Dates to Keep.

04 Jan to 08 Apr
NATIONWIDE
Flickerfest Short Film Festival
Australia’s foremost short film festival returns for the 17th year, with dozens of entries from across the globe. They’ll screen over 10 days in Sydney before touring the country. Sydney (4–13 Jan), Byron Bay (18–20 Jan), Darwin (20 Jan), Adelaide (8–9 Feb), Noosa (22 Feb), Brisbane (28 Feb to 2 Mar), Perth (6–9 Mar), Hobart (20 and 22 Mar), Melbourne (27–28 Mar). Call MCA TIX 1300 306 776 within Australia.

26 Jan
NATIONWIDE
Australia Day
Tall ships racing in Sydney Harbour, barbecues firing up in Hobart and sports events galore in Darwin. It’s a glorious day out right across the country. Make like a kangaroo and hop onto www.australiaday.gov.au for event details.

05–28 Jan
NATIONWIDE
The Hi-5 Circus Stageshow
The gang is bringing the fun and excitement of the circus to children everywhere during the January holidays. The Hi-5 Big Top, complete with tightrope and flying trapeze comes to Sydney before touring to Melbourne, Newcastle, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth. Call Ticketek 132 849.

11–17 Jan
SYDNEY
Le Grand Cirque
The breathtaking Le Grand Cirque mesmerises at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Just when you think it can’t get any more exhilarating, the show ends with the Wheel of Death stunt. Tel: +61 (2) 9250 7777.

26 Jan & 16 Mar
SYDNEY and MELBOURNE
Australia Pro Tour of Wakeboarding
More than 180 pro boarders from six countries are competing for the prize purse of AU$50,000. 2007 APTW champ Dean Smith is defending his title. 26 Jan at Sydney International Regatta Centre and 16 Mar at Melbourne’s Caribbean Gardens. Tel: +61 (2) 5430 2100.

25–28 Jan
SUNSHINE COAST
Ginger Flower Festival
The Ginger Factory in Yandina blooms during this annual event for subtropical gardeners (and aspiring ones) as well as foodies. Holistic guru Zane Holmes is on hand to talk about improving health with ginger. Admission is free. 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina. Tel: 1800 067 686.

05–26 Jan
SYDNEY
Sydney Festival
Events kick off with a bang – Festival First Night is free to the public with 200 artists including Paul Kelly and Brian Wilson performing at various venues, along with live bands, dance and street theatre. Icelandic sensation Björk will appear on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, while revolutionary Australian dance company Chunky Move unleashes their world premiere, Mortal Engine, a dance-video-laser performance. Call Ticketek 1300 888 412.

24–28 Jan
GEELONG
Skandia Geelong Week
Not just yachties will enjoy this event, the largest sailing regatta in Australia. Held since 1844, it brings together 4,500 sailors racing 400 yachts, Geelong Art Society’s 400-piece art exhibition and 60 live performances, including Mental As Anything. You can have a go at sailing with Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s Come Try Sailing program, browse art and craft stalls, and sample regional wine and local seafood. Williamstown (24–25 Jan) and Geelong Waterfront (26–27 Jan). Tel: +61 (3) 5229 9101.

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01–03 Feb
A1GP
Catch the Sydney leg of this international competition at Eastern Creek Race Track. To level the racing stakes more, Ferrari is supplying all the engines for six years. With 22 nations set to rumble, it’s racing-fan heaven.

01–03 Feb
Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Show
Get an eyeful as 150 luxury yachts sail into NewQuay and Waterfront Docklands. There’ll be live music, giveaways and activities. Admission is free to exhibits, entry to the yachts is ticketed.

07–10 Feb
Live 08
Melbourne heats up in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day for this first-time event at the Showgrounds. Featuring the Rogue Traders, burlesque and hot Latin dancers, Cirque du Soleil performers, provocative fashion shows and a cinema under the stars.

01–18 Feb
Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars v England 2008
It’s gonna be a hot summer as the Barmy Army come down under to claim victory from the Aussies. Melbourne and Sydney.

03 Feb
Chill Island
For a groovy laid back Sunday, head to the Phillip Island Nature Park for five of Australia’s top music acts – John Butler Trio, The Waifs, Archie Roach & Shane Howard, San Lazaro and Dan Sultan.

Country-singer Sara Storer took home a record seven awards for her second album Beautiful Circle at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2004. We spoke with her as she returns for this year’s festival and a tour with international star Suzanne Vega.

On your new album, Silver Skies, you also play guitar – why?
I was ready for something different and I wanted to bring something fresh to listeners. It was quite scary but I’m really good… so if anyone needs a guitar player!

Would you say Silver Skies is your best work so far?
It’s something I’m proud of. Every album for me is an achievement. Songs are hard to come by… they turn up out of the blue or they don’t appear for months. These songs are just where and who I am now. I love all my albums because they’re like diaries. I do however love the fact that I took a risk and used a new producer… two in fact (Matt Fell and Josh Cunningham) – a risk I now know was worth taking!

What do you miss the most about not living in Victoria?
The people from Wemen – a lovely small community based on the Murray River – and growing up in the country! Fresh air did me a world of good.

Where would you like to take your music to?
I would love it if my music made it big time overseas. But for now I am busy trying to get into Aussie homes.

What music are you listening to?
Anika Moa, Steve Earle, The Greencards, Paul Kelly, Neil Murray and The Eagles.

What do you think of the Australian music scene currently?
It’s really exciting, we have some amazing artists to be extremely proud of! Country music… love it, but it’s hard work to be taken seriously outside of our market.

What are you doing after your concert at Tamworth?
Touring my new album Silver Skies. Singing, singing and more singing. I love being on the road. Love coming home too! Miss my dog Buddy too much.

Tamworth Country Music Festival is on 18–27 January, tickets from www.visittamworth.com