COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Western suburbs

Help the orangutans

World-renowned orangutan expert Dr Ian Singleton will speak about “Australia’s involvement in the palm oil crisis” at a fund-raising cocktail party in Seddon on Saturday, August 23. Tickets are $60. Details: orangutan.org.au

Mini chefs

Cooking workshops for budding chefs aged six to 12 will be held from August 29 to September 10 at Maribyrnong Community Centre, 9 Randall Street, Maribyrnong. Bookings essential.

■ 9032 4305 or e-mail maricomm@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

World music

The songs of Cuba, India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Bolivia will be on the playlist when No Passport Required, an 11-piece cross-cultural band, plays at the Footscray Community Arts Centre, 45 Moreland Street, Footscray, on Saturday, August 30, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost $15 and $10 concession.

■ 9362 8888

Dog agility

Get some exercise and have fun with your dog. The Agility Dog Club of Victoria trains pooches on Friday nights under lights at WLJ Crofts Reserve, Blackshaws Road, Altona North. All breeds of dog and age groups are welcome. New members’ classes will begin in the new year. Numbers are limited. To reserve your place, call:

■ 0425 762 434

Talking Italian

An author talk with Hilda and Laurie Inglese, celebrating Italian culture, will be held at Altona Library on Tuesday, September 2, from 1.30-3pm. Wow It’s Italian is a celebration of the authors’ family, which migrated to the Yarra Valley from the Abruzzi region, east of Rome. They will also demonstrate traditional and modern pasta-making methods.

www.libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Exhibition

An exhibition by Sue Muldowney, titled The Adventures Of Jas and Pykel Munny, is running at Altona’s Joel Gallery from August 23 to September 2. Featuring ceramics, porcelain art and oil paintings, the display tells the story of two young fellows reunited with family they thought they had lost.

www.louisjlcc.com.au/joel_gallery.php

Refugee winter appeal

Hobsons Bay Refugee Network and West Welcome Wagon are collecting non-perishable food and toiletries to support refugees in the community. Items can be dropped off at Altona’s Louis Joel Centre, 5 Sargood Street, Altona.

■ 9398 2511