a community guide to brunswick.
Brunswick has a great sense of community which can be seen in it’s diverse range of community groups. For a single suburb Brunswick has a large amount of community groups. There are a lot of religious centres that from most a range of groups stem from. The Arts has a large following in Brunswick therefore there are many drama, music and art practice groups that meet regularly throughout Brunswick. Brunswick also has many community groups that focus on helping those less fortunate. Brunswick has a lot of migrants and asylum seekers living in the community creating even more groups to meet the needs of the various cultures. I did not find many sporting clubs run separately from schools. brunswick is also host to a large number of senior social groups. I also found Brunswick to be a politically active suburb, there were many groups that had formed in response to people wanting to have their say on local, national & worldwide issues. In brunswick there are many opportunities for locals to be active in their community. There are plenty of chances to volunteer in a broad range of areas. The huge number of community groups established in brunswick shows the importance Brunswick places on community.
As a research method community groups were divided into 7 different colour coded categories as shown below.
MAP [group locations]
Crisis Care
Sydney rd. brunswick Organsied by the Brunswick Uniting Church the crisis Care program provides food to member of the local community in times of need. You can be involved either cooking a meal for someone or through helping distribute the meals to people in need. For more information contact Ray Gormann on 9387 0870.
Student Houses Program
blyth st & rupert st. brunswick Operating at brunswick Uniting Church since 1998 the house is designed for full-time tertiary students moving away form home to study. Residents meet for meal & sharing times fortnightly on a Wednesday. To be involved you must be a student who has moved away form home needing accommodation. Application forms can be obtained by contacting Caroline & Chris Lees on 9386 2425.
The Olive Pips
sydney rd. brunswick This playgroup consists of parents with small children (baby to early kinder age) and they met fortnightly on Fridays at 10.30am in the Coffee house. Open to all parents and children who call Brunswick or the surrounding areas home. For more information contact Anita Brown Major on 9387 1360.
Y.U.C.Y.
sydney rd. brunswick YUCY stands for youth of the uniting church. This group for students in years 7-9 meets fortnightly on Fridays 7.30pm - 9.30pm at the Brunswick Uniting Church hall. A wide range of activities are organised including games, trivia nights and socialising. Fore more information contact Amanda Lees on 9380 9543.
Scrabble Club
sydney rd. brunswick You can play the famous word game Scrabble at Moreland Library. It’s free & all levels are welcome. You can come every week or just drop in. Fawkner Library meets every Monday at 1.30pm & Glenroy Library meet every Tuesday at 2pm. For more information contact Moreland city Council at info@moreland.vic.gov.au.
West Brunswick Amateur Football Club west brunswick
West Brunswick is an Australian Rules football club that has been a member of the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) since 1959. Regular Season Training is every Tuesday and Thursday night at McAlister Oval from 6pm. Any changes will be notfied to the players as they occur.For more information contact Laine Stewart club President at LStewart@houghton.com.au or on 0422 595 526.
Walking Group
sydney rd. brunswick Weekly community walking group. Meet outside moreland City council library on Sydney road Brunswick Wednesday at 11am to join in. Free and all are welcome. For more information email info@ harveyrec.com or call 9782 2222.
Yoga Group
214 sydney rd. brunswick Free Introductory Yoga classes at the yoga course held at Brunswick Uniting Church Hall Tuesdays 6.45pm - 8pm. $13 a class. Open to beginners and more experienced practitioners. Contact Jenny on 0400 637 373 for more information.
Tai Chi Group
214 sydney rd. brunswick Free Introductory Tai Chi classes at the Tai Chi course held at Brunswick Uniting Church Hall Thursday evenings at 6.30pm. For information on joining contact Anne on 9889 9999.
Walking & Coffee Group brunswick
On Friday mornings a group of women meet at 9.15am on the corner of Park St. and Royal Pde. For a brisk stroll around princes Park and then onto the Flour Mill (341 Sydney rd) at 10am for coffee , cake and chatting. Anyone can come and attend for either the walk, coffee or both. For more information contact Joan Gilchrist on 9375 7816.
Dance World Studios
Mechanics Institute
Dance World Studios, established in 1987, is a government accredited performing arts school offering both full-time and part-time courses to students of all ages and abilities. We offer casual classes and part-time programs which incorporates a range of classes and performing arts disciplines including dance, vocals and drama for students of all levels, aged from 3 years old to adults as part of our ongoing education program. Casual classes are on offer in the South Melbourne & Brunswick campuses. For more information contact the studio on 9696 294, email info@danceworldstudios.com, or visit their website http://www.danceworldstudios. com/
This delightful venue in the heart of Brunswick is suitable for theatre, music concerts some dance performance and other community events. The performance space features sound and lighting equipment, retractable tiered seating for a maximum of 100 people, floor seating, five collapsible flexi-stage units and production and booking facilities. He Mechanics Institute is on the corner of Glenlyon and Sydney roads, Brunswick. It’s diagonally opposite Brunswick Town Hall. For information on using this facility email mipac@vicnet. net.au or contact Pam Krzywinski on 9388 1460
brunswick east
Brunswick Women’s Choir brunswick
brunswick women’s choir meet on Monday nights 7.30pm - 10pm weekly to sing songs under direction. The groups sings songs form a wide range of cultures and languages. Anyone can apply and no audition is necessary however a waiting list is in operating. Membership begins at $68 per term. To apply contact Ms Chelsea Hardy on 0404 347 346 and for more information go to http://www.brunswickwomesnchoir.org.au.
Irene Community Arts
brunswick
Moreland Theatre Company brunswick
Moreland Theatre Company is situated in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne. As well as producing well known works, Moreland Theatre Company is committed to developing and presenting the ideas and potential of all those interested in theatre. Every year they produce a season of new works, which supports new and unknown writers, directors, actors and creative crew. They also support school curricula by producing performances of plays that students around Melbourne are studying. Moreland Theatre Company strives to support arts practitioners needs and their audiences who are seen as an integral part of the theatre company.Further information about the Moreland Theatre Company can be obtained by calling our Public Officer Glenys Lewis on 9386-0048 or by emailing President Steve Gagen on plays@ moreland.org.au.
5 pitt st. brunswick
Irene Community Arts Warehouse is a community run non-profit organistaion to promote local talent in a green and sustainable spirit. Our warehouse space can be used at budget cost and we cater for various genres of artistry, studio spaces, large halls, recording and rehearsal facilities, spaces for circus training, dark rooms, communal workshops and much more. The warehouse can be contacted on 9387 9699 or drop in for yourself at Pitt St. Brunswick.
Italian Drama Company 1 tripovich st. brunswick
Classical and contemporary Italian theatre, often utilizing subtitles for the participation of a wider multicultural audience. You must be of Italian heritage to apply. For more information contact Nella Padula on (03) 9381 4188.
Brunswick Book Club
Chook Group
The local book club meet at the Brunswick Library on the last Wednesday of each month at 7.45 pm. Places are limited so contact the library to find out if there are places available. For more information phone 9389 8600 or email brunswicklibrary@ moreland.vic.gov.au.
The Brunswick Community chook group comprises a group of local people who tend a flock of free range chooks in a permaculture environment. The group is made up of people keen to find a more sustainable way of living in the urban realm. Members meet together on the first Sunday of each month and undertake essential tasks. You must become a member to be involved there is a waiting list but to show your interest call 9387 2609.
233 sydney rd. brunswick
Maribyrong Orchid Society 5 ELISIE mews, brunswick east
Maribyrong Orchid Society is a community gardening group organised by Bob Hanton. For more information phone 9380 4117 or email kiwihanton@ aol.com
Bicycle Recycle Shed ceres, east brunswick
BrunsBUG stands for the Brunswick Bicycle Users group, who built and maintain the bicycle recycle workshop at CERES. The Bike Shed is a space where anyone can repair/build/service bicycles. You must be a member to have unlimited access to tools and advice. Membership costs $0 per annum. The Bicycle Recycle Shed’s opening hours are Fridays and Saturdays 11am-5pmand Sundays 12pm - 4pm. Donations of bicycles and cycling gear is welcomed during opening hours. For more information contact CERES on 9387 2609 (9am - 4.30pm) or go to: www.thebikeshed.org.au
Community Gardens CERes, east brunswick
Located at Ceres there are about 50 community garden plots at CERES which are rented out yearly to those with limited household space for growing. The only rule being the no pesticides allowed. The community garden has regular working bees and social bbq’s. There are no current spaces available. For more information or to put your name on the waiting list please email membership convener: scottpj@roads.vic.gov.au
ceres, east brunswick
Moreland LETS
ceres, east brunswick Moreland LETS is a local, non-profit community exchange system which operates with minima need for money. It recognises that the real wealth of a community lies in the goods, services & skills of its people To be involved you must become a member at $15 per annum. New members can start trading immediately. You use units called BACS to exchange services and favour or items such as craft work, secondhand goods, fresh produce. The LETS operates each Friday between 11am - 2pm and 12noon - 2pm on the third Friday of every month. For more information contact Moreland LETS on 9388 1999 or email mreland_lets@ yahoo.com.au
Baking Group
ceres, east brunswick The Baking Groups meets the first Saturday of every month. Participants bring food 7 drink to share and anything you want baked in the Ceres Community oven. If you are cooking meat in the oven it must not be killed in abattoir fashion. Home made produce is greatly encouraged as is bringing musical instruments to play whilst the food bakes. For further enquiries call Panyota Miller on 9489 6839 or Lou Elliot on 0405 658 730.
Melbourne Science Fiction Club
Old Pioneers and Trugo Club
The Melbourne Science Fiction Club exists to promote and appreciate science fiction books, films and other media through analysis and discussion. The club has a library of fan owned collections of science fiction material with more than 5000 books. Members may borrow as many books and magazines as they wish. Memberships are $30 single per annum and $40 per family. Applicants must fill out an application form and approval by committee is necessary. The group meets regularly on Fridays between 8pm - 11pm. For more information contact the club treasure on 0412 469 018 or email at melb_sf_club@optusnet.com.au
The Old Pioneers and Trugo Club exists to assist elderly citizens by providing entertainment and activities for senior citizens in the form of bingo, trugo, cards etc: To be eligible one must be over 50 the cost being $7. The group meets at the temple park senior citizens centre Mondays - Thursdays between 10am and 4pm. There is no waiting list one simply just has to attend when they can. The club can be contacted in 9380 4366.
74 melville rd. brunswick
Probus Club of Brunswick gray st. brunswick
The Club which is apt of a multi national organistaion offers retired and semi-retired men and women companionship and outings in a friendly and relaxed manner. The group meets 9.30am -12pm every 2nd Wednesday of the month and goes on social outings every 4th Wednesday of the month. There is a $24 per annum membership fee and a $10 enrolment fee. The minimum member age is 50. For more information contact Eric Gowers on 9384 6717 or email Irving Stephens on irvings@melbpc.org.au
Brunswick Community History group sydney rd. brunswick
The Brunswick Community History Group was created more than 20 years ago when a group of history enthusiast met at Mechanics Institute. The rest is history. The group takes an interest in preserving Brunswick history publishing books, pamphlets recording stories and its residents and the built environment, It is a community comprising people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Everyone is welcome. The group meets monthly on the first Saturday of the month at 1.30pm at the Mayors room , first floor, former brunswick council chambers, corner of Sydney and glenlyon roads.
24 gray st. brunswick
Feminist education Association
580 sydney rd. brunswick The venue on Sydney Rd. is home to regular campaign meetings, political talks, skills development sessions and study groups. It features a well stocked book shop with contemporary and classic feminist and Marxist theory as well as writings by working class people of color, women, gays and lesbians. The centre welcomes visitors every Tuesday and Saturday, and at other times by appointment.
the Grove Wholistic Centre for spirituality
263 nicholson st. east brunswick The Grove Wholistic Centre for Spirituality is a gathering place for women seeking to explore the inner wealth of their personal stories and find deeper connections to what they hold sacred. There are many groups that run through the centre including Centering Our Energy/Drumming and Chanting, Dream Group & Portrait Writing. For a full program visit the website at www.thegrovecentreforspirituality.com. For further information contact the centre on info@thegrovecentreforspirituality.com.
DonBusco Youth Hostel 715 Sydney rd. brunswick
The Hostel provides full supported student accommodation. The Youth Centre offers a wide variety of sporting, social and recreational programs for young people, mainly from the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne,mostly free of charge. On average approximately 1200 young people attend the spacious and well-equipped Youth Centre each week. The activities and programs include teenage recreational programs at weekends, after school, and during school holidays. For more information call the youth Hostel on 9386 7563.
Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre 212 Sydney rd. brunswick
The welcome centre provides a safe and welcoming space for asylum seekers, helps raise awareness of their needs in the local community and advocates on their behalf. The Centre offers support and services relating to all aspects of their situation and provides opportunities to engage in social and recreation al activities in the community. The centres resources are for asylum seekers only particularly those ineligible for government funding. For assistance or to volunteer contact Ms Ann Freely on 9388 2459 or email the enter at aswc1@ uniting.com.au.
Australian Greek Welfare Society 7 union st. brunswick
The welfare service exists to provides services to the Australian greek community. These including counselling, literacy and English classes, greek planned activity groups, free legal and referral services, child care, support programs, rehabilitation programs and much more. Office hours are Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. Costs only associated to planned activities and respite services. To be eligible you must be of a greek backgrounds and there is a waiting list for some service. Fore more information visit the webste http;//www.agws.com. au or call the centre on 9388 9998.
Brunswick Neighbourhood House brunswick
The 2 properties are located at 43A DeCarle St. brunswick & 18 Garden ST. Brunswick. Brunswick Neighbourhood house is a place where people come together to meet other people, gain skills, knowledge & support. It is open to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Volunteers are needed to help tun the house and are always welcomed. Both houses are contactable via phone on 9386 9614 and 9387 9901. check out the website at www. bnhc.vic.edu.au
Brunswick Community Resource Centre 1 ridley st. brunswick
brunswick community resource centre is a local voluntary run organisation for the community of Brunswick. On Site are a public library completely volunteer run with only a small joining fee attached, youth activities, computer training courses and the brunswick playgroup. For more information on getting involved contact Rebecca Parker Thursdays or Fridays on 97261452 or visit the website http:// brunswick.wa/mysoutwest.com.au
Arabic Lebanese Welfare
Level 1 233 Sydney Rd. brunswick The Australian Lebanese Welfare is a non-religious, non-political Arabic welfare organisation committed to providing support services to newly arrived and the more established Arabic speaking communities and to empower them to participate fully and equally in the wider community.ALW provides settlement services, counselling, advocacy, support groups and is also involved in community education. Support groups are available for young mothers, women from the Chaldean/Assyrian community and parental support programs. All workers at ALW speak Arabic. All services are free. Fore more information contact Contact: Amal El-Khoury, Senior Social Worker on 9380 9536 or E-mail: alwinc@bigpond.net.au
Brunswick RAID
Moreland Peace Group
Brunswick Road also known as Brunswick residents Against Inappropriate Development is a group made up of local residents who are against inappropriate development and gentrification in the Brunswick area. The group meets irregularly depending on need. The groups resident can be contact on (03) 9380 2578 for more information.
A group of locals who meet second Thursday of the month at Sahara Cafe connected through their opposition to war. The group thinks/discusses the issues of peace at a global and local scale with projects catering for both ends of the spectrum. For more information contact convenor MS Judy McVey on 0418 347 374 or jmcvey@optusnet. com.au
112 lygon st. brunswick east
Friends of Merri Creek Inc.
brunswick town hall, brunswick The Friends of Merri creek is a voluntary community group which aims to preserve and restore the Merri Creek, its environment and tributaries. Members are involved in meetings, planting and hands on activities, litter clean up, walks & tours, water monitoring, campaigning, future developments and education. Anyone can attend the activities but only members may attend the monthly meetings. Membership fees start at $10 per annum . Anyone can apply to become a member. For more information contact Mr Ray Radford on 0422 989 166 or email merricreek@bigpond.com. More information can be accessed via the met at http:// home.vicnet.net.au/~formc
Moreland ANTar Group 600 sydney rd. brunswick
Antar stands for ‘Australians for Native title and reconciliation.’ Antar is made up of a local residents who are committed to the rights and perspective of indigenous peoples to determine their own future with the support of the Australian peoples. Voluntary work is available and meetings are held 8pm at Cafe ingo first Thursdays of the month. For information regarding membership email morelandantar@yahoo.com.au. more information can be sourced at http://www.antar.org.au
627 sydney rd. brunswick
Focus on Brunswick brunswick
Focus on Brunswick (linked to the focus on Fawkner group) is a community network of people who live and/or work in brunswick the group meets to; share information on local activities, act on common interest and concerns, give input to local projects, help organise events and festivals. The group works with other community groups, the local council and governments to make Fawkner a better place. Membership is open to all people who live and /or work in Brunswick regions. People of all ages, interests and backgrounds are welcome. Meetings are scheduled as needed and membership is free. For more information go to the moreland city council web page http://www.moreland. vic.gov.au/community-services/community-development-programs.