Community News

Members of U3A Banyule may be interested in the following events and activities that are conducted in the City of Banyule. Invitations to participate in research and other projects are also listed here from time to time.

Volunteering opportunity - Banksia Palliative Care Service

Clinical Trial - Combination flu/covid vaccine- participants required

STAY AHEAD OF COVID AND THE FLU! The Vaccine Research Group at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity are excited to let you know of an upcoming clinical trial that is launching over the coming weeks. This trial is sponsored by Novavax and is examining a combination Covid and Influenza vaccine and evaluating how well it works compared to separate vaccines. We are recruiting participants aged 65 years and older, and in good overall health. If you are interested in further information, please contact  virgo-studies@unimelb.edu.au or 8344 9325 or 0418 322 346.

Banyule Council also offers . . .

♦  Banyule Older Adults Community Connection Program

Banyule City Council is now providing a wider range of social support activities for older adults, under a new program, the Banyule Older Adults Community Connection Program. The Program supports eligible older adults to access their local community, build and strengthen connections and participate in community life

This program offers:

• one on one support.
• support with shopping, errands and social outings e.g. visiting a café, park, library, nursery, event or exhibition.
• home-based support for activities such as doing a puzzle/crossword, preparing a light meal, a short walk, listening to music, art/craft or just having a chat over a cuppa.
• support to safely access medical and allied health appointments (this is restricted to those who cannot independently catch a taxi or public transport, need escorting into the premises and have no-one else who can provide this support (some exceptions apply).
• support is offered within 5km of your home and within Banyule (some exceptions apply).

The program is available for people assessed as eligible for ‘social support-individual’ under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. See the flyer for more details, and phone My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to arrange an assessment.  For further enquiries, phone Banyule City Council on  9457 9868.  

♦  Household Energy Efficiency and Affordability 

The  Household Energy Efficiency and Affordability page on Banyule Council’s website is designed to be a practical information platform to assist residents with useful and up to date market information on household energy affordability and energy efficiency.  Some topics covered:

• Navigating your billing system (identify charges, discount and payment options, and relevant government regulations).
• Exploring available government energy concessions and grants.
• Compare energy offers (use the Victorian Government Energy Compare website).
• Saving energy at home (appliance usage tips, solar system information etc).

Get the latest news from Banyule Council

Whether you are interested in Events and News, Seniors, Arts and Culture, Shaping Banyule and much more,  you can sign up for tailored email updates from Banyule City Council at https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Contact-us/Newsletter-subscription-form.

To see what  Arts and Culture events are happening in Banyule, follow Arts and Culture in Banyule on Facebook or see the City of Banyule Arts-and-Culture webpage to keep up to date.

Banyule Council - Draft Older Adults Framework 2030

The Older Adults Framework 2030 [.pdf file] outlines Council’s vision to build on our Age-Friendly City for older adults to work, live, play and be valued. It includes commitments and goals for ensuring that Council continues to take meaningful steps to improve the liveability of Banyule for older people. It is underpinned by the eight World Health Organisation (WHO) Age-Friendly City domains and has been guided by the voices of older adults in our community. 

Read more here - https://shaping.banyule.vic.gov.au/OlderAdults

Banyule Community Bus Service

Banyule Council has introduced  a FREE Community Bus Service. The service operates two loops that follow fixed routes with stops across Heidelberg West, Heidelberg Heights, Macleod, Rosanna, Heidelberg, Eaglemont, Ivanhoe East, Ivanhoe and Bellfield. 

The North Loop runs on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9.00am -3.30pm
The South Loop runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.00am -3.30pm

View the route maps and download the NEW route and timetable information at https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Community-services/Free-community-bus

While the service is FREE for all Banyule residents, it is particularly targeted for older adults, people with a disability, people with limited access to transport, and people experiencing financial hardship. This bus is wheelchair accessible with a hoist at the rear of the bus.

For questions about the bus route and service, call Banyule City Council on 9490 4222.

Victorian Government $250 Power Saving Bonus, need help? 

BANSIC is a member of Community Information and Support Victoria (CISVic), a network of agencies dedicated to supporting the local community through the provision of services that meet the short-term needs of people, producing long-term results. Contact them: 9459 5959 or https://bansic.org.au/about-us/ They are at Shop 48, The Harmony Centre, The Mall, Heidelberg West 3081.

High on Tea @ East Ivanhoe Bowling Club

East Ivanhoe Bowling Club invites you to Devonshire Tea and High Tea every Sunday from 10am to 3pm in the Ivy tearoom, 153 The Boulevard, East Ivanhoe.

Enjoy High Tea ($65 per person, bookings are essential), which  includes a glass of sparkling wine and bottomless tea.  Or you can reserve a table for Devonshire Tea ($25 per person) walk-ins are also welcome.  Become a member of the Club and receive your first Devonshire Tea free.

East Ivanhoe Bowling Club is available for private events.  For all bookings and enquiries, contact Elizabeth 0540 188 208 or liz@highontea.net

See what’s happening at Yarra Plenty Regional Library

Banyule libraries include Diamond Valley (Greensborough), Rosanna, Watsonia and Ivanhoe.  The Mobile library also services parts of City of Banyule. You can subscribe to newsletters from YPRL and see what services are still available during the current restrictions: https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/

La Trobe University Public Lectures

Discover La Trobe University's Public Lecture series, which cover a wide range of topics.

https://www.latrobe.edu.au/events/public-lectures

Office of the Public Advocate - Volunteers Needed

Do you want to make a difference to the lives of people in your community and also hold a prominent volunteer role? The Office of the Public Advocate is looking for people to volunteer as Community Visitors or Independent Third Persons:-

Community Visitors safeguard the human rights of vulnerable people by visiting accommodation facilities and monitoring and reporting on the services provided.

Independent Third Persons attend police interviews for people with disability to ensure that they are not disadvantaged during the interview process.

Training and reimbursement of expenses is provided. See https://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/opa-volunteers for more information on these important roles or contact the OPA Volunteer Coordinator on 1300 309 337 or at opavolunteers@justice.vic.gov.au