Goodbye winter, spring has sprung, and we’re here with the lowdown on what you can do during lockdown.
There’s fitness challenges, a whole heap of online library events, and even a Lego challenge. So whatever you’re into, you’re sure to find something to fill your days in Brimbank this September.
-
Join the library
Brimbank’s libraries are the ultimate hub of entertainment all year long. But they’re particularly amazing during lockdown.
Many of the events on our list this month are available thanks to Brimbank Libraries.
But our libraries do so much more than just events. They are available for click-and-collect services throughout lockdown, as well as Library to Your Door delivery. Members can also access a huge array of online services such as eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines and more.
Members can borrow up to 40 items at a time using their library card. These items include:
- Books and audio books for four weeks
- CDs and DVDs for four weeks
- Magazines for one week
- Playstation and Xbox games for four weeks (limit of two)
So, what are you waiting for? Join the library online today. It’s quick, easy and free.
For more information on how you can use your local library during this period, and beyond, visit the library website.
-
Flex your brain with a virtual trivia session
How many days did it take Sylvester Stallone to write Rocky? Who won the AFL Grand Final in 2004? The Unicorn is the national animal of which country?
These are just some of the questions that you might be asked during Brimbank Libraries’ new At Home Trivia Quiz. (The answers are three-and-a-half days, the Brisbane Lions, and Scotland, by the way!)
The weekly online events are the perfect way to test your general knowledge, keep your brain active, and have some fun during lockdown.
The questions will be aimed at adults, but are suitable for all the family to enjoy.
Whether you’re part of a team or playing solo, this is just about the most fun you can have on a Thursday afternoon.
Want to take part? You’ll need to register.
Where: Online
When: 2 – 3pm, Thursday 2 September
Cost: No charge
-
Make the most of springtime, plant some seeds and start your garden
If you’ve been meaning to start a veggie garden, now is the time! September and October being the ideal window for planting tomatoes, snow peas, spinach and silverbeet, chives and more. You can also grow vegetables from scraps you would usually throw out, such as capsicum seeds.
If flowers are more your thing, you’ll find daisies, lavender, geraniums, carnations and snapdragons thrive in the coming months. September is also the best time of year to plant sunflowers. And let’s face it, we could all do with some beautiful, tall blooms like these in our days!
Many nurseries and garden centres remain open across Brimbank during lockdown, at the very least for click-and-collect services, so you can order your seeds, seedlings and any other garden supplies.
Don’t have a garden? Try a planter box or pot on your balcony or windowsill. Even a big, empty Milo tin with some soil will work for some herbs or lettuce seedlings. Simply nail some holes in the bottom for drainage and you’re good to go!
-
Put the fun in fundraising and get active with STEPtember
While we’re in lockdown, going for a walk is a great way to boost your mental health, clear your head and get your body moving.
This September, supercharge your walks for a good cause with the STEPtember challenge.
This month-long event challenges you to walk, swim, ride, wheel or spin your way to 10,000 steps per day. In doing so, you can raise money to improve the lives of children and adults who live with cerebral palsy.
Four amazing trainers who live with cerebral palsy are available via the website to motivate you and share their tips and tricks for success.
This is the perfect time to get familiar with your local Brimbank trails and pathways.
For more information on the STEPtember challenge and to register, head here.
Where: Online and outside!
When: 1 – 30 September
Cost: No charge to register and participate
-
Occupy the kids with an at-home school holiday program
Got a full house these school holidays? Brimbank Libraries have got you covered with their Spring into September program.
The two-week long program features a range of fun and interactive activities for kids of all ages, with a focus on keeping our local plants and animals safe and happy.
Amongst the program are online sessions with Zaylee from our Environment Team, who will teach kids all about keeping wildlife in our backyards happy and safe.
In one session, she’ll guide the kids through a fun craft, creating a paper plate native animal, either a flying fox, lorikeet or magpie. In the next, she’ll show them how to make a home for a ring tail possum.
Parents can register to click-and-collect a free paper play pack from their local library branch to play along, and enjoy in their own time. The pack includes some awesome crafts with materials to create their own minibeasts.
Where: Online
When: Various dates from 18 September – 3 October
Cost: No charge
-
Spring clean your home
The sun is coming out from behind a winter cloud and as we embrace this new beginning it’s the best possible time to clean out remnants of the past.
Yes, it’s time for some spring cleaning. And frankly, there’s no better time to get this done than during lockdown.
Don’t know where to start? We’ve identified three key chores that everyone can stand to do this time of year.
- Declutter!
Clean out your wardrobe, donate or sell toys the kids don’t play with anymore, clean out the container cupboard or the junk drawer (everyone has one!) - Do the seasonal chores.
When was the last time you cleaned your oven? The outside of your windows? Wash the curtains? Steam cleaned the carpets? Spring cleaning season is the perfect time to stop putting off these chores and just get them done. Trust us, you’ll feel great when it’s done. - Detox your home. Cleaning products are a household essential, but throughout the years most of us tend to accumulate many products, which do eventually expire, and can be dangerous for pets and kids. Take some time this September to sort through and declutter your cleaning products. Be sure to safely and sustainable dispose of your cleaning products.
For more tips and tricks on sustainable cleaning, read our post 12 Ways to be Green All Year Round.
-
Booklovers of Brimbank, unite!
For a relaxed, fun evening of storytelling and book recommendations, join Stories that Matter. This special event will see some of Victoria’s favourite personalities and authors come together to share stories about their relationships with reading.
The online session is perfect for seasoned readers and those looking to get back into the practice.
Hosted by comedian and Great Australian Bake-off host Claire Hooper, and author and presenter Paul Kennedy, the event will feature authors Christian White, Tony Birch and Alice Pung, as well as comedian Nazeem Hussain.
You’ll hear about the books that changed their lives, made them smile, and the book they would take to outer space.
This state-wide event will connect readers across Victoria and give you the opportunity to share your own favourite books with likeminded individuals.
Don’t forget to register.
Where: Online
When: 7-8.30pm, Tuesday 14 September
Cost: No charge
-
Show off your Lego master skills with a Virtual Lego Club
Are your kids inspired by Lego Masters? Do they just love Lego? Then they will LOVE the Brimbank Libraries new Virtual Lego Club!
Each month the club posts a new Lego Challenge for members to complete.
They have until the end of the month to build something based around the monthly challenge theme, with Lego prizes to be won!
This month the thing is Spring into September.
Submit a photo of a creation inspired by spring any time before 5pm on 30 September, and you’ll be in the running to win a Lego kit.
It’s a super fun way to share your creations, get some Lego inspiration, and connect with other Lego loving kids across Brimbank.
Virtual entries can be made by posting to the challenge’s Facebook page, posting to Instagram using #brimbanklibrarieslegochallenge, or emailed to: library@brimbank.vic.gov.au.
Where: Online
When: 1 – 30 September
Cost: No charge
-
Celebrate adult learning with a whole month of, well, learning!
Acknowledged each year in the first week of September, Adult Learners Week is a time for adults to learn new skills and celebrate the joy of learning. The event is celebrated across the globe, with events to help adults embrace the lifelong journey of education.
But in Brimbank, we’ve decided that a week just isn’t enough time, and made it a whole month!
To mark the occasion, Brimbank Libraries are hosting online events for adults of all ages and backgrounds. Participants have the opportunity to practice speaking English, learn all about online banking and money management, and familiarise themselves with the library’s array of eResources.
You’ll find more information on the Brimbank Libraries website.
Where: Online
When: Various dates in September
Cost: No charge
