Want your event listed? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication.
Play along sessions
The Newport Folk and Fiddle Group Beginner Play Along group offers a great way for you and your family to connect to music. If you are an absolute beginner or have decided to pick up that dusty or unused instrument or have some experience and want to try a new instrument in a safe, casual and welcoming environment, why not come down and have some fun, share a cuppa, bring the kids and maybe even learn something new? All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun. The group is led by Danny. who creates a welcoming and casual environment. These sessions are a great way to musically express yourself and connect with others with a similar interest in a safe and friendly environment. Saturday, December 17. 6.30pm to 8.30pm. 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport, 3015.
■ www.nffc.org.au/beginner-playalong
Christmas fair
Friday, December 2, 3.30pm to 7pm and Saturday, December 3, 9am to 2pm. Gold coin donation. Door prizes, sales of home-made novelty gifts, plants, Christmas treats, toys, cards and handcrafts. Hot food, cold drinks, tea and coffee available. St. Stephens Uniting Church, 179 Melbourne Road, Williamstown.
Movie screening
Braybrook Community Centre is hosting a free film screening of Hidden Figures, a movie about a team of female mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the USA’s space program. The event is part of Maribyrnong council’s annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign, which is an international campaign dedicated to eliminating gender-based violence running from November 25 to December 10. It is used to raise awareness, undertake advocacy and take action to end violence against women. 12.30pm to 2.30pm, Thursday, December 1. Braybrook Community Hub, 107-139 Churchill Ave, Braybrook.
■ www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Events/Hidden-Figures-Film-Screening or 9188 5800
Christmas picnic
The Braybrook Community Hub is hosting a fun family evening at Aeroplane Park in Braybrook. There will be lots of free activities including face painting, pony rides, a magician, a free coffee van, local artisan market stalls, art activities, a visit from Santa Claus, refreshments and a sausage sizzle. All are welcome. Bring your family and friends, a rug and picnic basket, full of your favourite goodies and have a fabulous evening. 6pm to 8pm on Friday, December 9. Braybrook Community Hub, 107-139 Churchill Ave, Braybrook.
■ www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Events/Braybrook-Christmas-picnic-in-the-park or 9188 5800
Jamaican Music & Food Festival
On Saturday, December 10, like-minded Jamaican music and food fans will get to experience one day of reggae, dub, rocksteady and dancehall music. Sound-tracked by the very best DJs, artists and live music the country has to offer, the Jamaican Music & Food Festival has become a benchmark for performance inspired by and straight out of Jamaica. Come together to experience one glorious summertime day of reggae, dub, rocksteady and dancehall music. Seaworks Maritime Precinct, 82 Nelson Place, Williamstown from 11am.
International Cadet Class 2022 World Championship
The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria is hosting the International Cadet Class 2022 World Championship incorporating the International Cadet Class 2022 Australian Championship and International Cadet Class World Championship. The International Cadet Class is the only World Sailing doublehanded junior class boat catering for the ages of 7-17. It is currently sailed in 19 countries across four continents. As well as an action-packed sailing schedule, there will be a strong social program including activities, food and drinks and live music. The event runs between December 19 and January 2, between 10am and 5pm.
Footscray Night Market
The Footscray Night Market is set to return this December taking place on three Friday evenings in the historic gardens of Railway Reserve in Footscray. Each Friday night will offer a different cuisine from around the world matched with a full line-up of entertainment showcasing each culture. Applications are now open for local food traders who are interested to trade at the Footscray Night Market. 5pm to 9pm on Friday, December 2, 9 and 16.
■ www.foodietrails.com.au/events/footscray-night-market-2022
Introduction to computer classes
The Williamstown Community and Education Centre is offering free enrolment for the rest of the year for Beginners Computer classes. Classes are on most days of the week, mornings or afternoon, at either Joan Kirner House Williamstown or Altona North Library.
■ Lynne on 9397 6168
Free English conversation
Is English your second language? Do you want to improve your English language skills? Practice speaking English with friendly volunteer tutors in informal and interactive group sessions. Light refreshments provided. Weekly each Monday during school terms from 1pm to 3pm at Altona Library.
■ Jill Mackenzie on 0439 994 705 or vintage@esc.net.au or Joe Pellone on 0431 915 970 or joepellone@gmail.com
AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club
Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton from 7.00-9.30pm.
■ Helen Fairlie on 0474 498 052
Art workshops
The Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre presents MonArt. Workshops for people of all abilities facilitated by community art specialist Amanda Neville. Mondays 10am to 11.30am. $5 casual fee each week.
■ admin@ljac.com.au or 9398 2511
West Footscray Rotary
The Rotary Club of West Footscray meets at the Medway Golf Club in Maidstone for lunch, fellowship and guest speakers each Wednesday from 12.30pm until 2pm. New members and visitors welcome.
■ David on 0416 497 398
Walking group
The Altona Meadows & Newport Heart Foundation Walking Group is a local community of men and women committed to walking and socialising together for about 60 minutes. It meets Wednesdays at 10am at the Jolly Miller Cafe in Altona Meadows or Fridays at 10am at the Newport Lakes Reserve. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation in order to join.
■ Ian Watson on 0411 566 862 or www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Whats-On/Altona-Meadows-and -Newport-Heart-Foundation-Walking-Groups
Cherry Lake Market
Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market is held on the first Sunday of the month. Set between Millers Road and the stunning Cherry Lake in Altona, this market has something for everyone. The market hosts more than 60 stalls selling plants, bric-a-brac, handcrafts, hot jam donuts, tools, clothing and much more. There is live music every month from the Cherry Lake Cultural Series, showcasing local musicians from across Hobsons Bay. From 9am to 1pm. Cherry Lake, Millers Road, Altona.
■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Whats-On/Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market or cherrylakemarket@gmail.com
Cobber Club
Cobber Club provides exercises suitable for seniors, including chair exercises. The club meets on Mondays at 10am at Oz Tenpin at 2 Linmax Court, Point Cook on the first Monday of each month, Altona RSL at 63 Sargood Street, Altona on the second and fourth Mondays and at the Altona Badminton Centre at 271 Mason Street in Altona North.
Williamstown book sale
Friends of Williamstown Library holds a book sale every second Saturday of each month, 10am-12.30 pm. The book sale is held at Williamstown library in the Friends room, which can be accessed through the front desk. The event is cash only.
■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Drop in chess, cards and Scrabble
If you love playing chess, cards or a game of Scrabble in an informal and fun setting, visit Braybrook Community Centre on Tuesdays, from noon to 2.30pm.
Woodcarving workshop
Aimed at all levels of ability in the ancient and international craft of woodcarving. Women are welcome. Bring your own tools and projects if possible. Or do you have Grandpa’s old gouges to donate? On Tuesdays, 9.30am to noon, at 280 Queen Street, Altona.
Alcoholics Anonymous – Williamstown
Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesday at 7pm and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursday 6.30pm and Saturday 8.30am. All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems.
■ 1300 22 22 22 or www.aatimes.org.au
Heritage walks
Enjoy a leisurely walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre, Nelson Place.
■ John on 0418 377 336
Wednesday walking group
The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are warmly welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea.
■ 9397 6168
Altona book sale
Friends of Altona Library hold a monthly book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library 123 Queen Street Altona, access via Coles carpark, 10am-1pm
■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/community/friends-of-the-libraries
Women’s choir
Willin Wimmin choir welcomes new members. It meets every Wednesday in term time from 7.30-9.30 pm at Church of Christ Hall in Douglas Parade, Williamstown. There are no auditions and members don’t need to be able to read music.
Williamstown Craft Market
Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From 10am to 4pm.
■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Whats-On/Williamstown-Craft-Market
Diabetes support group
The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am.
■ Elaine on 0415 030 996
Musicians welcome
Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join its community band. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport.
■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au
Altona North Combined Probus
The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.
■ Lesley on 0414 481 442
Point Gellibrand Rotary Club
Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. The club has some great speakers and need new, energetic, enthusiastic members who want to make a difference in their community.
■ www.rotarypointgellibrand.com.au, Pam on 0418 347 691 or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com
Mouth organ band
The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. New members welcome.
■ Heather on 9399 2190 or ymob1933@yahoo.com.au
Friendship group
Altona Day Voice Interest and Education of Women [VIEW] Club meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. The club is always open to new members, and anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch today and see what it’s all about.
■ Janet on 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176
