Welcome to our first Connect Local newsletter.

We’ve been so busy connecting residents to the wonderful resources in Glen Eira that we haven’t had a moment to keep you updated with a newsletter. We now plan to keep in touch every couple of months or so to let you know what we've been up to.

We are excited to announce that our little Connect Local team has grown! We now have three amazing Community Connectors -  Ann, Taryn and Lynn. 

In making Connect Local happen, we are privileged to meet incredible people and also to discover fabulous things that are happening in Glen Eira.

This newsletter introduces you to a couple of these people. Ann, one of our Community Connectors and also Isaac who is a participant. We also have included information about some of the many programs currently available in Glen Eira.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey.

Warm regards,
The Connect Local Team
Rajna, Kerry, Ann, Taryn, Lynn, Ahsan and Liz

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have been a Community Development Worker for around 20 years. I really enjoy collaborating with groups to support them to find the answers they need and then to action them. I am also a trained Primary School Teacher and have a Counselling degree. I have worked mainly for Not-For-Profit welfare agencies in a number of different contexts. 

What do you enjoy about being a Community Connector?

The work with people! I love hearing people’s stories and working with them to find the right solutions. This is the favourite part of my work. I really enjoy when people are connected in with activities and groups that they love, and then hearing about the change in their life.
We’re also supporting great community activities as well as supporting individuals.
I also love our team.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about calling Connect Local?

You might as well give it a go! You don’t have to join in if you don’t want to, but the people who have found activities that they love have got a new lease on life. They’ve got new friends and they’re learning new things.

You can refer someone (or yourself) to Connect Local by using the referral form on the website or simply phone 1800 929 022

Isaac and the Cooking Group at Moongala

Because of COVID I isolated myself. And my wife did too. After a while I was losing my mind! I wanted to socialise.

I saw information about Connect Local in a letter the council sent and called them up.
I was very happy about the information they gave me. I have lived in Bentleigh for 40 years, and still didn’t know about all these places!  I now had the opportunity to socialise.

The best activity is the cooking class at Moongala Community House! I don’t really like cooking. I just went and there were all these women. I just joined them – I don’t need to cook, I just chat there. After a while, I dragged my wife there. She was diligent about COVID, and didn’t want to go out, but I was able to take her there. It was fantastic!

It’s changed my life.

Isaac, Bentleigh

Check out all the wonderful courses and activities at Moongala Community House.

If you haven't browsed the Connect Local website lately, be sure to check out the new search by keyword function in the Community Directory. It makes finding programs and activities so much easier! 

Introducing Bentmoor Community Men's Shed, a remarkable place that has been receiving rave reviews from Connect Local participants. We had the pleasure of speaking with Jeff Needham, Shed President recently, to learn more about this wonderful community initiative.
According to Jeff, the Men's Shed is a place where individuals can form new friendships, engage in meaningful activities, and discover a sense of purpose.

"The Shed is for anyone who wants to come along" said Jeff.  "We run a range of sessions throughout the week. There are men only sessions, women only sessions and now mixed sessions. We also run art and pottery classes. We also have regular guest speakers on interesting topics. The Shed is a welcoming place and is accessible for people with disability too. There is always a cuppa and a bikkie on offer and sometimes a BBQ".

If you're interested in exploring what the Bentmoor Community Men's Shed has to offer, pay them a visit at: Moorleigh Community Village (92-94  Bignell Rd, Bentleigh East) or give them a call on 0481 369 191.

GEALC (Glen Eira Adult Learning Centre) offers programs to our community. These promote health, wellness and community connectedness. They aim to enhance the personal lives of people so that they can participate more fully in the community.
The health and wellbeing workshops aim to assist participants to be  empowered to gain more control of their lives, to increase their self-esteem and confidence. The workshops challenge and encourage people in Glen Eira to be more active so they can feel better both physically and mentally.

Check out the timetable of FREE health & wellbeing workshops, including Yoga, drumming, mindfulness , dance movement and more!

Workshops held at 169A McKinnon Rd, McKinnon. Bookings via www.gealc.org.au or Facebook.

Godfrey Street Community House offer a gentle exercise class that works and strengthens core muscles that improve balance and posture. Learn to breathe deeply and practice mindfulness for relaxation. There is no floor work and the classes are suitable for all ages and abilities.
Beginners very welcome.
Classes on Tuesday 10:30am – 11:30am and Thursday 1:30pm – 2:30pm.
$8 per class.

Godfrey Street Community House
9 Godfrey Street, Bentleigh
https://www.godfreystreet.org/recreational-classes/armchair-yoga

Make sure to add this free event to your calendar - presented by our very own talented Community Connector Taryn, this session will set you up for a stress-free holiday season.

You are warmly invited to attend Master your Mind stress reduction mindfulness training. This FREE community information session is designed to introduce you to techniques to recognise, manage and help prevent unhealthy levels of stress using mindfulness.

WHEN  Wednesday 15 November 2023, 10am-11am
WHERE Murrumbeena Park Community Hub, 28 Gerald Street, Murrumbeena (ample parking available)
BOOKINGS Free, bookings essential www.trybooking.com/CMGXU
Morning Tea provided

Hosted by Bolton Clarke in partnership with the Glen Eira Community Groups Network

It’s expected that a hot summer is approaching. Extreme heat can affect anyone, so it’s important to know the basic steps to take to protect yourself and those close to you.
WHEN  Friday 17 November 2023, 10am - 12pm
WHERE Caulfield South Community House, The Chapel, 450-452 Kooyong Road, Caulfield South
BOOKINGS Free, bookings essential

Join the Glen Eira Historical Society's November Speaker Series about Heatherdale, one of Caulfield's oldest surviving houses. Jenny O'Donnell, author of a number of Historic House biographies will be delving into the architecture and past residents of this 1860's mansion.

WHEN  Wednesday 22 November 2023, 7.30pm - 9pm
WHERE Murrumbeena Bowls Club, 10 Blackwood Street, Carnegie (Street parking available)
BOOKINGS Gold coin donation, bookings essential www.trybooking.com/CMPMI 

Supper provided, drinks can be purchased from the bar.

Another program we'd like to highlight is a new initiative from Glen Eira Council called Cooking Up Connections. It's a meal-sharing and community-strengthening program that connects people who like to cook and connect, with an older resident in our community. Volunteers share an extra portion of their home-cooked meal on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.

They are calling for Diners to participate now, as they have Volunteer Cooks eagerly waiting to be matched with a Diner

To register your interest as a Volunteer Cook or a Diner, visit Cooking Up Connections Glen Eira City Council or contact the Project Support Officer on
9524 3333 or email  cookingupconnections@gleneira.vic.gov.au 

Glen Eira City Council is doing a community survey and wants to understand what Council services are most valued by the community to help them plan for future budgets.  Council is dedicated to provide high-quality services for residents, businesses and visitors now and into the future. To do this well, they want to hear your views to strike the right balance and prioritise appropriately.

You can have your say by completing this short survey.  https://www.haveyoursaygleneira.com.au/priorities