Christmas Day Lunch in Melbourne 25th December 2008 12pm - 3pm

1. Details

Christmas Day can be a lonely occasion if you are a long way away from family and friends.

It is also difficult if the traditional rituals cannot be recreated - as far as I know, there has never been snow in Melbourne on Christmas Day!

Even if you do not normally celebrate this religious occasion, it is still nice to have 'something to do' on Christmas Day as plenty of people at work will ask you 'what are you doing for Christmas?'

In 2006, Newcomers Network hosted an event in Catani Gardens, St Kilda and in
2007, we moved to the Queen Victoria Gardens next to St Kilda Road.

Christmas Day Lunch 2007
Christmas Day Lunch Picnic 25/12/07

***Hear Sue Ellson interviewed by Mike Brady on 3AW radio 693am at 9:15am on Christmas Day***

On Thursday 25 December 2008, we will host the event again.

The event is open to everyone - singles, couples and families. If you have the time available, you can attend for part or all of the event.

You can come on your own, with a partner, a friend, your family, children, your neighbour, everyone is welcome.

You do not need to be a newcomer to Melbourne to attend. If you don't have somewhere to go on Christmas Day, you can join us!!

2. Host

Sue Ellson, the Founder of Newcomers Network
Mobile/Cell Phone 0402 243 271

I will be personally attending along with my two children, Carmen (13 years old) and Peter (11 years old). All children are welcome. I will be wearing my silver sparkly Santa Hat and will have a Newcomers Network sign there.

3. Venue and time

12pm (midday) to 3:00pm (join us for any part of this time).

The Queen Victoria Gardens
(opposite the National Gallery of Victoria - the building with the large water feature at the front)
St Kilda Road (on the southern side of Alexandra Avenue)
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Melways 2F H7

We will be there, rain, hail or shine.

If it starts pouring with rain, we will move to the opposite side of St Kilda Road as there is a long roof across the footpath there in front of the gardens between Hamer Hall and the Victorian Arts Centre.

Queen Victoria Gardens
Map Courtesy of the City of Melbourne

If you are walking from Flinders Street Train Station and have crossed the road to Federation Square, continue walking along St Kilda Road, over the bridge across the Yarra River and also over the bridge that crosses Alexandra Avenue (road underneath).

Then on your left, there are stairs down to paths that go through the gardens. You will see many trees in a flat grassy area and some sculptures after walking down the stairs. We will be gathered there. It is directly opposite the National Gallery of Victoria.

Toilets are available near Federation Square and also near the Sidney Myer Music Bowl - but it does take some time to walk there.

Queen Victoria Gardens
Map Courtesy of the City of Melbourne

4. Transport

See the Metlink Melbourne website for public transport details. The venue is closest to Flinders Street Railway Station. Several trams run along St Kilda Road.

Public Transport is free on Christmas Day and will be using the Sunday timetable.

There is some street parking on St Kilda Road and Linlithgow Avenue.

Some city car parks (like the one at Federation Square) will be closed so I encourage you to use public transport if you can.

5. Cost

There is no cost to attend this event

6. Refreshments

To be brought with you.

7. This event is designed for

This event is particularly suitable for people who have moved to Melbourne, from the country, interstate or overseas. This includes new migrants, expatriates, international students, backpackers, Australian repatriates, people on work assignment, people visiting melbourne, tourists, local residents and people without family or friends in Melbourne at lunchtime on Christmas Day.

All ages will be there - remember, EVERYONE is welcome.

People visiting Melbourne. You can come on your own or with other people. You can be any age, children can come with you. You can stay for five minutes or three hours!

In the past, this event has attracted both men and women, some single, some in relationships, some who have come on their own, some who have come with other people and several children of various ages.

Whatever your story, you will be welcome at our events.

Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas!

8. What to bring

You can bring your own picnic blanket and/or chairs, hat, umbrella, sunscreen, food, drinks and outdoor games equipment - like a football to kick, cricket bat and tennis ball etc.

You can either eat your food on your own or share it with others (but if it is really hot, please avoid bringing foods that need to be kept cooled unless you have icepacks).

9. On arrival

When you arrive, see Sue for a sticky label name tag and then make yourself comfortable and enjoy your time with our group.

10. Other events and information

At Newcomers Network Events (including the Welcome Home Party on Friday 26 December 2008 at the Rendezvous Hotel for Australians Returning from overseas) and also at Newcomers Network Event Listings in Melbourne

You may like to connect virtually with people via the Newcomers Network Melbourne Australia Facebook Group

11. How to tell us you are coming

Email Newcomers Network:
Your First Name:
Your Last Name:
Mobile Cell Phone:
Countries you have lived in:
Your Email:
Subject:
Message: . details of any extra guests . ask a question . date you can attend	I would like to join the Newcomers Network monthly email newsletter mailing list I would like to join the Newcomers Network Melbourne Event Reminder mailing list I would like a copy of this message sent to my email address

Alternatively, if you prefer, you can send an email directly to [melbourne @ newcomersnetwork.com] with 'Christmas Day Lunch Melbourne 2008' in the subject line.

We look forward to meeting you! Several people attend on their own - so don't be shy - you can talk to anyone wearing a name tag or ask your host to introduce you to people.

You are more than welcome to share this information with other people you know.

If you forget to tell us you are coming, just turn up!

Advertisers on this Christmas Day Lunch Melbourne 2008 page

Links on this Welcome to Melbourne Page

Event Listings in Melbourne
http://www.newcomersnetwork.com/australia/melbourne/event_listings.php

Metlink Melbourne
http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

Newcomers Network Events
http://www.newcomersnetwork.com/events/

Newcomers Network Melbourne Australia Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=10162036646

Last update: 24th October 2008