September, 2014
School Holidays
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20 Sept – 5 Oct
Early Links is based at Hartnett House, creating child friendly communities. If you have any ideas or queries about the program please
contact Gabi. If you have additions for future editions of the newsletter please contact Kirsty. Email us at: earlylinks@mcm.org.au
Parent-Child Mother Goose Program:
Thursdays 9.30 – 11.00
2-4 year olds
Hartnett House,
123 Albion St, Brunswick
Thursdays 11.30 – 1.00
0-2 year olds
Hartnett House,
123 Albion St, Brunswick
Tuesdays 9.30 – 10.30
Multi aged
Belle Vue Park Primary School
Morell St, Glenroy
These are the programs we currently run, during the school terms, Please email earlylinks@mcm.org.au for details and to book in.
PLEASE BE ADVISED BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL AS SPACES ARE LIMITED.
Local Regular Storytime and Rhyme Time Sessions: (During school terms)
Moreland Libraries:
Weekly Storytime Sessions
Brunswick – Thursday 10.30am
Coburg – Friday 10.30am
Campbell Turnbull – Wednesday 11.30am
Fawkner – Wednesday 11.30am
Glenroy – Monday 10.30am
Rhyme Time Sessions
Brunswick – Friday 10.30 or 11.30am
Coburg – Thursday 10.30 and 11.30am
Fawkner – Tuesday 11.30am
Glenroy – Wednesday 11.30am
Bilingual Storytimes
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Greek - Coburg – Monday 29 , 5.30pm
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Italian - Coburg – Tuesday 2 , 10.30am
http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/morelandlibraries.html
Toy Libraries:
DarebinToy Library: Reservoir Library
10-11am. First and third Thursday of every
month
Moreland Toy Shed: Scout Hall, 14A Jolley
St, W Brunswick, 9.30-11.30am Friday &
Saturday
Broadmeadows Community Toy Library:
1-3 Bannister St, Jacana, 9am-1pm Tuesday
& Thursday
http://www.toylibraries.org.au/area/vic
Coffee Chat’n’play
Uniting Church Hall, Victoria St, Coburg.
Provides activities for pre-school children and
their parents/carers. Fridays 10.30-12pm
during school terms. Gold coin donation.
http://www.coburgunitingchurch.org/activities.htm
Croxton Uniting Church Playgroup
Uniting Church Hall, 326 St Georges Rd,
Thornbury, (Cnr Shaftesbury Pde)
Provides activities for pre-school children and
their parents/carers. Wednesdays 10-12pm
during school terms. Gold coin donation.
Darebin Libraries:
Weekly Storytime Sessions
Northcote - Tuesday 10.30am
Reservoir - Friday 10.30am
Preston - Wednesday 10.30am
Shake Rattle and Rhyme
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Preston – Mon 8 11.00am
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Reservoir - Wed 3 & 17 11.00am
http://www.darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au/
Special Bilingual Storytime at
Broadmeadows Shopping Centre:
Thursdays 10.30 – 11.30am
http://www.broadmeadowsshopping.com.
au/Event/Hume-City-Story-reading/
Brunswick Library has moved back
to it’s original location at the corner
of Dawson St and Sydney Rd. They
are having a number of events to
celebrate during September
Some Local Recommended
Playgroups:
Moreland Play Bus, Mondays 10-11am
FG Cox Reserve, cnr Peterson Ave &
Claremont St, Coburg North.
For children 0-6 and their parents/carers.
Rebecca: 9386 7128 or earlyyears@rrnh.org.au
Moreland Playgroups
Moreland Primary School, Moreland Rd,
Coburg.
Moreland Playgroup has regular sessions
9-11am Tue, Wed, Thursday. On the first
Friday every month (10am-12noon) is a
Polish speaking playgroup. Contact Gosia
at gosiam@morelandps.vic.edu.au
or call 9386 2510 or 0432 088 016
The Age Library Broadmeadows:
Weekly Storytime Sessions
Tuesday - 2pm & Friday - 11am
Babytime
Tuesday & Friday - 10.15am
Billingual Storytimes
Arabic - Wednesday 11am
Assyrian - Thursday 1pm
Turkish - Monday 11am
http://www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au/W
hats_On/Storytimes
Preschool Story Time:
Coburg North Primary School,
O’Hea St, Coburg Nth.
Thursdays 9-10am during school
terms. For preschoolers, in the
community room. Session is FREE
and run by a trained teacher.
For details ring: 9354 1660
http://www.coburgnorthps.vic.edu.au/p
age/111/Preschool-Storytime
smalltalk Playgroups are facilitated
by qualified Early Childhood Educators
who provide a warm, fun and
stimulating playgroup environment for
families. They are free and for families
with children aged 1-3 years.
For more details on a smalltalk
Playgroup near you, please contact
Lisa Hardy on 9481 9520 or email
Lisa.Hardy@darebin.vic.gov.au
West Brunswick Playgroups
West Brunswick Hockey Club
Wylie Park, off Union St, Brunswick
West Brunswick Playgroup is a
volunteer run Playgroup that currently
has 10 groups of various ages. Each
group runs for 2 hours. There are
costs involved. Mon, Tue, Wed and Fri
sessions. Contact Kristina at:
westbrunswickplaygroup@hotmail.com
JUNGLE SHIMMY Thursdays 10-11am, Mechanics Institute,
corner Glenlyon & Sydney Rd, Brunswick
A unique music and dance adventure through the world. Bring
an instrument and scarf. $5 per child.
Azura: 0414 640 018 www.facebook.com/magicoasisfun
DON BOSCO YOUTH CENTRE Open: (during school term)
Tues-Fri 3.15-5pm for family sessions all ages to 17yrs
Sat 9.30-11am under 11’s Sat 2.30-5pm 11-17yrs
Sun 2.30-5pm all ages up to 17yrs
Four in-ground trampolines, pool tables, table tennis tables,
soccer tables, air hockey, gym equipment, basketball/tennis/
volley ball court. Gold coin donation entry. Children under
11 must be accompanied by a parent.
http://www.donbosco.org.au/TimeTable.htm
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CONVERSATION CAFÉ Fridays 5 Sept-7 Nov,
11am-12pm, Preston Library
The Conversation Café is a 10-week program which aims to
an opportunity to practice English conversation skills. Hosted
by Multicultural and Diversity Librarian, Mare Maticevski, who
has a background in teaching.
Anyone is welcome. Colouring-in activities will be provided for
children while their parents take part. Sessions each week will
be partly themed, with flexibility for conversations to take their
own course. It is not a requirement for participants to attend
every week. Light refreshments will be served.
http://www.darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au/Calendar.aspx?Mode=M
onth&Day=1&Month=9&Year=2014
LOOM AFTERNOONS, Wednesdays, 4-5pm.
The Age Library, Broadmeadows
Come along and enjoy an afternoon of creative looming fun in
this one hour session. Meet new friends while learning new
designs and techniques. Bring your own looming materials. A
limited amount of looming bands will be provided.
LEGO LEARNERS, Thursdays 4-5pm
The Age Library, Broadmeadows
Have fun learning with LEGO. Children can use LEGO in
activities designed to help practise writing, problem solving
and develop creativity. LEGO supplied. Ages 6-12.
iTOTS Tuesdays 1.15-2pm
The Age Library, Broadmeadows
Encourage your child to use mobile devices in this fun, digitally
interactive learning activity. Each week a different theme will
be explored, using the library’s iPads. Ages 2-5.
http://www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au/files/sharedassets/libraries_website/hu
me_libraries/pdfs/whats_on_libraries_and_learning_spring_program_web_
ammended.pdf
Merri Community Health Services offers a Social Work
Service: DUTY, Monday-Friday, from 1-3pm, 93 Bell St,
Coburg. There is no need to make an appointment, just go
to reception. Anyone needing information, referral and/or
one off social work assistance can use the service, and it’s
free. http://mchs.org.au/services/services-for-adults/socialwork-service-duty/
Community Calendar
1 September Wattle Day is oriented towards the future, encompassing positive virtues in the celebration of Australia and the
Australian spirit. www.wattleday.asn.au/
1-30 September Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is held throughout September.The national event is used to raise awareness
of the importance of mens health, and regular prostate checks. www.prostate.org.au/articleLive/
1-30 September Foster Care Month’s primary aim is to raise the profile of fostering in the wider community by promoting the great
work done by existing substitute care services in both the Government and non-Government sectors. The month also creates an
opportunity to focus on the secondary aim of increasing recruitment by highlighting the ongoing need for the recruitment of
appropriate foster care families. www.fosterabrighterfuture.com.au/
3 September Indigenous Literacy Day aims to help raise funds to raise literacy levels and improve the lives and opportunities of
Indigenous Australians living in remote and isolated regions. We need your support to help raise funds to buy books and literacy
resources for children in these communities. www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/
5 September Footy Colours Day is the one day in September that you can fight cancer and change lives. Thousands of
Australians unite and wear their favourite football team's colours - AFL - NRL - Rugby Union - Soccer, to help raise money for
children living with cancer. So show your true colours in your workplace, school or club and make a difference to the lives of
children fighting cancer, by participating in Footy Colours Day. Wear your football teams colours, guernseys, scarf, beanies and
make a donation to Fight Cancer Foundation. www.footycoloursday.com.au
7 September Father’s Day The best day to celebrate all fathers across the world and to show your appreciation for them.
7-13 September National Child Protections Week has been coordinated by NAPCAN, with the support of the Department of
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs since 1990. The campaign aims to engage and educate all
Australians to understand they have a part to play in keeping our children and young people safe from violence, abuse and neglect.
napcan.org.au
24-26 September Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish celebration that is commonly referred to as Jewish New Year. It is a time of casting
off sins and preparing for a new year. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosh_Hashanah
25 September-3 October Navaratri is the Hindu festival that translates to "nine nights". It is a festival for followers to invoke the
energy of the Universal Mother. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navratri
These apps can be found by searching for the title in Google, or in the iTunes App Store.
September’s App – Shiny Circus.
Designed for both iPhone and iPad $2.99
This app is suitable for 4-6 year olds and develops important measurements concepts in a playful and engaging way.
Developing mathematical language is critical for young children's subsequent mathematical success.
https://www.facebook.com/everychancetolearn?fref=ts http://everychancetolearn.com.au/
LOCAL EVENTS in Moreland, Darebin and Southern Hume:
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FAMILY BOWLS DAY Fri 29 Aug, 4.30-8pm
Coburg Moreland Bowls Club, 19 Harding St, Coburg
Families and friends are invited to come and try bowls in a fun and
welcoming atmosphere. Flatsole shoes only. Includes a sausage
sizzle. Family sessions will become a regular occurrence, on the
second and fourth Friday of every month.
http://www.coburgmoreland.bowls.com.au/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=displ
ay_main&NewsID=47998&OrgID=18174
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BRUNSWICK LIBRARY OPENING EVENTS:
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Paul Buckley: the Saturday Sessions 30 Aug, 11am
In September at 4pm:
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FUN WITH LEGO
SAND ART
MAGICLAY
LOOM BANDS
JAPANESE BOOKMARKS
BEDTIME STORYTIME
Enquiries: 9389 8600
Tue 9
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Mon 1 & Tue 16
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Thu 4 & Mon 15
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Tue 2 & Thu 11
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Thu 18
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Wed 10 6.15pm
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MERRI CREEK PLANTING DAY, Sat 30 Aug, 10am-12.30pm
Goleen Street to Ida Street, Coburg North (Melway ref 17 H9)
Come along for another family fun day where you learn to plant
trees and edibles for your home garden. A great, relaxed and fun
environment. Friends of Coburg Lake and Surrounds.
Phone Emma on 9355 7982.
http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/action/EVENT?svPkg_EventsG_Cu
rrentRec=91361,svPkg_EventsG_Container=Y
INCR-EDIBLE FOOD SWAP Sat 6 Sept,10am-12pm
PepperTree Place, 512 Sydney Rd, Coburg
Food Garden Workshop series: Summer Vegie Gardening seed sowing and getting your garden ready to beat the
heat. Meet at 10.15 at the Food Swap area, register and be
ready to begin at 10.30 for a bargain price of $10 per
person.http://www.kildonan.unitingcare.org.au/program_co
mmunity_peppertree.php
INDIGENOUS STORYTIME AND SECOND-HAND BOOK SALE
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Wednesday 3 September, 10.30-11.15am, Preston Library
Aboriginal educator and cultural practitioner, Eva Jo Edwards, will
share traditional and contemporary stories from Aboriginal nations
across Australia, using spoken word, dance and face painting,
Ages: 2-5yrs. We are also holding a second hand book sale 1012pm for Indigenous Literacy Day. All books will be $1 or less, and
all funds raised will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy
Foundation which runs programs aimed at improving literacy for
indigenous Australians living in remote and isolated regions.
Call 1300655355.
http://www.darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au/Calendar.aspx?Mode=Month
&Day=1&Month=9&Year=2014#event-3903
OPEN TABLE FREE COMMUNITY LUNCH
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Sat 6 Sept 1-3pm, Fawkner Senior Citizens Centre CB
Smith Reserve 77 Jukes Rd, Fawkner
Everyone Welcome, vegetarian halal.
For more info call 9357 4631 www.open-table.org
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ASYLUM SNEAKERS WELCOME MATCH Sat 6 Sept, 2-5pm
Brunswick City Soccer Club, 22 Peacock Street, Brunswick West
Come along and support the Asylum Sneakers Welcome Match as
asylum seeker kids team up with club members to celebrate
Australia's all-embracing sporting culture. Join Welcome to
Australia and Brunswick City Soccer Club in donating funds to
purchase football boots and sports shoes for asylum seeker boys and
girls, who otherwise couldn't afford them. For most asylum seeker
children, this may be the first pair of new shoes they have ever owned.
http://www.activemoreland.com.au/news-events/events/EventsContainer/Asylum-Sneakers-Welcome-Match/
DAREBIN LIBRARIES HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Make your own Silhouette Wall Art The coolest, easiest wall art you
will ever make! Come along and create something great for your wall.
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Thu 25 Sept, Fairfield Library
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Fri 26 Sept, Reservoir Library
2.30-3.30pm
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Fri 3 Oct, Northcote Library
Scientwists Live Show Science and magic rolled into one action
show. There will be a few bangs and crashes and plenty of laughs
with the Sciencetwists. All welcome to this science super show!
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Wed 24 Sept, Preston Library, 2.30-3.30pm
The Great Garden Mystery Author Renee Treml will reveal her new
book. You’ll participate in solving a mystery and creating a mysterious
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art activity! Wed 1 Oct, Reservoir Library, 2.30-3.30pm
iPad Movie Making Workshop Learn how to make your own mini
movie using Cute Cut Pro! We’ll supply the iPads. Please note, this
workshop is for ages 8-12 yrs only.
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Tue 23 Sept Reservoir Library
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Mon 29 Sept Northcote Library
2.30-3.45pm
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Tue 30 Sept Preston Library
Bookings essential: Online at www.spongeclub.com or ph 1300 655
355. For cool kids aged 5-12 years Parents or guardians must attend
and supervise children at all sessions.
http://webadmin.darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au/Assets/Files/SeptHolProgEmail.pdf
MORELAND LIBRARIES EVENING STORYTIMES
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Campbell Turnbull Library - Tue 9 Sept, 6pm
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Fawkner Library - Tue 16 Sept, 6 pm
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Coburg Library - Fri 19 Sept, 6pm
http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/moreland-libraries/libraryevents/childrens-activities/preschool-storytime.html
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ALL DAY FRITZ last Sunday of the month until 30 Nov,
5-7pm, Open Studio, 204 High St
All Day Fritz play family friendly gigs, put your dancing
shoes on and warm up with friends and family. An eclectic
repertoire of swingy, jazzy, souly, bluesy music for humans
of all ages. Crepes, hot chocolate, full bar. $5 Adults and
just $5 for up to 3 kids - tix at the door.
http://openstudio.net.au/
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CYBERSPACE SAFETY, Wed 8 October, 7-9pm
$10 per person. Session presented by Cybersmart
Outreach, to suit parents and educators. You will need to
make a booking in September. Contact Cathy Marinelli on
9240 2316, or email: childrensservices@moreland.vic.gov.au
http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/communityservices/children/parent-information-sessions.html
THE AGE LIBRARY BROADMEADOWS HOLIDAY
ACTIVITIES (5-12yrs)
Dream Catcher Make a beaded dream catcher for your
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room. Mon 22 Sept, 1-2pm.
Dot Painting Create a masterpiece with dot painting.
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Wed 24 Sept, 2-3pm.
Picture Frame Craft Create a cardboard picture frame for
yourself or to give to someone special.
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Thu 25 Sept, 10.30-11.30am.
Stained Glass Craft Make a beautiful stained glass picture
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for your room. Mon 29 Sept, 1-2pm.
Beaded Jewellery Create a friendship bracelet using
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beads of all colours and shapes. Wed 1 Oct, 2-3pm.
Jewellery Tree Create your own wooden jewellery tree.
Thu 2 Oct, 10.30-11.30am
http://www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au/files/sharedassets/libraries_we
bsite/hume_libraries/pdfs/whats_on_libraries_and_learning_spring
_program_web_ammended.pdf
FAMILY EVENTS in Melbourne City Council:
go to: http://www.weekendnotes.com/melbourne/kids/
http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson/FortheKids/Pages/FortheKids.aspx
DOCKLANDS LEGO EDUCATION CENTRE School holiday program
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Monday 22 Sept- Friday 3 Oct
Come For Some 'Serious Fun', Session length: 45 minutes
Phone or email to book Ph. 03 9602 1116, E.
docklandslec@gmail.com Download your program here
http://mooreed.com.au/LearningCentrePrograms/SchoolHolidayPrograms/Melb
ourneProgram.aspx
SUNDAY FUNDAY Sundays, 10.30am-1pm, and
stay for up to one hour. Lego Education Learning
Centre, Shop 5/439 Docklands Drive, Waterfront
City, Docklands.
Come along with a buddy, daddy or even nanna to
have some serious building fun. Each week has a
different theme. No bookings required. $5.00 per
person (adults and children) one adult to every 3
children. Phone: 03 96021116
http://mooreed.com.au/LearningCentrePrograms/Sun
dayFunday.aspx
NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA International, 180 St Kilda Rd
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Bushido: Way of the Samarai: Opens daily till 4 Nov, 10am-5pm (closed Tues) Level 1.
Bushido explores the fascinating world of the samurai who were the warriors, rulers and aristocratic elite of Japanese society for more
than 800 years. It will showcase the attire of the samurai in the form of armour, helmets, swords and equestrian equipment.
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Yoga For Kids: Thu 25 Sept, 10.30am Ground Level, Grollo Equiset Garden
Relax and unwind with your family in the garden and take part in a kid’s yoga session. Ages 3+ recommended.
Drop-By Drawing For Kids: Sun 21st & Sun 28th Sept, 1pm, Wed 24th Sept & Wed 1st Oct, 10.30am, 19th-20th C Art & Design, Level 2
Led by contemporary artists, children and families are invited to spend time together and draw from masterpieces in the Salon
Gallery. Materials provided.
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Kendo Kids: Fri 3 Oct, 10.30am, Ground Level
Enjoy a tour of the exhibition Bushido: Way of the Samurai with an NGV curator, then test out your skills in Kendo – the Japanese
martial art of sparring with bamboo swords! Ages 7-12 recommended. Parent/carer supervision required. Cost $10 Ch / $8 KCM,
Bookings essential
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Little Art Lovers: Wed 3 Sept & Wed 1 Oct, 10am & 11.30am, Ground Level
Discover the Gallery’s Collection through looking and making in this specially designed program for young children and their parents
and carers. Focus art work is in Bushido: Way of the Samurai. Ages 3-5. $10 Ch / $8 KCM, Bookings essential.
http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/programs-by-category?queries_category_title_query=Kids+and+families
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THE MAKERS HUB Sat 6 Sept, 10am-2pm, Shop 1, F Shed
This is a creative space for workshops, demonstrations and interactive
sessions during Market Week (6-14 Sept). Join us for our sustainability
sessions, craft workshops and trader demonstrations. Try your hand at
jewellery making, learn to make perfumes or find out the secret to pottery
perfection. Free Market Tours 6-13 Sept, sign up on the day at the Makers
Hub. Tours depart every half an hour from 9am with the last tour departing
at 12pm. Places limited to 10 people per tour.
http://www.qvm.com.au/event/makers-hub/2014-09-06/
SCHOOL HOLIDAY CHESS FOR KIDS
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Thu 25 Sept & 2 Oct 10am-3pm, Library
Forecourt.
Learn to play chess with an expert these spring
school holidays. Bookings essential for kids'
workshops, adult sessions are drop-in.
http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/event/school-holiday-chess
ARTPLAY For all events, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Bark! Bark! Bark! Thu 21 Aug-Sun 14 Sept (open Wed-Sun)
A Treehouse exhibition: Terry Denton’s illustrations, prints and plans from the series created with Andy Griffiths.
See original illustrations, prints and preliminary works by Terry Denton from the famous Treehouse series created with Andy Griffiths.
Terry has painted a mammoth and magnificent mural on the ArtPlay gallery wall and you can add your own mark! You can also make
your own cartoons and flip books. 6-12 yrs, *NB At times exhibition may be closed during events.
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Shelter Sun 7 Sept, 12-4pm
Shelters come in all shapes and sizes. Tree-house, skyscraper, caravan, tepee or igloo – what kind of shelter does your family live in?
What kind of shelter can you imagine and what kind of shelter would you like to build?
Come and be inspired: by environmental artists Avis Gardner and Liz Walker; by the many types of dwellings from all around the
world; and by your imagination. Construct a ‘shelter’ using a collection of found and recycled materials. Then create a picture that
reflects what you think are the most important things you have in your home. 5-12yrs
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/artplay/WhatsOn/Pages/FreeWorkshopsEvents.aspx
FREE CATCHUP IMMUNISATIONS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Headspace Sunshine has a new 'catch up on missed immunisations' project conducted in partnership with the Department of Health,
which will run over the next six months. The project will enable any young person, 18 years or younger, to receive free vaccinations at
the centre. An immunisation nurse will be at headspace Sunshine every second Thursday (between 10.30-1.30) to educate young
people about immunisation, check their immunisation status, and administer vaccines where indicated and GP's will also be
involved. A Medicare card is not required. Appointments can be made with an immunisation nurse by phoning headspace Sunshine
on 9927 6222. For further information click HERE
http://www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/headspace-sunshine/news-and-events/catch-up-immunisation-program
How do you decide whether to vaccinate, or not? JABBED is a 90-minute documentary that seeks to start a new conversation around
vaccination. This landmark, award-winning documentary re-screened on Sunday July 13, 8.30pm, SBS ONE. You can watch it here:
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/30004803525/Jabbed-Love-Fear-And-Vaccines
http://www.sbs.com.au/shows/jabbed
FEDERATION SQUARE EVENTS
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FOOTY COLOURS DAY, Fri 5 Sept, 1-5pm, The Square.
Wear your team’s colours to The Square and take part in a range of exciting activities. Enjoy freestyle football and handball
competitions as well as face painting, balloon twisting, live stage shows, footy mascots, ice cream and much more! This event helps
raise money to give children and teens living with cancer a brighter future. Funds raised from donations at this event will go
towards Fight Cancer Foundation’s life changing education support programs.
http://www.footycoloursday.com.au/footy-colours-day-fed-square/
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KOREAN WAVE FESTIVAL, Sat 6 Sept, 12-8pm, The Square & River Terrace
Melbourne’s Kwave Festival is the first Korean Entertainment based Festival to showcase Korea’s contemporary food, culture and
music entertainment. Enjoy an all day concert with live music, singing and dance performances plus special guest appearances.
http://www.kwavefestival.com/
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MISSION’S MEXICAN FESTIVAL, Sun 14 Sept, 11.30-8pm, The Square & River Terrace.
Join the colourful fiesta at Fed Square for Mexican Independence Day! Enjoy performances on the Viva Mexico Stage including local
Mexican musicians, folk dance groups, mariachis, Zumba dancing, live Salsa band LA 45 and more. There’s also dedicated
entertainment for the kids at a Kids’ Corner with music, singing, piñata making and painting. http://www.mexfest.com.au/
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MSO FAMILY JAMS, Sat 20 Sept, 11am & 12.30pm, Deakin Edge.
Here’s your opportunity to get the family together and jam with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Participants of all ages (min age
6 yrs) can bring along their own instrument (or borrow one from the MSO) and over the course of an hour develop and original piece
of music that’s based on orchestral repertoire from the current MSO Season. Improvise on Debussy’s ethereal symphonic poem,
Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun. The workshop will culminate in a performance which is open to the general public. Free registrations essential. http://www.mso.com.au/education/community-engagement/mso-jams
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AFL GRAND FINAL WEEK Mon 22 -Fri 26 Sept, 10am-4pm, Sat 27 from 1.30pm
Monday - 2014 Brownlow Medal - Celebrate the tradition of the Brownlow with a live fashion parade and player appearance to
preview the 2014 Brownlow Medal.
Tuesday - AFL Kids Day - Bring the kids to take part in the NAB AFL Auskick Super clinic with players in attendance, there’s also
family activities and stage shows from the Cartoon Network.
Wednesday - Channel V Live - Enjoy live performances from Australian acts.
Thursday - Footy Fanatics - Join a celebration of the true footy fanatics, get down to the square in your team’s colours and kick
back with a live musical act on the Main Stage from 12pm.
Friday - Footy on Parade - Be a part of the spectacular AFL Grand Final Parade, starting from 12pm with various activities at Fed
Square and entertainment throughout the streets of Melbourne.
Saturday - Grand Final Day - Pre-match entertainment at the MCG on the Big Screen, 1.30-2.30pm. The 2014 AFL Grand Final on
the Big Screen 2.30-5.30pm. http://www.fedsquare.com/events/afl-grand-final-week/
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VIETNAMESE CHILDREN’S LANTERN FESTIVAL Sun 28 Sept, 10am-8pm. The Square.
This widely celebrated cultural event in Vietnam brings families together to celebrate the full moon with dancing, singing, storytelling,
a lantern parade and children’s lantern-making workshops. The Lantern Festival coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is a
popular East Asian celebration dating back over 3,000 years to China’s Zhou Dynasty. In Malaysia and Singapore it is also referred to
as the Moon or Mooncake Festival. http://www.fedsquare.com/events/vietnamese-childrens-lantern-festival/
ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)
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Magic Noodle Bowl Animations Sun 7 Sept, 11am-3.30pm
Make Kung Fu Panda’s noodles come to life in this free animation activity! Using stop motion techniques join in and animate a magic
bowl of fortune-telling noodles. Recommended for kids aged 4-12.
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Screen Safari, (weekdays) Mon 22 Sept-Fri 3 Oct, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm
Experience an adventure like the animals of Madagascar in this drop-in green screen workshop. Practice your performance skills and
along the way learn how a green screen studio works. Workshops have limited capacity, please register on the day to avoid
disappointment. Recommended for kids aged 8-12.
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Dreamworks Family Day: Jungle Party Sun 28 Sept, 10am-3pm
Move it on down to ACMI for our Madagascar Jungle Party Family Day! Part of DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition, this special
day will be jam-packed with free activities for kids and families, including craft activities, screen workshops and performances.
http://www.fedsquare.com/events/school-holidays/
Kids' Flicks At ACMI
Cost: from $5 to $9 for 3D (includes hire of 3D glasses)
A fun-filled DreamWorks Animation feature films program will delight and captivate the imagination of children, parents and
guardians. There will be a selection feature films (many in glorious 3D) for the spring school holidays.
http://www.acmi.net.au/film/kids-flicks/
NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) Australia
Unplugged Live: Portrait Of An Artist Sun 7 Sep, 2-3pm, Level 2, NGV Australia
NGV Australia is bringing a FREE series of music and conversations to the public this winter. The series showcases 10 of Australia's
best emerging and established musicians and bands. Hosted by Jae Laffer and NGV curators, you will be able to join in discussions
about shared themes between art and music and enjoy live performance by Missy Higgins (7/9). Places are limited, no bookings.
http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/unplugged-series
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TAIKO JAPANESE DRUMMING WORKSHOPS, Fri 26 Sept & Wed 1 Oct, 11am-12pm & 1.30-2.30pm
Learn about the dynamic Japanese tradition of taiko drumming and try playing a taiko drum yourself.
Join Toshi Sakamoto from Wadaiko Rindo, a Melbourne-based Japanese drum ensemble, for an energetic taiko drumming
demonstration and workshop. Toshi has been teaching in Melbourne for nearly 20 years and has performed internationally.
Recommended for children aged 7–12, however children under the age of 12 years must also be accompanied by a paying adult.
Adult $13.50, Conc $8, Child $10. Tickets include museum entry. Bookings essential online, onsite or ph 131102 (as well as bookings
onsite on the day if not sold out prior). http://museumvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum/whatson/event/?event=563677
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MELBOURNE MUSEUM Daily, 20 Sept-5 Oct, 11am-3pm, included with museum entry
The Art Of Science Trail: Activity Rooms. Follow The Art of Science Trail to become your own natural history illustrator. Collect your
booklet from the Salon of Science and wander through the museum to find exquisite specimens to draw. Visit our Discovery Centre
between Tuesday and Saturday to refine your drawings and research.
The Salon Of Science: Activity Rooms. Join us in the Salon of Science and enjoy a variety of activities that combine art with biology.
Entice your little ones to express their creativity in our early learners’ corner with an array of rubbing stencils, animal displays and kidsized easels to draw on. The ‘Drawing on Nature’ tables allow you to take a closer look at the many insects and spiders in resin
blocks we have in our collection to study and draw. Collect your Natural Illustrator Booklet for The Art of Science Trail here in the
Salon of Science.
Art Stations: Be inspired by our collection. Create your own piece of scientific art at any of our stations throughout the museum.
http://museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whatson/school-holiday-activities/
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SCIENCEWORKS Daily, 20 Sept-5 Oct, 1-3pm, included with museum entry
Blast Off: Build your own model rocket to take home. Get ready for a blast off! Use the air from your lungs to power your own rocket
and count down for an astronomical experience. Suitable for ages 5 and up, activity takes approximately 10 minutes.
http://museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whatson/event/?event=563691
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IMMIGRATION MUSEUM Daily, 20 Sept-5 Oct, 10am-5pm, included with museum entry
The Art of Travel Trail: Explore different journeys people have taken to get to Victoria. Find objects or send a postcard.
Crossing the Line Portrait Studio: Make a Neptune's crown, dress up as King Neptune and celebrate like sailors do as they cross
the equator. Take a photo of yourself in front of the backdrop.
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Owl Prowl Family Tour: Tue 23 & 30 Sept, 10.30am (30 mins approx.) Follow Immi the Owl on a special family tour through the
museum to find out about the journeys people have taken to come to Australia. What did they bring with them? How did they have fun
on the way?
http://museumvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum/whatson/school-holiday-activities/
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BE A BUG EXPLORER, 20 Sept-5 Oct, daily 9am-5pm, Melbourne Zoo.
General admission fees apply. Kids are free all Victorian Government school holidays
Start your journey by trekking the bug trail on a self-guided tour around the zoo. You will visit a number of bug species along the way
and learn all about the amazing ways they escape being eaten! By completing the trail you’ll also have the chance to enter to win a
Bug Explorers pack (ask at Admissions for additional details or at the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect exhibit). Our indoor play space,
Keeper Kids, will be catching the bug-mania with presenters hosting bug story-time and a bug hunt daily for the little ones. You’ll need
to arrive early for this one with story-time running at 10am daily! http://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/whats-on/be-a-bug-explorer
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MCG OPEN DAY Sun 28 Sept, 10am-3pm, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Gate 3
The day after the 2014 AFL Grand Final, the MCG will be open for everyone to enjoy. Free entry to the stadium, allowing sports fans
to have a kick-to-kick with family and friends. There will also be an opportunity to access the player change rooms and the cricket
viewing rooms. There will be roving entertainment and activities and you can visit the National Sports Museum for $5.
http://www.mcg.org.au/News/News/2014/July/MCG%20Open%20Day.aspx
Have you been to Australia’s very first Islamic art museum, the ‘Islamic Museum of Australia’? It is at 15A Anderson Rd, Thornbury,
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and has been open since 3 March 2014. It promises to take visitors on an interactive journey through the arts, history, culture and
the stories of everyday Australian Muslims. There are five permanent gallery spaces and one visiting exhibition space – Islamic
Faith, Islamic Contributions to Civilisation, Islamic Art, Islamic Architecture and Australian Muslim History. The Museum aims to
showcase the rich artistic heritage and historical contributions of Muslims in Australia and abroad. Middle Modern Eastern, the café
run by 2013 Masterchef contestant, Samira El Khafir will serve up a fusion of Australian and Middle Eastern cuisines and is set to be
a great vantage point for walkers and bike riders from the Merri Creek Trail. The interactive garden space is a relaxing place to enjoy
a coffee or some lunch. For more information on the Museum please visit: http://www.islamicmuseum.org.au/
If you want to learn more about our indigenous history, a good
place to start is the Melbourne Museum. Here is an article about
the ‘First Peoples: Bunjilaka’ exhibition.
http://www.weekendnotes.com/first-peoples-bunjilaka-museumvictoria/?sb=1&i=1&j=1&k=2&wemid=41489&wuid=380816&ap
=yGvk2gHnoq
Enjoy a discovery hunt at Darebin’s new playspaces,
download and print this great holiday activity.
http://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/files/New_playspaces_discovery_hunt_with_Larry_Lorikeet.pdf
Useful and helpful information for parents can be found at the following websites, most include tip
sheets on various topics related to child development and parenting.
http://raisingchildren.net.au/
http://parenting.sa.gov.au/
http://parentingaustralia.com.au/
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/