Author: Alison La Rose

Festive Activities in the City of Melton

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Would you believe it, the festive period is upon us! As the end of the year rolls around, join us to celebrate at one of our festive themed activities for kids and adults.

Impress your dinner guests by learning to cook classic Christmas meals, make your own flower wreaths or festive jars for your table, enjoy nature craft and sensory play and so much more.

Spaces are expected to fill fast, book now to avoid disappointment!

BROWSE ALL FESTIVE ACTIVITIES

MONDAY 13 NOVEMBER

Christmas Cooking 3-Week Series

Delight your festive guests by learning to cook turkey with cranberry stuffing, garlic prawns and a poached pear dessert over our 3-week program.

  • AGE: 18+
  • WHERE: Kurunjang
  • COST: $60 for 3 weeks
  • BOOK
FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER

Preserved Flower Wreath Workshop – SOLD OUT

Add a touch of holiday happiness to your home and create your own festive wreath using preserved flowers.

  • AGE: 18+
  • WHERE: Taylors Hill
  • COST: $49
  • BOOK
TUESDAY 28 NOVEMBER

Festive Cookie Decorating for Kids – SOLD OUT

Children will learn how to decorate cookies with icing, sprinkles, and lots of other fun ingredients, ready to gift to someone or enjoy for themselves!

  • AGE: 8-12 years
  • WHERE: Fraser Rise
  • COST: $10
  • BOOK
THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER

Festive Jar Making Workshop

Spruce up your table by using a variety of materials and paints to spruce up a jar before placing a candle inside.

  • AGE: 18+
  • WHERE: Caroline Springs
  • COST: $10
  • BOOK
TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating

Children will learn how to decorate cookies with icing, sprinkles, and lots of other fun ingredients, ready to gift to someone or enjoy for themselves!

  • AGE: 8-12 years
  • WHERE: Eynesbury
  • COST: $10
  • BOOK

Festive Sensory & Nature Crafts

Join Miree from Green Earth Kids for a festive craft and play session where children will be immersed in an array of sustainable fun!

  • AGE: 5-8 years
  • WHERE: Truganina
  • COST: $5
  • BOOK
TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER

Festive Jar Making Workshop

Spruce up your table by using a variety of materials and paints to spruce up a jar before placing a candle inside.

  • AGE: 18+
  • WHERE: Eynesbury
  • COST: $10
  • BOOK
WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER

Atherstone Children’s Christmas Festival

Join us for a fun filled afternoon of festive themed arts and crafts, face painting, Santa letter writing, even meet Santa’s elves! All faiths welcome.

  • AGE: All ages
  • WHERE: Strathtulloh
  • COST: Free
  • BOOKINGS NOT REQUIRED
  • MORE INFO
FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER

DIY Fresh Christmas Wreath Workshop

Make your home pop this holiday season and create your own festive wreath using fresh flowers.

  • AGE: 18+
  • WHERE: Taylors Hill
  • COST: $59
  • BOOK
WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER

Window Planter Box Making Workshop – SOLD OUT

Bunnings Warehouse invites your child to learn how to make and decorate a planter box to gift to someone special or, keep for themselves!

  • AGE: 8-16 years
  • WHERE: Eynesbury
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

 

16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Melton City Council is proud to be supporting the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign again in 2023, an international campaign that aims to strengthen action to end violence against women and girls around the world.  

16 Days of Activism starts on 25 November, coinciding with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on 10 December, which marks Human Rights Day.  

Join us for the many local and non-local activities planned for this year’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing or is at risk of experiencing family violence, please call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit the 1800RESPECT website . 

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger please call 000. 

2023 Events 

Annual Walk Against Family Violence 

When: Friday 24 November
Time: 11am
Where: Parliament House Melbourne, Spring Street, East Melbourne 

The annual Walk Against Family Violence will return to Melbourne on Friday 24 November, marking the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in 2023. Thousands of Victorians will come together to stand in solidarity with victim survivors and walk towards a future where every woman is safe, equal, and respected.  

For more information visit: Walk Against Family Violence 2023 | Respect Victoria 

 

Orange Lady Campaign 

When: Friday 24 November – Sunday 10 December
Where: Melton Library & Learning Hub, Caroline Springs Library & Learning Hub, Kurunjang Community Hub, Bridge Road Children’s and Community Centre, Fraser Rise Children’s and Community Centre, Stevenson House and Melton South Community Centre.

16 orange ladies will be dotted around the Melton and Caroline Springs Libraries to spread awareness of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Our orange ladies at the libraries will be surrounded by a display of books on issues around gender equality or family violence.

 

Walk with Her 

When: Sunday 26 November
Time:  10am – 12pm
Where: Hannah Watts Park, High Street, Melton 

Lace up your sneakers and get ready to walk together to kick start the 16 Days of Activism. This in-person event aims to create a safer, more respectful, and equal community, and raise awareness of the prevalence, impacts and severity of family violence. Walk With Her is a free community event and will include a range of activities and giveaways, a BBQ lunch and special guests. The 2km walking track is low impact, low incline and suitable for most fitness levels. 

Register on EventBrite 

 

Author Talk with Danielle Scrimshaw 

When: Friday 8 December
Time:  5pm – 6pm
Where: Caroline Springs Library 

In support of the 16 Days of Activism campaign join Melton City Libraries to hear from writer Danielle Scrimshaw. Danielle’s debut book ‘She and Her Pretty Friend’ released this year looks at the history of lesbian and bisexual women in Australia. She will discuss the activism in documenting queer history as well as the original activists involved in the movement. 

Registration via the Libraries website 

 

UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls 

When: Sunday 10 December
Time:  1pm
Where: Reynolds Place Cricket Ground, 22A Reynolds Pl, Melton South

Celebrate the last day of 16 Days of Activism with the Zonta Club of Melton Inc and the Melton Centrals Women’s Cricket team on Sunday 10 December! Please wear orange at the event as it symbolises a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls. Refreshments will be provided as we watch and encourage our women cricket teams play!  

 

Local volunteer facilitates cross-nationality connections in Caroline Springs

Posted on by Alison La Rose

In an amazing display of collaboration and community support, a brand new chapter of learning began at Brookside Children’s & Community Centre for the local Iraqi and Syriac communities in October 2023.

For several years, these two groups have gathered at Stevenson House, Caroline Springs, under the facilitation of Western Health. In the past two years, Council has established a social group designed to create connections between the two nationalities. Now, this group has found a new home at Brookside Children’s & Community Centre in Caroline Springs, meeting three days a week – Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Their activities include playing traditional games and, most importantly, socialising with one another.

At the heart of this initiative stands Abdulmaseeh Feryou, a dedicated volunteer of Stevenson House for the last two years. Recognising the need to deliver English language skills for these residents, Abdulmaseeh, Council, Western Health, and Djerriwarrh Education & Community Services (Djerriwarrh) collaborated to deliver English classes to this active community. In an exciting turn of events, Djerriwarrh went a step further by offering Abdulmaseeh a paid position to deliver these English classes. This employment not only recognises his dedication to this community but also offers a fantastic pathway opportunity for him moving forward.

Council looks forward to following this group as it continues to grow and develop.

Pictured: Abdulmaseeh Feryou delivering an English class at Brookside Children’s & Community Centre

Love Local Market

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Melton City Council is proud to present the first Love Local Market!

We are delighted to welcome a variety of local producers to showcase their products and services to our community.

The event’s vibrant atmosphere will be stacked with

  • Artisan stalls,
  • Face painting,
  • Live music,
  • Free community barbeque,
  • Coffee van,
  • Free kids’ activities and so much more.

Stay up to date with what’s happening at the market and meet our stallholders via our Facebook page.

FREE PRE-LOVED CHILDREN’S ITEMS

Due to popular demand at previous Council events, we are bringing back our pre-loved children’s items section where community members are welcome to browse our range of donated items, free to take home.

Donations are being accepted in November. More information can be found on our website.

Join us at Fraser Rise Children’s & Community Centre on Sunday 26 November from 10am – 2pm.

46 City Vista Drive, Fraser Rise, 3336

2023 Victorian Seniors Festival

Posted on by Alison La Rose

The Victorian Seniors Festival is a statewide celebration of seniors. It’s also a great time to celebrate ageing well across the City of Melton.

Visit: Seniors Online website to find out about other events and activities that will be held across the state.

Seniors Festival 2023 in the City of Melton

Join in all the fun across October 2023 as we bring you an array of events to engage and excite. Browse our free and low cost activities on our website.

You can find even more events via Council’s website as well.

Community Safety Month

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Melton City Council is committed to increasing safety in the municipality through Community Safety initiatives.

Community Safety Month is an annual event held every October and reminds us that we all have a role in making our communities safer.

The campaign shines a spotlight on a number of community safety issues, including personal safety, cyber safety, road safety and mental health and wellbeing.

Throughout the month you’ll have an opportunity to attend a range of free and low cost initiatives including:

  • a Victoria Police CommSafe Forum
  • basic car maintenance workshops 
  • child car seat restraint fittings 
  • youth road safety activities 
  • financial wellness workshops and more.

See a list of events below and stay up to date by liking the Healthy Melton Facebook page.

 

THURSDAY 5 & 19 OCTOBER

Free Car Restraint Fittings

Fastening your seat belt when you travel in a car can save your life. Ensuring your child’s car restraints are fitted correctly is just as important but getting it right can be difficult. Did you know 70% of child car restraints are incorrectly installed or used, posing a serious safety risk to children travelling in those restraints?

  • Location: Stevenson House, Caroline Springs
  • Time: 10am – 2pm
  • Cost: Free
  • BOOK

FRIDAY 6 & SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER

Reimagine Melton: A Celebration of Art and Culture

Melton comes alive for a mesmerising celebration of Art and Culture. Showcasing a mix of performance, music and visual arts, this two-night event transforms the heart of Melton Town Centre into a vibrant hub of creativity and family entertainment

  • Location: Melton Town Centre
  • Time: 5pm – 10pm
  • Cost: Free
  • INFO

MONDAY 9 OCTOBER

Seeking Advice: Money, Ageing, Family and Protecting Your Rights

This Victorian Seniors Festival, join us for an information series delivered by Seniors Rights Victoria. Understand your rights and build your capacity through increased knowledge and support. Learn more about elder abuse, risks, prevention and support and assistance available through Seniors Rights Victoria.

  • Location: Melton Library & Learning Hub
  • Time: 10am – 12pm
  • Cost: Free
  • BOOK

FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER

CARE Melton Expo

Are you a senior, person with a disability or a carer? Visit the CARE Melton Expo. You can view information and resources from over 40 local organisations who support the needs of carers, people with disabilities and seniors at any time.

  • Location: Cobblebank Stadium
  • Time: 10am – 2pm
  • Cost: Free
  • INFO

FRIDAY 13, 20 & 27 OCTOBER

Fix it: Basic Car Maintenance

Getting your car serviced is important, but did you know that you can check the vital aspects of your car’s health yourself? Join our volunteer tutor to learn about basic car maintenance including how to change a tire, how to check your oil and coolant, how to check and maintain tire pressure, how to change your wiper blades and more!

This session is part of a series of ‘FIX IT’ workshops aimed at increasing your confidence in DIY solutions around your home. Don’t miss our ‘Tap Troubleshooting’ and ‘Power Tool Basics’ workshops as well.

  • Location: Melton, Brookfield & Eynesbury
  • Time: 4.30pm – 6pm
  • Cost: Free
  • BOOK

MONDAY 16 OCTOBER

Road Smart Interactive 

Road Smart interactive is a new, evidence based, highly interactive road safety education program that is designed to reflect best-practice approaches to road safety. It uses the latest technology to guide learners through a series of experiences that will get them thinking about what they can do to stay safe on the roads.

In this program learners will learn about safe road environments, safe vehicles and be able to explore the impacts of crash forces. They will also be able to test their knowledge of road safety issues like speed, drink driving and distractions. The program features a virtual reality road trip exploring the history of road safety in Victoria and discovering what a future with zero road deaths and serious injuries would look like.

  • Location: Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services
  • Time: 12.15pm – 1.15pm OR 3.15pm – 4.15pm
  • Cost: Free (bookings essential)
  • BOOK

WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER

Victoria Police CommSafe Forum

The CommSafe forum welcomes local businesses and community members to talk with local police members about what is important to your community. The forum will explore a range of topics including current crime trends and crime prevention, young people, family violence, road policing, drugs and drug related crime.

The forum will be run by a Victoria Police panel and questions will be taken from the audience throughout the event. To attend this event, you must register online and present your ticket on arrival.

  • Location: Melton Community Hall
  • Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm
  • Cost: Free (bookings essential)
  • BOOK

WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER – 15 NOVEMBER (5 WEEKS)

Women’s Circle

A quest through connection, self-love, peace, empowerment and personal growth. Our newly established Women’s Circle is a supportive and empowering space where local women can come together to connect, share and learn from each other. The safe and non-judgmental environment provides an opportunity for women to explore their personal and collective experiences, beliefs and values. Participate in a range of activities such as meditation, discussions, journaling, personal growth, rituals and much more.

  • Location: Bridge Road Children’s and Community Centre, Strathtulloh
  • Time: 1pm – 2.30pm
  • Cost: $25 for 5 weeks
  • BOOK

 

OTHER PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

2P Learner Driver Mentor Program

L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program: L2P assists learner drivers who do not have easy access to suitable supervising drivers or a suitable motor vehicle an opportunity to go out with a mentor and hopefully gain the minimum driving experience of 120 hours.

L2P Mentor Flyer(PDF, 145KB)

For more information, contact Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services on 8746 1000.

 

Traffic Safety Essential

The core resource for traffic safety education in Victorian secondary schools

 

Fit 2 Drive

The Fit to Drive Foundation provides road safety education programs for young people, their families and the wider community. We were founded on a community’s passion, and a commitment to act, to reduce young lives lost on our roads.

 

Atherstone Traffic School

Melton City Council, in partnership with LendLease, have completed the construction of a road safety education facility, known as the Atherstone Traffic School.

The facility provides a fun and engaging space to develop important road safety skills and gain confidence on bicycles, tricycles and scooters.

 

Digital Support Booth at Melton Library

Do you or someone you know need a little help with technology? We can help you at our brand-new Digital Support Booth at Melton Library! Located on the first floor, this is a dedicated, quiet space where we can help you with everyday tech tasks, including:

  • ???? using email
  • ???? printing from your phone, tablet, or laptop
  • ✅ filling in online forms
  • ???? downloading eBooks and eAudiobooks
  • ???? and more!

Appointments are NOT required, but there may be a short wait depending on demand. Come and chat to our friendly team to find out more. Tech support continues to be available on request at Caroline Springs Library.

Melton City Libraries is proud to be an eSmart Library, and all staff are trained to assist you in accessing eSafety resources. For more information visit https://www.esafety.gov.au/

 

 

Expression of Interest: Pathways for Carers Program

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Are you a parent or carer of a child or young person with a disability? Are you caring for an adult or elderly family member with a disability or chronic illness?

Melton City Council is looking to establish ‘Pathways for Carers’ groups for carers to meet with with others in their local community in a safe and supportive environment. Groups will be split for those caring for young people and another for those caring for adults/elderly.

Groups will run once a month and will include an accessible walk followed by a cuppa and chat at one of our community centres. Groups are free to attend. By sharing stories, knowledge and experience, you can learn from and support each other.

To express your interest in participating in a group, scheduled to start in 2024, please complete the expression of interest form.

Expressions of interest close 30 November 2023.

Click here to view form.

This Girl Can week returns October 9-15!

Posted on by Alison La Rose

This Girl Can week is returning October 9-15!

Celebrate everyday women with us by getting active in a range of free and low-cost activities and programs around the City of Melton.

Try something new like trampoline fitness, Bollywood dance, you can even join a social group for teens or adults to learn soccer in a non-competitive setting, plus so much more!

It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or a regular, all that matters is you’re giving it a go. 

Browse program.

Bookings are required for most activities. Browse the program of events via our website OR via PDF.

Excerpt from This Girl Can website.

This Girl Can – Victoria is an empowering campaign from VicHealth, based on Sport England’s highly successful This Girl Can campaign (which motivated a whopping 3.9 million women in England to take their fitness into their own hands). After seeing the impact there, the VicHealth team was inspired to get involved – and now, Australia is the first country in the world to license this powerful campaign.

This Girl Can – Victoria advocates for all women – cis, trans, non-binary and gender diverse – to get active in supportive and welcoming environments.

Expression of Interest: Mt Atkinson Free Grandparent’s Social Group

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Are you a grandparent caring for little ones in Mt Atkinson? Are you looking to connect with likeminded people in your community? Council’s Mt Atkinson Children’s & Community Centre is looking to start a free group where local grandparents can bring their grandchildren to the centre to socialise with others, share skills, language, culture and more with one another.

If you would like to learn more about this new group, let us know by expressing your interest via this online form. You can also email or call the centre or talk to the Council officer onsite at the centre.

Preferred languages other than English are welcome.

Rachel Ellis

Community Participation & Connection Officer | Melton City Council

Phone: 03 9747 5968

Email: MtAtkinsonCC@melton.vic.gov.au

 Click here to view form.

Term 4 2023 Centre Programs & Events

Posted on by Alison La Rose
The last stretch of 2023 is upon us and our community centres are as busy as ever. Our team are pleased to announce that bookings for our term 4 programs and events open 9am on Tuesday 5 September!
We are delighted to welcome you back for many old favourites like sewing, Zumba, cooking, music classes, children’s development programs and much more! We also have several one off special workshops including a foster care information session, yoga for menopause, festive cookie making for kids and adults plus lots more!
Find out what’s happening at your closest centre by clicking the links below and booking your spot in one of our programs today!

VIEW ALL PROGRAMS

CAROLINE SPRINGS
STRATHTULLOH
DIGGERS REST
EYNESBURY
FRASER RISE
HILLSIDE
KURUNJANG
TAYLORS HILL
AINTREE
BROOKFIELD
MELTON
HARKNESS
TRUGANINA (Mt Atkinson)
BURNSIDE
Get In Touch

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