COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Northern suburbs

Making returns less taxing

Eligible low-income earners in Hume can access free services to help prepare and lodge their tax returns. The service is by appointment and will be offered from July 14 to October 31. Advice is available in 14 languages at the Broadmeadows and Craigieburn learning centres, Coolaroo West and Tullamarine community houses, and Victorian Arabic Social Services.

9356 6928

Word weavers

Whittlesea’s own Jacqui Collins is organising a writers’ retreat at Le Page Homestead at Hawkstowe Park, South Morang. It’s from 9am-4pm this Saturday. Cost: $10.

■ 9404 8852

Timor conference

Hume and Moreland councils have been partners in community projects in Timor-Leste. Later this month, the councils will take part in Working Together for Timor-Leste: The Next 10 Years, a conference and expo organised by the Victorian Local Governance Association, Victoria University, Oxfam Australia, Australian Volunteers International and the Australia Timor-Leste Friendship Network. Timor-Leste Minister of State and Council of Ministers president Agio Pereira will give the keynote address. The conference is at Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre in Preston on July 25 and 26.

www.timorlesteconference2014.com.au

Learning time

Homestead Community and Learning Centre is offering a range of educational, leisure, arts and cultural programs as part of its term three program. Take a language or computer course or join music and craft groups. The centre is at 30 Wiltshire Drive, Roxburgh Park.

■ 9205 2760

Business basics

Marketing strategist Franziska Iseli-Hall will show how to make your business more attractive to your customers at Hume council’s next Women In Front networking lunch. The lunch is at Meadowbank Receptions, 1 Eldon Street, Campbellfield, from midday on August 1. Cost: $60.

■ 9205 2200 or www.womeninfront.eventbrite.com.au