The Rezzadent - July 2023

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The Rezzadent continues to exist thanks to:

Editor-in-Chief

Shannon McKeogh

Deputy editor

Viktoria Komornik

Our grouse designer

Delyse Baldwin

Our whizz-bang marketing guru

Vinisha Pulikkaparambil

Our amazing illustrators

Rhiannon Poley

Nicole Robertson

Sofia Sabbagh

Our Awesome writers & photographers

Viktoria Komornik

Jenny Brown

Shannon McKeogh

Anna Scovelle

Anna Kiligrew

Lisa Reid

Katie McWha

Possum the cat

Camille Webb-Short

Bec Thexton

Fotis Kapetopoulos

Vinisha Pulikkaparambil

Our social media hot-shot

Eddy Urias-Castro

Thanks to our proof-reader:

Jenny Brown

By Nicole Robertson

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.

Acknowledgement is not enough but still important

About Us

The Rezzadent is a community publication that was created during one of Melbourne’s many lockdowns in 2021 and has continued since. Run by a large volunteer base, we focus on lighthearted and positive stories that celebrate and embrace our neighbourhood and its delights and oddities.

THREE CREEKS MURAL

HOW CREEKS BIND US

Words by Camille Short Photos supplied by Christine Martine

“Three Creeks”, painted by Reservoir local and artist Christine Martin, pays homage to Reservoir’s three creeks: Merri, Darebin and Edwardes.

The creeks, as well as connecting us to place and giving us a sense of pride, have a deeper meaning. According to Christine, “More so than fences and perimeters that divide us, creeks bind us”. For Christine, this is reflected in the Reservoir community by the relationships people have with their neighbours, and even strangers they see on the street. There are lots of different people from different cultures, all bound together in a beautiful community.

The mural also heavily features fine line drawings

of native birds, which is characteristic of Christine’s artistic practice.

The artwork was commissioned as part of the Reservoir Public Mural Program , which was established by Darebin Council in partnership with the Victorian Government’s Reservoir Revitalisation Program. Christitne Martin was one of five artists/artist collectives funded to create murals in Reservoir public spaces. The artworks will remain in place for three years.

Located on the public toilet block right next to Reservoir station, it rejuvenates the space and makes it more inviting for public use. At around 95 square meters, it is an impressive feature piece.

Christine, a Reservoir local of 14 years, was kind enough to answer some questions for us about her mural and connection to Reservoir. Thanks Christine!

Were there any particular species of native birds or elements of the creeks that hold special significance to you personally? If so, could you elaborate on why they are meaningful to you?

I have had a connection through experience to each bird featured in the mural, as I’m sure many people living in Darebin would too. In summer we have a tawny frogmouth that sits above the streetlight at night and calls for a mate.

Our native garden attracts lots of wattlebirds and they raise their chicks in our front yard, and I have seen a spotted pardalote picking up grains of rice from our back porch.

The mudlark holds a special place in the hearts of my family, having found an injured one earlier this year, on the Broadway. I picked her up and took her home, hoping to mend the broken leg, but realised her whole pelvis was crushed. My daughter and I buried her, there were lots of tears. I have run and walked along each of the creeks at various stages of my life, particularly Darebin creek. I’ve seen a platypus, pardalotes, kangaroos, wallabies and lots of brown snakes.

Once I was with my dog Ranger and there was a huge brown snake all the way across the narrow path. It was just waking up, basking in the sun, and was slow to move away. It was very beautiful in a scary kind of way. Natural places such as Darebin creek, bring me back to life. I feel reconnected to the place I live in.”

What message or emotions do you hope to convey to the community through your mural?

The message I would hope to convey is one of love and respect for the natural world within which we live, and of the connections to each other we have as people. I used the three creeks of Reservoir as a geographical metaphor for the connections between people, formed organically, like water flowing in a river.

Reservoir is home to many different cultures, people from a diverse range of backgrounds and beliefs. We all connect, in some way, and

it’s a beautiful thing. I see people of all cultures growing food in their gardens and sharing it, my neighbour shares food with us and this sharing is represented in the motifs painted on the mural. I hope that people feel happy when they see the mural, and that it might remind them to look around at the creatures, plants and trees in their yards and streets and take care of them.

What are some memorable interactions or experiences you've had with viewers while working on your art in a public setting?

I had a lovely lady walk past most days and tell me I was doing a great job. She told really good jokes too. The postie and I would talk footy, and it was nice to have a break and not be thinking about birds and paint for a few minutes.

My favourite comment though, was an old guy walking past me who said ‘You haven’t painted the dunny seat have ya?’ There were also some adorable youngsters who would stop by with their parents and watch me paint. One little girl asked me what type of bird I was painting, and I told her it was a mudlark.

She forgot the name and came back to ask me again, which was very cute. It felt good educating little kids on the creatures in their environment and for them to see that art can be anywhere, not just in a gallery.

My husband would bring our daughter and dog down most days and sometimes he would bring sandwiches. It was pretty special to see my little one running around the toilet block loving all the colours and even having a go at painting.

Any favourite spots/ shops/cafes you'd recommend in Reservoir?

Walking along Darebin creek, especially in the wilder areas off the bike track. You can see whole packs of kangaroos sometimes. My favourite shop is the One Way Fresh supermarket on the Broadway. It's an Italian deli with the best produce. Incredible salamis and cheeses, cheap lemons and in season produce of great quality, run by a really friendly Italian family. I would also recommend D & S Fish and Chips. We get them every Friday night. Nobody cooks a chip as tenderly as these guys, just don’t skimp on the chicken salt.

TEXTAQUEEN'S MURAL

Words By Camille Short Image by Lewis Robert, Darebin Council

TextaQueen, a renowned and boundary-pushing artist, has recently left a mark on our town with their mural next to the library. Known for their unique artistic style and fearless exploration of identity, TextaQueen's work has gained significant recognition both nationally and internationally.

TextaQueen’s mural features a pomegranate as a central icon, accompanied by plants and flowers that are indigenous to our area.

Pomegranates have cultural significance for people from the Middle East and across Asia, and represent abundance, fertility and blessings. By incorporating these elements together TextaQueen celebrates the natural beauty of our environment and recognises and celebrates the multiple cultures within Reservoir.

Make the most of the colourful seating out the front of the library and sit down and take a look next time you visit the area.

PURVEYORS OF THE PERFECT PANINIS

PIAZZA 96

Words & Photos By local foodie Bec Thexton @bec.bites on Instagram

We all know that moment – you unwrap the sandwich, inspect it’s perfect structure and feel the warmth glowing from the fluffy-yet-crusty bread. You size up which corner to take the first bite of, and then it’s all on.

When I saw Piazza 96 had begun down the panini path, launching the new menu in March, I had a strong feeling they’d be able to create the aforementioned moment for me. Having enjoyed their textbook perfect pizza, I knew the Piazza 96 maestros had the talent and knew their way around a dough.

Being a passionate, punctual Reservoir Foodie, I had the new menu launch date marked in my diary and hotted down Hughes Parade on Saturday midday. Appetite raging, excited and curious on how the panini would go – would they opt for a condensed, flattened toasted panini or branch out and let the bread roll be the textural delight element?

We chose the classic chicken Cotoletta Della Nonna and the Porchetta roll (living with an Italian means they have a soft spot for the classics that remind him of Nonna’s cotolette and anything pork-related).

The Cottoletta Della Nonna was a standout, with the crispy, herby crumbed cotoletta and mozzarella melting on a bed of fresh cos lettuce and mayonnaise encasing this sandwich in simple creamy flavours of nostalgia.

The Porchetta panini had slow roasted rolled pork, with a delicious herb seasoning and crispy pancetta, rocket and seasoned potato slices on the sandwich which was a stroke of genius. The

crispy texture of the panini crust was softened by the moreish and delicate potato slices. I’ve always had a thing for carbs on carbs and this delivered that craving.

The only difficult thing about this perfect panini experience was the menu was so appealing, it was hard to navigate which one to pick. I will certainly be visiting time and time again to make my way through the whole menu. You can add a side of fries to any panini if you need a little somethin’ extra.

Seeing a local favourite Rezza joint iterate and offer gourmet lunchtime sandwiches has filled a panini-shaped hole in the neighbouring area of North Reservoir, and I am so happy they are.

Get ‘em while they’re hot and fresh!

Piazza 96, 96 Mcfadzean Ave Reservoir

Panini hours are Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am – 3pm.

THE HUB

If you have lived in the area for a while you might already be familiar with the location of The Hub in the back of Northland. This youth centre was previously located outside Northland in the space that is now H&M.

Then in 2017 a new space in its current location was created by Darebin Youth Services and What a space! A lot of thought has gone into the layout and design, using the learnings from their previous location.

I showed up one afternoon not really knowing what to expect, just to get a vibe of the place,

assuming that I would need to follow it up with a phone call to organise an appointment. Instead Patrick greeted me as I stepped in and generously spent the next hour chatting about The Hub.

What first striked me was how chilled the place seemed. Few kids were playing pool, others in the sound studio and a couple hanging around the spacious kitchen. The space just seemed well designed to accommodate multiple activities without intruding on each other at the same time.

Those aged 12-25 are welcome Tuesday to Friday

Words by & Photos Viki Komornik

12.30 - 5pm (6pm on Fridays) to just drop in or attend previously organised appointments with one of the many services that set up at The Hub on specific days of the week. In the past the only time The Hub ever closed was during Covid mandatory lockdowns as it wasn’t deemed an essential service. Although after reading through the article, I wonder how many of you would agree with this classification.

Now, imagine you haven’t been there before, not sure what to expect or if you even want to talk to anyone. When you walk through the door, Patrick or another support worker will greet you and most likely lead you to the spacious kitchen. You’d be taking in your surroundings, likely seeing some kids playing pool or a card game and hear muffled music from the studio. While you take it all in there’s a cup of herbal tea being made for you and you’ll start to feel relaxed, welcomed and hopefully engaging in a friendly chat soon after.

On any day The Hub welcomes 20-40 kids, some arrive with specific questions in mind while others are there for the services or just conversation. The Hub is a culturally safe space – includes and welcomes young people of all abilities, cultural backgrounds and gender identities.

Although each day is ruled by a different theme, one can visit without the need to participate. On Tuesdays The Hub is slightly transformed into a low sensory place; soft lighting, mellow music and herbal tea. It offers group art activities as well as the opportunity for social gaming,

playing board games, D&D or console games. If you come by on Wednesday you are offered employment support, help with your resume, job applications and interview practice and in the same space you can learn about healthy food. On Fridays a professional producer is hanging out at the music studio helping you make beats while others may participate in friendly games tournaments.

Apart from Patrick who manages The Hub, they also facilitate student placements and there are a range of people from mixed backgrounds helping out. When asked Patrick what qualities one should possess when working there the answer is not what you’d expect. The focus is less on qualifications, more on empathy, common sense, social awareness and using one’s initiative.

Various support groups set up ‘shop’ here (for exact days best to call The Hub):

• Fitzroy Legal Service is there to offer free legal service,

• Your Community Health provides support for accessing health services,

• You can talk to Prace Reconnect about returning to training and education,

• Merri Outreach Support Service offers support in housing and homelessness and those who require

• Disability employment support will find Youth Project on the premises.

Any non-profit groups who work with young people in Darebin can talk to the Hub about using their space.

It really is a one stop shop and completely free of charge. Offering holistic services of this kind sounds like a no brainer but access to similar youth services still lacks in many parts of the country. Here you can choose to drop in or make appointments. These services have found that young people are far more likely to attend their appointments at The Hub than at the services’ main locations.

Counseling is the only area missing from these holistic services. This comes down to lack of resources, not enough qualified counselors and government funding. Kids from The Hub are referred to Headspace or other services as appropriate for counseling.

Patrick told me about a kid who when first walked through the doors just needed a safe space, then some help in nearly all areas of his life and last time he visited it was to get help filling out his passport application in preparation for his first overseas trip.

While chatting with Patrick, a young man came up and asked if they could cook a dish and right after he suggested the idea of organising a smoking ceremony and inviting 3KND to cover it. Taking initiative is indeed a welcome trait here.

Words that come to mind when I now think of The Hub is ‘safe and welcoming’. I believe that every kid who walks through that door is already richer for it.

For more details on the above mentioned services:

• Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/

• Fitzroy Legal Service: https://fls.org.au/

• Your Community Health: https://www. yourch.org.au/

• Prace Reconnect: https://prace.vic.edu.au/ reconnect/

• Merri Outreach Support Service: https:// merri.org.au/

• Darebin Jobs Active: https://www.darebin. vic.gov.au/Business-and-industry/Businessresources-and-support/Employing-inDarebin/Employment-services

• Youth Project: https://www.youthprojects. org.au/

https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/community-andpets/darebin-youth-services/services-and-youthcentres/the-hub-northland

https://www.facebook.com/DarebinYouthServices

Address: ex01, Northland Shopping Centre, Preston

Phone: (03) 8470 8013

The Hub

RESERVOIR’S AGONY PETS

THIS ISSUE’S PROBLEM IS ANSWERED BY 13-YEAR-OLD RESERVOIR CAT POSSUM. FULL OF SASS AND CURIOSITY, SHE ENJOYS SPENDING HER DAYS SITTING IN THE WINDOW OF OUR CLASSIC 1970’S RED BRICK RESERVOIR UNIT, JUST OFF HENTY STREET, GLARING DOWN AT ALL WHO PASS HER BY.

Dear Reservoir animal,

Winter has only just started and I'm already over it. I dream of escaping to the tropics, to lie on a toasty beach. I daydream about letting the sun bake me like a piece of toast. I just can't stand the cold. No matter how many layers I seem to put on I am shivering and the heater is just never up high enough. Every year I tell myself it's time to embrace winter, but I just haven't been able to work it out and find myself counting down the days for it to end. But there must be something I can do!! What do you recommend??

A Rezza human who has cold hands and feet, but a warm heart

Dear Winter Blues,

With the cold weather upon us, I find it best to absorb as much heat as possible either from a heater, a human, or from the sun.

I theorise that Melbournians are known for wearing all black outfits for this purpose, though I am not sure of its effectiveness. I am lucky, as I wear a permanent fur coat, and I don’t need to exit the warm shelter of my home.

On that note, have you tried growing a fur coat? Having a built-in fur coat is a great help during these cooler months. However, it is my observation of humans that your ability to grow a lustrous built-in fur coat is limited, so perhaps this advice won’t help you much.

I can also highly recommend taking advantage of any moment of winter sun. I don’t care what you are doing, the minute you see that winter sun, drop everything. Go and sit, stand, or lie in the sun-drenched space, close your eyes and soak it up – this is a technique I use myself, and I cannot express the immense feeling of joy I get, spending time spread eagle in the direct heat of the winter sun. Although this method won’t help you after sunset, you can do this during the day and when the sun goes down simply close your eyes and envisage the warm memory of the winter sun defrosting your extremities.

Once the sun has gone down, another way I like to absorb heat is by lying directly on top of my humans, particularly in the middle of the night. They seem to radiate a divine heat and if I position myself right on top of them, I can achieve ultimate warmth. Again, this may not be of help to you, as placing yourself directly on top of another human, may not be readily available. If it is, good for you! Maybe try it out?

A final thought for you my frozen friend, perhaps instead of embracing winter, a better approach might be to accept mother nature’s inevitable icy touch. Remember that when the warmer weather returns, you can thoroughly enjoy burning yourself like a piece of toast in the sun, knowing winter is far away.

Alternatively, just go to Queensland like everybody else.

Warmest regards, Possum

Every month a different Reservoir pet helps a troubled Rezzadent through this column; one tail wag and wet kiss at a time. Treats welcome. Send your qualms with the subject line “Dear Reservoir Pets” to rezzadentnews@gmail.com . If your best-legged mate wants to get involved, also get in touch.

BEING ACTIVE IN WINTER A Reservoir Guide

Words by Anna Seville and Illustrations by Rhiannon Poley

Top 5 Tips for Being Active in Winter

We all know we feel better when we’re active, but when the days are cold and short, exercising can be the last thing we feel like doing. We reached out to local Reservoir gyms for their top tips for being active in winter, and as a bonus, they gave us some special deals for readers of The Rezzadent. Lucky us!

1. Reservoir F45’s tip: Be kind to yourself

This time of year, too many people set unrealistic goals. It's cold and getting the motivation to stay fit can be hard, so it’s important to be kind to yourself.

As a special offer to readers, Reservoir F45 is offering two weeks of training plus additional extras FREE when presenting this article.

2. Jareth Young Fitness’s tip: Don’t wait for the “right time” to start

So many people wait for the “right time” to start a new exercise program, but the truth is there is no perfect time to start. So even if it’s something small like waking round the block, just start.

Jareth offers free initial consultations.

3. Industrial Strength and Fitness’ tip: Start easy, start small

It can be hard to start – you’re cold, you’re stiff, it’s uncomfortable – so start easy, start small and just get some movement happening. Once you’ve started and you’re warm and moving, you’ll probably feel inclined to keep going with your workout!

Industrial Strength and Fitness offers a free threeday trial

4. Anytime Fitness Reservoir’s tip: Find an exercise buddy!

An exercise buddy will help you stay motivated, and you can keep each other accountable.

Anytime Fitness Reservoir is offering readers a $99 voucher to get started with them. Just mention The Rezzadent.

5. STRONGROOM Studio: Maintain a Consistent Routine

Pop your workout into your calendar and honour the commitment to yourself! When you schedule your workouts and see that reminder pop up, embrace it as an opportunity to prioritise your well-being. Go for that walk; go to that class!

STRONGROOM Studio offers an Intro Pack of 6 classes for $60.

Outdoor Workout Using Free Gym Equipment

If gyms aren’t your thing, or you’re looking for ways to be active that don’t cost a cent, then we have the perfect solution! We reached out to Reservoir Leisure Centre who kindly provided us with a workout you can do using the free outdoor gym equipment that can be found in the following four locations across Reservoir:

C.H. Sullivan Memorial Park

Edwards Lake (multiple locations )

I.W. Dole Reserve

T.W. Andrews Reserve

Warm Up: (1 set)

5 mins elliptical OR cycling OR walking/jogging

15 x bodyweight squats (advanced option: jump squats )

10 (per side) x bodyweight lunges

Workout: (3 sets)

10 x leg press

10 x chest-press OR push ups

8 (per side) x step-ups

10 x pull-downs (advanced option: pull-ups )

10 x sit ups

Cool down: (1 set)

5 mins elliptical OR cycling OR walking/jogging

DAREBIN CREEK COMMUNITY PLANTING AND CULTURAL CONNECTIONS IN RESERVOIR

On June 4, there was a great community turnout for this important infill-planting along the Darebin Creek, on the eastern edge of Reservoir. Seventy two locals gathered in Arch Gibson reserve for a heart-warming welcome to country, where our joint landcare responsibilities were explained, and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung elder, Uncle Dave Wandin, offered us an invitation

to receive smoke-blessing. ‘As you gather the smoke, gather a remembered loved one into your arms for a big hug too’ , he suggested.

John Burke, coordinator of this reach, Reach 5, of the Darebin Creek, registered the participants and distributed the gloves we needed. That’s how we know there were 72 of us volunteering. Haley Harris,

on the committee’s social media, got the story out to us very successfully.

The Darebin Creek Management Committee guided us through the planting and activities.

Margaret DeKam, the president of Friends of Darebin Creek, introduced the community to the activity:

Words & photos by Anna Kiligrew

“This is an opportunity for the community to join in the revegetation ‘biodiversity corridor’ with the Friends of Darebin Creek. The project focuses on the less vegetated areas, complementing extensive Darebin Council plantings.

“By bridging these gaps, Friends of Darebin Creek is creating a biodiversity corridor, from the bushland behind Latrobe University, called Nangak Tamboree, all the way up the creek to the Blau Street wetlands beyond the Western Ring Road in Bundoora. This will create a welcoming and safe habitat for birds and other wildlife (including humans) to move along the creek,” she said.

I interviewed Margaret about the importance of this work, “One of the important things we have been thinking about with

mass-plantings, is minimising the use of tree guards, to avoid pollution and the cramping of plant shape.

“So today we have left the lomandras and poas to look after themselves. Good soil and plant preparation, combined with complimentary planting, will maximise the success of today’s plantings. Danny Reddan, the coordinator of the DCMC, planned the types of plants we would use together so tall plants can protect the small plants,” Margaret said.

Committee member Peter Grenfell had waded into the creek to collect waterbugs and provided a wonderful hands-on experience of the local waterlife. The younger volunteers were fascinated by these bugs, and Peter had everything they needed to enjoy and explore. You can see the many photos of

Previous Page

Top:

Volunteers add their leaf, representing a loved one, to the smoke.

Bottom: Ember shares his excitement with Peter Grenfell of DCMC

This Page

Left:

Ember plants his first Lomandra

Right:

Plantings are mingled with previous plantings.

Next Page

Top Left: Peter Grenfell of DCMC with his waterbugs explorers.

Bottom Left:

Young volunteers captures and identifies a waterbug

Right:

How plants have grown in three years.

the younger volunteers fishing for waterbugs.

“Local large rains washed many waterbugs out of the creek, but they have built up again, because the good plant life in the creek is good habitat for these waterbugs. Waterbugs are platypus food, so we get the occasional platypus swimming up from the Birrarung, the Yarra river.

“We would love to see a breeding pair of platypus feeding here. In 2017 we spotted a platypus but it was later found dead, tied up in rubber bands, hair-ties and building-site strapping.

“So we need to avoid dropping these things anywhere on the streets. We also see rakarli or water rats, and short-finned eels that grow to one metre

long. We have had a fish ladder installed downstream that is allowing up-and-down migration of waterbugs, fish and eels in the Darebin Creek,” Peter said.

Ruth Williams, anchor of the Darebin Sweepers, explained the importance of collecting the rubbish from the creek precincts. She told me:

“We look for the rubbish around the shopping centres and gutters which would end up in the creek after rain. Old rubbish caught in the bushes breaks down, and polystyrene and small pieces of plastic need to be picked up carefully.

“Storm drain collections, building site rubbish and up-stream rubbish all head towards the creek and need to be swept up. We collect rubbish between 10.30 and 12.30 on the third Sunday of the month, with volunteers doing as much as they can during those two hours. We divide rubbish into recyclable and landfill bags, then local bush crews pick up our bags.”

Sabutai (Sai) Haider, the DCMC secretary, and Jorell from FoDC did much of the bulk handling of materials. They set out these species for us to plant:

• Acacia mearnsii – Black Wattle - Local wattle that supports an abundance of invertebrates – which become food for birds

• Acacia Pycnantha – Golden Wattle – Australia’s national emblem with bright golden flowers

• Melicytus dentata – Tree Violet – Prickly shrub providing valuable cover for small birds from the bigger bossy birds along the creek

• Rhagodia candolleana – Seaberry Saltbush –Spreading shrub with berries providing food and cover for birds and lizards

• Lomandra longifolia – Mat Rush – Culturally significant plant that also provides food for caterpillars

• Pao labillardieri – Tussock Grass – Valuable habitat for lizards and invertebrates.

To find out more about this group, future work and volunteering opportunities, contact: http://www.dcmc.org.au

RESERVOIR’S NEW WEST AFRICAN CAFE

In a quiet, humble residential avenue in Reservoir, a new West African eatery is bringing delicious authentic food, and a dash of Tiktok popularity to our suburb.

La Goût Afrique (french for ‘Taste of Africa’) is the creation of Evette Quoibia and Esther Moses, who are the seventh owners of the 50-year-old milk-bar.

The store upholds the milk bar’s historical conveniences (milk, bread, canned goods) and traditional takeaway staples (fish and chips). What makes La Gout Afrique truly interesting is the addition of a cafe with a large selection of West African dishes.

Evette and Esther say the most popular dishes are jollof rice, fried rice, okra with fufu, egusi with fufu and red beans with flat bread. Fufu itself is a unique eating experience for westerners, and has recently become popular on TikTok. What makes it different is that you don’t chew fufu but

swallow it whole. The cafe serves cassava fufu, yam fufu and semolina made from wheat durum.

Esther said they have received extremely positive feedback on their dishes.

“People love the food,” she said.

All of the food is cooked by

Evette, a support worker and single mum, who is the eldest girl of 11 siblings. She first bought the milk-bar while going through her divorce, with the dream to add in a cafe.

“I have always been a natural cook. People have always loved my food. I thought I should bring it to the world,” she said.

Words by Shannon McKeogh , Photos supplied by Evette Quoibia and Esther Moses

“I THOUGHT I SHOULD BRING MY FOOD TO THE WORLD”

Evette and Esther, both from Liberian backgrounds, first met when working together at a takeaway shop in Sunshine and reconnected over Facebook. It was at a church girl’s night, where Evette shared her vision for the old milk-bar that Esther became interested.

“I checked out the milk-bar a few weeks later which was getting renovated, and Evette said she needed a business partner and I said OK,” Esther laughed.

While Evette’s background is in hospitality and food, Esther wants to make it clear that she is not a cook and her passion is in fashion and styling. As well as working full-time as a social worker, she also has an online clothing store called, DeKontee - the label. Esther has also been is also a savvy TikTok, with La Goût Afrique becoming a surprise viral sensation.

In the lead-up to their grand opening she uploaded a video on TikTok. Nothing flash, just short and snappy, celebrating: ‘We started the first convenience store to serve

La Goût Afrique

Address: 13 Moira Ave, Reservoir

Hours are Monday - Friday 7.15am - 8.45pm

African cuisine in Melbourne.’ Within 24 hours the video had nearly 800 views, and now it sits on 103,700 views.

That very TikTok video led me, and Rezzadent illustrator Nicole Roberson to attend the grand opening. La Goût Afrique was packed and there was a line out the door. Evette and Esther has been blown away by the local support, with a regular customer bringing them flowers for the opening.

While the big grand opening over and things have quietened down for the moment, there are some exciting and delicious plans in the works.

La Goût Afrique is looking to host future events in their outdoor area, such as a family BBQ for locals. They are also looking at adding jerk chicken to their menu with the support of a Jamacian friend.

But in the meantime, there’s plenty to try on their menu. If you’re looking for something different, authentic and a bit different - support this local gem from TikTok to IRL.

TREET TALK

Curated by Katie McWha

Blur the boundaries between the conventional gallery space and a vibrant urban landscape.

Reservoir becomes the canvas, and talented artists from all walks unite to bring a ground-breaking and immersive showcase that transforms the very streets we tread upon - each piece telling its own unique story while reflecting on the complexities, emotions and social narratives that shape our experiences.

The artists invite us on a sensory experience for the mind and soul, daring us to view the streets with new eyes, and allowing us to be swept away with the captivating beauty that is our bustling metropolis.

‘1800 your mum’

aerosol on brick

The contemporary work titled ‘1800 your mum’ provokes us to question the very foundations of conventional maternal adoration – urging us to confront societal norms and challenge our perceptions of authority.

At first glance the piece may appear as an act of defiance, or spontaneously juvenile. However, a further look reveals a critique of the power dynamics at play within our maternal relationships, as well as gently mocking the notion of maternal worship.

‘1800 your mum’ laughs at the absurdity of societal expectations, while the artist invites us to question our own preconceived notions while embarking down a path of self-reflection.

‘Fattie – a symphony of body liberation’

debossed cement

Etched in unforgiving concrete, our anonymous artist addresses unrealistic expectations surrounding body image, and condemns the insidious weight-related prejudices plaguing today’s world.

The boldness of ‘Fattie’ pierces through the pavement, each letter standing tall and unwavering in confidence, with the roughness of the tag aligned to the bumpy road we travel on our journey to self-acceptance.

By reclaiming the derogatory term, the work seeks to empower those who have been belittled or marginalized, it invites a dialogue that argues our current perceptions of beauty and worth and ignites the viewers’ own quest for body liberation.

‘Dear Hickford’ debossed cement

In bearing witness to such a profound declaration – ‘Hickford St Rules’, we are left pondering the intentions of the artist responsible for such a proclamation.

Did they truly find their heart’s desire in the enchanting embrace of Hickford Street? Or was it simply an incomplete list of rules, left unfinished in a moment of inspiration?

Through a single etched tag, the work sparks a dialogue about the peculiarity and potential of our urban environment, while leaving us to fester over the unspoken rules of Hickford Street. A subtle reminder that sometimes, art lies not only in the intention, but also in the unanswered questions it raises within us all.

‘Sunset Boulavard’

aerosol on brick

‘Sunset Boulavard’ emerges as a triumphant emblem of rebellion and critique of the establishment - commanding attention and compelling viewers to question the nature of art, and the power of the streets.

A mirror reflecting society's obsession with superficial glamour and manufactured dreams, it asks us to check our pursuit of a deceptive utopia, where the sun sets on authenticity and rises on artificial facades.

The brick wall representing societal boundaries attempting to confine creativity, ‘Sunset Boulavard’ shatters these limitations, and makes a profound statement on the human condition. It serves as a cry for viewers to embrace their authentic selves and answer back to the oppressive systems, all while guiding us to step outside the confines of tradition to become immersed in the endless possibilities of urban expression.

‘Summer High’

aerosol on brick

A blend of cultural commentary and a celebration of the carefree spirit of summers past, ‘Summer High’ - unassuming script on red brick accompanied by a rudimentary bong, encapsulates the very essence of youthful defiance against a world determined to conform.

The deliberate imperfections in the bong’s representation serve as a metaphor for the flaws within our systems, with its crude lines asserting itself as a symbol of rebellion.

‘Summer High’ asks viewers to contemplate the fleeting nature of freedom and the power of small acts of resistance, all while challenging our perceptions of what constitutes ‘high’, and where else we might evoke a similar nostalgia for the untamed spirit of summers gone.

‘Pure Crime Crew’

aerosol on brick

Encapsulating the incredible complexities of the human experience, ‘Pure Crime Crew’ serves as a welcome reminder that true art can be found in even the most mundane settings.

Intentionally contradictory, the piece juxtaposes purity with crime and asks us to question our own moral compasses and the fabric of societal norms.

Viewers are left to ponder the intention of the artist – is this crew dedicated to purity, striving for an unsullied existence? Or, are they wishing to argue the very foundations of our legal and moral systems?

‘Pure Crime Crew’ will crumble all that you thought you knew, like the very bricks that surround it, while sending you down a thoughtprovoking road that questions the relationship between art, law and existence.

WILAM-NGANJIN COMMUNITY GARDEN

Wilam-nganjin community garden on the grounds of Reservoir East Primary School (REPS) is a place where students and community gather. Wilam-nganjin, meaning ‘our place’ was given to the space by the Wurundjeri Council, after consultation with REPS students. The space is significant for students, parents/carers and the local community, as it allows connection with people and place. Students have described the garden as ‘Fun, important because it’s food for us, and it helps the environment.`

Initially the space was an open grassy patch, bounded by a couple of gum trees with only a fence, large shed and water tanks. In 2019, a

concept design was prepared and the gardens started, with the installation of wicking beds at the start of 2020. Since then, the space has evolved and grown, with the support of the school and families, and carers who have volunteered their time, energy and knowledge. There is also a mini-orchard with apples, citrus, pomegranate, apricot and nectarines, a hugelkultur bed with seasonal produce, compost bays, worm farms and greenhouse. Interspersed among the fruit trees are indigenous edibles including warrigal greens, pig face, nodding saltbush and kangaroo apple. Flowers dot the space encouraging pollinators and students, who come in to taste honeysuckle or take some

Words and photos by Lisa Reid, Wilam-nganjin community garden coordinator

posies home to their parents/carers.

Weekly lunchtime garden club has been running in Wilam-nganjin for the past year. You will find students planting seeds and seedlings, watering the gardens (and themselves), weeding, looking for insects and taste-testing the produce. Linus likes “eating the strawberries straight off the plant because they’re so sweet,” while Bonnie likes “scavenger hunts and going on school days with my friends at school.” Last year, students who had never been in the garden were drawn in by the abundant fresh peas, tomatoes and chillies!

Grade 3/4 and 5/6 classes rotate through the garden, assisting with compost processing (chopping up food scraps from the classrooms), mulching paths and garden beds, maintaining the garden and planting and harvesting produce. They also learn to appreciate where their food comes from and how to garden. Shaniyah shared “It means everything to me because all I know is that plants are food.”

Wilam-nganjin also benefits the wider community through sharing of excess produce. Leafy greens are often plentiful, so these are often shared with school families and the local food bank. DIVRS

have supported us with seedlings and volunteer help too.

Parents and carers help out and connect at our weekly garden sessions and regular working bees. Carla, a regular volunteer at Wilam-nganjin says, “Weekly volunteering at the garden, as well as weekend working bees, gives me the chance to connect with other families that I miss out on due to working. Some of the best connections I’ve made in the school and wider community have been through volunteering in the garden.”

Often pre-schoolers join the sessions and, as noted by Carla, “My youngest started coming into the garden when he was two years old and now that he has started school, he has had a head start with some friendships due to connecting with other kids through the garden over the years”.

Wilam-nganjin community garden will keep growing and evolving with future projects, including a sheltered area where students and community can gather regardless of the weather, and building more garden beds. There will be more workshops and events, so stay tuned for details of these.

VINISHA PULIKKAPARAMBIL

Each issue we will introduce you to some of the team behind our wonderful publication. First up, we have the wonderful Vinisha.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

A happy go lucky Rezzadent, fairly new to Melbourne, well, Australia really. Dog mum to Arthur. Day job as a marketer to keep up my pup’s spoilt lifestyle. Closet soap-maker, recipe-bookcollector, lives to eat (and cook too).

And … what do you do for The Rezzadent?

I am the postie who delivers a fresh copy of the Rezzadent to your inbox every month ��

Editor: Vinisha is being quite modest, she does all the behind the scenes marketing for our email subscribers and also does all the issuu stuff - the platform our publication lives on.

How long have you been involved and why did you want to be a part of it?

I’ve been with the Rezzadent team for over a year now, ever since I connected with Shannon (the editor) after the message she left on the Facebook group, Good News Karma Reservoir.

What drew me to it? Well, after moving to Melbourne in 2019 from India with some grand plans, lockdown turned everything topsy turvey and I found myself holed up indoors in a new country. I didn’t know many people here, heck didn’t even know the suburb that well. And reading the news every day made it gloomy! So I jumped at a chance to partner up with an enthusiastic bunch of locals to make it a mission to collect and serve up some positive stories to brighten the days.

The Rezzadent has been such an amazing (and a

very special) project. Met some amazing people, and I also look forward to the lovely bunch of local stories that come with every edition.

Apart from The Rezzadent of course, what else are you passionate about?

Food! Have always loved eating, but after moving to Melbourne, I’ve developed a keen interest in cooking as well. It started as a way to not miss home so much, and then trying to recreate my mum’s favourite dishes and now it truly is a mindfulness activity for me! One idea I wish to bring to life - a potluck lunch for Rezzadents ��

Favourite

things about Reservoir?

The people, local markets, the many Darebin walking trails we have around. One of my favourite spots/things to do is watching the

sunset from Mt Cooper. Felix coffee.

Favourite movie?

Too many - some I can watch over and over again are Argo, Eternal sunshine of a spotless mind, Lives of Others.

Favourite book?

Too many again - God of small things, Crime and Punishment.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever found or won?

I was titled the rock-paper-scissors champion at a recent event with over 100 people

Something I found - Lots of precious things at hard rubbish haha. Includes a very special breakfast tray/table.

I USED TO LIE AND TELL PEOPLE I LIVED IN PRESTON.

BUT NOW I AM A PROUD REZZA RESIDENT

Words by Fotis Kapetopoulos, republished with permission from The Age

I take responsibility in making Rezza cool. In 2004, we moved into Reservoir, a migrant working-class suburb.

We bought a three-bedroom house on a 475-square-metre corner block. It cost $235,000 and now I have real estate agents calling me almost fortnightly wanting to “evaluate my house”.

Last time, one said it was “close to a mil, the deck you built is amazing, it’s a real surprise, don’t worry about the bathroom. People want to entertain, and it’s a corner block.”

I won’t sell, and if I did, I couldn’t afford to buy a townhouse nearby half the size.

Before moving to Rezza, we lived in a onebedroom flat in Northcote. Our three-year-old toddler had just begun his mission to bust out by bashing at the flyscreen door with his plastic hammer, sagging nappy on, and the vocal range of a chimpanzee.

The flat had become a jail and in summer was a hotbox. But we could not afford a house in the same suburb.

The move to Reservoir caused me much status anxiety. “I live in Preston”, I’d say when asked. Now I am proud of Rezza, full of new restaurants, breweries, tattoo parlours, bars, arts spaces,

young families, schools and uni students. Less than 300 metres from me is the best Indonesian joint, My Asian Neighbour; of equal distance is AriPizza e Pinsa – the owner studied how to make the pinsa (square pizza) in Rome. It’s porno for foodies around here.

I am also happy to have the odd ice addict screaming into the dead of night or walking shirtless in winter talking to themselves.

As low-earning middle-class creative refugees it seems we had become adept at gentrifying ethnic working-class suburbs – even though my wife and I both emanated from them.

My wife a dancer, me an arts manager then (whatever that is), knew that working in the arts is a great way of having the edifice of status without cash. And it’s fun. You just cannot be as cool as a real estate agent, a developer, banker, dentist or finance whiz – regardless of the mountains of money you can make. But money, as we found out, was imperative.

I blame my parents. They were middle class, well read and not rich. Instead of the migrant work ethic of thrift with a focus on property, they liked parties, dancing, books, cinema, theatre and politics. No amount of Kafka or Theodorakis pays off a mortgage.

Worse for them, as postwar migrants they

dropped in status and became “wogs”, indistinguishable from all other “wogs”.

I lacked the right sort of aspiration, but had all the lifestyle desires and tastes of the middle class. I left Adelaide for Melbourne in 1992 and lived in Collingwood. The Greek owner of a one-bedroom flat in Easey Street, Collingwood, was selling it for $60,000 at the height of the recession.

My old man, who was dying of cancer, called me once in a breathless voice: “My child, let me help where I can. I don’t have much, but whatever I have, you can buy a flat.”

“Are you serious, man? I will not be shackled by a mortgage. I will be living in Vienna or Athens soon anyway.” Yep, I was a wanker.

“Whatever you want, my boy,” he rasped and died a month later. I wasted years of rent across Collingwood and Fitzroy, and there was no Vienna or Athens. My mother gave enough of a deposit from the sale of her house in Adelaide to buy what I could afford in 2000, the one-bedroom flat in Northcote.

As a pioneering gentrifier when I moved to Rezza, there was a comfort zone of being with “my people” – Greek, Italian, Macedonian, Chinese, Albanian, etc. Lemon and olive trees in large front yards and grapevines adorning pergolas.

By 2018, many postwar immigrants had either gone to Hades or were in purgatory aged care. Their kids, my peers, began to flatten their houses and build townhouses, only to sell them off for just under an icy million dollars each.

Our bungalow with the now massive palm and lemon trees (that I planted) is one of the few houses left standing on my street.

Thankfully, many more South Asian, Vietnamese, Chinese, African and Arab speakers have arrived over the past 15 years. They are giving the area the type of energy it once had when the Greeks and Italians were young and had settled in the burb after they left what were damp, old and poor Carlton, Fitzroy and Collingwood.

Once full of shops abandoned by the 2000s, the hipster barrier of Broadway, which separates north and south Reservoir, has been revived with Indian groceries, Vietnamese bakeries and Lebanese bars.

Young “woke” professionals, same-sex couples, lots of blue hair, tattoos, students, artists and cafe owners, mix with the Italian, Greek, Macedonian and Balkan and Irish Catholics and their middle-class kids, in houses once worth little and now worth too much.

I hope that not too many more gentrifiers come and that many more migrants do. Because when I smoke a joint in the evening on my wraparound deck and ramp up King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s The Dripping Tap or Radio Birdman’s Man with the Golden Helmet, my Chinese neighbours don’t mind as they are competing with karaoke versions of Chinese pop songs. When we argue, we all argue loud. I dread when enough gentrifying newcomers arrive and tell me to be quiet.

I finally had an epiphany at Summerhill chemist last week. The Assyrian chemist with his Chinese partner, and me, along with the Indian customer, could have been at any number of the great points in history, at the juncture of civilisation, Baghdad or even Constantinople from 450AD to now. Instead, we are in suburban Reservoir.

Fotis Kapetopoulos is a journalist for the English edition of Neos Kosmos, a leading GreekAustralian masthead.

This article was first published in The Age.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

HEALTHY CHARCOAL DOG BISCUITS

Words by Jenny Brown

This recipe is a legacy of my beautiful late Staffordshire bull terrier Bonnie, who passed away on the 14th of February in 2021 from cancer. Due to what I believe was her genetics, she was very allergy prone, and had many food allergies. For those who are staffy owners, (or dog owners in general) you will know that they can at times, have killer flatulence that can knock a person out. I hope this recipe may be of benefit to others.

I discovered that charcoal dog biscuits could alleviate this smelly dog farts immensely, however my girl having so many food allergies, could not tolerate commercial dog biscuits, which upon reading the ingredients rather horrified me, as they seemed to be more ‘junk food’ than a healthy treat. (I implore dog owners to read the ingredient label of any treats before you purchase).

So here it is, my grain free, healthy charcoal dog biscuit recipe. Please note the ingredients were on the allowable list for my girl, from my holistic vet.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree (or similar liquid)

• 3 cups of brown rice flour

• ½ cup hemp seed flour

• 2 tablespoons activated charcoal flour

• ¼ cup dried parsley

• 2 tablespoons dried mint

• (If using Fresh herbs triple quantity and reduce liquid)

• Coconut oil spray

Method:

1. Mix everything together well, if mixture is too wet, add more rice flour and/or hemp seed flour. Consistency needs to be as dry as possible but still malleable.

2. Once mixed, spray a large baking tray with coconut oil.

3. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius

4. Roll mixture into balls about the size of a walnut, no larger than a golf ball. Place on the tray spaced out.

5. Once the tray is full, take a fork and spray with coconut oil and press each ball with the fork to flatten slightly.

6. Place tray in oven and bake for 30 minutes at 180, then turn oven to 120 and leave for another hour or more. The biscuits need to have no discernible moisture in them in order to keep. If there is any sponginess, leave them for longer.

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

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

Getting help with rising energy bills

Do you know someone who needs help managing their rising energy bills?

One of the easiest ways to reduce energy costs is to compare energy offers to make sure you're getting the best deal. Victoria’s latest Power Saving Bonus, which opened on March 24, 2023, encourages Victorian households to make sure they’re getting the best energy deal – and you'll get a $250 payment to help manage rising energy bills. You can access this payment even if you have received payments from earlier programs.

You can get help applying for the bonus (please bring a copy of your electricity bill at Darebin libraries and neighbourhood houses.

DIVRS offers weekly drop-in sessions at the East Preston Community Centre to help residents understand energy bills, save energy at home, access utility relief grants and get information about no-interest loans.

Where: EPCC, 7 Newton Street, Reservoir

When: Thursdays 10am-1pm. No booking required.

You can also access phone support from the following providers:

Good Shepherd on 1300 026 500.

The National Debt Helpline - Consumer Action Law Centre on 1800 149 689.

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence on 1800 830 029.

Hard waste collections starting in June

Darebin’s hard rubbish collection is being rolled out area-by-area starting mid June. You will receive a brochure in your letter box two weeks before your area's collection with everything you need to know (when, where, what and how).

Council can only recycle e-waste, mattresses, car tyres and scrap metal, with the rest going to landfill. Check your brochure carefully and do what you can to repair, reuse or pass on items to others if they are in good condition before putting them out for hard rubbish.

Different types of items will be collected on different days during your collection week, so it’s important to remember:

Only place your items out between the time and dates shown on your brochure.

Don’t add to your items after 6am on the Monday of your collection week

Items placed out late will not be collected

For more information visit darebin.vic.gov.au/ hardwaste.

End of lease for Preston Market stalls

Traders at the Preston Market have been told their leases will not be renewed beyond January unless a compromise deal is struck between developers and the State Government.

Friends of Edwardes Lake Planting Day

16 July, 9am - 12:30pm

Edwardes Lake Park, Reservoir VIC 3073

Friends of Edwardes Lake are hosting a planting day in partnership with City of Darebin.

Further details online: https://www. friendsofedwardeslake.org/events

Maintenance Working Bee

Sunday 9 July, 9am - 12pm

Friends of Darebin Creek

Arch Gibson Reserve, 181 Dunne Street, Kingsbury VIC 3083

Bring boots, gloves, water, hat, sunscreen and basic hand weeding tools if you have them.

Further details online: https:// friendsofdarebincreek.org.au/eventcalendar/?r34icsym=202307

Reservoir Frogs - Water Quality Testing Session

Friends of Edwardes Lake

Sunday 9 July and 13 August, 11am - 12pm 73-77 Leamington St, Reservoir VIC 3073

Join the Reservoir Frogs for water quality testing sessions as part of the Waterwatch program monitoring our waterways.

Further details online: https://www. friendsofedwardeslake.org/events

Winter/Waring Fruit Tree Pruning

Oakhill Food Justice Farm, $20

Sunday 16 July, 12:30pm

233 Tyler Street, Preston VIC 3072

Join urban permaculture expert Angelo Eliades to learn how to prune your fruit trees this season.

Book online: https://www.oakhillfarm.org.au/ event-details/winter-waring-fruit-tree-pruning

Device Advice

Reservoir Library

Thursday 27 July, 2 - 5pm

Free

23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

Book a one-on-one Device Advice session and have your tricky tech questions answered.

Reserve a spot online: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/device-advice-reservoir-libraryregistration-383798360227?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

National Tree Day Planting

Friends of Edwardes Lake

Sunday 30 July, 12:30 - 1:30pm

Edwardes Lake Park, Reservoir VIC 3073

Friends of Edwardes Lake are hosting a planting day in partnership with the City of Darebin Bushland team to plant in the Edgars Creek wetlands.

Further details online: https://www. friendsofedwardeslake.org/events

Gnocchi Making Class

That’s Amore Cheesery, $140

Saturday 19 August, 10am – 1pm

66 Latitude Boulevard, Thomastown VIC 3074

Learn to make fluffy homemade gnocchi with MasterChef Australia 2017 contestant Pia Gava.

Book online: https://thatsamorecheese. weteachme.com/classes/1024783-gnocchimaking-class

https://thatsamorecheese.com.au/

Barefoot Bowls

$10

Kingsbury Bowls Club

181 Dunne St, Kingsbury VIC 3083

Every Friday, 5 - 6pm

Casual lawn bowling with drinks available in the Club.

https://kingsbury.bowls.com.au/play-bowls/

Trading card game tournaments

The Game Experts

944 High St, Reservoir VIC 3073

Ph (03) 9191 5155

Every Monday and Wednesday from 7pm

www.thegameexperts.com.au

Transition Darebin Food Swap

Free Reservoir Library

23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073

Third Saturday of the month, 10–11 a.m.

Monthly meet-up to swap excess food, meet local folks, talk about gardening and sustainability.

https://transitiondarebin.org/existing-projects/ food-swaps/

Live piano shows

Free Entry

Ragtime Tavern

206 Tyler St, Preston VIC 3072

Ph 0418 557 650

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 6–11 p.m.

Follow their Instagram account www.instagram. com/ragtimetavern/ to see which artists are performing each week.

ragtimetavern.com.au

Sunday Jazz Sessions

Free entry

Ragtime Tavern

206 Tyler St, Preston VIC 3072 free entry

Ph 0418 557 650

Every Sunday, 5 – 10 p.m.

ragtimetavern.com.au

Monthly produce swap

Regent Community Garden

4 Robinson Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

1st Sunday of the month, 2 - 3 p.m.

Produce swap facilitated by Friends of Regent Community Garden

Further information can be found online https:// localfoodconnect.org.au/local-directory/71517/ regent-food-swap/

https://www.facebook.com/ FriendsofRegentGarden/

Communicare Lunches

Free

Reservoir Neighbourhood House

2C Cuthbert Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

Every Monday, 12 - 1 p.m.

Weekly chef-prepared lunch for visitors and health professionals on site available to chat

Men’s Circle

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Every third Thursday of the month, 5 - 6:30pm

Open Exchange is a place-based initiative committed to supporting men of all ages from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Further information can be found online: https:// www.darebin.vic.gov.au/events-and-facilities/ events/events-calendar/2022/03/mens-circle

English Pronunciation Tutorials

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Every Friday excluding school holidays, 1011:30am

Drop in tutorials to improve language skills in a safe, constructive and supportive environment.

Further information can be found online: https:// www.darebin.vic.gov.au/events-and-facilities/ events/events-calendar/2022/03/englishpronunciation-tutorials

Job Club

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Every Wednesday excluding school holidays, 12:30 - 2:30pm

Chat with a careers counsellor and jobs advocate to get support for job searching, resume writing and interviewing skills.

Further information can be found online: https:// www.darebin.vic.gov.au/events-and-facilities/ events/events-calendar/2022/03/job-club

Tapestry Classes

Free

Darebin Intercultural Centre

59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston VIC 3072

Every Monday

Free weaving classes open to women and girls from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, women who experience family violence and those who live in isolation. All tools and materials provided.

Book by calling Rosa Vasseghi on 0423 060 989

Further information can be found online: https:// www.darebin.vic.gov.au/events-and-facilities/ events/events-calendar/2022/03/tapestryclasses

Bike checks Free

Reservoir Leisure Centre

2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir VIC 3073

Occur monthly, check dates at link below

Book online https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ free-monthly-bike-checks-reservoir-darebin-lovesbikes-tickets-273933571687

Trivia

Nord Bar

641 Plenty Road, Preston VIC 3072

Every Thursday from 7:30pm

Book online: https://nordbar.com.au/

Movie Trivia

Audacious Monk Cellars

Last Thursday of the month from 7pm

128 - 130 Regent Street, Preston VIC 3072

Email audaciousmonkevents@gmail.com to book

Darebin

Hard Rubbish Heroes.org

pop-up

Rehoming usable preloved items to reduce landfill

10am to 4pm

Wed to Sat

June & July

25 Separation Street Northcote

preloved household items – low-priced and free!!

gorgeous upcycled products made by local artists and our community lounge – relax and watch the world go by...

As always, proceeds support running costs, future events & local charities.

Brought to you by

Darebin Hard Rubbish Heroes

With grants from:

Darebin City Council’s Community Grants Program

Preston Connected Community Lions Club of Northcote

RESERVOIR COMBINED PROBUS CLUB

Are you aged between 65 and 75? ✔️ Are you retired – fully or part-time? Would you like to be part of an active social club with like-minded people for Fun, Friendship and Fellowship?

If you ticked yes to these questions and are interested in learning more about Probus, please contact our Secretary, Rose Rossi on Tel: 9469 5525 or email: reservoirprobus@gmail.com

You can also learn more about us through our technology pages: Reservoir Combined Probus Club Inc

Follow us Reservoir Probus and our on Instagram

Website: https://www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/reservoirc

WHAT IS PROBUS?

Tomorrow’s Vision for Retirees to age well and keep active

The Probus Philosophy is Friendship, Fellowship and Fun

Probus is a Community Service Program of Rotary Clubs

The Victorian Probian paper magazine and the Probus South Pacific Limited Active Retirees digital magazine keep Members informed about the latest news with expert advice on finance, technology, health and travel.

At Reservoir Probus Club our activities include:

• Monthly General Meetings

• Interesting Guest Speakers

• Monthly luncheons at local venues

• Theatre outings

• Morning Melodies

• Movie Mondays

• Day Trips to Places of Interest

• Fun Activities and Games

• Bulletin with all the latest news

• Other activities of interest –Book Club, Drama Group, Cards, Walking group, Knitting group, etc.

When and Where ?

We meet on the fourth Monday of the month at 10:00am at the East Reservoir Senior Citizens Centre: 7A Strathmerton Street, Reservoir

We are looking for and welcome new members. Our motto is we retire from WORK not LIFE. Join us for morning tea and discover new interests and unlimited possibilities in retirement

Illustration By Nicole Roberston