Outlook Community Centre

01/09/2026

Last Friday, Mary Ellen O'Brien led our dried and pressed flower session, teaching very creative community members how to make beautiful pieces using dried and pressed flowers and various objects/vessels. Don't they look wonderful?

We have another floristry session coming soon. If you would like to join in the fun, book with us!

✨Creative Ikebana
✨Utilise natural forms and found objects
Explore the Japanese art of flower arranging, using natural and unconventional vessels. Use flowers, branches, foliage, driftwood, handmade bases, ceramic vessels, bowls and found objects. Focus on simplicity, line, balance, negative space and connecting floral materials with the chosen container or base.

When: Friday 11 September
Time: 10am - 12pm
Cost: $30 BYO flowers & foliage OR $50 flowers & foliage supplied
The centre will provide a materials list for all to bring

To book:
Online: www.outlookaust.org.au/event/dried-pressed-flower-creations/
In person: 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham
By phone: 1300 617 649 (select option2)

01/09/2026

This month marks an important change at Outlook Community Centre as we farewell Alison Ryan and welcome Nicole Wiehr as our new Community Centre Manager.

Alison is retiring after nearly 15 years as the much-loved and highly respected Manager of Outlook Community Centre. During this time, she has built strong and lasting connections across the Cardinia community and with the centre’s staff, volunteers, participants and visitors.

Her warmth, dedication and genuine care have helped shape the community centre into the welcoming and inclusive place it is today. Alison will be greatly missed, although we are delighted that she plans to return as a visitor to enjoy the centre’s workshops, courses and events in retirement.

As we thank Alison for her remarkable contribution, we are pleased to welcome Nicole to the Outlook team.

Nicole brings extensive experience across community services, disability and aged care, including leading community programs and supporting large teams and volunteer networks. She is passionate about building strong teams, creating positive cultures and ensuring services remain connected and responsive to the communities they support.

Thank you for everything, Alison. We wish you a very happy and well-earned retirement.

And welcome to Outlook, Nicole! We look forward to the next chapter for our beloved community centre with your leadership and support.

24/08/2026

We’re pleased to be hosting a LivingWorks Australia safeTALK: Su***de Alertness for Everyone training session at Outlook Community Centre in Pakenham.

safeTALK helps participants recognise signs that someone may be thinking about su***de and feel more confident connecting them with further support.

Participants will explore common myths and barriers, practise supportive conversations and learn about appropriate referral pathways.

When: Thursday 27 August - 10am to 2pm
Where: Outlook Community Centre, Pakenham
Cost: $25 per person

This training is suitable for anyone who would like to feel more prepared to support someone who may be struggling.

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/livingworks-safetalk-pakenham-27th-august

Thanks to the generous support of Latrobe Health Services, this important training has been heavily subsidised and is available for just $25 per person.

LivingWorks safeTALK is a half-day, face-to-face su***de alertness workshop that empowers people to recognise when someone may be thinking about su***de.

20/08/2026

You, along with your friends and family are invited to attend our Aged Care Information Session hosted by Mentis Assist - Care Finder Program where you will learn about:

< How to register for aged care services
< The assessment process for aged care services
< The various funding options available to help you continue living at home
< The Care Finder Program – who is eligible and the support it offers

When: Friday 11 September
Time: 10.30am - 11.30am
Where: Outlook Community Centre
Cost: FREE

✨How to book in for Aged Care Information Session:
Online: www.outlookaust.org.au/event/aged-care-information-session/
By phone: 1300 617 649 (select option 2)
By email: [email protected]
In person: see reception at the community centre - 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham

14/08/2026

Transform flowers and foliage into lasting botanical artwork by joining our Dried & Pressed Flower Creations workshop.

This creative workshop explores techniques for drying and pressing plant materials and using them to create beautiful decorative pieces including framed art, greeting cards, bookmarks, gift tags, and small home décor projects.

You will learn how to preserve seasonal blooms and create timeless keepsakes that celebrate the beauty of nature.

Methods Covered
● Selecting flowers suitable for drying and pressing
● Air-drying and pressing techniques
● Colour preservation tips
● Composition and design principles
● Creating botanical artwork
● Mounting and framing pressed flowers
● Designing cards, tags, and decorative pieces
● Care and display of preserved botanicals

Take Home Projects
● Botanical greeting cards
● Pressed flower artwork
● Small framed botanical piece
● Gift tags or bookmarks

Materials list of required items to bring including scissors and tweezers will be provided before workshop commencement.

When: Friday 28 August
Time: 10am - 12pm
Where: Outlook Community Centre
Cost: $30 BYO flowers & foliage OR $45 flowers & foliage supplied

How to book in for 'Dried & Pressed Flower Creations'
Online: www.outlookaust.org.au/event/dried-pressed-flower-creations/
By phone: 1300 617 649 (select option 2)
By email: [email protected]
In person: see reception at the community centre - 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham

13/08/2026

Retirement village contracts can be complex and difficult to navigate. You, a family member or friend could find our Retirement Village Contracts information session very helpful.

Join this session to gain a practical overview of the key contractual, financial, and legal considerations involved when entering retirement village contracts.

Local trusted lawyers Duffy & Simon will provide you with the valuable information you need

Attendees will gain:
• A clearer understanding of contract terms
• Insight into fees and payment options
• Knowledge of resident rights and protections
• Practical tips for reviewing agreements with confidence
• Perfect for residents, families, carers, and anyone seeking greater clarity about retirement village contract arrangements

When: Wednesday 26 August
Time: 11am - 12.15pm
Where: Outlook Community Centre - 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham
Cost: FREE

How to book in for 'Retirement Village Contracts'
Online: www.outlookaust.org.au/event/retirement-village-contracts/
By phone: 1300 617 649 (select option 2)
By email: [email protected]
In person: see reception at the community centre - 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham

11/08/2026

✨Have you always been curious about power tools but not sure where to begin?
✨Maybe you love tools already and would like more information about them?
✨Perhaps you know someone who would enjoy learning more?

Join us for our FREE Women on the Tools event at Bunnings, Pakenham for women of all ages.

Michelle from Ryobi will share the range of products available and explain their different uses in everyday projects and home tasks.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert. We hope to see you there!

When: Tue 18 Aug - 10.30am to 11.30am
Cost: FREE
Where: Bunnings - 855 Princes Highway, Pakenham

How to book for 'Women on the Tools'
Online: www.outlookaust.org.au/event/women-on-the-tools/
Phone: 1300 617 649 (select
Email: [email protected]
In person: Outlook Community Centre - 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham

11/08/2026

We had a very special and unexpected visitor at the centre last Friday!

Bolt the goat confidently made his way through our automatic doors and decided to have a good look around. He strolled through the centre, checking everything out.

After about 20 minutes of exploring, Bolt was ready to head home. With the help of our wonderful Facebook community, we were able to track down his humans and reunite them.

We’re proud to be a place where everyone is welcome... even curious goats! 😅🐐

03/08/2026

Ready to Build your Banking Confidence?

Whether you are brand new to online banking or just want to make sure you’re doing it safely, we’re hosting this digital banking masterclass designed just for you!

Join us for these interactive, hands-on sessions where we’ll explore:
< Banking in your pocket – the benefits, addressing your worries and step-by-step set up
< Your digital shield – how to spot scams, secure your accounts and browse safely
< Banking for everyone – inclusive app features, accessibility tools and protecting vulnerable loved one

Bring your smartphone, tablet or laptop, and we’ll guide you through it all in a friendly, supportive environment!

Facilitated by Bendigo Bank.

When: Tuesdays commencing 25 August for 3 sessions
Time: 10am - 11.30am
Cost: FREE
Where: Outlook Community Centre - 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham

How to Book:
Online: www.outlookaust.org.au/event/ready-to-build-your-digital-banking-confidence/
By phone: 1300 617 649 (select option
By email: [email protected]
In person: see reception at the community centre

03/08/2026

Do You Need Help Completing Your Census Form?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is offering free Census Form Assistance Sessions for community members who would like support to complete their Census form online. Please bring your letter with unique Census identification code.

The Census team can help you:
• Understand the Census questions
• Navigate the online form
• Access language support services if needed
• Complete your form in a supportive environment

These sessions are suitable for anyone who would like assistance completing their Census form digitally.

Please bring your own device if you can (smart phone, tablet or laptop), however computers will also be available.

Date: Thursday 6 August
Time: 9:00am - 10.30am or 11am - 12.30pm (choose one session)
Location: Outlook Community Centre - 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham

How to Book:
Online: www.outlookaust.org.au/event/need-help-completing-your-census-form/
By phone: 1300 617 649 (select option 2)
By email: [email protected]
In person: see reception