Councillor Kay Rimbaldo; Glen Eira Council; Moorleigh Ward

Yesterday, I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Carnegie Library and Community Centre, where I joined in on Storytime with a room full of little people and their parents, grandparents and carers.

What a beautiful, lively space it was.

Around 80 children (and their grown-ups!) gathered to listen to stories, sing, and simply enjoy being together. Some were barely toddlers, even younger, but it’s never too early to introduce a love of books and literacy. These early experiences matter, and it’s wonderful to see families embracing them.

There’s something quite special about these sessions. While the children listen, explore or even wander about in what I’d call “lovely little chaos,” parents get a moment to pause, connect, and breathe. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and full of joy.

The library truly caters for everyone. I noticed a gentleman heading out with a couple of books in hand, and two ladies deeply focused on a very impressive jigsaw puzzle (far more patience than I have!). It really is a space for all ages.

We also had a look at the fantastic After Hours collection lockers — such a simple but brilliant idea. With around 38 lockers and often sitting at about 85% capacity, it’s clear how much the community values this convenient service, especially for those juggling busy schedules.

Every time I visit one of our libraries, I’m reminded just how much they offer.

So this winter, don’t stay home — rug up and pop into your local library. You’ll find warmth, connection, inclusion, learning, friendship… and maybe even a moment of calm.

I was joined this by fellow councillors Cr Simone Zmood, Cr Jane Karslake, Councillor Kimberley Young, Mallanbool Ward — always a pleasure getting out into our wonderful Glen Eira community and seeing it thrive.

This morning I paid another visit to Moorleigh Village, accompanied by fellow Councillor Cr Li Zhang - Glen Eira City Council

We had originally planned to pop in and see the multicultural group operated through MiCare, however they were out on an excursion today. Instead, we’ll return tomorrow morning to visit the Chinese group.

MiCare’s multicultural social support programs are truly something special. They empower participants to feel connected, supported and valued within our community. These programs enhance quality of life, help maintain independence, and allow people to continue living in the community with dignity and pride. Supporting culturally and linguistically diverse seniors (primarily over 65, but also welcoming younger participants), MiCare offers aged care services, retirement living, social support, settlement and broader community services. Their mission is simple but powerful — to ensure every migrant can live a comfortable, meaningful and dignified life.

We then popped over to Moongala for a cuppa — it was Chatty Café Tuesday. Alongside the knitting group, there was plenty of laughter, games, cards and puzzles. A warm, relaxed and welcoming space where friendships thrive.

The Men’s Shed was buzzing! The gentlemen had just finished their art class and were gathering for coffee, a chat and eventually lunch together. Around 35 members were there today — some busy with projects, others simply enjoying the social connection. It’s wonderful to see such strong engagement, and just as lovely to know there are also women’s groups running on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

The Toy Library was as busy as ever — and almost outgrowing its space! Everything is beautifully maintained, a real credit to the volunteers and staff. It’s such a fantastic resource for families — borrow a toy, return it, and if the kids absolutely love it, then you know it’s worth buying. We all know how quickly little ones move on to the next thing!

The Greek seniors group was in today — enjoying each other’s company, with lunch on the menu (vegetable and bean soup, perfect for a chilly day!). Cards were in full swing at one end of the room, while bingo preparations were underway at the other. Much like the Italian seniors groups on Mondays and Wednesdays, there’s a wonderful sense of culture, connection and joy.

I also popped into U3A and had a chat with Danielle, who I have known for many years.

The range of courses on offer is incredible — from book groups and Australian history to astronomy, space travel, painting and table tennis. There is truly something for everyone.

A stroll through the community garden was the perfect way to finish — seedlings growing, flowers blooming, and those little droplets of water catching the sunlight. A calm and beautiful space right in the heart of the village.

It was also great to see Glen Eira Council contractors on site working on accessibility footpath upgrades. I noticed many of the potholes I raised recently have now been repaired — it’s already looking safer and more accessible.

Did you know around 5,000 people come through Moorleigh Village each week? From playgroups to seniors groups, libraries to maternal child health services — it really is a vibrant hub of community life.

Parking continues to be a challenge, and I’ll keep advocating strongly on this. I’m also pushing for improved bus services along Bignell Road. Currently, the bus stops outside Moorleigh Village only twice a day — and I believe we can do better. If it can stop twice, why not all day? Let’s keep working on this together.
Nick Staikos MP

Always a pleasure to spend time at Moorleigh Village — a place full of connection, care and community

https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/our-city/venues/moorleigh-community-village

https://www.micare.com.au/access-and-support/

https://www.moongala.org.au/

https://www.bentmoormensshed.org/

https://u3abentleigh.org.au/

https://moorabbinareatoylibrary.com/

Like so many Australians today, I feel incredibly saddened by the passing of Neale Daniher.

This is one of those moments that stops us in our tracks. Across our communities — and especially among football fans — there will be a real sense of loss, and for many, a few tears as well.

Neil wasn’t just a football figure. He was a symbol of courage, resilience and determination in the face of the toughest battle. He brought people together right across Australia through his work with FightMND, helping to raise awareness, inspire hope, and drive the fight against motor neurone disease.

What stands out most is the way he carried himself — with dignity, strength, and an unwavering commitment to others. He reminded us all about what truly matters.

Today is a very sad day for so many.

My heartfelt thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the many people whose lives he touched — including the countless in our football community who admired him so deeply.

Rest peacefully, Neale. You have left an extraordinary legacy that Australia will never forget

No better way to say our thanks to this courageous man - purchase a digital beanie
I encourage all Councillors nationwide to support this wonderful cause and keep the legacy of Neale Daniher alive

Big Freeze 12 | Donate by grabbing your Digital Beanie Donate to FightMND by grabbing your Digital Beanie. Make it yours and join the fight against MND. Every donation helps fund essential research to beat the Beast.

The Glen Eira Storytelling Festival celebrates storytelling in all its forms.

Enjoy the energy of stimulating conversations, diverse voices, and wonderful performances.

Each year, the Glen Eira Storytelling Festival brings our community together with a series of events and programs for all ages and interests.

Our 16th Storytelling Festival returns in 2026 from Saturday 18 June to Sunday 5 July.

From music and performance, and improvisation— to poetry, author talks and engaging discussions — the Festival is a celebration of storytelling in all its forms.

Many performances are free some incur a small entrance fee

Events calendar Press the down arrow key to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Today I had the absolute pleasure of attending the GEALC 40th Anniversary Harmony Lunch Day — a truly wonderful celebration of culture, community, friendship and inclusion.

With next week also being Volunteer Week, it was especially fitting to celebrate the incredible volunteers and community members who help make GEALC such a vibrant and welcoming organisation.

Thanks to support from Glen Eira City Council, GEALC is able to provide this fantastic Harmony Lunch each year, bringing people together from across our broader Glen Eira community to experience the richness of different cultures through music, dance, performances and shared experiences.

How can I describe the day? Fun, smiles, joy, music, friendship, collaboration and incredible community engagement.

This year’s event held very special significance as GEALC celebrated 40 years of learning, connecting and community. Guests enjoyed wonderful performances by talented migrant students, alongside a fantastic range of cultural performances including African drumming, Latin dance and a vibrant Bollywood performance, all complemented by a shared meal enjoyed together.

A very special Welcome to Country and didgeridoo performance by Mam TJAMPITJINPA was an incredible way to begin the celebrations. The beautiful didgeridoo performance had everyone in awe and created such a meaningful start to the day.

A huge congratulations to Philippa Caris for overseeing this amazing event. Philippa does a marvellous job and brings so much energy, warmth and vibrancy that you cannot help but smile when you are around her.

I was also pleased to be joined by my fellow councillors at this beautiful event.

Congratulations to everyone involved in making today such a special milestone celebration for GEALC and our community.

Glen Eira Adult Learning Centre Inc
Nick Staikos MP
Cr Li Zhang - Glen Eira City Council
Cr Margaret Esakoff - Bambra Ward, Glen Eira City Council
Cr Jane Karslake

https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/media/kc4n325f/moorleigh-tenants-brochure.pdf

www.gleneira.vic.gov.au

What better way to start Neighbourhood House Week than popping into Moorleigh Community Village this morning and joining the lovely ladies at Moongala Women’s Community House as they whipped up Greek flatbread and some tzatziki dip!
(Recipes attached)

I believe apple cake is on the menu for next week - I really need to attend this; with apron - will love to help
🩷

With such a busy morning, I missed most of the cooking side of things — but I certainly managed to arrive in time for the tasting, a coffee and plenty of conversation.

It’s always lovely spending time at Moongala where everyone is made to feel so welcome, and wonderful to see the many activities happening throughout the day.

I also took the opportunity to wander the corridors of all three buildings, popping my head into rooms to say hello to many of the groups.

I even stopped for a little sit-down with the Italian ladies during their bingo session.
As I walked the corridor I could smell pea and ham soup bubbling away for lunch — and honestly, it just felt like home.

These groups are so special. The ladies and gentlemen gather each Monday for lunch, bingo, cards, pool and companionship, and every visit comes with plenty of hugs, smiles and chats.

Outside, the community garden was absolutely bursting with colour after the sunshine and recent rain. Everything seemed to have sprouted overnight — the flowers were practically saying “hey, look at me!”

Another reason for my visit today was to look at accessibility in and around the buildings for some of our older residents.
I’ll be emailing Council with a few ideas that could potentially be added to advocacy projects over the next 12–15 months.
Any improvements that help people with mobility issues would certainly be welcomed.

If you’re feeling a little isolated or wondering how to meet new people, have a look at what Moorleigh Community Village has to offer.

There really is something for everyone — from playgroups and toy libraries to Maternal Child health services, U3A classes, multicultural groups,
Art Groups, community programs and so much more.

From the street, Moorleigh Village can seem a little hidden away behind the fence, carpark and trees — but once you step through the doors and wander the corridors, it all starts to make sense. It’s a little community full of life.

And if you ever want a walkthrough, I’m always happy to meet you there for a wander and a chat. Or simply head in yourself — everyone is always willing to say hello, answer questions and show you around.

Please click on the Moorleigh Tenants Brochure to see what’s available

https://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/media/kc4n325f/moorleigh-tenants-brochure.pdf

Happy 100th Birthday to the incredible David Attenborough

What an extraordinary milestone for a man who has spent a lifetime bringing the beauty of our planet into our homes and hearts.

I have absolutely loved watching his television series over the years — every program filled with wonder, knowledge and a genuine passion for nature and wildlife. He has educated generations while reminding us all how precious our world truly is.

An amazing man, an amazing storyteller and a true treasure.

Thank you for a century of inspiration Sir David — and here’s to celebrating 100 wonderful years

A small idea… that might save a few bin dives!

We’re about to trial something pretty simple — and honestly, pretty clever.

Glen Eira City Council will be rolling out 100 Container Deposit Scheme baskets which will be attached to public bins across Glen Eira.

You’ll start to notice them popping up — little baskets where you can leave your empty cans and bottles instead of tossing them in the main bin.

Why? Because under the Container Deposit Scheme Victoria, those containers are worth 10 cents each.

So instead of ending up in landfill… they can be picked up and returned by someone else — no rummaging required.

It’s one of those “why didn’t we do this earlier?” ideas:

* A small boost for anyone collecting containers (including local groups)

It’s not complicated — just a smarter way of doing something we see every day

Keep an eye out and spread the word

We were provided with a basket at our Assembly meeting tonight to check it out !!!
We were suitable impressed!