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YOU CAN FUNRAISING APPEAL ONGOING
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National
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YOU CAN FUNDRAISING APPEAL
Ongoing
The Sony Foundation together with CanTeen has launched a national fundraising campaign to raise $15 million to build youth cancer centres in Australia. The You Can appeal addresses the need for specialised youth cancer treatment centres for persons aged 15 to 25.
You can get involved by recycling old mobile phones. It estimated that there are anywhere from 15 to 20 million unwanted phones in Australian homes. The Sony Foundation has partnered with Folmah, an Irish recycling company, to swap old mobile phones for cash. For more information on the You Can campaign and how to contribute visit youcan.org.au.
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National
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BEAST QUEST TOURNAMENT
20 - 21 March
The Beast Quest book series is designed to encourage boys to read, especially those reluctant to do so. On 20 and 21 March Beast Quest Tournaments will be held in participating bookstores around Australia. Children will be able to participate in fun Beast activities such as Master of Trivia, swap their Beast Quest collector cards, win a range of prizes and have the opportunity to buy copies of the new series.
Admittance is free. Head to beastquest.com.au for details on participating bookstores.
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National
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NATIONAL PLAYGROUP WEEK
21 - 27 March
The National Playgroup Week will be held from 21 to 27 March and encourages parents with babies and children under the age of five to find out about playgroups near them, and discover what it is about. Fun events will be held in every state and territory. This year’s theme is Celebrating Playgroup – A world of connections.
Currently 103,000 families regularly participate in playgroup and that figure is growing. To find out what’s on in your state or territory during this week call 1800 171 882.
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National
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MATHILDA'S MARKETS
Various dates nationwide
The cream of Australia’s craftspeople and designers come together annually for this Mathilda’s Market event, selling their handmade baby and kids’ products. Some of the funkiest outfits, bedroom decorations, furnishings, toys, accessories, bags, shoes, instruments and more are displayed at this event. What’s more, you get to meet the makers face-to-face and purchase a range of products to suit any budget.
Mathilda’s Markets are held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra and this year have been introduced to Adelaide and Hobart. For further information on dates and stalls check out mathildasmarket.com.au.
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National
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BANDAGE BEAR DAY
26 March 2010
Bandage Bear will be celebrating his 21st birthday next year and with the Bandaged Bear Day Appeal running throughout the month of March there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved. This event is The Children’s Hospital at Westmead’s major annual fundraiser, with all donations going to areas of the hospital that are in need.
This year the day has a When I Grow Up theme and organisers are urging people to raise money by throwing a party or donating or buying merchandise. The 2010 mascot Bandage Bear was designed by a 12-year-old from Mascot Public School, the colourful coat will be unveiled at the start of the appeal. For more information on this event go to bandagedbearday.com.au.
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Queensland
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VAALIA YOGHURT FEEL GOOD PROGRAM - MUMMY AND ME YOGA
2 February to 27 March
Now in its fifth year the Vaalia Yoghurt Feel Good Program allows you to pull out your yoga mat and participate in a series of free classes on Brisbane’s South Bank. Every Tuesday from 2 February to 23 March from 9.30 to 10.30am there will be Mummy and Me yoga classes where you can take your kids along for some relaxation. No booking is required but participants are encouraged to bring a towel or yoga mat and to wear loose, comfortable clothing.
For more information go to visitsouthbank.com.au or contact the South Bank Visitor Centre on 07 3867 2051.
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Queensland
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MATHILDA'S MARKET
Various dates throughout 2010
Mathilda's Market showcases and sells beautiful handcrafted and limited production baby and kids goods. They carefully handpick their stallholders to bring you the most divine and original clothing, accessories, homewares and toys for the little ones. It’s a shopper’s paradise for those who want to stylishly dress their children or decorate their kids’ home environment, and are seeking an alternative to mass produced, chain store items. As most of our sellers don’t have a shop front, you are guaranteed to find something truly unique, as well as within your budget – prices range from around $2 to $250.
Visit Mathilda's Markets to find truly unique and gorgeous children's wares brought together for you in the one place at the one time.
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APOLLO 13: MISSION CONTROL MARCH 20, 21, 27 & 28
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New South Wales
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APOLLO 13: MISSION CONTROL
20, 21, 27 & 28 March
Apollo 13: Mission Control is an interactive space odyssey at the Sydney Opera House. The production offers a first-hand insight into the remarkable story of survival where astronauts over 320,000 miles from Earth fought for their lives as an explosion ripped through their spacecraft.
Book early to secure limited interactive console seats. Running for approximately 90 minutes, the production is located at The Studio, Sydney Opera House. Tickets are priced at $27. To book or for more information head to sydneyoperahouse.com or call 02 9250 7777.
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New South Wales
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BABY LOVES DISCO, UNDER THE SEA
March 27
Baby Loves Disco is an afternoon dance party with live music and DJs blending classic and modern tunes for kids aged six months to seven years. This baby-proofed nightclub offers chillout rooms, toys, prizes and competitions for kids and parents. With bubble machines, baskets of scarves, healthy snacks and lots of dancing, your little one won’t run out of things to do.
Located at Slide Bar Cabaret and Club in Sydney, tickets are $17 and are available at moshtix.com.au. Prices include food and entertainment for children and their parents. For more information go to babylovesdisco.com/australia.
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New South Wales
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BILLYCART MARKETS
Various dates throughout 2010
Located in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Billycart Markets play host to a collection of handcrafted products created for children by a range of Australian designers. With four market days annually (27 March, 26 June, 25 September and 11 December) there is a $2 entry fee which is donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. For more information head to billycartmarkets.com.au.
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New South Wales
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CRAFT EXPO
11 - 14 March
This interactive craft event is suitable for anyone looking to explore their crafty side. There will be daily workshops and interesting demonstations with craft experts happy to lend a hand and help you complete those unfinished projects you’ve left lying around. Members of the Betters Homes and Gardens team will be there looking to find new projects to feature in the magazine.
Located at the The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park, the fair runs from 11 - 14 March from 10am to 4.30pm. Entry is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $7 for kids, children under five go free. Tickets are available at the door or online at craftexpo.net.au.
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New South Wales
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SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW
1 - 14 April
The 2010 Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual event, bringing the best of the country to the heart of Sydney. There is a range of entertainment for the kids and a jam-packed program with agricultural attractions and extreme entertainment. This year the main attractions include six new carnival rides, the Big Bush Meet And Greet, and the Diving Pigs and Roving Ducks show.
Tickets go on sale Monday 1 February with adult’s tickets priced at $33, concession at $26 and children’s at $22. Head the eastershow.com for more details.
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New South Wales
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PLATFORM THREE HIP HOP FESTIVAL
February 27, March 6, 13, 19, 20
Starting from February 27 there will be free hip hop classes at the Carriageworks on Wilson Street in Sydney. The first three weeks are a lead-up to the festival and give novices the chance to bust a move with lessons on popping, locking and breaking.
The actual festival is on March 19 to 20 and is a celebration of everything hip hop. In its third year, audiences get to see the best of Australian hip hop dance, music, art, film and theatre. The full festival line-up will be revealed in early 2010 and tickets start at $18. Watch this space for more information.
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New South Wales
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AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS
Ongoing
Learn while you play! The Australian Museum has a variety of exhibits on at any one time to tickle anyone's fancy. Get prehistoric with dinosaurs, discover the significance of art in ancient Egypt, learn everything you ever needed to know about birds, climb on a meteroite or get up close to some of Australia's most deadly creatures. So much to do, so little time.
A great day out for the whole family. Go to the Australian Museum for details.
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New South Wales
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CHILDREN'S KITCHEN GARDEN
Ongoing
The Children’s Kitchen Garden at Bourke St Public School is being developed as a Children’s Kitchen Garden and environmental learning centre which will be used by Bourke St Public School, the South East School for Children with Autism and other Participating Schools in the area.
The garden has tours and programs that run year long for your little one to explore their green thumb!
For details see the Children’s Kitchen Garden.
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New South Wales
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LITTLE GREEN THUMBS AT EDEN GARDENS Ongoing
Eden Gardens, a garden and lifestyle centre in North Ryde, hosts a number of education classes for kids in school holidays. They are a great way to educate little green thumbs on sustainable gardens and the wonder of the outdoor world.
Eden Education offers activities involving crafts, games and gardening for kids aged 5-12 and also little green thumbs aged 3-5. At $11-$15 per child per session, school holidays at EdenGardens are great value. Get your kids out of the house and into the garden for some much needed green-spiration next school holidays! Go to Eden Gardens to enrol.
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New South Wales
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ASPIRE PELICAN H2O RESORT OPENING
A brand new 4.5 star resort has just been opened at North Haven, just near port Macquarie, with great specials for everyone. The Aspire Pelican H2O Apartment Resort is now open to guests and still has vacancies for any last minute school holiday or general getaways and is perfectly positioned halfway between the Gold Coast and Sydney.
Holidaymakers can still see the wild dolphins playing in the water in front of this beautifully equipped boutique resort. Rooms start at $93 so get in quick! Aspire Pelican H2O to book.
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New South Wales
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BABY VILLAGE STORE OPENING
Ongoing
East Sydneysiders rejoice! Baby Village, a baby superstore, is opening in Bondi Junction, ready to fill all your baby needs.
Baby Village will stock a whole range of the most trusted baby brands including Bugaboo, phil&teds, Pigeon, Maclaren, Chicco, Babybjorn, Tiny Love and much more. Plus Baby Village will continuously strive to provide the best possible prices to ensure you always get value for money. With a heavy focus on customer service, Baby Village is interested in working with you to provide the best possible care for you and bub. See Baby Village.
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New South Wales
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SIMPLY ORIGINAL COOKING CLASSES
Ongoing
Have you ever thought that you would love to create wholesome, simple, yet amazing dishes for your family and when entertaining your friends? It’s easier than you think! Simply Original Fine Foods has a whole range of cooking classes to suit everyone in the family. There's classes to teach you to prepare baby food , Thai cuisine, enticing desserts, marinades and sauces for BBQ season, there's even classes to teach the men in the house how to cook. Perfect excuse for Mum to put her feet up.
Visit Simply Original to enrol.
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New South Wales
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BABY MASSAGE CLASSES
Mon - Sat
Buddha Bubs runs classes for parents to learn infant massage combined with baby yoga. There are specialty classes for mums to be, new mums, and classes just for dads as well as private classes for those who prefer a one on one tuition in the comfort of their own home.
A caring mum, Melinda Minns, who is a fully certified practicing infant massage instructor, and also has over 15 years of experience in yoga, runs each class. Melinda will teach you easy to follow massage and yoga techniques that can become a part of your baby’s daily routine; you will also learn specific techniques to help ease Colic, Reflux, and Constipation. Go to Buddha Bubs for details.
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New South Wales
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SHIPS AHOY TREASURE TRAIL
Ongoing
Search for treasure at Cockatoo Island! Collect your free treasure map from the Muster Station Visitor Office when you arrive, then head out to find rusty cranes, enormous docks and gigantic old workshops. Find all the treasures and return to the Muster Station for your reward! A day of fun just ten minutes from Circular Quay.
Go to Cockatoo Island for more details.
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New South Wales
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SPARKLE T PARTY
Ongoing
Catching up with girlfriends at the same old café gets boring fast. Glitz it up with T Party at Sparkle Cupcakery in swanky Surry Hills.
The Sparkle version of High Tea, T Party is for two or twenty guests. The menu includes sandwich slithers, strawberries with melted chocolate for dipping, sparkle cookies, tea or coffee and delicious cupcakes, of course!
Starting at $22.50 per person, depending on whether you're having bubbles or not.
Live luxuriously for a moment. Indulge your senses at the The Sparkle Cupcakery.
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New South Wales
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OPERA HIGH TEA
Wednesdays
Under the world famous sails of the Opera House, enjoy a gorgeous day with girlfriends soaking up spectacular views of Sydney's skyline and sparkling harbour. You will be presented with an assortment of beautiful teas, exquisite savouries, pastries and petit fours while savouring an intimate and private performance by an acclaimed opera singer that will leave you relaxed and content. Tickets cost $145 per person.
For bookings go to www.sydneyoperahouse.com.au.
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New South Wales
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DANDY LIONS: WILD THINGS IN THE
GARDEN
Thursdays
Let your wild thing loose in one of the most beautiful locations in Sydney. The Royal Botanical Gardens has organised a playgroup for children aged zero to five. There are garden activities, art and craft, storytelling, music and dance and playtime. On every Thursday from 10 AM to 12 noon, kids will not only get the chance to explore but play with new friends.
At $11 per family, go to www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au for more information.
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Victoria
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MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN
SHOW
24 - 28 March
This year the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show will have daily scheduled activities to entertain the kids in the Children’s Garden. The Mary Poppins themed display, inspired by the famous carousel scene, allows children to walk through flower-covered carousel horses and make the scene come alive.
The show will run from 24 – 28 March at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, Carlton. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for concessions and $8 for children. For more information see melbflowershow.com.au.
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Victoria
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ROARY THE RACING CAR
25 - 28 March
ABC TV’s Roary the Racing Car will be returning to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix to provide kid-friendly activities for the whole family. V8 Supercar Champion Craig Lowndes will also be meeting fans at the Roary Pit Zone to celebrate his new role as Conrod on the hit ABC show. There will be free entertainment for the four days with interactive games, competitions, face painting, treasure hunts and more.
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Victoria
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DINOSAUR WALK
Ongoing
Watch your little one’s eyes pop when they venture into the ancient world of the Mesozoic era. Visitors can touch displays of dinosaur teeth, bones and fossilised poo, and discover how dinosaurs moved, what they ate and how they survived in their changing environments.
Exhibitions are free with Museum Victoria admission: adults $6 and concession and children free. Call 13 11 02 or visit www.museum.vic.gov.au.
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Victoria
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KID'S COMEDY: RODNEY. MISSING.
March 27 TO April 11
Rodney. Missing. is a comedic performance that follows the story of John Johnson and his search for his circus partner, Rodney the Elephant. Through physical comedy, this traditional street clown styled act is a poignant and often absurd exploration of friendship and the power of imagination.
The highly visual and interactive performance is for all ages and will be presented at the 2010 Melbourne Comedy Festival. Prices vary from $10 to $15 depending on age and all showings are at 2pm in the Melbourne Town Hall. For more information go to comedyfestival.com.au or call Ticketmaster on 1300 660 013.
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Victoria
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COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN'S FARM FAMILY
DAY
First Sunday of each month
A little slice of country life for city folk, Collingwood Children’s Farm provides a beautiful experience for children and adults alike. Visitors can milk the cows, feed the animals, help with farm chores, go into the paddocks with the sheep and goats, cuddle a guinea pig, waddle with the ducks, feed the chooks, look for eggs or just sit and unwind under a shady tree on the banks of the Yarra river.
On Family Days, there are free pony rides, hay rides, a BBQ and lots of fun activities. Go to www.farm.org.au for more details.
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Victoria
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NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA KIDS CORNER Ongoing
The National Art Gallery of Victoria has recently opened their Kids Corner space where children and their families can enjoy creative installations and activities designed just for them. Going Places Sitting Down is the current theme, with videos and objects from artists around the world being displayed.
This January, Kids Corner will host free storytelling, drama and activities between 10am and 12pm on various dates throughout the month. Entry is free. Head to ngv.vic.gov.au/ngvkids for more information.
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South Australia
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ADELAIDE GARDENING AUSTRALIA EXPO
March 6 - 10 2010
This year the ABC Gardening Australia Expo kicks off in Adelaide with a new array of feature elements and areas for old hand and budding gardeners. The spaces include The Discovery Desk where you can pick up tips and tricks, The Organic Circle with live stage demonstrations on the complete cycle of sustainable vegetable growing, The Potting Shed which encourages hands on participation. The Backyard Creatures section hosts an array of garden creepy crawlies for you to handle and finally The Outdoor Oasis area is where you are shown how to create outdoor living and entertainment areas that blend seamlessly with kitchens and indoor living spaces. For the kids there is an outdoor activity area with fun activities and daily appearances by popular characters from various ABC children’s programs.
Open 10am to 4.30pm daily at the Adelaide Event And Exhibition Centre, Goyder Pavilion, Showground, Wayville. Tickets are available at the door or online at abcgardeningexpo.com.au. Adult’s priced at $13, seniors $11, children aged five to16 years $5 and children under five enter for free.
Please note, there are various dates nation wide. Check the website for more details.
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Canberra
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NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL
April 1 - 5
The National Folk Festival is attended by more than 50,000 people annually. With gourmet food and wine, markets, music, dancing, comedy and theatre everyone is welcome. There are workshops that teach singing, dancing and how to play an instrument, or there is entertainment by street theatre and impromptu artists. There are over 200 artists, 90 markets stalls and 52 hours of entertainment.
For more information and ticket pricing head to folkfestival.asn.au.
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If you'd like to publicise your event on the My Child website, I'd love to hear from you. Send details and high quality, low-res images to ellie@poppetgroup.com.au.
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