We have a spot (and maybe two) left in our new intermediate Women in the Shed program … so if you are interested just click here … AND if it is sold out call us (because I think someone who has booked a spot might not be able to come after all - so there might be an extra spot available). Kalimna will sort it all out on Tuesday. Our number is 9499 7227.

Note the course will start next week, that is the first week of August, not this week as advertised, and will run for 6 weeks on Thursday afternoons. It costs &240.

We still have places available in our upcoming Repair workshops if you are keen to book in …

Sewing Machine Maintenance on Saturday 29th July from 10am

Lamp Repair Workshop on Saturday 5th August from 10am.

Overlocker Maintenance on Saturday 12th August from 10am.

These workshops are subsidised by Sustainability Victoria so you can learn how to repair and maintain things yourself - rather than throwing them away.

As we approach the end of term 2 we’re all looking forward to a break so that we can return refreshed and ready to roll for the second half of the year.

So, firstly this is a reminder that we’ll finish up this Friday 23 June and take a two week break - then see you all on Monday 10 July bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready for term 3.

In this last week we’ll be working on the program for next semester.

We’ve had lots of people come and talk to us about new ideas which is just fabulous! We’ve had discussions about health, wellbeing and fitness classes, maternal/child health support, art classes, community art projects and more. So we’ll spend the week following these ideas up and seeing which ones we can get going.

And we’re also talking with our local artists from Alphington Open Studios about the dates for this year, and talking with the Music from the Wetlands committee about how we can best help out for that fabulous event (how EXCITING - it will be on again in late November, always such a wonderful day!).

We’re also super thrilled that our colleagues over in Richmond got a grant from Sustainability Victoria all about building a ‘repair’ culture. And they have invited us to be part of their workshop series. So we might have a bike repair workshop here, maybe Gordon back for Sewing Machine and Overlocker maintenance/repairs, and a session on how to repair a lamp … Sounds great hey (I’d love to know how to use a kit to rewire my lovely old standard lamp safely … ). Richmond are just in the process of working out what happens at which site!

We also have two students from The Academy of Mary Immaculate here this week, which will be just lovely. I am sure they will be very helpful in getting organised for the end of term. And also a great resource to tap into for programming ideas. Look out for them and make them feel welcome!

And finally I have included a photo from last week of the green tomato relish that our lovely preserves group made. The tomatoes came from Kalimna’s mum and dad who have a big garden - she brought in so many tomatoes that our cooks needed two sessions to get through them all. With donated glass jars and fabric and donated ingredients, our preserves group activities are not just about being productive and helping us fundraise whilst chatting and making community connections, but also about low food miles and recycling! It’s super isn’t it!

Yarra Council is inviting residents to sign up to a food waste challenge. Here are the details.

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Reducing avoidable food waste at home can save you money and time! 

Join the free 12-week online food waste challenge to reduce avoidable food waste, and to go in the draw to win 1 of 10 swag starter packs to keep your refrigerated vegetables and fruit fresh for longer (Yarra residents only)***. 

 By signing up, you will receive fortnightly emails with our top tips for reducing food waste, and a challenge which is both achievable and fun.  

 Sign up to Yarra’s food waste challenge – Be food smart | Yarra City Council

Hooray! Hard rubbish collections begin in June.

Darebin’s hard rubbish collection is being rolled out area-by-area starting after the long weekend … moving south to north every two weeks.

You will receive a brochure in your letter box before your collection - it will include everything you need to know!

It is super important to note that Council can only actually recycle e-waste, mattresses, car tyres and scrap metal … so the rest (that isn’t collected by neighbours etc. as part of the joyful informal hard rubbish swap that inevitably happens!) goes to landfill.

BUT … this year there is someplace to take those great-for-someone-else things that don’t get redistributed before the truck comes by … Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes is once again setting up ReLove - the PreLoved Pop Up … a friendly recycling shop!

So if you have items that someone else might love - or if you just like to rifle through other people’s junk in a friendly shop environment (rather than - or perhaps in addition to - on the street), pop on down to the old Kmart Tyre and Auto at the back of the Plaza (should be a super venue) and check out what’s in stock.

And … it is ALL run by volunteers SO … to volunteer yourself just click here. And … if you want to find out more about these passionate and committed locals (and pick up bargains year round) you can join Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes on Facebook.

Hard rubbish season is THE BEST season!