MEN’S BREAKFAST – FEBRUARY 2026

A simple table. Real talk. Stronger men.

After the busyness before Christmas, it’s time to come back to something steady.

The Men’s Breakfast is a monthly gathering for men to reconnect — with themselves first, and with other men who value honesty, responsibility, and heart.

To make catering and logistics smooth, this breakfast is run as:

✔ Pre-booked tickets only – $15 each
✔ Seats must be secured before the breakfast

The breakfast runs from 8am-10.30am. Click here to book in.

For more information you can contact John on 0439 899 352 or email coachinglifework@gmail.com.

Why hello!

I hope you have had a lovely summer break. A pretty crazy one hey, weather wise? Not so warm … very very very warm … fires and floods (sorry if you were affected - so much loss across the Victorian community - houses, farms, cars and caravans. My sister drove through the Streatham/Skipton fire aftermath just the other day and was quite shocked and couldn’t get over how scary it must have been for that community).

I have been down at Aireys Inlet and was in a dilemma whether to stay or leave on the hot day when the fires started, then impacted by the smoke from the Otway fires (it was quite overwhelming for a bit there before the wind changed) … and no sooner had that ended and I got stuck in Lorne due to the floods there (we even had to go to the Emergency Relief Centre for a little bit which was a surreal experience).

The fires from the Otways spreading smoke to Aireys Inlet.

Pretty amazing how quickly the bridge got de-mudded and the shops affected were cleared of water and they started the process of drying out with big fans/heaters.

But then (on a happier note) we saw the Aurora Australis. So spectacular. We just wandered down to the local beach and looked south … and there it was!

The Southern Cross in the sky. We were looking out from on the hill (where the toilet block is) just at the inlet at Aireys Inlet.

From the car park at the inlet … looking out over the bit where the river meets the beach at Aireys Inlet.

I am back in Melbourne Monday, and I am hoping my tomatoes have ripened up and my zucchini have not yet turned into marrows! And that my potted plants have somehow managed to survive …

I know that both Corrado and Jenny have been popping into ACC over the break to keep the garden alive (big thanks to you both) - and Project Stationery have been making the most of all the spaces at ACC (I saw on Instagram a photo of people sorting textas outside under the front pergola). And as they haven’t had to contact me for any emergencies, I am assuming all is well at our home base, and I am looking forward to getting back to work and catching up with everyone!

We’re back in the office from Wednesday this week, and we will kick off our first Community Morning for the year on Friday - gardening, craft and chats from 10am and lunch at 12pm - perhaps tomatoes and zucchinis will be on the menu!?!

Looking forward to a great 2026 and hope to see you at ACC soon.

And look after yourself Tuesday - 45 is just way too hot.

Cheers Leanne

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has come by in the last few weeks to support our Keep Our Doors Open campaign asking for fairer funding from the State Government.

On Wednesday we delivered around 1000 signed postcards to Kat Theophanous’s office, all signed by locals who value the four neighbourhood houses in the Northcote electorate. Strong communities start here!

Check out some of the photos below! If you get the chance to talk to your local politicians over the next little while please don’t forget to add your support for this campaign into the conversation. The more people who talk about it the better chance we will have (we hope).

Hi everyone,

We had a fantastic and very busy week last week, and we’re happy to be settling back down into our normal rhythm again.

The barbecue is clean and packed back away (for the next few months) and we’ve done the tidying up …. so we’ll just be sitting back in our office chairs and kicking up our feet (haha - we can only wish!!!).

If you couldn’t make it to Alphington Open Studios last weekend, luckily it runs for two weekends. We’ll have 4 artists here again this Saturday and Sunday as part of this neighbourhood-wide event. Find the map here to check all the spaces and artists you can visit across Alphington. And a special thanks to the Community Bank in Queens Parade for supporting the event this year.

We’ve still got some fun things coming up … another Op Shop Tour on Thursday 4 December (come along and do some sustainable Christmas shopping), Christmas Lunch and Christmas Carols. Check out the posts below for details. Also John is feeling better and going to run a final Men’s Breakfast in December.

Also … we’re starting to focus on programming for next year. If you have a great idea for a program or workshop, have skills to share and/or are keen to volunteer to run something etc. please get in touch asap.

For example, we’re very interested in some more after school activities running here - music lessons, tutoring etc.

We love all new ideas. Email info@alphington.org.au or call us, 9499 7227.

Also coming up with week we have:

• Garden to Plate is on today from 11.30am-1pm. Book in online here!

• Our Toy Library is open Tuesday from 1-3pm. Book your toys by 11am for easy pick up.

• AAA Bowls at Alphington Bowls Club, Line Dancing at Alphington Scout Hall and Alphington Playgroup here at ACC all on Wednesday from 10am-12pm

• Armchair Theatre runs on Wednesday 1-3pm. We’ve been enjoying listening along with them to Under Milkwood by Dylan Thomas recently. Such a great ‘radio’ play.

• Crunch on Thursday from 12.30-2pm. Book online here

• Community Gardening and Craft on Friday from 10am-12pm

• Community Lunch Friday 12-1pm

• AAA Art Friday 1-2pm

We can’t wait to see you.

Cheers Leanne

Open again this coming weekend. Pop in to ACC from 11am-5pm to see the works of the four artists using our space, and then grab the map and take a walk around the neighbourhood. It’s a lovely community event - and a great way to do some creative Christmas shopping - ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and amazing paintings! Support local creatives. Enjoy our wonderful neighbourhood.