Hey Reader

Something came across my desk a few weeks ago that I’ve been thinking about.

I received an email suggesting our newsletter containing Mother’s Day content was sexist. I sat with that — because I think reader feedback deserves proper reflection, not a knee-jerk reaction.

Here’s where I landed: I don’t believe what we published was sexist. Since day one, I’ve avoided language that assumes that the reader is a mum or a woman.

We also give subscribers the option to opt out of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day content in the lead up to those dates. Because not every family has a mum or a dad.

This newsletter is for all kinds of families. And the best way to keep it that way is to hear from you directly.

So this week I’m sharing a short reader survey – it’ll only take you 2 minutes. Tell me what you want more of, what you could do without, and you’ll go into the draw to win a $100 General Assembly voucher.

Whatever your family looks like, I’m glad you’re here.

Joyce xx

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ More CBD picks

​The Long Walk Narrm 2026 (Friday 22 May) A free, family-friendly festival celebrating culture and community in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 📍 Melbourne CBD

​Guy Sebastian: 100 Times Around the Sun Tour (Friday 22 – Sunday 24 May) Guy Sebastian brings his biggest hits and soul-filled new album to Melbourne in an epic all-ages celebration. 📍 Melbourne CBD

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ More north-side picks ​

​The Magic Pudding: The Opera (Friday 22 May) Victorian Opera’s adored adaptation of Norman Lindsay’s classic returns, with playful costumes, musical magic and beloved larrikin characters. 📍 Preston

​The Big Design Market: Almost Winter (Friday 22 – Sunday 24 May) Over 250 independent designers, 75+ artisan food and drink brands, a kids’ creative play space and stunning art installation under one roof. 📍 Carlton

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ More south-side picks ​

​Family Day Workshop at The Substation (Saturday 23 May) Award-winning artist Katy B Plummer leads a hands-on costume-making workshop for children aged 6–12. Tickets from $5. 📍 Newport

​Mordialloc Autumn Festival (Saturday 23 May) Live music, market stalls, face painting, rides and a $25 all-you-can-ride wristband make this a perfect family autumn day out. 📍 Mordialloc

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ More east-side picks ​

​Ringwood Hawks NBL1 Meet & Greet (Sunday 24 + 31 May) Meet your kids’ favourite Ringwood Hawks players, snap a photo and challenge them to a free 1v1 — with merch prizes up for grabs. 📍 Ringwood

​Grow Your Own Food: Pea Shoot Workshop (Sunday 24 May) A hands-on 45-minute workshop exploring food resilience and home growing, with a fun kids’ activity included. 📍 Alphington

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ More west-side picks ​

​City of Melton Night Market (Friday 22 May) Global street food, live music, cultural dance performances and roving family entertainment light up this vibrant community night. 📍 Strathtulloh

​Fulldome Flicks (Saturday 23 + 30 May) World-class immersive films on the Melbourne Planetarium’s fulldome screen — this month, journey to Mars in One Step Beyond. 📍 Spotswood