Diary Notes
September 2007
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 & Barbara Tucker Gallery, 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen.
For information call Sarah Aitken on (03) 9850 1500 or visit www.heide.com.au
Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, 3-9 September
Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MMSFW) takes over the city with fashion. Highlights include: the breathtaking evening parades staged at the Melbourne Town Hall from Tuesday to Thursday; daytime catwalk displays; VIP salon shows; exhibitions; and panel discussions. Continue the party mood at the free MMSFW after parties at some of the city's hottest bars and nightspots.
For further information and to purchase tickets for the evening parades head to Half Tix at Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street or visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
Ararat Australian Cymbidium Festival, 8-9 September
Cymbidium orchid lovers from across Australia are set to converge on Ararat renowned 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 Australia.
For more information phone (03) 53550281 or visit www.visitararat.com.au
Tesselaar Tulip Festival, 13 September – 10 October
Welcome spring at this European-style celebration, with fields of colourful tulips, blooming daffodils and freesias, along with traditional Dutch food and music. Located in Silvan, the festival opens from 10am to 5pm seven days a week. Entry costs $15 for adults, $12 for concession and children under 16 years of age are free. Groups of 10 or more cost $10 per person.
For more information phone (03) 9737 7777 or visit www.tulipfestival.com.au
The Royal Melbourne Show, 20–30 September
Springtime in Melbourne is showtime, and this year Victoria’s largest public event - the Royal Melbourne Show - celebrates its 152nd year. Showcasing agricultural and rural excellence, the Ascot Vale Showgrounds are transformed into an 11-day celebration bringing country and city together. Wood chopping, sheep shearing, milking and blacksmith displays are just some of the treats for the show-going public. It’s the only place you’ll find prize-winning horses, sheep, goats, cattle, alpacas and chooks, just a stone’s throw away from the CBD.
For more information phone (03) 9914 2400 or visit www.royalshow.com.au
2007 Mildura Country Music Festival, 28 September - 7 October
The 21st annual Mildura Country Music Festival is Australia's biggest showcase of independent entertainers with over 100 independent country music artists including a mix of perennial Mildura favourites, award winners, hit makers and many rising country music stars. There will be more than 800 hours of free entertainment. The festival will be held in 24 venues across Mildura and district. The diamond in the crown for the past 10 years has been the live concert and radio presentation of the Southern Stars the Australian Independent Country Music Awards that recognise the achievements of the independent recording artists during the past year.
For more information phone 1800 039 043 or visit www.milduracountrymusic.com.au
AFL Toyota Grand Final Weekend, 28–30 September
The AFL Grand Final, to be held on Saturday 29 September at the MCG, is the single most important day on the calendar of Australia's largest sport. The AFL draws more than six million spectators annually through its gates with four million television viewers per week.
For more information visit www.afl.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 ranging 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
October 2007
Spring Racing Carnival, 3 October – 21 November
Each year, Victoria is buzzing with Spring Racing Carnival excitement. More than any other racing event, the Spring Racing Carnival captures the excitement and 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.
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
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 annual Melbourne International Arts Festival offers a bold and wide-ranging program of dance, theatre, music, multimedia, visual arts, free and outdoor events over 17 days each October. The organisers travel around the world and bring home the best contemporary work from countries including Mexico, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Canada, Spain, Italy, France, Russia and the Netherlands.
General inquiries: 03 9662 4242, email us@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. The North Melbourne Town Hall will also host the ever-popular Festival Club which boasts a different star-studded entertainment line-up every night and is guaranteed to push the boundaries of the imagination. 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