4 August 2026 – FRT (Fundraising Team) Activity
We spent the first half of the session making Doraemon masks and other props for the upcoming Nishi Yukari concert. Everyone worked together to help prepare for a fun and enjoyable performance.
During the second half, we made handmade crafts for our fundraising stalls, including our popular cat-themed items and a new product—glasses cases.
Every item is carefully handmade by our volunteers, and the proceeds from their sales help support ANE’s activities. We look forward to sharing these creations at our upcoming events.
Thank you to everyone who participated!
9 August (Sunday) – A Wonderful Afternoon with Camberwell Citadel Band and Yukari West
We attended “Sunday Afternoon at the Salvos,” a concert hosted by Greensborough Salvation Army.
Yukari West performed alternately with the Camberwell Citadel Band, creating an enjoyable and engaging afternoon of music. We enjoyed both the powerful sounds of the brass band and the beautiful harmonies of Yukari West’s chorus.
Yukari West’s performance featured much more than singing. The program included an eight-hand piano performance, as well as a variety of instruments such as the flute, piccolo, cello and cajón, a box-shaped percussion instrument played while seated. The diverse and creative performances delighted the audience.
After the concert, everyone moved to another room to enjoy afternoon tea together, with cakes, sandwiches and plenty of friendly conversation.
It was a lovely Sunday afternoon, sharing music and friendship with members of the local community.
15 August (Saturday) – August Natsumero Kissa – Activity Report
Natsumero Kissa was held on Saturday, 15 August, at Multicultural Hub.
15 August is the anniversary of the end of World War II in Japan. This year marks 81 years since the end of the war.
This month, we dedicated the first half of the gathering to remembering the past and praying for peace, so that the memories of war will not fade and such tragic events will never happen again.
One of the participants gave a talk about the song “Aa, Montenlupa no Yoru wa Fukete”, followed by a performance of tanka poetry by Shinoe Shoda in the traditional Japanese style of Shigin.
It was a meaningful time for everyone to reflect on peace and offer their own prayers for peace.
In the second half, we enjoyed a collection of popular songs from before 1965, singing many nostalgic favourites together. We also had a fun “Guess the Singer!” quiz, which brought lots of smiles and laughter
We sincerely thank everyone who joined us this month. We are also very grateful for the delicious food that was shared and, most of all, for all the wonderful smiles from our participants.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next month!
16 August (Sunday) – Meljoy Club
Twelve people joined us this month, and we explored William Street, a street that many of us do not usually walk along.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the change of scenery and exploring a different part of Melbourne.
We arrived at the Hellenic Museum at around 11:00 am and enjoyed viewing its fascinating collection of Greek artefacts. The exhibits from northern Greece were particularly interesting.
We had hoped to visit the nearby history library, but unfortunately, it was closed on the weekend. However, we found a map of Melbourne from the 1880s displayed outside the building. Looking at the old map sparked lots of interesting conversations about Melbourne’s history.
After the walk and sightseeing, we had lunch as usual at WongLuckyBar.
It was a lovely day of walking, discovering, chatting and enjoying a meal together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
We look forward to seeing you again on our next Mel-joy walk!
17 August (Sunday) – We Attended the “Women’s Health Seminar by a Japanese-Australian Obstetrician and Gynaecologist”
Several members of ANE attended the “Women’s Health Seminar by a Japanese-Australian Obstetrician and Gynaecologist,” held at the Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne.
It was a valuable opportunity to learn more about women’s health.
For more information about the seminar, please see the “Notice from the Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne” column on DENGON NET（Japanese only）
https://www.dengonnet.net/melbourne/columns/articles/104788
27 August (Thursday) – Attended an Information Session
Two ANE committee members attended the My Aged Care Information Session held at Kathleen Syme Library as part of the “Making Sense of Government Services” learning series organised by the City of Melbourne.
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s main entry point for accessing aged care and support services for older people.
During the session, an Aged Care Specialist Officer from Services Australia gave a clear and easy-to-understand explanation of how My Aged Care works, who may be eligible for support, how to arrange the required assessments, and how to find information about available services and support.
The officer also answered a wide range of questions from participants, carefully referring to the relevant information and resources to explain each answer.
We also learned about different types of support that can help older people remain independent and living at home for as long as possible, as well as the various options available for future care and support. It was a very informative and valuable session.
After the session, we gave our ANE business card to the Services Australia representative and asked whether a similar information session could be held for Japanese-speaking members of the community. We also spoke with a member of the City of Melbourne’s Healthy Ageing Team who attended the session and asked for their support.
We are now working towards creating an opportunity for ANE members to learn about My Aged Care in Japanese.
At ANE, we want to continue providing opportunities for Japanese-speaking seniors and their families to access information about Australia’s aged care and support systems with confidence. We hope to help reduce some of the anxiety that can come from simply not knowing what services and options are available.
We would like to create friendly and accessible information sessions where people can feel comfortable asking questions such as, “I’d like to know more about this,” or “I’m not really sure how My Aged Care works.”
30 August (Sunday) – ANE Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held
During the AGM, we reflected on ANE’s activities and operations over the past year and discussed our plans and activities for the year ahead.
As part of the AGM, the committee members are elected each year. This year, the election was held as usual, and there were no changes to the current committee members, who will continue in their roles for the coming year.
Building on what we have achieved so far, our committee members and volunteers will continue to work together to further develop ANE’s activities and support our community.
Over the past year, ANE has provided a range of activities, information and opportunities for connection to help Japanese seniors live safely and enjoy meaningful connections with others.
We have been able to continue our social and cultural activities, provide information on health, welfare and support services, engage in volunteer activities and fundraising, and create opportunities for people to connect with one another.
None of this would have been possible without the support of our members, volunteers and everyone who has supported ANE throughout the year. Thank you sincerely for your continued support.
The AGM marks an important milestone for ANE. Looking ahead, we will continue working towards creating a warm and welcoming community where people can feel:
“Even in a foreign country, you are not alone.”
We look forward to your continued support of ANE in the coming year.
