Maidstone Community Centre

21 Yardley Street Maidstone 3012 Ph 9688 0543 E maidcomm@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/maidcomm

Office opening hours Monday — Friday

9am — 5pm

The office is closed on weekends and Public Holidays

Responsive, Inclusive, Relevant, Accessible. Maidstone Community Centre is part of the Maribyrnong City Council’s Community Centres. Along with Braybrook Community Centre and Maribyrnong Community Centre we provide a range of programs and activities for the community. To see all the programs and activities offered by the Community Centres visit www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Maidstone Community Centre Newsletter

Term 1, 2019

Check us out on Facebook! Search for Maidstone Community Centre and like our page for updates on programs and events

Message from the Centre Facilitators

What a wonderful year we have had. Meeting you all, hearing great feedback about our lovely and talented tutors (and students) and about our eclectic mix of work-shops and courses. We look forward to 2019, re-running our most popular classes, introducing new ones to keep you coming back for more! Please take a look inside at what’s on in the New Year and from all the staff at the Centre, we hope you have a safe and Merry Christmas.

Monique & Anna Centre Facilitators

Photo gallery

Tours of the West proving to be a big hit!

For anyone who participated in our Op Shop or Continental Cake and Deli Tour in 2018, you’ll know how much fun they can be. In Term 1, the lovely Milly Bones will be running a new tour, which we hope will be equally as popular as her last — a ‘Doggy Tour of the West’. Alongside other dog lovers you will explore the best doggie parks and walking spots, pet stores, dog groomers, doggie daycare, vets and more. Participants are asked to bring a photo of their pooch to share on the bus. Another new tour on offer is our ‘Vegan and Gluten Free Tour of the West’. This will be run by Sarah an experienced vegan and gluten free connoisseur. Sarah knows all the best cafes and places in the west to buy vegan and gluten free products—including cheese, pasta, bread, cakes, cosmetics and supplements. Book early to avoid

Other new offerings at the Centre

If one morning or afternoon is all the time you have to spare… then you might like to check our wide range of wonderful workshops on offer. We have Soap and Shampoo Bar Making, Work Farming, Composting and Bokashi, Edible Native Gardens, High Tea with Country Women's Association, Billy Cart Making or Ethiopian Cooking with Saida. If you have a little more time to spare and sewing or cooking are your thing, then try our popular Funky Sewing Workshop our Vegan Cooking Classes.

High Tea with CWA -Fundraiser for Asylum Seekers Resource Centre

Come and enjoy our ‘High Tea’ workshop with the CWA on Saturday 23 February and help us raise funds to financially support women attending the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre to be able to attend our programs (see over for details).

Harmony Feast fast approaching

Once 2019 arrives our preparations will go into full swing to stage this hugely popular FREE annual multicultural feast, which is held at our Centre and typically attracts about 2000 people! SAVE THE DATE Sunday 17 March, 12-3pm To quote a couple of locals who attended in 2018: “I enjoyed everything, the food, the music, the people. I am grateful to be able to witness the diversity of the day. I love everything. Thank you putting on an amazing day for everyone to enjoy” “It was a great community get together, opportunity to meet others”

Call out for Harmony Feast volunteers

Volunteering at this wonderful event is a great opportunity to meet the very talented community cooks and meet other community-minded locals. It is also a good way to gain experience in event management (see what happens back stage!). Please contact Anna or Monique at the Centre if you’re interested!

Take time out for you

Our range of yoga classes on offer during the day and now after hours could be just what you need, time out from rushing around or from being stuck behind your desk all day. Please note our Monday daytime class with Nadia is now open to males and females and our Monday evening class with Vineeta is for women only. If yoga is not your thing, another gentle way to manage stress could be to try out Tai Chi with Meiling. Her classes are held weekly and are free to all.

Maidstone Community Centre Funky Town

On Friday 30 November, Maidstone Community Centre was pumping! Our blinds were drawn, windows blacked out, mirror balls strung up, multi-coloured lights installed – at a push you could have imagined it was a Saturday night down town. For just two hours between 6-8pm DJ Oily Shoes pumped out 70’s and 80’s disco tunes to a crowd of about 200 disco divas – mostly families, mostly Maidstone! There was face painting, hula hooping, roller skating, hot dogs, fairy floss and zooper dooper icy poles to help beat the heat of all the wild dancing. There were door prizes and dance offs, afro wigs and tutus, strobe lights and mirror balls – and the most wonderful feel of Centre participants and other community members coming together to say hi and bye to 2018. Could this end of year disco become a regular thing? Any ideas about how to improve it? We’d really welcome your feedback.

Above - Marvellous Milly who won the volun-teer of the night award at our end of 2018 disco

Above – Scrumptious pavs made with the CWA ladies.

Above - Funky Sewing where you can make a gorgeous top like this

C O M M U N I T Y

SPACE

Maidstone Community Centre is one of three Maribyrnong City Council funded community centres. The others two are in Maribyrnong and in Braybrook. They are great places to meet friends, work colleagues, plan, learn, relax or even celebrate a special occasion. Call or drop in and talk to us about hiring a space.

CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS MONDAY 24 DECEMBER RE-OPENING WEDNESDAY 2 JANUARY

Maidstone Community Centre Courses & Workshops

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

TERM 1 February — April, 2019

THURSDAY FRIDAY

AND MORE…..

Beginners Plus Computers* Designed for people who have some knowledge of computers. Introduces students to the basics of how a computer works, Microsoft Word and the Internet. Time 9.30am — 12.30pm Date 4 February — 24 June Cost FREE English as an Additional Language* Improve everyday English skills through reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students must attend Monday and Thursday class. Time 9.30am — 1.30pm Date 4 February — 1 April Cost FREE Tai Chi for People of All Abilities A simple and elegant movement class with the kind and patient Antonio. Time 10.30 — 11am & 11.15am — 12.15pm Date 4 February — 1 April Cost FREE Funky Sewing Workshop All you budding sewists come on over and learn how to use a sewing machine and other essential techniques. Zoe, who also works at Gaye Abandon, will teach you to wind a bobbin, thread a needle and sew using different stitches. Walk away having made a little top, zip pouch and sling bag! Time 10am — 12.30pm Date MONDAY 18 February — 18 March (excludes 11 March)

SATURDAY

2 Feb — 23 February Cost $40 (4 sessions) Yoga Come and release stress through Hatha Yoga. Use of visualisation, breath and movement. Session ends with a period of deep relaxation. Tailored to suit all levels, from beginners to advanced. Time 11.30am —12.15pm Date 4 February — 1 April Cost $5 Intermediate Computers* This course expands on our Beginners Plus classes. Learn to produce well-designed documents in Excel and Word; download and back-up your photos; use a photo editing program; and create a slideshow with PowerPoint. Time 1 — 4pm Date 4 February — 24 June Cost FREE Tai Chi For Mind Power & Memory Are you aged 60+? Interested in getting fitter and improving your memory or thinking skills in general? Then Tai Chi – an art form that has been practiced for thousands of years – might be just the ticket! All fitness levels welcome. Time 1 — 2pm Date 4 February — 25 March Cost Free

Conversational English* This small class will focus on developing and improving your English speaking, reading and listening skills. Participants will learn basic daily conversational English that will assist in everyday life. Time 9.30am — 12.30pm Date 29 January — 2 April Cost FREE Bingo Would you appreciate some good old fashioned stimulation, while sharing a cuppa and a laugh? Then come and enjoy a friendly game of bingo held weekly at the centre. All ages welcome! Time 10am — 3pm Date 29 January — 2 April Cost FREE

Doggy Tour of the West Who wants to discover where the best doggie places are in the west? Well then come and join our eclectic tour and explore the best doggie parks and walking spots, pet stores, dog groomers, doggie day care, vets and more. You won’t be disappointed, this will be fun! Don’t forget to bring a photo of your pooch (or album) to show off on the bus. Time 10am —1pm Date 5 March Cost $15 Vegan and Gluten Free Tour of the West Come on our fun filled tour to find out the best places in the west that stock vegan and gluten free products - including cheese, pasta, bread, cakes, cosmetics, supplements and cafes. Your lovely tour guide Claire has been vegan for many years and is born and bred in the west! Time 10am — 1pm Date 26 February Cost: $15 School Age Yoga Your child will learn poses, breathing exercises, play and creative movement that will assist them in their physical and emotional wellbeing. This class will enhance your child’s strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and concentration. Time 4 — 4.45pm Date 29 January — 2 April Cost $50 (10 sessions)

Maidstone Community Playgroup Run by an experienced facilitator, children will explore the delights of painting, play dough, dress ups, water play and planting in our gorgeous garden. Special pampering sessions for mums and dads. Time 9.30 — 11.30am Date 30 January — 3 April Cost Gold Coin Donation Beginners Plus Computers* Designed for people who have some knowledge of computers. Introduces students to the basics of how a computer works, Microsoft Word and the internet. Time 9.30am — 12.30pm Date 30 January — 26 June Cost FREE Positive Steps Walking Group Walking is a great way to boost your strength, fitness and general wellbeing. Join us for a brisk walk around Maidstone or a gentle stroll around the park. On your return, enjoy a cuppa and a chat with fellow walkers. All fitness levels welcome! Time 10am — 12pm Date 2 January — 3 April Cost Gold coin donation Soap and Shampoo Bar Making This fabulous workshop will teach you how to make soap and shampoo bars using the hot process method. You’ll learn to make gorgeous soap and shampoo with a coconut base, essential oils and other goodies. All materials and tools are supplied and you get to take home a sample or each! Time 11am — 1pm Date 20 February Cost $20

Intermediate Computers* This course expands on our Beginners Plus classes. Learn to produce well-designed documents in Excel and Word; download and back-up your photos; use a photo editing program; create a slideshow. Time 1 — 4pm Date 30 January — 26 June Cost FREE Ballroom Dancing (Beginners) Enjoy a social night of fun and exercise while learning basic ballroom dance sequences: Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Cha Cha and Rumba. Come on your own or with a partner. Suitable for beginners. Time: 7 — 9.30pm Date: 27 February — 3 April Cost: $5 WEFO Singers Join this community choir, rehearse a range of music and enjoy meeting with members of our wonderful community. Contact Sarah 0451 978 733. Time 7.30 — 9pm Date Every second Wednesday Cost FREE

Music for Hip Toddlers Come on a rollicking ride through dance and percussion and ROCK OUT with Razz, the Mighty bUZZniks’ front person! You and your mini people will leave feeling great, with songs you don’t mind having stuck in your head! Suitable for 0-4 years. Time 9.15 — 10am Date 31 January — 4 April Cost $50 (10 sessions) English as an Additional Language* Improve everyday English skills through reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students must attend Monday and Thursday class. Time 9.30am — 1.30pm Date 31 January — 4 April Cost FREE Women’s Only Yoga Come and increase your physical health and wellbeing by joining Women’s Only Yoga. This class will help improve your flexibility, increase muscle tone, and help you unwind and de-stress. Tailored to suit all levels from beginners to advanced. Time 10 — 11am Date 31 February — 4 April Cost $5 per session Vegan Cooking Class If you’re vegan and you love to eat, why not

come and explore the tantalising delights of

foods from around the world in this three

week class! Create heavenly healthy dishes

from Ethiopia, India and with an Indigenous

Australian twist.

Time 10am — 1.00pm

Date 21 and 28 February

7 March

Cost $35

Worm Farming, Composting and Bokashi Come and learn about the different ways of composting, including bokashi, vermaculture and hot compost. Whether you have just a balcony or a huge backyard, there is a composting solution to suit you. Learn tips to manage the system for success including troubleshooting, harvesting and using the compost you have produced. Participants can join Compost Community for free, and access subsidised composting products. Time 10am — 12pm Date 21 February Cost FREE Intermediate Computers* This course expands on our Beginners Plus classes. Learn to produce well-designed documents in Excel and Word; download and back-up your photos; use a photo editing program; create a slideshow. Time 1 — 4pm Date 31 January — 27 June Cost FREE Ballroom Dancing (Advanced) Enjoy a social night of fun and exercise while practicing ballroom dance sequences: Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Cha Cha and Rumba. Come on your own or with a partner. Suitable for experienced dancers. Time: 7 — 9.30pm Date: 28 February — 4 April Cost: $5

Music for Hip Toddlers ** EXTRA CLASS**

Come on a rollicking ride through dance and percussion and ROCK OUT with Razz, the Mighty bUZZniks’ front person! . Suitable for 0-4 years. Time 9.15 — 10am Date 1 February — 5 April Cost $50 (10 sessions)

Rainbow Playgroup This group has been created as a social group for gay, lesbian, queer, transgender and intersex parents and their parent friends in Melbourne’s inner west. Their hope is to connect LGBTQI parents so they can create positive friendships with other families and their children can feel part of a bigger community. Families who are friends of LGBTQI families are welcome. Time 10am — 12pm Date 1 February — 5 April Cost Gold coin donation Plarn Workshop Workshops will focus on recycling and reusing plastic bags to help our environment. Learn how to make plarn (plastic bag yarn) and create a swag mat to donate to people who are homeless! Time 9.30 — 11.30am Date 1 February — 5 April Cost FREE (please bring plastic bags)

Paper Craft Workshop Paper craft is the art of making cards for any occasion. Two card making kits supplied per class. Each class gives participants new skills. You will learn to quill, design and colour your choice of cards. The class brings people together in an enjoyable welcoming group. Time 9.30 — 11.30am Date 1 February — 5 April Cost $15 per session

Beginners Plus Computers* Designed for people who have some knowledge of computers. Introduces students to the basics of how a computer works, Microsoft Word and the Internet. Time 1 — 4pm Date 1 February — 28 June Cost FREE

For further information or to book call 9688 0543 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

* This particular program is funded by Yarraville Community Centre and

eligibility criteria applies

Latin American Women’s Craft Group This Spanish speaking ladies craft group comes together weekly to enjoy a friendly chat and a cuppa. Open to all ages. Time Thursday 10am — 1pm Date 31 January — 4 April Cost FREE Edible Native Gardens Come and learn all about delicious edible native plants, many local to Melbourne. Be it berries, leaves, roots or spices, Australia’s native plants offer an exciting array of ingredients for a native kitchen garden. Learn tips on how to use different plants as foods, and how to grow them at home. Enjoy a native wildlife garden that is productive as well! Time 10am — 12pm Date Thursday 28 February Cost FREE High Tea with CWA We are so lucky to have the legendary Country Women’s Association ladies on board again to run a 3 hour heavenly workshop that will end in a delectable High Tea! If you love all things fancy and fun come and learn how to whip up mouth – watering jelly cakes, lovely passionfruit tartlets, assorted bite size sandwiches and delicious mini scones and quiches and then feast! This is a fundraiser for ASRC. Time 1 — 4pm Date Saturday 23 February Cost $25 Billy Cart Making Workshop What fun learning how to make your own billy cart the old fashioned way! This will be a great hands-on workshop using lots of recycled materials, simple designs and basic tools and hardware to create something home made and wonderful. Children will have to pair up with another child and share the use of their creation. Book in early only 8 places available! Time 1 — 4pm Date Thursday 16 February Cost $25 Women Only Evening Yoga with Vineeta Relax after a long day of hard work with Vineeta. She will guide you through gentle yoga poses created for general well being, toning muscles and promoting flexibility. Time 6pm — 7.15pm Date 7 January — 4 March Cost $5 (per session) Ethiopian Cooking with Saida Who would love to make some exquisite, Ethiopian dishes with an amazing cook who creates food with love and exceptional skill? The aromatic delights of home cooked Tibbs, Dori Wot, Ethiopian samosas and hand made injera are on the menu! Don’t miss out and come and treat yourself to a once off workshop and delicious feast! Time 11am—1pm Date Monday 25 February Cost $15

Please note Monday 11 March is a public holiday so no classes will be held on this day.