Activities for seniors

Learn how to do cryptic crossword puzzles for some fantastic mental exercise! Online sessions via zoom. Two sessions run on Monday. The morning session runs from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and is for participants who have experience doing cryptic crosswords, and the afternoon session runs from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm and is for participants who have experience doing cryptic crosswords. Cost: $40, and you must be a member to participate ($15 per year for adults).

Do you find book-clubs leave you wanting more? Are you seeking a more in-depth exploration into literary works? Would you like to share your love of literature with like-minded souls?

Then this course is for you!

Led by Barbara Boxhall, a passionate literature teacher of over 30 years, this course will take you deep into the themes, language and composition of classic and contemporary literary works.

Classes are composed of a small group of literature lovers who will enjoy discussing, analyzing and appreciating the nuances and hidden threads and themes that make up a literary work. Barbara will lead a discussion which invites participants to read, explore and contribute.

You will build connections with your class mates, authors and literary works as well as enjoying a thought-provoking afternoon.

The course runs once every term for 6-weeks on Tuesday afternoons 1pm - 3pm, during which time you will focus on one key text supplemented by other smaller literary pieces.

Learn with experienced tutor, Nola. This is a friendly work group suitable for all levels.

Thursday 12.45pm – 2.45pm
Term 1, 2026 from 5 Feb (9 Weeks)
Term 2, 2026 from 23 Apr (9 Weeks)

We offer courses in many different languages including - Mandarin, French, Italian and German. Classes are aimed at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. We also offer an 'English conversation class' for those for whom English is an Additional Language. You will need some English to join this friendly, supportive class.

For more information on dates and fees, visit the Balwyn Community Centre webpage https://balwyncc.org.au/course-category/languages/ or call 9836 7942.

Come and swap your produce for free and meet other green thumbs in the community! All produce welcome including herbs, eggs, fruit, vegetables, honey, seedlings, flowers, compost or manure.

Books and magazines and other items are also welcome to be swapped Held on the third Sunday of the month.

Our walking group has been exploring the streets of Ashburton for over 20 years. Join friendly and welcoming people to do an hour of gentle exercise outdoors every Wednesday at 10am. The group do a gentle stroll and finish with a coffee. Meet at the Centre (co-located with the Ashburton Library).

Join friendly, fit and welcoming people to do your hour of exercise outdoors each week. Meet at the Centre.

A lovely group enjoying flower arranging in both traditional and contemporary ways. Bring your own supplies and spend a relaxing morning creating gorgeous arrangements.

Sumi-e is the ancient art of Japanese brush painting. Traditionally, paintings feature subjects from nature, such as flowers and birds.

You will learn to feel and capture the meaning of objects from nature with your interpretation then you will express the objects variously with brush pressure, rhythm, tones and confidence in your strokes. There is much more to creating an image during the process of Japanese ink painting; it is also meditative practice.

All materials including brushes included.

Fridays 1:00pm - 3:00pm (2h)
27th February - 27th March
Cost: $260 - 5 weeks
Room: Studio 1
Teacher: Junko Azukawa

This is a game that originated in China but is loved and played all around the world. Learn the symbols and the language and enjoy the satisfaction of being able to shout Pong, Kong or Mahjong!

Thursdays: 12:30pm - 4:30pm (Ongoing) - (Starts 22nd January 2026)

Cost: $5 per session plus annual membership ($15)