18 September (Friday) –  Voice Adventure Club

The Voice Adventure Club meets at the podcast studio at narrm ngarrgu Library in Melbourne CBD.
At our Voice Adventure Club session on 18 September, each member brought something they wanted to read.
After practising each piece twice and sharing ideas and opinions, we recorded our readings.
All three members have very different interests and chose pieces from different genres. It was lovely to listen to each other, share thoughts and discover new interests together.
Everyone had a wonderful and enjoyable time!

19 September (Saturday)  –  Natsumero Kissa

It was another lively and enjoyable gathering, with many participants joining us again.
We continue to meet at Multicultural Hub, but from this month, we have moved to a larger room, giving everyone more space to enjoy the session together.
The theme this time was “Songs About Overseas”, and we sang a total of 14 songs from the theme.
Our tea break is also one of the highlights of the afternoon, giving everyone a chance to relax, chat and catch up over a cup of tea.
After the session, some of the participants continued the fun with lunch at Wong’s Lucky Bar in Melbourne CBD.

20 September (Sunday)  – Meljoy Club

We had a smaller group than usual this time, but we were blessed with beautiful weather and enjoyed a lovely day of walking together.
We started with lunch at Wong’s Lucky Bar, then took the train from State Library Station to Anzac Station before heading to the Royal Botanic Gardens for our walk.
There were lots of interesting things to discover along the way.
As the school holidays had just begun, we saw many families enjoying picnics under the cherry blossom trees.
We also spotted some young bamboo shoots poking out in the bamboo grove!
We visited La Trobe’s Cottage, which is scheduled to reopen in the first week of October. Although we couldn’t go inside this time, we enjoyed looking at the historic building from outside.
To finish the day, we stopped at a café for coffee and ice cream. 

27 September (Sunday)  –  Exadone & Taiko Session

We have started practising in earnest for the ANE Fundraising Concert on 15 November!
Everyone is welcome to join us — whether you are performing at the concert or simply want to come along and try a session.
Next session: 11 October
We look forward to seeing you there!

30 September (Wednesday) – Western Suburbs Lunch Group  

We held our Western Suburbs Lunch Group at Chiba Restaurant in Moonee Ponds.

We were happy to welcome several new participants, bringing the total to 17 people. Everyone ordered their favourite dishes, including sushi, sashimi, bento, gyudon, ramen and nabeyaki udon.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch together while chatting and getting to know each other. It was a lovely and enjoyable gathering.

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.

7 July (Tuesday) – Fundraising Team

Eight volunteers took part in our July activities. We made good use of fabrics, obi and other materials kindly donated by our members, coming up with creative ideas and turning them into handmade items to sell at our fundraising stalls.

12 July (Sunday) – Camberwell Sunday Market

As part of our fundraising activities, we ran a stall at the Camberwell Sunday Market.

We started setting up at 6:00 am, while it was still dark. Even before sunrise, experienced market-goers were already walking around with small torches in hand, searching for bargains. We were amazed by their enthusiasm!

The morning started off rather gloomy, but as expected from one of Melbourne’s much-loved Sunday markets, the market gradually became busier as more people arrived. Towards the end of the day, it was even more lively and full of energy.

We had many lovely encounters with local people, as well as lots of adorable dogs! It was a wonderful day and reminded us once again of the unique charm of the Camberwell Sunday Market.

17 July (Friday) –  Yukari West

As we prepare for next month’s performance, we practised all of the songs we will be performing and worked on some fine adjustments.

One of the songs, “Jupiter”, will feature a flute accompaniment, adding an even more beautiful and dreamy atmosphere to the performance.

We carefully worked through details such as when the piano should come in and when the singing should begin, sharing ideas and suggestions with each other. Everyone worked together to find the right timing and practise as a group.

18 July (Saturday) – Natsumero Kissa

This month’s theme was “Blue and Light Blue Songs.” Both our volunteers and participants joined in the fun by wearing something blue or light blue, creating a cheerful and refreshing atmosphere.
More than 20 people attended, and everyone enjoyed singing nostalgic songs together with great enthusiasm. During the tea break, participants chatted over refreshments, making it a wonderful time that warmed both the heart and the stomach.
Singing these familiar songs brought back many treasured memories, allowing everyone to reminisce and share moments from the past. The introduction and stories behind each song added an extra layer of enjoyment and helped us appreciate the music even more.
By the end of the afternoon, many of us were already looking forward to next month’s gathering! Although winter in Melbourne is still chilly, the warmth and joy of our Nostalgic Songs Café always make us forget the cold.

 New participants are always welcome!
If you are interested in joining us, please feel free to contact us. We’d love to have you sing along with us!

19 July (Sunday) – ANE Taiko Session

After a two-month break, our Taiko session brought our regular members back together for a fun and lively afternoon.
We started with Exerdon, a taiko-based warm-up exercise, before moving on to practice pieces for our upcoming concert.
Following the instructor’s shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute), we kept the rhythm, counted the beats, and played the taiko together. It was not only great musical practice but also an excellent workout for both the body and the brain!

19 July (Sunday) – MelJoy Club

This time, the Mel-Joy Club visited the Melbourne Museum to see the exhibition on the Roman Empire.
Due to the marathon taking place in the city, some roads were closed, so we had to change our plans and travel by tram instead. Thanks to everyone arriving on time, we were able to catch an earlier tram from Bourke Street and arrived at the Melbourne Museum at around 10:20 am.
Our 19 participants enjoyed exploring the exhibition at their own pace until the meeting time, learning about the fascinating history and culture of the Roman Empire.
At 11:50 am, we met again and split into three groups for lunch. It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy good food, conversation, and friendship together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at our next Mel-Joy Club outing!

21 July (Tuesday) – Attended the Japanese Community Safety Coordination Meeting

Today, one of ANE’s committee members attended the Japanese Community Safety Coordination Meeting held at the Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne.
During the meeting, a presentation was given by the Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police regarding community safety and security. During the Q&A session, we asked about crimes specifically targeting seniors.
It was explained that cases involving scams and financial issues involving carers or family members are among the concerns affecting older people. We were also informed that the Victoria Police website provides safety and crime prevention information for seniors, and that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) also provides information to support older people.
In addition, participating organisations shared that they have seen an increase in consultations relating to domestic violence (DV) and rental scams.
At ANE, we will continue to share useful safety information, including crime prevention and scam awareness tips, so that Japanese seniors in Melbourne can live safely and with confidence.
Please remember: anyone can become a target of scams. Do not assume “it won’t happen to me.” If you receive suspicious phone calls, messages, or requests involving money, please take extra care and seek advice before taking any action.

24 July (Friday)  –  Voice Adventure Club

We welcomed a first-time visitor to our session, and the four of us read through ANE’s activity guide together.
After some articulation exercises, we practised reading the script, and after a short break, we also made a recording.
During the session, our conversation naturally expanded to various topics that are important for us to know about in our daily lives. It was a very valuable and fulfilling time for everyone. 

26 July (Sunday) –   Golden Wattle Group

Wattle Group members gathered at a member’s home for the Annual General Meeting(AGM).
Before the meeting, everyone enjoyed a special pre-ordered lunch, along with a variety of delicious dishes brought by the participants, making it a wonderful shared meal.
During the AGM, members shared their ideas and opinions about the future of the Wattle Group. It was a productive discussion held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. 

29 Juy (Wednesday) –   West Area Lunch Gathering

The West Area Lunch Gathering was held at Chiba Japanese Restaurant in Moonee Ponds.
Unfortunately, one of the war brides had a fall the day before and was admitted to hospital, so she had to cancel at the last minute. As a result, only one war bride was able to attend. However, her daughter and grandchild joined us, making the gathering warm and lively. We were also delighted that the daughter of a late war bride came to join us.
There were animated conversations throughout the lunch, and everyone enjoyed catching up with one another.
As we were leaving the restaurant, the grandchild of one of the war brides happened to walk past with a stroller, giving us a wonderful opportunity for four generations to connect.

29 July (Wednesday)  –  Social Line Dancing

https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/event/social-line-dancing
Tried Social Line Dancing in North Melbourne!
I recently joined the Social Line Dancing program at the Jean McKendry Neighbourhood Centre in North Melbourne, organised by the City of Melbourne.
There are two classes available every Wednesday:

As it was my first time, I joined the 3:15 pm Absolute Beginners class.
Around 20 people attended the session, standing in three rows as the instructor first demonstrated the steps. Once everyone had learned the basics, we danced together to lively country music.
The upbeat music made it easy to get moving, and everyone looked like they were having a wonderful time! 

Line dancing is a great way to stay active while also giving your brain a gentle workout by learning and remembering new steps. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere made the 45-minute session fly by.
I also spoke with a participant who uses social line dancing as part of their rehabilitation, which shows how this enjoyable activity can support people in different ways.
If you’re interested, you can book a place through the City of Melbourne website.
Participation is free.