Australia celebrates
Whittlesea Australia Day awards to be bestowed on January 26 will recognise the achievements of local residents across diverse fields. The presentations will be part of the national day to be commemorated at 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, from 6-9.30pm. The celebrations will end with a fireworks display on the terrace lawns outside council offices. MC for the day will be Australia Day ambassador and TV news presenter George Donikian. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
■ 9217 2174
Free business advice
Whittlesea’s small business owners will be able to receive free one-on-one advice from an experienced, professional business mentor by booking one of six one-hour sessions to be held on February 2. There’ll be confidential advice on a range of business matters, including marketing, finance, identifying goals, and starting and growing your business.
■9217 2278
Be an environment champ
Find out about Hume’s free sustainability leadership program on February 11, 7-8.30pm. The program, aimed at creating a more sustainable city, will start on February 25 and cover project management, communication and advocacy skills, and action planning. At Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows.
■ 9205 2310
LEAP day trip to Geelong
Whittlesea LEAP members can enjoy a day trip to Geelong waterfront on January 27, including a one-hour cruise around Corio Bay with a commentary on the city’s history, 8.30am-5pm. LEAP stands for ‘Let Everyone Actively Participate’ and is for people 55 and older.
■ 9407 5913
Cool in summer
A workshop on low-cost ways to keep homes cooler though summer, with temporary options that work for renters, will be held in Hume on February 17. Learn how to keep heat out and stay cool without airconditioners. At The Age Library, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows.
■ 9205 2473
Keeping backyard chickens
Chooks make fabulous pets, eat your scraps and provide delicious eggs! Passionate young chook farmer Josh, from Josh’s Rainbow Eggs, will show you how to keep chickens, including feeding, housing, choosing breeds and avoiding pests. February 11, 4-5.30pm at The Age Library and February 24, 6.30-8pm at Craigieburn library.
■ 9205 2473
