Carers’ walk and talk
Pathways for Carers is running free walking events in Footscray. A collaboration between the state government, Interchange Outer East and Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL), the Pathways for Carers program is launching a monthly walk in Footscray on the third Thursday of each month. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 9.15am for a 9.30am start, with a complimentary morning tea available at Myrtle Wine Cafe in Footscray from 10.15am. The goal of each group is to provide carers with peer-based support, information, services and resources, opportunities to be active and connect with other carers, connect with nature and connect with their local community.
■ lauren.mcalpine@bsl.org.au or www.pathwaysforcarers.com.au
Choir leader needed
The Laverton Community Choir is seeking a relaxed, fun and community minded musical director volunteer to guide the choir in song. The not for profit, non-audition all-abilities choir has been singing for many years and enjoy a handful of performances a year within the local and surrounding community areas. With full support from the committee and members, the successful applicant will have sound musical experience (competent pianist, ability to read, interpret and arrange music), an inclusive and open leadership style, with a commitment to having a positive relationship with all members and a desire to work with the committee to develop and implement a long-term plan for the choir. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm (with a 15-minute supper break at 8pm) during the school terms. The position will be effective from term 3, 2023. However, earlier involvement from June with the outgoing musical director would be encouraged.
New choir launch
A new community choir in Melbourne’s west will launch on Friday, April 28. With One Voice – Hobsons Bay will meet at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre at 5 Sargood Street in Altona each Friday afternoon from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, followed by tea and coffee and a chat. The choir is open to people of all abilities, cultures, backgrounds, vocal ranges, ages and genders. No auditions and no sheet music.
■ www.withonevoice.org.au/choirs/hobsonsbay/
Food relief markets
Yarraville Community Centre will be hosting a food relief market for those in need of assistance with food and essentials. The market will be held in the car park located at 59 Francis Street in Yarraville between 10am and 12.30pm on Wednesday, May 17. Visitors can select their own food including fresh fruit and vegetables as well as pantry staples, use family and individual support services, select clothing, toys and homewares from West Welcome Wagon, access health advice.
Children’s activities are also on offer.
■ Bettina, 0411 954 774 or btwyman@ycc.net.au.
Flower workshops
Want to learn how to do professional flower arrangements in a fun and relaxed program? Flowers, vase and snacks included. Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson St, Williamstown.
■ Liza, 0416 268 959
Newport folk and fiddle
Have you thought of taking up an instrument or dusting off that guitar or ukulele or other instrument recently? Then join the Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group. Absolute beginners or those with some experience are welcome to come along and play in a safe, casual and welcoming environment. Come on down, have some fun, make new friends, have a cuppa and maybe even learn something new. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy and appreciate music. Children are also welcome. The group is led by Danny, who creates a welcoming and casual environment. Saturday, April 22. 6.30pm to 8.30pm. 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport.
■ www.nffc.org.au/beginner-playalong
Seeking stories
Award-winning local author Dr Dominique Hes is writing a book on Newport Lakes, tracing its history, its impact and its contribution. The book will outline the story of its development, highlighting the role of consensus, courage, vision and working with nature to create a beautiful ecological and social place. Weaving in theories of biophilia, regenerative development and placemaking with local stories, it aims to provide inspiration for other communities looking at what they can do in their neighbourhoods. Locals are asked to come forward with any stories, photos, memories to be included in the book.
Williamstown book sale
Friends of Williamstown and Newport Libraries hold a book sale every second Saturday of each month 9.30am to 12.30pm. The book sale is held in Friends’ Room – entrance from deck on Ferguson Street. Cash only sales.
■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Heritage walks
Enjoy a leisurely one-and-a-half hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. Each week is a different week and a printed sheet with the route and points of interest provided each week. Walks are leisurely and we usually end at a café for a tea/coffee.
■ John, 0418 377 336
Walking group
The Altona Meadows and Newport Heart Foundation Walking Group is a local community of men and women committed to walking together, socialising together with a post-walk coffee and chat and enjoying the natural beauty and birdlife that is to be found throughout Hobsons Bay together. Anyone is welcome to join the group on Mondays 10am at Altona Beach, Wednesdays 10am at Altona Meadows (Jolly Miller Café) or on Fridays 10am, at Newport Lakes. The group walks for 60 minutes and enjoys the physical and psychological benefits of walking together in clean, fresh air rain, hail or shine, at its own pace and according to individual abilities. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation in order to join. Hobsons Bay resident Ian Watson established the walking group four years ago under the Heart Foundation’s umbrella, and, in 2021, was awarded the Heart Foundation’s Australia wide Golden Shoe Award for Courage and Commitment.
■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862 or www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Whats-On/Altona-Meadows-and-Newport-Heart-Foundation-Walking-Groups
Free walking group
Every Wednesday (during term dates) at 10.15am from Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson St, Williamstown.
■ Tahlia, 9397 6168
Free community morning tea
Every Wednesday at 11.00am in Joan Kirner House foyer, 14 Thompson St, Williamstown.
■ Tahlia, 9397 6168
Computer classes for beginners
A wide range of times and days, at both Altona North Community Centre, and Joan Kirner House in Williamstown.
■ Lynne, 9397 6168
Palliative volunteers needed
Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support.
■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au
Musicians Wanted
Established in 1979, the Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Do you play woodwind, brass or percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? Rehearsals are held Saturdays during school terms, 9am to noon at Braybrook College.
■ westgateconcertband@gmail.com
Free English conversation class
Is English your second language? Do you want to improve your English skills and meet new people? Practise English conversation in informal interactive group sessions. Light refreshments provided. Mondays during school terms from 1pm to 3pm at the Altona Library meeting room at Queen Street, Altona.
■ Joe Pellone, 0431 915 970, or joepellone@gmail.com, or Jill Mackenzie, 0439 994 705, or jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com
Willin Wimmin choir
Williamstown-based women’s community choir Willin Wimmin is currently welcoming new members to take part in a free no-obligation try out session. The group meets each Wednesday evening in school terms in the Church of Christ hall at the corner of John Street and Douglas Parade in Williamstown from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music.
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, 0414 481 442
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. Funds raised for the Smith Family Learning for life program.
■ Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176
Diabetes support group
The Westgate Diabetes Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am.
■ Elaine, 0415 030 996
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 7-9.30pm.
■ Vimi Gaoneadry, 0411 530 944
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-11.30am. Cost: $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 12.30 until 2pm.
■ David, 0416 497 398
Cherry Lake Market
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 on the first Sunday of every month. Cherry Lake, Millers Road, Altona.
■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Whats-On/Altona Lions Club Cherry Lake Market or cherrylakemarket@gmail.com
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, 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 to 1pm.
■ libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/community/friends-of-the-libraries
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
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
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, 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, 9399 2190 or ymob1933@yahoo.com.au
Westgate Diabetes support Group
The Westgate Diabetes support Group meets on the first Tuesday each Month at 10am, at Altona Bowling club, 113 Civic Parade, Altona. New members welcome.
■ Elaine,0415 030 996.
Altona Day View Club
The Altona Day View Club meets on the third Wednesday each Month at 11am , at the Altona R.S.L. 31 Sargood St, Altona VIC 3018,Funds raised for Learning for Life program, New Members Welcome.
■Julie,9394 6710 or 0421 315 846.
Joan Kirner Community Centre
The Joan Kirner Community Centre will be running a basic Home Maintenance course for four weeks beginning on the 17th of May, the following sessions will be held on the 24th of May, 31st of May and the 7th of June. The sessions will run from 6.30pm – 8.30pm, all topics include r course topics include:How to replace a broken tile (week 1), How to repair a hole in the wall (week 2 & 3) and Preparation and painting (week 4). All instructors, take home notes, props and consumables provided. Learn whilst you have fun! $125 (full) $75 (concession).
■Mandy, info@imstilllearning.org, www.imstilllearning.org or 0451 717 401
Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group
The Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group is a great place for absolute beginners or those with some experience, to play music in a safe, casual and welcoming environment. Come on down, have some fun, make new friends, have a cuppa 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. Children are also most welcome. Our 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”. Date: Saturday 20th of May, 2023, Time : 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Venue: 2nd Newport Scouts 6 Market Street, Newport 3015.
■https://www.nffc.org.au/beginner-playalong
Mens healthy cooking workshop
To celebrate men’s health week, we are holding a free cooking session to make pasta or pizza. This is an opportunity for men to partake in a healthy and fun workshop and share a healthy meal together. Friday, 16 June, 10am-12:30pm at the Braybrook Community Hub, 107 – 139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook 3019
Thai Vegan Cooking Workshop
Come along and create a deeply nourishing soup, with shiitake mushrooms and other vegies are cooked in a vegetable broth seasoned with lime zest and juice, (optional) chillies garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Garnish with cilantro and crispy mung bean sprouts for a delicious meal you’ll want to make again. You will get to sit down and enjoy a delicious lunch together. Friday, 23 June, 10am – 12.30pm $20 at the Braybrook Community Hub, 107 – 139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook 3019
■ Braybrook Community Hub on 9188 5800
Exploring Drawing Media
A series of drawing workshops exploring different mediums and techniques used in drawing. This class is a chance to use materials to create interesting and expressive compositions. We will create homages to famous and classical artists. : Tuesdays, 9 May – 13 June, 1 – 3pm, $40 Full |$30 Concession, Braybrook Community Hub, 107 – 139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook 3019
■ Braybrook Community Hub on 9188 5800
Hey pesto!
Learn how to make a variety of Pesto’s from the various fresh herbs you can find in the garden during the ‘Autumn abundance’. Using herbs such as basil, dill, parsley, coriander, thyme and more, create amazing pestos that can be used on their own, or be the base for dips, pasta sauces and flavour punches to winter casseroles and stews.
The pestos can all be frozen and used to liven-up the colder days ahead.
The workshop finishes with a pasta meal using one or more of the pestos as a sauce. Each participant will take home 5 sample pestos that they can use at home. Wednesday , 17 May , 10am – 12.30pm, $20, Braybrook Community Hub, 107 – 139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook 3019
■ Braybrook Community Hub on 9188 5800
Hobsons Bay Walking Football league
IPC Health in partnership with Football Victoria, U3A and Hobsons Bay City Council invite you to come and play walking football. Never heard of walking football? It’s a fun and social way for older people to get active with a low impact sport and to boost their health and wellbeing. Every Wednesday from 12pm-1pm, Lacrosse court at PJ Lynch Reserve, No experience needed!, Free to join
PLANT/MOTHERS’ DAY AND GARAGE SALE
179 Melbourne Road WILLIAMSTOWN, SATURDAY 13th May 8.30am-12pm, BARGAINS OF ALL KINDS. GREAT VARIETY OF PLANTS, GIFTS IDEAL FOR MOTHERS’ DAY.BIG GARAGE SALE:COLLECTIBLES (ESPECIALLY THIMBLES OF ALL KINDS) LOADS OF BRIC-A-BRAC, BOOKS, TOYS, JIGSAW PUZZLES BIKES, CLOTHES, SHOES ETC..
■ Phone Iris on 9397 7695 for further info.
