Local community groups
Allwood Knowledge Centre
Sabi Buehler has written in: “The Allwood Knowledge Centre at Allwood House was recently established and contains a collection of books and magazines focused on sustainability and Aboriginal culture. There is no membership fee (although a gold coin donation would be appreciated) but one needs to register as a member to borrow books. The library also welcomes donations of books provided they are in good condition. Drop in any Tuesday afternoon, 1-4pm, or the 2nd or 4th Sunday of the month, 1-4pm. There are also plans to have talks, library events and art projects in the future. If you are interested in volunteering with the running of this project, contact Allwood House by phone (9718 2717).”
Carers Collective
The Carers Collective is a local carer support group in Nillumbik, made for carers by carers. They have free regular in-person and online meetings, walks in nature and various events. Read more and potentially join.
Community pantries and other local food justice organisations
Here is a map of all the local food justice organisations discussed below, together with their addresses, contact details and links to more information.
Over the past year, 6 ‘community pantries’ have been opened in Nillumbik, in Diamond Creek (at St John’s), Eltham (at the Lions Club), Greensborough (at the neighbourhood house), Hurstbridge (at the Community Hub), Panton Hill (at Living & Learning) and Strathewen (at the primary school). A community pantry is an outside cupboard or equivalent which is kept provisioned with non-perishable food which is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, requires no appointments and is open to whoever needs food. The philosophy is give what you can, take what you need, with people able to donate to the pantry as well. The idea is help people who are struggling without incurring the stigma etc that can come from means-testing.
The pantries are operated by a group of local organisations collectively called The Food Collective, which is led by a Greensborough-based organisation called Diamond Valley Community Support (DVCS). 
DVCS is also the official emergency relief organisation for Nillumbik, which means that it receives monies from the State to provide a range of services to people in need, including food vouchers. Another local food relief organisation is CareNet, who are based in Templestowe.
There are also 3 ‘food is free’ initiatives in or near Nillumbik, in Diamond Creek, Hurstbridge and Warrandyte. ‘Food is free’ initiatives are similar in concept to ‘community pantries’ except that the focus is more on fresh food (fruit, vegetable, bread, etc).
Finally, there is a monthly free community lunch at All Saints Anglican Church in Greensborough which, pre-Covid, used to attract around 100 participants per meal. It is understood that the lunch will be re-starting in December.
Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club
The Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club is based in Eltham and offers a variety of walks catering for all levels of fitness and ability, ranging from a ramble (6-8 kms) to a hard walk (20kms or more). Day walks are offered on Wednesdays and Sundays and take place in different areas ranging from suburban parks to the nearby mountains. Historic walks around the suburbs of Melbourne are also on offer. Basecamps, cycling and a range of social events are also offered. Trips within Australia, overseas and locally are also undertaken periodically. The annual membership fee is $36 per member. Contact them by email (enquiries@diamondvalleybwc.org.au).
Many of Nillumbik U3A’s members are also members of the Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club.
Friends Getting Together is a social group for single people aged 55+ living in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Their activities include dining, barbeques, away trips, film, theatre, dancing, walking and golf. On the 3rd Friday of every month, they organise a Mingles night, where you go along for a chat before you decide to join. Membership is $30 pa.
Eltham District Historical Society (EDHS)
| Located in the original Eltham Justice Precinct (built in 1860), Eltham District Historical Society (EDHS) has around 100 members, including two of the founding members who were part of the Society when it began in 1967. When you have a moment or two, check out their online collection of around 10,000 catalogued local images and documents.
The EDHS holds open days, provides local history presentations and conduct tours of the Eltham Justice Precinct, including the former Eltham court house and the replica police station located on the corner of Main Road and Brougham Street, Tours are available for schools and community groups. Connect to their website* and Facebook for regular updates. |
In total, there are 11 local historical societies in Nillumbik.
Friends Getting Together
Friends Getting Together is a social group for single people aged 55+ living in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Their activities include dining, barbeques, away trips, film, theatre, dancing, walking and golf. On the 3rd Friday of every month, they organise a Mingles night, where you go along for a chat before you decide to join. Membership is $30 pa.
Greenhills Mixed Probus
Probus provides the opportunity for you to meet other retirees on a regular basis, listen to speakers and join together in activities. Greenhills Mixed Probus meets on the 4th Monday of every month at 10am at Greensborough RSL and they welcome new members. To find out more, contact Judy Guest by phone (0431 070 484) or email (judyguest@optusnet.com.au).
Greensborough Salvation Army Triple Ls Club
Greensborough Salvation Army Triple Ls club meets every Friday at the corner of Glendale Road and Flodden Way. It starts at 11.45am with BYO lunch, followed by activities such as bowls, billiards and table games. There is usually a guest speaker and afternoon tea at 2.45pm. For more information, ring 0411 853582.
Karaoke Choir of Diamond Creek
All are welcome to go along and have a sing. You will never be asked to sing by yourself. Forget anyone who has ever told you that you can’t sing. Nonsense. Of course you can. You don’t have to be Joan Sutherland to enjoy singing in a choir. Words and music will be provided by a karaoke machine. If you’ve never been in a choir before, don’t let that stop you. Just go along and enjoy the friendly company and the fun that comes from singing together.
When: Mondays, 1-3pm.
Where: Diamond Creek Uniting Church (opposite the Police Station).
Cost: $10 per week or $70 for 10 weeks.
Registration: Graham Ford by phone (0419 361 487) or email.
Montmorency Asylum Seekers Support Group
Lyn Richards has written: “What do Nillumbik U3A and MASSG have in common? First, a lot of people are members of both. Second, both groups are local and community-based. Third, they share a willingness to learn and to discuss robustly what they have learned.” MASSG aims ‘to support people who have sought asylum in Australia and to defend and promote their right to do so.‘ It meets monthly, and works to help individuals seeking asylum, raise awareness of issues, challenge current harmful policies and promote change. You can find out more at their website. If you want to know more, or want to receive their newsletters, email them.
OMNI
Older Men: New Ideas (OM:NI) men’s discussion groups are a place for men aged 50 and over to meet each other in an informal, social environment to share their knowledge and experiences. There are six such groups in our local area. If you are a man, and you have some free time, why not give them a try?
Oxfam's Diamond Valley Group
Oxfam's Diamond Valley Group produce monthly newsletters. Their 2020 Committee includes at least three members of our U3A: Carole Wigg, Catherine Roby and Louise Currie.
The Eltham Prostate Cancer Information and Support Group
The Eltham Prostate Cancer Information and Support Group has been re-launched. Members of the group do not provide medical advice but give support by sharing our own prostate cancer journeys. They meet on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7pm at the Eltham CFA building, 909 Main Road. Watch their 10 minute video. To find out more, contact them by phone (0418 315 156) or email (pgebert@hotmail.com).
The Springthorpe Heritage Project
The Springthorpe heritage Project is a website about the history of the Macleod and Bundoora areas. They recently created some heritage walks in the area.
There are 5 walks: Mont Park to Springthorpe, Macleod Station to Mont Park, Gresswell Hill and Macleod Hospitals, Larundel Hospital at Mont Park and Bundoora Homestead.
Melbourne-wide groups
Life Activities Clubs Victoria
Life Activities Clubs Victoria is a community organisation contributing to the well-being of the ‘mature’ sector of our community. Here is what they say: “If you’re in the second half of life, you’re approaching your peak. It’s a great time to meet new people, develop your hidden talents and stretch your body and mind. Our focus is on quality of life! We support people to manage their life transitions through educational, social, physical and recreational activities. With hundreds of activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Life’s better together – join a Life Activities Club and make the second half of your life more fun.” Read their latest newsletter.
The nearest clubs to us are Balwyn, Boroondara, Croydon and Darebin.
Matrix Guild
Matrix Guild are a Victorian based group offering support for the care and accommodation choices of older lesbians. They advocate for lesbian friendly services in the areas of independent housing, home-based care and aged care. They aim to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of older lesbians who are marginalised, at risk, disabled and/or frail. Further information can be obtained by phone (0427 482 976) or by email.