So many people help out at ACC … from our committee of governance members to those organising groups (book clubs, ukulele), helping with community lunch (cooking desserts, doing the dishes, setting up and packing up), cooking preserves, crafting, running activities (line dancing, community yoga), gardening, assisting with our AAA programs … and then those who help out at events! CWA Devonshire tea makers, BBQers, dog show wranglers and judges, kids activity helpers, ACC stall sellers … setter upperers and packer upperers. AMAZING!

ACC is an amazing community partnership that relies on so many people.

It was super to celebrate with some of our volunteers … along with volunteers from other houses in Yarra at a shared afternoon tea last Wednesday. Here are some lovely photos.

Hi everyone

If you have been past ACC in the last few months you will have noticed the bright pink signs in our windows … and you might remember signing a postcard for us - as all neighbourhood houses across Victoria have been campaigning for the State Labor Government to restore funding in real terms to the Neighbourhood House sector, after years of funding erosion.

Unfortunately this request was declined in the latest budget. And we’re really disappointed.

Neighbourhood houses help people at the most vulnerable times of their lives in every community across Victoria. With increasing global uncertainty and rising household costs, more and more people are feeling under pressure in a variety of ways Our hyper-local service - that is founded on kindness and community - creates a unique place for people who need support, whether that support takes the form of learning, material relief, friendship or community building … we listen, connect and empower people all day every day, in a very unique way. We make a real and positive difference in people’s lives, from young families. to retirees and everyone in between.

As a sector we cannot give up on our funding request. It is fundamental to the survival of many houses. So, we will now focus on seeking election commitments from our politicians to restore our funding. We will take the opportunity over the next six months to step up the pressure to seek commitments for support by the next government.

We’d appreciate anyone in our community who has the opportunity to add their voice to our campaign for funding restoration to speak up. If you love sending an email you can write to Kat Theophanous MP our local member, or if you have the chance to talk to her or other candidates as the election gets closer, please also don’t hesitate to reiterate the value of neighbourhood houses and what they mean to you - if you get the opportunity.

Many houses are feeling the financial pinch in real terms and our sector is in desperate need of restoration of the funding support that it initially had, to stay viable into the future.

Thanks, Leanne

Hi everyone,

Can you believe it’s already May? Time flies!

Last week we had a great time on Sydney Road at our Op-Shop Adventure - we caught the 508 bus and went to four op shops and also stopped for lunch at The Green Refractory. Then we popped into Cheaper Buy Miles next door (as many of you know it’s my favourite grocery shop - I am always buying food for our community lunch and for catering events here).

Thanks to those who came along. It was loads of fun. And … I was super pleased with my purchase of a pair of RM Williams boots (RRP $699) for the bargain price of $20!

It was also great to start up our AAA Arts program on Friday afternoon for term 2. The group is working with dry pastel and charcoal at the moment and the products are looking beautiful!

This month we are really looking forward to our two sustainability workshops that we are running with support from the climate emergency team at Yarra Council. The first one is on Saturday 16 May and we will be learning about soil microbes and the impact on our health. And the second will be the week after on Saturday 23 May where we will be learning techniques and tips for clothes mending. Read on for more info, and don’t forget a to book in online!

Until then, we are on with all our usual programming. This week we can’t wait to see everyone back at AAA Bowls on Wednesday morning from 10am - 12pm, Garden to Plate Thursday from 11.30am - 1pm, and our first session of Community Yoga on Wednesday evening from 5.30 - 6.30pm. Community Yoga is full but we are keen for more participants in Garden to Plate and AAA Bowls if you are interested, or know someone who is.

Cheers Leanne

Don’t miss this great opportunity to support local artists!

Hi everyone,

Welcome back! Sorry there was no post last week…… I was caught up helping my sister run The Red Gum Festival in her hometown of Cavendish and completely forgot … it was an excellent small town festival though!

We hope everyone had a nice Easter break, and we’re so glad to be back. It has been terrific catching up with so many people in the last week at Preserves on Tuesday, Community Lunch on Friday, and along the way throughout the week. So lovely to see you all.

This week you should definitely come along to our Op-Shop Adventure on Thursday and if you’re a man, join John for the Men’s Breakfast on Saturday (see posts below for more information about these events). On Thursday we will also be hosting another monthly Embracing Life and Death discussion from 1-3pm, this time talking about life-limiting illnesses. Please contact eoldoulasinmelb@gmail.com if you would like to register.

Our other regular programs will all begin for the term next week. If anyone tried to book into Garden to Plate last week and couldn’t see this term’s availabilities, please note that issue should be fixed now and bookings are available on our website. We are looking forward to seeing you at the first session on Thursday 7 May.

Cheers Leanne