To the avid readers out there looking for a daytime book club, we are hoping to start one in July this year.

We do need a minimum of at least 5 people that are free to come along on the second Tuesday of each month at 11am.

If you love to read and then enjoy a good discussion then this could be for you.

Join via this link.

Hi everyone

If you have been past ACC in the last few months you will have noticed the bright pink signs in our windows … and you might remember signing a postcard for us - as all neighbourhood houses across Victoria have been campaigning for the State Labor Government to restore funding in real terms to the Neighbourhood House sector, after years of funding erosion.

Unfortunately this request was declined in the latest budget. And we’re really disappointed.

Neighbourhood houses help people at the most vulnerable times of their lives in every community across Victoria. With increasing global uncertainty and rising household costs, more and more people are feeling under pressure in a variety of ways Our hyper-local service - that is founded on kindness and community - creates a unique place for people who need support, whether that support takes the form of learning, material relief, friendship or community building … we listen, connect and empower people all day every day, in a very unique way. We make a real and positive difference in people’s lives, from young families. to retirees and everyone in between.

As a sector we cannot give up on our funding request. It is fundamental to the survival of many houses. So, we will now focus on seeking election commitments from our politicians to restore our funding. We will take the opportunity over the next six months to step up the pressure to seek commitments for support by the next government.

We’d appreciate anyone in our community who has the opportunity to add their voice to our campaign for funding restoration to speak up. If you love sending an email you can write to Kat Theophanous MP our local member, or if you have the chance to talk to her or other candidates as the election gets closer, please also don’t hesitate to reiterate the value of neighbourhood houses and what they mean to you - if you get the opportunity.

Many houses are feeling the financial pinch in real terms and our sector is in desperate need of restoration of the funding support that it initially had, to stay viable into the future.

Thanks, Leanne

Here is the recipe for the cauliflower steaks we made at Garden to Plate last Thursday. They were so simple for something so delicious and a great option for a vegetarian meal … or just to add some extra veggies into your everyday!

When we made ours we used a mix of cheeses (because that’s what we had), but parmesan would probably make for a neater look at the end.

Baked Cauliflower Steaks 

Ingredients 

• 1 cauliflower head cut down the middle top to bottom then sliced across-ways. Try and keep the ‘steaks’ together in clumps if the come apart at the edges ( don’t despair - the cheese will help stick them together if needed when cooked).

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ½ cup grated parmesan 

• 2 cloves garlic, grated 

• 1 tsp smoked paprika 

• 1 tsp onion powder 

• 1 tsp salt 

• ½ tsp  chili pepper flakes

Instructions 

Preheat the oven to 220 degrees.

Mix olive oil, garlic, salt, spices and 2 teaspoons of parmesan.

Sprinkle the rest parmesan cheese on a lined oven tray in clumps that will roughly match the cauliflower steaks.

Place the cauliflower steaks on top of the parmesan cheese.

Baste the top side with the oil and herbs.

Cook on high for 10 minutes then lower heat and cook on 180 degrees for 20 minutes until cooked through.

Serve crispy side up.  YUM! We ours with mushrooms, hummus, bread, green beans and tzatziki.

Hi everyone,

Can you believe it’s already May? Time flies!

Last week we had a great time on Sydney Road at our Op-Shop Adventure - we caught the 508 bus and went to four op shops and also stopped for lunch at The Green Refractory. Then we popped into Cheaper Buy Miles next door (as many of you know it’s my favourite grocery shop - I am always buying food for our community lunch and for catering events here).

Thanks to those who came along. It was loads of fun. And … I was super pleased with my purchase of a pair of RM Williams boots (RRP $699) for the bargain price of $20!

It was also great to start up our AAA Arts program on Friday afternoon for term 2. The group is working with dry pastel and charcoal at the moment and the products are looking beautiful!

This month we are really looking forward to our two sustainability workshops that we are running with support from the climate emergency team at Yarra Council. The first one is on Saturday 16 May and we will be learning about soil microbes and the impact on our health. And the second will be the week after on Saturday 23 May where we will be learning techniques and tips for clothes mending. Read on for more info, and don’t forget a to book in online!

Until then, we are on with all our usual programming. This week we can’t wait to see everyone back at AAA Bowls on Wednesday morning from 10am - 12pm, Garden to Plate Thursday from 11.30am - 1pm, and our first session of Community Yoga on Wednesday evening from 5.30 - 6.30pm. Community Yoga is full but we are keen for more participants in Garden to Plate and AAA Bowls if you are interested, or know someone who is.

Cheers Leanne

We are really looking forward to our two upcoming sustainability workshops!

Living Soils, Living People

The first workshop is next week on Saturday the 16th of May from 10am - 12pm. In this workshop we will be learning about soils and their microbes and how they can affect our health - from plants to our guts to even our minds. We will get to look at live microbes under a microscope and make our own microbial inoculants to take home. Perfect for the many aspiring scientists and expert gardeners in our community!

To book into this workshop, please visit our website here.

Clothes Mending

The second workshop will be the following Saturday the 23rd of May from 10am - 1pm. This workshop will focus on techniques for mending clothes. We will be learning about hand sewing and repairing basic rips, holes and various imperfections. It’s a great way to reduce waste and get some extra life out of your favourite clothes!

To book into this workshop, please visit our website here.