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Melbourne & Region

Melbourne Events

If you are flying into Melbourne, make sure you go to visitvictoria.com to find out everything you need to know about the city and its attractions, Victoria's must-see destinations, accommodation options and travel ideas for every budget.

Melbourne hosts a busy cultural and sporting calendar. Here are a few events coming up in the city and around Victoria:

Book Market
05 January 2008 until 03 January 2009

Book Market at Fed Square

Books at Fed Square. Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of literature at Melbourne's only dedicated book market - Books at Fed Square is held every Saturday and the third Sunday of every month, under cover in the stunning glass Atrium at Federation Square. With over 5,000 books to browse through, you're sure to find something of interest and fascination. Take the time to talk to the many booksellers who are more than happy to offer suggestions, advice and recommended reading in the fields of literature, fiction, history, art and children's books to name but a few. Find that elusive book you've always wanted to read, learn about the authors or purchase the perfect gift - a book.

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Tai Chi
08 January 2008 until 06 January 2009

Tai Chi @ Fed Square

Indulge the body, mind and soul One of Federation Square's regular events is Tai Chi. Tai Chi is held every Tuesday from 7:30am till 8:30am. Begin each Tuesday, refreshed, rejuvenated and energised! Free Tai Chi session, which is open to everyone. Led by experienced instructors, held in the main square.

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Car ClubCar Club in Atrium
27 January 2008 until 30 November 2008

Car Club Showcase at Fed Square

This exciting new showcase series features a different Car Club every month. Against the stunning backdrop of Federation Square, the Showcase let the most ardent car enthusiast and general public alike wander through an amazing array of classic, modern and vintage cars. It is a wonderful chance to see these cars up close and meet their proud owners. WHEN: Last Sunday of every month TIME: 11am to 2:30pm WHERE: Atrium at Federation Square 2008 CAR SHOWCASE PROGRAM January (27th) MR2 Owners Club of Australia (VIC branch) Inc. February (24th) Ford customline, mainline & rod club of Victoria.

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Federation SquareWine Showcase
06 February 2008 until 04 December 2008

Victorian Wine Regions Showcase Series at Fed Square

Federation Square - Victorian Wine Regions Showcase Series Explore one of Victoria's different Wine Regions every month - In the heart of the city. The Showcase Series lets you taste the State's leading wines, Meet the Winemakers, Learn about the Wines, and Judge the "People's Choice" for the Best Wines - All from the Victorian Wine Precinct. Where - The Atrium at Federation Square When - 1st Wednesday & Thursday every month Time - Wednesday & Thursday 4:30pm - 8:30pm Cost - Regional Round Tasting Ticket is $18 (+ $2 deposit) or $13 with discounted entry flyer, available at our website.

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Moon in Reflection
11 April 2008 until 21 September 2008

Moon in Reflection: The art of Kim Hoa Tram

Kim Hoa Tram (Shen Jinhe in Chinese) was born in Saigon, Vietnam in 1959 to a family originally from Fujian province in China. Kim migrated to Australia in 1984 and is now living in Melbourne. For more than ten years, Kim has immersed himself in Zen (Chan in Chinese) Buddhism. In his art, he draws inspiration from his spirituality in Zen and from his roots in the Chinese tradition, its art and culture, especially Chinese ink painting and calligraphy. Kim s paintings and calligraphies are evocative of an aesthetic and spiritual experience. Moon in reflection is a journey to spiritual enlightenment and artistic discovery.

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291: Photographers
02 May 2008 until 28 September 2008

291: Photographers in the circle of Alfred Stieglitz

Alfred Stieglitz (1864-1946) was a monumental figure in the history of twentieth century photography. In the opening decades of the century Stieglitz championed the cause of artistic photography with the Photo-Secession group, and went on to become an important and influential modernist photographer. From 1903 to 1917 Stieglitz was the editor of Camera Work, a journal committed to promoting the merits of photography and avant-garde art. During this period he also opened the Little Galleries of the Photo-Secession at 291 Fifth Avenue, New York. Established in 1908, the gallery, which became known simply as 291, was initially a venue showing the work of photographers committed to the ideal of photography as a medium for artistic expression.

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Art Deco 1910 -1939
28 June 2008 until 05 October 2008

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces - Art Deco 1910?1939

A new blockbuster exhibition, Art Deco 1910 1939, will come to the National Gallery of Victoria in 2008 as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series. Art Deco 1910 1939 will bring over 300 works across all fields of Art Deco, including painting, jewellery, fashion, film, architecture, photography and furniture. Some of the highlights of the show will include precious Deco gems from Cartier, exquisite fashion by Chanel, and superb examples of Deco furniture. The exhibition will come from London s famed Victoria and Albert Museum. The V&A s own Art Deco exhibition three years ago received over 350,000 visitors making it one of the Museum s most popular exhibitions.

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Construction of Coloured Rays
17 July 2008 until 26 October 2008

Look! New Perspectives on the Contemporary Collection

This exhibition, curated from the NGV s Permanent Collection by Alex Baker, recently appointed Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, brings together a wide-range of works that suggest new interpretative possibilities through previously unconsidered juxtapositions. Incorporating both recently acquired art from the new century and works from as far back as the 1970s, the exhibition underscores how gallery collections are fluid entities that generate new meaning over time. Look! examines a wide range of art in a variety of media including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and installation, craft, and video. Image credit: Anne-Marie May born Australia 1965 Untitled (Construction of coloured rays) 1993 coloured felt National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Margaret Stewart Endowment, 1994 Anne-Marie May

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Exhibitions
07 August 2008 until 02 November 2008

Klippel/Klippel: Opus 2008

Klippel/Klippel will present a unique dialogue between Andrew Klippel, the music composer and producer, and his father Robert Klippel (1920-2001), one of Australia s most significant sculptors of the 20th century. The exhibition will present a group of Robert Klippel s small-scale sculptures produced during the 1980s and 1990s- some of which have never been publicly displayed. It will also include the monumental bronze work Opus #709. Robert s son Andrew Klippel will be composing a companion audio response to his late father s work. The exhibition will be an immersive and sensory experience where the creative energy of these two extraordinary artists will resonate and rebound.

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Tamaki II
29 August 2008 until 08 February 2009

Making a mark: prints and drawings gifted by Ian Brown

Making a mark: prints and drawings gifted by Ian Brown will survey the collection highlights of one of the most generous supporters of the NGV - the Reverend Ian Brown. The exhibition comprises principally of works on paper that range from his first acquisition, a significant George Baldessin drawing, to twentieth-century European and American prints by artists including Jasper Johns and Picasso. It also includes a number of important New Zealand artists, a highlight being the work of Colin McCahon. Collectors have always formed a key role in the development of museum collections, each reflecting the interests, passions, career, travel, religious or political beliefs of the individual, and for this reason such collections are unique.

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Official Evening ParadesOfficial Evening ParadesMMSFW 2007MMSFW 07MMSFW 2007Official Evening Parades
01 September 2008 until 07 September 2008

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2008

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) will burst onto the streets of Melbourne in September with the very latest looks for spring/summer. A week long celebration of all things fashion, MSFW is guaranteed to have you in a fashion frenzy with more than 100 events to choose from including runway shows, panel discussions, workshops, luncheons, film, exhibitions, racing and parties. During the day, the city streets and laneways will buzzing with style as some of Melbourne's best fashion labels and retailers launch their spring/summer collections in-store with a myriad of celebratory events. Head to Melbourne's retail precincts, GPO Melbourne, QV, Melbourne Central, Collins Street, Bourke St Mall, Flinders Lane and Little Collins Street; check out the latest trends at Myer Melbourne or David Jones; take-in the splendour of some of Melbourne's...

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Australian Football LeagueAustralian Football seriesAustralian Football  Finals
05 September 2008 until 27 September 2008

Australian Football League Finals Series

Don t miss the spectacular crescendo of 22 weeks of fantastic competition in the 2008 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.

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Lavazza Italian Film FestivalLavazza Italian Film FestivalLavazza Italian Film FestivalLavazza Italian Film FestivalLavazza Italian Film FestivalLavazza Italian Film FestivalLavazza Italian Film Festival
17 September 2008 until 05 October 2008

Lavazza Italian Film Festival 2008

DO IT ITALIAN STYLE ! AT THE LAVAZZA ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2008 Not since the glory days of Fellini and Antonioni has Italian cinema enjoyed such a creative and critically acknowledged resurgence, with films like Paolo Sorrentino s witty political expose IL DIVO, Andrea Molaioli s beguiling thriller THE GIRL BY THE LAKE, Silvio Soldini s family drama DAYS AND CLOUDS and Andrea Porporati s revealing Mafia portrait THE SWEET AND THE BITTER exciting audiences and reviewers alike and that s just a small but tantalizing sample of what awaits at this year s LAVAZZA ITALAN FILM FESTIVAL.

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The Alpha Show of HerculesThe Alpha Show of Hercules
20 September 2008 until 23 September 2008

The Alpha Show of Hercules

Alpha's Hercules is far from just another kids show . It s an entertaining and theatrical rock concert, a cross-genre performance with appeal for people of all ages, in many different ways. Hercules is a legendary hero with superhuman strength. But life as a superhero is not as great as it seems. He trains to become the strongest man in the world, but soon realises that while his super-strength makes him special, it also makes him different from other people in unexpected ways. It's not until Hercules makes his heart as big as his body that he s able to become the hero he truly is. Children of all ages will love it, because it s exciting, funny, interactive and relevant.

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Be amazed!Bucket of LoveKeating!Spencer TunickRed Cabbage 8Red Diva DressHuman MomentumDeckHeadsEvermind
24 September 2008 until 12 October 2008

Melbourne Fringe Festival

From 24 September to 12 October, Melbourne will burst with excitement as The Age 2008 Melbourne Fringe Festival unleashes 19 days of arts events, installations and unbridled creativity across Australia s cultural capital. With an independent program representing performance, comedy, circus, cabaret, music, visual arts, dance and movement and digital art, more than 3,000 artists will be involved in this celebration of artistic excellence. Melbourne Fringe offers something for everyone, presenting around 250 events in over 100 venues right across Melbourne, including activities for all ages.

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Sondhiem UnScripted
26 September 2008 until 03 October 2008

Sondheim UnScripted

Impro Melbourne presents Sondheim UnScripted Direct from Los Angeles - Australian Premiere Sondheim UnScripted is a completely improvised musical that pays tribute to one of Broadway's most luminous talents. It is inspired and informed by the signature style of Stephen Sondheim's diverse creations: the poetic lyrics of Gypsy and West Side Story, the rapturous score of Into the Woods, the farcical plot of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and the dark hurricane that is Sweeney Todd. See Sondheim UnScripted where each night the musical is based entirely on your suggestions.

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Performing artists
05 October 2008 until 12 October 2008

Victorian Seniors Festival

The Seniors Festival springs into October 2008 across Victoria with a wealth of events and activities. Enjoy films, theatre, concerts, tours, dances and much more. The Seniors Festival Program, listing free and paid events, will be available in early September from Information Victoria (freecall 1800 136 762) and Coles Supermarkets.

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Performing artists
05 October 2008 until 12 October 2008

Victorian Seniors Festival

The Seniors Festival springs into October 2008 across Victoria with a wealth of events and activities. Enjoy films, theatre, concerts, tours, dances and much more. The Seniors Festival Program, listing free and paid events, will be available in early September from Information Victoria (freecall 1800 136 762) and Coles Supermarkets.

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Performing artists
05 October 2008 until 12 October 2008

Victorian Seniors Festival

The Seniors Festival springs into October 2008 across Victoria with a wealth of events and activities. Enjoy films, theatre, concerts, tours, dances and much more. The Seniors Festival Program, listing free and paid events, will be available in early September from Information Victoria (freecall 1800 136 762) and Coles Supermarkets.

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Performing artists
05 October 2008 until 12 October 2008

Victorian Seniors Festival

The Seniors Festival springs into October 2008 across Victoria with a wealth of events and activities. Enjoy films, theatre, concerts, tours, dances and much more. The Seniors Festival Program, listing free and paid events, will be available in early September from Information Victoria (freecall 1800 136 762) and Coles Supermarkets.

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Photo Credit - Carla GottensPhoto Credit - John SonesPhoto Credit - John Sones
09 October 2008 until 25 October 2008

Melbourne International Arts Festival

Indulge in the cream of Australian and international cultural events. Melbourne International Arts Festival has an outstanding reputation for presenting unique international and Australian attractions in the fields of dance, theatre, music, opera, visual arts, free and outdoor events. In 2008, the event runs for 17 days from 9 25 October, with performances throughout Melbourne. First staged in 1986, the festival became the third in the Spoleto Festival series joining Spoleto, Italy, and Charleston, United States. The name was changed in 1990 to the Melbourne International Festival of the Arts. The Artistic Director for 2005 - 2008 is Kristy Edmunds. Photo's captured by: Carla Gottens and John Sones

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Samsung Melbourne Marathon
12 October 2008

Samsung Melbourne Marathon

Melbourne Marathon attracts competitors of all shapes and sizes, old and young from all over Australia and the globe. The wide spread demographic of competitors is evidence of the popularity of social running in Australia and the world. The 2007 Event saw over 15,000 entrants, which doubled the competitor numbers from 2006!

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Tap on the streets of Melbourn
15 October 2008 until 20 October 2008

Melbourne International Tap Festival

The Melbourne International Tap Festival is the only festival of its kind in Australasia and aims to unite and strengthen the international Tap Family. It has strong ties to both the LA Tap Festival and the NYC Tap Festival and it will undoubtedly leave an imprint on history by connecting cultures through the celebration of the historic Art of Tap Dance. Tap is a rare art form that all people, irrespective of gender or culture, ethnic background or musical persuasion, whether they are 3 years of age or 103 years old, can both participate in and appreciate. In the tradition of tap festivals in other parts of the globe, this action packed week will be highlighted with workshops, master classes, films, lectures and jam sessions.

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Spectators at a sporting event
15 October 2008

National Ride to Work Day

Start your day another way. Whether you are a regular rider or thinking of giving it a go for the first time, Bicycle Victoria's Ride to Work Day 2008 is for you. Enjoy a free breakfast at Federation Square or one of many community breakfasts around the state, or plan a breakfast in your own workplace.

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Spectators at a sporting event
15 October 2008

National Ride to Work Day

Start your day another way. Whether you are a regular rider or thinking of giving it a go for the first time, Bicycle Victoria's Ride to Work Day 2008 is for you. Enjoy a free breakfast at Federation Square or one of many community breakfasts around the state, or plan a breakfast in your own workplace.

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15 October 2008

National Ride to Work Day

Start your day another way. Whether you are a regular rider or thinking of giving it a go for the first time, Bicycle Victoria's Ride to Work Day 2008 is for you. Enjoy a free breakfast at Federation Square or one of many community breakfasts around the state, or plan a breakfast in your own workplace.

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Spectators at a sporting event
15 October 2008

National Ride to Work Day

Start your day another way. Whether you are a regular rider or thinking of giving it a go for the first time, Bicycle Victoria's Ride to Work Day 2008 is for you. Enjoy a free breakfast at Federation Square or one of many community breakfasts around the state, or plan a breakfast in your own workplace.

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Spectators at a sporting event
15 October 2008

National Ride to Work Day

Start your day another way. Whether you are a regular rider or thinking of giving it a go for the first time, Bicycle Victoria's Ride to Work Day 2008 is for you. Enjoy a free breakfast at Federation Square or one of many community breakfasts around the state, or plan a breakfast in your own workplace.

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globe in handlogo
17 October 2008 until 19 October 2008

Save Water Save Energy 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.

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A Day at elBulli
19 October 2008

Ferran Adrià

In October 2008, Phaidon Press will publish A Day at elBulli: An insight into the ideas, methods and creativity of Ferran Adri . The book will offer the first behind-the-scenes look inside the restaurant voted best in the world for the past three years running and the mind of its legendary head chef Ferran Adri . The book will be released simultaneously in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, and Adri will make his first international author tour to promote it. He will be giving a public talk in Melbourne on Sunday October 19, presented by Phaidon Press and Melbourne Food and Wine.

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Start LineStart LineSorrento FerryCycling with friends
19 October 2008

Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day® - Get Sponsored for The Smith Family

Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day is Australia's premier mass participation bike ride. Now in its sixteenth year, the event has recently experienced significant growth, with over 14,000 riders participating in 2007. These riders fundraise for official charity partner, The Smith Family. The event offers a choice of four ride distances: 50km, 100km, 210km and 250km. The ride takes in some of Melbourne's most scenic and popular riding routes around Port Phillip Bay and includes the West Gate Bridge, Beach Road and the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas. A number of new features have recently been introduced to consolidate the event's position as Australia's biggest and best mass participation bike ride.

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Exhibitions
26 October 2008 until 30 November 2008

a walk of art...Celebrates Victorian Womens Vote 1908-2008

WOMEN TO UNITE & CELEBRATE IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN HISTORY!!!! FEDERATION SQUARE - SUNDAY 26th OCTOBER - 11.00AM FREE COMMUNITY EVENT - ALL WELCOME Join the 100 year celebration & anniversary of Victorian Women gaining the right to Vote 1908 2008 and pay homage to our suffragette sisters who sacrificed to give women a voice. a walk of art ...& Art Exhibition" will acknowledge women s achievement and will inspire women to reach for their goals through the use of art (Visual & Performance). We call on all women, artists, families, community groups & cultural/ethnic groups of Victoria to join the walk from Federation Square, via Parliament to the Queen Victoria Women s Centre to take part in this historically important milestone for women.

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19th century British Painting
26 October 2008

Get into Art

Public galleries across Victoria welcome all Victorians to visit their nearest local public art gallery on a special day of programs on Sunday 26 October 2008. Galleries across the state will be open offering a range of programs to interest a wide cross section of people. Curator s providing insights into key works in collections, walks through sculpture parks, hands-on activities for children and families are just some of the activities that will be held on the day. People who may never have visited their local gallery before will find this to be the perfect introductory day. From the top of the state in Mildura, across to Gippsland in the east, Hamilton in the west and the multitude of galleries in metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria has a rich treasure trove of public galleries.

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Jane AnnoisJohn EagleKerrie LightbodyJane AnnoisGlenn EnglandGraham Mercer
09 November 2008

Pottery Expo @ Federation Square

The Pottery Expo project was created in 2001 by Jane Annois, an internationally exhibited Australian ceramic artist and teacher. The project aims to promote high quality innovative studio ceramics created by Australian ceramic artists, bringing these art works to the public at various venues. Expo's are held in Warrandyte, Federation Square and Gapsted. The first Pottery Expo @ Federation Square in Nov 2005 was a great success and it has now become a popular annual event. The Potter Expos are a great opportunity to meet and see the work of not only local potters but also those from around Victoria and interstate.

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Little KrakowiankiDancersPolish Girls
16 November 2008

Polish Festival @ Federation Square

Polish Festival @ Federation Square - bringing a Taste of Poland to Melbourne. Stop counting calories and indulge in the exquisite flavours that are the essence of Poland at the Polish Festival @ Federation Square on Sunday the 16th of November 2008. Stalls at this year's festival will feature delicacies such as pierogi which many translate as filled dumplings or ravioli but neither term really does the pierogi justice - you just have to try it. Or you can try some bigos, Poland's true national dish. But don't miss out on the placki ziemniaczane (Potato Pancakes) think of them as the Polish version of hash browns, but far tastier and even more tantalising when had with sour cream and sugar.

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Sports of the GamesSports of the Games
21 November 2008 until 23 November 2008

Australian Corporate Games

National multi-sport event for businesses and organisations. Now in its 16th year attracting more than 9,000 participants from 300 organisations over 4 days at venues in and around Melbourne. Twenty team and individual sports on the programme such as: 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. Corporate Games is an annual multi-sport championship founded to provide every athlete of every ability the opportunity to remain active in sport.

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Suzuki Night MarketSuzuki Night MarketSuzuki Night Market
26 November 2008 until 25 February 2009

Suzuki Night Market

The Suzuki Night Market 2008/09 Season commences on Wednesday 26 November 2008 and runs every Wednesday until 25 February 2009, except 24 & 31 December 2008. We look forward to seeing you there! Location: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Pedestrian entry from corner Queen & Therry Streets and Peel Street Cost: FREE ENTRY Bookings: You can reserve a table in advance by calling us on 03 9320 5830. Tables seat 10 people and bookings incur a $25 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.

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Scene from '02 MastersMasterCard Masters
27 November 2008 until 30 November 2008

2008 Masters

Watch as the world s best golfers battle it out for the coveted Masters Gold Jacket. The 2008 Masters promises to be a showcase of incredible golf that you won t want to miss. Watch previous Australian Masters battle it out against this year's crop of talented young apprentices, in a fight to win the distinguished title. The tournament s coveted Gold Jacket and Waterford Trophy remain one of Australia's most sought after prizes. Not only is this reflected by the world class field the event attracts, but by the ongoing public interest in the event. Entertain valued clients in the Champions Club marquee or your own exclusive marquee, overlooking the 18th green, and watch the drama unfold from your private balcony.

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SportOpening ceremony Cape TownStreet soccer
01 December 2008 until 07 December 2008

Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup

The Homeless World Cup is a world-class, annual international football tournament, uniting teams of people who are homeless and excluded from society to take a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their lives forever. From 1-7 December, Federation Sqaure and Birrarung Marr will come alive with the grit, spirit and glory of the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup. Over 500 players from 56 nations will come together with one goal - to end homeless and poverty worldwide. Now in its sixth year, the Homeless World Cup has triggered and supports grass-roots football projects in over 60 nations working with 30,000 players who are homeless and excluded every year.

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World Latin ChampionshipsWorld Latin ChampionshipsWorld Latin Championships
08 December 2008 until 14 December 2008

Tattersall?s IDSF World Latin Championship

It s sexy, colourful and vibrant. Melbourne will be sizzling when the World s best Latin competitors come to Melbourne in December. The IDSF World Latin Championship is the most prestigious dance competition in the world with an estimated 220 competitors from more than 60 countries expected to make their way to Melbourne to compete. The Tattersall s IDSF World Latin Championship Melbourne will be part of a Festival of Dance , including; * The highly acclaimed Australian DanceSport Championship, * An international adjudicator s congress, * Lecture series Pure Gold , * Junior development program, * Official launch * Charity Gala Dinner in aid of the Alfred Hospital. Please visit our website for the full programme and all the up to date information.

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Performances
24 December 2008

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

You are invited to celebrate the magic of Christmas with song at the 2008 Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight. This year the iconic event turns 71 and it is expected to be as vibrant and magical as ever. Held in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, the night will feature an array of contemporary and traditional performers that is sure to delight and entertain the whole family. All proceeds raised from the event go towards children who are blind or have low vision. Tickets go on sale November 2008 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. On Tuesday the 23rd of December 2008 you can experience much of the fun and splendour of Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight Rehersal at a significantly reduced rate.

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Boxing Day Test MatchBoxing Day Test Match
26 December 2008 until 30 December 2008

3 MOBILE Boxing Day Test

The traditional Boxing Day Test at the MCG is the most anticipated cricket match each year in world cricket and there will be no love lost when South Africa travel to Australia in the 2008/09 summer to take on Ricky Ponting s new look Australian team. The last time the Proteas played Australia in Melbourne 72,000 spectators were on hand for Day 1 to see the fiery clash and another big crowd is expected to be on hand for one of Melbourne s major annual sporting events. As well as the action on the arena there will be plenty of activities in and around the MCG. The Outfield precinct will provided interactive cricket displays for families in Yarra Park, Federation Square again hosts a live site including all the action on the big screen.

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Red Cross Murray MarathonRed Cross Murray MarathonRed Cross Murray Marathon
27 December 2008 until 31 December 2008

Red Cross Murray Marathon

The Red Cross Murray Marathon: Everyone can do it, you'll never forget it. Covering a distance of 404 kilometres in five days, the event takes paddlers from Yarrawonga through to Swan Hill, in the heart of Victoria, Australia. Wholly owned and organised by Australian Red Cross, funds raised during the marathon are channelled back into the provision of vital community and emergency services provided by Australian Red Cross, including Patient Transport, Refugee and Asylum Seeker Services and Emergency First Aid, Registration and Catering. The Murray Marathon is your chance to raise funds for the world s largest humanitarian organisation in a unique and enjoyable way. Prepare yourself for five days of outdoor adventure, stories and memories. For more information email us or visit the website.

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Rod Laver ArenaFansNovak DjokovicMaria SharapovaBernard TomicCasey DellaquaGarden SquareLleyton HewittRafael Nadal
19 January 2009 until 01 February 2009

Australian Open - The Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2009 Where: Melbourne Park When: 19 January to 1 February 2009 The world's best tennis players are showcased at Melbourne Park for the first Grand Slam of the year. Australian Open 2008 was the biggest and best in the tournament's history, setting an all-time attendance record of 605,735 fans through the gates. Serbia's Novak Djokovic triumphed in the men's final, winning his maiden Grand Slam crown, while Russia's Maria Sharapova breezed through the two weeks, taking the title without the loss of a set. Australians celebrated the success of Casey Dellacqua, who defeated two top 20 players en route to the fourth round, and the success of 15-year-old Bernard Tomic, who became the youngest ever Junior Grand Slam winner in the Open Era.

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Sustainable Living FestivalFun for the whole family
20 February 2009 until 22 February 2009

Sustainable Living Festival

Sustainability Make it your Sport Just like sport, sustainability is about the thrills and spills, being a part of a team, feeling healthy and having fun - it is about getting out there to give it your best! Whether it's a team sport or striving for personal best Australian's have a long history in achieving great success in our sporting endeavours. At the 2008 Festival you will find a huge range of information and inspiration to improve your lifestyle and the health of our planet. From energy efficient housing and transport options to organic food and much more. Come and explore the Festival's three-day program in the heart of Melbourne city and be a part of it.

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Moomba WaterfestMoomba WaterfestMoomba WaterfestMoomba WaterfestMoomba Waterfest
06 March 2009 until 09 March 2009

Moomba Waterfest

For over 50 years Moomba Waterfest has entertained and delighted as it brings Melbourne s waterfront to life with four days of FREE public events. With a jam-packed program of old favourites and first-time additions, 2009 will be no exception. Don t miss the colour and movement of the Moomba Parade, the madness of the Birdman Rally, the excitement of the nightly Fireshow on the Yarra, or the thrills of the Moomba Carnival. This year Moomba will again make a splash into Docklands with a day of watersports demonstrations, entertainment and music. Other favourites will also be back including the world renowned Moomba Masters International Waterskiing, Active Melbourne an interactive sporting and come-and-try activities precinct for the whole family, Dripple Drop a new and uniquely interactive theatre show especially for children,...

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Grand Prix 2008Starting line upGrand Prix 2008
26 March 2009 until 29 March 2009

2009 FORMULA 1 Australian Grand Prix

The 2009 FORMULA 1 ING Australian Grand Prix is the country s premier sporting event and offers an action-packed extravaganza of on-track and off-track activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Besides a stellar line-up of elite motor racing, a host of other offerings will keep you entertained throughout the day. Set in the stunning surrounds of picturesque Albert Park and offering striking views of Melbourne s skyline, the 2009 FORMULA 1 ING Australian Grand Prix will be a feast for the senses. If you ve never witnessed the sensation of the world s fastest men racing before your very eyes at speeds of more than 300 km/h, make 2009 the year to do it.

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Neighbour Day logoNeighbour Day girlNeighbour Day manNeighbour DayNeighbour Day is everywhere!Neighbour Day is everywhere!Neighbour Day is everywhere!Neighbour Day is everywhereNeighbour Day is everywhere
29 March 2009

Neighbour Day

Neighbour Day is held on the last Sunday in March every year but you don t have to wait until then to talk to your neighbours! Now a global event with the backing of the United Nations it was founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 to encourage us all to develop a greater sense of community caring, to look after the vulnerable and isolated especially those who live alone. Whether you live in the city, in a town or on a farm anyone can participate. There are no organising committees to join, no registration processes and as everyone is a neighbour - it is free! Unlike other awareness days you don t make a donation, buy a badge or a ribbon or wear a silly hat.

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GALAMelbourne Town HallOutdoor
01 April 2009 until 26 April 2009

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Laugh 'til it hurts with the world's premier funny people in Melbourne. Laughter takes over the city as the best international and local comedians descend on Melbourne every year. More than 200 different shows and over 2,200 performances tickle the funny bones of almost 400,000 comedy lovers in venues all across the city. Along with Montreal and Edinburgh, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the world's largest comedy festivals. Featuring a high profile line up of stand-up, cabaret theatre, visual art exhibitions, a comedy film festival and free performances along with many other events, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is bound to have you in stitches.

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Mothers Day ClassicMothers Day Classic
10 May 2009

Mothers Day Classic

The Mothers Day Classic is a run/walk for breast cancer research. All proceeds from the event go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Since the event s inception in 1998, over $3 million has been raised for the NBCF. Last year, over 50,000 participated in the event nationally with a record 21,600 participating in Melbourne alone. Participants can dedicate their run or walk to a family member or friend touched by breast cancer by wearing a tribute placard. There will be plenty of activities for everyone including children s face painting, jumping castles, warm-up aerobics and massage.

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Index Award ExhibitionVertical GardenPatrick BlancFederation Sq Labyrinth
16 July 2009 until 26 July 2009

Melbourne International Design Festival

The fifth annual Melbourne Design Festival will take place from 16 - 26 July, 2009 at Federation Square and venues across Melbourne. Presented by the National Design Centre. The Melbourne International Design Festival includes around 50 mainly free events developed by designers for the general community to celebrate design and promote the further understanding of design across all its disciplines. Events include exhibitions, forums, design shows, workshops, a design market, competitions, installations amongst others during the 10 days of the Festival. This year, the 2008 MIDF attracted over 200,000 people to Federation Square, with more than 16,000 attending the biannual Melbourne Design Market.

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ExhibitionsBw08
31 July 2009 until 01 August 2009

Beautiful Woman

Beautiful Woman exists to Impact, Inspire and equip women of varying ages, cultures and backgrounds to be all they can be. Beautiful Woman reaches thousands of women across our state, our nation and now New Zealand with a message of hope and inspiration. A beautiful women event is a special occasion like no other; a time of inspiration, fun and empowerment .These events aim to motivate, educate and support women individually as a group.

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Russell and Ros and CamelsThe Start of the DayThe String is ready for the da
22 November 2009

Darwin to Melbourne Thank You Camel Expedition 2008-2009

The Darwin To Melbourne "Thank You" Camel Expedition will leave on Easter Sunday 2008 from Darwin City through the Western Deserts, Northern Territory Deserts, South Australian Deserts, Country Victoria and through the City of Melbourne from Government House on the 22/11/09 to the Royal Children's Hospital, as a show of thank you to Moira Kelly and the Children First Foundation, it's associated bodies and volunteers. The expedition will end at the Children First Foundation residence in Kilmore, Victoria for the children in residence to meet the camels. The camel expedition will: * Take approximately one and a half years to complete * Cover approximately 6000 Kilometres * Trek through some of Australia's remotest deserts * Cross the continent from north to south * Find those who can say "thank you" to Moira Kelly and her...

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