Australia Day Festival
This event brings people from different backgrounds together to reflect on what it means to be Australian and celebrate the things they have in common.
The festival aims to also educate and create awareness about Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, history and culture.
The all-ages event will start with a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony by a Wurundjeri Elder, a flag-raising ceremony and Australia Day Awards on the main stage.
There’ll be live entertainment on two stages, roving performers, a dedicated food court, community and market stalls, rides priced from $2 to $6, and a fireworks finale at 9.25pm.
– Dandenong Park, Pultney Street, Dandenong. Friday 26 January, 3pm to 9.30pm. Call 8571 1000 for more information.
Aus Day at the market
There’ll be a traditional Aussie bush band, craft workshops for kids, face painting, a balloon artist, a roaming giant echidna and more.
– Dandenong Market, corner Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong. Friday 26 January.
Space World Inflatable
Kids can jump and run around this giant inflatable during the school holidays.
– Springvale Indoor Sports Centre, 546 Springvale Road, Springvale. Until Monday 29 January, 10am to 4pm. $7 per child for a two-hour session. To book or for more information visit www.springvaleindoorsports.com.au/space-jump/ or call 9547 2555.
Summer Reading Club
Participants in the Summer Reading Club for 5 to 12 year olds are invited to join in this finale event.
Multi-skilled circus performer Terry Cole will provide entertainment in celebration of this year’s theme, Game On.
– Level two at Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Saturday 27 January, 2pm. Call 1300 630 920 or see library staff for more information.
Kids get crafty
Children can create mermaid and pirate craft at these free workshops.
– Market Square at Dandenong Market, corner Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong. Saturday 27 January, 11am to 3pm.
Free face painting
Kids can transform their faces with a free paint job.
– The Bazaar (near Cafe Marketto) at Dandenong Market, corner Clow and Cleeland streets, Dandenong. Sunday 28 January, 11am to 2pm.
