We are well into the new year already, which is hard to believe. 2025 brings us into the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. This year invites us to embrace the twists and turns and to have a little fun as we embark on new adventures.
It is a time of transformation and renewal as we shed bad energy and regenerate. We’ve all endured some quite challenging years for a while now, so hopefully this marks the beginning of a time with more positivity and connection.
The year has certainly begun with plenty of enthusiasm and engagement at our Centre. All of our programs have been filling up with our lovely members returning to their favourite activities and we are welcoming those who are finding us for the first time.
The BNC program has all the details of our regular activities and workshops. If you didn’t see a copy of the Term 1 program delivered to your letterbox in January, it’s always available on our website www.bncinc.org.au or call past the Centre for a hard copy from reception.
Even though we see many new faces in our exercise classes as people enact their New Year resolutions, we are pleased to know that most will continue on and join our happy cohort of returning members who have been coming along for years. Contact us to enquire about spaces available in these classes.
You may be looking for a weekly foray into the wonderful world of dance and we encourage newcomers to our Beginners New Vogue, Ballroom and Latin Dancing class. Scheduled for Thursdays from 7.30pm for 1 hour, you will learn a variety of rhythms from easy sequenced dances to stimulating Latin and Ballroom styles. Singles or couples are welcome, and the cost will be calculated by the weeks remaining of the term multiplied by $14 per person.
Continuing with the dancing theme, members have been loving our new Bollywood classes running Thursdays during term time 6.30pm-7.30pm.
Our talented tutor Krishna will guide you to learn authentic Bollywood choreography whilst improving your dancing skills and confidence. The confidence. The classes offer a fun, energetic and dynamic workout with no experience required.
We recognise that there are many people in our community still doing things tough and encourage those in need to utilise our free community pantry. We collect fresh produce from Woolworths in Beaconsfield through their food diversion program on most weekdays and thank them and our amazing volunteers Bronwyn, Louise, Racheal and Sharyn for keeping up this support.
A special thanks also goes to Community Bank Beaconsfield District for their financial contribution which helps to keep pantry staples on the shelves.
We encourage you to like and follow the Bank’s page to see everything they do within our community:
www.facebook.com/communitybankbeaconsfielddistrict
Some people have a few small questions about how to do something specific on their digital device and we have the answers – book in for a personalised IT Help session.
Our patient and friendly IT specialist, Jason, will assist you with personalised learning or troubleshooting to suit your individual needs for $20 for a 20 minute 1-on-1 appointment.
BNC Children’s Room
Our gorgeous staff in the Children’s Room are already adding fun and colour to their environment with some great new inclusivity ideas to help children feel a sense of belonging such as a “Who’s Playing Today” welcome banner and this “You have a place in our space” board:
We always have a little bit of movement in our Occasional Care enrolments at the beginning of the year and some spaces have become available in our Monday and Friday sessions for an immediate start. Each group runs from 8.30am – 4.30pm but families are free to come and go at any time within the session to suit their own schedules. The fee is $91.20 per child over 18 months, and eligible families are entitled to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) which will reduce out-of-pocket costs. Contact us to enquire about the program or to enrol.
Sessions also run on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and you can join the waiting list if these are your preferred days requiring care. You can also be on the list to be notified for casual/emergency placement
that is offered on a first come, first served basis. The casual fee is $12.50 per hour for a minimum of 3 hours.
Playgroup on Tuesdays with our lovely new facilitator, Alicia, has now started. Parents or carers stay with their children to participate in the activities that Alicia sets up. It’s a great opportunity for your child to learn through play and socialising and an opportunity for you to meet other families from the community.
Our 9.00am session is now full, and we are waiting to gain enough interest in our second group to start the 11.30am session as well. We continue to take enrolments throughout the year, although you may be required to join a waiting list if your preferred session is full. The cost is calculated on the remaining weeks of the term by $7.50 for your first child, $4 for your second and $2.50 for babies or other additional siblings.
There is so much always going on at the Centre and we welcome drop-ins to ask questions or investigate
what else is happening that may be of interest. Add us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. We invite your enquiries and feedback.
Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre
8 O’Neil Road, Beaconsfield
contactus@bncinc.org.au
Phone: 8768 4400
Web: www.bncinc.org.au
