Diary Notes
October 2007
Spring Racing Carnival, 3 October – 21 November
It unites the people of the State, with national and international visitors, in a celebration of racing, fashion, food and entertainment. Race days are held at various venues across the State.
Inquiries: 1300 139 401 or visit www.racingvictoria.net.au
Media inquiries: Daniel Petrillo, Media and Communications Manager on 03 9258 4252 or email d.petrillo@racingvictoria.net.au
Heathcote Wine and Food Festival, 6 – 7 October
The annual Heathcote Wine and Food Festival is a celebration of the region’s primary products – wine, food and art. This festival is an opportunity to explore Heathcote, try wines from over 35 wineries, participate in a wine seminar, meet the winemakers and sample some of the wonderful regional produce available. Take the family along and enjoy this country festival with live music and an Entry costs $20 or $10 for non-drinkers a day or $30 for the weekend and children are free.
General inquiries: Leone Davy on 0418 507 216 or email festival@heathcotewinegrowers.com.au
Euroa Show and Shine, 7 October
Lovers of fine cars will descend on Euroa in October for the Euroa Vintage, Veteran, Classic and Special Interest Cars Show and Shine. Hundreds of vehicles and their proud owners are expected to attend the exhibition in beautiful Seven Creeks Park, just off the old Hume Highway. On show will be vintage/veteran and classic cars, motorcycles, trucks and tractors. Special interest vehicles, such as new and old Holden Monaros and G.T. Falcons, will also be displayed. The event is FREE and runs from 10am to 3.30pm.
General inquiries: call Rob Asquith on 03 5795 1347 or 0439 398 195 or visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au
Ararat Australian Cymbidium Festival, 8 - 9 October
Cymbidium orchid lovers from across Australia are set to converge on Ararat as the 'The Orchid City' again hosts the Australian Cymbidium Show at the Ararat Performing Arts Centre. This year's show will see hundreds of Cymbidium orchids on display in the historic hall with spectacular colour and beauty, including many new hybrids, some old vintage favourites and specimen plants grown by the best hobbyists and commercial orchid growers from around the country. For more information, phone 03 535 50281 or visit www.visitararat.com.au
Melbourne International Arts Festival 11 – 27 October
One of the world’s most exciting celebrations and explorations of creativity and expression returns to Melbourne in October. The festival offers an extensive program of dance, theatre, music, multimedia, visual arts, free and outdoor events over 17 days.
General inquiries: 03 9662 4242, media@melbournefestival.com.au or visit www.melbournefestival.com.au
Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, 12- 14 October
Now in its 17th year, this unique classical music event is held in historic venues in the picturesque town of Port Fairy. The program includes a variety of concerts held at various venues within walking distance of each other around the town. The 2007 festival program will be available in August.
General inquiries: 03 5568 3030, email springfest@port-fairy.com or visit www.portfairyspringmusicfestival.com
Media inquiries: Sandra Plummer on 03 5568 3030 or 0402 218 341
Timber and Working with Wood Show, 12 – 14 October
Held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, the Timber and Working with Wood Show is Australasia's largest showcase of products and services for the woodworking and timber industries. See and purchase the latest hand tools, machinery, lathes, finishes, abrasives, hardware, timber building and renovation products, craft supplies and much more. Free seminars and workshops are delivered by experts at all shows. From 10am til 5pm daily.
General inquiries: 03 8420 5400, email info@workingwithwood.com or visit www.workingwithwood.com
Awakenings Festival, 12 - 21 October
Drama, dance, music, outdoor recreation adventures, visual arts and workshops attract visitors from all over Australia and overseas to participate in this arts based festival for people of all abilities. Features of this year’s festival include three nights of performing arts and music programs, a street festival on Saturday, a breakfast conference, photographic exhibitions and competitions, outdoor adventures, an Awakenings Ball for all members of the community, an ecumenical church service and associated community fringe events. The Awakenings Festival is taking place at various venues around Horsham.
Inquiries: Denise Leembruggen on 03 5362 4006, www.awakeningsfestival.com.au
Opera in the Vineyards 2007, 13 October
Goodweekend Opera in the Vineyards 2007 provides an opportunity to join fellow opera lovers for a very special gala musical - a romantic night in Paris starring Teddy Tahu Roads and Amelia Farrugia held at Peppers Moonah Links Resort. Packages include fine food, local wines and accommodation. Only 90 minutes drive from Melbourne along the Nepean Highway. The event starts at 6pm.
Dinner and Concert Bookings: 1300 362 386
Further information: 1800 675 875
Bookings: 132 849 (Ticketek)
Spring Open Day - 'Access all areas', 14 October
Enjoy a day of free programs and entertainment at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne from 10am to 5pm. Explore behind-the-scenes and see what the gardens have to offer.
Bookings: 03 9252 2429
Inquiries: 03 9650 6398
The Royal Geelong Show, 18 – 21 October
Celebrating its 152nd year in 2007, the Royal Geelong Show brings together a mix of agriculture, breeding stock, horse riding competitions, art displays, amusements, rides and entertainment for people of all ages. Watch dare-devil acts, be awestruck at the show-jumping skill, jump on a ride and grab a showbag. The Royal Geelong Show is jam-packed with activity. A fireworks show concludes Saturday night.
General inquiries: 03 5221 1707, email info@royalgeelongshow.org.au or visit www.royalgeelongshow.org.au
Media inquiries: 03 5221 1707
Bright Spring Festival, 19 October – 6 November
Spring is celebrated in Bright, located in north-east Victoria, with an exciting and very varied festival which includes: the Alpine Film Festival; a four-day run of the four alps; open gardens; a huge Rotary street market; a sustainable gardening and farming expo; fine arts exhibition; and a grand fireworks display.
For the festival’s full program, go to www.go.brightvic.com/springtime
Inquiries: Michelle Armstrong on 03 5721 300 or 0419 264 062.
Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day, 21 October
Around the Bay in a Day is a challenging bike ride that circumnavigates Port Phillip Bay. This year there are four distances – 50km, 100km, 210km and 250 km - for participants to choose from so that everyone in the family or at work can join in on the challenge. All riders set off from the heart of the city, with half the riders travelling on the east side of the bay to Sorrento and the other half on the west to Queenscliff before crossing the bay on ferries to complete the ride. For those who would prefer a shorter ride, a 100km option is available starting in Sorrento and finishing in Melbourne. The event helps raise funds to support the Smith Family Learning for Life program.
General inquiries: Bicycle Victoria on 1800 616 600 or visit www.bv.com.au
National 4X4 Show and the Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo, 25 - 28 October
The National 4x4 Show at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre gives visitors the chance to spy, try and buy the very latest in four-wheel drive vehicles, accessories, safety and protection equipment, recovery and emergency gear and fully equipped camper trailers. The Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo is a fisherman's paradise with all the latest in tackle, accessories, boats, engines, marine electronics, camping and outdoor gear. Visitors can research the best fishing spots around Australia and discover great ideas for their next fishing trip.
General inquiries: 03 9321 6754 or visit www.4x4show.com.au
Melbourne Fringe Festival, 26 September - 14 October
The Melbourne Fringe Festival spices up the city's cultural calendar with an entertaining program of groundbreaking and daring performances across all art forms. The festival will flourish as a score of vibrant artists showcase their talents with more than 230 fresh acts in over 100 venues across the city. From comedians to cabaret, the festival will transform the cityscape, including Federation Square. Some of the Fringe events are free, with the average price for a show around $15. For more information, phone 03 8412 8788 or visit www.melbournefringe.com.au
The Goddess grins. Albert Tucker and the Female Image, 26 May – 28 October
Heide Museum of Modern Art presents a selection of Albert Tucker’s most expressive and intimate paintings of the female form. The Goddess grins charts Tucker’s progress as a self-taught and highly skilled young artist via an exhibition of more than 50 paintings, drawings and sculptures from the 1930s to the 1990s, some of which have not been shown publicly before. The exhibition is at Heide111: Albert and Barbara Tucker Gallery, 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen.
Media inquiries, call Sarah Aitken on 03 9850 1500 or visit www.heide.com.au
November 2007
Spring Racing Carnival, 3 October – 21 November
Each year, Victoria buzzes with Spring Racing Carnival excitement. More than any other racing event, the Spring Racing Carnival captures the glamour of Victoria. It unites the people of the State, with national and international visitors, in a celebration of racing, fashion, food and entertainment. Race days are held at various venues across the State with the highlight being the running of the Emirates Melbourne Cup on Tuesday 7 November at Flemington Race Course.
Inquiries: 1300 139 401 or visit www.racingvictoria.net.au
Media inquiries: Daniel Petrillo, Media and Communications Manager on 03 9258 4252 or email d.petrillo@racingvictoria.net.au
Portland Bay Festival, 2 – 6 November
Enjoy an action-packed festival with colourful markets, a street parade and live music on Saturday night in the marquee located on the lawns of Portland’s foreshore. Artists include James Reyne and Jo Camilleri and the Black Sorrows. Delicious local food and wine will be available at the marquee throughout the festival. Other highlights include the Rotary Art Show and the Portland Three Bays Marathon on Sunday – the race begins and ends at the marquee.
Inquiries: call 1800 035 567
TAC Wangaratta Festival of Jazz, 2- 5 November
The TAC Wangaratta Festival of Jazz is an annual festival of jazz and blues held in the town of Wangaratta, which is two-and-a-half hour drive from Melbourne. It has become the premier jazz event in Australia and is internationally renowned. Since its inception in 1990, the festival has grown to include 90 events and over 350 national and international artists performing each year. The TAC Wangaratta Festival of Jazz also hosts the National Jazz Awards, youth jazz workshops, master classes and events throughout Wangaratta and surrounding wine regions.
Tickets and inquiries: 1800 801 065 or go to www.visitwangaratta.com.au
2007 Mildura Jazz, Food and Wine Festival, 2 – 5 November
The popular 2007 Mildura Jazz, Food and Wine Festival will be staged on the pre Melbourne Cup weekend. The format will follow jazz in the streets with live music played on paddleboats, wineries, in clubs, hotels and restaurants, at church services, at Party in the Park on the Saturday afternoon, and at the traditional Jazz Jam on the Sunday evening.
Tickets and inquiries: 1800 039 043 or visit www.jazzwine.com
The Southern Gippsland 2007 Summer Starters, 3 – 4 November
The Southern Gippsland Summer Starters is held on the pre Melbourne Cup weekend. The winery celebration extends from Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory as cellar doors of this emerging wine region showcase local food, music and art. This is a great opportunity to meet the winemakers and sample the wonderful cool climate wines.
Media inquiries: Liz Rushen on 03 5683 2441 or visit www.southerngippslandwine.com.au
Festival of Gardens, 3 - 11 November
View a wide range of beautiful gardens in and around Castlemaine and Maldon. Chat to the owners and learn how they keep their gardens looking healthy and beautiful in times of severe water restrictions. Gardens range from classical beauties to native landscapes, cottage gardens, homestead and town gardens. The theme for 2007 is ‘sustaining the environment’.
Inquires: 03 5472 3412 or visit www.festivalofgardens.org
Compass Windows Kyneton Cup, 7 November
Head to Kyneton, in Victoria’s spa country, and enjoy all of the fashion and excitement of the country racing at Kyneton’s biggest race meeting. Held annually on the day after Melbourne Cup, this meeting offers a total day of entertainment including live music, fashions on the field, private and corporate marquees, punters club, on-course competitions and much more. Entry is $20 adults and children under 16 are admitted free. Courtesy buses are scheduled to meet trains from Melbourne at the Kyneton train station. Gates open at 10.00am.
Inquiries: 03 5422 1866 or www.kynetondistrictracingclub.com.au
Ballarat Events: Growing History, 9 November – mid January 2008
Visit the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery and view Why the Tree? an inspirational exhibition of seldom seen works from the gallery’s extensive collection.
Inquiries: www.visitgoldfields.com
Beechworth Celtic Festival, 9 - 11 November
Join in the celebrations of Beechworth’s Celtic heritage in the 14th Annual Celtic Festival. Music, myth and mayhem abound throughout Beechworth over this November weekend festival. There will be dance, music and displays. Dine at local pubs and restaurants on their special menus.
Inquiries: 1300 366 321 or visit www.beechworthcelticfestival.com.au
Macedon Ranges Budburst Wine and Food Festival, 11 – 18 November
Budburst, the annual Macedon Ranges Wine Region celebration features over 30 talented wine makers who open their doors for this popular food and wine celebration. Wine-lovers can sample a range of white and red varieties as well as the native sparkling ‘Macedon’ from Victoria’s famous cool climate region. The weekend is a great opportunity to explore this picturesque region, including the gardens of Mount Macedon and Hanging Rock.
Inquiries: 03 5422 0326 or www.budburst.com
Jazz on Track, 17 November
Enjoy a train trip on Victoria’s most spectacular railway whilst listening to the sounds of traditional and Dixieland jazz. The train departs Thomson Station in East Gippsland at 7pm and travels to Walhalla. Tickets cost $85 per person and include the train trip, dinner, champagne on the train and entertainment.
Inquiries: 03 5126 4201 or visit www.walhallarail.com
Malmsbury Village Fair, 18 November
The Malmsbury Village Fair is a wonderful opportunity to taste the food and wine of the region in the beautiful setting of the 150-year-old Malmsbury Botanic Gardens.
Inquiries: 03 5423 2088
2007 Queenscliff Music Festival, 23 - 25 November
Now in its 11th year, the award-winning Queenscliff Music Festival is one of Australia's great festival experiences in adult contemporary music. Located just over an hour's drive from Melbourne - or a 40 minute ferry trip from Sorrento - Queenscliff offers the very best of original contemporary music in Australia, as well as a few select international guests.
Tickets: available directly from www.qmf.net.au
Accommodation: Queenscliff Visitor Information Centre on 1300 884 843
Inquiries: Visit www.qmf.net.au
Media Inquiries: Liv Middleton on 03 5258 3674 or email marketing@qmf.net.au
Australian Corporate Games, 23 – 25 November
This annual national multi-sport event for businesses and organisations will attract more than 9,000 participants from 300 organisations over four days at various venues in Melbourne. Twenty team and individual sports and games are on the program including AFL; badminton; basketball; cricket; cycling; golf; indoor karting; netball; outrigger canoeing; poker; running; soccer; softball; squash; swimming; tennis; table tennis; tenpin bowling; touch and volleyball.
Inquiries: www.corporategames.net.au
Media inquiries: call 1300 301 418
2007 Great Victorian Bike Ride, 24 November – 2 December
Now in its 24th year, the 2007 VicRoads Great Victorian Bike Ride is the ultimate cycling holiday which will visit East Gippsland. The 544 kilometre ride will go from Phillip Island, historic Walhalla, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Ninety Mile Beach, Gippsland Lakes and finish at the Buchan Caves. On the last night of the ride, Kate Ceberano will perform at the Buchan Caves. The entry fee is $290 for adults, $220 for children under 17 and $70 for children under 10 years.
Inquiries: 1800 616 600 or visit www.greatvic.com.au
Media inquiries: John Meyers on 03 9818 6339
Warratina Lavender Harvest Festival, 25 November
Head to the 9th annual Harvest Lavender Festival at Warratina Lavender Farm and enjoy a fun day of entertainment. Set amidst the fragrant purple fields of lavender, enjoy fine food, boutique beer and local Yarra Valley wine while being entertained by music, dancing and singing. Highlights of the day include displays of old time arts and crafts, Scottish Highland dancing, bagpipes, Irish dancing, boot scootin’ and more. Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for children and concession and $25 for a family pass.
Inquiries: Annemarie Manders on 03 5964 4650 or visit www.warratinalavender.com.au
Spring Harvest Picnic at Werribee Park, 25 November
Food and wine producers from all over Victoria will gather in the grounds of Werribee Park to sample, showcase and sell their tasty products. This will be a great day for the family and will feature music and dance on stage throughout the day, cooking demonstrations by well-known chefs, and lots of activities for kids. Bring a blanket and basket and create a picnic from the delicious range of goods on offer. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $13 for concession card holders and children under 15 years of age enter free.
General inquiries: 03 9555 0253 or visit www.harvestpicnic.com.au
Media inquiries: Sharon Wells on 03 9417 4665