Free Events in June 2015

Welcome to the June 2015 Events Newsletter.

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Monday 1st till 21st - The Light in Winter is Federation Square’s annual, three week-long program with loads of free and interesting events, with exhibitions, film screenings, forums and the much-loved Solstice Celebration. The Light in Winter brings together local and international artists for free events, performances and exhibitions, culminating in the Solstice Celebration on the Saturday closest to the true winter solstice. 2015 is the International Year of Light and The Light in Winter celebrates the newest and oldest sources of light, both of which continue to exert a profound influence on humanity. The laser is a unique kind of light, the most intense and concentrated on earth. It is already part of our daily lives, in supermarket scanners, video and compact discs, and in medical tools. A laser bores holes in the hardest of diamonds, but also performs delicate surgical operations. Lasers are part of scientific research, space and environmental exploration and are also part of art and fun. Come into Fed Square at 5.30pm each night from 1 June and experience Chris Levine’s laser-based installation Molecule of Light. From 15 June, the oldest source of man-made light is juxtaposed with the newest when a Welcome to Country lights up Leempyt Weeyn’, the campfire created by  Vicki Couzens for the first The Light in Winter nine years ago. This year the campfire will be bright with performances and talks at lunchtime and dusk in a fantastic lead-up to festival favourite, the Solstice Celebration. Come and warm yourself by the fire as our family of diverse communities and artists share their culture and tell their stories of light and enlightenment.


  1st June till October - Open House: Tromarama for Kids. A wondrous and immersive house of fun has been built in the gallery, where furniture hangs from the ceiling, pink flamingos talk and cheeky garden gnomes chat back in Open House: Tromarama for Kids, at the dedicated children’s galleries at NGV International.

The house features five fully-furnished rooms – a kitchen, dining room, courtyard, bedroom and bathroom – and will be centred around nine imaginative video works, which show ordinary household objects coming to life in extraordinary and playful ways. Created by Indonesian contemporary art collective Tromarama (Febie Babyrose, Herbert Hans and Ruddy Hatumena), this rich and experiential exhibition is a follow up to the hugely successful 'Express Yourself! Romance Was Born for Kids'.

Using everyday objects such as lamps, shoes, buttons and crockery, Tromarama create stop-motion animation videos with a ‘kidult’ approach. These films are created in the spirit of play and imagination, yet explore in-depth themes such as identity, materialism, consumer culture and the natural versus the artificial. Each video is the result of hundreds of hours of work painstakingly moving thousands of objects as part of complex stop-motion animation process, where it can take up to three months to create a four minute film.

In addition to the humorous and thought-provoking video works, the interiors of each room will include participatory multimedia elements for young visitors to experience. In the courtyard section of the installation, familiar garden ornaments and infrastructure including a gnome, drain pipes and a tree stump will ‘chat back’ after recording the visitor’s own voice.

NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road. 10am – 5pm except Tuesdays.


Till Wednesday 3rd - Walkin Country, Walkin Birrarung. The Aboriginal Yarra River walk, ‘Walkin Country, Walkin Birrarung’ is an incredibly popular Aboriginal cultural walk which has been running through Melbourne’s centre for almost ten years. It has opened the eyes, and the hearts, of many thousands of patrons of all ages and walks of life.

Come and be a part of this cultural experience. Presented by the City of Melbourne as part of National Reconciliation Week. Enterprize Park, 469-503 Flinders Street. 2pm – 4pm. Walk duration 90 to 120 minutes.


Monday 1st – Monday 29th (Mons, Weds and Fridays only, except public holidays) – Fitness at Fed Square. 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: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7am – 7.45am and Mondays 6pm – 6.45pm, Amphitheatre or River Terrace, Federation Square.


Monday 1st - Classics at Fed Square. These free monthly concerts offer something for everyone, from classical and swing to big band, jazz and even contemporary pop! Today see Princess Hill Secondary College in the Deakin Edge 12noon-1pm.


Monday 1st – Embroidery, The Atrium, Fed Square, 12noon – 2pm. Discover the creativity of embroidery with free monthly demonstrations in The Atrium at Fed Square. Join members of The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria to watch them demonstrating their various techniques or stitch up a piece yourself in these friendly and interactive sessions.


Tuesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th - Tai Chi in Main Square at Federation Square 7.30am – 8.30am.


Tuesday 2nd till August - Winter Discovery Tour, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Warm up this winter on a walk with one of our knowledgeable guides. Discover the history, cultural significance and stunning beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Royal Botanic Gardens, Alexandra Avenue. Meet at the Visitor Centre at Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue, 10.30am – noon or 2pm – 3.30pm every day except Mondays.


Tuesdays  2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th - Lunchtime Meditation in The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30-1pm.


Tuesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd – Yoga, The Atrium, Federation Square, 1.15pm – 2pm. Improve your physical, mental and spiritual well-being with free lunchtime yoga classes.


Tuesday 2nd till 21st July – Run Melbourne Training Runs, Federation Square, 6pm-8pm. Get your training on track for The Age Run Melbourne at Fed Square. The Age Run Melbourne 2015 will take place on Sunday 26 July. Entering is a great way to keep fit and healthy, participate in a major community event, and raise funds for your chosen cause. You can enter the 3km Kids event, TeamUp 5km run/walk, 10km run or Brooks Half-Marathon! Build up to your distance with weekly training runs starting from Fed Square. Each week runners are led on training runs over two different distances, incorporating various pace groups that cover from beginners all the way through to speed work groups. Session are free for Run Melbourne entrants, but if you haven’t signed up yet there’s a $5 fee, which goes directly to the charity of the week.


Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th - Baby Bounce, (for baby to 2 year olds), The Courtyard, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, 10.30am – 11.00am.  Join in a fun session of stories, songs and rhymes designed for children aged 2 and under to explore language.


Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th - Storytime for Pre-Schoolers, (3 to 5 years) The Courtyard, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, 11.30am – 12.30pm.  Have fun with stories, songs, rhymes and creative activities brought to life by the Library's Chief Storyteller. Stay and explore or read a book of your own!


Wednesday 3rd - Yidiki (Didgeridoo) Workshop. Enjoy the unique sounds of the yidiki (didgeridoo) with a traditional and contemporary solo performance. Learn about the yidiki's place in Aboriginal culture, and the health benefits it can bring to those who play this beautiful instrument.

This interactive workshop will be delivered by established Aboriginal education consultants 'Aldara Consultancy'.

Presented by the City of Melbourne as part of National Reconciliation Week. Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, Noon – 12.45pm.


Wednesday 3rd - Aboriginal Song and Dance Workshop. Both forms of cultural expression, Aboriginal song and dances teaches the participant and observer cultural knowledge, and is a means of bringing people together in celebration.

This is an interactive workshop where participants will have the opportunity to learn about Dreaming song and dance and understand the uniqueness of being able to keep these songs and dances for life.

This interactive workshop will be delivered by established Aboriginal education consultants 'Aldara Consultancy'.

Presented by the City of Melbourne as part of National Reconciliation Week. Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, 1pm – 1.45pm.


Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th - Mundo Lingo Language and Culture Exchange, Melbourne, European Bier cafe, First Floor, 120 Exhibiton Street, 7.00pm-11pm. Mundo Lingo Melbourne is a social project for language and cultural exchange. In a forever more international society it's not difficult to observe the growth in the industries of tourism and language learning. With this in mind, Mundo Lingo events help foment a network between locals and foreigners in a given city through free events. These 'Multilingual Cultural Exchanges' take place in the tranquil atmosphere of a bar or pub on a weekday night. We use a unique system in which the participants arrange small flag stickers on their chest from top to bottom according to ability and sit down or stand up to show their willingness to engage in conversation with new people. This allows people to proudly show where they're from as well as quickly identify potential exchange partners. While the primary focus is on exchanging languages, participants will have the opportunity to exchange cultures with people from around the world. We talk in small groups and the topic of conversation is as much your choice as is the language. You can stay with the same group, or chat a little and move on to meet more people. It's a very warm and friendly environment.


Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th - Queen Victoria Winter Night Market is back for 2015 bringing the best of Winter food, design and theatrics to the Market every Wednesday night till August 26th. This season you will be welcomed with crackling fires, mulled wine and Melbourne’s most talented craftspeople. Foodies won’t be disappointed either as the Winter Night Market will be bursting with flavour featuring over 30 street food vendors offering cuisines from around the world. Along with whimsical interruptions from stilt walkers, short films at the new Market Cinema and beer education from the folks at Little Creatures, there will be plenty to make the Winter Night Market a mid-week highlight. 5pm - 10pm.


Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th – Nike Run Club – one of the largest free training run clubs held globally bringing together fellow runners from all over Melbourne. Meet at the Amphitheatre in Federation Square 5.30pm till 7pm.


Thursdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th - Morning Meditation, Federation Square, 8am-8.30am. Enjoy a calm, focused and empowering start to your day with Morning Meditation at Fed Square. You will soon feel the benefits of meditation in these free half-hour sessions run by Calm in the City. Classes incorporate gentle commentary, soothing music and a bit of quiet, and are suitable both for experienced meditators and those new to meditation.


Thursdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th - Feel Young - Drawing from ancient Chinese traditions this combines gentle exercise and dance – The Atrium in Federation Square 10.30am – 12.30pm.


Thursdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th – Organ Recital at St Michaels Church at 120 Collins Street. 1pm-1.30pm. A good chance to see the inside of this really unusual church which looks more like a theatre.


Thursdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th - Lego Squad at East Melbourne Library, 122 George Street, East Melbourne, 4pm – 5.30pm. Calling Lego enthusiasts! If you're 7- 13 years and love Lego, show off your skills in our weekly Lego Squad. Projects include stop motion, iMovie, book trailers and more. We have the Lego, you bring the skill. Beginners most welcome.


Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th - Blondie Jazz Jamming Sessions. Coinciding with the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Blondie Bar at the Melbourne Recital Centre in Southbank is providing live and free jazz jam sessions.

Come and enjoy the resident jazz trio, Sway Ensemble, as they play with special guests including VCA students and lecturers.

Musicians welcome to join in. Base equipment will be provided. Dress warm as some sessions may be outdoors. Blondie Bar, 140a Southbank Boulevard , located on the left hand side of the Southbank Blvd entrance to the Melbourne Recital Centre. Thursday and Friday: 5.30pm – 8.30pm, Sat: 6.30pm – 9.30pm www.blondiebar.com.au


Thursdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th - A Secret Place. If you fancy a 1950s New York vibe on your Saturday night, complete with romantic and spirited jazz, ice-cold cocktails, tapas and even a cigar room, then A Secret Place is for you. This members-only club opens to the public every second and fourth Saturday of the month for a high-end experience at a low-end price. A Secret Place will feature the Connie Lansberg Quartet. It's at Regent Club, 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne. It's only a free event if you book in advance though, otherwise it's $20 on the door. Contact Connie at connie@jazznshiraz.com. This is an over 18s event. 8pm – 11pm.


Fridays 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th – Qigong (a sort of Tai Chi combining integrated movement, mental cultivation and regulated breathing) – Main Square at Federation Square 8am – 9am.


Friday 5th and Saturday 6th - Close Encounters at Artplay, Birarrung Marr, behind Federation Square, 10am to 4pm each day and Saturday also 5pm to 8pm. Age: For age 5+. View over 240 lanterns lighting up the ArtPlay space in a beautiful display, drawn from the Japanese obon festival tradition, where the lanterns (toro) guide the spirits of the dead to their worldly home, and then back to their resting place. In the month of May, children at ArtPlay have constructed hundreds of Japanese lanterns from shoji paper and wood; each with the name and drawing of a species of plant or animal that has become extinct in Australia since colonisation (1788); according to the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and other state-based legislation. This breath-taking installation will pay respect to the extinct species of Australia, in a timely reminder of the extinction crisis that we currently face on a global scale.


Fridays 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th - Mundo Lingo Language and Culture Exchange, Platform 28, 82 Village Street, Docklands, 7.30pm-11pm. Mundo Lingo Melbourne is a social project for language and cultural exchange. In a forever more international society it's not difficult to observe the growth in the industries of tourism and language learning. With this in mind, Mundo Lingo events help foment a network between locals and foreigners in a given city through free events. These 'Multilingual Cultural Exchanges' take place in the tranquil atmosphere of a bar or pub on a weekday night. We use a unique system in which the participants arrange small flag stickers on their chest from top to bottom according to ability and sit down or stand up to show their willingness to engage in conversation with new people. This allows people to proudly show where they're from as well as quickly identify potential exchange partners. While the primary focus is on exchanging languages, participants will have the opportunity to exchange cultures with people from around the world. We talk in small groups and the topic of conversation is as much your choice as is the language. You can stay with the same group, or chat a little and move on to meet more people. It's a very warm and friendly environment.


Sundays 7th and 21st – Laughter Club at Federation Square by Swanston Street 11am – 11.30am. Join in this free laughter session and experience the benefits of a good old chuckle. In fact Sunday 3rd will be from 11am-12noon as it's World Laughter Day and clubs from around the state will be taking part in various laughter competitions.


Sunday 7th - 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. Participate in zumba and samba dance classes, experience tourism and cultural displays and the art and photographic exhibition. There will be activities for the kids – including puppets, face painting, drawing competitions and book readings, handcraft demonstrations and a diverse entertainment program headlined by international Portuguese artist, Jorge Martinez! - It's a day of fun, food and entertainment Portuguese-style! Queen Victoria Market, 65-159 Victoria Street, Melbourne.


Sunday 7 June - The Big Family Sing (group singing & show) at Artplay, Birarrung Marr, behind Federation Square. This event is part of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Workshop 2pm to 2.45pm; Show 3pm to 3.30pm.

Everyone’s invited to join the artist All Day Fritz for the Big Family Sing! Explore the basics of group and harmony singing in a playful and inclusive atmosphere where you will learn some easy songs. Then (if you choose) perform one or two songs live with the band, as part of the Fritz Family Sing Choir. All Day Fritz’s eclectic repertoire includes extremely groovy music (for humans of all ages) that is swingy, jazzy, rocky and funky! All Day Fritz are Karen Davitt (Madcows), John Fleming (Scared Weird Little Guys), Boris Conley (Spaghetti Western Orchestra/Play Me I'm Yours), Jane Bayly (Crying in Public Places) and Donald Stewart (flap! The peanuts).


Monday 8th – Saturday 13th - Experience Antarctica - Augmented Reality. Collins234 is helping shoppers to experience Antarctica through an augmented reality experience, where people can interact with penguins, orca whales and seals in a realistic projected display. Footage can be filmed and photographed to share with friends and is an exciting way to experience Antarctica without even leaving Victoria! Collins, 234 Boutique Place, 234 Collins Street, Mon: 10am – 6pm, Tue: 10am – 6pm, Wed: 10am – 6pm, Thu: 10am – 7pm, Fri: 10am – 8pm, Sat: 10am – 5pm, Sunday 12- 5pm.


Monday 8th - Learn Crochet at The Atrium in Federation Square 12-2pm. Learn the old craft of crochet at this workshop. You'll be 'hooked' before you know it!


Thursdays 11th and 25th – Belly Dancing – The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30pm-1pm. Shimmy and shake at Fed Square with free Belly Dancing classes led by a professional instructor.


Sunday 14th - 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.


Monday 15th - Basket Making at Fed Square, The Atrium, 12noon - 2pm. Learn the simple but intricate craft of basket making with free monthly workshops led by Basketmakers of Victoria.


Monday 15th - Sounds of Harmony. To celebrate Refugee Week 2015, Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES) is proud to present a captivating array of musical talent from around the globe.

From moving and soulful traditional folk songs to upbeat Asian pop music and an inspiring asylum seeker choir, the ‘Sounds of Harmony’ event promises to be an enthralling concert of music, culture and fun.

Entrance is free and all are welcome. Federation Square, Main outdoor stage, 1pm - 2pm.


Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th - Millionaire Hot Seat Studio Audience. Come along to a taping of 'Millionaire Hot Seat' and enjoy all the fun of being part of a live studio audience. It's a great day out with family and friends to see Australia's favourite game show come to life.

Audience members can be winners too, receiving special discounts at Harbour Town as well as free ice skating entry to Ice House.

Audience members are also entered into the draw to win tickets to a taping of The Footy Show and could win up to $700 cash.

Docklands Studios, 476 Docklands Drive, Docklands , 5.30pm.


Wednesdays 17 and 24th - Ned Kelly Tour - State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, 1pm – 2.30pm meet in front foyer. Ned Kelly has split public opinion for over a century. Hero or criminal? Decide for yourself as you read Kelly’s famed Jerilderie letter and sift through eyewitness photographs from the siege of Glenrowan on this tour in The changing face of Victoria exhibition. 1:00pm–2:30pm.


Sunday 21st - Men's Health Week Dragon Boating with the Melbourne Flames. Join the 2015 Australian Dragon Boat Champions, for a paddle around Docklands, finishing up with a hearty BBQ breakfast. Dragonboat Victoria, 2 North Wharf Road, Docklands VIC 3008. Parking available below Bolte Bridge. 8.15am – 11.30am. Please register online at enquiries@melbourneflames.com.au


Sunday 21st - Free Family Fun Day from 11am 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.


Monday 22nd – Knitting, The Atrium, Fed Square, 12noon – 2pm. Knit one, purl two at Fed Square with free knitting workshops. Whether you’re a beginner seeking your first lesson, a Fair Isle queen or a cabling crusader, the experts from The Handknitters Guild will welcome you with open needles.


Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd - Millionaire Hot Seat Studio Audience. Come along to a taping of 'Millionaire Hot Seat' and enjoy all the fun of being part of a live studio audience. It's a great day out with family and friends to see Australia's favourite game show come to life.

Audience members can be winners too, receiving special discounts at Harbour Town as well as free ice skating entry to Ice House.

Audience members are also entered into the draw to win tickets to a taping of The Footy Show and could win up to $700 cash.

Docklands Studios, 476 Docklands Drive, Docklands, 5.30pm.


Wednesday 24th - See students from St. Andrew's Anglican College performing in a lunchtime concert at Fed Square. The concert will be a showcase their string orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz orchestra, college choir and symphony orchestra.

The school, based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, is a leading independent Anglican College renowned for its excellent music program. While on their week-long music tour, St. Andrew's Anglican College will be working with some of Melbourne's top schools as well as presenting concerts and working with various artists.

Come down, bring your lunch and enjoy the music from these fabulous young musicians. Noon – 2pm.


Saturday 27th - Crafternoons with the Melbourne Origami Group. Join the Melbourne Origami Group for a monthly ‘crafternoon’ at Library at the Dock.

Suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced, the members of the Melbourne Origami Group seek to further the art and enjoyment of paper folding and would love to have you along to help!

Bring your own craft project to work on or to share with others.

Basic paper and light refreshments will be provided. Fancier paper will be on sale, or bring your own. Library at The Dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade,Docklands VIC 3008, noon – 2pm.


Sunday 28th – Classic Car Club featuring Volvo Car Club of Victoria 11am – 2.30pm on Flinders Street section of Federation Square by ACMI entrance.


Sunday 28th - Animake workshop. Come along to Library at the Dock as Melbourne Library Service gets animated with the Animake program.

Come and create some magic in an all-day workshop with Oh Yeah Wow, as they make a video of everyone and animate it! Wow indeed.

Join in the Alina and the Phonotrope workshop, from 10am to 1pm. Phonotrope means something that turns, and this workshop is all about DIY animation. Phonotrope just needs your eyes; no computers, no cameras – just paper, scissors and you. Learn to animate a sequence of images and make your world come alive.

The Isobel Knowles – Paper animation workshop runs from 1pm to 5pm. Learn how to make paper into your own animated movie with music, with award-winning artist and animator Isobel Knowles. Location 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade,Docklands VIC 3008, 11am – 5pm.


Monday 29th - Construction Story Time. Come along to a special story time with all your favourite construction experts, including Rosie Revere and of course Bob the Builder. City Library, 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, 10.30am – 11.30am.


Monday 29th - Building Blocks Stompers. Who can build the tallest tower? Join in songs, games, stories and a fun half-hour playing with blocks. Library at The Dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade,Docklands VIC 3008, Mon: 10.30am – 11.30am.


Friday 29th - 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 8:30pm and returning for a drink from the Testing Grounds bar, 1 City Road, Melbourne. Testing Grounds is behind the Arts Centre. 0422 221 072, www.projectorbike.com.au.

Note: All events believed to be correct at time of editing newsletter however it would be sensible to double check before you turn up in case of any changes or errors.