Welcome to Sustainable Darebin — November 2025 |
Welcome to Sustainable Darebin — November 2025 |
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We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and waters we now call Darebin. We affirm that Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people have lived on this land for millennia, practising their customs and ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. We pay respect to all other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Darebin. |
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and waters we now call Darebin. We affirm that Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people have lived on this land for millennia, practising their customs and ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. We pay respect to all other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Darebin. |
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| Free, one-on-one electrification advice Darebin resident Libby recently used Darebin Climate Action Now’s (DCAN) free home electrification advice service, run by volunteer Graham Moore, a retired Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering. The service provides one-on-one guidance to help residents plan their switch from gas to clean electric energy. “Graham was a wealth of knowledge, very logical and clear,” Libby said. “And I know he’s there at the end of the phone if I need more advice along the way.” |
Free, one-on-one electrification advice Darebin resident Libby recently used Darebin Climate Action Now’s (DCAN) free home electrification advice service, run by volunteer Graham Moore, a retired Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering. The service provides one-on-one guidance to help residents plan their switch from gas to clean electric energy. “Graham was a wealth of knowledge, very logical and clear,” Libby said. “And I know he’s there at the end of the phone if I need more advice along the way.” |
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| Zero waste restaurant in Darebin Local restaurant Danté in Northcote is now certified zero waste, thanks in part to working with suppliers to replace disposable packaging. Do you own a business? You can influence your own suppliers by requesting more sustainable options, or switching to suppliers who share your values. Watch this video to find out how Danté achieved zero waste, and consider a sustainable venue like Dante for your end of year celebrations |
Zero waste restaurant in Darebin Local restaurant Danté in Northcote is now certified zero waste, thanks in part to working with suppliers to replace disposable packaging. Do you own a business? You can influence your own suppliers by requesting more sustainable options, or switching to suppliers who share your values. Watch this video to find out how Danté achieved zero waste, and consider a sustainable venue like Dante for your end of year celebrations |
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| Solar for apartments rebates Solar for Apartments Round 3 is open. Rebates of up to $2,800 per household for residents living in eligible apartments, units and townhouses are now available for a minimum of five lots. Apartment residents can save up to $500 a year under the program. |
Solar for apartments rebates Solar for Apartments Round 3 is open. Rebates of up to $2,800 per household for residents living in eligible apartments, units and townhouses are now available for a minimum of five lots. Apartment residents can save up to $500 a year under the program. |
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| Hot water rebates Hot water rebates of up to $1,400 are available for heat pump and solar hot water products if you select a locally made product. A total of 87 locally made hot water products are now eligible for the higher rebate. Eligible locally made products are from well-known Australian brands that include Dux, Earthworker Energy, Everhot, Reclaim Energy, Rheem, Rinnai, Sanden, Solarhart, Thermann and Wilson Hot Water. |
Hot water rebates Hot water rebates of up to $1,400 are available for heat pump and solar hot water products if you select a locally made product. A total of 87 locally made hot water products are now eligible for the higher rebate. Eligible locally made products are from well-known Australian brands that include Dux, Earthworker Energy, Everhot, Reclaim Energy, Rheem, Rinnai, Sanden, Solarhart, Thermann and Wilson Hot Water. |
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| New Melbourne Water Flood Mapping Melbourne Water is updating flood information to better understand current and future flood risks. The maps identify areas that may be affected during a major flood event, using the latest data and climate modelling. Melbourne water has shared maps and are seeking your feedback. Visit Melbourne Water's website, email enquiry@melbournewater.com.au or call 131 722. |
New Melbourne Water Flood Mapping Melbourne Water is updating flood information to better understand current and future flood risks. The maps identify areas that may be affected during a major flood event, using the latest data and climate modelling. Melbourne water has shared maps and are seeking your feedback. Visit Melbourne Water's website, email enquiry@melbournewater.com.au or call 131 722. |
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| Shop secondhand to WIN Show off your unique style and celebrate sustainable fashion with Village Greening's Thread Lightly Competition. Shop at secondhand stores across Darebin and put together a full outfit. You can leave the clothes as they are, or get creative by decorating or altering them. Make a short video showing how you found and styled your outfit – no need for pro skills, just have fun! The 6 best outfits will be displayed at Fairfield Library and there are great prizes up for grab! Competition closes 2 January 2026. Participants must be 18 years and over. |
Shop secondhand to WIN Show off your unique style and celebrate sustainable fashion with Village Greening's Thread Lightly Competition. Shop at secondhand stores across Darebin and put together a full outfit. You can leave the clothes as they are, or get creative by decorating or altering them. Make a short video showing how you found and styled your outfit – no need for pro skills, just have fun! The 6 best outfits will be displayed at Fairfield Library and there are great prizes up for grab! Competition closes 2 January 2026. Participants must be 18 years and over. |
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| What to do if you have Queensland Fruit Fly Hopefully by now you have your Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) traps (male and female) out in your garden. If your seeing QFF in the traps or you suspect you’ve found Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) in your fruits and vegetables, we recommend the following steps to stop the lifecycle: - Pick all infested fruit, including fallen fruit
- Kill larvae by freezing, boiling or putting infested fruit in a plastic bag in the sun for a week
- Dispose of treated fruit in the landfill bin. Do NOT put suspect fruit in your compost or green waste bin, in case some larvae survive and reinfests your fruit
Share this information with your fruit growing neighbours so you don’t get re-infested from QFF jumping over the fence. Watch our QFF YouTube video to learn how to identify, prevent and manage QFF in your garden. |
What to do if you have Queensland Fruit Fly Hopefully by now you have your Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) traps (male and female) out in your garden. If your seeing QFF in the traps or you suspect you’ve found Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) in your fruits and vegetables, we recommend the following steps to stop the lifecycle: - Pick all infested fruit, including fallen fruit
- Kill larvae by freezing, boiling or putting infested fruit in a plastic bag in the sun for a week
- Dispose of treated fruit in the landfill bin. Do NOT put suspect fruit in your compost or green waste bin, in case some larvae survive and reinfests your fruit
Share this information with your fruit growing neighbours so you don’t get re-infested from QFF jumping over the fence. Watch our QFF YouTube video to learn how to identify, prevent and manage QFF in your garden. |
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| Stay cool and safe in heatwaves Summer is around the corner, so here are some of our top tips to help you stay cool as the weather heats up: - Close blinds and curtains early, use air conditioning or a fan, wear light and loose-fitting clothing
- Keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp cloth and by taking cool showers.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much to drink during hot weather.
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. When outside, wear a hat and sunscreen, and seek shade.
- Visit cool or airconditioned places such as Darebin Libraries
- Check in on older friends, neighbours or family members
- Know the signs of heat stress. If you feel unwell call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024. If you have heat stroke call 000.
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Stay cool and safe in heatwaves Summer is around the corner, so here are some of our top tips to help you stay cool as the weather heats up: - Close blinds and curtains early, use air conditioning or a fan, wear light and loose-fitting clothing
- Keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp cloth and by taking cool showers.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much to drink during hot weather.
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. When outside, wear a hat and sunscreen, and seek shade.
- Visit cool or airconditioned places such as Darebin Libraries
- Check in on older friends, neighbours or family members
- Know the signs of heat stress. If you feel unwell call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024. If you have heat stroke call 000.
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| Safely dispose of old fridges and air conditioners Did you know refrigerative gases used in fridges and air conditioners can be harmful if not disposed of safely? Refrigeration and air conditioning are critical to the way we live. However, non-natural refrigerants used in cooling and heating systems are a pollutant if released into the atmosphere and act as a potent greenhouse gas. Some can also cause damage to the ozone layer or contain the PFAS class of chemicals. You can safely dispose of your old fridge and/or air conditioners by dropping them off for a fee ($35 per item) to the Darebin Resource Recovery Centre (DRRC). When buying new items look for natural refrigerants to reduce environmental impacts at their end of life. |
Safely dispose of old fridges and air conditioners Did you know refrigerative gases used in fridges and air conditioners can be harmful if not disposed of safely? Refrigeration and air conditioning are critical to the way we live. However, non-natural refrigerants used in cooling and heating systems are a pollutant if released into the atmosphere and act as a potent greenhouse gas. Some can also cause damage to the ozone layer or contain the PFAS class of chemicals. You can safely dispose of your old fridge and/or air conditioners by dropping them off for a fee ($35 per item) to the Darebin Resource Recovery Centre (DRRC). When buying new items look for natural refrigerants to reduce environmental impacts at their end of life. |
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| Cheaper Home Batteries Program More than 100,000 households, businesses and organisations across Australia have now installed batteries through the Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program. The program can provide rebates of around one third of the cost of a battery system, making it much more viable to add a battery to your new or existing solar power system. You can access the program through any accredited solar and battery installer or if you’re a business you can contact the Darebin Sustainable Business team for advice. |
Cheaper Home Batteries Program More than 100,000 households, businesses and organisations across Australia have now installed batteries through the Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program. The program can provide rebates of around one third of the cost of a battery system, making it much more viable to add a battery to your new or existing solar power system. You can access the program through any accredited solar and battery installer or if you’re a business you can contact the Darebin Sustainable Business team for advice. |
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| November gardening tips Melbourne Cup weekend is the perfect time to start planting your summer vegetable seedlings like tomatoes. Don't forget to stake your tomatoes at the time of planting. Want to find more great gardening tips, articles, events and webinar? Check out the My Smart Garden Website. You'll find heaps of helpful resources to help get your summer veggie patch going this November. |
November gardening tips Melbourne Cup weekend is the perfect time to start planting your summer vegetable seedlings like tomatoes. Don't forget to stake your tomatoes at the time of planting. Want to find more great gardening tips, articles, events and webinar? Check out the My Smart Garden Website. You'll find heaps of helpful resources to help get your summer veggie patch going this November. |
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| Electrify your home and life Want to reduce your energy bills, carbon footprint and create a comfortable home? Find out how at this free event! Tim Forcey, author of My Efficient Electric Home Handbook and creator of the My Efficient Electric Home Facebook group will share his top tips to help you electrify your home and save money. Tim will be joined by local resident Emily who has electrified and improved the energy efficiency of her family’s home in Reservoir. ‘I've estimated that the work we've done saves us around $2000 on our energy bills per year!’ says Emily. When: 6–7.30pm, Thursday 13 November Where: Preston Library This event is supported by the Community Electrification Engagement Program, delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government. |
Electrify your home and life Want to reduce your energy bills, carbon footprint and create a comfortable home? Find out how at this free event! Tim Forcey, author of My Efficient Electric Home Handbook and creator of the My Efficient Electric Home Facebook group will share his top tips to help you electrify your home and save money. Tim will be joined by local resident Emily who has electrified and improved the energy efficiency of her family’s home in Reservoir. ‘I've estimated that the work we've done saves us around $2000 on our energy bills per year!’ says Emily. When: 6–7.30pm, Thursday 13 November Where: Preston Library This event is supported by the Community Electrification Engagement Program, delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government. |
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| DCAN AGM and special guest speaker You’re invited to Darebin Climate Action Now’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) featuring special guest speaker David Spratt. David is the Research Director for Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration and a highly respected policy and science analyst. David will speak about his new discussion paper Warming has reached 1.5°C. What does that mean for climate advocacy? He will outline the current science on global warming and the options for addressing it. When: 6.30–8.30pm, Thursday 13th November Where: Span Community House, 64 Clyde St Thornbury |
DCAN AGM and special guest speaker You’re invited to Darebin Climate Action Now’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) featuring special guest speaker David Spratt. David is the Research Director for Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration and a highly respected policy and science analyst. David will speak about his new discussion paper Warming has reached 1.5°C. What does that mean for climate advocacy? He will outline the current science on global warming and the options for addressing it. When: 6.30–8.30pm, Thursday 13th November Where: Span Community House, 64 Clyde St Thornbury |
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| Bats as Pollinators webinar Join us for a webinar exploring the importance of Melbourne’s local bats to our environment. Discover the fascinating lives of grey-headed flying foxes and micro-bats that call our city home. Tamsyn from the Fly By Night Bat Clinic will share insights into their role as pollinators, the impacts of human activity, and how to protect them using wildlife-safe netting. Presented by My Smart Garden and multiple councils on the lands of the Kulin Nations. When: 7–8:30pm, Wednesday 12 November Where: Online |
Bats as Pollinators webinar Join us for a webinar exploring the importance of Melbourne’s local bats to our environment. Discover the fascinating lives of grey-headed flying foxes and micro-bats that call our city home. Tamsyn from the Fly By Night Bat Clinic will share insights into their role as pollinators, the impacts of human activity, and how to protect them using wildlife-safe netting. Presented by My Smart Garden and multiple councils on the lands of the Kulin Nations. When: 7–8:30pm, Wednesday 12 November Where: Online |
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| Free plant drawing workshops Drawing is a great way to notice plants more closely and to learn about them. It’s also relaxing and lots of fun! These guided sessions with Craig from Draw Plants Together are a friendly and inclusive space for creativity – with no prior drawing experience needed. You'll explore the surrounding parkland and the indigenous flower gardens at the Keon Park Children’s Hub. Come for one session, or all three. When: 6–8pm, 20 November, 27 November, 4 Decemeber Where: Keon Park Children’s Hub, 1 – 7 Dole Avenue Reservoir Sessions are suitable for people of all ages. |
Free plant drawing workshops Drawing is a great way to notice plants more closely and to learn about them. It’s also relaxing and lots of fun! These guided sessions with Craig from Draw Plants Together are a friendly and inclusive space for creativity – with no prior drawing experience needed. You'll explore the surrounding parkland and the indigenous flower gardens at the Keon Park Children’s Hub. Come for one session, or all three. When: 6–8pm, 20 November, 27 November, 4 Decemeber Where: Keon Park Children’s Hub, 1 – 7 Dole Avenue Reservoir Sessions are suitable for people of all ages. |
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| Darebin Repair Café Got something broken? Don’t bin it—bring it to a Darebin Repair Cafe! Volunteer fixers can help repair household items like electronics, clothing, and jewellery. When: 10am–1pm, Sunday 23 November Where: At a rotating Darebin venue – check the DRC Facebook group for updates |
Darebin Repair Café Got something broken? Don’t bin it—bring it to a Darebin Repair Cafe! Volunteer fixers can help repair household items like electronics, clothing, and jewellery. When: 10am–1pm, Sunday 23 November Where: At a rotating Darebin venue – check the DRC Facebook group for updates |
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| Be safe around snakes With the warmer weather, snakes may be seen along Darebin’s creek corridors and reserves. If you’re using bike or walking tracks, please stay aware. Keep dogs on-lead during hot weather even in off lead areas and especially near creek corridors and bushy spots. Snake bites are rare, but if it happens: Call Triple Zero (000) immediately Stay calm and still Do not try to catch or identify the snake If your pet is bitten, follow RSPCA advice. Learn more about snake bite treatment and check out more snake awareness tips on our website. |
Be safe around snakes With the warmer weather, snakes may be seen along Darebin’s creek corridors and reserves. If you’re using bike or walking tracks, please stay aware. Keep dogs on-lead during hot weather even in off lead areas and especially near creek corridors and bushy spots. Snake bites are rare, but if it happens: Call Triple Zero (000) immediately Stay calm and still Do not try to catch or identify the snake If your pet is bitten, follow RSPCA advice. Learn more about snake bite treatment and check out more snake awareness tips on our website. |
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| Buath Gurru Grass Flowering Season We're moving from Poorneet Tadpole Season to Buath Gurru Grass Flowering Season according to the Eastern Kulin Seasonal Calendar from the Bunjilaka Cultural Heritage Centre. The weather is warm, and it is often raining. Kangaroo Grass is flowering. Buliyong (bats) are catching insects in flight. Balayang, the Creation Being, is also referred to as the bat. Male Common Brown butterflies are flying. Coranderrk (Victorian Christmas Bush) is coming into flower. The Orion constellation is setting in the western sky around sunrise. Source - Eastern Kulin Seasonal Calendar - Bunjilaka. |
Buath Gurru Grass Flowering Season We're moving from Poorneet Tadpole Season to Buath Gurru Grass Flowering Season according to the Eastern Kulin Seasonal Calendar from the Bunjilaka Cultural Heritage Centre. The weather is warm, and it is often raining. Kangaroo Grass is flowering. Buliyong (bats) are catching insects in flight. Balayang, the Creation Being, is also referred to as the bat. Male Common Brown butterflies are flying. Coranderrk (Victorian Christmas Bush) is coming into flower. The Orion constellation is setting in the western sky around sunrise. Source - Eastern Kulin Seasonal Calendar - Bunjilaka. |
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Copyright © 2025 Darebin City Council, All rights reserved. |
Copyright © 2025 Darebin City Council, All rights reserved. |
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