Celebrate the launch of the “Outside Gallery” at Galada Community Centre in Epping with a vibrant evening of creativity and connection in the evening of Friday, 3 July from 5pm – 8.30pm.
This special winter night out brings together art, music, food and late-night shopping – all in the heart of Aurora Village.
What’s happening:
• Opening Exhibition – Outside Gallery@Galada
• Interactive Neon Artworks – snap a selfie and light up your night
• Hands-on Art Activities for kids and families
• Late-night Shopping – Explore local retailers
• Great Local Eats – Dine at cafés and restaurants
Rug up, come along, bring the family, and enjoy a bright winter night out.
Support your local community centre and shopping village and discover Aurora after dark.
Looking for a unique family outing these school holidays? The Inter Light Spectacular 2026 returns to Diamond Valley Railway on this Sunday, 5 July, transforming Eltham Lower Park into a magical winter wonderland.
You’ll journey through the bushland of Eltham Lower Park, lit by the light shows, passing signals and locomotive headlights. Our steam engines’ steam will hang majestically in the winter air and cling to the roofs of the tunnels, a unique and spectacular sight which only occurs in winter.
Date: This SUNDAY, 5 July 2026
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Location: Diamond Valley Railway, Eltham Lower Park
Tickets: $5.00 per person, children under two free. Available at the railway only.
Please note:
- Parking is limited on site. Parking in nearby side streets or at Eltham Station, then catching the 902 Chelsea bus to the railway, is recommended.
- Wait times of over one hour are expected, with queues potentially reaching two hours.
- To reduce waiting time, one person can queue for tickets while another joins the ride queue.
- Tickets are available from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm during normal daytime operations, as well as in the evening.
- Families with young children may wish to have one adult supervise children at the playground after purchasing tickets while another adult remains in the ride queue.
Wrap up warm and come along to enjoy one of winter’s most magical community events!
We are pleased to share that Term 3 enrolments are open at the Al Siraat Community Languages School for their Saturday Urdu classes, held at Al Siraat College
These classes are open to students of all ages and levels, providing a wonderful opportunity to explore the richness of the Urdu language and culture.
- Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturdays (during school term)
- Location: Art Room, Building A, Al Siraat College
- Fees: $50 per term
Whether your child is a beginner or wants to strengthen their skills, our engaging and interactive lessons are designed to make learning fun and meaningful.
One of the most anticipated attractions of the annual Hurstbridge Wattle Festival is back, with steam train tickets now on sale for this year’s festival on Sunday, 30 August 2026.
Festival visitors can choose from scenic return shuttle trips between Hurstbridge and Eltham, or travel to and from the festival on special heritage train services from Flinders Street or Newport. With limited seats available each year, early booking is strongly recommended.
The Hurstbridge Wattle Festival celebrates the arrival of spring and showcases everything that makes this vibrant community so special. Visitors can enjoy more than 100 market stalls, live music, children’s activities, community displays, classic vehicles, delicious food, environmental exhibits, and much more throughout the township.
Festival Details
- Date: Sunday, 30 August 2026
- Time: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
- Location: Hurstbridge Township
Steam train tickets are available here now and are expected to sell quickly, so secure your seats today and make this year’s Wattle Festival a journey to remember.
Get involved in one of the most exciting environmental restoration projects in our region this winter!
Council’s National Tree Day planting events in Wollert on 11 and 26 July are part of an incredible large-scale initiative that will see 50,000 native plants established over two years, with this year marking the second stage of the project.
The transformation of the site is already well underway, and the scale of the revegetation effort is something truly special. These planting days offer the community a chance to get hands-on in restoring local habitat, improving biodiversity, and creating a greener future for generations to come.
As a beautiful reminder of the enduring impact of planting and caring for the earth, it is said:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) reminded us that even the smallest act of planting can become an endless charity. Every person or animal that benefits from your tree becomes a source of reward for you.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 78, Hadith 43)
Everyone is welcome! Whether you can plant a few trees or stay for the whole session, your contribution will help shape a thriving natural environment in Wollert.
A women’s only boxing program will be running in Term 3 on Wednesdays from 1pm – 2pm in Epping, delivered by Reclink Australia.
The program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for women of all fitness levels to improve their health, build confidence, and engage in a fun, structured physical activity.
- Women’s only sessions
- Starting Wednesday, 15 July 2026
- Location: Epping Community Centre, 378 Findon Rd, Epping
- Cost: Free
Do you have broken items lying around at home? Don’t toss them – bring them along to the Mernda Repair Café and give them a second life!
This is a FREE community service, helping reduce waste and bring neighbours together through skill-sharing and sustainable practices. Come along, learn a new skill, and help create a more sustainable Mernda. Everyone is welcome!
- When: Saturday, 18 July 2026
- Where: 2 Heals Road, Mernda
- Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Our skilled volunteers, aka the Repair Doctors, will be on hand to help with:
- shoe repairs
- bike and scooter tune-ups
- small electrical fixes
- clothing mending and darning
- fashion jewellery repairs
- power tool fixes
For more info, visit: www.merndanh.org.au/repair-cafe
As we prepare for an exciting Term 3, families are encouraged to book their child’s sessions with Extend, our external After School Care provider early to secure their preferred days and take advantage of Extend’s Early Bird Rate.
Extend provides a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where students can learn, play, create, and connect with friends before and after school. From arts and crafts and creative projects to games, outdoor activities, and hands-on learning experiences, there is something for every child to enjoy.
With experienced educators and a focus on children’s wellbeing, Extend offers families peace of mind, knowing their children are cared for in a nurturing and enriching setting.
Early Bird Savings
Book your sessions at least 14 days in advance to receive the best available rate.
We encourage families who require care in Term 3 to plan ahead and make their bookings early.
For enrolments and bookings, please scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the Extend website for more information.
Our Mission
As an Australian school in the Islamic tradition, our mission is to develop enlightened individuals of learning and character.