Good things happening. People making a difference.
Your September community edition
Small actions, shared places and a brighter September
A repair café in Melbourne, a welcoming lunch in Glen Innes and opportunities for local artists. This edition follows the people and places bringing communities together, with practical details for joining in.
Plus our Pure Contour Australia feature and one advertisement.
Federation Square in Melbourne, photographed in February 2026. The square hosts the Zero Waste Festival featured in this edition.Photo: Dprzvhar · Original photograph · CC0. Web-sized image; no crop.
Repair, share and swap at Melbourne’s Zero Waste Festival
Repairing something you already own can be more useful than buying its replacement. Melbourne’s Zero Waste Festival brings that idea to Federation Square with a repair café, a mending circle and swaps for clothes, fabric and books. Local organisations and businesses will also be there to share practical ways of cutting waste.
When
12 September, noon to 7.30pm
Cost
Free entry; check session bookings
More details about Repair, share and swap at Melbourne’s Zero Waste Festival
The festival takes place in the Atrium and The Edge. Check the programme before carrying an item in for repair or choosing a workshop, as different activities have their own arrangements. The listing reports Auslan, mobility access and quiet spaces; contact the organiser about the particular session you want to attend.
Source and visitor detailsCity of MelbourneChecked 8 September 2026. Times are local.
02
Neighbours helping neighboursGlen Innes, NSW
A weekly lunch opens the door in Glen Innes
Glen Innes’ Snack n Chat offers a simple invitation: come in, have lunch and spend a little time with other people. The weekly community meal is sponsored by the Glen Innes Opportunity Shop, with ingredients sourced locally where possible. Everyone is welcome, according to the event listing.
When
Wednesdays from 9 September, 12.30 to 1pm
Cost
Free
More details about A weekly lunch opens the door in Glen Innes
The venue is the community centre at 268 Grey Street. The published Wednesday schedule runs through 16 December, making this a regular opportunity rather than a single afternoon. If you need particular dietary or access arrangements, use the organiser’s contact details on the listing before travelling.
A closer look at Pure Contour Australia’s facial serum
Pure Contour Australia’s catalogue includes the Vit C Facial Serum in a 100 ml bottle. Its product information lists vitamin C, vitamin E and allantoin. For readers comparing products, the Australian product page brings together the current price, description and directions in one place.
Read those details before deciding whether it belongs in your routine. The published directions describe using a small amount on clean, dry skin, followed by moisturiser, and recommend a patch test for sensitive skin. The shop also lists day and night creams, so you can browse the Australian range and read each product’s directions in one place.
Deaf-led ideas take centre stage at a free science festival
A festival at Science Gallery Melbourne puts Deaf people’s experience and creativity at the centre of science and art. Its programme has been developed with Deaf community members, students and professionals, and includes Deaf-led exhibition tours, drop-in STEM activities and Auslan storytelling.
When
19 September, 11am to 5pm
Cost
Free; booking link available
More details about Deaf-led ideas take centre stage at a free science festival
The gallery is at 114 Grattan Street in Parkville. There are introductions to Auslan and a forum as well as hands-on activities, so readers can choose an event that suits their interests. The organiser lists Auslan provision, mobility access and quiet spaces. Check the programme and booking information for session-specific arrangements.
Source and visitor detailsCity of MelbourneChecked 8 September 2026. Times are local.
05
Small business and cultureEveleigh, NSW
First Nations businesses gather at Carriageworks
Carriageworks during an art market in May 2023. A view of the venue, not the upcoming Australian Native Food Festival.Photo: Nick-D · Original photograph · CC BY-SA 4.0. Web-sized image; no crop.
The Australian Native Food Festival brings 30 First Nations-owned businesses to Carriageworks. The range stretches beyond a single food stall: the listing includes spices, tea, chocolate and weaving, alongside a programme of demonstrations and workshops. It is a chance to meet the people behind the products and hear more about their work.
When
26 and 27 September, 8am to 5pm
Cost
General admission free; some activities paid
More details about First Nations businesses gather at Carriageworks
Carriageworks is on Carriageworks Way in Eveleigh. General admission is free, with registration available, but chef demonstrations and workshops can carry separate charges. Check individual sessions before booking, and allow for anything you decide to buy from exhibitors.
Source and visitor detailsCity of SydneyChecked 8 September 2026. Times are local.
06
OpportunitiesBrisbane, QLD
Brisbane’s creative grants open later this month
Brisbane artists and community arts groups have a useful preparation window before the next creative grants round opens on 28 September. Council is offering three free information sessions to explain the options and help applicants understand what is required. Funding is subject to eligibility and assessment.
When
Applications open 28 September
Cost
Information sessions free; book a place
More details about Brisbane’s creative grants open later this month
Sessions are listed for Brisbane Square Library on 28 September, noon to 1.30pm; Chermside Library on 29 September, 6 to 7.30pm; and Garden City Library on 8 October, 6 to 7.30pm. Read the relevant grant guidelines first, then use the council’s booking links for tailored questions.
Source and visitor detailsBrisbane City CouncilChecked 8 September 2026. Times are local.
07
Arts and ideasSouthbank, VIC
Seven artists bring new work to ACCA
The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank, photographed in 2008. Venue photograph.Photo: Donaldytong · Original photograph · CC BY-SA 3.0. Web-sized image; no crop.
NEW26 brings seven artists’ newly commissioned work to the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. The exhibition renews a series previously held between 2003 and 2016, offering a place to encounter current work across forms including painting, ceramics and sound. It opens in Southbank on 18 September.
When
18 September to 22 November
Cost
Free entry
More details about Seven artists bring new work to ACCA
The published hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, and weekends, 11am to 5pm. This is an exhibition to keep in the diary over the coming weeks rather than an opening-day-only opportunity. Check the gallery’s linked visitor information for the route and any programme updates.
Source and visitor detailsCity of MelbourneChecked 8 September 2026. Times are local.
08
Local expertisePerth, WA
Perth specialists explain how digital tools preserve old buildings
How do you record a building in enough detail to help care for it? A free Perth library talk explores the use of drones and laser scanning in heritage work. Garon Deutsch and Jane Hogben from MEnD Consulting will discuss projects including East Perth Power Station and St Mary’s Cathedral.
When
30 September, 6 to 7.30pm
Cost
Free; bookings required
More details about Perth specialists explain how digital tools preserve old buildings
The session takes place at the City of Perth Library, 573 Hay Street. It offers a practical introduction to the work behind preservation and planning, whether you are interested in local history or the skills used by specialist businesses. Reserve a place through the event listing.
Source and visitor detailsCity of PerthChecked 8 September 2026. Times are local.
09
Small businessPerth, WA
Two Perth businesses make room for a conversation
Joey Zaza’s is teaming up with local maker Cakes by Laura C for R U OK? Day. The café’s listing offers a small yellow treat with a purchase, using the occasion to encourage people to check in with one another. It is a modest example of local businesses contributing to a wider community conversation.
When
10 September, 7am to 2pm
Cost
Purchase required; offer while stocks last
More details about Two Perth businesses make room for a conversation
The café is at 45 St Georges Terrace. This is a purchase-linked offer, not a free meal or a support service, and the treats are available only while stocks last. Read the event details for the offer before making a special trip.
Source and visitor detailsCity of PerthChecked 8 September 2026. Times are local.
10
Community placesBlackwood, SA
A children’s playspace shaped with a local school
Wittunga Botanic Garden’s nature playspace shows how children can help shape the places they use. Blackwood Primary School pupils contributed to its design, which includes a trampoline that can accommodate wheelchair users. This is an established community space to discover, rather than a newly announced opening.
When
Ongoing place to visit
Cost
Free garden visit
More details about A children’s playspace shaped with a local school
The garden’s visitor information describes the playspace and its setting. Fencing separates it from the road, but the whole garden is not enclosed, so plan supervision accordingly. Check the garden’s current opening times and access information before setting off.
The Australian National Botanic Gardens brings more than 4,300 Australian plant species together in a bushland setting close to central Canberra. The Rainforest Gully, Red Centre Garden and eucalypt areas offer different starting points for a visit. It is an everyday place for noticing how varied Australian plant life can be.
When
Gardens open 8.30am to 5pm
Cost
Check visitor information for parking charges
More details about A botanical journey without leaving Canberra
Choose a route from the visitor map rather than assuming every bush track suits every visitor. The gardens normally open daily except Christmas Day, with some areas closing in dangerous weather. Follow the official visitor links for current access, parking and opening information.
