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 any talented people 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 24 May and cow milking will be available on 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.
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 so 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, on Sunday 31 May at 9.30am.
Stamp for sale
THE Dandenong Philatelic Society will hold a stamp auction and viewing of many different stamps.
– Dandenong Church of Christ Meeting Room 139, David Street, Dandenong, Thursday 28 May viewing starts at 6pm and the auction will take place from 7.30pm. To sell stamps contact 9795 8022.
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.
With a raffle on the day a sausage sizzle and Devonshire tea.
– Dandenong Showgrounds, Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong, on Sunday 31 May, 10am to 3pm. Entry forms available at www.dandyshow.com.au or phone 9794 0562 for general inquiries.
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, on Wednesday 20 May from 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 Street, 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, 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.
Bilingual story time
THESE free story sessions are suitable for both Vietnamese and English speaking children aged four and over.
Listening to stories helps children develop their imagination and vocabulary and love of books.
– Springvale Library, 411 Springvale Road, Springvale. Wednesdays 20 and 27 May, 10.30am. No bookings required. Call 1300 630 920 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.
There is a 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. Phone 1300 630 920 or see library staff for bookings or 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.
Ballroom dancing
JOIN in the social mixed styles of ballroom dancing at the Burden Park Bowling Club.
There’s ballroom dancing every Monday from 6.30pm to 10pm, and every fifth Saturday there’s dancing from 1pm to 5pm and ballroom from 8pm to 11pm.
BYO supper, drinks and glasses.
– Burden Park Bowling Club, corner Heatherton and Springvale roads, Springvale South. Mondays are $5 per person and Saturdays are $8 per person. Phone June on 9798 1784 or Ray on 9547 1907 for more information.
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.
Healthy and deadly
YOUNG people can learn about looking after themselves and their mob, meet new people, learn skills, connect with their culture and more at this Koorie program. It’s for ages 14 to 21 and food is provided.
– YStop Dandenong, 39a Clow Street, opposite Dandenong Market. Tuesdays, 4pm to 6.30pm. Call Youth Services on 9793 2155 for more information.
The Social Knitwork
KNITTERS and those who want to learn the craft can join the Social Knitwork each Wednesday morning. Make new friends while developing skills and sharing patterns and stories.
– Dandenong Library, level two, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Wednesdays,10.30am to noon. No bookings required.
