Community Calendar

This week's photographer's choice picture is of Tayla Funaro, who was a ballkid at this year's Australian Open. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 455509_01

Bacchus Marsh Country Women’s Association

Join Bacchus Marsh Country Women’s Association for their first public event of the year. An art sale with complimentary Devonshire Tea held on Wednesday, February 19 from 1 to 3pm for $5 an entry. Bacchus Marsh CWA is based at the Darley Community & Civic Hub, REAR 182 Halletts Way (enter from Wittick St).

■ RSVP by Monday, February 17 to Karin: karin.wilsonexchange@gmail.com, or 0417 344 968.

Australian Gold Panning Championships

The Australian Gold Panning Championships is on Saturday, March 1, at the Blackwood Cricket Ground Recreation Reserve Road, Blackwood.

vicgoldpanning@gmail.com

Melton Night Market

Ignite your senses at the City of Melton’s vibrant Melton Night Market! Across three unforgettable nights on the first Friday of February, March and April from 5pm to 9pm at the Melton Town Centre, immerse yourself in flavours, rhythms and traditions inspired by Asia, Europe and Oceania.

melton.vic.gov.au/Out-n-About/Events-Activities/Melton-Night-Market

National Sustainability Festival

The Friends of Melton Botanic garden are holding a free guided public walk tour on Sunday, February 9 at 10am at the Melton Botanic Garden as part of their celebration of the National Sustainability Festival. Booking is essential

■ RSVP: John Bentley, +613 9743 3819 or fmbg.tidyhq.com/public/schedule/events/69055-national-sustainability-festival-mbg-guided-tour

Melton South Community Centre

Melton South Community Centre’s term 1 program is available now and open for enrolments, with options for all the family. View the program at meltonsouth.org.au, visit the centre at 41 Exford Road.

■9747 8576.

Zonta club

Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Meetings include guest speakers.

■ Janet, 0421 080 923, info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au

Melton Over 50s Social Group

Join a friendly group of people aged over 50 who enjoy each other’s company while attending events such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you.

■ Marlene, 0498 329 290

Rose carers of Maddingley Park

The group meets every Wednesday from 10am-noon at the Commemorative Rose Garden, Maddingley Park on the corner of Taverner Street and Grant Streets, Bacchus Marsh.

They maintain the two rose gardens at the park. Volunteers are welcome and no experience is necessary to join .

■ Elaine, 0400 052 857 or Judy, 0428 463 538

Cancer Support Group

MelMarsh Prostate Cancer Support Group is for prostate cancer patients and their carers and meets on the first Thursday of the month, from 12.30-2pm, at Melton South Community Centre. Attendees are encouraged as members share their journeys through what could be a very traumatic time of their lives. Explanations of medical terminology used in the treatment of this cancer are given in this group.

■ Grenville, 0412 741 865

Chatty Cafe Melton

Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton.

www.facebook.com/groups/352071857283331

Women’s Support Group

Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help

ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42

Caroline Springs Rotary

The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm.

rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

Melton Men’s Group

Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday, from 5-8pm, at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis.

■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog

Take weight off naturally

Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.

■Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

Parkinson’s support group

The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm, at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers are welcome.

■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Bridge Club

The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you.

■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Melton Friendship Group

An over-55’s singles friendship group for social engagements, fun outings, dinners, movies, dancing chats and walks. Enrich your life, no more loneliness or isolation. Nothing but fun and friendships.

■ 0406 493 734

Melton South Knit & Natter

All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.

■ 9747 8576

U3A Melton

U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active.

■ 0419 563 016

Melton Combined Probus Club

The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am.

■ 9746 0271

Community singing group

If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am.

■ Val, 0418 667 150