Festival of Colours
THE AIII returns to celebrate the Festival of Colours for the eight year at Sandown Park.
There’ll be rides, food, stalls, powder colour, cultural dances and live music.
– Sandown Racecourse, 591-659 Princes Highway, Noble Park. Sunday 20 March, 11.30am to 6pm. Entry is $5 per adult and free for children aged under 12 years. Visit www.aiii.org.au, call 0403 337 142 or email ylakshman@bigpond.com for more information.
Sky rail in focus
FIND out more about the sky rail project at a Noble Park Community Action Forum-hosted information session.
Representatives from the Level Crossing Removal Authority will talk about the project, which replaces Noble Park’s three level crossings with nine-metre tall elevated rail sections.
– Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Wednesday 24 February, 6pm. Free.
Pray for Cuba
OFFER prayers to Cubans at collective churches event, the annual World Day of Prayer.
It’s celebrated in more than 170 countries and Cuba will this year be the focus of the world’s thoughts.
A committee involving Noble Park’s Anglican, Catholic and Uniting churches will stage the local event, using a formal service provided by Cuban women.
– St Aidan’s Anglican Church, 39 Wallarano Drive, Noble Park. Friday 4 March, 10.30am. Morning tea provided. Call 0439 356 343 for more information.
Art’s in business
ARTISTS can discover the secrets of a sustainable and fulfilling career in the arts through an Arts Business Success seminar.
The City of Greater Dandenong’s Hive Business Network and Drum Theatre will present the practical skills seminar.
– Drum Theatre, 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Saturday 19 March, 9am to 5.30pm. Tickets are $40. Visit www.drumtheatre.com to book.
Dinner with a VIEW
DANDENONG Evening VIEW Club will celebrate its 30th birthday next month.
New members are guests are welcome. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women and the group supports the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.
– Dandenong RSL, 44-50 Clow Street, Dandenong. Tuesday 1 March, 7pm. Bookings are essential. Call Brigitte on 9795 1222.
Sunset cinema
DANDENONG’S Harmony Square will host movie screenings during the warmer months.
– Harmony Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. For all the sunset cinema screenings visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Neighbourhood Watch forum
THIS Neighbourhood Watch event will include guest speaker Inspector Bruce Kitchen who has more than 35 years’ service with Victoria Police and oversees the Greater Dandenong Police Service Area (PSA).
– Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Wednesday 16 March, 7.30pm to 9pm.
Ultimate ABBA Show
GOLD is the name of the newest ABBA tribute show to hit Dandenong.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Saturday 14 May, 8pm. Tickets are priced from $49.90. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call 8571 1666.
Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve
DISCOVER the natural beauty of Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve at open days held every Friday and the 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.
– Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South.
Street snapping
LEARN the tips of photography and photo editing from professional photographer Fabrice Bigot through this five-week program.
Attendees are asked to bring a camera and a USB with three photos they have taken around Dandenong. Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Fridays until 18 March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. $15 per class for adults or $12 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
The Public Narratives of Multiples
GARNAR Lane houses seven purpose-built light boxes.
The Public Narratives of Multiples highlights artist Marynes Avila’s ongoing research on multiples by examining multiplicity in architecture through digital photography capturing Greater Dandenong.
– Garnar Lane, behind the Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. On display until Thursday 31 March.
Drum Theatre back stage tour
JOIN Drum head technician Stuart McKellar for a free behind the scenes journey into the workings of a modern-day theatre.
Visitors may even meet the ghost.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Friday 26 February, 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Bookings are essential. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call 8571 1666.
Family fun at the library
PLAYING with Lego, chess, puzzles and games together can improve literacy, numeracy, spatial awareness, socially appropriate behaviour and fair play.
A parent or carer must accompany children to this free activity. Sessions are not held during school or public holidays.
– Springvale Library, 411 Springvale Road, Springvale. Saturdays, 11am to noon. Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Fridays, 4pm to 5pm. Call 1300 630 920 for more information.
Nature squared
THIS exhibition by Neeni Durston explores the abstractions that can be found in nature.
All works have been created on a square format with the intention of connecting with the shapes and forms found in nature.
– Langley Gallery, Benga House, Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Until 4 March. Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and the first Sunday of the month, noon to 4pm.
Dong Sang
THE Vietnamese phrase suggests that it is ‘two parts or several parts that are required to make a whole’.
The paintings in this exhibition feature scenes of Vietnam and Australia inspired by Mary Nguyen’s life in Australia and Australian landscape art and her life as a Vietnamese refugee.
– The Drawing Room, Laurel Lodge, Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Until 4 March. Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and the first Sunday of the month, noon to 4pm.
Vietnamese Folk Dance
THIS Creative Cultures event explores dance as an integral part of Vietnamese culture and Huong Que will teach the basic moves.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Saturday 27 February, 10am to noon. Places are limited and bookings are essential. Suitable for ages 12 and over. Participation is $15 for adults and $12 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com to book.
BMX track skills
BMX Victoria is running the Pumped participation program to promote and introduce primary-school aged children to BMX bikes and get them to be more active.
An accredited BMX coach runs the free 60 minute sessions.
– Hemmings Park, Princes Highway, Dandenong. Saturdays 20 and 27 February, and 5, 12 and 19 March, and Sunday 20 March, 10am to 11am. Call Kyle Chandler on 8480 3033 or email pumped@bmxv.com.au for more information.
Asylum seeker cricket
THE Victorian Asylum Seeker Cup Cricket match will pit Monash Health Seekers against the Sunshine Seekers.
There’ll be a jumping castle, bowling tunnel, cricket coaching and more.
– Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong. Sunday 28 February, 11am to 4pm. Call Rob Koch on 0432 439 943 or email Rob.Koch@monashhealth.org for more information.
Get Creative Art Club
PRIMARY school-aged children can explore imagination, creativity and adventure by thinking outside the box. Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Magistrates’ Room, Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Until 21 March, Mondays 4pm to 5.30pm. $10 per class. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.drumtheatre.com.au.
MakerSpace
CHILDREN aged eight to 15 can discover the latest in technology and gadgets and make a blinking badge, comic and more at these free workshops.
– Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Until 21 March. Mondays 4pm to 5.30pm. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Call 1300 630 920.
One-page business plan
THIS interactive information session will provide practical tips and advice on how to create a one-page business plan.
Bookings essential as places are limited.
– Dandenong Library, Level 2, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Monday 29 February, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Call 1300 630 920 or see library staff.
St Martin’s Youth Theatre Program
THIS Get Creative program is child-led and facilitated by professional artists and teachers from St Martin’s Youth Art Centre.
It’s suitable for children aged nine to 12 years. Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Until 22 March. Tuesdays, 4pm to 6pm. $90 per child. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Tape Art
CREATIVE Commune will teach the basics of tape art at six workshops.
Places are limited and bookings are essential. The workshops are suitable for people aged 16 and over.
– Langley Gallery, Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. $20 per session for adults or $17 concession. BYO canvas. Tuesday 1 March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.drumtheatre.com.au.
Circus Club
THIS after-school activity for primary school kids increases confidence, teamwork and self-esteem while teaching acrobalance, juggling, hula hooping, diabolo and more.
The six-week program is run by Circus Spot. Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Magistrates’ Room, Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Until 22 March. Tuesdays, 4pm to 5.30pm. $10 per class. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.drumtheatre.com.au.
Conversation Circle
MAKE new friends while practising English in a friendly, relaxed and safe environment.
– Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Thursdays during school terms, 6pm to 7.30pm. Low to intermediate English required. No booking required. Tuesdays during school terms, 6pm to 7.30pm. Advanced English and prior assessment and booking required. Call 1300 630 920 or see library staff.
Youth art program
TEENAGERS can learn new art techniques and develop and share their own skills in this studio-style workshop.
A range of materials and techniques will be explored. Places are limited and bookings are essential.
It’s suitable for 12 to 18-year-olds.
– Langley Gallery, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Garden, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Until 22 March. Tuesdays, 4pm to 6pm. $10 per class. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Fusion Theatre
THIS is a company of performers of different abilities based in Dandenong.
It started as a drama group in 1997 and now has three performance ensembles.
Members collaborate with professional theatre makers to devise theatre performances based on their ideas, stories and imagination.
– Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Robinson and Walker streets, Dandenong. Wednesdays from 10am to noon and 5pm to 7pm. Email jo.raphael@deakin.edu.au or call 0407 301 378 for more information.
Art Play for Adults
EXPLORE art materials and techniques during this five-week program.
Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Langley Gallery, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Garden, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong.
Until 18 March. Fridays, 10.30am to 1pm. $15 per class for adults or $12 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Bollywood for Beginners
FAMILIES can have fun and get fit at the same time.
Bollydazzlers will present the workshops which are suitable for all ages. Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Rehearsal Room, Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Until 23 March. Wednesdays, 6pm to 7pm. $15 per class for adults or $12 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Journey Stories Writing Program
TAKE a trip down memory lane and turn a real-life journey into a short story.
This six-week course will teach what makes a good story, how to write compelling characters with goals and obstacles, how to create a believable world, and more.
It’s suitable for people aged 16 and older. Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Wednesday 2 March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. $90 for adults or $72 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
The Social Knitwork
KNIT, make new friends, develop new skills and share patterns, stories and good times.
The sessions are free and no bookings are required.
– Level 2, Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Wednesdays during school terms, 10.30am.
Move and Groove
THIS adult movement program has been designed to encourage participants to gain skills, develop physical confidence, move creatively and expand their existing movement vocabularies.
Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Magistrates’ Room, Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Until 23 March. Wednesdays, 11.30am to 12.45pm. $12 per class for adults or $10 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Life Drawing
ARTIST and professional art teacher Neil Wanstall will teach the techniques of life drawing with an emphasis on how the body is formed.
Participants will use conte, graphite, ink, charcoal and permanent markers on different drawing surfaces. Life models will be provided.
Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Langley Gallery, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Garden, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong.
Until 24 March. Thursdays, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. $18 per class for adults or $15 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Kiddyrock
BUBS, toddlers and their carers are encouraged to sing, dance and drum, collaborate on art projects, listen to stories and play games.
Kids will learn about rhythm, tempo, melody, harmony and sound.
Magistrates’ Room, Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Until 24 March. Tuesdays, 10am to 11am. $10 per class. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Robotics workshop
FREE robotic workshop sessions will inspire and introduce participants to pathways in engineering, science and IT.
– Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Saturdays 5 and 19 March, 10am to 11.30am.
Bookings are essential. Call 1300 630 920.
The Art of Persian Miniatures
LOCAL artist Leila Ashtiani will explain the origins of miniatures in Iran, and guide and inspire participants to create their own miniature.
Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Magistrates’ Room, Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Saturday 5 March, 10am to 1pm. $15 for adults or $12 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Fine Blue Thread
SINGER Ria Soemardjo, tabla player Sam Evans and cellist Helen Mountfort bring together their training from separate worlds – Indonesian, Indian and Western classical music.
Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Sunday 6 March, 2.30pm. Participation is $10 for adults and $7 concession, including light afternoon tea. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Swimming carnival
EVERYONE is invited to join in at the Oasis Otters Community Swimming Carnival.
Children aged six to 14 years can participate in novelty events.
– Noble Park Aquatic Centre (NPAC), 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Saturday 5 March, 3pm to 6pm. Entry is $1. Call Mark Collier on 0401 824 589 or email oasisotters@gmail.com for more information.
Clean Up Australia Day
VOLUNTEERS will collect rubbish from parks, waterways, nature reserves and bushland.
Register a new site or volunteer at an existing one at www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or call 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329).
– Throughout Greater Dandenong. Sunday 6 March, from 8am.
Heritage Hill Open Art Day
EXPLORE the property and take part in family-orientated arts and cultural activities designed to inspire creativity.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Sunday 6 March, noon to 4pm. Entry is a gold coin donation. Places are limited. Email arts@cgd.vic.gov.au or call 9793 4511 to book.
Paste Ups
CREATIVE Commune will help participants to find their inner street-artist and create their own paste-up.
Places are limited and bookings are essential. The workshops are suitable for people aged 16 and over. BYO canvas.
– Langley Gallery, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Tuesday 8 March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. $20 per session for adults or $17 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Support for diabetics
THE Dandenong and District Diabetic Support Group meets on the second Tuesday of the month.
Participants share information, have a chat, provide support and meet other people facing the same situation.
– Room 3, Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Tuesdays, 2pm. Call Lesley Jarutis on 9546 2346 or email lesleyj941@hotmail.com for more information.
Community Action Forum
THE group meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month to discuss local issues and concerns.
– Rooms 3 and 4, Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Wednesday 9 March, 6pm. RSVP to npcafinc@gmail.com, 9701 5821 or 0414 274 878.
Autumn Benga Garden Tour
TOUR the historical gardens attached to Benga House, originally planted by owner Dorothy Hart.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Thursday 10 March, 10am to 11am. $5 per person, including morning tea. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com to book.
Library Storytime
ENJOY free storytime designed to help children aged three and over to develop their imagination and vocabulary.
– Springvale Library, 411 Springvale Road, Springvale, and Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Thursdays during school terms, 10.30am. Call 1300 630 920 for more information.
Chinese calligraphy
AT THIS Creative Cultures workshop, local artist Yi Wen Xhu will teach the history and technique of Chinese calligraphy.
Places are limited and bookings are essential. The event is suitable for people 12 years and over.
– Magistrates’ Room, Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Saturday 12 March, 10am to 1pm. Participation is $15 for adults and $12 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com to book.
Bright ideas
THIS free Me and My Dad woodwork program is designed for children aged seven to 11 years old to complete with their dad or carer.
They’ll learn to use woodworking tools to make a wooden model, and add some blinking LED lights.
– Level 2, Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Saturday 12 March, 2pm to 3.30pm. Bookings are essential. Call 1300 630 920.
Dandenong World Food Fare
EXPERIENCE global cuisines, cultures and entertainment influenced by some of the world’s most important river systems, from the Mekong and Ganges to the Murray-Darling and Niger.
– Dandenong Market, 16-46 Cleeland Street, Dandenong. Sunday 13 March, 10am to 7pm.
Library Toddler Time
LISTENING to stories helps children develop their imagination and vocabulary.
These free sessions are for children aged two to three years.
– Springvale Library, 411 Springvale Road, Springvale. Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Mondays during school terms at 10.30am.
Nail art
CREATIVE Commune will host Critter Claws to share nail art secrets and the techniques behind creating intricate yet simple nail art.
Critter Claws are inspired by pop culture of the past and present.
Places are limited and bookings are essential. The workshop is suitable for people aged 16 years and over.
– Langley Gallery, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Tuesday 15 March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. $20 per session for adults or $17 concession. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Garden melodies
ENJOY morning tea, autumn’s beauty and a performance by harpist and singer Emily Rosner.
Places are limited and bookings are essential.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Wednesday 16 March, 10am to 11.30am. $8.50 per person includes morning tea. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com for tickets.
Sensational Springvale Food Tour
ANGIE Chong, daughter of Elizabeth Chong, will host a special tour of Springvale.
She was co-ordinator of Asian cookery at William Angliss for almost 20 years and now runs a dumpling school.
There’ll be samples and insights along the way.
– Springvale (meeting point advised on booking). Thursday 17 March, 10.30am to 1.30pm. $70 per person. Bookings are essential. Call 8571 1377 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Dandenong West Community Festival
THE school will celebrate Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day with a festival full of cultural performances and free family-friendly activities.
– Dandenong West Primary School, 32 Birdwood Avenue, Dandenong. Friday 18 March, 2pm to 6pm. Call Vikki in the school office on 9792 2868 for more information.
Twilight fun
PARTICIPANTS of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in the Twilight Fun Run and stick around for Cinema Under the Stars.
There’s a three kilometre course ideal for prams and families with children, a five kilometre course, and an eight kilometre course ideal for runners and walkers.
The first 150 pre-registrations receive a free T-shirt.
– Tirhatuan Park, Outlook Drive (enter via Kriegel Way), Dandenong North. Saturday 19 March, 5pm.
Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom
EVERYONE is very, very small in The Little Kingdom, home to a young fairy princess named Holly and her best friend Ben, an elf.
They’ll be live on stage in this 75 minute show, with interval.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Saturday 19 March, 10am and 12.30pm. Tickets are priced from $27.90 to $44.90. Babies under 12 months can watch free on their carer’s knee. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au for tickets.
