As we immerse ourselves in Christmas and end-of-year celebrations, Snippets includes a handy reminder about a power saving bonus; details about local Christmas festivities; callouts for excursion recommendations, a volunteer economist, participants for a sleep treatment survey and mobile phone recycling to help to save gorillas; plus, a diary note for the 2026 Australia Day Concert.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Top up your pocket
The budget always takes a hit this time of year, but you may be eligible for a top up if you are a concession card holder. The $100 Power Saving Bonus is a one-off payment designed to help eligible households. To apply, visit the Victorian Energy Compare website compare.energy.vic.gov.au or apply over the phone on 1800 000 832 or in-person through a participating Neighbourhood House.
Festive season fun
Whitehorse Council has a packed calendar of fun and affordable events for all ages this festive season. The Round has live performances for the whole family, and you can celebrate Carols at the Whitehorse Civic Centre, a FREE event full of holiday magic. Explore the festive windows in Blackburn Station and Mont Albert Village or visit Schwerkolt Cottage and Museum Complex to wander the parklands and discover the historic cottage. Find out more at whitehorse.vic.gov.au/festive-season or call Council on
9262 6333.
In search of excursion gems
U3A Network Victoria is putting together a database of places to go in Victoria for Victorian U3As and is calling on members for recommendations. If you have tried and tested a great attraction or experience that you think others would enjoy for a potential excursion, share your information at Find anExcursion Form – U3A Network Victoria database of excursions – Fill in form
Volunteer economist needed
If you have a background in economics and have had experience working with firms such as KPMG or PricewaterhouseCoopers (or similar), U3A Network Victoria could use your help. They are seeking a volunteer to assist with articulating the economic and social value that U3As contribute across the state which will be part of the organisation’s new strategic communications plan. If you are interested and would like more details, contact U3A Network Victoria President Anne Grigg by email or phone 0408 638 151.
Sleep treatment research
Researchers from Monash University are currently recruiting adults aged 50+ to participate in an online survey which looks at attitudes towards sleep treatments, as well as opinions towards a new sleep treatment involving acoustic stimulation. The survey also covers people’s sleep and lifestyle habits and their mood and medical diagnoses, to see if there are any patterns of sleep treatment use among certain groups of people. Participants who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win one of eight $100 gift vouchers. For more details go to: Monash sleep treatment survey
Recycle your old mobile and help save gorillas
U3A Victoria is promoting Zoos Victoria’s electronic device recycling initiative to raise funds for the Gorilla Doctors, an incredible team providing life-saving medical care to wild gorilla populations which are critically endangered. They will accept mobile phones (any condition), tablets, smartwatches and accessories like chargers and headphones. If possible, unlock and reset phones to factory settings before donating.
Drop your devices into the “They’re Calling On You” collection bins at:
- Melbourne Zoo – Inside the Main Entrance, next to the Information Booth
- Werribee Open Range Zoo – At the entrance, near the retail shop
- Healesville Sanctuary – Outside the retail shop
- Kyabram Fauna Park – At the café and retail shop entrance
For more information go to: zoo.org.au/phone
Diary note – Australia Day Concert
Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy a summer evening filled with live music, family-friendly entertainment and great performances at the annual Australia Day concert on Monday 26 January 2026. Food and rides will be available from 6 pm; the concert is from 7 pm – 9:50 pm and the fireworks are from 9:50 pm – 10 pm. For more details go to: Australia Day Concert | Creative Whitehorse