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Christmas is so close, we can almost taste the pudding! A bunch of very lucky and excited KIDDOS made their way to Stardust Castle today, for the official unveiling of three brand new floats! Adelaide MP and Minister for Child Protection Rachel Sanderson said she was thrilled by the wonder and excitement from the big and little guests, as the three floats were presented for the very first time at this year’s Christmas Pageant event launch. “The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is the traditional start to the festive season in South Australia, and one that will see more than 320,000 young and old, happy faces lining the new pageant route,” said Minister Sanderson. “This year we welcome National Pharmacies to the Christmas Pageant family as naming rights sponsor, and over 600 of their National Pharmacies staff and members who will be taking part in the Pageant for the very first time. “The families that were at today’s launch, were mesmerized by the magical Cinderella float, delighted with the mermaid float, and very proud to welcome the new lead National Pharmacies float. Today also signals the start of one of the most anticipated countdowns on the social calendar for South Australians as we start to count our sleeps to this year’s National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant.” Brian Gilbertson, Pageant Director, National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant said, “this year’s theme, A World Full of Wonder, is to inspire everyone to share the power of wonder – wonder how? wonder why? wonder what’s possible? We want to encourage children to wonder about the world, and adults to take a moment to reflect and remember what it’s like to dream.” “The Pageant team is very proud to present our new floats, and I am sure they will be well received and loved by the thousands of Pageant fans.  We really cannot wait to see all the excited children with their big smiles on the day,” said Brian Gilbertson. National Pharmacies Chief Executive Officer Vito Borrello said, “National Pharmacies is incredibly honored and proud to play such a significant role in one of South Australia’s most traditional and beloved events. It is a wonderful celebration for children and families, and we are thrilled to be able to be part of bringing Christmas joy to South Australians. “National Pharmacies believes in community and giving back to our members and South Australian families. Being a part of the Christmas Pageant, is something that all our members and staff are very much looking forward to.” The 2019 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will be held on Saturday 9 November, departing from South Terrace at 9.30 am once Sir Edward Hayward’s legendary gold whistle is blown. For more info and updates head to christmaspageant.com.au and also FOLLOW @christmaspageant

Westfield West Lakes and Tea Tree Plaza are calling all Witches, Wizards and Muggles to appear to disappear with The Cloak of Invisibility. See the magical illusion unfold before your own eyes this October! You will be able to view your invisible selves through the 22 inch TV screen. There will also be other Harry Potter products like the Mystery Snitch, Wands, Wingardium Leviosa. Find them on Level 1, near Target at West Lakes and Level 2, located in Centre Court, near Samsung at Tea Tree Plaza. Dates & Times – West Lakes: Tuesday 8 October 2019 | 11.00am – 2.00pm Wednesday 9 October 2019 | 11.00am – 2.00pm Thursday 10 October 2019 | 11.00am – 2.00pm Friday 11 October 2019 | 11.00am – 2.00pm Saturday 12 October 2019 | 11.00am – 2.00pm Dates & Times – Tea Tree Plaza: Tuesday 8 October 2019 | 10.00am – 3.00pm Wednesday 9 October 2019 | 10.00am – 3.00pm Thursday 10 October 2019 | 10.00am – 3.00pm Friday 11 October 2019 | 10.00am – 3.00pm Saturday 12 October 2019 | 10.00am – 3.00pm westfield.com.au

Neo Deadly Halloween Following the launch of Tarnanthi, the Art Gallery of South Australia is excited to present its teen exclusive program, Neo Deadly Halloween on Saturday 26 October. Neo is about creating a teen-only after-hours space for teens aged 13 to 17 years, packed with exclusive live music, performances, artist-led workshops, and a chance to explore the latest exhibitions at AGSA in a parent free zone. In celebration of Tarnanthi, Neo has teamed up with Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara artist Elizabeth Close as Guest Curator of the event. Teens will have the opportunity to take part in a range of artist-led workshops centred on transformation and identity, including: – building ‘wicked’ recycled costumes and sets with performative collective The Bait Fridge – creating special effects make-up with Alex Beckinsale – creating an expressive digital mural with Guest Curator Elizabeth Close, and working collaboratively in an aerosol workshop with Thomas Readett Dance collective Of Desert and Sea will open the floor to teens in a movement-based workshop on choreography that is culturally influenced, including hip-hop styles of popping, locking and lyrical dance forms. Teens can also embrace the Kaurna language in a games-based workshop with Tiana Bain from Tauondi Aboriginal College. Neo is pumped to have an exclusive line-up of young Aboriginal musicians, including singer Caitlyn Walker, hip-hop artist Inquest, rapper Phylo, and headlining act Nathan May. The winning design of the new Neo vests will also be announced on the night, with the teen designer receiving their own reflective vest made by Hey Reflecto to keep! Costume prizes are also up for grabs, with Elizabeth Close and The Bait Fridge awarding prizes to those with the ‘Deadliest Costumes’. Neo’s Teen Ambassador Committee will present a collaborative and colourful candy wrapper mural, will lead sketch tours through the Gallery and encourage teens to respond to the latest contemporary art in Tarnanthi. Made possible through the support of The Balnaves Foundation, Neo has welcomed over 4000 teens to the Gallery since its inception in 2016. Neo is a free event for 13-17 year old. REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for Neo: Deadly Halloween on Saturday 26 October from 6pm to 8.30pm. For further information or to register for the event, visit: Art Gallery of South Australia 

We took some VERY excited KIDDO’s into the brand new Variety Children’s ZOO that officially opens to the public (just in time for the school holidays) this Saturday 28th Sep. The new Variety Children’s Zoo includes areas for children of all abilities to play and explore. Thanks to the recently built aerial walkways, it’s also just a hop, skip and jump from the Zoo’s ever-popular Nature Playground and Wisteria Café. The kids can learn and explore while you relax with a coffee. There are a range of animals trotting, crawling and climbing their way to the new Zoo. You can expect to see domestic animals such as goats, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, as well as native animals such as quokkas. These cuddly creatures were chosen, because they are animals that are super kiddo friendly, allowing your little ones to connect with nature face-to-face. Animals such as potoroo’s and bettong’s will be welcomed as the newest members of the Children’s Zoo family, creating even more native excitement than ever before. Amongst the crazy new adventures, there will be a dedicated animal presentation stage for keepers to share stories about their animal friends. Kids can see what it takes to develop trusting relationships with the animals, and how they can use these techniques to enrich the lives of their pets at home. A big, brand-spanking new feature will be the ‘goat rock climbing’ and ‘two storey walkways’. Charismatic goats love getting up high and testing their fantastic balance skills, something that makes them incredibly well suited to their mountainous homes in the wild. By making sure the new playspace features elements like balance beams, seesaws, ladders or even trampolines, the Zoo’s beloved goats will be encouraged to think harder about navigating their environment, keeping them active, healthy and encouraging natural behaviours. Everywhere you look something wild is happening! Also keep an eye out for the friendly brood of chickens and their musical instruments! Did we also mention the goat xylophone and cheeky chicken swing? There’s so much for little roving hands, eyes and ears to discover these school holidays at Adelaide Zoo. The new Variety Children’s Zoo is the first stop on your Adelaide Zoo adventure and a must visit these school holidays for a no-brainer, fun-filled family day out. Adelaidezoo.com.au @zoossa READ MORE: Boo at the Zoo: Halloween Event  IMAGES BY MEAGHAN COLES FOR KIDDO MAG

JUNK MASKS For us at MINI MAD THINGS, it’s all about play. We design and make a fun range of kid’s fancy dress costumes and accessories to encourage imaginative play. Ethically handcrafted in Nepal, or hand made in our Australian workshop, every MINI MAD costume is produced with care. We also have a kid’s craft blog and run pop up craft events. All our craft projects are simple, fun and designed to inspire creative fun with your little ones. Our aim is to help children see the magic in the world and to be part of it, engage with it and belong to it. What’s the rush to grow up? YOU WILL NEED • Egg cartons • Coloured paper • Poster paint • PVA glue (or hot glue) • Scissors. At MINI MAD THINGS we love to create crafty fun using simple household objects, recycling or found natural materials. Introducing The Egg-sons, a crazy bunch of eggheads created using only egg cartons, paint, paper and a bit of glue. Happy crafting everyone! Step 1: Cut out your head shapes from the egg carton lids. Step 2: Cut out different facial features; think eyes, noses, mouths, eyebrows, moustaches and maybe even tongues! For little ones you may need to cut the egg cartons for them as they can be a bit tricky, older kids can have a go themselves. Step 3: Let the kids arrange their funny faces and begin gluing. PVA glue works well but takes a while to dry, if you don’t want to wait for drying help your little ones out with using a hot glue gun. Step 4: Now get messy with paint and decorate your faces. We only had bright neon colour paints so we painted ours crazy colours but you could go with more natural colours, just use what you have on hand. Step 5: Cut some scrap pieces of paper to decorate your faces, we made some hair, eyelashes and patterns for ours. Stick you paper decorations in place. Step 7: Your funny egg carton faces are finished! minimadthings.com @minimadthings

Flinders University is calling all explorers to experience their spring garden of fun, education and entertainment! Get ready to meet the animals, roll around in the ball pit and get those thumbs green, because once again Flinders University have partnered with Nature Play SA to cultivate a packed program of free activities and experiences for the whole family to enjoy this October! Come and be amazed by the weird, wacky and exciting wonders of science live on stage, construct your own cubby house overlooking the picturesque lake, or brew your own nature potion… SpringFest is a great day for all kids big and small! This is the perfect day out for the family to enjoy the wonderful Flinders University grounds and a range of free activities! This day will be jam-packed with activities including: Thinking Caps Science Show Interactive Animal Shows Market stalls Two stages featuring live music Arts and crafts Activities are free and so is parking. Keep reading for more information on the Spring Fest program below! Artists on the Main Stage Amelia Ryan Amelia Ryan is a multi-award-winning Cabaret Artist, Writer, Presenter, Mentor and Mum. A Musical Theatre Actress by trade (Victorian College of the Arts), she swapped ‘Song and Dance’ for ‘Comedy and Cabaret’, when she realised her ability to do a time-step (or ANY step) paled in comparison to her knack for cracking a quip. Adam Page Adam Page is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, music educator and record producer based in Adelaide, South Australia. Known widely for his critically acclaimed solo multi-instrumental looping performances, Page has carved his path internationally as a composer. He has written major works for the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (which he has also conducted), the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Wellington, Zephyr Quartet and has collaborated with John Psathas, NZ composer of the 2004 Athens Olympics ceremony music. Page’s other musical collaborations stretch far and wide, working with artists and groups such as The Australian String Quartet, Slava Grigoryan, Noel Gallagher, Katie Noonan, Riki Gooch, Jamie MacBen Todd, The Wizard Tone Art Orchestra, The Shaolin Afronauts, 1.1 Immermann, Ross McHenry, Thomas Oliver, The Adelaide Sax Pack, Darren Percival, Mal Webb, Zephyr Quartet, Lisa Tomlins and Dr. Chandrakant Sardeshmukh. He has also recorded with artists such as Electric Wire Hustle, Julien Dyne, Julia Deans, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Christoph El’ Truento, Oisima, Spook City, Ben Todd, The Shaolin Afronauts, Nico Suave and Dave Whitehead (recording various sounds for The Hobbit films). Liz Calahan Founder and Director of Bey Dance, Liz Calahan is about empowering and encouraging people to engage with each other through dance. Working with Make A Wish foundation Liz has taught dance to children that want to be on stage or find the confidence to dance ‘like everyone is Watching’ which was her aptly named show at this years ‘Dream Big Festival.’ Bortier Okoe Bortier sings messages of peace, anti-poverty, connections, resilience, and tolerance – communicating across boundaries and countries. His unifying lyrics convey strong messages for humanity while his dynamic live performances are exhilarating, delivered with power, grace and a sense of humour. Bortier’s music is unique and irresistible – making a significant contribution and progression to World Music. Bortier Okoe has performed around the world, and is revered as one of the most talented multi-instrumentalists in the African music genre. Well-known for his extraordinary musical gifts and exciting innovations. Nathan May Multi-talented emerging singer-songwriter Nathan May descends from the Arabana, Yawuru and Marridjabin clans. Nathan writes in memory of his friends and family and as a reminder that there’s always hope. He sings with a wide-open smile from deep within his soul and has an innate ability to craft songs and express feelings of wide appeal to a broad audience that are way beyond his 24 young years. Nathan has recently been nominated and a finalist for the South Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Artist of the Year Award. Activities: Hub | SpringFest The Collections Project: Jake Holmes Screen Printing Workshop Activity: Have a go at making your own hand screen printed poster with South Australian artist Jake Holmes. Pick out designs and experiment with text, shapes, colour, layers and textures to make a poster of your own. Artist Bio: Jake Holmes is an Adelaide based visual artist working across a variety of mediums including; screen printing, mural painting, illustration, audio and collage. Jake is currently in residency at Flinders University and will respond to the University’s extensive collection of political posters, one of most diverse poster collections in the country. Jake Holmes is well known as the printmaker behind the rainbow ‘C’mon Aussie C’mon’ posters. In collaboration with street artists Peter Drew, they transformed the famous cricket anthem into an iconic image in support of Australian marriage equality. This has also transformed into a poster to support the ‘Change the date‘ movement, in collaboration with artist Elizabeth Close. He is also the cofounder of PRINT CULT and Tooth and Nail studio and gallery, a city-based communal studio which opened in 2011 and ran for seven years. “The opportunity to spend time with and research important political works, particularly from recent South Australian history, through my own practice is incredibly exciting.” Basket weaving Activity: Learn a new relaxing and engaging handicraft. Basket weaving is a creative, social and meditative process, as any maker will tell you, being mindful throughout the creative process is just as important as the product itself. Discover the joy of this ancient craft, while creating something with your own hands. Artist Bio: Lakun Mara is an Aboriginal owned business run by Sonya Rankine, a Ngarrindjeri, Narungga, Ngadjuri woman of South Australia. Lakun Mara key focus is cultural revival and maintenance of traditional Ngarrindjeri weaving techniques and cultural practice. Activities: Anchor Court Stage |SpringFest The Bone Detectives Activity: Ever wondered how palaeontologists can identify an animal just from its bones? The Bone Detectives is a casual, fun and interactive lecture that uses modern Australian animals to give a little perspective on how a palaeontologist would

October school holidays are just around the corner, the sun is shining and we have some great ideas for entertaining and also educating the kids! Here is just a taster of our comprehensive list that we update every school holidays! We are here to help! For 50+ more ideas look no further than our KIDDO: Top Things To Do With The Kids These School Holidays Ultimate List In the meantime, check out some of our favourite options below: MEET THE MACHINES A school holidays event for kids and big kids alike. Get down to Wigley Reserve, Glenelg to get up close and personal with these big machines. We’ll have diggers, fire trucks, ambulances and even a mini monster truck. Meet the Machines will also have face painting, bouncy castles, dig a dinosaur and more. Everything you need for a great day with the family. City of Holdfast Bay will showcase the services we offer to the community, so feel free to chat with one of our friendly team. Thu 10th Oct – 10am – 2pm A free event by the City of Holdfast Bay. NEW TANDEM TUBE SLIDES AT WOODHOUSE ADVENTURE CENTRE What’s a tube slide? Think of it as a water-less water slide or a snow-free ski run where you slide down synthetic slopes in big rubber rings that turn, accelerate, go up in bends and stop on their own. The Tube Slides are now available as part of the standard day entry. Woodhouse also hosts birthday parties, for more party venue ideas check out our KIDDO Adelaide Party Venue guide! 37 Spring Gully Road, Piccadilly Woodhouse Activity Centre  ANDY’S AMAZING ADVENTURES Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 11 AM – 12:30 PM BAFTA-nominated presenter Andy Day is on his way down under. For the first time ever in Australia, the star of ABC KIDS and CBeebies Andy’s Wild Adventures, Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures and Andy’s Prehistoric Adventures will delight his Australian fans live on stage. Andy Day is fascinated by all creatures – big and small, existing or extinct. And now, visiting theatres across Australia during the September and October school holidays, he is on a mission to thrill and entertain in a brand-new live adventure. He’ll have some help too – from familiar faces, new friends and hopefully you! Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide livenation.com.au ADELAIDE ZOO These summer holidays sees the opening of the new Variety Children’s Zoo! There is also the incredible Natureʼs Playground – a play space designed to create unstructured play for children of all abilities and forms a unique area within the zoo where families can play and discover the gifts of nature. Also, check out Zoocation – the zooʼs holiday vacation care program. Frome Rd, Adelaide SA 5000 adelaidezoo.com.au GET TO KNOW ADELAIDE’S BATS @BAT CAMP! Marvel at one of Adelaide’s most conspicuous animals, the Grey-headed Flying-fox. Local bat experts will delight your kids (ages 5-12) with hands-on creative activities that will highlight the miraculous story of this marvellous mammal. Activities will include visiting the bats at their roost, kite-making, drawing / painting, peering through microscopes in the Bat Cave and even a demonstration with live animals by the Adelaide Zoo! Two sessions daily: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm on 9 & 10. Book your place at eventbrite.com.au/e/bat-camp-tickets. The Santos Conservation Centre cityofadelaide.com.au LITTLE PICASSOS HOLIDAY PROGRAMS AND ART CAMP Our favourites, Little Picassos are holding a number of holiday classes in their beautiful studios (Glenelg, Magill, Hyde Park & Woodcroft). They have holiday programmes as well as art class which are rich in variety and cater for different ages, skill levels and art curriculum allowing for a hands on, experimental and educational way to introduce your littlies to art, or fine tune their current skill level and techniques. Classes vary in times, materials, themes, art skills and techniques. Art sessions are for children aged 2 -16 years. Prices range from COST: $20– $55 per session. For more info head to their website and select the specific studio. Glenelg, Magill, Hyde Park & Woodcroft littlepicassos.com.au JOIN SPROUT FOR COOKING FUN THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS @ BURNSIDE VILLAGE Sprout Cooking School will be in the Fashion Mall on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th of October for school holiday cooking classes. There will be 4 sessions each going for 45 minutes with classes taking place on: Thursday 3 October – 10am Thursday 3 October – 12pm Friday 4 October – 10am Friday 4 October – 12pm Cost: $7 per child Each child will make a small dish and learn valuable cooking tips for the kitchen. Limited spaces BOOK HERE! MINI MAD CRAFT SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Let your children get creative with some fun kids craft activities at KID & HUB and Patch Kitchen and Garden while you enjoy a coffee with friends! The concept behind MINI MAD CRAFT classes is that your little ones will make something that they can then take home to play with. In these school holiday craft workshops children will be making 2 large projects which might include a fancy dress costume, mask or an amazing imaginary machine! These workshops are fun, imaginative and encourage creative thinking. Patch Kitchen, Sterling and Kid and Hib, Maylands For further information on  classes visit minimadthings.com/collections/craft-activity-classes BIG MARKET ADVENTURES FOR LITTLE FOODIES @ADELAIDE CENTRAL MARKET Adelaide Central Markets hosts their Big Market Adventures for Little Foodies every school holidays. Get the kids in the kitchen! Whether youʼve got a mini Jamie Oliver on your hands, or just as something fun to do with new skills to build on, cooking classes are so much fun! 4-60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000 Adelaide Central Market THE BIG WEDGIE AT WEST BEACH The Big Wedgie is the world’s TALLEST and most EXTREME inflatable waterslide. With 4 awesome inflatable waterslides, The Big Wedgie has something for perfect for all ages and thrill-levels… The Big Wedgie also hosts birthday parties, for more party venue ideas check out our KIDDO Adelaide Party Venue guide! The Big Wedgie opens 28th September

Just Wing it and Register for Bat Camp These School Holidays! On the 9th and 10th of October all kiddos are invited to come and marvel at one of Adelaide’s most conspicuous animals, the Grey-headed Flying-fox! Local bat experts will delight your kids (ages 5-12) with hands-on creative activities that will highlight the miraculous story of this marvellous mammal. Activities will include visiting the bats at their roost, kite-making, drawing / painting, peering through microscopes in the Bat Cave and even a demonstration with live animals by the Adelaide Zoo! Morning and afternoon sessions available daily: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm This Bat Camp extravaganza will take place at the Santos Conservation Centre, adjacent to the Adelaide Zoo entrance in Botanic Park.  Want to learn more about our fury friends? Keep reading more below!  Is it a gravity-defying dog? Is it a furry pheasant? No, it’s a flying fox! The Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) has been a guest in Adelaide for nearly 10 years now. But why is it special, where does it come from and why has it chosen to call Adelaide home? We are lucky to have the Grey-headed Flying Foxes as our guests here in Adelaide, as they are not as common as they once were and normally only live along the east coast of Australia. They are in fact Australia’s largest bat, can weigh up to one kilogram and take flight on wings up to one metre across. Even though they are not native to the area, they are very important for ecological systems as they pollinate and spread the seed of over 100 native plants, helping our natural areas regenerate effectively into the future. They have joined eight native microbats that already live in and around the city. Backyard bandits Many Adelaide residents may have also seen furry flying foxes feasting on fleshy fruit (what a tongue- twister!) from trees in their own backyards. If you’re lucky enough to have had one of these up-close encounters (they’re normally quite shy), you can rest assured that these flying foxes won’t eat all the apples and oranges of your hard-earned labour. They’ll only eat foreign fruits when native food sources (like pollen, nectar and fruit of native plants) are in scarce supply. So why not plant more native flowering plants? Caring for our charismatic cousins Adelaide saw its first flying foxes arrive in 2010 in their search for other places to live. Roost disturbance (from logging and agriculture), climate change, urban sprawl and drought in eastern states have been factors leading to their displacement. Adelaide offers the flying foxes a comfortable climate, access to food and water, and many tall trees in which they can roost. State Government Agencies, the City of Adelaide, private institutions and NGOs are working together to make sure our gregarious guest is comfortable for as long as it wants to call Adelaide home. How can we find out more about them? Since their arrival, the Grey-headed Flying Foxes have been regular and welcome guests at some of Adelaide’s most important annual events, including WOMADelaide, Arts Festival and Fringe Festival activities in the east end of the city. But you don’t need to wait for festival season to have a look – take your children and a pair of binoculars to get a great up-close view of them in the western side of Botanic Park, south-west of Plane Tree Drive. Just be sure to avoid standing directly under them – you might be in for an unpleasant ‘gift’ from above! Flying fox fun! Keep your eyes and ears tuned, as later this year the City of Adelaide is running fun and educational activities with partners including the Adelaide Zoo and South Australian Museum in which you and your family will be able to get ‘hands-on’ in learning more about this incredible winged mammal and their fascinating fable of survival! Bat Camp – 9 & 10 October 2019, 9:30 am to 12 pm or 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm   For more information visit: cityofadelaide.com/GHFlyingFox https://www.facebook.com/CityofAdelaide/videos/436724386937227/?t=0

Author Phil Cumming’s ‘Touch the Moon’ journey from the page to the stage ’Space Race’… Travel back in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing as the ASO brings to life award-winning author Phil Cummings’ new book with music composed by Glyn Lehmann. When the Soviet Union’s Sputnik 1 became the first satellite to orbit the Earth – the race was on! Caught by surprise the US was determined to stay in the race. As the world watched on in fascination, there were also many unforgettable personal moments. Experience the drama and excitement of this incredible time and, amidst it all, relive Phil’s own heart-warming childhood recollection of 21 July 1969. We chat to Phil about his inspirations and the upcoming performance:  Apart from the moon landing itself what inspired you to want to retell the Moon Landing story as a children’s picture book. Can you recall what you were doing on the day of the moon landing? (Extract taken from book) July 21 2019 will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the moon landing. The first step was taken at 12.56pm Australian Eastern Standard Time on Monday July 21 1969. I remember very clearly the day man landed on the moon, as many people around my age do. I was living in a country town called Peterborough 260 kilometres north of Adelaide, in South Australia. It was a bitterly cold day and just as Neil Armstrong was preparing to walk down the ladder and place his foot on the moon, something else incredible was happening outside my window. The wind dropped and my world was suddenly gripped by an unnerving stillness. Then, to my utter amazement, soft gentle snow began to fall. It fell like feathers shaken free from a pillow and floated down without a breath of wind. The only other snow I had ever seen there – and ever did see in all the years I lived there – could hardly be called snow, because it melted before it hit the ground. This particular fall, however, was thick. It was steady, it was gentle, and for a child of eleven, it was magical. And because it was such an incredibly rare event, I found it very difficult to decide whether to stay inside and watch man walk on the moon, or go outside and play in the snow. In the end, I did both. As I watched Neil Armstrong take that step, the snow continued to fall and lay a thick white blanket, about 15 – 20 centimetres thick. It continued to fall long enough for me to be able to finish watching Neil and then go outside, build a snowman, throw a snowball, and leave footprints in the snow just like the footprints Neil Armstrong was leaving for the moon. I have written this piece, my strongest recollections of that day in the hope that others will share with children their experiences and memories, and encourage children to ponder and be excited by the endless possibilities in their future. Just as everyone was, particularly children, back in 1969. Describe the journey of how your book ’Touch the Moon’ was transformed from the page to the stage in ‘Space Race’? My co-collaborator in this project is my dear friend, renowned arranger and composer, Glyn Lehmann. It was when Glyn and I were chatting about projects we were undertaking and setting a writing and production schedule that this first came up. When I was working on the first drafts of ‘Touch the Moon’ I had also written a song – I always write a song when working on a book; it is part of my creative process. I never share the songs with anyone though but on this occasion I did. I played the song, which is called Cold July Day, to Glyn and it captured his imagination. We have actually recorded it and it has been released under our ‘band’ name The Lunar Sea. From there Glyn had the idea to create something bigger. So as the process evolved, I took to writing the lyrics for five more songs that tracked the events and excitement of the Space Race in the sixties. Glyn took the lyrics and created this incredible music. These five songs together with Cold July Day are now the ‘Space Race’ song cycle that will be performed with the Orchestra and the Young Adelaide Voices – I still can’t believe it! Describe your anticipation in seeing your story Touch the Moon take from the page to the stage? This is very difficult for me to put in words to be honest; A strange thing to say perhaps as a writer but I find myself turning to clichés – it is a dream come true. One of the most overwhelming things is that there are so many strands to this ‘story’. This is not only about the book; it is my childhood. It is the bringing to life – in story, song, image and music – of a strong memory of an incredible time in my life. When put in those terms, all I can see is how incredibly fortunate I am to have this happen. I’m sure anyone would agree that having a childhood memory, that took place in a very ordinary house in a remote country town, presented in such a powerful way is mind blowing! Suddenly the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Who will be sitting alongside of you during the world premiere performance? I am the youngest of eight children – so my family is enormous! They are all so incredibly supportive – so they will there! Did you provide any instructions to composer Glyn on how you wanted the music to sound? Apart from the song ‘Cold July Day’ which was a finished work when I played it to Glyn, I let Glyn explore his own creative space. I think that space is very important in creative partnerships and I make the analogy of working with an

\  \ Meaghan Coles Photography 

WORDS  — Xavier Stewart, age 15 The future king of Pride Rock is born and Young Simba (JD McCrary) is presented to the other animals by his father, King Mufasa (James Earl Jones). But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor), our catty villain and brother of Mufasa is the former heir to the throne and is now bumped off the lineage. Well, we’ll soon see about that! Based on the cartoon classic from 1994, it stays true to the original animation – but now everything looks crazy real. The CGI is off the chart. And I mean EPIC! The graphics look so good that your brain can’t quite work out if it’s real or animation or both or neither. WHOA! The humour is on point and I especially loved Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Timon and Pumbaa. They’ve got some new dialogue too, which was really funny and totally hit the spot. I give it 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Now screening at palacenova.com.au  

Looking for a FUN and affordable activity that get’s your children’s imagination and creativity going? Jason Tyndall from Nature Play SA has created these story stones that will provide endless hours of creative play and not only that can teach our kids about re using old materials! You will need:  a handful of smooth flattish stones that can be any size, shape or colour.  fabric from old clothes or op-shops (think vintage / retro bed sheets, pillowcases or old pyjamas)  a non-toxic Water-based clear drying glue such as Mod Podge (most hardware/craft stores)  Paint brush and/or sponge for applying glue  Child-friendly scissors that can cut through fabric  Newspaper  Container of water  Rags or old towel STEP 1 Choose a workspace that’s ok to get a little messy. If the sun is shining it’s a calming activity to do outside STEP 2 cut your fabric into sizes that will cover the flat part of your stone STEP 3 Apply glue to either the reverse side of your fabric picture or to the stone face. A thin spread will do just nicely STEP 4 Position your fabric on the stone and brush a smooth thin layer of glue over the top to seal it. Once the first sealant layer is dry add another coat for extra durability and a glossier finish. STEP 6 It’s time to admire the finished product and play or consider gifting as a present to family or friends! Jason is Nature Play SA’s general manager. He is an artist and dad of one spirited little girl, whose favourite past time is making stew for the ‘Gruffalo’ in her backyard. His career started in environmental management, but has always enjoyed working with people, which saw him move into environmental education. Joining the nature play movement was a natural progression. He travels around the state undertaking workshops for education sites and local government. “I remember spending a lot of time at the local creek catching yabbies’ and wandering for what seemed like hours. We’d walk along the creek until we found a section that we thought we could jump – so we all gave it a go and most of the time we made it!” @Natureplaysa natureplaysa.org.au

Bluey is BACK! Bluey fans are in for a treat with BBC Studios and Penguin Random House Australia announcing today that a publishing deal has been signed which will see three books from the hit preschool program in Australian stores before Christmas 2019. The range will include two storybooks and one activity book. Bluey follows the adventures of a loveable, inexhaustible six-year old Blue Heeler dog who loves to play and turn everyday life into extraordinary adventures. Bluey has been a phenomenal success since airing on ABC KIDS in October 2018, amassing legions of dedicated fans and taking the coveted position of being the most watched program ever on ABC iView. It has also topped the iTunes Kids Chart with both volumes released peaking at #1 and consistently remaining in the Top 5. Nicole Chungue, Licensing Manager for BBC Studios ANZ, said, ‘Bluey is the ultimate feel-good show, encouraging imaginative play and offering an honest portrayal of young family life. We are thrilled with its success and are delighted to be working with Penguin Random House to bring Bluey to life off-screen through these beautiful story and activity books.’ Charlie Aspinwall, Executive Producer for Ludo Studio said, ‘We’ve been overwhelmed with requests for books and toys since the show began and we are incredibly excited that kids and parents will soon be able to read, as well as watch, more wonderful Bluey stories.’ Holly Toohey, Head of Brands, Partnerships and Audio Penguin Random House said, ‘Penguin Random House is thrilled to be joining the Bluey family. Like the rest of Australia, everyone in the company has fallen head over blue heeler for Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli. To work with such exceptional home-grown content is an honour and we can’t wait to channel the humour, emotion and refreshing family dynamics of the show into a diverse and exciting range of books.’ Bluey is a Ludo Studio production for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Principal production investment from BBC Studios, Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Screen Australia. Developed and produced with the assistance of Screen Queensland. Bluey is created, written, directed and produced in-house at Ludo Studio, a multi Emmy award-winning production company and animation studio based in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. bbcstudios.com twitter.com/bbcstudios