Australia's most extraordinary art event, the Archibald Prize, is one of this country's oldest and most prestigious art awards (first awarded in 1921). From its outset, the Archibald Prize has aroused controversy while chronicling the changing face of Australian society. Numerous legal battles and much debate have focused on the evolving definitions of portraiture.

Bendigo Art Gallery is pleased to participate in the tour of the Archibald Prize as the exclusive Victorian venue.

Discovery has extended its opening hours! Starting after the school holidays Discovery will now be open until 5 pm every Wednesday every week! and the price of admission is only $5 for EVERYONE (after 3.30 pm) Discovery.s normal opening hours are 10 am to 4 pm, and the Centre is open every day (except Christmas day).

The little waist drum is designed to bring lots of joy to children in China. Chinese children play it just for fun in New Year or Spring Festival. It is a perfect noise-maker and a wonderful way for children to celebrate.
Children can create their own little drum dance.

Dates: Week 1 - 29th & 30th June. 1st, 2nd, 3rd July. Week 2 - 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th July.
Times: 11am and 1pm.
Cost: $10
Ages: 5 - 12 years. Children under 7 years must be accompanied by a parent.

The First World War was an industrial war of global proportions which looms large in the Australian psyche. It was into this world conflict that two young brothers from central Victoria, Jack and Bert Grinton, found themselves serving in the trenches of France and Belgium. 90 years later an extraordinary find came to light. Inside a biscuit tin stored for decades in a shed on the Grinton farm – and headed for the rubbish – was a large collection of negatives and photographs; images taken by Jack and Bert Grinton between 1916 and 1919 with the cameras they carried with them during the war.

This collection is a unique addition to the historical record, capturing people and places often overlooked by official war photographs whilst also highlighting the development and artistry of amateur photography.

The Bendigo Art Gallery is open 7 days from 10am-5pm.

Program inclues holiday fun at the following venues:

• Sizzling cold at Discovery Science & Technology Centre
• Little Chinese waist drums at the Golden Dragon Mueseum
• A golden experience awaits you at the Central Deborah Gold Mine
• The Zone Family Entertainment Complex
• Bendigo Art Gallery
• Bendigo Fun Factory
• Join the wheel world at Confectionery Capers
• Buried treasure at the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre
• Balloon Flights of Bendigo
• Wycheproof Boomerangs
• Ironbark Riding Centre Saddle Club
• Bendigo Pottery hands on fun

Please visit  http://www.bendigotourism.com.au/pages/attractions-tours/  to view the full program. Or phone 1800 813 153 for further details.

Shrek Live Monday 6 July at 10am & 11:30am Shrek™ & © 2009 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C Donkey and Puss in Boots team up to give their favourite Ogre a dance lesson in preparation for his Royal appearance with Princess Fiona, Once an ogre always an ogre and Shrek chooses the ‘creature comforts’ of his swamp over the dance lessons. All Tickets $20

Tuesday 7 July 2009, from 7:00am. Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo. Tickets: BBC members $22.00, non members $27.50 includes continental buffet breakfast. Coliban Water has responsibility for the water supply for business and domestic customers across North Central Victoria, their area of responsibility covers 20 percent of the State. Coliban Water MD, Gavin Hanlon will present to business people on: The Coliban Water business model. How Coliban Water uses the ‘water market’ to secure supply for North Central Victoria. Water supply infrastructure including the ‘Superpipe’ and recycled water systems. The impacts of climate change. Program   7:00am Arrival of guests, registration & networking   7:15am Buffet breakfast   7:40am Presentation   8:20am Questions   8:30am Conclusion The Bendigo Business Council is the business organisation for all central Victorian businesses. Prices for our events are kept low to ensure that businesses do not miss out on networking opportunities, even in challenging economic times. Bring your staff to network, share ideas, to gain an understanding of water supply issues in central Victoria.

ACO2 connects the next generation of talented young Australian musicians with the stars of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, creating a combined ensemble with a fresh, energetic performance style led by Principal 2nd Violin Helena Rathbone.

The concert will commence with Vivaldi's exuberant Concerto Grosso, followed by music inspired by the folk fiddlers of Finland by Rautavaara, and conclude with Dvorak's flowing melodies.

Tickets
Tickets: $34 for Bendigo Art Gallery members, $38 non-members, includes refreshments on arrival and performance. Bookings essential.

This is a fundraising event for the Gallery Foundation.

AIPM and THALES AUSTRALIA are pleased to provide for regional members and colleagues in the Bendigo an event that combines a presentation of AIPM services to members and employees and a chance to see a heavy engineering manufacturing facility that makes Bushmasters for the Australian Army and other Nations. Topics: Members from the AIPM Victorian Committee will present: • Benefits of membership • Strategic plan for services enhancement Paul Jeffery Manager Programs, Protected Mobility Systems Thales Australia will present: • An overview of the implementation of project management structure used by Thales in product delivery. • Conduct a tour of the site. Date Tuesday 21 July 2009 Time 4:30pm to 6:30 pm Venue Thales Australia, Finn Street, Bendigo RSVP Friday 17 July 2009 Cost AIPM Member $ 5.00 inc GST Non Member $10.00 inc GST CPD Points 6 points Agenda 4:30pm Registration and refreshments 5:00pm Welcome and Introduction – Nick Massie 5.05pm Leh Simonelli, Secretary AIPM Victorian Chapter 5.15pm Question & Answer Session 5.20pm Paul Jeffery, Thales Australia 5.50pm Question and Answer Session 6.00pm Site visit 6.30pm Close

We think Traditional Christmas Puddings are great BUT sometimes it's just too hard to wait til the festive season to enjoy them. So we've inveigled Lyn Reid to venture down from Morocco Station to provide us some of her famous pudding for you to taste. After you've sampled her wares why not indulge yourself with a Sticky and Pudding Board: a warm slice of Lyn's pud, teamed with a glass of sticky wine of your choice from Mark's selection and a shot of coffee or Gypsy Spiced Hot Chocolate. $15 per person . Tasting Free

Stickies & Pud – Free Tasting from 3pm

December is too long to wait for Christmas Pud so we have invited Lyn Reid to bring her famous Traditional Christmas Puddings for you to taste.   Mark has chosen some suitable stickies for you to try as well.

 After you've sampled her wares, stick around for a Sticky & Pudding Board for afternoon tea: a warm slice of Lyn's pud, teamed with a glass of sticky wine of your choice and a shot of coffee or Gypsy Spiced Hot Chocolate. $15 per person. 

From 3pm  Free Tasting

25th July - Capital Theatre, 50 View Street, Bendigo, 3pm

Cost: $30 + GST (tickets through stateofdesign.com.au/tickets)

For over 40 years, architect Michael Reynolds has been teaching the world how to live sustainably, promoting a holistic way of living that involves natural and recycled materials, renewable energy and self-generated food and water supplies. Michael is a highly successful author, and has inspired a recent documentary, 'Garbage Warrior,' which celebrates his life and work.

25 July 2009
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: The Capital,
50 View Street, Bendigo

Website: artistsonthemove.wordpress.com
Trudy - E trudy@pdaaustralia.com

Cost: Free

Artists on the Move – a one-day art exhibition showcasing some of Melbourne & Bendigo’s unique up-and-coming, and boutique artists. An exciting range of artistic works showcasing some of Australia’s finest Artists.This exhibition will include a variety of media including printmaking, painting, glass artistry, exquisite cushions, sculpture and much more.Come and meet the artists in person. All artwork is for purchase or commission.

From the people who brought you the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, these two wintery weeks see the celebration of Victoria’s bounty with promotions and events all over the state.  Cellar & Store are participating with daily tastings of wine and produce from our region.  Our wine focus will be not only Heathcote’s famed Shiraz but also the emerging Sangiovese.

Meet producers and winemakers in store - check our website in the coming days to check who's popping in to show their wares.

Can't make it into the store to enjoy Victoria on our plate? Order the soon to be released special Heathcote Shiraz, Sangiovese or Olive-Oil packs on-line to put Victoria on YOUR Plate at home.

Victorian Figure Skating Championships. Qualifier for the Australian National Championships in August. The very best of Victoria's Ice Skating stars on their way to representing Australia at International competitions and ultimately the Olympics. Times: to be announced closer to the competition. Entry: Gold coin donation

The Australian Sheep & Wool Show is the biggest show of its kind in the world. Now in its 132 year, the Sheep Show is where we decide the best of the best in merinos, prime lamb and long wool, and celebrate wool's international fashion status and the creative wonders of Woolcraft. There's fabulous food and wine, sheepdog trials, shearing competitions and an amazing array of things to come and see.