As you probably know, local government elections are coming up, and the lovely Sarah from AFCA has approached us to hold a ‘meet the candidates’ session for the South East Darebin Ward.

If you are keen to come along please RSVP here. Also, if you would like to ask a question of the candidates please register it with us before the event.

Below is the QR code to the Alphington Bowls Club petition that asks the City of Yarra to refurbish the bowls club facilities, rather than demolish and rebuild them as has previously been on the cards.

There has been an overwhelming response from the bowls club community with a preference to refurbish. 

And they would like broader community support. So, please sign if you support them, and by all means pass this info on to others in the community.

It is to be tabled at the September Council meeting (last before election period).

If You can’t scan the QR code here is the link.

This week we planted some dwarf crepe myrtles out the front in our garden beds. When they grow they will only be about 1.5 metres high, but they will match in colour to the beautiful crepe myrtle out the front of the Community Shed. And so we’ll have some consistent planting drifting across the front our site - which will look lovely.

Also, have you noticed our billy buttons - they are growing amazingly out on the hill at the very corner of our site … Clare is feeling very proud!

And Tom and Corrado are also proud of the sculpture they installed out the front last week. Our AAA Arts group has been painting and cutting and connecting it for ages … and we are glad it is finally installed. It looks super.

Thanks to everyone who came to preserves last week. It was lovely to see you cooking and chatting, and the smells were amazing! What did we make?

We now have a winter fruit chutney and a zucchini pickle for sale. So pop past our office and buy some for your next cheese platter or ploughman’s lunch! You won’t be disappointed. Our preserves cost $7 and the profits made support access all abilities (AAA) programs.

Darebin Council has started the formal round of consultation on their next Council Plan. This is the strategic document that sets out their priority areas of action for the next few years - and subsequently steers their investment in our community.

So … this is your chance to have yours say - get in before the 1 September!

Here is the link to the very quick survey you can complete.

And … whilst you are thinking about rubbish bins and street planting and all the ratey- related things … don’t forget that Council also plays a fabulous role in building and supporting social services to help us all out at our more vulnerable times and make our lives better … (like their investment in kinders, maternal and child health care, aged services, neighbourhood houses, sporting clubs and facilities etc.) and are also advocates for the interests of our community at higher levels of government … including encouraging practical action around wicked problems like climate change, immigration policy, gambling harm etc.

It is great to think strategically about how you would like Council to invest their $$ locally - and this is your chance to let them know!