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Markets Guide

April

Tuncurry Markets, John Wright Park, Saturday, April 27 from 8am. Nabiac Farmers Markets, Nabiac Showground, Saturday, April 27 from 8am. Old Bar Markets, Old Bar Reserve, Sunday, April 28 from 8am. Pacific Palms markets, community centre, Sunday, April 28 from 8am.

Forster park run

Every Saturday from 8am

Bicentenial Walk, Pebbly Beach, Head Street, Forster. It is a free five kilometre run - or walk - it's you against the clock. Joggers are asked to register before the first run, and bring along a printed copy of the barcode. For the less energetic, Forster parkrun welcomes volunteers.

Mountain Maid Heritage Gold Mine Tour

Every Wednesday and Saturday

Copeland Tops State Conservation Area is a precinct of natural beauty and colonial heritage near Gloucester. You can uncover its treasures on a guided tour. You'll be guided through Mountain Maid gold mining precinct hidden in the rainforest near the village of Copeland. Time 10am-12pm. Bookings essential,www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/mountain-maid-gold-mine-tour.

Cattai Wetlands

Open daily

Located just off the Pacific Highway, 20 minutes north of Taree, Cattai Wetlands has been described as a 'hidden gem in our Valley'. Cattai is a beautiful coastal wetland that provides a sanctuary for over 180 different species of birds, kangaroos, wallabies and goannas. The wetlands are recognised as an international bird watching spot.

Great Lakes 42nd Open Art Exhibition

Until April 28

An open art exhibition and sale attracting entries from near and far. Open daily 10am - 4pm at Forster Gallery, Lake Street, Forster.

Exhibitions: Strange Notions and Hidden Jewels of the Southern Night Sky

Junior Ranger: Booti Booti Coastal Adventure Tour

July 12, October 8

From 10am to 12pm at 4374 The Lakes Way, Booti Booti. Walk to the beach and learn about Booti Booti National Park and all its beauty. You'll gain an understanding of the important role of workers in a national park, and how you can help to conserve and protect these special places. Discover what role our future environmental leaders or junior rangers can play in preserving these important places into the future. Easy walk suitable for children 5 years and over. Price $15 per child 5-16 years. Accompanying adults free. Park use fees $8 per vehicle, day passes available from Manning Great Lakes Area Office, Bulahdelah Visitor Information Centre and Hawks Nest Newsagency

Taree and District Eisteddfod

April 23 to June

The 57th Taree and District Eisteddfod begins on April 23 with the vocal section, and the public is invited to attend any sessions. Session Tickets can be purchased on the day at the Manning Entertainment Centre. Group dance weekend tickets and Grand Concert tickets are sold online with dates yet to be announced. Volunteers to help out at any of the sections are always welcome. Contact the secretary by email at tdessecretary@outlook.com for further information. Follow the Eisteddfod on their Facebook page or website for all up to date information.

Anzac Day Commemorations

April 25

OLD BAR Dawn service 5.20am assemble at the park in front of the Old Bar Beach Surf Club. March service 12pm forming up at Old Bar Airstrip to march down Ungala Road to Kolang Street, service on grounds near Old Bar Beach Surf Club. STROUD March service 8.30am form up at the Cenotaph, Corner Memorial Avenue and Cowper Street * no dawn service. WINGHAM Dawn service 5.30am assemble at 5.15am at Wingham Memorial Town Hall. March service 9.30am assemble at 9.15am at McCullagh Lane to march at 9.30am to Wingham Memorial Town Hall. FORSTER-TUNCURRY Dawn service 6am Lone Pine Memorial Park. March service 10.30am assemble at Parks Street, Tuncurry and march toward Lone Pine Memorial Park. NABIAC Dawn service 6am at Nabiac Memorial Park. March service 10.30am start, assemble in front of the school on Clarkson St at 10.15am and march to memorial park. HARRINGTON/CROWDY HEAD Dawn service 6am Memorial Hall. March service 11am corner of Goode Street and Harrington Road at 10.45am for a 11am start. GLOUCESTER Dawn service 5.30am Memorial Clock Tower. March service 10.30am Denison St in front of the Soldiers Club for 10.30am procession. BULAHDELAH Dawn Service 5.30am at the Cenotaph. March service 10.45am at the corner of Richmond and Crawford Street. TAREE Dawn service 5.30am Memorial Clock Fotheringham Park. March service 10am Victoria Street to Fotheringham Park.

Triathlon NSW Club Championships

May 25

At Forster Main Beach from 9am to 1pm. The NSW Triathlon Club Championship has long been the "end of season" trip where members get to race with their fellow club members as opposed to against them.

Millions Paws Walk

May 26

Taree RSPCA branch is hosting a Million Paws Walk at Taree Showground, beginning with registration from 9-9.30am, and the walk starting at 10am. A fun day out for dogs and humans with judging competitions, stalls, and a barbecue. Registration is $5 per dog.

Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival

June 1

Central Park, Wingham,. Starting with the parade at 9am featuring massed pipe bands followed by Scottish Highland Games, including caber tossing, tug a war, kilted dashes and hurling the haggis. Scottish dancing will be a higlight. Clan and market stalls, food and more. For program information visit www.bonniewingham.com.

Lakes Trail Festival

July 5-6

Australia's freshest off road trail running event, traversing the Great Lakes, the Lakes Trail Festival, is back. The first weekend in July will see trail runners descend on the twin coastal towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest to explore the regions tracks, trails and beaches. Runners can complete 100 kilometre, 70 kilometre, 50 kilometre, 30 kilometre or 12 kilometre. There also will be a one kilometre trail experience for the kids.

Black Tie Bikers Ball

July 6

Sisters on Steel SMC (social motorcycle club), Hunter Region NSW chapter, is hosting the Black Tie Bikers Ball at Club Forster on July 6 to raise money for the Great Lakes Women's Shelter. The only female bikers club in Australia, SoS has quietly raised thousands of dollars for local charities over the past decade or so. The three-course, sit down meal will be accompanied by live music, lucky door prizes and thousands of dollars worth of raffles including a giant TV donated by Harvey Norman, along with prizes for the bell of the ball and best dressed group. For more information call 0421 159 753 or 048 406 473.