Guides Attractions Events in New South Wales

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At the 100 Mile Dinner, long tables overhung with colourful lanterns will be set along the heritage listed crooked main street of Canowindra for a communal feast of exceptional regional produce and wines sourced from within a 100 mile radius.

The 100 mile concept is all about acting locally and thinking globally - proving that eating locally produced food is good for the planet, the local economy and your taste-buds!

If this year's dinner is anything like the last few years, there will be dancing in the street!

For a unique and memorable dining experience, book early for the popular 100 Mile Dinner in historic Canowindra.

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The 10th annual Choppers For Charity Weekend will be celebrated with three days of fun filled community activities which you are openly invited to join in on.

Friday there will be Bare Foot Bowls held at the Sussex Inlet RSL Club with a sausage sizzle for lunch.

Saturday is an entire day dedicated to golf. Golf Day at Sussex Inlet Golf Club will be off to a bang with a shot gun start and the day's events are also heightened with a sausage sizzle for lunch.

Sunday is the day to be there if not all! Variety stalls kick off the morning then at 11am there is a street parade with motorbikes, cars and even band mascots, at 11.30am the CareFlight helicopter arrives and then at midday the Dragon Boats take off.

All proceeds of events go towards continuing the lifesaving work of CareFlight.

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Tickets are now on sale for 11.12, the best house party ever thrown at the best house on the planet - coming to life for one night only this New Years Eve at the Sydney Opera House.

Curated by the boys from YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE (YOLO) - Dan Single (ksubi), Angus McDonald (Sneaky Sound System) and Maurice Terzini (Icebergs Dining Room and Bar), 11.12 will be staged in collaboration with George P Johnson. Starring the men who defined House music - the legendary and Grammy award winning Frankie Knuckles - and his special guest Jamie Principle on live vocals, the 11.12 line up will also include UK superstar DJ Riton and local house maestro's Beni and Dangerous Dan.

Uniquely styled, it will be an unforgettable night that will have Sydney screaming for more with the ultimate view of the fireworks.

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Two days of action and activity. A colourful showcase of country life, featuring quality cattle, prime lambs, a 200-class horse show highlighting majestic heavy horses, championship dog show, poultry, yard dog trials, and a wonderful display of produce, flowers and craft in the pavilion. The children can enjoy sideshow alley and the animal nursery. Saturday's program ends with spectacular fireworks and a thrilling bull ride program. Appetising refreshments are also on offer.

Two great days out for all the family.

Big Scrub Rainforest Day is Australia's largest annual Landcare information and education event. With all major regional landcare groups, practitioners and businesses attending, Big Scrub Rainforest Day provides the opportunity to gain information about rainforests and their restoration from Australia's leading experts.

The day will feature rainforest restoration walks and workshops, a rainforest flora walk, weed identification workshop, a bird walk and talk. Gwen Harden will be discussing the new interactive DVD based on the iconic books 'Rainforest Trees and Shrubs' and 'Rainforest Climbing Plants'. There will be community organisation stalls and exhibits and children's activities from 10am.

Held every two years, the Biennale of Sydney is Australia's largest contemporary visual arts event, showcasing bold and innovative contemporary art from around the world. The free exhibition is presented over 12 weeks in the heart of Sydney at leading contemporary art spaces and on world heritage-listed Cockatoo Island. Alongside the exhibition, the Biennale presents artist talks, guided tours, performances, forums, family days and other special events - all free to the public.

The 18th Biennale of Sydney: all our relations is based on a collaborative framework and dynamic new exhibition model. Artistic Directors Catherine de Zegher and Gerald McMaster will bring together international artists to collaborate and create artworks, exploring new ideas from unexpected voices around the world.

The 18th Bienniale of Sydney exhibition called All Our Relations is here again to bring insight and inspiration into the art world.

The exhibition will be centred around story-telling as well as analytical reflection of human beings relationships. Themes of collaboration, conversation and compassion will be observed amongst occurences of coercion and destruction.

Don't miss your chance to see the artists present their work and utilise audiences to further develop their ideologies and creations. The exhibition will take place across four venues: Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Pier 2/3 and Cockatoo Island.

The boys from 1927 band are back to celebrate their 20 plus years in the industry as well as their touring anniversary.

Their album 'Ish' still remains one of the highest selling debut albums as far as Australian artists are concerned and it conquered the charts with hits such as "That's When I Think of You" and "Compulsory Hero".

This show can also be combined with dinner for those that enjoy a side of food with their amazing Australian music performances.

For an entertaining family day out, come and join in the fun and celebrate the 1st Annual Cameron Burke Memorial fundraiser.
The event will include a large display of custom bikes, cars and hot rods plus prize raffles, a jumping castle, animal farm, face painting and live music. A sausage sizzle will be firing during the day or grab lunch at the club bistro
Guaranteed to be a fantastic family fun day for all.
Entry fee is a gold coin for general public, with all proceeds raised to go to SIDS and KIDS.NSW.

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The Woolgoolga Art Group Inc (WAG), a small local volunteer art group with its own working gallery, will celebrate the 26th anniversary of the Coffs Harbour Lillipilli Art and Craft Exhibition during the April school holidays.

Well over 20 different art and craft categories will be on show, including an extensive youth section. Categories include all forms of painting and drawing, calligraphy, ceramics, photography, fibrecraft, woodwork, mosaics, sculpture and Other Art Forms, where wild, wacky and wonderful works that defy description reside.

Artists are limited to one entry per section but can enter multiple categories.
Each work is to have been completed within the year preceding the exhibition, and must not have won a prize at any other exhibition.

Visiting this exhibition makes an ideal family outing during school holidays.
Visitors can vote on the People's Choice award, the winner of which is announced on closing day.

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Coeliac NSW/ACT will host the seventh annual Gluten Free Expo in Sydney at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. A free event for the public, the 2011 Gluten Free Expo will showcase a huge range of gluten free products available to purchase and taste, and will also feature informative talks, seminars and live cooking demonstrations suitable for both the general public and trade professionals.

The Expo will be host to a range of guest speakers and guests, including 2010 MasterChef runner up Callum Hann, who will be giving live cooking demonstrations.

The 2011 Gluten Free Expo is proudly sponsored by Coles, Simply Wize, Tasty Bite, Eskal Gluten Free and Country Life Bakery.

Friday, 26th August from 4pm to 8pm. Saturday, 27th August from 9am to 5pm.

For more information, go to the Gluten Free Expo website.

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Come along and be a part of the fun at the Parkinson's Unity Walk 2011. This is a great family day out, hosted by Parkinson's NSW, to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's disease.

This event is more than just a day out - it's a chance to make a real difference. It's a community event that brings people living with Parkinson's, their families and supporters together - all for a common cause.

Everyone is welcome; mums, dads, grandparents, children, friends, workmates and neighbours are encouraged to be a part of this positive and uplifting day.

Fundraising is an important part of the event and will ensure that Parkinson's NSW can continue to fund research into this debilitating disease and provide the essential support services needed to help people live well with Parkinson's.

Visit the Parkinson's NSW website to register to walk. Who will you be walking for?

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Round 4 of the 2011 Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championship will be held at Eastern Creek International Raceway this July.

The event will play host to Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, Kumho Tyres V8 Touring Cars, Kerrick Sports Sedan Series, Radical Australia Cup, Commodore Cup, Saloon Cars, Australian Swift Racing Series, Formula 3, Formula Ford and Superkarts.

For more information, head to the website.

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The 2011 "Internationalist" World Wine Tasting is back again with more exciting wines than before. You will be spoilt for choice with more than 180 wines on show from Australia and around the globe, including some of the world's iconic wines, cult wines, obscure wineries and varieties you have never come across.

There's also some incredible sakes from micro-brewers, and natural, biodynamic and organic wines on taste: This is the ultimate wine tasting event - and it's all under one roof.

You could win a rare opportunity to meet winemakers David Bicknell (Oakridge) and Michael Glover (Bannockburn). With so much to taste, learn and discover you'd be mad to miss it.

The Australian Championships will see the culmination of five National Championships, Olympic Selection trials and an international competition and will include more than 1,400 athletes, 600 officials, 35 sessions and 6,000 routines.

 

Junior and senior athletes will compete in a range of disciplines, including Men’s Gymnastics, Women’s Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Trampoline.

 

The Australian Olympic team will be selected based on results from the Championships, and the Senior Japanese Women’s Artistic Team will compete in a friendly competition against members of the National Australian team.

 

Participants and spectators will be treated to entertainment, interactive activities, educational workshops, a kid’s zone for interactive gymnastics and more.

The Australian International Motor Show is the recognised industry showcase event, through which vehicle manufacturers choose to display the latest innovations and advances including safety, environmental and vehicle designs to Australian consumers and motoring enthusiasts alike.

The Australian International Motorshow (AIMS) is an annual auto show held biennially between Melbourne and Sydney. Both cities have a long running history of motorshows, but prior to the staging of the 2008 Sydney show, the Organisers - the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) met with the Melbourne motorshow organisers - the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC). It was announced after the culmination of these discussions on February 3rd, 2009 that the FCAI and VACC would partake in a Joint Venture, alternating the show between the two cities. The Australian International Motorshow was hosted last year in Melbourne, with Sydney hosting the 2012 Motorshow.

Information is available on the AIMS website.

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The Australian Junior Championships is the premier athletics event for under 14 - 20 athletes.

The 2012 edition is to be held at Sydney Olympic Park this March.

Athletes can qualify for these championships via two methods:
Any athlete who achieves the entry standard(s) as set out in the Athletics Australia Entry Standards within the qualifying period is automatically qualified for the Championships.

Any athlete who places in the first three at their home State Championships is automatically qualified for the National Championships. This can be at either the State All Schools Championships held before Christmas or at the State Championships conducted by Member Associations post Christmas.

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The 2012 Combined Car Clubs Annual Charity Show is proudly supporting the Queensland Premiers Flood Appeal. Combined Car Clubs Annual Charity show that incorporates all the car clubs in Dubbo: Orana Elite Car Club, Dubbo City Car Club, Golden West Holden Owners Club, St Rodders United, NSW Commodore, Cudgegong Cruisers, Golden Oldies Truck and Tractor Club.

Enjoy barbecues, cold drinks, icecream, tea and coffee, various stalls, charity auction and live music on the day. Face painting and jumping castle for children.

$10 entry per show vehicle.

Futsal is five-a-side indoor soccer played on a basketball sized court. School tournaments offer the chance for young and aspiring athletes to compete against other teams in a professionally run competition. It gives players the opportunity to develop their skills and strengthen relations with other players and schools.

The Northern NSW Champion of Champions is the second round of the Schools Program, where the top four qualifying teams of each age group from round one are invited to contest. The top four teams will be invited from the Taree, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour School Titles.

More than 120 teams with over 900 students are expected to participate. These teams are competing for a chance to go to the third and Final round in November; The Australasian Champion of Champions. Where they have the chance to be crowned the best school in the country.

The HCCU Tastings of the Hastings is a major annual food and wine show celebrating the farmers, producers, restaurants, wineries and breweries of the diverse Greater Port Macquarie region and selected exhibitors from its mid north coast neighbours.

The main event is an annual food and wine show staged every year in October. It aims to encourage locals to take pride in and support the farmers and producers of the vast variety of fine local produce and product available throughout the region.

Strong media support both locally and in key major markets aims to attract interest, visitations and new business from regional and major metropolitan markets through the quality and calibre of the food and wine within this thriving regional centre.

Hillsong Conference is about you and your Church. It is for people of all ages, and interests; including pastors youth and children's ministries, worship, community action, musicians, television, media and more. Hillsong Conference is about being refreshed and inspired and finding great strength and unity amongst the diversity of the local church worldwide.

This will be the fifth year of the Lord Howe Island Winter Windsurfing Trips.

As well as great sailing, barbecues at Ned's Beach, dinner and jazz at Pinetrees Lodge and nights at local restaurants.

It is a fantastic experience to spend a couple of weeks with like minded windsurfing nuts! One invariably ends up learning some new tricks, be them on the water or rigging tips. There is nothing like sailing with lots of other people to drive your own windsurfing to another level.

Non sailing partners are always welcome with day spa treatments on offer, cafes, loads of snorkelling or just chilling out on the beach.

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Visit Young for the staging of the Lambing Flat Festival as the town marks its turbulent gold rush history and the riots of 1861. The day-long festival begins at 10am in Arboretum Park and Captain Cook Weir and there's a packed program through until 6pm.

This year the festival will have a full range of activities, including live music, historical re-enactments, Cobb & Co. Royal Mail Coach rides, a Hilltops Wine Expo, bush poets, market stalls, antique engine and tractor displays, a gold trail documentary and a heritage motor car club display.

Among new attractions this year was a collection of goldfield artefacts and other items used by the European and Chinese miners in the 1860's that have never before been exhibited in rural Australia. The display will be held in the Senior Citizens hall adjoining the festival area where tea and coffee will be available.

Credit: Holly Bradford Photography

The 'Landmark Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft' held each June Long Weekend, is known as the biggest combined rodeo and campdraft in the Southern Hemisphere.

Each year cowboys and cowgirls, along with spectators, head across the central western plains of New South Wales to the edge of the Outback, transforming the Coonamble Showground into a full-on explosion of wild riding action. The cowboys launch from the chutes competing for prizes in steer wrestling, calf roping, barrel racing and, of course, the glamour events of the Saddle Bronc, Bareback and Bull rides.

In addition to the events at the Rodeo arena the community also holds a Bush Poets Breakfast, Patchwork and Quilting Exhibition, live bands and other social events adding to the festival atmosphere. The Junior Rodeo on the Monday is a growing component.

The annual NCHA Tamarang Futurity is the richest three year old horse performance event in Australia with prize money of over AUD700,000 on offer.

The Futurity features the best Cutting Horse action in Australia with competitors and spectators from all around Australia and overseas travelling to Tamworth NSW for the event which takes place in the world class Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre.

In addition to the packed Cutting program, some of the evening entertainment includes the popular NCHA Stockman's Challenge, Aussie Horseman Demonstration, Bull Riding, Rodeo, Professional Farriers and country music entertainment.

The event also incorporates the largest country/western rural trade display outside of the metropolitan area as well as the NCHA Select Sale which auctions some of the finest bred performance horses in Australia.

Admission costs vary throughout the duration of the event.

Port Macquarie is excited to have secured this event for another five years.

The NSW Touch Association will host the 36th Annual State Cup in Port Macquarie. The State Cup is the premier Touch competition for New South Wales Touch Affiliates, offering Affiliates from across New South Wales an excellent competition for the states most talented players, coaches, referees and administrators.

State League began in 1977 in Port Macquarie before moving around the state finally finding a home at Port Macquarie for the past 23 years.

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Manning Valley BMX Club along with Greater Taree City Council host the 2012 Rivercity Classic.

This event is an annual open event which, this year, also incorporates Round 4 of the 2012 NSW State and Dynamite Series. Racing categories range from beginners to elite level. It is a free fun family day out. Refreshments will be available from the club canteen all day.

So come along and witness some of the best BMX riders in the State.

Now back for its fourth year see the classic Skylines as they race in to Wakefield Park tihs September.

The show will showcase models from the very first Prince Skyline to the R34 and current GT-R.

Following the previous events in South Australia and Victoria, it finally return to Goulburn's Wakefield Park.

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The Slice of Haven Food and Wine Festival is held on the foreshore of the Camden Haven's pristine waterways and is a celebration of the best local produce in the region. There will be over 60 stallholders hailing from the hinterland to the coast, showcasing the best local produce and culinary creations. Sample the local trademarks such as oysters, wines, olives, cheeses and an abundance of fresh produce.

Local producers and restaurants will be working together to ensure that everyone enjoys the festive experience and encourages you to taste the offerings that are available in this friendly gourmet region. Pack a picnic blanket and watch chefs at work, street theatre, local musicians and savour the offerings.

The Camden Haven is 30 minutes south of Port Macquarie and the festival is being held on the foreshore of the Camden Haven River, at the rear of the Laurieton United Services Club.

This September Wollongong will come alive with three jam-packed days of amazing creative experiences for children.

Now in its third year, the South Coast Children's Festival features a mix of performances, workshops and free activities led by professional artists in a participatory, experience-driven environment which aims to inspire creativity in children.

The Festival is a place where the whole family can learn, explore and be entertained together.

St's Peter and Pauls Old Cathedral is pleased to offer the 2012 Summer Recital Series.

This year's series will feature the Canberra Mandolin Orchestra, the Reluctant Consort with recorders, cello and lute who will be both performing in March and the Berrima Singers and Concertante with recorders, keyboards and viola da gamba appearing in April.

The series will finish with an Organ Recital by Allan Beavis in December.

Latest event details are yet to be confirmed.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at City of Sydney's Chinese New Year Festival. Running from 20 January - 5 February 2012, this vibrant arts Festival has a program bursting with cultural events, markets, tours, exhibitions and entertainment, most of them free. In 2012 celebrate the Year of the Dragon, one of the most powerful and lucky signs in the Chinese zodiac.

The Festival showpiece is the spectacular Twilight Parade which will light up Sydney streets on Sunday 29 January with 12 giant zodiac lanterns, magical illuminated floats, building projections, plenty of dragons and over 2500 dancers, acrobats, martial artists and performers

With over 60 events to choose from, visit the Sydney Chinese New Year website to plan your Festival.

Experience life on the fringe this September with a variety of performances ranging from alternative and quirky to mainstream and classic.

The third annual Sydney Fringe rolls through town, planting its roots in the inner west, with the Newtown Precinct's theatres being home to the heart of the festival.

Sydney Fringe is NSW'S largest alternative arts event, a celebration of multi-disciplines such as visual arts, film, digital arts, comedy, music, theatre, musical theatre, circus/physical theatre, dance, cabaret, books, kids and family shows, poetry and special events.

The Sydney International Gymnastics Festival is a four day event designed to promote the benefits of gymnastics to the greater community. It offers an exciting opportunity for teams of all ages from around the world to demonstrate the diversity of the sport.

The event will celebrate a mix of skills and participation in a truly unique way, marking NSW and Australian gymnastics' place in World Gymnastics.

The festival will include performance venues on the beach, teams entertaining the crowds in shopping malls, with workshops on offer for performers and spectators alike.

SIGF will also include a theatre-style gala performance and the opportunity to compete in the National Gym for Life Challenge.

The Manly Sea Eagles triumphed in 2011 but they've got a new coach and a new playing roster and plenty of teams will be out to beat them in 2012.

The reinvigorated Newcastle Knights have bought in premiership winning coach, Wayne Bennett, whilst the South Sydney Rabbitohs will be looking to keep key players Greg Inglis, David Taylor, Roy Asotasi and Sam Burgess on the field and at the top of the table.

With new coach Des Hasler at the helm and a rich club history, the Bulldogs have key players Michael Ennis, Ben Barba, Bryson Goodwin, Dene Halatau and Frank Pritchard all battling it out to make 2012 their year.

The 2012 Telstra Premiership runs from March - September every year and culminates in the Grand Final held at ANZ Stadium on September 30.

The 2012 NRL Final Series will once again be a fiercely contested series with eight teams vying for the chance to be crowned Premiers.

Following the completion of the Preliminary Finals in week three, a week-long celebration will begin as the toughest football competition in the world reaches its thrilling climax, the Grand Final. Will the Manly Sea Eagles go back-to-back or will a new champion be crowned for 2012?

The ANZ has hosted some cracking action this season, and this Bulldogs versus Rabbitohs clash should be no different.

Players such as Ben Barba, Dene Halatau, Roy Asotasi and Greg Inglis are fit to light up any game and the crowd will be baying for some hard hitting action.

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There's a titanic tussle in store at the Toyota Stadium as the Sharks try to slay the New Zealand Warriors.

Last season's defeated finalists will present a significant challenge to a home side looking to build on a storming start and ensure a finals place of their own.

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The Toyota Stadium will be full of fans baying for a home win as the Sharks welcome the Gold Coast Titans.

The Sharks have vastly improved since that disastrous denouement 2011 where they lost their last nine games and are hoping to push into a finals position this time around.

Tweeting about this game? Make sure to include #NRLCROGLD

It's a clash of the titans at Brookvale Oval as the reigning champions face the only side to finish above them in last season's ladder.

Melbourne have started 2012 like a team determined to take the crown, mauling all their early opponents but The Sea Eagles will present their sternest test thus far.

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June gets underway in earnest at Brookvale Oval as the Sea Eagles and the Dragons lock horns in this Friday night game.

The meeting is sure to attract significant interest as it features the last two Premiership champions so move fast to secure a decent seat.

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Round 16 concludes at the Hunter Stadium with the meeting of two sides who made last season's finals and are angling for a return.

Neither side has discovered that kind of form in the early stages of 2012 and both will be confident of collecting the spoils here.

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The NRL is firmly entrenched in mid season and both the Knights and the Raiders will be striving to collect both points here.

Home advantage should place the Knights as favourites, and if Darius Boyd and Danny Buderus bring their A game then chances of a Knights victory would be greatly enhanced.

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The Parramatta Stadium should welcome a fine crowd for this Monday evening encounter between the Eels and the Sharks.

With both fans in close proximity, the atmosphere could be almost as intense as the action on the field as both sides look to start June on a winning note.

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The Eels are trying to progress after two disappointing seasons and will see this clash with the Rabbitohs as a viable opportunity for a win.

The Rabbitohs have also struggled over the last few seasons and it's now five years since they have reached the finals.

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Last season's defeated finalists visit the Centrebet Stadium as round 14 concludes in style.

The Warriors fell at the final hurdle last year but have made a slow start to 2012. The Panthers have been also slow to emerge from the traps but will hope the racuous crowd can propel them to victory.

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Two strugglers will endeavour to collect a much needed win in what is sure to be a keenly contested local derby.

Neither side made last season's finals and qualification looks beyond them this time around too, although players such as Nathan Hindmarsh and Michael Jennings should ensure a decent spectacle.

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The Dragons' fans will be expecting two points as they host last season's wooden spoon winners.

With Matt Cooper, Nathan Green and Ben Hornby in their ranks, the Dragons should be able to put a win on the board against a Titans side who are struggling yet again.

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There's a great Friday night's entertainment in store at the WIN Stadium as the Dragons go toe to toe with the Bulldogs.

The visitors just missed out on the finals last season but their start this time around is indicative of a side looking to make amends and this should be a fascinating tussle.

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The Roosters have a tricky Sunday afternoon's work in store as they host a Broncos side determined to go one step further than last year.

The Broncos lost a preliminary final to eventual champions Manly in 2011 and the home side will look to Braith Anasta and Anthony Minichiello to inspire an upset.

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The Sea Eagles make the short trip into Moore Park for an intriguing encounter with the Sydney Roosters in round 16.

No one lacks motivation when playing the defending champions and Manly will face a determined and focused home side in this Sunday afternoon game.

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Wests Tigers have struggled to carry their 2011 form into the current campaign but will hope to spring into action here versus the Roosters.

The home side only caught fire towards the back end of last year and will hope for a similar late run this year to power them into the finals.

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The 2012 National Youth Championships (NYC) is a unique sporting event on the Australian sporting calendar. Touch Football is one of the few sports that School Sport Australia and the National Sporting Organisation have been able to provide a combined event. This ongoing event has proven to be a highlight for the youth of Australia. It combines teams from all over Australia at a tournament that offers all who attend the opportunity to be identified for future Australian representation. The event has always been a highlight on the Touch Football calendar and we will be looking to capitalise on the events success and venue infrastructure by complimenting the event with the 2012 State or Origin where New South Wales and Queensland will battle it out in thirteen divisions for state supremacy. Divisions from 20’s through to 50’s will play three games over two days of competition.

Following the successful event this year, Ironman Australia will be held at Port Macquarie, on one of the most stunning Ironman courses in the world involving over 1,500 competitors competing in this gruelling event. The 2012 event sold out in 38 minutes! So get in quick, general entry for the 2013 Ironman Australia event will open on Wednesday, May 23.

The 2013 Ironman Australia event will have a 3.8 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre bike, 42.2 kilometre run. 2013 course outlines are being finalised, return to this site, updates will be made regularly.

Ironman Central - Glasshouse
Screenings of previous events, registrations, merchandise, Ironman interviews, press conferences and more.

Camden Haven Ironkids and Port Macquarie Ironkids 2013 dates will be confirmed later in the year.

For more information please visit the destination events website.

The annual Nestle Junior Triathlon will be held at Trial Bay campground, Arakoon State Conservation Area in South West Rocks.

Racing is for 5 to 15 year olds. There will be five races: for 5 year olds, 6-7 years, 8-9 years, 10-11 years and 12-15 years. A separate entry form will be required for each race entered.

The Junior Triathlon is always held on the third Saturday of February each year.

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Since inception in 1990 the Gemfest has become the largest gem, crystal, jewellery and fossil show in regional Australia.

This is an all day event at the Lismore Showground. The event features wonderful hand-crafted jewellery, rare fossils and meteorites, stalls and displays undercover, free on-site parking, demonstrations of lapidary crafts, children's activities and food stalls.

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Orana Collectables Club present their Annual Bottle and Collectables Show and Trading Fair at the Dubbo Regional Theatre Convention Centre.

Come and see the display of collectables, bottles and goods from by-gone days and antiques plus trading tables.

Have your items valued by renowned valuer Steven Archer (Gold coin donation)

Tickets available at the door.

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This award winning event is one of the largest and most popular flora events in Australia. Interspersed among the floral displays and landscaped garden settings will be displays by associated commercial suppliers who help to provide the visitor with a total picture of outdoor garden, lifestyle and home living, with hundreds of displays to view.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the entertainment or watch minstrels and other entertainers mixing with the crowd to create a unique atmosphere of fun and relaxation. At the nearby children's activity area, children will be entertained and educated while providing a break for parents.

Vibrant colour, constant entertainment, activity and an atmosphere of fun epitomise this Festival which caters to all members of the family. Up to 50,000 people visit the Australian Springtime Flora Festival over the four day event.

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Central Western Horticultural Society (Dubbo) Inc. Presents the 27th Annual Rose and Flower Show - Proudly sponsored by Brennans Mitre 10 Garden Centre.

Open to all home gardeners - champion exhibits selected from sections as indicated most succesful exhibitor of the show trophy Brennans Mitre 10 trophy for the most attractive exhibit.

For more information pick a brochure up from the Dubbo Visitors Information Centre

The Parkes Country Music Spectacular is held annually on the October Long Weekend. Feature artists and groups entertainment for night time concerts. Two day talent quest with awards night held on the Sunday night. Enjoy family functions, buskers, poets and street concerts. Tickets can be obtained at the functions. A great weekend for all.

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Wollongong's 31st Italian Festival being held in Association with John the Baptist South Coast Inc. The Illawarra's Largest Multi-Cultural Festival.

Come along with your family and friends to celebrate and enjoy this Italian Festival which attracts over 15 thousand people over the course of one day.

During the day there will be Gourmet Food Stalls, Rides, Live entertainment, the Famous Spaghetti Eating Competition and much, much more! Be sure not to miss the 31st Wollongong Italian Festival 2011!

The GPA Swim-In and Ex-Military Vehicle Gathering is an annual gathering of people who collect ex-military vehicles from all parts of Australia and overseas to the town of Corowa, on the Murray River. Most bring a vehicle to display while others are spectators.

Each year there is a theme and people usually try to bring a vehicle to go with the theme however all types of military vehicles are welcome. There will be a number of larger vehicles and a variety of other vehicles such as Jeeps, motorbikes, Dodge's and staff cars. Amphibious vehicles will also be present and they enjoy being in the Murray River.

People arrive during the week and the highlights are a parade and swap meet on the Saturday morning. The group visits schools and local towns during the week.

More information is available on their website.

The Parkes Antique Motor Club hold an annual motorcycle rally for veteran, vintage and classic motorcycles built before 1964 during the October long weekend. Running for its 36th time, this Rally for Heritage Motorcycles is one of the longest continually running in Australia. The flat country roads and low traffic volumes make it particularly attractive to veteran (pre 1964) and vintage (1919-1931) machines.

Participants come from famous clubs and travel to Parkes from all over New South Wales. Some motorcycles are very rare indeed and unique, often being built by companies that collapsed during the Depression or were destroyed by war and other problems.

The Rally often has between 100 - 150 entrants who enjoy a full weekend of riding and friendship.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
The Toyota Nationals is Australia's premiere all Toyota car event presented by Dubbo City Toyota. The event includes an opportunity for car enthusiasts from all over Australia to catch up, a show 'n' shine, tarmac motorkhana, awards dinner and drag racing at Wellington. If you love Toyotas, love a good long weekend away then see you at the Toyota Nationals in 2012.

For further information visit please visit the Toyota National website.

The 5 Lands Walk is a moderately easy walk that follows the spectacular Central Coast coastline for nine kilometres from MacMasters Beach to Terrigal and includes free cultural and fun events near the Surf Clubs at each of the beaches including Copacabana, Avoca and North Avoca.

The Walk is timed to occur shortly after the winter solstice, to celebrate the coming of the warmer season and longer days. This is also the time of year when the humpback whales' northern migration is well underway and may be seen from the shore line.

Overnight Walk and Wildlife Packages are available. Please see the Visit Central Coast website for full details. Conditions apply.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
The 52nd Annual Autumn and Dahlia show held at St Lawrence's Primary Hall. Open to all home gardeners.

Entry fee 50 cent per entry. Entries accepted from 8:30am and no later than 10:30am, on the morning of the show. Exhibits cannot be removed until after the presentation of the prizes

Whenever possible, exhibits should be named (labels may be obtained from the entry desk).

All classes in sections must be in clean, clear green plastic horticultural display vases. These are available for loan at the point of entry.

Young is the Cherry Capital of Australia.

The vibrant and progressive town of Young, located on the South West slopes of NSW, is gearing up to host the 63rd National Cherry Festival this December.

The three day celebration will include quirky and colourful festivities including the National Cherry Festival Street Parade, Cherry Festival Carnival, cherry pie eating championships, cherry pip spitting competition, live music, Celtic tattoo spectacular, OzScot Highland Dance Academy, Hilltops Wine Expo, Young and Region Farmers Market, fringe events and much more.

Young offers a range of very comfortable, stylish accommodation with a real country feel. For accommodation options, plus the complete National Cherry Festival event program please go to the Visit Young website.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
Krinklewood's biodynamic workshop introduces participants to practical aspects of biodynamic farming and gardening. Led by highly experienced biodynamic experts, Hamish Mackay and John Priestly, participants learn the philosophy, theory and 'how-to' of biodynamics. Rod Windrim's fully certified Krinklewood Vineyard has been operating biodynamically for 10 years and is the ideal venue for participants to experience all aspects of biodynamics. This is a hands-on informal workshop.

Krinklewood's Annual Biodynamic Workshop is always held in the descending moon phase and after the autumnal equinox. At this time, participants are able to fill and bury the cow horns, get hands on with compost making and creating the cow-pat-pit.
Krinklewood is a family run biodynamic vineyard and farm that perpetually strives to produce wines reflecting the unique characteristics of the Krinklewood terroir. Every aspect of the vineyard is managed in a holistic and sustainable way.

The Corowa Easter Lawn Tennis Tournament is a tennis tournament with Singles, Doubles and Mixed Events over four days. Categories include juniors to seniors, open, A, B and C grades and age events.

There is a canteen running all days selling cold drinks, tea and coffee, afternoon tea and a barbecue. There is strictly no bring your own (BYO) alcohol to this event.

Come along and watch the tennis with free viewing for people not playing in the tournament.

See the classic Broadway musical from a new generation of star performers in 'A Chorus Line' showing at the Capitol Theatre this July.

'A Chorus Line' is a classic tale of the ones who make and the ones who don't. This is a rare chance to see a great show that everyone performing has put their heart and soul in to.

See a show full of singing and dancing that will even get your Nan tapping her feet.

For more information check the website for more details on the times and dates of the show.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
Each autumn as the grape harvesting season gives way to the olive picking, Broke Fordwich hold their annual festival of food, wine, olives, music, dancing and celebration of all things Italian. March/April 2012 is the time as the event spreads all around the Broke Fordwich area of the Hunter Valley and lasts for the whole weekend.

Collect your passport / event guide from the Passport Office by the Broke Fire Shed and wander around the village enjoying a slice of pizza, some homemade Italian Sausage or some delicious gelato while tasting wine made from Italian grape varieties grown in the famous Broke Fordwich wine region. Drop in for a game of bocce or browse at the market stalls.

Admission each day is free and there are also fantastic dinners on the Saturday night - plenty of stylish accommodation is available all around the area.

City Recital Hall Angel Place and Kathryn Selby present the popular A Little Lunch Music series - diverse monthly concerts featuring some of Australia's finest musicians.

A Little Lunch Music 2012 is a series of spectacular 50-minute monthly concerts showcasing magnificent music and esteemed artists, A Little Lunch Music 2012 is an opportunity to relax and go behind the music with some of Australia's finest musicians including multi-award winning cellist Clancy Newman, internationally acclaimed classical accordionist James Crabb, the popular Matt Keegan Trio jazz group, Principal Cello of the Australian Chamber Orchestra Timo-Veikko Valve, Principal Viola of the Sydney Symphony Tobias Breider, and former BBC Scottish Concertmaster Elizabeth Layton.

Artists Margaret Hodgson and Kathleen Davies present an exhibition of their flora and fauna studies.

Over many years the artists have travelled across Australia to capture the essence of the natural world with pencil, pen, brush and camera. Viewers of this exhibition will be taken on the women's journey as they tackled the landscape to gather samples, specimens and intricate details for their final paintings and drawings.

The work of both artists varies in content, execution and delivery, but they are united in their obvious love of nature and their connection to the first Australians.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
The Manly Food and Wine Festival is a ‘Taste of Manly' and is one of Sydney's largest regular community based food and wine festivals occurring on the first weekend in June. Visitors are drawn to the festival by the combination of scenic beach setting and range of quality food and wines on offer.

Manly’s landmark restaurants will once again be showcasing their fine range of international cuisines, from Asia to Europe and back again. A selection of wineries from popular wine producing areas in New South Wales will also offer exclusive ranges of wines.

Souvenir wine glasses will be available for purchase at dedicated stalls throughout the Festival Site.

A number of family interactive games will be available during the festival for children's entertainment.

The history of football in the Newcastle region has created a love for good quality football, a desire to watch a team that will give everything they've got and a hope to see a strong club from the region aim for glory and shine on their stage.

The 2012-2013 A-League season starts in October, with 27 matches played over 25 weeks.

Come and cheer on the Newcastle Jets and enjoy the atmosphere at the clubs home ground, Hunter Stadium.

Please see website for individual game dates.

The nearest train station to Hunter Stadium is Broadmeadow Station, approximately 1.5 kilometres away.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
AAMI Golden Slipper Day - Sydney's racing event of the year.

Rosehill Gardens Sydney is the place to be this autumn with stunning trackside fashion and fantastic entertainment at the AAMI Golden Slipper Day on 7 April 2012.

The AAMI Golden Slipper Day is the key racing feature in the Sydney Autumn Carnival showcasing world-class racing at it's finest.

As one of Australia's richest races of the year, the AAMI Golden Slipper Day offers an exciting atmosphere both on and off the track.

With a full day of racing, there will be plenty of action on the track with the day featuring the world's best race for two-year-olds, the $3,500,000 Group 1 AAMI Golden Slipper, the $2,250,000 Group 1 WFA Championship, The BMW and much much more!

Don't miss the main event in Sydney's Autumn Racing Carnival, the AAMI Golden Slipper Day.

The Aberdeen Highland Games take place over two days and one night and is staged the first weekend in July each year. It is the final event of Scottish Australia Heritage Council's Heritage Week. Heritage Week commences in Sydney and concludes at Aberdeen.

During the two day event more than 23 events take place at three venues with stalls providing food and Celtic displays all of which represent traditional Celtic culture and recreation. The Games are a gathering together from Sydney and regional New South Wales of bands, Clans, dancers, heavy events and state and interstate tug-of-war teams to celebrate the Celtic history of the Upper Hunter.

For the past three years a display team from Australia's Federation Guard have enthralled spectators with their precision drill.

The 2012 Aberdeen Highland Games promises to be better than ever.

Enjoy a day with the National Parks and Wildlife Aboriginal Discovery Rangers in the Bomaderry Creek Regional Park and learn about culture.

The Aboriginal Men’s business includes: tools, hunting, dance, boomerangs and didgeridoos.

The Aboriginal Women’s business includes: traditional weaving, art, bush tucker and bush medicine.

Bring your sun protection, water and a snack.

The Adaminaby Races are held annually in November and truly is a fantastic day of country racing. Enjoy fashions of the field, prizes to give away, and of course, lots of action on the race track. The feature race is the Snowgoose Cup.

Bookmakers will operate on the Local and Metropolitan races. There will also be an on course tote. No ATM or Eftpos facilities available.

Buses are available every 15 minutes from the Big Trout in Adaminaby to the Race Course.

Food stalls and bar facilities are available on course. Jumping castle and stalls for the children to make it a great family day out.

Many of you might recognise the rustic Adaminaby Race Course as the set location in the Phar Lap movie of Phar Lap's final race in Mexico.

Adaminaby Easter Fair is a day for the whole family.

Highlights include market and food stalls, Easter Bunny and Easter Bonnet Parade, dog high jump, tug-of-war, cooee, pie eating and the family favourite Wacky Quacky Duck Race with $700.00 in prize money on offer.

There will be competitions and something for everyone happening on the Main Street in Adaminaby.

Hunt for your very own treasures at this year's Antique Fair in Adelong.

You are invited for viewing and registration of antiques before the formal antique auction.

There are old wares and antiques, food, craft and clothing stalls. There is also street music, buskers, Antique Car Fair and and children's activities. Lots of fun for the entire family.

Plan your trip to include this wonderful main street fair in Adelong.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
A two day Adventure race in picturesque Glenworth Valley.

Race in pairs or groups, to combine your skills and become the next winners of Adrenathon.

Races include, navigation, kayak race and a mystery event that is different every year.

Glenworth Valley offers the best nature has to offer for this ultimate Adventure Race.

Suited for all fitness levels aged 16 plus.

A great Fathers day gift.

The AGOG! Feast of Foreign Films/Flickefest Sumptuous Show of Short Films are being presented and organised as annual events by the Dungog Film Society. The aim is to bring to the local community and further afield as many quality foreign or short films as they can. Visit the website for more info, or subscribe to get updates.

Celebrate the heart of bush racing in the heart of the country. AgVantage Golden Triangle tri-series of racing embraces Moree, Mallawa and Talmoi Picnic Race Clubs.

People are encouraged to bring along a picnic lunch, the Moree Lions club will be serving steak sandwiches, a Calcutta will be held on the Mallawa Cap, and tickets will be available on course. A bus will be departing from the Royal Hotel Moree at 11.45am; bus tickets are available from Pitman and Deakin costing $10 per person. The bus returns to Moree at 6pm and again at 9.30pm. At the finish of the races there will be entertainment until closing at 10pm.

Champion Ironman Zane Holmes and Surf Boat Promoter Peter Hickey have created the best junior surf lifesaving challenge for under 10s to under 17s on the event calendar being held annually in North Wollongong.

Under the banner of ahm Wave Warriors, Zane and Peter saw a need for less rigid carnivals where the competitors have more fun. The competition is about participation and fun - encouraging the youngest athletes towards a healthy and active lifestyle.

ahm Wave Warriors is a two day national event which is an "ocean and beach" spectacular. Junior lifesavers (Nippers) come together from around Australia to push their own limits and beyond in exciting head to head competition. The underlying principle of the event is that all who attend are winners, but those who win are champions!

'Aida' is the stuff of operatic legend. Gold-clad warriors and lithe dancers traverse the stage, and pyramids emblazoned with mysterious hieroglyphs loom from the shadows, while Verdi's moving arias tell the epic story of two peoples at war.

This is grand opera, writ large, brought to the Sydney Opera House stage by a veritable master of spectacle. Graeme Murphy's production fills the stage with soaring voices and glittering pageantry.

At its heart, Aida is a tale of star-crossed lovers. Radamès is the general of the Egyptian army, Aida is an Ethiopian princess, and the two are on opposite sides of a bitter war. Aida is captured in battle and given to the Egyptian princess Amneris as a slave. Radamès falls for Aida, Amneris falls for Radamès, and Aida is left to choose between her love for Radamès, and love for her country.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
The Alabar Gold Crown Carnival runs for 10 days and is a mix of harness racing action (six race meetings) and social events. The social events include the Honouree Dinner, Golf Day, Gold Crown Ball and the yearling sale. Also the Miss Gold Crown Competition is held over the carnvial and entrants raise money for the charity chosen for the year.

The harness racing action lures the best two and three year olds in Australia to compete. The racing is exciting and the carnival offers prize money of over $500,000. There are several race book competitions included over the carnival and excellent meals available at the Gold Crown Restaurant and the Steakhouse.

So come and join 'the best gig in town'.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
See the Show Girl Competition. Enjoy the showjumping in the main area, miniature ponies and the animal farmyard. Vintage cars provided by members of the South Coast Vintage Car Club, Dog High Jump, Motor Cycle Display, Hay Rolling Team Competition, Shellharbour Tug of War Competition, Novelty Events, Parade Lap of Derby Cars, Demolition Derby - last one on wheels wins and closing Fireworks.

Plenty of entertainment for the whole family.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
Traditionally the aim of a fair is to cater for all tastes and incomes, from the smallest thimble to a grand Victorian chest. Prices are competitive and the range of items for sale is enormous, enabling customers to view many different dealers all together under one roof, instead of travelling to twenty different establishments.

Georgian and Victorian jewellery, English and European porcelain, silver, glass, linen, lamps, collectables and furniture, both rustic and traditional will be displayed with great care and pride, the dealers themselves endeavouring to supply as much information as possible to help the collector

Alexander the Great: 2000 Years of Treasures is the most exciting and prestigious classical culture exhibition ever to be hosted by the Australian Museum in Sydney and features the largest collection of treasures ever to come to Australia from the world famous State Hermitage in St Petersburg, Russia. This exhibition will be exclusive to Sydney.

The exhibition includes over 400 objects from classical antiquity through to the modern age from both Western and Non-Western origins, spanning a period of almost 2500 years.

Signature pieces that people travel from all over the world to the State Hermitage to see, including the famous Gonzaga cameo and the polished black basalt statue of Cleopatra VII will be on display!

Please visit the website for further information.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
The Alstonville Apex New Year's Eve celebrations are an alcohol free event for young families. Entertainment will include rides for toddlers and teenagers, food stalls, treasure hunts, music, free entertainment including a talent quest and pudding eating competition and fireworks! The event attracts not only locals but also visitors to the shire with crowds of up to 3,000 people.

The event is the only family friendly New Years Eve celebration in the shire. No alcohol is permitted and security guards will be checking bags on arrival.

Held at the Alstonville Showground, the annual Alstonville Rodeo is an action packed event. It features the following rough riding: open bull ride, open bare back, open bulldogging, calf roping, saddle ride, novice bull ride, breakaway roping, open steer ride, novice steer ride, ladies steer undecorating, junior steer ride, ladies barrel race and junior barrel race.

There will be plenty of entertainment and full bar facilities available.

So bring the family and come along to the 2013 Alstonville Rodeo.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
Quota International of Alstonville/Wollongbar’s 11th annual art and craft fair is on at Alstonville Leisure Centre, Commercial Road, Alstonville NSW, showcasing local and interstate artisans and craftspeople. Patrons will find quality crafts, art supplies, fashion accessories, jewellery, timberwork, local art and more. All profits from this event go to support local community needs. New stallholders are more than welcome.

Internationally renowned flautist Jane Rutter stars in her very personal concert-theatre performance, An Australian in Paris at the City Recital Hall Angel Place

Australia's darling of the flute, Jane Rutter, will transport her audience to Paris, and will share personal anecdotes and delicious French music and poetry from 'La Belle Époque' to the present day in An Australian in Paris Starring Jane Rutter at City Recital Hall Angel Place.

Tickets on sale now!

Based on the hugely successful Academy Award-winning film, this new production has been adapted for the stage by the original screen writer, Douglas Day Stewart and co-writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen, with music and lyrics by Kenny Hirsch and Robin Lerner. It will be produced by Sharleen Cooper Cohen and John Frost, and directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical).

Sydney will host the World Premiere of An Officer and a Gentleman at the Lyric Theatre.

The Academy Award-winning 1982 film starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger has become a phenomenon in cinema history, recently listed by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten love stories in cinema history. Working class heroes Zack Mayo and Paula Pokrifki overcome their upbringing and personal obstacles to find love.

This new production has been adapted for the stage by the original screen writer, Douglas Day Stewart and co-writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen. It will be directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Love Never Dies).

Featuring the iconic hit song "Up Where We Belong" and a new score by Grammy nominees Kenny Hirsch and Robin Lerner, this timeless tale of struggle, success, friendship and love promises to be the musical blockbuster of 2012.

The Goulburn Regional Conservatorium in Goulburn is pleased to present Andrew Day - Flautist for your entertainment.

Andrew will be performing works by Bach, Schubert, Jolivet, Yun, Feld and Borne. Why not come and be inspired by this amazing young performer, fearless in his performance of challenging scores.

A performance not to be missed.

In Angela's Kitchen, Paul Capsis tells the raw and honest story of a journey that begins with one woman, and becomes a portrait of a whole generation.

In 1948, Angela left Malta. Having gathered up her five children, she sailed out on the Strathnavar, leaving poverty and the war behind. Her destination: Australia. Many years later, back in Malta, someone else has made a journey. Making his way along Kalkara's glistening harbourside, a young man with flowing black hair has returned to claim his past. Paul Capsis is walking home.

Receiving rapturous response from Sydney critics and audiences alike on its premiere, now after a triumphant return season, two time Helpmann Award-winner Paul Capsis and celebrated director Julian Meyrick bring us this intimate and incredibly personal one man show.

*** Latest event details are yet to be confirmed ***
The Macarthur region will once again be treated to a spectacular day of local cuisine, fine wine and stunning scenery with the return of the annual AnnanROMA Food and Wine Festival on 15 April.


Music entertainment will cater to a variety of tastes throughout the day.

Headlining the event will be acoustic singer songwriter, Paul Greene, supported by blues musician, Claude Hay, and improvised jazz acts.

Bredbo Sheep Dog Trial is run on two fields of the Bredbo Recreational Grounds.

There are a number of categories including encourage, novice, improver and open for the champions. With free admission to spectators, everyone can experience a taste of country life and watch the skill of owner and dog as they work as one to move the sheep through a series of obstacles.

Bring your chairs, picnic and enjoy the free entertainment.