September 2026

Welcome to Creative Catch Up

Spring has arrived, and September is bursting with performance, creativity and community. This month we're excited to bring Jemma Armstrong - beloved by kids across Australia as Hootabelle from ABC Kids' Giggle and Hoot - to PRACC on Tuesday 29 September with The Wobbly Wallaby, a joyful new show celebrating neurodiversity, friendship and everything that makes us wonderfully different.

There's plenty more to look forward to across the month - from the Victorian State Ballet's breathtaking Beauty and the Beast to Circus Nexus workshops for kids of all ages during the school holidays. And on Saturday 12 September, head to Ziebell's Farmhouse Museum for Let's Talk Songwriting - a relaxed, practical workshop with local musician Ian D. Marks, set in one of Whittlesea's most charming heritage spaces.

There are also exciting opportunities to get involved - from the Community Carols Choir, to community grants and event EOIs still open for vendors, performers and market stall holders.

Kind regards,
The Creative Communities Department

We recognise the rich Aboriginal heritage of this country and acknowledge the Wurundjeri Willum Clan and Taungurung People as the Traditional Owners of lands within the City of Whittlesea.

Artist Spotlight: Bushra Hasan

Bushra Hasan is a Melbourne-based visual artist, muralist and community arts practitioner whose vibrant work celebrates culture, diversity, nature and the stories that connect people to place. With over 15 years of creative experience, Bushra works across painting, murals, public art, community installations and participatory projects.

Drawing inspiration from Indian folk traditions, Australian nature and everyday community life, her work combines bold colour, pattern and storytelling to create welcoming and meaningful spaces. Her creative journey includes Indybindi, a handmade art label inspired by Indian motifs and craftsmanship, and her involvement in the Art Tram Project, alongside numerous community murals and public art initiatives across Melbourne.

Bushra is passionate about using art as a way to bring people together, celebrate cultural identity and create a sense of belonging. Her community-focused practice involves working collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds, encouraging participation and making creativity accessible to everyone.

Through her murals, workshops and visual art projects, Bushra aims to create work that is joyful, inclusive and connected to the people and places it represents.

You can also join Bushra for a drawing workshop at NGV on Saturday 12 September from 12pm to 4pm. For more information on this workshop, please visit: Let’s Draw with Bushra Hasan

Let's Talk Songwriting

Have you ever had an idea for a song but weren’t sure how to bring it to life?

Join local songwriter and musician Ian D. Marks for Let’s Talk Songwriting, a relaxed and practical workshop exploring the process of creating effective lyrics and melodies. Ian will share techniques, ideas and insights to help participants develop their songwriting and turn inspiration into music.

Whether you’re beginning your first song or looking to build your creative skills, this workshop offers an encouraging space to learn, experiment and connect with other music-makers

WHEN:     Saturday 12 September
TIME:       1:00pm-3.30pm
WHERE:   Ziebell's Farmhouse Museum, 100 Gardenia Road, Thomastown
COST:      $10 per person, including afternoon tea, a songwriting booklet and museum entry.

Generously supported by the City of Whittlesea Community Grants Program.

Beauty and the Beast - Victorian State Ballet

A must see stunning full length classical ballet production of the traditional fairy-tale story!

One of the world’s most loved fairy tale classics is retold through a superb production featuring classical ballet skill and choreography which honours the spirit of this magical story - an inspiring, impacting, entertaining and memorable experience for the whole family!

The Victorian State Ballet's Beauty and the Beast features a top cast of leading classical ballet artists from across Australia and abroad. The choreography is rich with vibrant colour, virtue, sensibility, grace, intrigue and showcases the outstanding skill of the dancers.

Don’t miss out on seeing all your favourite characters plus exhilarating solos and pas de deux from the stunning leading couple, the very moving transformation, grand waltz and ultimate happily ever after final scene!

WHEN:

• Saturday 19 September, 7.30pm
• Sunday 20 September, 2.30pm

WHERE:   Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, South Morang

Circus Nexus Workshops

Join the coaches from Circus Nexus for some fun circus activities and games including juggling, acrobalance, flower sticks, and more. This workshop helps build strength, coordination, confidence, social skills in a playful and supportive environment.

Gain circus skills experience and have fun as each session is tailored to the age group and is open to all levels.

SESSION TIMES
3 - 5 years old:                 9am - 9:45am
6 - 8 years old:                 9:50am - 10:35am
9 - 12 years old:              10.45am - 11:30am
13 - 18 years old:            11.35am - 12:20pm

WHEN:     Thursday 24 September
WHERE:   Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, South Morang
COST:       $20

Jemma Armstrong in The Wobbly Wallaby

You might know her as "Hootabelle" from ABC Kids' Giggle and Hoot, or from the Australian tour of Andy's Amazing Adventures alongside BBC's Mr Maker. Now Jemma Armstrong brings her warmth, puppetry and infectious energy to PRACC.

The Wobbly Wallaby is a new, heartwarming children's production for 3–8-year-olds and their families, based on the book by local author Prema Nishan. The Wobbly Wallaby just can't hop in a straight line, no matter how hard she tries - easily distracted, often running late, and never quite doing things the way the other wallabies do.

Join Jem, Damo, Wobbly Wallaby, a Groovy Wombat and the Absolute Bandicoot on this enchanting musical adventure - a joyful, sensitively crafted celebration of neurodiversity, friendship and empathy, featuring skilled puppetry, catchy songs, lively dances and plenty of interactive fun. A show guaranteed to capture the hearts of the entire family.

WHEN:     Tuesday 29 September
TIME:       11.00am
WHERE:   Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, South Morang

Other News and Opportunities

Expressions of Interest Open - Community Carols Choir

Join the Community Carols Choir and be part of this year's Carols by Candlelight in a joyful celebration of music and community.

Rehearsals will be held on Wednesday evenings from 21 October, with rehearsals on Thursday 3 December and Monday 7 December instead of the usual Wednesday evening, leading up to the performance on Friday 11 December.

Whether you're an experienced chorister or simply enjoy singing with others, this is a wonderful opportunity to perform as part of a vibrant community choir.

Places are limited to 60 singers this year due to overwhelming interest, so be sure to submit your Expression of Interest early. Expressions of interest close at 11:59pm on Thursday 10 September.

City of Whittlesea Community Grants

The City of Whittlesea's 2026-2027 Community Grants are now open until 30 April 2027. 🎉😄

The following grant categories are available, along with the maximum funding available in each category:

•    Individual Grants - up to $1,500
•    Unincorporated Group Grant - up to $1,500
•    Small Grants - up to $5,000 
•    Medium Grants - up to $20,000
•    Large Grants - up to $40,000 
•    Emergency Grants - up to $2,000

We are excited to see what you, our community, would like to use a grant for and anticipate that some of you will have questions.

We encourage you to register for a session to learn more about the grant guidelines and how we can support you. See below for session details and how to register.

How To Apply

Please read the grant guidelines before you apply. They explain who can apply, when grants will be assessed, what can be funded, and what you will need to complete your application. Reading the guidelines will help you make sure your project is eligible and give your application the best chance of success.

Get Involved in Our 2026-2027 Event Season

The City of Whittlesea's community calendar is buzzing, and we want you to be part of it. From the twinkling lights of Carols by Candlelight to the spirit of the Community Festival, our events bring people together - and we're on the lookout for local vendors, performers, and choir members to help make the next season shine.

Whether you run a food stall, love to sing, sell handmade treasures, or simply want to share what makes your business or talent special, there's a place for you at one of our upcoming events. It's more than just a great day or night out - it's a chance for our community to connect, celebrate, and showcase the people who make the City of Whittlesea such a vibrant place to live.

Expressions of Interest are now open for the following events:

• Bundoora Beats, Saturday 14 November 2026
  Food vendors only
  EOI closes 14 September 2026

• Carols by Candlelight, Friday 11 December 2026
  Food vendors
  EOI closes 5 October 2026

• Community Festival 2027, Sunday 14 March 2027
  Food vendors, performers, market stall holder and community stall holders
  EOI closes 18 January 2027

Draw Plants Together Workshop

All welcome!

Discover the unique native plants of the City of Whittlesea in a free, relaxing drawing workshop.

No experience needed - just come along, connect with nature, and enjoy a creative session with your community.

Everyone is welcome in this inclusive, supportive space.

WHEN:     Saturday 10 October
TIME:       10.00am-12.00pm
WHERE:   Whittlesea Community Activity Centre, 57-61 Laurel St, Whittlesea
COST:       FREE

Have Your Say: Community Priorities

Council is currently seeking feedback from the community to help inform the development of the 2027-28 Budget and Community Action Plan. This is your opportunity to tell Council what is important to you, your family and your community.

Whether you would like to see improvements in your neighbourhood, have ideas for services, facilities or programs, or want to highlight local issues and opportunities, Council wants to hear from you.

There are several ways to get involved:

• complete a short online survey
• attend a community pop-up session
• complete a hard copy survey at your local Community Activity Centre
• make a formal community submission.

Your feedback will help Council understand community priorities before important planning and budget decisions are made.

Have your say
Visit the Community Priorities project page to learn more and participate - https://engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/cp2027. 

Consultation closes on Sunday 27 September 2026.

Please feel free to share this opportunity with your family, friends, neighbours and networks. The more people who participate, the better Council can understand the diverse needs and aspirations of our growing community.

Get involved and help encourage others to have their say. Every voice helps shape what comes next for our community.

What’s On

City of Whittlesea runs a range of community events throughout the year for everyone to enjoy. Check out our events calendar to find activities happening near you.

See what's on in your neighbourhood and join in the fun.

Promote your community event on our website

Did you know that we can publish your community event on our website? Check the guidelines to see if your event is eligible for free listing in our calendar.

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