Early fireworks for the family will be held at 9pm, with a second display to welcome in the new year from midnight. 

Golden Square Pool, Maple Street, Bendigo, December 31, 5pm-8.30pm

​Golden Square Pool is the place to be this New Year's Eve, with a DJ, dinner, lights, icecream and three pools open.   This family friendly event finishes at 8.30pm, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the Bendigo CBD’s festivities.   Alcohol free event. Entry from gold coin – $13. 

St Andrew’s Uniting Church Hall, Myers Street, Bendigo, from 8pm

Greater Bendigo Danceland is celebrating the new year with a dance.  The evening features Old Time and New Vogue sequence dancing.  There will be in airconditioned comfort, so you can dance the night away.  The event also features a supper, lucky door, raffle and a great view of the fireworks. $10 per person. Phone Sharon to 5447 0775.

Station Domain, Maryborough, December 31 from 6pm

Bring in the new year with a fun night for the whole family.  This event features free entertainment and activities for children, live music, glow sticks, painting, kids movies, train ride, jumping castles and more. There will also be a barbecue and drinks for sale, gold coin donation. For more information, contact 0427 326 166. 

Maryborough Town Hall, Clarendon Street, Monday December 31 from 8pm

Maryborough Rotary Club invites you to “Rock in the New Year”. The “Seriously Sixties” band will entertain you into the new year.  BYO drinks and nibbles. Tickets are $20pp, with proceeds going to youth projects. Bookings  essential. Contact: 0409 580 656.

If you’re heading out on New Year’s Eve travel on trains, trams, buses and V/Line services will be free from 6pm New Year’s Eve until 6am on New Year’s Day. 

Princes Park, Maryborough, Tuesday, January 1, from 10.30am

The Maryborough Highland Gathering is Australia's oldest running sporting event, dating back to 1857. The Highland Gathering was originally formed by prospectors, squatters and businessmen who had arrived in the goldfields and central Victoria from Scotland. The event was organised as a way to re-create traditional celebrations in their newly-adopted land. The events start at 10am and finish 10pm with various activities in between. Tickets prices are adults $16, seniors $8, children under 16 – free. Athletic events start at 10.45am and finish at 6.15pm. Other events start at 10am and finish at 10pm. For a full program list see:  highlandsociety.com.au

Hanging Rock, 139 South Rock Road, Woodend, January 1 from 11am

It's family day at the races with children's activities and free Country Racing show bags for the kids. Please note: gates open at 11am.

Redesdale Recreation Reserve, Kyneton-Redesdale Road, Friday, January 4, 7pm-9pm

Join in the Summer in the Parks fun by attending this outdoor cinema screening of Mamma Mia – Here We Go Again.  The musical romantic comedy (starring Meryl Streep) features Donna’s younger years and brings together the cast from the original film, as well as hit-maker Cher. This is a free community event. For more information, phone the City of Greater Bendigo on 1800 813 153.

If you have an event happening over the news year's period please email addynews@fairfaxmedia.com.au with the details and we’ll include them in the list

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