Hi Leanne here.

As you know if you are accessing ANY social media, yesterday was R U OK day. And it’s a tricky question at this time I think. Because even if you have a robust and resilient mindset to determinedly focus on the bigger picture - acknowledging that others have survived wars and past pandemics and similar all consuming world changing events and managed to come out intact on the other side - it’s still pretty hard.

It also feels a bit like groundhog day … which is why I laugh-cried at this meme.

On a more helpful note, I also came across this chart on the internet … and I thought it was good. Another way to reframe things and motivate myself to get up and get going and to make the most of each day … Maybe you’ll find it useful too.

If you are part of a local sports club or other community not-for-profit group in Yarra, did you know that you can tap into Council’s ongoing community training courses?

The next one is all about social media. It is on Tuesday 14 September, from 6-8.30pm. You can register here.

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Building Community with Social Media

Social media and online activities are now part of the way we communicate at work and play. For community organisations they provide a great opportunity to reduce workload and create efficient communication, the challenge however, is to decide which platform will have the greatest impact to support goals.

This interactive session will provide a basic overview of the most popular social media platforms used in Australia and insights on the best way they can be used effectively. This session will be most beneficial to organisations new to promoting their organisations through social media channels. Topics include:

• The pros and cons of some social media and online platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

• Understanding target audience / selecting platforms

• Having creative ideas for content

• Communicating the right messages

• Preparing a social media plan

Date: Tuesday 14 September 2021

Time: 6.00pm – 8.30pm (2.5 hours)

Method: Online 

Register: HERE.

A nice picture of Elly (who is part of the Community Development - Capacity Building team at Yarra) from when she came along to our morning tea on the corner.

Other upcoming workshops include:

• Governance Training for Community Groups - 7 October 

• Evaluating Project and Programs - 9 November

Missing your weekly tee-off at LaTrobe? Here’s one for the golfers 🏌️‍♀️ out there. A three hour mindfulness video filmed on beautiful Australian golf ⛳️ courses. It starts with a wide shot of a coastal course and the satisfying thwack of a well connected wood … narrated by a bloke with a nice deep voice … I think you’re going to love it. Sit back and relax.

Hi all,

As things drag on I think it is important for us all to remember that not everyone has jobs that they can do from home. And not everyone’s job falls into the ‘essential’ category. And it is pretty obvious that if you can’t do your job, then you aren’t getting paid .. and then you most likely will be struggling to cover your living expenses … I am pretty sure that hardly any of us living in this neck of the woods (or anywhere else in Australia for that matter) can sustainably live on Jobseeker or any equivalent income (oh, don’t get me started).

If you need some help then please know that you are not the only one, and that there are lots of food services that you can access locally. Some have pre-prepared meals, some deliver, some require you to collect. Some allow you to choose pantry staples and fresh food that you like. Some are more prescriptive. But they are all there for you, no questions asked.

Here are some local services with their numbers you can call:

• DIVRS - 9480 8200

• Reservoir Neighbourhood House- 9462 4611

• Encompass Care - 0422461847

• Salvation Army Preston - 9471 9111

• Northern Community Care Works - 9484 4788

• Work for the Soul - 9478 0888.

Note that there are also some food services that are on the street. Smith Street Community Pantry on the corner of Smith Street and St Georges Road, Thornbury is a good example. There are also weekly walk up food relief efforts under the housing commission flats in Collingwood, Fitzroy and Richmond if you live near those.

Also … we are thinking of you. And hoping that everything can get back on track for you and your family soon.

And remember that if you need help with anything else we are only a phone call or email away.

Cheers Leanne

Congratulations to local artist Julia Ciccarone for winning the people’s choice award in the 2021 Archibald Prize. Julia has played an active role in the life of our community through her involvement with Fairfield Primary School and Art4All whilst her children were young. Her work is amazing. Read more here.