I recently received a little note from local Brian, who also happens to one of my favourite ex-colleagues. We worked together in what used to be the Department of Natural Resources and Environment - along with half of the population of Alphington and Fairfield I think!

This is what he wrote …

This might be of interest to some of the good folk in the Alphington Community Centre community. It is an online Diploma of Sustainable Living that is offered by the University of Tasmania. As I understand it people can do the whole thing or just a one off unit, eg. there is one unit on backyard biodiversity which sounds really interesting I reckon.

Here’s the link to the backyard biodiversity subject, that then takes you to the broader course.

Thanks Brian!

Here’s a picture of him with his Highly Commended certificate from last year’s Alphington Show. He whittled those spoons - some from the trees in his garden - aren’t they ace!

In Australia, national reconciliation week runs from 27 May to 3 June each year to commemorate two significant dates — the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

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 closing the gap as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

As it draws to a close, here’s a project put together with support from Yarra Council’s Covid-19 emergency arts funding that you might find interesting.

Reminding us all of the power of sharing a meal, of how food brings us together, and the importance of stories and songs. It features Dave Arden.

Episode One Presented by City of Yarra, Charcoal Lane and Guilty. Yarra City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung as the Traditional Owners of thi...