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| 18-24 October: National Carers Week |
Carers Week is a national awareness week held during October each year right across Australia. The event was established to promote and raise awareness of the valuable role that carers play in our community and to generate discussion about carer issues. Carers Week also provides an opportunity for carers to come together, support one another and share ideas and information. More information |
| South Coast |
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| Southern NSW & Riverina |
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| Sydney |
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| Hunter |
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| Central NSW |
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| North Coast |
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Events this month |
| South Coast |
| 2-5 October |
Corowa Festival of Dance
Ladies organise your outfits and gents organise your shoes because you should not miss the 2009 Corowa Festival of Dance.
This three day multi venue festival celebrates and showcases the spirit of music and dance. The festival consists of dance events focusing on varying dance styles such as New Vogue, Modern, Old Time and Ballroom Dancing. An integral part of the festival is dancing demonstrations that are performed in the main street of Corowa which incorporates varying dance styles, dance schools from the region and performers of all ages, children to seniors. The weekend also provides the opportunity for dancers and dancing novices to develop their dancing skills at dance related workshops and events.
For more information regarding accommodation or events contact the Corowa Visitor Information Centre, on numbers provided.
Ph: 1800 814 054, 02 6033 3221, email or visit website |
| 3-4 October |
Milton Settlers Fair
Milton revives its pioneer spirit every October long weekend. The annual Milton Settlers Fair is jam packed with entertainment, displays and music.
Thousands of people travel to Milton each October long weekend when it pays tribute to the district's rural heritage.
A full day of entertainment including activities from clowns, magicians, story tellers and street theatre performers, there are also lots of craft and nick-nack stalls at the Village markets all in the centre of town. Activities include history walks, pioneer and rural displays including sheep shearing and whip cracking.
More information:
02 4495 2391, email or visit the website. |
| 17 October |
Illawarra Scottish Fair 2009
At the Illawarra Scottish Fair 2009, enjoy watching the 27th annual pipe band competition, displays of Scottish and Irish dancing, stalls, Scottish fare and ware, kids events, displays, Haggis Hurling and Wellie Tossing. These are just some of the activities on offer at Viking Oval, as well as a massed pipe band display
Viking Oval, Wollongong
Ph: 02 4284 3429. Email or visit the website |
| Southern NSW & Riverina |
| 2-4 October |
Deni - Play on the Plains Festival and World Record Ute Muster
Every year since its inception the Deniliquin Ute Muster has reached new heights, nationally recognised as one of the largest rural themed festivals in Australia with over 20,000 people making the pilgrimage annually from all corners of Australia and beyond.
It is a celebration of all things Australian, bringing together the best of the best for two days of top class competitions, demonstrations, live music, extreme sports action and the Australian Music Industry's cream of OZ music both days.
2009 will headline Powderfinger along with The Angels, Troy Cassar-Daley, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey, The Sunny Cowgirls, Catherine Britt, Travis Collins, Kirsty Lee Akers and Sinead Burgess.
Held on the NSW Labour Day Long Weekend every year.
Purchase your tickets before 31 August to save. Camping facilities available and included in the Festival pass.
Open from 08:00 to 01:00 each day.
Madison Square, Stock Reserve Conargo Road
Deniliquin, NSW 2710
Ph: 03 5881 3388. Email or visit website |
| 15-22 October |
Snowy Scheme Sixtieth Reunion
Revisit Cooma and towns of the Snowy Mountains to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the start of the Snowy Scheme. Adaminaby will be hosting a re-enactment of the 1949 ceremony.
Cooma will be hosting the Engineering Heritage Award ceremony and there will be guided tours to former camp sites and other vista locations within the Kosciuszko National Park.
Reunion meals and dinners are also planned. The Snowy Scheme Association will assist in helping you meet up with old friends.
Ph: 02 6455 3999. Email or visit website |
| 19-25 October |
Burrinjuck Dam Centenary
Celebrate the centenary milestone of Burrinjuck Dam with 'Back to Burrinjuck Week'.
The week-long event recognises the history of the area and the people behind the structure. To mark this historic occasion, for the first time in 20 years, the dam wall will be open to the public.
Other events include:
- Official Centenary Ceremony,
- Reunion Dinner and Dance with Historical Documentary Premiere,
- Commemorative Church Service,
- Plaque Unveiling Ceremony
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| 25 October |
Open Day at Siding Spring Observatory
For one day of the year, Siding Spring Observatory opens its telescopes to the public for a free exclusive peak behind the scenes. You are invited to meet the astronomers and learn how they explore the Universe at Australia's largest astronomy research facility.
A free bus leaves the Exploratory Centre (Siding Spring Visitor Centre) every 15 minutes, taking you to the observatories.
Siding Spring Observatory
Timor Road
Coonabarabran, NSW 2357
Ph: 02 6842 6211 or visit website |
| Sydney |
| 1-25 October |
Art and About 2009
Sydney's biggest public art festival, Art & About, will celebrate its eight year in 2009. Over three weeks, the talents of emerging and established Australian and international artists will be displayed in a series of vibrant exhibitions and events in the streets, public spaces and galleries across the City of Sydney.
Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Erskineville and other locations in the city.
Ph: 02 9265 9333. Email or visit website |
| 1-31 October |
CRAVE Sydney
Crave Sydney is an annual celebration of Sydney's unique lifestyle. Across 31 days, in all corners of the city, you can get outdoors for some October fun and enjoy Sydney's food, art, comedy and more!
It's all about sharing, getting together with your friends and family. It's about getting out of the house after winter, getting active and finding new ways to soak up the city.
There are seven different events as part of Crave Sydney, some established, others brand new and some free:
- Art & About
- Breakfast on the Bridge
- Darling Harbour Fiesta
- Seven Bridges Walk
- Sydney Harbour Island Hopping
- Sydney International Food Festival
- World’s Funniest Island
Crave Sydney is about rediscovering the Sydney. It opens up the city's landmarks, unlocking new ways to celebrate our well-loved places and spaces. You can breakfast on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, be surprised by art in unusual nooks and crannies or travel to islands not usually open to the public. Locals will take in parts of the city they've never seen before with fresh eyes, tourists will feel at home in an international city full of intimate experiences. |
| 3-11 October |
Leura Gardens Festival
The gardens of Leura are famous for their magnificent displays of springtime colour and beauty, attracting visitors from all over Australia and overseas. Leura opens nine magnificent cool climate gardens all in their springtime glory. A trolley shuttle, travelling to all gardens, will meet incoming trains at Leura Railway Station. For more information please visit our website. |
| 3-25 October |
Sydney Harbour Island Hopper
 This October, grab your friends and family and be surprised by what's hiding on Sydney Harbour!
For the first time and for one month only, you can visit four of Sydney's iconic Harbour islands all in one day to explore, discover and share revealing Sydney's diverse natural and cultural heritage.
Fort Denison, Shark, Clark and Garden Islands will be linked with an Island Hopper ferry ticket, with exciting and unique experiences and activities planned for each island. Sydney Harbour Island Hopping has something for everyone, from the youngest school-age children through to their grandparents. The day is totally up to you as to how long you stay on each island and which ones you travel to. Bring your own picnics or visit the cafe's on Fort Denison or Garden Island to refuel as you hop around!
When: 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18 October.
Ferries will depart from Circular Quay every 30 mins between 9am-3pm
Cost: Adult: $48.50, Con: $35, Child: $16.50
Visit the website for more information and full ferry timetable
Bookings: Book online www.ticketmaster.com.au or call Ticketmaster on 136 100. |
| 10-18 October |
Sydney 2009 World Masters Games
In October, Sydney will host the 2009 World Masters Games. Open to people of all abilities and most ages, the World Masters Games are the world's largest multi-sport event attracting up to three times more competitors than the Olympic Games.
The Games will host approximately 25,000 people from upwards of 100 countries. They will compete across 28 sports at more than 70 venues throughout the city.
The Games promote lifelong competition, friendship and understanding between people in the world of sport, regardless of their background or skill level.
Participants in the World Masters Games represent themselves rather than their country. The competition promotes a festival atmosphere, keeping to the motto "fit, fun and forever young".
The Games also has an action-packed social calendar with events for everyone to enjoy. Check out the Healthy Lifestyle Expo at Sydney Olympic Park or visit one of the Games' social hubs at Sydney Olympic Park, city centre, Manly, Penrith, Blacktown, Bankstown and Lithgow.
Games venues
Check the venue location for your sport and find out about things to do and places to eat in the nearby area.
More information: Ph: 02 8116 2009, email or website |
| 13-16 October |
Ballads of the Bush
 A musical celebration, bringing new voice to the poets and balladeers performed by Australia's favourite vocalists: Anne-Maree McDonald, Stuart Maunder, Gavin Lockley, Sheridan Harbridge and Phillip Hinton with an ensemble of the finest classical musicians re-living the joys of our best-loved ballads from A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson C.J. Dennis Dorothea Mackellar and many more...
The World Premiere of Ballads of the Bush will be held on Tuesday 13 October at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place with a Gala Benefit Opening Night to aid The Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Location: City recital Hall, Angel Place Sydney
Dates: Dates: 13, 15 & 16 October 2009 (5 shows only)
Bookings: Ph 02 8256 2222 or 1300 797 118, or go to www.cityrecitalhall.com
More information: www.symphonyofaustralia.com |
| 21-22 October |
Rodd Island Tea Dance
 Be transported to the 20s, 30s and 40s. Offering up everything from the Charleston to the pulsating rhythms of Latin America, the New Trocadero Dance Orchestra will set the mood for the romantic and sophisticated Tea Dances.
The dances will be held in the colonial style dance hall where you can enjoy morning or afternoon tea or a light lunch.
When: 21-22 October 2009, 11am-1pm, 1.30pm-3.30pm
Costs: Adult: $50, Conc: $40 (includes ferry trip to island. More information and ferry times.)
Bookings: Book online www.ticketmaster.com.au or call Ticketmaster on 136 100 (a booking fee will apply for each transaction). |
| 23-25 October |
Sydney Women's Expo 09
Sydney Women's Expo - is for every woman of every age! A three day extravaganza of exhibits, seminars, celebrities, shopping clearance sales, health, food and cooking demonstrations, and great entertainment all weekend so come along and enjoy.
Where: Sydney Olympic Park - Sports Centre, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park
Entry Fees: Adults: $20.00, Children under 10 Years – FREE, No Concessions |
| 24-25 October |
13th Annual Kurrajong Scarecrow Festival
Since 1997 the Festival has grown from a small event to one of the major cultural events of the Hawkesbury.
Each year over six thousand people visit the picturesque village of Kurrajong to enjoy all the festival has to offer.
The festival has something to satisfy all levels of sophistication and provides a great weekend for both locals and visitors of all ages.
Where: Memorial Park, Kurrajong, NSW |
| 24-25 October |
Festival of the Olive - Full Program
Join us at Elizabeth Farm, home of Australia’s oldest European olive tree, for a unique two-day culinary celebration of western Sydney's vibrant food and cultures. Enjoy an exciting program of cooking demonstrations, olive oil tastings, specialist food markets, live music, dance and kids' activities in the magnificent surrounds of this colonial house and garden.
Bookings: Book online or call 02 8239 2211
Where: Elizabeth Farm, 70 Alice St, Rosehill
When:
10am - 5pm
Cost: General: $15, Concession: $10, Family: $40 per day. Weekend tickets (presale only): $20/$15/$55. Tickets also sold on the day |
| 22-25 October |
Sydney Blues Festival
The Sydney Blues Festival is a celebration of Australian Blues Music to be held in over 10 venues across Windsor NSW including hotels, cafes and restaurants, indoor and covered outdoor larger venues. Over 40 bands are lined up to perform in what is Sydney's only Annual Blues Music Festival.
You will be thrilled by The Blacksliders, The Brewster Bros, The 4 Day Riders, Chase The Sun, Mal Eastick Band, Johnny Greens Blues Cowboys and Louis King and The Liars Klub, to name just a few. Set in historic Windsor NSW there is plenty for all including market stalls and children's entertainment by day. Shuttle buses will take you from venue to venue.
Where: George Street Windsor
Cost:
Adult $99.00 - Three day pass - pre-sale
Adult $119.00 - Three day pass
Adult $69.00 - Sunday only pass
Adult $39.00 - Friday only pass
Adult $89.00 - Saturday only pass |
| 25 October |
Seven Bridges Walk
Now into it's fourth year the annual Seven Bridges Walk will return on Sunday 25 October 2009 bigger and better than ever. The course will be open from 8am to 5pm on event day. You can register for the event from 2 September by following the links on this site. This is a great day out for the whole family and it is FREE.
Hotline: 1300 882 592 |
| 29 Oct - 15 Nov |
Sculpture by the Sea
Experience 'Sculpture By The Sea' at its best against the stunning backdrop of the Tasman Sea. Australia's largest annual outdoor free to the public exhibition of contemporary sculpture.
Staged along Sydney's spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, Over 108 works by artists from Australia and overseas are exhibited. From the witty and the unexpected to the truly magnificent, the exhibition provides sculptors with a unique opportunity to site their work in a dramatic natural setting.
Sculpture By The Sea -
Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk
Bondi Beach, NSW 2026
Ph: 02 8399 0233 |
| 29 October |
Highlights of Macbeth - Verdi and Shakespeare
The Italian Government Tourist Office in conjunction with the University of Sydney is proud to present Italian High-tech Stage and Visual Director Paolo Miccichè’s adaptation of Macbeth, Verdi’s operatic powerhouse based on one of Shakespeare most compelling tragedies.
Three witches prophesise that Macbeth will become king of Scotland, leading him and his wife to murder King Duncan (and, later, several others). Macbeth reflects on his actions in some of the most sublime soliloquies in the Shakespearean canon as he rushes headlong towards his demise. This is a poisonous world where, as the witches intone at the very start, “fair is foul and foul is fair,” where values are reversed and nothing is what it seems to be. Lady Macbeth goes insane with guilt, while Macbeth eventually pays with his life.
Miccichè’s Visual Show is an amazing new way to present the Performing arts. This is made possible by using various types of technologies, combined with state of the art dynamic projections. Thanks to the technology and media tools, we have the opportunity to present a show where the audience would be very much involved. Besides the projections, there are moving lights, smoke, recorded sounds moved in the space, as well as live acting.
This 20 minute version of Macbeth, combines Giuseppe Verdi’s soundtrack from the Opera and the acted lines drawn from Shakespeare’s tragedy. The actors perform in the dialect, as we imagined Verdi would have spoken. The show has been performed last year in Italy in the castle of Ronchi near Bologna.
Where: The University of Sydney - The Main Quadrangle
Times: 8, 9 and 10pm
Cost: FREE |
| 30 October |
Friday Night Jazz at the Mint
George Golla and Craig Scott. Join guests from the Sydney jazz scene for these late exhibition viewings and performances.
Where: The Mint,
10 Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000
When: 5pm - 7pm
Cost: Members/Concession $10 | General $15 | Includes drinks and nibbles
Historic Houses Trust. Ph: 02 8239 2288 |
| 31 October |
Power to the People by the Macquarie University Singers
Songs of freedom and protest through the ages, featuring Karl Jenkins' profoundly moving work:"The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace"
"Imagine", "Strange Fruit", "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?",
African freedom songs ...and other calls for liberty, rights and peace.
Conducted by Sarah Penicka-Smith
Where: Macquarie Theatre
When: 5pm - 7pm
Cost: $30, $20 concession & Seniors Card, $15 Students
Ph: 1300 305 776 |
| Newcastle & Hunter Valley |
| 4-5 October |
King Edward Park Hillclimb
Considered one of the most challenging Hillclimb courses in Australia, King Edward Park has been a picturesque hill climbing venue since 1951. Newcastle MG Car Clubs premier annual event has been run on the historic King Edward Park course every October since 1963. The course record for the 1.094 kilometre hillclimb is 38.05 seconds, set by Eric Barnes on October 11, 1999.
The event has become so popular that it is now conducted over two days - with the New South Wales Hillclimb Championship held on Sunday 4 October, whilst Monday 5 October features the Tri-Challenge series between Newcastle, Tamworth and Kempsey Sporting Car Clubs. The outstanding success of this event, held as part of the Mattara Festival, is achieved through the efforts of many dedicated people.
A feature of the weekend is the large historic car display in the adjacent parkland, usually attracting special interest classic and sports cars from other car and motorcycle clubs in the district.
The historic King Edward Park Hillclimb course is justly famous and Newcastle MG Car Club is fortunate to have such a beautiful and challenging circuit in our home town.
Entry cost: Adult: $10. Child: $5. Family: $20
King Edward Park Reserve Road
Newcastle
Ph: 02 4944 7356, email or visit website
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| 12 October - 14 November |
Rose Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens
Take the opportunity to see Hunter Valley Gardens blooming with over two million roses, throughout the annual 'Rose Spectacular'. See 35,000 rose bushes in over 125 different varieties. The majority of the roses grown at Hunter Valley Gardens are of the fragrant variety, after all, a rose without perfume just isn't a rose! Includes rose talks and demonstrations.
Cost:
Adult $19.90 (over 13 years), Child $12.00 (4 years and under are free), Concession $15.50 (concession/pensioners), Family $54.00 - two adults and two children
Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin, NSW
Ph: 02 4998 4000, email or visit website |
| 24-25 October |
Cranky Handle Rally - Morpeth
Step back in time when mechanical power drove farm equipment - before the advent of electricity. The rally displays antique petrol and diesel engines at work driving vintage farm machinery. Hear the distinctive sound of the 'Hit and Miss' engine. See vintage cars and tractors on display and in the street parade. Spend some time and reminisce over times gone by.
St John's College,
Morpeth Road , Morpeth, NSW
Ph: 02 4990 5091 or email |
| Central NSW |
| 2-5 October |
Murrumbidgee Championship Sheep Dog Trials
Competitors and their sheep dogs working three sheep around a course of obstacles in a 15 minute time limit. There will be competitors from all over NSW and Victoria.
A Kiosk is on ground.
Narrandera Sportsground
Victoria Avenue, Narrandera, NSW
Contact: Wayne Mathieson
Ph: 02 6959 1944, email or visit website
Email: auburnkennels@bigpond.com |
| 10 October |
Harden Kite Festival
The Harden Kite Festival is an event for the whole family.
Entertainment includes free face painting, helium balloons, train rides, kite flying for beginners and advanced flyers (bring your own kite or purchase one on the day). There will also be kite competitions where you can win great prizes!
In addition to that, there will be music by Bearfax and food and market stalls available.
Enter the lucky gate prize for your chance to win $100.
11am to 5pm.
Harden Picnic Racecourse
Harden, NSW
Ph: 02 6386 2341 or email |
| 16-25 October |
Orange Wine Week
More than a full week of exciting events. There's so much to see and do: Wine Week events |
| 17 October |
Booligal Sheep Races
Enjoy a great fun family day out at the 12th annual Booligal Sheep Races! Relax on the green lawn of the Booligal Cricket ground; enjoy the barbecue and the thrill of racing your sheep. There are great prizes throughout the day.
The day kicks off with the Best Decorated Sheep Judging and then the races begin. Don’t worry if your sheep is not a finalist as there is a chance to buy a sheep in a heat in the sheep auction in the middle of the day. Get a syndicate together and your sheep could be the winner of the Booligal Cup! The 2008 winner was Lambaakini who was also a finalist in the best dressed section after sporting a lovely floral bikini.
It's a great event to get involved in as all proceeds go to local charities.
Booligal Cricket Ground
Booligal, NSW
Ph: 02 6993 8119, 0429 314 090, email or visit website |
| 25 October |
Hill End Historic Buildings Open Day
Hill End Historic Buildings Open Day is a rare chance to view ten unique buildings constructed in the 1870s. Visit humble miners' cottages, Hosies' Store, St Paul's Church and the historic residence Craigmoor with its original furnishings. Also on view are the former homes of artists' Jean Bellette and Donald Friend.
An intriguing diversity of restoration and conservation throughout the village.
Adult $25.00 - Includes entry to all 10 buildings, Concession $18.00 - Includes entry to all 10 buildings.
Hill End, NSW
Ph: 02 6337 8334 or website |
| North Coast |
| 3-4 October |
Old Bar Beach Festival
The streets of Old Bar come alive each year with two fun filled days celebrating their laid back beach lifestyle and heritage at the Old Bar Beach Festival. Now in its fifth year the weekend includes a world record attempt for the most VW Kombis/ Transporters in the one place. Indeed the KombiFest element of the festival captures its true spirit.
Remember lazy summer holidays, chances are at least one was taken in a VW Kombi van as you hit the road in search of sun, sand and surf.
There are just so many traditions and values associated with what has become known as Aussie beach culture. Old Bar Beach Festival celebrates it all.
8.00am to 8.00pm.
Old Bar Sport's Fields and Parks Eastern end of town next to the beach,
Old Bar, NSW
Ph: 02 6553 3833, 0407 911 477, email or visit website |
| 2-10 October |
Coffs Harbour International Buskers and Comedy Festival
Arrive on the Coffs coast from October 2 to 10 - during the school holidays for the Coffs Harbour International Buskers and Comedy Festival and you will be forgiven for thinking this normally laid back coastal area has gone a little crazy. The streets, parks and harbour foreshores of the city of Coffs Harbour become an international stage for some of the world's most professional and zany street, and circus entertainers. While in the evenings the clubs and pubs resonate with laughter as audiences enjoy the adult-only comedy shows.
The annual Coffs Harbour Buskers Festival offers something for all members of the family and it is a free community event certainly not to be missed.
Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Coramba, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Email or visit website |
| 16-19 October |
Aquasculpture - Hastings River Town Green, Port Macquarie
In conjunction with the launch of National Water Week there will be a celebration of the community, the arts and the environment…
An exhibition of small sculptures and maquettes will be held at Rydges Riverside Room on the first weekend of Water Week (18-24 October 2009). It will be open to the public from 16 October to 19 October from 10am to 4pm, with an exhibition opening on Saturday 17 October between 5pm and 7pm.
In addition, there will be some larger outdoor sculptures developed in workshops coordinated by local artists.
Ph: 02 6581 8000, email or visit website
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| 22-24 October |
North Coast National Show
The North Coast National is the biggest agricultural show in the region with agricultural and industrial exhibition, trade events, entertainment, rodeo, ring events, sideshows and much more. This year the show will once again feature the Southern Cross University Sustainable Living Expo, with feature techniques on how to thrive in these changing times, plus practical ways for us to do our part to reduce our footprint on the planet - working with the environment, not against it.
Lismore Showground, Lismore, NSW
Ph: 02 6621 3460, email or visit website |
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