The Rezzadent - December 2021

Issue 5

December 2021

Credit - Tonia Composto

December 2021

Contents FEATURES 06 All Hearts, No Fear, Some Legends 14 Under the Hollywood Spotlight, in Rezza

LOCAL 23 Magpies, Menace or Misunderstood 30 Reservoir teen achieves prestigious peak Girl Guide award 32 The Reservoir Stomp

PROFILES 10 Go Go and Read Local 17 Out of the box 19 Revamping the 'burbs

COLUMNS 24 December Festivities 27 The Kids are Alright 36 Dear Reservoir Dogs 39 Kind Watch

FUN 35 New-Years Rezzalutions 38 Crossword

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COMMUNITY 29 Local Business Spotlight 43 Councillor Update 45 Community News 48 What's On

THE REZZADENT

Artwok by Tania Composto

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December 2021

By Nicole Robertson

Acknowledgement is not enough but still important The Rezzadent was made on stolen land in Reservoir, Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation who are the traditional custodians of this beautiful land. For many of us, our local creeks, trees, and our lake have been such a comforting balm to the soul during these chaotic times.

We would also like to pay respect to the Wurundjeri Elders, past and present, and extend this respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait people from other communities who may be reading this.

It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

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Letter from the editor Hello there!

Holy moly, we made it to the end of the year, and our last edition for 2021. I just want to use this space to give another big shout-out to all our contributors across these last four issues. Pretty smart and talented bunch aren’t they? I hope you feel as proud as I do about what we’ve created among these pages of The Rezzadent. If you want to read our back issues, you can find them on Issuu.

We’re taking January off, see you in February! Our emails of course, will remain open rezzadentnews@gmail.com Wishing you a safe and restful holiday period, Shannon P.S Here’s a photo of me with one of my home-grown ‘bathroom’ bucket mushrooms. I got one of the mushroom buckets from the Kingsbury market and they grew super well from in our bathtub.

Highly recommended for a fun summer activity.

Contact us: rezzadentnews@gmail.com Receive the paper in your inbox https://bit.ly/3tv3Pkd With a huge thanks to our volunteer contributors: Editor-in-Chief: Shannon McKeogh Designer: Delyse Baldwin Crossword Creators: Megan and Michael Von Hemlock Photographers and Illustrators: Nicole Robertson Marketing guru: Vinisha Pulikkaparambil Writers: Andrea Wegner Viktoria Komornik Hayley Culley Camille Short Trent McCarthy Mitch Kuhn Panda Sanders Kujo Emily Butjin

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All Hearts, No Fear, Some Legends On the corner of Mahoney’s road and Johnston street is a little café that has a special place in Mitch Kuhn’s heart.

and charisma that decided to bring a unique Turkish/Australian brunch fusion to a sleepy neighbourhood. That neighbourhood is awake now.

Nearly four years later, that relationship is stronger than ever and that has nothing to do with my wife's caffeine deficiency syndrome...her only elixir, a jumbo oat latte.

My wife and I have been renting in North Rezza for nearly four years now. Our first few months here felt desolate and empty. Sure, we loved each other and we led idyllic lives, but we had no coffee within a seven minute walk. Mornings left waiting,until one day hope emerged.

A cafe was opening, right across from Keon Park Station, practically on our doorstep...relatively speaking. Rezza is HUGE! All Heart Cafe came to be on Valentine’s Day 2018, for us it was love at first sight.

We practically fell into the welcoming embrace of Sam and Dave, two soon to be sainted angels who own and run the cafe.

These two darlings of the outer north, are a dynamic duo of experience

I was granted behind the scenes access to the couple, the myth, via a phone chat with Dave. I was taken aback when I started to peel the pickled onion away, at just how much they love this little village.

And that passion stems from a team that dared dream of carving out their niche. After considering an opportunity to operate a cafe out of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, they settled on north of nowhere, aiming to bring hipster-grade cafe excellence without the fuss. It's working so far.

I'm totally overselling it. Dave is a humble man, and in his distinct manner he says, “We hoped to make coffees and pay the rent.” I asked him how they've found the community to be over the years: “Diverse. We first experimented with some of the meals at home, trying to bring a Turkish vibe to the area.

“We now have a lot of regulars that are all down to earth. Also, a lot of seniors that keep us on our toes, plus the 160 or so workers at Endeavour Foundation.

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“Some of these guys hadn't even been into a cafe before, and we got to be their first experience which was pretty cool.”

On that point I pressed Dave, because I was aware that they had been taking part in some hospitality courses being run through Endeavour Foundation, which is one of Australia's largest disability service providers: “We've had six or seven guys come through and complete their hospitality courses through us. It helped them to break through barriers, we definitely saw massive growth and they achieved beyond measure so that was great to see.”

Dave and Sam have also been vocal on improved pedestrian and road safety near their café, after a woman from the Endeavour Foundation had an asthma attack from crossing the busy and dangerous Mahoney’s road.

They collected 700 signatures on a petition and had both state and federal MP's involved in discussions with VicRoads. Due to this collective campaigning, construction for the level crossing removing is scheduled to begin in early 2022.

But there is more to be done. Keon Park's green spaces and many ovals are resplendent and spacious, but our shopfronts and laneways are by comparison neglected. Sam and Dave have also been busy advocating for locals to beautify the area, such as planting more trees around Johnston street.

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This was certainly the opinion held by Dave.

“It can feel a little bit concrete jungle sometimes around here. We also proposed bringing more street art to some of our laneways. We received some pushback but eventually we were told it could potentially be done under their budget for the current financial year, so hopefully that can move forward,” he said.

COVID has not been an easy time for any business, and All Heart Café was not immune to the mental and financial strains, especially when the construction industry, which provides many of their customers, was shut-down. But Dave said that it was the community that helped get them through.

“Our customers who are local made us feel more welcomed than we thought possible. We could've shut up shop and received the funding but we actually felt purpose and relief to be able to come to work, to mingle, to help de-stress both ourselves and the customers.

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“Little moments like that ignite our passion.”

“Throughout this whole period our customers' stress has become our stress. As restrictions eased and customers felt better, we did as well.

“As we were one of the only places people could meet for a while we had experiences like grandparents meeting their grandkids for the first time, a first babycino in the cafe after so many months inside, these are the best moments to share with them.

“Little moments like that ignite our passion.”

I also must mention the food. Some people come in and have their tongues melted by tasty pleasures from the kitchen of All Heart Café such as the gozleme, or melemen (Turkish Scramble...my all time go to billion star super great awesome decadent brunch smash down).

What else can be said? They flercking love dogs. All the dogs. Probably should direct quote this.

“We love dogs. All the dogs, all the time. Even if we're flat out, all dogs will be met and loved.” My Carlos knows where his bread gets buttered.

On ya Sam & Dave. All Heart Cafe is a success on all fronts. Your customers love and respect you, your communal impact is being felt from your store and in the streets.

Dave tells me they'll be around at least one more year, but I sense the hook is in, we've landed the rare white tofu whale (cruelty free). All Heart Cafe for all, big and small, for those on two feet and those on four.

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THE REZZADENT

GoGo and Read Local Local Artist Profile Andrea Wegner

Away in country Victoria my kids and I popped into the local newsagent. We wandered the isles looking at rows and rows of magazines. My tween started pulling out the women’s and teen magazines and I cringed with what she was about to discover.

“Please buy me a magazine mummy,” she begged.

I look down at the pink and gold magazine with a famous teenager pouting on the cover. A free mascara wrapped in plastic attached to the front. One of the headlines read, “Bullies, Body Image and Boy Trouble” another one promoted “Back to School Beauty.”

“Not these ones.” I shook my head.

“A different type?”

“Sure, I will find you a good one.”

Now I’m not against a flip through

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a good mag, but it’s a minefield when it comes to content for tweens. You want to shelter them from the world inside a teen beauty mag, but you can’t ban the outside world from coming in… at least not entirely. I also want my children to read widely, and magazines can be great.

If you can find the right ones.

Enter stage left Tonia Composto, and her magazine, GoGo The Cool Zine for Kids.

When I saw her Facebook page Lemon Chicken Por Favor, and realised she was a local Darebin writer and artist I jumped

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at the chance to grab a copy of her magazine for my kids.

The focus of the first issue was Dogs.

Full of fun facts, puzzles, jokes, and a fascinating read on famous Australian dogs. The artwork in Tonia’s magazines is beautiful and the articles are the right mix of fun and interesting. My tween took herself off to her room and devoured the first edition in one sitting and immediately asking when the next one would arrive.

As I obediently delivered each issue to my kids, I dug a little deeper on Tonia and found out this local artist is a woman of many talents. Tonia illustrates for magazine editorials, packaging, lifestyle, street art, promotion, and education.

She is a talented graphic designer and illustrator, who works under the name Lemon Chicken Por Favor. You may have walked past one of her murals in Fairfield or Thornbury, or seen her work in The Age and on the ABC. With a style that is quirky and cool her Illustrations combine her skills as a designer and a visual artist.

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With a style that is quirky and cool her Illustrations combine her skills as a designer and a visual artist.

The Zine is aimed at kids 7-12 and can be purchased from Tonia’s Etsy shop. There are four editions so far and we look forward to more next year. They would be perfect in a Christmas stocking.

You can find Tonia’s work here The GoGo Zine has gone onto explore topics from Pizza to the Egyptians.

The latest installment is The Octopus Issue which includes an interview with a Marine Biologist and the true story of Inky, and his daring escape from the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

www.lemonchickenporfavor.com.au Lemon Chicken Por Favor | Facebook LemonChickenPorFavor | Etsy Instagram: @lemonchickenporfavor

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December 2021

Under the Hollywood spotlight, in Rezza Hayley Culley looks back on the time in lockdown, when a television set magically appeared outside her front door It was just a regular (regular in the lockdown sense of the word ) spring morning in Reservoir when Hollywood came knocking on my neighbour’s door.

Hollywood wasn't exactly inconspicuous though - there were buses of cap-wearing scouts, milling around, pointing, taking pics and chatting in clusters. Soon, a row of neighbours; heads were popping up excitedly over fences, as discussions of Hollywood’s arrival whispered quickly down the street.

Who was coming here, why and WHEN?!!

The answer to all of our burning questions was Shantaram.

According to Wikipedia, “Shantaram is a 2003 novel by Gregory David Roberts, in which a convicted Australian bank robber and heroin addict escapes from Pentridge Prison and flees to India. The novel is commended by many for its vivid portrayal of tumultuous life in Bombay in the early to late 80s.

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Eden under the rain machine

“The well-known book is being made into a TV series that will consist of ten episodes, and directed by Justin Kurzel and Bharat Nalluri.It will be aired on Apple TV+.”

The excitement was real, especially once we learned that Charlie Hunnam, from Sons of Anarchy, was the main actor, playing Lin Baba, and that he would be here, on our street, outside our houses!

Not going to lie - there were a few squeals.

As the filming night inched closer, the main house being featured ( which was to be his mother’s house) was dressed and preened to look the part.

The neighbouring houses ( one of which was mine! ) were also part of the set and had their fences strewn with weeds and broken bikes and other debris were thrown on the front strip, all in the effort

to make it look just right.

On the night of the filming, the whole street was buzzing as cranes, lights, rain machines ( !!! ) and crew filled the cul de sac.

Our own kids (and us, to be fair) were standing eagerly on the street ready to spot Charlie and to watch it all unfold.

The filming took about eight hours to complete, but was apparently only worth about three minutes of the final series this seems so insane! ) The buzz never waned though, as we watched scenes repeat over and over action, action, action. Watching the rain machine come to life under the incredibly large filming lights that loomed over our homes was a definite highlight, as was having old mate Charlie standing only metres away, murmuring his lines under

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his breath.

The next day, it was a bit like nothing had even happened on our little strip of Edwardes street. Purposefully placed plants and trees were loaded back into trucks. The weeds vanished and the lights were no more.

We will remember this excitement for a long time to come, though.

That time, during lockdown, when Hollywood came knocking on our neighbour’s door.

Snooping on Charlie

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Out of the Box: Laekon!

Camille Short shares the underrated salty treat that gives smashed avo and Kombuca a run for their money

Merry Christmas Rezzadents! As it is the festive season I have a present for you. I am going to clue you in on Laekon! Laekon has been hanging out in Reservoir for as long as I have lived here. Cafe owners and Sunday breakfasters listen up.

Laekon is rice paper bacon. It is salty and smokey and it is easy to make yourself. It is in the league of smashed avo and Kombucha and quite frankly it is bemuses me that it isn’t on menus everywhere.

The inventors, as far as I can tell, are some classy Danish vegans called Kasper and Karina. They released a Youtube video in April 2016 showing how to make it and since then I’d say my partner and I have made it approximately 65 times (i.e. a quarter of all weekends for five years). What can I say, it is addictive!

Google “Laekon - Lovely Bacon (FULL - English)” to watch the video. It has just over 27,700 views. That isn’t a lot for what could be a world sensation. I looked up “smashed avo” and the first recipe video I saw had a million views. For smashing

avocado! Laekon is clearly underrated but lucky for us it has made it to Reservoir and could stop by your tummy too!

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Here is what you need: • 2 tbsp rapeseed oil (i.e., canola oil, though olive oil works fine too) • 3 tbsp soy sauce • 6 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes • 1/2 tsp - liquid smoke • rice paper

And what to do:

1. Mix everything but the rice paper together for a marinade. Add enough water to make it smooth but not too thin.

5. Cook in a non-stick frying pan on medium to high heat. Flip when it has reached the desired crispiness and cook the other side.

2. Pour some warm water into a wide vessel (e.g., dinner plate) and soften a piece of rice paper in it.

6. Eat it with your favourite accoutrements. Mine are poached eggs, grainy toast, kimchi and avocado.

3. Pull out the rice paper once softened and fold it (or scrunch) into a long piece (bacon shape). Cover it in marinade and set aside.

4. Continue softening rice paper and marinating it until you run out of marinade.

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This is the Reservoir version of the recipe. The original recipe is a little more complicated. For example, Kirsten and Kasper suggest cutting up the rice paper with scissors and letting the Laekon cool on a drying

rack. Nobody has time for that. In my experience letting the rice paper fold over on itself creates a perfect half gooey, half crunchy texture that makes Laekon its own thing (more than just fake bacon) and I much prefer to put it in my mouth as soon as possible. But you do you.

If you bring Laekon to your house, or better yet your cafe, I would love to hear about it. Shoot us an email and tell me how I have changed your life.

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Revamping the ‘burbs In the backdrop of the pandemic, Reservoir was one of eight suburbs to receive funding as part of the Victorian’s government’s ‘Surburbian Revitalisation’ program, with over $1.65 million dollars planned to be poured into Reservoir community initiatives. A Reservoir Revitalisation Board was formed to identify the locally-led projects.

Shannon McKeogh spoke to Robin Scott, MP for Preston who has been the chair of this board.

Wow, the huge array of projects in Reservoir involved in this funding program is incredible. Can you tell us a bit about how the Surburban Revitalisation program came about, your involvement and what it means for Reservoir?

The Reservoir Revitalisation project is part of the state Labor Government’s Suburban Revitalisation Program. As we all know, Reservoir is a great place – that’s why we choose to live here – and the residents of Rezza are proud of their suburb. But it has pockets of economic and social disadvantage, areas with high levels of unemployment and chronic ill health.

The Rezza Revitalisation Board’s job has been to identify local projects, and to ensure that the local community is in the driving seat, so that the projects truly meet their needs.

The Board is made up of representatives from local community groups, schools, local businesses, and the City of Darebin.

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December 2021

Image courtesy City of Darebin

Everybody has made a contribution, and that’s why we’ve come up with such a great range of exciting projects!

The Revitalisation Project is already helping Reservoir to see a brighter future!

A lot of the projects aim to be complete by mid-next year, how do you think this will help with local businesses' recovery after lockdowns? Do you think Reservoir July 2022 will be a very different Reservoir that we saw this year?

Many of us have been hunkered down at home for the past year, staring at computer screens and avoiding other people. We are now learning how to handle Covid-19 and can think about getting out once more and meeting people.

By July next year I predict that we will

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be living in a brighter and more exciting Rezza – building on the old Reservoir values of living and working together for the good of the whole community!

I know it will be hard to pick just one, but what project are you most excited about?

This is a difficult one, as I love all the projects! It’s like being asked which is your favourite child! But I am particularly keen on the projects that aim to make people feel happier about living in Rezza. Projects such as the tree planting program along Broadway, Spring Street and High Street, and the Laneways and Streetscape upgrade project, with its jaunty arts installations and colourful lights! [photos already sent to you] Thanks so much for your time Robin. If any of The Rezzadent readers would like

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to get involved, or have any questions about the Suburban Revitalisation program how can they best do this?

People can call my office on 9478-5611 or email me on robin.scott@parliament. vic.gov.au – or message me on Facebook or on Instagram. I and my staff will be happy to help!

The 13 projects getting funded as part of Reservoir Revitisation 1. #rezzacollab A Reservoir flavoured recipe book showcasing local businesses and community recipes.

2. A Safer Reservoir A community safety program in partnership with Victoria Police and local agencies that aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and enhance perceptions of community safety in Reservoir.

Image courtesy City of Darebin

3. Bike it to Rezza Get on ya bikes, because new on-road bike lanes and kerb installations are coming to Edwardes St and Broadway.

4. Economic Analysis An economic, place-based analysis of Reservoir that will help with future planning, and what investment attractions will work to revitalise Rezza.

5. Greening Reservoir This project is focused on ‘greening’ our central shopping precincts of Reservoir with new plants.

Image courtesy City of Darebin

6. High on Broadway Broadway and High St will get some extra love, including improved streetscape and footpath improvements, new street furniture, bike hoops and new trees to hug.

7. Ramp Up Reservoir A branding and marketing program to unify and celebrate our wonderful local businesses and communities.

Image courtesy City of Darebin

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8. Reservoir Blitz This project will revitalise the central shopping areas of Rezza through minor works.

9. Reservoir Splash ‘Co-contribution’ shop front improvement grants will be provided to local businesses for furniture, displays, blinds or other improvements to make their hearts sing (and help make our area look nice).

10. Rezza Rocks Not just a statement, but a program of events, activities and activities in Edwardes St and Broadway such as weekend markets, spring and autumn activities, murals and multicultural activities.

11. Youth Entrepreneurs and Leadership Program A program focused on building mad leadership and entrepreneur skills to Aboriginal, CALD and LGBTIQA+ youth in Reservoir.

12. Reservoir Streetscape and Laneway Activation A new pedestrian crossing, art activations and new footpath and roadside kerb at Olive and Edwardes St. 13. Extension of the Birds and Beans Community Training Cafe Various minor infrastructure upgrades, an expansion of existing programs and activities, and the development of new training programs for local youth and community members experiencing disadvantage and isolation.

The completion time of the local projects range from the end of 2021 - to mid-2022. Visit Suburban Development to find out more.

Images courtesy City of Darebin

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Magpies, Menace or Misunderstood?

Panda Saunders investigates the truth behind the black and white creatures

As spring draws to a close, conversation inevitably circles back to the bad behaviour of Victoria's magpies over this period.

In a state locked down for over 260 days and holding the nationwide record for all things COVID related - the birds’ refusal to wear masks has really struck a nerve this year.

"I can deal with a bunch of them deciding it's appropriate to hold chortling school outside my bedroom window at 5am on a weekday," says Sam, a lawyer living in Reservoir.

"I've even learned which roads are best to avoid as I make my way to Ruthven station on the way to work. I just get so frustrated when a maskless magpie lands and stares me down - it's like come on dude we’re all in this together.”

Victorians were expected to wear masks outdoors right up until the end of October, and it has been alleged not a single magpie followed this instruction.

While the COVID mandates have been relaxed - the relationship between the residents of Reservoir, sapien and avian that is, remain tense.

“Look, I respect the work they did at the dawn of time, helping prop the sky up and all, but like it’s 2021 wear a freaking mask you know?”

According to Margaret Tart, a species relations expert at the Billsbrook Institute for Research Darebin

South (B.I.R.D.S) it is simply a misunderstanding.

"The thing people fail to recognise is that there has been a statistically significant reduction in magpie swooping, year on year since the arrival of COVID in Victoria,” says Tart.

“While many might attribute this to humans spending more time indoors during lockdown, we can confidently say this is incorrect.”

"In fact, our research at B.I.R.D.S demonstrates magpies have been making a real effort to observe the social distancing rules."

When pushed on why no photograph exists of a magpie wearing a mask, Tart simply insisted it was because they don't have ears.

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December Festivities There’s a place for old and new traditions writes Viktoria Komornik

Pexels- Jonathon Borba

This is it. The last month of the year. The last month of 2021. It’s been a tough year for everyone, tougher on some than others. We could all do with some magic.

I don’t know about you but for me and my family December is the busiest month. Not only because we celebrate Christmas and that already has its own schedule but we also have three birthdays to organise. December definitely tests my ‘event’ coordination skills.

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First of all, I called the article ‘December festivities’ because December is not only about Christmas. Reservoir, being one of the most multicultural suburbs, has residents celebrating a large number of colourful occasions. I’ll get to those soon.

I grew up celebrating Christmas in Hungary in a non-religious family, hence Santa played a big and busy role in December. On Saint Nicholas Day, the night of the 5th of December, we’d all, including our parents, leave our boot

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The various traditions of Saint Nicholas Day continue to be celebrated in Reservoir amongst multiple European cultures.

Pexels- Jonathon Borba

(yes, only half a pair) outside by the front door or on a windowsill. Santa would then magically appear and leave us chocolates, winter fruit such as oranges and mandarins.

I’m sure you’d understand why we’d try to place our biggest boot on the window sill. Early morning there’d be a knock on the window, which we believed to be Santa and we’d rush to check the contents of our boots and hope for a glance of Santa. I won’t tell you how we found out the true source of the knocking one day as I can’t risk my daughter finding it out just yet. However if you have been a naughty kid through the year, and Santa knows everything, then you’d also receive a bunch of twigs. There are no angels in Hungary either so everyone receives treats and twigs from Santa.

The various traditions of Saint Nicholas Day continue to be celebrated in Reservoir amongst multiple European cultures.

Christmas Eve is our family celebration.

We set the tree up on the 24th and decorate it. My favourite tree decoration is still the handmade chain. I love the idea of a colour coordinated decorative tree but somehow we always end up with a mix and match decorations, a bit eclectic I guess.

In Hungary it's always cold and often snows on the day, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Late afternoon as kids, my sister and I would go into our room and wait for the bell to ring - a special Christmas bell that we’d only use on this occasion - to let us know we can come and open the presents.

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Then we’d stand around the tree and sing a couple of Christmas songs, a form of self torture some may say, then look for our presents. Of course there is no Christmas without food so a feast follows soon after. The days after are centered around meals and spent visiting our extended family and friends.

Since living in Australia, December has turned into a hybrid celebration of what I grew up with and the way my partner celebrates. Our children get the best of both worlds. Saint Nicholas Day is a bit difficult to explain as not many other kids receive an extra visit from Santa during this month. Christmas Eve has my side of the family celebrating with us and the following day is my partner’s family.

Oh, and I’m still not used to seeing Santa in shorts…

Some locals celebrate Orphan Christmas. I truly love the idea of this and I cherish the memories of the orphan Christmas parties I got to be part of when I first came to Australia alone.

Those who have no families or simply want to get together with their friends organise a Christmas Day gathering with picnic and drinks either at someone’s house or at the park. Really, it’s the same as what you’d have with your family but with friends. It’s a wonderful way to ensure no one is left feeling alone on the day.

How about all those elves popping up? I honestly hope there will be elves placed in windows like teddy bears were during the lockdown months. Some of the houses in the area have wonderful lights and decorations displayed to make everyone smile. My family also extends the indoor decorations to our gumtree in the front garden with solar lights.

The list of December festivities and ways of enjoying them is much longer than what I could include here within my allocated word limit. However, apart from Christmas there are other December festivities worth mentioning.

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In many parts of Melbourne, Hanukkah, a major Jewish holiday is celebrated in December. The timing of Hanukkah depends on the Hebrew calendar that doesn’t align with the Gregorian Calendar. This year it’s between the 28th of November and 6th of December.

It includes the exchange of gifts, lighting the candles every night for 8 days and eating foods dedicated to this celebration.

Buddhists across the world celebrate Bodhi Day on the 8th of December.

This day commemorates the day that the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment. This may also include decorating a tree but not with the same style of ornaments as Christmas.

Islamic faith follows the lunar calendar and for this year I couldn’t find any Muslim celebration that occurs in December. If there is something that I missed here and you’d like to share please write to us.

Then there are those who choose to spend their festive season helping others and volunteering. This month is an opportunity to enjoy the existing and create new traditions.

December can be a difficult month for those who are alone, have lost someone during this period in the past and for those who currently struggle and cannot celebrate the way they normally would.

Collectively and individually we should try our best to reach out, check on our neighbours and those less fortunate in our community. Be kind.

Thank you to those who responded to my request to share your stories about how you celebrate during the month of December. Would absolutely love to see a photo of Georgia’s little baby in an elf suit, of the orphan Christmas party planned by Teagan and a photo of Emily and Maarten’s Santa’s visit on the 5th and pets in their Christmas suit.

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The Kids Are Alright And, look at that - they're back at school! We asked some Rezzakids about remote learning and their return to school.

How did you feel going back to school?

"When my mum dropped me off at school, memories came back. I felt happy, sad, churny, scared and excited. You see school isn't just learning. Even though learning is important, making friends is more important. They guide you through the challenges of life and even though it is hard, it is easier with a friend by your side.

I was happy because all of my friends and teachers were back. I love it."

Hannah homelearning

Hannah aged 7

Lockdown made me feel like the start of the year was yesterday. Going back to school I felt free. My house was a prison but when I went back to school I had escaped.

I was nervous about getting questions wrong. I was worried I didn’t learn much in remote learning.

Not the teacher’s fault!

Cormac aged 10

Elijah aged 8

Nervicited.

Henry aged 7

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It will be a bit tricky to be there on time, especially since we have been in lockdown for so long. For some people it won’t be hard because they have been going to school in lockdown. Onsite learning will be different from home learning. You won’t always do work on the computer; you will probably do it with a pen and paper. Also, back to school you probably won’t be able to go to the toilet whenever you want or eat whenever you want, but let’s not talk about the cons.

Will aged 10

I was really happy to be back. I love school and I don’t like working at home.

Levi homelearning

Levi aged 7 I learnt that viruses are bad, but I got really good at Roblox.

What did you learn in Lockdown?

After the lockdown I realised a few things. A) Try Hard B) Be Persistent.

Hannah aged 7

In lockdown, I learnt we take a lot of things for granted. And that school is a lot easier when you can be on site. It’s hard to connect over a screen.

Cormac aged 10

Elijah aged 8

That my sister is really annoying. The creek is fun but not every day.

Henry aged 7

I don’t know…I just wanted to be at school.

Levi aged 7

If you are a Rezza kid or know a Rezza kid who would like to write for The Kids Are Alright, please email rezzadentnews@ gmail.com It would be great to have a different kid write in each edition. They can write a good news story about living in Rezza or on a topic they are passionate about.

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Local Business Spotlight

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December 2021

Reservoir teen achieves prestigious peak Girl Guide award

By Emily Butijn, District Manager for Darebin Girl Guides

The Queen’s Guide Award is the peak achievement award for youth members of Girl Guides Australia. It is more than just the challenges you set out to achieve, this award provides youth with an opportunity for extraordinary personal development and greater self-awareness.

The award is recognised in the community, and thus it is expected that awardees uphold the standing of the award in everything they think, say and do. Young people undertake this award for over two years usually whilst finishing high school.

Given the commitment required, very few youth members get the chance to achieve it and become a part of a special alumni in the guiding world.

Eva Massey, 18 of Reservoir, has joined this prestigious group of Queen’s Guide recipients.

She joined guides at the age of eight as a brownie in Darebin District Girl Guides.

She achieved many badges and awards during this time as well as being an active participant in unit meetings and adventurous activities.

She commenced her Queens Guide Award in year 10 and completed it in year 12 prior to her 18th birthday. Whilst completing this award, she successfully

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achieved her VCE scores to continue her studies at university.

Also during this time she became a UNICEF Youth Ambassador at the age of 16, which she used as an opportunity to get her voice heard and do her part towards education and climate change.

To achieve the Queen’s Guide award, Eva developed a personalised plan in all focus areas, promise and law, guiding traditions, service, outdoors, world guiding, the patrol system and leadership. She focused on leadership with guides and outside becoming a junior leader for a youth group, achieving change and being a proactive member of UNICEF. Eva also raised funds to support children in Cambodia by designing bags and selling them. She also completed a great indepth exploration of campfire traditions, songs, foods and how to teach youth to safely light a fire and run a campfire.

Eva is an incredibly inspiring woman and continues her guiding journey as a leader of youth with Girl Guides in the Darebin District. It is wonderful to see youth in our community developing into strong women who will make and drive change in our world.

Congratulations Eva from all of the Darebin District Girl Guides.

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Every badge you earn is tied to your motto – ‘Be Prepared’. This badge is not a reward for something you have done once for an examination you have passed. Badges are not medals to wear on your sleeve or to show what a smart girl nds for often enough, thoroughly enough, and well enough to be prepared to give service in it. ~ Juliette Low Founder of Girl Scouts in USA

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December 2021

The Reservoir Stomp @ Reservoir/Preston Bowls Club The first installment of the Reservoir Stomp went off with a bang, according to our reviewer Camille Short. The first of three to be held this season, this one was at the usual stomping ground - The Reservoir/Preston Bowls Club.

When I walked through the gates I was met with a sunny bowling green and shady table settings both abuzz with smiling festival goers.

Emma Donovan and The Putbacks

When I walked through the gates I was met with a sunny bowling green and shady table settings both abuzz with smiling festival goers.

An announcement over the loudspeaker directed people inside to see The Reservoir Views Primary Choir. I made a b-line inside to nab a spot. It was joyous!

They sang many fitting songs for the day, with their repertoire including a song of hellos in many different languages, a musical instrument extravaganza and a song on reconciliation. They were adorable but to leave it at that would be selling them short. They sounded great too. It left me hoping we are in the catchment area of Reservoir Views

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Primary.

Afterwards, I headed outside to peruse the food trucks. I was delighted to find Polish dumplings, Mexican food and ice cream. I opted for spicy jalapeños, biocheese and potato dumplings and later some ice cream. No complaints other than wanting more. I ate on the grass listening to one of the DJs through the colourful EL Gran Mono Sound System.

There were kids and one or two adults making body armour out of cardboard and scattered everywhere were kids juggling their cardboard swords, shields and sizable icecreams. The kids owned the dance floor inside and out.

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Emma is an Indigineous vocalist and brings a beaming voice and honest storytelling to the front of stage. Her rawness is amplified by the soulful tunes of The Putbacks.

The pace of the festival was great. There was just enough time to go outside after each act, get some fresh air, enjoy the DJs and have a treat without feeling like you were waiting for anything.

Dorsal Fins started next. They brought neighbourly vibes with friendly onstage banter and some funky pop tunes. I enjoyed their new track “sugar”, which is an aptly named song about modern vices and instant gratification. Bananagun were also great. I’d describe them as a spice blend, tasting of African grooves, jazz, funk and your grandparent’s best retro furniture.

The headline act, Emma Donovan and the Putbacks were exceptional. Emma is an Indigineous vocalist and brings a beaming voice and honest storytelling to the front of stage. Her rawness is amplified by the soulful tunes of The Putbacks. It is a beautiful collaboration. I felt lucky to be there.

Mary & my one year old enjoying the festival

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December 2021

My one-year-old and wife arrived at the festival halfway through so I got to experience the festival as a parent as well. The crowd were very generous and friendly as he crawled around, headbutted their legs, tried to eat their food and climbed on their children. The festival is very family-friendly. It is absent of the long lines, drunkenness, rubbish and yukky loos endemic to some music festivals. This was Reservoir at its best. The loos were glistening! There was a yummy specially brewed Reservoir Stomp Draught

by Future Mountain, though seemingly nobody had too many. People held space for one another.

Bananagun

It has been so long since I have been to an event.

This one was energy giving and made me proud to be a Rezzadent. There are two more events coming up. If it is anything like the first I can highly recommend it for all ages.

Dumplings

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Dorsalfin

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December 2021

Dear Reservoir Dogs Ernie the miniature sausage dog has retired from being your regular agony aunt, feigning ‘empathy fatigue.’ Instead each month will be a different Reservoir dog, here to solve all your life’s problems; one tail wag and wet kiss at a time.

Treats welcome. Send your qualms to with the subject line “Dear Reservoir Dogs” to rezzadentnews@gmail.com

Dear Kujo,

I know it I’ve told my in-laws to go forth and multiply. Any tips for handling the in-laws at Christmas?

Tis the season to be jolly, or so I thought. With Christmas fast approaching I am becoming more From anxious about spending A Rezzadent the festivities with (certain) “loved ones”. The thing is, the wine flows, conversation gets more relaxed, inhibitions get more relaxed, my guard gets more relaxed and before

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December’s question is answered by Kujo, the two-and-aquarter schnauzer who is unofficially best-friends with Ernie.

Dear “A Rezzadent”, In-laws wouldn’t be in-laws if they didn’t command a patience bigger than you possess. Remember the festive punch is best drunk in good company, if you are finding the company testing you need to put that pooch hooch down. Be happy this season, there are still lots of people who cannot see their families this Christmas, so just embrace yours, no

matter how challenging or dysfunctional they may be.

If you are worried that a conversation has potential to become heightened, turn Mariah up louder and kill them with kindness.

Wait until the New Year to tell them to go forth and multiply. #NewYearNewMe Lots of tail wags and sloppy kisses, Kujo

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December 2021

Voir words

By Megan and Michael Von Hemlock

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Kind Watch: Year in Review As we head into the silly season, it is somewhat of a

tradition to look back on the year that was. Oh, 2021, it has been a hard slog, but despite the slogginess there were plenty of kind moments. Thanks to everyone who submitted. And a big thank you to those who go out of their way to make Reservoir that little bit kinder. You know who you are.

The nicest thing that happened to me this year was a beautiful person lent me her car for a few days so I wouldn’t lose my job and income thx Emma Bits Nikki My neighbor on the right mows the front of our lawn and other people's in the street, and my neighbor on the left let us borrow their big car as we couldn't fit our camping gear in ours.

They are both amazing and I feel so lucky to live around such lovely humans Harry My partner took me to a polished restaurant because we had such a long lockdown Kara I picked up my 3 year old grandson from the

local day care after a hard day at work and he said "Do you know what Nanna? It's just awesome when you pick me up" Suzi I lost my AirPods down at Edgars Creek. After a few days I put a post in the Coburg GKN to ask if anyone had seen them, they had a sticker on them so could be identified. I got no response and thought they were gone forever.

Then about 2 weeks later I got a PM and a guy said he thinks his 10 year old daughter had found my AirPods.

When she brought them home she suggested her parents check on the GKNs to see if anyone had lost them!

They found my post and messaged me. They also paired them with a phone and saw they

were called Stephanie’s AirPods to confirm they belonged to me.

I picked them up from then the next day and I was so grateful to their thoughtful daughter!

I left her a little bag of chocolates and she was so thrilled and her Dad told me she had learned what Good Karma was all about.

Steph I found a kids very cute winter jacket at Ceres, and it had a name on it so I decided to search for the owners on Good Karma sites. I found the owner and as gratitude, (which I was not expecting) they gave me another cute winter jacket that fit my child for the year.

Tao My neighbours offered 39

December 2021

to have my dog over at their place for some company whilst she was settling in to a new house and being home alone all day. We only knew them a couple weeks at the time and my pup has completely adjusted now.

Every now and then if she gets stressed and cries they go over and get her for an afternoon of pats and naps, amazing people honestly Felicity We love our neighbours - we always look out for each other. There have been SO many reasons (in & amongst the yuk that has been 2021), but I have to say, I've really enjoyed seeing what a different the 'Friends of Edwards Lake' has done... every time I go there, the Lake has improved (some big & some more subtle), but every time. Thanks to all those who give their time & energy to improve our Lake.

Katherine I needed petrol before driving to work & filled up but when I went to pay the eftpos at the servo kept on rejecting my credit card for payment on my phone.

It was making me late, I was getting stressed & went back to my car to see if I had physical 40

cards but had left my wallet at home. After going back to the counter the lady that came in after me had just taken cash out of the atm in the store & offered to pay for my petrol! I didn’t know her & thought that was such a kind offer. Finally the staff reset the eftpos terminal & all was well with the world but her generous offer really touched my heart. I continued on my way eventually In probably not as much of a feral mood as I may have been due to her kind gesture!

abundance of flowers in their yard I could cut for a random act of kindness project I wanted to do for my colleagues, to which I got several responses immediately! Between RGKN, Facebook marketplace, and a few other local friends, I was able to put together 40 jars of seasonal, locally grown blooms for the hardworking staff at Maroondah Hospital medical imaging department. It was a real source of joy and super uplifting, at a time when we really all needed it.

Ess

Couldn't have done it without the generosity of community.

My neighbour always pulls my bin in for me and even pulls out for me on days I forget.

Tried doing back the favour as much as possible but she’s always one step ahead of me. She’s definitely an angel. Lucky to have her looking out for me Grace My neighbour across the street drops off big bunches of rose geranium cuttings. The smell is divine. Always a mystery as to when she drops them off. So gorgeous.

Kylie Earlier in the year when lockdown #6 came, I asked if anyone had an

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Zoë

Alana

A lady at the Great Beginnings daycare car park who had just finished dropping off her kids saw me getting out of the car with my toddler and newborn and offered to hold my baby while I dropped off my toddler to make it easier for me. I’m not good at accepting help so I said I was ok but I thought that was such a nice thing to offer to a fellow mum who was clearly struggling with the juggle! She had her own baby with her too I hope she reads this!

I have the most awesome neighbours.

One regularly mows the grass on my nature strip. Another drops off eggs from their chooks at my doorstep. Two of my neighbours have my kid over to play with theirs so I can get work done. One has offered us an open invite to their pool on hot days.

Alana Oh also… our pug Pickle got a new friend this year. A lady posted in the GKN asking for a dog to hang out with to keep her company and keep her spirits up during lockdown. We reached out to her and she came and met our pug Pickle and they hit it off. They now hang out for walks at least twice a week and he sometimes goes for sleepovers at her house.

They’re going to be spending Christmas together when we travel interstate for holidays.

It’s a huge help for us as we have our hands so full with 2 babies.

Knowing that walks are taken care of twice a week is awesome for us and she got a doggy friend to hang out with.

But my favourite: my incredibly thoughtful, kind, generous neighbour next door set up a What’s App group for neighbours in our street when lockdown started, as a means of connecting us all and checking in to see we were all ok. It was a place to share info, ask if anyone needed anything like loo paper or milk, and generally just keep us connected.

It was such a lovely idea and we now use the group to share tools, give away excess produce, ask for favours, and invite people to the street xmas party. The lady who set this all up is an absolute angel and I am so incredibly grateful to live next door to her and her beautiful family.

There are so many good, kind-hearted people in this world.

Kate Shout out to the

beautiful and generous Anita Ellis who has lent me her car so my other half can drive to work when it's too hot or rainy! And to my beautiful neighbours on Pine Street who make my neighbourhood the best!!

Claire My license slipped out of my pocket while out walking for the first time in ages on a lovely sunny day in Winter.

And I thought, trust this to happen to me on the rare occasion I go out walking! It was thankfully picked up

by GKN member, and she dropped it in my letterbox the next day.

Rhiannon My neighbour knows I’ve been busy starting a new business so he planted out my front garden full of tomato’s, basil and onions And has been tending to it daily he’s an elderly man going through a personal family illness and I’m trying to think of something lovely to get him for Christmas Sara During lockdown 2 little neighbourhood boys drew chalk drawings on the concrete outside my unit. They knew I’m an older lady by myself and gave me so much 41

December 2021

pleasure.

Cassandra We’ve gotten to know some of our neighbours better and we regularly swap baked goods, fresh produce, seedlings and more. This makes me so happy to have this little village around us.

Aline On the GKN site I responded to a message from someone wanting to swap quail eggs for loquats. I didn’t have any loquats but she provided me eggs anyway, threw in some garden greens and offered me to meet her quails. So neighbourly!

Shiranana The gentleman who has been out the front of Coles for the past few mornings greeting everyone with a happy and friendly "good morning" and a big smile.

He's down on his luck and in need but is still spreading joy. I said to him yesterday how his happiness is contagious and has been starting my days off on a wonderful note. I wish I could do more to help him out!

Jess Also the lady who saw 42

me in My Chemist at the start of the year with my then 3 year old who was having a tantrum.

I was so embarrassed and doing my best to calm him and she gave me a very friendly smile and said "you're doing a great job mum". It turned my whole day around and gave me the confidence I needed to stick to my guns. Since that day I've always made an effort to return the favour to others who I see dealing with tantrums when out.

brought him over a gift on the day. It was very sweet and much appreciated since our families live interstate.

Jess

My Neighbour Pat put away everyone’s bins in the entire court. He’s been doing it for the 10 years I’ve lived here.

My 89 year old mother goes to PANCH Community group.

Recently when mum arrived her mask was covered in blood. Mum was bleeding from her eye. The staff washed out her mask and cleaned mum's glasses.

They drove her to the doctors and waited with her. Such kindness Linda A stranger ordered and paid for my ice coffee at Northland as I was breastfeeding my baby and realised there was no table service.

Tara Our neighbour remembered the date of my son's first birthday after brining it up in casual conversation.

Her and her daughter

Camille My neighbour mows my front lawn every time he does his own. Lately he has been spending more time at his partner’s place so others neighbours have been doing it in his absence.

We live in a lovely street!

Erin

Kate My friends shouted me my first therapy session so I could get in earlier. I paid them back of course but it was nice to receive that timely intervention and support.

Justine For me, it was all the wonderful people who responded to my little local newspaper idea online, which has evolved into The Rezzadent. So grateful!

Shannon

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Councillor update Reservoir is in the Darebin local government area. Councils are responsible for delivering services in health, planning, and building control, business and economic development, waste and environmental management, and human and community services. Councillors write their own profiles, which are independent from the business of council. This edition we host a Councillor Update by Trent McCarthy.

that many households in Rezza weren’t so lucky and some of our neighbours were sweltering in hot boxes with few trees to provide shade.

Two years ago, just prior to the emergence of COVID-19 in Australia, my family were renting in Cool Street, Reservoir West. Throughout the record-breaking heatwaves of December 2019 and January 2020, we felt incredibly lucky to have a house with air conditioning. We knew

We checked in on our older neighbours, who we’d only recently met.

Some folks don’t like to ask for help and will politely refuse it when it’s offered, so we picked up some basic items from the shops to save them a sweltering walk. I have to admit, there is a genuine feelgood factor turning up to someone’s doorstep with milk and bread. We had no idea that those neighbourly connections would become so important in the challenging months ahead.

On the hottest days, I brought our guinea pigs

inside and placed waterfilled bowls and plates outside to help birds and bugs stay hydrated.

I remembered reading that if you place a stick in a bowl it helps some small critters take a drink without drowning. My kids laughed as I carefully placed each stick so that even if there was a bit of wind, it would remain in place.

From the back deck of the house we could see all the way to the city and across much of Reservoir West.

We saw some very strange skies that summer. Air pollution warnings meant my son and I – both asthmatics – had to stay indoors. It was a surreal experience cleaning ash off the windows from fires raging hundreds of kilometres away. We started wearing masks

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December 2021

outside. It was a dramatic start to a year that saw us wearing two different types of masks for two very different reasons.

Fast forward to today.

This month – December 2021 – marks five years since Darebin became the first city in the world to declare a ‘climate emergency’. The exact date – 5 December 2016 – was the first meeting of the previous term of Council. I was pleased to have the support of all nine Darebin Councillors for my motion, which said: “We are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local councils.”

Since then, 2046 councils and governments around the world have followed our lead, including 108 in Australia. It came as no surprise that in 2019, ‘climate emergency’ was the Oxford Word of the Year. A global movement started right here in Darebin.

In the past year, Darebin Council has switched to 100% renewable energy and is now a certified carbon neutral organisation. Darebin was also the recent winner of the Climate Council’s Collaboration Award for the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO).

This project saw us bring together 46 Victorian councils to collectively

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switch to 100% renewable energy, making this the largest emissions reduction project of local government in Australia – the equivalent of taking 90,000 cars off the road.

Since 2014, Council has helped almost 2,000 pensioners and lowincome households put solar on their roofs with no upfront costs through Solar Saver. Reservoir households have been the most enthusiastic about this program.

These actions and others are very important for reducing carbon emissions and taking action on climate.

They also help other governments and communities take meaningful action.

However, we also need to deal with the health, environmental and economic risks facing our community as global temperatures continue to rise and impact us locally. Reservoir is one of the most heat vulnerable suburbs in all of Melbourne, largely due to low tree cover in some pockets. Council has managed to plant 6,000 new trees across Darebin in the past two years, however these will take some time to provide shade and reduce the heat island effect. We also have a lot of homes with no way to stay cool during Melbourne's heat waves.

Our community’s experience over the

past two years, starting with the 2020 fires and leading into the pandemic, has demonstrated that our neighbourhood connections are critical to keeping each other safe and well during challenging times. I want to particularly acknowledge the work of our neighbourhood houses and local secondary students, who have been doing great work with council to develop local solutions to keep our community safe.

While this summer is not expected to be anything like 2019/20, if we all do our bit to look out for each other and reconnect with our neighbours – particularly those who are the most isolated and most vulnerable – we’ll continue to lay the groundwork for a more resilient community that can get through any challenges ahead.

Take care, Trent Trent McCarthy is a Darebin Councillor, Chair of Climate Emergency Darebin, soccer coach at Darebin Falcons and the proud dad of two kids who now place sticks in bowls of water during heat wave.

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Community News If you have a tip-off or know of an event coming up that you’d like featured please contact us at rezzadentnews@gmail.com Call for Nominations: Darebin Community Awards 2021 Do you know a Community Hero?

Nominations are now open for the Darebin Community Awards which recognise individuals and groups that have made an outstanding contribution to the Darebin community. Please nominate your ‘local heroes’ and help us celebrate their contribution in 2021.

Nominations are now open and close 11 February 2022.

Reduced gym membership If you’re having financial difficulties, you might be able to get a subsidised gym membership. This will give you access to Reservoir Leisure Centre from 6am to 4pm. To find out if you're eligible, please call 9462 4611 and enquire today.

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December 2021

Reservoir brewery, Future Mountain wins Champion Brewpub at the 2021 Independent Beer Awards The struggles of the last couple of years have paid off for brewery Future Mountain who recently won an Australian Independent Beer Awards (The Indies).

They took out Champion Brewpub, 4 x Gold medals, 3 x Silver & 2 x Bronze for their beers.

The medals came from a record number of entries, totalling 1389 beers from 180 breweries. It was the largest ever Indie awards.

Darebin City Council Appoints Cr Lina Messina as Mayor Cr Lina Messina was re-elected as the Darebin City Council Mayor for 2021– 2022 at a Special Meeting of Council held on Wednesday 24 November.

Mayor Messina said despite the challenges of the pandemic, she is excited to see the continued progress of several major projects.

“In the next 12 months our team will see the continued delivery of the NARC project, the Reservoir Boathouse Project and the BT Connor and Bill Lawry Pavilion. We will celebrate the success of the Love Local campaign, putting money back into our beloved local businesses. We will also see the upgrade of some of our shopping precincts,” she said.

Mayor Messina also congratulated Cr Trent McCarthy who was elected to the position of Deputy Mayor.

Transition Darebin is back!

Transition Darebin is now back in person.

Here’s what’s been happening:

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• Monthly food swaps resumed in Reservoir, Fairfield, Thornbury and Preston • Repair café is open for in-person sessions • Workshops: a mix of zoom and in person • Creating Boomerang bags shopping bags for local stores and produce bags for DIVRS food relief packing

For more details on events and how you can get involved, check out the Transition Darebin website or Facebook pages: Darebin Repair Café, Boomerang Bags Darebin, & Darebin Urban Harvesters.

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Free plant pots for gardeners Is your home garden, community garden or food swap in need of free plant pots for propagating or sharing seedlings?

We have an excess of tube stock plant pots from our Rewilding Project to give away. There are two sizes available, half tube stock (roughly 6cm high) and full tube stock (roughly 15cm high). A tray of the half size holds 56 pots, and a tray of the full size holds 54 pots. These can be picked up from the Darebin Operation Centre located at 15 Carawa Drive in Reservoir. A minimum of 3 - 4 trays must be taken per pick up.

For more information or to organise collection, please email our Community and Environment Special Projects Officer: Ben.Smith@darebin.vic.gov.au with 'Free plant pots' in the subject line.

Friday Nights at The Shak Preston Reservoir Bowls Club have launched ‘The Shak’ a new outdoor bar and beer garden. Friday night events include barefoot bowls, drinks, live music and a BBQ and kick off from 5pm.

Find out more here.

Stay safe over this summer period Family violence support services Orange Door: Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence. It supports families who need extra support caring for children, and is the support service for perpetrators of family violence.

Phone: 1800 319 355 (north-east region specific)

1800RESPECT: Open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.

Phone: 1800 737 732 Djirra: Supports Aboriginal people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence. Phone: 1800 105 303 Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA): Available 24/7 and provides face-to-face, telephone and online support services to victim/survivors of sexual assault.

Phone: 1800 806 292 w|respect: A family violence and intimate partner violence service supporting LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

WithRespect offers a service model which can respond to both the person impacted by violence and the person using violence. Phone: 1800 542 847 InTouch: Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence: A specialist family violence service that works with multicultural women, their families and their communities. Phone: 1800 755 988 Seniors Rights Victoria: Provides a free helpline for people who are experiencing, or know someone who is experiencing elder abuse. Phone: 1300 368 821 Men’s Referral Service: This service from No to Violence offers assistance, information and counselling to help men who use family violence. Phone: 1300 766 491

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre: Victoria's 24/7 family violence support service. Phone: 1800 015 188 (24 hours)

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December 2021

What's On Summer Film Festival Free, in-person Across Darebin Libraries

Fancy catching a free movie during the summer months? Darebin Libraries are hosting a variety of flicks like Anne of Green Gables, The Fringe Dwellers, Pinocchio and more.

Writing Workshop for Youth Free, in-person Reservoir Library

Learn about getting published, share your work with other young creatives and connect with writing exercises. For young people aged 12 – 25 years.

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Crossword Answers 1. Emma Donovan and the...(8) putbacks 2. Long-necked creek dweller (6) turtle 3. Clothes dry on the... (5,5) hills hoist 4. Dangerous long reptile in Rezza (5,5) tiger snake 5. Which tram can I catch to the End of the Line Bar? (6) eleven 6. Old fashioned house extension (4,2) lean to 7. Monk selling wine in Rezza (9) audacious 8. Naval commander (9) commodore 9. Large reptile in Rezza bushland (4,6) blue tongue 10. Sporty Holden (6) torana 11.Night time lizard (5) gecko 12. Amyl and the...(8) sniffers 13. Ted Bullpit was from which country? (9) kingswood

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Illustration By Nicole Roberston

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