Getting out and about in Sugarloaf Ward

Getting out and about in Sugarloaf Ward

by KIM COPE
11th June 2026

IT MAY BE cold outside at the moment, but there is plenty to see and do in Sugarloaf Ward.

Walk at your own pace

There are now two walking groups organised by the Wadambuk St Andrews Community Centre.
The Happy Wanderers is a new “slow walkers” group for those who prefer a gentler stroll.
Their next walk is Diamond Creek Trail (Hurstbridge to Wattle Glen) on Thursday, June 18, which finishes with a morning tea!
The Wadambuk Walkers group is for the more experienced walker.
Their next outing is a Plenty Gorge walk on Sunday, June 28.
Both groups enjoy connection, conversation, and fresh air.
Find out more:
standrewscommunitycentre.org/wadambuk-walkers

Next Rob Roy hillclimb

Round two of the Rob Roy Interclub Challenge is coming up this Sunday, June 14, in Christmas Hills.
The hillclimb event is a great day out in our area, with the chance to see local sporting car clubs in action.
For more information, head to robroyhillclimb.com.au.

Shop in Sugarloaf for your chance to win

This winter, Nillumbik Council is running Layer up Local, a Shop in our Shire competition that encourages residents to shop close to home.
If you shop at a locally-owned Nillumbik business, you could win one of three $300 vouchers to spend at a local shop of your choice.
You could layer on a new jumper, layer a lasagne from the local grocery store, or layer a stack of books for fireside reading…
To be in the running, spend $20 or more at a locally owned business, keep your receipt and register your purchase by Sunday, August 30.
For competition conditions and a guide to local businesses, head to nillumbik.vic.gov.au/shop-in-our-shire.

Stay warm, lower energy bills with these workshops

As winter settles in, you can start to notice cold spots and draughts in your home.
Council has just released 21 events in its sustainability series, REthink Nillumbik, with many designed to help locals improve their homes’ efficiency and reduce power costs.
Free events include:

Low-cost and no-cost ways to save on energy bills
DIY home energy improvements
Home insulation: walls, floors and ceilings
How to move from gas to electric heating

Explore the program and book a spot at nillumbik.vic.gov.au/rethink.

Watch out for wildlife this winter

At this time of year, roads can be slippery and unpredictable.
Please look after yourselves and our local wildlife.
Victoria Police suggests:

slowing down at dawn and dusk
watching for movement near the roadside
avoiding sudden swerving at high speeds
leaving extra space between vehicles on country roads.

More than 10 million native animals are killed on Australian roads every year, according to Wildlife Victoria.

Nillumbik grants now open

There are many grants available this winter.
I’d love to see Sugarloaf Ward residents and community groups benefit from these funding opportunities.
Grants that are now open (or opening soon) include Seniors Festival grants, International Day of People with Disability grants, 16 Days of Activism grants, Quick Response Grants, and more.
Keep an eye out for grants that are right for your group or club at nillumbik.vic.gov.au/grants.