COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Western suburbs

The word is out

The Brimbank Readers and Writers Festival starts next month with panel discussions, author talks, workshops, interviews and a pop-up library. The council has lured a few literary heavyweights such as John Safran, Oslo Davis and Eugenia Flynn to help the community fine-tune their writing, blogging or sketching skills, and have a laugh while they’re at it. September 4-15.

www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Winter Wonderland charity ball

The Leo Club of Brimbank will host its first major fund-raiser, a Winter Wonderland Charity Ball, to raise money for SIDS and Kids. From 6pm, August 23, at Lakeside Banquet and Convention Centre, 65 Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes. Tickets are $80 and include a three-course meal and beer, wine and soft drinks.

■ 0433 937 841 or brimbankleos@gmail.com

Brimbank business breakfast

Brimbank council’s economic development unit is hosting a business breakfast on August 21, from 7am at Overnewton Castle, 51 Overnewton Road, Keilor. Finance journalist James Kirby will be guest speaker. Tickets are $25.

■ 9249 4413

Autism Angels’ dinner dance

Autism Angels is hosting a dinner dance on Saturday, August 23, at Club Italia Sporting Club. Tickets are $60 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under.

www.autismangels.org.au

Social seniors

Semi-retired and senior residents from Hillside, Sydenham and Keilor seeking social interaction and club activities can attend the Taylors Lakes Probus Club’s monthly meetings. Taylors Lakes Hotel from 10am-noon on the last calendar Monday.

www.probussouthpacific.org/taylorslakes or 8307 2038

Brookside twilight market

Stall holders are wanted for a market night at Brookside College, Federation Way, Caroline Springs, on Friday, October 24 from 5-9pm.

brooksidecollegepfc@gmail.com

Sunshine short film festival

Entries for the third annual Sunshine Short Film Festival are now open. Budding filmmakers are encouraged to submit their films, which must run under five minutes and revolve around the themes ‘Sunshine’ and ‘Halloween’.

Prizes up to $5000 are on offer, as is the chance to have your film screened at Village Sunshine Megaplex. Entries close September 30.

www.sunshinefilmfestival.com.au