Comm Unity Plus Services Ltd

What a joyful day of culture, connection and community at BELONG!

Supported by the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Festivals and Events Program, BELONG was created to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Brimbank and provide a welcoming space where people could share traditions, experience something new and connect with one another.

Our community came together through vibrant lion dancing, Latin dancing, African drumming and delicious multicultural food. We were also delighted to collaborate with the who led a beautiful lantern-making activity and its themes of togetherness, gratitude and light.

More than a day of entertainment, this day gave children, families and community members the opportunity to actively participate in cultural traditions, share stories and build connections across cultures.

This is at the heart of our Neighbourhood House and community development work. We create inclusive, locally grounded opportunities that celebrate community strengths, reduce social isolation and help people feel seen, welcomed and connected.

It was incredibly special to see people of different ages and backgrounds learning, laughing, dancing, creating and sharing a meal together. Days like this show what can happen when communities are given the space and opportunity to come together, and why places for connection continue to matter.

Inspired by this year’s Adult Learners Week theme, Follow Your Compass: Learning for Life, our students have been reflecting on where learning has taken them, and where they hope it will lead next.

For many students, including those building a new life in Australia, learning English supports the everyday moments that matter: speaking with a child’s teacher, attending an appointment, finding work, connecting with neighbours and feeling more confident in the community.

Our classrooms have also been filled with music, stories and laughter as students shared favourite songs from their home countries and translated them into English for their classmates.

Join us for a free, relaxed and family-friendly digital skills afternoon at commUnity+ Neighbourhood House.

Learn how to spot common online scams, including fake messages, bank calls and impersonation scams, and build confidence using everyday digital tools to stay connected with family and friends.

The session includes hands-on activities where you can practise identifying scams, video calling and sharing photos, with friendly support available along the way. Bilingual support and translated resources will also be available where possible.

Bring your own phone, tablet or laptop if you have one, or use a device provided on the day. You’re also welcome to bring a family member or grandchild to learn and practise together.

Enjoy afternoon tea, meet others in the community and discover the free Be Connected resources you can continue using after the session.

Contact [email protected] with any questions and register online: https://events.humanitix.com/get-online-week-workshop

What does it really mean to flourish?

This Women’s Health Week, Flourish brought women together in a welcoming environment to pause, connect and reflect on placing their health and wellbeing at the centre.

Throughout the day, participants explored preventative care, healthy eating, movement, mental wellbeing and social connection through open conversations and shared activities.

The experience offered practical ideas women could take with them to support their wellbeing in everyday life.

The morning panel sparked thoughtful and honest conversations about the many factors that shape women’s health, the barriers women can face in prioritising themselves, and the importance of knowing where to turn for trusted information and local support.

A heartfelt thank you to our contributors and partners from and for sharing their knowledge, experience and commitment to women’s wellbeing.

Flourish was made possible through VicHealth funding provided through Brimbank City Council’s Partners in Place initiative. Thank you to everyone who helped bring the day to life, and to everyone who joined us, shared in the conversations and took time to focus on herself.

Because when women are supported to put their wellbeing at the centre, they are given greater opportunity to flourish. 🌿

Join us in celebrating Women’s Health Week at Flourish - a free community event bringing together health information, wellbeing activities, screenings and opportunities to connect with local services. With a range of sessions designed to support and empower women, you can join us for the whole day or choose the activities that interest you. All are welcome!

11 September 2026
Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre
9:30 am - 4:00pm

Register: https://collections.humanitix.com/flourish-celebrating-womens-health-wee

Sometimes, the first step towards a brighter future is walking through the right door.

It might be the door to a classroom where someone gains new skills and confidence. A legal service where a person feels heard and supported. A family service that helps create a safer path forward. Or a neighbourhood space where someone finds connection and belonging.

For more than 40 years, we have worked alongside communities across Melbourne’s greater West and North - helping people access education, legal assistance, family and community services, and opportunities to participate in community life.

This International Day of Charity, your donation can help us continue opening doors for people and families in our communities.

Every contribution, no matter the size, supports our vision of a community where everyone can belong, participate and thrive.

Learn more or make a donation: https://www.givenow.com.au/comm-unityplus

It was a pleasure to return to Victoria University, Melbourne Australia Open Day and celebrate a partnership that connects students with meaningful, community-based experience.

Our very own commUnity+ Legal family lawyer and VU alumnus Farriz Roslan joined a panel to share how VU law students gain practical experience through placements with our family law, generalist and administration teams.

This partnership extends across commUnity+, with placements in community development, social work, film studies and other areas. By working alongside our teams, students gain first-hand insight into the real and often interconnected challenges facing our communities. They see how legal, financial, family, cultural and language barriers can overlap, and learn why support must be accessible, respectful and responsive to the whole person.

This experience helps develop skilled, community-minded graduates who are better prepared to serve diverse communities. It also creates pathways into volunteering and employment, strengthening the future community services workforce.

We’re proud to partner with VU to turn our learning into meaningful community impact.

Join us on 17 September for a FREE multi-cultural festival full of dance, music, interactive workshops, food, and cultural activities.

BELONG FESTIVAL LINE UP:

10AM: Latin Dance Workshop

10.30AM-1.30PM: Vietnamese Lantern Making Facilitated Workshop

10.30AM-2.30PM: Cultural Craft Activities

10.30AM onwards: Vietnamese Mooncake Tasting

11.00AM onwards: Arabic Cuisine Served

12.00-12.30PM: Asanti African Drumming Workshop

2.00-2.30PM: Lion Dance Performance

Register for free: https://events.humanitix.com/belong-multicultural-festival

Join us in celebrating Women’s Health Week at Flourish - a free community event bringing together health information, wellbeing activities, screenings and opportunities to connect with local services. With a range of sessions designed to support and empower women, you can join us for the whole day or choose the activities that interest you. All are welcome!

11 September 2026
Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre
9:30 am - 4:00pm