Our Playful Mission
Behind the swords and the goblins in armour, these games are really just an awesome way to connect with people. Tabletop games, especially Dungeons and Dragons, are widely known as safe spaces for all people of colour, neurodivergent peoples, and queer folk which just means that all are welcome because of the game’s unique dynamic of being totally customisable based on its players and Game Master. From working in childcare I have seen the change in kids from being overexposed to the online world – not only being addicted to their screens but also losing that creativity and social skills. From living in Hornsby almost his whole life, I have seen the way that the social scene in the area has killed all these third spaces for youth and put up more nail salons and boba tea shops. This is what the Hornsby Tabletop Academy is about. To rekindle in-person social connection in our local area.
The Hornsby Tabletop Academy also marks my first venture into starting my own business and working more freelance so from the bottom of my heart I really do appreciate the support while I learn and work it all out along the way.
Thanks, Joel
Meet the Team
Joel Tjoa – CEO, Founder, (Also the only staff member)
Hi there, its just me. I wanted to let you know a little bit about me. I’ve been playing Dungeons and Dragons since 2017 when I was 14 years old, and I’ve been a nerd since I was even younger. What inspired me to start the Hornsby Tabletop Academy was because the campaign that I played with my friends from high school that lasted 6.5 years had ended at the start of 2026. After realising that it had helped me so much with my confidence and made my friendships so much stronger by having a consistent social activity every week that was outside of school, work, and our personal lives I wanted to share that with the wider community.
Outside of my time creating worlds and playing games, I am a recent graduate of Macquarie Uni holding a Bachelor of Media and Communications with a Major in Audio to which I work casually at 2DayFM, Triple M, and Listnr, and produce the ‘I Said I’m Sorry Podcast’ with Yaz and Feras. I was also the Coordinator of an Out of School Hours Care at Hornsby South for 3 years where I learned incredible organisational skills and an expertise in communicating with children of all ages including those with additional needs.
Additionally I am the Crew Leader for my local Rover Scout troop AND an Assistant Production Director and the leader of the Singing Team for Hornsby Gang Show which is a community variety show run by local Scouts and Girl Guides. (Phew that’s a mouthful).