Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for April 14 – April 20, 2008.
This week, yet another New Year to ring in with the Bengali New Year Festival at Fed Square! Albert Park comes alive with the Festival of Cycling, have a grand olde time at the Medieval Faire, and broaden your cultural horizons with the Oman Exhibition! The City of Whitehorse also continues its Sustainable Living Week with an expo on Sunday, while the Brunswick Music Festival winds down so catch it while you can!
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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Mother’s Day | Only 4 Weeks Away!!
 Mother’s Day Gift Guide | May 11th
Mother’s Day, held May 11th this year, is only several weeks away... So why not get in early and be sure to get a great gift for Mum! If you haven’t bought a gift or planned something special for your mother yet then why not try some of our ideas to make it a perfect Mother’s Day this year and show her you care!
Visit Here For Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Major Events Guide
 Go for your life! Festival of Cycling
This Sunday the Go for your life Festival of Cycling brings together the Albert Park Cycling Grand Prix and People’s Day at Albert Park. Incorporating a wide variety of cycling events, the festival will also feature a range of family entertainment and events involving many aspects of human powered locomotion, children’s activities, displays, expos and more!
 Bengali New Year will be celebrated in Melbourne this year by the Victorian Bengali community with a day of festivities at Federation Square this Sunday. Running as a daylong celebration, it begins at 11 am.
The event features cultural performances from the Bangladesh community, and there will be stalls offering Bangalee food, clothing, art and other traditional items.
 Medieval Faire - This Sunday the State Library will be holding a Medieval Faire, offering a day of free activities to entertain, inspire and delight the whole family! A taste of the Middle Ages in the city, you’ll be able to see knights do battle, blacksmiths work armour and jesters juggle! Other highlights will include a feudal fashion parade, a medieval chess tournament, calligraphy demonstrations and much more.
 Oman Exhibition is a free event that takes place Saturday at Federation Square. Beginning 11am, this unique exhibition will be hosted by the Omani students of Melbourne. There will be live performances from Omani children and traditional bands from Oman through the day along with stalls displaying crafts, jewellery, clothes, pottery and sweets that give an insight into Omani culture and traditions.
 Sustainable Living Week, presented by the City of Whitehorse, continues with a week of events to inform, involve and encourage the whole community to make a difference. Sustainable Living Week features a range of activities the community can participate in with Open Sustainable Houses, a Public Transport Challenge, a Recycled Art competition, and a free expo held on April 20 at Box Hill Town Hall.
 Brunswick Music Festival continues this week, celebrating its 20th year with three weeks of music and entertainment featuring some of the finest performers from around the world. One of Victoria’s most celebrated multicultural events, the Brunswick Music Festival highlights the diversity of the City of Moreland, one of the most culturally rich communities in Australia with 35% of its residents born overseas.
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
 Art Melbourne takes place at The Royal Exhibition Building from Friday to Sunday 20, an exclusive preview held on Thursday night. Bringing together Melbourne's vibrant art scene, Art Melbourne offers the opportunity to view and buy an enormous variety of art styles.
 Women's Salon: Persuasive Dissent is an annual exhibition showcasing the contemporary works of women from the Moreland area. Celebrating the Centenary of Women's Suffrage this year, the show at Counihan Gallery is open Wednesday and Sunday.
 Artanica, the Annual Garden Sculpture Exhibition will be held this weekend at the Duneira garden in Mount Macedon. Artanica is a chance to enjoy the gardens, music and eye-catching outdoor art! Admission is only $5 and children under 15 are admitted free.
 The Melbourne Story lets you explore Melbourne’s history, learning about the unique evolvement in this latest exhibition at Melbourne Museum. With evocative stories, icons and personalities that have shaped Melbourne, the exhibition features over 1200 objects.
 Top Designs, on display at Melbourne Museum, is an exhibition that showcases some of last year’s outstanding VCE student designs including an electric rockabilly guitar, decadent denim inspired by Marie Antoinette, and even a remote-controlled helicopter!
 NEW08 | Emerging Artists Exhibition – Held at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, NEW reveals the latest in artistic practice from the freshest crop of young Australian artists. Showcasing works of surprise and invention, the exhibition runs until May 11th.
 The Fitzgibbons Dynasty is an exhibition that honours the Fitzgibbons, one of Australia's most prominent families in entertainment. On show at the Victorian Jazz Archive, the exhibition features three generations including late jazz icon, Graham "Smacka" Fitzgibbon.
 Justice & Hope is a photographic exhibition of Jenn Dobson’s visual documentation of children throughout India and South East Asia. Profits from photograph sales will go to Jacob’s Well, providing fresh water wells and other assistance for impoverished villages.
Arts & Theatre
 You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, playing at University of Melbourne's Guild Theatre, is a musical based on the comic strip "Peanuts". Featuring an six member ensemble cast, this Tony-award winning show presents a typical day in the life of Charlie Brown.
 Guys And Dolls, playing at Princess Theatre, features a sensational cast that includes Lisa McCune, Garry McDonald, Shane Jacobson and Magda Szubanski. Set during 1940's New York, the must-see musical is one of Broadway’s greatest shows!
 The Removalists, David Williamson’s classic play, will be performed by the Frankston Theatre Group at Monash University’s George Jenkins Theatre. The play blends drama and humour as it takes a close up look at Australian social issues in the 1970s.
 Cello Concertos - Prize-winning cellist Matteo Tabbia of The Melbourne Musicians will be performing concertos by Haydn and Gruetzmacher this Wednesday at St John's in Southgate. The orchestra will also perform Boccherini in this event that begins at 8.15pm.
 Melba Conservatorium will be holding a special performance on Wednesday with Brilliant Baroque featuring Soprano Jane Edwards, beginning at 1:10pm. Held as part of the Lunchtime Concert series in Richmond, admission is free.
 The Winterling, written by Jez Butterworth and directed by Andrew Gray, is a darkly humorous play set in a farmhouse where West waits for Wally, an old associate in a particularly disturbing business. When Wally arrives, it’s with an unexpected accomplice.
Entertainment & Nightlife
 Jacob’s Well Trivia and Games Night takes place Friday at Melbourne Bowls Club, offering a fun night that will also raise much-needed funds for the charity organisation, Jacob's Well. Beginning at 7pm, the night features great prizes to be won!
 The Hawthorn Band will be performing a Rotary Charity Concert this Sunday in Ringwood. Australia’s finest brass ensemble, The Hawthorn Band has been established for 120 years. Held at George Wood Performing Arts Centre, all proceeds go to charity.
 Gadgets features former Circus Oz funny man, Joel Salom in an exciting show of technology and live music with laser triggering, rhythm juggling! Joined by Erik the Dog, a robot terrier, it takes place Wednesday and Thursday at Clayton’s Alexander Theatre.
 The RGBs, Red Season & Quinn will be performing on Friday at Gertrude's Brown Couch in Fitzroy. A night of rock and roots music by these three up and coming Melbourne bands, there will also be cheap drinks and best of all entry is free!
Live Music Guide Melbourne Venues and Gig guide.
Competitions
 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 receive two guided tours throughout 2008 to see the construction progress, a commemorative gift and invitations to the official VIP launch!
Competition Ends 30th of June 2008
 $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!
For More Competitions Visit Here
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.
Visit Cleanskins.com
Special Dining Offers
 Dining Specials – Save Up To 20% on Your Bill
Menulog is the easiest way to book a restaurant online with over 4000 restaurant listings! By booking online through Menulog you can enjoy fine food and save money with special deals offering discounts on total food bills, complimentary wine and drinks, discount group bookings and much, much more!
Visit Here For The Latest Deals With Menulog!!
 Basque Tapas & Wine, located on Windsor’s bustling Chapel Street in Windsor, offers a mouth-watering taste of Spain with tantalising aromas and flavours...
SPECIAL DINING OFFER!!
Book Through Menulog and receive 20% off Total Lunch Bill when you dine at Basque Tapas & Wine!
Visit here for BOOKING DETAILS @ Menulog
Offer ends April 30 so be sure to Book Early!
Melbourne offers a splendid range of food styles to enjoy. Here are just a few classic food styles to choose from…
 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
AFL - Round 5
This week, Round 5 will see 4 AFL matches held in Melbourne...
Friday at Telstra Dome
St Kilda v Essendon at 7.40pm
 Saturday at The MCG
Collingwood v Kangaroos at 7.10pm
Sunday at The MCG
Melbourne v Carlton at 1.10pm
Sunday at Telstra Dome
Western Bulldogs v Richmond at 2.10pm
- www.afl.com.au - AFL League
- Australian Rules Football
AFL Tour Package
 Aussie Rules Football - Live with a Local Host! Experience the unique Australian game of football with a local host to explain the rules, bumps and brawls. Your package includes meeting your host near the ground before the match, for a welcome drink.
Your host will explain the rules and involve you in the game using competitions and awarding prizes. You will also receive a show bag of Aussie Rules goodies!
Tour Includes:
- Reserved Undercover Seating
- Souvenir Program
- Footy Record & Club Song Sheets
- Meat Pie & Sauce - with beer or soft drink!
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
 Kevin Heinze Garden Centre Autumn Sale Day
Providing horticultural based therapy for those with disabilities, this not for profit organisation in Doncaster will be holding a fundraiser with bargain priced plants, craft and cake stalls, books, a kids’ corner and more!
 Collingwood College Open School Day & Market
Collingwood College’s Open School Day is a chance to take a peak inside this unique school. A chance to talk to teachers and parents and see performances, there will also be a special Thursday after-school market.
 The Bulla Hill Country Market, held this Sunday, has everything for the whole family! For the Mums, Dads and Grandparents there are craft stalls, homemade foods and more, while there’s plenty for the kids including the Miniature Railway, Pony Rides, and more!
 Emerald Lake Craft & Produce Market sells fresh local produce and quality handmade goods in a beautiful setting amongst the trees alongside the running water of Emerald Lake. Products include honey, candles, berries, jewellery, toys, clothing, and much more.
 Melbourne Market Guide
3rd Weekend of Month
Make the most of the sunny days and head to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs 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!
Melbourne For Kids
 Golden Jubilee Family Fun Day - North Cheltenham Pre-School are celebrating 50 years this Sunday with entertainment from "Red the Clown", an animal farm, jumping castle, face painting, sausage sizzle, fresh coffee, stalls and past memorabilia on display. There will be a brief ceremony at 11.45am to mark the occasion including special door prize giveaway! All are welcome to be part of this historic event!
 Game On, a special exhibition held at ACMI, almost literally features the A-Z of video and computer gaming history with an extensive collection of artwork, playable games, footage and more! With gaming consoles on display from the earliest era of arcade games through to modern consoles like the Playstation 3 and WII, the exhibition also shows the future of games and where the next adrenaline rush lies!
Circus
 Cabaret Vertigo, a performance by the National Institute of Circus Arts, will be held on Friday when the National Circus Centre will become a cavern of acrobatic delights! The first in NICA’s 2008 season, Cabaret Vertigo is only a taste of more to come...
Melbourne Tours
Smartvisit Card is the best way to see the sights of Melbourne, whether you’re visiting Melbourne for business, a vacation, or even if you’re a local wanting to find Melbourne’s hidden treasures!
The Smartvisit Card includes entry to attractions such as Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Old Melbourne Gaol, Telstra Dome, Cook's Cottage, Melbourne River Cruises, and many more of Melbourne’s TOP venues!
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All year-round Attractions…
Whatever time of year you visit – rain or shine!
Learn more about Smartvisit Card
 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 March
Community
 The Family Fishing Festival, held by Go Fishing In Victoria, is a free event held this Saturday at Churchill’s Lake Hyland. There will be activities for the whole family along with children’s fishing workshops, stalls, entertainment, prizes and giveaways.
 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.
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…
 Oxfam Walk Against Want – Sunday April 20
Support people in need across 29 countries with the annual Oxfam Walk Against Want on Sunday 20th April 2008 with walks starting at Williamstown and Blackburn. Oxfam is Australia's leading agency working with communities around the world for solutions to poverty and social injustice. Refreshments provided en route and a free sausage sizzle at the end of the walk.
Oxfam Walk Against Want – Register Today!
OnlyMelbourne Welcomes…
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:
View More of the Latest Listings at OnlyMelbourne!
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!
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!- Blame Our Rent
- What Bad Hen Thorn
- Benign Weary Ale
Answers in Next Week's Newsletter...
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the Boneo Maze & Wetlands Centre, located near Rosebud... See if you can spot them!
More about Boneo Maze & Wetlands Centre | Learn More about Melbourne!
Answers in Next Week's Newsletter
Last Week’s Answers
Anagram-orama!More This Valets - The Removalists
A Wino Tone Habit Helix - The Lowana Exhibition
A Believing Sun Leaks Wit - Sustainable Living Week
Spot The Difference
Here are the 5 Differences in last week’s picture of Geelong Gallery, one of Victoria’s premier art galleries...
Newsletter | #066 | What's On this Week [Last Week]
Melbourne Trivia
When Being Australian Counts...
An email that was doing the rounds some time ago talked of what it meant to be Australian, offering the following amusing statistics, stating that in just one year...
142 Aussies were injured by not removing all pins from new shirts.
58 Aussies were injured by using sharp knives instead of screwdrivers.
8 Aussies had serious burns trying on a new jumper with a lit cigarette in their mouth.
543 Aussies were admitted to Emergency after opening bottles of beer with their teeth.
and finally...
In the year 2000, eight Aussies cracked their skull whilst throwing up into the toilet.
Whether or not these numbers are true remains to be seen, but one fact does remain… Australian’s love a good story!
More about What Makes an Australian… | Read Melbourne Trivia... |
BABBA - Australia's Premier ABBA Show
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Join AFL players past and present at the home of the Brownlow, the Palladium at Crown.
Enjoy a | Read On..
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Witness Impossible Occurrences, one of Melbourne's most exclusive attractions.
Award winning | Read On..
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September is the time to honour children with cancer and the community that supports them.
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Bellinzona Grange Country Retreat
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