Welcome to our August Connect Local News

As we inch ever closer towards spring, there are plenty of exciting events and opportunities to stay connected, and we’re here to keep you in the loop!

In this edition:

• We share an update from the Connect Local team.
• We feature Fotini, one of our inspirational Connect Local community members.
• We introduce an incredible service for pet owners in need—Pet Medical Crisis.
• We welcome two fantastic new additions to our community —Murrumbeena Probus and CWA Bentleigh Branch.
• We also highlight ERA (Elder Rights Advocacy), a vital service offering support and advocacy for older community members.
• We share the latest from our Friends of Connect Local group, including how you can get involved.
• And finally, discover what’s happening around the community at your local Community Houses.

To keep up with the latest news events in Glen Eira, please be sure to follow and like us on Facebook.

Warm regards,

The Connect Local Team

Rajna, Kerry, Ann, Lynn, Liz, and Sarah

Connect Local continues to grow thanks to the people we meet and the relationships we build. Here’s a look at some recent highlights and the impact we’re seeing across the community.

This month we say goodbye to Taryn, one of our amazing Community Connectors, who has moved on to exciting new opportunities. Taryn has been an integral part of the Connect Local team, helping to shape the program and build strong connections across Glen Eira.

We’re incredibly grateful for her contributions and the positive impact she’s had on the community. We wish her all the very best in her next chapter!

We’re also pleased to share that the lovely Lynn has increased her time with us to four days per week. We’re excited to have Lynn continue supporting the community in this expanded role.

Recently, our Community Connector, Lynn, sat down with Fotini to hear about her experience as a participant with Connect Local.

How did you find out about Connect Local?

A paramedic introduced me to Connect Local and even helped me access the website on my phone. Through our conversation, she learned that I’m blind and thought the program could offer valuable social and practical support

What has your experience with Connect Local been like?

It’s been excellent. My Connector helped me access other useful services, such as navigating My Aged Care. Lynn also accompanied me to Vision Australia to explore available services and equipment. These supports have made a real difference.

What would you say to others about the program?

I’d encourage people to make contact and see how Connect Local can be of assistance.

How has your life changed since you contacted Connect Local? 

My social life has improved significantly. Lynn introduced me to two neighbours I now regularly connect with, and she also arranged for a volunteer visitor from Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria to walk with me weekly. We’ve developed a lovely friendship. She also took me to St John’s Chatty Café, which my new neighbours attend too.

Have you noticed any changes to your well-being in that time? 

Yes, I’ve noticed positive changes to my well-being. Even just talking with Lynn has been incredibly helpful—I consider her a friend.

We recently discovered an incredible local initiative that’s sure to resonate with many in our community, especially those of us with furry family members.

Pet Medical Crisis is a Victorian-based charity that provides urgent veterinary care for pets whose owners are experiencing financial hardship. Their mission is to keep people and their companion animals together during tough times, ensuring that no one has to choose between their wellbeing and their pet’s health.

Whether it’s someone facing financial stress or housing insecurity, or a family going through a rough patch, Pet Medical Crisis offers funding, support, and case management to help pets get the treatment they need. To date, they’ve distributed over $1.6 million in subsidised vet care across 280 clinics in Victoria, making a life-changing impact for thousands of people and animals.

No referral is needed to access their help, and their work is a beautiful example of compassion in action.

To learn more, visit petmedicalcrisis.com.au or email contact@petmedicalcrisis.com.au 

We are excited to share the news of TWO wonderful additions to our local community!

🎤 Guest speakers

🚶‍♀️ Walking groups

☕ Coffee mornings & lunches

🚴 Cycling groups

🎭 Theatre outings

🚌 Excursions

It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, stay active, and explore new experiences in a welcoming environment.

New members are warmly invited to join.

Next meeting: Thursday, 14 August 2025

Interested? Contact Dawn, Membership Officer, on 0448 458 646

Learn new skills. Make lasting friendships. Create positive change.

The Country Women’s Association (CWA) have just opened a new branch in Bentleigh East. We cook or craft each meeting. The annual joining fee is $85 but it is not due until October so it is free to attend until then.

The next meeting of the newly formed Bentleigh Country Women’s Association (CWA) is on:

Tuesday 13 August
Senior Citizens Hall, 1 Derry Street, Bentleigh East
1:00 - 3.00PM

This month, we’ll be learning to crochet and make sponges, and it’s completely free!

Ongoing meetings:
2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Enquiries: Mandy – 0432 907 051

You are very welcome to join us.

The Country Women’s Association is for all women, all ages and from all places in the country and the city.

Who we are

Elder Rights Australia (ERA) has been delivering the National Aged Care Advocacy Program in Victoria for over 30 years and is a founding member of the National Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN). Our professional advocates provide free, confidential, independent information and advocacy to older people and their supporters.

How do we help you - ERA provides up-to-date, reliable information about aged care.

• My Aged Care - We can help you to register with My Aged Care and support you to access in-home or residential services.
• Issues - We can help you raise issues or complaints with your aged care provider or with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
• Elder Abuse - We can provide information on identifying and responding to Elder Abuse.
• Education - Our professional team delivers education on the rights of older people to the aged care sector as well as information sessions in the community.

 Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)

• ERA also delivers the ACVVS across Victoria.
• The scheme matches isolated older people with volunteers who provide social connection and friendship.

• Volunteering - Please contact us if you would like to be an ACVVS volunteer.
• Feeling lonely -Please contact us if you are feeling lonely and in need of a friend.

Contact ERA

Call Elder Rights Australia on the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600
or visit www.elderrights.org.au to find out more about our services.

Our Friends of Connect Local gatherings are a special time to come together, share ideas, and explore how we can spread the word about Connect Local across Glen Eira.

These sessions are not only informative but also fun—thanks to Kerry for the trivia and Lynn for the seated Tai Chi! We exchange updates on new activities and community groups we’ve discovered, helping each other stay connected and informed.

At our last gathering, we had a great time filming short videos to share on Facebook. We are so lucky to know these wonderful people who are so passionate about making our suburbs places where we can all flourish!

With only two gatherings left for the year, we’re making the most of the time in between by distributing our new Friends of Connect Local stickers to the many community organisations we collaborate with. There are so many wonderful activities happening, and we want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to access them.

If you have time and energy to do just a little bit more in making a positive impact in our communities and you’d like to come along to a Friends of Connect Local group session, then just let us know. You can call us on 1800 929 022 or email Ann at enquiries@connectlocal.org.au 

Connect Local will now have a regular presence at Glen Eira Libraries! Our Connectors, Lynn and Ann, will be available once a month at Bentleigh, Carnegie, and Elsternwick libraries.

It’s a great opportunity to stop by, ask questions, and learn more about how Connect Local can support you or your organisation.

Everyone is welcome – no bookings required.

Visit https://library.gleneira.vic.gov.au/ for the full list of dates.

Upcoming dates:

Elsternwick Library

Carnegie Library and Community Centre

Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub

As the days slowly begin to stretch out and we edge closer to spring, it’s a great time to explore what’s happening in our local neighbourhoods.

August 4-10^th is Loneliness Awareness Week, a timely reminder of the importance of connection and community. To help spread the word about Connect Local, Ann, Lynn, and Kerry will be out and about during the morning of Wednesday 6 August, walking along Glen Huntly Road in Elsternwick. Keep an eye out for them and say hello!

There’s plenty more happening—read on to discover events, activities, and opportunities to connect.

Godfrey Street Community House, 9 Godfrey Street, Bentleigh. Tel 9557 9037

August 8 marks Dying to Know Day, a national awareness initiative that encourages open conversations about death, dying, and grief. It’s a day to reflect, learn, and connect—because talking about these topics can help us live more fully.

To mark this important occasion, Godfrey Street Community House is hosting a special event that invites our community to come together in a warm and welcoming space. Whether you're curious, caring for someone, or simply want to explore how to have meaningful conversations around end-of-life, this event is for you.

Come along and be part of this thoughtful and empowering experience.

Caulfield South Community House. 450-452 Kooyong Road, Caufield South. Tel 9596 8643

Mix, Make, Master - Plant 2 Plate Cooking Classes

Get inspired in the kitchen with our Mix, Make, Master cooking classes! Each session focuses on a delicious new recipe or skill – from savoury preserves to decadent desserts and warming winter drinks.

These hands-on, small-group classes are perfect for all experience levels and a great way to cook, learn, and connect with others in a fun and friendly setting.

Cost includes everything - just turn up ready to go!

Various dates and times

$15. Small classes so book early!

Book online https://tinyurl.com/45kdjdx2 or call 95968643

GEALC 169A McKinnon Road, McKinnon. Tel 9578 8996

Glen Eira Adult Learning Centre (GEALC) offers a warm and welcoming space where adults can learn in a caring and professional environment. Whether you're looking to build new skills, meet others, or explore creative interests, GEALC has something for everyone.

Check out the Term 3 program, Adult Learners Week (1–8 September) and Victorian Seniors Festival (October) activities

Adult Learners Week

Seniors Festival

Moongala, Moorleigh Community Village, 92 Bignell Rd, Bentleigh East. Tel 9570 3468

There’s a lot happening at Moongala - take a look at the Term 3 activities and consider trying one (or a few!)—you’ll be warmly welcomed

For bookings call 9570 3468 or email admin@moongala.org.au

The Meeting Place, 117 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena. Tel 9568 8177

Come join the fun and friendly Beginner’s Line Dancing class—no experience needed! Whether you're looking for a fun way to stay active, meet new friends, or just enjoy great music, easy-to-follow steps, and a lively social atmosphere, this session is for you.

All Ages Welcome – just a willingness to have fun! No partner needed, just bring your smile and comfy shoes!

These 30-minute support sessions on offer at Moongala and Godfrey Street have been very popular.

HEALTHY BOWEL

Friday 15 August 11am-12pm

Glen Eira Town Hall - Caulfield Cup Room
Corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield

A healthy bowel is essential for overall wellbeing. Head along and learn more about bowel functions, and how to identify what’s normal and what’s not. Learn practical tips for maintaining a healthy bowel and where to go for support to ensure your digestive well-being.

Presented by Bolton Clarke. Suitable for adults.

Free event and bookings essential at library.gleneira.vic.gov.au or 9524 3700

If you know of any hidden gems in Glen Eira we would love to add them to the Community Directory so others can enjoy them too. Please let us know or ask the group to list themselves on the Community Directory.