Wednesday 14th March
Ladies Clothing Swap

As part of the Treading Lightly 'Eco-living in the Inner West' environmental program, the councils are uniting to fight against unsustainable consumer habits by bringing you events like the Ladies Clothing Swap evening at the Exchange Hotel, Balmain, from 7pm to 9pm on Wednesday 14th March. Ladies of all ages are welcome to come along to this free, fun and sustainable way to bag a new outfit. Simply bring along up to six items of clothing (in good condition) from your own wardrobe that you no longer wear and swap them for something you will actually get some use out of! It's environmentally friendly browsing for girls on a budget, shopping has never felt so good!
Bookings are essential so email envirobooking@lmc.nsw.gov.au or call Leichhardt Council on 9367 9220 to reserve your spot.

From Friday 17th February
Pics in the Park

Leichhardt Council is running a FREE outdoor movie program on Fridays from 7.45pm. Every session starts with a screening of short films for kids followed by a full-length film suitable for all ages. The next one is on Friday 2nd March at Pioneers Memorial Park, Leichhardt, featuring the Rise of the Planet of the Apes. So bring your friends and gather around for some budget entertainment! Gold coins will be collected on the night to raise money for SAWA Australia charity.
For further information call 9367 9220 or visit www.leichhardt.gov.nsw.au.

Thursday 23rd February
Open Mic Night

Song @ the PBC returns for 2012 – Petersham Bowling Club open mic night starts every Thursday from the 23rd February, 7pm to 10pm. Friends, brothers, sisters and even grandparents are welcome to come down to participate and sing some of their favourite songs. The bowling club has a great bistro with fabulous food and beer – and the best pokie-free live music entertainment in the Inner West. Early registration is available at www.thepbc.org.au or sign up is also offered on the night.
Petersham Bowling Club: 77 Brighton St, Petersham, 9569 4639.

Thursday 23rd February
Brain Food

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is holding a talk at Ashfield's Civic Centre about his brand new book 'Brain Food' starting from 6pm on the ground floor. This talk is a great way to find out about how the diet industry is getting fatter every year but is still not making you thinner! Books will be for sale on the day as well as the opportunity to get the book signed by the doc himself.
Call 9716 1810 for info and bookings.

Friday 24th February
Author Talk with Rochelle Jackson

Rochelle Jackson will be at Concord Library introducing her third crime book, 'Partners and Crime,' from 1pm. Rochelle is best know for her 2006 ABC TV documentary, 50 Years of News and Current Affairs in Victoria. Her recent book follows the intriguing stories of the many women who have fallen in love with Australia's baddest men, including Chopper Read, George Freeman, and Robert Trimbole. Prepaid booking is essential, tickets costs $7 including refreshments.
For online bookings visit www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au or email claude.broomhead@canadabay.nsw.gov.au.

Friday 2nd March
Sydney Fringe 2012

Fringe Club in Newtown is holding opening auditions for the 2012 Fringe Festival at 8.30pm (doors open 7.30pm). The event is a great opportunity for local artists to be creative and showcase their talents for one of Australia's largest performing arts festivals. Tickets will be on sale at the door for $20 (including $5 Fringe registration fee if you sign up on the night). The Sydney Fringe 2012 will run from 7th to 30th September this year, for more information email hq@sydneyfringe.com.
Fringe Club: 5 Eliza Street, Newtown (behind the Zanzibar Hotel).

Saturday 3rd March
Playwriting Festival

The NSW Writers' Centre presents the Playwriting Festival 2012 from 10am to 6pm, with a program of activities for writers covering the skills behind playwriting as well as celebrating the work of many successful playwrights, artistic directors and reviewers. Guest speakers attending the event include John McCallum, Van Badham, Vanessa Bates, Wayne Blair, Jane Bodie, Duncan Graham and many more. Workshops from Van Badham (Sharp Speech: Writing great dialogue) and Lachlan Philpott (Playwriting: Ways to Begins) will also run on the day. Plus, gourmet food and coffee will be provided and dialogue and scripts will be for sale. Free parking available.
Visit www.nswwc.org.au for bookings. NSW Writers' Centre: Callan Park, Balmain Road, Rozelle.

Sunday 4th March
Clean up Australia Day

Grab a garbage bag and put some gloves on – Clean up Australia Day is here and it's up to you to help manage and protect our environment. Now is your opportunity to become one of those thousands of people who volunteer to clear laneways, street fronts, drains and parks from litter.
For more information call Marrickville Council on 9335 2222 or visit www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

Tuesday 6th March
MANPOWER

Over the past year, the Manpower lads have been travelling around the world performing for adoring ladies in Las Vegas, Canada, Atlantic City, Russia, Taiwan and the Philippines. But now Australia's Number One Male Revue is back in Oz for a national tour, and lucky for us, they have a stop right here in the Inner West! The internationally acclaimed entertainment sensation Manpower Australia is coming to Club Five Dock RSL on Tuesday 6th March. With all their über-toned torsos, dancing and light tricks in tow, the gents will be putting on a fully choreographed 2-hour stage spectacular that has been wowing women since 1989. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start, and tickets cost $30.
For more information and tickets visit www.clubfivedock.com.au.