Events

Join us for five FREE crafternoons! Starting Thursday 7th May. Suitable for upper primary and high school aged kids, either solo or with their grown up, this community-driven event invites you to explore your creativity and learn new skills.  Younger siblings are welcome to join in, but must be actively assisted by their supervising adult. Each session, local mentors will guide you through a variety of crafting activities.  These session are great for teens to connect. Come together with friends and neighbors to create handmade treasures. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and a desire to have fun!  INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/CARERS As part of TCH's Child Safe Policy, ALL under 18 unaccompanied participants must be signed in and out of attendance at programs by an authorised contact. Please use the emergency contact fields in the registration to designate additional contacts.  We understand older students may make arrangements to arrive for the program under their own steam, and any planned absences must be communicated in advance. This authority must be given at registration.  ALL participants must be signed out in person by an authorised contact.  Please contact TCH to discuss alternatives. *** Crafts TBA and are subject to change Where: Torquay Community House, 14 Price Street Cost: FREE  Terms & Conditions Enrolments will be accepted in the order of receipt until classes fill Classes may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of participants enrol Full refund of fees will be payable if classes are cancelled by Torquay Community  House Refund of fees will not be paid unless notification of withdrawal is received in writing 2 working days prior to commencement of the course

Commencing 22 April (8 weeks)  This class is currently accepting enrolments from waitlist students. To go on the waitlist/express your interest in this or another watercolour class please complete your details here https://forms.office.com/r/G0bkkGGtR6.  We continue to seek an additional facilitator to accommodate our waitlist. Water-Based Creative Studio Explore a range of creative techniques in this relaxed and supportive studio-style class, suitable for beginners through to more experienced artists. Working across water-based media—including watercolour, acrylic, and drawing—you’ll build confidence while developing your own artistic style. Each session includes a short demonstration or guided exercise led by experienced facilitators, followed by plenty of hands-on time to experiment and create. Across the term, you’ll explore key principles such as composition, tone, colour, and mark-making, while learning how to handle different materials and approaches. Led by Colin Peel, with support from artists including Glenn Zimmer and June Marks, this program offers a rich variety of perspectives and skills. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your practice, you’ll be supported to learn at your own pace in a friendly, community-focused environment. About the Facilitator - Colin Peel My Professional life for 40 years was in Science and Business with my hobby being painting.  Since retirement I have been able to more fully participate in the art world as a Practising Artist, in Art Societies, and as a volunteer Teacher of Water Colour painting within the Melbourne U3A.  I have enjoyed four annual month-long art residencies and exhibiting in Japan.  Currently I am active in art groups in Melbourne such as the Victorian Art Society and the Water Colour Society of Victoria.  Having recently relocated to Jan Juc I now enjoy participating in the Geelong Art Society, life drawing at the Torquay Community House and exhibiting in local Art Shows.  Having had workshops and instruction from many of the leading water colour artists in Australia over the last 20 years supplemented with independent study I am keen to continue to assist others to be introduced to the joy of water colour painting, or to continue to enrich their artistic journey with new ideas and techniques.   Here on the Surf Coast we have the luxury of wonderful scenery and many days which are suitable for outdoor painting of the land and sea.   My paintings can be seen at;  https://www.instagram.com/colinpeelart/  Glenn Zimmer has enjoyed developing her artistic skills over the past 14 years, studying under local artists such as Jan Dick, and currently co-ordinates TCH's Friday Art Group.  June Marks, sociologist, completed an Associate Degree of Visual Art in Adelaide before moving to Torquay. She started the University of the Third Age (U3A) Traditional Drawing course and tutored the group for eight years. June is very happy to share her knowledge of drawing with new and experienced artists.  Materials List  If you have had some experience in water colour painting bring your normal supplies and the water colour paper you are familiar with.  Also check this list to judge if you have approximate equivalents in your paint tubes, brushes and paper.  If new to water colour I suggest you buy as much of the following as convenient for you.  There are several art supply shops in Geelong and of course everything can be bought online. If uncertain you can come with minimal supplies at the first lesson and we can point you in the right direction. Paint  The Cotman range is student grade but will give good results.  My preference is tubes.  The following 6 colours will be all you need to learn colour mixing and get an excellent range of colours.  Permanent Rose  Lemon yellow  Ultramarine Blue  Cobalt Blue  Burnt Sienna  Raw Sienna  Brushes  #12 Round with a nice point – Escodar or Neef are good brands Water Colour Paper   Saunders Cold Press or Rough - One Full Sheet  Good quality paper is essential and can be cut to size. You can also paint on both sides for the exercises we do. A full sheet will last several weeks.  Mixing Palette  Many options – just make sure it has some wells for mixing paint. If new to water colour an option is to bring a white plate to mix on and see what other students have to decide what may be best for you. Other  A water container  Masking tape  Pencil  Sketch pad  I will bring sufficient materials on week 1 so if anyone prefers to not outlay money in the first week they can still get started to decide if they wish to continue.  Initial costs could be kept to approximately $100.  Water colour materials seem expensive – particularly artist quality, but they go a long way and last a long time.  When: Wednesdays 7pm-9pm Cost: $120 per term Concession: $80 per term (concession cards required to be sighted prior to commencement) Need financial assistance? We have a number of subsidised places for our programs available to community members who require financial assistance. Please email co-ordinator@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au to arrange your subsidised place - all enquiries will remain confidential. Terms & Conditions Enrolments will be accepted in the order of receipt until classes fill Classes may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of participants enrol Full refund of fees will be payable if classes are cancelled by Torquay Community  House Refund of fees will not be paid unless notification of withdrawal is received in writing 2 working days prior to commencement of the course

Studio 14 at Torquay Community House - Surf Coast Arts Trail 2026 Exhibitor Registration Please complete registration to confirm your participation in the Surf Coast Arts Trail 2026 (Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August) as a Studio 14 exhibitor at Torquay Community House. Studio 14 is a creative centre for local artists working in acrylic, watercolour and drawing. Any artist who has participated in activities and classes here is welcome to exhibit under this banner. The exhibitor fee is $20 per person, payable on registration. You can pay online by card at checkout, or select "invoice" to pay in person at the TCH Reception desk. A few things to know before you register: No commission is taken on artwork sales. Artists will be reimbursed via direct deposit for any works sold (less transaction fees). Cash sales will be distributed after reconciliation by the TCH admin team. You will need to provide bank details before the event - you can do this now as part of registration or we'll follow up in early July. Guidance on hanging, framing and display requirements will be provided. TCH has limited storage, so drop-off and pick-up times must be respected.  These will be communicated in July. In early July, we'll ask you to confirm artwork titles, prices, and bank details for transfers, and to confirm your volunteer availability.

Commencing from 28 April (9 weeks) Messy Playgroup  A sensory exploration for your little people. Leave the mess to us!  Suitable for all ages. When: Tuesdays 9:30-10:00am Cost: $30 per family / term         $5 pay on the day / casual Need financial assistance? We have a number of subsidised places for our programs available to community members who require financial assistance. Please email co-ordinator@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au to arrange your subsidised place - all enquiries will remain confidential. Terms & Conditions Enrolments will be accepted in the order of receipt until classes fill Classes may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of participants enrol Full refund of fees will be payable if classes are cancelled by Torquay Community  House Refund of fees will not be paid unless notification of withdrawal is received in writing 2 working days prior to commencement of the course

Commencing from 27 April (8 weeks) (note no class June 8, public holiday) Little Da Vincis  These sessions involve lots of fun craft activities including painting, drawing, cutting and pasting for your little one to enjoy and it's a great opportunity to catch up with other parents and carers. Most suitable for 3-to-5-year-olds.  When: Mondays 9.30-10am Cost: $30 per family / term         $5 pay on the day / casual Need financial assistance? We have a number of subsidised places for our programs available to community members who require financial assistance. Please email co-ordinator@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au to arrange your subsidised place - all enquiries will remain confidential. Terms & Conditions Enrolments will be accepted in the order of receipt until classes fill Classes may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of participants enrol Full refund of fees will be payable if classes are cancelled by Torquay Community  House Refund of fees will not be paid unless notification of withdrawal is received in writing 2 working days prior to commencement of the course

Commencing from 22 April (10 weeks) Active Playgroup  For little people who love to move - this playgroup is all about connecting with other local families and letting the little people explore.  We tailor the activities and toys in these sessions to your little ones stage of development by sourcing toys from a toy library, so there's always something different. When: Wednesday 9:30am - 10:15am Cost: $30 per family per term         $5 pay on the day / casual Need financial assistance? We have a number of subsidised places for our programs available to community members who require financial assistance. Please email co-ordinator@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au to arrange your subsidised place - all enquiries will remain confidential. Terms & Conditions Enrolments will be accepted in the order of receipt until classes fill Classes may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of participants enrol Full refund of fees will be payable if classes are cancelled by Torquay Community  House Refund of fees will not be paid unless notification of withdrawal is received in writing 2 working days prior to commencement of the course

Commencing 22 April (5 weeks) Mark your calendars for 22 & 29 April, 10, 17 & 24 June (Sue will be away in May). Come and stretch with Sue!  These gentle mat pilates classes are designed to give you a full body work out - for everyone - beginners or people who have done yoga/Pilates before - all levels of experience are welcome!  Warm up, work out, cool down Mat classes Arm reaches, twists, gentle stretches Participants will be required to sign a health disclaimer form before their first class. When: Wednesdays, 1:30pm - 2:15pm.  Cost: $35 per term, $25 concession.   Need financial assistance? We have a number of subsidised places for our programs available to community members who require financial assistance. Please email co-ordinator@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au to arrange your subsidised place - all enquiries will remain confidential. Terms & Conditions Enrolments will be accepted in the order of receipt until classes fill Classes may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of participants enrol Full refund of fees will be payable if classes are cancelled by Torquay Community  House Refund of fees will not be paid unless notification of withdrawal is received in writing 2 working days prior to commencement of the course

Commencing 28 April 2026 Low-cost one-on-one 40-minute Maths and English tutoring sessions for students from prep to VCE. Our volunteer tutors have years' of experience in the field. When: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:00pm-6:00pm during school terms. Cost: $20 per term We are currently at capacity with available tutors matched to students.  Please complete our Expression of Interest to join the waitlist. Need financial assistance? We have a number of subsidised places for our programs available to community members who require financial assistance. Please email co-ordinator@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au to arrange your subsidised place - all enquiries will remain confidential. Terms & Conditions Enrolments will be accepted in the order of receipt until classes fill Classes may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of participants enrol Full refund of fees will be payable if classes are cancelled by Torquay Community  House Refund of fees will not be paid unless notification of withdrawal is received in writing 2 working days prior to commencement of the course

Join proud Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles for this special spring school holiday event. Corrina will talk about the different local indigenous plants, their uses, language names and the stories behind them. The group will put together beautiful bouquets that tell the stories of Wadawurrung country, and each participant will leave with their own bouquet. This session is suitable for adults and kids - those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Where: Torquay Community House, 14 Price Street, Torquay When: Wednesday 23 September, 10am - 11am. Cost: $30 per participant, $20 concession/youth. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.   All attendees must purchase a ticket Victorian Carer card accepted Need financial assistance? We have a number of free places for our programs available to community members who require financial assistance. Please email manager@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au to easily arrange your free place - all enquiries confidential. Terms & Conditions Enrolments will be accepted in the order of receipt until classes fill Classes may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of participants enrol Full refund of fees will be payable if classes are cancelled by Torquay Community House Full refund of fees will be paid if notification of withdrawal is received in writing 7 working days prior to commencement of the course. 

Join us to explore fiction and non-fiction works by Indigenous Australian authors in a group setting. Together we’ll read, listen and reflect, creating a welcoming space for respectful conversation, learning and deeper understanding of First Nations voices, stories and perspectives. Please note: A library membership is required to borrow these books. Let us know if you need assistance with this - we will happily help! Book List 1. Swallow the Air Tara June Winch 2. Edenglassie. Melissa Lukashenko 3. Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence - Doris Pilkington 4. After Story Larissa Behrendt 5. Bila Yarraudhanggalangdhuray. Anita Heiss 6. Born into this. Adam Thompson When: every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7.00pm-8.30pm, starting May 12th, to November 10th. Cost: $20 annually Need financial assistance? We have a number of subsidised places for our programs available to community members who require financial assistance. Please email co-ordinator@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au to arrange your subsidised place - all enquiries will remain confidential. Terms & Conditions Enrolments will be accepted in the order of receipt until classes fill Classes may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of participants enrol Full refund of fees will be payable if classes are cancelled by Torquay Community  House Refund of fees will not be paid unless notification of withdrawal is received in writing 2 working days prior to commencement of the course

Commencing 20 April The Chatty Cafe initiative provides the opportunity to meet new people and help strengthen social connections within the community, whilst reducing social isolation and loneliness. Come and have a chat - whether you're new to the area or a long time resident drop in and join us for a cuppa, chat for as little or as long as you choose.  Everyone welcome, no bookings required! Cost: Free When: Monday 10:30am-12pm during school terms

Term 2 commencing 20 April (9 weeks) An expansion of the previously successful "Painting with Parkinson's" program, this inclusive all-abilities art group will explore a range of techniques and styles in a supportive, friendly environment.  No previous artistic experience necessary, established artists are welcome to bring their own work to complete whilst sharing friendship, knowledge and art.  Limited supplies are available to get participants started. Carers are invited to share a cuppa and connect whilst the class is in progress, and assist where needed.  Contact us at administration@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au to book in a carer once you have purchased your participant ticket. When: Mondays 12:45pm - 2.45pm (Term 2 9 weeks) Cost: $15 per term.          $50 annually or $35 concession annual Came along in term 1?  Select the Annual Upgrade ticket. Need financial assistance? We have a number of subsidised places for our programs available to community members who require financial assistance. Please email co-ordinator@torquaycommunityhouse.org.au to arrange your subsidised place - all enquiries will remain confidential. Terms & Conditions Enrolments will be accepted in the order of receipt until classes fill Classes may be cancelled if insufficient numbers of participants enrol Full refund of fees will be payable if classes are cancelled by Torquay Community  House Refund of fees will not be paid unless notification of withdrawal is received in writing 2 working days prior to commencement of the course