PIC:
Ladies night
KEYSBOROUGH Freedom Club is a not-for-profit occasional child care centre.
This fund-raiser will include a silent auction, live music by Adrian Scott, dancing demonstrations, a fashion parade, tarot card readings and more.
The first 100 tickets sold will receive a free gift bag worth more than $100.
Businesses are invited to donate items for the auction.
– Keysborough Golf Club, 55 Hutton Road, Keysborough. Wednesday 6 May, 7pm to 10pm. Call Michelle on 0434 271 996 or email michellegalvin@iprimus.com.au to help or for more information.
Get employed
SOUTH East Local Learning and Employment Network (SELLEN) will hold a Youth Employment Forum.
Students will hear directly from employers about how to make themselves more employable.
– Building A, Chisholm Institute, 121 Stud Road, Dandenong. Tuesday 19 May, 1pm to 3pm. Bookings are essential. Call 9794 6921 or 0438 510 840 or email jebdon@sellen.org.au.
Enviro aware
FRIENDS of Fotheringham Reserve Environmental Group runs an environmental awareness day on the fourth Sunday of each month.
People can check the water, plant indigenous seedlings, control weeds, collect seeds, take nature walks and more.
– Fotheringham Reserve, Pyke Steet, Dandenong. Sunday 24 May, 10am.
Kelly on stage
THIS Queensland Theatre Company show throws new light on Ned Kelly and his infamous legacy.
His brother Dan arrives disguised as a priest the night before he’s due to hang.
They blame each other for their downfall and have to face the sins of their past.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. The show is 80 minutes long with no interval. Tickets are from $32.50. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call 8571 1666.
Community concern
NOBLE Park Community Action Forum discusses local issues on the second Wednesday of each month.
It aims to engage with the community and develop action plans to resolve concerns raised.
– Rooms three and four, Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18 to 32 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Wednesday 13 May, 6pm. Book to npcafinc@gmail.com, 9701 5821 or 0414 274 878.
Drum Struck
EVERY audience member at this show receives a drum to play along with the on-stage performers.
It premiered in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002 and has since shared African beats and explosive energy around the world.
– Drum Theatre, corner Walker and Lonsdale streets, Dandenong. Thursday 7 May, 7pm. The show is 75 minutes long with interval. Tickets are priced from $37.50. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or phone 8571 1666.
51 Shades of Maggie
MAGGIE is smart, streetwise and looking for love in all the wrong places.
This 50 Shades of Grey spoof is from the UK.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Wednesday 6 May, 7.30pm. Tickets are priced from $44.90. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or phone 8571 1666.
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 22 and 29 April and 6, 13, 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.
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.
Music for seniors
BRING a picnic and set up in the rose gardens for live music from Ellen Hundley.
Guests are also invited to participate in a self-guided tour through the Benga House Maids Quarters.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Monday 20 April, 1.30pm to 3pm. Entry is by donation. Bookings are essential. Call 9793 4511 or email heritagehill@cgd.vic.gov.au for more information.
Rock pool discovery
THIS free Me and My Dad session is designed for children aged seven to 11 years and their fathers.
Participants will check out live marine creatures from the seas around Victoria and learn about their lives and habits.
– Dandenong Library, Level 2, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Saturday 18 April, 2pm to 3pm. Bookings are essential. Call 1300 630 920 for bookings or more information.
Dandenong on Wheels
TRAINS, trams, buses, caravans and more will be on display in this manufacturing showcase.
City of Greater Dandenong, Committee for Dandenong and South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance will showcase the vehicles the region builds.
– Dandenong Civic Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Friday 17 April, 10am to 3pm.
Workshops resume
THE Open Door each week presents tai chi, awareness meditation, sewing circle, centering prayer meditation, art of soul and guided imagery meditation.
It also has specialty workshops including creative writing, walking the land and special guest speakers.
– The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Most workshops cost a gold coin. Call Trish or Jo on 9791 8664 for more information.
Boys In The Band
THIS international hit show celebrates the greatest hits from the most iconic bands of the 20th century – The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Jackson 5, The Beach Boys, The Drifters, Simon and Garfunkel and the Backstreet Boys.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Thursday 16 April, 8pm. The show is 110 minutes with interval. Tickets are priced from $55. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call 8571 1666.
Green thumbs
DANIELLA Rosenfeld will speak about bee keeping at this month’s Springvale Garden Club meeting.
The friendly group welcomes new members.
– Springvale Senior Citizens Centre, The Crescent, Springvale. Wednesday 15 April, 7.30pm for an 8pm start. The $2 cost includes trading table, supper and door prizes. Call Cheryl Johnson on 9551 3197 for more information.
De-clutter and reduce waste
THE 10Rs workshop covers rethink, responsible, refuse, repurpose, reorganise, repair, reduce, reuse, recycle and reward.
It’s designed to help people regain control over clutter and reorganise their home and life.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Thursday 16 April, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Bookings are essential. Call 8571 1702.
Follow your waste
TAKE a free look at what happens to recycled waste, household rubbish and green waste once it leaves the kerb.
The tour includes recycling, landfill and garden waste composting facilities and finishes with a barbecue lunch and a tour of Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve in Springvale South.
– Departs City of Greater Dandenong’s Springvale offices, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale. Tuesday 21 April, 9.30am to 3pm. Bookings are essential. Call 8571 1702.
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.
World War I display
ON PARADE: Australian Defence Force Sudan to Afghanistan will feature relics from before WWI to modern times.
– Springvale and District Historical Society, 7 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale. Until 30 April. Wednesday to Friday, 1pm to 4pm, and by appointment. Call 8547 6460 to book.
Trivia night
A DANDENONG charity will have prizes for trivia champs and raffle goodies at this event.
The Avocare Community Connect Distribution Centre distributes food to organisations and charities that service homeless and disenfranchised people.
– The Dandenong Club, 1579 Heatherton Road, Dandenong. Friday 17 April, 7pm. $25 per person. Finger food will be provided. Drinks will be at bar prices. Call Elsa on 9793 9766 or email elsa@avocare.org.au.
Open studio
ART and craft lovers can explore the studios of Heritage Hill’s artists in residence on the first Sunday of the month.
Guests are welcome to observe their practice and discuss their work.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Garden, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Sunday 3 May, 1pm to 3pm. Entry is by a donation. Bookings are encouraged. Call 9793 4511 or email heritagehill@cgd.vic.gov.au.
Embroidery for beginners
HOLLY Gordon will lead a gentle and fun introduction to hand embroidery with key techniques and basic stitches.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Garden, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Sunday 3 May, noon to 2pm. $10 per person. Bookings are essential. Call 9793 4511 or email heritagehill@cgd.vic.gov.au.
Both Sides
CHITTY Chitty Bang Bang stars David Hobson and Rachael Beck will reunite in Dandenong next month.
They’ll perform songs from Les Miserables, My Fair Lady, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Sound of Music, Oliver! and West Side Story.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Friday 1 May, 8pm. Tickets are priced from $55. The show is 120 minutes with interval. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call 8571 1666.
Froggy Fun at Pencil Park
GET up close and personal with fauna and monitor the health of local wetlands.
Light refreshments will follow. Bring your own torch.
– Pencil Park, Hidden Grove Boulevard, Keysborough. Thursday 30 April, 5pm to 7pm. Bookings are essential. Call 8571 1702.
Great Songs of The War Years
THIS musical concert will honour the Anzac Centenary with songs that were performed throughout the first and second world wars.
The cast will include Opera Australia star Tiffany Speight, international soprano Alison Jones, Opera Australia mezzo Caroline Vercoe and star Australian tenor Roy Best.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 April, 10.30am. The show is 80 minutes long with no interval. Tickets are priced from $15. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call 8571 1666.
Internet introduction
THIS free session will help participants to understand what a computer is and how it works.
It will cover how to use the internet for searching, accessing images and downloading, social media and more.
Participants need keyboard, mouse and computer screen skills.
– Springvale Library, 411 Springvale Road, Springvale. Wednesday 22 April, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Bookings are required. Call 1300 630 920 or see library staff.
Dinner with a VIEW
SPRINGVALE VIEW Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month for dinner, socialising and support for the Smith Family.
VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. New members are welcome.
– Sandown Greyhounds, View Road, Springvale. 27 April, 6.30pm. Call Carolyn Scott on 9700 1976 or 9791 5161 for more information.
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. Call June on 9798 1784 or Ray on 9547 1907 for more information.
Afghan Bazaar Cultural Tour
EXPERIENCE Afghan fashion, food and music on this guided tour to various shops and restaurants.
– Starting location is advised on booking. Thursday 23 April, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. $45 per person, including tastings and meal. Bookings are essential. Call 9771 5777 or book at www.greaterdandenong.com.
Beautiful One Day
ILBIJERRI Theatre returns to Dandenong with an optimistic, raw and confronting performance about an Aboriginal death in police custody on Palm Island.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Wednesday 22 April, 8pm. The show is 75 minutes long with no interval. Tickets are priced from $27.50. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call 8571 1666.
Market in your diary
THE Springvale Rotary Sunday Market is held on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.
– Springvale Railway Station car park, Lightwood Road, Springvale. 26 April, from 8am. There’s a $10 stall fee and bookings are essential. Entry for shoppers is a gold coin. Call Loc Lam on 0425 806 006 or Bob Graham on 0438 303 939.
Artist-in-Residence Showcase
THIS exhibition celebrates the talent, concepts and projects of last year’s Heritage Hill artists-in-residence.The artists worked with textiles, sound and voices, performance artists, paint, installations and multimedia.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Until 24 April.
Stayin’ Alive
THE Australian Bee Gees Show is returning for a new show, The Past and Present Tour.
It looks at the careers of the brothers Gibb through song and multimedia and will feature two parts and costume changes defining the eras.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Saturday 25 April. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call 8571 1666.
Step back in time
TOUR Benga House and Gardens with Dorothy Hart, played by Barking Spider Visual Theatre company.
Discover marks made by family throughout the home, explore the maid’s quarters and picnic in the gardens.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Friday 17 April, noon to 2pm. $10. Bring picnic lunch. Bookings are essential. Call 9793 4511 or email heritagehill@cgd.vic.gov.au.
Phi and Me
COMEDIAN Diana Nguyen will make her Drum debut with the story of a second-generation Australian Vietnamese mother’s tough love for her teenage son, Phi.
The 90 minute show includes a question and answer session.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Saturday 18 April, 7.30pm. Tickets are from $18 and available from www.drumtheatre.com.au.
Nuline dance
NULINE dance teaches choreographed routines to a wide variety of music genres including Latin, pop, Celtic and country.
It’s for all ages and experience levels and no partner is required.
– Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough. Call 0412 296 827 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.
