ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS, ARTICLES, GROUPS, JOBS, AND PLACES - MELBOURNE

Harvest and Swap Session
2025-02-01 12:30 - 14:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Rooftop Garden at Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, 70 Middleborough Rd, Burwood East, Melbourne, VIC, 3151, Australia
About
Come and learn how to harvest produce as well as take part in a Food Swap.
Leave with a bag of seasonal produce as well as perhaps some other lovely items from the rooftop food swap.

Harvest and Swap Session
2025-02-01 12:30 - 14:30 | Rooftop Garden at Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, 70 Middleborough Rd, Burwood East, Melbourne, VIC, 3151, Australia
About
Come and learn how to harvest produce as well as take part in a Food Swap.
Leave with a bag of seasonal produce as well as perhaps some other lovely items from the rooftop food swap.

Date
Saturday 1 February 2025 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM (UTC+11)

Location

Rooftop Garden at Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre
70 Middleborough Rd, Burwood East VIC, A, 70 Middleborough Road, Burwood East VIC 3151

Seed saving and seed growing
2025-02-01 12:30 - 15:00 | Brimbank Libraries: Sydenham Library, 1 Station Street, Taylor's Lake, VIC, 3038, Australia
Event description

In this indoor presentation, horticulturalist Kat Lavers will teach you how to save seeds and how to grow veggies and herbs from seed.
Topics covered:

Seed saving techniques for common vegetables
How to store seeds for maximum lifespan
Growing from seed without spending a cent on seed raising mix

The Brimbank Seed Library is open at Sydenham Library. Library members can take one packet of seeds per month. To help sustain the Seed Library, we encourage members to save and donate heirloom seeds back into the collection, and in return be able to borrow extra seed packets that month.
Come along to this event if you’d like to know how to save and grow from seeds!

Please feel free to bring any surplus produce, seeds, cuttings, plants, gardening magazines etc. to swap and share!
Kat Lavers is a passionate gardener and sustainable food systems advocate. With a background in permaculture design, teaching and facilitation, her work reconnects people with the land under their feet, and helps them experience the abundance of growing food as well as their role in wider ecosystems.
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Please note that this is an event for Naarm/Melbourne gardeners only. If you live outside this area, please contact your council to find out what free sustainable gardening events are available locally.
This venue is wheelchair accessible. If you have any access or support questions or requirements in order to participate fully (eg. interpreter), please let us know at least two weeks prior to the event and we will be pleased to assist you. Photos will be taken at this event, but there is an option to opt out on the day.
This My Smart Garden event is proudly presented by Brimbank City Council on the land of Wurundjeri and Boon Wurung peoples of the Kulin nation. My Smart Garden pays our respect to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledges that First Nations peoples have cared for Country sustainably for tens of thousands of years.

Brighton Communal Garden Summer Green Gatherings
2025-02-03 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-02-17 10:30 - 12:00 | Brighton Communal Garden, End of Airlie st, Brighton, VIC, 3188, Australia
About
Come and join the journey of growth, sustainability, and togetherness by being a part of a gardening community.
The team from Cultivating Community will guide this initiative, providing support and expertise to help your garden thrive. As we grow this garden together, we look forward to witnessing the growth of not just plants, but a strong and resilient community that reaps the rewards of this collaboration.
Resilient Summer Gardens
Join us for a hands-on summer series focused on creating resilient gardens that thrive in the heat! Each session will dive into essential topics such as soil health and pH testing, growing techniques for summer crops, harvesting, composting, pest and disease control, effective summer watering strategies, and general garden maintenance. Be part of the garden’s care and management as we work together to nurture a productive and
vibrant communal space.
Dates
Monday 6 January 2025 – Monday 17 February 2025 (UTC+11)
Location
Brighton Communal Garden
End of Airlie st , Brighton Vic 3188

Webinar - Cheap and easy food gardening for beginners
2025-02-04 19:00 - 20:30 | online
Event description

New to growing food at home? This webinar is for you!
Think you don’t have enough space to grow veggies? Oh yes you do! In this session local permaculture expert Scott Hitchins will share tips and tricks to get you started growing fresh, healthy, organic food. Whether you’re working with a balcony, courtyard or backyard, this session aims to empower you to get growing at home.

Why grow organic food at home?

Gardening is good for you! Getting outside is clinically proven to have a positive effect on mental and physical health.
Growing your own food benefits the environment by reducing chemical use and petrol used on food transportation.
Save money and time by harvesting at home.

About the presenter:
Scott Hitchins has been working with sustainable, food-producing gardens for most of his life. He has qualifications in biological science, permaculture design, education, and is a founding member of Werribee Park Heritage Orchard.
Hosted by Wyndham City Council Green Living team. Want to be first to know about other My Smart Garden and sustainability workshops in Wyndham? Sign up for our Green Living Newsletter.

Webinar - Seed saving
2025-02-05 18:30 - 20:00 | online
Event description

Learn to save your own seeds from common vegetables and native plants! You’ll be able to grow stronger plants, save a small fortune and over time develop varieties that are better adapted to your garden. We’ll cover all the basics of how to select, collect, process and stores seeds for best results, and troubleshoot common errors. You’ll also learn about local seed libraries where you can swap and share your surplus.

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Please note that this is an event for Naarm/Melbourne gardeners only. If you live outside this area, please contact your council to find out what free sustainable gardening events are available locally.
If you have any access or support questions or requirements in order to participate fully (eg. interpreter), please let us know at least two weeks prior to the event and we will be pleased to assist you. Photos will be taken at this event, but there is an option to opt out on the day.
This My Smart Garden event is proudly presented by Hobsons Bay City Council on the land of Bunurong people of the Kulin nation. My Smart Garden pays our respect to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledges that First Nations peoples have cared for Country sustainably for tens of thousands of years.

Webinar - Summer Gardening Skills - Hand Pollination - SGA
2025-02-05 19:00 - 20:00 | online
Pollination plays a crucial role in achieving successful summer vegetable harvests. But how well do you understand the pollination needs of your plants? Are you familiar with which plants are self-pollinating, which require cross-pollination, and which rely on wind, insects, or animals? And do you know which ones might need a little extra help, literally with your own hands?
Join Karen Sutherland for this one-hour Master Class session where she will:

Introduce you to the world of pollination, explaining the different types;
Identify which summer vegetables in your garden may benefit from hand pollination;
Teach you the biological elements to look for to recognise male and female plant parts.
Teach you the equipment and techniques for hand-pollinating different fruit bearing plants;
Explain the importance of hand pollination, not only for achieving abundant crops but also for maintaining seed integrity for future seasons.

By the end of this session, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to boost your vegetable garden’s and will be bursting to get out into the garden to help your plants along. This session is the first in a series called “Summer Gardening Skills”. Other topics include – Seed Saving and Storing and Fruit Tree Pruning. Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. You can become a Friend of SGA here. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.

What you will learn

The ins and outs of polliation and how to successfully hand pollinate fruiting plants

What you will get

Access to recording for 2 weeks

Appropriate for
Gardeners with 1-5 years experience.
Your Teacher

Karen Sutherland has been growing food since she was 8 years old and has had 40 years training and experience in horticulture, specialising in edible gardening for the last 15 years. She teaches, writes, and consults on edible gardening, with an emphasis on native Australian plants for food and health. She co-authored the award-winning book ‘Tomato, Know Sow Grow Feast’ in 2018 and regular writes for Organic Gardening Magazine and Green Magazine. She also has a regular spot of 3CR radio.

No Waste Cooking with Open Table
2025-02-08 14:30 - 16:00 | Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, 182 St Georges Road, North Fitzroy, VIC, 3068, Australia
Join Open Table in a cooking demonstration and learn how to avoid food wastage in your home as part of National Sustainable Living Festival and Yarra City Council’s My Smart Garden Program. View a live cooking demonstration, enjoy a taste test, learn how to pickle, and take home your jar of pickles and a free no waste cookbook.
This event is free but registration is essential – please use the link below to book.
This Yarra Libraries and My Smart Garden partner event is proudly presented by Yarra City Council on the land of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung of the Kulin nation. My Smart Garden pays our respect to Elders past and present and acknowledges that First Nations peoples have cared for Country sustainably for tens of thousands of years.

Collecting & Storing Seeds - Summer Gardening Skills Master Class
2025-02-10 19:00 - 20:00 | online
Join us to learn the traditional skills of collecting, cleaning, drying and storing vegetable and flower seeds from your garden. There are many benefits of saving your own seeds, including saving money, having seeds to share with others, preserving heirloom varieties and growing plants perfectly suited to your environment. Seed saving was once an essential life skill passed down through the generations, and learning how to do it may be easier than you think.
This one-hour online workshop, presented by Charlotte Harrison, will help you access this lost gardening wisdom and set you up for seed saving success. Topics covered include:

The benefits of seed saving;
Planning ahead to ensure the seeds you save will flourish when planted;
The seed saving process step-by-step: selecting parent plants, collecting, cleaning, drying and storing seeds;
5 easiest vegetable and flower seeds to save;
How to connect with other seed savers in your community through seed swaps and libraries.

This session is the first in a series called “Summer Gardening Skills”. Other topics include – Seed Saving and Storing and Fruit Tree Pruning. Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.

Webinar - Summer Pruning - Summer Gardening Skills Master Class
2025-02-18 19:00 - 20:00 | online
Do you prune your fruit trees in the summer? Summer pruning is an essential—but often overlooked—step in maintaining the health and productivity of your fruit trees. Unlike winter pruning, summer pruning helps control tree size, improve airflow, and encourage the best possible fruit production for certain types of fruits.

In this one hour Master Class taken by Scott Hitchins, we’ll walk you through which fruits benefit most from summer pruning—such as apples, pears, stone fruits, and berries—and how to approach the task at different stages of growth. You’ll learn:

When and why to prune in summer compared to winter, and how each season affects tree growth.
The specific benefits of summer pruning, including enhanced fruit size, improved sunlight exposure, and stronger disease resistance.
Pruning techniques for various fruit trees: thinning out excess growth, removing deadwood, and shaping trees to encourage optimal fruiting.
Top tips to help you get the timing just right, avoid common mistakes, and tackle challenges like overgrowth or disease prevention.
Practical advice for pruning different types of fruit trees—from apples and peaches to cherries and grapes—and when to prune based on their unique growth cycles.

Whether you’re managing a backyard orchard or caring for a few fruit trees in your garden, summer pruning can make a huge difference in the health and harvest of your trees. Join us and unlock the secret to healthier, more productive fruit trees this summer with the right pruning techniques!

This session is the first in a series called “Summer Gardening Skills”. Other topics include – Seed Saving and Storing, Hand Pollination and Understanding Shade, Sun and Heat. Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.

Grow Your Knowledge - Free Gardening Workshops
2025-02-25 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-11 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Spotswood Community House, 598 Melbourne Rd, Spotswood, VIC, 3188, Australia
About
Join Cultivating Community for a hands-on gardening journey led by our Horticulturist Specialist! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these workshops are perfect for learning new skills and connecting with your community.
25th February 1-2pm – Planting with a purpose
11th March 1-2pm – Composting Made Simple
25th March 1-2pm – Seasonal Planting

Dates
Tuesday 25 February 2025 – Tuesday 25 March 2025 (UTC+11)

Location

Spotswood Community House
598 Melbourne Rd, Spotswood Vic 3188

Webinar - Summer pruning workshop
2025-02-26 19:00 - 20:30 | online
Event description

Summer pruning helps to maintain your tree’s shape and to keep it to a reasonable size for netting and harvesting, it’s also a great time to prune stone fruit so they can heal while still in active growth and reduce the chances of disease!
Join us along with Scott Hitchins to learn the how’s and why’s of summer pruning of your stone fruit (peaches, apricots, plums etc) as well as apples, pears, quince, figs and more.
We will also touch on citrus and other fruiting trees that are pruned through the year.
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Please note that this is an event for Naarm/Melbourne gardeners only. If you live outside this area, please contact your council to find out what free sustainable gardening events are available locally.
If you have any access or support questions or requirements in order to participate fully (eg. interpreter), please let us know at least two weeks prior to the event and we will be pleased to assist you. Photos will be taken at this event, but there is an option to opt out on the day.
This My Smart Garden event is proudly presented by City of Stonnington on the land of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung of the Kulin nation. My Smart Garden pays our respect to Elders past and present and acknowledges that First Nations peoples have cared for Country sustainably for tens of thousands of years.

Waste 101: to the bin and beyond
2025-03-12 13:30 - 14:30 | Rosanna Fire Station Community House, 232 Lower Plenty Road, Rosanna, VIC, 3084, Australia
Curious about where your waste goes? Ever wondered what happens to your recycling, FOGO or rubbish once it leaves the kerb? Or do you have tricky waste questions you’ve been dying to ask?
Join us for an eye-opening, waste 101 session where our Waste Education Team will offer insider tips, bust recycling myths and show how you can make a big impacts with small changes.
Do not miss this chance to level up your waste know-how and become a true waste-warrior.
Bring your questions, no trash topic is too tricky for us!

Overview of Healthy Soil & Role of Fungi - Spotlight on Soil Master Class
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:00 | online
We often hear that healthy soil is key to a thriving garden, but how can you tell if your soil is truly up to the task? In this one-hour Master Class, David Sparks will guide you through the essential physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soil health. You’ll learn practical tests you can perform to assess the condition of your soil and discover simple, effective ways to improve it.
Healthy soil leads to a more productive garden with bigger, healthier crops, and it also benefits the local environment by supporting pollinators and biodiversity. This session will cover:

Identifying soil types and how to measure the proportions of clay, silt, and sand;
What soil types mean for gardeners and how to amend them for better growth;
Understanding soil chemistry, including pH levels and other nutrient imbalances;
An introduction to the Soil Food Web—exploring the role of microbes, fungi, and soil biodiversity;
A focus on the vital role of fungi in soil health, and why fungi should be considered alongside flora and fauna in your garden activities.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your gardening practices, this session will give you a solid foundation in soil science and practical tips for improving your garden’s health and productivity.
This session is the first in a series called “Focus on Soil”. Other topics include Soil Compaction; Soil Contamination and Safety; Microbes and Minerals – Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. You can become a Friend of SGA here. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.

Soil compaction - Problems and Solutions. Spotlight on Soil Master Class
2025-03-25 19:00 - 20:00 | online
Do you struggle with soil compaction? In cities where space is limited and gardening conditions are often less than ideal, compacted soil can become a significant barrier to growing healthy, thriving plants and to the health of our environment. Soil compaction can be a problem lurking in your garden, quietly affecting plant health, water retention, and overall health and productivity of your space and the wider environment.
In this one hour Master Class delivered by Craig Castree, we’ll explore how compacted soil disrupts plant growth, reduces root penetration, contributes to poor drainage, and poor nutrient exchange, leaving your garden struggling. We’ll also unpack the unique factors that lead to soil compaction in urban environments—from construction, heavy foot traffic, and the use of containers to the challenges of small, confined garden spaces and how has an impact on all manner of natural cycles including our weather, especially rainfall.
Don’t worry—it’s not all bad news! This session will also provide solutions. You’ll learn simple, effective techniques for reversing soil compaction in urban gardens, including how to improve aeration, boost organic matter, and create a healthier, more resilient soil ecosystem. Whether you’re a community gardener, balcony gardener, or city dweller with a small backyard, you’ll walk away with actionable tips to rejuvenate your garden soil and support better plant growth.
Join us to find out how you can turn your compacted urban soil into the perfect foundation for a flourishing garden.
This session is the first in a series called “Focus on Soil”. Other topics include Soil Overview and the role of fungi; Soil Contamination and Safety; Microbes and Minerals – Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. You can become a Friend of SGA here. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.

Soil Microbes & Minerals - Spotlight on Soil Master Class
2025-04-02 19:00 - 20:00 | online
What do microbes and minerals have in common? More than you might think! Beneath the surface of your garden lies an invisible world of tiny organisms and essential nutrients, all working together to create the perfect conditions for healthy, nutrient-packed food.
In this one hour Master Class, taken by Donna Livermore, we’ll unlock the secrets of this underground network, exploring how microbes and minerals team up to support sustainable, organic gardening. From creating your own microbial inoculants at home to harnessing the power of locally sourced minerals, we’ll show you how to boost soil health, grow stronger plants, and produce food that’s truly rich in nutrients, flavour and pest and disease resistant.
This talk will cover:

The symbiotic connection between plants and microbes, and why it’s essential for organic, sustainable food production
The key conditions that support a thriving microbial community in your gardenSimple, practical techniques for creating your own soil inoculants to boost microbial activity at home
How microbes, minerals, and organic matter work together to improve soil health and contribute to nutrient-dense food
Sustainable methods for adding minerals to your garden beds and pots using locally sourced materials
How to create a liquid mineral amendment from the weeds in your garden, turning unwanted plants into valuable resources

By the end of the session, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the connection between the microbes and minerals beneath your feet, and their impact on plant health and nutrient density, along with simple strategies for enhancing soil fertility to supporting a more resilient, productive growing system.
This session is the first in a series called “Focus on Soil”. Other topics include Overview of Soil Health and role of Fungi; Soil Compaction; Soil Contamination and Safety; – Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. You can become a Friend of SGA here. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.

Veggie growing - beyond the basics
2025-05-19 19:00 - 20:30 | online
Event description

Ok you’ve grown a few things, you’re composting, you’re doing great and ready to extend your learning! Now is the perfect time to step things up a notch.
Join us along with Maria from My Green Garden to learn some techniques beyond the basics of vegetable growing. We are going to cover soil rejuvenation, crop rotation principles, FAQ’s about specific vegies and seed sowing techniques

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Please note that this is an event for Naarm/Melbourne gardeners only. If you live outside this area, please contact your council to find out what free sustainable gardening events are available locally.
If you have any access or support questions or requirements in order to participate fully (eg. interpreter), please let us know at least two weeks prior to the event and we will be pleased to assist you. Photos will be taken at this event, but there is an option to opt out on the day.
This My Smart Garden event is proudly presented by City of Stonnington on the land of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung of the Kulin nation. My Smart Garden pays our respect to Elders past and present and acknowledges that First Nations peoples have cared for Country sustainably for tens of thousands of years.

Let's Grow Hume Workshop
2025-06-12 12:30 - 14:00 | Newbury Child & Community Centre, 440 Grand Boulevard, Craigieburn, VIC, 3064, Australia
Edible Gardening Workshop at Newbury Child & Community Centre

Winter veggie and herb gardening workshop
Join Jo Burton from Hume City Council’s Sustainability Engagement team to prepare the raised garden beds at Newbury Child & Community Centre for winter planting.
This workshop covers;

soil preparation
when, what and how to plant in Winter for edible harvest
practical information on wicking garden beds and growing in pots
feeding and mulching your garden to help it survive through cold weather and;

We will be planting;

Salad greens and lettuce
Onions/Spring onions
Parsley
Beetroot
Broccoli
Silverbeet

All you need to know to start growing fresh produce at home!
Why Attend?
We want to show you that we are listening. During a recent Food Forum, we discovered that you want more education about healthy food choices and fair access to nutritious food sources. We also know that the cost of living is putting significant strain on many across our community and through the Let’s Grow Hume project, we want to help you keep healthy food on your plate at home, despite increased costs of fresh, healthy food from the shops. Previously you’ve told us that these type of programs help you feel connected and engaged with your community, and you enjoy meeting like-minded people.
And if you aren’t quite ready to register – it gets better. By attending this workshop you can also register to go in the draw to win a ‘Ready to Grow’ kit, so that you have everything you need to continue your edible gardening journey at home. We are so excited to show you how you can grow beautiful fresh produce at home without any garden space at all.
What to bring to the workshop

Gardening gloves
Water bottle
Closed toe shoes
Hat
All conditions clothing – we will go ahead rain, hail or shine!

Guardians are encouraged to bring children, please make sure you register each individual who will be attending. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Come along for your chance to win a Ready to Grow Kit! (pictured below)
The kit includes:

Vegepod starter pack (includes raised Vegepod garden bed shown in image below, seeds, and perlite)
Pack of hand tools
Potting mix
Gardening gloves
12-month subscription to Grow it Local
Mini Greenhouse to start your seeds

Sunbury Community Garden Working Bees and Open Days
2025-06-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Highgrove Drive Sunbury, Highgrove Drive, Sunbury, Melbourne, VIC, 3429, Australia
The Sunbury Community Garden Members Working Bees will take place on the following dates, is also a great opportunity for garden tours.

Saturday, 14 June 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday, 10 August 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday, 11 October 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Mulching Days - Sunbury
2025-06-15 10:00 - 14:30 | Operations Centre – Sunbury, 17 McDougall Rd, Sunbury, VIC, Australia
What can I bring to tree mulching days?
Clean, freshly cut, tree branches will be accepted for mulching.
A maximum of four cubic metres of accepted material applies, per household, per mulching day.
You will need to bring proof of Hume residency, such as your rates notice or drivers licence, to participate in the service.
What is not accepted for mulching?
The following materials will not be accepted for mulching:

branches with fruit
dry timber
vines
grass clippings
thorny plants
roses
palm trees
yuccas
bracken
succulents

Material containing bricks, concrete, wire, plastic bags and/or pots also won’t be accepted.
Commercial quantities of material are not allowed. Up to four cubic metres (four small trailer loads) can be taken to each mulching day, per household.
What other services are available for disposing of tree branches?
You can use your waste vouchers to book a bundled branch collection and we will pick up your tree branches from your home.
You can drop off up to 4m3 of garden clippings, including tree branches up to 15cm thickness, at a Resource Recovery Centre for free on Hume Clean Days.
You can put small branches (maximum 10cm thickness) in your food and garden bin (green bin). You can also put most other garden clippings in your green bin.
You can use your waste vouchers to drop off tree branches and some other garden clippings at a Resource Recovery Centre any time.
Does Council have mulch available to residents?
Free mulch will be available if requested when you drop off your branches. You will be asked to return between 2.45pm and 3.45pm on the day to collect your mulch.

When

Sunday, 15 June 2025 | 10:00 AM – 02:30 PM
Sunday, 29 June 2025 | 10:00 AM – 02:30 PM

Show all dates
Location
Operations Centre – Sunbury, 17 McDougall Rd, Sunbury, View Map

Reduce your cost of living, sustainably!
2025-06-15 13:30 - 15:30 | Broadmeadows Library, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows, vic, 3047, Australia
Learn how to make small changes at home to help save on the rising cost of living and support a more sustainable lifestyle.

Are you struggling with the rising cost of living?
Would you like to learn how to save money by using resources more efficiently?
Do you enjoy taking action to help protect the environment for future generations?
Background
Sustainability can seem like a lot consider and can mean different things in different situations. Sustainability in simple terms means using resources in a way that ensures they are available for future generations, without harming people or the environment. It’s about finding ways to meet current needs while preserving the planet and its resources for the long term.
The United Nations holds sustainability as a key to addressing many global challenges such as, human rights, poverty, climate change, resource consumption and waste. If you would like to understand more deeply about sustainability on a global scale the United Nations website has published the Sustainable Development Goals.
What to expect
At this fun, interactive workshops you will learn simple and effective ways to reduce resource use at home and save you money at the same time. A wonderful side effect of reducing resource consumption other than saving money, is that it helps you tread a little more lightly on the planet. If you would like to calculate how many planets worth of resources you are consuming then why not try the online Ecological Footprint Calculator. During the workshop we will have the chance to compare some results, many people would be surprised at the number of planets their resource consumption requires.
Each workshop will begin with a brief introduction of what sustainability is and how it relates to our everyday lives. Then we will look at five essential areas of our lives, food, waste, energy, water and transport. By looking at these areas we will share some easy small steps to living more sustainably. If you are more advanced in your sustainable living journey, we have some tips to increase your sustainable living even further.
Organisations like Transition Australia, Sustainability Victoria and many other websites such as the Green City Times Online Magazine have great information and updates on new ideas, community connections, products and schemes to support living sustainably.
Disclaimer
By participating in this workshop, you acknowledge that you are aware of the inherent risks involved and voluntarily assume all risks of injury, damage, or loss that may occur during the workshop. You also understand that the information and materials provided by Hume City Council are for general educational purposes only and are not professional advice.
Privacy Notice
Through Eventbrite registrations, Council is collecting some personal information for administrative purposes. This information will not be disclosed to any other party except as required by law. You may access this information by contacting Council on 9205 2200. To view our privacy statement, go to Hume City Council Privacy Policy.

Sustainable Park Community Planting
2025-06-21 09:30 - 13:00 | 91 Sustainable Drive, Craigieburn, 3064, 91 Sustainable Drive, Craigieburn, VIC, 3064, Australia
Come help restore a native grassland nature conservation reserve and see a native wildlife show at Sustainable Park, Craigieburn.

You are invited to a free community planting event to help plant grasses and wildflowers into the nature conservation reserve at Sustainable Park.
Bring your family along as there is a great playground there, and WildlifeXposure will have engaging shows of native wildlife. Are you brave enough to pet or hold a snake!
This planting will create more habitat for native bees and butterflies, and help restore this small patch of rare native grassland.
What’s provided

Gloves.
Sunscreen.
All the planting tools and materials.
Drinking water.
Pizzas ordered for lunch and fruit snacks available.
Portable toilet on site (with 2 steps up into it).
Hard copies of the Birds of Hume and Fauna of Hume will be available at the event, or find digital versions at Discover Nature in Hume.

What to bring

Wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring a rain/wind-proof jacket.
Wear safe, fully-enclosed walking shoes.
Bring your own reusable drink bottle.

Contact for more information
Melissa Doherty
Urban Biodiversity Officer, Hume City Council
melissado@hume.vic.gov.au
(03) 9205 2200, 0409 702 086
Privacy Notice
Through Eventbrite registrations, Council is collecting some personal information for administrative purposes. This information will not be disclosed to any other party except as required by law. You may access this information by contacting Council on 9205 2200. To view our privacy statement, go to Hume City Council Privacy Policy.
Disclaimer
By participating in this event, you acknowledge that you are aware of the inherent risks involved and voluntarily assume all risks of injury, damage, or loss that may occur during the planting.

Hume Enviro Champions - Masterclass 4, Community Organising 101
2025-06-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Aitken Hill Community Centre, 40 Waterview Boulevard, Craigieburn, VIC, 3064, Australia
Community Organising 101 – learn how to get your community or likeminded people to support the environmental changes you would like to see.

This Masterclass session will be the forth in a series of eight. A schedule of dates and topics for the masterclass sessions can be found on the Hume City Council website.
The Enviro Champions masterclass sessions provide in-depth training in the key knowledge and skills you will need to plan and run a successful community-led project.
Anyone with a passion for the environment and sustainability can attend the masterclasses. There is no requirement to complete the introductory course before attending.
You are welcome to attend all of the masterclasses in the series, or just the ones that meet your specific skill development needs.
This masterclass will provide the opportunity to network with like-minded people and share your ideas about taking action for the environment and sustainability in Hume.
To be eligible to attend the masterclass series, you must currently live, work, study or volunteer in Hume.
What to expect
Community organising is an essential component of making significant change happen in our society. It is not just about asking enough people to turn-up at a time and place to protest for change or agaists the current situation. In simple terms, community organising is about bringing likeminded people together to present a clear and united voice for change.
Facilitated by Friends of the Earth this session will provide understanding of the what, when, why, and how of community organising. Hands on activities and real world examples will reinforce the knowledge content to provide skills that can be applied to your project or campaign ideas.
What to bring
This will be an indoor event, please bring;

Laptop or tablet (there will be power points available for charging devices)
pen and paper

Afternoon tea will be provided
Enquiries
Jo Burton – Environmental Community Development Officer
email: job@hume.vic.gov.au or mobile: 0455 091 999
Privacy Notice
Through Eventbrite registrations, Council is collecting some personal information for administrative purposes. This information will not be disclosed to any other party except as required by law. You may access this information by contacting Council on 9205 2200. To view our privacy statement, go to Hume City Council Privacy Policy.

Nuclear Free Collective monthly in-person ACTION meeting
2025-06-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Catalyst Social Centre, 146 Sydney Rd, Coburg, VIC, 3058, Australia
Join us for the Nuclear Free Collective’s monthly in-person ACTION meeting
Next all-in coworking for anti-nukes work

Sunday June 22, 9am-12pm. At the Catalyst Cafe. 146 Sydney rd, Coburg.

There’s lots of stuff happening, this is an opportunity to hear from different working groups and get involved. Announcements/updates at 10am, other time just working alongside each other. Some projects at the moment:

– anti-nuke resistance history art exhibition
– community events organising
– video editing
– creating info boards for the sculpture park at alberrie creek
– creating a zine about the mound springs
– a new lizard car
– & more!
Our future is renewable, not radioactive.

Free Op Shop Clothes
2025-06-23 13:00 - 18:00 | Catalyst Social Centre, 146 Sydney Rd, Coburg, VIC, 3058, Australia
A new free clothes op shop is opening at Catalyst. Weekly Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 1-6pm. Donations & helpers welcome during opening hours. Keen to get involved? Just come down and chat during opening hours, or follow our contact details in the link below.
A Really Really Free Market project. For more info about RRFM, check out our collective at catalystcentre.net/collectives

Online: Winter Tree Pruning
2025-06-24 18:30 - 19:30 | online
Wondering how to care for your fruit trees this winter? Join renowned Melbourne horticulturist, organic grower, and educator Craig Castree as he shares a simple, effective process to prune your trees correctly. Learn how to prune different types of fruit trees, establish young trees for a full and productive life, and renovate ‘monster’ trees that have been neglected for years. Craig will guide you through the most important cuts to use and help you avoid common mistakes. Bring your winter fruit tree care questions and join us for an online event to transform your garden from fruitless to fruitful!
Event name: Winter Tree Pruning
Date: Tuesday, 24 June
Time: 6.30–7.30 pm
Location: Online
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Please note that this is an event for Naarm/Melbourne gardeners only. If you live outside this area, please contact your council to find out what free sustainable gardening events are available locally.
This My Smart Garden event is proudly presented by Glen Eira City Council on the land of the Boonwurrung/Bunurong and the Wurrundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin nation. My Smart Garden pays our respect to Elders past, present and acknowledges that First Nations peoples have cared for Country sustainably for tens of thousands of years.

Act on Climate collective meeting & dinner (online and in-person)
2025-06-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Friends of the Earth Melbourne, 312 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne, VIC, 3066, Australia
Act on Climate campaigns for climate justice with frontline communities, workers, and unions. The collective is building an alliance with grassroots groups towards climate resilience and local solutions with social justice at its’ core.

Weekly collective meetings are the engine room for our campaigns. Dinner is included, cooked by a collective member.
Come along to get involved in grassroots action for climate justice.

NOTE: Friends of the Earth is a COVID-safe workplace. At face-to-face meetings, we ask that attendees are fully vaccinated.
We acknowledge that the lands we meet and work on across so called Victoria are stolen from First Nations people. There can be no climate justice without justice for First Nations communities everywhere. Solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people under settler colonialism in so called Australia is critical in the fight for liberation from all oppressive systems that devalue and exploit people and the environment.
