2025-26 Access to Early Learning (AEL) Professional Development Series

Melton City Council is pleased to present its 2025/26 professional development calendar for early years educators working in the City of Melton.

 

With a focus on family-centred, child focused, and strength-based strategies these engaging sessions are free to attend.

 

Providers participating in this professional development series include:

 

Melton City Council’s Access to Early Learning (AEL) 2025/26 professional development series is for Early Childhood Educators working within the City of Melton. All sessions are delivered online. Registrations are essential.

 

WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2025

Responding to Resistance to Gender Equity

  • WHERE: Online
  • TIME: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
  • COST: Free
  • REGISTRATIONS CLOSE: 15 October
  • BOOK NOW

 

WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2025

Body Safety: Deepening the Conversation

  • WHERE: Online
  • TIME: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
  • COST: Free
  • REGISTRATIONS CLOSE: 12 November
  • BOOK NOW

 

WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY & 4 MARCH 2026

Challenging Conversations with Parents & Carers

  • WHERE: Online
  • TIME: 6.30pm – 7.30pm (2 x 1hr sessions)
  • COST: Free
  • REGISTRATIONS CLOSE: 11 February
  • BOOK NOW

 

THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2026

Introduction to Trauma Informed Practice

  • WHERE: Online
  • TIME: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
  • COST: Free
  • REGISTRATIONS CLOSE: 12 March
  • BOOK NOW

 

WEDNESDAY 6 MAY 2026

Confidentiality & Courageous Conversations

  • WHERE: Online
  • TIME: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
  • COST: Free
  • REGISTRATIONS CLOSE: 29 April
  • BOOK NOW

 

WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE 2025

Culturally Responsive Practice: Family Violence

  • WHERE: Online
  • TIME: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
  • COST: Free
  • REGISTRATIONS CLOSE: 3 June
  • BOOK NOW

Term 3 2025 Programs & Events

Bookings in Council’s community centre based programs and events for term 3 2025 are now open!
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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..
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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

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

 

Reconciliation Week 2025

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.

Free Community Led Workshops

To celebrate National Volunteer Week in 2025 (19-25 May), Melton City Council invited senior community members to express their interest in sharing their talents, wisdom and gifts with other community members. The project has been aptly named the ‘Gifts of Experience Project’. 

 

As a result of the community call out, you can now browse and book into several free workshops across the municipality including painting, Sudoku, fondant flower making, even an afternoon in-conversation session with a Hey Hey It’s Saturday! alumni!

 

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 19 May

Quilting Workshop for Seniors – BOOKED OUT

Delivered by City of Melton local, Carol, this relaxed session is perfect for local seniors to sharpen their quilting and sewing skills as you’re guided to create a baking dish cover to take home.

  • WHERE: Eynesbury
  • TIME: 12pm – 2pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Meditation Workshop – BOOKED OUT

Experience a guided seated meditation designed to boost energy levels, reduce stress, enhance calmness, and improve sleep. Leave feeling refreshed and with a renewed sense of well-being

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

Tuesday 20 May

Volunteer Week High Tea

This special event will celebrate, recognise and say thank you to our local volunteers. Join as we acknowledge the spirit of connection and the incredible impact volunteers have in helping to continue the City of Melton’s growth as a thriving and inclusive community.

  • WHERE: Melton
  • TIME: 10.30m – 12pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Adult Painting Workshop – BOOKED OUT

In this relaxed workshop facilitated by Maureen, a local artist and experienced teacher, you’ll be expertly guided to create your canvas painting. Over 2 hours you’ll learn the art of sketching, colour mixing, application techniques, composition, and design.

  • WHERE: Eynesbury
  • TIME: 2pm – 4pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Laughing through the Years with John Bunker – BOOKED OUT

Join us for a heart-warming and hilarious afternoon in conversation with none other than John Bunker—comedian, storyteller, and familiar face from Hey Hey It’s Saturday!

  • WHERE: Kurunjang
  • TIME: 4pm – 5pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Wednesday 21 May

Water Colour Painting Workshop – BOOKED OUT

Free and interactive water colour painting workshop led by our passionate volunteer, David. Open to all seniors, this session is perfect for beginners or those looking to share their love of water colour painting.  

  • WHERE: Hillside
  • TIME: 2pm – 4.30pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Thursday 22 May

Sudoku for Seniors

Open to all seniors, this session is perfect for beginners and those looking to sharpen their skills. Learn the basics and strategies of Sudoku in a relaxed and engaging environment. 

  • WHERE: Fraser Rise
  • TIME: 2pm – 4pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Fondant Flower Workshop – BOOKED OUT

Be guided through the process of making flowers using premade fondant. Sculpt and create your very own daisy flower and a simple frangipani flower. 

  • WHERE: Kurunjang
  • TIME: 2pm – 4pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

Homemade Scone Demonstration – BOOKED OUT

Watch as Dianne from the Country Women’s Association (CWA) demonstrates how to perfect the classic scone before enjoying the freshly baked delight with fresh cream and jam.

  • WHERE: Strathtulloh
  • TIME: 10am – 12pm
  • COST: Free
  • BOOK

 

Neighbourhood House Week 2025

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

Introducing Melton City Girls Can!

Melton City Council is proud to launch Melton City Girls Can (MCGC) in April 2025. MCGC will celebrate, support and create new opportunities for people who identify as women and girls in the City of Melton to participate in sport and active recreation.

 

Inspired by VicHealth’s This Girl Can campaign and delivered in partnership with local sports clubs and community groups, MCGC aims to enable women and girls to get active in ways that work for them. Whether it’s a little or a lot, what matters is moving your body and having fun – on your own terms, in your own way. Learn more about why Council supports this initiative on the main website.

 

Free Events

Many free opportunities to try something new are available throughout April 2025. Click on the link under each event below for more information and to book.

 

Come & Try: Cardio Tennis for Women

  • WHERE: Caroline Springs
  • WHEN: Tuesday 8 April
  • TIME: 7pm – 8.30pm
  • MORE INFO

Come & Try: Taekwondo for Girls | Eynesbury

  • WHERE: Eynesbury
  • WHEN: Tuesday April 8 & Wednesday April 9
  • TIME: 4.30pm – 5.30pm
  • MORE INFO

Come & Try: Fishing for Women

  • WHERE: Harkness
  • WHEN: Sunday 13 April
  • TIME: 10am – 1pm
  • MORE INFO

Come & Try: Target Shooting for Women

  • WHERE: Brookfield
  • WHEN: Sunday 13 April
  • TIME: 11am – 2.30pm
  • MORE INFO

Come & Try: AFL Umpiring for Women & Girls

  • WHERE: Diggers Rest
  • WHEN: Wednesday 16 April
  • TIME: 6pm – 7.15pm
  • MORE INFO

Come & Try: Taekwondo for Girls | Melton South

  • WHERE: Melton South
  • WHEN: Tuesdays from 22 April or Wednesdays from 23 April (2 sessions each)
  • TIME: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
  • MORE INFO

Come & Try: Tennis for Junior Girls

  • WHERE: Hillside
  • WHEN: Tuesdays: 22 April – 6 May (4 weeks)
  • TIME: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
  • MORE INFO

Come & Try: Footy for Junior & Senior Girls with AFLW Stars

  • WHERE: Diggers Rest
  • WHEN: Tuesday 22 April
  • TIME: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
  • MORE INFO

Positive & Inclusive Umpiring Workshop

  • WHERE: Diggers Rest
  • WHEN: Wednesday 23 April
  • TIME: 6pm – 7.30pm
  • MORE INFO

Come & Try: Bollywood Zumba for Women

  • WHERE: Kurunjang
  • WHEN: Tuesday 29 April
  • TIME: 10.30am – 11.30am
  • MORE INFO

Mind & Body: Empowering Women through Movement

  • WHERE: Mount Atkinson
  • WHEN: Tuesday 29 April
  • TIME: 12.30pm – 2pm
  • MORE INFO

April 2025 School Holiday Activities

As the first term of the year comes to a close we’re excited to have your child join us for some fun activities over the Easter school holidays!

 

Join us throughout April to enjoy a range of different programs and events including a magic show, circus skills workshop, native animal encounter, origami workshop, live music concert and more!

 

All available programs are listed below, via PDF flyer 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!

 

MONDAY 7 APRIL

Origami Workshop or Kids

  • Location: Hillside
  • Time: 10am – 11am
  • Cost: $5 per child
  • Age Group: 6-12 years
  • BOOK
TUESDAY 8 APRIL

Dazzling Dan Magic Show | 3-5 years

  • Location: Fraser Rise
  • Time: 10am – 10.45am
  • Cost: $4 per child
  • Age Group: 3-5 years
  • BOOK

Dazzling Dan Magic Show | 6-9 years

  • Location: Fraser Rise
  • Time: 11am – 11.45am
  • Cost: $4 per child
  • Age Group: 6-9 years
  • BOOK
THURSDAY 10 APRIL

Cupcake Decorating for Grandads & Grandchildren

  • Location: Burnside
  • Time: 2pm – 3.30pm
  • Cost: $10 per family
  • Age Group: 8-12 years
  • BOOK

Make & Create Easter Workshop

  • Location: Eynesbury
  • Time: 10.30am – 12pm
  • Cost: $15 per child
  • Age Group: 6-12 years
  • BOOK
MONDAY 14 APRIL

Little Feet Live Music | 0-3 years

  • Location: Fraser Rise
  • Time: 10am – 10.45am
  • Cost: $4 per child
  • Age Group: 0-3 years
  • BOOK

Little Feet Live Music | 3-6 years

  • Location: Fraser Rise
  • Time: 11am – 11.45am
  • Cost: $4 per child
  • Age Group: 3-6 years
  • BOOK
TUESDAY 15 APRIL

Circus Skills Workshop

  • Location: Taylors Hill
  • Time: 10am – 12pm
  • Cost: $10 per child
  • Age Group: 8-12 years
  • BOOK
WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL

Jaws, Claws, Scales & Tails

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

Fair Access Workshops for Sports Clubs

Attend a Fair Access Workshop for your chance to win 1 of 6 $500 vouchers towards sporting goods for your club!

 

Melton City Council and GenWest are working together to deliver a series of workshops for leaders, coaches and decision makers at sports clubs, to help you understand

  • what policy changes have come into place,
  • what this means for your club,
  • how your club can support the prevention of gender based violence and
  • ways your club can be more inclusive for women and girls.

Following this, clubs will have the opportunity to express their interest in receiving free support from GenWest to develop tailored action plans to facilitate increased participation from women and girls.

 

To register your space at a free ‘Fair Access’ workshop, please follow the link below to your preferred session to make a booking.

 

SESSION 1

Where: Online
When: Wednesday 26 March
Time: 6.30pm – 8pm
Register  

 

SESSION 2

Where: Online
When: Wednesday 2 April
Time: 6.30pm – 8pm
Register

 

These workshops are delivered as part of Melton City Girls Can (MCGC), Council’s new campaign to celebrate, support and create new opportunities for people who identify as women and girls in the City of Melton to participate in sport and active recreation. Learn more about MCGC on Council’s website.

Come & Try Sessions at Thornhill Park

Melton City Council is hosting a series of ‘Come & Try’ sessions at Thornhill Park Children’s & Community Centre!

 

Take the opportunity to give these popular exercise programs a try before committing to a full program.  Sessions are suitable for adults of all abilities and fitness levels.

 

Bookings are now open and expected to fill fast, click the links on this webpage to secure yours before they’re all gone!

 

Participant enrolment and feedback from these sessions will help assess community interest in yoga, meditation and Pilates programs at Thornhill Park for Term 2 2025.

 

Come & Try | Yoga for Everyone

  • DATE: Tuesday 18 March
  • TIME: 11am – 12pm
  • COST: $5 per person
  • BOOK

Come & Try | Mat Pilates for Everyone

  • DATE: Tuesday 25 March
  • TIME: 10am – 11am
  • COST: $5 per person
  • BOOK

Come & Try | Breathwork & Meditation

  • DATE: Tuesday 1 April
  • TIME: 10am – 11am
  • COST: $5 per person
  • BOOK
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