Merri-bek City Council

Find a space at Balam Balam Place!🏢 Are you an artist or community group looking for an affordable space in Merri-bek to gather and create in?👩🎨 Registrations are now open to be a part of Balam Balam Place in Brunswick this year. The state-of-the-art cultural, creative and accessible hub is undergoing a significant $30 million redevelopment to provide welcoming and affordable spaces for creatives, artists and the Brunswick community.🎨 Managed by These Are The Projects We Do Together on behalf of Council, Balam Balam Place will feature approximately 3,500sqm of floorspace to nurture creative activities and host inclusive and accessible events.🎫 Find out more and register your interest ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/g2ZnX9kr ID: A multi-story, unfinished building at Balam Balam Place featuring angled panels, a black circular design and a vertical-shaped window. The building is surrounded by construction materials, barriers and trees. A clear, blue sky is visible in the background.

Does your community group or club have a great idea for a one-off project to benefit the Merri-bek community? Applications for our annual Community Grants open on 1 January for not-for-profit community organisations in Merri-bek. Grants include: Community Strengthening Grant - supporting community groups deliver projects that enhance the Merri-bek community Facility Improvement Grant - supporting community groups with small facility upgrades Organisation Establishment Grant - supporting newly established community organisations or groups to develop, grow and become independent Contact the Community Grants team before applying so you can discuss your project idea. To find out more, including conditions, how to apply, and to contact the Community Grants team, visit https://lnkd.in/gqrhzdbf Applications close 28 February 2025.

We recently celebrated 18 months of the Merri-Bek Youth Ambassadors program, with 80 community members and Council staff coming together at the Fawkner Senior Citizens Centre. The event featured a giant timeline, posters, flyers, and presentations showcasing the Ambassadors' hard work. Mayor, Cr. Helen Davidson, presented certificates and the Ambassadors shared their impactful work, including: - Securing a $30,000 community budget bid to improve access to sports pitches in Fawkner - Conducting a school disengagement survey with 500 responses, shared with local principals - Premiering their short film, Our Young People’s Voice Guests enjoyed food, music, and the Extraordinary Young People Exhibition, the Ambassadors’ final project, which spotlighted nine outstanding young individuals from the Merri-Bek community, nominated by their peers. A huge congratulations to the Youth Ambassadors for their amazing achievements and hard work! For more information on our Youth Ambassadors Program visit: https://lnkd.in/gqjRvzhi IC: 1: 3 people are standing together and smiling 2: A group of people are leaning down to look at a selection of artwork. The artwork is part of the Extraordinary Young People Exhibition 3: A group of people are looking at a selection of artwork as part of the Extraordinary Young People Exhibition. Two people have their arms around each other 4: Two speakers address a room full of people. The screen behind them reads 'Merri-bek City Council Youth Ambassador End of Year Celebration' 5. Two people speak in front of a lectern. A red banner behind them has the Merri-bek City Council logo on it

2024 was a massive year of accomplishments at Merri-bek City Council. Teamwork, dedication and care for one another was on full display yesterday as we celebrated the wonderful achievements of our staff at the 2024 Shine Awards. Team, thank you for your hard work and service to the Merri-bek community. One Team, Brave and Diverse. Making a difference.

Congratulations to local businesses Flexikitch and Wonder Pies, recipients of awards at the 2024 Northern Business Achievement Awards Grand Finale Gala Dinner hosted by NORTH Link. Flexikitch, a full-service hospitality financier and supplier, won the 2024 Northern Industry Student Placement Program – Employer Award and Workplace Diversity Award. Wonder Pies, a locally owned and operated food manufacturer that produces premium handmade products using local producers with shared ethics, won the Philanthropy and Community Service Award. We would also like to congratulate Renee Bell of Wonder Pies who was this year’s 2024 Merri-bek Young Business Achiever. If you'd like to view videos about these businesses visit: https://lnkd.in/gz7mtQ5K Congratulations to all the businesses and thank you for your success and contribution to the Merri-bek community and economy. If you’re a Merri-bek business and are interested in being a Nominee at the Northern Business Achievement Awards, contact business@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

💬 "At this age it's a really courageous thing to learn new things. And at any age, anyone can do it if they want it.” - Ivy, Wheel Sister participant Wheel Sisters is a great program that teaches multicultural women in Merri-bek’s north how to ride bikes confidently and independently. We recently spoke with some of the women who are learning to ride. Watch the video below to hear more from this year’s participants. If you live in Fawkner or Glenroy and want to join, you can register your interest for Wheel Sisters' 2025 program here: https://lnkd.in/gJPxstFc. It’s free to take part and helmets and bikes are provided. Thumbnail ID: A diverse group of happy women are riding their bikes on a path in Merri-bek

Explore Coburg with local legend, Tasneem Chopra OAM, as she takes us on a foodie and shopping journey to some of her favourite Coburg shops, cafes and groceries. Where are your favourite places to shop in Coburg? Watch the video to discover some of Tasneem’s including Mela Patisserie, Zikkies, Forever Flowers, Coburg Market, Al Alamy and Chorba Cafe. Love Merri-bek: Buy local. Support local. Every local purchase counts. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel https://lnkd.in/gKJbBT8t

Coburg Town Hall came alive with vibrant colours, melodies, and the spirit of togetherness as part of the Seniors Festival! We welcomed 250 seniors from diverse backgrounds to a spectacular event featuring the "We Are One" Multicultural Celebration and Performance. This cultural extravaganza brought traditional songs and dances to life, showcasing the rich heritage of Merri-bek's multicultural seniors' groups. Together, we showed diversity is our strength, and community is at the heart of Merri-bek. One community, proudly diverse. Image description: A lively group of seniors seated at round tables, enjoying a celebration. The tables are decorated with festive centrepieces, and attendees are clapping and smiling. Traditional attire is visible in the background, reflecting the multicultural nature of the event.

The Fawkner Leisure Centre is now open! 🏊🏼 Thanks to everyone who came along to our community celebration event on Saturday to see the centre before it officially opened on Sunday. 🎉 The community day was a huge success, showcasing the $36.8 million redevelopment of the aquatic and leisure facility. 🤽🏾 Hundreds of people had their first look at the amazing facility that is now open, just in time for the 2024/25 summer season. 🏋🏽♀️ The new centre is accessible, environmentally friendly and provides more options for people of all ages and abilities to experience a healthy and active lifestyle. 🩼 Now it's your turn to see the fantastic facilities the centre has to offer. 🔓 Find out about the opening hours and get active: ⤵️ 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g3DShCHj IC: Carousel of 11 images of diverse people enjoying the facilities of a new aquatic and leisure centre.

Calling all nature lovers! 🌳 Did you know spending time outdoors not only feels great, but it also boosts your mental and physical health? Merri-bek is full of amazing spots to explore—creek corridors, peaceful parks, and hidden gems just waiting for you to discover them. We’ve made it easy for you to find these places with our new online map! Whether you’re looking for scenic walks, nature play areas, indigenous plant nurseries, or community groups to connect with, it’s all in one place. Check out the map today https://lnkd.in/g37uF5sw