Celebrate central Victoria and all it has to offer with these events.
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Check out our great list of things to do in our region this week.
Do you have a community event that you think should be featured in our What's On section?
WALKS
WILL2WALK
The Stroke Association of Victoria is hosting its annual Will2Walk fundraiser, with the Bendigo Stroke Support Centre taking part in their first year.
The walk will see members, friends and family walk up to 20km along the O'Keefe Rail Trail, raising funds and support to programs and activities that make the Bendigo Stroke Support Centre so valuable.
Each walker is affected differently by stroke and together, are united in the goal of representing survivors and carers.
The walk will be followed by a community barbecue, celebrating the fundraising efforts.
For more information phone or email Tamara Lalor on 0490 709 962 or tamara@strokeassociation.com.au.
Where: The O'Keefe Rail Trail, Bendigo to Lake Weeroona, Rowing Club Pavilion, Bendigo.
When: Friday, October 11, 7am to 3pm.
LET'S WALK
Victoria Walks are hosting weekly walks for people living in Kangaroo Flat for the month of October.
In partnership with City of Greater Bendigo and Healthy Heart Victoria, this event not only gets you out and about, but also helps increase fitness.
Walks will take about 30 to 40 minutes.
Click here to see a digital version of the map.
Where: Meet at Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre, Kangaroo Flat.
LIMBS 4 LIFE
Meet Limbs 4 Life Peer Support Volunteer, Geoff, and walk a couple of laps with him to show your support for amputees.
Limbs 4 Life Australia provides amputees and their families with support and often hosts events as part of National Amputee Awareness Week (October 4 - October 11).
For more information click here or phone 1300 782 231.
Where: Lake Weeroona Recreation Reserve, Napier Street, Bendigo.
When: Monday, October 7, 5am to 4.30pm.
ARTHRITIS CLUB
Meet the members of the Bendigo Arthritis Club and enjoy a walk around a local lake.
Grab a coffee from the coffee van or sit and chat to like minded people.
For more details, phone John on 0417 513 841.
Where: Lake Weeroona (near coffee van), Bendigo.
When: Wednesday, October 9, 1.30pm.
FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
COMEDY FESTIVAL
Get ready to laugh with the Bendigo Comedy Festival back in town.
This years event features a huge line up of acts including Dave Thornton, Nazeem Hussain and Danielle walker plus many locals.
Tickets and a full line up list available here.
Where: Various locations in Bendigo.
When: Wednesday, October 9 to Sunday, October 13, various times.
FASHION FESTIVAL
Enjoy the 13th annual Bendigo Fashion Festival, presenting their Runway Show, EMBRACE.
EMBRACE is a theme of diversity and inclusion and features models showcasing local designers.
The fashion show presents the seasons best collections and the newest designs.
For more information and tickets, click here.
Where: Ulumbarra Theatre, Park Road car park accesss, Bendigo.
When: Friday, October 11, 7pm to 9pm.
VEGECARIAN FESTIVAL
Held annually, this event is a free, fun, family day that features great foods, a love of life and animals.
The festival also celebrates friendships and cultures.
There will be teachings of how vegetarianism has developed in other communities, a chance to watch cooking demonstrations and an opportunity for your furry friends to be blessed by a monk inside the Great Stupa.
There are also various children's activities, live music, guest speakers and much more.
Free entry. For more, email: events@stupa.org.au or phone 5446 7568.
Where: The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, 25 Sandhurst Town Road, Myers Flat.
When: Saturday, October 5, 10am to 3pm.
WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL
The Heathcote Wine and Food Festival is a two day event showcasing producers, growers and the great community that is Heathcote.
There will be wines from over 40 producers as well as regional foods, all in one location.
Visit vineyards and taste the world class wines, sample new release wines and learn more about the business of winemaking.
There will also be live music, activities for children and much more.
For more information, email: hello@heathcotewinegrowers.com.au
Where: Heathcote Agricultural Showgrounds, corner Chauncey and Caldwell Streets.
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6.
GARDEN LOVERS' FAIR
Enjoy a weekend at historic Bolobek with renowned garden designer, Paul Bangay at this Garden Lover's Fair.
This event features a guided tour of Bolobek gardens, about 45 stalls with rare plants, specialist nurseries, handcrafted sculptures, garden furniture, tools, books and more.
The fair is a must see for gardeners interested in rare plants and bulbs.
$12 per day or $20 for the weekend. Free entry for children under 15.
Click here for more information or to pre-book your tickets.
Where: Bolobek, Mount Macedon Road, Mount Macedon.
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6, 10am to 4pm.
ORCHID SHOW
Head along to three days of stunning orchid displays from local enthusiasts.
This event is for all orchid growers and lovers and gives attendees an opportunity to meet judges, ask questions and take part in information sessions.
There is also raffles, stalls and much more. Eftpos now in sales area.
$5 entry. More information, phone 0448 531 056.
Where: Truscott Reserve, Murdock Street, California Gully.
When: Saturday, October 5, 10am to 4pm and Sunday, October 6, 10am to 1pm.
HERITAGE UNCORKED WEEK
Celebrate everything wine, food and local at this week-long heritage festival.
This event includes various activities, featuring boutique experiences with the best local wines in the region.
Food will be plentiful and there will be a great, friendly community atmosphere.
For more information, visit the website here.
Where: Various locations in Bendigo.
When: Until Saturday, October 12, various times.
HERITAGE UNCORKED DRINKS TRAM
Enjoy the Heritage Uncorked Drinks Tram within this festival.
Take in the sights of Bendigo on board a vintage tram with local wines, music and company.
There will be red and white wines, rosés, chips, pretzels and nuts available for purchase, as well as soft drinks and water. No BYO - note BYO food is allowed.
Costs $15, drinks at bar prices.
For more information, phone 5443 8255.
Where: Bendigo Tramways.
When: Friday, October 11, 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
COME AND TRY
LEARN TO SKATE
This learn to skate information night will show and teach you all that you need to know about Roller Derby.
If you've been curious about learning to skate or interested in learning a new skill, meet the coaches of the derby teams and start your new hobby.
This information session also includes skaters in action during a training session and much more.
Adults Learn to Skate program kicks off on Sunday, October 13, with sessions running from 6:30pm on Sunday nights for the duration of Term 4.
Junior program starts on Wednesday, October 9 and runs from 5pm to 6:30pm every Wednesday for Term 4.
Where: Truscott Reserve, Murdock Street, California Gully.
When: Monday, October 7, from 7pm.
COMMUNITY RIDES
The Bendigo Connection Club is a group that is all about connecting with others through a series of events and activities throughout the year.
Along with Bike Bendigo, the Connection Club is hosting bike rides every Sunday for the month of October, celebrating Bike Palooza Bendigo.
These rides are for all ages and are free community rides. They're away from traffic and showcase Bendigo's bike paths.
Free event.
Where: Meet at Rosalind Park Piazza (opposite Alexandra Fountain), Bendigo.
When: Sunday, October 6, ride commences from 10am.
WOMEN'S CRICKET
If you enjoy cricket and want to give it a go, head along to a day of fun with this come and try event.
Experience the game of cricket, sign up to play and join in a new club with new women's competitions.
For further details, click here.
Where: Beischer Park, Reservoir Road, Bendigo.
When: Sunday, October 6, 11.30am to 2pm.
FREE MEDITATION
Learn basic meditation with like minded individuals to help relieve you of daily stresses and anxieties.
This free meditation session will assist with easing negativity in your daily life and teach you how to be calm and at peace throughout life's challenges.
Where: Cherish Thy Flotation and Wellness Centre, Bath Lane, Bendigo.
When: Monday, October 7, 6pm to 7pm.
COMMUNITY
GALA AND SASH BALL
Celebrate with the Spring Gully Hall Committee for their annual Gala and Sash Ball.
This ball celebrates the committee's 61st anniversary.
There will be great music by Family Rhythm Dance Band, a good program and delicious home cooked supper.
The event will also include raffle and prizes.
Admission $12.50. Everyone welcome. For more information contact Keith on 5444 2953.
Where: Spring Gully Hall, Spring Gully Road, Bendigo.
When: Saturday, October 5, from 8pm.
WALK A WAR IN MY SHOES
The Bendigo District RSL, through the Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum (SMIMM), is hosting author Murray Hall, for a personal presentation about his great uncle Ernest Alfred Hall and his service in WWI.
On the passing of Murray's mother, he discovered a folder titled E.A.H in the bottom drawer of a filing cabinet.
Inside the folder were original letters from his great uncle, from just before he enlisted up to a week before his death.
Murray has since extensively researched his great uncle's service.
Murray has written a book about the story of Private Hall, titled 'Walk a War in my Shoes' which includes transcripts of the original letters and research into the impact of war on a regional Victorian town.
For those interested, tickets will be available for purchase at the SMIMM door for $10, which includes afternoon tea.
Signed copies of the book will also be available to purchase.
Where: Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum, Pall Mall, Bendigo.
When: Saturday, October 5, from 2pm.
FUNDRAISING MOVIE
The Committee of the Friends of the Bendigo Art Gallery cordially invite you to a special Fundraising Movie Night to see Downton Abbey.
$20 per head including supper (limited to 100 attendees).
Please join in and support the student Bursary awards which encourages emerging young artists in years 11 and 12 in local schools.
To book, phone the Star Cinema on 5446 2025.
Where: Star Cinema, Peg Leg Road, Eaglehawk.
When: Thursday, October 10, 6pm supper, 7pm movie start.
MEXICAN FUN DAY
Hispanos Unidos de Victoria, along with Bunnings Epsom celebrate the beginning of Spring and Mexico's culture with a community fun day.
The event includes various fun and free activities such as arts and crafts, with all ages encouraged to colour traditional Mexican images; Mexican toys to play with; games and a pinata.
Where: Bunnings, corner Midland Highway and Toma Court, Epsom.
When: Saturday, October 5, 10am to 2pm.
STUDIO BALENCIAGA
Discover your fashion skills with Studio Balenciaga.
This open studio space offers various sketching, styling and embellishment activities for all budding stylists.
All materials provided. No bookings required and all are welcome.
Where: Dudley House, 60 View Street, Bendigo.
When: Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday's from October 11 to October 27, from 11am.
BINGO FUNDRAISER
Enjoy an afternoon of fun with E-J's Drill Dance Bingo Fundraiser.
This fundraiser will raise monies for E-J's Drill Dance to compete at the Australian Championships.
There will be prizes given to winners, lucky door prizes, raffles and more.
All ages welcome.
$5 entry includes one bingo book, additional books $2 each.
Where: North Bendigo Bowls Club, 42-54 Fenton Street, Bendigo.
When: Sunday, October 6, 1.30pm to 4pm.
SCHOOL FAIR
Enjoy some fun in the sun at Strathfieldsaye Primary School's Community Fair.
This event features various food trucks, a boutique market, rides, animal farm, cake stall, toddler area, carnival stalls, book stalls and much more.
Bring your friends and family and enjoy a great day out.
Where: Strathfieldsaye Primary School, 9 Uxbridge Street, Strathfieldsaye.
When: Friday, October 11, 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
JOYFUL VOICES
The voices of seniors will be heard on Thursday, as they join together at the Bendigo Seniors Celebrate afternoon.
In it's 12th year of operation, this event has previously brought in about 400 people from throughout Victoria, including Melbourne.
The afternoon includes singing of hymns, led by the enthusiastic Ian Hendry.
Guest artist, Stephen Higgs, will also perform, leading the audience on a trip down memory lane with a variety of songs.
Stephen has has travelled extensively throughout Australia as leading vocalist for the Bill Newman Crusade.
Accompanying the singers will be the popular Hymns Alive band comprising of keyboard, clarinet, cornet, euphonium, violin and drums.
There will also be competitions which everyone can join in, finishing up with an afternoon tea.
The afternoon is free but donations will be accepted to help defray costs.
Where: Bendigo Baptist Church, McIvor Highway, Junortoun.
When: Thursday, October 10, from 1.30pm.
JAZZ JAM
Enjoy music for jazz fans by local jazz fans this weekend.
On the first Sunday of every month, community members can get together and sing, play or listen to the various tunes that will fill the bar.
Where: 4 Templeton Street, Castlemaine (directly across from Castlemaine station).
When: Sunday, October 6, 2pm to 5pm.
BRIGHT STAR
Three's A Crowd Theatre Company presents their newest musical to the Castlemaine region, Bright Star.
Bright Star is a bluegrass musical that follows a woman at two different points of her life, when she's 16 years old and carefree and then 22 years later, as a magazine editor.
Tickets $35. Click here for more information.
Where: Phee Broadway Theatre, Barker Street, Castlemaine.
HOMAGE TO STYLE
This exhibition showcases timeless style, showcased through a collection of fashion photographs and garments.
The exhibition features works by Bronwyn Kidd, milliner Angie Jackman and jeweller, Sarah Fowler.
Where: Living Arts Space, Bendigo Visitor Centre, Pall Mall, Bendigo.
When: Until Saturday, November 30, from 9am.
BALENCIAGA: SHAPING FASHION
World-class couture has come back to town, with the Bendigo Art Gallery opening their newest exhibition, Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion this weekend.
This exhibition showcases the growth and works of designer Cristobel Balenciaga and his legacy of the modern designers he influenced.
The exhibition will feature contemporary designs by the house of Balenciaga, with video footage that shows historic garments morphing into modern interpretations.
For more information on the exhibition, the gallery and bookings, click here.
Where: Bendigo Art Gallery, View Street, Bendigo.
When: Until Sunday, November 10.
INTERWOVEN
This exhibition is a cultural weaving collaboration, including a workspace and exhibition in one.
Interwoven brings together people from diverse backgrounds, through the process of weaving.
Community members, artists and weaves of all ages are able to participate by registering for a workshop, dropping into the building, weaving together and enjoying the community atmosphere.
More information can be found here.
Where: La Trobe Art Institute, View Street, Bendigo.
When: Until Saturday, October 26.
DESERT LINES
Desert Lines: Batik from Central Australia brings together about 60 selected works from the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria.
The works show the unique and distinct batik styles (a method of wax resist fabric printing) of five central desert communities: Ernabella (Pukatja), Fregon (Kaltjiti), Utopia, Yuendumu and Kintore (Walungurru).
This exhibition will showcase the batik work for women of the desert and it's importance. It will also show interconnected through ceremony, travel and much more.
Where: Bendigo Art Gallery, View Street, Bendigo.
When: Until Sunday, November 17.
MANY SUCH AS SHE
Museum curator, Kirsten McKay, is excited to be hosting this exhibition, Many Such As She, which profiles more than 15 biographies of women poets, alongside items from the military collection.
Central Victorian poet and critic Michael Sharkey began researching the poets' responses to the Great War many years ago, with an interest to find out why so little had been collected and why it was so long neglected.
Michael edited the collection of women's poetry for his recent publication, Many Such As She, after discovering some fascinating stories
For the exhibition, Kirsten has negotiated the loan of a suite of original poetry publications from the State Library of Victoria - Rare Books Department.
Admission: $6 adult, $5 concession, $4 student, $15 family.
For more information, phone 5442 4513.
Where: Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum, 37-39 Pall Mall, Bendigo.
When: Until Sunday, October 6, 10am-4pm.
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