Cultural Heritage

We're fortunate here in the City of Whittlesea to be home to a number of unique heritage places. Learn about how we celebrate and protect our cultural heritage.

Our Cultural Heritage Strategy 2019-2025

Our Cultural Heritage Strategy features a series of objectives and actions that guide us as we protect, celebrate and preserve the rich history and heritage that exists within our municipality including:

Aboriginal scarred trees that date back thousands of years
the Wendish German settlement around Ziebell's Farm
the Lutheran Church and Cemetery in Thomastown
post-World War 2 housing associated with the Peter Lalor Home Co-operative
Turner's Bakery in Mernda
and plenty more

Cultural Heritage Program

Our Cultural Heritage Program celebrates the cultural diversity, history and heritage of the City of Whittlesea through a variety of informative events, cultural festivals and tours, and takes place seasonally between March - December each year.

The program is developed in partnership with community and special interest groups to provide opportunities to collectively celebrate our:

Aboriginal heritage
Built heritage and early European history
Environmental heritage
Rich personal and cultural heritage

Events in the Cultural Heritage Program are listed below.

For more information about our Cultural Heritage Program phone 9217 2174.

Annual Art Exhibition - The Webs We Weave

Presented by the City of Whittlesea

Council presents its Annual Art Exhibition from Friday 17 November to Friday 15 December. The 2023 exhibition will be one of our biggest yet, with 98 artists contributing 139 artworks to the exhibition.

This year’s Annual Art Exhibition sought submissions in response to the theme The Webs we Weave, inviting artists to reflect on and share their connections, and the structures and activities that inspire, provoke or inform these connections. For some this spoke to the interplay of local and personal connections and cultural influences. Others reflected on the tangible and intangible threads that bind us together.

Many of the works are for sale and you are invited to vote for the People's Choice Award.

Dates: Friday 17 November – Friday 15 December 2023

Times: Weekdays 10am - 4pm

Cost: Free

Where: Civic Centre Great Hall, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Information can be found on the Arts Website.

Image: The Threads That Bind Us, (detail) Alexandra Leti

Family History Help

Presented by Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries

Do you need help researching your family history? Looking for tips on how to start or where to search? Book a 60 minute in-person session with Elaine at Whittlesea Library, who specialises in Australia, England, Wales and Scotland.

Bookings are essential, please contact the library to book a session. Come prepared with a clear goal for the session and Elaine will discuss strategies and suggest resources for you.

Dates: Wednesdays: 14, 22 and 29 November and 6 and 13 December

Times: 10am - 2.30pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Whittlesea library, 57-61 Laurel Street, Whittlesea

Bookings: 9716 3028

Seniors Remember and Reminisce

Presented by Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries

Remember and reminisce about memories from bygone days. Share stories from the past and meet new people.

Find books and images of Old Melbourne, from the Whittlesea district in the 1940s, to fashions of the 1930s, and so much more.

Date: Tuesday 21 November

Time: 2pm – 3pm

Cost: Free

Where: Whittlesea library, 57 – 61 Laurel Street, Whittlesea

Booking: Seniors remember and reminisce sessions

Libraries After Dark: Bobbin Lacemaking Group

Presented by Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries

Join the new bobbin lacemaking group TASLE: Thomastown and Surrounds Lacemaking Enthusiasts. Watch and learn from existing bobbin lacemakers who will demonstrate how to make bobbin lace using various techniques. All levels from beginner to experienced are welcome.

Dates & times: Thursday 23 November: 12pm - 3pm

Thursday 14 December: 7pm - 10pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Thomastown Library, 52 Main St, Thomastown

Bookings: Insert this link https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/events

Whittlesea Cruise Night

Presented by Terry and Elaine Mountney

Hey Cool Cats, cruise on down to Whittlesea for a primo night of chrome bumpers. Showcasing hot rods, classic cars and cruisers. Bring your own ‘chrome’ and join the gang, show off your 4-step jive to the rock n roll band, or simply hang loose and enjoy the evening. So gals get your bobby socks on, and guys grease up that ducktail!

Date: Friday 1 December

Time: 6pm

Cost: Free

Where: Church St, Whittlesea

For more information visit the Whittlesea Cruise Night Facebook page.

World-o-rama Festival

Presented by Urban Markets

Get ready for a cultural extravaganza like no other! Join us in honouring the rich tapestry of global heritage through an unparalleled fusion of sights, sounds, and flavours. Be captivated by enchanting music, vibrant dances, and theatrical wonders. Embark on a culinary journey around the world with mouth-watering delicacies that tantalize your taste buds and transport you to distant lands. Dive deep into cultural traditions with hands-on workshops, where you can learn traditional crafts, dances, and rituals from various communities. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of diverse cultures through visually stunning exhibits that showcase art, history, and the essence of communities worldwide.

Date: Saturday 2 December 10am - 11pm, Sunday 3 December 10am - 5pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Whittlesea Showgrounds, Whittlesea-Yea Rd, Whittlesea

For more information visit the World-o-rama website

Carols by Candlelight

Presented by the City of Whittlesea

Dust off your Santa hat, warm up your caroling voice and get ready for a festive evening of fun at the City of Whittlesea Carols by Candlelight event on Friday 15 December. The event is jam-packed with fun and exciting activities like face painting, roving performances, art & craft activities, twilight market and, of course, lots of singing. The concert will be graced by the tunes of the Diamond Valley Brass Band as they serenade us with beloved traditional carols. Joining them will be the Community Carols Choir, composed of 60 dedicated City of Whittlesea community members.

AUSLAN interpreters will be present ensuring everyone can join in the fun!

You are encouraged to bring along your own reusable coffee cup, bag, water bottle, and picnic blanket. We'll supply the candles to set the festive mood!

Date: Friday 15 December

Times: 6pm - 9pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Civic Centre Lawns, 25 Ferres Boulevard South Morang

Greek Folk Dancing Classes

Presented by Florina Aristotelis Dance Group

The Cultural Centre of Florinians (Aristotelis) offers free folk dancing classes featuring styles from all areas of Greece and for all ages. Our instructors have over 80 years combined dancing experience and have produced many highly skilled dance troupes. We use colourful, authentic, traditional costumes and a live 5-piece Halkina Balkan Brass band for performances. Classes are free, with a $50 annual membership fee.

Classes: Juniors: Thursdays 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Intermediate: Thursdays 6.15pm – 7.45pm

Seniors: Thursdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Adults: Mondays 7.30pm – 8.30pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Nick Ascenzo Community Centre, 2 Boronia St, Thomastown

Info: Call 0413 381 915 for more information

Bookings: Not required

Start dancing now

The Yarn

If you would like to receive updates on cultural and historical events, activities and opportunities happening in the
region, consider signing up to receive The Yarn, Council’s Cultural Heritage eNewsletter. Each edition highlights upcoming events, things to get involved in, funding opportunities and contains a unique and beautiful introduction exploring our natural heritage from the perspective of our Kulin Nation seasonal calendar. Editions are released approximately every 6 weeks. To sign up please email culturalheritageofficer@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

Cultural Heritage Network

Are you curious about our culture? The Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Network meets quarterly to enjoy a meal while we network, brainstorm ideas and participate in some fun and fascinating activities on topics to do with our culture and our history. You will leave each event empowered with knowledge on things such as crazy Christmas traditions like beating Tio de Nadal, the pooping Christmas log, new artistic skills such as how to make a Diwali rangoli and gain inside knowledge of opportunities such as funding and how to get it. Our special guest speakers are experts in their field, such as Aboriginal elders, community leaders and professional artists.

We meet quarterly from 7pm – 9pm at Council buildings in our municipality. Upcoming dates for 2023 are Wednesday 15 February, Wednesday 17 May, Thursday 17 August and Thursday 16 November. Events are free and fun is guaranteed.
For more information and to register your interest, please email culturalheritageofficer@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

Whittlesea Township Local History Walk

Explore the historical township of Whittlesea with the new Walking Maps resource Whittlesea Township Local History Walk. Developed by Yarra Plenty Regional Library, historical sites and fascinating landmarks are detailed with images and linked via a walking route. Start your journey at the Whittlesea Community Activity Centre and Library and visit all 19 points of interest. This is an easy flat walk with options to extend or loop around. Available on your phone, computer or tablet.

Image: Main Street, Whittlesea, 1905 Fay Thomas Collection, Yarra Plenty Regional Library

Turning Back to Edgars Creek

Presented by Ziebells Farmhouse and Museum

Ziebells Farmhouse and Museum are pleased to announce their new exhibition Turning Back to Edgars Creek which looks at peoples' changing cultural relationship with the creek in what its now called Thomastown and Lalor.

It has been printed in booklet form and is currently being delivered to over 16,000 households in Thomastown and Lalor. In suburbs where access to the internet is below the national average, we believe this direct engagement with our communities is important.

Download the booklet for free here

Keelbundoorah Scarred Tree Heritage Trail

This NAIDOC why not explore a sacred Aboriginal site for a unique cultural experience. Visit the magnificent Scarred Tree, the Canoe Tree, Burls and more on this self-guided tour.

RMIT have a great resource to guide you on your trail here,or you can stop at the library and ask for a brochure and map.

Sites of Significance

The City of Whittlesea is home to scores of fascinating historical sites, from its very own castle, a reservoir once the envy of Melbourne, and even troughs where thirsty horses stopped to water in the 1900s.

Many people may not know they exist – but a new interactive map is set get you out exploring your own backyard.

Council has launched the Sites of Significance map, available online and in print at libraries and community centres.

50 historically important sites have been selected, with their location mapped, photos and the enthralling stories behind them.

Grab your copy of Sites of Significance at your local library or community centre, or check out a virtual version of the Sites of Significance Map. It will automatically adjust to best suit your viewing device - desktop computer, tablet or phone.

Image: Bills Horse Trough, Epping, photo by Julie Scott 2019

History Month

October is History Month and staying at home is the perfect opportunity to delve into the past. What are you doing to celebrate? There are some fantastic activities to engage with this October. Visit www.historyvictoria.org.au to find out what’s on, the Royal Historical Society of Victoria is home to the most extensive single information resource on the history of Melbourne and Victoria.

Ways to celebrate at home, online or with friends:

Host a digital afternoon tea where everyone shares a recipe from their grandparents and tells one story about their grandparents.
Next time you meet your friends online, have some history trivia questions up your sleeve for an impromptu quiz
I Was There When ... Present your memories of the local area anchored around the statement ‘I was there when …’.
Learn to play an antiquated game such as knucklebones or cat’s cradle
‘I Wish I'd Been There’ Describe the moment in the history of your local area you wish you had not missed, some are funny, some quirky and some are inspiring.
Have a show and tell where half a dozen people talk about one object each from their historical collection
An online class - the Chinese Museum have some great interactive online sessions for schools where they have a class in making Chinese lanterns or a Kung Fu class. Maybe you can research how to make a rawhide whip, how to skin a rabbit, how to darn socks, make a rag rug etc
Discover the Golden Age of Hollywood and screen some vintage pictures

Culture in the Kitchen

Welcome to Culture in the Kitchen, where we learn to cook dishes of cultural significance and meet some incredible community chefs.

Each episode is filmed in real time so you can cook along, so learn to make the delicious beef and prawn dish of Ndole from Cameroon, the delectable eggplant and lamb Ali Nazik from Turkey and the scrumptious Chaldean Kilecha sweet treats.

Episode one screens February 11. Click the link below to watch the trailers and prepare your ingredients.

Click here to learn more about Culture in the Kitchen

Collaborative Cultural Dance

Dance like you’ve never danced before. Be a Bollywood star, shake your booty to Mutuashi the Congolese dance of Freedom and connect with Country in Bik Ngarra.

Join our online classes in Bollywood, Mutuashi and Aboriginal dance, and learn some sensational new moves. Learn the routines and upload a video of yourself and become a star in the collated clip.

Designed for all levels of fitness, these classes give an exciting insight into world dance.

Watch the Collaborative Cultural Dance workshops and upload your dancing videos.

Past events

+ Walking Thomastown

Presented by City of Whittlesea in partnership with Thomastown Precinct Action Group

See Thomastown in a different light at this light-up, night-time arts event. Discover unique and diverse illuminations, sculptures, installations and projections, bringing the city’s streets, parks and buildings to life. Don’t miss the community parade of illuminated Magical Creatures at dusk to lead the way along the glowing walking paths, past live music, historical landmarks and fire art.

Date: Saturday 2 September

Time: 5pm – 9pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Main St Recreation Reserve, Thomastown

Info: Visit Arts Whittlesea website for information

Bookings: Not required

+ National Tree Day Community Planting Event

Presented by City of Whittlesea in partnership with Whittlesea Landcare and Whittlesea Scouts

Take part in the Queen’s Jubilee project and join us to plant some trees! This National Tree Day bring your family for a feelgood event and contribute to enhancing biodiversity at the gorgeous Tambo Conservation Reserve, crossing Bruce’s Creek and the Plenty River.

Date: Sunday 30 July

Time: 10am – 2pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Tambo Conservation Reserve, Tambo Circuit, Whittlesea

Info: Events - Whittlesea Council

Bookings: landcare@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

+ Refugee Conversations

Presented by The Melbourne AMEP Volunteer Tutor Scheme, in partnership with City of Whittlesea and Yarra Plenty Regional Library.

Hear stories of finding freedom. A community event featuring music and dance.

Date: Saturday 24 June

Time: 2pm – 4pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Lalor Library, 2A May St, Lalor

Bookings: Eventbrite.com/e/refugee-conversations-tickets-639006253907

+ Palestinian Open Barbeque

Presented by The Palestinian Seniors Association

Curious about Palestinian culture? Connect with our Palestinian community at this free event and discover food, sports, dancing and culture.

Date: Saturday 24 June

Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Bundoora Park, 1069 Plenty Rd, Bundoora

Info: 0416 493 117

Bookings: dawsammour@hotmail.com

+ Refugee Week

Come and join us in celebrating Refugee Week: Finding Freedom. Enjoy cultural art, music, dance, traditional clothing and food.

Date: Thursday 22 June

Time: 10:30am – 2.30pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Plenty Ranges Art and Convention Centre, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Info: Dalal.sleiman@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Bookings: Eventbrite.com/e/refugee-week-tickets-636374050917

+ Mono Printing workshop

Presented by Friends of Westgarthtown

Create and connect within the lush surrounds of Ziebell’s Museum and Heritage Garden. Learn the art of mono printing with plants while uncovering the rich history of this heritage garden in a workshop for all abilities.

Date: Sunday 18 and 25 June

Time: 1.30pm

Cost: $3

Where: Ziebell’s Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden, 100 Gardenia Road, Thomastown

Info: 9464 5062

Bookings: enquiries@westgarthtown.org.au

+ Sites of Significance Tours: Epping Walking Tour

Sites of Significance Tours: Epping Walking Tour

Presented by City of Whittlesea

The City of Whittlesea is home to countless culturally significant and historic sites.

Join our Sites of Significance tour to learn about the history of Epping from local experts in a guided walking tour.

Tour itinerary: Epping Cemetery, Bills Horse Trough, Epping Primary School, St John’s Church, Dry stone Walls, Epping Police Station, Epping Presbyterian Church, St Peter's Catholic Church and Homestead. Tickets include lunch.

Date: Saturday 27 May

Time: 9am – 3:15pm

Cost: $25

Where: Meet at Epping Cemetery, 875 High St, Epping

Info: 0419 520 501

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CHOGA

+ Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Network – May Workshop

Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Network – May Workshop

Presented by City of Whittlesea

Are you curious about our culture?

The Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Network meets quarterly to enjoy a meal while we network, brainstorm ideas and participate in some fascinating presentations on topics to do with our culture and our history.

At our May 2023 meeting, we will uncover the secrets of dry stone walls, with a fascinating presentation by local historian Bruce Batten.

Date: Wednesday 17 May

Time: 6.30pm – 9pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Fountainview Room, Civic Centre, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Info: 0419 520 501

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CHQYB

+ Thomastown Trek

Thomastown Trek

Presented by Yarra Plenty Regional Library in partnership with Friends of Westgarthtown

Grab your walking shoes and join local history experts on a discovery tour of historic Thomastown. Explore the neighbourhood by foot along Edgars Creek to the historic precinct of Westgarthtown and return. Limited places so book early.

Date: Tuesday 9 May

Time: 9.30am – 12pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Thomastown Library, 52 Main Street, Thomastown

Info: Call 9464 1864 or email localhistorygene@yprl.vic.gov.au

Bookings: Register online

+ Bear's Castle Tours

Bear’s Castle Tours

Presented by Whittlesea Courthouse Association

Bear’s Castle lies locked away in the closed catchment of Yan Yean Reservoir. Access to this unique historical building is only granted on special occasions and this is one of them. Take this rare opportunity to visit the only known building of cob construction in Victoria. Discover the rich history of this building and decide for yourself on the mystery surrounding the Castle’s purpose. Tours include a delightful morning/afternoon tea at the charming original Caretaker’s Cottage.

Date: Sunday 7 May

Time: 10am and 2pm

Cost: $40

Where: Whittlesea Courthouse Information Centre, Cnr Church & Beech Streets, Whittlesea

Info: Call 0412 907 937 for information

Bookings: Email pte40164@bigpond.net.au for registration

+ Palestinian Women‘s Day

Presented by The Palestinian Seniors Club of Victoria

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. The Palestinian Seniors Club present an evening dedicated to recognising progress in the fight for women’s equality in Palestine. With fun activities, dancing, a fashion parade, traditional dress and Palestinian cuisine, and an insightful presentation into women’s equality in Palestine over time.

Date: Friday 31 March

Time: 6.30pm to 9pm

Cost: Free

Where: Mill Park Community Centre, 11 Mill Park Dr, Mill Park

Info: Email dawsammour@hotmail.com for information

+ Celebrate Nowruz Together

Presented by Elia Language School

Nowruz is the colourful celebration of Iranian New Year commemorated also by Iraqi, Kurdish, Bahktiari, Afghani and Syrian peoples. Celebrate Nowruz Together is a wonderful opportunity for people from all cultures to come together and share their Nowruz celebratory customs. Discover the detailed and varied traditional costumes, observe unique traditional performances, eat the celebratory traditional foods and dance your feet off to the DJ.

Date: Saturday 26 March 2023

Time: 11am – 6pm

Cost: FREE

Where: V R Michael Reserve, High St, Lalor

Info: Call 0469 652 567 or email seham_ameen567@yahoo.com

+ Cultural Diversity and Harmony Week Celebrations: Tea Time

In celebration of Cultural Diversity Week (19 – 27 March) and Harmony Week (21 – 27 March) 2022, the City of Whittlesea invited our community to explore tea ceremonies and tea traditions from across the world.

We experienced a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, participated in a beautiful Chinese wedding tea ceremony, discovered traditional Turkish tea and coffee, drank from the Yerba Mate of Argentina, uncovered the exquisite Persian tea culture and learned how to make delicious Indian Chai.

This wonderful showcase was held in the fabulous setting of our exotic Salon tent at the City of Whittlesea Community Festival – Arts on the Northern Edge. Watch our videos of some of the tea ceremonies here.

+ Harmony Week

Harmony Week

Presented by Melbourne Polytechnic

Melbourne Polytechnic invite you to join in the celebrations for Harmony Week, a festival to recognise the amazing cultural diversity within the student population. Over three big hours, watch enthralling performances, join the fascinating activities and participate in thought-provoking workshops.

Date: Tuesday 21 March

Time: 10am – 1pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Melbourne Polytechnic, Cnr Cooper St and Dalton Rd, Epping

Info: Call 0432 655 965 or email anhpham@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au

+ Newroz

Presented by The Rojava Kurdish Community

Rojava Kurdish Community are delighted to invite you to join them in celebrating their 2023 Kurdish New Year Festival - Newroz. Experience captivating Kurdish dance performances, brightly coloured and layered traditional dress, relish delicious cuisine, enjoy fabulous music, and dance the night away. Bring your positive party energy and join the festivities, this is one event you do not want to miss!

Date: Tuesday 21 March 2023

Time: 6pm – 11pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Epping Memorial Hall, 827 High St, Epping

Info: Call 0413 091 141or email jdijwer@Rojavacommunity.onmicrosoft.com

+ City of Whittlesea Community Festival

The City of Whittlesea is set to deliver their annual Community Festival: come one, come all! On Saturday night the festival opens with a fantastic performance in PRACC by Otto and Astrid. On Sunday, the gardens explode with activity. Over multiple stages, gardens and the theatres of PRACC. Make sure you check the program to see the likes of Kylie Auldist, Dave Arden, Children are Stinky and Trash Puppets. As well as theatre shows and workshops for all ages, there will be a sustainability expo, dance, art and cultural activities, market stalls, roving performers, community group performances, and food, glorious food. It certainly is shaping up to be a spectacular event!

To get involved in creating some amazing site decorations and to book for performances, visit the Whittlesea Arts website.

When: Saturday 18 March 2023 7pm – 9pm

Sunday 19 March 2023 11am – 5pm

Cost: FREE

Where: 25 – 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Info: Visit Arts Whittlesea website for information

+ The Salon

Presented by City of Whittlesea

This year explore cultural diversity in a festive environment at the City of Whittlesea Community Festival. In the exotic Salon we will be celebrating Cultural Diversity Week with a host of free activities such as drumming workshops, fortune telling, Aboriginal games, African hair-braiding, henna and traditional costumes to try on. Visitors to The Salon can watch incredible performances by our community as they showcase the myths and legends of their cultures, through various artistic mediums.

Image: Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony as part of the 2022 Cultural Diversity Week

Date: Sunday 19 March 2023

Time: 11am – 5pm

Cost: FREE

Where: 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Info: Call 0419 520 501 for information

Bookings: Not required

celebrations

+ Whittlesea Show

Presented by the Whittlesea Agricultural Society

The Whittlesea Show began as a fair in 1859 and has grown to become one of the largest Agricultural Shows in Victoria. The purpose of the Show is to educate, inform and entertain – bringing agriculture, farming and rural knowledge to the wider public. The Show is a presentation opportunity for food, farmers and a trading place for rural skills and crafts, ranging from vintage to modern, showcasing changing farming practices through machinery, animals and ways of life. Don’t miss this!

Date: 21 & 22 January 2023

Time: 9am – 5pm

Cost: Adult $20, concession $15, child $5

Where: Whittlesea Showgrounds, Whittlesea Yea Road, Whittlesea

Info: whittleseashow.org.au

Bookings: Not required

+ Florinian Vasilopita Festival

Presented by The Cultural Centre of Florinians

The Cultural Centre of Florinians invites you to join them in a fabulous launch to their 2023 program: the Florinian Vasilopita Festival. Wear your dancing shoes and experience the thrill of live Halkina music, an exciting musical fusion of Greek, Bulgarian, Anatolian, Romani and Klezmer influences. Let your moves be inspired by the many talented folk dancing groups performing at the festival. Fill your belly with delicious Greek food and, of course, don't forget your slice of Vasilopita, the traditional sweet bread of St Basil: will you find the one coin within and be blessed with good luck for 2023?

Date: Saturday 5 February

Time: 12pm – 5pm

Cost: Free

Where: 119 Dalton Rd, Thomastown

Info: 0413 381 915

Bookings: Not required

+ New light

Presented by the City of Whittlesea

Spaces transform at twilight, shadows dissolve as the sun sets and landmarks disappear so a familiar landscape may become unrecognisable under moonlight. For some artists, changed circumstances may shed new light internally, for others, it may illuminate their external world, showing them aspects they’ve not yet seen, or a future yet to be imagined. New Light is the 2022 City of Whittlesea annual art exhibition, where community members shine.

Date: Thursday 10 November – Thursday 15 December 2022

+ Diwali

One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism is the festival of lights, Diwali.

Celebrated over five days, the festival celebrates the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

People during Diwali decorate their homes with earthen oil-filled lamps and design beautiful rangoli, or patterns on the ground using coloured rice flour, quartz powder, coloured sand and flower petals.

Click here to learn more about Diwali and the activities you can take part in.

+ Sites of Significance Tours

Many people may not know they exist – but a new interactive map is set get you out exploring your own backyard.

Council has launched the Sites of Significance map, available online and in print at libraries and community centres.

50 historically important sites have been selected, with their location mapped, photos and the enthralling stories behind them.

Image: Bills Horse Trough, Epping, photo by Julie Scott 2019

+ Wildflower Tour: Grasslands of Galada Tamboore

Presented by Merri Creek Management Committee

Experience a tour of the spectacular Galada Tamboore, discover magical wildflowers and learn about pollinators and other insects that call the grasslands home.

Date: Saturday 5 November 2022

Time: 10am - 12pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Galada Tamboore Grasslands, call for exact location

Info: 9380 8199, admin@mcmc.org.au

Bookings: Not required

+ Historical Tour of Le Page Homestead

Presented by Yarra Plenty Regional Library in partnership with Plenty Valley Arts Inc.

Join us for a tour of the historical Le Page Homestead at Hawkestowe Park. Discover the history behind this homestead built in South Morang in the 1850’s. With views of the Plenty River and the backdrop of the wooded Plenty Gorge, the Le Page historic homestead and art gallery are a feature of Hawkstowe Picnic Area. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings are required.

**Consider making a day of it and joining us for the Whittlesea township local history walk in the morning.

Date: Wednesday 26 October

Time: 1pm – 3pm

Cost: Free

Where: Meet at Le Page Homestead Carpark

Info: 9088 3465 localhistorygene@yprl.vic.gov.au

Bookings: Local History Month: Historical Tour of Le Page Homestead | Yarra Plenty Regional Library (spydus.com)

+ Whittlesea Township Local History Walk

Presented by Yarra Plenty Regional Library

Many historical and culturally significant sites are within easy reach in Whittlesea township. Join us for a heritage walk while we share some stories as we loop parts of the Whittlesea township starting at the Whittlesea Library and Activity Centre. We will meet in the library.

Please note: there will be uneven surfaces, so appropriate footwear is required. No dogs are allowed. Bookings are essential, as places are limited.

Date: Wednesday 26 October

Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm

Cost: Free

Where: Meet at Whittlesea Library, at the fireplace

Info: 9088 3465 localhistorygene@yprl.vic.gov.au

Bookings: Local History Month: Whittlesea Township Local History Walk | Yarra Plenty Regional Library (spydus.com)

Image: Main Street, Whittlesea, (Postcard), Fay Thomas Collection, City of Whittlesea

+ Bear’s Castle Tours

Presented by Whittlesea Courthouse Association

Date: Saturday 22 October 2022

Time: 10am and 2pm

Cost: Adult $40; child $25

Where: Whittlesea Courthouse Information Centre, Cnr Church & Beech Street, Whittlesea

Info: 0412 907 937

Bookings: pte40164@bigpond.net.au

+ Open Studio Arts Trail

Presented by Northern Suburbs Artist Collective

Visit local artists working in their studios in a broad array of mediums during this year’s City of Whittlesea Open Studio Arts Trail (October 29 and 30), and explore an exhibition and workshop program starting from September 21.

Exhibition and workshop program: 21 September – 21 October 2022

Live event: Friday 28 October

Arts Trail: October 29 – 30, 10am – 4pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Exhibition: Great Hall, Civic Centre, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang.

See website for Arts Trail studio locations around the municipality

Info: northernsuburbsartistcollective.com.au

Bookings: facebook.com/northernsuburbsartistcollective

Image Midnight Beauty, Irina Zahra, 2021

+ Remember and Reminisce

Presented by Yarra Plenty Regional Library

Whittlesea Library is hosting three Remember and Reminisce sessions for seniors to explore memories of bygone days. This is a lovely opportunity to share stories from yesteryear, make new friends, and discover books and images in our collection of Old Melbourne, the Whittlesea district in the 1940s, fashions of the 1930s and so much more.

Date: Tuesday 13 September, 11 October, 8 November 2022

Time: 2pm – 3pm

Cost: FREE

Where: Whittlesea Library, 57-61 Laurel Street, Whittlesea

Info: 9716 3028, whtyprl@yprl.vic.gov.au

Bookings: Bit.ly/WhtEvents

+ National Reconciliation Week

Film Screening: Servant or Slave

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme “Be Brave. Make Change” is a challenge to all Australians — individuals, families, communities, organisations and government — to be brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can make change for the benefit of all Australians.

Come watch this powerful film and contribute to a stronger understanding of the importance of historical acceptance to reconciliation in Australia. A special guest will be present for question time after the screening.

Synopsis:

Many thousands of girls were stolen as young children from their parents and placed in institutions, to be trained as servants who could be assimilated into mainstream Australian society. In bringing to light the heart-breaking experiences of Rita, Violet, Adelaide, Valerie and Rita, Servant or Slave celebrates their fortitude in pursuing justice for the crimes committed against them. Theirs is a David and Goliath battle, waged not only for personal healing, but to shed light on a barely acknowledged part of modern Australia’s history whose consequences are still felt today.

Date: 2 June 2022

Time: 6.30pm refreshments, screening begins at 7pm

Where: Plenty Ranges Arts Convention Centre, 35 Ferres Rd, South Morang

Bookings: PRACC and Aboriginal Communities Department

Info: info@pracc.com.au or Donna.Wright@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

+ National Sorry Day

It is estimated that between ten and thirty per-cent of Indigenous children were taken from their families between 1910 and the 1970s—affecting most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia. These children were forcibly removed from their families and communities through race-based policies set up by both State and Federal Governments. They were either put in group homes, adopted or fostered out to non-Indigenous families. They suffered grief and trauma, losing their connections to family, identity, land, language and culture. These Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have become known as the Stolen Generations. The impact of this trauma is still very present today.

This year’s event will include:

Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country with a Wurundjeri Elder
Keynote speaker Lisa Zammit CEO of Connecting Home - Stolen Generations Redress Scheme
Annual Sorry Walk led by Uncle Herb Patten
Council flags to fly at half-mast
Catering

Date: Thursday 26 May

Time: 11am – 12.30pm

Venue: Great Hall, Civic Centre, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Registration: Please book your attendance here

+ Palestinian Olive Harvest

Join the Palestinian Seniors Club as they celebrate the annual olive picking season in the traditional fashion. Celebrate in style with traditional olive based foods, music, folk dancing, and an exhibition of exquisite art composed of olive tree branches.

To reserve your place contact Dawood on 0416 493 117 by Friday May 17.

Date: Friday 20 May 2022
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Venue: Mill Park Community House, 11 Mill Park Drive, Mill Park.