Highlands Hub

30/08/2026

📅 WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK AT THE HUB 📅

Here is your snapshot of what’s happening around the Hub this week!

MONDAY

9:30 AM: Mat Pilates with Mel ($20) | All levels. Bring mat & water. 📱 Book: Mel 0498 643 608

TUESDAY
🌱 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Organic Compost Collection | $30 per load (limit 1 per person). Located at the end of Yorston Rd, next to the cattle yards. Loaded on-site by a digger, access is strictly for single axle trailers and utes only. *If extra stock remains, an additional collection date will be announced*

🗣️ MP Helen Haines Listening Posts | Independent MP Helen Haines is visiting the area to hear your feedback on fire recovery, infrastructure, and support gaps:
Yea Post Office: 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM
Ruffy Hall: 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
(Other sessions: Alexandra RSL on Tues 2:30 PM, Fawcett Hall on Wed 9:00 AM)

5:30 PM: Mat Pilates with Anastasia @ Highlands Hall ($15) | Bring mat/towel & water. 📱 Enquiries: Anastasia 0436 428 065

WEDNESDAY
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM: Recovery Support (PCC & GV FamilyCare) | Drop-in help with grants, paperwork, insurance, and family support.

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM: Rural Outreach with Ivan Lister | Drop in for a cuppa and a chat. Anonymous check-in referrals welcome.

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Murrindindi Mobile Library

THURSDAY

9:00 AM: Mat Pilates with Mel ($20) | All levels. Bring mat & water. 📱 Book: Mel 0498 643 608

🤝 Highlands Hub - Offers & Skills Board

Have you checked out our Offers & Skills Board? It’s a simple space for locals to trade skills, share equipment, and help each other out- either in person at the hall or online!

➕ Post a listing: https://forms.gle/D2dkaMHzmso6x63Z6
👁️ Browse current listings: https://tinyurl.com/offers-and-skills

(Note: Physical and online boards are managed separately. Want yours in both places? Fill out a paper card at the hall AND submit online!)

🪵 Tallarook Firewood Working Bee Update Need firewood or have a couple of hours to lend a hand? Join Sam and the team in Tallarook! (Schedule depends on numbers; call Sam directly if you need wood or want to help). 📱 Contact: Sam 0439 695 632

28/08/2026

CHEAP ORGANIC COMPOST! See below

28/08/2026

Exciting Event coming to Highlands!

Communication from Mitchell Shire:

Mark your calendars! The Highlands Spring Market is coming to Highlands Hall on Saturday 31 October from 9am to 1pm.

As our community continues its recovery journey, this special event will bring people together to celebrate spring, support local businesses and enjoy a Saturday morning with family, friends and neighbours with plenty of market stalls.

The day will also feature a replanting presentation and demonstration by Granite Hills Nursery, along with food trucks, a coffee van and community activities.

We're now inviting local (Mitchell, Murrindindi, Strathbogie and Mansfield) businesses, producers, makers and community groups to express their interest in holding a stall (FREE). Whether you offer delicious food, local w**e, fresh produce, plants, handmade products, skincare, art, crafts or something uniquely local, we'd love to showcase what our region has to offer.

If you'd like to be part of this exciting community event as a stallholder, please contact Abby on 0472 628 660 or [email protected] to register your interest.

We look forward to celebrating spring and supporting local together!

27/08/2026

Offers & Skills Board is Live! (Online & at the Hall)

UPDATE! The fabulous Han has turned this idea into something that looks super professional and just AMAZING. We have updated our link to make it more user friendly. Check it out! (example below)

This whole idea started with a simple chat with a local about how great it would be to have a single spot to swap labour, share equipment, and help each other tick off big jobs around the property. That conversation stuck, and now our Offers & Skills Board is officially up and running: both outside the hall and online!

It’s a simple, local space to buy, trade, lend, give away, or find whatever you need.

What could that look like?

Labour & Skill Swaps: Have extra firewood to spare and need a load of driveway rock? Want to learn needlepoint and have fresh eggs to trade? Swap your time, skills, or produce.

Gear & Machinery: Looking for a good second-hand trailer to buy, or got equipment sitting in the shed you're happy to lend out?

Surplus Supplies: Passing along leftover fencing wire, building materials, or extra gear to a neighbour who can use it.

How to Use It:

To Browse Current Listings: (See what locals have already posted!)

https://tinyurl.com/offers-and-skills

💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark or add this page to your favourites so you can easily check back for new listings!

To Add Your Own Offer or Request: https://forms.gle/D2dkaMHzmso6x63Z6
(Post a digital listing in just a minute.)

In Person: Drop by the hall to check the physical board outside, or grab a paper card to pin your own up.

Note: The physical board outside the hall and the online board are managed separately. If you'd like your listing in both places, just fill out a paper card at the hall AND submit online! (Listings refresh every 30 days).

Whether you're clearing out the shed, hunting for a specific tool, or keen to trade a practical favour, jump on and take a look. Got questions? Drop a comment below or pop into the Hub for a cuppa!

26/08/2026

Hi everyone,

Ahead of our upcoming Inaugural AGM, we wanted to share an update regarding the election of our committee members.

We have received exact nominations for the available roles, matching the required minimum number of positions to be filled. Because the total number of candidates equals the number of vacancies, all nominated candidates will be declared elected unopposed.

As a result, formal voting will not need to take place during the meeting.

We will officially introduce the incoming committee and discuss the future of our community recovery during the AGM, followed by a free community lunch.

Event Details:

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM | HADCRA Inaugural AGM (for members)

Where: Habbies Howe Shearing Shed, 110 Dropmore Road, Highlands

Details: Formal introduction of the committee and a collaborative discussion to help shape the future of our community recovery.

Membership: To become a member before the meeting, please visit highlands-hub.org.au.

1:00 PM to 3:30 PM | Free Community Lunch & Live Music

Where: Habbies Howe Shearing Shed, 110 Dropmore Road, Highlands

Details: Free lunch following the AGM with live music from Freddie Gibson! Bring your family, friends, and neighbours. Everyone is welcome.

Thank you to everyone who stepped forward to submit a nomination. We look forward to seeing you all there!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjpwP3qi6/

24/08/2026

📅 WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK AT THE HUB 📅

🧘‍♀️ TUESDAY AUG 25th

5:30 PM | Weekly Mat Pilates with Anastasia

Where: Highlands Hall

Details: $15 per session. Bring along your own mat or towel and a water bottle.

📞 Enquiries: Call Anastasia on 0436 428 065.

🤝 WEDNESDAY AUG 26th

📝 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | PCC Emergency Recovery Team & GV FamilyCare

Details: Drop in to simplify your recovery process. On-site support is available for paperwork, grant applications, family services, and navigating financial, legal, insurance, or hardship options.

🤠 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Rural Outreach Support with Ivan Lister

Details: Ivan brings over 15 years of trauma-informed experience. Pull up a chair for a cuppa, a yarn, or advice about a loved one you might be worried about. Anonymous referrals are welcome if you’d like Ivan to gently check in on someone.

🧘‍♀️ THURSDAY AUG 27th

9:00 AM | Mat Pilates with Mel

Details: $20 per session, built for all experience levels. Bring a yoga mat, drink bottle, and a smile!

📞 Bookings: Call or text Mel on 0498 643 608.

🧠 Mental Health Support (Yea & District Memorial Hospital)

Location: Highlands Hall

Details: Professional on-site mental health appointments. Pre-booked appointments only (staff attend on-site only if bookings exist). Telehealth and home visits are also available.

📞 Bookings: Call 5736 0448 or email [email protected]. (Upcoming dates: Thursday, August 27th & Tuesday, September 1st).

🥩 5:30 PM | Secret Men’s Business

Where: Michael Kopanica’s Place

Details: A local favourite! Open to everyone in the community, a great chance to vent, laugh, and catch up.

Cost: $5 for BBQ.

🎉 SATURDAY AUG 29

🏛️ 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | HADCRA Inaugural AGM (for members)

Where: Habbies Howe Shearing Shed, 110 Dropmore Road, Highlands

Details: Come along to formally introduce the committee and help shape the future of our community recovery.

To become a member visit: https://highlands-hub.org.au/

🥗 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Free Community Lunch & Live Music

Where: Habbies Howe Shearing Shed, 110 Dropmore Road, Highlands

Details: Free lunch following the AGM with live music from Freddie Gibson! Bring your family, friends, and neighbours, everyone is welcome.

🪵 Firewood Working Bee Update (Tallarook)

Details: If you can spare a couple of hours or need to load up firewood, head down to join Sam and the team. Extra muscle is always appreciated! (Note: This event depends on numbers and may move to monthly. If you are in need, please call Sam).

📞 Contact: Call or text Sam on 0439 695 632.

🍲 COMMUNITY REMINDER 🍲

24/7 Frozen Meals: A gentle reminder that frozen meals are located in the foyer of the hall and are available 24/7 for your convenience. Please help yourself!

⚠️ IMPORTANT PROGRAM DEADLINE ⚠️

Free State Clean-Up Program Closing Soon!

Deadline: Monday, 31 August 2026 at 5:00 PM.

What it covers: Free demolition and debris removal for eligible structures damaged in the January 2026 bushfires (including uninsured or partially insured properties).

How to apply: Sign up directly via the Victorian Government Relief and Recovery Portal (https://www.vic.gov.au/clean-support-january-2026-bushfires).

19/08/2026

🌱 Mental Health Support Sessions at Highlands Hall

Got a bit on your mind? The mental health team from Yea & District Memorial Hospital is coming to Highlands Hall on August 27th and September 1st.

🔐 For your privacy: Sessions will take place outside of regular Hub hours.

Appointments must be booked in advance so the team knows to head out to the hall!

📞 Bookings & Inquiries:

Call 5736 0448

Email [email protected]

Telehealth and home visits are also available upon request.

19/08/2026

🚨 FINAL CALL! Committee Nominations close TODAY at 5:00 PM.

Help us keep our incorporated association active and leading our district's future! We need a minimum of 5 committee members for the Highlands & District Community Recovery Association Inc. to operate legally.

What you should know:

It is simpler than it sounds: You do not run everything yourself! You simply guide ideas, support working groups, and help bring local initiatives to life.

No prior experience needed: Just care for the community and a willingness to collaborate.

The reality: While the Hub will keep running for visiting support services, if we do not fill these committee roles, the Association will end up sitting in limbo until we hit our minimum numbers.

We want to keep a strong, active voice for our district's long-term future!

⏰ Deadline: 5:00 PM Today!
📱 Head to www.highlands-hub.org.au to submit your nomination now.

Your Community. Your Voice. Your Recovery.

16/08/2026

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK AT THE HUB 📅

Pop in for a workout, grab a cuppa, get help with fire recovery paperwork, or connect with visiting support teams! Here’s what’s happening:

🧘‍♀️ MONDAY

9:30 AM – Mat Pilates with Mel ($20; book via Mel on 0498 643 608)

🧘‍♀️ TUESDAY

5:30 PM – Mat Pilates with Anastasia at Highlands Hall ($15; enquiries to Anastasia on 0436 428 065)

🤝 WEDNESDAY

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Mobile Library Van

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – PCC Emergency Recovery Team & GV FamilyCare (Help with paperwork, grants, family support, and legal/financial options)

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Rural Outreach Support with Ivan Lister (Cuppa, yarn, or support referrals)

🧘‍♀️ THURSDAY

9:00 AM – Mat Pilates with Mel ($20; book via Mel on 0498 643 608)

🎨 SATURDAY (22 AUGUST)

1:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Paint by Wonders (FREE Workshop) LAST CHANCE TO BOOK

Where: Highlands Hall

Details: Come as you are, no skills required! Relax, chat, and immerse yourself in color and shape. All materials provided PLUS yummy afternoon tea. Facilitated by Art & Family Therapist Mary White (Funded by Sisters of Mercy Parramatta). Everyone is welcome - some men are attending and children can participate

⚠️ Limited to 20 people — BOOKINGS CLOSE THURSDAY 20 AUG. SPACES STILL AVAILABLE.

📞 To register: Call or text Andrea Bauer on 0417 369 225.

🎙️ SUNDAY 23 AUGUST

Sunday Session with James Jensen

A combined community collaboration event for Terip, Highlands, and Ruffy!

Where: Terip Terip Recreation Reserve (8 Springs Road, Terip Terip)

Schedule: Morning Tea from 9:30 AM | Conversation begins at 11:00 AM

Details: An honest, down-to-earth conversation about leadership, resilience, and purpose with former SAS Patrol Commander James Jensen. Great opportunity to catch up with mates from next door!

📞 RSVP is a must: Email [email protected] or call/text 0418 886 915.

⚠️ IMPORTANT PROGRAM DEADLINE ⚠️ Free State Clean-Up Program Closing Soon! Registrations for free demolition and debris removal for January 2026 bushfire-damaged structures close Monday, 31 August 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Apply via: Victorian Government Relief and Recovery Portal

🪵 FIREWOOD INFO 🪵 Our firewood working bee runs on Saturday as a regular fixture to keep local wood supply flowing, though it is always dependent on weather. No one is going to be left in the cold this winter!

If you can lend a hand, need firewood for your own place, or want to arrange a delivery, please reach out directly:

📞 Contact Sam: Call or text Sam on 0439 695 632 for more details, to RSVP your attendance, or to arrange a load.

Update on meals:

FROZEN MEALS CAN BE ACCESSED 24/7 FROM THE HALL FOYER NOW! How good 😊 spread the word near and far ❤️

16/08/2026

Highlands Community Association: Step Up to Lead Our District’s Future!

​To keep our incorporated association active and supporting our local district long-term, we need a complete team behind the scenes.
​Nominations for the Management Committee close this Wednesday. Under our rules, we need a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 7 committee members to operate legally.

​What does being on the committee actually involve?
It’s much simpler than it sounds! You don’t have to run every project yourself. The main job is receiving ideas from our membership base and helping bring those events, projects, and local initiatives to life through working groups. You’re there to guide, decide, and keep things moving.

​Quick FAQs:
​Do I need prior committee experience? Not at all. Just care for the community and a willingness to lend a hand.

​Is it a massive time commitment? No. We keep meetings efficient, practical, and focused.
​Who can nominate? Any member!

​The Reality:
Just to be clear, the Hub itself will continue running for caseworkers, visiting support, and recovery services until those services naturally wind up.
​However, the Association is our legal community body. If we don't hit the minimum of 5 committee members, the Association won't be able to operate. If that happens, we will have to wind up the Association and plan to cash out its bank account in vouchers or donations to charities/community groups over the coming months.
​We’d much prefer to keep the Association active so we have a strong, organised voice and structure for future community projects! If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time.

​Nominate yourself today:

Highlands & District Community Recovery Association supports the Highlands, Victoria community through recovery, connection, practical relief and local events.