Celebrate Local at the Aussie-Made, Aussie-Owned Showcase

Buying local has never been more important, and our community is leading the way. The Toronto Community Hub is hosting an Australian Made, Australian Owned Showcase, celebrating what’s crafted, created and produced right here, by Australian hands and Australian businesses.

Saturday 22 November, 9am–12pm,

Toronto Community Hub, 97 The Boulevarde.

The showcase is all about helping locals make informed choices that support home-grown talent and keep money circulating in our community. It’s a chance to discover quality goods made with care, from local artists, artisans and crafters.

There’ll be stalls selling handmade textiles, pottery, metal art, essential oils, beauty products, wooden furniture for little ones, and baked treats. Many stallholders will also be sharing details about their workshops and classes, perfect if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at something new.

A special display of everyday pantry staples will highlight Australian owned and made brands available in our local shops, so you can see how easy it is to buy local every day.

There’s also a monster raffle, a hamper brimming with Australian-made and owned goodies, from homewares and pantry treats to unique local pieces. The raffle will be drawn in the week before Christmas.

So come along for a cuppa and morning tea, browse the exhibits, and get your Christmas shopping sorted locally. You’ll be supporting Australian makers, backing local business, and celebrating the creativity that makes our community shine.

No tickets required, just drop in!

Seniors Computer Help close at hand

For those Seniors who are having troubles with their technology, whether it is a laptop, a desktop, phone, tablet, PC, Mac, Apple or Android, help is available. For several years now, we have been volunteering at the Toronto Centenary Hub, assisting people with their various computer worries or those who would simply enjoy learning more. For example, in recent months, there have been plenty of us who have battled with showing Covid vaccination proof or even using a mobile phone for the QR code. These are the sort of issues with which we help.

The cost for this service is minimal, involving becoming a member of The Hub, $10 a year which entitles you to become involved in many other classes that operate there, plus a gold coin donation for each lesson. We operate on Tuesdays only, from a small room which holds several computers. Each session lasts for one and a half hours with usually four people being assisted at each time slot. The times are: 9-10.30, 10.30-12, 1-2.30 and 2.30-4.

At present, we are looking at restarting in early February 2022 unless there are further Covid developments. If you are at all interested, or know someone who might benefit, please contact either of us so that you can be added to a waiting list.

Please leave a message if we are unable to answer the phone.

Keith Harvey
m: 0407106230, e: harvey45@gmail.com

Brian Coogan
m: 0432646264 e: 123456kruger@gmail.com

Volunteer Tributes for Gwen Johnston and John Benning

The Toronto Community Centenary Hub recently celebrated the life and dedication of two community stalwarts, Gwen Johnston and John Benning.

Gwen Johnston was a tireless community spirited person. Words that come to mind when we think of Gwen are intelligent, determined, independent and community minded.

She was a single parent to six children and somehow managed to retrain as an accountant and still have time to work as a volunteer. Gwen started volunteer work over 40 years ago with the Toronto Pensioners & Citizen Association that was based in Carey Street, Toronto.

When the organisation was moved, Gwen with a dedicated group of members, liaised with the council for over ten years to establish a new Seniors Centre at 97 The Boulevarde, Toronto. After many setbacks this was accomplished in 1997 and the hall was finished in 2000.

The hall is still a fantastic asset to the community and still being used by local seniors. We are reinstating the gardens with volunteer help and dedicating the front garden as “Gwen’s Garden” as without her vision we would not have such a great place to be in.

John Benning was the perfect neighbour for The Hub. He became ‘The grounds keeper’ maintaining immaculate lawns (just like his) and ‘The Gatekeeper’ with his cheerful, friendly manner greeting many enquiring visitors and tradespeople.

John was frequently in his garden or shed and often ready for a chat, making many friends and lending to the “home away from home” feel of the place. He would know who was coming or going, when and why, keep the custodians in the loop and be counted on to open or close the hall or supply keys when needed.

John continued to be our gatekeeper right up until he was hospitalized in early February 2021. We have lost a valuable member of our team but even more so, a wonderful friend.

We will dedicate the Banksia tree as ‘John’s tree’ in his honour as the garden grows better there with the tree overlooking it just as John looked over our garden.

The Hub’s Community Garden

There’s a growing number of community garden volunteers at the Toronto Community Centenary Hub (97 The Boulevarde) who are gaining skills and camaraderie.

The group meets weekly on a Wednesday 3:30-5pm however for the rest of March it will be on a Tuesday. The community garden is also open Saturdays from 9 am - 12 noon.

Upcoming activities include 

• harvesting figs on Saturday 13/3, 
• a cooking demonstration on fig preserve on Saturday 20th March, 
• The garden meeting on Tuesday 23rd March at 5pm after Tuesday gardening
• Community Garden Plant sale/morning tea, sausage sizzle on 17th April.

The group’s activities are on the Hub’s facebook page.