Melbourne Events Listings

2011 Chinese Lunar New Year Buddhist Blessing Ceremony

The air crackles with red firecrackers, the clanging of cymbals and the rhythmic bass beating of drums. The smell of gunpowder hangs in the air as the rainbow colours and fluid dance of the traditional Chinese Lion weaves through the crowds. Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Melbourne have begun; a vibrant yearly event full of ancient tradition, culture and excitement. Welcome the Year of the Rabbit! To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Fo Guang Shan Melbourne (Buddha's Light Mountain), one of Victoria's largest Buddhist Temples, invites all to experience a fundamental aspect of Lunar New Year traditions - the Chinese Lunar New Year Buddhist Blessing Ceremony. It is a unique opportunity to reflect and give thanks for the past year of the Tiger, to wish peace and wellbeing for all in the New Year to come and to welcome in the auspicious Year of the Rabbit. The traditional Buddhist Blessing Ceremony commences in the heart of Chinatown during the Chinese New Year Festival. It will be held at a special visiting shrine on the site of the Chinatown Car Park, 132-136 Little Bourke Street (between Russell and Exhibition streets). The traditional Lunar New Year Blessing ceremony will consist of ceremonial chanting by Venerables from Fo Guang Shan Melbourne; the First Light Offering and First Incense Lighting of the New Year. In conjunction with this special event, Fo Guang Shan Melbourne will hold Lunar New Year ceremonies throughout various locations in Melbourne's suburbs in Box Hill and Yarraville.

64th Australian DanceSport Championship

Witness all the glitz and glamour of dancing when Australia's best dancers kick up their heels at the 64th Australian DanceSport Championship at Hisense Arena. Couples will compete in Standard, Latin American and New Vogue dance styles featuring Waltz, Jive, Samba, Cha Cha, Gypsy Tap and more over the three day event. Tickets are on sale now. Please visit our website for more information.

A camera on the Somme

The photographs featured in this exhibition were taken with a Kodak Brownie camera during the First World War by two brothers, Jack and Bert Grinton, who fought with the 1st AIF. The negatives had been stored in a shed on the family farm for over 90 years. This exhibition will be enhanced by family diaries, medals, postcards and maps.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

the Arts Centre presents A Midsummer Night's Dream. Mythology, mischief and colourful magic create a new visual adventure in Yohangza's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Enter into a world of infectious fun and fantasy through music and mime. Highly acclaimed at the 2007 Sydney Festival, A Midsummer Night's Dream is a percussive, colourful and captivating comedy. "Brilliantly produced, liberating entertainment - Yohangza has it in spades" Perth Now. For more information, please visit our website.

Abba World

ABBA is once again creating history through this interactive and audio visual experience of the pop icons. To resurrect the magic of ABBA, Abbaworld is using state of the art multimedia technology. The excitement and presence in the time and space of ABBA is recreated in a way no one thought possible. We welcome you to a mind-blowing journey through the music, memories, and magic of ABBA! The journey through Abbaworld will take the visitor through more than 25 different ABBA environments letting them experience the phenomenon in a completely unique way. All the way through the exhibition, they will be accompanied by your personal audio guide, and thus enjoy the experience at their own pace. From Waterloo to Mamma Mia!, the ABBA phenomenon is brought to life at Abbaworld with interactive highlights including 'Perform with ABBA' - which allows visitors to perform on stage with their idols, as part of a stunning 3D holographic illusion. 'Tretow MIX Challenge'- a chance to mix things up and re-create the ABBA sound, as well as the 'ABBA Quiz' - which tests fans' knowledge of all things ABBA. There is also the opportunity to sing and dance with ABBA, plus a chance for visitors to see themselves as part of an ABBA video! Better still, all of these interactive experiences will be recorded on visitors' "smart tickets" and available to be viewed and downloaded later from our website, allowing their experiences to live on and on and on, just like ABBA's music! On entry to Abbaworld, guests will also have their photograph taken - this will become an animated image that will follow them through their interactive experiences. It is a stunning new multimedia experience for new and old ABBA fans - great family entertainment.

André Rieu Celebration of Music Tour 2010

Due to overwhelming demand, André Rieu makes his return to Melbourne for his eagerly awaited Celebration of Music Tour. Playing at Rod Laver Arena, Rieu is one of the world's most gifted and enigmatic performers. One of Australia's most iconic bands, The Seekers, will be reforming to join André on stage with the backing of the Johann Strauss Orchestra. The opportunity to see two amazing acts in one concert is truly too good opportunity to miss.

ANZAC Day at the Shrine

ANZAC Day, one of the most celebrated days in our short history commemorates and remembers those who fought for us in the Great War. Each year there is a dawn service and a march to honour those men and women. The Dawn Service commences on the Shrine Forecourt at 6am. The ANZAC Day March along St Kilda Road starts at approximately 9am and concludes at the Shrine by 1pm for the Commemorative Service.

Australian Centre for the Moving Image

Stories that transport you, ideas that transform you. Immerse yourself in the world of film, television and digital culture at ACMI in our stunning new free exhibition: Screen Worlds. As the home of Melbourne's best and most popular film festivals, great Australian and international cinema and specialist programs for seniors, kids and lovers of cult classics, ACMI presents an unparalleled annual calendar. Venture into the world's largest screen gallery to discover inspirational exhibitions all year round, watch quality films in our state-of-the-art cinemas or take part in a lively discussion with TV and film personalities at one of our many screen culture events. Visit the ACMI Store, the ultimate shop for film buffs and relax in our cafe/bar ACMI Lounge overlooking Federation Square.

Australian Corporate Games

National multi-sport event for businesses and organisations. Now in its 18th year attracting 10,000 participants from 300 organisations over three days at venues in and around Melbourne. Twenty team and individual sports on the programme such as: AFL, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket 8's, Golf, Indoor Karting, Netball, Outrigger Canoeing, Poker, Running, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Table Tennis, Tenpin Bowling, Touch, and Volleyball. Corporate Games is an annual multi-sport championship founded to provide every athlete of every ability the opportunity to remain active in sport. * Australia's largest corporate multi-sport festival * Created to encourage companies' to support employees' pursuit of health and fitness * Builds team spirit, employee unity and pride * An ideal environment to meet and interact with the people in this key market segment * Open to all businesses, institutions and organisations, large and small * Wide community appeal with teams including employees, colleagues, clients, family and friends * Open to all ages and levels of ability, no qualifying standards

Australian Football League Finals Series

Don't miss the spectacular crescendo of 22 weeks of fantastic competition in the 2010 AFL Finals Series. From March to September Australian Rules Football (AFL) teams fight it out to make the top eight and qualify for the final series. This titanic contest is between two teams with one emerging as the premier side for the year. Close to 95,000 fans pack the stands of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the grand final while millions watch it worldwide on cable, satellite and free to air television. The final series offers sheer atmosphere and excitement and is a truly unique Australian experience.

Australian International Music Show

AIMS is the biggest music show in over a decade, designed for everyone and anyone who makes their own music, would like to start or who would like to take it up again for fun, at school or for a career. Workshops, clinics, performances and panel discussions plus 5,000m2 of gear on display. Massive roster of international and Australian artists including legendary muso's musos Robben Ford, Redd Volkaert, Bruce Kulick, Grant Collins, David Jones and Jonathan Moffett. And for those who have always wanted to take up making music, you can get on guitar with Bob Spencer (Skyhooks, The Angels), on drums with Peter Maslen (Boom Crash Opera), pick up some pro singing tips from Wendy Stapleton and Penny Dyer, or kick off your DJ skills with Andre Cato. AIMS is supported by the City of Melbourne and is part of Melbourne Music.

Australian Open - The Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific

A record crowd of 653,860 attended Australian Open 2010. The attendance smashed the previous record by nearly 50,000 in a fortnight of tennis that dominated the world sporting spotlight and eclipsed many of the historical marks for the Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific. American Serena Williams won her fifth Australian Open title, defeating Justin Henin, and a dream final line up in the men's draw saw world No.1 Roger Federer battling it out with world No.4 Andy Murray for the first Grand Slam title of the year. It couldn't seem to get any bigger. But it does. But bigger and better? Not that long ago 'The Wonderful World of Tennis' was unveiled. Then Melbourne was duly recognized as the place 'Where the world comes to play' in 2008. So much so that Melbourne Park became 'The world's biggest stage' in 2009. And a ticket to the Australian Open was in fact 'Your ticket to the world' for 2010. More tennis, more entertainment a pulsating atmosphere that envelopes a city. You can feel the competitive tension soar. More than 500 of the world's best arrive, prepare and begin. Each day thousands flock to see who will progress and bask for another day in global spotlight. Notch after notch, the pressure mounts and we are all entranced. Yet still they will find ways to scale new heights, to reach unthinkable goals. Because in 2011, the Australian Open is about to go to 'A whole new level'! Check our website for further ticket information, or join ace newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news and offers from Tennis Australia and the Australian Open.

Avenues of Honour

Avenues of Honour will be held from 29 October to January 2011 at the Shrine Visitor Centre. Sarah Wood has focussed on photographing Victorian Avenues of Honour that are currently listed on the Heritage Register for Victoria including Eurack, Woodend, Ballarat, McCleodand another near Shepparton. Sarah was first attracted to the subject through her interest in garden history and her own family's military service.

Berlin Dayz 2010

The best of Germany's creative, edgy and surprising capital in the heart of Melbourne! Over six weeks in spring time, you can witness German design, architecture, photography, classical and contemporary music, young writers and directors at Melbourne's prime venues. Be part of this exciting dialogue between two main cultural capitals: Berlin and Melbourne. Berlin Dayz is your German-Australian Art Festival. For more information, check out the program online from mid-September.

BrainLink Women of Achievement Award Luncheon

It's time to honour what you know, who you know and to remember the champions who have cheered you along the way. Who better to lead by example than Ita Buttrose, a dynamic woman who will share her insights on what it takes to be an inspirational leader, mentor and good friend - no matter if you are 20, 40, or 80 years of age. Please join us to celebrate the winners at this year's Brainlink Women of Achievement award. Proceeds from this event will aid those people and families whose lives have been affected by an acquired brain disorder.

Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival

Proudly presented by Fo Guang Shan Melbourne (FGS) and Buddha's Light International Victoria (BLIA VIC), Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival is a truly unique annual event which celebrates Melbourne's diverse multicultural society. Running over two days, the 16th annual Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival begins in the heart of Melbourne, at Federation Square. The Festival commemorates the birth of the Buddha, one of the most significant days of the Buddhist calendar, and highlights and promotes cooperation, community understanding and harmony in our inclusive and culturally diverse community. The Festival incorporates the traditions of Buddhist ceremony including the 'Bathing of the Buddha', daily Dharma ceremonies, the Wishing Bell and traditional incense offerings; a vegetarian culinary tour of Asia along the River Terrace and cooking demonstrations; cultural dance and performances from around the globe; cultural demonstrations in BMW Edge; music; art and craft, community service groups providing information and assistance; and special activities and programs for children at ArtPlay. A festival for the mind, body and spirit.

Car Club Showcase at Fed Square

See your favourite cars up close and meet the proud owners at the Fed Square Car Club Showcase. On the last Sunday of every month car aficionados transform the Flinders St frontage of Federation Square into the most glamorous carpark in town. Classic cars one month, vintage the next and modern sports cars another. All lovingly restored and cared for. The Showcase is proudly supported by Shannons. WHEN: Last Sunday of every month TIME: 11am to 2:30pm WHERE: Flinders St, Federation Square 2010 CAR SHOWCASE PROGRAM January (31st) Sunbeam Car Club February (28th) Karmann Ghia Owners Club March (28th) Confederation of Australian Motorsport Ltd April (25th) Veteran Car Club of Australia May (30th) Jaguar Car Club Victoria June (27th) Vintage Drivers Club July (25th) Morris Car Club August (29th) Maxda MX5 Club September (26th) Mercedes Benz Club of Victoria October (31st) Porsche November (28th) Victorian Mini Club Inc December series is not running this month

Children's Spring Holiday Fair

The Children's Fair at Cooks' Cottage is a chance for all children to get out of the house and play in the great outdoors. Set in the Fitzroy Gardens, Cooks' Cottage will come alive these Spring holidays with cool craft activities, interactive games and a surprising exploration of the senses. The Children's Fair is a great family day out and unbelievable value for money!

Comedy@Spleen

Every Monday, Comedy@Spleen is the city's FREE weekly comedy hotspot, with a packed room every week! With drop-in guests like Josh Thomas, Charlie Pickering, Claire Hooper, Elliot Goblet, Lehmo, Tom Gleeson, Lawrence Mooney, Glenn Robbins, Fiona O'Loghlin and Dave Callan, you will never know which special guest you are going to get! We also feature all the hottest young acts in Melbourne that will be household names tomorrow! For Free! Come down to the hottest new comedy room in town!

Craft Cubed Festival

Craft Victoria's annual festival Craft Cubed is a highly participatory event creating space for practitioners and the public to engage with contemporary issues through the medium of craft. The 2010 festival theme of 'childhood' is intended to generate inspiration amongst people of all ages, especially the young at heart! Craft Cubed 2010 features a suite of activities: Exhibitions, Professional Development, Online programs, the Craft Hatch market and other Satellite events, including Open studios, Workshops and more, held across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Please check out our website for more information.

European Masters: Stadel Museum, 19th - 20th Century

European Masters: Stadel Museum, 19th - 20th Century brings together a remarkable collection of masterpieces from the Stadel Museum in Frankfurt, one of the finest collections in Europe. Founded in 1816 by the Frankfurt financier Johann Friedrich Stadel, the Stadel Museum has one of the world's finest art collections. The collection boasts 2800 paintings, 600 sculptures and over 100,000 prints and drawings documenting the development of European art and culture. The NGV is truly privileged to host this exhibition, as the Stadel have committed only the highlights of its renowned collection of 19th and 20th century European art. Alongside masterpieces by German artists are works by the greatest French, Belgian, Dutch and Swiss masters of the time. Included are iconic Neo-Classical, Realist, Impressionist and Symbolist works, through to breathtaking German Expressionist paintings and sculpture, rarely seen in Australia. The exhibition will open with a series of large-scale romantic German paintings, including Johan Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein's iconic Goethe in the Roman Campagna from 1787. A high point is the presence of no fewer than ten works by Max Beckman, the quintessential Expressionist artist. This is an unprecedented opportunity to see a spectacular array of the finest European art spanning the dynamic and transformative years of the 19th and 20th century. Visitors will also be treated to magnificent examples of 19th century French art from Corot and Courbet's Realist landscapes to well-known beautiful Impressionist works by Monet, Renoir, Degas and Cézanne.

FCA Melbourne Chinese New Year Festival

The Melbourne FCA 2011 - Year of the Rabbit- Chinese New Year Festival will feature traditional and contemporary Chinese cultural activities, festivities, dances, Chinese opera and singing, karaoke competition, numerous stalls of culinary delights, arts and crafts, Chinese chess competitions, lion dances, dragon parades, calligraphy and children's events. This festival is open to all, young and old and its aim is to share the Chinese Cultural heritage of Melbourne's Chinese community. In recent years the festival has been one of Melbourne's most celebrated festivals and is great for the whole family. On Sunday the 6th February 2011, we will celebrate the actual Chinese New Year day, and hope for new fortunes and prosperity. The Millennium Dragon will be awakened to parade through the streets of Melbourne's Chinatown. The 2011 Festival will begin on Chinese New Year's Eve on Sunday 6th February. The Premier of Victoria and the Lord Mayor of Melbourne will officially launch the Festival. There will be the lighting of strings of firecrackers, to usher in the New Year of the Tiger and chase away the bad spirits of the old year. In line with Chinese tradition, there will be numerous displays of lions dances punctuated by beating drums and fire-crackers. During the day, the stages will showcase many cultural performances by Melbourne's great multicultural local communities and visiting Performance Arts Group from China. Touching the Dragon will bring great luck and fortune. The Chinese Lions will be out in force and Chinatown will be abuzz with drums, firecrackers, music, singing, food and families celebrating the Year of the Tiger. Road closure details can be found on the City of Melbourne website.

Fed Square Book Market

Love books? Join Melbourne's bibliophiles at the city's largest weekly book market in The Atrium at Fed Square. Held each Saturday from 11am to 5pm the Market continues Melbourne's fine literary tradition, featuring books from a variety of leading new and second hand booksellers covering a diverse range of genres.

Fed Square Laughter Club

Join in a 30-minute laughter session at Federation Square at 11:00am on the 1st Sunday of each month. Laughter Clubs come together for a session and people laugh for no reason without having to resort to jokes or humour. The sessions last about half an hour and are mostly held outdoors. They are run along the lines established by Dr Madan Kataria, who founded the global laughter movement 12 years ago with one club, and there are now over 5,000 clubs worldwide. Everyone is welcome to experience first-hand the fun of a laughter session, and gain the benefits of laughter, which improves the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social health of individuals, workplaces, and society.

Fracture Gallery at Fed Square

Accessible all year round, this unique exhibition space consists of twin parallel glass walls extending the full length of the Atrium, complimented by fractured glass shards and a web of cross bars. Curated by RMIT Gallery, the Fracture Gallery showcases the work of new and established local and international artists from around the globe. Fracture Gallery 2010 Program Details coming soon...

General Sir John Monash

With the support of Monash University this exhibition is based on archival photographs from the collection of the Australian War Memorial and documents the military career of General Sir John Monash. A bronze portrait bust of Monash by Paul Montford and Monash's First World War tin hat have been added to this fine display. Memorabilia kindly lent by families and the Monash University Archive enhance the exhibition.

Guildford Lane Gallery

About Guildford Lane Gallery Guildford Lane Gallery is a new contemporary art gallery housed within a century-old furniture factory in the CBD of Melbourne, Australia. The Gallery is a for-hire exhibition and performance space.Our Mission is to develop an encouraging, experimental and dynamic environment for a community that values interaction, education and diversity. Its aim is to continuously evolve and generate collaboration between the international community of visual, literary and performing arts and the public.History of the Site Guildford Lane Gallery embraces the history and character of its building and surrounds. Various clues to its previous existence as the Branchflowers Timber Furniture Factory are evident throughout the gallery along with a growing collection of items with direct links to the history of Guildford Lane. This includes a century-old sprinkler system that is still in operation today, Ted's Peanut labels, the Branchflowers sign by the Guildford Lane entrance as well as the metal working lathe and timber thicknesser on the ground floor. A non-operational turn-on-the-century hydraulic lift, solid timber columns, tongue-and-groove floors and exposed timber joists remain in their raw state for visitors to enjoy.Today the Gallery comprises 720m2 over 3 floors, dedicated to the Arts. Large timber barn doors admit access to the Ground Floor, a magnificent and versatile gallery space. On the first floor are more intimate exhibition and performance spaces, a screening area and the Open Studio. The second floor above retains the open plan of the warehouse and is host to a variety of projects including small theatre productions, lectures, workshops and forums.

HIA BuildGreen Expo

Victorian householders and businesses are set to be offered the keys to creating a new era of sustainability. With over 100 exhibitors and growing daily, showcasing products and services which save water, save energy, reduce waste, increase recycling or provide cleaner energy for use in the home or business. Visitors will be able to save money by comparing and buying hundreds of amazing products to cut water, energy and bills. The best eco technologies on the market will be demonstrated and experts available to answer questions. Practical free seminars on how to positively impact the planet will also run continuously over the three days. Many households and businesses, want to make changes, but are not sure what steps they can take to contribute. The BuildGreen Expo will provide the forum for visitors to gather information from the experts and make informed decisions on how they can make an impact on their own environments.

In the City Dinner

The 2010 Good Food Guide rates 'Sarti' as a fun place to dine, taking you on an adventure as your taste buds interpret the Italian "lingo". Damien Cofield will be providing the wine and entertainment for what is sure to be a memorable experience. Prices are all inclusive and bookings are essential.

L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival

L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival is the largest and most successful consumer fashion event in Australia. LMFF has established a vital resource to the fashion industry within the realms of marketing, promotion and exchanging of ideas. The Festival is an exceptional event that has as its core objective to engage and excite the public about fashion and all things fashionable while stimulating ideas and showcasing trends in design, business and innovation. The Festival is a unique annual fashion event of the highest standard, with a constant focus on innovation and excellence. LMFF strives to foster extensive local, national and international partnerships to achieve targeted promotional exposure, for its participants and stakeholders. Unlike most fashion events, LMFF provides public access to the exciting and magical world of fashion. For more information, imagery and to keep up to date by signing up to our free newsletter, become a fan on facebook or follow us on twitter. Visit the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival website for all the details.

La Mirada Film Festival

La Mirada Film Festival, Australia's most dynamic niche film festival, is set to return to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) from the 1st to the 11th of April 2011, presenting a rich and diverse program of feature films and documentaries that will showcase the best of classic Spanish language cinema and the most significant new works by budding talents of the contemporary Spanish language cinema scene. From its inception in 2007 La Mirada has been unlike any other film festival thanks to its unique approach to programming that has included 'Almodovar Presents', a classics section curated by legendary Spanish filmmaker and patron of La Mirada, Pedro Almodovar, along with international cinema luminaries acting as guest curators each year. 2010 saw guest curators who are two of cinema's greatest auteurs, Oscar-winner Martin Scorsese and Stephen Daldry (The Reader, Billy Elliot), who will share their favourite Spanish films. These selected films will be surprise screenings for the audience, not revealed until the credits start to roll. Previous guest curators have been author Paul Auster, director Woody Allen and actor Penelope Cruz. We are looking forward to presenting our guest curator/s for 2011. Keep your eyes peeled for this one. The 2011 program is yet to be finalised, for more information and updates on our event in 2011, please check out our website.

Libertine: Pinot Battle II

See award-winning wine-makers Michael Dhillon of Bindi Wine Growers and Ray Nadeson of Lethbridge Wines, go head to head with ten wines in total. Libertine's head chef, Andre De Laine will create a four-course menu inspired by regional and Victorian spring produce to match the battling wines. Libertine is owned and run by Nick Creswick and Zoe Ladyman, a young couple dedicated to their craft of providing not only a superb meal, but an indulgent service experience. They love classic and traditional French cuisine and remain steadfast in their intentions to bring back an old-fashioned style of respectful and responsive service. Libertine proudly supports produce suppliers that are quality driven and strive to use the best game, seafood and vegetables available each season. The wines on offer in the restaurant form a small eclectic collection from around the world, always of exceptional quality at every price point, catering for those just starting their exploration of wine, as well as those wanting a very special or rare bottle. Libertine opened September 2005 with immediate success and acclaim from both local diners and the press. The restaurant was renovated to open the first floor dining room October 2006. Both owners have been celebrated for their unique combination of talent and skill, the chef and the sommelier. Their food and wine matching and combinations draw both from tradition and an intimate knowledge of their subject. Nick, Zoe and the team look forward to seeing you at the battle!

Little Big Shots

Get square eyes with films for kids, about kids, and some even by kids, to amaze and delight kids. Kids of all ages flock to Melbourne's International Kids Film Festival, Little Big Shots, to laugh, whoop, think and create. Little Big Shots showcases the best in filmmaking for children and by children from Melbourne, Australia and around the world. Held over two school days and the Queen's Birthday long weekend, it is perfect for kids aged 2 to 15. Little Big Shots is an inspiring, meaningful and fun-filled festival of the best in Australian and international children's shorts, animations, documentaries and, amazingly, child-produced films. Little Big Shots features a schools program (Tuesday-Friday) and long weekend screenings. By offering six days of films by and about people whose creativity they would not normally be exposed to, the festival inspires discussion of world cultures, different languages, cultural diversity, emotional intelligence and human values.

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins - The Supercalifragilistic Musical Disney and Cameron Mackintosh invite you to let your imagination take flight - as you rediscover the power of family, the joy of youth and the indelible memories that come to life at Cherry Tree Lane. Come and step into the magical world of Mary Poppins. Brilliantly adapted from the beloved books by Australia's own P.L.Travers and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins is now playing at Her Majesty's Theatre Melbourne for a strictly limited season. This spectacular production includes all of the best loved songs from the film including Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar, Jolly Holiday, Step in Time and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Mary Poppins has dazzled millions of people around the globe and now it is your chance to experience the magic. This enchanting production lifts audiences to unparalleled heights and places the show at the top of every theatregoer's "must-see" list.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2011

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is the largest celebration of its kind anywhere in the World. During March, Melbourne and Victoria will burst with hundreds of flavoursome food and wine events. You will see traces of food and wine from every corner of the world and have the opportunity to encounter a variety of new and interesting experiences. Lovers of all things food and wine can choose a long lunch, extravagant dinner, wine tasting or casual bite, among many more tempting events on the menu. Novice and discerning bon viveur alike, learn the secrets of top chefs and winemakers from around the world at MasterClass. Each year the Festival attracts experts from the globe over, including celebrity chefs and famed winemakers, growers, purveyors, authors, commentators and critics who present alongside Australia's best. With so many spectacular Melbourne Food and Wine Festival events on offer, it is easy to see why Victoria is the epicurean epicentre of Australia!

Melbourne Fringe Festival

Melbourne Fringe celebrates the fresh, the innovative and the ground-breaking in all aspects of the arts. It is the most exciting explosion of independent creativity that Melbourne sees each year. If you want to take the pulse of one of Australia's most culturally engaged cities, this is the time and place to do it. In 2009, over 4000 independent artists created over 300 shows that took over theatres, pubs, bars, galleries and public spaces across the city. The work produced is cutting-edge, professional, and always exciting, and ranges from circus to visual arts, cabaret to dance, theatre to comedy. Many of Australia's finest talents, including Lano and Woodley, Barrie Kosky, Santo Cilauro, Rachel Berger, Rachel Griffiths, Tiddas, Julia Zemiro and Sammy J have experimented with new ideas in Melbourne Fringe. The Festival Hub in North Melbourne presents a slice of all things Fringe within a close cluster of venues. Hub venues present work selected by the Melbourne Fringe team and is the best place to get a taster of Melbourne's thriving independent arts culture. The North Melbourne Town Hall houses the Fringe Club with a bar, free entertainment and irrepressible energy. In addition to managing the independent program, Melbourne Fringe unearths some of the most extraordinary ideas taking shape in the independent sector and develops them into the free Made by Melbourne Fringe program. In 2009, 25 years of ground-breaking design were celebrated with Fringe Furniture, the interactive artwork Circuit showcased Victoria's community of independent galleries, Reverb(1) was a dance project inspired by memories and experiences of public places, and Take Off Your Skin, a large-scale collaborative dance performance, infected Melbourne with multiplying Japanese clones. The 2010 Melbourne Fringe Festival will take place from 22 September - 10 October. Don't miss it! For more information please visit our website.

Melbourne International Arts Festival

Since first being staged in 1986 as the third Spoleto Festival (with Spoleto, Italy, and Charleston, USA), Melbourne Festival quickly forged a unique identity and remains the only festival in Australia to be born from international heritage. Held over 16 days each October, Melbourne Festival is the pre-eminent destination festival in the nation, exclusively debuting and premiering some of the finest national and international artists and companies. Each Festival brings an unparalleled feast of dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multimedia and outdoor events from renowned and upcoming Australian and International companies and artists to Melbourne. Through excellence, diversity and accessibility, Melbourne Festival presents the best possible artistic experience to as many people as possible. It proudly offers a wide variety of venues and ticket prices, plus many free events. The Artistic Director for the 2010 and 2011 Festivals is Brett Sheehy.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

This coming Autumn looks totally foolish with the 2011 Melbourne International Comedy Festival rolling around again throughout March and April - the greatest comedy caper in the Southern Hemisphere. The Comedy Festival doesn't come cheap on talent, but the tickets are. There's even an extensive free program to suit the most fiscally challenged of punters. Great value laughs are dished out by the most popular of local comics and some very special international guests - from stand-up to theatre, music, film and even visual art. This year gets off to, not one, but two bangs, starting with The Gala and then followed with more celebrations at The Opening Night Allstars Speccy Comedy Supershow. Then the party just keeps on rolling with three and a half weeks' worth of galactic-sized giggles courtesy of the funniest people in the universe. There's something to satisfy the tastes of everyone - even the stoniest faced naysayers - incorporating the likes of little tykes over the school holidays right through to the midnight schmoozers who can't get enough of a good thing.

Melbourne International Jazz Festival

With more than ninety-five events over eight days and nights, the 2010 Melbourne International Jazz Festival was a true celebration of the riches of jazz. The unparalleled event included sixteen world-premieres and twenty-one Australian premieres. The festival encompasses a rich program to delight everyone from dedicated jazz enthusiasts to families and first-time concertgoers. In 2011, the festival aims to again exceed the previous festival and continue its reputation in bringing the finest jazz performers from Australia and all over the world. Our aim is to create a program that repeatedly delivers transformative musical experiences that will affirm Melbourne's significance as an international centre for jazz music. Please visit our website for information on the 2011 Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

Melbourne Queer Film Festival

It is a queer, queer world and Melbourne will be its epicentre in March when the 20th Melbourne Queer Film Festival takes over the town. Over 12 days an estimated 25,000 film lovers will watch over 140 gender bending films from around the world. The Festival will present a strong program of more than 40 features, in excess of 30 documentaries and over 70 short films selected by Festival Director Lisa Daniel and her trusty selection panel, who over the last 13 years have built the festival into one of the top five Gay and Lesbian film festivals in the world. As well as showcasing the best in Queer cinema, MQFF also supports emerging Australian filmmakers with a jury award for the City of Melbourne Best Australian Short Queer Film. Presented annually with a AUD2,000 cash prize, an Audience Choice award for Best Feature with a AUD5000 cash prize, an Audience Choice award for Foreign Language Film with a AUD5000 cash prize, an Audience Choice award for Best Australian Short Film with a AUD1,000 cash prize and a Selectors Choice Jury Award for Best Australian Short Queer Film with a AUD500 cash prize. Entries for the 2011 festival close 3 December 2010.

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2010: Tim Burton

Fresh from its inaugural showing at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, this brand new retrospective exhibition, showcasing the work of one of the film world's most creative minds, travels to ACMI as an Australian exclusive. Both a retrospective and an intimate window into the mind of a true artist, Tim Burton will be the largest temporary exhibition ever staged in ACMI's Gallery 1. It will feature more than 700 drawings, paintings, photographs, storyboards, moving-image works, puppets, maquettes, costumes and cinematic ephemera, and will spotlight Burton's extensive filmography from his 27-year career, including rare early shorts. Visitors to the Tim Burton exhibition will also be among the first in the world to see rare props, costumes and models from Burton's latest film, Alice in Wonderland, which will be released in March 2010. Tim Burton opens at ACMI as part of Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2010 on Thursday 24 June and will run through to Sunday 10 October 2010. Ticketing information and details on special film and public programs will be available online soon.

Melbourne Writers Festival

In 2010, Melbourne Writers Festival, the city's premier literary event, celebrates its 25th anniversary. This year the festival brings together an array of talented writers, artists, thinkers and performers from across the globe. Expect the unexpected as Melbourne Writers Festival opens its doors to all - celebrating everything from novels to film, from journalism to songwriting, from comedy to cartooning and from advertising to politics. Highlights include: - Eight Writers: Eight Ways to Be Human - Joss Whedon: From Buffy to Dr Horrible, Infinity & Beyond - Magazine: 56 rapid-fire free events featuring some of the festival's favourite guests - Francis Wheen and Frank Moorhouse on the 70s - New News 2010: on the future of journalism - Lyrical: featuring Steve Kilbey, Lisa Miller, Cloud Control and others - Malcolm Fraser, Waleed Aly and Judith Brett: On Liberalism - Peter Beinart on the Failure of the Jewish Establishment - DBC Pierre and Jonathon Walker on Modern Dystopia . For bookings and the full program visit our website

Michael Connell - Acting the Goat

Comedian Michael Connell is preparing to stage a new show in the Melbourne Fringe Festival called "Acting the Goat". When asked about the unusual title Michael explains; "It is what Mum used to say when I was being silly; "Stop acting the Goat!" I have always thought it's strange that you can say an expression like that and people still understand what you mean. So in this show I will be looking at how people communicate, and look at the funny things that happen when communication breaks down." "Acting the Goat" will be Michael's first big show in Melbourne since returning from touring the UK and Ireland earlier this year. His time performing abroad has also helped inspire the show. "I did a few gigs with a Swedish comedian," says Michael, "and in Sweden instead of saying "don't get your knickers in a twist", they say "don't get your beard caught in the post-box." Where did that expression come from? Did that ever happen? Is there an angry man in Sweden standing next to a post-box full of beard? It is these sort of weird little quirks of language that I will be looking at in the show." So there are no jokes about Goats then? "Well, there was not when I started writing the show," laughs Michael, "but then when I was trying to get a photo for the poster I was nearly killed by an angry Billy Goat, so now that's in the show!" Despite this brush with death Michael claims he had fun putting the show together and has even learnt something; "Yep," says Michael, "never work with kids or animals."

Mind, Body and Soul - A festival for all seniors!

Mind, Body and Soul - A festival for all seniors! Stimulate your mind, invigorate your body and enrich your soul is the aim of this one day event. Seniors are encouraged to join in this FREE event and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of the Fitzroy Gardens. Seniors will receive... FREE entry to Cooks' Cottage and the temporary exhibition, Remembering the Past. FREE tai-chi classes designed for seniors. Classes start at 10:30am and 12:30pm. FREE guided tours featuring informative commentary about the Fitzroy Gardens. FREE showbag for every senior who participates. ENTRY to a special floral display inside the Conservatory featuring classical music. ADMISSION to a traditional arts and crafts market filled with lots of goodies to take home. PLUS Roving entertainment featuring characters dressed in 18th century costumes. A wide range of 'old-time' favourite games. Mind, Body and Soul is a FREE event. No bookings required. Upon arrival, seniors are encouraged to register at the Mind, Body and Soul information booth to receive a FREE showbag.

Monthly Wreath Laying Service

The Shrine of Remembrance is Victoria's national memorial to those who have served, and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Monthly Remembrance Services are held in honour of all units no longer able to make the pilgrimage to the Shrine. The service is held in the Sanctuary of the Shrine.

Movie Extra Tropfest

One of Australia's iconic cultural events, Movie Extra Tropfest - the world's largest short film festival is on in February.. This year the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI) is 'KEY'! The TSI is included in each of the films to show that the film has been made specifically for the festival. Movie Extra Tropfest returns for its 19th year in 2011 to national audiences in excess of 150,000. This years festival will be held in Melbourne's Federation Square. An Australian summer is full of sun and surf, but never complete without Movie Extra Tropfest! This February, Australians will once again be treated to the national screening of the world's largest short film festival. Friends, families and film buffs get set to be part of a nationwide audience of over 150,000 who will simultaneously watch the best 16 short films from the competition, the largest and most unique premiere a film could ever have.

Myer Christmas Parade 2010

Viewing Information The Parade starts at the top end of Bourke Street, outside Parliament House on Spring Street at 11am. After rounding the corner it makes its way downhill to Bourke St Mall, finishing at the intersection with Elizabeth Street. The best viewing area is in Bourke Street Mall itself, right outside Myer Melbourne - but be prepared to arrive early as the Mall starts to fill at approximately 9am and is closed when it reaches capacity. If you prefer a little more elbowroom, there is plenty of room further up the route. Do not worry; no matter where you are along the route the viewing is still great. Commentary Live commentary is broadcast all the way up Bourke Street, with a different commentary team on each block, so you will know exactly what's going on. Many people prefer to view from the Spring Street end to see the parade start and have some more room to dance along with the live entertainment. Pram Friendly Area Bourke St, between exhibition and Russell is designated as our pram friendly area. There is generally less crowd here but it is open to everyone else, so make sure you secure your spot early. Disabled viewing Disabled viewing areas are provided in front of each commentary stage on the corners of Bourke and McIllraith Place, Market Lane and Royal Lane. Etiquette For the comfort and safety of all, please stay behind the barriers at all times. Do not push forward and remember to be mindful of small children in the crowd. For safety reasons, umbrellas and chairs are not permitted.

Oktoberfest 2010

Melbourne's biggest Oktoberfest celebration is back! Due to popular demand we are running our famous Oktoberfest event every Friday in October. Live music, lederhosen, steins of bier and traditional Bavarian cuisine! You can now buy tickets to your preferred Friday; tickets include entry to our Bier Hall, Oompah Band (Alpine Cocktail) a litre stein of German Bier and a traditional German Bretzel!

Opera Australia - Season 2010

Celebrate the power of the voice through the sounds, sights and sensations of opera. Three wonderful productions come to the stage in Melbourne this spring. Do not miss the delightful revival of Mozart's popular The Marriage of Figaro, Baz Luhrman's exotic and colourful vision of A Midsummer Night's Dream and the return of one of Opera Australia's most celebrated productions, Rigoletto All three productions are brought to the stage brilliantly by Opera Australia's ensemble of singers, dancers, actors, costumiers, wigmakers, designers, painters, technicians, directors and orchestral musicians. The Marriage of Figaro Mozart November 17 to December 17 Two great voices go head to head when Teddy Tahu Rhodes makes his Melbourne role debut as Figaro and Peter Coleman-Wright plays Count Almaviva. Will Susana and Figaro make it through a crazy day in time for thier wedding? Trust Mozart to reveal all. Rigoletto Verdi November 22 to December 18 Rigoletto is the Duke of Mantua's court jester, but he is not laughing when his master seduces the innocent Gilda. Meet Verdi's fascinating parade of characters as they fill the theatre with brilliant arias and ensembles in this much loved production. A Midsummer Nights Dream Britten December 4 to December 18 Baz Luhrmann's colour-drenched realm of midsummer magic is back, with its company of Indian gods, British colonials and rustic clowns. Benjamin Britten's music captures the spirit of Shakespeare's mischievous tale with a spell-bindingly beautiful score.

Opera in the Market

Fruit and forklifts make way for glistening chandeliers, flying banners and beautiful music when Boston Kennedy Executive Search & Selection presents Opera in the Market, returning to the Queen Victoria Market. Now in its twelfth year, Opera in the Market is delighted to continue the exciting partnership with St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, upon which the event's proceeds will contribute to St Vincent's new Cancer Centre. Featuring renowned Australian artists, 120 voices and 65-piece orchestra performing classical, contemporary and operatic favourites and accompanied by fine food and wine in Queen Victoria Market's 'K-Shed'. Tickets and pre-ordered hampers are on sale via RACV. Food and wine is available before the performance and during interval. Corporate entertainment packages including a three course dinner prepared on site by Fred and Ginger Catering chefs in an exclusive corporate hospitality area, premium wines by Scotchmans Hill, and complimentary car parking, can be arranged through St Vincent's Hospital.

Polish Festival @ Federation Square

The aim of the Polish Festival is to bring not only Polish dance but also the unique beauty, flavours and melodies of Poland to Melbourne, transforming the most prominent landmark in our CBD into a showcase of a vibrant, 1000-year-old culture in which hospitality and festivity play an integral role. The Festival has something to delight every person and every sense. The square's main stage is a hub of music, colour and animation throughout the day as traditional Polish dances are performed by both adults and children. Down along the Yarra's River Walk, the nose and tastebuds are brought into play as various stalls serve up the classics of Polish cuisine, including mouth-watering kie&*322;basy (sausages), pierogi (dumplings filled with combinations of pork, beef, mushrooms, cabbage and secret herbs that only Polish grandmothers can pronounce), bigos (hunter's stew that tradition says tastes better after three days, but never actually lasts past the day of creation!) and p&*261;czki (doughnuts with a variety of fruit, creme or even rose-petal jam fillings). There's plenty to keep the kids occupied too, including face-painting and mask-making, at the free all-day Kids Stop. And for the parents, a shaded beer garden provides the perfect space to relax and enjoy the flavours of Poland's world-famous vodka and beer. The Festival also has plenty to satisfy the shopping bug, with an abundance of merchandise on offer including books, clothes, fashion accessories, Christmas decorations and travel packages, much of it unique to the Festival. Perhaps most enticing is the range of elegant amber jewellery, crafted in Poland and renowned worldwide for its beautiful honey colour and calming properties. All this comes together to create a memorable day that allows you to experience the lively, Old World centre of Europe just by taking a short trip from home.

Rock of Ages

Fresh from a very successful run on Broadway, the entertaining and vibrant Rock of Ages is coming to Melbourne's Comedy Theatre in April 2011. Rock of Ages is a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of rockers Bon Jovi, Foreigner, Pat Benetar and more. Set in 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl meets a big-city dreamer and in L.A.'s most legendary rock club, they fall in love to the greatest songs of the '80s. It's an awesomely good time where big hair meets big dreams in a Rock 'n' Roll comedy romance. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this critically acclaimed musical is pushing the boundaries of modern theatre with its blend of witty dialogue and anthemic rock songs. "Rock of Ages is one of the most extraordinary theatre experiences of my life. There is no better city than Melbourne and its Comedy Theatre in which to re-create the unique Broadway event that is Rock of Ages" - Rodney Rigby, Newtheatricals. "Impossible to resist" - The New York Times For more information on this revolutionary musical about to rock Melbourne, please check out our website.

Senior's Festival Exhibition

To celebrate Seniors Week, Cooks' Cottage will be featuring a week long exhibition dedicated to remembering our past by comparing our lives today, with a nostalgic look at the good old days. This interactive exhibition is sure to have everyone reminiscing some of their fondest memories. Exclusive Offer - Cooks' Cottage is offering a special entry price for seniors' group bookings. Simply book a group of 8 or more people and receive a 40per cent discount off entry. This offer equals AUD1.60 per Senior. This offer is only available to Seniors groups and is valid from Sunday 3 October to Sunday 10 October 2010.

Spring into Shape: Series 2010

As we move slowly away from the winter solstice and the days become longer, our thoughts turn to getting fitter and the Spring into Shape Series. This year the series will be held on Sunday 12 September, 24 October, 14 November with its traditional distances of 4 or 8 kilometres run or walk and a new 12km run, around the Yarra River. Held at Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens, this short, sharp course takes in some of Melbourne's inner city beauty. And because each event is run on the same course from month to month, the Spring into Shape Series gives you the opportunity to measure your progress and improvement. Series entrants will receive a free Brooks technical T-shirt valued at AUD70.

Summer By The Sea 2010

Coast Action/Coastcare's annual activity program Summer by the Sea is now underway! Come along and learn about all things marine and coastal in Victoria by joining in one of 250 activities held right along our coast. Join a canoe safari, learn to snorkel, ramble about a rockpool, beat African drums to the sound of the waves or coast the coast on a bike! Activities run until January 2011 at a coastal location near you - see our website for further details. The program caters for all interests and ages and most activities are free! Summer by the Sea is proudly brought to you by Coast Action/Coastcare and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, with the generous support of many local coastal organisations, companies and community groups.

Sustainable Living Festival

Climate Change - It is the elephant in the room. There are tonnes of great reasons to look the climate elephant in the eye, and join thousands of Australians who are leading the charge on restoring a safe climate future at the Sustainable Living Festival. Come and learn more about sustainable living to make a difference in your everyday life! The Sustainable Living Festival showcases the aspects and benefits of sustainable living and brings together individuals, communities, organisations and businesses who share a vision for a sustainable world. Whether its organic gardening, cycling, refashioned sustainable clothing, volunteering, home retrofitting or human powered sports... sustainable living is health-promoting, creative and community building. At the Festival Main Event, exhibits, talks, workshops, films, artworks, demonstrations and performances will show visitors how they can be a part of restoring a safe climate future.

Suzuki Night Market

The Suzuki Night Market 2010/11 Season commences on Wednesday 24 November 2010 and runs every Wednesday until 23 February 2011. We look forward to seeing you there! Location: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Pedestrian entry from corner Queen and Therry Streets and Peel Street. Bookings: You can reserve a table in advance by calling us on 03 9320 5830. Tables seat 10 people and bookings incur a AUD25 fee per table. Food: Take a tour of world flavours. Over 30 stalls prepare fresh food on-site from a range of cuisines, including: Indian, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Spanish, Dutch and Middle Eastern. Bars and Wineries Three fully licensed bars. Select from a range of Victoria's regional vineyards. Enjoy their best vintages by the glass or bottle on the night or take some home for the cellar. Free Entertainment: Three stages showcasing the best world music and live local entertainment Melbourne has to offer! Shopping: Over 150 vendors offering everything from unique clothing and jewellery through to original prints and plants, promising a unusual shopping experience that will have you coming back for more. Health and Harmony: An area dedicated to mind, body and spirit - enjoy massage therapists, visit tarot and aura readers, reflexology and iridology practitioners. Regional Food Stock the pantry with a selection of Victoria's regional fare. Taste a delightful array of food to take home. Includes wonderful chutneys, mustards, olive oils, fudge and both fresh and dried fruit.

Tai Chi at Fed Square

Start each week feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and energised with Tai Chi, the Chinese martial art that promotes health and relaxation. Join expert instructors from Tai Chi Australia for a free class in The Square every Tuesday morning. Exercise your mind, body and soul in this inspiring location. Where: Main Square (The Atrium when it rains) When: Every Tuesday, 7.30am - 8.30am

Thai Culture and Food Festival

Come and join the Thai Community as they celebrate and showcase their rich and historical culture: The 8th Annual Festival will begin with a traditional blessing by Buddhist monks, and an opening ceremony. Federation Square will be transformed into a haven of Thai culture with booths showcasing Thai arts and crafts, Thai tourism, Thai kick boxing and offering Thai massage and information about Thailand and its people. There will be continuous entertainment on stage with performances of Thai dance, Thai kickboxing, a Miss Thailand beauty contest and a fashion parade featuring the best in Thai designs including famous Thai silk and Thai Product stalls will sell Thai produce There will be over 30 performers direct from Thailand. The riverbank side of Fed Square will be bedecked with food tents featuring 20 of Melbourne's premier Thai restaurants serving Thai delicacies and highlighting regional food and drink specialities as well as the 2 Singha Beer gardens and music stage. The Festival attracted 60,000 people to Federation Square last year - it is a fun-filled family event and it is free! Please visit our website for further details.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra - Viennese Masters

SCHUBERT (arr. TOGNETTI) Rondo Brilliante, D895 BEETHOVEN Septet, Op.20 BRAHMS Clarinet Quintet RICHARD TOGNETTI Artistic Director and Lead Violin SATU VANSKA Violin CHRISTOPHER MOORE Viola TIMO - VEIKKO VALVE Cello MAXIME BIBEAU Double Bass CRAIG HILL Clarinet DARYLL POULSEN Horn JANE GOWER Bassoon Vienna was the centre of 19th century music-making and these three composers were its masters. More, the Clarinet Quintet was Brahms' supreme achievement in chamber music and Beethoven's Septet made him a celebrity in the city. The Septet remained embarrassingly popular throughout Beethoven's life, more popular than the symphonies and sonatas. Those who follow Richard Tognetti's artistic vision will understand Beethoven's view that "art demands of us that we shall not stand still". Once in a while, though, it's nice to channel your inner aristocrat and relish tuneful, accomplished music like this and Brahms' graceful, autumnal Clarinet Quintet. The ACO performs on gut strings joined by outstanding Australian period wind instrumentalists. First though, you will cheer ACO Assistant Leader Satu Vanska's show-stopping performance of Schubert's virtuosic Rondo Brilliante. She's been playing it since she was a child and describes it as a "fourteen minute roller coaster ride - a challenge well worth facing". For more information please visit our website.

The Beltane Feast

Biodynamic baron Neil Prentice (Holly's Garden / Prentice Wines) and Organic oracle Will Flamsteed (Smiths Vineyard / Flamsteed Wines) join hands and ring-a-spring-rosy to celebrate 'Beltane' - the ancient pagan spring-fling. Libertine's head chef Andre de Laine will create a four-course menu to align the moon, the stars and the earnestness of these spectacular wines, which will include Neil's own acclaimed, grass-fed wagyu. Bookings are essential. Please contact Libertine for more information and bookings.

The Light in Winter

In 2011 Federation Square gives us another bright reason to rug up and head for the city. Directed by Robyn Archer, The Light in Winter is a light-based festival that brings together artists, designers and communities to explore their ideas of light, enlightenment and hope. The festival will include thirteen light installations created by Melbourne's multicultural communities as part of the 'Gift of Light' along with a major international commission. Come in out of the cold and enjoy the heartening glow of the Light in Winter.

The Nutcracker by The Australian Ballet

The Royal Women's Hospital invites you to attend a magical performance of The Nutcracker by The Australian Ballet. All monies raised will support "Liz's Fund" for research into improved prevention, diagnosis and treatments for gynaecological (ovarian and cervical) and breast cancers at the Women's Cancer Research Centre. Tickets can be purchased online. Alternatively you can contact the Women's Foundation. For more information on this fantastic event, please visit our website.

This company of brave men: The Gallipoli

An exhibition from the Australian War Memorial. This exhibition from the Australian War Memorial marks the 95th anniversary of the historic Gallipoli campaign and displays all nine of The Gallipoli VCs. It is a rare opportunity for visitors to the Shrine to see these important symbols of the ANZAC experience and learn the stories of the men who earned them. This company of brave men is touring Australia during 2010.

Victorian Microbreweries Showcase

Meet the brewers. Enjoy their beer. The idea is simple but there's nothing 'simple' about the boutique beers featured in our regular Victorian Microbreweries Showcase. With your 'tasting ticket' you can enjoy 20 uniquely crafted beers from Melbourne and regional Victoria. What better way to celebrate the pioneering spirit of our thriving boutique brewing industry?

Victorian Opera

Victorian Opera's 2010 season is an extraordinary mix of compelling and enticing productions with four full operatic works, two concerts and two new Australian commissions. Each opera in the season deals with an aspect of woman- the woman betrayed, adored, scorned, the woman as schemer, as conqueror, the woman disconsolate and the woman as winner. For the 2010 season Victorian Opera introduces ballet star Steven Heathcote as the director of Handel's Julius Caesar, once again joins forces with Malthouse Theatre in a co-production of The Threepenny Opera, and continues to bring new and surprising work to Victorian audiences, including two brand new Australian commissions, The Parrot Factory and The Cockatoos. 2010 Season includes: - Berlioz: The Damnation of Faust - Walton/Ibert: The Bear/Angelique - Weill & Brecht: The Threepenny Opera - Britten: The Turn of the Screw - Handel: Julius Caesar - Greenbaum & Baglin: The Parrot Factory - De Jong & Carradine: The Cockatoos Subscription packages now on sale, starting at just AUD72. Visit our website for further information and to subscribe. Single tickets sales from 1 December 2009.

Vodafone Boxing Day Test

The traditional Boxing Day Test at the MCG is the most anticipated cricket match each year in world cricket and this year will be no exception. The Ashes is one of the most celebrated rivalries in world sport and this summer will see Australia give it their all to reclaim The Ashes from England. As well as the action on the arena there will be plenty of activities in and around the MCG. 'The Outfield' precinct will provide interactive cricket displays for families in Yarra Park. For fixtures, match information and ticket prices, please visit our website.

West Side Story 2010

The moment the curtain rose on West Side Story on Broadway, musical theatre was at once changed forever. With groundbreaking choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur Laurents, an unforgettable score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story created a new face for musical theatre. West Side Story with its superb musicality and dramatization redefined an entire theatrical genre. Packed with unforgettable songs including Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, America and I Feel Pretty, West Side Story remains a theatrical landmark. The film version went on to win an incredible 10 Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and further cemented the reputation of this undoubted masterpiece. Based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, two young people meet, fall in love and pledge their eternal loyalty to one another. Their different origins ensure that they are denied a happy future thanks to the intolerance and hatred of antagonistic cultures. Their love is overtaken by fate. Now 50 years after the musical made its Australian debut, Joey McKneely's vibrant new stage production arrives in Melbourne after wild acclaim in London, Tokyo, Paris and Beijing. Joey was personally chosen by Jerome Robbins to reproduce his choreography for West Side Story which he has now done throughout the world. On Broadway Joey has substantial directing and choreography credits, having won a number of Awards and been nominated for two Tony Awards. The Regent Theatre will play host to one of the finest musicals to hit Broadway and the West End. This is a strictly limited season so if you want to see musical theatre at its very best, West Side Story is an absolute must! For all the news, information and more, please visit the website.

Whitelion AFL Final Series Luncheon

Where will footy be in ten years time? Will soccer take over? Will more new teams come into the equation? How will controversial issues like drugs in sport continue to affect the game? As footy fever grips Australia, Whitelion is preparing to host its annual AFL Finals Series Luncheon, with the future of the game being the hot topic. Now in its tenth year, the fundraising event will take place at the MCG. Whitelion is a not-for-profit organisation that supports youth at risk. The charity works to build meaningful relationships and create opportunities that enable highly vulnerable young people to reconnect with society and reach their full potential. Over the years, many young AFL footballers have become involved with the organisation as role models. The topic 'Future of Footy' will be discussed by a panel of experts that includes North Melbourne's Drew Petrie, AFL Players Association CEO Matt Finnis, North Melbourne's CEO Eugene Arocca Herald Sun sports reporter Jackie Epstein and AFL National Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan. The afternoon will also include a two course meal, auctions, a raffle and an appearance by stand-up comedian Damian Callinan as his hilarious alter ego, faded AFL star Troy Carrington.

Working together: South Vietnamese and Australian soldiers in the Vietnam War 1962-73

Working Together: South Vietnamese and Australian soldiers in the Vietnam War will be held from 13 August to 14 November. The Shrine has developed this exhibition in partnership with veterans of the Vietnam War. A new perspective on this war emerges through the stories of South Vietnamese Australians and their Australian Army counterparts who served side by side during the war.