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.)

Rainbow LGBTQ Seniors Group

This is a photo of a man doing a computer class at Jika Jika community centre  in Northcote

1:30pm-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.

Computer Basics Class

4pm - 5:30pm - third Monday 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. Jika in the Park - 2 East Street, Northcote.

Jika Jika Book Club (FREE)

This is a photo of children doing Karate

4:30pm-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

This is a an image of Expressive Women Choir in Northcote

6:30pm-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

This is a photo of a lady doing pilates

8pm-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

This is a photo of people dancing at Jika Jika community centre

10am-11:00am

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.

Dance and Sound Meditation

This is an image of thhree men

10am-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!

10:30am-11:00am

Sit, stretch, and move gently in this fun and easy session before morning tea. No experience needed. Just come along, loosen up and enjoy some light movement and laughs together. 

Gentle Chair Exercises

This is a photo of two ladies having morning tea at Jika Jika in Northcote

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.

This is a photo of people doing Tai Chi

12pm-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. 

This is a photo of people in the veggie garden at Jika Jika in Northcote

12pm-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.

This is a photo of people doing artistic projects

1.00pm-3.00pm

Embrace your creative side and connect with others in Jika's art space, using our great range of art supplies for just $5.

Open Studio Arts

3:00pm (Meet outside Westgarth Cinema)

Movie lovers! Join the new Jika Jika Movie Club for a regular film screening at Westgarth Cinema. For just $10, enjoy a fantastic movie with other locals. Meet us at the Westgarth Cinema for the movie, followed by coffee and conversation at a local cafe.

Jika Jika Movie Club

4pm-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

this is a photo of children dancing

4:15pm-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

This is a photo of people playing cards at Jika Jika Community Centre in Northcote

6:30pm-8:00pm

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)

Tune-in Tuesdays: Community Events

Wednesdays

this is a photo of children dancing

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

This is a photo of fruit and veg from Jika Jika's fresh food program in Northcote

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.

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.

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! 

Join us to create recipes, cook together and share ideas using ingredients rescued through SecondBite. It’s a simple way to reduce food waste, meet new people and give back to the community. You can even take food home with you! No booking required – just drop in and join the fun.

2pm-4pm

Cook & Connect: Food Rescue Program

This is a photo of meditation at Jika Jika

5:30pm-6:30pm - CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Discover tranquility with Judith Barker in our rejuvenating Sahaja Yoga meditation sessions. Manage stress better, master your emotions and find solutions to your problems. All ages are welcome to experience the soothing power of meditation. 

Let’s Meditate (FREE)

Thursdays

This is a photo of the Seniors Bike Shed at Jika Jika

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.

This is an image of a hatha yoga class

10:15am-11:30am (during school term)

Hatha Yoga

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.

This is a photo of the BBQ at Jika Jika community centre in Northcote

12:30pm-1:30pm

Community BBQ/Lunch

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!

This is a photo of Pam in our sewing group at Jika Jika in Northcote

1:30pm-3:00pm

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! 

this is a photo of children dancing

4:20pm-5:55pm

Nook Dance Studio Classes

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.

This is a photo of the Macedonian Folk Dance Group at Jika Jika in Northcote

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.

This is a photo of a lady doing pilates

8pm-9pm

Pilates

Instructor Ange welcomes you to strengthen your core and stretch your body and mind in her uplifting pilates classes. Suitable for all levels.

Fridays

This is a photo of the community playgroup at Jika Jika in Northcote

9:30am - 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

this is a photo of children dancing

9:45am-12:pm

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

This is a photo of the community singalong at Jika Jika in Northcote

Community Sing-Along (FREE)

1.30pm-2.30pm

Bring your lunch, or just yourself and belt out some easy, fun tunes with us. This isn't a choir – there's no experience needed, just your enthusiasm! 

This is a photo of a man doing a computer class at Jika Jika community centre  in Northcote

1:30pm-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.

This is a photo of jewellery-making at Jika Jika in Northcote

4:00pm-6:00pm - Upcoming

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.

Our House is Your House (FREE)

Saturdays

this is a photo of children dancing

9:00am-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

This is a group of people singing at Jika Jika

4pm-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)

Saturday Sing

Sundays

This is a photo of the Shaking the Tree choir that meets at Jika Jika in Northcote

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!

Shaking the Tree Choir

This is a group of people chanting at Jika Jika Community Centre

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!

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.