Events Calendar

January-June 2007

January 2007 | February 2007 | March 2007 | April 2007 | May 2007 | June 2007

Events From June To December 2007

Cultural Events in Yarra Many of the projects in this cultural events calendar have been supported through the Community Grants Program.City of Yarra's Community Grants Program aims to provide financial and in-kind support for community initiatives and projects that address local issues, increase community resilience, build social capital and enhance the wellbeing of City of Yarra residents.

Photo from the 2005 Moon Lantern Festival is courtesy of the North Richmond Community Health Centre and photographer Ponch Hawkes.

Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri as the first owners of this country. Today, they are still the custodians of the cultural heritage of this land. Further to this, Council acknowledges there are other Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people who have lived, worked and contributed to the cultural heritage of Yarra.

January 2007

7 January – 2 December

Lentil Bash @ Abbotsford Convent

A free monthly cultural gathering that encourages collaborations between participants in the areas of music, dance, theatre, spoken word and film. The aim is to break the boundaries between mediums and the roles of participant and spectator. Lentil is an unusual place that nurtures unusual artistic explorations and ventures. You never know what will happen! All welcome, first Sunday evening of every month.

9419 6444
patanet@gmail.com
www.lentilasanything.com

7 January – 7 May

Based On A True Story

A participatory community arts project for residents to work with film-maker Mim Whiting to create a large-scale story banner and digital stories about their experiences of living at disadvantage. Will be exhibited at Clifton Creative Arts Centre as part of Arbias’s Recreation Services Annual Art Exhibition.

Arbias Recreation Services
Chris Beuyni 8388 1222

19 January – 11 February

Midsumma Festival

An annual arts and cultural festival celebrating the pride and diversity of Victoria's lesbian, gay and allied communities. Midsumma brings together a diverse mix of artists and performers for an impassioned celebration and innovative presentation of queer art and culture. The program will feature a number of signature projects in local venues covering the visual arts, spoken word and performance.

Various locations in the City of Yarra
9415 9819

26-27 January, 02-03 February

Movies Under the Stars

A series of queer and romantic film favourites screened on the banks of the Yarra River. BYO friends, family, cushions, picnic hamper and candelabra. Prizes for best hamper. Gates open at 7.00pm, movies start at dusk.

Fairfield Amphitheatre, Heidelberg Road, Fairfield
9827 2022
info@melbournequeerfilm.com.au
www.melbournequeerfilm.com.au

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February 2007

4 February

Victoria Street Lunar Festival

Celebrate the Year of the Boar at this fantastically vibrant New Year festival on Victoria Street. Enjoy the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese culture. Two stages will feature Chinese and Vietnamese Opera, Karaoke, fashion parades and bands.

Victoria Street, Abbotsford
0413 337 682
raba2001@hotmail.com
www.victoriastreet.com.au

4 February

Free Climate Change Forums

FORUM 1. Climate Change, Despair and Empowerment
Featuring John Seed (renowned environmentalist and deep ecologist)
Wednesday 7 February, 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Road
www.beyondzeroemissions.org

4 - 25 February

Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series

An afternoon series of world music on the tranquil banks of the Yarra River. Enjoy diverse international sounds and the friendliest of vibes each Sunday in February. Bring your friends, pack a picnic, some cushions and your dancing shoes.

Fairfield Amphitheatre, Heidelberg Road, Fairfield
9412 6600
enquiry@panevent.com.au
www.panevent.com.au

15 February

Lunar New Year Community Celebration - Year of the Pig

A traditional luncheon to celebrate Lunar New Year. As the Vietnamese community in Yarra is ageing, leading members of the community who have previously helped organise New Year celebrations are now finding it difficult to do so. Through food and entertainment such as the traditional Dragon Dance, this event allows the elderly Vietnamese to celebrate their cultural heritage.

North Yarra Community Health Centre
North Carlton, Bich Ha, 9349 7307

17 February

TET Celebrations

A traditional annual event celebrating the Chinese and Vietnamese New Year. This highly significant cultural celebration will feature a free celebratory lunch, a vibrant stage program of entertainment and a community art installation.

North Richmond Community Health Centre Inc, 9420 1340

18 February

Celebrate Yarra! Festival

18/02/2007 11:00 AM

Celebrate Yarra festival celebrates our communities diversity. People come together to enjoy lively music, workshops, skate demonstrations and competitions, fantastic fare and family activities galore. Performances by Strange Fruit, the Purple Stripes, Lothlorien, Kutcha Edwards, Devil Goat Family String Band, Milk and a Q&A with author Andy Griffiths. A Paw in the Park competition will also take place. Postcard

Edinburgh Gardens
Alfred Crescent, North Fitzroy
Michael Ward
9205 5086
www.yarracity.vic.gov.au

18 February

When I Grow UP

Ten young acrobats -skilled up, toned up and growing up –grapple with their future in a high-energy circus extravaganza. What will YOU be when you grow up? Delve into a dynamic world of board meetings, traffic jams and… Broadway musicals? See tumbling, table-sliding, twirling and more as performers energetically explore the pain, excitement, terror and downright insanity of coming of age in the ‘noughties’.  Trick Circus will engage and amaze with this free event which is part of Celebrate Yarra!

Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy
admin@trickcircus.net
www.trickcircus.net

21 February

Free Climate Change Forums

FORUM 2. Sustainable Cities
Featuring Gordon Price, Director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University.
Wednesday 21 February, 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Road

24 February

Detox you home

household chemical drop off
Saturday 24th February 8.00am to 4.00pm
Collingwood Depot
Roseneath Street
Clifton Hill - What can I take

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March 2007

1 March – 7 April

A poke in the eye is a good distraction from a ringing ear

Conical Gallery will host four, one week residencies for artists working in the hybrid sound/visual performance field. A series of unique live events presenting a cross section of current local art/sound performance, including percussive glass installation, processed ensemble vocal performance, immersive cinematic postrock, and spatial cumulative feedback systems.

Conical Gallery, Upstairs
3 Rochester St, Fitzroy.
9415 6958
www.conical.org.au

8 March

Free Climate Change Forums

FORUM 3. Screening of “How Cuba survived the oil crisis” (DVD 53 minutes)
(Kindly donated by Yarra resident Glenda Lindsay)
Thursday 8 March, 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Road

17 March

Black Harmony Gathering

Held on Harmony Day in Cultural Diversity Week, this unique event showcases Melbourne's best Indigenous, African and culturally diverse musicians. Held in the heart of Indigenous land and multicultural communities on the banks of the Yarra River this is an event for all the family. Experience a traditional smoking ceremony, indigenous craft sharing circle, African arts and crafts and delicious halal food and indigenous BBQ.

Fairfield Amphitheatre, Heidelberg Road, Fairfield
9417 6777
office@multiculturalarts.com.au
www.multiculturalarts.com.au

18 March

Music from the Wetlands

Celebrating music, environment and community, Music from the Wetlands showcases the history, culture and life of the community in the Alphington and South Fairfield area. The festival program will include performances on the river flats, environmental displays, guided tours of the Alphington Wetlands and a host of activities for families and children such as storytelling and kid’s craft.

1 View Street, Alphington
info@musicfromthewetlands.com.au
www.musicfromthewetlands.com.au

March 18 - 23

Fitzroy Town Hall Reopening Celebrations

The restored Fitzroy Town Hall will be officially opened on 18 March 2007 followed by a
 week of celebrations. Visitors are encouraged to explore the beautiful 1873 building and reflect on the rich social, artistic and cultural heritage of the site. Key features of the week include an inclusive program developed in conjunction with the community, a series of public lectures, theatre performances and dance and singing workshops, a special celebration for 2007 World Harmony Day, the first Yarra Council meeting to be held at the town hall since amalgamation and a Citizenship Ceremony.

The program will kick off with a family day on Sunday 18 March and will include lectures, history tours, roving performances, music, dance, workshops, exhibitions and installations.

Fitzroy Town Hall
Napier Street, Fitzroy
9205 5014

22 March

Citizenship Ceremony

Fitzroy Town Hall, Napier Street, Fitzroy.
Each candidate will take a pledge of Commitment as a Citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia. Family and friends are invited to attend the Ceremony. Fitzroy Town Hall, Napier Street, Fitzroy 9205 5086

23 March

Where The Heart Is Community Festival

Where The Heart Is celebrates the lives, skills, talents, creativity and achievements of people experiencing homelessness. Activities on the day include music performances, poetry readings, art displays and craft stalls. The festival is conducted in partnership with over 30 organisations in the health and homeless sector.

Edinburgh Gardens,
Alfred Crescent, North Fitzroy
8327 0100
tswansborough@rdns.com.au

25 March

Irish Music Festival

A day of musical and dance workshops culminating in an evening performance combining professional performers and participants. The day will cater for a broad range of ages and experience and aims to celebrate and promote the joy of Irish culture to new audiences.
St Philip's Hall Collingwood and the Collingwood Town Hall, 140 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford. 9205 510

28 March

Ride2School Day
"The City of Yarra is proud to be supporting Ride to School Day 2007 on Wednesday 28 March, offering $1500 worth of extra incentives for local schools to get involved!

The first ten Yarra schools that sign up to participate will receive a $100 voucher to provide a healthy breakfast for students on the day, and the two schools with the highest percentage of children who travel via active transport (ride/walk) on 28 March will receive a $250 fair trade sporting equipment voucher!

Cycling or walking to school provides children with exercise, and reduces air pollution and road congestion. The City of Yarra is committed to promoting the use of sustainable transport and reducing our dependence on cars, in turn improving the health and well-being of our community.

Don’t miss out on your chance to win some great prizes - make sure your school gets involves in Ride to School Day on Wednesday 28 March! To register with Bicycle Victoria please go to www.ride2school.com.au

For more information on cycling in Yarra, including our wide range of cycling trails and places to visit, please see Sustainable Transport Initiatives

In March look out for…

Perry Street Festival

A local community festival which celebrates the diverse community around Smith St, Collingwood.  The festival is a unique celebration of local cultures including local musical talent, information stalls from local community organisations, an outdoor organic eatery, daytime children's entertainment, displays of environmentally sustainable technology, plant propagation, urban self-sufficiency and urban ecologically sustainable initiatives.

Cnr Perry and Smith Streets, Collingwood
9417 4382
food@foe.org.au

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April 2007

1 April

Peepshow Inc presents 'Puppet Peepshow - Dark'

Puppet Peepshow - Dark is a short sensory theatre experience specifically designed for Peepshow Inc's mobile Puppet Peepshow venue and the vision-impaired community. Seeing and vision-impaired artists will collaborate to develop this tactile puppetry performance, where radio play meets ghost train, exploring why we're afraid of the dark...

Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
info@peepshowinc.com
www.peepshowinc.com

7 April

NYCH Mural Project @ Collingwood Centre

This project will create new mural panels to replace the badly damaged original (1993) mural panels that enlivened the Hoddle Street facade of the NYCH Collingwood Centre.

North Yarra Community Health Centre
Collingwood Marlies Blatz 9411 4304

19 April

Citizenship Ceremony

Citizenship Ceremonies are conducted at Richmond, Collingwood or Fitzroy Town Halls. Each candidate will take a pledge of Commitment as a Citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia. Family and friends are invited to attend the Ceremony.
Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Road, Richmond. 9205 5086

19 April - 20 June

New Horizons -Prologue / Sensuous Journey - Epilogue

Artist Marcello D'Amico presents an exhibition of new works and previously unseen works, in his new show titled New Horizons -Prologue / Sensuous Journey - Epilogue. The exhibition includes drawings, paintings and watercolours inspired by both the human figure and the landscapes and moods of the Aeolian Islands, D'Amico's region of birth.  The exhibition of figurative and abstract works can be viewed until 20 June, at the Richmond Town Hall (level 1), 333 Bridge Road Richmond, 9am -5pm Monday to Friday.

Richmond Town Hall,
333 Bridge Rd, Richmond
Brona Keenan
t: 9205 5029

20 April

Australian City Farms and Community Gardens Conference

From March 20-25, 2007 in Collingwood Melbourne, a number of key environmental and urban agriculture organizations will be hosting the 4th Annual Australian City Farms and Community Gardens Conference. The conference theme is: ‘Cities Feeding People: grow it
where you live!’ Our aim is to cross promote the immense benefit of urban gardening, and the importance of
food systems close to where people live in light of climate change and peak oil.’
For further info go to: http://www.ceres.org.au/index1024x768.htm

21 April

Big Laugh Out at the Collingwood Children's Farm

A free, family friendly comedy programme held at the Collingwood Children's Farm as part of the outdoor programme for the Comedy Festival. Two shows will be performed daily and will include physical comedy and musical theatre. Entry into the Farm will be free on this day.

Collingwood Children's Farm
St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
9417 7711
info@comedyfestival.com.au
www.comedyfestival.com.au

21 April

Collingwood Harvest Festival

A community music, art and food festival held on the grounds of the Collingwood Housing Estate. The festival celebrates the harvest of vegetables grown in the Community Gardens on the estate. Activities on the day include cooking demonstrations, garden tours, art workshops and stage entertainment. The Harvest Festival provides an opportunity for the different cultures that live together on and around the estate to share their cultural traditions through performances arts and food.

Harmsworth Park, Collingwood Housing Estate
Harmsworth Street, Collingwood
9417 4856

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May 2007

2 May - 5 December

3MBS Cry Baby Classical Concerts

3MBS 103.5 Classic FM and the City of Yarra proudly present a series of Cry Baby Classical Concerts for babies, children and adults. Music for children will be performed live by Melbourne’s pre-eminent music ensembles in the beautiful restored Reading Room of Fitzroy Town Hall.

Come and join us on the first Wednesday of every month beginning May.

Concert Brochure

Susan Battern
3MBS
9416 1035

4 May

Walk Safely to School Day

All schools in Yarra have been invited to participate in Walk Safely to School Day. Yarra is supporting participating schools by providing a contribution towards the provision of a healthy breakfast or morning tea at each participating school.

Cheryl Cameron
City of Yarra
Early Years Unit 9205 5264

4 May

Fair Trade Fortnight

During Fair Trade Fortnight (28 April to 13 May) the City of Yarra is holding a special celebration to encourage schools, businesses and community groups to join Council's fair trade program.

On the night enjoy fair trade food, coffee, drinks, home-grown entertainment and the opportunity to talk to many organisations and community groups about how to get involved. There will also be a guest speaker, coffee farmer Guillermo Vargas, joing us all the way from Costa Rica. All welcome.

Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Road Richmond 6pm
Susannah Powell
City of Yarra
Environment & Recreation Services 9205 5754

7 May

Neighbourhood House Week

Neighbourhood House Week is an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the work of the Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres in the city of Yarra. It is also an opporutnity to visit your local neighbourhood House and see what activites and classes are on offer.

Drop into your local Neighbourhood House

11 – 20 May

Melbourne Stencil Festival

A free exhibition event of local and international street and stencil art. The festival includes a variety of additional activities such as live demonstrations, workshops, talks, panel discussions and much more. Opening Night Friday 11 May, 6pm. Be hip to the bit of the art on the street!

North Fitzroy Artist Community,
100 Barkly St, North Fitzroy
info@stencilfestival.com
www.stencilfestival.com

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7 May – 14 July

Step That Game Up

Step That Game Up is a project that will develop and showcase the skills of local B-boys/girls and other street-dance styles through a dance competition held in the City of Yarra. This will be the first of its kind in Yarra. Step That Game Up will target CALD young people both as competitors, performers and audience, building on existing networks that have been developed in Yarra over the past 3 years - particularly on the North Richmond Estate. The project will provide support for local emerging artists to participate through an 8 week program of intensive workshops.

Melbourne Hip Hop Collective
St Bartholomews Hall,
290 Burnley Street, Richmond
Alana Smith 0414 994 771

26 May

Theo Sidiropoulos Memorial Launch

Launch of the Theo Sidiropoulos Memorial, located in St Phillips Park, Abbotsford (the park next to the Collingwood Town Hall).  The memorial was created by artist Jenny Steiner. After the official launch, the community is invited to attend  'EVIVA!', a free musical celebration event and refreshments in the Collingwood Town Hall.  'EVIVA!' is supported by Victorian Multicultural Commission, Theo Sidiropoulos Trust and Multicultural Arts Victoria.  The memorial is supported by Victorian Multicultural Commission, and the Theo Sidiropoulos Trust.

St Phillips Park, Hoddle Street,
Abbotsford (next to the Collingwood Town Hall)

26 May - 3 June

Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day

The City of Yarra is proud to support Sorry Day 26th of May and Reconciliation Week May 27 - June 3. Information about the range of activities in Melbourne can be found at the following websites;
Reconciliation Victoria's program of events
Sorry Day March

June 2007

3 June 11:30 AM

Lentil Bash @ Abbotsford Convent

A free monthly cultural gathering that encourages collaborations between participants in the areas of music, dance, theatre, spoken word and film. Lentil is an unusual place that nurtures unusual artistic explorations and ventures. You never know what will happen! All welcome, first Sunday evening of every month.

Lentil As Anything, Abbotsford Convent, St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
9419 6444
www.lentilasanything.com

5 June

Orange Prize Winner Book Talk

Join us at the Fitzroy Town Hall Reading Room when Orange Prize-winning author Lionel Shriver discusses her latest novel, The Post-Birthday World. This truly auspicious occasion is the first event for adult readers to be held by the newly formed Yarra Libraries.

Tuesday 5 June, 1pm
Reading Room, Fitzroy Town Hall,
201 Napier Street, Fitzroy
Bookings essential
Yarra Libraries
Ph: 1300 695 427
Email: yarralibraries@yarracity.vic.gov.au 

9 June

Dog and Cat Microchipping Day

The City of Yarra will be holding a microchipping day for dogs and cats at a reduced cost of $20 per animal. Council’s pound contractor, the Lost Dogs Home will be conducting the microchipping. Local pet related businesses will be in attendance to promote and sell their products/services. Non Yarra resident’s pets are also welcome. Dogs must be on a leash and cats in cages.
For bookings contact the Lost Dogs Home on 1300 300 670

13 June

Melbourne Writers’ Festival Preview

Join us at Carlton Library when Rosemary Cameron, Director of the Melbourne Writers’ Festival, gives us a Sneak Peek at the Festival. Find out about the 2007 MWF program and hear about plans for the 2008 festival.

Carlton Library, 667 Rathdowne Street, North Carlton
Wednesday 13 June, 7pm
For bookings call 1300 695 427
Ph: (03) 9203 3699
Email: yarralibraries@yarracity.vic.gov.au 

17 June

Emerge Festival

Commemorating United Nations World Refugee Day, the Emerge Festival is a unique celebration of the significant contributions made to the cultural life of Melbourne by our most recently arrived communities from Africa, Afghanistan, Kurdistan and beyond. Held in the magnificent Fitzroy Town Hall this is an event for all the family with over three non-stop stages of world music and dance featuring some of our finest local and international talent. Experience the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, roam the vibrant cultural marketplace, free creative children’s activities plus sample authentic foods from Africa and beyond. Free.

Fitzroy Town Hall
Napier Street, Fitzroy
9417 6777
office@multiculturalarts.com.au
www.multiculturalarts.com.au

18 June - 30 June

Library amnesty on fines

Return overdue library material between Monday 18th June and Saturday 30th June and have your library fines waived.

Yarra Libraries in conjunction with the Melbourne Library Service will be holding an amnesty on all overdue library fines. Simply return any overdue library material to any of the participating libraries and the fines will be waived.

For more information, please speak to one of our staff at the libraries or ring 1300 695 427.

Yarra Libraries
1300 695 427

19 June

Dragon Boat Community Celebration

A community gathering inviting estate residents to make rice dumplings and herb door hangings for the Dragon Boat Festival. This will be followed by a trip to the Melbourne International Dragon Boat Race at the Yarra River. 

Collingwood Neighbourhood House
253 Hoddle Street, Collingwood
8412 8909

21 June

6 PM - 7.30 PM

Briefing Session- Yarra Libraries - Open Invitation

Main topics for discussion will include 2006/07 budget and service plan highlights, ongoing community consultation as well as the process for the development of a new Strategic Library Plan for 2008-2012.
Please register your attendance by 15 June, 2007 by emailing ccpadmin@yarracity.vic.gov.au 9205 5106. Light refreshments will be available after the meeting.

The session will be held on Thursday, 21 June, 2007 at Collingwood library (11 Stanton St, Abbotsford) from 6.00pm to 7.30pm.

Main topics for discussion will include 2006/07 budget and service plan highlights, ongoing community consultation as well as the process for the development of a new Strategic Library Plan for 2008-2012.

Please register your attendance by 15 June, 2007 by emailing ccpadmin@yarracity.vic.gov.au or by calling 9205 5106. Light refreshments will be available after the meeting.

Collingwood Library
11 Stanton St, Abbotsford
Yarra Libraries
1300 695 427

21 June

Citizenship Ceremony

Citizenship Ceremonies are conducted at Richmond, Collingwood or Fitzroy Town Halls. Each candidate will take a pledge of Commitment as a Citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia. Family and friends are invited to attend the Ceremony.

Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Road, Richmond
Department of Immigration Ph. 13 1880

25 June

"Who's Taking Responsibility for Gambling Harm?"

The themes of the conference include:
- clinical interventions and treatment
- public health, community development and education
- policy and advocacy

Keynote speakers are:
Dr Michael Walker - Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Sydney, and author of "The Psychology of Gambling"
Dr James Doughney - Author of 'The Poker Machine State: dilemmas in ethics, economics and governance' and convenor of Pokiesaction.org Dr David Hodgins - Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary (Canada) Tracey Schrans - Vice President of Focal Research (Canada), internationally recognised for her research on gambling behaviour, applied consumer research and responsible gaming.
Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Rd, Richmond
Council of Gamblers Help - Eddie Chapman 9328 5825

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Events From June To December 2007

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Further information

Arts & Cultural Services
c/o Richmond Town Hall,
333 Bridge Rd, Richmond
Telephone 9205 5555
Email info@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Links

Within this site
Yarra City Councl
2007 Celebrate Yarra! - Stall Application Form Food Stall Application Form

Information supplied by: Electronic communications & design officer - 9205 5214

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