Olinda Community House Inc

18/06/2026

🌸🌸Experience a Little Japan in the Hills🌸🌸

Did you know we have a beautiful Japanese community right here in the Dandenong Ranges? This season, we're celebrating Japanese culture with a series of welcoming events for everyone, whether you have Japanese heritage, are learning the language, or simply love discovering new cultures.

🥁 Family Taiko Workshop
Feel the energy of Japan's traditional drums in this fun, hands-on family experience. Learn about the cultural significance of Taiko before picking up the drumsticks and creating rhythms together. No experience needed!
Date: Tue, 07 Jul 2026, 1:30 PM
Where: Olinda Community House
Price: $26.20
Book: https://www.socialplanet.com.au/activity/view?id=51454

🍲 Family Miso Making Workshop
Discover one of Japan's most treasured traditional foods. Families will learn how authentic miso is made, create their own batch to take home, and explore the role this simple ingredient plays in Japanese cooking and culture.
Details coming soon.
Save the date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026, 10:00 AM

👶 Japanese Chibikko Playgroup
A relaxed playgroup where Japanese-speaking families can connect while children play, sing, read stories and practise Japanese together. We're currently seeking expressions of interest as we build this wonderful new community.
Book: https://www.socialplanet.com.au/activity/view?id=51800

17/06/2026

Can you believe that the school holidays are almost upon us? OCH is once again offer free to low cost school holiday activities. These activities are fun for the kids and parents and great for the hip pocket too. Spaces are limited so please book in quick.

https://och.org.au/our-program/

16/06/2026

Good afternoon ridge connectors and hills whisperers,
At the end of this blog I have a serious question to ask.

Did you know that Olinda Community House recently hosted a gathering of local community groups, neighbourhood houses and the Yarra Ranges Council to take part in the Council's Big Map exercise.

It was a fascinating opportunity to step back and think about how our communities prepare for challenges such as bushfires, storms, landslips and power outages. Rather than focusing on emergency response itself (we'll leave that to the professionals), the conversation explored the role community organisations may play before an emergency happens and once the risk has passed.

One of the things that really stood out during the conversation was how much resilience starts with something quite simple: knowing your neighbours. We spoke about the importance of welcoming new people to the Hills, helping them build local connections, and making sure they know where to find information and support when they need it.

A statistic shared during the discussion has really stuck with me. In the first 24 hours after a disaster, around 70% of all initial rescues and emergency support come from people already within a one-kilometre radius of where you live.

It was an important reminder that community preparedness isn't just about emergency plans and checklists. It's also about the relationships we build every day and the confidence that comes from knowing there are people nearby who know your name, understand your circumstances, and are willing to lend a hand when it matters most.

So my (serious) question to you. Are you the Hills Social Butterfly? A Neighbourhood Ninja? The Local Link or Community Weaver?

Or, particularly during these colder, darker, months, are you an Elusive Local, or the Cave Bear of Olinda?

Either way, please know that you and your neighbours are always welcome at Olinda Community House. x

11/06/2026

Well, that escalated quickly...

When we first floated the idea of a Canasta, 500, "I'll play anything with cards" Card Group, we wondered whether there might be a few secret card sharks hiding in the hills. As it turns out, there are definitely a few. 🦈♣️♥️

We're thrilled to announce that we have enough players to get the cards group up and running on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00pm to 3:30pm at Olinda Community House.

The best part? There's always room at the table for more. Whether you're a seasoned player, a little rusty, or keen to learn, we'd love to welcome you along. So if you've been thinking about joining, consider this your sign.

Come and meet fellow card enthusiasts, enjoy a cuppa, and perhaps help us uncover who really is the hills' most competitive card shark. 🃏

📍 Olinda Community House
🕐 Tuesdays, 1:00pm – 3:30pm (flexible end time)
Price: Free (gold coin appreciated)

Complete our booking form below:
https://www.socialplanet.com.au/activity/view?id=47090

11/06/2026

JUNE 15 - BIRDWATCHING GROUP AT DIFFERENT LOCATION
Please note that our Bird Watching Group will be meeting at a different location this coming Monday, 15 June.

Meeting Details
📍 Wicks Reserve: 1 Wicks Road, The Basin
🕙 10:00am

There is parking available near the playground, and our guide, Kathie Thomas will meet at the playground before setting off.

If you haven't already paid for the day, payment can be made through the Olinda Community House websitehttps://www.socialplanet.com.au/activity/view?id=48106 . Please contact us if you need assistance.

Please remember to dress for the weather and wear suitable walking shoes and I sincerely hope you enjoy Monday.

By Olinda Community House. Step into the forest for an hour of calm, connection, and quiet discovery. Our weekly bird watching group is a gentle wander through the national park beside Olinda Community House. No experience needed, just curiosity and a love of being outdoors.

10/06/2026

National Volunteers Week - The Secret to Looking Younger?

National Volunteer Week (May 18-24) was a chance to celebrate volunteers and the enormous contribution they make to communities right across Australia.

At Olinda Community House, we know just how valuable volunteers are. They help community organisations, sporting clubs, neighbourhood houses, emergency services and charities deliver programs, support local people and create places where communities can connect and thrive. The challenge is that many community organisations are finding it harder than ever to attract volunteers. Demand for services and community activities continues to grow, while many volunteer-run groups are operating with fewer helping hands than they would like.

That matters because volunteering doesn't just benefit the community. Research consistently shows it benefits the volunteer too. Studies have linked volunteering with greater happiness, stronger social connections, improved mental health, increased life satisfaction and a greater sense of purpose. Some research has even found an association between volunteering and longer life expectancy.

While the researchers haven't officially measured this, we strongly suspect volunteers are also more handsome and beautiful. I mean...take a look at our amazing volunteers Alan (aka Barney) and Jerry (aka The Guvna) Perhaps it's the friendships and the laughter, or perhaps it's the satisfaction that comes from making a difference. Whatever the reason, volunteering seems considerably cheaper than collagen injections, expensive skincare routines or a nip and tuck.

Jokes aside, volunteering offers something many of us are looking for: connection. It introduces us to new people, helps us feel part of our community and reminds us that even small contributions can have a meaningful impact.

As Olinda Community House continues to grow, we're hoping to welcome more volunteers and members into our community. Whether you have a few hours to spare occasionally or would like to become more involved, there are many ways to contribute.

To help people learn more, we're hosting a Volunteers and Members Morning Tea on Saturday 27 June at 10:30am.
Book your place here: https://www.socialplanet.com.au/activity/view?id=50392

Come along for a cuppa, meet some friendly faces, hear about what's happening at the House and explore whether volunteering or membership might be right for you.

09/06/2026

WINTER COMEDY NIGHT AT OLINDA COMMUNITY HOUSE

Date: Saturday 27 June
Time: 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Doors open at 7pm

Nick Cody from FOX FM returns to the Dandenong Ranges for a jam-packed night of laughs.

" Cody's style of easy going comedy sees him consistently selling out shows and over-achieving his way around the globe, all the while becoming a regular fixture on TV and radio at home in Australia.

Boasting a solid fan base of Cody devotees at home and abroad, he has also sold out shows whilst racking up rave reviews, not only at every comedy festival here in Australia, but also the Edinburgh Fringe Festival & the Soho Theatre in London. He also has performed numerous times at the invite-only Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, as well as the New York Comedy Festival & Johannesburg Comedy Festival.

On top of his stand-up special "What Of It?" (ABC), Nick has already amassed a plethora of Australian & international TV credits, as a stand-up (Conan/Melbourne Comedy Festival OXFAM Gala/Opening Night Allstars Gala/Comedy Up Late/Just For Laughs), a panelist (Have You Been Paying Attention/Talking 'Bout Your Generation/Hughesy We Have a Problem/AFL's The Kick) and as an actor (Please Like Me/Kinne/The Wizards Of Aus). He makes his feature film debut this year in the Australian movie "The Merger".
Nick is the first Aussie comedian to perform on Conan, has appeared on the Comedy Festival Gala multiple times, and is one half of the popular podcast Mid Flight Brawl." (IMDb Mini Bio).

Make this your wintery night out to warm the soul. Buy your tickets via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/DMVMJ

02/06/2026

Bird Watching Hour: Eagles Over the Arboretum

There are some mornings where nature decides to put on a bit of a show, and this week's Bird Watching Hour was certainly one of them. Thank you Kathie Thomas for providing this update on the walk and these fantastic images. You can visit Kathie's website for further details here: https://www.facebook.com/kathiethomasphotography

Our walk began with an unexpected splash of colour when we spotted a lone Amanita muscaria mushroom growing on a lawn along Woolrich Road. Its bright red cap stood out beautifully against the damp autumn landscape and was impossible to miss.

From there, we headed down to the RJ Hamer Arboretum, where there was still plenty of autumn colour lingering among the trees. With the recent rain making some tracks slippery, we opted to stay on the roads and enjoy the scenery at a gentler pace.

The highlight of the morning came as we walked along Chalet Road towards Silvan Road. A commotion from a group of Magpies caught our attention, and soon we discovered why. Not one, but two Wedge-tailed Eagles were soaring overhead. The Magpies were doing their best to es**rt the eagles away from the area, while Sulphur-crested Cockatoos joined in the aerial protest.

We spent some time watching the magnificent eagles as they drifted closer, circling and hovering high above us. It was one of those moments that reminds you just how special our local environment is.

Along the way we also spotted Red Wattlebirds, a Grey Shrikethrush and a Pied Currawong. The combination of wind and the presence of the eagles seemed to keep many smaller birds tucked safely away in the foliage. We could hear the occasional call, but the gusts made them difficult to locate.

By the end of the morning we had covered 2.58 kilometres. It was certainly brisk, and everyone was well rugged up against the cold, but the chance to witness two Wedge-tailed Eagles soaring above the ranges made every chilly step worthwhile.

It's amazing what you can discover when you slow down, look up, and take a walk together.

Our next walk is on Monday June 15th. Price - $5.60
Booking is essential: https://www.socialplanet.com.au/activity/view?id=48106

21/05/2026

Calling all declutterers, bargain hunters and tiny-human fashion resellers!

We’re looking for stall holders for our Preloved Kids Clothes & Toys Market at Olinda Community House on Saturday May 31, 9am–1pm.

If your cupboards are overflowing with outgrown clothes, forgotten toys or “how do we own so many plushies?” energy… this is your sign.

Sell your preloved goodies, clear some space and give items a second life in the community.

Grab your stall here: https://www.socialplanet.com.au/activity/view?id=49269

20/05/2026

Have you always secretly wanted to try ballet? Or perhaps you danced years ago and would love to reconnect with it in a welcoming, supportive environment?

Olinda Community House is exploring interest in bringing Silver Swans® ballet classes to the Hills. Specially designed by the Royal Academy of Dance for older learners and adults, Silver Swans classes focus on gentle movement, mobility, balance, posture, co-ordination and joy through dance. No tutus or previous ballet experience required.

We are exploring classes on either Tuesdays or Friday mornings.

Research continues to show the many ways dance can support wellbeing as we age. Dance can help improve energy levels, balance and flexibility, support cardiovascular health, reduce stress, encourage social connection and even promote new connections in the brain that support cognitive health. Most importantly, it can simply feel good to move, laugh and learn alongside others.

Silver Swans is a recognised syllabus developed specifically for adult learners by the Royal Academy of Dance, a registered charity in Australia.

At this stage, we are simply gathering expressions of interest to see whether there is enough community enthusiasm to start a class locally.

You might be:

A complete beginner
Returning to dance after many years away
Looking for gentle movement and connection
Interested in trying something just for you

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, we’d love to hear from you. Please comment below or send us a message or email us at [email protected] to register your interest with Olinda Community House.