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

We are really looking forward to our two upcoming sustainability workshops!

Living Soils, Living People

The first workshop is next week on Saturday the 16th of May from 10am - 12pm. In this workshop we will be learning about soils and their microbes and how they can affect our health - from plants to our guts to even our minds. We will get to look at live microbes under a microscope and make our own microbial inoculants to take home. Perfect for the many aspiring scientists and expert gardeners in our community!

To book into this workshop, please visit our website here.

Clothes Mending

The second workshop will be the following Saturday the 23rd of May from 10am - 1pm. This workshop will focus on techniques for mending clothes. We will be learning about hand sewing and repairing basic rips, holes and various imperfections. It’s a great way to reduce waste and get some extra life out of your favourite clothes!

To book into this workshop, please visit our website here.

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

Hi there,

You’re warmly invited to our next Men’s Breakfast this coming Saturday, May 2nd. 

It’s a simple and meaningful way to start the weekend—sharing food, conversation, and connection in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Details:
Saturday 2nd May
8:00am – 10:30am
2 Kelvin Road, Alphington

Cost: $15

You can pay and secure your spot here: https://tinyurl.com/ms36f8ak

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to John on 0439 899 352.

Whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time, you’re very welcome. And if someone comes to mind who could benefit, bring them along.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Warm regards,
John

The Melbourne Inner North End-of-Life Doula Hub are here again in Term 2, providing a supportive space for community members to come together to talk about death, dying, life and loss (topics that are often taboo or difficult for people to talk about). Each session will focus on a specific topic.

Join the discussion:

• Thursday 30 April: You’ve been diagnosed with a life limiting illness. What now? 

• Thursday 28 May: Living well until the end: The role of palliative care

• Thursday 25 June: Dying at Home: Support, care and choice

Registrations essential via e-mail to eoldoulasinmelb@gmail.com.

Please note: This group does not provide grief counselling or medical advice

Date and Time: 1.00 - 2.30pm, Last Thursday of the Month (February - November 2026)

Location: Alphington Community Centre (ACC), 2 Kelvin Rd, Alphington VIC 3078

Contact Persons: Andrea Babon (0405 812 965) / Ann Cox (0416 026 048)