Our first mosaics class has been super. Lee is leading participants through the process of creating mosaic art works utilising the tiles in our stash … including leftover pool tiles from my house, a variety of pink bathroom tiles (ceramic and glass) from Anne’s renovation, green glass tiles from Elise’s bathroom reno … and other lovely tiles that have been donated along the way (I may have also found some in hard rubbish).

They are also sourcing and working with broken plates and cups from op shops etc. and utilising the colours/patterns and natural shapes of these items to create 3D elements in their works.

In this fun, mindful and creative process participants are also learning some great new skills that build confidence to tackle small jobs at home, including as you would imagine … how to cut tiles, how to space tiles, what glues to use, how to grout and how to seal tiles … perfect if the splash back needs a facelift or a tile has come loose in the bathroom.

Also … if you have colourful glass tiles or small colourful wall tiles (eg. thin) left over from a project at your house that could do with a new home think of us … check in me (Leanne) or Lee if they’d be useful.

We’ll be running this course again next semester, so keep an eye out if you are interested.

Lee made this lovely example using a variety of cutting techniques and materials.

Are you a small business owner with skills and knowledge to share? A history buff? An amateur sleuth? Do you have a story to tell? Podcasting is a great way to do it!

Podcasting is really accessible and fun. You just need some basic knowledge and skills to get going. How to record, how to edit, how to upload your finished product onto the internet etc. And tips and tricks on what makes a great podcast.

Keen to find out more? Come along to ACC for 4 weeks in July/August and learn the art and craft of podcasting from Ben McKenzie, who regularly teaches podcasting and cohosts the monthly Terry Pratchett book club Pratchat.

Over 4 weeks you’ll explore all the basic elements to podcasting and you’ll get the chance in week 3 to book in time in ‘the cupboard’ our podcasting studio - to make your own recording … so you will walk away new knowledge and skills … and your first product.

The cost is $220. Book in here.

Podcasting 101

$220.00

Buy now

Did you know we have a toy library at ACC?

It is an amazing community resource that has been running for many years.

It costs $45 +gst a year to join and you can borrow up to 4 toys at a time for a 2 week period.

We have a super range of indoor and outdoor toys you can borrow, fist bikes, scooters, walkers, party kits, musical instruments , puzzles and more. Our toys are suitable for children from birth through kinder.

Toy libraries are a great way to try toys out before you buy … and to ensure your house doesn’t become overrun with things. They are also great for the planet 🌍 - reducing waste.

Our toy library is now fully online and you can book your toys anytime, then collect them on Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning.

We have grandparents as members along with parents. Join up today.

The (now) annual Yarra Neighbourhood House Network thank you lunch for volunteers was on this Saturday - rounding up National Volunteer Week.

It was lovely that some of our committee and fabulous volunteers got to meet other volunteers across Yarra, and enjoy lunch and music and chatting.

The event was also attended by key staff and Councillors from Yarra which was super.

At ACC we have so many people who do big and little things to help each week - from coordinating their book club to teaching line dancing … to dropping off the money, helping out at our markets, knitting, cooking, setting up toy library … providing extra support for participants for our access all abilities programs … and of course being on our committee of governance to help guide our strategic direction.

So … thanks so much to EVERYONE who puts time and energy into ACC. We really appreciate it!

Hi Leanne here. With our new room and reconfiguration of our spaces we are now looking at our general programming … and also starting to think about what we will run next semester. If you have a great idea for something to run here please give us a call or send an email. We really love new ideas. We’ll finalise things in the next few weeks, before the school holidays.

Excitingly, we have lots of great things on our radar already including:

• new meditation/mindfulness classes

• another introduction to podcasting short course starting at the end of July - this time with Ben McKenzie who is a very experienced teacher

• another mosaics workshop with Lee (she’s loved the first one)

• a new evening art group where we will keep costs down by sharing skills and knowledge

• a street/neighbourhood photography course on the weekend suitable for families

• our winter art exhibition in mid August (artists start thinking about what you could enter!)

• Alphington Open Studios at the end of the year

• our Christmas Makers Market at the end of November

I am going to start putting some of the links to these activities on our ‘enrol’ page this week, so keep an eye out if you are super keen to book in. As I get them organised I will make sure I add the direct links into the newsletter over the coming weeks.

We’re looking forward to getting settled after a period of chaos … and of course offering a great range of events, courses and programs throughout second semester that engage a wide range of people from our local community.