ACTIVITIES: SCHOOL HOLIDAYS EDITION 2015/16 Season's

ACTIVITIES: SCHOOL HOLIDAYS EDITION 2015/16

Season’s Greetings to all. This Edition of ACTIVITIES is one specifically for Christmas and School Holidays and I hope there’ll be something of interest for all. Have a wonderful Christmas celebration and, if you’re going on holidays, have a gorgeous break and try to have a rest! Cheers!

KNOX PARKS:

Did you know that there are over 200 playgrounds in Knox? Our playgrounds cater for children of all ages and abilities. - See more at: http://www.knox.vic.gov.au/playgrounds

DOG PLAY PARK: The Dog Play Park at the Knox Park Reserve (corner of Bunjil Way) Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield. Melway reference 73D6. - See more at: http://www.knox.vic.gov.au/dogpark

YARRA RANGES PARKS:

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Places and events/Parks and recreation

COMMUNITY MARKETS

BELGRAVE FARMERS MARKET:

2nd & 4th Saturdays @ Mater Christi College, Belgrave. 8.30am-12.30pm

MT EVELYN COMMUNITY MARKET:

RSL/Hardy House, 49 Birmingham Rd. https://www.facebook.com/mtevelyncommunitymarket

4th Saturday of each month

Saturday, 28 November 2015 | 09:00AM to 01:00PM Saturday, 26 December 2015 | 09:00AM to 01:00PM Saturday, 23 January 2016 | 09:00AM to 01:00PM THE EMERALD CHRISTMAS TWILIGHT MARKET

Friday, 11 December 2015 | 04:00PM to 08:00PM

The Emerald Twilight Christmas Market is an annual event where Emerald comes to life at the Puffing Billy Park. A wonderful opportunity to shop locally for Christmas while enjoying the festive atmosphere. A good variety of market stalls and a visit from Santa, this is an event not to be missed.

Puffing Billing Park Kilvington Drive & Heroes Avenue, Emerald 3782

ROTARY – LILYDALE FARMERS MARKET:

First Sunday each month @ Bellbird Park. Cnr Akarana and Swansea Road, Lilydale.

MONTROSE COMMUNITY MARKET:

3rd Saturday of each month, except January. 9am-1pm.

Cnr Leith Road and Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Montrose 3765 http://montrosemarket.wix.com/montrosemarket

EMERALD MARKET:

3rd Sunday of every month. 9am-3pm.

356-358 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald 3782

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS IN MELBOURNE

1. 17 Fraser St, Brunswick - amazing display you can walk through. 2. Canterbury Road, Camberwell. Number 10 always has some cool lights out. 3. Linton Close, Chelsea Heights. 4. Pine Hill Drive, Doncaster East 5. 2 Van Unen Court, Doncaster East - wow! Check out their website. http://www.xmasinmelb.com 6. Santa Rosa Boulevard, Doncaster East 7. 29 Darvall Street, Donvale 8. Eugenia St, Doveton. Multiple houses. 9. The Circuit - Dalpura Circuit, Frankston 10. 1 Lulworth Place, Frankston 11. 7 Glendale Rd, Greensborough 12. 25 Exeter St, Hadfield - driven past over many years. Big display. 13. 144 Bellbridge Drive, Hoppers Crossing 14. 169 Bellbridge Drive, Hoppers Crossing 15. The Boulevarde, Ivanhoe. Melbournes best - look out for the traffic jams though. More info on the Banyule council website at http://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/events/#6 16. 11 Lebanon Crescent, Mulgrave. Huge display. 17. 13 Louise Baille Ave, Narre Warren South 18. 12 Devon Road, Pascoe Vale 19. Cumberland Court, Preston 20. 360 Porter Street, Templestowe - http://www.melbournechristmas.webs.com/ 21. 1 Edwin Road, Templestowe 22. Melbourne Hill Road, Warrandyte - multiple houses 23. 76 and 82 Oakpark Drive, Chadstone 24. Wantirna - Newell Court, Warwick Court, Linsley Way 25. Santander Crescent, Point Cook 26. 88 Parkhill Road, Kew 27. 33 Billungah Place, Burnside 28. The Concourse, Frankston South 29. 3 Sanders Court, Narre warren 30. 29 Enterprize Avenue, Chelsea Heights 31. 47 Gordon Grove Preston 32. 151 Dalgetty Road, Beaumaris 33. 263 Ohea st Pascoe Vale South 34. 34 Chaleyer St Reservoir 35. 8 The Spur Frankston South 36. 10 Emu Bush Drive, Cranbourne 37. Oaktree Rise in Lysterfield 38. 13 Gaye Court Hoppers Crossing 39. 7 Birdswing Tce Melton South 40. 21 dunn crescent, langwarrin 41. Hugo Court, Narre Warren 42. 2 Turfac Close, Keilor Downs, 43. 43 Jenola Parade, Wantirna South

SWEDISH STYLE CHRISTMAS MARKET Why? For a Melbourne tradition When: The market is always held on the first weekend in December. Phone: (03) 9827 5580 Website: www.svenskakyrkan.se/melbourne Where: 21 St Georges Road Toorak

PHOTOS WITH SANTA – BORONIA MALL Gold coin donation, which goes to the Salvo’s. BYO Camera/Mobile Phone. Starting from For days/dates & times, please ring 9762 4074.

CHRISTMAS WINDOWS IN BORONIA Miss Bella’s Bridal Shop. Shop 6/109 Boronia Rd, Boronia. 3155. (Chandler Arcade.) Opposite Zagame’s. From December 1 until January 3. Lit up all day and night. www.missbella.com.au

COMMUNITY CAROLS IN THE TRIANGLE PARK, THE BASIN Saturday the 12th December @ 7pm. Bring a picnic, food and glowsticks are available on site. NB: NO PARKING ON SITE

KNOX CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT – Saturday 5 December: 4pm onwards. Very disability friendly: they’re providing Auslan Sign Interpreters & Large Text Carols booklets, Aqua matting to assist mobility users to move on and off the oval with ease, accessible parking, accessible toilets and an accessible ramp onto the stage. Over 150 Entertainers including: Luke Kennedy (The Voice runner up), Paulini (Australian Idol) lots of others, including an orchestra led by The Royal Australian Navy Band. Prior to the Carols, there’ll be a free fairground, arts & crafts activities and a very special appearance by Father Christmas. www.knox.vic.gov.au

FOR THOSE ALONE ON CHRISTMAS DAY – Please pass this on to anyone who may be interested. A beautiful, FREE, Christmas Lunch is offered to those who may be alone or lonely on Christmas Day. St Paul’s has been doing this for many years and always put on a particularly lovely, traditional lunch, with all the trimmings. The hall is decorated and the tables look lovely. St Paul’s Anglican Church, cnr Dorset & William St in Boronia. Please contact Bonnie on 0433 062 044

LETTER WRITING TO SANTA – [email protected] Monday, 07 December 2015 | 11:00AM to 04:30PM Rose Garden Childcare and Kindergarten 35 Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale 3140

CHRISTMAS LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW – Life Ministry Church – 9726 8111. 15-49 Old Melbourne Road, Chirnside Park 3116 [email protected] // http://www.lmclights.org

BELGRAVE COMMUNITY CAROLS- Friday, 11 December 2015 | 07:00PM to 09:30PM Free community carols event celebrating Christmas in a fun and festive atmosphere. Great entertainment. Mr Magic. Balloon art. Face painting. Massed choir. Special singing Santa. Sausage sizzle and veggie burgers. Great raffle prizes. GOLD coin donation appreciated. Liz Beaton (BRAG) 0414293922 [email protected]

YARRA GLEN CAROLS – MCKENZIE RESERVE Sunday, 13 December 2015 | 07:00PM to 09:30PM. McKenzie Reserve Bell Street, Yarra Glen 3775 Contact. Mike Baimbridge // 0408143969 // [email protected] Come along and join this great community celebration, with live music, local performers, a guest appearance from Santa, hot food, drinks, candles and glow products all available for purchase. Plenty of your favourite Christmas Carols to sing along with as well as some great solo performances.

WOORI YALLOCK FAMILY CAROLS NIGHT Woori Yallock Presbyterian Church / 0448063352 / [email protected] Saturday, 19 December 2015 | 06:00PM 1363 Healesville rd, Woori Yallock 3139

HEALESVILLE RACV COMMUNITY CAROLS – Saturday, 19 December 2015 | 06:30PM to 10:30PM. A low cost event for young children, youth and families in the community of Healesville consisting of music and other entertainment, food, coffee, jumping castles, and of course Christmas Carols.

TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS IN THE VINES – ROCHFORD WINERY –

Sunday, 20 December 2015 | 03:00PM to 07:00PM.

Looking for ideas for a family Christmas outing? Rochford wines welcomes everybody to come to our Twilight Christmas In The Vines on Sunday 20th December (free entry)! So come, and don't forget to bring your family and all your friends for an enjoyable day at Rochford wines.

Faye Hendricksen // 59573333 // [email protected] // http://www.rochfordwines.com.au/

KNOX CITY CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP

Thurs, 26 Nov: 6.30pm-8.00pm Christmas Craft Workshop // All Wrapped Up // Join us for our series of do-it-yourself Christmas Workshops! This week, make your own Christmas Bon Bons, gift wrap and decorations with See Make Play. Tickets: $10 per person – Find this event on L2, near Country Road. 2015 CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD VILLAGE – Why? See Melbourne re-created in holiday gingerbread When: Tue Dec 1 to Thu Dec 10: 10:00am to 6:00pm Fri Dec 11 to Thu Dec 24: 10:00am to 8:30pm Website: www.epicure.com.au Where: Melbourne Town Hall Cost: Gold coin donation to Make-A-Wish

BOX HILL ROTARY ARTS SHOW 2015

When: Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December 2015 Website: www.boxhillrotary.com.au/art-show Where: Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill Cost: $10 per person or $5 concession – and these fees are payable at the door. Dinner ticket price is $75 per person, and can be paid over the phone.

PICADILLY MARKET 2015

Why? To discover unique Christmas gift ideas When: Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th December 2015, 9:30am-3pm Website: www.piccadillymarket.com.au Where: Deakin Waterfront University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong Cost: $2 entry fee for adults, Children FREE

GOSPEL SINGERS When: Saturday 5 December at 3PM and 8PM Website: www.trybooking.com/GQC Where: James Tatoulis Auditorium, MLC, 207 Barkers Rd, Kew Cost: $35 full, $25 concession, $110 family (2 adults, 2 children, matinee only)

SUSSAN WOMEN’S FUN RUN

Why? To help support BCNA When: Sunday 6 December, 2015 Where: Catani Gardens, St Kilda

ICECREAM APPRECIATION MASTERCLASSES Why? Icecream! Say no more. When: Appreciation classes run every month and a half. They are on Saturdays. Time: 12:30 PM (subject to venue availability) or 3:00 PM Phone: 61 (3) 9041 2927 your place by emailing [email protected] Website: www.heladosjauja.com.au Where: 254 Lygon Street Carlton Cost: $55 includes a tub of ice-cream to take home

WHAT’S IN THE BOX CHRISTMAS MARKET When: Saturday 12 December, 10am to 3pm Website: whatsintheboxmarket.com Where: Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill Cost: $2 entry (children are free)

ACLAND COURT CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Why? A day of festive celebrations for the family. When: 12 December 2015 from 11am onwards Website: aclandcourt.com Where: Acland Court Shopping Centre, 158 Acland Street, St Kilda, VIC

CROWN CASINO’S CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS – UNTIL JAN 3 Fabulous decorations in the Casino, stunningly beautiful and really worth travelling into the city to check them out. While you’re there, if you love interactive games, then visit the GALACTIVE CIRCUS: Australia’s largest indoor interactive theme park brings free family entertainment to Melbourne. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the latest video games, an indoor laser skirmish arena and world-class simulators, including Cyber Coaster. Plus all the thrills and spills of a carnival, with tickets and hundreds of prizes, all under one roof. Open 365 days a year. The fun never stops at Galactic Circus. FREE

MAKING THINGS WITH & FOR THE KIDS: (In the backyard!) • Giant Board Games • Transform your Backyard into an educational oasis • DIY Outdoor Chalkboard • DIY Sprinklers for Kids • Giant Outdoor Scrabble • Making Butterfly Feeders • 32 Best Camping Games for Kids • Lawn Games • Beach and Water Games www.teamholiday.com.au

CLIP ‘N’ CLIMB 144 Murphy Street, Richmond. 9421 6600 [email protected] clipnclimbmelbourne. With 33 unique and colourful climbing challenges, each requiring different skill and agility, Clip 'N Climb offers unlimited fun and adrenaline for all ages that love to climb. Clip 'N Climb use climbing harnesses with an automatic belay system (Trublue), helping the climber ascend with ease and providing a safe gentle descent back down to the ground. Unlike other climbing centres no belaying buddy is required. Trublue is the only auto belay device that meets the highest worldwide standards for climbing devices.

FLAGSTAFF HILL MARITIME VILLAGE

89 Merri Street, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280 // 5559 4600 & 1800 556 111

[email protected] / flagstaffhill. By day, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is a maritime village and museum built around 1858 state heritage listed Warrnambool Lighthouse. Reflecting the rich maritime atmosphere of the Shipwreck Coast, Flagstaff Hill is the ideal starting point to discover maritime history of the Shipwreck Coast and Great Ocean Road. More than 180 ships have come to grief along the Shipwreck Coast, BALLARAT WILDLIFE PARK

250 Fussell Street, Ballarat, Victoria 3350 // 5333 5933 [email protected] Web: wildlifepark. Children can experience close contact with koalas, wombats, kangaroos and even crocodiles. Ballarat Wildlife Park houses a rich collection of native Australian wildlife in 16 hectares of natural bushland. In late 2013, a five metre long super crocodile 'Crunch' was introduced to a brand new million-dollar crocodile enclosure at the Ballarat Wildlife Park. Visitors can now see Crunch perform in a daily feeding show. Guided tours run every day at 11am and animal shows running weekends, school holidays and public holidays from 1.30pm. Throughout the week they have 'Meet the keeper' running from 1.30pm.

PANNYS PHILLIP ISLAND CHOCOLATE FACTORY

930 Phillip Island Road, Newhaven, 3925 / [email protected] phillipislandchocolatefactory

Pannys makes the finest and most delectable treats, with more than 190 different varieties. Naturally dominated by chocolate, but also including such delectable's as a choc dipped bananas, rocky roads, Turkish delight and ginger. Grab a basket and become a kid in a chocolate shop once again.

MSAC FLOWRIDER

1 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park, Victoria 3206 / 9926 1580 / [email protected] / msac.com.au/flowrider. The MSAC FlowRider combines techniques of surfing and bodyboarding with the ride of snowboarding and wakeboarding and the tricks of skateboarding - all atop a static wave of water. One of only three in Australia and the only one in Victoria, the MSAC FlowRider is something anyone can enjoy. Beginners will pick up bodyboarding almost instantly, or challenge themselves to master stand-up boarding with a little extra practice. However you choose to enjoy them, you will find the best waves year round right here at MSAC.

VICTORIAN SWIMMING POOLS www.swimclub.com.au/pool/victorian_swimming_pools.htm

ACE KARTS

20 Carrington Drive, Albion, Victoria 3020 // 9360 5005

0414 897 203 [email protected] // acekarts.com.au

Ace Karts is Melbourne's premiere outdoor go karting centre just 20 minutes west from Melbourne CBD and 20 minutes south west from Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport. Showcasing a newly surfaced track and night lights, Ace Karts is Australia's longest and widest outdoor go karting track. Feel the thrill of taking on a 700 metre long circuit of fast flowing corners with plenty of space to overtake and perfect technique. The well maintained fleet of karts can reach up to 70 kilometres per hour.

WONDERLAND FUN PARK

120 Pearl River Rd, Harbour Town , Docklands, Victoria 3008 / 9602 1311 // [email protected] // wonderlandfunpark.com.au. Wonderland Fun Park is a fantastic inner-city fun park conveniently located at Harbour Town Shopping Centre in Docklands. The Park offers many great rides and attractions throughout the year such as the Dodgem Cars, The Grand Carousel, The Bungee Trampoline, The Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, The Crazy Wave and many more. Wonderland Fun Park is also a fantastic venue for Birthday Parties, Corporate Family Days, Corporate and Family Christmas Parties, school groups and other special occasions.

SUPATRAMP GEELONG

Unit 2 / 174 Torquay Road, Grovedale, Victoria 3216 // 5244 1089

[email protected] // supatramp.com.au. Jump into Geelong's exciting new indoor trampoline and rock climbing centre, Supatramp. The new state of the art indoor activity centre is absolutely massive, filled with an extensive range of equipment and activities to suit a variety of age groups, interests and fitness levels.

A uniquely massive 3,000 square metre, purpose built, facility centre - the first of its kind in Australia. The facility includes slam ball, dodgeball, jump area, air mat and high performance tramps with trick walls, but also the inclusion of 26 state of the art indoor climbing walls, a kids' jungle themed playground and a generous sized café operated by a highly qualified chef.

TIME OUT ADVENTURES

Address: 1309 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen, Victoria 3775

Phone: 13 0009 0767 | Mobile: 0417 130 368 [email protected] timeoutadventures. Why not come on out to the Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa and experience some fun and adventure. Why not cruise the vineyard and see some amazing views of the Yarra Valley on an all-terrain Segway tour, experience the thrill of scoring a direct hit with Laser Clay Shooting and Archery or have some fun in their Bump It Balls or win some cash and prizes if you can hit the targets in Bulls-Eye Golf. If you are thinking about a team building or group activity, they also specialise in providing totally unique programs that are guaranteed to infuse energy and excitement into your group such as Segway Team Challenges, Giant Foosball, Laser Clay, Amazing Race, QuizXpress game show, Ultimate Team Survivor and more!

AIRODROME TRAMPOLINE PARK

79 Barwon Terrace, South Geelong, Victoria 3220 // 5222 5220

[email protected]. Welcome to Airodrome Trampoline Park, a spring-loaded playground, where your feet will barely touch the ground. Little kids and big kids alike are guaranteed the ultimate experience during their air time at the Airodrome. The flight deck is fitted out with state of the art interconnected Australian- made Trampolines, it's time to party with your friends, defy gravity and climb some walls. Perhaps you would like to compete in a dodge ball challenge, shoot some hoops, practice flips and tricks or lose yourself in the huge foam pit. Recharge with in the First Class Café Lounge, before your next flight of extreme fun and fitness for the whole family.

twistED – SCIENCE AT PLAY

2 Radcliffe Street, Echuca, Victoria 3564

5480 0678 | 0448 558 977 | Freecall: 1300 984 823

[email protected] // twistedscience.com. Come discover the wonders of science with hands on play at twistED. This brand new attraction is designed for the curious of all ages. Test your reaction speed, discover the future of food, challenge yourself to build a river, make fantastic flying machines and launch them on our wind table, and experience a new way to play. Bring the whole family for an all-weather experience to get thinking and doing. Who says adults do not play? Just try and keep your hands off.

WINTON MOTOR RACEWAY

41 Fox Street, Winton, Victoria 3673 // 5760 7100 // wintonraceway.com.au

Each year, Winton hosts a diverse array of weekend motorsport events, which attract competitors from all over the country. Major events include a round of the V8 Supercars Championship, the Valvoline Winton 300 endurance race, Historic Festival of Speed, Performance Car Mania, Shannons Nationals, Australian Super Truck Championship, Victorian Motor Racing Championships and HQ Holden 4 Hour.

ABORIGINAL VICTORIA

Bataluk Cultural Trail Hit the Bataluk Cultural Trail to hear Dreamtime stories, visit sacred sites and learn about the traditional ways of Gippsland's first inhabitants.

The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia See a superb collection of Indigenous Australian works across a range of media including bark painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking and textiles.

Melbourne Explore Aboriginal culture and heritage in Melbourne and surrounds. Take a heritage walk and visit cultural centres, galleries and museums.

Great Ocean Road Walk and talk with a local guide, visit heritage sites, discover native wildlife or sample bush foods in the spectacular Great Ocean Road region.

Grampians Discover evidence of an ancient past in the Grampians: oven mounds, toolmaking materials and a high concentration of Aboriginal rock art sites.

The Murray Find sites of significance along the Murray River and visit Mungo National Park, home of Mungo Man and Woman whose remains date back 42,000 years.

Gippsland Hear Dreamtime stories along the Bataluk Cultural Trail, visit the Krowathunkoolong Keeping Place and discover the Indigenous history of The Prom.

Aboriginal Heritage Walk The Aboriginal Heritage Walk offers a rich and vibrant cultural experience and is one of the most popular tours at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne....

Aboriginal art Take a visual tour of the Dreaming and learn about Victoria's Aboriginal history through rock art, paintings, wood carvings and sculpture.

Burrinja Art Gallery (Upwey) Has Aboriginal art displays

DRIVE A NEW FERRARI 458 ITALIA:

DRIVE & DINE EXPERIENCE: YARRA VALLEY

Tour operated by: Prancing Horse Supercar Drive Experiences

1309 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen, Victoria 3775 // 1300 307 050 [email protected] // prancinghorse.com.au

Discover a tale of two passions that combines the thrill of driving the new Ferrari 458 Italia with the delight of dining at top restaurants in the beautiful Yarra Valley, Victoria. Select from dining options at TarraWarra Estate, Innocent Bystander, Stones of the Yarra Valley, Chateau Yering, Meletos or Stones of the Yarra Valley and experience an exhilarating 1-hour drive in a Ferrari 458 Italia that's perfectly partnered with a three-course lunch or dinner for two. NB: THE COST IS FROM $880!

A QUIET CORNER Wander the tree-lined pathways through the Treasury and Fitzroy gardens or enjoy the sculptured terraces of Birrarung Marr, Melbourne's newest garden situated on the shoulder of the Yarra River. For a truly Alice in Wonderland escape, head to the Royal Botanic Gardens – an ornamental labyrinth of lawns, weaving paths and venerable old trees.

FRIENDS IN THE FOLIAGE Melbourne's gardens are also home to a host of bird, animal and aquatic life, but for a more formal introduction to native Australian wildlife and other locally-found or more exotic species, visit the internationally acclaimed Melbourne Zoo. As well, the state-of-the-art Melbourne Aquarium harbours thousands

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Melbourne : December 17 @ 12.01 am! @ HOYTS / VILLAGE / IMAX

METRO CINEMA: BORONIA –

Thu 17th Dec: 12:01am 11:00am 2:00pm 3:50pm 6:30pm 9:30pm

Fri 18th Dec: 10:30am 3:40pm 6:30pm 9:30pm

Sat 19th Dec: 11:00am 2:00pm 3:20pm 6:30pm 9:30pm

Sun 20th Dec: 11:45am 1:45pm 3:00pm 5:00pm 6:30pm 8:30pm

Metro Members: $8.00, Adults: $12.50, Children: $9.00, Concession: $9.00, Seniors: $8.00 (incl. tea or coffee), Families: $36.00, Tues - all tickets: $8.00

AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS

18-31 JANUARY @ Melbourne Park, Batman Avenue, Richmond East, Victoria 3121

9914 4000 | Fax: 9650 1040 // Email: [email protected] // Web: ausopen.com

BOXING DAY TEST

26 - 30 December 2015 / Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Avenue, East Melbourne

cricket.com.au/tickets Be a part of the action at the MCG for the Commonwealth Bank Boxing Day Test between Australia and the West Indies. Bring the whole family along to Toyota Family Day, Day 3 of the Test, and buy a Family ticket for four and only pay for two adults. Buy a Family Pass to get two free children's tickets (aged 15 or under) with your two full priced adult.

The MCG has lowered food prices for the season, making a day at the cricket more affordable.

ANDY WARHOL

Dates: 11 Dec 2015 - 24 Apr 2016. NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Southbank // 8620 2222. ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/andy-warhol-ai-wei-wei/

MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL

17 Jan 2016 - 7 Feb 2016. Alexandra Gardens, St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3000

9415 9819 / [email protected] // midsumma.org.au

Midsumma Festival is Melbourne's annual queer celebration. A federation of arts and cultural events spread over 85 different venues throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria, the festival is presented from 17 January to the 7 February 2016. Having been held annually since 1988, it is a significant attraction on the Victorian summer calendar. Midsumma Festival brings a diverse mix of artists and performers together under a single umbrella for an impassioned celebration and innovative presentation of queer arts and culture. The festival program is made up of a wide range of events and activities including visual art, theatre, spoken word, cabaret, film, live music, parties, sport, social events and public forums.

MUSIC

www.visitmelbourne.com/Events/Music

ARTPLAY - Birrarung Marr, Batman Avenue, Melbourne Let your imagination run wild at ArtPlay – a creative arts studio for kids and their families. At ArtPlay, children and artists have a unique opportunity to come together and imagine, explore and create high-quality art. FLIGHT EXPERIENCE AUSTRALIA - QV Retail - Prepare for take-off as you sit in the pilot’s seat of a Boeing 737 jet airliner and take charge of the controls at Flight Experience Australia.

HARDROCK CLIMBING - 501 Swanston Street, Melbourne - For the ultimate climbing experience, get along to Hardrock in the city centre. Hire a harness and climbing shoes, and enjoy a day’s unlimited climbing.

LEGO EDUCATION CENTRE - Shop 5G 439 Docklands Drive, Docklands - The Lego Education Centre lets you explore building and structures, mechanisms, renewable energy, robotics and movie making. Open for workshops, school holiday programs and birthday parties.

O’BRIEN GROUP ARENA (FORMERLY MEDIBANK ICEHOUSE) - 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands - With two Olympic-sized ice rinks, O’Brien Group Arena (formerly Medibank Icehouse) is Australia's largest ice sports and entertainment venue. Never skated? Take a free ice-skating lesson

SIGNAL – Northbank Flinders Walk, Melbourne - Signal is a creative arts studio where young people aged 13 to 25 work alongside professional artists in a collaborative way. THE GRID MELBOURNE

Shop 7G, 427 Docklands Drive, Docklands 9640 0334 / 0416 808 454 / [email protected] / thegridracing Choose from Formula 1 to V8's (or anything in between), from Bathurst to Monaco. Try practising, qualifying, sprints, night or long distance racing. The simulation systems used at The Grid are designed and engineered with meticulous detail in mind, and endorsed by professional racers the world over, including past and present F1 drivers.

TUNZAFUN

Level 1, 35–37 Star Crescent, Docklands - 9670 7575 [email protected], www.tunzafun.com.au. Take the kids to Tunzafun for heaps of family-friendly entertainment, coin-operated games, attractions and rides in Docklands. Try the Mega Stacker skill-testing game, the Razing Storm target practice game and Big Bass Wheel

CHADSTONE’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME

Why? To give the kids a sense of Christmas magic When: November 26 - December 23, 2015 Website: www.chadstone.com.au/Events/ChristmasStories Where: Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone, Victoria 3148 Cost: $5, or free for standing room

THE FAIRIES CHRISTMAS MAGIC CONCERT

18 December MELBOURNE at Frankston Arts Centre 19 December GEELONG at South Barwon Civic Centre

Why? This will get children in the Christmas spirit. Website: www.thefairies.com Where: Across Australian cities and regional towns. . JIMMY GIGGLE’S CHRISTMAS PARTY These shows promise to be the highlight of the summer holidays for children and parents alike! Why? Jimmy Giggle and Christmas Cheer When: 11am and 1.30pm Website: https://www.livenation.com.au/artists/jimmy-giggles-christmas-party Where: Arts Centre, Melbourne Cost: From $39.90- $44.90 (Babies under 12months free on the knee)

5 BRILLIANT PLAYGROUNDS

• Wombat Bend Play Space – Lower Templestowe – BBQ’S, TOILETS & SHADE, FLYING FOXES, WOODEN MAZE, MUSICAL BRIDGE, ENORMOUS SEE-SAW,

• St Kilda Adventure Playground – Neptune Street – PIRATE SHIP’S PLANK, AEROPLANE’S COCKPIT, UNDERGROUND TUNNEL OF TYRES, TRAMPOLINES, SANDPITS AND AN AMAZING TWISTY SLIDE. • Camelot Playground at Fairy Park - Anakie

• Hays Paddock – Kew - ALL ABILITIES, TOILETS, PLENTY OF CAR PARKING & SEATING FOR ADULTS,

• Bicentennial Park – Scotch Parade, Chelsea. HUGE RANGE OF EQUIPMENT, BBQ’S, UNDERCOVER SEATING, CAR PARK, TOILETS, SMURF VILLAGE, MUSICAL HUT, BURPING COW!

BAREFOOT BOWLS @ BAYSWATER BOWLING CLUB

Every Sunday afternoon, until March 20, 2016, from 2pm-4pm, come along to Bayswater’s Bowls Club, 43 Phyllis Street, there’s:

• Free lessons, with all the bowls supplied

• BYO nibbles

• Bar open

• Free sausage sizzle after 4 pm.

For more info: Terry: 0409 869 446

COLCHESTER NURSERY

Sat 19 December, 8am-5pm. 315-317 Colchester Rd, Kilsyth Sth, 3137. 9761 5111. Help them celebrate their 25th birthday! Free Sausage Sizzle, face painting, balloons for the children, lucky door prizes and every sale goes into a raffle being drawn at the end of the day. The prize is a new wheelbarrow, filled with squillions of gardening goodies, plants & garden supplies, valued at over $400, what a fabulous Christmas present for an avid gardener!

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET Why? For the atmosphere and the shopping When: Days and Hours as listed on their website Phone: (03) 9320 5822 Website: www.qvm.com.au Where: 513 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Cost: Free except for what you buy

DINNER BY HESTON Why? Experience the world of Heston Phone: 03929257777 Website: dinnerbyheston.com.au Where: The Crown Casino Ps: EXPECT TO PAY SQUILLIONS!

OLD CAMERA ENTHUSIASTS Not quite dead yet - film is alive and well in Melbourne CBD Located at the Spencer Street end of Bourke Street in the heritage listed Eliza Tinsley building, the FilmNeverDie Cafe is the place for film and Polaroid enthusiasts to chat over free coffee. Why? For Polaroid and film enthusiasts Phone: (03) 8899 7586 Website: www.filmneverdie.com Where: Eliza Tinsley building, level 2, 640 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Cost: Coffee is free (for a small donation), films ($5.00 - $35.00), cameras (visit website or cafe)

Disclaimer: IOE takes no responsibility for any adverse incidents, or resulting costs, that may occur to you, should you visit these venues and events. These events and activities are just copied and pasted from other websites. We are simply letting you know what’s coming up!