There is plenty to see and do locally and some great initiatives to consider in this month’s Snippets including an immersion in local art and history; applying for the power saving bonus; enjoying the school holiday program; entering the Upcycle art competition; taking up the opportunity to recycle; and signing up for the Whitehorse Community Support Register. Plus, a happy snap of one of our own Art Appreciation Groups.
Local art and history to explore
Whitehorse has an abundance of creative and cultural events for you to experience this autumn:
- Artspace at Box Hill Town Hall is holding a breathtaking exhibition that celebrates its collection of significant artworks, in TWENTY FIVE https://www.boxhilltownhall.com.au/artspace-exhibitions
- Schwerkolt Cottage & Museum invites you to learn about its incredible history as part of the National Trust Australian Heritage Festival https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/ahf_event/the-story-of-schwerkolt-cottage/
- Strathdon House is hosting a beautifully researched historical exhibition https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/activity/elizabeth-and-mary-orchard-wives-extraordinary-women
Box Hill Community Arts Centre will be showcasing the work of its Artist in Residence at the upcoming Hero exhibition, acknowledging the Lone Pine of Gallipoli. https://www.bhcac.com.au/whats-on/exhibitions/current-exhibitions/
Apply for cash bonus
Last year’s Power Saving Bonus offer is on again. From 24 March 2023, all Victorian households will be able to apply online for a $250 payment. You’ll need a recent electricity bill to complete your application. For more details or to apply for the bonus, go to https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/
School holiday fun
The Autumn School Holiday program organised by the Whitehorse City Council has a range of fun and affordable activities including Easter egg hunts, sports, arts and crafts, music, history, and entertainment the whole family can enjoy together. For more details go to https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/school-holidays
Upcycle art competition
Box Hill Community Arts Centre and Whitehorse City Council are inviting anyone over the age of 16 who lives, studies, or works in Whitehorse to submit an upcycled work of art. There is a $5,000 prize pool to be shared. Applications are now open and will close on Tuesday 11 April.
Winners and shortlisted artworks will be exhibited at Box Hill Community Arts Centre from Friday 28 April to Thursday 11 May. There will be an opening celebration and winners announcement on Sunday 7 May from 12-2pm. Stay tuned for more information about the event. To apply visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/box-hill-community-arts-centre
Recycle opportunity in City of Whitehorse
Second-hand items in good condition are being given a new lease of life through the Whitehorse City Council’s free HomeCycle collection service. The Council has partnered with SCRgroup to deliver this convenient service, which will run weekly until the end of June 2023. There is a limit of one pick-up per household in the City of Whitehorse. For more information on what is eligible for collection and booking details go to https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/waste-environment/rubbish-recycling/reduce-reuse-recycle/reusable-items-collection
Call gives peace of mind
The Whitehorse Community Support Register is a free program run in collaboration between Victoria Police and Whitehorse Churches Care that organises accredited volunteers to make regular calls to residents to check on their welfare. If you would like to find out more about joining the Register, go to https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/living-working/health-and-wellbeing/our-mental-health-and-wellbeing/community-safety
Art Appreciation Group visits NGV
By Barbara Sommers
This is a photo of our Art Appreciation Group at the National Art Gallery of Victoria with our guide, Charles, in February. We were studying the Arts and Craft movement, and our guide was describing some of the wonderful pieces our gallery has on display. We haven’t had a guide for three years, so it was a joy to experience the knowledge a guide brings to the visit.