Hidden gems children’s classes is returning again this coming semester! If any local parents and children aged 4-11 are interested in coming along to join in some fun activities and community projects feel free to come along or get in contact on 0421 794 707.

These classes are free and run on Saturday afternoons during the school term.

Calling all local foodies! We’ve got some very exciting food-based activities coming up this term for anyone with an interest in food, cooking and learning new skills in the kitchen, or if you’re just wanting to join us for a delicious home cooked meal.

Weekly, we’ve got two free programs, both starting back up again in week 1. We have garden to plate, running from 11:30am-1pm on Mondays, in which we make a new seasonal recipe each week and enjoy eating lunch together. Then of course we have our weekly community lunch on Fridays at 12pm, where you can come along and enjoy some lunch and catch up with your neighbours.

We also have crunch back again for another semester, running from 12:30-2pm on Thursdays, starting August 7, where you can join us for lunch and a creative art experience.

We also have two programs running on a monthly basis, with preserves group back again on the third Tuesday of every month, where we use local produce to make jams and preserves for fundraising and gifts. We also have a new monthly program, the men’s breakfast, run by John from our men’s shed! This will be run on Saturday mornings 8-10am starting 9 August for men 18+ to come and enjoy some brekkie and a chat with other local men so feel free to reach out to John on 0439 889 352 for more details or see our website.

Don’t forget garden to plate, crunch and preserves group are all booked through our website, so make sure to book in here so you don’t miss out! Community lunch does not require a booking so feel free to come along!

Our brochure for semester 2 has just been released!

One of our programs that we are super excited to bring back is Alphington Arts!

Last semester we had so much fun with this program, learning new arty skills and making some exciting new creations including woven baskets and live drawings.

Next semester we’ll be running this program again, with the opportunity to learn even more new arty skills from our local experts and have some fun making, doing and sharing all your arty knowledge with other likeminded locals.

Alphington Arts will be on the third Thursday of every month from 7:30pm-9:30pm.

This year we’re exploring public transport AND sustainable shopping with our Thrift Seekers Adventures.

Come along and join us for a day of exploring the local op shops and public transport network where you’re sure to find a good bargain!

In August we’ll be heading to Abbotsford for our first adventure where we’ll venture to two of our favourite Salvos stores.

Later in the semester we’ll head to Brunswick on the 16th of October, visiting the abundance of op shops on Sydney Road, and finally on the 4th of December we’ll make our way over to Fitzroy to look for some Christmas bargains.

Bring along your myki and your best bargain spotting skills and join us for a day of op shop exploration and a coffee along the way!

Next semester we are trialling something new - Men’s Breakfasts on a Saturday morning from 8-10am once a month. John who runs our Men’s Group on Tuesday evenings will be coordinating these sessions that include a delicious warm breakfast and a discussion.

The cost is $10.

The dates are:

• 9 August

• 6 September

• 18 October

• 15 November

They are an opportunity for local men over 18 to get together. If you are a dad, a grandpa, a nephew or a son you are very welcome to come along.

Just contact John on 0439 899 352.