If there’s one thing I think we’ve all learnt in 2020, it is the peril of having a plan. So, to save unnecessary heartache and grief my plan for the last 6 months has been pretty much not to have one … to take things one day at a time, perhaps two if I’m feeling ambitious (yes let’s go for a walk tomorrow my friend) or putting something off (shopping … I’ll go tomorrow).

However … this week spring has sprung, the sun has been shining and I am feeling a little more like a plan might be something to aspire to once again. And I guess the main plan we need is one for re-opening ACC.

We’ve got some ideas. For example we’re thinking of holding weekly morning teas out on the corner. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a cuppa and some cake on a Friday morning … and chat in person again?

And… we are after your ideas too!

Kalimna has made a quick online survey - just 4 questions about how you generally use the centre, how you have been engaged with us over the last 6 months and your thoughts on programs and priorities for the bright, shiny new future that surely awaits us all in 2021.

Click here to give us your two-bobs!

Thanks. We’re actually super interested in your input and would be very thankful if you could take a couple of minutes to give us your thoughts!

Alphington CWA is nothing if not adaptable and ready to move with the times.

The ladies have really missed their regular stalls at the Alphington Farmers Market, so as a precursor to getting back into the community they are having a pop up Spring sale.

From this weekend you can buy CWA home cooked scones, cakes and slices, along with some fabulous craft (their dish cloths are super … and it’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping right) from the comfort of your lounge room.

Just order via email and pre-pay (they’ll send you instructions) to receive a selection of their finest baking and making delivered to your door contact free on Saturday 3 October.  

CWA Victoria have been working throughout these difficult times to help vulnerable families, so supporting this initiative is a win-win!

Click here to see what is on offer, and then email your order to cwaofvicalphington@gmail.com.

Since the first lockdown we’ve been busy posting posts (as you’d know because of course you are reading this now) and building our online presence.

Every week we have a few more people sign up to receive our weekly news and follow us on Instagram/Facebook. Slowly and steadily we’re building a broader audience, which we hope will translate to more people knowing who and where we are and what we do … and then accessing our onsite services when we move back to face-to-face activities.

And we’re really pleased that some local micro-businesses have been contacting us as a means of connecting into the local community.

Because neighbourhood houses are about supporting and building a variety of neighbourhood activities and resources. We’ve always supported start-up businesses that align to identified community need by providing cheap community space rental rates, for example, and by holding community makers markets etc. And so, whilst these particular support mechanisms are on hold, helping spread the word is another thing we can do.

Last week Emma, a local who you may know from Alphington PS (she tells me she ran some of the fetes in her time) contacted us to say she is offering free yoga classes for the rest of the month from her studio in Naroon Road.

Here’s what she wrote.

For the month of September, The Little Yoga Room is offering free online classes. Physically located in Alphington, virtually located on your mat at home! A little calm, a little freedom, a little yoga studio:

The Little Yoga Room 🤸🏻‍♀️ Message Emma directly to secure your place!☺️🙏🏻

And here’s the link to her website with the details of how to contact her etc.

Good luck Emma, and happy neighbourhood yoga-ing! folks.

São Paulo, Brazil

Sick of your own window … step into someone else’s house and take a look out their window by clicking here.

Window Swap is a fun idea. Here’s their pitch …

Let's face it. We are all stuck indoors.
And it's going to be a while till we travel again.

Window Swap is here to fill that deep void in our wanderlust hearts by allowing us to look through someone else's window, somewhere in the world, for a while.

A place on the internet where all we travel hungry fools share our 'window views' to help each other feel a little bit better till we can (responsibly) explore our beautiful planet again.

Let’s travel without moving. Let’s WindowSwap.

I just did it and visited Tel Aviv (in a house that was playing some groovy background music), New York and Stockholm. Lots of quiet streets - it’s all quite lovely and friendly … and reassuring. The whole world seems to be leading a more local life.

And … you can submit the view out your own window too!

Lincoln USA

St Petersburg, Russia

Now Tiramisu is not just good for your waistline (?!) but also good for your wall!

If you follow Broadsheet you may have seen this article.

It’s about Alphington local Gemma Leslie who is currently raising money for FareShare by selling some pretty cute culinary posters via an online shop - with all the profits going to food relief efforts. Her not-for-profit venture is called Food for Everyone.

To find out more visit her website here.