Come together and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces, delicious local food and produce and fantastic entertainment as part of a series of outdoor dining events across Nillumbik in March and April.
The Great Nillumbik Picnic on 28 March as well as movie nights, live music and sport events are part of an ongoing Outdoor Dining and Entertainment support package funded by the Victorian Government and delivered by Nillumbik Shire Council.
Taking place at public spaces in Hurstbridge, Diamond Creek and Eltham – and parks throughout the Shire – the family-friendly events are designed to encourage support for local business and hospitality in a COVID-safe environment.
The series will showcase local musicians and performers; offer free screenings of movies and live sports; and highlight the natural beauty of the Shire's great outdoors.
Nillumbik Mayor Peter Perkins said the events will help bring the community together as we adapt to COVID-normal life.
"We have fantastic public spaces in Nillumbik and our Shire is home to so many talented artists and musicians," Cr Perkins said.
"These events will give us the opportunity to showcase some great local talent and support the region's businesses as we continue adapting to a COVID-normal way of life.
"I encourage people to come along, shop local and enjoy our beautiful Shire together as a community," he said.
Soundbite Hurstbridge, presented with the Hurstbridge Village Traders Association, on Saturday 20 March is an afternoon of free musical entertainment. Special offers will be available from local hospitality businesses during the celebration of local music and dining.
An exciting line-up of artists will take the stage at Anzac Memorial Park: Kimba and the Nightbeat, Dan Lethbridge and the Campaigners, Elbow Room, Eliza Joan, The Paperback Writers, and Carlottia.
On Saturday 27 March, Council and the Diamond Creek Traders Association will host a free movie night at Rotary Park (adjacent to the netball courts), Diamond Creek.
The family-friendly event kicks off at 4.30pm with roving entertainers, followed by children's feature A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (Rated G) at 5pm. The Academy Award-nominated A Star Is Born (Rated M), follows at 7pm for older kids and adults.
Visitors are encouraged to support our hospitality businesses and grab some local food while enjoying the festivities. Special offers will be available from businesses. BYO chairs and picnic rugs.
A full day of activities is planned on Sunday 28 March with The Great Nillumbik Picnic.
The day is a dedicated Shire-wide event to encourage all to celebrate the amazing parks and open spaces throughout Nillumbik and support local businesses by shopping local for picnic food – from grazing platters to takeaway pizza.
There will be roving entertainers at selected locations throughout the day: Eltham Lower Park, Eltham North Adventure Playground, Diamond Creek Regional Playspace, and Wattle Place in Hurstbridge.
Picnickers are encouraged to fill their picnic baskets with local produce or grab some local takeaway, gather their picnic pals and enjoy a picnic in Nillumbik.
