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Join us for Unplugged at Partridge, a sustainability‑focused day of digital detoxing and community connection. Enjoy workshops, guest speakers, yoga, live music, markets, food, a clothing swap and more as we come together to celebrate wellbeing and social connection.

Unplugged at Partridge is a community event designed to inspire sustainable living, meaningful connection and mindful wellbeing in the City of Holdfast Bay. Set within the beautiful grounds of Partridge House, this event encourages participants to take a break from digital distractions and reconnect with themselves, others and the environment.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a range of sustainability‑themed activities including hands‑on workshops, thought‑provoking guest speaker talks, yoga sessions, live acoustic performances, local market stalls and delicious food offerings. A clothing swap invites attendees to refresh their wardrobes sustainably, while interactive stations and community groups offer opportunities to learn, share, and connect.

Unplugged at Partridge celebrates slowing down, getting outdoors and engaging with the people and places that make our community vibrant. Whether you are passionate about sustainable living or simply looking to unwind and meet new people, this uplifting event offers something for everyone.

When
Sunday 29 March at 10:00am - 3:00pm
Where
Partridge House
Topic
Arts & Culture, Talks & Workshops, Community, Markets, Environment -Green living, Wellbeing
Cost
Free
Contacts
Name:
Arts & Culture Coordinator
Business / Organisation Name:
City of Holdfast Bay
Phone:
Workshops

We will have three hands‑on workshops running throughout the day, each designed to offer something fun, creative, and engaging. Spots are limited, so we recommend pre‑booking early to secure your place!

  • Fermenting workshop Join community educator and passionate foodie Kym Ormond for a hands‑on introduction to fermenting.
  • Mandala workshop Join local renowned artist Sue Norman for a relaxing and creative mandala workshop. Sue will guide you through simple techniques to create your own beautiful mandala design; perfect for all skill levels and a great way to unwind while making something unique.
  • Sourdough workshop Learn how to bake incredible sourdough at home with Kym Ormond. In this hands‑on session, Kym will share tips, tricks, and the simple steps behind creating delicious, fresh sourdough in your own kitchen. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to level up their home baking!
Live music

Enjoy a great mix of acoustic performances throughout the day, featuring a lineup of emerging local talent. Wander through the event, soak up the atmosphere, and catch these musicians as they rotate through their sets:

  • Ned Baulderstone
  • June Lee
  • The Jazz Brothers

Final Feature Performance:

  • Sax and Love are closing out the event with their iconic sound on the rear grass
Guest Speakers

Our guest speakers will be presenting under the shade of the beautiful elm tree — the perfect spot to relax, listen, and be inspired. Come along for an easygoing, conversational session where you can hear fresh ideas, learn something new, and ask questions in a friendly group setting.

Guest speakers include:

Marino Repair Cafe

We are excited to welcome volunteers from the Marino Repair Cafe. Bring along your small household items and give them a second life through free minor repairs carried out by skilled community volunteers.

The Marino Repair Cafe team includes people with a wide range of practical skills, including woodworking, sewing, basic electrical work, general repair, and more. They’ll be on hand to help fix:

  • Small household items
  • Wooden items
  • Toys
  • General small repairs
  • Plus: a demonstration of gardening tool sharpening

No booking required, simply drop in on the day.

This is a great opportunity to learn from people who are passionate about repairing, reusing, and reducing landfill, while picking up a few handy skills yourself.

A big thank you to the dedicated volunteers from the Marino Repair Cafe for bringing this wonderful community service to the event.

Markets

Explore our sustainability‑focused markets, open from 10am to 3pm!

Wander through a variety of stalls featuring handmade goods, clever upcycled creations, and unique eco‑friendly items. Come along, meet local makers, and discover something special while you browse.

Clothing Swap

Join us for a fun, low‑waste facilitated clothing swap! Bring along your clean, good‑quality, non‑damaged clothing and exchange them for swap tokens.

Clothing Drop‑Off

10am – 11am

Bring your items during this time to receive your tokens.

Swap Time

12pm – 3pm

Come back and use your tokens to select your pieces.

Any leftover clothing at the end of the day will be donated to Worn Again Op Shop, supporting community reuse and extending the life of quality items.

Feeling hungry?

Coffee and beverages will be available on site from Kombi Crew, with food options available for purchase from Braising Boy and Very Berry. Jetty Road is just down the way for other cafe and restaurant options also.

Sewing Repair Studio

Visit our volunteers at the Sewing Repair Station to give your clothing a second life. Bring along your clean garments for simple fixes such as button repairs, hemming, and minor alterations.

Sit with our volunteers and learn as you go, you will pick up helpful mending skills to use at home in the future. It is a great way to extend the life of your clothes and reduce textile waste.

Library Activities

Take a moment to slow down and reconnect at our Unplugged event with the help of our wonderful Library team. They will be hosting two calming, creativity‑filled activities designed to spark curiosity and offer a mindful break from the buzz of the day.

  • Blind date with a book
    Looking for your next great read? Let fate decide! Choose a mystery, wrapped‑up book based only on a few intriguing clues, and discover a story you might never have picked yourself. It’s a fun, surprising way to meet a new favourite.
  • Paper craft session
    Unwind with relaxing, hands‑on paper craft activities suitable for all ages. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or simply looking for a peaceful moment, this gentle creative space is the perfect way to pause, breathe, and enjoy some mindful making.