Contact Bundoora Community Centre
Teacher’s Bios
Anna Barto – Mosaic
Anna has been teaching Mosaics at Contact for the last 26 years and has taught at the local Watsonia Neighbourhood House. Anna is passionate about Mosaics and using all types of mediums like glass, tiles, beads, crockery etc.
Over the years, Anna has created many commissioned Mosaic pieces including a gym logo, tabletops, bar signs, garden accessories etc. A highlight in her teaching Mosaics career has been when Anna assisted Neami National (supporting individuals living with mental health challenges) with the planning and constructing of their Mosaic Couch in front of Purdy’s Furniture (Sherbourne Road, Briar Hill) and working with their local community.
‘There is no better reward than seeing the look on my students’ faces when they finish their projects and realise what they have created’.
Sylvette Bignoux – Chair Line Dancing for Seniors
Sylvette Bignoux came from an Island where music and dancing played a vital part in everyday life. As a senior herself, she has a strong interest in keeping people active as they age. Not everyone has the strength and flexibility to stand for lengthy periods to enjoy dancing. Chair line dancing is a wonderful way of enjoying music while moving your arms and legs while sitting. The exercises can even be undertaken in a wheelchair. It is a great way of combining exercise and socialising.
She is a strong believer that Music encourages movement, and distracts people from pain and fatigue, elevates mood, increases endurance, and reduces perceived effort. When listening to music, the negative emotions of feeling tired or bored are relieved. Sylvette’s class aims to lift their mood with gentle dance exercise, in a socially inclusive environment.
Lee−Anne Carpenter – Porcelain & Reborn Vinyl Dolls
Lee−Anne has been creating Porcelain & Reborn Viny dolls for over 30 years. She started with ceramic dolls and expanded her interest to vinyl and resin dolls. Teaching at Contact for the past 20 years, Lee−Anne is very dedicated to her craft and has won numerous awards at doll shows.
Luda Cherstnov – Zumba
Luda has more than 30 years experience, working as a dance and fitness teacher and performer. She sees Dance as a way to explore, express and enjoy yourself.
Luda has a classical and folk dance background, studied Ballet at the College of Arts, and performed in the Theatre’s productions, concerts and festivals. As a teacher Luda designs, develops and runs a number of fitness programs: Dance to fit, Dance for Life, Ethnic dance Fusion, Gentle Exercise, Line dance, Body Ballet Fitness, Dance exercise program, Zumba Fusion.
Every session is a celebration of life, fitness, and community.
Angela Dzousdanis – Watercolour Painting
Angela gains immense satisfaction in creating something artistic, unique and personal. Looking for something to fill her spare time she became a member of Contact Bundoora Community Centre in the year 2000. During this period she has worked across numerous arts genres, ranging from cross stitch, folk art, oil painting and embroidery to Faberge egg painting. She has in fact won awards in every competition she has entered. Drawing on her wide-ranging experience and skills she has focussed on watercolour painting for the last five years. Here she shares her ideas and expertise with a “drop in” group. The group provides a place to relax whilst taking time to learn from each other, to share ideas, to engage in friendly social interaction and have loads of fun!
Christine Fitzgerald – Scrapbooking
Christine has been teaching scrapbooking at Contact for over 15 years.
She has always loved taking photos and was introduced to scrapbooking over 21 years ago when her children were young. She wanted to do something with all the photos and the stories that go along with them that will be cherished now and for future generations. Christine enjoys seeing her students take the journey of scrapbooking their own photos and stories and the excitement when their albums are completed to be shared with others.
Ken Foggie – Counted Cross Stitch
Ken Foggie has been associated with Contact almost since it’s inception. Often accompanied by his loving wife Merle, Ken teaches cross-stitch to his keen students twice a week.
Ken has lived in the local area all his life. He started his working life working for the P.M.G., as it was called then at the age of 14 years old. Ken later joined the army reserves and proudly achieved the rank of Warrant Officer Class I.
Ken continued his career in the post office and four other government departments until he retired in 2003 after 47 years service.
Ken was introduced to Contact by his wife. On his days off he would accompany Merle with her craft class for disabled members of the community. When Ken retired, he needed something to occupy him, so when Merle suggested he take up cross−stitch, he was hooked. Ken is devoted to the ‘love of his life’, his wife Merle. He says the secret to a happy marriage is to ‘never go to bed angry’.
Jeannie Handsaker − Paper Tole
Jeannie has been teaching her craft at Contact for approximately 25 years.
She was first introduced to it when she attended a craft show at ‘Jeff’s Shed’. After a few ‘ordinary attempts’ she was up and running. Her skills and classes quickly became so popular she purchased a warehouse and became the largest supplier of prints in the southern hemisphere.
Jeannie’s skills and teaching are so popular, she began receiving requests to attend shows all over the country. Requests have also taken her to America where she has received international recognition. Sadly, Covid interfered with her travel plans, although she is still able to include visits to her grandchildren on her ‘non−Contact’ days.
Jan Hashman − Free Motion Machine Embroidery Group and Embroidery Group
Jan was fortunate to learn sewing and embroidery from an early age. As a mature−age student, she studied art and now offers classes in fabric dyeing, embellishing and sculptural embroidery.
Rita Hawkins – BookClub
Reading started off as a means of learning English when the family migrated to Australia and soon grew to a passion to read any book Rita could get her hands on.
Having a degree in English and teaching in the TAFE system often gave Rita the opportunity to promote reading, especially to migrants and refugees as a communication tool supporting settlement.
Rita’s favourite genre is historical fiction, but she’s not fussy, depending on the mood, the cover of the book and description; she reads whatever inspires her. Rita also loves reading the Classics.
Meeting at BookClub with like minded readers is a great way to share our interests and discuss others’ viewpoints which often leads to clarity and appreciation of the story/characters.
Susan Johnson – Card Making
I love all types of arts/crafts, card making, jewellery making, polymer clay, candle making, sewing, mosaics and garden art, just to name a few. This love comes from my very creative family, especially from my beloved Grandmother. My career highlights are working with Special needs students, school librarian and teaching crafts to adults at NEAMI.
My goal is to share my creativity with as many as possible.
Sue Kent – Pilates Mind & Body Movement and Pilates Gentle
Sue has over 30 years experience working in the health & fitness industry. She originally studied social work, working in the student welfare unit at RMIT and lived for 5 years in the Kingdom of Tonga teaching English in a girls’ high school and aerobics to expats and the Tongan community. Upon returning to Australia, Sue worked for many years as a YMCA group trainer, teaching the general population and a wide variety of specialised groups including children, teens, older adults, returned servicemen and people with disabilities.
In 2003 Sue began her Pilates and Tai Chi training and it’s also the year she held her first class at Contact!
Sue is now 61 and specialises in the over 50’s population, teaching about wellness, posture, balance, core strength and correct body alignment. Her two group classes on Wednesdays are delivered with a wealth of knowledge and a good dose of fun and laughter too!
Kathy Lewis – Unleash your Creativity – No Brush Art Class!
Katherine Chouliaras Lewis is a local artist, whose artwork style and techniques vary from traditional (landscape, seascape, flowers, animals and more) to contemporary, using various art mediums and surfaces.
She specialises in abstract painting, contemporary art and experimental art. She likes to push the boundaries using ‘no brush’ techniques and scratchboard art.
In 2016, her artwork ‘Autumn Spirit’ was nominated for the Undine Award at the Victorian Artists Society ‘Contemporary Art Show’.
Kathy has exhibited her artworks nationally and internationally, accepts commissions, teaches and conducts workshops to adults and children, has been ‘Artist In Residence’ for the Banyule Council Arts since 2021, is a member of various art societies: Victorian Artists, Contemporary Artists, Victorian Pastel Artists, Doncaster & Templestowe Artists, and is the President of the Heidelberg Artists Society.
For further information, please go to her website: www.ArtbyKathy.Co
Carol McKay – Basic Sewing, Dressmaking, Mending & UFOs and Patchwork, Quilting, Teddy Bear Making & UFOs
Carol has been teaching sewing for over 37 years. Sewing pattern making, taught by her mum ignited a spark for learning and from then on Carol self taught all aspects of sewing and accumulated her knowledge and skills in this area.
Carol enjoys the creativity and is rewarded by seeing her class members’ achievement and learning.
Anne Macaulay – Tai Chi
Anne Macaulay teaches Tai Chi as a drop in class held Thursday mornings between 9.45am – 11.45pm. Anne took over the class at the request of the original teacher, Barbara Asher, on her retirement. The Tai Chi form is called Wu Choo and is a gentle form of meditation and exercise that takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. The benefits are stress relief, improvement of balance and slow gentle exercise. Come and join our small friendly group for some gentle exercise, a cup of tea/coffee and a chat.
Joy Marston – Spinners Corner
Joy has been working with wool for over 20 years when a good friend introduced Joy to the Handweavers & Spinning Guild of Victoria in Carlton and attended classes there.
Joy is passionate about colours, dyeing, blending, fleece and regularly attends spinning weekends including the annual Bendigo Sheep, Fleece and Wool Show. Finished woollen knitted and crochet projects are very much appreciate by Joy’s family and friends.
Elizabeth May − Bobbin Lace
Bobbin lace is a traditional lacemaking technique that is continually evolving. Once basic skills are learnt the range of items that can be made is immense.
Elizabeth started lace making as a knitter. She has been making bobbin lace for over fifteen years. She likes to explore traditional as well as non-traditional forms by looking at pattern, technique, and materials. Along the way, she has also been on the committee of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Lace Guild and the Australian Lace Guild.
Pauline Middelveld – Creative Corner
Pauline’s main craft passion is Scrapbooking; working through computer packages and apps to achieve a lasting memory in pictures. She is also the facilitator for the Creative Corner table and welcomes anyone who just wants to sit, have a cuppa and work independently on their own projects, whatever they may be.
Yani Moediman − Beading & Jewellery Making Design & Creation
Yani has worked in a variety of areas – retail, fashion, design, hospitality, and sports management. However, her interests and hobbies have always focussed on Arts & Crafts; Painting, Gemstones cutting and preparation, beading and sewing. Since retiring from full−time employment, Yani has been able to devote more time to this area, giving full expression to her creative energies and skill.
Yani is very committed to this kind of work and enjoys introducing these skills to others through her teaching. She is also a member of the Victorian Bead Society, Heidelberg Artists Society, Diamond Valley Haberdashery, and the Gem Club.
Margaret Nigro − Art Classes with Margaret
Margaret is proud of being a ’local’ all her life. Like many artists she rekindled her artistic talents as a mature aged student. Her creative talents have earnt her numerous awards. As a member of the Heidelberg Artist Society, she was awarded ‘best in show’ in 2019 for her piece entitled ‘Autumn Scene’. The award was presented by Ben Winspear, an esteemed Melbourne artist.
Margaret was recently president of the Heidelberg Artist Society and is committed to helping others nurture their creativity by introducing various techniques and mediums.
Bronwyn Nimmo – Smocking
Bronwyn remembers her mum making smocked dress for her which probably kindled her interest in Smocking at a young age.
After moving to Mill Park in 2001, Bronwyn visited Greensborough Plaza and saw a Smocking display in a shop window, advertising Contact classes. After contacting the teacher, Brownyn joined the Smocking class in second term of 2002 and has been at Contact ever since.
Contact has been a great place to meet lots of people and to make new friends and learn new skills. There are many different classes to choose from.
Bev Parry – Knitting & Crochet Including Tunisian Crochet
Bev learnt to knit and crochet at the early age of just 5 years old. Her love of these crafts has never faded. She enjoys sharing this love and enthusiasm with others through teaching and helping others.
Bev is well versed in the terminology, techniques, and patterns of her craft. Along with her students they have won numerous awards for their entries in shows and competitions, most recently ‘Best Tablecloth’ at the 2019 Whittlesea show.
Beginner and experienced knitters and crocheters enjoy learning and sharing their skills in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of Bev’s classes
Judith Pauwels – Mahjong
Mahjong is a game of chance and skill originating from Asia. It’s played with tiles and dice and it’s considered to be very good for keeping the brain active. There are many variations but the one we play at Contact is Malaysia. Initially it’s quite easy to learn but as you progress you will find its intricacies and different winning games intriguing.
The Convenor Judi started this class because she could not find a Mahjong group close to where she lives in Watsonia. For approximately 25 years she travelled to Broadmeadows weekly to play Mahjong but found it hard driving on the freeway on dark nights. As she has a formal Certificate and experience in Training & Development, she decided to start a group at Contact.
We have been playing now since 2018 (except during COVID). We are a happy, welcoming group who don’t take things too seriously and we look forward showing other people how to play this great game.
Judi is a happy retiree who loves people, gardening, travel, family, mahjong and sunny days. Previously she had careers in law enforcement, mental health and disability. She thinks that establishing like Contact and Community Houses are so valuation to the community.
Nalini Singam – Yoga
Nalini is a certified yoga therapist and yoga teacher, with 19 years experience in Investment Banking and Corporate Finance. Looking to relax from her stressful and demanding career, she tried out yoga. Experiencing a session of pranayama (breathing) in her first yoga class, Nalini realised that she had found the lifeline back to herself. After falling in love with yoga and embracing the practice for 13 years, Nalini traded in her high heels for bare feet.
Nalini infuses her classes at Contact with warm-heartedness and joy to connect with her students. Keeping to authentic Yoga practice, she encourages students to work within their present capacity, only challenging themselves into stronger postures once the foundations are stable. Students are entreated to move deeply inward to find alignment that includes physical, mental and emotional balance, learning to connect the mind, body and breath.
Bette Walten – Ladies of the Round Table
Bette and her team are experienced knitters and very generous with their knitting skills in creating and donating to those in need. Recently they knitted pouches for bushfire injured wildlife, and regularly knit cardigans, hats and booties for the Treasured Babies charity who provide them free−of−charge to hospitals and funeral homes for bereaved families and their babies. Currently they are working through fashionable patterns knitting hats for cancer victims. Their regular get together is an opportunity to share patterns, ideas and celebrate each other’s company.
Irene Williams – Cake Decorating Classes
Irene first gained an interest in cooking and cake decoration at school, 60 years ago and has built on this interest over the years to improve on these skills.
Teaching for more than 40 years along with cake decorating demonstrations around Victoria and interstate, Irene has also conducted workshops at various libraries and at the Royal Melbourne Show and Whittlesea Show. In addition to this, Irene has produced a video with two other demonstrators for the Victorian Education Department to be used as a teaching aid in schools.
Irene is always endeavouring to learn new techniques and skills to keep abreast with the times and current trends.
Janine Winchcombe – Patchwork made fun
Janine has been an avid patchworker for many years. Her goal is to get people to be confident in their own ability to complete current projects and learn more.
Yvonne Wojniusz− Sewing for Charity Table
Yvonne had an interest in sewing from a young age, hand sewing clothes for her dolls. Then as a teenager, she made her own clothes and helped her mother sew uniforms. She didn’t start Patchwork and Quilting until she became a grandmother.
Following a visit to ‘Inspirational Quilts’ in Greensborough, where she helped cutting out quilts, the idea to do a similar thing at Contact resulted in the commencement of the Sewing for Charity Table.
Yvonne enjoys using her sewing skills to make items that can assist others, which is not limited to Patchwork and Quilting.
Zoyia Yasin – Yoga for Seniors
Zoyia has been practicing yoga for a number of years and teaching at Contact for the past 3 years. She is known for her ability to make yoga accessible to all students and is especially interested in engaging seniors achieve health and well being while focussing on alignment and proper technique.
Her classes emphasize the importance of breath and movement and leave students feeling energized and renewed.
Rose Zappelli – Patchwork with Rose
Rose took up sewing as a hobby using her mum’s treadle sewing machine at age 12 making her own clothes. She was always interested in sewing not just clothes but also using fabrics in other ways such as patchwork.
An active member of Blue Gums for over 30 years, Rose has exhibited her patchwork quilts and participated in creating other craft items for charity. Recently Rose organised a group of volunteer patchworkers to create an award-winning Emma Jansen design quilt which was donated to the Fistula Foundation Charity annual dinner for raffling. Another charity close to Rose’s heart is the Living with AIDS Foundation and she has assisted them by regularly donating quilts and teaching sewing and patchwork to other volunteers.
In addition to her Contact volunteering, Rose has also organised an annual sewing retreat offering a creative environment where her students can work in dedicated craft rooms and relax in beautiful surroundings.
Rose has been teaching sewing and patchwork at Contact for over 20 years and is motivated by her student’s enthusiasm when creating a quilt and learning new techniques.
Updated September 2024