COMMUNITY Heart of our neighbourhoods

At Patterson Lakes Community Centre, a thriving veggie garden represents the power of community and volunteering.

The new community garden group has kicked off and is now meeting every Thursday from 12pm to 2pm. Three Community Garden volunteers - Suzi and Rick Little, and Robyn Summers - are leading the group.

The tomatoes and potatoes are growing, there are fresh new natives in the patch, and still plenty of work to be done to create a thriving garden space.

We support a range of Neighbourhood Houses and Community centres across Kingston with venues and grants. Most of these centres are run by many of our more than 22,000 volunteers and therefore reflect their community and provide activities in response to local need.

Neighbourhood House Week, happening across Australia from 9 to 15 May, is a good time to have a look at the centres near you and what they have on offer.

It’s a nationwide initiative to celebrate the role of more than 1,000 Neighbourhood and Community Centres.

National Volunteer Week follows, from May 16 – 22.

Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to support their local community, gain skills and experience, and meet like-minded people.

We have many volunteer opportunities to suit different types of experience, skills and commitment. Find out how you can get involved and use your knowledge and passions to gain volunteer experience in a range of areas.

Visit kingston.vic.gov. au/community/getinvolved

Don't miss Kingston's fifth annual Women of the Year Awards at Kingston City Hall from 9.45am to 12.30pm on International Women's Day (Wednesday 8 March). We will recognise 38 outstanding nominees and announce the winner. The event is free and will include a light lunch, but bookings are required.

Visit kingston.vic.gov.au/kwa

Life changing help

We have committed $20,000 to deliver the Spirit of Transformation Program in 2023. The Women’s Spirit Project is launching the free 11-week program for women in the Kingston and Frankston region from March to June. It's designed for women aged 25 years+ who have experienced life challenges. Learn more at womensspiritproject.org/ spirit-of-transformation-2023

Did you know?

There are more than 100 volunteer organisations and committees across the municipality and more than 22,000 individuals generously giving their time and expertise in a huge variety of roles.