Friends of Leisure

13/06/2023

Come down to the Community Cup this Sunday. It’s always a great day out and easily the most fun game of football of the year. Best of all, you’re supporting a great charity help the disadvantaged through sport.

A cornerstone event in Melbourne's cultural calendar and a crucial contribution to charity Reclink Australia’s annual fundraising efforts, this year's instalment marks 30 Years since it all started! Grab your tickets today to the hottest head-to-head in town as community radio giants, the mighty...

31/10/2022

According to the BOM, Stakes Day is living up to its reputation of the best weather day of the carnival. Still have space for approx. 10 people if you're keen to come along. We have a great spot this year and passes available until Wednesday night via https://www.trybooking.com/CDGLF

24/10/2022

I've extended Derby Day bookings as I've still got a couple of ped passes left. Weather for Saturday is looking like the best day of the week, possibly the only dry day over the next 10 days.

21/10/2022

Next weekend is Derby Day and start of carnival. Still have passes available for Derby and Stakes Day if you’re keen to come along but need to confirm numbers this weekend. Message me for info or any questions. Cheers

15/10/2022

With Derby Day 2 weeks away, hoping to finalise numbers by Friday at the latest for both Derby and Stakes to get orders for food and drink in.

Bookings via Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CDGLF
Send me a message for the invitation code.

09/10/2022

Giddy Up! It's that time of the year and we're back in the Nursery for Derby and Stakes Day with a slightly smaller set up this year.

Bookings are open via the Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CDGLF

Send me a message for the invitation code and let me know if you have any questions. Events set up as well on the Friends of Leisure page.

17/08/2020

Our friends at Meat 2 Please are still delivering quality meets in iso 2.0. They have plenty of stock, no restrictions and delivered to your door. A great way to stay safe and support small business.

19/03/2020

If you want to maintain safe social distancing and looking for great quality meat get in touch with our friends as Meat2Please. While the big supermarkets are sold out, support the small businesses that will struggle as pubs and restaurants close. A long time supporter of Friends of Leisure (you may recognise the van from the races) support Ben and his family and and enjoy great meat while you work from home.

Quality Meat delivered to your door! Message us your email address for details and an order form!

05/01/2020

It's been a devastating start to the summer with the recent bush fires but great to see the amazing support from around the world. Below is a good list of ways you can help support and while cash is king, there are ways you can help which are free such as providing accommodation or donating blood.

North East Victoria is an area close to Friends of Leisure and over the next few months when you're out and about or shopping, try and source some of the excellent produce (wine, beer, cheese, etc) from the NE and bush fire affected areas and consider booking a weekend away in Autumn which is a great time to visit NE Victoria.

ACCOMMODATION
Findabed.info
https://www.airbnb.com.au/openhomes/disaster-relief/victoriabushfires20

BUSHFIRE APPEAL
Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal: https://www.redcross.org.au/…/disaster-relief-and-recovery-…

Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/…/make-a-d…/donate-online/…

NSW Rural Fire Service Donations
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volun…/support-your-local-brigade

CFS: Country Fire Service Donations
https://cfsfoundation.org.au/donate

Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund
https://www.gerf.org.au/donate/…

Comedian Celeste Barber's Bushfire Appeal
Celeste set up a fundraising account to raise money for the The Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donations Fund. She's already at $7m!! If you'd like to join in, click here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1010958179269977/2477326602586291/

Sponsor A Firefighter
A FB page called My Sisters Keeper has been doing an incredible effort buying face masks for firefighters! You can also spend $90 and sponsor the cost of a face mask for a firefighter. Check out her FB page and follow her instructions.

BlazeAid (VOLUNTEER OR DONATE)
This is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Working alongside the rural families, the volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed. https://blazeaid.com.au/

The Burrumbuttock Hay Runners
The Burrumbuttock Hay Runners take hay to drought-affected farmers in NSW and Qld. All is done via donations and goodwill. Donate here: https://www.mycause.com.au/…/bhr-fire-disaster-drought-appe…

Foundation For Rural and Regional Renewal
https://www.frrr.org.au/…

Country Women's Association
https://www.cwaa.org.au/advocacy-poli…/donations-assistance…

Animal Rescue Craft Guild
Can you sew? Then join the 21,000 people around the world sewing items for our injured wildlife. They are making joey pouches, bat wraps, koala mittens and kangaroo hangers. The rescued and injured animals really need your help.

WIRES
WIRES is Australia's largest wildlife rescue organisation. WIRES mission is to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire others to do the same. https://www.wires.org.au/

Foodbank Australia
Foodbank is delivering emergency food relief and water to East Gippsland, helping firefighters and local communities caught up in the bushfires.It is fundraising to send about 5,000 food relief hampers in the coming days.
https://www.foodbank.org.au/support-us/make-a-donation/…

One Tree Planted
One Tree Planed is a 501C3 non-profit with a focus on global reforestation. As an environmental charity, they are dedicated to making it easier for individuals and businesses to give back to the environment, create a healthier climate, protect biodiversity and help reforestation efforts around the world. All by planting trees! $1 plants one tree! https://onetreeplanted.org/collections/…/products/australia…

Royal Far West
Royal Far West works closely with families, schools, allied health professionals and local communities to connect rural and remote Australian children with the healthcare they need. https://www.royalfarwest.org.au/

Shoe Boxes of Love
This organisation is collecting necessary brand new personal care items such as toothbrushes, body wash, nappies, sanitary items, etc. You can even donate money or do a click and collect at their local supermarket if you can’t get the goods to them or don’t want to send money. Donate here: https://www.shoeboxesoflove.on.net/…

Melbourne Period Project
The Melbourne Period Project are doing some great work on providing much-needed sanitary items to bushfire affected areas and have also provided other helpful links in relation to those caring for children. Donate here: https://www.nhcollective.org.au/nhc-bushfire-relief/…

The Nappy Collective
The NC collect leftover, unused disposable nappies across Australia and divert them to families in crisis.

Blue Hope
Blue Hope offers mental health services and support to former and current police officers. http://www.bluehope.org.au/

Vinteloper Wines - BUY A BOTTLE OF WINE FROM DAVID!
That's David's vineyard in the photo. David Bowley lost his entire home and business (a vineyard) to the fires in the Adelaide Hills. You can help him rebuild by buying a bottle of his wine. (I know many of you have already bought a bottle -- David emailed me last week to say how shocked and happy he was that so many Brisbane orders came through for his wine when I posted about it the other week. Keep it up! Let's help him rebuild.)
https://www.vinteloper.com.au/collections

GIVIT - Goods For Good Causes
Givit is already on the ground and working in the bushfire areas. What is GIVIT? It’s like a matchmaking service for charities. The Givit team work with hundreds of charities around the country finding out what their clients NEED and then go to the general public with a wish list. Check out the GIVIT site to see if you have an item at home that someone else desperately needs. OR list a good quality item you are willing to donate and GIVIT will contact hundreds of charities to see if that item can be of use.
http://www.givit.org.au/items-needed


Start following Buy From The Bush on Facebook or Instagram and let's all aim to support regional businesses this year. Also think about doing holidays and weekends away in regional towns to help spend dollars in the local community. https://www.facebook.com/groups/buyfromthebush/

One Day Closer to Rain (Drought) - Rural Cottage Crafts
Join this FB group to discover amazing handmade arts and crafts created by those in rural areas. Similar to -- this is about supporting regional businesses.

Greening Australia
Greening Australia is an Australian environmental organisation, founded in 1982, the International Year of the Tree, to protect, restore and conserve Australia's native vegetation. Greening Australia was formed by the United Nations Association of Australia and the Nursery Industry Association of Australia.

Trees For Life (SA) (Donate or Volunteer)
Our people are at the heart of all we do. We revegetate and protect bushland, farmland and urban terrain. With local knowledge, we raise awareness about native plants and animals. And with experience we empower people to take action and connect with their landscape.

Care Outreach
Care Outreach offers a helping hand to Queensland & NSW farmers who are suffering from the effects of severe drought.

Host people in need of emergency housing

20/09/2019

Happy Friday and it definitely feels like Spring! Tickets are now available for Derby & Stakes Day in the Nursery at Flemington. The links to book are on the event pages, you'll need to get in touch for the invitation code though as there are limited passes.
Derby www.facebook.com/events/584262535310968
Stakes www.facebook.com/events/426627204603510

04/06/2019

The ski season is off to a great start (best since 2000) and there are 2 group trips planned to Falls Creek and Hotham if you're looking at getting away over the winter. Deposits are due for both trips this week: **Falls Creek (2nd Aug) $400 which includes return coach, twin or 4 share accommodation, cooked breakfast, dinner fri night, resort entry and oversnow. $345 accommodation & breakfast only. Link to book: www.trybooking.com.au/BBRTF
**Hotham (23rd Aug) $350 inc. return bus, lodge accommodation and saturday apres by the fire with plenty of wine, cheese and live acoustic in the lodge.
https://www.trybooking.com/BCRSO

12/08/2018

If you're thinking about heading up to the snow this weekend and enjoy one of the top 3 seasons in the past 20 years I've got limited places available for the weekend of the 31st August. For $375 includes return coach, accommodation, b/fasts and dinner Fri/Sat as well as apres with plenty of local cheese, wine and live acoustic in the lodge by the open fire, a perfect way to spend a weekend away in winter.
To book: https://www.trybooking.com/USEU
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/204029970149514/

30/10/2017

Start the day with a champagne breakfast before heading to the track. Check out the guide to the best spots on Chapel St.
http://www.chapelstreet.com.au/spring-racing/boozy-breakfast/

Get race day ready this Melbourne Spring Carnival on Chapel Street! Here are the best boozy breakfast spots to prep and prime in style.

12/12/2016

While summer is just getting underway in Melbourne winter is in full swing in Japan. If you're keen to head over this season I can help with some great packages and if you can let me know by the end of the week would be great.

Lifts are up and running in Hakuba with the forecast for one of the best seasons in the past 10 years. Let me know if you're keen before Thursday. I can help with a package to include a range of options inc. day trips to remote resorts, great onsens and go karting the streets of Tokyo. Also Jetstar have flights in sale until Thursday! (Starter fare under $650 return)

24/10/2016

Early forecast for Derby Day - A perfect sunny and 24! Great weather to enjoy Brown Brothers new limited edition Mimco branded Prosecco and Sparkling Rose. Black and white perfect for Derby Day.

09/10/2016

After Party tickets for Derby & Stakes Day are now on sale.
$30 includes coach from the track, cocktail (or a beer/prosecco) on arrival, exclusive use of upstairs as well as plenty of food included. Surely the best value after party and a great way to ensure your group all get in without lining up and fed after a big day at the track. Bookings via https://www.trybooking.com/Nelo

12/09/2016

When the sun sets on another race day it's important to have a plan on where to go. I'm finalising details for after parties for this years carnival to make that next step as easy as possible. Would be great to get feedback from last year and suggestions for this year. If you would like to help out as well please let me know.

27/07/2016

If you're thinking of heading up to Hotham, I've got a great special on accommodation. $100/person/night for a self contained apartment and private room. PM or comment for inquiries. Most weekends still available in August and September.

With great conditions the main trips are both full but I've got a great accommodation special at Hotham for most weekends at the unofficial 'Apres Ski Club'. A self contained apartment in Jack Frost. 3 rooms available (2 x double rooms and 1 x twin share) $100 per person per night. Comment or PM to book or inquire.

06/07/2016

It may have been 2 weeks late but June has provided great conditions and there is plenty more snow on the way. Make sure to check out the Apres Ski Club page for upcoming trips, special deals and snow news.
www.facebook.com/apreskiclub

11/06/2016

Ever wanted to try skiing or boarding? $49 for lift/hire & lesson at Hotham 25th June. Crazy!

STOP THE PRESS!! You CAN ski and have your champagne too! If you're first timer or have a friend you've wanted to get into skiing or boarding, Saturday 25th June is the day. You can get a lift pass, hire, helmet a 5hr lesson and apres drink for $49!! CRAZY! Details on the Hotham website. Make a weekend of it with great deals on accommodation (send me a message for details, but starting at $50/night). Get up Fri night, Ski/board Saturday, then Sunday check out Dinner Plain for a Onsen and brewery tour or enjoy some of the great wineries in the valley on the way home.

10/06/2016

Happy Friday!! With the ski season officially kicking off this weekend, make sure to follow www.facebook.com/apreskiclub for deals and trips throughout the season.

Happy Friday! For anyone getting itchy feet and want to get up to the snow in June, there are some incredible deals for Hotham and Falls. $220 per person for 2 nights accommodation and 2 day lift pass. Staying at either Snowbird Inn (Hotham) or Halleys Lodge (Falls) Sure there will be limited terrain open but it wont be crowded a great opportunity to get in some practice on some of the popular green and blue runs.

26/05/2016

What perfect weather today... to indulge by the fire with a nice red, gourmet cheese and local produce while watching the snow gently fall outside. This winter don't hibernate, celebrate! The best way to enjoy winter is up at the snow and I've got a few weekends this year booked with smaller groups with a focus on great produce and being affordable. Details of the trips on the Apres Ski Club page https://www.facebook.com/apreskiclub/
Great news as well, the long range forecast has improved and looks like it will be a good season now that El Nino is on the way out.

19/05/2016

With Snow Safari at Hotham no more, the party certainly isn't over. This year the Falls Creek trip seems to be where it's at and why wouldn't it be. With better terrain for the group, lots of quality bars and cafes including Astra (pictured), possibly the best bar at the snow with a huge open fireplace, great list of drinks and the perfect apres atmosphere. Makes sure to join the event for more details. This year limited numbers so make sure to get onboard early.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1706607756218823/

13/05/2016

Since the first Snow Safari 10 years ago there have been a few new people enter the world and I've had requests to organise a child friendly ski trip. I've got a couple of great accommodation options in mind for a weekend that both kids and adults will enjoy. Let me know if you would interested for this coming season.

11/05/2016

It's been snowing! We've got great deals on weekend trips during peak season to Hotham and Falls this season with 2 nights from $150 per person and some premium accommodation heavily discounted as well by up to $70 a night cheaper than online. Check out this page for all upcoming details and last minute specials https://www.facebook.com/apreskiclub

10/05/2016

Winter is certainly on it's way so instead of preparing to hibernate, make plans to get away and embrace all the good things winter brings...open fires, red wine, roasts and stay active skiing or boarding. I've got a few weekends penciled in at the moment and this year enjoy genuine club lodge prices without being a member. With 2 nights weekend accommodation from $150 and return transport from $110 inc resort entry. More details to come but make sure to check out the events on the Apres Ski Club page https://www.facebook.com/apreskiclub and feel free to invite any friends along. If you would to help with this years organisation please let me know.

05/05/2016

With winter not far away and the first snow (only just) of the season this week, time to start getting organised to enjoy the colder months. Make sure to like the page https://www.facebook.com/apreskiclub/ for all trips, deals, snow related news and last minute accommodation deals.
The sad news is Snow Safari after 10 years has gone the way of the zoo cart instead replaced with more trips for smaller groups of 30-50 people. Info and dates will start appearing in the coming weeks.

10/03/2016

If you're looking for something to do this Saturday, head down to Flemington for Super Saturday. Group 1 racing and the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Grazing Trail. I've got some free VRC guest passes if you're keen, PM for tickets. https://www.flemington.com.au/calendar/2016-03-12/super-saturday

31/10/2015

Rain is clearing at the track just in time for a good day 😉

26/08/2015

Going to be great conditions up at the snow this weekend. If you would like to come up to Hotham I have 1 room left (sleeps 6) and I can help with transport as well. Check out the forecast http://www.janesweather.com/snowforecast

13/08/2015

Great article about why you should get excited about winter in Australia. We've organised a great trip up to Hotham with plenty of focus on the apres side of the things. More of a social weekend than a ski weekend, with secret schanpps bars, outdoor champagne bars made of snow, perfectly positioned for sunset. This year it's a bonus there are also great snow conditions! Great value with just about everything included and taken care of. If you don't want to ski or board lots of other activities from dog sledding to relaxing in an outdoor onsen.

Event details - https://www.facebook.com/events/538410086297097/

http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/life/why-winter-is-australias-new-summer-20150811-giwx61.html

27/07/2015

With some great conditions up at Hotham at the moment I've got some special deals on apartment accommodation with over 30% off if you want to go up midweek. More terrain is opening up at the moment and with more snow forecast this weekend the whole mountain should be up and running by next week! Min 2 nights.

07/07/2015

The snow is just around the corner... I've got 2 trips coming up to Falls Creek (31st June) and the 10th (and probably final) Snow Safari on the 28th August at Hotham. I will also have some details for a NSW trip 7/8th August next week.
Check the facebook events for details:
Falls - www.facebook.com/events/883526578376106/
Hotham - www.facebook.com/events/538410086297097/
Bookings for both trips are now open and filling up quickly.

Worried about a lack of snow?...don't worry it will be all white.
http://www.snowatch.com.au/1-7-day-snow-forecast.php
http://www.snowatch.com.au/8-14-day-snow-forecast.php
http://www.snowatch.com.au/long-range-snow-forecast.php

14/04/2015

Ski Hotham or Falls for $84 a day!

Take your pick, ride and ski when you like.

30/12/2014

Last few days to grab tickets for Portsea Polo, need to finalise tickets before Monday. We also still have accommodation available in Sorrento at the end of the main street for only $100 extra for 2 nights. Bookings via www.trybooking.com/GNSW

The social event of the summer at beautiful Point Nepean National Park

07/11/2014

Happy Friday!!! To celebrate this great weather we are offering to everyone who likes Friends of Leisure and Mister Mixer 2 for $10 cocktails from 6pm - 7pm at our pop up bar in Richmond (4 Railway Place behind Coles on Swan St). And the good news continues for the guys, no jackets required at Flemington tomorrow.

04/11/2014

Must be an omen as off the rails is a big winner at rand wick today! Come join us down at Off the Rails so you can win too haha