What’s on

In full bloom
BUSHIE John will present stylised photo media prints and paintings in an intricate look at Australian wildflowers.
His exhibition will run alongside Mandy K’s collection of masks, including animal skulls.
She’ll be at Heritage Hill every Sunday during her exhibition for meet and greet opportunities, and will run a card-making workshop from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday 9 September and a mask-making session from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday 16 September.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Until Sunday 5 October. Workshop bookings are essential. Call 9793 4511.
Writing for fun
AWAKEN your inner writer at this one-day workshop.
The supportive group will encourage participants to develop creative skills in a safe environment and to make new friends.
– The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Thursday 18 September, 10am to 2pm. Call 9791 8664 for bookings or more information. Bookings are essential. A $10 donation is suggested. Lunch will be provided.
Beauty industry intro
INTRODUCTION to Beauty and Nails will give students an insight into working in the beauty industry.
The course will cover communication skills, products, skin biology, safe work practices and more over 10 weeks.
– Keysborough Learning Centre (KLC), 402 Corrigan Road, Keysborough. Wednesdays starting October, 9.30am to 1.30pm. The cost is from $78.60 to $270. Call 9798 7005 for more information.
Riding into Dandenong
LEARN, Earn, and Turn will provide bikes to those who might otherwise not have the chance to own one.
Greater Dandenong teens aged 15 to 16 are eligible for the free bikes and will also receive vocational training as part of the project, a sub-initiative of Coca Cola’s The Happiness Cycle.
It aims to improve the health and well-being of socio-economically and transport disadvantaged Australian teens by getting them active on their bikes and having fun.
– Greaves Reserve Netball Centre, Bennet Street, Dandenong. Wednesday 17 September, 9am to 5pm. Teens must pre-register at www.happinesscycle.com.au.
Green thumbs
SPRINGVALE Garden Club’s guest speaker Mark Bilotto will share his knowledge about azaleas.
The friendly group is welcoming new members.
– Springvale Senior Citizens Hall, The Crescent, Springvale. Wednesday 17 September, 7.30pm for an 8pm start. The $2 entry includes supper, door prizes and the trading table. Call Cheryl Johnson on 9551 3197 for more information.
Black Art, White Walls
AN EXHIBITION of contemporary Aboriginal art is on display in Dandenong.
It’s curated from the extensive personal collection of Adrian and Anne Newstead – who have worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists for more than 30 years.
The exhibition includes rare examples of early prints by artists who went on to become masters of the movement, as well as key works from several artists’ most productive periods.
– Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner Walker and Robinson streets, Dandenong. Until Saturday 27 September.
Rock and rollin’ in
I LOVE Block’n’Roll! will see South Sea Roller Derby’s Cutthroat Charmers and Blackheart Breakers do battle and skaters, officials, and volunteers dress in rock’n’roll garb from various eras.
The bout will aid Stand By You which is dedicated to providing short-term financial assistance for people living with cancer.
– Springers Stadium, Keysborough. Saturday 20 September. Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start. Tickets are available at www.southsearollerderby.com.au and at the door.
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. 29 October, and 12 and 26 November, 1.20pm to 2pm. Call 9213 2222 for more information.
Free jazz show
CLIFFORD and Co will perform live in Dandenong this month.
The free show is called Praise Befits the Upright, To Jazz or Not To Jazz.
– Liberica Coffee, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Sunday 21 September, 1.30pm.
The Fairytale Cookbook
THIS improvised stage show is created for kids – and by kids.
The audience helps cast the actors, choose the characters for the tales and guide the hero through the adventure they create.
There’ll be free kids’ art activities in the foyer before and after the shows.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Tickets are priced from $14.50. Tuesday 23 September, 10.30am and 1.30pm. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au.
Marina Prior’s songbird
MARINA Prior is regarded as Australia’s leading lady of the theatre stage.
She released a box set of recordings earlier this year.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Saturday 20 September, 8pm. Tickets are from $60.
Annie on stage
MASQUERADE Youth Productions will bring Annie Jr to the Drum Theatre stage.
The show will feature singers and dancers performing well-known tunes Hard Knock Life, Maybe, Tomorrow, Easy Street, NYC, Little Girls and more.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Thursday 25 September, 1pm and 7pm. Friday 26 September, 1pm and 7pm. Sunday 28 September, 3pm. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call 8571 1666.
Goldilocks
PROMAC Productions Australia will bring an hilarious version of the classic Goldilocks and The Three Bears to Dandenong.
The performance stays true to the traditional story but modernises the tale with fascinating and funny twists. There’ll be free kids’ art activities in the foyer before and after the shows.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Tuesday 30 September, 10.30am and 1.30pm. Tickets are from $14.50. Call 8571 1666.
Carer support
GROW-Better Together Carers Group is for friends and family of those affected by mental health issues.
It holds free and confidential meetings twice a month in Dandenong.
– Call 1800 558 268 or visit www.grow.net.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.
Relay for Life
GREATER Dandenong Relay for Life is looking for teams, volunteers and entertainment.
The event is an opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost and fight back against cancer.
– Ross Reserve, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Saturday 11 October, 4pm to Sunday 12 October, 10am. Call Elyce Carlyle on 0409 153 254 for more information, or register at www.relayforlife.org.au.
Koori Youth Group
THE Koori Youth Group is a place for indigenous young people to meet and get involved in music, art, sports and community events.
The free group meets each Monday during school terms.
– The Castle, Hemmings Park, Princes Highway, Dandenong. 4pm to 6.30pm. Contact Youth Services on 9793 2155 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cgdyouthservices for more information.
Orchids on display
THE Dandenong and District Orchid Club will hold its annual show at the end of September.
On display will be hundreds of orchids which have been nurtured by growers throughout Greater Dandenong. There will also be plants and seedlings for sale.
– Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, Buckley Street, Noble Park. Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September from 9am.
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.