What’s On
CHILDREN can be introduced to the magic of opera through Opera Australia’s production of one of the best-loved Brothers Grimm tales Hansel & Gretel which is returning to Victoria by popular demand.
Opera Australia has put together a fully staged version of Humperdinck’s opera to introduce children to opera which tells the bewitching tale of Hansel and Gretel on their journey of hardship, forgiveness and self-discovery.
It features professional singers, colourful costumes and an enchanting set.
– Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker Street, Dandenong, 10.30am to 1.30pm including a 10 minute question and answer session on Wednesday 1 July. The 10.30am performance includes Auslan shadow interpreting for deaf and hard of hearing audience members. Cost for adults is $20, child/concession $15, group of four or more $15 per person, Drum Theatre friend $15.
Garden tour
TOUR the history of the Heritage Hill buildings and discover Dandenong’s deep cultural history. A Devonshire tea is provided.
– Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. Thursday 25 June, noon to 2pm. $16 or $14 seniors’ discount. Bookings are required. To find out more phone 8571 1702 or emailheritagehill@cgd.vic.gov.au.
Band battle
THE annual Battle of the Bands competition is held at the Castle, with local bands competing for prizes and the chance to represent Greater Dandenong in the regional finals.
– The Castle, Hemmings Park, Princes Highway, Dandenong. Friday 26 June, 7pm to 11pm. To register a band contact youth services on 9793 2155.
Teen tales
WATCH a teen film at the Dandenong Civic Centre. Teenage films are shown two days a week throughout June and July.
– Dandenong Civic Square, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Open air event. Every Monday and Friday throughout June and July from 2.30pm. Seats are limited. For more information visit ATOM Awards 2015 website.
Painting workshop
This workshop at the Walker Street Gallery shows visitors colour mixing, composition and paint application using traditional and contemporary techniques.
– Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre, corner of Robinson and Walker Streets, Dandenong. Saturday 27 June 10am to 1pm. Three hour workshops suitable for adults aged 15 years and older. Cost $30 per person with materials provided. Bookings are essential. Phone 9706 8441. Find out more at www.jacquistockdale.com
Rock and roll dance class
JOIN in on the fun and learn to rock and roll, swing and line dance with like-minded people.
– Edinburgh Hall, corner of Edinburgh and Dowling Street, Springvale North. Every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm to 10pm. Each class is $12 or $15 for multiple classes on the same night. Contact Lou Mingaars on 0413 393 345 for more information.
Guys and Dolls
WINDMILL Theatre Company will present the Broadway classic Guys and Dolls the high energy, action packed show guarantees to entertain audiences of all ages.
Featuring the songs Fugue for Tinhorns, Luck be a Lady, Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat and Take Back Your Mink the show tells the story of Nathan Detroit (Sean van Geyzel) who runs ‘The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York’ – the only problem is he needs $1000 to get the place he wants to run it in.
– Drum Theatre, Lonsdale Street and Walker streets, Dandenong. Runs until Sunday 28 June. For more information and ticket bookings visit www.drumtheatre.com.au or call the Drum Theatre on 8571 1666.
Neighbourhood Watch dinner
THREE course fundraising dinner with a children’s menu available is filling up fast. If 60 or more people attend the Sandown Greyhounds will pay a subsidy of $100 towards Neighbourhood Watch.
– Sandown Greyhounds Entertainment, View Road, Springvale. Friday 17 July at 6.30pm. $16, booking essential, full payment needed by Friday 10 July. For further details contact Dawn on 0407 325 030.
Karaoke
JOIN the award winning Kool Kat Karaoke Group who have been entertaining members for four years.
Each year the group holds a competition with prizes and guest judges and an invited audience.
– Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18 to 34 Buckley Street, Noble Park. The group meets every Friday afternoon 1pm to 3.30pm.
Probus
THE Combined Probus Club of Waverley Gardens provides guest speakers, the dine out, garden, wanderers, walking, card, craft and coffee groups and trips and outings. New members are made welcome.
– Vegas Venue, Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre, corner of Police and Jacksons roads, Mulgrave. Meet on the last Tuesday of each month from 9.45am to noon. Call Don Lambie on 9560 6046 or Rick on 9801 4049 or email: wavgardcomprob@gmail.com for more details.
Creative art therapy
EXPLORE inner thoughts and feelings through art making in a creative art therapy class.
– Neighbourhood Learning Centre, 34 Oak Avenue, Doveton. For more information phone 9791 1449.
Relay for Life
THE City of Greater Dandenong’s 2015 Relay for Life is already in planning and the team is hoping to get new members to raise money for the Cancer Council.
– Saturday 10 October, 3pm start to Sunday 11 October 9am finish. Ross Reserve Athletics Track, Memorial Drive, Noble Park.
Grief support
KEYSBOROUGH Learning Centre will host Rainbows for the Children of Australia’s after school program to help kids deal with life challenges such as death and divorce.
– Keysborough Learning Centre, 402 Corrigan Road, Keysborough. Tuesdays during terms two and four, 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Bookings are essential. Register interest on 9798 7005, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.
Ballroom dancing
JOIN in the social mixed styles of ballroom dancing at the Burden Park Bowling Club.
There’s ballroom dancing every Monday from 6.30pm to 10pm, and every fifth Saturday there’s dancing from 1pm to 5pm and ballroom from 8pm to 11pm.
BYO supper, drinks and glasses.
– Burden Park Bowling Club, corner Heatherton and Springvale roads, Springvale South. Mondays are $5 per person and Saturdays are $8 per person. Phone June on 9798 1784 or Ray on 9547 1907 for more information.
Library Toddler Time
THESE free sessions are designed to help children aged two to three to develop their imagination and vocabulary and find a love for books and reading.
Toddler Time also helps carers to learn songs, finger plays and nursery rhymes to enjoy at home.
– Springvale Library, 411 Springvale Road, Springvale, and Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, on Mondays at 10.30am. Bookings are not required. The sessions don’t run on school or public holidays. Call 1300 630 920 for more information.
Healthy and deadly
YOUNG people can learn about looking after themselves and their mob, meet new people, learn skills, connect with their culture and more at this Koorie program. It’s for ages 14 to 21 and food is provided.
– YStop Dandenong, 39a Clow Street, opposite Dandenong Market. Tuesdays, 4pm to 6.30pm. Call Youth Services on 9793 2155 for more information.
The Social Knitwork
KNITTERS and those who want to learn the craft can join the Social Knitwork each Wednesday morning. Make new friends while developing skills and sharing patterns and stories.
– Dandenong Library, level two, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Wednesdays, 10.30am to noon. No bookings required.
