What’s on

FREE concerts will herald the cooler months, with the winter component of Greater Dandenong’s Hot and Cool music program at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre kicking off.
The eight concerts include electronic artist Gillian Lever and her band The Vainglories presenting a range of melancholic melodies and lullabies, and Noriko Tadano taking the audience to the exotic east with traditional Japanese folk instrument the shamisen.
– Sunday 8 June, 2pm. Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Call 9706 8441.
Improve employability
EMPLOYERS will tell migrants how to make themselves more employable at a Meet the Employer Forum.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Tuesday 27 May, 10am to 1pm. Text full name and the number of people attending to 0413 654 992 or call Avocare on 9793 9766 for more information.
Business networking
DANDENONG Retail Traders Association and City of Greater Dandenong are holding a free networking evening for businesses.
There’ll be drinks, nibbles, a tour of the new civic centre and time to talk with other retailers, business owners, council staff and more.
– Dandenong civic centre, corner of Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Tuesday 3 June from 6pm to 7.30pm. Call Joanna on 0437 370 036 or Glenys on 0417 394 722 for more information or to RSVP, or email dandenongrta@yahoo.com.au
Refraction in paint
A NEW collection of light-infused paintings will form part of Ilona Jetmar’s latest exhibition at Walker Street Gallery.
The paintings in Refraction depict the in-between spaces a traveller passes through during a journey.
The artist said they reflected her personal experience as a young immigrant and her relationship to Australia.
– Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Until 31 May, 11am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 3pm Saturday. Call 9706 8441 for more information.
Enriching lives
JOIN The Open Door for Talks on Spirituality with guest speaker Jan Coleman.
The clinical transactional analyst will speak on Healing Strokes (or Units of Recognition), and help participants look at their own patterns and how to enrich their lives and the lives of others.
– The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Tuesday 20 May, 5.50pm to 6.30pm (suggested donation $5) and Thursday 22 May, 10am to 3pm (suggested donation $10, including a light lunch). Bookings are essential. Call 9791 8664.
Free classes for kids
ENDEAVOUR Hills Neighbourhood Centre has free classes.
There’s Kids Zumba, Cooking for Kids and Parents and Job Seeker Computer Skills.
– Endeavour Hills UC Neighbourhood Centre, lower level, 10 Raymond McMahon Boulevard, Endeavour Hills. Bookings are essential. Call 9700 3789.
Multicultural concert
NOBLE Park Secondary College invites the community to celebrate its cultural diversity.
The school will hold a multicultural celebration to raise money for State Schools’ Relief, which helps needy students with school clothing and footwear.
– Noble Park Secondary College, 3 Callaghan Street, Noble Park. Thursday 22 May, 7pm to 8.30pm. Gold coin donation. Call 9546 9066 for more information.
Footy with a twist
AUSTRALIAN playwright David Williamson is bringing Managing Carmen to the stage in Dandenong.
Through an AFL player, Brownlow medallist and cross dresser, the play takes a satirical look at the characters behind the nation’s favourite sport.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Thursday 22 May, 8pm to 10pm with interval. Tickets are priced from $30. Call 8571 1666 or visit www.drumtheatre.com.au to book.
Food loving
THE Dandenong Food Lovers Tour features cuisine from around the world – all within walking distance in central Dandenong.
Participants can sample Indian and Sri Lankan delicacies, Afghan bread and food and an authentic Polish lunch.
– Tuesday 27 May, 9.50am to noon. $45 per person. Bookings essential. Call 8571 1377 or book at www.greaterdandenong.com
A confirmation letter with the meeting location will be sent following booking and payment.
African food tour
EXPERIENCE the warm hospitality of central Dandenong’s African traders on a two-hour tour.
They’ll prepare a feast with spices and share traditions that have been passed down for generations.
– Tuesday 27 May, 11am to 1pm. $45 per person. Bookings essential. Call 8571 1377 or book at www.greaterdandenong.com. The starting location is advised on booking.