Lara, Victoria, Australia - Community Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous Australia

Every Tuesday from 7:30pm at the Lion's Den, Lara Community Centre. Contact Al 0420 722 193 or Annette 0432 291 866.

Last updated Jul 2011

Craft and Connect

Wednesday afternoons 1-3pm at Lifeway Christian Church, 76 - 84 Flinders Ave, Lara. Contact Gale 0419 892 772 or Angie (03) 5282 6554.

Last updated August 2009

Coffee Craft and Chat

Every 2nd Thursday between 9:30-11:30am at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, corner Curletts and Flinders Ave, $5 per session - an opportunity for mothers to have a break whilst children participate in the children's program. Contact Kate Braentel on (03) 5282 8881.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Combined Probus Club of Lara

Probus is a mixed gender club providing opportunities for members to share common interests and enjoyed the fellowship of new friends. It is open to retired and semi-retired people, with monthly meetings including guest speakers, with outings to places or organisations of interest between meetings, such as local points of interest, walks, theatre day tours and overnight trips. Contact 1800 630 488 or Theresa on (03) 5282 5501.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Craft and Connect

A social group for ladies interested in craft, whether knitting, cross stitch, quilting, scrapbooking or whichever craft you are interested in. Meets ever second Wednesday 1pm - 3pm during school terms. Run by the Lifeway Christian Community Church, 76-84 Flinders Ave, Lara. Contact the church office on (03) 5282 2500 or Angie on (03) 5282 6554.

Last updated Oct 2010

Duck Ponds School Inc

This group is continually collecting items of a historical nature, including pictures, maps, books and historical information. Items are used for recreating and displaying the history of education in Victoria and providing general information on the history of the local area, available for use by local residents and visitors. New members are welcome. Contact Malcolm on (03) 5282 2754 or Marion on (03) 5282 2110 or 0419 822109, P.O. Box 207, Lara, 3212.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Friends of Lakelands

Friends of Lakelands is a group of residents of the area surrounding the Lara Lakelands wetland who works with the City of Greater Geelong to improve the area. A plan for the development of the Lakelands has been completed for the City of Greater Geelong and one of the tasks of the Friends of Lakelands is to ensure that plan is implemented within a reasonable time frame.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Friends of the You Yangs

Friends of the You Yangs are involved in hands on work throughout the You Yangs Regional Park, collecting native seed, planting trees and reducing weed infestation. They meet one day per month. Contact Kim (03) 9749 1408.

Last updated 20 February 2008

German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria - Geelong Branch

Puppy and obedience training is held every Sunday at 9:30am at Elcho Park, with show training at 11am. Those interested are welcome to turn up or contact Jo on (03) 5283 1388.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Holy Trinity Ladies Guild

An initiative of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, corner Curletts Rd and Flinders Ave, Lara. Contact (03) 5282 1424 or (03) 5282 1983.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Ladies Who Lunch

Meet monthly with other ladies who enjoy a lovely lunch, and be entertained by special guest speakers. By being involved, you will be helping a children's charity, with all proceeds going to the Children's Charity Network to provide programs for children in the Geelong region. Ring (03) 5282 8950 to register to receive invitations to lunches.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Lara and District Men's Shed (LADMS)

Established by locally interested people and auspiced by St Laurence Community Services, LADMS provides a meeting place for people looking to become involved in activities and projects for al ages, with an empahsis on retirees. Members' health and wellbeing are foremost in those activities. Contact St Laurence Community Services for further details.

Last updated Jul 2011

Lara ASD P2P - Parent to Parent Autism Support Group

For people who's lives are affected by Aspergers and/or autism spectrum disorders. Parents of children with autism may like to get together to ask questions, make suggestions or just to support each other. Facilitated by a parent support worker through the Strengthening Parent Support Program, Gateways Support Services. Meets regularly at the Lara Community Centre, Waverley Rd, Lara. Contact the Community Centre for further information.

Last updated 7 August 2008

Lara Bookworms

An established book club initiated by the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Contact Lesley on (03) 5282 3329.

Last updated 7 August 2008

Lara Community Garden and Arts Precinct

Established in 2010 with garden plots and tool shed. The garden is based on organic and permaculture methods, with individual plots, shared areas, fruit trees and herbs. Contact Nikki on 0419 299 438 or nixgus1@bigpond.com, or Rache on 0409 380 580 or rachie1512@bigpond.com.

Last updated Jul 2011

Lara Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.

The Lara Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. was established in September 1983 and aims to:

  • represent the professional, commercial, industrial and primary interests of Lara and district
  • provide a meeting place where members can promote good fellowship
  • initiate and promote projects for the betterment of Lara
  • develop civic pride

The Chamber is actively involved in organising the Lara Australia Day Breakfast and Lara Food and Wine Festival. Bi-monthly dinner meetings are held and business operators in Lara are welcomed as new members. Membership fees for 2011 were $80. Contact Bob (President) on (03) 5282 1936 or Tricia (Secretary) on 0414 334 764 for more details. Mail: P.O. Box 24, Lara VIC 3212.

Last updated Jan 2011

Lara Friendship Group

The Lara Friendship Group holds functions at various times of the year. Contact (03) 5282 1363 for further details on this group.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Lara Garden Club

Lara Garden Club seem to meet monthly at St Laurence Park for presentations on and discussion of aspects of gardening over coffee. Contact Ina on (03) 5282 2451.

Last updated Oct 2010

Lara Legacy Laurel Club

A group for Legacy Widows, the Laurel Group meets at the RSL Hall. Contact Dawn on 03 5282 2245 or Phil on 0407 014 145.

Last updated Oct 2010

Lara Guides

Lara Guides meet at "Mittagong" in Rennie St, catering for ages 7 to 15. Junior Guides meet on Wednesdays evenings, senior guides meet on Thursday evenings at Mittagong Camp. Contact Jan on (03) 5282 4262 for information regarding girls joining or adults wishing to become leaders. Guides website

Last updated 7 August 2008

Lara Litter Prevention Taskforce

This group lobby the Lara public to keep Lara clean and tidy and organise events for cleaning up areas of the town. They meet at 7:30pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Lion's Den at the Lara Community Centre and new members are welcome.

The Environmental Protection Authority seeks your assistance in litter prevention by reporting cars from which litter is thrown, through their website, by phoning the Litter Report Line on 1800 352 555 or by submitting a report form available at the Lara Community Centre.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Lara Lodge (Freemasons)

The Freemasons meet on the second Friday of each month in their hall in Rennie St. The Freemasons support a range of groups, in the past including an under 16 Lara Sporting Club football team, the Lara Heritage Festival, the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, the Freemasons Victoria "Tools for East Timor Project", and a number of charities in the Geelong region.

The Masonic Centre is available for hire for community groups or family functions (not 18th or 21st birthdays), offering kitchen facilities, toilets and hall.

For further information concerning Freemasonry, contact the Secretary Larry on (03) 5282 2138.

Last updated Oct 2010

Lara Newcomers Group

Provides opportunities for new residents to meet and participate in a range of events. For more information, contact Jessica on (03) 5282 5277.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Lara Red Hat Ladies

Contact Laurene on (03) 5282 2574.

Last updated Oct 2010

Lara Red Cross

Lara Red Cross meet regularly and provide a range of services to the Lara community. In March each year, Red Cross runs its annual Doorknock Appeal and relies on volunteers to assist in knocking on doors to raise much needed funds to help the community in times of emergency. Contact Janeene on (03) 5282 2767.

Last updated Oct 2010

Lara Scouts

2nd Lara Scout Group are now based in the hall located in Elcho Park grounds on Elcho Rd, directly opposite the Boarding Kennels. Groups cater for ages 6 to 8, 8 to 11, and 10.5 to 14, and 14 to 17. Contact Steve on (03) 5282 4262/0408 992 761. Scouts website

Last updated August 2009

Lara Senior Citizens

Lara Senior Citizens are an active club for those 55 and older with the following regular activities:

  • Indoor Bowls, Monday 1pm - 3:30pm with afternoon cuppa, cost $1. Lunch can be ordered in advance and is served at 12pm.
  • Fun Bingo, Wednesday 1pm - 4pm with afternoon cuppa

Contact Nancy (03) 5282 2501 or Alma (03) 5282 8878.

Last updated Jul 2011

Lara Woodworkers

The Lara Woodworkers meet on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at Corio Bay Senior College Woodwork Rooms from 7:00pm, entry off Indiana Avenue. For further information contact the club secretary Mal on (03) 5283 1565 or email: larawoodworkers@iimetro.com.au or mail: P.O. Box 108 Corio Vic 3214.

Last updated 21 February 2008

Leos Club of Lara

The Leos Club of Lara organise fun and rewarding activities for 12 to 18 year olds, involved in many local community projects such as tree planing, the Lara Heritage Festival, conducting water surveys, and assisting at the Australian International Airshow's campsite. The Leos work closely with the Lions Club of Lara and meet every 2nd Thursday at the St John Ambulance facility in Lara. Contact Jeff on 0419 822 110 for further information.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Lions Club of Lara

The Lions Club of Lara was chartered in 1970. They run organise local community projects and raise funds for community services, as well as running social events including monthly meetings. Contact smeaton1@optusnet.com.au, P.O. Box 97, Lara, 3212, or Jeff on 0419 822 110.

Last updated Oct 2010

Lions Club of Little River

A new Lions club has been established in Little River to commence work on projects around Little River and to establish a basis for communicating with Councils. Contact Wendy on 5283 1068 or P.O. Box 76, Little River, 3211.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Lara Sub Branch Returned & Services League (RSL)

Lara RSL HallThe Lara RSL Sub Branch meets in the RSL Hall, an historic building in Rennie St, Lara, adjacent to the main train crossing. The Lara RSL has around 70 members consisting of WW2 personnel, Vietnam veterans, Timor veterans, Members of the Australian Defence Forces serving in various areas of Australia and overseas, National Servicemen, Allied ex-servicemen and Affiliate members. The Lara RSL assists local ex-service personnel, their widows and dependants, supports Legacy, provides help with Service and Disability Pensions, and gives advice on service records and medals.

The First World War saw 103 people leave the Lara region to serve, whilst 84 people enlisted during the Second World War. The Lara RSL holds remembrance day services open to the public on the Sunday before ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, allowing members to attend unit reunions on those days.

The Lara RSL meets on the Friday of every month at 2pm, except January. The hall is open on the first Saturday of the month from 10am to midday to assist people with pensions, welfare, medals and matters relating to service in the military force. For further information, contact the Ken on 03 5282 1813.

Last updated Oct 2010

Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS)

An opportunity for mothers of pre-schoolers (babies too) to enjoy a break, make new friends and meet old friends, with good speakers, easy to learn craft and morning tea. Mothers of Pre-Schoolers meet every 2nd Thursday 9:30 - 11:30am at Holy Trinity Anglican Hall, corner Flinders Avenue and Curletts Rd, Lara. Cost $6. Contact Kate (03) 5282 8881.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Inc.

Neighbourhood Watch works to reduce preventable crime and promote closer community ties in our community. Neighbourhood Watch has worked in conjunction with sponsors, Lara Police and a dedicated group of volunteers within the community, covering a large number of and businesses in the Lara area.

There are two Neighbourhood Watch regions in the Lara area, divided by the railway line. New members are welcome, contact Kim (Area Coordinator GLG36) on 5282 3270 for further details. Meetings are held bi-monthly.

Last updated Oct 2010

St John Ambulance Australia

St John Ambulance Australia has a local group in Lara who provide training in first aid and opportunities for members to contribute to the community at public events, such as the Geelong Show, the Australian International Airshow held at Avalon, the Melbourne Grand Prix and the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. The group seeks first first aid and administrative volunteers, with a range of positions available and youth members welcomed in the age range 10 to 18 years old. The group is based at St John Ambulance Hall, Lara Recreational Reserve, Mill Rd, Lara. Contact Marilyn 0438 824257 for further detail.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Take Note Singing Group

For men and women over 18 years old who enjoy singing - no experience required. Meets Thursday nights from 7:30pm - 9:30pm at Wandarrah Hall, St Laurence Park. Contact Yvonne on (03) 5282 2144. Supported by the Lara Community Centre.

Last updated 7 August 2008

Take Off Weight Naturally (TOWN) Club

The TOWN Club meets in the Lara Masonic Hall in Rennie St on Thursdays at 6-8pm to help people lose weight naturally, offering support, discipline and rewards. Contact Kylie (03 5282 3898, Nikki 0417 595 463 or Simone 0418 336 455.

Last updated Jul 2011

Township of Lara Care Group (T.L.C.)

This group was established in 2003 as a non-profit, non-political organisation to provide a focal point for the concerns of the residents of Lara in relation to the development of Lara. Whilst the group does not wish to stop further development in Lara, it hopes to retain the town's character. The group has taken on an Adopt-a-Park project which will see the development of the Serendip Creek Public Reserve which runs from opposite Serendip Sanctuary in Windermere Road through to Curletts Road. The Township of Lara Care Group holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm at the Lara RSL Hall. Contact Sheryl 0409 327 403 or laracaregroup@optusnet.com.au or P.O. Box 156, Lara, Vic, 3212. www.tlcgrouplara.com

Last updated Jul 2011

Youth Drop In

City of Greater Geelong Youth Development Unit initiative, offering a place for young people to hang out, with games, music, X-box, information, craft and food. Runs in the Youth Hall next to the Lara Community Centre in Waverley Road, Thursdays 3:30-5:30pm, open to youth aged 12 and over. Contact Susanne or Raigan at the Youth Development Unit on (03) 5227 0699 or the Lara Community Centre.

Last updated 25 February 2008