Category: Front Page News

January 2026 School Holiday Activities

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Looking for something to keep your child occupied during the January school holidays? Several of Council’s community centres are buzzing with fun workshops sure to keep your child entertained and learning.

 

BOOKINGS

Bookings in our January school holiday activities open 9am on Tuesday 16 December 2025.

 

TUESDAY 13 JANUARY

Sensory Play for Kids – SOLD OUT

Play, experiment, and have fun during this hands-on session for pre-schoolers! Your child will be delighted with different sensory activities dotted around the room that may include water play, playdough, painting and more.

  • Location: Taylors Hill Youth & Community Centre
  • Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
  • Cost: $5 per child
  • Age Group: 2-5 years
  • BOOK NOW

THURSDAY 15 JANUARY

Mystery Craft Workshop for Kids – SOLD OUT

Throughout this engaging session, your child will make their own masterpiece by utilising a range of different art supplies and materials including drawings, paintings, decorating items or collages. 

  • Location: Hillside Community Centre
  • Time: 10.30am – 12pm
  • Cost: $5 per child
  • Age Group: 8-13 years
  • BOOK NOW

TUESDAY 20 JANUARY

Native Animal Encounter

Discover mammals, birds, marsupials, amphibians and reptiles. Touch and hold hand-reared gliding possums or pat a tame dingo. Interact with parrots, lizards, frogs and turtles. Confront non-venomous pythons and marvel at salt and fresh-water crocodiles! All in the safety at Fraser Rise Children’s & Community Centre and led by our visiting animal expert!

  • Location: Fraser Rise Children’s & Community Centre
  • Time:
    • 10am – 11am (suitable for children aged 3-5 years)
    • 11.30am – 12.30pm (suitable for children aged 6-12 years)
  • Cost: $5 per child
  • BOOK FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS – SOLD OUT
  • BOOK FOR KIDS – SOLD OUT

THURSDAY 22 JANUARY

Bollywood Dance for Kids/Teens

Immerse your child in the joy of Bollywood Dance! Led by an experienced dance tutor, this class is a fun and dynamic blend of rhythm, movement and cultural expression.

  • Location: Hillside Community Centre
  • Time:
    • 2pm – 3pm (suitable for children aged 5-10 years)
    • 3pm – 4pm (suitable for children aged 11-15 years)
  • Cost: $5 per child
  • BOOK FOR KIDS – LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE
  • BOOK FOR TEENS – LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE

Term 1 2026 Programs & Events

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Great news, bookings in Melton City Council’s community centre-based programs and events for term 1 2026 are now open!

 

Start off the new year by sharpening your sewing skills, improve your health and fitness, discover your artistic ability, learn to cook new delicious meals, join a community garden, plus so much more. There’s something for everyone, no matter your age, ability or interest.

 

Spaces in many of our programs fill quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead and book early to avoid disappointment. Bookings are now open!

 

Click the link below to browse all term 1 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

.CAROLINE SPRINGS

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

Atherstone Traffic School Family Fun Days

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Please note: this event is now at capacity and bookings have closed.

 

Melton City Council is thrilled to invite local children and their families to a series of Family Fun Days at the Atherstone Traffic School throughout November!

 

Join us for a fun-filled day of skill building and free food and activities for the whole family! Both events will feature:

  • Free wood-fire pizza
  • Free coffee
  • Free face painting
  • Free smoothie bike competitions
  • Free kids’ painting workshop
  • Free bike servicing, plus bike riding and maintenance education!

 

WIN A $500 VOUCHER

All attendees will have a chance to win 1 of 10 $500 vouchers for John’s Cycling Warehouse! Simply fill out the pre-event survey on this webpage AND the post-event survey on the day to go in the draw.

 

The surveys are just 7 short questions and should take less than 3 minutes to complete!

 

Both events are free to attend, however, bookings are essential.

 

Bring along your bicycle, tricycle, or scooter and helmet for use of the traffic school. Please note: Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

 

EVENT DETAILS

  • LOCATION: Atherstone Traffic School (266 Bridge Rd, Strathtulloh VIC 3338) 
  • EVENT 1:   
    • DATE: Friday 7 November  
    • TIME: 4pm – 6pm  
  • EVENT 2: 
    • DATE: Saturday 29 November  
    • TIME: 11am – 1pm  

Term 4 2025 Programs & Events

Posted on by Alison La Rose
Bookings in Council’s community centre based programs and events for term 4 2025 are now open!
.
The programs you’ve come to know and love will be returning including our popular exercise classes, gardening groups, creative programs, kids’ activities, craft groups and more. With something new and exciting always on offer, you’ll find other special events and workshops like a mental health awareness session, mandala art therapy, CWA baking demonstration, plus lots more.
.
Click the link below to browse all term 4 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

.CAROLINE SPRINGS

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

CLOSED – Children’s Week 2025 Talent Show EOI

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Expression of Interest – Little Legends, Terrific Talent Show

Expressions of Interest have now closed.

 

Melton City Council is inviting children aged 5-12 years from across the municipality to share their talents at our ‘Little Legends, Terrific Talent’ show in celebration of Children’s Week 2025! Event details
  • Date: Friday 24 October 2025
  • Time: 5pm – approx. 6.30pm
    • Performers to arrive from 4.30pm
    • Show begins 5pm
  • Location: Plumpton Community Centre – 19 Pear Parade, Fraser Rise, 3336
This non-competitive event is all about celebrating young community members and the many talents that bring them joy to perform. Whether your child/ren love to sing, dance, tell jokes, play an instrument, perform magic tricks, or something else entirely – this is their moment to share their unique skills and talents with the local community.
 
Little Legends, Terrific Talent is open to children aged 5-12 years who reside in the City of Melton. Single or group performances are welcome. Performances should be fun, respectful, and suitable for a general audience, including younger children.
 
If your child/ren is interested in participating, please complete the following form. Expressions of interest close: Sunday 21 September 2025.
 
Please note that parents/guardians are required to be onsite for the entirety of the event. Child supervision is required at all times.
 
Little Legends, Terrific Talent is not a competition, prizes will not be given for individual performances, however, each performer will receive a certificate of participation.

Musical Development for Pre-schoolers

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Hey Dee Ho are returning to Thornhill Park and Truganina in term 3! With sessions built to engage and dazzle your pre-school toddler, you and your child are in for a fun and exciting morning each week at our ‘Music’ and ‘Sing & Sign’ programs.

 

‘Music with Hey Dee Ho‘ encourages children to learn the concepts of beat, rhythm, tempo, pitch and dynamics in a play-based environment, whilst ‘Sing & Sign with Hey Dee Ho‘ encourages your child to learn Auslan (Australian Sign Language) through song, dance and play!

 

Both programs are suitable for children aged 0-5 years and at under $10 per session, they’re an affordable way to make memories with your child.

 

Visit our website for more information and to book. Sessions will begin from 28 July.

 

Music with Hey dee Ho

  • WHERE: Thornhill Park
  • WHEN: Mondays from 28 July
  • TIME: 10am – 10.45am
  • COST: $45 for 6 weeks ($7.50 per session)
  • BOOK

 

Sing & Sign with Hey dee Ho

  • WHERE: Truganina (Mt Atkinson)
  • WHEN: Thursdays from 31 July
  • TIME: 10am – 10.45am
  • COST: $52.50 for 7 weeks ($7.50 per session)
  • BOOK

Term 3 2025 Programs & Events

Posted on by Alison La Rose
Bookings in Council’s community centre based programs and events for term 3 2025 are now open!
.
You’ll find all of your favourites like sewing, yoga, kids’ programs, music groups, and Zumba returning in July. You’ll also find a range of community gardening groups across the municipality including in Caroline Springs, Kurunjang and our newest community garden in Aintree plus so much more. No matter your age, ability or interest, there’s something for everyone at a community centre near you..
.
Click the link below to browse all term 3 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

.CAROLINE SPRINGS

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

NAIDOC Week 2025

Posted on by Alison La Rose

To celebrate NAIDOC Week (6-13 July) in 2025, Melton City Council is hosting a series of family friendly events and activities across the City of Melton.

 

Children can enjoy an interactive session with an Indigenous person from Didgeridoo Australia, learning about indigenous culture through song, dance and story. Our boomerang art session is also perfect for curious kids. Families are invited to contribute to a community mural, whilst adults can try the art of basket weaving.

 

NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week 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 (naidoc.org.au).

 

TUESDAY 8 JULY

Indigenous Basket Weaving Workshop 

  • WHERE: Caroline Springs
  • TIME: 5pm – 7pm
  • COST: Free
  • AGE GROUP: Adults
  • BOOK

WEDNESDAY 9 JULY

Indigenous Experience for Kids – CANCELLED

  • WHERE: Strathtulloh
  • TIME: 12pm – 12.50pm
  • COST: $5 per child
  • AGE GROUP: 5-12 years

Indigenous Boomerang Art Workshop

  • WHERE: Eynesbury
  • TIME: 5pm – 7pm
  • COST: Free
  • AGE GROUP: 6 years and over
  • BOOK

SATURDAY 12 JULY

Indigenous Community Art Workshop & Celebration

  • WHERE: Fraser Rise
  • TIME: 1pm – 3.30pm
  • COST: Free
  • AGE GROUP: All ages
  • BOOK

 

World Environment Day Pop-Ups

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Join Council in celebrating World Environment Day at the Melton and Caroline Springs Libraries at our interactive pop-up activities, plus, get a free coffee voucher while they last!

 

This year’s global theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution”. We’ll be sharing tips on how to reduce waste and live more sustainably. At each pop-up activity you can:

  • Get support with understanding your household energy bills
  • Discover how your used paper coffee cups can be recycled at our libraries
  • Learn practical tips to reduce plastic use ahead of Plastic Free July

 

Melton Library & Learning Hub

  • DATE: Thursday, 5 June
  • TIME: 10am – 12pm

 

Caroline Springs Library & Learning Hub

  • DATE: Friday, 6 June
  • TIME: 10am – 12pm

 

Don’t forget to join the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden group for the Melton Botanic Gardens Clean Up Day to keep the community green and clean. You can find out more about the FMBG on their website or view their annual calendar of events.

  • DATE: Sunday 8 June
  • TIME: 10am – 12pm

 

Watch how we can #BeatPlasticPollution

 

Reconciliation Week 2025

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Reconciliation Week | 27 May – 3 June 2025

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

 

Reconciliation Australia tell us that the National Reconciliation Week 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

 

Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation.

 

Council is hosting a range of activities to mark this important week and invite local people to get involved.

 

Little Wombats | Indigenous Workshop for Pre-schoolers

  • Date: Wednesday 28 May 2025
  • Time: 12.30pm – 1.15pm
  • Location: Brookfield
  • Cost: Free
  • BOOK

A cultural immersion workshop designed to introduce young learners to the beauty, depth, and diversity of Aboriginal traditions through hands-on activities, storytelling, art, and music.

 

Reconciliation Week Community/Flag Raising Event

  • Date: Friday 30 May 2025
  • Time: 10am – 12 noon
  • Location: Melton
  • Cost: Free
  • INFO 

Join Mayor and Councillors to commemorate Reconciliation Week. The event will include great visual displays, an official flag raising ceremony, First Nations musical performers, a Mayor’s speech and key note speaker Thomas Mayo, a human right advocate, author and signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.  Light refreshments will be served after the official proceedings and the Blak Brews coffee van will be in attendance. Bookings not required. All welcome!

 

Indigenous Culture Celebration

  • Date: Friday 30 May 2025
  • Time: 6pm – 8pm
  • Location: Aintree
  • Cost: Free
  • BOOK

Step into the rich traditions of Aboriginal culture through a hands-on “Show and Tell” experience—packed with incredible artefacts, stories, and fun facts. Children will feel the rhythm and energy as they learn a traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander song, groove to cultural music, and journey through the wonder of stories.

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