Eltham Wine Show

 

Australia’s largest amateur wine show. Hundreds of wines will be available for tasting – red, white, sparkling and fortified grape wines. Also, meads, ciders, country wines, kombuchas and liqueurs. Wine awards and presentations.

Last night of the proms

 

Starring The Melbourne Welsh Male Voice Choir and The Old Scotch Pipes and Drums. Sing, wave flags and stomp your way through the concert.

Echoes of pilgrimage

 

The Courtly Arts Performers of Victoria will step back in time to bring you a showcase of music and dance as they follow in the steps of pilgrims, first to Montserrat in Spain, then on the trail from Walsingham to Canterbury, and on through France, Switzerland and Italy to Rome.

The Courtly Arts Performers of Victoria are a small non-profit group aiming to keep the dance, music and theatrical arts from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods alive and in the public eye. They perform in historic costume, with music played on period instruments.

Nillumbik Prize exhibition tour

 

Join the curators and winning artists, Laresa Kosloff, Tina Stefanou and Jarrad Martyn, for a group tour of the Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Art 2023 exhibition.

The Christmas Hills Makers Exchange

 

This event will feature various musical instrument makers, painters, crafters, photographers, writers and musicians who live and/or work in Nillumbik.

Detox your home

 

Dispose of your toxic household chemicals, such as cleaning products, pool chemicals and pesticides, for free.

Warringal Orchid Society Annual Winter Show

 

See a display of around 300 orchids from all over the world, grown by members in Melbourne. Featuring: display plants; plants, accessories and potting mix for sale; and potting demonstrations.

After the Referendum: Where to from now? (Andrew Gunstone)

 

Professor Andrew Gunstone will talk about a topic which is central to the Nillumbik Reconciliation Action Plan currently being worked on by Nillumbik Council, to the State Government’s Treaty progress, and to Federal Government’s Close the Gap funding and post referendum decisions.

Professor Gunstone is a leading authority on reconciliation. He is Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor Reconciliation, Federation University, where he has established the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice. He is also Co-Chair of Reconciliation Victoria.

Book your place by emailing Pam Griffith.

What is bluegrass music? (John Boothroyd)

 

John Boothroyd will talk about bluegrass music, a genre of American roots music that evolved in the 1940s by the ‘father of bluegrass music, Bill Monroe. The talk will centre on how the music developed from early settlers from Britain and Ireland in the 18th century to the Appalachian region of America. They brought their musical traditions with them and their old ballads, love songs, instrumental and dance tunes lived on in their often isolated mountain communities over many years.

Bluegrass today enjoys a large following in America and elsewhere. Its down to earth feel, with its influences of folk, blues, Americana and old-time country music giving it wide appeal. It often features fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and upright bass and close vocal harmonies.

John will also play some examples of the music from recordings during the presentation.

John has been involved with old-time country music and bluegrass since the late 1960s, as teacher, performer and author.

Book your place by emailing Pam Griffith.

Still worried about Covid?

 

Whilst the recent easing of Covid restrictions has been welcomed by some of our members, it has caused some worry to others. Nillumbik U3A member and recently retired Doctor, Greg Papworth, will be available at Old Eltham Courthouse to discuss any concerns, questions or issues that you might have about the current situation. He will also discuss the latest statistics and trends plus our first flu season for three years.

Register your attendance by emailing the Office.

If you would like to have attended the session but can’t make it on the 6th May, email the Office and we will organise another session.

Amazing Australian women (Christine Lister)

 

Christine Lister will celebrate 16 amazing Australian women – historical and contemporary humanitarians, celebrities, politicians, journalists, athletes, adventurers, feminists and heroines.

They include: women leaders and achievers who made a difference to Australian society and changed attitudes to women’s and girls’ roles; rebels – remarkably resourceful and resilient rebels – devoted to causes they believed in; and trailblazers too, breaking through the barriers of society’s expectations. Despite the significance of their achievements, they were often ridiculed, rejected, forgotten or overlooked by history.

Christine will also talk about the feminine leadership qualities and personal characteristics that set exceptional women apart.

Once a school principal, Christine is now a wise woman, an elder and an old soul.

Book your place by emailing Pam Griffith.

The amazing art at the NGV (Graham Ray)

 

The NGV is the largest art gallery in Australia. This illustrated talk by Graham Ray, who is an erstwhile NGV Voluntary Guide, will look at a selection of works from the NGV, from different countries, and across different periods of time. The talk will reveal the richness and diversity in the collection, and also some of the less well-known intriguing stories behind these works (Which work of art was stolen from the wall of the NGV? Which well-known artist has his artistic design work on the wrapping paper of lollies available in Coles?). You will also see arguably the largest work of art in the southern hemisphere, and other fascinating art.

Book your place by emailing Pam Griffith.

Coping with grief and loss

 

This workshop will discuss: understanding grief and the different types of grief; understanding the grief and loss process; understanding the different models of grief; strategies for managing grief and loss; strategies when supporting another person experiencing grief and loss; and how to seek professional help for your mental health and wellbeing.

Presenters: Clinical Psychologist Stephanie Perin and Mental Health Nurse Tanya Cottrell, both from the Healthy Ageing Service, St Vincent’s Aged Mental Health.

Outsmarting scammers: a digital security workshop for identity protection

 

You will receive guidance on safeguarding your identity and personal information in the digital realm, including: how to protect your identity and information secure when using the internet; what is a scam; what types of scams are out there; how to recognise a scam; how to know if an email or website is legitimate; what scammers do and how they operate; and how to create a good password and how to manage your passwords.

Falls prevention

 

The session will include tips on how to prevent falls and information on risk factors. It will also include exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home which aim to increase strength, mobility and balance, as well as instructions on how to get up if you have a fall or how to help someone else get up.

Healthy brain, healthy body

 

They will discuss the six factor ‘BE-ACTIVE model, which includes understanding what makes us feel good and finding ways to make this activity a bigger part of our life. Doing this helps you to balance out the other (negative) stuff.

First aid for seniors

 

This session will prepare you for possible emergencies. The topics will include: falls and fractures; cuts and scrapes; infections and burns; cardiovascular problems (cardiac arrest and angina); heat- and cold-related illness; stroke/asthma; diabetes/anaphylaxis; and seizure. It will also include ways to do CPR without you being on the floor.

Master your mind

 

This session will introduce techniques such as mindfulness and information on recognising the signs of stress and managing hearing health.

Introduction to meadmaking (3 sessions)

 

This is a three-session workshop, with the three sessions being on Saturdays 6th August, 3rd September and 24th September, all 10am-midday.

The cost of $50 includes membership of the guild until July 2023. You will also need to pay for the cost of your ingredients and utensils (expected to total around $80).

Mead is the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage and uses honey as the primary fermentable sugar.  This course will explore how to brew modern meads. Over the 3 sessions, you will be guided through the process and make your first mead. More specifically, the first session will cover learning about mead, the second, monitoring the ferment and potential problems, and the third, racking, tasting, finalising and bottling.

Face to face (art exhibition) official opening

 

This exhibition by Nillumbik U3A Eltham painters will be officially opened by Sarah Hammond, from Nillumbik Council, on 18th April. It will then continue until mid-June.

The exhibition focuses on the work of well-known local and international artists as seen through the eyes of Nillumbik U3A Eltham painters. The artists researched include Annameike Mein, Cressida Campbell, David Moore, Egon Shiel, Hilary Jackman, Joy Hester and Mirka Mora and our painters were inspired to produce canvases featuring their favourite artists’ portraits and works. The resulting collection reflects U3A members’ individual painting styles and pays homage to their artistic ‘greats.’

The restaurant venue offers visitors the opportunity both to browse through the exhibition and perhaps to stay on to purchase food and/or drinks in a bushland setting.

Judy Racz art exhibition

 

Judy is a member of our Hurstbridge Art Group and a selection of her acrylic flow paintings is being exhibited at Bridges Restaurant at 1075 Heidelberg-Kinglake Road until 4th July, Wednesdays to Sundays, 9am to late. Please ring the restaurant on 9718 0099 before attending in case of private functions. If you want to know more about what flow painting is, you can watch this video by U3A member Jo Ball.

Trek through Christmas

 

This will be a festive musical session filled with carols, sing-a-longs and favourite Christmas songs. Trek Musicals are a community singing group who use karaoke technology.

Diamond Creek community carols

 

Featuring the Carols Band, singing your favourite carols and some new ones. Hear local community groups perform, get involved in kids activities and grab some dinner from a food truck or local trader. There will also be a bunch of Christmas services at St John’s, including a Family Christmas Eve service, featuring a photobooth, kids activities and a positive message.

The Veggie Empire urban farm tour

 

This tour will take place twice, on Tuesday 28th November, 10-11.30am and on Sunday, 3rd December, 11am-midday.

The Veggie Empire, a farming duo (Scott and Josh) living with disability, will be hosting a guided tour of their urban farm. Together they have created a social enterprise that includes a market garden, food plant nursery, revegetation project and worm farming operation. As well as a guided walk around the farm, the tour will include a talk on how they’ve got to where they have and an explanation of the model they have used to get there. Following the tour, catering will be provided. Seedlings and produce will be available for purchase.

The Veggie Empire urban farm tour

 

This tour will take place twice, on Tuesday 28th November, 10-11.30am and on Sunday, 3rd December, 11am-midday.

The Veggie Empire, a farming duo (Scott and Josh) living with disability, will be hosting a guided tour of their urban farm. Together they have created a social enterprise that includes a market garden, food plant nursery, revegetation project and worm farming operation. As well as a guided walk around the farm, the tour will include a talk on how they’ve got to where they have and an explanation of the model they have used to get there. Following the tour, catering will be provided. Seedlings and produce will be available for purchase.

Free community Christmas day lunch

 

If you are at a loose end or just plain lonely on Christmas Day then please join them for lunch. No charge. Transport available if needed. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Everyone welcome.

Book your place by contacting Graham by phone (0419 361 487) or email (gford@bigpond.net.au).

Christmas concert in the park

 

The concert will feature local school choirs as well as adult choirs, professional entertainers and musicians and roving acts. Food and drink options will be available. The MC will be Craig Huggins from Gold FM. Santa will arrive at 7pm and the concert will run concurrently with Diamond Valley Community Support’s twilight market from 4-8pm in Library Place, Eltham.

Carols in the Park Christmas Eve

 

The orchestra and singers will lead the gathering through the singing of traditional carols. Audience participation is encouraged. Take a picnic basket, blankets and chairs if you want.

Diamond Valley Art Society art exhibition

 

Look at examples of art by their members ranging from painting, drawing and sculpture. Browse the items that they have for sale and chat to some of their members. Watch a few of their members doing demonstrations of their skills and styles.

Habitat planting on the Diamond Creek

 

Join the Friends of Edendale, Edendale Farm and Melbourne Water in a family re-vegetation activity along the Diamond Creek near Edendale to help re-build habitat for our local platypus and their friends. The goal is to plant 500 indigenous plants on the day.

How to ‘know’ China

 

Trevor Hay, who lives in Greensborough, will discuss his new book The Library of Lost Horizons.

Professor Joseph Lo Bianco, Professor David Walker and Dr Karen Walker will also talk, with the theme for the discussion being: China’s changing shape in foreign eyes and in its own, its obscured history of cultural heterogeneity and regional diversity, Australia’s changing perceptions of China and Asia, the impact of personal friendships and ‘knowing’ Chinese people on knowing the geopolitical entity of modern China.

Nillumbik Reconciliation Group Sorry Day

 

Welcome to Country, clapsticks, music and smoking ceremony. Led by a Wurundjeri Elder. Ceremony to be followed by a short bush walk along the Diamond Creek.

Habitat planting on the Diamond Creek

 

Join the Friends of Edendale, Edendale Farm and Melbourne Water in a family re-vegetation activity along the Diamond Creek near Edendale to help re-build habitat for our local platypus and their friends. The goal is to plant 500 indigenous plants on the day.

National Tree Day

 

The aim is to plant 1,000 indigenous plants around the ephemeral wetland below Windmill Rise, Diamond Creek. This planting event, to be held on National Tree Day, is part of an ongoing re-vegetation project that aims to improve water quality whilst strengthening the habitat value of the local wetland.

Friends of Edendale

 

Two sessions, one starting at 11am and the other at 1pm.

A Friends of Edendale group has just been formed. Go to their first activity and help at Edendale and to plant along the Diamond Creek.

Just turn up.

Sign up for their free newsletter.

Friends of Edendale

 

Two sessions, one starting at 11am and the other at 1pm.

A Friends of Edendale group has just been formed. Go to their first activity and help at Edendale and to plant along the Diamond Creek.

Just turn up.

Sign up for their free newsletter.

Backyard beekeeping powered by Eltham Rotary

 

You will learn: all about the bee, biology, diseases and honey; types of equipment and hives required; and regulations and purchasing bees. Presenter: Benedict Hughes. The workshop is suitable for participants aged from 10 years onwards.

There are some other associated events as part of celebrating World Bee Day on 20th May. See graphic right.

Loving Country with Bruce Pascoe and Vicky Shukuroglou

 

Co-author Bruce Pascoe and Vicky Shukuroglou will discuss their new book, Loving Country, which offers a new way to travel and discover Australia through an Indigenous narrative. It shows travellers how to see the country as herself, to know her whole and old story, and to find the way to fall in love with her, our home.

Book by phone (9439 8700).

Post European contact – the impact of white settlement

 

Speaker: Dr Gary Presland, historian & Australian archaeologist, and author of First People: The Eastern Kulin of Melbourne, Port Phillip and Central Victoria.

The hall will be open at 1:15pm to view a display on Early Eltham Shire 1830 onwards. The Eltham Book Shop will have a table of books for sale including Gary Presland’s book.

Organised by St Margaret’s Do Justice Group.

Outsmarting scammers – a digital security workshop for identity protection

 

They will provide guidance on safeguarding your identity and personal information in the digital realm, with the topics to be covered including: how to protect your identity and information secure when using the internet; what is a scam and what types of scams are out there; how to recognise a scam; how to know if an email or website is legitimate; what scammers do and how they operate; how to create a good password, and how to manage your passwords; and what is social engineering?

Mental health and wellbeing 101

 

The workshop will cover: understanding mental health and wellbeing; noticing declining mental health – in colleagues, family, friends and yourself; tips on providing support; and tools to bolster wellbeing and buffer against challenges.

Reconciliation Week flag raising ceremony

 

The event will include: a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by a Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung elder; the raising of the flag representing unity and a commitment to reconciliation; and a didgeridoo performance, a symbol of Indigenous Australian culture and heritage.

Pathways for carers – Eltham

 

Carers can enjoy a free morning tea at a local cafe, followed by an optional gentle stroll around the Andrew Pocket Park.

Creating beautiful designs

 

Through using accessible web-based tools, discover your inner designer and learn how to express your ideas visually. The interactive nature of this workshop will encourage hands-on experimentation, leaving you with feeling a sense of creative confidence.

Learn about Canva, an online graphic design tool which is designed to help produce posters, social media graphics, event invites, brochures and flyers.

Eltham Orchestras’ variety concert

 

In their first performance for over a year, The Eltham Orchestras’ variety concert will feature the orchestra itself, orchestra strings and beginner strings.

Ross Garnaut on change after the pandemic

 

Ross Garnaut’s latest book, Reset: Restoring Australia after the Pandemic Recession sieves through the current devastation and sees an opportunity for revolutionary change. By homing in on our potential for being a renewable superpower, Garnaut argues that Australia has the potential to re-set its economy, build a successful future, and be a symbol for the kind of environmentally conscious world that we all need.

Book by phone (9438 8700).

Climate in crisis: what can be done?

 

Local decision makers from all levels of government will present and then answer questions. The speakers will include Nillumbik Shire Councillors, state government MP, and federal representatives.

A guided tour of Montsalvat

 

The tour is included as part of the entry ticket ($14). Our very own Vincent Galante conducts some of these tours. Just turn up.

A cabaret evening of big band music

 

Enjoy a relaxed musical evening with your friends at a table with BYO supper, drinks and glassware (they will provide coffee and tea). Listen to the Nillumbik U3A Diamond Valley Big Band, including vocalists Angeline Thompson, Belinda Coco, Richard Desmond and James Maddocks. There will be plenty of dance floor for those who like to dance.

Take some small denomination cash to participate in the raffle.

Tickets can be booked individually or in groups. If buying for a group, email the Office (office@nillumbiku3a.org.au) with a list of all the names so that they can be placed together.

The preferred method of payment is online but if you would prefer to pay by cash or card at the door, email the Office (office@nillumbiku3a.org.au) so that they can reserve a place for you.

Witness declarations and document certification

 

Local Justice of the Peace (JP) and U3A member Tony Rizzo will be available at Eltham Central Pavilion to witness declarations and to certify documents on Monday, 10th October, 1-3pm and again on Monday, 14th November, 1-3pm. You do not need to be a U3A member to use this free service and you can also book in your family or friends.

For us to plan the sessions and to monitor demand, please email the Office (office@nillumbiku3a.org.au), stating which of the dates you would like to attend.

Footy morning tea

 

Speaker: Christina Polatajko, Forwards Coach for Carlton AFLW team. Members of the Diamond Valley Big Band will play some team songs at the start. There will be a raffle ($5 cash for 6 tickets). Wear footy colours. Take a friend.

The gold coin donation is to cover the costs of the morning tea: party pies, sausage rolls, hot dogs, tea and coffee.

Register your attendance by emailing the Office.

Biggest Morning Tea

 

Enjoy morning tea, mix with fellow U3A members and win great prizes.

The guest speakers will be Alan and Fiona White, who will share their experiences as a couple dealing with prostate cancer and discuss how important early intervention is in dealing with this type of cancer. Alan is the author of We’ve lost my prostate … mate.

Last year, we raised around $1,500 and we would like to do that again if not better it.

More information about the raffle to follow.

Register your attendance by emailing the Office.

Eltham Football Club Good Friday game

 

The local footy season starts on Good Friday, 2nd April and Eltham Football Club, with whom we share the Eltham Central Pavilion, are playing at home against Greensborough-based St Marys. There will be several games on the day but the main game will start at 2.10pm.

It would be great if a group of us could go along to watch the game. It only costs $10 and food and drinks will be available (plus, we are told, a bouncy castle!). I (Guy), for one, will be going. If you would like to join me, Email me.

Defibrillator and CPR training (Eltham)

 

We have defibrillators installed in many of our facilities and it is important that many of us are familiar with how to use this equipment. So, it would be good if you could attend if you have not been before or as a refresher.

Book your place by contacting the Office by phone (0468 300 764) or email (office@nillumbiku3a.org.au).

Community barbecue

 

This will be a social barbecue with a chance to mingle with members of different community groups. The bar will be open, with drinks at bar prices and all proceeds going to the Slovenian Club.

Register your attendance with Gemma Whyte by phone (9070 3454) or email (elthamlionsclub@gmail.com).

Seniors play day

 

The Lions Club of Eltham are having two more ‘seniors play days’, one on Wednesday, 14th April and the other on Saturday, 24th April. In each case, there will be a morning session 10-11.30am and an afternoon session 12.30-2pm. Refreshments will be provided.

The Lions Club noticed during the Covid lockdown that many of our seniors have found it difficult to cope with Zoom and Skype. So they thought that it would be nice to have a morning tea, where seniors could come along with their phones, tablets or laptops and try using their video software under the watchful eye of a mentor. This will all be done in a friendly and supportive environment which is designed to help everybody get a basic feel for these programs.

To register as either a participant or as a mentor, go to their website and click the link of the relevant session.

The Lions Club has partnered with Nillumbik Council, Nillumbik U3A, healthAbility and the Living & Learning Centre to bring this event to fruition.

Seniors play day

 

The Lions Club of Eltham are having two more ‘seniors play days’, one on Wednesday, 14th April and the other on Saturday, 24th April. In each case, there will be a morning session 10-11.30am and an afternoon session 12.30-2pm. Refreshments will be provided.

The Lions Club noticed during the Covid lockdown that many of our seniors have found it difficult to cope with Zoom and Skype. So they thought that it would be nice to have a morning tea, where seniors could come along with their phones, tablets or laptops and try using their video software under the watchful eye of a mentor. This will all be done in a friendly and supportive environment which is designed to help everybody get a basic feel for these programs.

To register as either a participant or as a mentor, go to their website and click the link of the relevant session.

The Lions Club has partnered with Nillumbik Council, Nillumbik U3A, healthAbility and the Living & Learning Centre to bring this event to fruition.

An introduction to modern art

 

This talk will be given by Guy Palmer, tutor of our History of Modern Art course.

The date most commonly identified as marking the birth of ‘modern art’ is 1863, the year that Manet exhibited his painting Le déjeuner sur l’herbe in the Salon des Refusés in Paris. Manet was one of a group of friends who came to be known as the Impressionists, with Monet, Renoir, Pissarro and Degas being the most famous of the other members of the group.

In the 50 or so years following the impressionists, there were all sorts of movements/groups who took modern art in a variety of interesting directions, including a number of ‘post-impressionists’ (Cezanne, van Gogh et al), Fauvism (Matisse, Derain et al), Expressionism (Kirchner, Kandinsky et al) and Cubism (Picasso, Braque et al). Between the two world wars came Dadaism and Surrealism. Then, after the second world war, the USA became the focal point of new artistic movements (Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, etc).

In this talk, Guy will briefly run through all this history, discussing how the styles of the various movements differed, and illustrating with lots of paintings..

Register your interest by email to the Office (office@nillumbiku3a.org.au). You will then be sent the relevant Zoom link to your email address (the one registered with U3A) 24-36 hours before the event.

Sing with our big band

 

If you have a feel for singing jazz, then there is an opportunity for you to try out with our Big Band class. The 17 piece band will provide 6 people with the opportunity to sing two items from their repertoire of vocal charts on one of the dates 7th, 14th and 21st March in Montmorency. If potentially interested, email Tony Lee (tony@leeconnect.com) before 28th February. Tony, or one of his colleagues, will then confirm your participation after discussing songs, keys, and arrangements with you.

Navigating your Aged Care journey

 

A panel of Aged Care speakers will provide the information to assist you in preparing to navigate your own, or your loved ones, journey through the Aged Care system. The information and advice will cover: home care packages, assessing options, searching for services, understanding & covering costs, estate planning and property management.

Arthurs Creek Mechanics Institute’s annual garden walk

 

5 gardens to visit. There will also be a wide range of plants and seedlings for sale as well as garden sculptures etc. Light lunches and other refreshments will be available.

Purchase tickets at the Arthurs Creek Mechanics Institute Hall on the day. You will receive a guide book and map of the open gardens. All proceeds will go towards the upkeep and restoration of the hall.

Open Cellars of Nillumbik

 

On both 15th and 16th of June.

Visit any or all of the family-owned wineries in Nillumbik, each with an individual style, where the grapes are hand-picked and hand-crushed by family and friends in the traditional style, with wines developed on site. This is a chance to sample wines at wineries not always open to the public. You will also find food to complement the wine, as well as live music and artworks from local artists at some venues. There is no entry fee, or tasting fee, at any of the venues.

The participating wineries usually include: Buttermans Track, Easthill Estate, Hildebrand Ridge Organic Vineyard, Kings of Kangaroo Ground, Nillumbik Estate, Panton Hill Vineyard & Winery, Punch Wines, Shaws Road Winery, Swipers Gully Vineyard, Watson’s Creek Wines, Wedgetail Estate and Yarrambat Estate Vineyard.

Incredible Edible Eltham – Winter vegetable planting workshop

 

It’s time to think about your Winter veggie planting. As a prelude to the early April Winter planting at the Incredible Edible Eltham planter boxes at the railway station and outside healthAbility, presenters Guy Palmer and Evan Gellert will discuss what could be planted and why. They will compare and contrast this with what they will be planting in their home veggie patches. The discussion will include broad beans, garlic, peas, brassicas, root vegetables and leafy greens, including particular considerations when growing some of these veggies. They will also demonstrate some of the tools that they use (soil blockers, temperature probes, etc). The history, and possible future, of Incredible Edible Eltham will be touched on.

Refreshments will be provided.

Click here to read about Incredible Edible Eltham.

Numbers are limited so please register.

Re-thinking bushfire mitigation in the landscape

 

Modern fire science has been influenced for many decades by colonising attitudes of control and domination of the natural landscape. Practices such as broadscale burning of bushland have routinely been used in an attempt to reduce bushfire risk. Some recent research is pointing to a different approach to forest management of areas further than 500m from townships – that of ecological cooperation.

Presenters: Dr Philip Zylstra, Vicky Shukuroglou from Nillumbio and Aawa White from Kinglake Friends of the Forest.

Organised by Nillumbik Friends of the Great Forest.

Bunnings garden club

 

Caring for indoor plants over winter. Therapeutic plants such as lavender, mint and camomile. Make your own teas.

D.I.Y – make your own window seal planter box.

Bunnings garden club

 

Collect seeds, improve soil, make birdhouses, use fertiliser and maintain garden equipment.

D.I.Y – make your own bird house.

REthink energy & waste in your community group

 

The session is aimed at community groups. Become an adopter and modeller of sustainable behaviour. Discuss the seven ‘REthink’ principles of a circular economy, how to incorporate better energy and waste practices into day-to-day operations, the psychology of behaviour change and how to get wider members of a group on board with new strategies and goals. Specific topics will include: increasing your group’s energy efficiency; reducing waste; ethical finance and partnerships; and sustainable product choices.

MASSG fundraising theatre night to see Cosi

 

Inspired by playwright Louis Nowra’s own life, this production follows young director, Lewis, as he attempts to direct Mozart’s opera, Così Fan Tutte, at a local psychiatric hospital, with a cast who can’t sing, act or speak Italian. What could possibly go wrong?

Enjoy a delicious supper by donation – please bring cash.

All funds raised will be used to support people seeking asylum living on little or no income.

Book by Saturday, 9th September.

The everlasting gardener (4 sessions)

 

4 consecutive Wednesdays, starting 23rd August.

This workshop will introduce you to some simple ways of reminding your body to move easily and safely in your garden. Explore the movements involved in gardening tasks like; weeding, shoveling, pruning, lifting, digging, pushing a wheelbarrow or mower and relieving residual stress. Discover the ‘less pain, more gain’ approach. Presenter and Feldenkrais practitioner: Jenni Evans.

Wattle Glen Fire Brigade plant sale and craft market

 

Go meet your local brigade and have a tour of the fire station. Learn about landscaping for fire safety. Meet some local crafters and see their creations. Face painting and children’s activities. Sausage sizzle and coffee.

Eltham Rotary Art Show – 3D artworks

 

In total, around 500 works from around 100 artists from Nillumbik will be on show.

Note that it is only the 3D artworks (including ceramics, sculpture, glass and jewellery) that will be displayed at Montsalvat. The 2D artworks (including paintings, photography, printmaking, photogravure and 2D glass) will be displayed at Eltham Community and Reception Centre, from 31st August until 3rd September.

Eltham Concert Band

 

The Eltham Concert Band will perform an eclectic mix of musical genres, including Finlandia by Jean Sibelius and featuring the band’s Lionel Mrocki in a Klezmer Fantazi. Afterwards, talk to the band and tell them which items you liked and which were not so pleasing.

World environment day

 

Oxfam, Amnesty International and St. Margaret’s Eltham are partnering to present Franklin, a documentary film following the journey of 8th generation Tasmanian Oliver Cassidy as he re-traces the trip of his late father who travelled down the beautiful river to attend the blockade that saved the World Heritage listed national park from being destroyed by a huge hydroelectric dam project in the 1980s. Speakers from each group will give a short 3 minute talk minute about their group’s climate actions/concerns.

Paddy’s Market

 

They will have: treasures and collectables; cakes; chutneys; women’s and men’s wear and accessories; children’s clothing and toys; and plants. There will also be a sausage sizzle.

All proceeds will be distributed to local community organisations and services.

Organised by Eltham Rural Group.

The sugar glider nestbox project

 

Charlotte Hall, from Latrobe University, will provide a progress update on the sugar glider nesting box project, including the results of the latest Census in March 2023. She will reveal the outcomes of her research into sugar gliders in urban areas as part of her Honours thesis.

Please enter the school via the back entrance in Beaconsfield Road.

Email them to let them know that you are going.

New Eltham Gateway project – community planting day

 

Walk and work on the new Eltham Gateway project opposite the flower seller near Eltham Lower Park. Planting will be followed by a sausage sizzle and the ‘opening’ of this regenerated area. Take your own gloves & trowel and wear appropriate clothing & footwear.

A celebration of 25 years of reconciliation in Nillumbik

 

The Nillumbik Reconciliation Group will be celebrating 25 years of reconciliation in Nillumbik. There will be a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country led by Wurundjeri Elder Ian Hunter. Performers will include Scott Darlow, Djirri Djirri Dancers and Eltham High School Symphonic Band.