911±¬ÁĎÍř

The City of Whittlesea and Yarra Plenty Regional Library are inviting all 8–12 year olds to let their imaginations run wild in a series of fun and inspiring creative writing workshops.

Join children’s author Lisa Foley for fun and inspiring creative writing workshops at Mill Park Library. Turn your ideas into stories, poems or comics, and be published in a special eBook anthology!

Workshops:

• Tue 16 Sept | 4–5 pm
• Wed 24 Sept | 2.30–3.30 pm

Info Stand:

• Thu 2 Oct | 10 am–1 pm at Mill Park Leisure Centre (Bringing Up Kids Expo)

Don’t worry if you can’t attend – you can still submit your writing!

👉 More info: whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Creative-Writing-Workshops.

Expressions of Interest are now open for the Mosaic Futures Program, a free 6-week initiative commencing in Term 4, 2025 at Mill Park Leisure.

This program is designed for young Muslim men aged 14 – 18 and provides opportunities to:

• Explore workplace and career pathways
• Take part in weekly recreation and learning sessions at Mill Park Leisure
• Build confidence, skills, and community connections
• Access job referral opportunities
• Participate in an end-of-program excursion

Spaces are limited and bookings are essential. Please complete the attached Expression of Interest form if interested in the program.

Delivered by City of Whittlesea Youth, the program aims to support young Muslim people to strengthen their identity, explore their futures, and connect with peers and mentors in a safe and empowering environment.

For further information, feel free to get in touch with Abdullahi.Ibrahim@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

City of Whittlesea has released the school holiday program for the upcoming spring break.

All events are free, with the exception of the movie screening of Bad Guys 2 at Westfield Plenty Valley for only $5 (includes movie ticket, free popcorn & drink) on Friday 3 October 2025 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

This event will sell out super-fast â€“ so register now to secure your spot:

Mill Park Leisure (MPL) and Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre (TRAC) are offering a range of fun kids activities for the upcoming school holidays from 22 Sept – 1 Oct 2025.

Visit venue websites for prices, deals, details and opportunities:

• TRAC activities:
• Mill Park Leisure activities:

Do you have broken items lying around at home? Don’t toss them – bring them along to the Mernda Repair Café and give them a second life!

This is a FREE community service, helping reduce waste and bring neighbours together through skill-sharing and sustainable practices. Come along, learn a new skill, and help create a more sustainable Mernda. Everyone is welcome!

đź—“ When: Saturday, 20 September 2025
đź“Ť Where: 2 Heals Road, Mernda
⏰ Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
🎟 Bookings: (Walk-ins welcome!)

Our skilled volunteers, aka the Repair Doctors, will be on hand to help with:

đź‘ź Shoe repairs
🚲 Bike and scooter tune-ups
🔌 Small electrical fixes
đź‘• Clothing mending and darning

✨ New repair services this month: Fashion jewellery repairs & power tool fixes!

💡 If you’ve booked but can no longer attend, please cancel so we can offer the spot to someone else.

For more info, visit:

The City of Whittlesea’s popular 911±¬ÁĎÍř Bush Comfort and Confidence (ABCC) program is offering an overnight camping experience Saturday, 20 September to Sunday, 21 September at Camp Warringal.

Hosted by It’s Naturally You through the City of Whittlesea, this unique, hands-on camp is perfect for anyone new to camping or Australia, and for those wanting to gain the skills and confidence to explore local bushlands and beyond.

Participants will learn 

• how to select a safe campsite
• set up a tent, build and manage a campfire
• cook outdoors
• navigate the bush
• stay safe around wildlife. 

The program also includes night-time spotlighting for native animals, bush first aid tips, and storytelling with didgeridoo around the campfire.

Cost: $20–$40. Bookings are essential.

Enjoy the magic of sleeping under the stars in a safe, private bush campground, waking up to the sounds of birdsong. All essential comforts are provided, including a camp kitchen, toilets, showers, and tents or swags.

Get your bike ready for the Biketober Challenge with this interactive, hands-on workshop!

Over 2 hours, you’ll learn essential bike maintenance skills, including:

• Tuning gears, aligning derailleurs, and troubleshooting gear issues
• Adjusting brakes, replacing pads, and checking wheel alignment
• Fixing flats and punctures, including inner tube replacement and patching
• Cleaning, lubricating, and maintaining your chain and drive-train
• Adjusting your bike for optimal fit and performing safety checks.

Practice on your own bike, follow demonstrations, and ask questions to leave confident and ride-ready!

When:
Saturday, 04 October 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location:
Whittlesea Community Activity Centre
57/61 Laurel Street, Whittlesea

Cost:
Only $5 per participant

Have you always wanted to ride a bike, or build more confidence on two wheels? The City of Whittlesea’s Learn to Ride program is here to help!

Running from October 2025 to April 2026, these workshops are designed for beginners, infrequent riders, and regular cyclists who want to boost their skills. Sessions cater for both children (aged 5–12) and adults (18–65), offering a supportive and encouraging environment to learn at your own pace.

Workshops include:

• Female-only learn to ride
• Children learn to ride
• Adult path-to-road skills
• Hands-on bike maintenance
• Building confidence on shared paths.

Cycling is a great way to improve your health, reduce car dependency, and support the environment. Whatever your experience level, there’s a session for you!

We are excited to share a wonderful opportunity for our students to explore their creativity and scientific curiosity through the International Chemistry & Art Competition, proudly supported by the Royal 911±¬ÁĎÍř Chemical Institute.

This unique competition invites students to express their personal understanding of chemistry through visual art. It’s a fun and meaningful way for young minds to connect science with creativity.

🎨 Competition Theme: “What is Chemistry to Me?”
👧👦 Who Can Enter: Children aged 5 to 19
📅 Entry Period: 1 August – 1 October
đź’° Entry Fee: FREE
🏆 Prizes: A share of $2,500 AUD!

How to Enter:
For more details and to submit entries, please scan the QR code on the attached poster or visit here. 

Important Notes:
• Entries are to be completed at home.
• All materials and supplies should be provided by parents or guardians.
• Students are welcome to speak with our art teachers for inspiration or guidance.

Let’s encourage our budding artists and scientists to take part in this exciting competition!