Horses, rays and sharks
GREATER Dandenong residents can go to the races for free this Saturday.
They’ll get entry to Sandown Racecourse with proof of residency to enjoy horse racing, a bungee run, jumping castle, mini golf and visitors from the Australian Shark and Ray Centre in Dandenong.
The day will have a special focus on celebrating the area’s business community with a trade show.
– Sandown Raceway, Princes Highway, Springvale. Saturday 22 March, 11am to 6pm. Entry is free for Greater Dandenong residents, $10 for adults and $5 concession.
Garden gurus
AUTUMN is gardening season and Bunnings in Dandenong is hosting an event to help green thumbs make the most of it.
Experts will give advice on preparing outdoor living areas for cooler months and autumn garden projects.
– Bunnings Warehouse Dandenong, 1-5 Gladstone Road, Dandenong. Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March.
Stamps of approval
THE Dandenong Philatelic Society is holding a stamp auction next week.
– Old Dandenong Library meeting room. Wednesday 26 March. Viewing from 6pm, auction from 7.30pm. Call Noel on 5996 9501 for more information.
Celebrating Red Cross
FRIENDS of Red Cross Hallam is holding a morning tea and craft display to celebrate Red Cross Australia’s centenary.
– Hallam Community and Learning Centre, 56 Kays Avenue, Hallam. Tuesday 8 April, 10am to 1pm. Entry is $5. Call Betty on 9774 0194 for more information.
Think sustainable
DANDENONG Market will host the city’s first Sustainability Festival next week.
The free event celebrates sustainability in a fun and friendly manner for every family member.
Visitors can find simple steps to reduce their household’s environmental footprint through gardening, live animals, cooking and pedal powered smoothie displays.
– Dandenong Market, corner Clow and Cleeland Streets, Dandenong. Sunday 30 March, 10am to 2pm. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for more information.
Cars on show
MORE than 150 Holdens will be on show in Dandenong to raise funds for the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills next month.
The annual car show at Greaves Reserve in Bennet Street will include entertainment, kids’ activities, remote control cars and food.
Cars to be judged must pre-enter by 22 March. Spaces will be limited to a maximum of 150.
– Sunday 6 April, from 7am for entrants and 9am to 3pm for the public. Entry is $5 for adults and free for children under 16. Visit www.rotaryendeavourhills.org.au for more information and entry forms.
Sri Lankan support
KATHLEEN Keegel Children’s Fund (KKCF) is hosting a dinner dance fundraiser in Springvale this month.
The family charity has a base in Dandenong and manages a children’s home and other projects to help relieve poverty in Sri Lanka.
Meet Olivia, who has been running the home, and enjoy entertainment by In 2 Groove and an Eastern and Western smorgasbord. BYO drinks.
– Springvale Town Hall, 397 Springvale Road, Springvale. Saturday 29 March, 7.30pm. Entry is by donation, $50 for adults and $30 for children aged four to 15. Book online at www.trybooking.com/dvge. Call Georgie Godfrey on 0403 023 949 or Peterine Smulders on 9796 9196 for more information.
Green thumbs
SPRINGVALE Garden Club will host guest speaker Marilyn Watson this month, who’ll focus on begonias.
Entry is $2 which includes supper and door prizes.
– Senior Citizens Hall, The Crescent, Springvale. Wednesday 19 March. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Call Cheryl Johnson on 9551 3197 for more information.
World premiere theatre
DRUM Theatre is to host the world premiere of the Asanti Dance Theatre’s new show, Mumo.
It draws on the stories, myths and legends of traditional African culture through dance.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Thursday 27 March, 8pm, and Friday 28 March, 2pm. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call 8571 1666 for tickets or more information.
Diversity on screen
STORIES of cultural diversity will come to life on the big screen as part of the Greater Dandenong Film Festival.
It will showcase local films and short films from across Australia as part of Cultural Diversity Week.
A question and answer session with local film maker Al Mehicevic will follow the screening.
– Reading Cinemas, Dandenong Plaza, Dandenong. Thursday 20 March, 7pm to 9pm. Tickets are $5. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/filmfestival or call 8571 1666.
Open to sew
ANYONE who enjoys sewing is welcome to join a small, informal, friendly group to work on sewing projects. No experience necessary.
– The Open Door Dandenong, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Each Tuesday, 10am to noon. A suggested donation is $4. Call Trish or Jo on 9791 8664 for more information.
