|
September 2022 Newsletter
|
|
One delightful aspect of saying goodbye to Winter and welcoming the onset of Spring, is the surge of energy one gets, aligned with inspiration to take on creative projects and new endeavours, including meeting new friends and having fun.
Holden Street was rocking over the month, with a fun morning tea supporting the RSPCA (we raised $70.00), green activity in the gardens (we are growing lettuce!) and amazing colour works created by our Visual Artists. Our everyday activities continued with gusto and staff are planning activities for 2023 – let us know if you have any suggestions.
Remember to make a time to see me if you need support to apply for the $250 Power saving bonus or if you wish to choose a better provider for your energy needs. I helped one person to get more than $1000 of rebates returned to his account because his concession had, unbeknownst to him, dropped off.
I hope to see you all at one of the many upcoming events happening at
Holden Street this month!
All the best,
Mary Parfrey
Manager
|
|
|
|
Holden Street is celebrating Adult Learners Week with our annual Trivia Night! It will be taking place on Tuesday September 6th from 6pm - 8pm. Everyone is welcome- individuals, duos, trios, or whole footy teams! Please RSVP by Monday 5th September.
|
|
|
Adult Learners Week Morning Tea
Monday September 5th
11am - 12.30pm
|
|
|
R U OK Day Morning Tea
Thursday September 8th
11am - 12.30pm
|
|
|
Community Lunch
Join our diverse community for a fun social gathering and healthy meal on Wednesday September 14th from 12pm. Meals cost $10 each.
|
|
|
|
Seniors Outing
We're heading off to beautiful Castlemaine to explore the town and the vibrant Castlemaine Mill.
When? Friday September 16th
Time? 9.30am - 4.30pm
Transport? Private mini-bus
Cost? $5
Lunch? Please BYO lunch or your can purchase
something from the local cafes.
|
|
|
|
Holden Street has an exciting opportunity to take a group of people to see the amazing show ‘HAIRSPRAY’ live on-stage at the Regent Theatre!
Date: Wednesday October 12th or 19th
(TBC based on best seating availability and community preference)
Time: Depart Holden Street at 12pm for a 1pm show. The show will conclude at 3.40pm, with us returning to Holden Street at approx. 4.30pm
Cost: $40 per person (can be paid in instalments at the office).
Companion card holdens can bring their companion free of charge.
Last date to confirm attendance will be Sunday 4th September- full payment is not required by this date, just a commitment to attend & pay for your seat.
|
|
Interested in a more sustainable and regenerative future? The Circular Living Challenge is a 30-day challenge focused on engaging the community and local merchants in the City of Yarra to achieve a more circular economy.
Brought to you by Circular Economy Victoria and Reducing our Footprint, this initiative will take place through the last two weeks of September and first two weeks of October, thanks to the support of the City of Yarra through the Climate Action Grant program. Access the challenge on your smartphone, tablet or computer, practice sustainable behaviours in your community, earn points and track your progress to become a sustainability champion.
The participation is open and free of charge, but we only have a limited number of spots available. Register your interest today and be part of the change towards a more sustainable City of Yarra!
For more information, check out the Circular Living Challenge website at cev.org.au/clc.
Holden Street will be running 2 workshops over this period to demonstrate how we, as a community, can reduce our environmental footprint, by engaging in creative sustainability practices. See our flyers below for more information!
|
|
|
We would love donations for our Upcycled Planter Workshop! We are looking for any random household items that we can put some succulents into. They could be old tins, teapots, kettles, boots, mugs, bowls, tin buckets, pots...the list goes on! All donations can be dropped at Holden Street any time between 9am-5.30pm on Mondays - Thursdays.
|
|
|
|
|
Holden Street will be closing over the upcoming School Holidays, as we are having some construction works take place onsite.
The House will be closed from Monday September 19th and will reopen on Monday October 3rd.
Staff will still be accessible via phone and email throughout this time.
Please contact us on admin@holdenstreet.org.au for any general queries.
We look forward to seeing you all back again after the holidays.
Please note: Thursday Zumba classes will still be running at Holden Street during this time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We had an incredible turnout for Holden Street's celebration of RSPCA Cupcake Day on August 16th. We have to give a huge shoutout to our resident cupcake makers Lucy & Bella for their delicious assortment of cupcakes! We were all spoiled with cupcakes galore and plenty of laughs, as we raised money for the invaluable work of the RSPCA. Thanks to everyone who came along!
|
|
|
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JULIA & LYN!
|
|
|
|
Earlier in August, for two days, Suyin Lam (Art tutor) and I attended the Learn Local Conference ‘22 which was held at the Park Hyatt in East Melbourne. This biannual event was a wonderful celebration of our adult learning sector. The 2020 conference was not held, so to be in the one space, with Learn Local providers from all over Victoria was a very uplifting experience. “It takes a village” was the theme.
We entered the auditorium for the commencement of Day One, passing Brian Nankervis (of RockWiz fame) welcoming us all. I immediately thought … this is going to be good. And, indeed it was. As Master of Ceremonies, Brian used his flair to create cohesion very early on, with, unsurprisingly, a music trivia quiz. His humour really hit the mark and did not waver for the duration of the first day. Once a primary school teacher, Brian’s awareness of education and the importance of lifelong learning added to his ability to be such a fun MC.
The keynote speaker for Day One was Mark Cabaj, President of a Canadian consulting company titled Hear to There. His address was presented virtually from Edmonton. Mark spoke about developing practical ways to understand, plan and evaluate efforts to address issues such as neighbourhood renewal, poverty and homelessness, community safety, educational achievement and health. His oration was most interesting. A question was asked regarding the difficulties community centres encounter due to lack of resources. Mark’s response will stay with me: “Stop waiting for the solution … we are part of it. We’re the ones we’ve been waiting for.”
I could write so much more. Thankyou to the ACFE Board. I look forward to the next conference due to be held in 2024.
|
|
|
|
Here’s a photo of Jim, a learner in Holden Street’s Basic Literacy through Cooking class. The students made a scrumptious Bread and butter pudding, which was an added bonus last week, thanks to Piedemonte’s weekly donation of bread. We also need to thank the City of Yarra for replacing some of our kitchen appliances. Our new oven and stove have made a world of difference to our weekly cooking classes, and we absolutely love it!
|
|
|
Our Basic Literacy through Cooking class made a delicious Mandarin Syrup cake for us to all share. We strongly encourage you to try out this recipe yourself!
INGREDIENTS
Cake
- 330-370 g mandarins 3-6 whole mandarins, depending on size
- 200 g ground almonds
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or essence
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Syrup
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 mandarin juice
- 1 lime juice
To serve
- natural unsweetened greek yoghurt or crème fraîche optional
Place whole mandarins in a large saucepan and cover with plenty of cold water. Cover with a lid and boil gently for about 1 hour (this softens the fruit and also gets rid of some of the bitter taste from the skins). Drain and allow mandarins to cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 180°C/355 Fahrenheit. Grease and line a 21cm round springform cake tin with baking paper.
Remove the stem of the mandarins, then cut in half and remove any pips. Place fruit (skin, pith, flesh and all) in a food processor or blender and blitz until smooth. Add all other cake ingredients and blitz until well combined.
Pour into prepared cake tin and bake for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Cover cake with tinfoil halfway through cooking time to avoid the top browning too much.
Remove cake from oven and leave in the tin while you make the syrup.
Mix sugar, mandarin and lime juice together and pour over cake while warm. Allow cake to cool slightly before removing from tin.
Serve warm or cold with greek yoghurt or crème fraîche.
|
|
|
Holden Street is currently on the hunt for a whiz-bang Literacy & Numeracy Tutor to teach our ACFE course each Wednesday from 1pm - 3pm. If you, or someone you know might be interested in the position, please contact Mary or Robyn ASAP on 9489 9929.
|
|
|
|
This month the seeds in our new greenhouses are taking off! We have seen a burst of green across the garden with so many new veggies growing. Our new wicking bed is home to broccoli, kale, baby lettuce (which we grew from a single seed!), and tiny radishes. We've also sown beetroot and carrot seeds into the wicking bed, which we're looking forward to seeing grow over the coming weeks. Over the next month we will be working on clearing the rear garden space in preparation for a spring garden overhaul. We're always keen to welcome new volunteers to our garden group, which takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-1pm- so please get in touch if you'd like to join us!
|
|
|
|
Food Security is something that every person should have, and at Holden Street we are working hard to ensure our community is able to access food whenever they need it. Our new Community Food Pantry is accessible 24/7, and is stocked with non-perishable items. We would appreciate the communities support in keeping the pantry well-stocked, by donating any groceries or household items to the pantry.
Our weekly Food Relief program continues to operate every Wednesday from 10.30am, thanks to the generous donations from Second Bite and Piedemontes Supermarket.
|
|
|
|
Volunteers are the beating heart of our House. Without our incredible team of Volunteers, Holden Street would not be able to provide such high levels of supports and opportunities to our community.
We are always on the lookout for an extra helping hand to assist across a number of areas. At the moment, we are calling out for:
-
Minibus driver – for Fridays, approximately 8 times a year.
-
Food relief program – Wednesdays 9.30-12.30pm
-
Fundraising volunteers – times negotiable
-
Garden volunteers – mainly Tuesdays and Thursdays
-
Computer Program assistant volunteer on a Tuesday morning
-
Committee of Governance members – meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm
Contact us please, if you, or someone you know, can help out.
|
|
|
|
Our Recycling Wall is up & running. The items that we can currently accept are listed below:
- Printer and toner cartridges
- Small pieces of polystyrene
- X-rays
- Mobile Phones
- Toothbrushes, Tooth Paste Tubes, Dental Floss Containers
- Household Batteries
- Razors
- Plastic bread tags
Please visit during our opening hours and place accepted items into their correlating boxes in our Multipurpose room.
|
|
|
Parents Group
Holden Street is wanting to start offering second time, third time or 20th time parents an opportunity to connect with fellow parents in the community. We know how important creating connections is with fellow parents after having a new baby, so this new group will provide an opportunity for parents to get together and share in the joys, struggles and adventures of parenting multiple children. Our facility offers a wonderful enclosed outdoor space and a temperature controlled indoor space, with access to family bathrooms, changing facilities and the kitchen. We are currently taking expressions of interest in the program and would love to hear of day/time preferences. Please contact Bella if you have any questions or suggestions regarding the program
|
|
|
SomaChi Yoga
This style of yoga is called SomaChi. It is a fluid style that incorporates Tai Chi and Hatha yoga.
These yoga classes provide a down to earth approach that include breathing techniques for relaxation, physical postures for flexibility and strength. The movements support fascia release and increases coordination and mobility.
With hands on adjustments, breathing techniques, and postures that support your body and wellbeing you are in good hands with Lianne who has over 30 years of experience.
Class Details
Day: Monday
Time: 6pm - 7.15pm
Location: Holden Street Neighbourhood House
6 week Trial: $108
10 week Trial: $180
Casual Class: $25
To enrol into this class please click here.
|
|
|
Holden Street's newly refurbished rear office is now available for private hire!
For more information, please click here or call us on 9489 9929
|
|
|
Power Saving Bonus Program
Holden Street has received approval to partake in the official Power Saving Bonus (PSB3) Outreach program running 1 July – 31 December 2022. We can support communities to access the new $250 bonus commencing 1 July. This bonus is organised by the Victoria Government. The new power saving bonus encourages households to seek out a better energy deal and save money on energy bills that way. Once comparison has been made, each household receives the $250. The new bonus will be open to all Victorian households, not just concession card holders – contact Holden Street to make an appointment and we can help you sign up for this scheme.
|
|
|
|
Volunteer with the Holden Street Committee
Seeking a rewarding volunteer opportunity to contribute to the governance of Holden Street? Look no further!
- We are seeking people with skills and experience in the North Fitzroy area, Community Development, Legal, Marketing, Communications, Local Business and/or experience with DGR.
- We seek people keen to learn or with an ability to work cooperatively with a Committee of Governance in order to support the governance requirements of the house.
- Committee meetings are usually the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6.30-8pm.
If you would be interested in this opportunity, please get in touch with our Manager, Mary Parfrey, on 9489 9929.
|
|
|
|
Community Needs Noticeboard
We are creating a space in our hallway for a noticeboard where you can put up a request for assistance (goods or services) or offer your own assistance to the local community.
|
|
|
Your feedback and suggestions are important! You can contribute to this newsletter by suggesting stories, sending photos and sharing your experiences.
Staff are available in the office, by phone on 9489 9929 and by email at admin@holdenstreet.org.au
New office hours Monday to Thursday 9am to 5.30pm.
We look forward to seeing you again or hear from you via telephone. Keep in contact. Please consider sharing this newsletter with your family, friends, and neighbours.
|
|
Holden Street Neighbourhood House is a friendly, welcoming community house in the heart of Fitzroy North that provides a space for local people to socially connect. We are a not-for-profit organisation providing educational, recreational and skills-based programs at low cost. We offer daytime and evening programs.
Located close to public transport we provide a hub where people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and cultures can meet others and feel a valued member of their community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
