A reminder for anyone with Year 12 students that we are hosting a series of ‘practise exam’ opportunities at ACC on Saturday afternoons in October. It will be a great chance for students to get used to study conditions and set aside some time to practise any exam they choose.

The cost is $15. Book in here.

We think this is a fabulous new initiative and would love your help to spread the word.

Last week we had a Committee of Governance Meeting. Our AGM is coming up on Monday 28 October at 6.30pm and we are hoping to find one or two new committee members. If you have a passion for spreading kindness, helping build community connections and looking out for the most vulnerable in the neighbourhood we’d love you to think about joining up and supporting our lovely organisation. Give me a call or email to chat further.

It is a very non-onerous commitment. Our organisation runs like a well-oiled machine now … and the role of the Committee is not day to day. It provides strategic oversight, meeting about 8 times a year on the last Monday of the month (not in school holidays) - to endorse professionally prepared quarterly finance reports and to double check that the day to day management and programs we offer are addressing the organisational priorities set out in our strategic plan. It also provides an important compliance role for our not-for-profit incorporated association relating to risk management etc.

Our next big undertaking is a review our Constitution and to look at applying for Deductible Gift Recipient status. If you have experience to share around this whole process we would love you to put your hand up!

And on to other things.

You’ll notice if you pass by and look carefully that I painted the pot by the front door orange on Tuesday - to add a bit or razzle dazzle to all our lives! We also put a sign up next to our Marking Time project on the wall under the office window. Just to explain to anyone passing by that those marks represent the 6 lockdowns and 262 days we all experienced … it feels a long time ago now doesn’t it? Thank goodness.

It is coming up to to Adult Learners Week and, as neighbourhood houses in general offer quite a lot of learning opportunities for adult learners, Darebin Libraries have invited all the houses in Darebin to do something at their local library. We love doing things in partnership with the Library (hello book clubs) … and we will be having a display in the Fairfield Library windows for the month of September. So … next time you are walking through the Fairfield community building take a look. Kalimna has printed a whole heap of her photos that capture so beautifully all the learning opportunities we offer here … and we’ve got our program up and brochures out etc. Fun! Thanks so much Fiona (from the Libraries) for organising this opportunity.

Council elections are coming up … and we’re looking at holding a meet and greet so that our community gets a chance to have friendly conversations with the Darebin candidates in the South East Ward (that’s us). We’re doing this is partnership with AFCA (Alphington Fairfield Civic Association) and we’re more the host site than the key organisers, but there is a tentative date of Thursday 19 September on the cards.

If you are interested in coming along you can email us here and we’ll keep you up to date with the plan as it evolves.

Ok, that’s it I think. Oh yes, this is the last week of Crunch for this term - come along if you are keen. Also, our Wednesday Playgroup is busy and friendly … and everyone is welcome. 10am -12pm. Also … our Tuesday Active Adult exercise class is building. If you are interested in joining in too please call or email. We can adjust the payment for the weeks still to come. It works out at $15 a week, and Jess who runs it is lovely! 11am - the perfect time to keep fit!

Also, see the post below about the DIY Lemon Cleaner Workshop. We’d love to see you!

Have a great week.

Leanne

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.

It is hard to choose a movie for lots of people isn’t it?

This month for Movie Club we are going to see Iris and the Men. Quite light hearted. Starts at 6pm at Westgarth Cinema. We’ll head over to Kelvin Bar afterwards for a drink and a chat.

Here is the trailer if you are interested in coming along. Do let us know so we can look out for you. Email or call!

We are expecting to have about 30 artists as part of our Winter Arts Exhibition this year. What we really love about this exhibition is that it is so inclusive. Anyone can enter works. So … some works are by well established artists whilst others are by emerging artists. It is lovely to see the mix!

The Exhibition runs Saturday and Sunday 10am - 4pm, with a fun opening night on this Friday from 5 - 7pm. Come along!

We are thrilled that our AAA Arts group will enter some works this year. Our access all abilities programs are run by staff but supported by generous locals who volunteer their time weekly to help us ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to do the things they most enjoy.

Here are some process pictures.