Walk Against Family Violence
THE second annual walk will start at Dandenong Market and proceed through central Dandenong to the Dandenong Civic Square. Participants will hear from former Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon and other representatives from the courts and community about family violence’s impact and how to stop it.
– The Kitchen at Dandenong Market, corner Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong. Friday 28 November, 10am to noon.
Me and My Dad
OUR Circulatory System takes children and their dads through why the heart beats and what makes up the circulatory system. The program is designed for children aged seven to 11 years old with an accompanying parent or carer.
– Dandenong Library, Level 2, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Saturday 22 November, 2pm to 3pm. Book in person or call 1300 630 920.
Vietnamese brunch
TAN Lac Vien specialises in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine and is participating in the Good Food Month. It’ll serve up modern Vietnamese sizzling bo ne or bo bi tet or bo lu luc (fried egg and beef or pate) with fried egg, bread, salad and Vietnamese-style ice coffee.
– Tan Lac Vien, Shop 2, 310 Springvale Road, Springvale. Saturdays 22 and 29 November, 11am. $15 per person. Bookings are essential. Call 9558 4277.
Green thumbs
SPRINGVALE Garden Club’s guest speaker this month is Peter Hogan and he will explain how to plant a hanging bag. New members are welcome. This will be the group’s last meeting until February.
– Springvale Senior Citizens Hall, The Crescent, Springvale. Wednesday 19 November, 7.30pm for an 8pm start. The $2 cost includes supper, door prizes and trading table. Call Cheryl Johnson on 9551 3197 for more information.
Dancing shoes
THERE’LL be old time/new vogue dancing in different styles for all ages every fourth Saturday of the month.
– Keysborough Senior Citizens Centre, 352 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough. Saturday 22 November, 8pm to 11.30pm. $10 per person. Call Nic on 9547 8615 for more information.
Computer market/swap
THE Springvale Computer Market is on the second and fifth Sunday of each month.
– Springvale Town Hall, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale. Sunday 30 November, 10am to 4pm. Entry is $3 per person, and free for children under 10.
Nativity time
THIS annual traditional Christmas nativity scene is growing each year.
– St Elizabeth’s Parish, 107 Bakers Road, Dandenong North. 1 December to 11 January. Free. For opening hours or to arrange a tour, visit stelizabethsparish.org.au, call Cheryl Hayes on 9795 6217 or call Wilson Fernandez on 0428 927 110.
Make a wreath
SISTER artist duo Clare and Kate James will demonstrate making wreaths and Christmas decorations. All materials will be provided.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Thursday 9 December, 10am to 1pm. Participation is $10. Bookings are essential. Call 9793 4511 or email heritagehill@cgd.vic.gov.au.
Rock, roll and swing
TOP Cat classes for beginner and intermediate dancers are held every Tuesday evening.
– Edinburgh Hall, corner Edinburgh and Dowling streets, Springvale North. Tuesdays 18 and 25 November and 2 and 16 December, 7.30pm to 10pm. Classes are $12 each or $15 for multiple classes on the same night. Call Lou Mingaars on 0413 393 345 or email louis_mingaars@msn.com for more information.
Interfaith Network Tour
THIS tour will visit places of worship across Greater Dandenong.
– Wednesday 10 December, 8.45am to 3pm. The $25 ticket includes transport plus the Many Faiths, One People booklet. Bookings are essential. Visit www.interfaithnetwork.org.au or call Helen Heath on 9546 8441 for more information.
Community giveaway
ORGANISATION Nga Taonga Tuku Iho will give away new and pre-loved clothes, toys, kitchenware, blankets, books and more to concession or Health Care Card holders.
– The Dock, 176 Stud Road, Dandenong. Saturday 22 November, 10am to 4pm. Call Olive on 0434 491 572 for more information.
Springvale Rotary Sunday Market
SPRINGVALE Rotary holds a market on the second Sunday of each month.
There’s trash and treasure, plants, clothes, tools and more.
– Opposite Sandown Park Railway Station, corner Lightwood and Lawn roads, Springvale. Sunday 14 December, 8am to 2pm. Stalls are $10. Bookings are essential. Public entry is a gold coin donation.
Violence debate
OUTER South Peninsula Integrated Family Violence Partnership presents The Great Debate – Is Family Violence a Crime?
Speakers will include magistrate Pauline Spencer and Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Thursday 20 November, 1pm to 3pm. Entry is free. Bookings are essential. Call 8571 1666.
Make bunting
EMMA Grace is hosting a bunting workshop ahead of the festive season. Participants can bring their own scrap materials.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Thursday 27 November, 10am to 1pm. The cost is $10 per person. Bookings are essential. Call 9793 4511. Email heritagehill@cgd.vic.gov.au for more information.
Silvie in Spirit
THE Spirit of Christmas with Silvie Paladino is coming to Dandenong. She’ll sing hits from musical theatre and favourite Christmas songs, accompanied by David Cameron on piano.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Wednesday 26 November and Thursday 27 November, 10.30am. The show is 80 minutes with no interval. Tickets are priced from $14.50.
Evening in the park
WETLANDS are home to a collection of weird and wonderful creatures. Learn about them and the important role wetlands play in the environment, local flora and nocturnal animals.
– Pencil Park, Hidden Grove Boulevard, Keysborough. Wednesday 26 November, 6pm to 9pm. Bookings are essential because places are limited. Call 8571 1702.
Enviro awareness
FOTHERINGHAM Reserve is hosting a free environmental awareness day. Activities will include water watch, planting indigenous seedlings, weed control, seed collecting, nature walks and barbecues.
– Fotheringham Reserve, Pyke Street, Dandenong. Sunday 23 November, 10am to noon.
Art from the heart
A NEW exhibition is featuring artists from the Victorian Multi Ethnic Slavic Welfare Association. Art From the Heart illustrates different emotional, visual and personal depictions from each artist.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens, 66 McCrae Street. Until 14 December. Email heritagehill@cgd.vic.gov.au for more information.
Neighbourhood Watch
GREATER Dandenong Neighbourhood Watch’s next forum will feature David Mann as guest speaker. He’s the roving reporter for Mann About Town on 3AW, a promotions and marketing manager and is passionate about Neighbourhood Watch.
– Rooms three and four, Paddy O`Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Wednesday 19 November, 7.30pm to 9pm. Light supper is provided. Call or text Dawn on 0407 325 030 or email president@nhwgreaterdandenong.org for more information.
Retreat with yoga
HERITAGE Hill yoga instructor Jo Odessa will co-ordinate retreats over Saturdays in November. They’ll include beginners’ courses, hot yoga and cool yoga and more.
– Saturdays 22 and 29 November, 9.30am to 12.30pm. The cost is $55, including lunch. Call Jo on 0405 427 183 or email jo@odessagallery.com to book.
University of the Third Age
THE Dandenong U3A offers 40 classes to retirees, Monday to Friday.
Annual membership is $40 and gives access to all classes.
– Call 9546 2997 or visit www.dandenongu3a.com.au for more information.
Game On
THE Game On Basketball Program is for 12 to 25-year-olds who enjoy basketball and breakdancing. Participants can join in the casual basketball games with their own team or join another team and there’s a large stage for breakdancing rehearsal. City of Greater Dandenong’s Youth Services runs the free program.
– Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Mondays, 4.30pm to 7pm, except public holidays. Call 9793 2155 or Facebook message www.facebook.com/cgdyouthservices for more information.
Chapel Concert Series
HAILEYBURY is presenting a lunchtime concert series in a chapel known for its excellent acoustics and stained-glass mosaic windows. The free series is open to the public and will feature leading music students, Old Haileyburians and members of the music staff.
– David Bradshaw Chapel, Haileybury College, 855 Springvale Road, Keysborough. 26 November, 1.20pm to 2pm. Call 9213 2222 for more information.
Walk this way
SPRINGVALE Neighbourhood House is welcoming new members to its Friday walking group. The beginners group for people of all fitness levels walks to a local place of interest and back, within an hour. All walkers are issued with a map and can walk at their own pace.
– Springvale Neighbourhood House, 46-50 Queens Avenue, Springvale. Fridays 21 and 28 November, 9.30am. Call Melanie Virtue on 9548 3972 for more information.
Rare plants
THE Heritage Hill gardeners have planted some rare and significant plants towards the front of the Laurel Lodge gardens. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the gardens or can arrange to visit as a group.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and Sunday noon to 4pm. Call 9793 4511 to book.
Back to nature
ALEX Wilkie Nature Reserve will host open days every Friday and the third Sunday of the month during spring and summer. Park rangers are available for guided tours or guests can take a ride on a live steamers mini-train.
– Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South. Bookings are essential. Call 8571 1702 for more information.
