Maldon Toy Library Opens
Created: Sunday, 24 September 2023
On Wednesday August 2nd, Maldon Neighbourhood Centre launched the Maldon Toy Library. Local families attended the opening, with children enjoying some bubbles and trying out the toys, as parents joined up.The new toy library will be open twice a week, with families able to borrow four toys at a time for a two week period, with toys mostly catering to the 0 – 5 year old age group. Although there are toy libraries in Castlemaine and Maryborough, Toy library Coordinator, Brenda Misso, said she felt there was a need for a toy library in Maldon as some families find it tricky to get to other toy libraries due to some people not having transport and opening hours not fitting in with other commitments. Brenda said all the toys available to borrow have come entirely from community donations showing a lot of community support for the toy library.
John Bainbridge, Coordinator of the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, said the centre was happy to support the toy library. ‘There are many families with young children in the area, and the neighbourhood centre has been looking for ways to support these families, beyond our existing Occasional Childcare Service and weekly playgroup’.
The benefits of toy libraries are many including helping the environment and reducing landfill by sharing toys rather than buying them, helping families save money and space, allowing families access to a variety of toys across a range of ages, and providing an opportunity to meet other young families.
“Imagine a community collection of toys, lovingly cared for and shared among families. Toy libraries provide a range of toys for their members while reducing the number of new toys which families feel pressured to buy, therefore reducing waste and environmental impact,” says Amanda Hotchin from Toy Libraries Australia.
Maldon Toy Library membership is only $5 for a year. The toy library is open for borrowing on Monday 9am -9.30am or Wednesdays 10-11.30am.
Anyone wanting to donate toys can drop them into the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre during opening hours (9am-3.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays)
Job Opportunity at Maldon Neighbourhood Centre
Created: Friday, 21 July 2023
Occasional Child Care CoordinatorThe most amazing childcare centre in Central Victoria is seeking applications for the permanent part-time position of Childcare Coordinator to lead the operation of our Occasional Childcare service which operates one day per week.
You can view the position description here.
Further information can be obtained by contacting John at Maldon Neighbourhood Centre on 5475 2093 or email [email protected].
Applications must be received by 5pm Friday 4 August 2023.
No Lights No Lycra
Created: Sunday, 11 June 2023
Since starting in Maldon late last year, we have gotten a lot of questions about No Lights No Lycra, our monthly Friday night dance session. Here is an interview with one of our NLNL organisers, Genevieve, to answer some of your questions.Can you explain the idea behind No Lights No Lycra?
No Lights No Lycra is an international phenomenon, where you can move freely to the music - there is no light, no lycra, no teacher, no steps to learn, no technique, just free movement and self-expression. For me it is a low light space to dance with no judgement and solely for the purpose to move and dance, there is no bar or non-dancers present, but NLNL is an international phenomenon.
What can people expect when they come along?
Imagine a large cathedral type space with wooden floors, picture the lights down low and then imagine a playlist of music across many genres that plays non stop for an hour.
Is it good exercise?
Dancing is one of the best forms of exercise and is very good for your general well-being and mental health.
What should people bring along?
Bring along a bottle of water, wear comfortable clothes remembering that you will likely get quite warm and want to strip off some layers and of course wear comfortable shoes.
Is there anything else you want people to know about it?
In winter time it can be hard to get the exercise that our bodies and minds so desperately need, NLNL is so enjoyable it hardly feels like exercise, I am always surprised when the hour is up! It is a fantastic way to end the week and start the weekend.
No Lights No Lycra is on the 2nd Friday of the month, 8pm - 9pm at the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre Hall, and costs $10.
Semester 2 Program out now
Created: Sunday, 25 June 2023
The Neighbourhood & Community Semester 2 Program is out now!It includes information on courses, workshops, services, programs and activities at Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, Castlemaine Community House and the Castlemaine Permaculture Hub.
You can download the program here.
Community Lunch
Created: Saturday, 20 May 2023
Come along for a good feed and friendly chat with other locals. All ages welcome.A delicious two-course meal and friendly conversation for a $7 donation.
The meal includes a vegetarian and a meat option. Vegan and gluten free can be provided, just call us by Tuesday to let us know.
The meal is all freshly made on site, by local volunteers, from donated vegetables as well as purchases from Maldon local businesses: Maldon Butcher, Bakery and IGA.
Wednesdays 12 noon during school terms.
Maldon Community Centre, Francis St Maldon
