Diary Notes
January - February 2009
Melbourne
Setting the Scene, ACMI, 4 December 2008 – 19 April 2009
Setting The Scene: Film Design From Metropolis to Australia showcases the remarkable production design that featured in some of cinema’s most famous (and notorious) movies, including Metropolis, Mon Oncle, A Clockwork Orange, Cabaret, Alien and The Matrix.
The exhibition also features a curated showcase of the work of Australian production designer, Catherine Martin and includes a real set featured in the Baz Luhrmann’s epic Australia
For further information: go to www.acmi.net.au
Media contact: Claire Butler, ACMI on (03) 8663 2415 or email Claire.Butler@acmi.net.au
Billy Elliot the Musical, Her Majesty Theatre, from December 13
Billy Elliot the Musical, based on the acclaimed heart-warming film, is now playing at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre. Featuring songs by Elton John, Billy Elliot the Musical is set in 1984 and tells the story of a pre-teen boy from a mining village in northern England who tries to escape his background by becoming a ballet dancer.
For more information: go to www.billyelliotthemusical.com.au
Media contact: JP Bolton (02) 9264 7750 or email: jp@jppr.com.au
Drifters Dreamers and Cowboys: Country Music on Film, ACMI, 27 December – 4 January
Experience all the guitar-strumming, tobacco-chewing, penitentiary-living, whisky-drinking, highway-driving and hell-raising that is the heart of country music in this special ACMI season. Includes the documentaries Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, Graham Parsons: Fallen Angel, and also Searching for the Wrong Eyed Jesus. This season also includes several live music performances, see ACMI website for further details.
For further information: go to www.acmi.net.au
Media contact: Claire Butler, ACMI on (03) 8663 2415 or email Claire.Butler@acmi.net.au
Shane Warne the Musical, Athenaeum Theatre, from December 10
In a country that routinely lops its tall poppies, Shane Warne the Musical sets out to celebrate and understand the life of cricket’s most maligned and celebrated identity as he battles fame, failure, fidelity and the ferocious attention of the Australian media.
For further information: go to www.shanewarnethemusical.com.au
Media contact: Tatia Sloley, Ph: (03) 9419 8837 or 0403 305 395 email: tatia@tspublicity.com.au
Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlingerr - The Water Hole, 22 December - 1 March
Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger’s ecological fantasy-world comes to life in the main gallery at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. The pair, who have collaborated since 1997, bring together made and found objects to create extravagant, magical installations that are full of allegory and beauty. Free entry.
For further information: call (03) 9697 9999 or go to www.accaonline.org.au
Media contact: Katrina Hall, Ph: 0421 153 046 or kathall@ozemail.com.au
Summer Fun in the City, Melbourne, 2 January - 24 February
Pack a picnic, grab a group and enjoy Melbourne’s sunny days and balmy nights at Summer Fun in the City. Jam-packed with free events, the program includes an evening under the stars, a chance to learn some new dance moves, a ‘fairy’ show and experience the thrill of the trapeze in the heart of the city. The Docklands will be part of the celebrations with sailing, sport and sand sculpting workshops as well as music and dancing. Enjoy the festival atmosphere in the Fitzroy Gardens, Royal Park, Alexandra Gardens, Birrarung Marr and Federation Square and at the Docklands.
For further information: call (03) 9658 9658 or go to www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
Aussie Millions Poker Championship, 4 – 26 January
The Aussie Millions Poker Championship is the largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event in the Southern Hemisphere and ranked fifth in the world. Featuring a comprehensive slate of tournaments in every major poker variation, the Aussie Millions is poker’s longest running tournament in the Southern Hemisphere, dating back to 1998. In 2008, the event attracted more than 2000 entrants from a cast of nations and awarded just under AUD$16 million in prize money, as players competed for game’s most coveted trophy, the Aussie Millions ‘Main Event’ Champion.
For further information: www.crownltd.com.au
Media contact: Natasha Stipanov Ph: (03) 9292 7317 or email: natashas@crownmelbourne.com.au
Suzuki Night Market, 26 November – 25 February
Enjoy a memorable evening at the Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights (except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve) from 5.30pm – 10.00pm. The night market showcases cuisine from around the world accompanied by wines from regional Victoria. See world music and local bands, go shopping and visit an alternative health practitioner. Admission is free.
For further information: call (03) 9320 5822 or go to www.qvm.com.au
Covers, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Bulleen, until 22 February
Covers is an innovative exhibition by Fiona Abicare who has turned a traditional exhibition space into an opulent 1940s Hollywood stage-set interior. In creating the installation, the walls were painted and the space reconfigured with tailored curtains and a freestanding screen decorated with faux volcanic rock and a mosaic of mirrored glass. Other objects include cast gold nuggets, mineral rocks and two life-size female figures in 1940s attire.
For further information: go to www.heide.com.au/exhibitions.php
Media contact: Magda Petkoff on (03) 9328 4522 or magda@purplemedia.com.au
2009 NEC Master of the Amateurs, Melbourne, 12 - 15 January
One of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in the world will be hosted in Victoria from 12 - 15 January. The 2009 NEC Master of the Amateurs is recognised by the Royal and Ancient (R&A) Golf Club as a world amateur golf ranking counting event and will be played over 72 holes, at the prestigious Yarra Yarra Golf Club in Bentleigh East. The competition will see the world’s hottest unsigned golfers do battle to win the title of Master of the Amateurs and wear the coveted ‘green jacket’. Entry to the course is free for spectators.
For further information: call (03) 9877 9155 or go to www.masterofthemateus.com.au
Twilights at Melbourne Zoo, 17 January – March
From 17 January, enjoy one of Melbourne’s best-loved summer events, Twilights at Melbourne Zoo. The popular twilight festival features great entertainment including big bands, rock, jazz, tribute bands, swing ensembles, show and Latin bands. The festival is held on weekends from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.
For further information: call (03) 03 9285 9300 or go to www.zoo.org.au
2009 Midsumma Festival, Melbourne, 18 January – 9 February
Midsumma is Victoria’s premier gay and lesbian arts and cultural festival, showcasing the finest queer performing arts, visual arts, cabaret, spoken word, film, forums, food and wine and family events. Presented over five municipalities and located in more than 60 different venues across Melbourne and Victoria, Midsumma presents a unique and eclectic program of events that are both engaging and accessible to the whole community. Midsumma is the proud Host City Cultural Partner to the 1st Asia Pacific Outgames, being held in Melbourne during the festival.
For further information: call (03) 9415 9819 or go to www.midsumma.org.au
2009 Australian Open Tennis Championships, Melbourne, 19 January – 1 February
Summer in Melbourne is the time and place to celebrate the first grand slam of the year - the Australian Open. Renowned internationally as the ‘people's grand slam’, this event is two weeks of colour, movement, fun and world-class tennis action at the spectacular Melbourne Park precinct. The excitement of the Australian Open takes over the city. The world comes to play in Melbourne, and not just the super-star athletes. More than half a million people pour into the event, enjoying Melbourne's hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and shops.
For further information: call (03) 9286 1175 or go to www.australianopen.com
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Countdown, The Palms at Crown, 20 January - 1 February
Bursting onto the stage in a flurry of spandex and big hair, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Countdown, It’s a Musical Comedy is a retro musical song and dance extravaganza, and loving and hilarious tribute to arguably Australia’s most influential television show ever, Countdown. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Countdown will bring to life your favourite Countdown superstars including Boy George, Blondie, Duran Duran, Shyhooks, Sherbert, and more, with over 40 smash hit songs from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Directed by living treasure Brian Mannix and starring Michael Veitch as Ian ‘Molly” Meldrum.
For further information: go to www.crownltd.com.au
Media contact: Daniel Humphreys Ph: (03) 9292 7771 or
danielhumphreys@crownmelbourne.com.au
Angelina’s Star Performance by The English National Ballet, the Arts Centre, 2-25 January
A ballet for children three years and older, Angelina’s Star Performance is based upon author Katharine Holabird’s and illustrator Helen Craig’s successful and timeless book, Angelina at the Palace. It features the much-loved feisty mouse, Angelina Ballerina. With a cast of eight English National Ballet dancers performing to a recorded arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s music, Angelina’s Star Performance offers a unique opportunity for boys and girls to experience their first live ballet.
For further information: go to www.theartscentre.com.au
Media contact: Tatia Sloley, Ph: (03) 9419 8837 or 0403 305 395 email: tatia@tspublicity.com.au
Australia Day Celebrations, Melbourne, 26 January
Celebrate Australia Day in Melbourne with a host of activities and entertainment. Start the day with the fun run being held at Docklands, join the Governor of Victoria at the Flag Raising Ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall; and participate in fun family activities in the city. Party into the evening at the free concerts and enjoy the Australia Day fireworks. Celebrations will be held at Birrarung Marr, Alexandra Gardens, Federation Square, Kings Domain and Docklands.
For further information: go to www.australiaday.vic.gov.au
The Big Day Out, Flemington Racecourse, 26 January
From the dynamic sounds of Arctic Monkeys or the lush depth of TV on the Radio to the wealth of great local talent or the welcome return of the Prodigy, the world’s biggest travelling circus will be once again back on the road next January. Also featuring The Living End, the Ting Tings, Cut Copy, Sneaky Sound System plus a special performance by the man for whom the term “legend” is more under than over-statement, Neil Young.
For further information: www.bigdayout.com
Media Contact: Rebecca Perovic on (03) 9419 0931 or rebecca@mbpublicity.com.au
Evolution of Australian Flora: Anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the Origin of the Species, Royal Botanic Gardens (Melbourne and Cranbourne), February
The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne are proud to present
Evolution of Australian Flora, a special tour in honour of Charles Darwin, in celebration of the 200th Anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of Origin of Species.Join Professor David Cantrill, Chief Botanist and Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Plant Sciences and Biodiversity Division, on a special walk and talk around the Australian Garden (Cranbourne) or Royal Botanic Gardens (Melbourne) to discover what makes Australian plants so unique.
For further information: call (03) 9252 2429 or go to www.rbg.vic.gov.au
Media contact: Matt Jones Ph: (03) 9252 2494 or matt.jones@rbg.vic.gov.au
Sustainable Living Festival, Melbourne, 15 – 17 February
Come to Federation Square and be part of the Sustainable Living Festival in 2008. This year’s theme is ‘Sustainability - Make it Your Sport’. There will be a huge range of information and inspiration to improve your lifestyle and the health of our planet. The festival will feature a dynamic range of displays, exhibits, artworks, performances and demonstrations to inspire a sustainable culture.
For further information: call (03) 9249 1888 or go to www.slf.org.au/festival
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2009, 7-23 March
The 16th Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2009, presented by The Age, will be held over 16 days. An ensemble of leading chefs and winemakers from around the globe will help to tempt lovers of great food and wine to enjoy some of 140-plus events, including festival favourites, the World’s Longest Lunch, Master Class and Cellar Door at Southgate and new events such as City Alive.
For further information: go to www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au
Media contact: Ellie Rolland, Ph: (03) 9823-6100 or email ellie@foodfest.com.au
Regional Victoria
Rochford Twlight Experience, Thurs and Fri nights, January - 27 February, 2009
To compliment Rochford’s renowned food and wine, movies are now being featured on a large outdoor screen on Thursday and Friday nights throughout summer. A grassed outdoor amphitheatre has just been completed, offering a stunning sunset view of the surrounding vineyards. Tickets prices (for movie and pizza): $26 per adult ($24 if pre-purchased on-line), children $15 (under 3 years free) and families (2 children, 2 adults) $75.
For further information: (03) 5962 2119 or go to www.rochfordwines.com
Media Contact: Lee Michaels (03) 5962 2119 or lee@rochfordwines.com.au
The Golden Age of Couture, Bendigo Art Gallery, 7 December – 22 March 2009
The largest exhibition of haute couture to come to Australia, The Golden Age of Couture which will be presented exclusively in Australia at the Bendigo Art Gallery, features more than 250 pieces from some of the greatest international designers including works from Christian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Hubert de Givenchy and Pierre Balmain. Developed by the Victoria & Albert Museum, the exhibition marks a momentous decade in fashion history, beginning at the launch of Christian Dior’s’ New Look’ in 1947 and ending in 1957, the period described by Dior as the ‘golden age’.
For further information: call (03) 5434 6085 or go to www.bendigoartgallery.com.au
Media contact: Sharon Wells Ph: (03) 9417 4665 or emil: panbacc@optusnet.com.au
Big Fella Festival, Falls Creek, 1 January
This festival is 30,000 years in the making... reviving the tradition of Indigenous Australians visiting the high plains to share and celebrate their unique culture, albeit with a modern twist. Featuring some of the best Indigenous music and performance groups in the country, traditional arts, crafts, food, games and dance for all Australians to enjoy. The event will be staged in the alpine resort's Village Bowl with a main stage showing 4-5 key musical acts.
For further information: www.fallscreek.com.au
Media contact: Ian Talbot, Ph: 0418 413 718 or email: skipress@wix.com.au
Maryborough Highland Gathering, 1 January
Head to Maryborough in Victoria’s Goldfields on New Year’s Day and be part of one of the oldest continuous sporting events in Victoria, the Maryborough Highland Gathering, which celebrates Scottish and Australian cultures. Activities include Highland dancing, Highland pipe bands, brass bands, Highland games, Australian sheaf tossing, concert bands, a street parade, an evening concert, a fireworks display, athletics events and the Maryborough Gift. The 2009 event will be the 148th annual gathering. Tickets are available at the gate on the day.
For further information: go to www.maryboroughhighlandsociety.com
Solar Music Festival, Mornington Race Club, 3 January
Held at the Mornington Racecourse, the inaugural Solar Music Festival will present the finest home grown talent from rock to dance, hip hop to folk, over three stages. Acts include The Presets, Pnau, Kisschasy, You Am I, Cog, Josh Pyke, The Beautiful Girls, Ajax, Muph & Plutonic, Phrase, Trial Kennedy, Calling All Cars, TV Rock, Snob Scrilla and That 1 One Guy.
For further information: www.solarmusicfestival.com.au
Rhythm of Africa, Werribee, 3 January - 8 March
Running every Saturday and Sunday, the Rhythm of Africa, is set against the stunning backdrop of the Werribee Open Range Zoo, giving visitors the unique opportunity to experience a taste of Africa in Victoria. Guests can groove to African beats ranging from vibrant Pan African contemporary dance to traditional Ghanaian rhythms, or just relax and soak up the setting sun. A wide variety of African inspired food and drinks will be available for purchase, or simply bring a picnic.
For further information: call (03) 9731 9600 or go to www.zoo.org.au
Pier to Pub, Lorne, 10 January
Each year up to 4,000 swimmers dive into a sea of history and race the 1.2 kilometre course of the Lorne Pier to Pub race, which started as an informal challenge among Lorne Surf Life Saving Club members.
For further information: go to www.lornesurfclub.com.au
All Tomorrow’s Parties, Mt Buller, 9 -10 January
A boutique festival that goes against the grain of the larger, more commercial music festivals, All Tomorrow’s Parties format is to invite an artist or band to headline who then handpicks their favourite performers to play at the festival. For the inaugural Australian series, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, are to make their curating debut. The Bad Seeds intimate knowledge of all things Australian (music and otherwise) coupled with their innate sense of the weird and wonderful will make for a series of very unique events.
For further information: www.atpfestival.com.au
Alpine Valleys Gourmet Weekend, Bright, 10 - 11 January
Awaken your senses with a weekend showcase of delicious regional food and exciting cool climate wines from the spectacular Alpine Valleys. At Saturday’s ‘Taste the Valleys’ festival, the flavours of the Alpine Valleys will come together in Centenary Park, Bright. Savour the region’s innovative wine styles and an array of mouth-watering dishes on the leafy banks of the Ovens River.
For further information: call (03) 5755 0520 or go to www.visitalpinevictoria.com.au
Portsea Swim Classic, Victoria, 17 January
The Portsea Swim Classic, one of the largest open water swims held in Australia, begins at 10am. The L-shaped course covers 1.2 kilometres and is held on Saturday, 17 January at Portsea Front Beach, Nepean Highway.
For further information: call (03) 9572 2858 or go to www.portseasurf.com.au
Opera in the Alps, Beechworth, 17 January
Returning for its 13th season, Opera in the Alps will delight and entertain audiences in the beautiful surroundings and historic gardens of LaTrobe at Beechworth. Go along and enjoy the delicious regional food and wine while listening to opera classics. Special guests include mezzo soprano Roxanne Hislop, and tenor James Egglestone, guitarist Slava Grigoryan, plus a 100-voice choir and a 50-piece orchestra conducted by Benjamin Northey. Gates open at 5.30pm and the main performance begins at 8pm.
For further information: call 1300 366 321 or go to www.beechworthonline.com.au
International Dairy Week, Tatura, 18-23 January
International Dairy Week (IDW) is the largest annual dairy cattle show and sale in the Southern Hemisphere and is amongst the top five shows in the world. It is indisputably the most prestigious event in the dairy industry, showcasing the best quality dairy cattle to over 6000 visitors from every state in Australia and over 20 countries internationally.
For further information: call (03) 577 2871 or go to www.internationaldairyweek.com.au
Murray River International Music Festival, Mildura, 20 January - 2 February
A fine music festival presenting world class Australian and international musicians to audiences in unique locations along the Murray River. Artists perform in a variety of venues ranging from riverside settings to riverboats and regional art venues.
For further information: call (03) 5021 5100 or go to www.artsmildura.com.au
Media Contact: Helen Healy Ph: 0417 556 821 or (03) 5021 5100
Skandia Geelong Week, 23 – 26 January
Skandia Geelong Week is Australia’s largest sailing regatta however it’s not just for sailors to enjoy; it is also a free access shoreside festival which boasts a wide variety of activities and entertainment. On the water over 400 yachts will compete, whilst onshore there will be three waterfront stages with a diverse range of musical acts, roving performers, art and craft markets, gourmet food and wine, free ‘come try sailing’ activity, beach volleyball, aerobatic displays, outrigger canoe racing, a fireworks spectacular and much more.
For more information: go to www.geelongweek.com or call (03) 5229 9101.
Media contact: Stacey Jarvis Ph: (03) 5229 9101 or email stacey@rhumblinemarketing.com.au
Annual Fryerstown Antique Fair, near Castlemaine, 24 – 26 January
The Annual Fryerstown Antique Fair, now in its 33rd year, is one of regional Victoria’s favourite gatherings. A must-see for antique collectors and dealers, the fair is held over three days in and around historic Fryerstown. On sale is a dazzling array of fine antiques, Australiana, collectables, old kitchen ware, vases, pottery and a wide variety of colourful bric-a-brac. Fryerstown is located 11 kilometres south-east of Castlemaine in central Victoria.
For further information: call (03) 5472 1284
Lake Mountain Sprint, 24-26 January
The Lake Mountain Sprint is a high octane, fast and furious car racing event. High powered, finely tuned racing cars will be completing time trials from the ticket box at Cascades to the village car park at the top of Lake Mountain.
For further information: go to www.lakemountainsprint.com
Chill Island Festival, Phillip Island Nature Park, 1 February
Soak up some of Australia’s finest music while lazing in the sun overlooking the big blue sea at Churchill Island in Phillips Island Nature Park. Line up includes Pete Murray, Josh Pyke, Ash Grunwald and the Wagons.
For further information: www.chillisland.org
Media contact: Buxton Walker Publicity (03) 9537 7155 or michelle@buxtonwalker.com
Grampians Jazz Festival, 8 – 10 February
Musicians and lovers of jazz will flock to Halls Gap for the annual Grampians Jazz Festival. The town’s street venues and any patch of bare ground will ring to the sounds of saxophones, trombones, banjos, trumpets and more as a record number of bands perform over the weekend.
For further information: call (03) 5356 4616
Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival, 9 – 18 February
The Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival celebration runs over 10 days in February, with the program featuring educational sessions as well as the opportunity to purchase and sample local food and wine. The weekend of 16 and 17 February is the main grazing weekend, when 16 wineries present dishes designed by top chefs matched with their wines. Day passes are essential for both days at a cost of $40 per person and include a souvenir glass, glass of wine, a meal, a tea or coffee and a bottle of water.
For further information: call (03) 5962 6600 or go to www.grapegrazing.com.au
Media contact: Danee Georgiou, Le Page Public Relations 03 9645 6588 or email: danee@lepage-pr.com.au
Echuca-Moama Riverboats, Jazz, Food and Wine Festival, 15 – 17 February
Celebrate spectacular jazz and blues, contemporary food styles and great Australian music beside the mighty Murray River, during Echuca-Moama’s 15th Jazz, Food and Wine Festival. Highlights of the three-day festival include the Riverboat Ramble, with jazz musicians on board paddle steamers; a winemakers’ lunch at Oscar W’s Wharfside restaurant and Jazz on the Murray at Morrison’s to be held at the picturesque Morrison’s Riverview Winery and Restaurant
For further information: call 1800 804 446 or go to www.echucamoama.com/jazz
2009 Australian Open, Shepparton Park Bowls Club, 15 - 21 February
Greater Shepparton welcomes the best lawn bowls players from around Australia for the 2009 Australian Open. The Australian Open will be held for the fifth time in 2009. In the short history of the event it has grown rapidly to be the richest and most prestigious event conducted by Bowls Australia.
For further information: call Bowls Australia on (03) 9819 2722 or visit www.bowlsaustralia.com.au
Wirreanda Festival, Marysville, 20 – 22 February
This annual festival hosts a photographic competition, youth disco, Narbethong bush dance, historical display, children’s festival, chainsaw carving, fun fish out, community market and trash and treasure market.
For further information: go to www.marysvilletourism.com/wirreanda.htm
Otway Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon and Forrest Festival, 23 February
This event involves a 100 kilometre mountain bike race through the Otways, some of toughest terrain in Victoria. Organisers expect between 2000 and 4000 people. Starting at the ocean in Apollo Bay, competitors will ride into the mountains through rainforest, around lakes and across rivers and along forest trails, through what is arguably some of the best mountain biking in the world.
For further information: go to www.otwayodyssey.com
The Age Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock, 24 February
The Age Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock is a celebration of Victorian food and wine. More than 100 small food and wine producers from all around Victoria gather to promote, sell and showcase their delicious array of goods against the magnificent backdrop of Hanging Rock. Taste exotic barbecue flavours, magnificent regional wines, unusual cheeses, fine preserves, full flavoured ice-cream and a great variety of delicious small goods. The Age Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock will also present cooking demonstrations by well known chefs, live music and free children’s activities. Bring a picnic blanket and relax with friends under the gum trees.
For further information: go to www.harvestpicnic.com.au
Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival, 27 February- 22 March
A festival featuring film, dance, music, visual arts, mardi gras, theatre and more in spectacular locations. This years’ Festival will highlight highly acclaimed Australian singer/songwriter Paul Kelly, performing under the stars with the 12 metre Perry Sandhills acting as a natural amphitheatre.
For further information: visit www.artsmildura.com.au or call 1800 039 043
Media Contact: Helen Healy Ph: 0417 556 821 or (03) 5021 5100