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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Phone 9451 1820 www.canningshow.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The range includes Badges, Stickers, Bracelets, Wristbands, Epipen Pouches, T-shirts, Posters, Magnets and more, all designed in modern colours and with cute characters that kids are sure to love!

Perfect for Child Care, Kindy, School, Camps, Holidays, Picnics, Parties and Sleepovers.

View the full range and order online at www.starallergyalerts.com.au
Enquiries to contact@starallergyalerts.com.au

As any parent knows, things can get pretty challenging when you are looking after kids on the go. Tricky situations can include flights, train journeys, shopping trips, car rides, dining out or lengthy delays in queues or waiting rooms. The range of ickle Kids activity packs are designed to keep little ones entertained in these exact situations. The ickle Kids theory is: happy kids mean happy parents!

Their range includes age-specific travel packs and individual toys for children. Each pack contains a selection of handpicked, fun and educational toys for busy mums, dads and carers to just “grab and go”. You can also customise your own Activity Pack by choosing from their wide range.

Here are some of their kids activity packs

ickle Girls Brain Teaser Pack - $44.99

Ultimate ickle Pack - $29.99

ickle Boys Car Pack - $21.99

www.icklekids.com.au

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

Bookings essential. Contact Helen Rourke on 9911 3634. Go to www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au Click on Events Calendar then scroll to September.

The Dads are Great Celebration Day
Saturday, September 6th 2008 from 9am to 2pm
Lane Cove Plaza
Free entry, some free activities.
A day to make Dad feel important and celebrate the part he plays in your family. Enjoy a barbeque, free drumming workshop, live music, badge-making and face-painting.

Contact Lynne Slocombe Centacare, Broken Bay on 94882530 or email lslocombe@brokenbay.catholic.org.au
Go to www.lanecove.nsw.gov.auClick on Events Calendar then scroll to September.

The Kogarah 17th Annual Fair and Charity Bedrace
10:00am on Saturday 6th September
Railway Parade, Kogarah.
Free entry
An event to raise funds for the Emergency Unit at St George Hospital. There will be marching bands, all day entertainment, rides for the kids and more than fifty food and craft stalls. At 11am begins the hilarious and wacky ‘Battle of the Beds’ featuring the bed race heats, semis & finals

Contact: Jacinta Sunderland Kogarah Council (02) 9330 9424.
Web: click here

Festival of the Winds 30th Anniversary Kite Flying Extravaganza
Bondi Pavilion/Bondi Park
Sunday 14 September, 2008 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
Australia’s biggest kite festival, featuring a huge display of kites from local and international kite makers and flyers, as well as international guests who will be displaying their unique kite designs from India, Malaysia, China and Japan. Or fly your own kite! You can buy one from the stalls if you don’t have one, or make your own at the awesome craft stalls. There will be a multicultural entertainment program in the Pavilion Courtyard Amphitheatre and free music dance workshops.

The kids will love the rides, face painting, animal farm, wandering minstrels, jugglers, stilt walkers, puppeteers, clowns and craft workshops.

You won’t go hungry thanks to the multicultural food stalls that will be offering food and drinks from all over the world. If that’s a bit too exotic for you and the kiddies, be sure to enjoy sausage sizzle instead! Finally Bondi Pavilion Gallery, will host an aerial art exhibition. The gallery will be open daily for viewing from 10 am – 5 pm.

Contact The Bondi Pavilion Community Cultural Centre Queen Elizabeth Drive Bondi Beach 2026 Ph: (02) 8362 3400 Fax: (02) 83623420
Web: click here

Puppeteria Theatre
Sept 4th, 9th, 18th and 23rd at 10:30am. Also Sept 13th and 20th at 1:45pm.
12A Denawan Avenue Castle Cove
Tickets cost adult $13 and child $10.
A show “The Jeral Puppets” in Old MacDonald’s Farm for 2 – 5 year olds at 10.30am on September 4, 9, 18 and 23 and The Muddle Headed Wombat for 4 - 9 year olds at 1.45pm on September 13 and 20.

More info: Phone Puppeteria Theatre on 9371 7328 or www.puppeteria.com

Bush Babes – Pre-schoolers’ Bush Scrambles
September 11, 17 and 23 at 10am – 11.45am
Artarmon Reserve
Free (bookings are essential)
Start off with a bushwalk and see some of the local wildlife. Afterwards the kids will have story time while parents can have coffee/tea. Bring a snack for your little one and a mug for your cuppa.

More info: For bookings call 9777 7755

Naremburn Community Centre Open Day
Saturday 20th September
7-9 Central Street, Naremburn and is
Free.
Activities include face painting, guessing competition, sausage sizzle, arts and crafts and lots more.

More info: 9434 8814

Carnivale at Chatswood Library
Monday 22nd September – Friday 10th October
Free
Enjoy some multicultural story telling, interactive activities and displays.

More info: ph 9777 7900. To book, ph 9245 2484 or email education@mca.com.au.

Mini Mariners
The Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour.
Starting from Tues 2nd, will be Tuesday morning during school term from 10am-10.45am.
$7 per child (Adults and members of museum free).
For 2-5 year olds and their carers. Join in activities such as songs, stories, games and craft. Will be held in different parts of museum depending on the day’s theme, which changes at the beginning of each month. The theme for September is ‘Under the Sea’. Join Queen Pearl as she searches for some of the creatures that live with her under the sea. Sing songs about wibbly wobbly Jellyfish then make your own jellyfish mask to take home. For even more fun, come dressed as your favourite sea creature or mermaid
More info: ph 9298 3777 or visit www.anmm.gov.au.

Story-Time for Pre-schoolers, Beecroft
Tuesday and Friday mornings at 9-45am during school term from 2nd Sept
The Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft
Free
Come an have story time and meet Bronwyn Bancroft, an Aboriginal author and illustrator. She will share her children’s books with the kids.

More info: ph 9481 8811.

Powertots Playgroup
Powerhouse Discovery Centre, Castle Hill
The first Friday of each month from 10.30am—11.30am
$5, free for Powerhouse members and children under 4.
Kids under 5 years and their carers can enjoy a visit to the Display Store and a range of craft activities, storytelling and mini-tours themed around objects on display.

Bookings essential, limited numbers. ph 9762 1300.

What’s On Sydney by Kelly Makhoul