Annual Events Program

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign dedicated to ending gender-based violence and raising awareness about the impact of violence against women. It begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and ends on International Human Rights Day (December 10) to emphasise that violence against women is a violation of human rights.

This year, Council will also be supporting Respect Victoria's Respect Women: Call it Out campaign, which encourages people to call out sexism, sexual harassment and disrespect towards women. Each year, Council celebrates throughout the 16 Days with a range of community events.

2019 community events:

Resilient Women
Please join us for a presentation by April Kailahi on the findings from the Resilient Women's Project A project examining islamophobia: the experience, the impact and how to provide support. Discussion and nibbles will follow.
WHEN: Tuesday 26 November, 11am – 12pm
WHERE: Darebin Intercultural Centre, 59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston
COST: Free
BOOKINGS: Call 8470 8440 or email intercultural@darebin.vic.gov.au with full contact details

A Conversation with Santilla Chingaipe: who are we forgetting in our feminism?
Join us for an evening in conversation with award winning journalist and film maker, Santilla Chingaipe, where we critique corporate mainstream white feminism and explore how our feminism can better challenge the structural inequalities that allow gender-based violence to persist. Followed by a Q&A session.
WHEN: Wednesday 27 November, 7pm–8pm
WHERE: Northcote Library
COST: Free
Book online at darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au or call 1300 655 355

Film Screening: I AM THE REVOLUTION
I AM THE REVOLUTION is an empowering portrait of three determined women in the Middle East who are leading the fight for gender equality and freedom.
Followed by nibbles and a community conversation around local efforts to promote gender equity with a young activist.
WHEN: Thursday 28 November, 11.00am – 1.00pm
WHERE: Darebin Intercultural Centre
COST: Free
BOOKINGS: Call 8470 8440 or email intercultural@darebin.vic.gov.au with full contact details

If you are affected by family violence, contact 1800 RESPECT National Counselling Helpline, Information and Support - 1800 737 732. If you are in immediate danger, call the Police on 000 (triple zero).  

Night time lighting walk and interactive workshop: Plenty Road/Tyler Street, Preston   

Not everyone experiences public spaces in the same way, especially at night. We want to better understand what makes our community feel safe and unsafe, and how the use of light can impact our experiences. Grab your mates, siblings and/or colleagues and come along to a night walk and lighting design workshop on Monday 2 December to help design how light can improve your experience in this area at night.

This event is delivered in partnership with the Department of Justice and Community Safety and Arup Lighting, to improve safety for people walking or using public transport along Plenty Road.

Register to attend on Eventbrite.

Celebrate International Day of People with Disability & Human Rights Day

Please join us to celebrate International Day of People with Disability and Human Rights Day on Tuesday 10 December. 

There will be all-abilities Zumba, a special screening of newly released short film “Amar," followed by a Q&A session with the cast and producers and to finish a special performance by all-abilities rock band, The Northcote Rebels!

“Amar” (Moon) is about a 28-year-old Muslim woman with Down syndrome who secretly plans the wedding of her dreams, without a groom.

WHEN:Tuesday 10 December, 10-11am
WHERE: Preston City Hall 
COST: Free

Register to attend on Eventbrite

 

There is incredible yarn bombing in Reservoir crafted by the community, performances by local musicians, resident artistic elves crafting your wishes, and a free Awkward Portraits photo experience. There are also local artist-designed bin wraps featuring local native flora and fauna and inspired by the seven seasons of the Kulin nation, and temporary interactive wall and window art. Keep an eye out for a range of activities during December. Download the program flyer for more information.

Keon Park Children's Hub

 

Summer Movie Series - Missing Link (PG)
Friday 10 January 2pm - 4pm
Cost: FREE
Booking: Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Book through Eventbrite or contact KPCH.
Tired of living a solitary life in the Pacific Northwest, Mr Link, who is 8 feet tall and covered in fur, recruits fearless explorer Sir Lionel Frost to guide him on a journey to find his long-lost relatives in the fabled valley of Shangri-La. Along with adventurer Adelina Fortnight, the trio encounters their fair share of peril as they travel to the far reaches of the world. Through it all, they learn that sometimes one can find a family in the places one least expects.

 

Summer Movie Series - Big Hero 6 (PG)
Friday 17 January 2pm - 4pm
Cost: FREE
Booking: Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Book through Eventbrite or contact KPCH.
Robotics prodigy Hiro, lives in the city of San Fransokyo. Next to his older brother, Tadashi, Hiro's closest companion is Baymax, a robot whose sole purpose is to take care of people. When a devastating turn of events throws Hiro into the middle of a dangerous plot, he transforms Baymax and his other friends, Go Go Tamago, Wasabi, Honey Lemon and Fred into a band of high-tech heroes.

 

Summer Movie Series - Kudo & the Two Strings (PG)
Friday 24 January 2pm - 4pm
Cost: FREE
Booking: Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Book through Eventbrite or contact KPCH.
Young Kubo's peaceful existence comes crashing down when he accidentally summons a vengeful spirit from the past. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey and Beetle to unlock a secret legacy. Armed with a magical instrument, Kubo must battle the Moon King and other gods and monsters to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known.

 

Summer Movie Series - Moana (PG)
Monday 27 January 2pm - 4pm
Cost: FREE
Booking: Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Book through Eventbrite or contact KPCH.
An adventurous teenager sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. Together they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she always sought: her own identity.

Important Information: Children must be actively supervised by a parent or guardian during the entire duration of the film screenings. Adults are welcome and encouraged.

 

Darebin Intercultural Centre

Kinder Dreaming with Western Creation
Wednesday 18 December 10am - 11am
Jade Room, Ground Floor, Intercultural Centre
Free - Bookings essential Phone 8470 8440 or email intercultural@darebin.vic.gov.au

A fantastic introduction to Aboriginal cultures of Australia, tailored especially for younger learners. Symbolic face painting demonstration and native Australian animal sounds on Digeridoo with associated animal dance movements. The program is for kids pre-primary school age.

‘Jungle Shimmy' – Dynamic music & dance adventure
Tuesday 14 January 10am - 11am
Jade room, Ground floor, Intercultural Centre
Free - Bookings essential
Phone 8470 8440 or email intercultural@darebin.vic.gov.au.
With colouful props and fun, easy-to-follow dances including Belly Dance, Bollywood, Bhangra, Turkish, Egyptian, Gluf and Lebanese folk styles, everybody is up on their feet dancing. Program for kids, Prep to Year 3.

 

Indigenous Storytelling through Art
Thursday 16 January 10am - 11am
Jade room, Ground floor, Intercultural Centre
Free - Bookings essential
Phone 8470 8440 or email intercultural@darebin.vic.gov.au.
Through this practical workshop, students will be invited to learn Indigenous art symbols for man, woman, child, the land and numerous animals. Students are invited to present their stories to the rest of the group. Booking essential as spaces are limited. Program for kids, Year 3 to Year 6.

 

Darebin Libraries

 

Mindful Monkey Workshop 
Tuesday 7 January 3pm – 4pm
Fairfield Library
Learn about mindfulness with the Mindful Monkey! A mix of puppetry, song, dance, interactive mindful exercises and puppet making. Suitable for children aged 5 to 8.

Hip Hop Dance Workshop
Thursday 9 January 10.30am – 12pm
Reservoir Library
For kids who love moving to the beat and having fun! Learn a hip hop dance routine and then perform in groups for each other. Suitable for children aged 6 to 12.

Arabian Nights Storytime with the Islamic Museum of Australia
Wednesday 8 January 10.30am – 11.30am
Reservoir Library
Take a seat on a magic carpet and be transported with wondrous tales from the world of Arabian nights. Join in the fun by wearing cultural clothing. Finish by making a lantern to take home and enjoying a traditional sweet treat. Suitable for children aged 5 to 12.

Art for Wellbeing: Mandala Workshop with the Islamic Museum of Australia 
Monday 13 January 3pm – 4pm
Preston Library
Create your own mandala art in this interactive workshop with the Islamic Museum of Australia. Traditionally, mandala art is used as a tool to improve your wellbeing and clear your mind and thoughts. Creating your own personal mandala is therapeutic, symbolic and a beautiful reflection of your inner self and soul. Once completed, colour and frame your self-made artwork to take home with you! Suitable for ages 12+

Swimming Pool Storytime
Tuesday 14 January 10.30am – 11.30am
Reservoir Leisure Centre
Take a dip into a special swim-themed storytime! Fun stories and craft about swimming, pools and being water smart.

Big Magic Show!
Wednesday 15 January 10.30am – 11.30am
Preston Library
Giggles and gasps! Wows and wonder! Join award-winning magician David Chandler for a show filled with magic, surprises, silliness and song.  Suitable for children aged 5 to 12.

Bookings are essential. Please note bookings for Darebin Libraries activities open from 16 December 2019. Go to darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au or call 1300 655 355. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

 

Bundoora Homestead

 

Playtime
Friday 17 January: 11am – 12pm (3-5 year olds) and 2pm – 3.30pm (6-10 year olds)
Saturday 18th January: 11am – 12pm (3-5 year olds) and 2pm – 3.30pm (6-10 year olds)
Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, 7 Prospect Hill Drive Bundoora 3083
Free – bookings essential.
Children will immerse themselves in creative activities such as drawing, sculpting and craft making. Meanwhile, parents are invited to relax and enjoy the exhibitions and the Kitchen café at the Homestead while their young art lovers create contemporary masterpieces. All materials provided.

In addition to the Council run activities listed on this page, there is also a range of Outside School Hours Care and Vacation Care programs operated by independent organisations across Darebin for primary school children during the holidays.

 

Every autumn and spring, FUSE will transform Darebin into a dynamic hub of creativity.

FUSE ignites our vibrant city, bringing artists, communities and audiences to our streets, parks, venues, theatres, galleries, and to our public spaces to immerse themselves in art, culture and creativity of all forms.

From celebrations that gather communities, to new experiences that inspires ideas, and all manner of creative risk-taking and art making; FUSE will reflect our uniqueness and embraces the best of what Darebin is and can be; a vibrant, inclusive, creative and contemporary city.

FUSE will provide significant opportunities for arts activation across the municipality. 

The FUSE program will be announced early in 2020.

We are now inviting performers, creatives and artists to get involved. For more information and to register your interest in FUSE 2020 visit the FUSE website. Registrations are open until 25 November 2019. 

National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) is an important time on the National calendar of events. This year the NAIDOC theme of ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together.’ Voice. Treaty. Truth. were three key elements to the reforms set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. These reforms represent the unified position of First Nations Australians. This year’s theme also celebrates the importance of working together for a shared future. Learn more about NAIDOC at https://www.naidoc.org.au/

What's on during NAIDOC Week in Darebin:

Mantra Bell City: Aboriginal Flag Raising Ceremony

Join us to celebrate NAIDOC week with an Aboriginal Flag Raising Ceremony at the Mantra Bell City Hotel on Monday 8 July. The Aboriginal flag will fly at Mantra Bell City for 2 weeks commencing Monday 1st July to Sunday 14th July (consecutively) and consistent with National NAIDOC week protocols. There will be a Welcome To Country by a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder and speeches by Darebin Mayor and Aboriginal community Elders. Light food and tea/coffee will be provided. 

Event details:
Date: Monday 8 July 2019
Time: 10-11.30 am 
Location: Mantra Bell City Hotel, 215 Bell Street, Preston VIC 3072
No RSVP required

Darebin Libraries: NAIDOC Yarnbomb Smoking Ceremony & Morning Tea

Darebin Libraries will be celebrating the completion of their community project, the NAIDOC Week Yarnbomb at Preston Library with Elders from Gurwidj Neighbourhood House will be be conducting a smoking ceremony. Come along to view the installation created in the colors of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. The smoking ceremony will be followed by morning tea. Please BYO cup! 

Event details:
Date: Tuesday 16 July 2019
Time: 10.30-11.30am
Location: Preston Library, 266 Gower Street Preston VIC 3072
More information on Eventbrite

 

Darebin City Council has a long-standing commitment to supporting and advocating on the rights of newly arrived, refugee and asylum seeker communities in our municipality.

In 2018 Darebin Council was one of 15 Australian Councils that showed solidarity with refugees by signing the UNHCR Global  Statement of Solidarity with Refugees. To date, 138 cities around the world have now signed the Cities #WithRefugees solidarity statement and UNHCR is hoping to increase this to 200 cities and update their Cities of Light page with fresh storytelling from cities that have demonstrated exemplary inclusion. 

#WithRefugees is the continuing 3-year theme for Refugee Week 2019 in Australia, bringing a fresh focus to celebrating through sharing food and stories from around the world.

In 2019 Darebin Council will commemorate the contribution of refugees and asylum seekers during Refugee Week by hosting the following free activities:

Location	Event	How to book
Darebin Intercultural Centre	Free to Feed: A night of cooking and connection over dinner FREE Tuesday 18 June 6.00pm – 9.00pm Hosted by ‘Free to Feed’ – this cooking experience is an amazing way to learn about and celebrate traditions, memories and stories.	Register here.
Darebin Intercultural Centre	Film Screening: Hope Road – ‘A world of stories’ from around the globe (PG) FREE Wednesday 19 June 6.00pm – 9.00pm A film which shares a powerful and uplifting story about a refugee from the Sudanese civil war struggling against the odds and caught between two worlds.	Register here.
Preston Library	Film Screening: Border Politics documentary (PG) FREE Thursday 20 June 7:30pm-9:15pm In this film, leading human rights barrister, Julian Burnside AO, deconstructs harsh asylum seeker policies around the world, arguing that failure in political leadership is compromising human rights and destroying democratic principles in the West. Download the flyer here.	Register here.

On Thursday 8 March, individuals, organisations and governments around the world commemorate International Women’s Day.  This day exists to celebrate the social, cultural and political achievements of women but also as a day to raise awareness and take action against gender-based discrimination and violence.

The City of Darebin celebrates international women’s day with special events and activities which take place throughout the municipality during the month of March.

Our key event to celebrate International Women's Day is the Molly Hadfield Social Justice Oration. This is a free public community event held annually in celebration of International Women’s Day. The event is a tribute to well-known Darebin resident Molly Hadfield OAM who worked tirelessly to advance women’s and seniors rights throughout her life. The oration will be delivered by widely published Australian writer of Afro-Caribbean descent, Maxine Beneba Clarke. The evening will also include MC, Lorraine Ngwenya, and performer, Dear Matilda.

 

 

It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010. They recognised that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and established World Interfaith Harmony Week to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.

Recognising the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions.

In consideration of this, the City of Darebin would like to invite you to visit the Darebin Peace Poles, located outside the front of the Darebin Intercultural Centre (59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072), during this week, to reflect upon the importance of understanding, harmony and cooperation amongst all people.

For more information about the week, please visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/interfaith-harmony-week

IDAHOBIT also affirms the strength, resilience and contributions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ) people and their families, allies and supporters. In Darebin, we are proud of our diverse community. As the closest level of government to the community, we believe that we have an important role in challenging homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and promoting social inclusion and human rights for all, regardless of sexuality, sex characteristics or gender identity.

We recognise that discrimination can have serious negative consequences on the social and emotional well being of our residents. We are committed to strengthening community cohesion and connectedness by celebrating diversity and promoting respect for all. Darebin Council will celebrate IDAHOBIT 2019 with a rainbow flag raising ceremony and community morning tea.  Everyone is welcome. The flag will fly for one week and Northcote Town Hall will have a night time rainbow illumination.

Event details:

Date: Friday 17 May 2019

Time: 10am – 11am

Meet: Outside Darebin City Hall, 284 Gower St Preston

Download the event flyer.

See Darebin Libraries website for additional events.

Council acknowledges the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities of Darebin.  We are committed to combating homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.  

 

 

 

A new annual event on the Darebin calendar, this special day recognises and celebrates First Nations peoples and the wider Darebin community.

The dynamic First Nations program, co-designed by the Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee, will feature a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Welcome Ceremony with performances by the Djirri Djirri Dance Group and local primary school students, followed by a live music program headlined by Isaiah Firebrace.

The event was conceived in response to Darebin Council’s commitment to respecting and celebrating First Nations People, and engaging with Darebin's diverse community, including established and newly arrived communities, to raise community awareness and understanding.

Wattle Day, 1 September, was suggested by the Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee as a suitable day to hold the inaugural event as it conjures the optimism, colour and abundance of spring, as well as Australia’s environment and history. The first celebration of Wattle Day in Melbourne was held on 1 September 1910. 

Event Program

The host for the event is Uncle Jack Charles.

Opening Ceremony - Darebin Arts Centre

All Darebin residents, old and new, are invited to be officially welcomed onto Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung country.

12.00pm          Opening Performance  

12.20pm          Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Welcome Ceremony with Uncle Bill Nicholson and Djirri Djirri Dance Group

Celebration

A chance to share your own story and meet other Darebin residents. Featuring a live music program, food stalls and face painting.

Following the Opening Ceremony, these Celebratory activities below will take place in the Ray Bramham Gardens (directly behind the Darebin Arts Centre), weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, the full program of events will take place inside the Darebin Arts Centre.

1.20pm            ‘Spirit’ performance by Isaiah Firebrace with local primary school students

1.30pm            Brothers in Arms

2.00pm            Kee’ahn

2.45pm            Isaiah Firebrace & Band

Isaiah Firebrace school workshops and performance

Young vocal prodigy, Isaiah Firebrace is now one of Australia’s most successful artists. He won The X Factor in 2016 at just 17 years old, was signed to Sony Music and in 2017 represented Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing ninth. His debut single ‘It’s Gotta Be You’ was the highest streaming song of any Australian artist in 2018. 

As part of his national ‘Spirit and Beyond’ tour and leading up to Ngulu Nganjin, Isaiah will run workshops entitled ‘Beyond’ with eight Darebin primary schools. In the workshops, Isaiah will talk about his journey and how he overcame diversity to reach his dream. Students will also learn Isaiah’s new single ‘Spirit’, which will then be performed by the students alongside Isaiah at Ngulu Nganjin.

Want to get involved? Download the ‘Spirit’ lyrics and sing along on the day!

This event is for the entire Darebin community.

Read more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Darebin here.

Sunday 1 September 2019
12.00pm to 3.30pm
Darebin Arts Centre and Ray Bramham Gardens — corner Bell Street and St Georges Road, Preston
Transport: Bell Station or Bus 513. On-site parking available.
Entry is free.

This event will be Auslan interpreted. 

View the event flyer.

National Sorry Day is an Australia-wide observance held on May 26 each year. This day gives people the chance to come together and share the steps towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities. Stolen generations refer to Indigenous Australians who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June and commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.

This year, Darebin City Council is recognising and celebrating Reconciliation Week with community-event screenings of Reconciliation themed films at Darebin Libraries:

Film: Occupation Native
Date: Tuesday 28 May
Venue: Preston Library
Time: 6:45-8pm
Register on Eventbrite
 
Film: Connection To Country
Date: Wednesday 29 May
Venue: Northcote Library
Time: 6:45 – 8pm
Register on Eventbrite
 
Film: We Don’t Need A Map
Date: Thursday 30 May
Venue: Preston Library
Time: 7 – 8:30pm
Register on Eventbrite

Darebin's Cycle Angels will be stationed at Bike Repair Stations en route to provide a helping hand. Say hello and ride away with fully inflated tyres and a reflective Darebin Loves Bikes ankleband.

We encourage workplaces across Darebin to host a breakfast or morning tea to celebrate the event. Let us know your plans and your workplace could win a Bike N Blend tandem smoothie bike package, and you'll receive a Darebin Loves Bikes reflective ankleband. To register your workplace email darebinlovesbikes@darebin.vic.gov.au before 30 September 2019 

If you'd like to ride to work but you need help with your on-road bike confidence or bike maintenance skills, join a low-cost Bike Skills Workshop this spring.

Riding a bike is fast, convenient and fun. There are many other benefits of riding to work, such as:

• Improving personal health and wellbeing 
• Saving money on petrol and public transport fares 
• Reducing congestion on our roads
• Alleviating parking pressures
• Minimising greenhouse gas emissions

Employers are recognising that a bike-friendly workplace is a great way to attract and retain staff, reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and reduce their corporate carbon footprint. 

Find out how to make your workplace bike-friendly.

The Backyard Harvest Festival has inspired home gardeners since it first began in 2011. Home food gardens are open for tours and workshops, to help build a strong sense of community around homegrown and homemade food. Information about the 2020 festival will be released late in 2019.

 

Click here to fill out the on-line Expression of Interest form or visit any Customer Service Centre to request a hard copy version. 

 

 

This free event features performances from local choirs, music, community market stalls, food and coffee trucks, and more! Bring a picnic, your best singing voice and celebrate the festive season under the stars.

For more information, visit Carols in All Nations.

As one of 78 state-wide providers, the FReeZA program also provides important performance opportunities for local musicians and emerging artists to showcase their talent through competitions such as the Victorian FReeZA Push Start Battle of the Bands.

All FReeZA events are fully supervised, drug, alcohol and smoke-free.

http://www.facebook.com/DecibelsYouthMusic/

For complete details about our forthcoming programs see the  January - June 2020 Parenting Seminars Calendar.

BOOKINGS: Bookings are essential as places are strictly limited, so book now. (Bookings for each session will be available about 5-6 weeks before the event).

Loud Mouth takes place on school holidays at Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, with occasional events also held at Northcote Town Hall. For a full listing of events, please visit the Darebin Arts website.

www.facebook.com/pages/Darebin-Arts-Loud-Mouth

A rolling series of participatory arts projects and events to delight locals, inspire visitors, and bring people together through sound, illustration, music, dance, food and play. Join us as we explore and celebrate the unique character of this thriving northern suburb. All you have to do is head True North.

To find out more, visit True North Arts.

The Speakeasy program is presented at Northcote Town Hall and features artists from across Melbourne and beyond.

EFFA KIDS SHORT FILMS AND SEED PLANTING WORKSHOP | Sunday 27 October, 10.30am
Children can learn about the environment with a dash of creativity through this series of carefully curated short films, and then enjoy a hands-on seed planting workshop led by CERES in the cinema courtyard!

EFFA YOUTH – YOUTH UNSTOPPABLE | Sunday 27 October, 1.00pm
Be inspired by young filmmaker and environmental activist Slater Jewell-Kemker, as she follows the stories of youth activists from around the world in her debut documentary, Youth Unstoppable. Then have your say at the EFFA Youth Forum, sharing your ideas about our future and the changes you’d like to make and be part of. This session is open to students of secondary school age and will be delivered by, and for, young people.

TITIXE | Wednesday 30 October, 6.45pm
What do we all stand to lose when connection to land and agricultural techniques handed down over thousands of years are threatened to disappear? This intimate, moving film captures the last attempt of a Mexican family to cultivate their land following the death of a beloved patriarch, in a country which has forsaken its rural origins. This screening will be followed by a discussion on local Indigenous connections to country and the importance of sharing agricultural practices across generations.

AUSTRALASIAN SHORT FILMS | Thursday 31 October, 6.45pm
A series of Australian shorts, spanning a range of important environmental issues from a local perspective – from drought management and conservation, to food waste and plant-based fashion. This session will be followed by a panel discussion.

INTO THE JUNGLE | Friday 1 November, 6.45pm – Closing night film
When newlywed Australian zookeepers Jim and Jean Thomas pack up their suburban Melbourne lives and travel to the remote Papua New Guinea to save one of the world’s rarest animals – the Tenkile tree kangaroo – they quickly realise that improving human welfare is key to achieving animal conservation. A triumph of will, passion and determination – and featuring powerful tributes from Sir David Attenborough and Jane Goodall – Into the Jungle reminds us of what is possible in the fight to save threatened species from extinction, and why this has never been more important. This film will also screen with short film, Maybe Just a Fairytale. This session will also be followed by a Q & A with the film makers.

To book tickets and view the full festival program visit www.effa.org.au

Facebook competition terms and conditions for TITIXE, AUSTRALASIAN SHORT FILMS and INTO THE JUNGLE

To celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival and Seniors Month this October check out the 2019 Darebin Springtime Community Events booklet which is full of free and low-cost events and activities, designed for older adults, their friends and families to enjoy. From community lunches, gardening and craft activities to music, dance and fitness - there is something for everyone and something happening right across Darebin! View the booklet online or pick up a copy from Council's Customer Service Centres, libraries, and various community venues from from 20 September.

Darebin Springtime Community Events launch 
Thursday 3 October, 10.30am - 12pm 
Preston Market (near the food section)

To launch this year's Springtime Community Events during Seniors Month, we are delighted to invite older adults, their families and friends to this special event. There will be giveaways, have a go at Zumba, learn about Council's new aged care Navigation Service, plus much more!

Also happening in Seniors Month is free public transport for Victorian Seniors Card holders from Sunday 6 October to Sunday 13 October across all metropolitan and V-Line services and Reservoir Leisure Centre is giving away free passes to some of its exercise classes.

For further information email AgeFriendly@darebin.vic.gov.au or phone 8470 8888.