Welcome back to Term 4. It’s likely going to be a tricky few months through to Christmas for us all … at ACC we’ll be trying to pay attention to the kind and caring local friends and supportive neighbourhood networks that we all have. Remember, if you need a hand (or an ear) we’re right here!

And at ACC (in a rerun on 2020 …ha!) we’re planning on restarting programming with outside activities.

We’ve hoping that we can get the pergola built in the front yard very soon (it is taking forever … but such is pandemic life) so that our playgroups can meet up comfortably outside in any weather.

When we can get together we’ll also look at restarting our Friday morning activities including gardening at 10am and morning tea on the corner at 11.30am.

In addition Kalimna is going to work on getting some of the toys from the toy library available to borrow online with a click and collect system. Which will be great for now and into the future I think.

She’ll also be reviewing our book clubs for next year. If you are keen to join one, now is a good time to let us know!

Lee is working on a fun new community art installation for Children’s Week at the end of October. She’s also finalising the Heritage Walks project with Anne from our History Group (there’s one more walk to come!) and is about to install new artworks in the Alphington Neighbourhood Gallery (on the fence).

Jill will be looking at doing some community outreach on Wednesdays (we’ll keep you abreast of this project just as soon as we decide what this will look like!?!)

At the moment I am working on the Annual Report for the AGM on Monday 25 October (come along if you like! … it will probably be on zoom). It will be nice to temporarily step off the treadmill and celebrate all the things we’ve done in the past year.

And … that’s probably enough rambling. We’re looking forward to being increasingly back onsite and seeing you soon!

PS. Do you by any chance have a sturdy outdoor table unused at your house 🏡? Or know of somewhere to buy one or two? That could perhaps deliver? The ones on our corner have broken (not sure how that happened … I think someone may have stood on them because the legs broke and it’s hard to imagine how that came about with traditional table use …). In any case I think our community is missing them … especially now picnics are back.

I’m thinking about a couple of those metal and glass topped ones that are easy enough to move around (small round ones or bigger rectangular ones). Alternatively a really solid timber table. Xx

Some nice pics from our garden beds today.

We’re hoping to build up our gardening program over the coming year and make the most of our garden space.

If you enjoy gardening you might like to think about joining us on a Friday morning? We’d love to see you when we reopen.

Our second History Walk through the Lucerne Estate (south of Heidelberg Road) is now available for your weekend walking pleasure!

We’ve printed 70 copies that are again out on the street for you to collect, both on the bottom shelf of the seed library and in the little perspex brochure holder on the side.

Alternatively if you have a printer at your house you can print your own here or read along on your phone.

We hope you have a lovely weekend.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of our neighbourhood … and also like a stroll, perhaps you’d like to print out or collect our first History Walk.

This walk starts on the south side of Alphington Station and takes you on a tour of the Old Alphington Village. Thanks to Anne and the 3078 History Group for all the background work that has gone into this flyer, and thanks also to Lee for the graphic design and Kalimna for the photos.

We’re planning to record an accompanying podcast at some stage to sit along side this walk. We’ll let you know when this is active.

If you have a printer at home you can print a copy here. If you’d like to collect a printed copy you’ll find some out the front in the little brochure holder on the side of our seed library.

Did you know there are more than 500 neighbourhood houses around Victoria? And in response to the pandemic they are all doing different things, their own special mix of community engagement and support, responding directly to the needs of their local neighbourhood … utilising the skills within their staff and community, and the historical strengths of their own houses. Some are building up food relief efforts, some are keeping in touch through phone calls, some are building online communications, some are focussing on place-based neighbourhood activities and projects and some are running online activities.

And … the great thing about activities online is that anyone can join in from anywhere …

So today here’s just a few ideas of some online activities running from other houses across Victoria for the next week or two that might tickle your fancy:

Arrabri Community House

2-30 September

Find out more and book in here

Chelsea Heights Community Centre

Friday 3 September at 10am

A FREE teaser 30 min session with our ever popular fitness instructor Shelley. Who says working out needs to be boring? Step away from the treadmill! Get fit with these fun ways to exercise with Shelley our personal trainer. Equipment no worries, use something from home. Cans for dumbbells! Book here.

Belvedere Community Centre

Monday 6 September, 3-4pm

Come and join us online with the whole family for a fun afternoon of art and craft.

A challenge will be set and you will be emailed with what things you will need to have collected prior to the event (think things from around the house, nature, etc)

We can't wait for a fun afternoon with other families as we craft and laugh together.

Book here

Iramoo Community Centre

Tuesday 7 September, 10am

Learn about creating an Edible Garden with Craig Castree (from Edible Gardens)! Join Craig who is a qualified horticulturist with over 45 years experience, as he shares his passion in edible gardening. Also learn how to use your existing garden to grow your own food. This is a FREE Workshop.

Please email admin@iramoocc.com.au to book in and receive your ZOOM link.

Wednesday 8 September, 10am

Join Madhubani for an online art class where she demonstrates how to create your own watercoloured flowers. This is a FREE Workshop.

To book in and get your ZOOM LINK please email admin@iramoocc.com.au.

belvedere community centre

Saturday 18 September, 6-7pm
Why should kids have all the fun?? Calling all adults...... Come and join us for a fun social catchup on Zoom and enjoy some Trivia Questions. There will be prizes to be won! Book here.