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

World Environment Day
Thursday June 5th
World Environment Day is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy. Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The World Environment Day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.

The main international celebrations of World Environment Day 2008 will be held in New Zealand but on this World Environment Day let’s just try to make a difference, no matter how small. We can all help to make the world a better place for our kids and grandkids.

More info: www.unep.org

It’s time to brush the dust off your old tent, stock up on marshmallows and head to BIG4 Holiday Parks free night of camping event on Friday November 9th.

Join thousands of familes at over 100 holiday parks for a night under the stars. During the event there will be sausage sizzles, pancake breakfasts and trivia nights. This is a great opportunity to try out a night of camping with the little ones but you need to book so head on over to the BIG4 website to find out more. 1800 632 444.

Be part of the world record attempt for the most people ’strolling’ in one country on the one day! If you have a pram and a bub between 0 - 4 years, or if you just want to come along for the fun, then join the World’s Greatest Pram Stroll.

This is a FREE event which last year attracted more than 5000 families. The annual event raises awareness of the issues of social isolation for new mums and highlights that parks are a great place to meet and get healthy.

This year there will be events in NSW, SA and Victoria so check out the state page on www.worldsgreatestpramstroll.org for your local start times and venues.

The family event in Sydney will feature special guest Jessica Rowe, competitions and entertainment for the kids, plus a range of food stalls.

The World’s Greatest Pram Stroll is a Healthy Parks Healthy People activity, a program promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging people to use parks as a venue for healthy activities.