What’s On
A talent competition will open to young African Australian artists in conjunction with Africa Australia Day and the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
The doors will open to anyone who would like to showcase their talents in their community. First, second and third prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges.
– Saturday 23 May 2015, 1pm to 3pm, Drum Theatre 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. A nominal entry fee of $10 for performers can be purchased on the day at the Drum Theatre.
Animals invade the market
FROM crocodiles and alpacas to mummy and baby rabbits, animals will take over the Dandenong market over five themed days throughout May, turning the market place into the ultimate destination for future farmers and budding zoologists.
– Every Sunday in May, 11am to 3pm in the Market Square Dandenong. Amazing reptiles will take over on May 24 and cow milking will be available on the 31 May.
Relay for Life
THE City of Greater Dandenong’s 2015 Relay for Life is already in planning and the team is hoping to get new members to raise money for the Cancer Council.
– Saturday 10 October, 3pm start to Sunday 11 October 9am finish. Ross Reserve Athletics Track, Memorial Drive, Noble Park.
Autumn retreat
THE changing of seasons can be a time for reflection so join the Open Door creative centre for spirituality for a day of meditation, music, poetry and writings.
– Sunday 31 May, 9.30am to 2.30pm, the Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Suggested Donation is $10 which includes a light lunch. Spaces are limited book now on 9791 8664.
Bird expo
VICTORIA and Australia will again flock to the Mornington Peninsula Aviculture Society for the annual skye bird sale and expo where there will be a traders’ exhibition of cages, food, seed and bird products and accessories.
– State Dog Centre, 655 Westernport Highway, Skye. Sunday 31 May, 9.30am.
Scottish and Celtic Heritage Day
THE 13th annual Scottish and Celtic Heritage Day will be jam packed with a photography competition, Clydesdale classes, Scottish dogs match, Welsh black cattle display and Shetland, Highland and Celtic ponies.
Includes a raffle on the day, a sausage sizzle and Devonshire tea.
– Dandenong Showgrounds, Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong. Sunday 31 May, 10am to 3pm. Entry forms available at www.dandyshow.com.au or phone 9794 0562 for general Inquiries.
Library Toddler Time
THESE free sessions are designed to help children aged two to three to develop their imagination and vocabulary and find a love for books and reading.
Toddler Time also helps carers to learn songs, finger plays and nursery rhymes to enjoy at home.
– Springvale Library, 411 Springvale Road, Springvale, and Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, on Mondays at 10.30am. Bookings are not required. The sessions don’t run on school or public holidays. Call 1300 630 920 for more information.
Neighbourhood Watch
A PUBLIC forum with guest speaker Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius will be held with time allowed for residents to ask questions.
– Rooms three and four, Paddy O`Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Wednesday 20 May, 7.30pm to 9pm.
Enviro aware
FRIENDS of Fotheringham Reserve Environmental Group is running an environmental awareness day on the fourth Sunday of each month.
Participants can check the water, plant indigenous seedlings, control weeds, collect seeds and take nature walks.
– Fotheringham Reserve, Pyke Stet, Dandenong. Sunday 24 May at 10am.
Stitching Our Stories
ASYLUM seekers and refugees attending Wellsprings for Women used printed patterns, textures and text to create a book that reflects on their past and helps them take charge of their story, culture and future education.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. 1 to 29 May from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and noon to 4pm on the first Sunday of the month. Email heritagehill@cgd.vic.gov.au or call 9793 4511 for more information.
Conversation Circle
MAKE new friends and practice English in a friendly, relaxed and safe environment.
Dandenong Library hosts sessions for people with low to intermediate English levels on Thursdays from 6pm to 7.30pm.
No bookings are required.
It has sessions for people with advanced levels on Tuesdays, 6pm to 7.30pm.
Bookings and prior assessment are required.
Springvale Library hosts sessions for people with low to intermediate English skills on Tuesdays from 10.30am to 11.30am and Wednesdays, 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
No bookings are required.
– Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Springvale Library, 411 Springvale Road, Springvale. Call 1300 630 920 or see library staff for bookings or more information.
Park run
PARTICIPATE with more than 100 others in a free five kilometre timed event every Saturday morning.
The event caters for serious runners and for those wanting a jog or even a walk.
– Saturdays at 8am at Berwick Springs, visit the Berwick Springs parkrun website for more information.
Grief support
KEYSBOROUGH Learning Centre will host Rainbows for the Children of Australia’s after school program to help kids deal with death, divorce and more.
– Keysborough Learning Centre, 402 Corrigan Road, Keysborough. Tuesdays during terms two and four, 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Bookings are essential. Register interest on 9798 7005, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
Adult computer and English classes
LEARN English with the Springvale Men’s Shed.
Classes range from beginners through to level three accredited courses in English or take a beginner course in computers at the Springvale Library.
– Springvale Neighbourhood House, 1-3 Lightwood Road. Call 9574 6399 or email literacy@ snh.org.au for more information.
Green thumbs
THE Springvale Garden Club will discuss ‘how to construct a terrarium’ with special guest speaker Norm Gerraty.
– Senior Citizens Hall, The Crescent, Springvale. Wednesday 20 May. Doors open 7.30pm for a 8pm start. Cost is $2 which includes trading table, supper and door prizes.
For further information contact Cheryl Johnson on 9551 3197.
Cooking with dad
KIDS and their dads can learn how to cook healthy meals, spend some quality time together and strengthen their relationships as they meet other families and learn life skills as a team.
The Cook it With Dad program is an opportunity for fathers and children to experience cooking together.
– Selandra Family and Children’s Centre, 45 Haflinger Avenue, Clyde North, Saturday 21 February to Saturday 12 December, 10.30am to noon. Registration is essential. To register contact City of Casey on 9705 5200 or email dadsmatter@casey.vic.gov.au.
