Merri-bek City Council

Just around the corner is a place where you will always find a warm welcome. 🏠

There are 7 Neighbourhood House across Merri-bek, each reflecting its local area and offering a mix of social, creative, educational and support programs for people of all ages and backgrounds.

You might pick up a new hobby, improve your English, get help with digital skills, or simply enjoy a cuppa and a conversation.

New to Melbourne, Shanta made friends and learnt new skills at the Brunswick Neighbourhood House cooking class:

“I made friends, learnt recipes from different cultures, and felt a real sense of acceptance and sharing.”

Learn more about Neighbourhood Houses in Merri-bek: https://brnw.ch/21x39bn

Image description: community members taking a cooking class at a Neighbourhood House and an exterior photo of a Neighbourhood House with a herb garden in the foreground.

Some of our services will have different operating hours on the King’s Birthday public holiday on Monday 8 June.

🗑️ There will be no changes to bin collections.

📞 Customer service centres will be closed.

📚 All Merri-bek Libraries branches will be closed. Return chutes will still be available.

🏊 Pools and leisure centres will have different hours and class timetables. Check your centre’s website or social media for details.

🚨 Essential services and emergency on-call services will continue as normal.

We hope you have a safe and relaxing weekend! We’ll be back to regular opening hours on Tuesday 9 June.

Image description: a customer interacting with a staff member at a customer service counter.

From a sketch on an iPad to a large-scale community mural - Njarala Paton has transformed Oxygen Youth Space. 🖌️✨

Njarala is a Brunswick-based Year 12 student and emerging First Nations artist of Ngarigo Monero, Gunai and Gunditjmara heritage.

Completed over a number of weeks during the autumn school holidays, the mural brings local knowledge, innovative art and a strong emerging voice to this much-loved community space in Coburg.

📖 Read more about the mural in our latest edition of Community News! Check your mailbox, pick up a copy at our customer service centres or read online: https://brnw.ch/21x32Kd

Image description: a young person painting a colourful mural and closeup photos of mural details.

Join us for a free community conversation to prevent elder abuse and support older people across Merri-bek.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is on 15 June, and to mark this important day, you're invited to join Merri-bek Council, COTA Victoria & Seniors Rights Victoria for a meaningful community workshop.

Event details:
• When: Friday 12 June, 10.30 am to 12pm
• Where: Coburg Civic Centre - 90 Bell Street, Coburg
• Cost: FREE (light refreshments provided)

What to expect:
• Learn to recognise elder abuse and discover support available from Seniors Rights Victoria
• Discover local ways to stay connected and know your rights
• Share, ask questions, and connect in a safe, welcoming space
• Everyone is welcome: older people, carers, families, neighbours, and allies.

Register now: https://brnw.ch/21x313P

Need support? If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, call Seniors Rights Victoria's confidential helpline on 1300 368 821 or visit their website: https://brnw.ch/21x313Q . For emergencies or immediate danger, call 000.

Image description: a group of older people smiling for a photo. Text reads: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Stronger Together. Your Voice Matters. Join our free community workshop.

The Victorian Government is providing registration relief until the end of July. 🚗

If you own a light passenger vehicle in Victoria, you can get 20% off your vehicle registration for the 2025–26 financial year.

A few things to know:
➡️ It’s not automatic, you need to apply
✅ Light passenger vehicles only
❌ Businesses are not eligible
⚠️ Only the current owner can apply

Applications are open now through Service Victoria until 31 July. Check your eligibility and apply at: https://brnw.ch/21x2Zem

Image description: illustration of a road sign. Text reads: Get 20% off your rego with a Service Victoria logo.

Our free safety awareness session is coming up soon. Learn personal and cyber safety tips presented by Victoria Police.

Date: Monday 15 June
Time: 10am to 11.30am
Location: Coburg Civic Centre - 90 Bell Street, Coburg. This venue is wheelchair and mobility aid accessible.

To make a booking:
• Email [email protected]
• Call 9240 2414
• Complete an online booking form: https://brnw.ch/21x0D1u

Free information sessions for older people - stay safe, stay informed, stay connected!

Join us for friendly and informative sessions designed to support older residents in our community:

• Scam awareness - learn to spot scams and protect yourself Presented by Victoria Police
Date: Monday 16 March
Time: 10am to 11.30am

• Understanding My Aged Care - Navigate My Aged Care, available services and how to access them
Date: Wednesday 15 April
Time: 10am to 11.30am

• Free and low-cost activities - Discover local activities, exercise programs and social groups near you
Date: Monday 18 May
Time: 10am to 11.30am

• Safety awareness for seniors - Learn personal and cyber safety tips presented by Victoria Police.
Date: Monday 15 June
Time: 10am to 11.30am

📍 Location: All sessions held at Coburg Civic Centre - 90 Bell Street, Coburg. This venue is wheelchair and mobility aid accessible.

Meet our Age Well team and connect with your community. Light refreshments provided.

Bookings are required for all events. To make a booking:
• Email [email protected]
• Call 9240 2414
• Complete an online booking form: https://brnw.ch/21x0D1u

Image description: Four older people sitting happily together at a workshop, smiling warmly. Text reads: Free information sessions for older people. Stay safe, stay informed, stay connected.

Join us to celebrate World Environment Day with multicultural communities in Merri-bek! 🌍

Everyone is welcome to this free, family-friendly event to explore everyday sustainable practices in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

There will be:
• Stalls led by local community groups
• Discussions on sustainability with local faith leaders and young people
• Kids activities, face painting and henna
• Free Halal lunch and coffee

📅 Saturday 13 June
🕛 11am to 1pm
📍 Fawkner Sports Hall - 77 Jukes Road, Fawkner

Find out more and register: https://brnw.ch/21x2Y8x

Image description: children and adults at a face painting stall at a community event.

Winter is no reason to stay home - it’s the perfect season to get out and explore! 🚌

Our Social Connection group for older people is heading out on the coach this winter to explore some of Victoria's most beautiful and historic destinations.

Great scenery, great food, and even better company - here’s what’s coming up:

📅 Friday 12 June: Marysville and Healesville
📅 Friday 10 July: Tyabb Treasure Tour
📅 Friday 7 August: Buda Castlemaine Garden Tours

Want to join or refer someone?

📞 Call us: 9240 2302
📧 Email: [email protected]

Visit our website to learn more about social programs and clubs in Merri-bek: https://brnw.ch/21x2UPE

Image description: three older people are smiling in front of colorful animal sculptures. Text reads: Our Social Connections and Activities Programs: Senior Bus Trips