This month’s Snippets includes some great entertainment and special events, including U3A Nunawading’s 35th anniversary celebrations on the horizon; plus, by popular demand, an extension of Appy Hour; opportunities to meet a local council contact and volunteer to teach English; and an update on bin changes in the City of Whitehorse.
Get ready for Seniors Festival 2025
U3A Nunawading, in association with the City of Whitehorse Positive Ageing team, will open Seniors Festival in Whitehorse with a Grand Opening at the Hub. Not only are we celebrating Seniors Festival, we are also celebrating our 35th anniversary!
Many classes are already preparing their performances or exhibitions to be ready for the big day on Wednesday 1 October, 10 am to 3 pm. Mark it in your diary now and be ready to support our U3A performers and presenters. Note the date is in the term break, so it won’t affect your classes. No bookings required and it’s free!
Whitehorse Seniors Festival continues with lots of other activities during the month. Pick up a Whitehorse program booklet at Reception or download a copy
The Grand Finale on Wednesday 29 October at Box Hill Town Hall, 10 am to 12 noon will be a mass performance of You’re the Voice. Showcasing Whitehorse One Voice, enjoy local talent, a video showcase and morning tea to mark the end of Whitehorse Seniors Festival.
Elsewhere throughout Melbourne, with 200+ activities in the program, there is sure to be lots of fun and entertainment for everyone. Other festival highlights include:
- Sunday 5 October at Federation Square. Immerse yourself in the free music and entertainment to mark Victorian Seniors Festival Celebration Day.
- From 5–12 October, make the most of free public transport for Seniors Card holders across Victoria!
For more details on Victoria-wide events, go to: seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/victorian-seniors-festival
Take care in the car park
Remember, we’re not all as nimble as we used to be! Some recent close calls are a concern.
- Drivers – watch out for pedestrians, particularly when you are backing out. Take your time -it’s better to be safe, even if you are late.
- Pedestrians – pay attention in the carpark and watch out for cars, even when you are on the marked crossing.
“Appy” Hour now has more timeslots and supporters
“Appy” Hour is a free session where you can get one-on-one assistance with your technical problems. We now have more timeslots and some new volunteers to assist you. Book your half-hour session at Reception and take your ticket to remind you of the day and time of your slot. The new times are:
- Tuesday 12 – 1 pm with Helen (Apple devices, Apple Mac computers, Windows computers, [Android devices])
- Tuesday 1– 2 pm with Maggie (Windows computers, Android devices)
- Wednesday 12:30 – 1:30 pm with Elena (Windows computers, Android devices)
- Wednesday 1:30 – 2:30 pm with Helen (Apple devices, Mac computers, Windows computers)
- Friday 1:30 – 2 pm with Ben (Windows, Linux and Apple Mac computers, Android and Apple devices).
Meet Kate Beveridge – Your local Council contact
Kate Beveridge is the Community Engagement Advisor at Whitehorse City Council. She brings 25 years of experience working in local government and joined Whitehorse in October last year.
Kate loves connecting with people and learning what matters most to them. For her, coming to Whitehorse feels a bit like coming home—her school swimming carnivals were held at Aqualink Nunawading, and her dad once had an office in Box Hill.
Kate will be visiting the Nunawading Hub once a month to say hello and listen to your ideas. It’s a great chance to chat about Council projects and share your thoughts on what’s happening in the community.
She’ll be at the Hub on Tuesday 16 September from 10 am to 1 pm and is looking forward to meeting many U3A members. Your voice matters—come along and have your say!
Heritage Week
There are some great activities on offer as part of Whitehorse Heritage Week from 14 to 21 September with a range of events delving into the fascinating history of our local area which this year has a focus on fashion. You can view beautiful wedding dresses at Find the One exhibition at Whitehorse Artspace, or learn about DNA trends in family research, and enjoy a fun-filled family day out at Schwerkolt Cottage, plus much more. Download the brochure here
Whitehorse Council is moving to four bins
Whitehorse will move to a four-bin waste and recycling service by 1 July 2027, as required by the Victorian Government. The four bins are:
- Food organics and garden organics (FOGO) service (lime-green lid)
- Mixed recycling service (yellow-lid)
- Glass recycling service (purple-lid)
- Garbage service (red-lid).
Council is considering two service options with different collection frequencies for the FOGO and garbage bins. Have your say: yoursay.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/4bins
Volunteers needed for adult migrant English program
The Melbourne Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) through the Volunteer Tutor Scheme is recruiting Volunteer Tutors to support refugees and migrants practice English skills and settle into life in Australia. Volunteer tutors meet with learners at a convenient time each week for one to two hours, in the home or in a public space such as the local library.
“What stands out most in my AMEP journey is the warmth and dedication of everyone involved—passionate staff, inspiring volunteers, and motivated learners,” said VTS Tutor Justin. “It’s a truly enriching experience. If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity that makes a real difference, I can’t recommend AMEP highly enough. You’ll find that you receive just as much as you give.”
No qualifications are necessary and free training is provided. Visit the website at melbourneamep.com.au/volunteer/ to complete the application form, or phone on 9269 1514 or email