Here's a list of what's on:

NEW EXHIBITION: The F Project Warrnambool's new exhibition opens Friday June 25 from 6pm-8pm. 'It's Just How We See It' features work from Jake Morgan, Leonie Roberts and Adam Clarke.

ART AWARDS: The Warrnambool and District Artist's Society Annual Awards will be officially opened by Warrnambool Mayor Vicki Jellie this Friday June 25 at 7pm at the Merri View Gallery Coramba Court Warrnambool. This year's judge, Neil Griffin, will be selecting from over 100 art works across all genres submitted by the members of the Artist's Society. Prizes will be awarded in all categories plus an encouragement award for an emerging artist and a popular vote chosen by the public. Due to Covid restrictions numbers are limited at the official opening to registered guests only. To ensure that everyone has a chance to view the exhibition and the winning entries the gallery will be open daily from noon till 4pm from June 26 until July 11 and weekends after that.

AGED CARE ROYAL COMMISSION: The Royal Commission into Aged Care looked into the quality and safety of residential and in-home care for older people. According to Rod Carter, spokesperson for the Warrnambool Branch of A.I.R. (Association of Independent Retirees), retirees and older people now want to know what is likely to change as a result of the Royal Commission. The Commission's report contained 148 recommendations which were estimated to cost $17.7 billion dollars. The Warrnambool Branch of A.I.R. invites the general public to its next meeting where the ramifications of the report will be discussed. The next meeting of A.I.R. will be held at 10am on Friday June 25 in the Warrnambool RSL instead of at the usual Uniting Church hall.

LITERARY WEEKEND AT BLARNEY BOOKS: A whole weekend of literary events including workshops and talks to celebrate and discuss all things books, writing and storytelling. Stocking new and used books - with a focus on art, literature, crime, young adult, and diverse titles, Blarney Books also has Australia's only book-art gallery dedicated to art exhibitions about book art, artist's books and/or storytelling. On top of all that, owners Jo and Dean regularly host author talks, book launches, artist workshops, cooking demonstrations and musicians. Blarney Books is definitely more than your average bookstore!

BREAKFAST: For men wanting to find a place for a chat, look no further than the Grab Life by the Balls community which meets at Lake Pertobe at 7.30am every Friday.

UP IN LIGHTS: There are few more iconic locations in Port Fairy than the Moyne River. The buildings framing this famous body of water will this weekend be bathed in lights of all colours as part of the Light Up Port Fairy project. Buildings along the river from the foot bridge to the road bridge will be illuminated by colourful exterior lighting, making an impressive winter show.

OPENING: ALEX REES EXHIBITION: Alex Rees is an accomplished artist from Warrnambool whose work has been shown across the region including in Geelong. Alex's painting are uplifting and full of joy, representative of his love of mixing colour. Come along to meet Alex and see his new works created especially for this winter collection installed at The Belfast.

As an artist with Down Syndrome, Alex is part of the Factory Arts collective, a collaborative space in the eastern end of the Fletcher Jones complex, Warrnambool. It offers casual art classes for new to advanced artists, qualified and practising art mentors with decades of teaching experience, art activities for artists with disabilities, hands-on workshops with leading Australian artists, unique and affordable artworks for sale and artist studio space.

Please join Alex and his friends and family to celebrate the launch of this exhibition with drinks and canapes on the night. Works will be available for purchase, with the exhibition open until Sunday 11 July.

FILM: THE FATHER: The Port Fairy Film Society presents The Father, starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Coleman. The story of a man who refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. As he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.

ON PEEK WHURRONG LAND: Peek Whurrong Elder Robbie Lowe tells the stories of the Land. Meeting firstly at Swan Reserve (cnr Raglan Parade & Kepler St) and then at the car park by the Edwards Bridge over the Hopkins River, for storytelling and a walk to Moyjil/Point Ritchie.

WARRNI YOUTH FEST: WARRNI YOUTH FEST, is a festival of free events for young people aged 12-25 over Victorian Youth Week (June 26 - July 2).

These events are all LGBTIQA+ safe and culturally inclusive events.

CREATIVE NATURE PLAY: Feel the elements connect and flow in four beautiful sessions of play, creativity and mindfulness. Connect with Earth, Fire, Water and Air to understand the elements that exist in nature and the power within. Find your magic in the ocean, the trees or with the cannons in this mindfulness based nature play for kids. These sessions are aimed at children and their families, ages 3+. Please be aware kids will likely get dirty, wet and wild. Children must be accompanied by adult.

SPECIAL FILM EVENT: THE LION KING: Embark on an epic journey with Simba, Mufasa, Rafiki, the villainous Scar and the legends that are Timone and Pumbaa as they fight to ensure that the rightful king takes to the throne and brings harmony back to Pride Rock. And to be clear, it's the original 1994 film because really it's the ONLY Lion King film that should have been made. Dress code is appropriately lion-themed, but other wild animals will be accepted into the pack. Your ticket includes lion face-painting and a jungle themed refreshment. It's bound to be a ROAR-some time! Games and prizes before and during the film. Arrive early to get your face painted by The Colour Angel.

WORKSHOP: CHILDREN'S FLOWER ARRANGING: This event is designed for children aged 8 years and over and is timed to coincide with brewery tours. Let your child go wild creating a bouquet of locally grown blooms. Have your guava-lychee-cream cake-sour IPA and eat it too! Win win. Session includes all flowers, equipment and guidance. Bookings essential.

MADE MARKET: One of the region's most loved annual markets, MADE showcases a curated mix of fine handmade art, craft and design from established and emerging makers. Meet the local artists behind innovative works and unexpected combinations of materials, subjects and skills. Please note: this event was originally scheduled for the June long weekend.

COMMUNITY MARKET: There's no better place to go local than our gorgeous community market. It's loaded with goodies every second Saturday - seasonal fruit and veggies, bread, hot coffee, hot Sri Lankan food, pies and pastries, dumplings, snags, cakes a plenty, preserves, small goods, eggs, are you full yet? There's also quality, handmade knitted goods, art, crafts, clothing, candles, skin care and more. The absolute best way to kick off a winter Sat'dy morning in Port Fairy.

WON'T SHE GET LONELY? AN AUDIBLE HISTORY OF THE TUBA: One woman. One tuba. One lung. Yes, that's right. Susan Bradley, aka Tuba Sue, plays the full deal with half the organ. Join Susan as she travels from the beginning of tuba history, following its development from the snaky serpent, through the sad tale of the short-lived ophicleide, taking a side trip to the Italian cousin, the cimbasso, to culminate right here, in the now, with the modern tuba. And all this with just one lung - uh huh! Susan bravely confronts the loneliness of the solo tuba player in an exploration of music for unaccompanied tuba, including Bach, Barton Cummings, Malcolm Arnold, Lachlan Davidson, Johann Heinrich Schmelzer, Lennon-McCartney, Don Stratton, Arthur Sullivan, and even Richard the Lionheart.

SONGS (STORIES) of the LAND & SEA: Heart-felt stories lie at the centre of Bruce Campbell's music. Bruce's long time connections to nature, the southern ocean and remote central Australia are expressed through many of his lyrical compositions. Supporting Bruce (acoustic guitar and lead vocals) are Barnaby Hurrell (mandolin and electric guitar), Owen Ellemor (lap steel guitar) and Tonia Wilcox (backing vocals/harmonies). The show will explore love, loss, hope and, of course, Bruce's strong connection to the land and sea. Expect lovers lost and found, pirates and refugees, our first peoples, tales of hope and inspiration, the crashing of the sea and the sigh of the wind in the trees! Jump on board and we promise to deliver you to your next port safe, sound and thoroughly entertained. Tickets through trybooking or at the door if available.

GHOST TOURS: The extremely popular and rather rattling Port Fairy Winter Weekends Ghost Tours are back. Visit the graves of the historical people featured in the hugely popular Port Fairy Ghost Stories book. Explore the unexpected, dark circumstances surrounding their deaths in this fundraiser event for the Port Fairy Genealogical Society. Now, this is one event not recommended for children. No bookings required, just rock up to the cemetery gates. Cash only. And dress warm...for there will be chills.

ROTARY HIGH TEA QUIZ AFTERNOON: The Port Fairy Rotary Club invites you to test your brain and feed your soul while enjoying beautiful afternoon views of the Moyne. Enjoy a glass of wine and good company for the quiz, with scrumptious high tea to follow. There's also drinks at bar prices, raffles and prizes alongside the questions and cakes. All welcome. Bookings essential. Entry includes delicious afternoon tea, coffee and tea. Organise your table of six or just come along to join a group on the day.

WORKSHOP: MAKE YOUR OWN POLYMER CREATIONS: Children aged 8-14 years are invited to this hands-on workshop with polymer clay. This versatile material can be shaped into anything your brain imagines and your heart desires - make it cute or creepy, cool jewellery or accessories. A fun session to play and make your own creation to take home, or gift to friends! Includes all clay and equipment. Booking essential.

NOODLEDOOF BREWERY TOUR:

Let Noodles and Doof lead you through the process of brewing and distilling. Take a small-group tour of Noodledoof to understand the equipment and processes at play in Koroit's most deliciously converted warehouse. Taste the fruits of their local labor - from lovingly created pales to stouts and every saison or gin sip in between - in this hour-long sesh that'll probs see you staying for a pint and a plate of grub too. Ticket includes beer and spirit tastings. Places limited and bookings essential.

WORKSHOP: WINTER BIRDS ART PROJECT: Help create a flock of colourful winter birds to brighten up Port Fairy's deciduous trees. Using paint, pencil, chalk and texta, create both large and small water resistant laminated birds to suspend from tree branches. This workshop is open for children aged 6-12 years. All art materials and instruction included.

BOOK LAUNCH: THE BURNING ISLAND BY JOCK SERONG:

Last year, in Our Year of Covid, Port Fairy author Jock Serong released his fifth and utterly fantastic novel, The Burning Island. Join Jock in conversation about the stories behind and within his latest ripper. Learn more about characters Eliza Grayling and her mad, blind revenge-driven father Joshua, whose shared voyage aboard the vessel Moonbird continue Jock's thrilling accounts of history, survival, brutality and the power of nature. Blarney Books is proud to host a local launch for Jock and his book as part of the Winter Weekends program. This is a free event but registrations are essential. Drinks will be available from the bar.

WINTER SOLSTICE DAWN SWIM: Twilight sky, dark water, crisp wind, shivering shoulders. Buzzing mind, racing heart, slivers of light, body in the waves and BAM!...you're under and above! Gasping, trembling, shrieking, whooping, thrilled and pumped and way more alive than you've been all year. It. Does. Not. Get. More. Rejuvenating. Than. This. A dip to cleanse, awaken or embolden. Back it up with warming company by the fire drums, toasty BBQ breakfast and hot milo (free for participants). Call it brave. Call it duty. You never regret a swim.

WINTER SOLSTICE YOGA + MINI WORKSHOP: Perhaps you're brave enough to jump in the ocean for the Dawn Swim? Perhaps you're looking for something a little more soothing? Or You might do both?! This class will help you warm up and get you going for the week ahead. Focused on the winter solstice energies, you'll be guided to reflect on the year so far, set intentions for the future and affirmations for yourself.

THE MAES: The gentle and joyful new single 'Make A Baby' from Melbourne folk outfit The Maes holds a message that speaks to all walks of life. The sisters behind the band, Elsie and Maggie Rigby, will be bringing the track and more new material to an intimate gig at Mozart Hall in Warrnambool on June 27.

FANTASTIC FUNGI AT PALLISTERS NATURE RESERVE: Pallisters Reserve is an abundant 250-hectare wetland space that's home to more than 125 bird species and hundreds more flora specimens including gums, tea trees, banksia, rare native grasses and more than 25 orchid varieties. Join the Friends of Pallisters Reserve in a winter walk through the reserve and experience the breath-taking landscape that is right on our doorstep.

Fungi expert Helen Langley will give a talk about the types of fungi that grow in Pallisters Reserve, and the role that fungi plays in the overall ecosystem. Tree planting and seed bombing will take place for the kids, so get ready for little hands to get dirty for a very good reason!

For those who have trouble walking long distances, there will be transport on the reserve to take you from A to B - so you won't miss a thing. Visitors have the opportunity to become members of the Reserve and help preserve its future.

Coffee and tea will be served, but please bring your own packed lunch. There's plenty of shelter too in the headquarters building. Wear full-cover clothing and shoes. All welcome!

FABULOUS FLUTES: Brilliant Peter Cheng and guest Merran Moir with accompanist Julie McErlain present a fabulous program including works by Bizet, Mouquet, Bach, and the exciting Doppler Hungarian Fantasy and the Carmen Fantasy. with some celtic masterpieces. Entry at the door by donation.

COASTAL ENCOUNTERS: CHRIS FARRELL AND DR LACHLAN FARRINGTON: Author and nature photographer Chris Farrell will share how his passion for the natural world has been influenced by his visits to southwest Victoria over the last 30 years. Hear how his photography has helped to identify the Southern Right Whales that visit this coastline. Chris has been photographing south-west Victoria for many years, documenting the coastline and creatures of the area. He is a champion for the unique coastal environment surrounding Port Fairy.

Chris will be joined by Warrnambool based Senior Wetland & Landscape Ecologist, Dr Lachlan Farrington who will discuss the importance of the wetland systems in the local area. Lachlan has a research background in landscape genetics, having undertaken research on population connectivity in fish, turtles and terrestrial orchids. For the last 12 years, he has applied this knowledge as a wetland ecologist and planner in South East South Australia and south-west Victoria.

50 per cent of all sales and 100 per cent of entry fees will be donated to WWF Australia, Birdlife Australia, Wildlife Victoria and Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group. Photo: Chris Farrell. Bookings are preferred as seats are limited.

BEEKEEPING: The beekeeping club meets every Monday at the Jim Robinson Shearing Pavilion at the Warrnambool Showgrounds at 7pm.

BLUEY'S BIG PLAY: Bluey's Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children's television series, with an original story by Bluey's creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Brisbane's Beethoven and Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey brought to real life as you've never seen it before.

MURAL ON THE MOVE: Corangamite Shire Youth Services Team are excited to announce Mural on the Move, a two day arts workshop with amazing local artist Brett Clarke for NAIDOC Week. The event is FREE but spots are limited so grab your ticket now! Lunch will be provided and you're welcome to attend on one or both days, just be sure to grab a ticket! Link to the Day Two Event Page - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/160666288193 This is a youth orientated event aimed at ages 12 to 25. Please contact the Youth Crew if you are outside of this age bracket and would like to attend.

MARKET: The Warrnambool Community Gardens' market returns from 3.30pm to 6.30pm with stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables, seedlings and plants from within 150 kilometres of the city. There will also be live music from Bruce Campbell and Friends.

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