South-west region comes alive with wide range of events

Admire: View the Mercy Place Easter stained glass window display during the month of April and try to locate the Easter icons. The window display is located near the front doors and can be viewed from inside or outside the building at 16 Hopetoun Road, Warrnambool.

Easter Arts Festival: View Our Lady Help of Christians church window display in Selby Road, Warrnambool and an Easter school art competition and photography display at Gateway Plaza from April 11 to April 29.

Reel in a barrel: The Hooked on Tuna fishing competition continues in Portland on Saturday and Sunday. It began on April 6 and 7 and runs for four weekends until Sunday, April 28 from the Portland Yacht Club with winners sharing in a $5000 cash prize pool.

Equestrian: Van Someren Equestrian Vaulting is hosting a vaulting competition on Saturday from 8am to 4pm and Sunday from 8am to 11am. It's on at the Orford Indoor Arena, 1649 Tarrone Lane, Orford. Entry by gold coin donation. For more information go to the Van Someren Equestrian Vaulting Facebook page or call 0458 062 221.

Easter exhibition: The Country Women's Association is hosting a special Easter exhibition featuring beautiful crafts and activities on Saturday. It includes a workshop for children to make gorgeous, edible marzipan eggs. It's on from 1pm to 4pm at the CWA hall, Kepler Street, Warrnambool.

Art: Merri View Gallery will present an exhibition of Warrnambool and District Artists Society works, celebrating Easter each weekend from 12pm to 4pm at 4 Coramba Court, Warrnambool. Free entry.

Shakespeare: Noorat's Dalvui Homestead will host Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing on Saturday and Sunday in two sold-out performances. This beloved play, performed by Ozact, is Shakespeare's strategic guide to the battle between the sexes, loaded with comic incident, squabbling brothers, and mismatched lovers. It's full of suspense, high drama and comedy in Dalvui, one of Victoria's most picturesque gardens, designed by William Guilfoyle in 1898.

Saturday night lights: Hampden Football Netball League has two matches under lights in round two. South Warrnambool will host Hamilton Kangaroos under lights at Friendly Societies' Park at 6.30pm. At Cobden, the Bombers will play North Warrnambool Eagles from 7pm.

Hoop time: Basketball returns to Warrnambool on Saturday night. The Seahawks play Latrobe City Energy at 8pm and the Mermaids take on Keilor Thunder from 6pm. Both games are at the Arc.

Dance: Old time and Scottish country dancing is on Saturday from 7.30pm to 11pm at the Christ Church Hall, Koroit Street, Warrnambool. Supper provided. Entry $5.

Climb south-west mounts: Ascend Mount Leura, Mt Sugarloaf, Mt Elephant and Mt Noorat on Sunday as part of the Four Peaks Challenge. Meet at Lower Shelter at the base of Mt Leura at 9.30am. There will be some steep and rough terrain so a degree of physical fitness is required. Participants are to wear sturdy footwear and suitable clothing. Bring lunch, snacks, water, sunscreen, camera and binoculars to enjoy the views.

Music: Cantori, a local choir will present Handel's Little Organ Mass, led by Jeanette Hajncl and Philip Shaw, at 9.30am at the Anglican Christ Church in Henna Street, Warrnambool.

Terang Cup: Terang and District Racing Club hosts the Terang Cup on Sunday at Keilambete Road, Terang. Gates open at 11am.

Band: An Easter celebration will be held on Sunday featuring the Salvation Army Band, led by Lindsay Stowe, and songsters. It's on at the Salvation Army, 265 Lava Street, Warrnambool at 2.30pm.

Music: Listen to the Warrnambool Flute Ensemble at the Venturi Easter Art Ensemble on Sunday from 1pm to 2pm. It's on at the Hammond Fellowship Centre, Christ Church, Henna Street, Warrnambool. Entry by donation.

Climb high: Admire the view of Mortlake and surrounding districts from the top of Mount Shadwell on Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Entry is $10 adults, $5 children. There will be a sausage sizzle and cold drinks available. No vehicles or animals. If you can't manage the walk contact Alan on 5599 2560 or Alex on 0417 567 512 for a transported ride to the top on the following Sunday - April 21.

Community: Terang RSL presents Concert on the Green on Sunday to commemorate the men and women returning home from the Great War during 1919. There is entertainment by Angela Kenna, The Sisters, Gary McKenzie, Marie Ewing and a Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club bike display from 12pm to 4pm at the Terang RSL Memorial Garden. For more information call 0448 493 616 or 0439 712 515.

Kids activities: Flagstaff Hill Holiday program continues with sessions at 11am and 2pm daily from Monday until Thursday in Warrnambool. Activities range from cooking, soft toy, jewellery or felt garland making and reading, 'riting and 'rithmatic in an 1870s classroom. To book and for a full list of events go to flagstaffhill.com.au

Holiday dance camp: Heart of Grace is a Christian school holiday workshop involving worship through the expression of dance, bible study and crafts for girls aged six to 14 years. It's on from April 15 to 18 at the Naringal Baptist Church. No dance experience necessary. Cost is $40 for the four days. For more information email Laura at easterdancecamps@gmail.com or visit heartofgrace.com.au

Music: Enjoy a morning melodies style presentation by local favourites Terry Croft's band, featuring guest singer Marg Lawlor. They will be singing and playing their own unique country western, Australiana style from 9.30am to 11.45am at Rafferty's Tavern. Entry $17 and includes a two-course meal.

Fun time: Port Fairy Community House school holiday program includes origami making on Tuesday, autumn craft activities on Wednesday and a cool curves and colours art workshop on Thursday, all from 10am to 12pm. Session costs vary from $12 to $15 per person. Bookings required as spaces are limited. For more information go to the community house Facebook page or call 5568 2681.

Weather man: Meteorologist Dr Peter Dexter will present What Causes Climate Change on Tuesday at 2pm. This talk, hosted by the Warrnambool University of the Third Age branch, is a follow-up to the April 2 presentation, about planet Earth's current status its past climate history. The talk will review the major factors which can contribute to climate system changes including variations in the sun's power (solar irradiance); extra-terrestrial impact; variations in the earth's orbit; continental drift; volcanic activity; variations in the atmospheric chemical composition and how they impact the climate system. It's on at the Hammond Centre, Christ Church, Henna Street, Warrnambool.

Fun with books: The Warrnambool Library hosts story time each Wednesday and Thursday at 11am. It includes books, stories and songs specially selected for three to six year olds, read by experienced, enthusiastic staff followed by a simple craft activity. Rhyme time is on each Wednesday from 2.30pm to 3pm for children aged four months to three years.

Help others: Make a difference in suicide prevention at Wesley LifeForce workshops. It includes a variety of skills such as managing suicidal crisis, understanding risk and protective factors, and how to recognise potential warning signs. The free training is designed to teach people how to identify the signs that someone may be at risk of suicide and appropriate action to take. The free sessions will be held at Portland's Richmond Henty Hotel on Wednesday and at Warrnambool's City Memorial Bowls Club on Thursday. To register go to eventbrite.com.au or for more information contact Kristy on 9384 8882.

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