What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 5pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm Thursday 8:30am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Araluen

Araluen provides NDIS funded support to individuals with a disability that are imaginative, caring a

The Araluen Centre was established at the Lower Plenty site in Old Eltham Road in 1973 to provide services for adults with an intellectual disability. Our heritage dates back to 1950 when a small group of parents commenced a supported playgroup in a Kew garage.

04/06/2026

🎨At Art Connects, we’ve supported exceptional artists to make powerful, high-quality work for almost 20 years! Now we’re taking a HUGE step to turn real talent into real opportunity.

The talent is already there - but too often artists don’t have the chance to show their work, sell it, and be recognised for what they create. We’re working to change that with a dedicated gallery space at Araluen Lower Plenty.

For Tim, a gallery is simple:
💬 “I’m excited because I like it and it’s very good for people to see my hard work.”

If you’d like to be part of making this possible, you can find out more through the link. Thank you!

https://www.givenow.com.au/artconnects

29/05/2026

🎉 The latest edition of Imagining Better is here!
We’re excited to share a newsletter packed with big news, progress and opportunities across Araluen - including a major announcement for Art Connects you won’t want to miss 👀
In this edition:
✨ A big Art Connects update
☕ Real progress for Chancez Cafes
🏠 A revamped NDIS housing network
🎨 Events and initiatives to get involved in
…and so much more!
CLICK HERE:
https://indd.adobe.com/view/7516757d-9a6a-4c50-b223-bd68476dabb8

👉 Read it now and stay connected with everything happening in our community.

19/05/2026

We’re proud to share that Chancez Café Mill Park Library is a finalist in the 2026 City of Whittlesea Business Awards🎉

With a little love in every cup ☕💛, everything we do is driven by great service and creating meaningful opportunities and community connection.

This recognition reflects the impact of our team and the value of truly inclusive workplace practices. Congratulations to our incredible participants and staff - you make this possible every day! 🙌

🤞📣Winners will be announced on 25th June. Fingers crossed and stay tuned!

19/12/2025

🎄✨ And that’s a wrap for our Day Services! 2025 has ended with fun, friendship, food, and celebrations across the board.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of our year. We wish you peace, joy, and meaningful connections as we head into 2026.

To our team members who are having time off, we hope you enjoy a well-deserved break and rest. And a big thank you to all staff across Araluen for your dedication and hard work throughout the year.

We’ll see you back at Day Services on Monday 5th January. Best wishes, everyone!

12/12/2025

🎄✨ Tree-mendously YUM is happening now! ✨🎄
Production of the tastiest gingerbread trees and houses EVER is in full swing at Chancez- smelling amazing and looking even better! 🍪🏠
If you’re one of the 30+ people who ordered, your sweet wait is almost over! 🙌
📅 Collection day = SOON. We’ll be in touch.
Thanks for your support and enjoy!

11/12/2025

✨ Last Chance! ✨
Don’t miss our ceramics exhibition, 'See Me Through Clay', at Montsalvat – an extraordinary celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. Check out these shots from the launch celebration.

So much talent on display, and just in time for Christmas! Discover exquisite handmade gifts that are truly one-of-a-kind.

🎨 Final days – visit now before it’s gone!
📍 Montsalvat
🕒 Closes: Sunday 14 December
👉 https://www.araluen.org/see-me-through-clay/

Thanks to for supporting our launch event - in celebration of International Day of People with Disability - and The Margaret Lawrence Bequest.

10/12/2025

🥋 A Powerful Display at Araluen’s AGM! 🥋
We were thrilled to have participants showcase their incredible Taekwondo skills during our recent Annual General Meeting. The energy, discipline, and precision on display were truly inspiring!
Check out this short video capturing the highlights – a big thank you to everyone who took part and shared their passion with us. 👏

02/12/2025

🌍 Happy IDPwD! 💙

Today we join a global celebration – December 3rd is International Day of People with Disability, an opportunity to help create an inclusive and diverse society for the 5.5 million people living with disability in Australia.

Yesterday, as we reflected on this year’s theme, ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress’, we celebrated with a morning tea at Montsalvat and launched our latest ceramics exhibition, “See me through clay”. This diverse ceramics showcase is a powerful statement of ability that demonstrates how artists supported in our Art Connects program contribute to enriching and advancing our communities. 🎨✨ Stay tuned - more photos of the launch to come.

Social advancement means breaking barriers, celebrating abilities, and ensuring that everyone belongs. Let’s keep moving forward together!

Photos: Artist, Kylie, hard at work and unveiling her latest masterpiece at Montsalvat yesterday. Congratulations to all artists and our dedicated Art Connects team.

With thanks to Nillumbik Shire Council and the Margaret Lawrence Bequest for supporting "See me through clay".

14/11/2025

✨ You’re Invited! ✨

Coming soon: join us for the morning tea launch of See Me Through Clay – a stunning ceramic exhibition celebrating artistic achievement and expression.
📅 Tuesday, 2 December
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Montsalvat – The Wood Gallery, Eltham

On the eve of International Day of People with Disability - Australia , we’ll reflect on the powerful role of art in fostering inclusion and opportunity, showcasing works by artists who explore the creative and connective possibilities of clay.

🎨 Exhibition runs 26 Nov – 12 Dec
Wed–Sun | 10 AM – 4 PM

Proudly presented by Araluen and supported by Nillumbik Shire Council and the Margaret Lawrence Bequest

RSVP: DM or [email protected]
Info: https://www.araluen.org/see-me-through-clay/
Image: Comet by Hamish Tindall

12/11/2025

🌟 Thank You, East Ivanhoe Community Bank! 🌟

Last night we attended the Bank’s inspiring Community Partners Night - a powerful reminder of why community banking is vital to Araluen and so many other grassroots organisations who support people locally through truly inspiring work.

Thanks to their generosity, $358,000 of East Ivanhoe Community Bank's proceeds have been directed back into the community. We’re thrilled that Tam had the honour of accepting a $37,024 grant, completing our $75K ‘Get on board’ 2025 campaign! This incredible support - alongside that of all our amazing donors - means that our first replacement bus will be on the road very soon, ensuring safe, reliable transport that people depend on to do everyday things and live well🚐👏🌟

This Community Bank branch does so much more than fund important work - it connects people, makes things happen that wouldn’t otherwise and strengthens communities. We’re so grateful for this ongoing partnership and support. 💙

Address

226 Old Eltham Road
Lower Plenty, VIC
3093

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611300020625

Website

http://www.araluen.org/

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