Category: Creative & Culture

Free Cartooning Workshops for Kids

Posted on by Alison La Rose

“Maybe you should fly a jet! Maybe you should be a vet!” 

If your child flourishes when they get creative, we invite them to contribute to the creation of a community artwork to celebrate our everyday heroes in the workforce.  

In our 1.5-hour creative sessions across Diggers Rest, Brookfield, Thornhill Park and Hillside, our friendly art teacher Sarah will guide your child to explore their dreams of future careers through the fun cartoon art style. After creating their own artworks, each piece will form a larger scale artwork to be displayed at our community centres for everyone to enjoy. 

Parent/Guardian supervision is required for the duration of these workshops. Suitable for children aged 6-10 years. Bookings essential.

SESSION DETAILS

DIGGERS REST

  • DATE: Saturday 16 November
  • TIME: 10.30am – 12pm
  • COST: Free ($10 refundable fee)
  • BOOK

THORNHILL PARK

  • DATE: Saturday 30 November
  • TIME: 10.30am – 12pm
  • COST: Free ($10 refundable fee)
  • BOOK

HILLSIDE

  • DATE: Saturday 7 December
  • TIME: 10.30am – 12pm
  • COST: Free ($10 refundable fee)
  • BOOK

BROOKFIELD

  • DATE: Wednesday 22 January
  • TIME: 10.30am – 12pm
  • COST: Free ($10 refundable fee)
  • BOOK

Term 4 2024 Programs & Events

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Great news! Bookings into our term 4 programs and events are now open!

Many of your favourites have returned including fitness programs for all abilities, social groups for all cultures and faiths, sewing classes for adults and teens, creative workshops including art for kids, pottery, art therapy and more. You’ll also find a selection of new additions including our pop up library in Eynesbury, our produce swap project in Kurunjang and Caroline Springs. our new Women’s Circle in Fraser Rise plus much more!

Programs start from Monday 7 October.

Click the link below to browse all term 2 programs across the City of Melton, or, find your closest centre in the list below to browse programs at a location near you.

VIEW ALL PROGRAMS

AINTREE/ROCKBANK
BURNSIDE
CAROLINE SPRINGS
DIGGERS REST
EYNESBURY
FRASER RISE
HARKNESS
HILLSIDE
KURUNJANG
MELTON
STRATHTULLOH
TAYLORS HILL
TRUGANINA (Mt Atkinson)

School Holiday Activities in Community Centres

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Community centres across the City of Melton are hosting a variety of school holiday workshops for pre-school and primary school aged children.

Activities include first aid for kids, kinderballet and storytime, a comedy show for kids, a stargazing family event and a burger making workshop.

Bookings for school holiday activities are now open! Activities begin from Wednesday 25 September.

WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

Smash Burger Workshop | 8-12 years – SOLD OUT

  • LOCATION: Eynesbury
  • TIME: 10.30am – 12.30pm
  • COST: $15 per child
  • BOOK

Astronomy Adventure | All ages – SOLD OUT

  • LOCATION: Melton
  • TIME: 7pm – 10pm
  • COST: $5 per person
  • BOOK
MONDAY 30 SEPTEMBER

Pre-school Kinderballet Storytime | 4-6 years

  • LOCATION: Brookfield
  • TIME: 9.30am – 11.30am
  • COST: $10 per child
  • BOOK
WEDNESDAY 2 OCTOBER

Dreadful Dragons Comedy for Kids | 5-12 years – SOLD OUT

  • LOCATION: Fraser Rise
  • TIME: 10am – 10.45am
  • COST: $5 per child
  • BOOK

Cool Kids First Aid | 5-12 years

  • LOCATION: Harkness
  • TIME: 10am – 12pm
  • COST: $10 per child
  • BOOK

Cool Kids First Aid | 5-12 years

  • LOCATION: Diggers Rest
  • TIME: 1.30pm – 3.30pm
  • COST: $10 per child
  • BOOK

2024 City of Melton Learning Festival

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Council is celebrating wonder, curiosity, fun, knowledge and learning at the 2024 City of Melton Learning Festival! From 31 August – 7 September you can participate in an exciting range of workshops and activities across Council’s libraries and community centres, for free! 

Get creative in our nature printing workshop, discover the best way to build your veggie garden, learn the traditional indigenous basket weaving technique and so much more.  

Join us to discover a new skill or passion whilst connecting with others in your local area.  

Browse all activities and workshops held at community centres on this webpage. You can discover more opportunities available at the libraries on Council’ website.   

Bookings are essential for all activities held at community centres. Bookings for all workshops open at 9am on Thursday 1 August. 

Sunday 1 September 

Nature Printing with Gel Pads – BOOKED OUT

  • TIME: 10am – 12.30pm 
  • VENUE: Botanica Springs Children’s & Community Centre, Brookfield
  • AGE: 18+
  • BOOK

Discover the art of mono printing using nature and gel pads in our engaging workshop. This eco-friendly creative process explores the textures and shapes of leaves, flowers, and other natural elements. You’ll be guided through the steps of creating stunning, one-of-a-kind prints that capture the beauty of the outdoors.  

The Sustainable Kitchen – Zero Waste Recipes – BOOKED OUT

  • TIME: 11.30am – 1.30pm 
  • VENUE: Diggers Rest Sport & Community Pavilion, Diggers Rest
  • AGE: 12 years+
  • BOOK

Learn how you can reduce waste in your kitchen and save money in this hands-on cooking workshop. Working in small groups, our passionate and experienced facilitator will guide you to create zero waste recipes which can be used to prepare quick, easy and delicious weeknight dinners. All equipment and ingredients will be provided. Free cookbook for all attendees. Limited spaces available.

Monday 2 September  

Powerful Pollinators 

  • TIME: 2pm – 3pm 
  • VENUE: Hillside Community Centre, Hillside
  • AGE: 3-12 years
  • BOOK

Little Sprouts Program are here to engage your child in their interactive, play-based, fun and inspiring sustainability education session! Over 60 minutes your child will discover what pollination is, a range of important local pollinator animal species, why we need pollinators, how we can help pollinators. They’ll also make pollinator friendly seed balls to take home, to help grow pollinator plants.

Tuesday 3 September  

Sauerkraut Demonstration – BOOKED OUT

  • TIME: 10:30 am – 12pm 
  • VENUE: Eynesbury Discovery Centre, Eynesbury
  • AGE: 18 years+
  • BOOK

Did you know fermented foods can provide health benefits when consumed regularly? Join us for an exciting demonstration to discover how to prepare a batch of your own fermented cabbage, called sauerkraut! All attendees will take home their own fermentation kit. Spots are very limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

Wednesday 4 September

How to Grow a Successful Veggie Garden – BOOKED OUT

  • TIME: 10am – 11:30am 
  • VENUE: Stevenson House, Caroline Springs
  • AGE: 18 years +
  • BOOK

Growing your own fruits and veggies at home brings a great sense of joy and pride but it can also save you money at the supermarket. Set yourself up for success and learn insider tips and tricks from our qualified horticulture expert including seasonal planting tips, environmentally friendly pest and disease management strategies and optimisation of soil, sunlight, and water for a successful harvest.

Thursday 5 September  

Traditional Basket Weaving – BOOKED OUT

  • TIME: 1pm – 2:30pm 
  • VENUE: Mt Atkinson Children’s & Community Centre, Truganina
  • AGE: 18 years+
  • BOOK

Join Samantha Bennett, a proud Bunurong/Boonwurrung and Wiradjuri woman, as she guides you through the traditional art of basket weaving. Connect with traditional practices and create beautiful, meaningful art. Using natural elements, you will learn how to craft baskets utilising unique techniques that intertwine the natural elements and stories of Samantha’s culture.

NEW Art Therapy for Kids, Adults & Seniors

Posted on by Alison La Rose

After a successful launch in term 2, our popular art therapy for children, adults and seniors are returning to Hillside and Strathtulloh in term 3.

Different from a regular art class, Art Therapy focuses on empowering participants to unpack and express their feelings through creativity.

This small group program is facilitated by a qualified Art Therapist, offering a range of materials and art themes.

CHILDREN | STRATHTULLOH – SOLD OUT
  • WHEN: Tuesdays from 20 August
  • TIME: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
  • COST: $32 for 4 weeks
  • BOOK
ADULTS | HILLSIDE
  • WHEN: Mondays from 29 July
  • TIME: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
  • COST: $70 for 7 weeks
  • BOOK
ADULTS | STRATHTULLOH
  • WHEN: Thursdays from 15 August
  • TIME: 10.30am – 12pm
  • COST: $32 for 8 weeks
  • BOOK
SENIORS | HILLSIDE – CANCELLED
  • WHEN: Mondays from 29 July
  • TIME: 1pm – 2pm
  • COST: $32 for 4 weeks
  • BOOK

 

Pottery Workshops & Programs Returning to Fraser Rise

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Our popular hand building pottery workshops and programs are returning to Fraser Rise in August 2024!

Be guided by an expert to create one-of-a-kind platters, bowls and mugs. Decorate them with underglaze to your taste and we’ll fire them for you, ready for you take home and use in your kitchen or as decorative home décor.

These beginner friendly workshops sell out fast so get in quickly to secure your space!

ONE-OFF WORKSHOPS
  • DATE: Thursday 15 August
  • COST: $65 per person
  • TIME
4-WEEK PROGRAMS
  • DATE: Thursdays from 22 August
  • COST: $185 per person
  • TIME
    • 10am – 12pm: BOOK NOW
    • 6pm – 8pm: BOOKED OUT

All programs and workshops are held at Fraser Rise Children’s & Community Centre: 46 City Vista Court, Fraser Rise, 3336

NAIDOC Week 2024

Posted on by Alison La Rose

NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

NAIDOC Week (7-14 July 2024) celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

The theme of NAIDOC Week in 2024 is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud. The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Council is supporting a number of local community activities that will bring the richness of local Aboriginal culture and achievements to light.

Meet the Rainbow Serpent

We’re starting NAIDOC Week celebrations early these school holidays with an exciting wildlife encounter filled with native animals! Children will discover the story of the rainbow serpent as they explore the fascinating world of creatures that feature in Dreamtime stories.

  • Location: Bridge Road Children’s and Community Centre, 260-266 Bridge Road, Strathtulloh
  • Date: Friday 5 July 2024
  • Time: 11am – 12 noon

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

NAIDOC Week Film Festival at the Libraries

Taking place across both branches of Melton City Libraries, the NAIDOC Film Festival showcases three films commemorating First Nations peoples achievements and contributions.

  • Location: Melton & Caroline Springs Libraries
  • Date & Time
    • Caroline Springs Library and Learning Hub, 193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs
      • Monday 8 July 2024 @ 1pm – ‘Murundak: Songs of Freedom’
      • Wednesday 10 July 2024 @ 6pm – ‘Undermined: Tales from the Kimberley’
    • Melton Library and Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton
      • Thursday 11 July 2024 @ 6pm – ‘Namatjira Project’

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Arts and craft activities for kids and teens will also be available at the libraries throughout NAIDOC Week.

Djirra in the West – Family Fun Day

Council is supporting Djirra in the West to host a Family Fun Day filled with cultural activities, entertainment, performances, story time, displays and much more.

  • Location: Djirra in West, 1927 Gisborne-Melton Road, Kurunjang
  • Date: Tuesday 9 July 2024
  • Time: 10am – 2.30pm

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Seniors Art Project | Hillside, Melton & Thornhill Park

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Melton City Council is calling upon our creative over 50s to take part in our ‘Ageing Artfully’ Seniors Festival Project. If you live in the City of Melton, we encourage you to join this special project. 

Over three separate sessions, you will work with an experienced artist to create your own painting using acrylic or water colours. At the end of the workshops, you will have created an artwork on canvas that conveys your perspective of ageing well in your community. 

All abilities are welcome to participate and no previous art experience is required. The workshops are free to attend and all materials will be provided. Places are limited and bookings are required to secure your spot.  

Workshops will be offered from 10am – 12pm at three locations: 

Pop-Up Art Exhibition

Excitingly, all artworks created throughout this project will be displayed at a pop-up art exhibition during the month of October as part of Council’s 2024 Seniors Festivals celebrations.    

To make this project a success, we ask that you: 

  • Only book at one location.  
  • Attend all three workshop dates at your chosen location 
  • Agree to your canvas being displayed at the ‘Ageing Artfully’ exhibition during the month of October   
  • Attend the exhibition launch being held on Thursday 3 October, 11am at Thornhill Park Children’s & Community Centre (optional, but encouraged).

Please note: Participants will be photographed as part of this project, and images may appear on Council’s social media, be provided to local media and otherwise used to promote this project.

Term 3 2024 Programs & Events

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Great news! Bookings into our term 3 programs and events are now open!

Many of your favourites have returned including fitness programs for all abilities, social groups for all cultures and faiths, sewing classes for adults and teens, creative workshops including art for kids, pottery, art therapy and more. You’ll also find a selection of new additions including art therapy for children and adults!

Programs start from Monday 15 July.

Click the link below to browse all term 2 programs across the City of Melton, or, find your closest centre in the list below to browse programs at a location near you.
.

VIEW ALL PROGRAMS

AINTREE/ROCKBANK
BURNSIDE
CAROLINE SPRINGS
DIGGERS REST
EYNESBURY
FRASER RISE
HARKNESS
HILLSIDE
KURUNJANG
MELTON
STRATHTULLOH
TAYLORS HILL
TRUGANINA (Mt Atkinson)

Cultural Diversity Week Festival Celebrations

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Council celebrated Cultural Diversity Week in a brand new festival format from 18-24 March 2024!

This new delivery mode of Cultural Diversity Week Festival (CDWF) meant that community members were able to attend a series of events across the City as opposed to the single event held in previous years.

Across the week, hundreds of residents joined us at several planned events including a free middle eastern cooking experience,  a community artwork celebration, our main CDWF event as well as a social media camapign showcasing the dreams of notable community members. Read on to find out more about these events.

Monday 18 March | Ramadan Craft Workshop

To begin CDWF, Stevenson House in Caroline Springs welcomed attendees of all faiths to participate in a Ramadan craft workshop. Whilst learning about Ramadan and it’s importance for our Muslim community, participants created and decorated traditional paper lanterns and wooden moons. Our Muslim attendees expressed their gratitude for the inclusion of a specific Ramadan session in the CDWF program of events.

Thursday 21 March | Middle Eastern Cooking Experience
On Thursday 21 March we welcomed Hamed from Cafe Sunshine & SalamaTea كافه سلامتى to Fraser Rise Children’s & Community Centre for a free middle eastern cooking experience. Our participants were absolutely wowed by Hamed’s story of his personal journey of coming to Australia, the challenges he faced in settling in, and his pursuit of a career in the hospitality industry. Participants were then split into groups to work at different stations, ensuring everyone had a chance to learn the recipes being prepared. The Baklava station definitely proved to be the most popular! All participants really enjoyed the cooking experience, experimenting with new recipes and spices, and were impressed by their creations. Our team were delighted to share the meals with our lucky participants at the end of the event. You can view a video of the event on the Melton Learning Directory Facebook page.
Friday 22 March | Our Community, Our Story

On Friday evening, Timbertop Children’s & Community Centre in Aintree celebrated our diverse community by sharing pictures, stories of our families and culture, food and dance with a splash of Holi colour! Attendees at the ‘Our Community, Our Story’ event worked together to create a collage artwork which will be displayed in the centre, providing an immediate visual connection to the space for all of our community, fostering a sense of belonging and creating a culturally safe environment.

Saturday 23 March | City of Melton Harmony

On Saturday 23 March, Fraser Rise Children’s & Community Centre came alive as it played host to CDWF’s official flagship event. Attendees enjoyed cultural performances, interactive activities for all ages, multicultural food and more. The chill out/quiet space was popular for those attending with additional needs and families with babies.

18 – 24 March | My Dream! Portraits & Stories

The ‘My Dream! Portraits & Stories’ campaign was delivered via Council’s main social media channels and website as well as printed posters in our Libraries. The 12 posters showcase 12 active community members who have made a significant contribution towards making the City of Melton an inclusive and welcoming place where diversity is embraced and celebrated. The images and stories will also be featured in Council’s Interfaith and Intercultural Calendar 2025.

Get In Touch

Looking for more information about something on our website?

Get in touch ⟶