Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre

01/10/2026

Our renovations are really coming along at our Oak Avenue centre. Look at that beautiful floor!

We can't wait to see it all finished and welcome you back to our newly improved, brighter and more accessible centre once the refresh is complete.

Don't forget our programs are still running at the Dove, 78 Power Road in Doveton, or Rowan Park House at 148 Kidds Road Doveton, and emergency food relief is available at the Dove.

You can as always call our usual phone number 03 9791 1449 with any enquiries.

16/09/2026

Ageing Well Events in the City of Casey - November 2026
The City of Casey has a series of events coming up across Casey, if you’d like to learn how to navigate the Aged Care system to support you at home, or stay independent on the road or while using public transport.

Navigating Aged Care
• Learn about government-funded services that support you at home
• Timbarra Community Centre
• Thursday 5TH November - 10.00 - 11.30 AM

Wiser Driver
• A practical 4-week course to help you stay safe, confident and independent on the road
• Merinda Park Learning & Community Centre
• Mondays November 9TH , 16TH , 23RD , 30TH - 1.00 -3.00 PM

Wiser Traveller
• A 3-week course on transport options to help you stay independent, connected and active
• Balla Balla Community Centre
• Mondays 9TH, 16TH, 23RD - 1.00 -3.00 PM

Navigating Aged Care
• Learn about government-funded services that support you at home
• Balla Balla Community Centre
• Wednesday 18TH - 11.00-12.30 PM

For booking assistance or enquiries [email protected] or 9705 5200

Ageing Positively In Casey Newsletter - Subscribe and Stay Connected
Quarterly updates on topics including:
• Opportunities to join your community
• Events and celebrations
• Information on health and wellbeing
• A range of senior services

10/09/2026

Today is RU OK? day, a national day to raise awareness of mental health and meaningfully connect and check in with family, friends and colleagues who may be struggling.

A simple conversation can make a difference.
• Ask R U OK?
• Listen with an open mind
• Encourage action if help is needed
• Check in again in the following weeks

How to Respond If Someone Says They Are Not Okay:
If someone shares that they are struggling, you do not need to fix their problems or give expert advice. Listen attentively without judgement, validate their feelings with supportive language, and gently encourage them to seek professional support.

These tips are not just for RU OK? Day - it's important to check in all year round if you see someone struggling or doing it tough.

If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, these national services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. This is Australia's leading su***de prevention and crisis support service.
• Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636. They offer immediate counselling, advice, and referrals for depression, anxiety, and general mental health well-being.
• 13YARN: Call 13 92 76. A dedicated, national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, run by Indigenous crisis supporters.
• Su***de Call Back Service: Call 1300 659 467. Provides professional phone and online counselling for people affected by su***de, including those worried about someone else.
• Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800. Free, private counselling specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25.
• MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78. Specialist telephone and online support service for men navigating family and relationship difficulties or mental health concerns.

06/09/2026

Neighbourhood BBQ Evening – Free Event at Autumn Place Community Hub

Come along to the hub for a wonderful opportunity to connect with your neighbours and make new friends! Family friendly event, including:
• Sausage Sizzle & Bolani
• Colouring & Crafting
• Face painting

📅Thursday 17 September
⏰4 PM - 6 PM
📍Autumn Place Community Hub, 29 Autumn Place, Doveton

Get in touch
• 9792 7382
• [email protected]

05/09/2026

We have a new sign! Our Oak Avenue site is having a bit of a refresh, and now we have a brand new sign, so you can easily recognise Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre from the road.

We can't wait to welcome you back in the not-too-distant future. Watch this space - we'll keep you updated on our renovations. When we have a date for our return, we'll let you know.

03/09/2026

This week, 1-8 September is Adult Learners Week, a time to reflect on our own learning as adults.

This year’s theme, Follow Your Compass: Learning for Life, celebrates the idea that learning doesn’t stop when school ends — it continues as we grow, change, and discover new directions.

Learning helps us navigate new skills, new careers, and new possibilities. And with so many types of compasses for different journeys, there are just as many ways to learn.

Adult Learners Week encourages everyone to:
• Reflect on their learning journey
• Explore fresh opportunities
• Connect with adult and community education

Whether you’re returning to study, trying something new, or building your confidence step by step, learning matters.

02/09/2026

🌼 Volunteer With Us at Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre ✨

Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre (DNLC) is a welcoming, community-focussed neighbourhood house that celebrates and embraces diversity. Across our three sites in Doveton — Power Road, Kidds Road and Oak Avenue — we offer social support programs, pre-accredited education, community groups, and emergency food relief for people experiencing hardship.

We proudly welcome volunteers of all ages, cultures, identities, abilities and backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, or any other diversity. If you’re community-minded and keen to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

📅 Volunteer Days & Times
Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Full shift: 9.15am – 2.00pm
• Half shifts: 9.15am – 11.45am or 11.45am – 2.00pm
Positions run until December 2026.

🤝 Social Support Volunteer
Help create a warm, friendly space for older adults and other vulnerable community members to stay socially connected and independent for longer.
What you’ll do:
• Welcome participants and help them feel comfortable
• Set up the room and assist with morning tea and a light lunch (no cooking involved)
• Chat with participants, encourage connection, and support a positive group environment
• Pack down the space at the end of the session
Who this suits: People who enjoy meeting new people, have a caring nature, and want to support community wellbeing.

🍎 Emergency Food Relief Volunteer
Work alongside a supportive team to ensure community members experiencing food scarcity can access nutritious food with dignity and respect.
What you’ll do:
• Assist with packing, sorting, and distributing food
• Provide friendly, respectful customer service
• Help maintain a clean, organised food relief space
• Support people from diverse cultural and language backgrounds
Important: These roles involve lifting items up to 10kg. Volunteers must be comfortable with physical tasks and be able to communicate clearly with community members and the team.

✅ Requirements
All volunteers must:
• Hold or be willing to apply for a valid Working With Children Check (Volunteer) and add DNLC
• Be willing to undergo a Police Check
• Be reliable, respectful, and committed to inclusive practice

Interested in Volunteering?
We’d love to hear from you. Join us in supporting our community with warmth, dignity and respect. Please call 03 9791 1449 or email [email protected] to apply.

26/08/2026

Our renovations at our Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre Oak Avenue building to make our centre more accessible are coming along well. We even have a new sign!

We can't wait to welcome you back in the coming months when the works are complete. We'll continue to update you on progress.

15/08/2026

🧪 This week is National Science Week! ⚛

📣 Why not try this fun experiment to make a Shouting Bowl? Use the power of sound – and your best operatic voice – to make salt dance!

Make sure you have an adult to help you and read the instructions carefully.

https://www.scienceweek.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DIY-Science-Activity-Shouting-Bowl-Instructions.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRNK_1Sy15o

Warm up your vocal cords and join Eleni from Questacon to explore t...

13/08/2026

SCAMS CAN HAPPEN TO ALL OF US

A scam is any attempt to trick you into handing over money, personal information or access to your accounts, and can appear in an email, a phone call, by text message or on the web.

This scam awareness week at Connected Libraries, you can put your scam spotting skills to the test with some fun quizzes.

📆Tuesday 25 August
⏰2pm
🎟 Free - Scan QR code to book or go to https://events.connectedlibraries.org.au/event?id=243672
📍BunjilPlace Library
👫Ages 15+

Scams work because scammers create believable stories to steal your money and get your personal information.

A scam is a crime, and people who commit scams are criminals.

Help is available to:
• Learn more about scam tactics
• Feel more confident to protect yourself
• Know what to do if you are scammed
• Report a scam and help others

3 steps to protect yourself and your community:

🤚STOP. Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure.

⚠ CHECK. Ask yourself if the message or call is fake.

🔐PROTECT. Act quickly if something feels wrong.

For English and translated information, go to the link:
scamwatch.gov.au/translated