It’s the second-to-last Feel-Good Friday before we head into a well-deserved holiday break. But before we dive into gifts and gravy, there’s still plenty to enjoy this weekend. So take a moment to explore what’s on near you and make it one to remember!
MORE: Feel-Good Friday: 1 December 2023 – Shannon Noll and a Hobbit Hole
Heaps Normal is Petitioning the Government for a New National Public Holiday
Heaps Normal is urging the government to establish a new national public holiday that celebrates Australia’s beloved tradition of the ‘half day’ during summer, a time when people leave work early to enjoy activities like an arvo dip at the beach. Their campaign aims to gather 20,000 signatures throughout the summer before formally presenting the petition to the House of Representatives via their local member, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Comedian Kirsty Webeck is leading the charge, emphasising the need to prioritise enjoyment amidst challenging times. Heaps Normal plans to support this initiative by encouraging businesses to embrace the concept and create their own version of the National Half Day on the first Friday of March 2024. They’ll provide resources, tools, and their acclaimed non-alcoholic beer, Half Day Hazy, during their campaign stops across Sydney’s beaches and parks this summer.
Buddy the Elf joins Merry Dogs of Darebin at ‘Welcome To Thornbury’ Festival
On Sunday 17 December, ‘Merry Dogs of Darebin’ will be bringing a sleigh-load of festive fun for our four-legged friends to Welcome to Thornbury. There’ll be all the usual treats and competitions with fabulous prizes for the best dressed pooch, and a community keg raising funds for the Lost Dogs Home.
But the fun doesn’t stop there – attendees can expect to snap a festive pic of their pup in their most dapper attire, posing next to the real-life Elf on the Shelf. It’s a photo op extravaganza you won’t want to miss.
Rest assured, there will be plenty of food options for dog owners too, with 400 Gradi and Mr Burger food trucks dishing out delectable bites in the undercover beer garden. Free entry and walk-ins are welcome, but bookings are encouraged for the day via their website.
Sony Sets Off Fireworks to Raise Money for Charity
For the very first time, Sony Foundation, Darling Harbour, and PlayStation Australia have united to offer select Sydneysiders an extraordinary opportunity: the chance to ignite Darling Harbour’s Saturday Night Christmas Fireworks and win a brand-new PlayStation 5 console. And it’s all in support of children with disabilities across New South Wales.
By making a donation (minimum $2) to Sony Foundation Australia’s Children’s Holiday Camp program, you’ll automatically be entered into a draw. Winners will have the chance to set off the stunning Darling Harbour Christmas Fireworks on December 16th and 23rd, plus walk away with a sleek new PlayStation 5 console.
Sydney’s Bed Cinema has Landed on the Beach
MOV’IN BED turning Barangaroo’s Harbour Park into a city beach, where 280 tons of white sand is laid out with 150 plush queen-size cloud-like beds, for couples and friends to cosy up in front of the largest outdoor screen in Australia.
Watch your movie of choice on a balmy summer night while the sun sets directly across the water behind a giant 15-metre 4k screen. Enjoy the sparkling Barangaroo skyline as the backdrop of your movie night, while delectable food and beverages are served directly to your bedside.
Rev Your Engines at the Hot Wheels Afternoon Tea
The Langham, Melbourne has announced that Hot Wheels are zooming into the hotel for one week only in the upcoming summer school holidays. Hot Wheels Afternoon Teas will be taking place on weekdays from 8 – 12 January, with two sessions held daily (11:30am – 1:30pm and 2:30pm – 4:30pm).
Tea party guests will indulge in sweet and savoury Hot Wheels treats including hot dog brats, burger pies, checkered flag bubble gum cupcakes, shortbread car cookies and Hot Wheels donuts, along with the hotel’s signature scones.
Hot Wheels Afternoon Tea is priced at $90 per child, which includes afternoon tea, an activity bag with Hot Wheels car, activity book and pencils, Blue Lagoon beverage and hot chocolate. $95 per adult for the Hot Wheels Afternoon Tea inclusive of a glass of Australian sparkling wine and tea and coffee.
From Atlantis to Watermans Cove
To celebrate the release of the Aquaman sequel from Australian director James Wan, a seven-metre gold trident will break ground on the boardwalk at Watermans Cove, Barangaroo, from Thursday to Sunday. And in a first for Warner Bros. in Australia, footage from the upcoming summer action adventure will be projected onto a spectacular 9m high x 12m wide wall of water in the harbourside cove for one night only this Friday. Giving fans and passersby a sneak peak of the film before its release on Boxing Day, the teaser footage will be repeated every half hour from dusk (about 7.45pm) to 10pm.
Cure Cancer Launches Largest Gaming & Entertainment Giveaway
The Great Game On Cancer® Giveaway (GOCG) is set to be Australia’s biggest gaming and entertainment giveaway ever, featuring over 1000 prizes valued at an astonishing $74,000. From December 6th to December 19th, donating AUD$50 or more to Cure Cancer qualifies participants for a chance to win prizes chosen randomly from the pool of donated items. Contributions in multiples of $50 increase winning opportunities (e.g., a $200 donation earns 4 prizes).
Donors not only support cancer research but also stand to win prizes surpassing their donation’s value. To participate, visit their website, donate, and await notification at the campaign’s end. Major brands like Xbox and EA Games have generously contributed, aiming to raise over $50,000 for Cure Cancer. Prizes include a $2,000 PC from Outlaw Tek, Xbox Series X and S consoles, and a Moza R5 Racing Bundle. Funds raised directly benefit groundbreaking cancer research, supporting Cure Cancer’s mission to tackle all forms of the disease swiftly.
MG Motor Announces the Return of ‘Test Drive for a Difference’
This December, MG Motor Australia is partnering with the Australian Red Cross for Test Drive for a Difference. Throughout the month, for every test drive taken of an MG vehicle, $10 will be donated to the Australian Red Cross, up to a maximum total of $40,000. This annual event, ongoing since 2018, aims to raise crucial funds to support those experiencing loneliness or homelessness during the holiday season. Anyone can participate by test-driving an MG vehicle at one of the 90+ dealerships nationwide. Funds raised from December 11th to 31st will specifically aid Australian Red Cross efforts in supporting young people at risk of or facing homelessness in local communities. To participate, find your local MG dealership and schedule a test drive.
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