Fete Still A Favourite After 50 Years

One of the Inner West’s longest running and most successful annual community events, the renowned St Mark’s Primary School Fete in Drummoyne, will be bigger, brighter and more fun than ever this year.

With the most stalls ever, the ‘Easter Fete’ on Saturday 24^th March will be jam-packed with bargains from vintage wares and clothes to flowers, books and cakes. Food options will be plenty with a BBQ, Dutch pancakes, gelato, coffee and the famous Fete Café.

And the kids will be kept entertained with more entertainment than ever before with a games corner, body art and face painting, Easter craft, plaster painting, sand art, crazy hair & even haircuts.

Not to mention Fete favourites like the chocolate wheel, bottle lottery and ongoing entrainment throughout the day on the main stage.

As well as being a great community day attracting huge crowds, the annual Fete is St Mark’s Primary School’s most significant fundraising event, crucial to the school maintaining and developing resources both within and outside the classroom and has been running for over 50 years.

When:         Saturday, 24^th March 2012 from 9am-3pm

Where:       St Mark’s Primary School

31 Tranmere Street, Drummoyne

What:         St Mark’s Primary School Easter Fete

Rides, Stalls, Craft, Games, Fete favourites – chocolate wheel and bottle lottery, all day entertainment & loads more for all ages

How serving in the community led three local mums to start a new business, All For Kids Market

Two years ago, 3 mums sat at their local Preschool’s,Parent Committee meeting, with a desire to help out where ever they could.  Little did they know where this meeting would lead them.

Michelle Parton, Naomi Furlong and Sabina Cruz were those local mums and they all volunteered to help with fundraising.   Many of our Kindergartens and Preschools rely on fundraising to supplement fees, which keep them more affordable for many parents.  Fundraising allows preschools to update outdated equipment and to purchase those specialised items which help to further engage children in their learning.

Michelle suggested a Baby and Children’s market as a fundraiser.  Baby and Children’s markets are a place where mums and dads can go, to stock up on many of the items needed for their children at a fraction of the retail price.

They are also a great way for families to recycle their unwanted baby and children’s goods, and make some extra cash in the process.  A growing number of ‘mumpreneurs’, clever and talented mums who have started child-friendly businesses,were also encouraged to promote and sell their items at a very targeted market.The market was a huge success, with many parents walking away with bargains and gorgeous gifts.  Stallholders were very happy to be leaving with extra cash in their hand and to have passed on their now unwanted goods to others who could put them to good use.

After working so well together these three mums knew they could continue to provide this service to other communities and so, All for Kids Market was born. Their greatest desire is to provide a way to help other mums in the community and as they say, we are just mums helping mums.  All for Kids Markets cater for all age groups from setting up a nursery to children aged 12, with goods including high chairs, prams, bikes, cots, toys, clothes, and more. Most goods are gently used with designer brands costing much less than retail.

All for Kids Market currently has indoor sites in Blackburn North, Burwood, Mt Waverley and Hopper’s Crossing.  They are looking for sites in the North and North East of Melbourne too and hope to expand further in 2013.

Some may say it was pure luck that Michelle, Naomi and Sabinawere all sitting in that first meeting in 2010, but they feel it is meant to be.They would like to encourage all mums and dads of preschoolers to become involved in their local Kindergarten; it is a truly rewarding experience!

All for Kids Markets are holding their first market on Saturday March 17^th at NewHope Baptist Church, 3 Springfield Rd, Blackburn.

Take a look at www.allforkidsmarket.com.au check out their facebook page facebook.com/allforkidsmarket or give them a call on 0431 710 786.

Come join the fun at the Scope Family Fun Day

 

Scope’s inaugural Scope Family Fun Day to be held on Saturday, 17^th March, givesMelbourne families the opportunity to explore Collingwood Children’s Farm while raising much needed funds for Scope.

 

There will be a number of activities on the day to entertain young and old alike, including tractor rides, farm games, food stalls and, of course, all the animals.

 

What: Scope Family Fun Day will seeMelbourne families come together for a fun filled day, while raising much needed funds for Scope.

 

When: Saturday, 17^th March 2012, 11am-5pm.

 

Where: Collingwood Children’s Farm,18 Helliers Street, Abbotsford

 

To reserve your ticket, go to: www.scopevic.org.au/familyfunday. A family ticket for the day is $45 and an individual ticket is $20. All money raised on the day will go towards supporting Scope’s mission of supporting people with a disability to achieve their potential.

 

Scope is a not-for-profit organisation providing disability services that positively impact the daily lives of thousands of Victorian children and adults.  Scope’s mission is to support people with a disability to achieve their potential in welcoming and inclusive communities.

Melbourne Book Launch: The Wrong Boy – an incredible story of hope, survival and understanding

One of the most powerful YA novels of the year, The Wrong Boy – an incredible story of hope, survival and understanding in Auschwitz will be launched in Melbourne by local author Suzy Zail.

Suzy is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, and The Wrong Boy draws upon the experiences of her father, who cheated death when he escaped the clutches of Dr Mengele in a selection queue at Birkenau.

The Wrong Boy follows fifteen-year-old Hanna Mendel, a talented pianist, whose protected life in Debrecen, Hungary is suddenly and violently turned upside down when she and her family are sent to Auschwitz.

Hanna Mendel liked to know what was going to happen next. She was going to be a famous concert pianist. She was going to wear her yellow dress to the dance on Saturday night. But she didn’t plan on her street being turned into a ghetto. She didn’t plan on being rounded up and thrown in a cattle truck. She didn’t plan on spending her sixteenth birthday in Auschwitz, in a wooden barrack with 200 other prisoners. Most of all, Hanna didn’t plan on falling in love with the wrong boy.

Separated from her father, and forced to watch her beloved mother succumb to mental illness and her sister slowly starve, Hanna realises that her survival may lie in her music, and, unexpectedly, through the son of the German Camp Commander.

Suzy, an internationally published author, freelance journalist and former litigation lawyer, began the harrowing journey into her father’s past when he was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was given just six-months to live.

Her father decided to tell his family the previously unknown details of his childhood spent surviving a German concentration camp before becoming a refugee in Australia.

“Writing this book allowed me to revisit my father’s story and remember him and the millions of other children and teenagers who didn’t survive”, Suzy says.

“It was also the perfect way to pass on [my father’s] warning, because only by remembering can we prevent the past from fading. By reading about the Holocaust and trying to understand it we can make sure it never happens again.”

The Wrong Boy is a raw and powerful meditation on survival, hope and understanding, tackled masterfully by Suzy, and sure to linger on the minds of its readers long after the final page is turned.

BOOK LAUNCH: Suzy Zail will launch The Wrong Boy at the Jewish Holocaust Centre in Melbourne on Thursday 15th March.

www.walkerbooks.com.au

Entertainment, expert tuition & inspiration for crafty kids!

From craft and quilting to paper craft, we’re thrilled to be able to share with you a sneak peek at some exciting events happening around the country in 2012, guaranteed to have something for crafty kids of all ages. These events will encourage kids to get in touch with their creative sides and explore their inner artist, through a range of hands-on workshops and classes.

March:
Sydney Craft and Sewing Show: March 8 – 11, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse
Open daily: 10am – 4.30pm Tickets: Adults $16, Seniors $14, Children (5-16 years) $8, Children under 5 free
www.craftandsew.com.au
Brisbane Craft and Sewing Show: March 22 – 25, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank
Open daily: 10am – 4.30pm Tickets: Adults $15, Seniors $13, Children (5-16 years) $8, Children under 5 free
www.craftandsew.com.au
April:
Tasmania Craft & Quilt Fair: April 27 – 29, Launceston Silverdome, Tasmania
Open daily: 10am – 4pm
Tickets: Adults $14, Seniors $12, Children (5–16 years) $8, Children under 5 free www.craftfair.com.au
May:
Perth Craft & Quilt Fair: May 23 – 27, Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre Open daily: 9am – 4.30pm
Tickets: Adults $15, Seniors $13, Children (5-16 years) $8, Children under 5 free www.craftfair.com.au
June:
Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair: June 13 – 17, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour
Open daily: 9am – 5pm
Tickets: Adults $17, Seniors $15, Children (5-16 years) $8, Children under 5 free www.craftfair.com.au
July:
Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair: July 26 – 29, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southbank
Open daily: 9am – 5pm
Special late night opening Saturday till 7pm
Tickets: Adults $17, Seniors $15, Children (5–16 years) $8, Children under 5 free www.craftfair.com.au

Do you know of a craft fair in your local area?

Let us know about it at thingstodo@familycapers.com.au

Find craft activities to do at home at www.familycapers.com.au

Bob the Builder joins Tiny Tot Tuesdays!

What: Knox Shopping Centre’s Tiny Tot Tuesdays
Victorian parents and bubs will be taking part in Knox Shopping Centre’s March Tiny Tot Tuesdays allowing parents and toddlers to play, learn and grow together, in a fun and exciting way!

Little ones will have the opportunity to meet and greet the much-loved Bob the Builder with his ‘can-do’ attitude and take part in a range of FREE activities for all to enjoy. Additional activities on the day will include colouring-in and a craft activity where tots can
make their own Bob the Builder mask, door hanger or badge. Plus, active little ones can have fun on rocking horses and other play equipment!

When: Tuesday 6 March 2012

Time: 10am – 3pm

Meet and greet sessions with Bob the Builder:
11am – 11.30am
12pm – 12.30pm
1pm – 1.30pm

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Location: Level 2, near The AFL Store at Knox Shopping Centre

425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South, VIC 3152

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Who: Bob the Builder with 500+ tots and their parents

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About Knox Shopping Centre

Knox Shopping Centre is a leading regional shopping centre, located approximately 25 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD.  It provides customers with a unique shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment experience. e centre is comprised of two distinct precincts being Knox City and Knox O-Zone. Knox City is a two level, fully enclosed, traditional shopping centre which rst opened in 1977. Myer, Target, Kmart, Harris Scarfe, two Coles supermarkets, 16 mini major stores and approximately 280 specialty stores anchor the centre. Knox O-Zone is the outdoor leisure, dining and entertainment component of the centre, anchored by Village Cinemas, which boasts one of the largest cinema screens in Australia. e precinct also includes a number of retail stores, including large format furniture, white goods and commercial offices.

Melbourne City Romp – a great day out for the entire family

The Melbourne City Romp will bring its unique style of treasure hunt fun back to the streets of Melbourne on Sunday 25 March, 2012.

As the flagship fundraising event of the Burnet Institute, the Melbourne City Romp is part puzzle, part treasure hunt and part ‘Amazing Race’ and is accessible to all. There is no limit to age, gender or fitness level.

Armed with a map, clue sheet and mobile phone, teams of 2-6 will attempt to solve challenges at Checkpoints located across Melbourne. Teams face a range of challenges involving trivia, observation, mathematics, geography, history and physical endeavours.

Up to 12,000 Rompers from across Australia are expected to take part and help support Burnet’s Romp for a Cure fundraising initiative.  All money raised through fundraising activities goes directly to Burnet’s fight against The ‘Big Three’: HIV, TB and malaria, some of the world’s worst infectious diseases.

This year there will be even more of a focus on the most creative, quirky costumes, with the Fashions at the Romp competition – where participants will be in the running for some great prizes.

So, get your family together for a great day out! And, the best part, it’s all for a good cause. To register visit www.cityromp.com

YMCA launches first ever national Swimathon fundraiser

Not for profit community organisation, the YMCA, is excited to announce its first ever national Swimathon fundraiser which will see more than 100 YMCA-managed pools countrywide simultaneously host Australia’s biggest pool-based swim on Sunday 11 March 2012.

With the theme Dive In. Help Out, the inaugural YMCA Swimathon is an opportunity for Y members across the country and the broader community to come together for a day of healthy, physical activity while raising money for YMCA benevolent programs in each Centre’s local community.Registrations officially open today with Australians of all swimming abilities invited to visit www.ymcaswimathon.org.auor their local YMCA pool to sign up and start their fundraising efforts. Registration is free and will be open up until 11 March and on the day of the Swimathon. Each participant is required to commit to a distance they wish to swim as well as a fundraising target depending on their age.

The YMCA also announced today it was delighted to have the support of current World 100m Freestyle Swimming Champion, James Magnussen, as an official event ambassador.

“There are many disadvantaged families doing it tough across the country – YMCA is trying to make a difference and I’m happy to help,” Magnussen said.

YMCA CEO Ron Mell said the YMCA Swimathon would have a local focus to encourage maximum participation from around the country.

“We’re asking all Australians to dive in and help out at the YMCA Swimathon, with the proceeds directly benefitingpeople doing it tough in local communities in which the money is raised,” Mr Mell said.

“As the event is free to register, we’ve set achievable minimum fundraising levelsreflective of appropriate age groups, ranging from a $10 target for under fives, to a $50 target for those aged 18 and above, plus options for juniors between the ages of five and 18, seniors, and even families.

“This will help participants set a target for their efforts, swimming not only for themselves and for the rewarding personal achievement they can gain, but also for their communities.

“The money raised from the Swimathon will help the YMCA to enhance its charitable program offerings to help a larger number of those is need in the community and assist them to make positive changes to their lives.

“The Swimathon is also a great way to get families, friends and the wider community to come together and do something healthy and active.”

Staff and volunteers at local YMCA-managed pools will deliver the event locally, including organising entertainment on the day.

Don’t waste time, register today to Dive In. Help Out.

For more information visit www.ymcaswimathon.org.au.

About YMCA

The YMCA is a community-based charity that delivers programs and services to help build strong people, strong families and strong communities in more than 500 YMCAs across Australia. The YMCA works in collaboration with government, non-profit groups and partners to provide programs and services to more than 500,000 Australians every week in the areas of health and wellbeing, recreation, accommodation, children’s services, camping, aquatics, youth and family services.

WHAT’S ON IN THE CITY: February – March 2012

 

ROMANCE IN THE CITY

Romance is more than just Cupid’s arrow. From spending time with friends, to showing your partner how much you care, to taking time out to love yourself, The City is giving you 29 days to flirt with February. To discover a range of special offers and things to do in Brisbane CBD this month visit www.bnecity.com.au

Plus we are running a Romance in The City Competition from 7 – 28 February. We want Brisbanites to photograph their vision of romance in the Brisbane CBD. Whether it’s a dinner date, a self-indulgent spa treatment, or a night out with friends – we’re giving our Facebook fans the opportunity to win one of three truly unique experiences in The City. Visit www.facebook.com/brisbanecity

EVENTS IN THE CITY

 

Date	Venue	Event
29 Feb 2012 – 17 Mar 2012	Metro Arts	!Metro Arts Galleries Program 2012: Brooke Fergusen Ferguson challenges a suite of artists around the limits and possibilities of how sound operates within a visual arts practice. More Info
29 Feb 2012 – 17 Mar 2012	Metro Arts	!Metro Arts Galleries Program 2012: Transparency Collective This collective dissects notions of proximity and intimacy, distance and perception. More Info
1 Mar 2012	Riverstage	Jessie J International pop sensation, Jessie J, has announced her first headline tour of Australia in March 2012 – don’t miss her Brisbane show! More Info
2 Mar 2012 – 4 Mar 2012	Queen Street Mall	QSM Live: Blues and Roots Weekend Head to the Queen St Mall on weekend of 2 – 4 March and enjoy the jazzy tunes of some of Brisbane’s best blues acts. More Info
2 Mar 2012	Queen St Mall Stage	Specsavers Styling with Alex Perry Specsavers is bringing Australia’s most glamorous designer, Alex Perry, to Queen Street Mall to celebrate spec style on Friday March 2nd 2012. More Info
3 Mar 2012	King George Square	Brisbane Welcomes International Students 2012 Don’t miss Brisbane Welcomes International Students on Saturday 03 March, 2012 right in the heart of town at King George Square. More Info
21 Aug 2011 – 3 Jun 2012	Old Government House	William Robinson: A Portrait of the Artist Come and explore “A Portrait of the Artist” – the first comprehensive exhibition of William Robinson’s self portraiture. More Info
25 Nov 2011 – 30 Nov 2012	Museum of Brisbane	Cabinet Of Curiosities From the collections of Brisbane’s Living Heritage Network More Info
1 Jan 2012 – 23 Dec 2012	Waterfront Place	Riverside Markets at the Pier Nestled below the glass giants of Brisbane’s downtown business district, the Riverside Markets at the Pier are a charming shopping experience. More Info
2 Jan 2012 – 29 Dec 2012	City Botanic Gardens	Botanic Gardens Walking tours Learn about the plants in the magnificent gardens during this guided walk. More Info
26 Jan 2012 – 20 Dec 2012	King George Square	King George Square Games Night Have some fun at King George Square with Games Night, featuring giant board games under the stars. More Info
1 Feb 2012 – 19 Dec 2012	Reddacliff Place	Jan Power’s City Farmers Markets Local foodie Jan Power hosts her Farmers Markets every Wednesday in the heart of The City at the George Street end of the Queen St Mall. More Info
1 Feb 2012 – 29 Feb 2012	Queen St Mall Stage	Black Drum Arts and Cultural Markets The Queen Street Mall comes alive with Indigenous dance, music and cultural performances. More Info
1 Feb 2012 – 29 Feb 2012	King George Square	Zumba Fitness Class Zumba blends Latin and International rhythms and easy to follow moves to give you the best work out! More Info
5 Feb 2012 – 3 Jun 2012	Reddacliff Place	Suitcase Rummage Lug your goods-for-sale to Reddacliff Place for the Suitcase Rummage. More Info
24 Feb 2012 – 14 Dec 2012	King George Square	BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets The BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets give ethical consumers another opportunity to buy soulful and stylish handmade creations. More Info
31 Dec 2010 – 24 Feb 2012	Reddacliff Place	Latin Friday Nights Get your dancing shoes on and head to Reddacliff Place (at the top of the Queen Street Mall) for FREE classes as part of Latin Friday Nights. More Info

Information is correct at time of distribution. For more events happening in Brisbane City please visit www.bnecity.com.au

 

Brisbane CBD is an enterprising hub which hosts over 4,000 businesses, five vibrant shopping precincts, 700 local and international retailers, over 200 thriving restaurants and bars. Characterised by a lively music and entertainment scene with over 1,000 events per year, and a globally connected and sustainable economy; The City continues to attract and entertain 26 million visitors a year while providing long-term opportunities for retailers and businesses.

Things To Do Magazine: 6th February 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Things To Do team. In this issue of our online magazine you will find ways to show that someone special how much you love them, along with some great activities for the family and much more.

Travelling – anyone? Then check out our review of ‘Beautiful Accommodation’ – the pure graphic presentation of  this gorgeous book inspires to pick it up and let the imagination drift to the featured places.

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Victorian mums head down to Knox Shopping Centre’s Tiny Tot Tuesdays where toddlers can enjoy free activities including colouring-in and storytelling and this month they have the opportunity to meet and greet with Dora the Explorer.

Dora will be at the Centre Court, Level 1 Knox Shopping Centre in Wantirna South, on Tuesday 7 February  from 10am – 10.30am, 11am – 11.30am and 12pm – 12.30pm.

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If you are looking for places to Get Out & About check out these great ideas:

Valentine’s Day at the Darwin Waterfront

Share a dreamy evening with your loved one ‘Romancing the Rails’

Join thousands of Trop Jr fans on Sunday 19 February 2012

QSEC Aussie Movie – Red Dog on February 24

Join in all of the fun at the Hyundai Playgroup Children’s Festival at the RNA Showgrounds on Thursday, 29 March  as part of Queensland’s Biggest Playgroup (25 March – 1 April)

Target’s Kids Day Out Festival 2012

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Melbourne Baby & Toddler Show’s tickets go on sale!

SuperCamp Australia

Carnegie multi-award-winning UK author Mal Peet will visit Australia and New Zealand in May 2012

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Find lots of Things To Do At Home including painting or drawing a picture to enter into the Toyota Dream Car Contest for your chance to win a $200 Dick Smith voucher plus all 15 Australian winners will have their artwork submitted into the “World Contest” for their chance to win a trip to the awards ceremony in Japan in August 2012.

Help your pre-schooler to use words to describe feelings and express emotions by making a love note for Valentine’s Day.

Encourage your toddlers’ gross motor skills and coordination with balloon kites – these ‘kites’ are certain to fly, even on days with light wind!

To find out more about these and more great Things To Do for the whole family visit our website at www.familycapers.com.au

To list your family activities  in our next Issue of the Things To Do Magazine please email thingstodo@familycapers.com.au

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