From National Simultaneous Storytime to Friday night soul, and free come and Try workshops at our neighbourhood houses, there’s plenty going on in Boroondara.
For a searchable listing of hundreds of events in the City of Boroondara, visit our Events page.
All together for National Simultaneous Storytime
Each year during National Simultaneous Storytime an Australian picture book is read aloud to children concurrently in libraries, schools, homes, childcare centres and many other places around Australia. Now in its 23rd year, this annual event promotes children’s reading and literacy.
At 11 am on Wednesday 24 May, children from around the country will gather to read this year’s chosen book, The Speedy Sloth, written by Rebecca Young and illustrated by Heath McKenzie. Join us at Kew Library as we read the book, then ‘hang’ around afterwards for some fun activities!
The Push All-Ages Tour is back
On Friday 19 May the All-Ages Tour will take over Hawthorn Arts Centre, with performances from Cub Sport and Cry Club, and the winner of the All-Ages Tour competition. The event is fully supervised, all-ages, drug, alcohol, smoke and vape-free. Tickets are $30.
The Push All-Ages Tour is delivered with support from the City of Boroondara, Solar Productions and the Victorian Government as part of the On The Road Again program.
Flu season: book a vaccination today
The flu season is nearly upon us. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep you and your family safe and healthy this winter. We’re running dedicated flu vaccination sessions in April and May as part of our immunisation program.
You can get your whole family vaccinated at the same time. You can book an appointment today on our Flu immunisation page.
What’s happening at Boroondara Arts
Notes Rebetes bring an intimate performance of heartfelt music to Kew Court House, Tamara Kuldin takes a Tuesday-morning journey through Doris Day’s most iconic hits at Hawthorn Arts Centre, and acclaimed Indigenous vocalist Emma Donovan joins Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks (pictured above) for a soulful Friday-night show, also at Hawthorn Arts Centre.
Take in our new major exhibition Light Sensitive, which showcases the narrative potential of light and its innovative application in art. Out of Reach by Amy Cohen explores form, materiality and texture to emulate natural objects and landscapes. Light Years is a community exhibition from members of the Camberwell Camera Club.
Find out more about these events and many more on our Boroondara Arts page.
Connect and learn at your neighbourhood house
Neighbourhood House Week runs from Monday 8 May to Sunday 14 May and this year’s theme is ‘locals connecting locals’. It’s the perfect time to discover, or rediscover, opportunities to learn new skills and try new activities at your nearest neighbourhood house or community centre.
Below you’ll find a taste of some of the other classes and activities on offer this month.
English and literacy classes
We have English as an Additional Language and literacy classes to suit all abilities. Improve speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar for everyday use.
When: Tuesdays to Fridays, various times.
Where: Alamein Neighbourhood and Learning Centre
Cost: Various
Contact: (03) 9885 9401
Middle Eastern cooking
Learn about the wonderful flavours of Middle Eastern cooking in this hands-on workshop. Three-course meal ingredients provided.
When: Wednesday 24 May from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: Bowen Street Community Centre
Cost: $70
Contact: (03) 9889 0791
Effective writing
Improve your skills for pleasure, publication, education, employment or residency.
When: Several classes available, various times
Where: Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre
Cost: Various costs and concession available, contact the centre for more information
Contact: (03) 9853 3126
Acrylic art for all abilities
Learn about materials, mediums, textures and colour from a professional artist in a relaxed inclusive environment.
When: Mondays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Ashburton Community Centre
Cost: $220 (8 sessions) - free trials available
Contact: (03) 9885 7952
Website: Ashburton Community Centre website
Line dancing for beginners
Enjoy one hour of boot scootin’ fun on Tuesdays with Jen.
When: Tuesdays 2 pm (beginners) and 3 pm (intermediate) - new students welcome from Tuesday 9 May
Where: Camberwell Community Centre
Cost: $112 plus centre membership (7 sessions)
Contact: (03) 9882 2611
Website: Camberwell Community Centre website
Ageless grace exercise class
A fun, seated exercise program to help with memory retention, coordination and balance.
When: Mondays from 9:15 am to 10 am
Where: Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre
Cost: $180 (10 weeks)
Contact: (03) 9890 2467
Website: Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre website
English conversation
This fun course is for learners for whom English is an additional language. Follow guided questions to improve confidence and fluency.
When: starting 9 May on Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Balwyn Community Centre
Cost: $132 (7 weeks)
Contact: (03) 9836 7942
Website: Balwyn Community Centre website
Open art
Explore your chosen medium in a fun and friendly weekly art group in our beautiful new art room.
When: Tuesdays from 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre
Cost: $234 (9 weeks) or $30 per session
Contact: (03) 9830 4214
Table tennis at the Hub
Join our afternoon social groups for a casual game of table tennis. Free trial and casual enrolment available. All levels welcome.
When: Thursdays from 12 pm
Where: Trentwood at the Hub
Cost: $4 per session
Contact: (03) 9006 6590
Website: Trentwood at the Hub website
Cooking small, eating well
Chef Jacqui will show you how to make an exciting menu for one or many.
When: fortnightly on Tuesdays from 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Hawthorn Community House
Cost: $90
Contact: (03) 9819 2629
Website: Hawthorn Community House website
Craft for children 2 to 5
Develop your child’s confidence, language development and fine motor skills through music, stories, drawing and craft.
When: starting 8 May on Mondays from 9:30 am
Where: Craig Family Centre
Cost: $150 (6 weeks) - casual sessions available
Contact: (03) 9885 7789
Website: Craig Family Centre website