Araluen

09/06/2026

We’re proud to be part of Banyule Pitch for Good - and we’d love your support to help get us over the line. If we meet our target, we can start our very own art gallery🎨

If you believe in creating greater access and opportunities for artists with disability, please help amplify our campaign.

Every share, tax-deductible gift, and show of support makes a real difference to 50 artists who are waiting for their time to shine ⭐

Let’s make this happen together 💛
https://www.givenow.com.au/artconnects

Come along and support us at Banyule Pitch for Good: https://events.humanitix.com/pitch-for-good-banyule-2026-pitch-night

Art Connects by Araluen is raising funds to open a dedicated community gallery at Araluen Lower Plenty, giving 50 artists with disability professional access to exhibit, sell, and control how their work is represented.

Artists with disability produce exceptional, original work but face barriers to entering the professional art market. The issue isn’t talent—it’s access.

The Solution: Transform an existing space into a gallery, creating lasting pathways from talent to income.

Funding Goals:
▪️$10,000 → Stage one transformation: upgrades and professional display systems to launch the gallery.
▪️+$7,000 → Online sales platform to connect artists with buyers and commissions beyond the local community.
▪️+$30,000 → Premium features like a café, outdoor seating, and event space to expand reach and revenue.

Every dollar helps unlock opportunities for artists with disability to be seen, valued, and paid for their work.

Join us in backing Art Connects—donate via Givenow! https://f.mtr.cool/hfyqzivuqr

06/06/2026

We’re working towards something really special - a dedicated gallery space for Art Connects artists at Araluen.

There is plenty of talent at Araluen - but too often artists don’t have the chance to show their work, sell it, and be recognised for what they create. So we're crowdfunding to change that.

And we’ve created this exclusive “thank you” gift* featuring licensed artwork from talented artist, Tony (pictured). When you support the campaign, you’re not just giving - you’re helping create real opportunities for artists to be seen, recognised, and valued.

Check it out here 👉https://www.givenow.com.au/artconnects

*see campaign page for conditions

04/06/2026

🎉 We’re excited to be part of Pitch for Good Banyule 2026 to raise funds for a new gallery for Art Connects!

Join us for a night of inspiring local changemakers, great food, and community connection - plus your $30 ticket acts as a donation, going directly to the projects you choose to support.

✨ Come say hi at our stall!
👉 Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/pitch-for-good-banyule-2026

Pitch for Good is back! 📣

Join us for the 2026 Pitch for Good Banyule event and hear from six local changemakers as they share their journeys toward social impact. Rather than leaving all the decisions to a panel of judges, Pitch for Good empowers you—the audience—to choose your top pick and direct the value of your ticket to the project you want to support.

Your $30 ticket becomes your vote, going straight to the initiative you back.

Alongside the evening’s presentations, you’ll find stalls hosted by local social enterprises where you can browse and purchase their offerings.

Enjoy inspiring pitches from local changemakers, delicious food from social enterprises, and meaningful conversations with fellow community members who care about positive change in Melbourne’s northern region.

👉 Learn more and get your ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/pitch-for-good-banyule-2026-pitch-night

04/06/2026

🎨At Art Connects, we’ve supported exceptional artists to make powerful, high-quality work for almost 20 years! Now we’re taking a HUGE step to turn real talent into real opportunity.

The talent is already there - but too often artists don’t have the chance to show their work, sell it, and be recognised for what they create. We’re working to change that with a dedicated gallery space at Araluen Lower Plenty.

For Tim, a gallery is simple:
💬 “I’m excited because I like it and it’s very good for people to see my hard work.”

If you’d like to be part of making this possible, you can find out more through the link. Thank you!

https://www.givenow.com.au/artconnects

29/05/2026

🎉 The latest edition of Imagining Better is here!
We’re excited to share a newsletter packed with big news, progress and opportunities across Araluen - including a major announcement for Art Connects you won’t want to miss 👀
In this edition:
✨ A big Art Connects update
☕ Real progress for Chancez Cafes
🏠 A revamped NDIS housing network
🎨 Events and initiatives to get involved in
…and so much more!
CLICK HERE:
https://indd.adobe.com/view/7516757d-9a6a-4c50-b223-bd68476dabb8

👉 Read it now and stay connected with everything happening in our community.

19/05/2026

We’re proud to share that Chancez Café Mill Park Library is a finalist in the 2026 City of Whittlesea Business Awards🎉

With a little love in every cup ☕💛, everything we do is driven by great service and creating meaningful opportunities and community connection.

This recognition reflects the impact of our team and the value of truly inclusive workplace practices. Congratulations to our incredible participants and staff - you make this possible every day! 🙌

🤞📣Winners will be announced on 25th June. Fingers crossed and stay tuned!

19/12/2025

🎄✨ And that’s a wrap for our Day Services! 2025 has ended with fun, friendship, food, and celebrations across the board.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of our year. We wish you peace, joy, and meaningful connections as we head into 2026.

To our team members who are having time off, we hope you enjoy a well-deserved break and rest. And a big thank you to all staff across Araluen for your dedication and hard work throughout the year.

We’ll see you back at Day Services on Monday 5th January. Best wishes, everyone!

12/12/2025

🎄✨ Tree-mendously YUM is happening now! ✨🎄
Production of the tastiest gingerbread trees and houses EVER is in full swing at Chancez- smelling amazing and looking even better! 🍪🏠
If you’re one of the 30+ people who ordered, your sweet wait is almost over! 🙌
📅 Collection day = SOON. We’ll be in touch.
Thanks for your support and enjoy!

11/12/2025

✨ Last Chance! ✨
Don’t miss our ceramics exhibition, 'See Me Through Clay', at Montsalvat – an extraordinary celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. Check out these shots from the launch celebration.

So much talent on display, and just in time for Christmas! Discover exquisite handmade gifts that are truly one-of-a-kind.

🎨 Final days – visit now before it’s gone!
📍 Montsalvat
🕒 Closes: Sunday 14 December
👉 https://www.araluen.org/see-me-through-clay/

Thanks to for supporting our launch event - in celebration of International Day of People with Disability - and The Margaret Lawrence Bequest.

10/12/2025

🥋 A Powerful Display at Araluen’s AGM! 🥋
We were thrilled to have participants showcase their incredible Taekwondo skills during our recent Annual General Meeting. The energy, discipline, and precision on display were truly inspiring!
Check out this short video capturing the highlights – a big thank you to everyone who took part and shared their passion with us. 👏