Welcome to our August Connect Local News

Welcome to our August edition of Connect Local News. 

In this edition, you’ll find:

• Research insights from the Connect Local team on what helps people build meaningful connections

• Updates from Friends of Connect Local as they look at ways to keep the group going

• A feature on Moongala Women’s Community House, including new House Coordinator Eleri and volunteers Rose and Lisa

• Reflections on Loneliness Awareness Week and the 3 Cs: care, connect and contribute

• Library drop-ins and one-on-one My Aged Care support available across Glen Eira

• Discover what’s happening locally, including community lunches, social groups, upcoming Cuppa and Connect sessions and special Seniors Festival activities - get in early for these!

As Connect Local moves toward its final months, we remain grateful for the people, partnerships and places that have helped strengthen connection across Glen Eira. We hope this edition inspires you to try something new, reconnect with a familiar group, or share local opportunities with someone who may benefit.

Warm regards, 

The Connect Local Team 

Rajna, Kerry, Ann, Lynn, Liz and Sarah 

Over the past year, the Connect Local Research Team has been analysing interviews and focus groups with program participants, Friends of Connect Local, Community Connectors, neighbourhood houses and other community organisations.

Many of you took part in these conversations, and we would like to sincerely thank everyone who shared their experiences. Your stories helped us better understand not only the difference Connect Local made, but also how social connection programs can help people build meaningful and lasting connections.

The findings showed that social connection is about much more than referring someone to a group or activity. People told us that trust, personalised support and feeling understood were important parts of the journey. Community Connectors helped people identify what mattered to them, work through barriers and find opportunities that matched their interests and goals.

The study also highlighted the important role of neighbourhood houses, libraries, community groups and other local organisations. Welcoming environments, supportive staff and volunteers, and strong partnerships helped create opportunities for people to participate and feel they belonged.

One of the strongest messages from the research was that connection does not happen by accident. It grows through relationships, encouragement and communities that are welcoming and inclusive.

The findings will help improve future social connection programs and provide practical lessons for organisations looking to support connection and belonging in their communities.

We are currently finalising the research paper and expect the findings to be published in early 2027. If you would like a copy when it becomes available, please contact research@boltonclarke.com.au.

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to this research. We couldn't have done it without you.

Here are our latest stats, showing how Connect Local continues to support connection across Glen Eira.

For over 45 years, Moongala Women's Community House has brought people together through friendship, learning and community connection. Located at Moorleigh Community Village in Bentleigh East, Moongala offers a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone can learn new skills, improve their wellbeing and build meaningful relationships.

Moongala’s diverse range of programs includes art & craft, crochet, walking groups, gardening, cooking, health & wellbeing workshops, digital literacy, community lunches and social groups. Whether people want to try something new, meet like-minded people or simply enjoy a friendly chat over a cup of tea, there is something for everyone.

Community is at the heart of Moongala. Throughout the year, events are celebrated such as International Women’s Day, Neighbour Day, Seniors Week and Get Online Week, while partnering with local organisations to provide information, support and opportunities for residents to connect. Its wonderful volunteers play a vital role in making these programs and events possible, contributing thousands of hours each. Two of its newest volunteers, Rose and Lisa, have been a driving force behind the community lunches, providing an affordable warm meal for anyone to enjoy.

Moongala recently welcomed Eleri to the team following the retirement of the marvellous Julie Walker. Eleri has stepped into the House Coordinator role alongside Jude. A qualified social worker, she brings experience in youth mental health, community services and community development, with a passion for creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can connect, learn and thrive. Eleri enjoys working alongside volunteers, participants and local organisations to strengthen community connections and expand opportunities for people of all ages.

The House believes strong communities are built through kindness, inclusion and shared experiences, and is proud to provide a place where people feel connected, supported and inspired.

At Moongala, everyone is welcome.

August 3^rd – 7^th marked Loneliness Awareness Week. Connect Local was invited by Glen Eira Libraries to speak to local community members about the importance of Social Connection.

Ann Van Leerdam and Lynn Cai represented Connect Local and spoke to a group of almost 20 people who had come to learn more about why connection is important.  Social connection means having enough relationships with other people and being content with the quality of these relationships.  Research is telling us now that Social Connection, along with Sleep, Nutrition and Exercise is one of the BIG 4 for brain health.

One of our key messages has always been – to be well & healthy we need the 3 Cs.

1. Care – We need to be caring for something or someone. That could be a person, animal, garden, or issue. This includes care for self, which incorporates managing stress through social connection, good quality sleep, good nutrition, and exercise.  We also need to be cared for. Both are crucial to our wellbeing.

2. Connect – we need to feel connected to the place where we live and connected to others. We need to feel like we belong.

3. Contribute – we need to be able to share who we are, our skills, knowledge, talent, and wisdom with others. This means we need to feel like we have a purpose.

Our invitation is for you to be curious about your own life.

Do you have enough of the 3 C’s? If not, what could you do to make sure you have all of these covered?

Ann Van Leerdam Community Connector.

On Wednesday, July 29th the members of Friends of Connect Local gathered at the Carnegie Library meeting room. It was a lovely time of sharing local information and a lovely lunch that Kerry organised for us.

Friends of Connect Local is a group of people who have gone through the Connect Local program and were trained in being ‘sign posters’ – people who could sign post others towards Connect Local and other local activities. They met 8 times over the past couple of years and were key in sharing information to local groups and individuals.

Our discussion on the 29th was about whether Friends of Connect Local would continue meeting after the Connect Local program finishes in October. The members who came along were very passionate about continuing to meet and will work together to keep the group going.

The facts about social disconnection are very stark – being socially disconnected has the same health impacts as smoking 15 cigarettes and drinking 9 glasses of wine per day.

We, at Connect Local are so thankful for the dedication of these folk who understand the importance of social connection and want to contribute to a well, vibrant and connected community.

Ann Van Leerdam. Community Connector.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening around the community.  

The Connect Local library drop-ins have become a valued touchpoint for residents looking to learn more about what’s happening locally. They provide an informal, friendly opportunity to talk things through, explore options, and make connections.

You can find Ann and Kaye sitting at the door of the Carnegie Library on the last Wednesday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00pm.

Lynn is at the other end of Glen Eira at the Elsternwick Library on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month.

These Library pop ups have been a collaboration with the Glen Eira Libraries. They have been a wonderful opportunity to meet more Glen Eira residents and tell people about the great activities that are on in the local area. Every time is different, but we always get to talk to lots of new people.

A big thanks to Vicki, Mishka, Peter, Rosemarie and all the wonderful staff at the libraries.

Last Library Pop-ups

Carnegie Library – Wednesday 26 August & 30 September

Elsternwick Library – Wednesday 9 September & 14 October

No bookings required – just pop in for a chat!

Receive one-on-one assistance with My Aged Care through a 30-minute support session.

Lynn will provide support to:

• Support for understanding My Aged Care system, making phone calls to My Aged Care and registering online

• Exploring Commonwealth Home Support Program services: Guidance on finding services for independent living

• Support At Home Program Provider Assistance: Help with understanding Support At Home Program and assistance in selecting and connecting with a suitable provider

• Residential Care Services Support: Assistance in accessing services tailored to individual circumstances

• Connecting to Other Community Services: Referrals to programs relevant to an individual's needs

Whether you're just beginning your aged care journey or navigating ongoing support, this one-on-one support will help you move forward with greater confidence.

Lynn is available on Thursday’s and works across three Community Houses in
Glen Eira. Book direct with the Community House nearest to you.

These sessions are possible thanks to funding from Community Bank Murrumbeena.

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

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

Community Lunch – All welcome! 

Thursday 10 September 12 noon – 1.30pm $5.

Join us for meatballs, rice and a cuppa and slice! 
Bookings essential

CPR and Defibrillator Workshop
FREE  Tuesday 15 September
1-2pm  ALL WELCOME

Bolton Clarke will be presenting an hour workshop learning and practicing CPR and how to use a defibrillator.  Learn the basics of resuscitation, as well as how to unpack, apply and follow the prompts of a defibrillator, giving confidence to attempt resuscitation.  Please RSVP

Tuesday Crochet
10am – 12 noon
$3.50

Join our growing bunch of crocheters (knitters welcome too!) working on your own projects and using your skills to support each other.

Walking Group
Wednesdays 10-11am 
FREE 

Join our bunch of friendly walkers as they walk around Centennial Park.  Meet us back at Moongala afterwards for our Chatty Café session!

Chatty Café
Wednesdays 10.30-12 noon
$2 plus $1 barista coffee

Join us for a cuppa each Wednesday and some friendly company! 
ALL WELCOME

Spinners and Knitting Group
Wednesdays 12.30-3pm 
$2

Bring along your current project and join in with this lovely bunch of women!  If you are a spinner, you are welcome to bring your spinning wheel.

Please book in for all activities, call 9570 3468 or email admin@moongala.org.au or visit www.moongala.org.au

Moorleigh Community Village, Moongala Women’s Community House Bookings: Call 9570 3468

Cuppa and Games – Seniors Week
Tuesday 6 October, 10.30am–12pm

Free

Come and have a cuppa, play some games and meet some new friends all in the beautiful surrounds of the Moorleigh Community Village.

Chair Yoga – Seniors Week
Wednesday 7 October, 2.30pm–3.30pm

Gentle chair-based exercises and meditation.

Free.
Limited places - bookings essential

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

GEALC 169A McKinnon Road, McKinnon. Tel 9578 8996

Adult Learners’ Week – 1–8 September
FREE activities to celebrate Adult Learners’ Week, including Cuban Salsa Dance, Canva for Beginners, Meditation and Chair Yoga.

Mahjong Club – Every Thursday during school terms, 1pm–3pm
Learn Mahjong in a relaxed, social environment while building strategy, memory and concentration skills. A great way to meet new people, have fun and try something new.

1:1 Digital Sessions
FREE one-on-one support with computers, smartphones, iPads, the internet and everyday online tasks, tailored to individual needs.

Community Meal Program – 3rd Thursday of each month during school terms, 5pm–7pm
Come for the food, stay for the friendships! A monthly dinner bringing residents together to enjoy a nutritious meal in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

Upcoming dates:

• Thursday 17 September

• Thursday 15 October

• Thursday 19 November

• Thursday 17 December – Christmas Dinner

Chatty Café – Every Thursday during school terms, 11.15am–12.15pm
Part of the national Chatty Café Scheme, providing a welcoming space for people to connect over coffee and conversation and help reduce social isolation

Seniors Festival – Throughout October
Join us for a range of free activities celebrating Seniors Festival, including Acrylic Painting, Chair Yoga, ChatGPT Workshop, Online Bingo & Games, and a Scam Awareness Workshop.

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

567 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick. Tel 0494 305 999

This is an ongoing, open group, with no referral necessary.  People can come and go as they need - it might be for only one session, or every week for months. 

Cuppa and Connect is a series of talks where experts share information and practical advice on healthy ageing and support for carers of all ages. Sessions are held at venues across Glen Eira and online.

Upcoming sessions include:

Glen Eira City Council’s Healthy Ageing team is proud to announce - Carer Connector – a pilot program to help connect carers to local community houses and the many carer services that are available to Glen Eira residents. Supporting carers - Glen Eira City Council | Glen Eira City Council

According to Carers Australia, a carer is a person who provides unpaid care and support to family members and friends. This includes people with a disability, mental illness, chronic or terminal condition, alcohol or other drug issue, or who are frail aged. Many people are unaware they meet the definition of a carer and that there are supports available to assist them in the carer role.

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.