Tales from the sky
BASED on his two best-selling books Flak and Fly, well-known Australian writer and performer Michael Veitch takes on the extraordinary role of former World War II airmen by recounting the extraordinary – and largely untold – stories of combat in the air war of 1939-45.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong. Saturday 25 October, 2pm and 8pm. The show is 65 minutes with no interval. Tickets are priced from $30. Visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call 8571 1666 for more information or to book tickets.
Retreat with yoga
HERITAGE Hill yoga instructor Jo Odessa will co-ordinate retreats over Saturdays in November.
They’ll include beginners’ courses, hot yoga and cool yoga and more.
– Saturdays 8, 15, 22 and 29 November, 9.30am to 12.30pm. The cost is $55, including lunch. Call Jo on 0405 427 183 or email jo@odessagallery.com to book.
Dandenong Community Cemetery Tours
FRIENDS of Dandenong Cemeteries leads tours through the Dandenong Community Cemetery to discover the final resting places of many Dandenong pioneers and tells the anecdotes and stories about the locally important, unusual or infamous. Each tour is unique and runs for 90 minutes.
– Dandenong Community Cemetery, Kirkham Road, Dandenong South. Sunday 9 November, 2pm to 3.30pm. The tour costs $15. Bookings are essential. Call 0411 399 449 for more information.
Rare plants
THE Heritage Hill gardeners have planted some rare and significant plants towards the front of the Laurel Lodge gardens.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the gardens or can arrange to visit as a group.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and Sunday noon to 4pm. Call 9793 4511 to book.
Back to nature
ALEX Wilkie Nature Reserve will host open days every Friday and the third Sunday of the month during spring and summer.
Park rangers are available for guided tours or guests can take a ride on a live steamers mini-train.
– Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Mackay Street, Springvale South. Bookings are essential. Call 8571 1702 for more information.
Dandenong Show
THE show is in its 143rd year and will feature carnival rides, animal competitions, a fireworks display and more.
There’ll be a truck pull event and motor bike stunt shows, classic car displays and roving entertainment.
– Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November. Entry is free for children aged under 10, $5 for children aged 10 to 14, $15 for adults, and $35 for a family. Parking is $5. Visit www.dandyshow.com.au for more information.
Supporting men
SPRINGVALE Multicultural Men’s Shed will host a fundraiser featuring games and raffles.
– Springvale South Scout Hall, Springvale Road (near McKay Street), Springvale South. Friday 31 October, 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Entry is $15. Call 0417 053 612 to book.
Awareness Meditation Spring Retreat
THIS day-long retreat is dedicated to honouring the mystical works of St Hildegard celebrated in choral chants, poetry, art and nature.
Participants will follow her passion for discovery to rediscover their own creativity, deepening awareness of their senses and growing the appreciation of their lives.
– The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong. Sunday 26 October, 9.30am to 2.30pm. A $10 suggested donation includes a light lunch. Spaces are limited. Call Trish or Jo on 9791 8664 to book.
Garage Sale Trail
GREATER Dandenong will take part in a national day of garage sales.
Lyndale Community Reference Group, artistic seller Liz, and Heritage Hill will all have wares on offer.
– Garage Sale Trail. Saturday 25 October. Visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au for more information.
Walk this way
WALKFEST is a free community event that aims to get people of all abilities, all ages and all backgrounds active through walking and recreational activities.
The day involves three walks from different locations across the City of Greater Dandenong, all ending at Hemmings Park, Dandenong, with activities including a free sausage sizzle.
– Friday 31 October, 9.30am to 2pm. Visit www.greaterdandenong.com for starting points and registration details.
Botanical photo printing
ARTIST Kitty Owens will lead a botanical photo printing workshop for grown-ups.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Tuesday 28 October, 10am to 1pm. The cost is $10 per person. Places are limited. Bookings are essential. Call 9793 4511.
Springvale Food Lovers Tour
THIS guided tour will wander beyond Springvale Road through arcades and laneways, covering Cambodian, Thai and Vietnamese/Chinese cuisine.
– Central Springvale (location confirmed upon booking). Thursday 30 October, 5.50pm to 8pm. The tour is $45 per person. Bookings are essential. Call 9771 5777 or visit www.greaterdandenong.com.
Barefoot bowls
NOBLE Park Bowls Club will have a barefoot bowls session every Friday evening from 24 October.
Bowls are supplied and everyone is welcome.
– Noble Park Bowls Club, 46-56 Moodemere Street, Noble Park. Fridays at 6pm. The cost is $7 per person. Call Reg Vernon on 0428 647 540 or email rwdlvernon@bigpond.com for more information or to make a booking.
Turn around young lives
HAND Brake Turn is holding a dinner to raise funds for new tools and equipment, heating for the workshops and updated training manuals.
The Concern Australia program gives disengaged youths a start in the automotive industry.
There’ll be door prizes, music from writer, singer and producer Ceeko, and a guest speaker.
– Dandenong Club, 1579 Heatherton Road, Dandenong. 24 October, 7pm. Tickets are $50. Call 9793 1466 for more information.
October exhibitions
ART on display at Heritage Hill will include digital prints based on geometric constructivism and an exploration of the lotus flower and its symbolism of healing in oil paintings, acrylic and pastel on canvas, and prints on sari silk.
There’ll also be photographs from young women from the African Foundation.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Until 9 November. The exhibition is open to the public Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and noon to 4pm Sundays.
Music for seniors
ENJOY music in the gardens at Heritage Hill on the third Mondays of October and November.
Participants can bring their own picnic lunch and rug. Attendance is free but bookings are essential.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Monday 20 October with Rob Foenander, 1.30pm to 3pm. Monday 17 November with The Templestowe Entertainers, 1.30pm to 3pm. Book on 9793 4511.
Springvale VIEW Club
SPRINGVALE VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) Club meets on the fourth Monday of each month for dinner and to encourage socialisation and support.
– Sandown Greyhounds, View Road, Springvale. Monday 27 October, 6.30pm. Call publicity officer Carolyn Scott on 9700 1976 or 9791 5161 for more information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
