connected, more social, and a whole lot more enjoyable. To build something that feels like the village we’ve all been missing — but in a way that actually fits real life.
Thanks for reading — and for showing up, in whatever way you do.
💛
Fiona
