What’s On

Hani Homaei and Anahita Amouzgar with a Dandenong delicacy.

Dandenong food lover’s tour
EXPERIENCE food from around the world in one evening.
The walking tour visits central Dandenong businesses sampling food and includes a sit down meal.
– Thursday 18 February from 10am to 1pm. Cost $45 per person. Bookings essential, phone 8571 1377. Once booking and payment is received a confirmation letter will be sent with meeting location details. For more information visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Sunset cinema
DANDENONG’S Harmony Square will be open over the warmer months for free popular release movies.
The sunset cinema will be showing Red Dog (PG) among other movies from January to March.
Red Dog is the story of a legendary, lovable red dog who roamed the outback looking for his original master.
On his journey he finds his way into the hearts of everyone he meets, bringing people and communities together, some who find love, and others who find themselves. The film is based on true events.
– Red Dog will be shown on Friday 5 February at Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, at 7pm. For all the sunset cinema screenings visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Robotics workshop
IN PARTNERSHIP with Robogals the Greater Dandenong Libraries will be holding free robotics workshops.
The workshops will introduce participants to pathways in engineering, science and IT.
– The four week workshop will be held Saturday mornings, from 10am to 11.30am on 6 February, 20 February, 5 March and 19 March at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street. For further information and registrations contact the library on 1300 630 920.
Neighbourhood Watch public forum
THIS Neighbourhood Watch event will include guest speaker Inspector Bruce Kitchen, who has more than 35 years’ service with the Victoria Police and oversees the Greater Dandenong police service area.
– Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Wednesday 16 March, 7.30 to 9pm.
Stallholders wanted
STALLHOLDERS are needed for a one off market to coincide with the YMCA Swimathon in Noble Park. The pool canteen will sell hot food, drinks, sandwiches and cakes on the day.
– Noble Park Aquatic Centre, 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park, 10am to 3pm, stallholders are to set up at 9.30am. Pay stalls before Sunday 21 February, non-refundable. To book phone Glenn at NPAC on 9546 7955. Cost: Inside stall including one table and chair $20, outside stalls, BYO table $10.
Year of the Monkey
THE Somerfield Social Club will hold a Lunar New Year party to celebrate the Year of the Monkey, which heralds a year of energy and change.
There will be activities between 3pm and 5pm and lion dancing and a firecracker display by the Hong De Lion and Dragon Dance Association.
Free fortune cookies will be available for children.
– Barbecue area along Clarendon Drive near the lake, Saturday 13 February, 3.30pm to 4.30pm with dragon dance at 4pm.
Ultimate ABBA Show
GOLD is the name of the newest ABBA tribute show to hit Dandenong. Dancing Queen: The 40th Anniversary Tour has been staged around Australia and performed to more than 20,000 people since it started in 2014.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker Street, Dandenong. Saturday 14 May, 8pm. Tickets adult $59.90, concession $49.90, child (15 years and under) $49.90.
Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve
DISCOVER the natural beauty of Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve at its regular open days held every Friday and third Sunday of the month.
Take a picnic and wander the grounds to view a variety of flora and fauna.
Park rangers are available for guided tours and live steamer mini-trains are available for rides on Sunday open days.
The reserve is closed on public holidays and days of total fire ban.
– Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South.
Save energy workshop
THIS workshop will help reduce energy use and manage energy bill costs.
The program is suitable for tenants, families, home owners and residents in need of financial support or people interested in energy efficiency.
The evening includes presentations followed by the chance to speak directly with the experts.
Light catering will be provided at the free event and bookings are not required.
– Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Wednesday 17 February, 5.30pm to7.30pm. For more information phone 8571 1000.
Summer community festival
PRESENTED by the Lions Club, the summer community festival runs over three days and includes live music, amusements and rides for all ages.
There will be a fireworks display at 9.30pm.
– Burden Park, corner of Heatherton and Springvale roads, Springvale South. The festival will be running from Friday 19 February, 5pm-11pm, Saturday 20 February 11am-11pm, Sunday 21 February 11am-4pm. For further information contact Ashley Lewis on 0418 380 555.
Family sustainability festival
LEARN ways to reduce environmental footprints on the world at this sustainability festival.
Tricks to save money as well as practical skills will be taught by experts.
Games and entertainment will be on and some of the activities include pedal powered smoothies, live native animals, live see-through bee-hive and cooking demonstrations by Jamie Ward.
– Dandenong Market, corner Clow and Cleeland Streets. Sunday, 21 February, 10am to 3pm. Free.
Little Mermaid
DISNEY’S musical tale of the Hans Christian Andersen classic will come to life on the Drum Theatre stage by the Windmill Theatre Company.
– Drum Theatre, Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Opening night, Friday, 10 June, 7.30pm.
Al-Anon family groups
AL-ANON family groups provides support to families and friends living with alcohol abuse and problem drinking.
– Meetings are held on Wednesdays 8pm at Dandenong Hospital, David Street, Seminar Room Two, West Entrance. Fridays 10.30am at Springvale Church of Christ (hall at rear) Buckingham Avenue, corner Windsor Avenue and on Saturdays 2pm at St Gerard’s Community Centre, 71 Gladstone Road, Dandenong North. For more information phone 1300 252 666.