***Everyone welcome - including newcomers, Christmas orphans, people who are single, married, couples, families, students, tourists, migrants, local residents, Australian citizens, children, adults, young or old - if you are looking for an alternative option for Christmas Day you can register below to be on our mailing list or just TURN UP on the day - we will be there, rain hail or shine. Free to attend, bring your own food.***
Media interviews or if you cannot find us, phone Sue Ellson 0402 243 271
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 and opposite the Victorian Arts Centre. This will be our fourth year there in 2010.
Christmas Day Lunch Picnic 25/12/07Path looking to city on Christmas Day 25/12/08
Group from the distance with the three palm trees in the background and close up of group under the tree 25/12/08
On Saturday 25 December 2010, 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. Dogs can come too provided they are on a lead.
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!!
Sue Ellson, the Founder of Newcomers Network
Mobile/Cell Phone 0402 243 271
I will be personally attending along with my two children, Carmen (15 years old) and Peter (13 years old). All children are welcome. I will be wearing my silver sparkly Santa Hat and will have a Newcomers Network sign hanging from the tree. We have been fortunate to have good weather for the last two years - but if it is cold or wet - bring your coat and umbrella - we will still attend. If you cannot find us, give me a call on 0402 243 271.
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.
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) - so cross TWO bridges.
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.
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
Bring your own food and drinks - that you may like to share with some other guests. Remember to keep certain foods cold (like chicken, meat, ham, dips etc using ice or icepacks). I will be bringing some extra food just in case but you will not be able to buy something to eat or drink close by.
You can bring alcohol if you wish (but please do not drink and drive).
The closest public toilet facilities are at Flinders Street Railway station - it is about a five minute walk.
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.
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!
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Christmas Day Lunch in Melbourne Saturday 25th December 2010, 12pm - 3pm
