Community Calendar

This week's photographer's choice picture of Steve Scott, the owner of Woodend's The Back Shed Gallery. Steve is pictured with one of his wooden puppet creations. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 460857_01

Lights of Wisdom

The Bahá’ís of Moorabool invites you to Lights of Wisdom, a monthly event providing an opportunity to relax in a tranquil environment and reflect on inspiring themes. First Friday of every month, 7.30-8.30pm, at Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh. This is a free community event open to all.

mgilsant9@gmail.com

Candle making

Learn to make your own soy candles at Melton South Community Centre, with workshop on Saturday, March 15 for kids from 10.30-11.30am, and adults from noon-2.30pm. Kids aged 5 and over can safely make their own candles with no flames or fragrance, and adults can create their own candles with the fragrance of their choice. The kids’ workshop costs $17, while the adult workshops costs $90/$85 concession.

■ 9747 8576

First Aid course

Melton South Community Centre is offering engaging and informative First Aid courses on Saturday, March 29 for anyone seeking to obtain or renew a nationally-recognised certificate. Available one-day courses include HLTAID009, HLTAID011 and HLTAID012.

■ 9747 8576

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 Melton council’s vibrant Melton Night Market. Across two more unforgettable nights on the first Friday of 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

Melton Friends Group

An over-50’s singles friendship group for social catch-ups for dinners, movies, chats, walks and shows. Nothing but fun friendships,

■ Vera, 0406 493 734

Women Working Together

A program connecting women aged 50 above in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Melton.

■ 9655 2131, or EmploymentSupport@cotavic.org.au

Over-50s Sunday games

Life Activities Club Victoria is running a games and cards afternoon every Sunday from 2-4pm at Kurunjang Community Hub, 35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. A newly-created friendly group which enjoys sharing a laugh and making new friends. Everyone is welcome because “life is better together”.

■ Deb, 9614 3017, office@life.org.au

Darley Neighbourhood House

The Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre is at 33-35 Jonathan Drive, Darley. It offers free and low-cost activities for all. There is a monthly repair cafe, a community pantry, a fortnightly chatty cafe and venue hire is available.

■ www.bit.ly/DNHnow, or 53674390

National seniors meeting

On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.

■ 0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com

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

Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club

Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10am to noon at the Avenue Bowling Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh

■ Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@gmail.com

Community band

The Greater Western Community Band meets Thursdays from 7.30 – 9.30pm. Rehearsal venue is the Bridge Road Community Centre, Strathtulloh (Melton South). The band is available for events. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are always welcome.

■ Sally Hamond, 0401474582

Melton Valley Ladies Probus

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Friday each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome.

■ Ann, 0425705150

Fishing club

Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome. Upcoming events will be listed on this page.

■ Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366

Melton Concert Band

Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Bridge Road Community Centre, Bridge Road, Melton South. Musicians of any age who able to read Music are welcome to come along with their instrument (oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion). Please contact the number provided if you are intending to visit.

■ 0401 474 582

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

Melton Trauma Teddies

Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need.

■ Jean 0412 931 498

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags. The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House, 2-5pm.

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