Tails will be wagging in North Adelaide this Sunday, 29^th January 2012, with the grand opening of the Adelaide City Council’s North Adelaide Dog Park.

Located between Le Fevre Road and Robe Terrace, the park will be unveiled to the public (and all pooches!) from 9-11am, with a number of dog-friendly activities.  

Hosted in conjunction with Life Be in it, the morning will feature demonstrations from the South Australian Working Sheepdog Association, a range of agility tricks by Dogs SA Superdogs and a ‘fly ball’ demonstration.

“Council is pleased to be opening its first fully-fenced dog park,” said Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood.

“The grand opening will be a good opportunity to head down to the park and get involved in all the fun.”

There will also be market stalls around the park showcasing a variety of pet products and merchandise. A sausage sizzle will be provided by the Rottweiler Dog Club and everyone attending will receive a ‘doggy show bag’ along with the chance to win fabulous prizes donated by Pet Stock in the free raffle.   

“This excellent venue adds yet another dimension for the community to enjoy fun activities with their dog in a safe and environmentally-friendly park,” said Darrilyn Wood from Life Be in it.

“We are delighted to be involved in the promotion of the project with Adelaide City Council.”

It’s the first enclosed dog park in the city, giving the Council’s 750 plus registered dog-owners a dedicated place where they can exercise and play with their pet. Dog-owners from outside of the city will also benefit from the park, with easy access and parking.

There are two secure sections in the park – one for smaller dogs and puppies and one for all dogs to run-free. Other key features of the park include tunnels for doggy fun, sheltered-seating, plenty of natural shade, green turf and drinking fountains.

“Dog parks bring with them a host of benefits for the community,” Councillor Anne Moran said.

“They can be a great place for residents and visitors to mix and mingle, they provide added security for the local neighbourhood by increasing activity as well as the obvious benefit of getting people and their dogs outdoors and exercising.”

The dog park is the first stage of Adelaide City Council’s North Adelaide Activity Hub, which will include a walking trail, picnic area and a community and fitness oval and is expected to be completed over the next four years.

“Council is committed to making Adelaide a more accessible and active capital city,” Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said.

“The North Adelaide Activity Hub, the Bonython Park Activity Hub, the Bicycle Action Plan and the return of free Zumba and PT sessions in Victoria Square in February and March are just some examples of how we’re providing more facilities and opportunities for the community to get outside and get active.”

For enquiries about the dog park, please phone: (08) 8203 7203

Australia's most iconic summer event is back January 26th, which will see participants around the country once again attempt to break a world record of the longest line of giant inflatable havaianas joined in the water. Over its seven year history, The havaianas Australia Day Thong Challenge has continually raised funds for charity, and 2012 will be no exception with $10.00 from each registration going to the local Nippers club at each states beach.

Bring your friends, family and feisty competitive spirit along to a beach near you on January 26th, and take part in a world record attempt! What better way to spend Australia Day, than thonging around in the ocean on one of Australia's best beaches.

Bondi took out the challenge last year and beat neighbouring states, setting a new world record attempt of 2068 people. WA, SA, QLD & VIC the challenge is on, its time to band together for your state and win the coveted title!

For just $25 you can register to take part in all the fun. As part of your registration you will receive a giant inflatable havaianas (valued @ $49.95).

The havaianas 2012 Australia Day Thong Challenge will be held in five states across Australia at the following beaches:

New South Wales – North Bondi Beach
South Australia – Glenelg Beach
Queensland – Mooloolaba Beach
Victoria – Torquay Beach
Western Australia – Cottesloe Beach

http://www.facebook.com/havaianasaustralia
http://www.havaianasthongchallenge.com.au/

Please note:
If you are 8-14 years old, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. You can only purchase these tickets if you are 14+ years old.

If your kids need a quick ‘pick‐me‐up’ these school holidays then a trip to one of the two Robern Menz Factory Outlets in SA is always a cost effective way to guarantee a smile – with over a 100 products in store there are soooo many reasons to pay a visit!

With a range of products sold exclusively through the two outlets including the new Dark Choc Honeycomb and a delicious array of choc covered delights such as old faves Raspberries and Strawberries and Creams! Better still, if you schedule your visit for a Friday you can pick up your Giant FruChocs – or any other Menz FruChocs product – at a 10% discount, as part of the company’s ‘FruChoc Friday’ promotion.

Both the Glynde and McLaren Vale outlets stock the full range of Menz FruChocs products including traditional Milk Chocolate FruChocs, Dark Chocolate FruChocs and 5‐Fruit FruChocs! Of course, while the 10% discount is enticing, visitors aren’t limited to purchasing Menz FruChocs products.

Both outlets stock the entire range of Menz confectionery, Medlow Fine Gels and Robern Fruit Snacking products ‐ including Choccy Milk Bottles, Choccy Bananas and the always popular Menz Choccy Snakes & Choccy Froggys – PLUS Crown Mints, Dark Chocolate CherriChocs, Milk Chocolate Turkish Delight and JUMBO sized Choc Honeycomb packs!

DAILY FREE TOUR at The Medlow Confectionery & FruChocs Showcase! 
Experience an interactive attraction showing working confectionery machinery, which is sure to entertain not only children but adults too!

Highlights include witnessing the chocolate coating machine in action each day between noon & 3.30pm ‐ as sweets are coated in delicious creamy milk chocolate on the ‘chocolate enrober’ machine.

There are vintage confectionery machines also on display and include the original crown mint machine, imported from England in 1892, the cello wrapping machine & the pan coating machine.

Each of these machines can be set in motion with the push of a button! Entry to the showcase is also absolutely free.

So – grab the kids and head to either factory outlet these school hols ‐ either on a Friday to make the most of the ‘FruChoc Friday’ specials – or any day you or the kids feel a confectionery craving coming on!

MEDLOW CONFECTIONERY & FRUCHOCS SHOWCASE
203 Main Road, McLaren Vale (08 8323 9105)
OPENING TIMES: 7 days, from 10am – 5pm (closed Christmas Day & Good Friday)

ROBERN MENZ GLYNDE FACTORY OUTLET
71 Glynburn Road, Glynde (08 8368 7733)
OPENING TIMES: 9am – 5pm weekdays and 9.30am – 5pm on Saturdays (closed on selected public holidays)

For more information, visit – http://www.robernmenz.com.au/

Bring in the New Year with a bang with two firework spectaculars and energising and diverse entertainment to suit all tastes and ages.

Adelaide’s New Year’s Eve celebration in Elder Park will ring in the New Year with a sophisticated new look and feel, promising a fitting start to a Festival year.

Kicking off from 7pm, acts range from big band music to Bollywood dancers. Acting Lord Mayor David Plumridge said the cosmopolitan event would give people a fresh option to welcome 2012.

“This year Adelaide City Council, with support from our premium partners Business SA and KPMG, is putting on a unique and imaginative program with broad appeal and upbeat and energetic entertainment throughout the night,” David said.

Business SA Chief Executive Officer, Peter Vaughan, said that it is important to deliver these events and attract more people to the CBD.

“The city will be a great place to welcome in the New Year and this event will create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a boost for businesses throughout the area,” Mr Vaughan said.

Con Tragakis, Chairman of KPMG South Australia said, “KPMG is proud to sponsor Adelaide’s New Year’s Eve 2011 in Elder Park because we are committed to positively giving back to the community in which our people live and work.  We are passionate about supporting this vibrant event and hope everyone has a great night”.

Award-winning Foti International Fireworks will light up the night at 9pm with its first round of pyrotechnics for the early revellers and then again at midnight for the late-night merry-makers.

“As in other years there will be two fireworks extravaganzas – but this time with a difference,” said Councillor Houssam Abiad.

Multi-talented composer and performer DJ Tr!p will match the midnight display with a soundtrack mixed especially for the night and will then keep the crowd grooving.

Adelaide’s hottest swing band Lucky Seven will get the night started with their mix of jazz, roots rock n' roll and rockabilly and the Atlantic Street Band will add jazz inspired grooves with a modern twist to the evening.

The Matsuri Taiko Japanese drumming group will ramp up the energy while colour and spectacle comes courtesy of Bollywood dancers Fusion Beats and Brazilian dancers Las Chicas Bomba.

Councillor Natasha Malani said, “The quality of acts appearing is outstanding and the variety will keep everyone revved up and entertained.”  

For the first time, this year the event will be licensed allowing the audience to kick back with a glass of wine or beer. There will be plenty of dancing room, as well as picnic space provided for those who want to take it easy and soak up the atmosphere. But capacity is limited so get there early!

The historic Rotunda provides a focal point for the live entertainment and will be featured in a new light.

“New Year’s Eve in Elder Park is Adelaide’s must-see event to farewell the old year and bring in the new and it’s right in the heart of the city,” David said.

Visit cityofadelaide.com.au/nye2011 for more details.

The State Library of South Australia, in conjunction with Splash Adelaide, is hosting a free family film event featuring the classic black and white 1947 Christmas movie Miracle on 34th Street.

Settle back in a deckchair in the stunning forecourt of the State Library of South Australia and take a trip down memory lane to a Christmas past.

Acting Lord Mayor David Plumridge said “The movie screening gives people a chance to take a break from all the pressures in the lead up to Christmas and relax for a couple of hours in a beautiful location.”

Some nibbles and refreshments will be provided and everyone is welcome to bring a picnic. The State Library and surrounds is a dry zone so no alcohol is permitted.

A series of film shorts from the State Library collection will be screened before the main movie.

When: Thursday 22 December 2011

Time: 8.00pm arrival for an 8.30pm start

Where: State Library Forecourt

What to Bring: Seating, a picnic basket (no alcohol allowed)

Bookings can be made at www.slsa.sa.gov.au or by calling 8207 7292.

Splash Adelaide is joint State Government and Council project designed to bring streets and spaces alive by invigorating laneways, cutting red tape, and promoting flexible planning in an effort to increase the number of city visitors and residents.

The new bridge over the Patawalonga – the Michael Herbert Bridge Wardlipulthu Waadlakatha – opens on Saturday 17 December with a great family fun day!
 
The bridge, a replacement for the old King Street Bridge, was begun back in March this year.
 
Mayor of the City of Holdfast Bay Ken Rollond said it’s an investment for the community that’s expected to last for the next one hundred years.
 
“The old bridge was over fifty years old and crumbling. Now we have a great new bridge thanks to cooperation between Council and the Federal Governments that’s come in on time and on budget.”
 
The name of the new bridge was chosen to honour Michael Herbert, an airman who lived and was educated locally. He went missing while on a mission in Vietnam during the war there and it is only recently his remains were found and returned to Australia.
 
“Michael Herbert has been honoured at the War Memorial in Canberra and it is only fitting that we recognise his life and his service here at his home in naming the bridge after him,” Mayor Rollond said.
 
The Bridge also has an Aboriginal name; Wardlipulthu Waadlakatha, which translates as ‘a former place of encampment’ and ‘a tree lying across a river and serving as a bridge’.
 
The Kaurna name was arrived at with the help of the Kaurna Heritage Board and with help given by Dr Rob Amery of Kaurna Warra Pintyandi (KWP) at the University of Adelaide.
 
The Bridge will officially open at 10.00am on Saturday 17 December with a formal ceremony followed by a sausage sizzle and family fun entertainment. Everyone is welcome.
 

From December 17, for the first time, visitors to Adelaide Zoo can view the Zoo’s two Giant Pandas Wang Wang and Funi sharing an exhibit daily.

Although this year’s breeding season didn’t result in a pregnancy, introductions between the pair went very well.

Senior Panda Keeper, Simone Davey, said Giant Pandas are normally solitary animals, however during introductions it was observed the pair really enjoyed each others company.

“Keepers have continued periodic behind-the-scenes introductions with the pair since September as part of their enrichment program,” Mrs Davey said.

“We’re seeing really positive signs – they’re exhibiting natural play behaviours and it’s wonderful to see the pair spending time together. We’re pleased to be able to share this special experience with the public.”

Extended panda introductions between mating pairs have been successful with other international institutions and it’s hoped the introductions between the Southern Hemispheres only two Giant Pandas will aid in a successful mating.

“It’s hoped the extended introductions between the pair will reduce play behaviour during the next breeding season,” Mrs Davey said.
“We also hope Wang Wang will know the difference between Funi’s normal everyday behaviours and when she shows physical signs of coming into season.

“The introductions also have the added benefit of keeping the pair fit and active as they wrestle and play in their specially designed exhibit. The increased stamina and fitness will also aid in the breeding process.”

Starting December 17 Wang Wang and Funi will share an exhibit and dayroom daily between 10:30-11:30am. The possibility of extended sessions is up to Keeper discretion.
 

Screen Seekers is the Mercury Cinema’s exciting new holiday program where kids can watch family friendly films on fun themed days. The Screen Seekers film program offers an alternative to the multiplex blockbusters, providing a memorable and entertaining film experience.

The screening program kicks off on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 December with Christmas themed days full of film, food and fun, complete with a visit from Santa. Children can choose from two classic Christmas movies: 2003 comedy ELF (PG) starring Will Ferrall; or MIRACLE ON 34^TH STREET (PG) 1994, about a little girl who discovers dreams do come true if you really believe. Both films screen with South Australian short TOOT TOOT (2010) a cheeky Christmas film about Stan, a six-year-old boy who opens his present early, only to discover it doesn’t live up to the picture on the box.

Friday 13 January Mercury hosts SCARY DAY with spooky films and entertainment and a prize for the scariest costume. Screening on the day is AFI winning fantasy short GARGOYLE, followed by either eighties cult classic GHOSTBUSTERS (1984, PG) or family friendly Disney musical BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS (1971, G).

Tickets for Screen Seekers film days are just $8 for both kids and adults, including the movie ticket, sausage sizzle and an ice block.

Screen Seekers is proudly supported by ArtsSA and the Adelaide City Council.

For more information or bookings please call 8410 0979 or visit www.mercurycinema.org.au

The Mercury Cinema, 13 Morphett Street, Adelaide

Pageant-goers can relive the magic of the 2011 Credit Union Christmas Pageant and go in the draw to win a family holiday for four to Kangaroo Island.

The official 2011 Credit Union Christmas Pageant DVD goes on sale today "celebrating the clown within" – the theme of this year’s event. 325,000 spectators attended the event and thousands more watched the live telecast.

Credit Union Christmas Pageant Event Manager, Brian Gilbertson, said everyone who purchases a DVD is eligible to enter the competition to win a trip to Kangaroo Island for a family of four thanks to Sealink.

“Each DVD is individually numbered with a unique code. Once purchased, the code just needs to be entered online at www.cupageant.com.au to go into the draw to win. This is a fantastic new initiative for 2011 and an added incentive to purchase your copy now,” said Mr Gilbertson.

The DVD features the entire Channel 9 telecast of the event. Relive all the colour and excitement with the six new floats featured in this year’s parade: Penguins ‘R’ Koool, Hansel & Gretel, Forest Fantasy, Fergus the North Pole Fire Engine, Love, Love Christmas and the mini float the Naughty or Nice Meter.

Credit Union Pageant Company Chair, Peter Evers, is once again thrilled that the partnership with Channel 9 Telethon is continuing.

“The DVD and partnership with Channel 9 Telethon is just another way the event gives back to the community 365 days of the year,” Mr Evers said.

The 2011 event DVD can be purchased from any People’s Choice Credit Union, Community CPS Australia, Credit Union SA and Police Credit Union branch. It can also be bought online at www.telethon.com.au or by calling Channel 9 Telethon on 8267 0206.

The DVD costs just $25 plus $5 for postage and handling. Proceeds from the sale of the DVDs will benefit Channel 9 Telethon and the Credit Union Christmas Pageant.

Channel 9 Telethon has been supporting South Australian charities for over 50 years. In addition to providing airtime and management of a range of fundraising projects and events, through the Spirit of South Australian unit, it also provides one-off special grants to individuals, families and groups through its Charity Partners.

The Credit Union Christmas Pageant is owned and managed by the South Australian Tourism Commission on behalf of the South Australian Government and sponsored by four leading credit unions in South Australia – People’s Choice Credit Union, Community CPS Australia, Credit Union SA and Police Credit Union.

To buy the DVD, visit the Channel 9 Telethon website.

Christmas is coming to Glenelg with the return of the well loved Glenelg Christmas Pageant.
 
The air will be sweet with this year’s theme of ‘Jingle Bells and Candy Canes’, and the kids will be delighted with the ongoing entertainment and floats as they wait for the arrival of Father Christmas.
 
The grand old man whose presence spells Christmas all over the world will arrive in Glenelg on Sunday 20 November. He will travel down Jetty Road with all his helpers in tow, ready to listen to what the boys and girls all want for Christmas.
 
Mayor of the City of Holdfast Bay Ken Rollond said it’s a wonderful time of year.
 
“We can look towards Christmas with the coming of the pageant and be reminded of the important things in life, like family and the wellbeing of our children.”
 
“The Glenelg Christmas pageant is a great tradition and this Council proudly carries it forward to create memories for future generations.”
 
Beginning at 10.30am the floats will depart from Rose Terrance and make their way down Jetty Road, turning left at Moseley Square and finishing up at the corner of Colley Terrace and Augusta Street.
 
Following the pageant there will be a concert at The Beachouse at 11.30am starring Ticklish Allsorts and the singing group L’Amour to keep children and families entertained.
 
Father Christmas will be in his Santa’s Cave with a special present for all the children from 11.45am-1.30pm and they can visit him there to pass on all their Christmas wishes.

http://www.facebook.com/jettyrdglenelg