The Collingwood Toy Library has engaged some of Melbourne’s most pre-eminent child development experts to come and speak with parents and carers of young children about the value of play.

With the support of the City of Yarra the library will be hosting a series of seminars between October and December that encourage parents to learn more about how crucial play is to their child’s development.

Guest speakers will focus on different elements of play, including using play to address behavioural issues or to stimulate a child’s language development or interest in art. Play is critical to a child’s development. It’s how they learn. These seminars will assist in giving parents the knowledge and confidence to help their children grow and develop important life skills. Our expert speakers will offer parents some practical ideas and suggestions for playing with their child and there will be plenty of toys from the library on hand to help illustrate the points being made.

The seminars are free of charge and open to all.

They will be held at the Edinburgh Gardens Community Room from 7:30pm on 29th October, 12th November, 25th November and 9th December.

Further details available by contacting Ian Campbell-Fraser on 0417 943 004.

Sarah Mackintosh - The Bender Bar - 635 High St, Thornbury.

Thursday 10 December, 9pm

Sarah Mackintosh released her debut album 'Kismet' in October and has had a great response and received some support from community radio around the country. This gig will see Sarah's return to The Bender Bar, one of her favourite intimate venues for a laid back Thursday evening. Her album is available online through Waterfront records or on her website.

Walk Against Warming is Australia's biggest day of climate change action.

This year, we’re sending a safe climate message to the world. Are you in?

12pm State Library, Swanston Street. As world leaders are gathering in Copenhagen to discuss what action they are prepared to take on climate change, we'll be walking down Swanston Street to Princes Bridge, where we'll form a giant human sign to send them a message that Australians want a safe climate future.

Details at waw.org.au. Please RSVP if attending.

Edgar's Mission Farm Sanctuary invites you to come on Saturday, 12 December for Carols by Barnlight from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Meet and greet over 150 rescued farm animals, take the farm tour and learn the animals' stories, enjoy a delicious vegan barbeque and settle into the barn for carol singing!

Help us celebrate the true meaning of Christmas - kindness and compassion to ALL beings. at Edgar's Mission Farm Sanctuary 365 McHarg's Road, Willowmavin (via Kilmore 3764).
Free Entry.
Email or phone 0408 397 301.

 

The Conch LATIN FIESTA

Let the Refugees in!

7pm, Saturday, December 12

MUA Hall 46 - 54 Ireland St West Melbourne

Join THE CONCH & friends to support the struggle to let refugees into Australia, to celebrate another year of solidarity and activism, another year of revolution in Latin America & another year of comradeship in Melbourne!
go to www.theconch.org …
Info ph Jo 0435 519 610 or Roberto 0425 182 994.
Bar & food available. Entry $10/5.
Proceeds to the Refugee Action Collective (RAC-Vic), Centre for Latin America Studies & Solidarity (CLASS) & Direct Action Activist Centre.

All Nations Soccer Cup - Charity Tournament

Sunday 13 December at Footscray Hockey Club
McIvor Reserve, Fogarty Avenue, Footscray (Mel Ref 41 F10)

Come along and support our communities.

Activities on the day include a jumping castle, face painting, music, entertainment, and sausage sizzle.

Presented by the Rotary Club of Footscray in partnership with the Ethio-Australian Sports Federation, AASA and Footscray United Soccer Club.

Start time is 10am, and the day includes an exhibition match at midday between Victoria Police and the African All Stars.

For more information please contact Robert Tripp, Coordinator: 0412 136 856 or email

 

The City of Kingston proudly presents Carols By The Bay, one of Melbourne’s premier Christmas celebrations, on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at the Peter Scullin Reserve, Beach Road and Pier Road, Mordialloc.

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the event that will kick off with pre-concert festivities at 6:30pm, followed by the main concert at 8:15pm and a spectacular fireworks finale at 10:15pm.

Popular Australian singer/songwriter Mark Seymour will be the headline act at the Carols by the Bay which will once again be hosted by Daryl Cotton.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Carols Concert – featuring some of Australia’s favourite entertainers including: Mark Seymour, Annalisa Kerrigan, Jane Clifton, Nichaud Fitzgibbon, Richard Thomas, Paul Williamson, Troy McMillin and the Airforce Band, Russell Robertson, Rebecca Barnard and Gorgi Coghlan.

• The Great Gizmo Show pre-concert entertainment - a highly interactive performance for children and adults alike including magic show, uni-cycling and fire juggling.

• Fireworks Spectacular- kicking off at 10:15pm Carols by the Bay is an alcohol-free and dog-free event. Reserved seating is available in front of the stage for $11 a seat (limited seating available).

To book, phone Hazel Pierce on 9580 8841. Alternatively, bring your picnic rug and find a free spot on the lawn area. For more information, visit www.kingston.vic.gov.au or phone the Council on 1300 653 356. Sponsored By: Brighton Hyundai Leader Newspapers