Category: Gardening & Cooking

Free Gardening Workshops and Groups

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Winter is the perfect time to start thinking about how to get your edible garden in tip top shape for growing season!

 

Throughout July and August, we’re delighted to be bringing you a series of free workshops where you can gain valuable knowledge, practical tips, and confidence to apply what you’ve learned in your own garden. Whether you’re looking to develop edible garden beds, prune your fruit trees to promote growth or even use your home produce for a delicious winter soup, we have something for you! 

 

All workshops are free to attend, however, bookings are essential.

 

Free Home Gardening Workshop + Harvest Swap

At this special event, expert community gardening guru, Jono Ingram of We Love Aintree, will host a free gardening workshop, empowering local green thumbs to optimise their gardening practices at home.  

  • WHERE: Caroline Springs
  • WHEN: Wednesday 30 July
  • TIME: 10am – 11.30am
  • BOOK

Soup Soiree + Harvest Swap

Its soup season! Join us at this special soup soiree event where you’ll learn how to make a nutritious, low-cost soup using produce straight from your (or our community) garden, led by Western Health. 

  • WHERE: Kurunjang
  • WHEN: Thursday 31 July
  • TIME: 10am – 11.30am
  • BOOK

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop + Free Coffee!

Looking to plant fruit trees at your home or need tips on how to tame your established fruit trees in your garden? Expert community gardening guru, Jono Ingram of We Love Aintree, is here to share his expert tips and tricks! Plus, enjoy a free coffee brewed by Jono himself from his onsite coffee cart.

  • WHERE: Kurunjang
  • WHEN: Thursday 7 August
  • TIME: 10am – 11.30am
  • BOOK

Djerriwarrh Produce Swap

Are you passionate about growing your own fruits, vegetables, herbs and seedlings? Do you have extra produce from your garden you would like to swap? Bring along your excess fruits, vegetables, herbs, seeds and seedlings to swap and share with others.

  • WHERE: Melton
  • WHEN: Thursday 28 August
  • TIME: 10am – 12pm
  • LEARN MORE

Free Community Gardening Groups

Melton City Council facilitates two gardening group programs at the Stevenson House and Kurunjang Community Hub, community gardens. Each week, group members come together to grow fresh produce and maintain the gardens surrounding the centres. Learn a variety of gardening skills like propagation, drought and frost resistance, planting for the right season, weed management and loads more in a fun and relaxed format. 

 

The groups are free to attend and run on a term basis. Term 3 2025 begins in late July, however, you can join at any time. Find out more information by clicking the links below.

 

Stevenson House Gardening Group

  • WHERE: Caroline Springs
  • WHEN: Wednesdays from 23 July
  • TIME: 10am – 12pm
  • LEARN MORE

Kurunjang Community Gardening Group

  • WHERE: Kurunjang
  • WHEN: Thursdays from 24 July
  • TIME: 9am – 12pm
  • LEARN MORE

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

Neighbourhood House Week 2025

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Melton City Council is celebrating Neighbourhood House Week (NHW) from 13-18 May! NHW, an initiative of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, is an annual national celebration, recognising the important contribution over 1,000 Neighbourhood Houses make in local communities across Australia.

 

In the City of Melton alone, 7 neighbourhood houses operate alongside our other community centre locations, bringing people together to connect, learn and contribute to our local community through social, educational, recreational and support activities.

 

Join us to discover a new skill or passion whilst connecting with others, learning something new and having fun with people in your local area. 

  

This NHW, we’re celebrating the power of small actions that lead to big impacts. Council’s community centres are showcasing a range of sustainability events to compliment the 2025 theme, ‘Ripples of Change’. Every action helps build a stronger, more connected community. Together, let’s turn little ripples into big waves of change! 

  

Bookings for all activities are now open! You can browse the list of events and activities available on this webpage. Bookings are essential for all activities. 

 

Monday 12 May

Plastic Recycling Workshop for Pre-schoolers OR Kids

Join us for a fun and interactive Plastic Recycling Workshop, where children and families get hands-on with real recycling. Using purpose-built machinery, each child will manufacture a 100% recycled plastic product to keep, turning trash into treasure. 

Suitable for children aged 3-12 years.

Wednesday 14 May

Homemade Sauerkraut & Sourdough Demonstration – SOLD OUT

Did you know fermented foods hold many health benefits including improved gut health, boosted immunity and easier digestion? In this exciting session, you’ll learn quick and simple techniques for making sauerkraut and sourdough bread at home, both popular and delicious fermented foods.  

  • WHERE: Burnside
  • TIME: 10.30am – 12pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Do’s & Don’ts of Buy Now, Pay Later

In this free information session, the team from WIRE (Women’s Information Referral and Exchange) will take you through the essential knowledge and tips of ‘buy now pay later’ services such as Afterpay and Zip.

  • WHERE: Melton South
  • TIME: 1.30pm – 3pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Honey Bee Education Program – SOLD OUT

Observe a live beehive, learn about the importance of bees, try on specially sized beekeeper suits, taste fresh honey and more! Suitable for children aged 3-12 years.

  • WHERE: Eynesbury
  • TIME: 4.30pm – 5.30pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Beeswax Wrap & Candle Making Workshop for Kids – SOLD OUT

Interactive workshop for kids who will learn to make alternative food wrap option, beeswax wraps as well as a beeswax candle, both to take home at the end of the session. Suitable for children aged 6-12 years.

  • WHERE: Eynesbury
  • TIME: 5.45pm – 7.45pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

DIY Organic Body Scrub & Bath Salts Workshop – SOLD OUT

Learn how to create your own vegan bath salts and body scrubs using natural ingredients from your kitchen and garden, including flower petals, pantry treasures and dry food scraps. This workshop is open to all abilities and is for adults aged 18+ years. 

  • WHERE: Burnside
  • TIME: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Thursday 15 May

Lounge, Lunch & Learn @ Kurunjang Community Garden

At this welcoming community event you’ll learn about the importance of trees from Council’s own Urban Forester, participate in a harvest of the community garden before being guided by a chef to prepare a light lunch with the fresh produce, all while listening to the sounds of a local community music group.

  • WHERE: Kurunjang
  • TIME: 11.30am – 1pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Worm Farming Workshop for Kids

In this their interactive, play-based, fun and inspiring sustainability education session, your child will be introduced to worm farming, exploring what earthworms can and can’t eat, the biology of earthworms, and how a worm farm works. Suitable for children aged 3-5 years.

  • WHERE: Caroline Springs
  • TIME: 1.30pm – 2.30pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Friday 16 May

Make & Create Recycled Craft Workshop – SOLD OUT

Play, experiment and have fun with art in this hands-on recycled craft session for pre-schoolers. Offering four different art making experiences, this is an opportunity for 2–5-year-old children to create and learn in an unstructured environment.  

  • WHERE: Hillside
  • TIME: 1.30pm – 2.30pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Term 2 2025 Programs & Events

Posted on by Alison La Rose
Bookings in Council’s community centre based programs and events for term 2 2025 are now open!
.
You’ll find all of your favourites like sewing, yoga, kids’ programs, music groups, and Zumba returning in April.
.
If you’re on the lookout for something new you might find excitement in our new puzzle and book exchange in Hillside, our all abilities social group in Harkness and our immersive art program in Thornhill Park. You’ll also find a new community gardening group in Aintree in addition to our other gardening groups in Caroline Springs and Kurunjang.
.
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

.CAROLINE SPRINGS

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

Clean Up Australia Day in the City of Melton

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Clean Up Australia Day is on Sunday 2 March! Celebrating 35 years, this day brings together communities to conserve our environment and reduce litter and waste.  

 

You can get involved by joining one of the events below or registering your own event, there are some great resources to help you. You can organise a clean up as an individual, a group, a business or a school, and registrations are open all year round. 

 

Keep an eye on the Clean Up Map for any additional events in Melton. We encourage you to register online if planning to join an event as it helps site supervisors anticipate numbers and ensures you will be notified if the Clean Up is rescheduled.  

 

Friday 28 February 2025 

Saturday 1 March 2025 

 

Sunday 2 March 2025 

Melton Learning Directory website has re-launched!

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Council is pleased to let you know that the Melton Learning Directory website has re-launched today! We are elated to bring you this new and improved platform making it even easier to find and book into local learning programs, social activities, special events and so much more.

Features of the new website aim to enhance your user experience and include things like

  • Easy browsing of available programs with intuitive filtering by things like age, price, location and more
  • Streamlined ticket purchasing
  • Addition of accessibility icons for locations and programs making it easy to plan your visit, plus so much more

 

NEW BRAND DESIGN AND WEBSITE URL

You’ll also notice a new look and feel to the Melton Learning Directory brand across our website, social media, eDM and printed collateral in community centres, bringing this important sub-brand of Council into the modern age. We’ve also made the switch to a new URL: meltonlearning.vic.gov.au, further strengthening our connection as a local government initiative. Redirections are in place if you happen to click on an old website link so never fear, you’ll always make it back to the new website destination.

 

EXISTING WEBSITE ACCOUNTS

If you have an active account on our old website, these details will have been carried over to the new website including your login details, however, if you previously had other participants added to your account (e.g. children and other family members), these will need to be added in again. Don’t forget that you need to be logged in and your account details need to be up to date and all fields filled out before you can make a purchase. If you need any assistance with the website or with making a booking, please contact us.

 

TERM 1 2025 BOOKINGS NOW OPEN!

If you’ve been waiting to make a booking into your favourite program for term 1 2025, bookings are now open!

You’ll find all of the familiar classics like yoga, gardening, sewing, art classes, exercise programs, cultural and family social groups and more. We’re also pleased to offer new and exciting opportunities to learn including immersive art programs, women’s social groups, engaging information sessions, free hearing checks plus lots more.

Visit the ‘What’s On’ webpage now to find your next learning opportunity and to secure your space.

January 2025 School Holiday Activities

Posted on by Alison La Rose

The new year is well and truly upon us and we are excited to share some fun summer school holidays programs!

Join us throughout January to enjoy a range of different programs and events including a science workshop, pizza making, a marine life incursion, cartooning workshop and so much more!

All available programs are listed below and via the programs page of our website. Click the link under each listing below to secure your or your child’s space before they’re all gone!

BOOKINGS

Bookings in our January school holiday activities open 9am on Wednesday 4 December 2024.

 

MONDAY 6 JANUARY

Art Therapy for Children – SOLD OUT

This relaxed creative workshop can help to boost your child’s emotional regulation, self-esteem, motor skills and more.

  • Location: Strathtulloh
  • Time: 9.30am – 10.30am
  • Cost: $5 per child
  • Age Group: 7-10 years
  • BOOK

THURSDAY 9 JANUARY

Mason Jar Terrarium Workshop for Kids – SOLD OUT

Learn how to prepare, make, and create your very own mason jar terrarium using eco-friendly natural ingredients.

  • Location: Hillside
  • Time: 1pm – 2pm
  • Cost: $5 per child
  • Age Group: 5-12 years
  • BOOK

WEDNESDAY 15 JANUARY

Sketch in the Garden Workshop

Pick a flower from our community garden before being guided to sketch your bloom of choice on paper.

  • Location: Kurunjang
  • Time: 9.30am – 11am
  • Cost: $5 per child
  • Age Group: 8-14 years
  • BOOK

Curious Kids Science Lab Workshop – SOLD OUT

Create your own slime, make an erupting volcano, watch elephant toothpaste explode and investigate magic milk.

  • Location: Caroline Springs
  • Time: 10am – 11am
  • Cost: $10 per child
  • Age Group: 6-15 years
  • BOOK

Pizza Making for Kids

Gather ingredients and follow a recipe to make your own delicious pizza guided by our qualified chef!

  • Location: Kurunjang
  • Time: 11.30am – 1pm
  • Cost: $10 per child
  • Age Group: 8-14 years
  • BOOK

THURSDAY 16 JANUARY

Marine Life Discovery for Kids – SOLD OUT

Learn about Victoria’s coastal habitats and their rich biodiversity as you come nose-to-nose with a variety of live marine animals!

  • Location: Hillside
  • Time: 10am – 11am
  • Cost: $5 per child
  • Age Group: 3-12 years
  • BOOK

TUESDAY 21 JANUARY

Make & Create Art Fun for Pre-Schoolers – SOLD OUT

Children will have a choice of fun activities like painting, drawing, tearing, cutting, gluing and more in this fun workshop.

  • Location: Hillside
  • Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
  • Cost: $5 per child
  • Age Group: 2-5 years
  • BOOK

WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY

Cartooning Workshop for Kids – SOLD OUT

Be guided by an artist to express your dreams of a future career in the popular cartooning art style.

  • Location: Brookfield
  • Time: 10.30am – 12pm
  • Cost: Free ($10 refundable booking fee per child)
  • Age Group: 8-12 years
  • BOOK

THURSDAY 23 JANUARY

Curious Kids Science Lab Workshop – SOLD OUT

Create your own slime, make an erupting volcano, watch elephant toothpaste explode and investigate magic milk.

  • Location: Eynesbury
  • Time: 10am – 11am
  • Cost: $10 per child
  • Age Group: 6-15 years
  • 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)

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.

Produce Swap Project

Posted on by Alison La Rose

Are you enthusiastic about growing your own fruits, vegetables, herbs, seedlings, and flowers? Are you open to exchanging surplus produce, connecting with fellow gardeners and engaging with your local community?  

Melton City Council invites you to join our bi-monthly produce days across the City of Melton where you can interact with other local gardeners and trade your excess produce whilst having a cup of tea or coffee. Share tips, tricks and insights from your gardening experience and learn something new. 

Have excess produce but cannot make the swap session? Contact us to organise drop off of your produce and we will distribute it out to local families in need.  

2024 Produce Swap Days at Stevenson House  

2024 Produce Swap Days at Kurunjang Community Hub

SPECIAL LAUNCH EVENT

To celebrate this special community project, Council also invites you to join us at a launch event in Caroline Springs or Kurunjang. Along with swapping your produce you can also take home free seedlings from Bunnings Warehouse to add to your garden and enjoy a cooking demonstration by Western Health to gain ideas on how to prepare nutritional meals straight from your garden.

Light morning tea provided.

EVENT DETAILS

CAROLINE SPRINGS

  • DATE: Wednesday 6 November
  • TIME: 10am – 12pm
  • LOCATION: Stevenson House: 10 Stevenson Crescent, Caroline Springs, 3037
  • BOOK

KURUNJANG

  • DATE: Thursday 12 December
  • TIME: 10am – 11.30am
  • LOCATION: Kurunjang Community Hub: 33 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang, 3337
  • BOOK

This project is delivered in partnership with Western Health and Bunnings.

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