Regular Activities at Jika Jika
Learn new skills and connect with other locals through our fantastic range of classes and groups. Many of our activities are free or low-cost, making them accessible for our community.
This schedule is subject to change at late notice. To avoid disappointment, please contact us on 9482 5100 before attending an activity for the first time.
Mondays
11am-1pm (second Monday of the month)
Join our friendly, facilitated support group for LGBTQ+ seniors, held every second Monday of the month. It’s a welcoming space to connect, share, and support one another. Refreshments provided. Everyone’s welcome. Just turn up. (Not held on public holidays.)
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Rainbow LGBTQ Seniors Group
12-1pm
Tai Chi/Qigong Fusion
Join Tao for a special blend of Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong, a unique experience to rejuvenate your body and mind. All ages and abilities welcome. Pricing: $5 concession / $10 full price.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
1:30-4pm (Jika in the Park during school terms)
Learn computer and digital skills from our expert Harry. Explore email, online banking, MS Office, and more in a supportive, judgement-free zone. $90 per term, concessions available.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Computer Basics Class
4:30-6:30pm
Skilled instructors from Le Bros Karate help build children’s confidence and various self-defence, motor and other skills in a safe space. Classes for ages 4+ from beginner to advanced.
Karate Classes for Kids
6:30-8:30pm (Jika in the Park during school term)
Expressive Women is a warm, connected group celebrating female songwriters and sharing stories through music. Directed by Bronwyn Calcutt, we welcome new members in 2024!
Expressive Women Choir
8-9pm
Instructor Ange welcomes you to strengthen your core and stretch your body and mind in her uplifting pilates classes. Suitable for all levels.
Pilates
Tuesdays
10-10:45am
Join Tiffany for a joyful session of free flow movements in a warm, inclusive atmosphere! All ages, genders, and abilities are welcome. This is a free event, and there’s no need to register.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Dance and Sound Meditation
10-11.30am (alternating weeks)
Brain Injury Matters Peer Support (FREE)
The Brain Injury Matters Peer Support Group connects people with acquired brain injury in the Northern suburbs. Members share their lived experience, support each other and have fun!
11am-12pm
Morning Tea (FREE)
Enjoy tea, coffee, freshly baked scones and warm conversations with fellow community members at our relaxed weekly morning tea. This is a free event. Just turn up.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
12-12:30pm
Sit, stretch, and move gently in this fun and easy session after morning tea. No experience needed. Just come along, loosen up and enjoy some light movement and laughs together.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Gentle Chair Exercises
12-3pm
Gardening Group (FREE)
Join our informal Gardening Group as we tend to our community garden every Tuesday! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just curious, we welcome you to get your hands dirty.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
1-3pm
Embrace your creative side and connect with others in Jika's art space, using our great range of art supplies for just $5.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Open Studio Arts
2:30pm (Meet at Jika Jika. Third Tuesday of the month)
Movie lovers! Join our movie club for a regular film screening at Westgarth Cinema. For just $10, enjoy a fantastic movie with other locals. Have a cuppa at Jika Jika before walking to the cinema. We choose the movie on the day.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Jika Jika Movie Club
4-5:30pm (fortnightly on Tuesdays at Jika in the Park)
Qwids is a creative, affirming space where LGBTQIA+ kids aged 6–12 can make friends, explore who they are and feel part of a community. Each session includes games, art, group chats and time to just be themselves. During school term time only.
Qwids – LGBTQIA+ Kids Group
4:15-5:50pm
Nurture your child’s self-expression and confidence through creative dance classes by Nook Dance Centre. Visit Nook’s website via the button below for class and timetable information.
Nook Dance Studio Classes
6:30-8pm
Tune-in Tuesdays: Community Events
Connect with other locals at our fun and welcoming rotating Tuesday night events.
All Are Welcome Games Night: First Tuesday of the month (FREE)
Community Movie Night: Second Tuesday of the month (FREE)
Community Dinner: Third Tuesday of the month (FREE)
Something New: Fourth Tuesday of the month (FREE)
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Wednesdays
9am-12pm
Nurture your child’s self-expression and confidence through creative dance classes by Nook Dance Centre. Visit Nook’s website via the button below for class and timetable information.
Nook Dance Studio Classes
Darebin residents on low or no income or experiencing financial hardship can pick up free fresh fruit and veggies, including some grown in our very own community garden.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Fresh Food Program (FREE)
10:30am-12pm
10:30am-1pm
Open Playground (FREE)
Enjoy Jika’s open playground which features toys, a sandpit, a cubby house, children’s tables, and more. Meet other families and escape the house, especially if you don't have a backyard.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
1pm-2:30pm
Social Stitch (FREE)
Join Aysegul, our sewing enthusiast, for some stitching fun. It's a relaxed drop-in service with sewing machines available. Knit, sew and chat together!
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Thursdays
10am-1pm (first Thursday of the month at Jika in the Park)
Seniors Bike Shed (FREE)
Connect with fellow riders, share stories and enjoy a friendly atmosphere while working on your bikes. To learn more, call 9482 5100 or email via the button below.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Join physiotherapist Laurie Lacey for a rejuvenating hatha yoga class covering spinal care, deep relaxation and gentle stretching. Pay for the term or individual classes.
Hatha Yoga
10:15-11:30am (during school term)
12:30-1:30pm
Join us for our new weekly Community BBQ or lunch and games. It’s a lovely way to meet other locals in a friendly, relaxed space. Whether you come on your own or with a friend, everyone’s welcome!
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Community BBQ/Lunch
1:30-3pm
Social Stitch (FREE)
Join Aysegul, our sewing enthusiast, for some stitching fun. It's a relaxed drop-in service with sewing machines available. Knit, sew and chat together!
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Nurture your child’s self-expression and confidence through creative dance classes by Nook Dance Centre. Visit Nook’s website via the button below for class and timetable information.
Nook Dance Studio Classes
4:20-5:55pm
7pm-8pm
Macedonian Folk Dance Group
Our Macedonian folk dancing group has been gathering weekly for 12 years! While our core consists of spirited women in their 50s and 60s, we welcome anyone seeking good music, fun and exercise.
Email julijana.g@gmail.com to learn more.
Instructor Ange welcomes you to strengthen your core and stretch your body and mind in her uplifting pilates classes. Suitable for all levels.
Pilates
8-9pm
Fridays
9:30-11:30am
Join us for play-based activities and lots of fun for little ones aged 0-6. It's a great way for your children to learn and connect with others while you meet fellow locals! Gold coin donation.
Community Playgroup
9:45am-12pm
Nurture your child’s self-expression and confidence through creative dance classes by Nook Dance Centre. Visit Nook’s website via the button below for class and timetable information.
Nook Dance Studio Classes
Community Sing-Along (FREE)
1:30-2:30pm
A relaxed weekly sing-along where you don’t need a good voice, just a love of music and community. Join us for easy songs, good company and a cuppa.
1:30-4pm (during school terms at Jika in the Park )
Computer Basics Class
Learn computer and digital skills from our in-house expert Harry. Explore email, online banking, MS Office, and more in a supportive, judgement-free zone. $90 per term, concessions available.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
2:30-3:30pm
Think Together (FREE)
Join us for a relaxed, brain-boosting session with codewords, crosswords, games and more. Try something new, share your favourites and meet like-minded locals over a cuppa.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Looking for a relaxed space to hang out, get creative and meet new people? Our House is Your House is a safe, inclusive space to unwind and express yourself. We’ve got everything from DIY jewellery making to natural skincare sessions to self-care chats. Plus, there are snacks! Bring your friends or come solo and meet some new ones. Everyone’s welcome.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Our House is Your House (FREE)
4-6pm - FORTNIGHTLY
5-6pm - first Friday of the month
Love to read? Join our brand-new book club to connect with fellow readers, share recommendations and explore great reads in a relaxed and welcoming space.
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Jika Jika Book Club (FREE)
Saturdays
9am-1:10pm
Nurture your child’s self-expression and confidence through creative dance classes by Nook Dance Centre. Visit Nook’s website via the button below for class and timetable information.
Nook Dance Studio Classes
4-6pm (first Saturday of the month)
Join in the fun and connect with locals as we gather for a good time, raising our voices together in song. Everyone’s welcome ($10).
Email office@jikajika.org.au or call 03 9482 5100 to learn more.
Saturday Sing
Sundays
10:30am-12:30pm (during school term)
Shaking the Tree is a choir fueled by passion for social justice and songs that amplify our love and values. Directed by Bronwyn Calcutt, we're excited to welcome new members in 2024!
Email calcuttbronwyn@gmail.com to learn more.
Shaking the Tree Choir
11:00am-12:00pm (second and last Sunday of the month at Jika in the Park)
Om Chanting Circle
Enjoy soothing chants, following by meditation and quiet reflection, offering mental calm, physical relaxation and spiritual healing. Gold coin donation (free for those in need). No experience needed!
Call 0400 341 325 for more information.
By Appointment
Children’s Violin Lessons
Give your child the gift of music with expert violin lessons from John Officer. With nearly 40 years of teaching experience, John has a special talent for working with young learners. He’s taught violin at one of Melbourne’s top schools for 27 years and has performed with the Australian Opera and Australian Ballet. Lessons by appointment.