Fiddle group
The Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group is a great place for 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. The third Saturday of the month, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport.
■ www.nffc.org.au/beginner-playalong
Sing with WIllin Wimmin choir
Do you like to sing? Join a supportive and welcoming group of women who sing with heart. The group welcomes anyone who identifies as a woman. No auditions, singing experience or music background necessary. The group meets on Wednesdays during school term, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at The Bridge Church hall, 119 Douglas Parade, Williamstown. The first two evenings of attendance are free.
Prep for employment course
Seeking a change in career or how to improve your employability? Receive face-to-face help with job searches, resumes, interviews, upskilling and more in a prep for employment course. Register today. At 43 Mason Street, Newport.
■ 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
Intro to computers course
For beginners and those looking to refresh skills. The computer lab is fully equipped for interactive and hands-on learning. Accessing information, resources, file management, emails, Microsoft Office, AI and online safety. At 43 Mason Street, Newport.
■ 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
Positions vacant
Join the Hobsons Bay Community Fund (HBCF) as a committee member to support and strengthen your local community. It is seeking to fill the treasurer’s role as well as other voluntary positions.
Dementia-cise
Fitness for her is offering a free, low-impact group class for individuals with dementia to maintain communication and social engagement. A six-week term started on Thursday, May 9, and will offer 30-minute exercise classes for people living with dementia and their carers at Central Square Shopping Centre, shop 46-47, Newham Way, Altona Meadows.
■ www.fitnessforher.com.au, or
9360 8000
Willy walking group
A free walking group meets every Wednesday, during school terms, at 10.15- 11am, from Joan Kirner House,
14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.
■ Tahlia, 9397 6168
Everyday English language course
For women of all ages and backgrounds with English as a second language. Practice speaking English in different situations, and make new friends. Fridays, 10am-noon. At 43 Mason Street, Newport.
■ 9391 8504, outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
Laverton Community Choir
The choir is welcoming new members, especially male voices. If you love singing and would like to be part of a choir, come along and try out your vocal cords with this fun and welcoming group of singers. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. The group meets on Thursday evenings during school terms at Laverton P12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton, from 7-9pm.
■ Sue, 0418 386 147, or lavertoncommunitychoir@gmail.com
Free parent support
Hobsons Bay council’s new support group, ’Tuning in to Teens’ is designed to help parents with a range of teenage topics. These include understanding your teen better, helping your teen to manage difficult emotions, helping to prevent behavioural issues in your teen and teach your teen how to deal with conflict more effectively. Tuning in to Teens is a free six-session parenting program. The next term will run on Mondays, from 6.30-8.30pm, commencing May 20, running online.
■ 9932 4000 or youth@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Mouth Organ Band
Yarraville Mouth Organ Band is looking for new members. Band practice is held on Friday evenings at 8pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. For great music in a friendly atmosphere feel free to call in one Friday evening.
■ Heather 9399 2190 or
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-2.30pm.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, Wednesdays at 7pm, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Newport, Thursdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays at 8.30am. All welcome including friends and family of people with drinking problems.
■ 1300 22 22 22, or www.aatimes.org.au
Wednesday walking group
The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea.
■ 9397 6168
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- 4pm.
■ www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Whats-On/Williamstown-Craft-Market
Musicians wanted
Community morning tea
A free community meeting tea occurs every Wednesday at 11am in Joan Kirner
House foyer, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.
■ Tahlia, 9397 6168
Meditation for stress management
Meditate under the guidance of an experienced teacher through visualisation, breath and movement. A form of mindful planning combining the psychological process of visualising, preparing for the future, and assigning action steps. Held at the Braybrook Community Hub between 10-11am on Fridays. This class will also be live streamed for you to join from home. Cost is $60 per a 10-week term or $6 per session.
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 car park, from 10am-1pm. ■ libraries.hobsonsbay.
Altona Girl Guides
Altona Girl Guides currently have vacancies for girls aged five-plus who would like to learn new skills, gain confidence,and expand their friendship circle while having fun.
■ Girl Guides Victoria, 8606 3500- www.guidesvic.org.au
Laverton Community Education Centre
Laverton Community Education Centre has started free AMEP classes in Williamstown Community Education Centre at the Joan Kirner House, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday,s from 9.30am-3pm. Participants can build English, digital and employability skills with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).
■9369 2726
Woodcarving workshop
The woodcarving workshop meets on Tuesdays at 9.30am-noon at Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, 280 Queens Street, Altona. All levels of ability in this ancient, international craft are welcome, women included, starter tools and timber available.
Musicians wanted
Do you play woodwind, brass or percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? The Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held Saturdays during school terms, 9am-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 1-3pm, at the Altona Library.
■ Joe Pellone, 0431 915 970, or joepellone@gmail.com, or Jill Mackenzie, 0439 994 705, or jill.mackenzie111@gmail.com
Willy walking group
A free walking group meets every Wednesday, during school terms, at 10.15- 11am, from Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.
■ Tahlia, 9397 6168
Social card games
Interested in playing social card games? Canasta, poker and/or others. Weekday mornings or afternoons at 43 Mason Street, Newport.
■9391 8504, email outlets@outletsco-op.com.au