Music programs are often the first to get cut from school curriculums, leaving thousands of Australian children without the benefits of a music education. Erina Fair and Lend Lease are looking to bring more music to children and raise awareness of this education gap with the Junkyard Orchestra School Challenge.

The center is working with the Central Coast Symphony Orchestra and Central Coast Conservatorium of Music to bring this fun, engaging sustainability initiative to the children of Central Coast schools. Primary schools in the region have been invited to create musical instruments from recycled materials. Once they’ve put together their junkyard orchestra, they compose two- to three-minute pieces of music with them and perform them at the center.

To help the schools make this happen, the center turned to the Symphony Orchestra to develop a Music Resource Kit that gives teachers the information they need to put together a functional collection of improvised instruments and to create simple harmonies and composition. Teachers from the Conservatorium are providing teachers with one-on-one instruction.

It’s a big step in bringing music to kids whose schools might not otherwise offer it, and a $40,000 donation will help those schools continue with music programs. There will be more to come, too: the Central Coast Symphony Orchestra will compose a 5-minute piece with the students’ instruments, and proceeds from iTunes sales will go to expanding the program.

It might be nice to share your love with the world, but it’s just as important to share it with the one you adore. A Hallmark sentiment is a good start, but Highpoint is getting in on the personalization trend and helping shoppers give their loved ones just the right message for Valentine’s Day.

The center is encouraging shoppers to think big for their Valentines. Big, like a talented artist creating a custom, original work of art to share their words of love. And better yet, it’s offering them just that opportunity for free.

Highpoint is bringing in Kate Pullen and Gastón Castagnet for four days leading up to the 14th. The pair are talented illustrators who’ve been primed to be ready to work with shoppers to create beautiful typographic messages by hand in a hurry.

Shoppers just have to present a message, and Pullen and Castagnet will turn their words into a beautiful hand-crafted piece of art to take home to their Valentine. It’s a lovely gesture all around.

Pictured: Words by Kate Pullen

As shoppers enjoy the summer weather on the Gold Coast, Robina Town Centre has what it takes to give them a break. The center has launched the ultimate chill-out zone, its brand new pop-up Sundeck on The Promenade.

How does this sound for a hot, sunny day? A cool haven complete with sun lounges, colourful umbrellas and cushions, comfy bean bags, plenty of shade and live music from some of Queensland’s best acoustic musicians.

The center is going for a laid back, summer vibe. The Sundeck is perfectly positioned to take advantage of cooling breezes across the lake. Shoppers can enjoy an icy drink from one of the Promenade’s restaurants, or a snack while they relax.

Shoppers can also share their fun in the sun on Instragram with the tag #lounginatrobina to enter a draw for designer sunglasses.

Marketing Manager of Robina Town Centre Anna Colville-Smith said the specially designed chill-out zone was the perfect addition to a day out at Robina Town Centre with family and friends.

“We want to provide shoppers of all ages with a one-stop destination where they can sample a variety of music, entertainment and cuisine in the one stylish and comfortable location. After a morning of exploring the shops in air-conditioned comfort, we are inviting shoppers to grab lunch and a cool beverage from a favourite Robina Town Centre eatery before kicking back and enjoying an afternoon of free entertainment,” she said.

Robina Town Centre has put together a winner of a gift guide this year with its holiday Gift Finder.

The centre has put together a complete microsite to keep shoppers informed and prepared for the holidays. Featuring hours, Christmas promotions, and links to all the important details for the holidays, it’s sure to help shoppers stay organized.

The Gift Finder is a particular joy, however. The site features 24 broad categories of individuals—book worms, beauty addicts, hipsters and foodies, among many others—with heaps of practical and clever gifts for each. Within those categories shoppers can narrow the field further, specifying gender and price range.

Once they’ve picked out a few gifts and added them to their gift lists, they can share their lists on Facebook, email them to friends or print them. Along with the gift lists, the gift finder also provides interactive maps of the center with retailers from the list flagged in red. In green, the center has flagged dining locations and coffee shops—just in case shoppers need somewhere to stop and unwind.

Macarthur Square is doing its part for the environment with the “It’s In Our Hands” environmental expo. The expo follows several environmental initiatives for the Australian shopping centre, including a composting worm farm, rainwater tanks, and a recycling program.

The shopping center is partnering with a number of environmental and government organizations to put on the expo, which aims to help local residents effect positive change in their local environment.

Shoppers can learn how to reduce their waste, and water and energy use at home. They can also measure their carbon footprint, and measure their own energy and water efficiency.  Reusable bags are on offer, with environmental tips and retail discounts, and green prizes are available too.

No big surprises in this event, but it’s nice to see shopping centers still focusing on the environment. Do you think green marketing is more or less important during the current economic troubles we’re all experiencing?