Experience the Magic of Winter at Cool Yule in Sydney’s Darling Harbour

Cool Yule Festival Sydney

Rug up, chill out and enjoy Cool Yule in Sydney - a fabulous month-long winter festival from June 13 – July 13, 2014, with Darling Harbour transformed into a spectacular Antarctic playground for all ages to enjoy.

From snow-pits for the kids to open-air ice-skating, mind blowing ice carvings, a floating iceberg, a glittering frozen forest and more, Darling Harbour’s Cool Yule is a magical celebration of winter.

Experience the thrill of a Lindt Lindor Zorb Ball ride in Cockle Bay, picture yourself in Queenstown when you climb inside Air New Zealand’s giant Snow Globe, enjoy the thrill of Thredbo’s ski slopes on an 80 ft inflatable slide and enjoy the fabulous frosty fireworks every Saturday at 8.30pm in Cockle Bay during the Festival.

To help you enjoy the Cool Yule Festival, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is offering a hot deal sure to warm everyone’s hearts:

Cool Yule Hot Deal at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

• $199* per night stay in a loft-style apartment (minimum 2 night stay)
• $100* extra for Saturday night
• Two hot chocolates and mugs to keep

Situated in the heart of Sydney directly opposite Darling Harbour, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is a popular accommodation choice for couples and families looking for a ‘home away from home’ in close proximity to all Sydney’s major attractions.

With 30 recently renovated loft-style one-bedroom apartments, each with a queen sized bed and sofa bed, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour offers all the comforts of home with the convenience of a perfect city location.

Located in two separate buildings in Sussex and King Streets, guests can choose from the larger, contemporary-styled Sussex St apartments with views over Darling Harbour or a New York styled King Street apartment with access to rooftop pool.

Apartments have full kitchen and laundry facilities and spacious living rooms. Discount parking of $30 for 24 hours is provided nearby at 170 Sussex St Wilson Car Parking.

*Terms and conditions apply. Valid June 13-July 13, 2014. Additional guests $50 per guest per night (up to 4 people). Rates non-refundable. Upgrade for $50 per night if available.

To book online, visit www.metroapartmentssydney.com  or you can ring the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800781620

View all accommodation Hot Deals currently available at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Powerhouse Museum: the Plan to Woo Sydneysiders Back

Time to revitalise: Museum director Rose Hiscock aims to turn it into a "buzzing must-visit location for young 20-somethings"

Sydneysiders have fallen out of love with the Powerhouse Museum but new director Rose Hiscock plans to rekindle the passion, revealing a fresh strategy to bring back the crowds to its three sites.

Ms Hiscock, the director of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, which includes the Powerhouse, the Powerhouse Discovery Centre at Castle Hill and the Sydney Observatory, outlined her new strategic plan days after announcing that the institution would cut a fifth of its staff.

Employees were stunned by the announcement on Thursday and some expressed fears a predicted loss of 55 staff would be greater.

Installed as director in July last year, Ms Hiscock said the operating structure of 35 separate areas would be simplified to 16 teams, and that she had been open with staff about the need to manage the museum responsibly.

"The staff are naturally concerned about the changes and their position, but the executive team and all of our people are focused on the future of our organisation," she said.

Up to $5 million annually from staff cutbacks would be reinvested in permanent and temporary exhibition renewal, site developments, new programs and gallery spaces, with a master plan being developed to: 

1. Redevelop the Powerhouse by integrating into the Darling Harbour precinct with a new entrance expected to face the planned Goods Line walkway linking Central with Haymarket, Ultimo and Darling Harbour.
2. Ensure the Sydney Observatory becomes a leading tourism attraction as part of the Barangaroo development
3. Open up the Powerhouse Discovery Centre, the home of its giant collection store warehouse, to greater community involvement and tapping the potential of Sydney's west.
4. Pedestrians will be be able to walk the first section of Sydney's version of New York's High Line by the end of the year between Central Station and Darling Harbour. The line – part of which will consist of raised walkways – is to be built in two stages and include major destinations such as the Frank Gehry-designed Dr Chau Chak Wing Building being built at the University of Technology and the Powerhouse.

Ms Hiscock said Sydneysiders had fallen out of love with the Powerhouse Museum, with attendances declining over the longer term, but she wanted to double the number of visitors within five years by focussing on school and tertiary education students and young adults. She said the museum needed to capitalise on the revitalisation of Darling Harbour and Ultimo, turning the museum into a "buzzing must-visit location for young twenty-somethings" as a first date outing with bars, cafes and restaurants.

She said the museum also had to regain its critical reputation by revitalising and expanding its permanent exhibition galleries and focus on key disciplines including technologies, health and medicine, physical sciences, engineering, architecture and the built environment, design and decorative arts, fashion and contemporary culture.

A museum wing dedicated to fashion was cited as a possible example of how the museum's 500,000 item permanent collection could be exhibited for the general public but also work as a resource for high school and tertiary education design students as well as form a backdrop for events such as Australian fashion week.

"At the moment, we have a small and popular temporary exhibit about the work of designer Catherine Martin," Ms Hiscock said. "But imagine a wing that tells the story of fashion in Australia where you can look at creations from the beginning of settlement through to Jenny Kee, Collette Dinnigan to Catherine Martin."

Ms Hiscock said the potential of the Sydney Observatory and the Powerhouse Discovery Centre had been untapped. She said the observatory should be one of the must-visit tourist destinations, comparing "its charm" with the Royal Observatory Greenwich in Britain, which updated its attractions with the opening of a planetarium in 2007.

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What's On Around the Gladstone Region this Weekend

LOOKING for something to do in the Gladstone region this weekend? Here's a rundown of some of the events and activities available from April 4 to 6, 2014.

Click here to promote your event on our website for free

FRIDAY

Big weekend of fishing

THE Boyne Tannum HookUp is Australia's top family fishing competition and it kicks off today. 

The 2014 HookUp promises to be bigger and better than ever. The entertainment line up includes nine current and retired NRL players, and celebrity chef Andy Phipps.

The prize pool for this year's event is worth more than $270,000. There are 10 boats up for grabs, plus holidays, fishing gear and for the first time ever - a car.

The competition starts at 7am. Daily weigh-ins will be held between 2-4pm on Friday, and 10-11am and 2-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

There will be a filleting demo with the Barefoot Fisherman at 4pm, Phippsy's cooking at 4.30pm, Fish of the Day at 6.05pm, daily prizes presented between 6.10-7pm, and live entertainment throughout the day, with evening entertainment from 7pm.

All the on-shore action will take place at Bray Park, Wyndham Ave, Boyne Island.

Fun night for teens

LIFESTYLE Church will be hosting its first Flipside event for Term 2 at the Lifestyle Centre, 83 Sun Valley Rd, Kin Kora, from 7-9pm.

The event will be themed #HashTagWars and includes action-packed games and competitions for students in Years 7-12.

Entry cost is $3 at the door. See the Facebook page for more information, facebook.com/ flipsideYouthEvents. 

SATURDAY

HookUp continues

ON the cards at the Boyne Tannum HookUp today is the fish weigh-in from 10-11am, Meet and NRL legend at 11am, fish weigh-in from 2-4pm, daily prizes presented from 5.30-7.30pm, and live music throughout the day, plus evening entertainment from 7.30pm.

All the on-shore action will take place at Bray Park, Wyndham Ave, Boyne Island.

Guide Dogs Queensland bowls day

CALLIOPE Central Bowls Club will host a bowls day to support Guide Dogs Queensland and help provide independence, mobility and freedom to people with low or no vision.

The bowls day is a mixed fours event and entry is $20 per bowler, which includes a barbecue after the game.

There are great prizes to be won throughout the event. Phone 4975 6260 for more details.

The bowls club is at 21 Drynan Dr, Calliope.

Charmaine Wilson presents Spirit Whispers show

CHARMAINE Wilson is a world-renowned Australian medium, who has been recognised for her skill and compassion since awakening to her gift in 1999.

She was the winner of Channel Seven's inaugural season of The One, and was also honoured as Queensland Psychic of the Year in 2008 and Australian Psychic of the Year for 2005.

She will present a show at Gladstone Entertainment Centre from 7.30-9.30pm. Tickets cost $50, and those attending must be 16 or older. More details here.

Gladstone Leagues Club reunion

A REUNION for any staff who used to work at the Gladstone and District Leagues Club will be held at Harvey Road Tavern. Anyone who used to work at the club at anytime is invited to attend.

Cost is $10 per person and partners are welcome. For more details, visit the Facebook event page or contact Deborah Martin at deborahmartin75@me.com. 

Chess tournament

THE Gladstone Chess Club will be holding a Central Queensland Junior Chess TournamentSaturday at the CQUniversity Gladstone campus.

Women's international chess master Heather Richards will provide group coaching and game analysis.

Monster cent sale

THE 34th District of Quota International Gladstone Club is holding a monster cent sale at the Gladstone Bowls Club.

There will be lucky door prizes, a cake walk, raffles and much more throughout the day. Doors open at noon for a 1pm start. 

Yoga sessions for kids

REACH Yoga for Kids is a way to assist children to increase coordination, strength and balance, help promote calm, balanced energy, breathing and focus, build emotional awareness and resiliency, promote movement and have fun.

The six-week course is for children aged three to 10 years. It will be held at the Castletower Building, 10 Hayes Ave, Boyne Island, from 10.30-11.15am.

Cost to attend is $50, but the first class is free. Phone 0400 153 480 for more details.

Get fit with Parkrun

STOCKLAND Gladstone and Parkrun Australia faciliate a unique, community run program that provides free weekly timed 5km running events for people of all ages and abilities every Saturday morning from 7am - 8am at Lions Park.

Please register online here prior to your first run.

SUNDAY

Last day of HookUp

TODAY is the last day of the Boyne Tannum HookUp competition, with weigh-ins at 10-11am and 2-4pm.

There will be live music from 9am, and winners will be announced from 6.15pm.

There will be a fireworks display at 7.15pm and the major prize draw from 7.45pm.

Calliope Historical Village Markets

THE Calliope Historical Village Markets are one of the largest in Queensland and are run on a monthly basis along the banks of the Calliope River.

Take the kids along for a trip on the famous miniature train ride or just go along to view the abundance of homewares, fresh produce, plants and bric-a-brac for sale.

The markets in Carrara Rd, Calliope run from 8am to 1pm. Entry is $2.

Auditions for stage musical

HIGH school student auditions for The Chrysalides musical, a romantic comedy, will be held in the St Stephen Lutheran school hall at 1.30pm.

Interested students need to bring along a piece they are comfortable with, know their vocal range and just have some fun.

The Chrysalides musical will be staged in the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on November 7 and 8.

Contact Jill McLeod at ajill.mcleod@bigpond.com or phone 4973 2535.

Cedar Galleries Farmers Market

EVERY Sunday morning Cedar Galleries is a gathering place for families enjoying breakfast, shoppers with baskets gathering up a range of fresh produce and gourmet goodies, stallholders, kids jumping on the castle and alpacas happily handfeeding with visitors at the gate. 

You can even have your tarot or angel cards read.

The market stalls and café breakfast trade runs from 8am until midday every Sunday.

Yachties Sunday Sesh

HEAD to the Gladstone Yacht Club beer garden for an afternoon of bliss on Sunday.

With live music from 2pm, great drink specials and an amazing atmosphere, you can't go wrong with the Yachties Sunday Sesh.

GIGS

Friday

• Yaralla Sports Club: Bingo 10am and 1pm
• Queens Hotel: Dance until late with Karina and Mak
• Gladstone Bowls: Bingo, 10am; Wolves Soccer Club bingo, 7.30pm
• Club Hotel: 888 PL Poker registration 6.30pm for 7.30pm start
• Agnes Water Tavern: Karaoke from 8pm
• The Grand Hotel: T.G.I Friday from 5pm: Alex Matheson-Brown & Nathan Bedford

Saturday

• Yaralla Sports Club: Free Poker, 7pm
• Queens Hotel: Dance until late with Karina and Mak
• Grand Hotel: 888 PL Poker, registration from 1pm for 2pm start
• Tannum Sands Hotel: Live music, 8.15pm
• Agnes Water Tavern: Little Big Foot from 8pm
• Diceys: Diceys Playboy party: Nathan Bedford from 8pm
• BITS Bowls Club: Josh Harris & Alex Matheson-Brown from 6.30pm

Sunday

• Young Aus Hotel: Raffles, 11.30am
• Queens Hotel: 888 PL Poker, registration 1pm for 2pm start
• Yaralla: Bingo, 1pm
• Railway Hotel: Sunday session, 2pm
• Gladstone Bowls: Wolves Soccer Club bingo, 7.30pm
• Agnes Water Tavern: Stephen Miles from 2pm
• Tannum Sands Hotel: Nathan Bedford & Tom Weber from 2pm

MOVIES

Friday

• The Amazing Spider-Man 2: 9.30am, 12.30pm, 2.45pm, 7.30pm
• Mr Peabody and Sherman: 9.30am (Movie Mums $8), 4pm
• The Grand Budapest Hotel: 9.30am, 7pm, 9.45pm (GR)
• Muppets: Most Wanted: 10.15am (Movie Mums $8)
• The Lego Movie: 10.40am, 5.30pm
• Divergent: 10.45am, 4pm, 8.45pm
• The Other Woman: 11.50am (GR), 12.35pm, 1.50pm, 2.55pm, 4.10pm (GR), 5.15pm, 7.30pm, 9pm (GR), 9.10pm
• Transcendence: Noon, 2.20pm, 4.40pm, 6.30pm (GR), 6.45pm, 9.05pm
• Captain America: Winter Soldier: 1.25pm, 3.30pm, 6.15pm, 8.50pm
• Bad neighbours: 11.40am, 2.05pm (GR), 2.30pm, 6.40pm

How To Keep Kids Entertained During School Holidays

Are you looking for free or fun kids activities to entertain the little ones?

Here's a list of fun activities and games for the kids (and the whole family) to enjoy this Easter holidays!

Free Easter Bunny Game

Travelling this Easter? If you need something free and fun to keep the kids entertained, download this highly addictive, cute bunny app to their smartphone or tablet for hours of fun.

Visit here for the bunny game via Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/

Free Craft Ideas

Have hours of creative fun with pipe cleaners to create creatures, aliens, trees, characters, bugs and more. Or for the girls, a beautiful cut-out fashion doll with clothes for hours of mix-n-match fun!

Visit here for pipe cleaner crafts: http://www.messforless.net/2013/05/20-pipe-cleaner-crafts-and-activities.html#more

Visit here for reindeer craft: http://spoonful.com/crafts/rudolph-red-nosed-handprint

Visit here for fashion doll cut-outs: http://foldingtabs.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/paper-dolls-by-siyi-lin.html

Free Slime Recipe! 

Have your kids always wanted to make slime and goo? Follow this simple recipe for the best slime ever!

Visit here for full instructions: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/09/kids-in-the-kitchen-slime/

Free Books to Read

Want to read free story books to your kids? Are you travelling and want to bring downloable books?

There are plenty online that you can download for free - from classics such as Wizard of Oz, Madeline, The Little Engine that Could, Frosty The Snowman and more.

Visit here for books to download: http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/finding-free-kids-books-online-books-for-kids

The Royal Easter Show

It's that time of the year for baby animals, fairy floss, rides and showbags time! Here's a list of fun activities to do at the Easter Show.

1. Farmyard Nursery

Baby ducks, chicks, goats, puppies and lambs – oh my! Open every day during the show, the farmyard nursery is one of the highlights for many nippers. Barwen Ave. Mon-Fri 9.30am-6.30pm. Sat, Sun 9.30am-7pm.

2. Milking Barn

Watch cows being milked by hand the traditional way and see butter churn. Kids can hand-milk one of Luke and Jess’s good-natured cows. Hordern Sprung. Daily 9am, 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 4pm. Ages 4-12 years.

3. Sheep shearing

Over 250 sheep will be shorn over the two weeks, and youngsters and the young at heart can try their hand at shearing a sheep or watch shearers demonstrate their skills on stage. Sheep and Fleece Pavilion.

4. The Food Farm

Collect eggs, dig for veggies, roll pastry and mill grain at the Food Farm. Authors of Yum Yum, Where Does Our Food Come From? Cathie and Emily Colless, will be at the Farm for a storytelling session. Food Farm.

5. Kids’ stage shows

Meet Dirtgirlworld, Shaun the Sheep, Puss in Boots, Alvin the Chipmunk, Bananas in Pyjamas, all the best Moshi Monsters and a host of star-studded entertainers. Big Top Amphitheatre. Daily at various times.

6. Rides

Tea Cups! Double-decker carousels! The Jurassic Coaster! As always, there are fairground rides for every showgoer, from the thrillseeker to the little ones racing each other down the rainbow lanes of the Super Slide.

7. Cute baby animals

Each year, there are close to 14,000 animals on site, ranging from alpacas to cattle, horses, dogs, piglets, goats and many more. Get the chance to pet baby chicks, piglets, ponies, bunnies, you name it they have it!

Cost: Adult $38.50 | Child $23.50 | Family $111.60 | Concession $28.50

More info: http://www.eastershow.com.au/

Minecraft 100 Kids’ Workshop

Welcoming all age groups and Minecraft skill levels, this full-day workshop will occupy a custom Minecraft game space in the Powerhouse Museum – and create a few of the blocks, textures or elements and you’ll be part of a massive building collaboration with over 100 players.

Cost: Price from $90.00

Where: Powerhouse Museum 500 Harris St Ultimo 2007

When: 12-27 Apr - Open Daily, 10am-3.30pm

More info: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/thinkspace/course/minecraft-100/

Easter Egg Hunt, 19th-Century Style

Decorate an Easter egg basket and put it straight to use in the annual Easter egg hunt around the gardens and grounds of the beautiful Elizabeth Farm. Suitable for ages 3 and up. Price includes one accompanying adult.

Cost: $15.00

When: Sun 20 Apr | Open 11am-noon, 1-2pm

Where: 70 Alice Street Rosehill 2142 (Nearby Station: Parramatta)

More info: http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/events/great-egg-hunt-elizabeth-farm

Get Active!

Want to take the kids out for an adventure?

Kids in the Park is massive fun for kids of all ages, whatever their passion. School holiday activities happen every day from 12 to 27 April 2014 at the Sydney Olympic Park. Kids in the Park offers the largest range of school holiday activities in NSW and is your one-stop shop to keep the kids happy and entertained. Best of all there are heaps of FREE and affordable things to do for $20 or less.

Here are a mix of the awesome activities on offer:

Drawing Artexpress:

http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/Artexpress_Kids_in_the_Park_workshops_school_holiday_activities

iSkate Monster: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/iskate_Australia_@_monster_school_holiday_activities

BMX Club Racing: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/sports_to_play_events/sydney_bmx_club_racing_day

G.A.M.E.S. Sports Centre:

http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/g.a.m.e.s_school_holiday_activities

Flying Trapeze: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/flying_trapeze_school_holiday_activities

• Cost: Check each activity - some are free, some have fees
• Where: Sydney Olympic Park, NSW
• More info: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park

TreeTop Adventure

TreeTop Adventure Park in Abbotsbury is one of three eco-friendly treetop obstacle courses in New South Wales, with flying foxes, climbing nets, dangling Tarzan-like liana branches, monkey bridges, rafts, trapeze bars and ladders. And it’s lots of fun.

• 

Cost: Price from $25.00 to $45.00

Time: Open Daily, 9am-6pm; from Apr 27 to Sept 18: Sat, Sun 9am-4.30pm

More info: http://www.treetopadventurepark.com.au/

Wannabees Family Play Town

Wannabees Family Play Town is an indoor play centre that enables children to role-play at their dream jobs – from police officers and fire fighters to TV producers and postal workers. Wannabees has created a mini-city where kids can dress up and play with mock tools and equipment, like buying and selling at the mini supermarket, sliding down a fire pole or pretending to style their friend’s hair in the mini salon. 

Where: 1-3 Rodborough Rd Frenchs Forest 2086

When: Mon-Tue 9.30am-2pm, Wed-Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9.30-5pm

Cost: from $12.90 to $15.90

More info: http://www.wannabees.com.au/

Wizards Workshop

Create a magical collage, complete with cauldrons, cobwebs and fantastical creatures, where your wizard works on his spells and potions. 

For ages: 5-12 years

Cost: FREE!

When: Wednesday 16 April @ 2pm - 3pm

Where: Marrickville Library - Cnr Marrickville & Petersham Rds, Marrickville 2204

More info:

http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/Global/Library/Events%20and%20activities/Holiday%20activities%20Apr%202014_Children's%20Services_flyer_web1.pdf

Ahoy Sailors! 
Visit the Australian Maritime Museum to be a sailor for a day OR check out the amazing sea creatures:

Kids On Deck: Every Sunday during term | 11 am - 3 pm daily

• A fun-filled activity and art-making space for primary-school aged children and their families. In March be inspired by our navy vessels and make your own badges, periscopes, temporary tattoos, paper submarine or destroyer. In April and May dive into the world of amazing cetaceans with creative art making and science activities, dress ups and interactive games.
• For ages: 5-12 years
• Cost: $8.50 per child, FREE members/Big Ticket. Adults general museum fees apply
• Bookings: No bookings required
• Opening times: Every Sunday during term. Hourly sessions 11 am - 3 pm
• More info: http://www.anmm.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1242

Amazing Cetaceans Science Show: Sunday 13 - Thursday 17 & Sunday 20 - Thursday 24 April | @ 10.30 am, 11.30 pm and 12.30 pm

• Investigate the incredible biology of ocean mammals with weird and wacky experiments in our interactive science shows.
• For ages: For all ages!
• Cost: Free with museum entry
• Time: Sunday 13 - Thursday 17 & Sunday 20 - Thursday 24 during April school holidays at 10.30am, 11.30 am & 12.30pm
• Booking: No bookings required
• More info: http://www.anmm.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1242

New Perth Zoo Additions are Otter-ly Cute

New Perth Zoo Additions are Otter-ly Cute

Four new members of the world's smallest otter species – the Asian small-clawed otter – have made their public debut at Perth Zoo.

Perth Zoo Chief Executive Susan Hunt said the tiny pups are part of an Australasian breeding program to help protect a wonderful species that is threatened in the wild.

"The otters at Perth Zoo have now had 16 otter pups which is four litters in the past two years.
"These latest pups are the third litter for parents Asia and Tuan," Ms Hunt said.

Asian small-clawed otters are highly social animals who pair for life. Males play a critical role rearing the pups, including nest building, swimming lessons and supplying food.
Older siblings also take a role in the care of new pups and two older sisters are currently helping rear the new babies.

The four pups were born on December 27 and recently started swimming lessons.

At this age, the pups are being carried out of the nest box and taken into the pool by the adults and then carried back inside again – but they will soon start venturing out by themselves.

The pups lined up for their first medical check on Monday by Perth Zoo veterinary staff to weigh, sex, microchip, vaccinate and examine their general health.

The vets identified two females and two males ranging in size from 520grams to 560grams.

Asian small-clawed otters weigh just 3.5kg when fully grown. They are native to parts of India, southern China, Malaysia and Indonesia.

10 Things to Do in Ipswich on the Weekend

1 A Day Out With Thomas

• The Workshops Rail Museum, North Ipswich

IT IS the final weekend to see Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends at The Workshops Rail Museum at North Ipswich and enjoy some circus-themed fun.

The iconic train has been at the museum since December 26, but will depart on Sunday.

Guests can meet the iconic train, the Fat Controller and friends of Thomas, build tracks in the Thomas Play Pit, take part in circus-inspired activities and much more.

The museum is open from 9.30am-5pm.

For more information phone 3432 5197 or visit theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au.

2 Movies in the Park

• Robelle Domain Parklands, Springfield
• Tonight, 6.30pm - 9pm

PACK a picnic and get outdoors with the family at a free outdoor screening of animation hit Despicable Me 2. The Movies in the Park event is part of a series of family films being shown in public venues during the next few months. The film - the sequel to 2010 film Despicable Me - is about reformed super villain Gru, who helps track down a super criminal who has developed a serum that turns people into evil monsters.

If cancelled owing to wet weather, movie will be rescheduled for February 8, same time and place. For more information, phone 3810 6666.

 

3 Fernvale Markets

• Fernvale State School Oval, Brisbane Valley Hwy
• Tomorrow, 6am - noon

THIS country-style market features homemade baked goods, fresh produce, arts and crafts and plants, second-hand goods and much more. Food and drinks are available on site and entry is free.

For more information, phone 5464 3863.

 

4 Springfield Organic Market

• Robelle Domain Parklands, Springfield
• Today, 7am - 1pm

THIS great community event held each Saturday is a destination for foodies, as there are stalls selling fresh organic and conventional produce. The markets also host local artists and designers selling unique handmade products. In addition to the shopping, the location of the markets is also pleasing as children can enjoy the shaded playground and water park and parents can relax at the nearby Robelle Cafe.

Entry is free and parking is available on site. For more information, visitorganicfoodmarkets.com.au.

 

5 Beach Party

• Swifts Sports Club, Booval
• Tonight, 7.30pm - 11pm

JUST Rock Ipswich is set to host a Beach Party Dance with a live musical performance from band Atmosphere.

The dance will be held upstairs at the club and all are welcome to attend.

Tickets are $12, or $10 for members, and are available at the door.

For more information, visit jri.com.au/ or phone 3389 8098.

 

6 Ipswich Cinemas

• Cinemas located across Ipswich
• All weekend, opening times vary

WITH Oscar best film contenders like The Wolf of Wall Street, 12 Years a Slave, Gravity and American Hustle out at the movies at the moment, why not head to one of Ipswich's new cinemas?

Reading Cinemas is located in Redbank Plaza Shopping Centre, Limelight Cinemas is located in Riverlink Shopping Centre, and Event Cinemas is located at the Ipswich Mall.

For more information, phone 3818 8044 (Reading), 1300 792 579 (Limelight) or 3281 8887 (Event).

 

7 Showplace Markets

• Ipswich Showgrounds, Warwick Rd
• Tomorrow, 6am - 11.30am

COME along to the Ipswich Showplace Markets held every Sunday.

There is a lot to see and browse.

A huge array of stalls offers tools, toys, clothing, home-wares, arts and crafts and much more.

You can even come and have some breakfast and grab yourself a coffee before you start to wander for some fantastic bargains.

For more information, phone 3281 1577. Onsite parking is available.

 

8 Park Run

• Catherine Morgan Park, Augustine Heights
• Today, 7am

SPRINGFIELD Park Run will take place with all walkers, runners and families invited to take part in the free, timed 5km event.

The runs take place each week in pleasant parkland surroundings.

Events are suitable for people of all ages and fitness abilities.

For more information or to register, visit parkrun.com.au

 

9 Choir Music Event

• Riverlink Shopping Centre, Nth IpswichToday, noon - 1pm

COME and enjoy the vocal harmonies of a variety of choirs from the Blackstone Ipswich Cambrian Choir.

The group will perform a variety of numbers, including Rivers of Babylon, What a Wonderful World and many more.

The performance will take place at the shopping centre's food court.

 

10 Splash out at Swim Centres

• Centres located across Ipswich
• All weekend, opening hours vary

BEAT the summer heat with a trip to one of Ipswich's popular swim centres.

A trip to the pool is more than just a swim these days.

Centres provide a number of facilities that make a trip to the swimming pool a full day outing.

The four centres include Goodna Aquatic Centre, the Rosewood Swim Centre, the Georgie Conway Leichhardt Community Swim Centre and the Bundamba Swim Centre.

For more information, phone 3381 8240 (Goodna), 5464 1246 (Rosewood), 3281 8743 (Leichhardt) or 3282 2801 (Bundamba).

SUNfest Encourages Youngsters to Try New Activities

SUNFEST is getting kids off the couch and encouraging them to be active with lots of sports available to try.

Last week kids at SUNfest got a chance to try out different sports including squash, abseiling, indoor rock climbing and skateboarding.

Week two of SUNfest is shaping up to be very active.

On Monday youths around the region tried their hands at water sports including: surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking in Seventeen Seventy.

Head to the hockey grounds for Hook in2 hockey, a program teaching kids the basic skills of hockey to get them involved in Gladstone's hockey scene.

If hockey isn't for you then head next door to the Gladstone tennis/squash complex to give tennis a go.

Or head to the Awoonga headwaters adventure day to learn more about the environment while swimming, walking and canoeing.

WHAT'S ON

TODAY

• PCYC master chef day.
• Summer Reading Club Craft Gladstone City Library. Time: 9.30am.
• SUNfest photography workshop at Canoe Point. Time: 9am-noon. Cost: $15.
• SUNfest hot shoes/flash mob dancin' in the street at St Stephens Lutheran College, Time: today and tomorrow 9am-3pm. Cost: $30.
• SUNfest Lil' Kids klay kreetures clay workshop at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. Time: 10am-noon. Cost: $10.
• SUNfest Lil' Kids wirework wildlife at Tondoon Botanic Gardens and Calliope Community Centre. Time: 10.30am-12.30pm (Gladstone), 2-4pm (Calliope).

TOMORROW

• PCYC Rockhampton Zoo excursion. Cost: $12 addition to standard day fee.
• Scrapbook Fantasies, 2pm cardmaking and 3.30pm scrapbooking.
• SUNfest Hook in2 Hockey, at Rigby Park. Time: 9am-noon. Cost: $6 (booked ticket).
• SUNfest recycled lanterns at PCYC. Time: tomorrow and Thursday 10am-3pm. Cost: $20 for both days.
• SUNfest Awoonga headwaters adventure day. Meet up at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. Time: 8am-5pm. Cost: $35 (booked ticket).
• Summer Reading Club Craft, Calliope and Agnes Water libraries 9.30am.