Free Events in June 2014

Welcome to the June 2014 Events Newsletter.

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Sunday 1st only- Aboriginal Heritage Walk – Royal Botanic Gardens, Alexandra Avenue, Melbourne. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate 11am – 12.30pm. Celebrate Reconciliation Week on this journey into the ancestral lands of the Kulin nation. Explore the rich and thriving culture of the Kulin nation at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, experience a traditional smoking ceremony with Indigenous Guides and discover traditional uses of plants for food, tools and medicine. Bookings required on 03 9252 2429


Till July 5th - The Emerge Festival celebrates new refugees and emerging artists who have recently settled in Australia with a colourful series of performances and unique cultural experiences including music, dance, visual arts, ancient crafts and ceremonies. This is the Festival's 11th year. You can see African dance grooves, Sudanese reggae, Ethiopian jazz, Azmari banter, Somali pop and sounds from Samoa to Afghanistan and a crafty artisans marketplace. See www.multiculturalarts.com.au/events2014/emerge.shtml to find the program of events.


Sunday 1st - Antartica(interactive exhibition) at Artplay, Birarrung Marr, behind Federation Square. Can you imagine what living in Antarctica will be like in 20 years time? Through a mix of speculative storytelling, hands on constructing and museum reverse engineering – artist Ben and children at ArtPlay have literally `made the future`. Just like scientists and historians can tell stories about the past from objects; here objects describe what could happen to this frozen continent in the future. From peculiar stories of fictional explorers to imagined evolutions of real creatures, discover how children have visualised the future in models and 1:1 objects, to ask: what will happen to Antarctica?


Sunday 1st till 22nd - The Light in Winter is Federation Square’s annual, month-long program with loads of free and interesting events, with exhibitions, film screenings, forums and the much-loved Solstice Celebration. See http://www.fedsquare.com/events/the-light-in-winter/program/


Sunday 1st and 15th – Laughter Club at Federation Square by Swanston Street Forecourt 11am – 11.30am


Sundays 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th - Gypsy Jazz on the Village Green at CERES. Starts 1pm. Join in, or like most people, just watch! www.ceres.org.au


Monday 2nd - Classics at Fed Square. Music with the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School at The Deakin Edge in Federation Square 12noon -1pm.


Mondays 2nd, 9th and 16th and Wednesdays 4th and 11th – Zumba 6pm – 6.40pm at The Atrium, Federation Square.


Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Monday 2nd – Fitness at Fed Square, Flinders Street. Join workouts led by health coaches and fitness instructors from Healthy Lifestyle Lounge. These classes aim to help city workers keep fit and healthy. Fitness activities include circuit based exercise which will incorporate body weight exercises, cardio training and core strength movements. Classes are simple, fun and great for invigorating the mind, body and soul. All ages and fitness levels welcome. Times: Monday 6pm – 6.45pm on River Terrace, Wednesday 7am - 7.45am at the Amphitheatre and Friday 7am – 7.45am at the Amphitheatre.


Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd - Millionaire Hot Seat Studio Audience - Noon – 5.30pm both days. Come along to a taping of 'Millionaire Hot Seat' and enjoy all the fun of being part of a studio audience. All audience members will receive a twenty percent discount coupon off the Melbourne Star Wheel! As well as going into the draw to win tickets to The Footy Show and $500 in cash. There'll be snacks, lollies and chocolates provided. See the action behind the scenes and enjoy a great day out with family and friends. Location is Docklands Studios, 476 Docklands Drive, Docklands. Free parking available. Must be 15 years or older. Bookings available via 03 9420 3190 or millionaireaudience@nine.com.au


Tuesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th – Tai Chi in Main Square at Federation Square 7.30am – 8.30am


Tuesday 3rd and Thursday 5th - 100 Ways to Move it Melbourne Walking Program - Arrive 12.15pm, walk from 12.30pm to 1pm, finish by 1.15pm. This free lunchtime walking program is a fantastic way to get out of the office and get active.  Walking is a low impact form of exercise that doesn't require a change of clothes or any prior fitness levels. And the best part is anyone can do it. Bring a friend or work colleague with you and Move it Melbourne! Corner of Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne. Meeting point for each of the four walks is St Paul's Court, near entrance to Melbourne Visitor Centre.


Tuesdays 3rd and 10th and Thursdays 5th and 12th – Yoga at The Atrium or Deakin Edge in Federation Square 1.15pm – 2pm. BYO mat.


Tuesday 3rd till Saurday 28th - The Scribble Project. Over the years Lisa Currie interviewed her favourite artists and illustrators using the medium they speak with best – doodling!  Lisa has collected hundreds of 'scribble sheets' from artists all over the world. This exhibition is a celebration of how unique we all are, and the fun of doodling. Gallery at City Library, 253 Flinders Lane, Level 1, Melbourne. Mon - Thursday: 8am – 7.45pm, Fri: 8am – 5.45pm, Sat: 10am – 4.45pm and Sun: noon – 4.45pm


Tuesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th – Lunchtime Meditation in The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30-1pm


Wednesdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th – Nike Run Club – one of the largest free training run clubs held globally bringing together fellow runners from all over Melbourne. Meet outside the Atrium in Federation Square 5.30pm (till 7pm)


Thursday 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th – Organ Recital at St Michaels Church at 120 Collins Street. 1pm-1.30pm


Fridays 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th – Qigong (a sort of Tai Chi combining integrated movement, mental cultivation and regulated breathing) – Main Square at Federation Square 8am – 9am


Friday 6th - The 1st Friday Dance Club. Each month anyone in Melbourne can come into the city and learn a dance with skilled dancing groups. The dances change every week. The 1st Friday Dance Club takes place at the same place and the same time every month – 6pm till 8pm weather permitting as it’s outdoors. Led by community and professional dance groups, 1st Friday Dance Club provides opportunities for people to come together to learn, share and experience dance. It is free, lo- fi, and open to all ages. The address is 1A Queens Bridge Street, Southbank which is on the Southbank side of the pedestrian bridge over the River Yarra behind Flinders Street railway station.


Fridays 6th until December! - Projector Bike Friday Night Ride. Grab your bike and your love of film and ride along with Projector Bike, a bike ride through the city, stopping at screening locations along the way to watch a range of award-winning short films and video clips. Projector Bike will be leaving Testing Grounds at 6:30pm and returning around 7:30pm for a drink from the Testing Grounds bar, 1 City Road, Melbourne. Testing Grounds is behind the Arts Centre. 0422 221 072, info@projectorbike.com.au www.projectorbike.com.au


Saturday 7th and possibly but not definitely other Saturdays in June too! Check website first! You can visit the Sam Simon Sea Shepherd boat in Seaworks dock in Nelson Place in Williamstown (entry via Ann Street) where you can tour their boat from 12 noon-4pm. Donations are accepted. www.seashepherd.org.au


Saturday 7th - NOCTURNAL (light and sound installation) – Artplay, Birarrung Marr, behind Federation Square. 5pm start. Over 50 hand-crafted boxes have been made by children using native Australian timbers. Each child has explored their connection to place by creating their own soundscape which has been housed in his or her box. This installation will see the boxes lit from within and scattered across the green hill outside ArtPlay, creating an enticing scene which glows in the dark. You are invited to wander through the installation, drawing near and picking up individual boxes as they reveal to you their own intimate soundscape. Drinks and nibbles provided. Age: Family


Sunday 8th - Learn French. (Every second Sunday of the month) noon – 1pm at St Michael's Uniting Church 120 Collins Street. Did you ever want to learn French? Join a French native speaker for a fun, free class. The classes allow those who have wanted to speak French to gain some pointers in basic French conversation and to practise their French in a fun, themed French conversation class. Sessions offer some notes and instructions, followed by conversation on a theme in small groups or pairs as the teacher assists.


Sunday 8th - A Taste of Portugal 10am – 4pm. The 'A taste of Portugal Festival' is organised annually by the Portuguese speaking communities (CLP Inc.) to coincide with the Portuguese National day. It is a cultural festival which celebrates Portuguese culture and showcases Portuguese cuisine, music and dance, history, language and tourism.

The Festival unites all the Portuguese speaking communities, including Portugal, Brazil and East Timor, to celebrate their historical ties. The event caters for all ages with Portuguese street food, Brazilian delicacies and beverages available for purchase, Portuguese merchandise for sale, samba and Zumba dance classes and cultural displays. The Festival also features an art and photographic exhibition, children's activities (including puppet theatre, face painting, drawing competitions, art and craft and book readings), handcrafts demonstrations and a diverse entertainment program with music and dance from Portugal, Brazil and East Timor.

It's a day of fun, food and entertainment Portuguese-style! Queen Victoria Market, 65-159 Victoria Street, Melbourne


Monday 9th - Learn Crochet at The Square in Federation Square 12-2pm


Wednesdays 11th till 16th July - Creative Kids after School Club Wed: 4.30pm – 5.30pm. Ever wanted to 3D print you own superhero figurine? At the Creative Kids after school club you can. Come hang out and create in the Makerspace in the new Docklands library. Projects will include jewellery making, game design, paper craft, comics and more. The Library at The Dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands


Thursdays 12th and 26th - Feel Young - Drawing from ancient Chinese traditions this combines gentle exercise and dance – The Atrium in Federation Square 10.30am – 12.30pm


Thursdays 12th and 26th – Belly Dancing – The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30pm-1pm.


Friday 13th - Big Science, Big Fun 4.30pm – 5.30pm. Kids, come and have your mind blown at the Big Science Big Fun Show at Library at The Dock. Watch liquid nitrogen bubble, toilet paper fly, amazing coloured shadows appear and much, much more. Places are limited so book now on http://mls.webwiredsolutions.com.au/web/signin.php?event_id=3226 The Library at The Dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands


Saturday 14th - Coburg Carnival. Coburg will come alive with a spectacular array of colour and culture when the Coburg Carnivale brings music and art into the Victoria Street Mall from 12 noon. See http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/arts-and-festivals/community-festivals/coburg-carnivale.html


Sunday 15th - Free Family Fun Day from 12 noon at 1st Scout Hall, Kellett Grove and Kilby Road, Kew 3101 organised by Single Parents Active Kids which is a non-profit organisation run by single parents for single parents and their kids. There will be a free sausage sizzle, face painting, ball games, children's entertainment, loads of fun, and it's a great way to meet other single parent families. RSVP a must as this is a catered event. Contact them on info@singleparentsactivekids.org, or phone Moush on 0430 504 119. They look forward to meeting you! See www.singleparentsactivekids.org for more details.


Wednesday 18th - Remastered Myths at Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre, 120 Southbank Boulevard  Southbank 7pm – 9pm. Cultures, sounds and rhythms collide as Multicultural Arts Victoria's ReMastered Myths brings together artists from Melbourne's diverse communities with established contemporary musicians to form eclectic new musical genres representative of Melbourne's unique demographic.

The soulful and ambient hip hop beats of Cazeaux O.S.L.O will guide the spoken word of young Sikh and Muslim poets from the Common Ground Collective. The stripped back, smooth and soulful hip hop beats of producer Amin Payne will explore the roots of his Persian heritage, marrying sounds with classical Iranian group, the Mehr Ensemble. Nueva-Cumbia pioneers The Cumbia Cosmonauts and Somali cultural group Somali Peace Band form inter-continental links through interweaving synthetic melodies and Afro-root rhythms. The performances will be accompanied by the visual story-telling of projectionists and artists Sebastian Avila and Royce Ng who will bring out the tales behind the collaborations and artists involved.

This concert will be recorded for broadcast on ABC Radio National's The Live Set.