City of Joondalup Summer Concert City Blues Jam Diamond Dave and the Doodaddies
Dec 5th 7pm – 10pm
Joondalup CBD (head for Reid Promenade, near the corner of Central Walk)
Free
City Blues Jam’ - featuring Diamond Dave & the Doodaddies. Diamond Dave and The Doodaddies are a four piece, Chicago style, Blues Band offering a solid selection of uplifting grooves covering swinging shuffles, soul, boogaloo, ‘cry in your beer’ blues and more. This concert takes place in conjunction with the Sunset Markets. In addition to the concert enjoy all the market stalls and free children’s rides and activities.

Contact (08) 9400 4705 www.joondalup.wa.gov.au

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Osborne Park Agricultural Show

Dec 5-6th 6pm Friday; 9am Saturday; Close 10pm
Robinson Reserve, Tuart Hill
Pricing –
Adult $10
Concession Card Holders $7
Children (15 yrs and younger) $5
Major Fireworks Display: Friday 5 December beginning 9pm
Fireworks Display: Saturday 6 December beginning around 9pm. Plenty of fun for kids of all ages, with a variety of sideshow activities in Sideshow Alley. Full range of entertainment, such as singing, dancing and music will be provided on a stage located in the main arena on the Friday night and all day Saturday. Horses in action (showjumping) all day Saturday.

Contact 0417 173 737 www.opas.org.au

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RAC Channel 7 Christmas Pageant
Dec 8th 8.30pm
Perth City
Free
Led by the City Of Perth Band, the event will feature approximately 18 bands, 40 floats and wheel sets, multi-cultural groups, clowns, camels, dogs, fairies, dancing groups and a cast of 2,500. The floats feature over 100,000 lights, the length of the new parade route (which travels down Wellington Street instead of Murray Street Mall) is 2.4 kilometres.
Father Christmas and his reindeer will be sparkling more than ever this year as Santa’s Elves have spruced up the float to look simply fabulous when it graces the city streets.
Watch out for all your old favourites including Fat Cat. We also welcome along new groups representing Western Australia’s diverse multicultural community including the Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation. There’s 3 more samba bands from Ellenbrook, Bassendean and Fremantle, 2 more drum bands - the RAAF cadets and Taiwanese Waist Drummers, plus a solar powered car from Willetton Senior High School, the Funk Factory puppets and Captain Cleanup!
This year’s Pageant can be seen on Channel Seven 6.30pm Sunday December 9 and again on Christmas Day. Check your local TV guide for replay times.

Contact click here

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East Perth Twilight Christmas Picnic in the Park
Dec 11th 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Victoria Gardens, East Perth
Gold Coin Donation
The East Perth Crime and Safety Committee is presenting the annual concert. It will feature Spirit of the Streets Choir, South Perth Lions Big Band, Sophia Hawes, Jay Weston, a wandering magician, Angel of Light and Santa and his helper.

Contact (08) 9461 3368 www.perth.wa.gov.au

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2008 Christmas Variety Show
Tuesday 16 December 2008. 07:30 PM and Wednesday 17 December 2008. 07:30 PM
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Ormsby Tce Mandurah
Pricing – From $15
The show is set in a small Australian country town where the townsfolk all lead busy lives. They worry that they have lost sight of the true meaning of togetherness and the spirit of Christmas; of loving and caring for each other.
To celebrate the festive season they decide to have a Christmas Happening! Popular and well known songs with the theme of love and happiness together with energetic dances and some hilarious comedy sequences will all be part and parcel of this festive show.

Contact (08) 9550 3900 click here

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IGA Carols by Candlelight
21st Dec 7.30pm
Supreme Court Gardens, Perth
Free
Take a picnic and relax under the stars as you and the whole family sing along to your favourite Christmas carols.

Contact click here

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Christmas Nativity
22 – 23rd Dec 7.30pm
Forrest Place, Perth
Free
The traditional story of Christmas is bought to life in Forrest Place with hundreds of performers, live animals and Christmas carols. Be sure to bring the whole family to this enchanting annual event.

Contact 08 9461 3368 www.cityofperth.wa.gov.au

Carols in Minnawarra
7th Dec 4 – 8pm
Minnawarra Park , Armadale
Free
Childrens activities, face painting, bubble magic, Christmas and fairy tale characters, games, Santa and Carols. Also Armadale City Concert Band and local primary school displays. A great evening out for the whole family.

Contact 08 9399 0187 www.armadale.wa.gov.au

What’s On Perth by Rebecca Doughty

Kids Christmas Art Activities
Sunday 14th December, 10.30am – 4.00pm.
The Terrace, Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne, Gate A Cnr Alexandra Ave & Anderson St, Sth Yarra.
Kids can make beautiful Christmas Decorations for $6 each or Christmas Name Plaques & Door Hangers for $10 each.
At the lovely Terrace cafe in the Royal Botanical Gardens, Coastal Artworks has fantastic Kids Christmas Art activities children can make to take home and enjoy or make a beautiful gift. Lots of fun with many creative projects to choose from. Take a walk around the gardens, enjoy the lake, lovely food available at The Terrace and take in all the beautiful features the garden offers. A very family fun relaxing event enjoying the spirit of Christmas.

For more information email partyart@bigpond.net.au

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Santa in Federation Square
Saturday 13th December, 1.00 – 2.30pm.
Federation Square 2-20 Swanston Street MELBOURNE, St Paul’s Court next to 7-Eleven.
This is a free event.
Get the whole family together and head down to Federation Square and meet Santa and his helpers in person. Bring your own camera and have a photo taken in Federation Square with the Giant Advent calendar in the background.

For more information call (03) 9658 9658.

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The Magic Cave at David Jones
8th November – 24th December, 9.00am – 6.00pm.
David Jones, 310 Bourke Street, Melbourne.
This is a free family event.
Enter the enchanted world of the Magic Cave and see where Santa and his friends live. Kids can pick a lucky dip, ride the carousel and meet David the Talking Tree. Lots of wonderful surprises await those who enter the Magic Cave.

For more information call (03) 9643 2222 or go to www.davidjones.com.au

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Mexican Christmas fiesta & film – Hola Mexico Film Festival
Saturday 20th December, 2.30pm – 5.30pm.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Tenancy 6, Alfred Deakin Building Federation Square 2 Swanston Street, Melbourne.
Adults $20, Kids $10, Family $50 – Admission price includes film and all-inclusive fiesta.
Hola Mexico Film Festival in association with MEXVIC presents an afternoon of Christmas family fun with a Mexican twist! Join us for a screening of the ‘A MOVIE ABOUT EGGS’ - It was the third biggest film at box office in Mexico! An authentic and traditional Mexican Christmas fiesta follows the film. Family fun will be accompanied by refreshments, entertainment and surprises!

For more information call (03) 8663 2583, email info@holamexicoff.com or go to www.holamexicoff.com

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Christmas at the Market
Sunday 21st December, 10.00 – 2.00pm.
Queen Victoria Market, cnr Queen & Victoria Street, Melbourne.
This is a free family event.
Visit Santa and his helper in the Christmas marquee on Queen Street from 10am - 2pm! See the Carol Kings on stage at 11am and 1pm! Enjoy our special Christmas show ‘Rudolph’s Recruits’ at midday!

For more information call (03) 9320 5822, email misti.dullard@melbourne.vic.gov.au or visit www.qvm.com.au

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Christmas Family Day
Sunday 14th December, 10.00am – 11.00pm. Santa will be making special appearances between 11 – 4pm.
Eureka Skydeck 88, Unit 8801, Level 88 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank.
Kids for free, adults $16.50, concession $11.00, ‘The Edge’ prices as per normal.
Join us this festive season in celebrating our ‘Christmas Family Day’ at Eureka Skydeck. Enjoy 360 degree views of Melbourne, face painting, clowns, a Christmas band and every child receives free entry! Join us at the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere where there will be something for the whole family.

For more information call (03) 9693 8888 or go to www.eurekaskydeck.com.au

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Bug Day Out at Melbourne Zoo
20th December 2008 – 27th January 2009, 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Melbourne Zoological Gardens, Elliott Avenue, Parkville.
Adults $23.60 Children $11.80 (4 to 15 years, children under 4 years free) Family Pass $53.90 (2 Adults and 2 children).
Come to Melbourne Zoo these summer holidays for a ‘Bug Day Out’ to discover some of our smaller but amazing creatures in the World of Bugs and Butterflies. There will be daily butterfly releases in the butterfly house, special talks, live insects feeds and displays of giant and small spiny stick insects, spiders and bugs. With hundreds of species of animals from all over the world there’s always plenty to see and do at Melbourne Zoo.

For more information call (03) 9285 9300, email mz@zoo.org.au or go to www.zoo.org.au

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Carols by Barnlight
Saturday December 13th, 4.00pm – 8.00pm.
365 McHarg’s Road, Willowmavin.
This is a free family event.
Meet our rescued animal residents and help us celebrate the true meaning of Christmas - kindness and compassion to all beings. Enjoy a vegan sausage sizzle, kids’ activities, cool merchandise for sale, the world-famous farm tour, art exhibition, and of course carols! Where else can you meet the movie star pigs from Hollywood’s Charlotte’s Web?

For more information call 0408 397 301 or go to www.edgarsmission.org.au

What’s On - Melbourne by Amy Braddon

Sydney Children’s Playground Opening
6th December 2008, 11am to 1pm
Sydney Park
Cnr Sydney Park Road
& Princes Highway
St Peters
Free!
Come to the grand opening of the wonderful new playground at Sydney Park. There will be spectacular equipment such as a musical bridge, a maze and more! There will be live entertainment for the kids, as well as a free coffee or gelato for the first 1500 people.

For more info contact 9265 9333

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Twilight Games
Free!
Children over 3 years can play board games or explore a virtual playground with Playstation games. Sessions at the following times at various City of Sydney libraries:

Wednesday 3 December
3.30pm - 6.30pm
Newtown Library

Wednesday 10 December
3.30pm - 6.30pm
Glebe Library

Wednesday 17 December
3.30pm - 6.30pm
Ultimo Library

Friday 16 January
3.30pm - 5.00pm
Waterloo Library

Contact
Phone: (02) 9242 8555
Library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

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Wa Wa Christmas Songs for kids
Thursday 18 December
4.00pm - 5.00pm
Glebe Library
The “Wa Wa Band� - Tina and Mark Harris from Kindermusik - will play a mini concert of Christmas Songs for children.
For 0 - 10 year olds

Bookings are essential. Phone: 9298 3060 or email Library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

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Carols by the Bay
6th December 2008
HMAS Watson, Wilson’s Field, Cliff Street, Watsons Bay (Public transport is strongly recommended).
4pm to 9:30pm
Free
Come watch the Christmas carols presented by the Royal Australian Navy! There will be a jumping castle and a sausage sizzle. See the Australian Defence Force, SES and Aviation displays and an 5.5 metre Christmas tree. Best of all, Santa will be visiting! For more information, or in case of rain, call Woollahra Council on 9391 7916.

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Children’s Christingle Service at St James’ Church
24th December 2008
St James’ Church, 173 King Street, Sydney..
Free
Come to Sydney’s oldest church for a special Christmas Eve service to celebrate the birth of Christ.

For more information phone 8227 1300

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Christmas Wonderland – Wizard Of Oz Funland
2/11 HollyLea Rd, Leumeah
Open daily up to and including Christmas Day
$14 per person

Brings your kids to a wonderful display of snowy Christmas trees, a nativity scene and Santa’s workshop, which they can wander through and explore!

For more info and to purchase tickets online see http://www.thewizardofozshow.com/index.htm

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Carols by the Tree
Darling Harbour, Convention Centre Forecourt, near the Christmas tree.
7pm to 9pm every Thurs, Fri and Sat until Christmas Day
Free
Come along with your little ones to take in sights of beautiful darling harbor while enjoyed Christmas carols performed by a cappella groups.
For more information visit www.darlingharbour.com.au

What’s On Sydney by Kelly Makhoul

The Sydney Christmas Parade
Sun 30th November 11:30am to 2:30pm (Parade) then 2:30 onwards (activities)
Free!
From Circular Quay to Tumbalong Park
The parade will end at Tumbalong park where there will be a Santa’s village set up. Activities will begin there from 10:30pm before the parade starts and all events will conclude at 7pm. The parade will feature all different kinds of floats, both local and international. There will be dancers and singers, cheerleaders, celebrities (including famous sports people) and cartoon characters. Getting there on public transport is recommended - the city will be very busy and parking is difficult and expensive. Watch the parade from anywhere along George St in the city, or on the big screen which will be at Tumbalong Park. Stay after the parade and join Santa Clause in his Christmas Cave - then have a photo with him to take home! Enjoy activities in the park until 7pm.
Visit www.sydneychristmasparade.com/faqs.htm for more info.

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Bouncing Babies Story Time
Every Tuesday of school terms. Finishes 12th Jan 09
Campsie Library, 14-28 Amy Street, Campsie
Free!
For babies between 0 and 18 months. There will be stories, rhymes, songs and puppets and you can meet other mums and bubs.
Phone 97899243 or visit www.canterbury.nsw.gov.au

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The Tram to Bondi Beach
Thursday, 6 November 2008 9.00am, 11.00 am, 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm
Randwick Town Hall, corner of Avoca and Frances Streets in Randwick.
Watch a stage adaptation of Libby Hathorn’s book The Tram To Bondi Beach. Aimed at children aged 5 to 11.

Phone 9314 4888 for more info

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The Wiggles: The New Dorothy the Dinosaur Show
On various days in different locations between 3rd Nov and 14th Nov
All tickets $18
See all your favourite Wiggles characters in their latest show, Dorothy the Dinosaur! For show times, locations and ticket purchases, go to:
www.thewiggles.com.au/au/events/38
And be quick, tickets are selling fast!

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Gumnuts
Wed 5th Nov
$3 per child
Parramatta Heritage Centre.
The Gumnuts activities are for 3 to 4 year olds. They are held monthly for one hour from 10:30am. There will be story tellings, craft activities and games for the children to participate in. Bookings are necessary and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ph 02 8839 3323 for bookings

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Dandy Lions: Wild Things
Thurs 6th Nov
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
$8 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children
Kids up to 5 years old can enjoy garden craft, music, interactive gardening, music and plays every Thursday during the school term. Each month has a different theme and in November it’s “Botanical Senses�, where the kids will learn about the five senses – taste, touch, sight, smell and sound.

For more information and exact location, call 9231 8134.

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The Magic Garden
1st to 30th November, between 10am and 5pm.
The Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo
$25 for a family, $5 for kids and $10 for adults.
Interactive activities for kids between 2 and 8 years old aimed to teaching them about being active and eating healthy. They can play in a virtual garden and hunt virtual animals.
www.powerhousemuseum.com or 9217 0111 for more info.

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Kids Deck: Trash or Treasure?
$7 per child, adults free.
Take your kids on a worldly adventure as they explore the world from Sydney’s Maritime Museum. Join the groups between 11am and 3pm on Sundays during November. The kids can make their own souvenirs of each place they “visit� and take them home at the end of the day.

See www.anmm.gov.au or call (02) 9298 3777.

What’s On Sydney by Kelly Makhoul

Living Legends 2nd Birthday Celebrations
November 2, 10.00am – 3.00pm.
Woodlands Homestead and Historic Park, corner of Sunbury and Oaklands Rd, behind Melbourne Airport.
This is a free, family event.
Visitors will be able to pat racehorse champions and feature in Melbourne Cup photo opportunities, plus there will be pony rides, children’s activities, food tastings, and The Woodlands Homestead and Heritage gardens will be open to view.

For more information go to www.livinglegends.org.au

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The Circus Sunrise Spectacular
November 14, 2008 – January 26, 2009.
Waterfront City, Docklands.
Tickets start from $10 for children, $15 for adults.
Combining traditional circus skills with aerial acts, hand balancing, juggling, wild west cowboys, trapeze and clowns!

For more information go to www.circussunrise.com.au or call 0458 030 500.

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Viva 2008
November 15, 11.00am – 6.00pm.
Princes Gardens, Prahran.
This is a free, family event.
There will be fun for all ages with a wide array of free activities on offer, market stalls, entertainment and a smorgasbord of international cuisine available. The world music stage will feature community group performances in the morning followed by an afternoon and evening of professional bands; ranging from indigenous artists to Afro beats and Brazilian jazz to Cuban ska and percussion. The VIVA skate competition will once again take place on both the Vertical Ramp and Street Skate areas.

For more information go to www.stonnington.vic.gov.au or call (03) 8290 1333.

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Halloween 2008
November 1, 8.00pm onwards.
Room 680, Level 1, 680 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn.
Tickets $15.
Come on down and celebrate Halloween 2008 with ALL proceeds going to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Have some fun and raise some funds for charity through partying with the whole family. Best Dressed Male/Female/Group Costume Awards to be handed out on the night. Many other ‘Trick or Treat’ Games to be held.

For more information call 0414 965 486 or email halloweenmelb@gmail.com

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Seeing Eye Dogs Open Day
November 16, 11.00am – 3.00pm.
17 Barrett Street, Kensington.
Entry is by gold coin donation.
Meet lots of puppies to pat and cuddle, meet Big Brother housemates Alice and Ollie the Dog, and see the latest cadets get put through their paces on the SEDA obstacle course. The whole family can visit Australia’s only Canine Midwife in our breeding centre, take a blind fold walk with a Seeing Eye Dog and Instructor and enter our competition to name a Seeing Eye Dog.
Note: No other pets permitted.

For more information call (03) 93816400 or go to www.seda.org.au

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Big Dog Day Out
November 24, starts at 11.00am.
KCC Park, 655 Westernport Hwy, Cranbourne.
Entry is $5 per car.
DOGS Victoria’s and Companion Dog Club are hosting a Big Dog Day Out! All dog owners and their dogs are invited to attend this day of interactive doggy events. There will be demonstrations in: Obedience, Agility, Jumping, Herding, Flyball and grooming. This day promises to be a fun filled day for all the family, and a chance for family dogs to be winners in a busy program of events including a treasure hunt, Lure Coursing and Lure Racing.

For more information call (03) 9788 2500 or visit www.dogsvictoria.org.au

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Myer Santaland
November 7 – December 24, 9.00am – 6.00pm.
Myer, 314 Bourke Street, Melbourne.
This is a free, family event.
Experience all the fantasy and magic at Myer this Christmas with a visit to Santaland - a Christmas wonderland where children’s wishes come true. At Santaland kids can hop aboard a miniature locomotive train – tickets are available from the station master. Ride the train through a tunnel and a flashing crossway and illuminated rail signals. Santa and his red-nosed friend, Rudolph, will be receiving visitors for photos. You can also send a letter to the North Pole via post or email.

For more information call (03) 9661 1111 or go to www.myer.com.au

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Chookas
November 1-2, 10.00am – 4.00pm.
Victorian Arts Centre, 2-128 St Kilda Road, Southbank.
Mostly free events.
Roll up, roll up kids! This one’s for you! Come to the Victorian Arts Centre for a whole weekend of low-cost and free kids entertainment and family fun at our annual children’s festival, CHOOKAHS! Delivered by top notch circus and theatre companies, energetic and interactive performances will inspire and amaze as kids take over the Arts Centre! Join us for two extra special shows, ‘Special Delivery’ and ‘LaLaLuna’, and come and enjoy a myriad of other free entertainment over the whole weekend too!

For more information call 1300 136 166 or visit www.theartscentre.com.au/chookahs

What’s On - Melbourne by Amy Braddon

Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society
Friday 31 October 5.00pm – 10.00pm Saturday 9.00am – 10.00pm*October 31st and November 1st 2008.
Cannington Greyhounds, Station Street Cannington
Adults $10 , Children 5 to 15 years $5 , Aged Pensioner Card Holders $5
A great day out with food and fun for everyone; rides, showbags and animals. There will be exhibiting and judging of dairy goats, cattle, sheep, rabbits, donkeys, mules, pigeons, poultry and the ever popular children’s farmyard nursery provides everyone with a touch of living the country life. Friday night fireworks!!!!
Black String Puppet Theatre, Fire Jugglers, Childrens farm animals, pony rides
Show rides, show bags etc

Phone 9451 1820 www.canningshow.net

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Red Bull Air Race, Perth
Saturday 1 November and Sunday 2 November.
Spectators will be able to view the race from around the banks of the Swan River, with the best viewing location on Sir James Mitchell Park in South Perth.
Free – Packages available.
$11.10 standard
$9 group (10+)
Touching down in 10 cities worldwide in 2008, the Perth Red Bull Air Race event is the only race of its kind in Australia. From the heart of the city to the open countryside, over land or water, a Red Bull Air Race can take place almost anywhere. Spectacular backdrops and jaw dropping stunts guarantee that spectators experience one of the most innovative and exciting new sports competitions around today. Red Bull Air Race 2008 promises more nail biting racing action as the pilots face off in the deciding round of the World Series competition.

Tel: 08 9288 4569 or www.redbullairrace.com.au

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Be Kids Community Fair 11:00am to 4:00pm 15 November (Saturday) 2008
Princess May Park, Adelaide Street, Fremantle.
Free admission
All proceeds to assist Be Kids projects in Kenya. Stalls will feature homemade multicultural food, local and African handicrafts, plants and cakes. There will be storytelling, face painting, magic, fun activities, Bubblemania, and much more.

Tel: 08 9337 1735 or www.bekids.org

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Little Feet Festival 2008
1:00pm to 5:00pm 16 November (Sunday) 2008
City of Joondalup Leisure Centre, Craigie Whitfords Ave, Craigie.
Free entry
Children can explore a world of possibilities at the City of Joondalup’s Little Feet Festival. Featuring Olympic pentathlete Kylie Wheeler, Postman Pat, artwork, games, baby animal farm, aquatic playground, and much more.
Tel: 08 9400 4921 or www.joondalup.wa.gov.au

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Broom! Broom!
18 to 23 November 2008
Tuesday, 18 November 7:00pm
Wednesday, 19 November 11:00am & 7:00pm
Thursday, 20 November 11:00am & 7:00pm
Friday, 21 November 11:00am & 7:00pm
Saturday, 22 November 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday, 23 November 2:00pm
Subiaco Arts Centre
Tickets are available through BOCS
Standard $15.00
Concession Pensioners, Seniors Cardholders, Unemployed, Full Time Students 13 Years and Older $12.00
Children 5 - 12 Years
Fusing clowning, puppetry, and music, this show is designed for the whole family. Broom! Broom!! tells a story of the mystery of friendship and the befriending of mystery, and how together two clown cleaners sweep away life’s cobwebs with some high-powered high-jinks. Broom! Broom!! takes the timeless art of clowning, adds a contemporary twist and fuses it with puppetry and music to create this dynamic and delightful show, a must see for the whole family. This hilarious new production is suitable for family audience and particularly for children 5 - 12 years.

Tel: 08 9484 1133 or www.broombroomshow.com.au

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Great Bike Ride
23 November (Sunday) 2008
Registration Closing Dates
Online - 12pm Friday 21st November
Post/Fax - Must be received by Friday 14th November
Shop - Closes at 4pm Saturday 22nd November
Langley Park, Perth
Pricing: see website
Presented by The City of Perth and the Rotary Club of Perth to raise funds for the St John of God Foundation Horizon House Project, Hope for Children, and the Heart Foundation. 3 different courses, 10km, 53km or 106km course!! this event is really all about riders getting their friends, colleagues and families to give money to the charities through sponsorship (and enjoying a great ride around the river of course) we thought we would give something back to you for all your hard fundraising efforts!!

Register by calling 08 9244 5200 or www.greatbikeride.com.au

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Sunset Markets
7.00pm to 10.00pm, every Friday evening, 21 November to 19 December 2008
Central Walk and Reid Promenade, Joondalup
Free
Presented by the City of Joondalup. Goodies for sale, free entertainment such as bands, buskers and street performers, plus free rides and activities.

www.joondalup.wa.gov.au

Kwinana Hornets Shell Novice Swim Meet
From 9:00am 16 November (Sunday) 2008
Kwinana Recquatic Centre, Gilmore Ave, Kwinana.
Free to try out
Dive in and try out competitive swimming. There is no need to be a member of a swimming club or have any special skill - you just have to enjoy swimming! Kwinana Hornets is a small south of the river swimming club that began swimming in 1964. It is very family orientated and a friendly atmosphere, a big range of training is available and memberships range from non-competitor, recreational and full competitive. It is very fun and relaxing and everyone should give the club a go.

Email: webmaster@kwinanaswimming.org for further details

What’s On Perth by Rebecca Doughty

Musical Rogues
Mon 6th to Friday 10th October, 10:00am to 11:30am.
Hyde Park Barracks Museum
$10 for the child and one adult gets in free
Dance and sing with the musical rogues, convicts and members of the church choir. Each child can make their own instrument to take home with them. Suitable for children aged 4 to 8 years.

Bookings are essential, go to www.hht.net.au

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Splashers Swim School Open Day
Fri 10th October
Sutherland Leisure Centre
Free!
Get free swimming lessons and assessments. Join in relay and novelty races. Be a participant in the introduction to the new Goldfish Level swim class. The first 250 children get show bags. If you enrol into a swimming program today there is a chance to win a family holiday to Nelson Bay. All welcome, regardless of age or swimming ability.

Ph 8536 9777 or visit www.sslc.com.au for more info.

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Sculptures By The Sea
16th October to 12th November
Along the Tamarama Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk, Sydney
Free!
100 sculptures from 7 different countries will be displayed for all to see. Make it a day at the beach that’s a little more interesting and chill out on the sand after you and the kids have seen some incredible sculptures.

Just choose a nice day for the beach and take the Coastal Walk. For more details on location, distance, etc click here

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Teddy Bears’ Picnic!
19 October (Sunday) 2008 – 10:30am
Rosehill Gardens.
Tickets are $15 each or $50 for a family of 4. This includes entry, all activities, entertainment and parking. All proceeds go to The Westmead Children’s Hospital.
A great day of family fun. See Alvin and the Chipmunks, Kung Fu Panda and the Marvel Superhero Show. There are free rides, jumping castles, face painting and the Bear Clinic, where you can fix your sick and injured teddies.

Book through Ticketmaster

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The Kurrajong Scarecrow Festival
25 & 26 October 2008
Kurrajong (various venues)
Some events require tickets, others are free.
See Some traditional Kurrajong events, a concert on the village green and a scarecrow trail. There’s also a young talent quest, open gardens for charity and the spectacle of scarecrows. If that’s not enough, maybe you’ll enjoy the sheep shearing, reptile show, clowns, stage and village entertainment, stalls, children’s activities and more.

Click here for details (location, program etc.)

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Ryde Epping Children’s Festival
26th October 10:00am - 2:00pm,
Darvall Park, Chatham Rd, West Ryde.
Unlimited rides pass $8 per child, $20 family pass.
Circus performers, magic shows, amusement rides, animal farm, jumping castles, pony rides, face painting and craft activities.

For info about Ryde Council and events click here

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Eastern Suburbs Children’s Festival
26th October, 10:30am to 3:30pm
Waverley Park, Waverley
Free
Kids between 0 and 5 yrs of age can be let their imagination, creativity and free-play run wild, while their parents and carers join in the fun activities.

www.randwick.nsw.gov.au

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Golden Ridge Animal Farm and S.O.S Aussies
Animal Farm 29th September to 4th October, S.O.S Aussies 6th October to 10th October
Southpoint Shopping Centre, 238-262 Bunnerong Rd, Hillsdale.
Free

For more info call the centre on 9311 3301

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Family Fun Weekend
11th and 12th October
Coogee Bay Hotel, cnr Coogee Bay Rd and Arden St, Coogee
Free entry

For more info call the hotel on 9665 0000 or visit their website www.coogeebayhotel.com.au

What’s On Sydney by Kelly Makhoul

Dream Festival
October 3 – 6.
Birrarung Marr, Batman Avenue, Melbourne.
This is a free public event.
Over four days Birrarung Marr will play host to enormous illuminated artworks depicting the dreams and aspirations of Australians. Each installation will have its own soundtrack and accompanying story to give background to the inspiration behind each creative concept. On Saturday 4 October, the waterfront will burst to life with a full schedule of music in Alexandra Gardens featuring some of Australia’s most talented musicians leading up to a spectacular night time finale along the waterfront.

For more information go to www.dreamfestival.com.au

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MILO in2CRICKET Program
October 2 – 11-2pm – Launch Day.
Federation Square, 2-20 Swanston Street, Melbourne.
This is a free public event.
Bring the whole family to the MILO in2Cricket Program these school holidays for fun, free activities. Get up close with the MILO in2CRICKET ambassadors and test your cricket skills.

For more information call (03) 9653 8863 or go to www.in2cricket.com.au

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Yea Wetlands - Womindjeka Day (Welcome Day)
October 4 - 2pm.
Yea Wetlands, Goulburn Valley Highway, Yea.
Spend a spring afternoon at the Yea Wetlands with 32 acres of crown land between two branches of the Yea River. There will be informative walks and fun activities for the kids and the whole family, with a community barbeque at dusk, followed by a campfire corroboree at nightfall.

For more information go to www.yeawetlands.org.au or call 0408 576 588.

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Meccano Model Exhibition
October 11 – 10-5pm, October 12 – 10-4pm.
Corner of Gardenvale and Magnolia Rds, Gardenvale.
Family tickets are $10, Adults $5, Teenagers $2 and smaller children are free.
Come and experience the large range of Meccano machines, mechanisms, models and mysteries. The traditional Meccano cranes, planes and trains will be on display. Also expect to see mechanical computers, curious clocks, and mysterious ball rollers. Members of the Melbourne Meccano Club will be showing off their mechanical skills and their collections of rare Meccano sets, parts and literature.

For more information call (03) 9789 5796.

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Pets’ Day Out
October 12, 10-4pm.
Ballam Park, Cranbourne Rd, Frankston.
This is a free public event.
Treat your furry friend to a free day full of fun activities, entertainment and displays for the whole family to enjoy.

For more information go to www.frankston.vic.gov.au or call 1300 322 322.

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State Duck, Sheep and Cattle Championships
October 25-26.
South Gippsland Highway, Welshpool.
Come and experience the annual State Duck, Sheep and Cattle Championships and watch events such as the frisbee catch, dog race, dog high jump, puppies on sheep, kids events and an animal nursery. There is also $1000 up for grabs, as well as trophies, sashes, ribbons and free dog food giveaways.

For more information call Paul Macphail on 0418 335 306.

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The Melbourne Magic Festival
September 22 – October 4.
Northcote Town Hall, 189 High Street, Northcote.
Go to website for admission prices.
Come and experience the Australian Institute of Magic’s Melbourne Magic Festival with over 50 performances of 10 different shows for all ages to enjoy.

For more information go to www.australianinstituteofmagic.com.au

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RSPCA Happy Tails Day
October 10.
This is a nation-wide event, raising money for the RSPCA by buying merchandise and giving donations.
Celebrate Happy Tails Day by wearing plush tails and ears to show you care about animals and support the work of the RSPCA. This year’s Happy Tails Day theme is about enjoying the great outdoors with your best friend.

For more information go to www.rspca.org.au or call 02 6282 8300.

What’s On - Melbourne by Amy Braddon

Gogo Fish
(suitable for 5 - 12 years)
Sept 30 – Oct 11th Tues – Sat. 11am and 1pm
Subiaco Arts Centre studio, 180 Hammersley Rd Subiaco
$14.90pp
This drama recreates the world of the Placoderms, water borne, amour-plated evolutionary ancestors of humans that lived in the Kimberley 375 million years ago. Its story takes you back there with a time-travelling fish club. The club arrives at an evolutionary turning point: swamp fish are developing the bone structures of arms and legs. Will the Placoderms realise that to be a ‘fish out of water’ IS progress? This is a West Australian story with international significance and a comedy based on scientific fact.

Phone 9380 3080
www.barkinggecko.com.au

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GinGin Observatory – Family Space Adventures Star Gazing and Cosmic Dinner
2, 3, 9 & 10th October 5.30 – 8.30pm
Gingin Observatory, Military Rd Gingin
Adults $46 Children $32
Join astronomers and discover the universe. Enjoy the stargazing and a meal as a family.

Phone 9575 7740
www.ginginobservatory.com

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Fremantle School Holiday Fun
10am – 3pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays 27th Sept – 10th Oct.
Kings Square Fremantle
Free
Activities include giant chess, card making, origami workshops, poetry classes, colouring competitions, face painting and balloon giveaways.

Phone 9432 9888
www.fremantle.wa.gov.au

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Belmont Festival
Launch on Sunday, October 5, 2008 from 10am to 2pm Festival continues from Oct 5 – Nov 22nd.
Hardey Park, Great Eastern Highway, Belmont
Free events
Huge variety of activities including outdoor movie nights, concerts in the part, extreme sports competition, breakfast with the stars and Railway stakes with Jimmy Barnes. There will be a water ski show at the launch and tons of free activities and entertainment including a teddy bears picnic and other family events during the festival period.

Phone 9477 7248
www.belmont.wa.gov.au

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Kelmscott Show
October 17th 4-10pm, 18-19th 9am – 9pm.
Showgrounds, River Road Kelmscott
Nominal entry fee and purchases as chosen
A great day out with food and fun for everyone; rides, showbags and animals. Kelmscott Agricultural Society Fire Works Display will kick off at approx 8:30PM on both Friday & Saturday nights. There will be exhibiting and judging of dairy goats, cattle, sheep, rabbits, donkeys, mules, pigeons, poultry and the ever popular children’s farmyard nursery provides everyone with a touch of living the country life. The horses in action on the lower arena allow local riders to enter into hacking, novelties and show jumping events.

Phone 9390 7121
www.kelmscottannualshow.com.au

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Zigzag Community Arts Festival
11:00am till 8:00pm 10am Oct 26th
Stirk Park Kalamunda
Free
The festival theme for 2008 is collaboration. Soak up the culture at the Kalamunda Community Arts Festival focused on building and nurturing scores of creative partnerships and collaborations in the local community. The collaborations will celebrate the rich cultural life in the Hills – the musicians, visual artists, dancers and creative community artisans in all areas of the arts. Kids can try out pottery, woodwork, hessian crafts, weaving, storytelling, dressing dolls and music. Pre-festival workshops and activities for children and teens are also available.

www.zigzagfestival.org

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Spring Family Bushwalks
Bungendore Park Djilba Walk

Sunday 21 September 2008
Choice of two walks - 2.5km or 3km
Register at Armadale Christian College car park Admiral Road, Bedfordale
Settlers Common Walk

Sunday 5 October 2008
Choice of two walks - 3 km or 6 km (both one way)
Register at the Field Centre, Corner of Carradine road and Albany Highway
Walk the Wungong

Sunday 19 October 2008
This walk is approximately 5km one way
Register at Wungong Dam’s lower car park,
Admiral Road, Bedfordale
Churchman Bushland Walks

Sunday 2 November 2008
Choice of a 5km or a 6km walk
Register at Beeloo Close, Off Churchman Brook Road, Roleystone

Free
Wonderful family outings spent in the natural bushland surrounding Armadale. Great opportunity to teach children about respect for our environment and the myriad of wildflowers and animals we have at our fingertips to enjoy. So why not pack a picnic and the kids and spend some time discovering the wonders of your own back door.

Phone 9399 0187
www.armadale.wa.gov.au

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Bayswater Waves 10th Birthday Fun Day
12 – 4pm 25th October
Bayswater Waves, Cnr Broun Ave and Priestley St Embleton
$2 entry
Fun activities for all children. Bob the Builder show will commence at 2pm. Also pony rides, Old McDonald’s Travelling Farm, Mechanical Surfboard, Junior Pirate Slide, Pool Inflatables, bouncy castle and free showbags for the first 100 entrants.

Phone 9276 6538
www.bayswater.wa.gov.au

What’s On Perth by Rebecca Doughty

Giant Sky Wheel
Open 7 days and public holidays. Hours: Monday to Thursday 12 midday to 11pm, Friday 12 midday to 12 midnight, Saturday 10am to 12 midnight and Sunday 10am to 11pm.
Birrarung Marr (adjacent to Federation Square), Princes Walk, Melbourne.
Adult / Child - $7.00 Per Person (NO BOOKING REQUIRED)
Group Concession - $25.00 4 Persons (NO BOOKING REQUIRED)
Group 20 - 50 persons - $5.00 per person (BOOKING REQUIRED)
Group 50 + - $4:00 per person (BOOKING REQUIRED)
With 36 carriages, a height of 50 metres and the largest travelling ferris wheel in the southern hemisphere, the Big Sky Wheel is a must see! Experience the panoramic views of the Melbourne city skyline, the spectacular light show and various performers and street buskers on show.

For more information call 0439 043 975.

Spring into Shape Series 08
Sunday 14 September – From 9am.
Alexandra Gardens, Boathouse Drive, Melbourne.
Adults from $30, Children from $17, Concession from $25.
Spring into Shape Series 08 is the opportunity for the whole family to get together and participate in a 4km or 8km run and walk. There are free giveaways and prizes to be won, with trophies and medals awarded to place getters and winners of all age categories.

For more information go to www.starttofinish.com.au

UNIFEM Melbourne Spring Walk
Sunday 21 September – International Day of Peace.
See website for organised walk locations within Melbourne and Australia-wide.
Help raise awareness, empower young women and support UNIFEM Australia by organising or participating in walks with your family this Spring. UNIFEM seeks to provide opportunities for foreign young women to study at Australian Universities who have contributed to peace and gender equality in their own country. All money raised goes towards UNIFEM’s Peace Scholarship Programme.

For more information call (02) 6285 8254 or go to www.unifem.org.au

The Royal Melbourne Show
Thursday 18 September - 9:30am - 6:00pm, Friday 19 September – Saturday 27 September - 9:30am - 10:00pm and Sunday 28 September - 9:30am - 8:30pm.
Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale, Melbourne.
Prices start at $27 for adults, $17 for concession, and $13 for children 5-14 years. Family packages are also available. Special discount opening day prices are available on the website.
Jam-packed with rides, entertainment, showbags, live shows, activities for the kids, pavilions, star attractions, food & wine, and loads of animals, the Royal Melbourne Show is here again for the whole family to enjoy!

For more information call the ticket sales hotline on 13 28 49, show info hotline on 1300 656 547 or go to www.royalshow.com.au

Melbourne City Baths – School Holiday Program
September 22 - October 3.
Docklands Hub, 17 Waterview Walk, Docklands.
Please see website for costs and excursion prices.
Offering entertainment, excursions, special events, games and a wide range of activities for children duiring these school holidays.

For more information call (03) 9663 5888 or go to www.melbournecitybaths.com.au

Queen Victoria Markets – School Holiday Programs and Activities
Tuesday 23 & 30 September, 9-1pm.
‘L’ Shed, Queen Street, Melbourne.
This event is free of charge. (Some activities incur a small cost and some bookings are required – See website for more details.)
At the Queen Victoria Markets these coming school holidays, the whole family can be entertained with a juggling school, jumping castle, painting, arts & crafts, cupcake cooking and artistry, and a ‘High Flying’ super heroes show!

For more information call (03) 9320 5822 or go to www.qvm.com.au

National BBQ Day
Sunday 10 September.
This is an Australia-wide event.
Get involved in National BBQ Day and raise funds for Variety, The Children’s Charity, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life of sick, disabled and disadvantaged Australian children. What better way to celebrate the beginning of the BBQ season than with family and friends, raising money for a good cause!

For more information go to www.nationalbbqday.com.au

Trung-Thu Childrens Festival
Saturday 20 September from 5pm – 10pm.
Quang Minh Buddist Temple, 18 Burke Street, Braybrook. Victoria.
This is a free family event.
Trung-Thu Festival also known as the Mid-Autumn or Children’s Moon Festival its purpose is to promote education, innovative ideas, music, sports, arts and crafts and poetry for the young generation. Activities and celebrations include a children’s lantern procession, colourful shows, dancing, poetry recitals, music from the Dragon dance drum, and children’s songs.

For more information call (03) 9017 2999 or go to www.quangminh.org.au

What’s On Melbourne by Amy Braddon