Hi, Leanne here.

In the midst of wicked global problems I think sometimes it is a bit hard to see the bite-sized chunks that we can digest and act on as individuals. And … even if they are presented to us on a plate, as it were … it is sometimes also hard to see how our individual actions and choices do anything meaningful, or have any real value in a global sense.

On the other hand, I feel that my/our pandemic experience disproves this thought.

When I look around at the Melbourne community and the very different life we are living to people in the UK or USA, just for example, I feel like my actions (to stay home and wear a mask and not whinge too much) have contributed to protecting my loved ones and to broader community safety. And this makes me feel good.

And I feel that our individual actions collectively enabled us as a community to actually see the benefits of putting public health first. Which enabled our State Government to more easily maintain the determination to keep public health front and centre, creating (unquestionably I think) a better reality for us than many other people internationally at this moment in time.

In addition, I can see that Victoria’s approach has influenced how other states across Australia are now tackling the virus when it gets into the community.

My/our action has created both a better place right here in the immediate for us, and also provided an alternative model that has influenced and can continue to inform others, nationally and hopefully even globally.

And this, friends, is my intro spiel to thinking about (or perhaps rethinking) the value of taking personal action on the other wicked problem in our lives, climate change.

Because little everyday actions at the individual level can make a significant difference, driving and bolstering political will, leading to real change at the big picture level. And they can also just make you feel good that you are doing your best and playing your part to look after those you most love.

In this context you might be interested in this latest offering from Yarra Council, a panel discussion they have put together called, ‘choosing a plant-based diet: taking climate action through the food we eat’.

Yarra Council invites you to join Shannon Martinez, Head Chef and Owner of Melbourne's best vegan restaurant, Smith and Daughters and Jess Panegyres, former Campaign Manager, Forests at The Wilderness Society in a discussion about why we need to change the way we eat if we are to tackle the climate emergency.

It sounds interesting right?

Choosing a plant-based diet: tacking climate action through the food we eat
Thursday 11 March, 7pm - 8.15pm
Online event

BOOK NOW

Shannon Martinez, Smith and Daughters

If you, or someone you know, has a linguistically diverse background and a disability, did you know that a Community Connectors program has been set up to provide culturally tailored support to access and navigate the NDIS?

Community Connectors is a collaboration between the NDIS, the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia and the National Ethnic Disability Alliance.

For people with a non-English speaking background Community Connectors will act as a liaison for you as you navigate the NDIS, assisting with applications, connecting you with your local contacts and helping explain what is available and how to make the most of what is on offer..

To access the interpreters and this service just call 131 450.

And if you are after further information you can click here for FECCA and here for NEDA.

image from neda.org.au

Hi friends, remember … this year if you’ve come home from holidays and your parsley, coriander or silverbeet has bolted you can feel happy instead of sad … and take the opportunity to save the seeds for our new Street Seed Library.

The library was installed by Darebin Council around November, and is all about encouraging sustainable food options, connecting up us locals with backyard veggie patches (we’ve all pretty much got one of some description right?) and building community connections through sharing and caring.

Not sure how to save seeds? Just jump on the interwebs (google, YouTube etc.) to find out exactly how and when to harvest and package your seeds, and then … when you are next passing by, you can leave them in our Street Seed Library for someone else to collect. And at the same time you can see if anyone has left seeds that could be your next crop. Neighbourhood loveliness … neighbourhoodliness!

At ACC we don’t have lots of indoor space but we have access to larger spaces in the local area and we have some long-standing connections with wonderful women who are committed to sharing their talents and skills to help others keep fit and active and connected in the community through dancing.

In 2021 you can join Shirley at the Alphington Scout Hall (tucked away in Adams Street in south Alphington) for line dancing on Wednesday morning from 10am for the bargain price of $3. More than 20 women and men join her to keep fit and active and then share morning tea each week. To book in call Shirley 0410 601 796.

Alternatively, if tap dancing is more your thing we can suggest giving Mel a call. She runs community tap classes on a Thursday morning from 10am just up the road in Ford Street, Fairfield. Her classes are $12 per week. BYO tap shoes! Contact Mel to book yourself in on 0403 775 756.

We’re very excited that our lovely local artist friend Louisa Bufardeci will be offering a 6 week program of drawing classes in the community shed on a Saturday in Term 1 and Term 2 this year.

The classes are designed for all abilities from beginners to more experienced artists, and will focus on building up participants observational drawing skills. They will explore things like perspective and composition using objects at hand (perhaps you’ll walk away with some fabulous drawings of power tools and handsaws!).

The classes could be ideal for high school students who are doing art, or anyone else who would like to come along and join in a low cost art experience.

If you have a burgeoning interest or simply enjoy company while you create please book yourself a place here.

The course costs $90 for 6 weeks (only $15 a week) and includes Louisa’s tutoring and all materials. Term 1 starts on Saturday 13 February.