Come along to a fun day at the Ballan Autumn Festival. It is an annual celebration of local culture, creativity and community, and is one of the oldest regional country fairs in the Moorabool Shire.

Autumn Festival 2026 promises to be the best ever, with a central stage for entertainment, more artisanal market stalls, and a seated and shaded dining precinct, along with the Festival’s perennial crowd pleasers. 

Make sure to visit the SEC pop-up food station where the Food Affectionist, Lillie Giang will be serving up some favourite bites such as vegetable puffs, Peking-style wraps, smokey cauliflower tacos and vegetable gyozas. Tastings are free.

Don’t miss the Grand Parade, and get up close and personal with an amazing selection of beautiful vintage cars.

Browse over 100 market stalls and put together a feast from a huge array of food trucks, gathered in the Festival’s new seated and shaded dining precinct.

Join The Food Affectionist, Lillie Giang, at the Community Kitchen stage.

11am - Prosperity Toss Salad - Chef Lillie with Veronica Yong

12pm - Dumpling Competition - Wendy Khong and Nancy Wong

1 pm - Chicken Pongteh - Peranakan Melbourne

2pm - Spring Roll Making - Michelle Quan with Chef Lillie

3pm - Sweet & Sour Fish - Chef Lillie

4pm - Longevity Noodles - Sokim Lay with Chef Lillie

Knox Fest is a free community event which invites the people of Knox to come together and celebrate community life. This much-loved event will return on Saturday 28 February 2026 from 10am to 10pm at Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully.

Ready Steady Cook competitions starting hourly from 11am, hosted by Lillie Giang (The Food Affectionist).

• 11:00 am – Knox Chinese Elderly Club

• 12:00 pm – Melbourne All Abilities Lions Club vs The Food Affectionist

• 1:00 pm – Mountain District Learning Centre vs Coonara House  

• 2:00 pm – CFA vs SES

• 3:00 pm – The Basin Backyard vs Outer East Foodshare

• 4:00 pm – Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place This much-loved event will return on Saturday 28 February 2026 from 10am to 10pm at Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully.

Featuring a range of activities for the whole family including live music, amusement rides, cooking demonstrations, food trucks, arts and outdoor play, youth hub, kids activities, active hub, community and market stalls, ‘come and try’ activities and heaps more!

Festival Day program (10 am - 5 pm)

• Live music and performances

• Local stallholders and market

• Cooking demonstrations

• Food trucks

• Amusements and rides

• Circus workshops

• Roller rink

• Live art and glow show

• Active Hub and outdoor play

• Free activities for the whole family 

Evening program

Stay for dinner, tunes and amusements as the sun sets over Wally Tew Reserve. 

• Live Music

• Food trucks

• Amusements and rides

• Fireworks at 9:45pm 

FREE entry. Please note there is no public parking at the event

Please note, there will be a fireworks display at approximately 9:45pm.

Knox Fest is an all ages, family friendly, alcohol/ drug/ smoke/ vape free event.

Please leave your pets at home, however guide dogs and companion dogs are welcome.

For more information https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/events-activities-and-festivals/festivals-and-civic-events/knox-festival

This course explores the skills and opportunities available to be an active volunteer and a confident event planner. You will gain insight into different volunteer roles that can be used to develop practical skills and experience. Event planning and management will also be explored.

The Food Affectionist, Lillie Giang, will be running this course, drawing on her vast experience as founder of Feed One Feed All (FOFA) a charity that rescues food and feeds those in need in the local communities. This charity relies on an army of volunteers in a number of roles to keep the kitchen running and the meals going out, as well as fundraising events.

Join Lillie Giang, the Food Affectionist, to prepare a hearty and delicious salad traditionally enjoyed around Lunar New Year to celebrate the beginning of 2026. 

The Prosperity Toss is more than just food—it brings energy, unity, peace and harmony to the community, while encouraging everyone to have fun and mingle together.

🍳✨ Join Us Tomorrow at The Cooking Corner! ✨🍳

Get ready for another flavour-packed day of fun and food at Forest Hill Chase! The Food Affectionist is back at The Cooking Corner with four delicious live sessions for the whole family — from sizzling demos to hands-on kids’ cooking classes. All free!

👩‍🍳 Tomorrow’s Line-Up:
🕚 11:00 am – Chicken Curry Laksa
A fragrant, creamy laksa that’s sure to warm your tastebuds!

🕛 12:00 pm – Stuff Your Own Baked Potato (Kids Class)
Little chefs create their own baked potato masterpiece with fun fillings! 🥔🧀

🕐 1:00 pm – Mongolian Beef
Watch how to make this tender, saucy stir-fry — a quick family favourite! 🥩

🕑 2:00 pm – DIY Chicken Pasta Salad (Kids Class)
A colourful, hands-on class where kids mix, toss and taste their own pasta creation! 🍝

Bring the family, join the fun, and let’s get cooking together!

Twenty places available for kids’ classes - get there early, first in, best dressed.

#TheFoodAffectionist #CookingCorner #ForestHillChase #KidsCooking #FamilyFun #FoodLovers #WeekendCooking

Join Lillie Giang – The Food Affectionist for a day of flavour, fun, and hands-on cooking adventures!

Live Cooking Demonstrations
11am–12pm: Beef Noodle Stir Fry
1pm–2pm: Nasi Goreng
(Up to 30 people per session)

Kids’ Cooking Workshops
12pm–1pm: Kids’ Onigiri
2pm–3pm: Kids’ Rice Paper Rolling
(Up to 20 children per session – first in, best dressed!)

Discover delicious recipes made with fresh, local ingredients from your favourite retailers — and enjoy a day packed with food, family, and fun at Forest Hill Chase!

Watch, learn, and taste! Join hands-on cooking classes from Lillie Giang, the Food Affectionist, and learn how to make delicious Asian snacks and healthy sweet treats at home. 

Snack Stage - Near Ferguson Plarre, Sunday only

10am: Salad
11am: Dumplings & Wontons
12pm: Rice Paper Rolls
1pm: No Rum Balls

Please note, classes are limited to 18 participants for each session, first in best dressed.

Other Events during the weekend:

🍪 Cookie Monster Meet & Greet

Near Boost Juice, 10am - 1pm Saturday only

Meet Sesame Street's sweet treat-loving resident, the Cookie Monster! Snap a photo and say 'Hi!' to our favourite blue muppet.

🍎 Mini Munchers Zone

Near ALDI
A playful paradise for little snackers! On Saturday, kids can get creative and decorate their own cookies. Then on Sunday, the little ones can make their own fruit kebabs with Colonial Fresh. 

🎨 Face Painting

Near Boost Juice, Sunday only

Bring your kids' imagination to life with face painting. Whether it's a fierce tiger, a beautiful butterfly, or their favourite superhero, our talented artists can make it happen.🎁 Spin to Win

Near Colonial Fresh
Shop at The Pines and unlock instant rewards! Simply spend $50 or more during the Snack Out Festival, then win prizes from our spinning wheel. Prizes include Snack Bags, Snack Vouchers and gift cards*.

*Terms and conditions apply.

🗺️ Snack Safari Trail

Near Colonial Fresh

Embark on a tasty treasure hunt across the centre. Discover hidden snack stations, collect stamps, and unlock surprise treats! 

Celebrate traditional Mid Autumn festival with our Mooncake making demonstration. Watch our expert chef Lillie Giang, the Food Affectionist, as she creates delightful pastries with sweet or savoury fillings.

Fully Booked

This event is fully booked. You're welcome to join the waiting list to be notified if space becomes available.

Free Knox community event to celebrate culture!

Join us for a day of cultural exchange for Cultural Diversity Week! Enjoy activities for all ages and backgrounds:

• Multicultural Workshops

• First Nations Cultural Education

• Cultural Crafts & Arts

• Storytime

• Cooking Classes

• Recreational activities and more!

Light refreshments provided,

Family-friendly event with activities for everyone. Come learn, share, and connect) across generations and cultures.

Join us for a free evening featuring inspiring stories from local women in business as they share their experiences of resilience, overcoming challenges, and empowering others. Network with like-minded women while enjoying refreshments.

Lillie Giang, The Food Affectionist and President of Feed One Feed All

• All-rounder community champion and owner of The Food Affectionist, teaching cooking and working towards food security by providing nutritious home cooked meals to those in need.

• Former Multicultural Ambassador for the Mental Health Foundation.

Latinka Cubitt, LaTink and Catten Industries

• Owner of LaTink, collection of bespoke and Australian-Made products and co-owner of Catten Industries, major local manufacturer.

• 2024 Victorian Female Manufacturer of the Year and a passionate advocate for gender diversity in manufacturing.

Christy Roberts, Creating Change

• Life, Results, and Leadership Coach, Speaker, Educator, and the Global Trainer of Self-Directed Healing Practitioners.

• 2023 Alternative Therapy Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Award.

Diana Barnett, Thrive with Nature

• Founder of Thrive With Nature and a Wayapa Wuurrk Practitioner. Wayapa is an Earth Connection practice that focuses on caring for the Earth as the starting point for creating Earth - Mind - Body - Spirit and Intergeneration Well-Being, drawing on ancient indigenous wisdom.

https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/events-activities-and-festivals/events-calendar/international-womens-day-networking-event

The Food Affectionist Lillie Giang will be taking part in the “Ready Steady Cook” style competitions at the Knox Fest Global Kitchen Stage at 12pm.

This is part of the Knox Fest, which is an all ages, family friendly, alcohol, smoke, vape, drug and pet free event, celebrating the "Vibrant Community" theme with live music and performances, amusements, food trucks, community and activities for the whole family.

Ready Steady Cook competitions starting hourly from 11 am.

• 11 am – Knox Chinese Elderly Club Prosperity Toss

• 12 pm – Melbourne All Abilities Lions Club vs The Food Affectionist

• 1 pm – Mountain District Learning Centre vs Volunteer4Knox

• 2 pm – Westfield Knox vs Feed One Feed All & Outer East Foodshare

• 3 pm – CFA vs SES

• 4 pm – The Basin Backyard vs Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place.

  
  Day program (10 am – 5 pm)

• Amusements and rides

• Show n’ Shine Car Show (until 2pm - weather permitting)

• Good Food Hub cooking demonstrations and market

• Food trucks and vendors

• Local stallholders

• Makers Market

• Live music

• Roving performances

• Free activities for the whole family.

  A highlight to this year’s event will be the Extended Twilight Program on Saturday from 5pm. Stay for dinner, tunes and amusements as the sun sets over Wally Tew Reserve.

• Live Music

• Night market

• Carnival amusements

• Food trucks.

https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/events-activities-and-festivals/festivals-and-civic-events/knox-festival

Join us at the Glen Waverley Chinese New Year Festival on Sunday, 9th February 2025, at 11am for the Prosperity toss. The Lantern Festival in Glen Waverley celebrates the 15th day of the Lunar New Year and 2025 is the year of the Snake.

Join The Food Affectionist, Lillie Giang this Sunday, as she stirs up some authentic Chinese culinary magic at our live Lunar New Year cooking demos.

She'll guide us through a fun Prosperity Toss, craft some scrumptious Chicken Dumplings, and whip up Longevity Noodles that are steeped in tradition. Dive in and discover the joy of creating and sharing food with us.

Times:

• 11am - Interactive Prosperity Toss (Yu Sheng/Lo Hei)

• 12pm - Chicken Dumplings

• 1pm- Longevity Noodles

Location: Level 1, near Aldi

Cost: Free

With plenty of activities to enjoy, there's something for every festival-goer

Bring the kids along to the Maroondah Festival for a day full of fun!

Don't miss out on the family fun!

Event details

• Date: Sunday 10 November 2024

• Time: 10am to 4pm

• Venue: Town Park and Civic Square, Croydon

The family-friendly festival will include:

• Live music

• Thrill rides

• Kids kingdom and free rides

• Food trucks

• Market stalls

• Come and try sports

• And much more!

In the interest of public safety, the Maroondah Festival is an alcohol, smoke and dog free event.

Join The Food Affectionist and our Community C Chefs for a delicious showcase of culinary delights. You will be sampling Chinese dumplings, aromatic Indian cooking, Burmese salad, Scottish Salmon, Greek Souvlaki, and Indigenous Spiced paella.

Cooking demonstration stage

Performer Time

10.30am Chinese Senior Citizen Friendship Association - Chinese Dumplings

11.30am Chin Community Victoria Inc. - Let Those Sone

12.30pm Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival - Scottish Pan-Seared Salmon

1.30pm Maroondah Indian Community Inc. - Chickpea Curry with Indian Salad

2.30pm Greek Elderly Citizen’s Club of Maroondah - Greek Cuisine

3.30pm Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place - Indigenous Spiced Seafood Paella

For further information, please check

#MaroondahFestival2024

If these pictures don’t make you hungry, we don’t know what will!

You can try all this and more at our FREE Hooked on Bellarine event this Sunday!

Check out The Food Affectionist cooking demos that feature panko fried oysters, abalone seaweed salad, fish curry, mussel japchae, and more! You’ll also be able to purchase Jade Tiger abalone, and fresh Victorian mussels. Wow, that’s a mouthful…

We’re already drooling, and can’t wait to see you at the Portarlington foreshore this weekend!

There's plenty to do for the whole family.

Don’t miss out on this seafood-liscious event—it’s FREE! Your tastebuds will be happy!

More details here – www.vfa.vic.gov.au/hookedonbellarine

Be sure to join us for Mid-Autumn festivities tomorrow and Sunday at Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne! We're all set to yummify your day with special cooking demos from Chef Lillie Giang and Chef Karen Chan!

Come meet them at our Asian Inspirations booth with cooking demos from 11am to 2:15pm each day!

Want something fun, free and delicious to do this Saturday? We’ve got you covered!

Lillie Giang from The Food Affectionist will be cooking up a storm at our Ballarat Fishing Festival 2024, with free samples of her dishes to try from 9am to 3pm. She’ll also be hosting kids cooking sessions that the whole family can be a part of at 11am and 1pm!

Here’s the schedule for the day:

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

9am – Snapper lettuce wrap

10am – Murray cod fish curry

12pm – Crispy fried perch and apple slaw

2pm – Pan-fried trout with Vietnamese slaw

𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬

11am – Fish dumplings

1pm – Sushi rolls

There will be plenty of other fun and free activities, so come on down and enjoy the festivities! Find out more at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/ballaratfishfest.

Fabulous Sunday cooking at Lilydale Lakes with @fisheriesvic, stuffing Japanese Onigiri with Victorian smoked trout, creating tasty rice morsels.

Happy creative kids in the @fisheriesvic’s kitchen. It was funtastic

#riceballs #onigiri #trout #troutfishing #cookingclass #homecooking