This is a collation of local news and opportunities sent to the Neighbourhoods team to share. Community event information was correct at the time of publishing, but is subject to change. Please contact the event organiser.

If you have an event or opportunity to add, get in touch.

Citywide updates

See what's happening around Melbourne this month.

City of Melbourne

  • Midsumma at Meatmarket - From 31 January, catch 3x extraordinary live stage shows at Meat Market Stables celebrating queer culture; ‘One of them ones’, ‘STUCK’, ‘Vespertilio’. Visit the website for details and tickets.
  • Genesis ball and workshops - 6-10pm Saturday 2 December at the North Melbourne Town Hall, GENESIS is a ball for everyone, with an invitation to cis folks to come and see the brilliance of the trans community at the heart of Naarm. Either side of the GENESIS ball, there’ll be peer-led workshops for trans folks to imagine what ballroom can do for us here, to give first-time walkers space to breathe and bring together intergenerational community. Tickets: Standard $35 | Reduced $20 | BLAKTIX $10
  • What's On Melbourne - Find all the free and festive events in Melbourne this month, including Koorie Krismas, The Big Design Market, Moonlight Cinema, Birrarung River Light Show and more.
  • Women’s Only Fitness Programs. Join any or all of these low-cost wellness sessions hosted in culturally safe spaces: Wednesdays 7 – 8pm Women’s Only fitness at Carlton Baths Gym | Fridays 10 – 11am Women’s only gym program at North Melbourne Community Centre | Women's only swim 2-4pm Saturday + swim lessons. For more information, contact Paula Butcher on 0459 988 192 or paula.butcher@ymca.org.au.
  • Tech Connect - Formally known as Connect Café, Tech Connect provides free tech help for older people with trained and skilled Tech Helpers from Lively. Learn about using your mobile, laptop or tablet to connect with family and friends, do research or discover new interests. One-on-one support sessions for tricky tech questions are available. Weekly sessions running in North Melbourne, Kensington and South Yarra.
  • Chatty Cafe - is our new social connection program running weekly on Thursdays from 1pm – 3pm at the Kensington Neighbourhood Centre, 18 Anthony Street. Come inside out of the cold and join us for a cuppa and afternoon tea. Play our board games and puzzles and explore our beautiful sensory garden and library, with pre-loved library books to keep. Connect, relax, and experience the joy of Chatty Cafe's warm atmosphere and have a chat! All welcome, light afternoon tea provided. No bookings required.
  • ArtPlay - City of Melbourne's creative space for children up to 13. Explore and create innovative arts experiences that encourage self-expression and playful exchange.
  • Signal - City of Melbourne's creative studio for young people aged 14 to 25 years. Find out about workshops, exhibitions, installations, live events and performances across a range of art forms and practices.
  • Library programs – find out more about events, book clubs, children’s programs, and exhibitions at our libraries.
  • Getting immunised - free and paid immunisation services via our regular community immunisation sessions.
  • Playgroups are for everyone with children under 6 years of age. We are inclusive of all families. Find out more to join one of the playgroups.
  • Need Toys? Did you know, City of Melbourne Libraries members can now borrow toys from our dedicated toy libraries at The Chapel in Carlton and Hotham Hub in North Melbourne? Quality toys for ages 0 to 8 years encouraging play, developing skills and imagination, and supporting brain, muscle, and language development. Find out more.
  • Welcoming New Families to Melbourne - are you and your family new to living in the City of Melbourne? Do you want to learn more about many free services available to you and your family? Do you want to connect with other families who are also new to Melbourne and get to know the local community? Come along to our free information/playgroup sessions each week for nine weeks. Tuesdays 2-3.30pm at Community Hub at the Dock.

Other

  • Discover Kensington Christmas Fair - Bellair Street, Kensington comes alive Saturday 2 December 10.00am - 4.00pm to celebrate the festive season, with free Christmas activities; roving performers, magicians, face painting, giveaways and of course Santa. A great family day out!
  • Love and Rage - Catch Love and Rage Dec 2-3 at Ross House and the Melbourne Theosophical Society. Brought to you by the Nicholas Building Association, this series of talks, panels, lectures, poetry, music and workshops agitates for a better tomorrow, today. Unpack the end of empire and the bin-fire that is neoliberal capitalism.
  • Tennis tickets - Tennis Australia are offering 40x free tickets for local community members to attend the Australian Open Tuesday 16th January (valued $51.23 each) from 11am to the end of play. These tickets can be for adults or children. Interested parties must contact Kara.barnett@melbourne.vic.gov.au by 5pm, Friday 8th December.
  • Run with us - a community of runners meeting every Sunday for a 10 kilometre run starting at the Malthouse
  • Melbourne Men’s shed offers a space for men to meet and provide a range of activities from woodwork, a walking group, cooking classes and social activities. You can also get involved in some volunteer work.
  • Are you a gig worker? Pop into the Gig Workers Hub. This is a space for delivery riders and rideshare driver communities to gather and get support, free food and drink, access to toilets, charging points and more. Open 2pm to 5pm, Thursdays and Sundays. At Micro-Labs. 227-229 Bourke St, Melbourne.
  • Mamma Ball is a women’s basketball skills and fitness program led by Deakin Melbourne Boomers WNBL players and coaches, sessions are aimed at beginners to seasoned veterans. Complimentary morning tea afterwards. Thursdays 9.30am – 10.30am at Melbourne Sports Centre Parkville. Free but registration required.
  • HuddleUp Women’s Workouts. Low impact workouts for women of all ages. Every Thursday 12pm – 1pm at Carlton Baths, 248 Rathdowne St, Carlton. For more information, contact Mariam at mariam.taleb@nmfc.com.au.
  • Dadfit is a new program running activities focused on connecting dad and fathers. Every Thursday 7pm – 9pm, online.
  • Explore Flagstaff Gardens. Every Monday until December 18. Join expert tour guides from the Royal Historical Society of Victoria on a guided walk through the beautiful Flagstaff Gardens, considering its topography and history.

City of Melbourne

  • Royal Park Master Plan review - Help us update our Royal Park Master Plan by 10 December and guide the management of the biggest park in our City.
  • More green space for Southbank - Have your say by 17 December on our proposal to expand Miles and Dodds Street Reserve to perhaps twice its current size.
  • Carlton parking review - Monday 11 December, 5:30 to 7:30pm join us at Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre where we’ll present an overview of Carlton parking data and community insights. We’ll also present our proposed parking improvement options for discussion and feedback. This workshop will build on discussions from workshop 1 and is open to both new and returning participants. Register today.
  • A new park for Kensington - In 2021, the City of Melbourne purchased 70-90 Chelmsford Street in Kensington for the purpose of creating more public open space for the community, and advancing opportunities to improve Moonee Ponds Creek. Help inform the design and development on our proposed vision.
  • Who gets to name our places - Provide feedback on Council’s Draft Place and Road Naming Policy and Guidelines before 20 December to have a greater say in naming new and unnamed lanes, roads and public spaces, with an emphasis on correcting the imbalance that sees women and Aboriginal culture underrepresented.
  • Read the latest media releases, newsletters and public notices from the City of Melbourne.

Other

City of Melbourne

  • General Financial Hardship Policy - assists eligible residents and businesses experiencing financial difficulty due to COVID-19 to pay their City of Melbourne permits, licences and fees.
  • Meeting places for ATSI groups - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations can now book meeting rooms, performance spaces, recording studios and creative technology makerspaces with no-cost at all our Libraries and Community Hubs.

Other

  • Donate toys & food - please drop-off any new toys and non-perishable food items by 13 December to Melbourne North Police Station, 36 Wreckyn St, North Melbourne. All donated items are passed onto local agencies to distribute to families in need over the holidays, including the Venny and Ronald McDonald House. For more information contact Leading Senior Constable Nick Parissis on 8379 0800 | nektarios.parissis@police.vic.gov.au
  • Home internet for students - Families can now directly self-nominate for the School Student Broadband Initiative to provide free home internet for one year for up to 30,000 unconnected families with school age students. Eligibility: have a child living at home that is enrolled in school, do not have active broadband service over the NBN network, but your property can access a standard NBN service. Contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 (Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm AEDT), or visiting the website.
  • Survey for migrant workers - The Migrant Workers Centre is conducting its Annual Survey to better understand the opportunities and challenges related to migrating to Australia. If you are aged 18 or older and have migrated to Australia to live, work or study please share your experiences and insights as part of the anonymous 15-minute survey, and go into the draw to win one of 10x $100 Gift cards.
  • Student discounts - With just the flash of a student card, you can score epic discounts. Cheap feasts, coffee deals and free or discounted entry to some of Melbourne’s best attractions.
  • Organisations that use land for community benefit are eligible for a rebate off their water bills ($260 a year). Find out more.
  • The Victorian Government’s Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities. Book a session and discover how the Small Business Bus can help you plan, start or grow your business. Visit business.vic.gov.au/sbb or call the Business Victoria Contact Centre on 13 22 15.
  • Visit the Money Smart website to find information on financial hardship support services.
  • Good Money Stores provide safe, affordable and responsible financial services for people on low incomes.
  • ATO Tax Help Program – Free assistance in lodging tax returns for people earning $60,000 or less. You can make an appointment with an accredited volunteer through the ATO website.
  • Having money troubles? The Salvation Army can provide additional resources and help.

City of Melbourne

  • Calling artists - Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for Arts House’s CultureLAB and The Warehouse Residency are now open until Tuesday 23 January. CultureLAB is a development program that supports independent artists, collectives, and small-medium organisations to create new work. The Warehouse Residency is Arts House’s main commissioning pathway for Deaf and Disability led projects. Come and explore studio spaces on offer at North Melbourne Town and chat with staff about the programs Thursday 7 December, 11am – 1pm (Auslan interpreted on, and morning tea provided).
  • Connected Neighbourhoods small grants – Apply for up to $2000 to make your neighbourhood even more liveable. Assessed monthly, we encourage community organisations as well as individuals to submit their project ideas today.
  • Urban Forest Fund - Apply for an Urban Forest Fund grant by 31 January to support greening of private buildings. This year, we’re offering matched-funding grants under two streams: high-impact greening grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, and laneway greening grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Head to melbourne.vic.gov.au/urbanforestfund for more information.
  • Heritage grants - Have you been thinking about or planning a project to transform your heritage building? If it is in City of Melbourne, in a heritage overlay and needs a makeover, big or small, consider applying. A little restoration work can go a long way to transforming your building and keeping it in great condition for years to come.
  • Inclusive sport and recreation grants are delivered by the City of Melbourne to provide opportunities for children and young people to participate in community sport and to support individuals participating at an elite level to achieve their sporting goals. Individuals and groups may be eligible to apply for up to $1000.
  • The community use of town halls scheme (CUTHS) - allows not-for-profit community organisations to apply for in-kind support for the use of the Melbourne Town Hall, the Meat Market in North Melbourne or Kensington Town Hall.

Other

  • Disability self-help grants - Apply by 14 December for grants of up to $7000 per year for up to two years. These grants will support groups to strengthen their work in providing social, emotional and practical support to people with disability and their families or carers.
  • Social work scholarships - DFFH are trying to help reduce the financial burden of social work placements for existing students, so you can complete your studies and start your career sooner! Eligible tertiary students can apply for $7,500 to help them complete their placement. Apply by midnight 10 December, for student placements commencing 1 January - 30 June 2024.
  • RMIT Language interpreter scholarships - Are you considering the following courses in 2024: Diploma of Interpreting | Advanced Diploma of Interpreting; or Introduction to Interpreting Skill Set in Arabic, Greek, Italian and Persian, Burmese, Dari, Dinka, Samoan, S’gaw Karen and Somali, Albanian, Bangla, Chichewa, Hakha Chin, Hakka Chinese, Hazaraghi, Hmong, Kirundi, Kurdish Kurmanji, Lingala, Macedonian, Nuer, Pashto, Rohingya and Ukrainian? Apply by 31 January for a possible RMIT scholarship. See the website for details.
  • The Awesome Foundation - Making our world more awesome $1,000 at a time. Applications are open to all awesome projects in the greater Melbourne area. We are an active chapter which awards a $1,000 grant on the last Tuesday of each month (submissions close 12pm on the Sunday prior).
  • SilverChef Community Grants Program - Open to eligible Australian community groups that use hospitality or food services to help disadvantaged or under-served members of their local community. Each quarter we award four grants of $5,000 each. Each $5,000 grant is a 75:25 mix of equipment and cash.
  • Australian Government grants – Visit the Community Grants Hub to access information on community focused grant programs currently open for applications.
  • Business grants and programs – Business Victoria offers an array of grants and programs to businesses.
  • Everyday Legal Grants - these grants help community legal organisations and not-for-profit community groups deliver projects that support community needs and improve understanding of the justice system. These grants are likely to fund: one-off projects addressing legal issues for a specific community or an area of law OR pilot projects offering new approaches to delivering legal information. Grants are available up to $5000.

City of Melbourne

  • Council volunteer vacancies - browse the latest volunteer opportunities with City of Melbourne to work across tourism, events, libraries, Gardens for Wildlife, and in our positive aging programs.

Other

  • Homework club tutor - Hotham Mission is seeking volunteer tutors to support local students as part of its weekly Homework Clubs. Contact joey.rebakis@hothammission.org.au to express your interest.
  • Animal Shelter helpers - Lort Smith Animal Hospital & Shelter in North Melbourne is currently advertising 4x volunteer vacancies:
    • Concierge
    • Pet therapy
    • Laundry
    • Pet foster care
  • Driving mentor - Do you hold a full licence, a satisfactory driving history, and have 1-2 hours per week to support a young person, who may find it difficult to achieve their drivers licence? Apply to become a mentor with Drive for Life program.
  • Westgate Park – Volunteer to look after Westgate Park (planting, weeding, mulching, cleaning up and general gardening). In addition to main days on Mondays and Wednesdays, the group resumed volunteering on the third Sunday of each month – 10am to 2pm.
  • Docklands Repair Café is all about neighbours helping neighbours. Whether it's electrical and mechanical repairs, wood, toys, electronics, bikes, sewing and textiles, or just helping out on the day, we’re always looking for community members to come down and join in.
  • Volunteer with your resident groups.
  • Volunteering Victoria provides information about opportunities across animal welfare, arts and culture, community services, disaster relief, sport, environment and much more.

City of Melbourne

  • Learn with City of Melbourne Libraries. Whether you want to learn another language, pick up a new skill or attend a workshop, Melbourne Library Service has a range of online learning platforms, books, eResources, one on one support and more.

Other

  • Free workshop for migrant small business owners - Join Partners in Wellbeing for an inspiring workshop 1.30pm, Wednesday 13 December to discover the keys to unlocking your full potential and thriving in your business.
  • Measuring social impact - Seedkit is a new, self-managed reporting platform designed to support social enterprises to measure, track and communicate operations and impacts via customised dashboards and reports. Watch a recorded webinar for details.
  • Make-up class - Interested in levelling up your make-up skills? Want to learn new techniques, tips, and tricks? Join the Huddle for a FREE weekly make-up class! Every Tuesday, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, North Melbourne Community Centre – Games Room. Female only, aged 14-25. For further information contact Nor Shanino.

City of Melbourne

Visit City of Melbourne's online careers portal for role details and to apply for these great positions:

  • Operations & Administration at Docklands Marina (casual) closes 3 December
  • Business Support Officer (permanent) closes 3 December
  • Community Engagement & Impact Senior Advisor (12 months) closes 4 December
  • Duty Supervisor at City Baths (casual) closes 5 December
  • Event Partnerships Account Manager (temporary) closes 6 December
  • Event Coordinator (permanent) closes 7 December
  • Data & Insight Analyst (permanent) closes 10 December
  • School Crossing Supervisor (part-time) closes 31 December

Other:

Visit the Lost Dogs Home website for role descriptions and to apply for these local positions:

  • Customer Experience Officer (part time) closes 11 December
  • Animal Transport Officer (casual)

City of Melbourne

  • Wellbeing and Connection Map - a dynamic visual tool to help you find activities, services and initiatives that support social connection and
    inclusion in your local neighbourhood.
  • City Drug Support Flyer - know who to contact if someone is experiencing difficulties with drug use and associated health issues.
  • Community Food Guide - information on how to access affordable, fresh and healthy food.
  • Helping Out Guide - Our updated guide lists more than 90 organisations in the central city and surrounding suburbs offering range of services for people experiencing crisis.
  • Kitchen compost caddy - Residents living in single unit dwellings can order their free kitchen caddy and liners to be delivered by our team.
  • Bins and collections - Avoid the guessing game with our waste calendar of pick-up days.

Other

  • Scanlon Foundation’s Mapping social cohesion 2023 report - Check out the latest analysis of this important index: Mapping Social Cohesion. “Australians have remained remarkably resilient, however findings reveal our social cohesion is under pressure and declining on several fronts, straining the fabric of our communities”.
  • Crisis in crisis accommodation - 300 people per day in Australia are turned away from crisis accommodation. A new report for AHURI highlights the urgent need for improvement and gives recommendations for policy development.
  • Reporting racism - If you ever experience or witness racism, which can’t lead to practical action, you can report to VEOHRC.
  • Young and multicultural Victoria 2021 Census - Centre for Multicultural Youth report, follows on from 2016 Census report exploring what the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of Population and Housing can tell us about young Victorians from refugee and migrant backgrounds. This incredibly diverse cohort make up almost half of Victoria’s youth population, yet are often poorly reflected in key data and reporting.
  • Respect@Work legislation - New Respect@Work legislation requires all employers to take active measures to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. To support employers to understand and meet their obligations, we have added two new factsheets to our resources on the positive duty.
  • VCOSS Mapping poverty in Victoria - VCOSS have released a comprehensive data and interactive mapping report on poverty across Victoria. They have analysed the rates but also the characteristics of poverty for different groups of people, right down to the local level (LGA's). Find out more.
  • Talk About It guide - The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) have released a guide for parents and carers that provides tips for having tricky conversations around alcohol and other drugs. They've pulled together the latest info and advice to help you start the conversation and be clear on all the facts – from vaping, safer partying and social media, to the law. Read the full guide.
  • Anika Legal's Rental Information Hub – Access a range of resources about rental rights from documents renters receive when moving in, to how to recover your bond after leaving.
  • Multicultural Health Connect – Get health information and advice in your language. Visit Healthdirect for more information about this service.
  • Get Asthma ready with an Asthma action plan -Grass pollen season (October through to December) brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.

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