Remember our community building blocks? Well they are ready for their street debut.

We’ve made a little (fake) grassy bench for them, and added a lick of paint here and there.

They’ll be out on the corner from this weekend.

This year we are again super pleased to receive funding from the Department of Education and Training to deliver a Children’s Week neighbourhood activity … and here’s a sneak peak at one of eight playstations that will be out on the street as part our efforts to promote creative and imaginative play and create opportunities for children to play by themselves or with others as they choose.

How cute are all these little snails? Lee made them from polymer clay and shells donated by Shirley

Take a stroll past ACC and the Wingrove Street shops to check out our snail world … and the other seven playstations we’ve created as well - from Wednesday!

And what about these pot plants with appendages? Gorgeous.

What’s happening on Wednesdays?

The spring weather is tempting us to go outside and we’re keen to re-engage with our community.

So from Wednesday 27 October (after we reach 70% double dose*) we will be running a weekly BBQ on the corner as a way of reconnecting with you all. We’ll set up outside near the Shed and welcome anyone to come by and enjoy a sausage in bread and a cuppa. We have a coffee machine we can get fired up so you can even enjoy a latte.

Keep October 27th free from 12pm. We would love to see you!

*and subject to any restrictions re. numbers and vaccination status that apply.

And when we reopen families continue to be invited along on Wednesday mornings to enjoy ‘Playtime in the Garden’ with access to our new cubby and sandpit along with craft activities set up by Lee from 10am-12pm. So you can come for a play and have some lunch as well.

Whether you have littlies or biggies, it is quite possible that in these uncertain times you might benefit from some tips and new strategies. Drummond Street Services has sent us some info about two free zoom sessions coming up that you might find useful.

You can book into Parenting Under Pressure here.

You can book into Kids and Emotional Intelligence here.

And Drummond Street Services has lots of other great things on, including support for LGBTQI+🏳️‍🌈 families, free zoom dads groups, support for families with children who are worrying, resources for new families, resources for building resilience if you have to isolate … and more. Check out all the things here.

Missing your regular holiday activities? Got a tent*? With school holidays upon us perhaps some backyard camping is in order?

I have seen two friends this week set up some camping gear in the garden (not necessarily with children involved!) … and then I saw a great post on the Mums in Darebin Facebook group this week with someone asking for ideas to make the most of a backyard camping adventure … and the answers were pretty inspiring so I thought I could share them. Here we go …

• Pack your backpack 🎒 and take a ‘hike’ through Darebin Parklands and beyond (include your water bottle and some scroggin for an authentic snack)

• Print a map of the stars and see if you can find the constellations (or pull out your telescope if you have one) or download an app … there are some terrific ones to help you identify the universe

• Set up an outdoor fire pit and cook bananas and Nutella in foil, potatoes in foil (microwave first), marshmallows on a stick, sausages in a frying pan etc.

• Cook dinner on your Trangier (you could even dehydrate some food and rehydrate it for some extra fun if the prep. is what you love!). Maybe some Foster Clark custard with rehydrated apricots for dessert? Porridge 🥣 for breakfast is also pretty easy.

• Have a BBQ

• Set up an outdoor washing-up station for the dishes. Maybe some hand clothes washing could be fun too (for kids not adults obviously!)

• Make a bug 🕷 🐛 🐜 bingo sheet and see if you can find them all

• Create a scavenger hunt

• String up fairy lights to create some atmosphere

• Get out some torches 🔦 and play spotlight or make shadow puppets

• Tell stories and read stories all snuggled up in the tent

• Play cards and board games

• Get out your guitar or ukulele (or recorder!) and have a sing along outside (a treat for your neighbours)

• Set up an outdoor stage and host a concert

• Set up a moonlight cinema experience on your house/garage wall

The most interesting thing about the post was that they were taking time with the planning … asking friends and family for advice and ideas … stretching the joy out … because the anticipation and build up contributes to the fun right!

I hope you feel inspired.

* If you don’t have a tent, a trampoline is also great on a mild night … and I am sure the process of rigging up a protective roof - if you’re worried about getting damp - could fill at least half a day!

My kids slept outside on the trampoline with their cousins at Easter when we were at my sister’s farm … they loved it (I think one of them is still asleep in there)!