Newsletter | #056 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for January 28 - February 3, 2008.

This week, Australia Day winds down with the Great Australia Day Duckrace, and the Chill Island Music Festival kicks off! There are still more festivities yet with Skandia Geelong Week finishing this week, while Midsumma Melbourne Festival also wraps up with the annual Pride March on Sunday. This week also sees Herring Island Summer Arts and the Port Fairy Moyneyana Festival continuing.. And with School back on Wednesday, be sure to make the most of the School Holiday Guide!

There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!

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Major Events Guide

Chill Island Music Festival is an all ages, family friendly event held on Churchill Island, which is part of Phillip Island Nature Park. Kids under 13 are free entry, and there are plenty of activities in the market like face painting, temporary tattoos and more. 2008's festival features a brilliant line up that includes John Butler Trio, The Waifs, Archie Roach and Dan Sultan. The festival takes place on Sunday, February 3rd.

Skandia Geelong Week, finishes on Monday, January 28, ending what's been the largest sailing regatta in Australia with over 400 yachts competing.

Skandia Geelong Week is the complete entertainment package offering something for the young and the young at heart with the City of Greater Geelong a buzz with loads of entertainment!

Midsumma Festival, Melbourne's premier gay and lesbian arts and cultural festival, continues this week, marking 20 years of gay and lesbian arts, culture and community. The 2008 Festival will be an enormous showcase of queer culture with over 180 unique events programmed including the 1st Asia Pacific Outgames! Closing celebrations include the iconic Pride March on Sunday.

The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival features a divers range of special events taking place every Saturday and Sunday until February 20. Held at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak, there will be five groups exhibiting throughout the festival and special events on Australia Day long weekend. The work on show includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing and more.

Port Fairy's Moyneyana Festival celebrates 60 years this year with a huge range of events and activities. Now in its last week, the Moyneyana Festival finishes up on Thursday, January, 31.

During the festival the Village Green comes alive with an Emergency Services Day, plenty of music and activities for children, plus Art on the Green.

Australia Day Celebrations

Great Australia Day Duck Race - It will be every duck for him/herself on Monday January 28th 2008, when thousands of yellow rubber ducks race along a section of the Yarra River taking part in Melbourne's Great Australia Day Duck Race! Watch a flotilla of numbered, bright yellow rubber ducks (with Lifesaver caps!) race in the middle of the Yarra River - located between the Engineers Lawn and the boatsheds.

All of Us is Australia's largest ever photographic portrait show, displayed across the walls of Federation Square's Crossbar Building. The photos by Michel Lawrence, which were launched on Australia Day, feature over 200 residents from different backgrounds.

Valentine's Day | February 14

Valentine's Day, February 14th, is fast approaching...
Remind your loved one (and yourself) why you love them so much on that one special day when you can say, 'Thankyou, just for being you!'

Get the jump on Cupid this year with our Valentine's Day Guide, featuring all the suggestions you need for gifts, romantic dinners and more!

School Holiday Guide

Check out our School Holiday Guide for a head start on things to do with the kids during the school holidays in January, 2008.

Updated Weekly with all the Latest Events!!

The guide is updated weekly to highlight the best things to do over the holiday period for the young and young at heart, to help you find perfect ways to enjoy the holidays with events, tours and holiday care programs.. all in marvellous Melbourne!

For More Great Activities Visit School Holiday Guide

Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show

The Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show begins Friday, offering something for everyone with over 80 exhibitors, giveaways and fun for all! Running until Sunday at Docklands' Waterfront City Precincts, it features more than 150 on water exhibits.

Intermezzo, presented by The Glass Percussion Project, is an installation of over 1400 hand-blown glass objects. Located in Federation Square's Fracture Gallery in the Atrium, the display also offers free performances that include sound and percussion music.

People, Places, Animals is a major survey of work by acclaimed British artist , whose real-life photos of his family became a notorious part of the 1997 Saatchi exhibition Sensation. The exhibition is currently at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.

Power and Beauty - Indigenous Art Now, is showing at the Heide Museum of Modern Art. With works from contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in all areas of Australia, the exhibits attest to the artists' resilience in holding on to their culture.

Arts & Theatre

Fairfield Amphitheatre presents a series of concerts preformed by some of Melbourne's renowned World Music artists and performers. Held every Sunday evening, the concerts are family-friendly, free outdoor shows. They run until February 24.

This is Good Advice is a double bill of Caryl Churchill's 'This is a chair' and Martin Crimp's 'Advice to Iraqi Women', exploring the surreal nature of political tension and modern society. Performances run until February 10 at the Trades Hall in Carlton.

Coles Girls is a kitsch musical comedy that romps through every aisle as checkout girls, Lysa Nads and Leesa Alopecia, two No frills, Home Brand girls, contemplate their lives in the supermarket line through song. It plays at Northcote Town Hall from January 24.

Thieving Boy is one of two one-act plays written by the late Tim Conigrave, writer of one of the most successful gay love stories in Australian publishing history. Along with Like Stars In My Hands, the plays examine mortality, love, sex and belonging.

Vaudeville X, performed by Michael Dalley and High Performance Company is a musical comedy that satirises the middle class with mischievous wit. Winner of the Victorian Green Room Award for 'Best Original Songs in Cabaret', it plays at the Arts Centre.

Jazz in the Gardens returns this summer with Stonnington's parks and gardens hosting a series of sensational free outdoor concerts. This Sunday, at Malvern East's Central Park, performances begin 6pm, with Stonnington Jazz Youth Initiative.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Suzanne Vega, one of the 80's most iconic performers, will be performing at the Palms, at Crown, on Friday. Performing standout hits and music from her latest album, Beauty & Crime, Suzanne Vega will be supported by country music sensation, Sara Storer.

Nissan Moonlight Cinema is Australia's favourite summer outdoor cinema screening recent, classic and contemporary films in the Royal Botanic Gardens' stunning parklands! This Thursday the sci-fi cult film, The Matrix is screening.

The Rooftop Cinema at Curtin House flickers into action all Summer, with films screening Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy the night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar! This week's program features the romantic hit, Lost in Translation, playing Friday.

Competitions

Southern Star Observation Wheel Competition

Be the first to ride the Wheel - a ride to remember!
Win a ride to remember on Waterfront City's stunning 120m high Southern Star Observation Wheel.

Scheduled for completion in late 2008, the winners will also recieve two guided tours throughout 2008 to see the construction progress, a commemorative gift and invitations to the official VIP launch!

$12,000 Cash Bonanza! Here's your chance to share in a $12,000 CASH BONANZA, courtesy of Financial Services Online! Apply free online for any comparative quote & you automatically qualify for free entry into their monthly prize draw of $1,000!

Dining & Drink

Wining

Cleanskins.com sell premium Australian wines direct to the public at up to 50% off retail prices, offering Free Home Delivery and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Perfect for all lovers of wine, their impressive range of wines and service were recommended on Channel 7's Today Tonight and Channel 9's A Current Affair.

Dining

Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill offer sensational cuisine, and a perfect atmosphere set amidst quality design with floor to ceiling windows displaying the Docklands' water views. The Modern Greek cuisine is prepared using only the very best local produce.

Special Dining Offer

Saganaki's Super Tuesday Menu

Book Through Menulog and receive 50% off your food bill at Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill!
Offer on Tuesdays Only - 12pm to 9:30pm - Book Early!
Visit here for More Details @ Menulog

Melbourne offers a splendid range of food styles to enjoy. Here are just a few classic food styles to choose from..

Modern Australian Cuisine

Chinese Restaurants

Italian Restaurants

Seafood Restaurants

French Restaurants

For more restaurants...
Check out onlyMelbourne's Restaurant Directory
Or you can View & Book a Table @ MenuLog

Dining In

Menulog Home Delivery is a great chance to eat fine cuisine at home! With over 300 of the best restaurants on offer, you're sure to find something to suit any taste or occasion. To find fast and easy delivery in your area, Visit Here.

Sporting Events

Golf

MFS Women's Australian Open, the marquee golfing event for women, takes place from 31 January to 3 February at Kingston Heath in Cheltenham. The event features the Myer Ladies Day on Friday with a fashion show, and also a Kids Zone for youngsters.

Rugby

Crusaders v Western Force - Melbourne will see a a pre-season Super 14 rugby match this weekend when the Crusaders go head to head against the Western Force. Trans-Tasman rugby at its best, the match takes place Saturday at Olympic Park Stadium.

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

Melbourne Market Guide - 1st Week of this Month
Make the most of the sunny days and hop along to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs this weekend for a bargain! An increasing number of food and produce markets including wine are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!

Fetes Fairs & Shows

Art & Craft Markets

Food & Produce Markets

Garage Sales

Shopping Precincts and Streets

The Suzuki Night Market has returned for summer at Queen Victoria Market, running Wednesday nights weekly through to February. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere!

Melbourne For Kids

Sand Sculpting Australia - In 2008, after seven years on the Rye foreshore, Sand Sculpting Australia will be relocating to an exciting new venue - the 'Frankston Waterfront'! The area will be transformed as 3,500 tonnes of sand are meticulously carved into scenes from your favourite childhood 'Fairytales and Fables'. Integrated with the sand sculptures will be regular activities to keep the whole family entertained!

Masks of China at the Immigration Museum features handmade masks from China, some which are over 200 years old. With free entry for children the exhibition includes fun kids activity trail with the chance to sketch and colour-in their own mask!

The Independent Games Festival Exhibition is an interactive showcase of selected winners and nominees of the Independent Games Festival. The exhibition features a stunning selection of work such as Samarost 2 (pictured).

Circus Shows

Circus Royale is a totally professional traditional circus staged in a luxury tent featuring International circus stars, high wire walkers, swing trapeze, clowns, acrobats, drummers, jugglers and more!

Family Tours

Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!

What's On for December

Community

Pride March takes place on Sunday February 3rd, held as the official closing celebration of the Midsumma Festival's 1st Asia Pacific Outgames. Now in its 13th year, the annual Pride March takes over St Kilda, celebrating Gay and Lesbian culture in Victoria.

Learn to Knit at Prahran Library - Every Wednesday at Prahran Library there is a free one-hour knitting class for people of all ages and experience. A great way to make friends and be creative, the classes begin at 1:30pm - needles and wool can be provided.

Yoga at the Park is an initiative of The Health and Yoga Council of Australia, presenting Yoga classes in some of Victoria's most beautiful parks and gardens. Set in a relaxed environment, classes are designed to suit many age groups and levels of experience.

You Can Help

There are many social causes that are relevant to people from all walks of life, many of which rely on public support to better the community or assist those who are less fortunate. This week we ask you to consider the following..

FebFast is a community education and awareness campaign that invites you to help others and also yourself by sacrificing alcohol intake during the month of February. Participants, sponsored by friends and family, can help raise funds to assist organisations that support young people struggling with substance use. You can even purchase a Time Out Certificate allowing you to drink on special occasions and raise more funds!

OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..

Advertising your Business or Event at OnlyMelbourne is not only easy, but best of all it's FREE!! - Get Listed.. - don't forget to tell your friends!

Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.

This week we suggest the following:

Claire Francoise Salon - Specialising in cutting edge hair design...

S.T. Studio - Teaching physical, spiritual enhancement of sexual energy...

Dariusz Photography - Combining elegant portraiture with photojournalism...

parma.com.au - An unbiased forum for parma lovers..

Toned Studio - A unique exercise program & experience...

View More of the Latest Listings at OnlyMelbourne!

To find out how you can join Melbourne's largest online community Visit Here!

Puzzles

Anagram-orama!

We've rearranged the letters of three of the attractions featured in this week's newsletter.. See if you can figure them out!

Their Heat Amplified Far

If Vital Child Muscles Snail

Go Divide His Coats

Answers in Next Week's Newsletter...

Spot The Difference

There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of Pin Oak Court, otherwise known as "Ramsay Street"... See if you can help Harold spot them!

Last Week's Answers

Anagram-orama!

I Seek Geek Along Wand

Skandia Geelong Week

A Raided Cat Argues A Lucky Rat

Great Australia Day Duck Race

Turn Yak Bread Smitten

Bittern Sunday Market

Spot The Difference
Here are the 5 Differences in last week's picture of Gum Gully Farm, located near the Dandenong Ranges...

Newsletter | #055 | What's On this Week [Last Week]

Melbourne Trivia

A Prob-Emblematic Dillema

Among the emblems of Victoria, two of them are sadly endangered. Having long been a part of Victoria's past, the two emblems which hold an uncertain future are the animal emblem, the Leadbeater's Possum, and the bird emblem, which is the Helmeted Honey-eater.

The remaining emblems that Victoria holds dear are the Pink Heath for the floral emblem, and the Weedy Seadragon, representing Victoria's marine fauna.

More about Victoria's Emblems.. | Read Melbourne Trivia...