Australia Day, a time to ignite our sense of national pride. - With major celebrations planned across Victoria there are plenty of things to do for people of all ages. - Make sure you join in the fun and excitement of our National Day by participating in your local event. - Check out the Melbourne program or look up your council to see what's happening in your area.

This website contains water safety information to assist you be safe at the beach, at the river, by the pool and while boating and fishing. It offers you an opportunity to gain an understanding of the differing aquatic environments. It allows you to play your part in ensuring that no matter where or when you are in and around the water there is someone looking out for you.

For three mind-blowing, side-splitting days this January, the streets and laneways of Melbourne's inner city will come alive with a vibrant program of street arts, including performers and artists from around the corner and across the globe. Circus performers, musicians, sword swallowers, comedians, sculptors, digital artists and backyard inventors will take over the lawns, piazzas and laneways of the city, with Federation Square at the hub of performance activity. Friday 9-Jan-09 to Sunday 11-Jan-09

Quang Minh Tet Festival is a unique annual event held in the City of Maribyrnong. Each year around 10,000 people attend this event to celebrate Vietnamese Lunar New Year, watch performances, see displays, chants and eat vegetarian food. It is also a time when all members of the community are invited to come to the Quang Minh Buddhist Temple to reflect the past and receive blessing for the New Year. Sunday 25 January, 2009

The Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show is the fastest growing event of its type in Australia – with gourmet food, wine, fashion and more than $100 million of boats on the water… To be held at Docklands, 30 January to 1 February, some of the largest and most luxurious boats in the country will create a spectacular on-water display, while a significant number of on-land exhibits – from the latest in trailerboats and marine accessories to travel and holiday information – will stretch from NewQuay to Waterfront City.

One of the largest open water swims held in Australia. This L shaped course covers 1.2Km and is being held on Saturday 17 January 2009.

If you live in a high fire risk area, you need to develop a practical bushfire survival plan and be prepared. A plan should include a set of actions to address the risk and will require you to make a series of decisions about what you will do on a high fire risk day, or should a fire threaten your home. For more information call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

The Rip View Swim Classic is one of the Big Three Open Water Swims on the Victorian Open Water Swim Calendar, along with Lorne's Pier to Pub and the Portsea Swim Classic. So make sure that you keep Saturday 3rd January 2009 (11:00am start) free for the 21st swim, which is a week before the Lorne Pier to Pub on Saturday 10th January 2009.