Community calendar

Footscray Community Arts Centre chief executive Daniel Santangeli is taking part in the exclusive Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA) Program. He is pictured at Footscray Wharf. (Joe Mastroianni)

Reptile Encounters Sunbury

Head to Sunbury Library on Saturday, August 13 for a free reptile show by Reptile Encounters. It’s for kids aged zero to 12 and runs from 10.30am until noon. Register at the link below.

bit.ly/3B5e845

Bulla Garden Club meeting

Bulla Garden Club invites you to its meeting on Monday, August 15 at 10am. Head to the Old Shire Offices, on the corner of Green Street and Bulla Road.

■ Heather, 0417 510 558

Gardens for wildlife

Learn more about the wildlife in your yard and learn how to attract more at this Gardens for Wildlife project event. Macedon Ranges council would like to establish a group of ongoing volunteers who are passionate about biodiversity and would like to contribute to the program roll out across the region. Make your way down to Woodend Community Centre, on Wednesday, August 17 at 6pm.

bit.ly/3vyHqon

Jacksons Creek Combined Probus

Visit or become a new member of the Jackson’s Creek Combined Probus Club, gathering on the second Monday of each month at the Sunbury Football Club at 10am. Enjoy outings and meetings each month with a friendly group of men and women, and twice yearly trips away staying in cabins and caravans.

■ Doug, 5428 3317, or Teresa, 9746 3402

Craft and conversation

If you’re a passionate crafter and want some company, why not head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.

bit.ly/39BIu2O

Chill Out Sunbury

Are you between 12 and 18 years old and want to engage with other young people, participate in activities such as trivia, games, art, music, competitions, personal development and more? Chill Out Sunbury is for you. It’s free and happens every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.

bit.ly/3lmVgVh

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club

Get involved with a welcoming, fun, social group of women who have spread the word of ladies badminton since 1999. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am-noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm at Eric Boardman Reserve, Wilsons Lane.

sunburylbc@gmail.com

Come have a chat

Delve into deeper topics and enjoy intriguing conversations by joining the Table 8 Discussion Group. The key theme for the coming months will be kindness. The chats take place every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30am at Macedon Lounge, 40 Victoria Street, Macedon.

■ Carol, 0431 186 575

Sunbury badminton fun

The Sunbury Badminton Club has a new extra playing time on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. All are welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road, with equipment provided and coaching available. Playing for the first time is free.

sunburybc@gmail.com

Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society

If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and even your own family history, why not check out the Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society, meeting at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury.

bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Lancefield park run relaunch

Lace up your runners and join the relaunch of Lancefield’s 5km park run, happening every Saturday at 8am at Lancefield Park. No need to be speedy – participants can go at any pace. Make your way to 62 Chauncey Street, Lancefield, and remember to register.

bit.ly/3IEDB4L.

Rotary club

The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club from 7pm.

sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Ladies probus

The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45 am. The club is based on fun, friendship and fellowship and enjoys monthly outings, an annual trip away and a lot of fun meetings.

■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club

The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club rooms. The friendly group of women enjoy outings, film mornings, speakers and presenters, as well as special events like holidays and bus trips. New members are warmly welcomed.

■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am.

■ Carmel , 0416 477 271

Toastmasters

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall.

vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Garden club

The Sunbury Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month. There is a guest speaker at each meeting, which starts at 7.30pm at the Sunbury Football Club.

■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury, from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat. If you’re 55 or older and would like to make some new friends.

■ 0434 400 754

Probus Club Of Sunbury

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Football club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to all retired and semi-retired men. Enjoy morning tea and a guest speaker. Visitors and new members are welcome with a number of great events held each month.

■ Greg, 0417593035

Creative arts and fitness

Banksia Gardens Community Services is running yoga and jewellery making classes every Tuesday.

■ 9309 8531

Craft and Conversation

Craigieburn library is hosting a Wednesday weekly craft group from 1-3pm and everyone is welcome. Join the craft and conversation group and share your love of all things crafty. Bring your current project and make new friends.

humelibraries.vic.gov.au

Community lunch in Roxburgh Park

Join the Homestead Team, along with members of the community for a free lunch and make some new friends whilst you’re at it. Lunch will be prepared by the Northern Turkish Women’s Association.The lunch will be held every Wednesday from 11.30am-1pm at Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Road, Roxburgh Park.

■www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/Roxburgh-Park-Homestead-Community-and-Learning-CentreWeekly-Community-Lunch-317411976767

Tai Chi for health

Come along to Homestead Community and Learning Centre in Roxburgh Park for a lesson in tai chi, a low impact exercise program to build strength. Everyone is welcome. It’ll be held every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

■https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/Tai-Chi-for-Health-317365848797

Adult education

Banksia Gardens Community Services is running adult education courses including an introduction to computers and brushing up on English skills.

■ 9309 8531

Tree planting

Celebrate National Tree Day with Whittlesea council’s sustainability team at Norris Bank Reserve on Sunday, July 31, noon-4pm. The day will include native tree planting as well as live music and face painting.

■ 9217 2170

Melton Men’s Group

Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8pm at The Gap on Graham, 5 Graham Street, Melton. Focusing on Senior Men’s mental and physical wellbeing. The group invites new members to come for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in our activities including; carpet bowls, pool or table tennis.

HOME

Melton Over 50s Social Group

A friendly group of people aged over 50, who enjoy each other’s company while attending events and outings such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you.

Marlene, 0498 329 290.

Bacchus Marsh Market

Bacchus Marsh rejoice! There will be a monthly market at the gorgeous location of Maddingley Park. On the second Saturday of every month there will be a lovely variety of stallholders and food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket and invite your friends and family for a lovely market day out.

Take weight off naturally

Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.

Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

Parkinson’s support group

The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am–12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers welcome.

■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Eynesbury Market

A community market next to the iconic Eynesbury Homestead. The market is on the fourth Sunday of the month. It features a great range of food trucks, artisans, makers and more.

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh makes reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They’re looking for people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. Meets on the first Sunday each month at the Darley Neighbourhood House 2-4pm. Find the Facebook group for more details.

Youtube learning

Learn how to be a Youtuber classes are starting at the Melton South Community Centre on July 28.

9747 8576.

Sewing classes

Beginners Sewing courses return to Melton South Community Centre in term three, available on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons. Learn all the basics of machine sewing in this eight-week pre-accredited course and make your own fabric creations. Cost: $30/$20 concession.

9747 8576

Digital spreadsheet course

Learn the essentials of Microsoft Excel in Melton South Community Centre’s eight-week beginners course, designed for people not familiar with the program. Create your own spreadsheets and discover how to make your life easier. Cost: $30/$20 concession;

9747 8576.

Asian cooking classes

Melton South Community Centre is offering Thai and Vietnamese cooking classes for anyone wanting to make some new friends and create a variety of delicious Asian dishes. Cost: $65/$60 concession.

9747 8576

Melton Bridge Club

The Melton Bridge Club has recommenced weekly social Bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you.

Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Melton Friendship Group.

Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events.

■ 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets at 10am on the second Tuesday of each month at the Melton Country Club. The group is open to everyone, new and old members, to get together and discover the social aspects of the group.

■ Ann, 0425 705 150

Melton South Knit & Natter

All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.

■ 9747 8576

Zonta club meets

Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton.

■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

U3A Melton

U3A Melton offers among its activities a Book Group, Australian History and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and over who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active.

0419 563 016

Melton Combined Probus Club

The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am.

■ 9746 0271

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

The Rose Carers meet Wednesdays from 10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens. New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience.

■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119, or 0400 052 857

Melton Cycling Club

Melton Cycling club meets for regular Sunday rides. There are three different riding groups to cater for different abilities starting at 7.30am. The rides finish at Lazy Moe’s for a cuppa.

■ 0403 057 003

French and Italian for over 50s

Over 50, retired, or semi-retired and wanting to learn a language? U3A Melton offers French and Italian classes for beginners and those with more advanced skills.

www.u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

Community singing group

If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 60’s and 70’s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am.

■ Val, 0418 667 150

Rotary Club of Melton

The Rotary Club of Melton invites new guests to join its meetings, held on the first and third Tuesday of every month, 6pm at Tabcorp Park in Melton.

meltonrotary@gmail.com

Club Anniversary

The Werribee Bushwalking & Outdoor club is celebrating with a BBQ/picnic on August 14, from 10am onwards at the Serendip Bird Sanctuary, 100 Windermere Rd, Lara. WBOC would like to extend an invitation to past and future members to help them mark this occasion. This event is BYO everything: food, drink, chairs, plates, cups, utensils etc. ■ enquiries@werribeebushwalking.com

GARDEN SWAP

Calling all Gardeners! The Wyndham Community Garden Swap has been running for more than 12 years now. It is a free community gathering of local gardeners who loathe waste and like to recycle and share surplus plants, seeds, produce and all things gardening. The WCGS meet at 10am on the first Sunday of each month at the Mossfiel Reserve, Hoppers Crossing.

■ Rita, ritaosullivan8@gmail.com

U3A Werribee

The group is a not-for-profit community organisation for semi-retired and retired Wyndham residents. They hold a variety of classes/activities specifically designed for Seniors, including, light physical and mental wellbeing sessions, arts, games and craft, and general classes such as current affairs, history and lunch groups. Most classes/activities are held at Wyndham Community Centres.

■ Rick, 0402299220.

Lions Club

Lions Club of Werribee meets at the RSL Club 2A Synnot Street Werribee on the first and third Wednesday of the month 6.30 pm for a 7.00pm dinner meeting. Visitors most welcome.

■ Lou 0409 331 271

CWA Werribee Branch

Are you looking for an opportunity for friendship, personal development and advocacy in support of relevant social issues? The CWA Werribee Branch has been serving the Wyndham area for 74 years and has a great history of helping members with these opportunities. CWA Werribee Branch also support needy causes and charities locally, across Australia and overseas. Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Wyndham Park Community Centre at 1pm. Other activities include a Craft and Chat morning, various social outings and fundraising events. New members are welcome.

■ Michelle, 97414402

New walking group for young and old

Generations in Gaia is a monthly walk for young to old, exploring Wyndham’s open spaces and nature trails. Visiting a new site each month, the walks are especially tailored to little legs, delicate bodies and curious minds.

■ Jess, 0450 348 969.

Morning Melodies

Join Morning Melodies on the second Tuesday of each month from 10.30am-noon for the feel good music series held at Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing. Tickets are $12 per head and include morning tea. Shows feature tributes to some of music’s greatest artists.

■ 1300 156 557

Bingo move

binGO MOVE is an active and social game of bingo. A number is called but triggers a standing or seated exercise, song or movement. Monday or Thursday at IPC Health Hoppers Crossing, 117 Warringa Crescent.

■ 8734 1400

Bingo for all

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday, except public holidays. Eyes down from 12.30-2.30pm.

■ 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club

The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars.

■ Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Ladies Probus

Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month.

■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

AL-ANON meets

AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee.

Torchlight Tales

For the first time ever, Museums Victoria is hosting an adults-only, after-dark walking tour of the Spotswood Pumping Station to explore its shadowy spaces and hidden history. With just a torch to light your way, see the darkest nooks and crannies of the heritage-listed pumping station brought to life, as expert guides recount scary, tragic and inspiring tales from the past. Friday, August 5 – 9pm and 9.15pm. Friday, August 12 – 7.30pm, 7.45pm, 9pm and 9.15pm. Friday, August 19 – 7.30pm, 7.45pm, 9pm and 9.15pm. Friday, August 26 – 7.30pm, 7.45pm, 9pm and 9.15pm.

museumsvictoria.com.au/tickets/scienceworks/whats-on/torchlight-tales

U3A Altona AGM

The 2022 AGM for U3A Altona will now be held via Zoom on Friday, August 5 at 1pm.

altonau3a@yahoo.com.au or 9398 1346

Cherry Lake Market

Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market is held on the first Sunday of the month. Set between Millers Road and the stunning Cherry Lake in Altona, this market has something for everyone. The market hosts more than 60 stalls selling plants, bric-a-brac, handcrafts, hot jam donuts, tools, clothing and much more. There is live music every month from the Cherry Lake Cultural Series, showcasing local musicians from across Hobsons Bay. From 9am to 1pm. Cherry Lake, Millers Road, Altona.

www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Whats-On/Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market or cherrylakemarket@gmail.com

Folk Beginners Welcome

After a COVID interrupted year, The Newport Folk and Fiddle Group has started up its beginner play along sessions again. If you are an absolute beginner or have decided to pick up that dusty or unused instrument or have some experience and want to try a new instrument in a safe, casual and welcoming environment, then come down and have some fun, share a cuppa and maybe even learn something new. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun. Saturday, August 20. 6.30pm to 8.30pm. 2nd Newport Scouts – 6 Market Street, Newport 3015.

www.nffc.org.au/beginner-playalong

Cobber Club provides exercises suitable for seniors, including chair exercises. Exercise sessions are on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 10am (excluding public holidays). New members welcome. 63 Sargood Street, Altona.

■ Eveline Bennett, 0400 639 852

Williamstown book sale

Friends of Williamstown Library holds a book sale every second Saturday of each month, 10am-12.30 pm. The book sale is held at Williamstown library in the Friends room, which can be accessed through the front desk. The event is cash only.

libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble

If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting, visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noon-2.30pm.

Carers’ Walk and Talk

Pathways for Carers is running free walking events in Laverton. The state government funded project which is supported by Interchange Outer East meets once a month for a walk followed by complimentary morning tea with a guest speaker who provides informal information about services relevant to carers and the local community. Carers who participate in the groups are defined as unpaid and caring for a loved one with a disability, mental illness or an elderly person. The goal of each group is to provide carers with peer-based support, information, services and resources, opportunities to be active and connect with other carers, connect with nature and connect with their local community. Second Tuesday of each month, with the next meeting on August 9. Meet at 9.45am for a 10am start, at Favor and Grace cafe, 87 Railway Avenue, Laverton.

lauren.mcalpine@bsl.org.au, or www.pathwaysforcarers.com.au

Woodcarving workshop

Aimed at all levels of ability in the ancient and international craft of woodcarving. Women are welcome. Bring your own tools and projects if possible. Or do you have Grandpa’s old gouges to donate? Tuesdays, 9.30am to 12 noon. 280 Queen Street, Altona.

jah2802rot@gmail.com

Job Seeker Assistance

Hobsons Bay Libraries have partnered with Jobs Victoria and a Community Employment Connector (CALD focus) who base themselves at Hobsons Bay Libraries at regular times to provide support and assistance to job seekers, with referrals and resume-job interview help. Community Employment Connector – Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, Wednesdays noon-2pm, during school terms. Jobs Victoria Advocate – Altona North Library Community Library, Thursdays 10-11am.

Alcoholics Anonymous – Williamstown

Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesday at 7pm and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursday 6.30pm and Saturday 8.30am. All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems.

■ 1300 22 22 22 or www.aatimes.org.au

Heritage Walks

Enjoy a leisurely walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre, Nelson Place.

■ John, 0418 377336

Wednesday Walking Group

The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are warmly welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea.

■ 9397 6168

All Aboard Club

The All Aboard Club has been going for 85 years. It is a social club which works for charities, with speakers, theatre and trips. It meets in the chambers at Williamstown Town Hall at 1.30pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month. New members welcome.

■ Wendy, 0421 747 040

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club

Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton from 7.00-9.30pm.

■ Vince Camilleri, 0413 734 707

Altona book sale

Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library 123 Queen Street Altona, access via Coles carpark, 10am-1pm

libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/community/friends-of-the-libraries

Women’s choir

Willin Wimmin choir welcomes new members. It meets every Wednesday in term time from 7.30-9.30 pm at Church of Christ Hall in Douglas Parade, Williamstown. There are no auditions and members don’t need to be able to read music.

willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Walking group

Altona Meadows and Newport residents are invited to take part in a Heart Foundation walking group that meets on Wednesdays and Fridays. The group walks for 60 minutes, and is a great way to socialise and get active at the same time. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation to join.

■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862 or www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Whats-On/Altona-Meadows-and-Newport-Heart-Foundation-Walking-Groups

Williamstown Craft Market

Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From 10am to 4pm.

www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Whats-On/Williamstown-Craft-Market

Diabetes support group

The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am.

■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

Musicians welcome

Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join its community band. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport.

■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au

Altona North Combined Probus

The Altona North combined probus club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.

■ Lesley, 0414 481 442

Point Gellibrand Rotary Club

Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. The club has some great speakers and need new, energetic, enthusiastic members who want to make a difference in their community. Visit our website to find out more about our projects and community work via www.rotarypointgellibrand.com.au.

■ Pam, 0418 347 691 or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Mouth Organ Band

The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. New members welcome.

■ Heather, 9399 2190 or ymob1933@yahoo.com.au

Friendship Group

Altona Day View (Voice Interest and Education of Women) Club meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. The club is always open to new members, and anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch today and see what it’s all about.

■ Janet 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176.