Spring is in the air

As a large gathering of 45 guests assembled at the Henderson home for September Morning Tea, that spring feelin’ was in the air. New attendees Norva Lo, Andrew Brennan and Bill Damm were welcomed.

Sue Henderson updated the group on the following issues:

• The Lidgerwoods donated $500 from their recent musical evening to the The Humble Mission, a charity supported by East Melbourne General Store.
• A documentary film The Lost City of Melbourne is having a limited release at various cinemas, including Kino and the Nova ($5 deal – check the website).
• The East Melbourne Group and East Melbourne Neighbour Network (EMNN) are planning a joint Christmas Picnic at Bishopscourt on Saturday, December 17, 2pm to 5pm.  A submission has been made to the City of Melbourne for a grant to assist. Any volunteers interested in helping to organise the event would be greatly appreciated.  Email [email protected] if you can help.
• The 40 kph speed zones will be unveiled between September 12 and 15 through the suburb, initially with mobile flashing signage to warn motorists.
• An informal gathering at the George St Cafe was held at the end of August to celebrate 10 years in the business for Michael – including the trying COVID lockdown period. 

Rei Chin is the new Neighbourhood Partner at the City of Melbourne and gave a presentation on the establishment of neighbourhood portals for all the suburban locations in the City of Melbourne, an initiative started following consultation with community during the past 12 months. There was also discussion on a range of matters, including:

• the need for more community spaces, especially indoor ones;
• the need for EV charging stations;
• the Powlett Reserve outdoor gymnasium area (still being looked at);
• the use of the pavilion in the Fitzroy Gardens;
• the need for social networks to mitigate isolation, exacerbated in lockdown periods; Rei said she was looking at a range of means of getting better connection, including young people and long-term renters;
• anti-social behaviour in the suburb;
• safety on roads and parking issues;
• more low-floor trams through the suburb for people with mobility issues; and
• garden bed maintenance in Darling Square.

Rei sent this message after the meeting following up on a query relating to garden beds at Darling Square: “Haydn, our senior park operations officer inspected the garden bed and have asked Serco to feed and mulch the bed. They had been recently planted and seem to be suffering from the cold but hopefully with a bit of care, it’ll blossom in spring.”

The morning concluded with a violin solo from David Rosenberg from Bamberg who is in Melbourne from Germany on a musical exchange. The performance was an unexpected delight and Sue Henderson showed her versatility and gift for improvisation by acting as the music stand for David in the absence of an actual music stand.

The next meeting will be at Sue and Terry’s, 67 Grey St, on Friday, October 14 at 10.30am.

Term 4 health and wellbeing program of activities will begin in October

Enrolments are now open for all classes including:   

Monday: Health Qigong – 9am to 10am;  Chair Yoga – 10.30am to 11.30am;  Gentle Yoga: 5.30pm to 6.30pm Book Group (evening).

Tuesday: Walking Group: 8.30am to 9.30am; Pilates: 9am to 10am; Tai Chi – 10.30am to 11.30am

Thursday: Pilates: 9am to 10am; 10.30am to 11.30am; Ukulele – 3pm to 4pm

Friday: Gentle Exercise – 9.30am to 10.30am; 10.45am to 11.45am

A new pre/post natal pilates class is currently being planned. If you would like further information, please make contact via email.

Celebrate life through music

Thanks to all those who have expressed interest in joining the proposed Community Choir which we hope to commence in early 2023.

We have applied for a community grant from the City of Melbourne to assist with the establishment of the choir and will update interested members as soon as we firm up details.

The choir aims to be an un-auditioned, mixed-voice, inclusive community choir to be located in East Melbourne. The aim is to create an environment for local people to meet, participate and enjoy singing together as a group. Research has shown that singing in a choir can strengthen feelings of togetherness, reduce stress levels, and regulate heart rate and improve feelings of social wellbeing. We’d love to hear your voice, so drop us an email if you are interested in joining.

Your ideas and involvement are important

As always, new ideas are sought from the community as we wish to provide additional meaningful, fun, and engaging activities for all age groups. Any resident, of any age, who would like to get involved – the EMNN would love to hear from you. 

Your ideas and involvement will help strengthen our community and enhance the health and wellbeing of all neighbours.

Contact: Sue Henderson or Ann-Maree Eckersley at [email protected] •