You might know that we (off and on) have the 3078 History Group meeting at ACC, and they have a collection of old letters and written anecdotes etc. from older residents of our neighbourhood. Anyway … if you start to read some of the old archives will see that ALL THE KIDS 70 odd years ago used to swim in the Yarra ALL THE TIME.

And of course, the old baths are down in Alphington … a great reminder of the potential of the amazing river asset that sits underutilised on our doorstep. Just imagine on a hot day heading down to a swimming hole at Darebin Parklands or near the boathouses - it would be super cool right?

In this light, I was excited to get an email from Yarra Council this week …. read on …

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In the lead up to World Water Day 2025 (March 22), the City of Yarra is teaming up with Regeneration Projects to run an exciting new event series. Picture short, guided river walks through Melbourne’s backyard, connecting with community and storytelling. You’ll get to learn practical ways of caring for the Birrarung’s wellbeing and share your ideas about future river swimming places. This aligns with the City of Yarra’s Climate Emergency Plan and commitment as a Signatory of the Swimmable Cities Charter. As the Wurundjeri saying goes, ‘Burndap Birrarung, burndap umarkoo’ (What’s good for the Yarra is good for All).

Join us at one of these upcoming events to connect and learn more about the river:

Business meets the Birrarung – Thursday 6 March 
Book here

Birrarung Cultural Walk & Yarning Circle – Friday 7 March 
Book here

Birrarung Morning Walk & Breathwork – Saturday 8 March 
Book here 

Birrarung & Bubs Bushwalk – Tuesday 18 March 
Book here

Find out more: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/walk-talk-swim-birrarung-3989413

As you probably know, we are a collection point for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, and you can leave donations of household staples in the clearly labelled cupboard in our back garden any time.

The donated goods are collected fortnightly on a Thursday morning. This collection will continue over summer this year.

Thank you to everyone that donates - including schools and churches and individuals.

ASRC provides amazing services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society who cannot access either jobs or government financial assistance due to visa conditions etc.

Their ‘supermarket’ service and meal support makes a huge difference to peoples lives and dignity.

Christmas.

It is very hard to believe that this is our last week of programming for 2024 - but there you go! I hope you are more organised than I am with present buying and general planning …. aagh! Usually I have my shopping complete by the first week of December - this year I have barely scratched the surface. Never mind … it’ll all come together I am sure (it has to right?).

On Thursday we have our last session of Alphington Arts at 7pm. We’ll be doing some paper weaving led by Corrin. If you are interested in joining in this creative group experience look out for it next year and join up!

And … of course everyone is welcome to join us on Friday for an end of year celebration and early Christmas Lunch at 12pm. We’ll have a yummy celebratory buffet, with something for everyone, like chicken and ham and salads … some Christmas cake, brownies and lemon slice. And Santa will be there! We’ll sing a few carols. We’ll have our traditional lucky door prize! RSVP if you can. Gold coin donation appreciated.

We also have Christmas Carols at 7pm, coming up on Sunday 22 December at the Alphington Bowls Club. Another chance to meet Santa … and sing loudly to your hearts content. Always a great local night.

We hope to see you this week.

Leanne

We appreciate all those that spared the time to complete the online survey this week. As you will be aware, the survey was interested in whether neighbourhood houses help people build stronger community connections.

The information is being consolidated by NHVic - our peak body, and will then be forwarded on to the State Government, who provide nearly 500 neighbourhood houses across Victoria with base funding.

Hi all, we’ve got our Christmas Makers Market on Saturday … and it is going to be hot. It is on from 11am-2pm for Christmas shopping, with food and drinks and some Christmas crafty fun!

We’ll have the a/c on inside - you’ll be able to check out the artists exhibiting as part of Alphington Open Studios and cool down … and we’ve got plenty of shade in the garden with our plane trees and pergolas … we’ll also get out our umbrellas and have some icypoles and cool drinks etc. for sale.

More broadly … at this stage it looks like we’ll have a run of days over 30 degrees … which also means homes will heat up and people who rely on public transport for shopping etc. might need to plan ahead.

Darebin Council and Yarra Council have some great info about heat health … with lots of sensible reminders - like shopping for meals that you can eat cold, putting wet washers in the freezer, shading west windows, and more.

And - once you’re all set up at your place you might also like to check in on any neighbours and family who you suspect might find managing the heat difficult. Knowing there is someone to call on is always a good thing!

Also a reminder about the QR code and participant survey running this week. We’d love you to complete it if you can.

See the details in the post below.

Wishing you a great week. Hope to see you here - despite the heat.

Leanne