What's On For Families
May 2023
Welcome to our wrap-up of news and events for families this month. From lots of fun events to amazing programs and everyday support, there's something for everyone, so please make the most of all we have to offer right here in Darebin.
|
|
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung people who are the traditional owners and custodians of this land. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
|
|
|
|
Childhood Immunisations and Flu Vaccines
Flu season is right around the corner and vaccines are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Flu can cause serious illness for anyone, and young children and the elderly are particularly at risk. Getting your flu vaccine offers safe, effective protection for yourself, and helps stop the spread to others who might be vulnerable.
The flu vaccine is available at all of our sessions, and is free for people aged 6 months to 4 years, people aged over 65, pregnant people at any stage, and people with certain medical conditions or in certain high-risk groups. You can check the full list of eligible categories here. The first time your child ever gets a flu vaccine, they need a two-dose course spaced 4 weeks apart.
Fee-paying flu vaccine is available for everyone outside those categories at a cost of $20 per dose, and we can do the whole family in one visit.
Check our website for updates on flu vaccine availability, and to find an immunisation session that suits you.We run open sessions and appointment clinics in Preston, Northcote, Fairfield, Bundoora, and Reservoir. We also have a new appointment clinic at Reservoir East Family Centre (15 Gisborne Cres, Reservoir) located behind Reservoir East Primary School.
For appointments call: 8470 8562 or email immunise@darebin.vic.gov.au.
|
|
|
National Families Week is a national annual celebration highlighting the vital role of play. It is a time to explore and celebrate the strengths within our families and communities. The theme for this year is ‘living real, dreaming big’ – celebrating resilient families.
To celebrate National Families Week Darebin City Council is hosting a free ‘Traditional Play’ event for Darebin families with children aged 0-5 years, including traditional play, tactile games, hopscotch, hula hoops and many more activities.
Date: Tuesday 16 May
Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm
Venue: Reservoir East Family Centre - 15 Gisborne Cres, Reservoir
Bookings Essential
To register your interest, please email; vanessa.stuto@darebin.vic.hgov.au and include your name, mobile number, child’s name, child’s date of birth and how many adults/children will be attending the session. Bookings will close on 12 May.
|
|
Circle of Security group – Term 2
In partnership with Kids First, we are are offering a nine week Circle of Security program for parents and carers of children aged 0-8 years. The program will help you to:
- Understand your child's emotional needs
- Strengthen your attachment and relationship with your child
- Better respond to your child's needs
- Reflect on your current parenting practices.
24 April to 19 June 2023 (9 week program)
Mondays, 10am–12pm
Keon Park Children's Hub, 1-7 Dole Avenue, Reservoir
Find out more and register via email or by calling 0438 692 097.
|
|
|
Tuning into kids
This evidence-based, six week program focuses on an emotion coaching parenting style. The group supports parents/carers to develop an emotional connection with their child, and help their child to develop emotional intelligence.
9 May to 13 June 2023 (6 week program)
Tuesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm
Keon Park Children's Hub, 1-7 Dole Avenue, Reservoir
Find out more and register via email or by calling 0428 054 811.
|
|
|
|
Raising Babies Session
How do I introduce solids to my baby? What does baby play look like? How do I settle my baby to sleep? What type of books do babies like? When should my baby stop using a bottle or a dummy? How do babies learn to speak? When will my baby learn to crawl or walk?
Darebin’s Maternal Child Health Service and the Early Years Team are hosting a ‘Raising Babies’ session for Darebin families with children aged 0-12 months. This session will provide families information on the following topics:
- Feeding, nutrition and Introducing solids
- Sleep and settling
- Play and play-based learning
- Speech and communication
- Fine and gross motor development
The session is interactive, and families will have the opportunity to ask questions during the session.
Date: Tuesday 9th May 2023
Time: 10.00am – 11.30am
Venue: Reservoir East Family Centre – 15 Gisborne Cres, Reservoir
Bookings Essential
To register your interest, please email; vanessa.stuto@darebin.vic.hgov.au and include your name, mobile number, child’s name, child’s date of birth and how many adults/children will be attending the session.
Bookings will close on 4 May.
|
|
Sleep and Settling Sessions 2023
Parents and carers of new-born babies to toddlers (birth to 3 years) are invited to come along to these free Sleep and Settling sessions. Bookings are essential at the following locations:
Northcote Family Centre, 185-187 High St Northcote
- Monday 8 & 22 May 2023 9am–11am (0-6 months) & 11am–1pm (6-12 months)
Fairfield Activity Room, 84 Arthur St, Fairfield
- Monday 15 May 2023 1.30pm–3.30pm (1-3 years)
Reservoir East Family Centre, 15 Gisborne Cres, Reservoir
- Monday 1 & 29 May 2023 1.30pm–3.30pm (1-3 years)
- Thursday 18 May 2023 9am–11am (0-6 months) & 11am–1pm (6-12 months)
Free for Darebin Families. For more information call 8470 8298 or email us.
|
|
Parent Child Mother Goose Program
Focusing on songs, rhymes and oral storytelling, this program is for Darebin families with children aged 0-4 years.
All families are welcome, and priority is given to families where the child has speech or communication concerns, or the family holds a Health Care Card (or equivalent concession status). Eligible families are able to participate in free weekly sessions during school term.
Term 2 (26 April to 22 June 2023) weekly session times:
- Wednesdays, 10am – 11.30am
- Thursdays, 10am – 11.30am
Sessions are held at Ruthven Community Room, 24 Malpas Street, Preston (in the building near children’s playground)
Bookings are essential. To register your interest, please email us with your name, mobile number, child’s name, child’s date of birth and how many adults/children will be attending the session. Find out more.
|
|
Staying safe online
We are partnering with Evolve Education to bring online safety and digital wellbeing workshops and webinars to parents and carers in 2023. See Flyer for more information.
Online webinar: Thursday 4 May
7.15 – 8.45pm
Register now
|
|
|
Brush Book Bed
Children and their parents/carers are invited to join a Brush Book Bed session to learn good habits for healthy teeth in a fun and interactive experience. Children will participate in various dental activities, songs, storybooks and brush Chomper’s teeth.
Your Community Health Oral Health Team will assist families with dental hygiene and families attending will receive a gift bag containing dental products.
Date: Tuesday 30th May 2023
Time: 10am – 11.30am
Venue: Reservoir East Family Centre – 15 Gisborne Cres, Reservoir
Bookings Essential
To register your interest, please email; vanessa.stuto@darebin.vic.gov.au and include your name, mobile number, child’s name, child’s date of birth and how many adults/children will be attending the session.
Bookings will close on 25 May.
|
|
|
Olives to Oil is here!
Olives to Oil harvest festival is happening this Month!
There are a few things you can do as part of the festival:
- Harvest your olives during the weekend of 19-21 May and drop them off to your preferred drop off location on Sunday 21 May.
- Join the Community Harvesting Day at All Nations Park on Saturday 20 May
- Celebrate the olive season with a free festival at CERES Environment Park in Brunswick East on Sunday 21 May from 11am-4pm.
Being involved in Olives to Oil Harvest Festival is a great way to avoid food waste by using the resources available in our streets and gardens.
Here is what one local participant from last year said about the festival:
“I don’t have the space or time to faff about preserving all my olives in brine, so I just preserve a few, and take the rest to make oil. I feel like I'm in the village square, where we all bring our olives together to share the village oil press, and end up with a delicious and useful product at the end.”
Find out more and register online.
|
|
|
Hard waste collections are happening throughout June
Darebin’s hard waste collection is being rolled out area-by-area from Tuesday 13 June until Friday 14 July.
You will receive a brochure in your letter box two weeks before your area's collection with everything you need to know (when, what and how).
Council can only recycle e-waste, mattresses, car tyres and scrap metal, with the rest going to landfill. Please check your brochure carefully and do what you can to repair, reuse or pass on items to others if they are in good condition. To find out how to rethink your waste and keep valuable resources out of landfill, visit darebin.vic.gov.au/reuse
Different types of items will be collected on different days during your collection week, so it’s important to remember:
- Only place your items out between the time and dates shown on your brochure
- Don’t add to your items after 6am on the Monday of your collection week
- Items placed out late will not be collected
For more information visit darebin.vic.gov.au/hardwaste.
|
|
|
Get on board – we’re Electrifying Darebin!
Whether you’re a homeowner or renter; nearing retirement or with a young family; replacing a dead appliance or doing a full-blown renovation, you can be part of the growing movement to Electrify everything in your home.
From heating, cooling, hot water and cooking, to bikes and cars – all-electric options are healthy, clean and you’ll love the reduction in your energy bills – especially if you have solar panels.
By going all-electric you’ll be among hundreds of households in Darebin moving to a cleaner, safer future for your family while saving on your energy bills. Welcome aboard!
Download our Go Electric plan so when your appliances and vehicles need replacing, you’re ready to go.
Visit the website for independent expert advice and links to Council and state government programs like our Solar Saver program. And sign up for one of our events coming up in May and June.
|
|
Draft Parking Permit Policy – Have your say
Darebin’s Parking Permit Policy provides clear rules about parking permit eligibility and allocation. Since the Policy was introduced in 2004 our diverse community has continued to grow and change, as have our parking needs, so it’s time for some updates.
We heard from you in November 2022 about four options we presented, and we’ve used your valuable feedback to help draft a new Parking Permit Policy.
What do you think about the updates? Does the draft policy meet your expectations and needs? Does it support our diverse community’s needs now and into the future?
Find out more and complete the survey in your preferred language until 28 May at yoursay.darebin.vic.gov.au/parkingpolicy
|
|
|
Apply for a Community Grant now!
Are you a not-for-profit community group or organisation with great ideas on how to create a better Darebin? It’s time to apply for our annual Community Grants!
There are Small Grants (up to $3,000), Medium Grants (up to $15,000), Venue Hire Support Grants (up to $8,000), and Youth Projects Grants (up to $5,000).
If you are applying for a community grant and want some help, come to one of our free grant writing and information sessions in April.
Applications close Wednesday 31 May. Find out more
For inspiration, view the successful grant recipients from last year.
|
|
|
|
Basic Bike Maintenance workshops
Join us for one of our popular Basic Bike Maintenance workshops at Reservoir Leisure Centre this May. Bring your own bike to learn practical skills to keep your bike in top condition – you’ll leave ready to fix a puncture, take care of your chain and much more!
Secure your place now at one of our upcoming May workshops:
Find out more at darebin.vic.gov.au/bikeskills
|
|
Darebin Toy Library
The Darebin Toy Library is a free service which offers a great range of toys for families with young children aged from 3 months to 6 years. Borrow up to three toys per child for a duration of three weeks.
The service is open by appointment at Northcote Family Centre 185 High St, Northcote on Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. Join online to make an appointment.
For enquiries call 8470 8104 or 0427 787 061 or email us.
|
|
|
Volunteer at Darebin Toy Library!
We're looking for volunteers to support the Darebin Toy Library! Current volunteer opportunities include updating the catalogue system, toy safety checks collection audits, liaising with members and more.
If this sounds like something you would like to do, please get in touch.
Find out more online or email us.
|
|
|
Maternal and Child Health Service
For appointments please contact Darebin MCH booking line on 8470 8298.
You can also download the free MCH app for trusted information matched to the age of your child, at your fingertips. For free information and advice about the care and health of your child (from birth to school age) there is also the confidential 24-hour Maternal and Child Health Hotline 13 22 29.
Breastfeeding support
Free Breastfeeding support is available to Darebin residents. For enquiries and bookings please contact the Maternal and Child Health booking line on 8470 8298.
Smalltalk Supported Playgroups
Smalltalk Supported Playgroups are available for eligible families with children aged 0-4 years, with weekly facilitated sessions delivered face-to-face during school term. Parents and caregivers also receive great resources from the Smalltalk parenting program. Please speak with your Maternal Child Health Nurse or contact our team directly to discuss your eligibility for the program.
Community Playgroups
Families seeking to join a local playgroup in Darebin can check our online Community Playgroup database or contact Playgroup Victoria.
Darebin Family Support Service
Do you need support with parenting? Darebin Family Services is here to help you. For enquiries email Darebin Family Services.
|
|
Triple P Fear-Less Kinship Group Program - Berry Street.
Do you care for children who are not your immediate family members either fulltime or part time or for respite care?
Fear-Less Triple P supports you to learn new strategies for managing the child’s anxiety. This program is for carers that are concerned about the children’s anxiety and would like to learn strategies they can put in place to support the wellbeing of children and the family.
Content is suited to caregivers of children aged from 6 to 14 years.
When: Weekly on Wednesday's starting from 17/05/23
Location: Online via Zoom
Time: 10am – 12pm
For more information please see flyer.
|
|
|
Working Out Dads Online Group
Are you interested in meeting other dads who understand, and spend time talking about the things that matter to you?
Working Out Dads is being run in collaboration with Tweddle and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. It is a weekly online 6 week session over Zoom starting in Term 2. Please see flyer and Participant Information Statement and Consent form for more details.
|
|
|
Have you registered for 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten for next year?
Registrations are open for 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten. If your child will be attending kindergarten next year, make sure you register by June 30 this year to be eligible for round one offers.
Kindergarten improves children’s wellbeing and helps them to make a smooth transition to primary school.
For a full list of kindergartens in Darebin and advice on how to register visit: darebin.vic.gov.au/kindergarten
|
|
|
Congratulations to the local businesses recognised as part of the 2023 Northern Business Achievement Awards!
Each year Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Moreland, Nillumbik and Whittlesea councils each award one Young Business Achiever and nominate two businesses to go into the running for the overall awards.
- This year’s Darebin Young Business Achiever is Miabella Vaughan @Birds and the Beans Community Café.
- Our two business nominees @Ruby Assembly and @Arts Project Australia are now in the running for the final NBAA awards announcement on Thursday 7 December. Wishing our two business nominees the best of luck for the final awards in December!
You can find out more about the Northern Business Achievement Awards on our website: 2023 Northern Business Achievement Awards | Darebin Council
|
|
|
Resources for parents and families
|
|
|
|
|
