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The City of Darebin is seeking to build and diversify its program of creative and cultural offerings and is taking applications for its inaugural Triennial Event Partnership Program for Northcote Town Hall and the Darebin Arts Centre.

We are seeking applications from established businesses that are devoted to the following principles of the Darebin Arts Strategy:

  • Inclusive
  • Enterprising
  • Connected
  • Vibrant and visionary

Applications open: Monday, 16 February 2018

Applications close: Monday, 16 April 2018

Information on the application process, partnership arrangement and the evaluation criteria can be found in the Guidelines.

We strongly encourage applicants to familiarise themselves with the Creative Dare­bin Arts Strategy.

Applications are submitted online at Smarty Grants.

Council is seeking community ideas and opinions on learning opportunities in Darebin as we develop our first Lifelong Learning Strategy.

Lifelong learning covers formal education and informal learning for people of all ages and life stages.

You can provide feedback by taking a short online survey or by coming along to one of our focus groups for adults, seniors and youth. By taking the survey you can go in the draw to win Hoyts Cinema double passes, and all focus group participants will receive a thank you voucher.

You can fill out the survey online or by visiting a Darebin Libraries' branch. Please go to yoursaydarebin.com.au/LLS for the survey or to register to join one of our focus groups.

For more information, please contact Melanie McCarten on 8470 8234.

The survey closes Friday 16 February 2018.

Our Pitch IT program was announced as the winner of an Economic Development Australia Award in the category of Digital Entrepreneurs.

Pitch IT is a competition where local university students, graduates, professionals, businesses and residents were invited to ‘pitch’ their IT start-up ideas to a panel of expert judges. Finalists went into a digital business accelerator program to continue developing their start-up. The program showcased how the tech industry, education providers, Darebin's business incubator the Melbourne Innovation Centre and local government can partner to provide up-and-coming entrepreneurs with the right business tools needed to launch in today's digital economy.

The winning pitch received $10,000 to help commercialise their idea. Preston resident Jessica Thomas won the grand prize for her website/app Dogshare which connects dog owners with services. The winner received widespread positive media coverage including Leader Newspaper, national Channel 7 Sunrise interview and a radio interview.

This program has been funded again in 2017/18 and will be launched in February 2018.

Be inspired by the wisdom of people of all ages through their postcard messages to their younger, older of present selves. Messages to Myself has been part of Council's Lifelong Learning for Wellbeing program, which affirmed and celebrated the idea that learning is a lifelong experience and part of our individual and collective journeys.

People shared things they wish they knew when they were younger, affirmations and things they have learnt and want to remember. Many Darebin people across six Council and community events participated - here are some of their messages to all of us.

Explore the Messages to Myself Booklet.

Free public WiFi is now available in our major shopping strips. Next time you’re out and about you will be able to browse social media, webpages, search for local businesses and read your emails.

Free Wi-Fi is now fully operational in the following shopping centres:

  • High Street, Preston
  • Station Street, Fairfield
  • Broadway, Reservoir
  • High Street, Northcote and Westgarth
  • Edwardes Street, Reservoir
  • Spring Street, Reservoir

For more detail on coverage areas please see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

How do I access the Free Wi-Fi service?

  • Turn on Wi-Fi
  • Select “Free Darebin Wi-Fi” (in Preston, Fairfield and Reservoir) or “Darebin Free Wi-Fi” (in Northcote and Westgarth) and connect
  • Click on your internet browser from your menu page and select “sign in to Wi-Fi” when prompted
  • Accept the terms and conditions
  • Enjoy free Wi-Fi!

Problems?

If you have problems accessing the service and need help, there are service technicians available, at portal@infrastructurelogic.net.au or by calling:

  • Ph: 1300 765 543 for Preston, Reservoir, Fairfield
  • Ph: 1300 135 249 for Northcote and Westgarth

This free Wi-Fi service has been made available to you by Darebin City Council with the assistance of business owners and operators in the coverage areas and with the assistance of our industry partners Infrastructure Logic and Easyweb Digital.

Opportunities for Business

Businesses in Preston, Reservoir and Fairfield will be able to list and promote their businesses on a marketing portal (coming soon), this is already available in Northcote and Westgarth. 

If you would like to know how you can use the services to market your business products and services, please contact us.

Business Development

Ph: 8470 8344