Community Billboard 10th to the 16th of August

If you are one of the many dog lovers out there you and your pet are in for a treat as this weekend Sydney will be holding its "Dog Lovers Show" for the second time.

It is the ultimate event for dog lovers of all ages where thousands of passionate dog lovers will celebrate the companionship, unconditional affection and joy that our furry friends bring to our lives every day.

If you want see Australia’s most talented canines in action showcasing agility, flyball, frisbee, flygility, and police & explosive detection dogs then there will be plenty to gaze upon.

You will meet & learn about 30+ popular breeds (puppies & adult Dogs) in the "Royal Canine Breed Showcase".

If you want help in finding the right dog for your lifestyle, and free vet, training & grooming advice this will be the centre point for it in Sydney over the weekend.

When: Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August.

Where: Royal Hall of Industries & Hordern Pavilion, 1 Driver Avenue, Moore Park, 2021.

Cost: Online Price - Adult $20 Child $9, Door Price - Adult $25 Child $12.

Many people's favourite choice when it comes to food is Italian, but even if its not the food your after but are looking for a fun filled energetic festival day out, head along to "Ferragosto" as it is back bigger than ever for its 18th year.

It is a festival where you can discover delicious Italian delicacies with over 160 food, wine and merchandise stalls and watch as Italian performers amaze audiences on four different stages. The main music act of the day is Alfredo Malabello whose previous album spent 27 weeks in the top 20 chart for Jazz and Blues in Australia.

The festival will feature free children’s rides and activities, competitions and kitchen demonstrations along with dazzling displays of Italian vehicles – including Mini Fiats, Ducati Bikes and Alfa Romeos.
A fun cultural day out for all the family to let that Italian out in you and learn how to make the perfect pizza.

When: Sunday 16th August, 10am - 4pm.

Where: Great North Road, Five Dock, 2046.

Cost: Free.

With the coldest part of winter slowly coming to an end the "Royal Botanic Gardens" are celebrating winters last month as the season of "Springter".

If freshly blooming flowers are something that delight you, with an explosion of colour and scent, join volunteer guides Heather Branch and Barbara Wheatley as they explore the treasures of the much-anticipated "Blooming of the Spring Walk".

There will a short presentation on the history of the "Spring Walk" and it will then be followed by a relaxing stroll along the "Spring Walk" taking in and learning about all that the park has to offer.

When: Tuesday 18th August, 10:30am.

Where: Joseph Maiden Theatre, The Royal Botanic Garden, Mrs Macquaries Road, 2000.

Cost: $20.

Internationally acclaimed, award-winning entertainer Mark Nadler is a man of many talents. Watch him as he delves into several styles of on stage performance as a singer, pianist, tap-dancer and comedian.

Nadler will be making his Sydney debut this month to bring you a show that will explores the wit, the romance and the life of a very well known American songwriter from the Broadway musical stage in the 20's and 30's Cole Porter. Songs include hits as “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love)”, “Night And Day” and “You’re The Top” as well as many lesser known gems.

It is sure to be a night of fun packed entertainment that will have you dancing and laughing with some of his previous shows previously nominated for "Broadway World Awards" and the prestigious "Helpmann Award".

When: 20th August, 7pm.

Where: Camelot Lounge Marrickville,19 Marrickville Rd (Corner Railway Pde),
Marrickville, 2204.

Cost: $30.

People are starting to get more conscious about the impact of our lifestyles and the way we treat our planet. To learn more and to be a part of creating connections for the expansion of consciousness and to inspire people to co-create a more sustainable way of living in peace, harmony and happiness, head along to Sydney's "Conscious Living Expo and Conference".

It is a local and global platform for emerging authors, musicians, speakers and artists to communicate their ideas, to express their purpose and vision in contributing to a more conscious world. The event will be showcasing the five pillars of living consciously - Earth, Food, Health, Arts and Spirit.

At the event you can sample and purchase healthy, sustainable, organic products, attend free workshops, talks, meditations and discussion panels with leading authors and practitioners of natural therapies, spiritual and psychic development. While also enjoying live music and a variety of performances.

When: Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd August.

Where: Australian Technology Park, 2 Locomotive St, Eveleigh, 2015.

Cost: One day $16, two day $32, three day $48.

If you dream of starting your own business or have your own business and are looking for some helpful advice, hear from experts inside the industries of Business, Marketing, PR and Events, Design, Health, Hospitality, Tourism, Beauty, and Mental Health at Sydney's "Festival of Change" it is where there will be a host of inspirational and informative speakers, workshops and demonstrations.

This event is a celebration of the power of creativity in solving any problem – big, small, social, political, economic or environmental. It works from the premise that creativity has the power to change the world, but Fear has the power to stop that from happening.

Keynote speakers include Todd Sampson (CEO, Leo Burnett), alongside Trent Maxi Maxwell and Jesse Pollock (Bondi Rescue). A few tips could be all you need to grow your acorn into an oak tree.

When: Saturday 22nd August, 9am - 10pm.

Where: 46-52 Mountain Street, Ultimo, 2007.

Cost: $5.

"Art 4 Connection" is where you will experience and enjoy for yourself the benefits of art therapy in a friendly group setting.

The presentation and creative workshop will be facilitated by four art therapists who work with individuals and local community groups. If it's clearing your mind or learning about what art thearpahy has to offer this is a lovely way to spend an informative and fun day.

The great benefit of this event is that you are not solely focusing on one activity, you are learning about art and also art therapy, if you don't come out with a passion for art you might come out a lot more placid and relaxed.

No experience in art is necessary and lunch and materials will be provided.

When: Saturday 22nd August.

Where: Randwick Town Hall, 90 Avoca Street, Randwick, 2031.

Cost: Free, booking required.

If you want to stock up your shelves with books, DVDs, and CDs then this is your opportunity as "Lifeline's Amazing $2 Book Clearance Sale" is on next weekend.

There will be more than 25,000 books plus CDs and DVDs covering everyones choices displayed in many categories for easy browsing, there will be fiction across a whole range of styles - sci-fi, thrillers, literature, children's books, and ones you haven't even thought of at all, in pristine condition. There will also be non-fiction from science to sport, travel to true-crime, and everything in between.

Incredible value for book-lovers as nothing is over $2 and invaluable support for the vital Lifeline services who provide all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

When: Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August, 9am - 4pm.

Where: Dougherty Centre, Victor St, Chatswood, 2067.

Cost: Free entry.