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Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people who are the traditional owners and custodians of this land. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
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Service Updates
With the easing of restrictions and warmer weather here we’re able to do more and enjoy being part of community life again. For updates on Council services and facilities visit our website. Be kind to one another and be safe.
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Emergency Food Relief
Getting access to food and basic goods
If you need assistance to access food relief and essential items, you can find a local service that can assist you with grocery vouchers, food parcels and pre-made meals. For more information, see the Darebin Emergency Food Relief and Support Services during COVID-19.
If you’d prefer to speak to someone, you can find the help you need with Council’s Community Navigation Service. Call us on 8470 8888 and ask to be connected to the Community Navigation Service, weekdays from 9am to 4pm. Alternatively email covidsupport@darebin.vic.gov.au
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Outdoor Capoeira Sessions
11, 12, 18 & 19 January 2021
Reservoir and Northcote
(Time & Location TBA)
Suitable for 0-4 years age group
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. The sessions are focused on simple percussion, singing and physical movement for young children in a fun family atmosphere. Suitable for toddlers and pre-school aged children of all abilities. Facilitated by a qualified Capoeira Instructor and Musician, Yusuke Akai and a Darebin Supported Playgroups facilitator.
Bookings essential. For more information and/or to register email the Early Years Team at early.years@darebin.vic.gov.au
Read more >
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Darebin Libraries School Holiday Program
Commonwealth of Games - Live interactive event on Zoom
Tuesday 12 January, 2pm- 3pm (Suitable for children aged 5-12 years.) Drawing on his tour of 55+ countries in 2018-19, world-traveller Sean will present his hilarious show LIVE ONLINE. Full of laughter and learning, Sean introduces children to languages, cultures and customs via games from around the world. Book online at Eventbrite to receive your Zoom link.
Magic, Craft and Science!
Check out our bumper batch of fun videos for amazing school holiday activities to do at home. Available on Darebin Libraries’ Facebook page from Monday 4 January.
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Branch Out
Is it time for your young readers to branch out and try reading something new? The children’s librarians at Darebin Libraries are voracious readers and know all the best books! They’ve put together themed reading ideas to tempt kids to explore new reading horizons, such as New Worlds, Amazing and True, Strong Girls, Graphic Adventures and more. Jump into the Branch Out tree to explore with your kids and line up some great holiday reading.
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Multicultural Festival - ‘The Whole Village into One Digital Stage’
18 - 22 January 2021
10am - 2pm
“The Whole Village into One Digital Stage” is being delivered by Australian Multicultural Community Services Inc. (AMCS). The online festival aims to support multicultural communities to showcase all the sights, sounds and tastes of our state’s cultural diversity. There will be something for everyone from a range of online cultural events during the period of five days from 18th to 22nd of January 2021. Read more>
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Tapestry Classes
For women and girls from refugee & asylum seeker backgrounds and those who live in isolation.
Every Monday starting from 1 February 2021
10.00am - 12.00pm
Darebin Intercultural Centre (59a Roseberry Avenue, Preston)
Open to women and girls from refugee & asylum seeker backgrounds and those who live in isolation. Come along and learn Tapestry in a friendly, safe environment. Classes are free of charge and all tools & materials provided. Please note there is no babysitting services, due to safety reasons, women cannot bring their children to the classes.
Numbers are limited, bookings essential. To register call Rosa Vasseghi on 0423 060 989. You can also discuss with Rosa opportunities to do the classes through Zoom.
The classes are supported by Foundation House, City of Darebin, Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health & Ava-Iranian Women’s tapestries.
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Sustainable Darebin Map
Discover where you can connect, grow, shop, travel and reduce waste sustainably. The Sustainable Darebin Map is an interactive, online map that shows all of the places and groups within Darebin that contribute to sustainability. This school holidays, why not explore your neighbourhood and visit the op shops to pick up second hand goodies, join your local community gardens, support local sustainable businesses, and more.
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What’s under the reeds at Merri Park wetland
Tuesday 2 February 2021
7.00pm - 8.00pm
Come down for a FREE urban wetland field trip and celebrate World Wetlands day on Tuesday 2 February (7-8pm) at Merri Park wetland in Northcote.
You’ll get to hear Merri Creek Management Committee, Waterwatch and the Friends of Merri Park discuss the history of this special spot, as well as monitoring for microbats in tree hollows and listening for local frog friends to contribute to citizen science. This is a family friendly event and a great way to start to the school year.
Book your spot on the field trip now. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather and walking. COVID safety guidelines will be followed. Proudly funded by the City of Darebin.
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Keep Cool in Darebin – Connie’s Tips
Now that Summer is well and truly here we have asked some of our local older residents how they stay cool during a heatwave. Connie uses her favourite fan on her face, and a cool, damp cloth on her neck. She bought the fan during a heatwave in February 1961 and it still works well today! With climate change making our summers hotter and longer, find out some tips and tricks on how you can keep cool, save money and help take climate action this summer. You can also call 1800 830 029 for free telephone phone advice from our friends at Uniting on how to keep cool and save money.
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Darebin Toy Library
Darebin Toy Library will remain closed until the end of January 2021. Any urgent returns of toys and equipment can be organised with the Toy Library Officer on a pre-arranged appointment basis. The Toy Library service is currently under review. The experience of families accessing the Toy Library is important to us, hence, the review will consult with current and future service users. During the service review the Toy Library will re-open in Northcote with a modified service, which will include pre-arranged appointments for borrowing and returns of toys and equipment. Further updates will be provided to members via email and to the community via our website.
All enquiries regarding the Darebin Toy Library can be directed to the Toy Library Officer at toylibrary@darebin.vic.gov.au.
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Supported Playgroups and Community Playgroups update during the pandemic restrictions
Supported Playgroups
Supported playgroups will resume face-to-face delivery of playgroups in Term 1, 2021. We are pleased to announce that our ten supported playgroups will be delivered across a range of venues in Thornbury, Preston, Bundoora and Reservoir which will afford both indoor and outdoor play experiences. We have vacancies in most of our supported playgroups, please email our team at early.years@darebin.vic.gov.au if you are interested in participating in this program.
Community Playgroups
Face-to-face community playgroup sessions are expected to resume in Term 1, 2021. As at the time of writing, social distancing, wearing face masks and infection control procedures apply.
Playgroup Victoria is aware that community playgroups may be impacted by limited venue availability and has suggested that playgroups meet in outdoor settings as much as possible. Playgroup Victoria has published resources to support outdoor playgroups and will also continue to provide online playgroups until further notice.
Please continue to check the latest updates on COVID-19 activity restrictions at DHHS website or call the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
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Early Years Parenting Programs
A combination of online and face to face parenting information sessions will be scheduled in 2021. Should you wish to provide suggestions for our Early Years Parenting Programs for 2021, please email your feedback to the Early Years team at early.years@darebin.vic.gov.au
Over the summer, we are delivering Outdoor Capoeira sessions for families with children aged 0-4 years in Reservoir and Northcote. Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art which combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. Bookings are essential for these COVID-safe sessions and can be made via email to early.years@darebin.vic.gov.au.
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Darebin Immunisation Service
The Chief Health Officer has stated that immunisation is an essential service that should be maintained during COVID 19.
Council’s Immunisation Service continues to ensure screening, social distancing and hygiene practices are implemented in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services advice.
Year 10 students who missed their school based immunisation (Meningococcal ACWY) are welcome to attend any Council Immunisation Session.
Any Year 7 students who have not received their school based immunisations, first or second dose of Human papillomavirus (HPV), and a dose of (DTP) are also welcome to attend any of our Council Immunisation Sessions. (A reminder that there must be a gap of at least 6 months between the two doses of HPV).
Visit Darebin’s website to view the session timetable.
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Darebin Maternal and Child Health Service
Darebin Council's Maternal and Child Health service is once again able to see all families at a local MCH centre near you. This includes visits to the centre to weigh babies and children from birth to 3.5 years. New parents groups will be held again in 2021 in suitable venues to allow for social distancing requirements and home visits will also resume in line with current DHHS guidelines. Teleheath consultations and online information sessions will also continue to be offered. Stay tuned for more information about MCH service delivery in 2021.
For all enquiries and bookings please call 8470 8298 or email us at mchappointments@darebin.vic.gov.au
In addition you can download the free MCH app for trusted information matched to the age of your child, at your fingertips! There is also the confidential, 24-hour Maternal and Child Health Line you can call to get free information and advice about the care and health of your child (from birth to school age). The number is 13 22 29.
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Darebin Kindergarten Registration
Darebin Council administers a registration system on behalf of community managed kindergartens in Darebin. To find out more about registering for kindergarten visit the Kindergarten and Preschool page on the Darebin website or call 8470 8825.
For a full list of kindergartens in Darebin and surrounds, go to the Department of Education and Training Website.
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Resources for parents and families
Newly added resources:
Regular links below:
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