Thanks to all manner of markets around town, it's rather easy to stock your wardrobe with pre-loved threads. Brisbane's op shops help considerably as well, naturally. Alas, to the dismay of those who like fashion and sleeping in, secondhand shopping is usually a daytime rather than an evening activity — especially in Fortitude Valley. The key word is 'usually'. For one night only on Saturday, December 7, The Station Brisbane is hosting a late-night thrifting session. Forget hitting up a bar — if you're fond of all things sartorial, this is the way you'll want to spend your evening, with it all going down from 5–10pm. As well as recycled clothes, you'll also be able to pick up other vintage and pre-loved items, including a heap of secondhand records. Don't forget to take your post-shopping plans into account, though, given that you might have a new treasure trove to carry around with you. Of course, you can always wear your new outfit.
“Your nose like a delicious slope of cream / And your ears like cream flaps / And your teeth like hard shiny pegs of cream.” Diner en Blanc — like Howard Moon's poem — will have you in all white. But sorry, Booshers: the fourth edition of this Brisbane event is just for the sophisticated. Now on five continents, the Diner en Blanc began in Paris 27 years ago thanks to François Pasquier and friends. This year, 2000+ of Brisbane's creme de la creme will once again dress in all white on Saturday, October 17, for the event held at a predictably stunning location that remains secret until the very last moment (for the last two years, it was the beautiful banks of the Brisbane River at Portside and Roma St. Parklands). Following an evening of elegance, fine dining and live music, the foodies then pack up their crystal, dinnerware, tables and litter. Like ghosts (white 'n' all), they leave behind no sign of their rendezvous (but don't get any ideas, a white sheet thrown over your figure will not do for an outfit). Diner en Blanc guests must either be invited by a member from the previous year, or get on the waiting list for a ticket. Here's what happened last year:
When Reservation Dogs first breezed into streaming queues in 2021 — including via Binge in Australia and Disney+ in New Zealand — it did so with heart, style and purpose, delivering a rarity in the current TV landscape. Authentic depictions of life for Indigenous North Americans are scarce on the small screen, or any screen. Such shows that riff on a Quentin Tarantino movie with their moniker, start with a brazen and entertaining heist, unfurl their stories through creative cinematography, serve up a stunningly thoughtful coming-of-age tale and survey an entire community obviously are, too. And a series that does the above with Taika Waititi's (Thor: Love and Thunder) brand of deadpan humour, befitting his role as co-creator and executive producer, as well as co-writing the very first episode — doing so alongside showrunner and Seminole Nation filmmaker Sterlin Harjo (Mekko) — is genuinely unclaimed territory. In Reservation Dogs' first season, the end result was one of the best new TV shows of 2021. This year, its second season is one of the best and most moving returning shows of 2022. This gloriously heartfelt and perceptive series is dedicated to diving deep into the Indigenous North American experience today — as a teenager, primarily, but constantly broadening its focus to the parents, elders and spirits so instrumental and influential in its central foursome's life in Oklahoma's Muscogee Nation. It's no wonder that season one earned a Peabody Award, which celebrates US media's most powerful, enlightening and invigorating stories. It's no wonder, either, that the show has been picked up for a third run as well. Bear (D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Beans), Elora (Devery Jacobs, Rutherford Falls), Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis, Ghostbusters: Afterlife) and Cheese (debutant Lane Factor) are those restless adolescents at the heart of Reservation Dogs, and they've shared a California dream since the series' very first episode. But when the debut season wrapped up with a tornado, plus a figurative storm of hard truths and buried feelings, the gang's relocation fantasy didn't play out as expected. The lure of family and culture remained strong, as did holding onto a past that's brought happiness as well as hurt. While losing one of their best friends, Daniel (first-timer Dalton Cramer), to suicide was big motivation for wanting to head away — it was also his plan, too — actually following through proved a far trickier prospect when it became tangible. In season two, the more things change, the more they stay the same — until they don't. Elora still attempted to go west anyway to close out season one, but being on the road with enemy-turned-travelling companion Jackie (Elva Guerra, Dark Winds) gets tumultuous. For Bear, Willie Jack and Cheese, staying on the reservation requires facing life on the reservation and all that it entails, including the pain that no one wants to shoulder and plotting out a future that no one ever thought would exist without Daniel. Bear tries by getting a job in roofing, which ends up being beside Daniel's dad (Michael Spears, 1883). Willie Jack and Cheese feel like the group is cursed, and turn to town elder Uncle Brownie (Gary Farmer, First Cow) for assistance. Elora is called back, confronting loss, tradition and the friends she left behind. Reservation Dogs can be a series of side-splitting comedy. The lines that the writers find for Spirit aka William Knifeman (Dallas Goldtooth, Rutherford Falls), the warrior who died at (but not in) the Battle of Little Big Horn and is quick to dispense advice Bear's way, are comic gold every time he's on-screen. (Wanting him to get his own spinoff comes easily.) It's also a show filled with goofy capers, from the opening Flaming Flamers chip-truck heist through to a hilarious late season-two episode where lighthorseman Officer Big (Zahn McClarnon, Westworld) unwittingly takes acid, then stumbles upon a racist land-grabbing conspiracy that's fuelled a local myth, all with salvage yard owner Kenny Boy (Kirk Fox, Parks and Recreation) by his side. This is and always has been a sitcom about home, though, a term that's oh-so-loaded in a First Nations context. What does it mean to want to flee land that's been taken from Indigenous communities from centuries? That was one of the first season's key questions. What does it mean to rediscover that homeland, even knowing how much heartache lingers? That's a pivotal consideration in the second season. California — the oasis it represents, including fresh scenery, leaving everyday troubles behind and seeing the ocean for the first time — still can't be shaken, however. Sometimes, the only way to weather life's ups and downs is to realise how much you'd miss what you already have if it was gone, too. Made with such an evident commitment to minutiae, and to feeling lived-in at every moment, Reservation Dogs spins both its episodic stories and its long-running arcs, themes and emotions into something wonderful and insightful again and again. One season-two episode departs to the yearly Indian Health Summit with the Aunties, including Bear's mother Rita (Sarah Podemski, Resident Alien), who get their own time away. Another follows Cheese to a group home run by the misguided Gene (Marc Maron, Respect), where he's sent through no fault of his own — while yet another goes to prison, where Willie Jack visits Hokti (Lily Gladstone, Certain Women), her aunt and Daniel's mother. From the engaging cast and complex narrative to the incisive examination of everything it means to be an Indigenous North American right now, plus the crucial commitment to telling Indigenous stories with Indigenous on- and off-screen talent (every writer, director and series regular is Indigenous), Harjo deserves all the kudos that can be showered his way for this gem of a show. Seeing where each episode heads, what surprises are in store, and how it keeps giving the USA's First Nations people on-screen representation and a voice, is a continual and rewarding delight. Seeing how Reservation Dogs values both personal tales and fleshing out a community portrait, and excels equally in realistic and magical storytelling, is as much of a highlight. As for Waititi, his way with sitcoms shouldn't be astonishing. The Eagle vs Shark, Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople helmer is three for three in America — including not only this, but also Our Flag Means Death, which will return for a second season after 2022's debut run; and the What We Do in the Shadows TV spinoff, which just aired its fourth season and has a fifth and sixth on the way. Indeed, while there are many reasons to be thankful for the New Zealand filmmaker as his resume keeps attesting, using his fame to help bring the gift that is Reservation Dogs into the world is firmly one of them. Check out the trailer for Reservation Dogs season two below: Reservation Dogs streams via Binge in Australia and Disney+ in New Zealand. Images: Shane Brown / FX.
A grim historical drama that recreates France's final instance of trial by combat, The Last Duel can't be described as fun. It hinges upon the rape of Marguerite (Jodie Comer, Free Guy), wife of knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon, Ford v Ferrari), by his ex-friend Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver, Annette) — aka the event that sparked the joust — so that term will obviously never apply. Instead, the movie is exquisite in its 14th-century period staging. After a slightly slow start, it's as involving and affecting as it is weighty and savage, too. When the titular battle takes place, it's ferocious and vivid. And with a #MeToo spirit, the film heartbreakingly hammers home how poorly women were regarded — the rape is considered a crime against Carrouges' property rather than against Marguerite herself — making it an expectedly sombre affair from start to finish. The Last Duel must've been fun to make from a creative standpoint, however. Damon sports a shocking mullet, and Ben Affleck (The Way Back) dons a ridiculous blonde mop while hamming up every scene he's in (and demanding that Driver drop his pants), although that isn't why. Again, the brutal events seen don't earn that term, but teasing out Marguerite, Carrouges and Le Gris' varying perspectives is fascinating. Director Ridley Scott (All the Money in the World) and his screenwriters — Good Will Hunting Oscar-winners Damon and Affleck, plus acclaimed filmmaker Nicole Holofcener (Enough Said) — have clearly seen Rashomon, the on-screen benchmark in using clashing viewpoints. In their "he said, he said, she said" tale, journeying in the iconic Japanese film's footsteps proves captivating. It must've been an enjoyable challenge for its cast, too, terrible hairstyles and all; as moments repeat, so much of the movie's potency stems from minuscule differences in tone, angle, emphasis and physicality. "The truth according to Jean de Carrouges" proclaims The Last Duel's first chapter, adapting Eric Jager's 2004 book of the same name in the process. (Le Gris and Marguerite's segments, following in that order, receive the same introduction.) Even in his own instalment, Damon plays Carrouges as a scowling and serious soldier, and as petulant and entitled. He's also a victim in his own head. That attitude only grows as Le Gris finds favour with Count Pierre d'Alençon (Affleck), cousin to teenage King Charles VI (Alex Lawther, The Translators), and starts collecting his debts — including Carrouges' own. And when the knight marries the beautiful and well-educated Marguerite, it's purely a transaction. It also deepens his acrimony towards Le Gris long before the rape, after land promised in the dowry ends up in his former pal's hands via the smarmy Pierre. Still, Carrouges is instantly willing to fight when he hears about the sexual assault. That said, it's also just another battle against Le Gris and the Count, after taking them to court and the King over their property squabble. In Le Gris' chapter, where Driver broods with an intensity that's fierce even for him, Carrouges' joylessness and pettiness is given even more flesh. Also explored here: the Count's hedonism, the ambition and greed driving the opportunistic Le Gris, and the fixation he develops with Marguerite. Scott ensures that the rape lands like the horror it is, too, leaving no doubt of its force and coercion despite Le Gris' claims otherwise. When Marguerite's turn comes, the words "the truth" linger for a few seconds longer; what follows is the most nuanced and best third of the film, with immense thanks to Holofcener and Comer. The Last Duel is often blunt movie, but there's a wealth of subtlety to this chapter — and a world of nuance in Marguerite's struggles in general and after her attack at Le Gris' hands. Holofcener doesn't rely upon big speeches, and Comer doesn't trade in big feelings. In fact, they're both economical and poignant, conveying exactly what they need to in as precise a way as possible. Both recognise that the situation, and all that Marguerite endures, is inherently abhorrent and distressing, and let those emotions radiate organically rather than with overstressed compulsion. The film's structure helps enormously, of course. After showing Carrouges glower and pout, and Le Gris pair charm with manipulation, The Last Duel makes its allegiance to Marguerite plain. That happens from the outset, actually, with the film knowingly arriving in a world where gender equality is still far from the status quo. That's why all those tiny tweaks over the three chapters couldn't be savvier or more engaging. Everyone is always the hero of their own story, but The Last Duel commits that idea to film by showing what it means in such horrendous circumstances — a life-and-death matter for Marguerite, Carrouges and Le Gris alike. This is a movie about power that examines how it manifests in broad, societal and overarching ways as well as on an everyday and intimate basis, all through its trio of perspectives. The Last Duel releases 44 years after Scott debuted with 1977's The Duellists. That nice bit of lexical symmetry is also a reminder that history and conflict have long been in his wheelhouse. As his second movie illustrated — that'd be Alien — he's similarly no stranger to tales of female survival in unforgiving conditions. Plus in Blade Runner, his third film, Scott showed his talent for getting contemplative via spectacular imagery. Both opening and closing The Last Duel, the eponymous joust is firmly a spectacle here. Visceral, exciting, tense and thrilling, it's shot and staged with rhythm, flair, grit, gore and an edge-of-your-seat level of anxiety. But this Gladiator-topping scene would ring empty if almost everything around it — not just within it — wasn't so piercing. Come for vain and selfish men brawling on horseback, stay for a compelling interrogation of the kind of world that sees them as its leaders while constantly casting women aside. Image: Patrick Redmond. © 2021 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
It just might be Australia's most famous man-made structure, and it'll soon be home to the Australian Aboriginal flag on a permanent basis. That'd be the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which only flies the Aboriginal flag for 19 days each year at present — for Australia Day, Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week — but will do so every day "as soon as possible", as New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet has just announced. The Sydney Harbour Bridge currently has two flag poles, with one flying the Australian flag and, when the Aboriginal flag isn't on display on its allocated days, the other flying the NSW state flag. To display the Aboriginal flag permanently, the bridge will gain a third flag pole — with the Premier advising that the government has "been working through this for some time." Speaking at NSW's daily COVID-19 press conference on Saturday, February 5, Perrottet said that "the first advice I received is that it would take two years. Two years. I mean, in the 1920s, it took nine years to build the Harbour Bridge, but apparently today it takes two years to put a flag pole on top of the Harbour Bridge. I'll climb up there myself to put it up if I need to". He continued: "I can't see why it would take that long. The new advice that I've received is that it can be expedited — I think it went down to two years, and then to six months — so as soon as possible". A 5 year struggle worth while. WE BLOODY DID IT 🎉 Thank you to everyone who participated. The @ChangeAus petition & @gofundme won't stop until the flag is flying proud. Let's see it to the end.@AIA_SydneyCBD @MayorDarcy @david4wyong @GaryNunn1https://t.co/Xbqhunc8m7 — Cheree Toka (@Chereetoka) February 4, 2022 The announcement follows a five-year-long campaign by Kamilaroi woman Cheree Toka, who also launched a Change.org campaign in 2020 to continue to call on the NSW government to make this exact move. "The Aboriginal flag is a reminder that the country has a history before European arrival," Toka said two years ago. "I think it's really important to have a symbolic gesture on the bridge that identifies the true history of Australia, which is a starting point for conversation around greater issues affecting the Indigenous population." After the first three years of Toka's campaign, she had amassed more than 157,000 digital signatures and the required 10,000 paper-based signatures to bring the issue to NSW parliament. However, when it was debated in the final NSW parliamentary session of 2019, the result then was that it would cost too much to construct a third flagpole to see the Aboriginal flag flying daily — which was what sparked her crowdfunding campaign to raise the $300,000 quoted by the government to 'fund the flag'. [caption id="attachment_841962" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vakrieger via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Announcing the change of policy on the weekend, the NSW Premier said that "we can't truly be proud of our country unless we are working together to achieve true reconciliation. That's a combination of both symbolic reconciliation and practical reconciliation." The move to permanently display the Aboriginal flag on the Sydney Harbour Bridge comes just weeks after 2022's other big flag news, with the Australian Government unveiling a copyright deal at the end of January with Luritja artist Harold Thomas, who designed the symbol, to make it freely available for public use, Exactly when the Aboriginal flag will start flying permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge hasn't yet been revealed — we'll update you when further details are announced. Top image: Mary and Andrew via Flickr.
Gambling sites are so often accused of being scummy. Confined to the cracked iPhone screens of sweaty middle-aged men watching the races, or nestled up against a footy fanatic's much-pounded Tinder app, these sites don't often conjure up images of class. But for this year's FIFA World Cup, Sportsbet have pulled out the big guns. They've called upon the classiest dude bro they could think of. They've let Jesus loose upon our skies. In a marketing stunt that seeks to mimic Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, Sportsbet have created a hot air balloon in an arguably sacrilegious image of Jesus Christ. They've encapsulated his transcendent essence in 46 metres of gassy latex, slapped a hashtagged Socceroos jersey on him and launched him off into the atmosphere because culture or sports or betting or something. It's a move that's understandably enraged Melbourne's religious community. Director of the Australian Christian Lobby Dan Flynn has spoken out against the stunt on 3AW saying Jesus has been co-opted into endorsing gambling. "Jesus was very much for the poor and we know the effect of gambling on the poor, they take the biggest brunt of that," he said. The balloon has also been condemned by Deputy Premier Peter Ryan, the Australian Churches Gambling Taskforce, and the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne. However, Sportsbet's representatives claim the balloon is nothing more than a morale booster to get people behind the Socceroos this week. "Let’s be honest — the Socceroos need divine intervention to progress past their three group games, so the message we’re aiming to get across is that for all Aussies to keep the faith in [them]," PR manager Shaun Anderson told the Herald Sun. Sportsbet also claim they haven't received any complaints from religious groups directly. Spokesperson Matthew Campbell even went so far as to reassure readers at the Sydney Morning Herald: "We certainly don’t believe we’re being insensitive to anyone’s religious beliefs." This isn't the first time Sportsbet have been accused of insensitivity. In fact, their last controversy came only one year ago with this charming piece of good ol' Aussie animal porn. Any of the @QantasWallabies see this little guy upon landing in Melbourne today? #rootingforoz pic.twitter.com/NOei58MFNv — Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) June 23, 2013 Though today marks just the second day of flight for the holy balloon, it's already received a huge amount of attention. Not only has it faced scrutiny from those religious groups mentioned above, it's featured on the front page of mX, and made an appearance on both the Daily Mail and Wall Street Journal. How embarrassment. Despite all this, Sportsbet claim the only thing that could bring down our ever-present lord is the weather. The betting site intend to keep him airborne over Melbourne for the next couple of days before a national tour starting next week. If you weren't already having moral dilemmas with this year's World Cup, you sure as hell will now. Via Herald Sun and The Sydney Morning Herald. Photos via Sportsbet.
These days, plenty of events have been putting the 'fun' in fun run. Some take you jogging through a winery, then let you sip wine. Others ask you to dress up like your favourite Star Wars character, or as Batman. And, you can can decked out with colour while you put one foot after another, too. They're all well and good — but if you're eager to sprint through foam, tumble down waterslides and make your way through mud pits across a five-kilometre obstacle course, you'll want to head to the 5K Foam Fest. Hitting up Sirromet Winery on Saturday, January 11 and Sunday, January 12, this event will get you running, sliding, climbing, crawling, bouncing, hurdling, hopping through tyres and slipping over tubes. In total, you'll need to conquer more than 20 obstacles. And, although this should be obvious, you can expect to get wet, muddy and foamy while you're doing so. There's a reason that we keep stressing the foam, with 2.5 million cubic feet of it used across the course. Plus, there'll be some on your beer when you have a few cold ones in the beer garden once you're done. Tickets are on sale for both days of this family-friendly affair. If you'd like to have your entry fee reimbursed, you also have the option of using the event to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation. Image: 5K Foam Fest.
Hoping that 2022 proves brighter than the last couple of years? Aren't we all — and, in Sydney, it's set to do exactly that in one particularly eye-catching way. After cancelling its 2020 and 2021 events due to the pandemic, Vivid will be back with its citywide celebration of creativity, innovation and technology (and luminous lights) from Friday, May 27–Sunday, June 18, and the festival has just revealed the first must-sees on its lineup. Words like dazzling, glowing, radiant and vibrant get thrown around a lot when describing Vivid, but there's a great reason for that: its installations and events — and especially its art displays and light projections — really are spectacular. 2022's bill looks to live up to the hype, too, based on the four inclusions revealed from first-time Festival Director Gill Minervini's program so far. Get ready to see plenty of Sydney in a whole new light, naturally. At The Goods Line at Central Station, Convergence will surround Sydneysiders in an immersive light-and-sound experience — all in the disused Goods Line railway tunnel, which'll be used for the first time ever. It'll actually be Vivid's largest-scale laser exhibition ever, too, if you need any more convincing. Next, over at Customs House at Circular Quay, none other than famed Aussie artist Ken Done will be joining forces with Sydney-based projection specialists Spinifex Group to deliver a work called For Sydney With Love. Yes, it's a love letter to the city, and it spans everything from Sydney's landmarks to its natural environment, which Done will bring to life. Also a highlight: Earth Deities, which'll set up at Hickson Road Reserve in The Rocks. It's the work of Western Sydney-raised artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, who is known for making large-scale sculptural forms out of compacted earth, steel and paint. Here, Nithiyendran will craft what's been dubbed as a "multi-limbed avatar", which'll come complete with animated fire and electricity. And, spanning an eight-kilometre continuous stretch from Sydney Opera House to Central Station, Future Natives will guide folks along Vivid's Light Walk. You'll find your way along thanks to sculptures along the route, including a flock of 200 Sydney bird species created by Sydney artist Chris Daniel. [caption id="attachment_843269" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Future Natives, Chris Daniel[/caption] The full Vivid 2022 lineup will be announced mid-March, but you can also look forward to spending time elsewhere in the Sydney CBD, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour, and at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, MCA and Customs House. Can't wait? You have to, sorry, but because Wednesday, February 16 marked 100 days till Vivid 2022 kicks off, the event has also stationed countdown clocks designed by artist Elliott Routledge — who'll also feature in the full festival program — outside the Queen Victoria Building at Town Hall and at Gateway Plaza at Circular Quay. So, you'll always know how many days are left until Sydney gets brighter for a few wintry weeks. [caption id="attachment_843267" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dallas Kilponen / DestinationNSW[/caption] Vivid Sydney 2022 will run from Friday, May 27–Sunday, June 18. We'll update you with the full lineup when it's announced in mid-March — and for further information in the interim, visit the event's website. Top images: Convergence, Mandylands / Earth Deities, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, Jessica Maurer, Kane-Sullivan.
Don't say that you don't have anything to watch between Friday, March 1–Monday, March 11, or that you've only got the usual couch-viewing options. Queer Screen's Mardi Gras Film Festival is back for 2024, which isn't just wonderful news for Sydney's cinephiles. Thanks to the event's returning online component, it's also ace for folks located outside of the Harbour City. A feast of queer cinema coming to your chosen small screen. As always, the lineup of movies that Sydneysiders can catch at MGFF's in-person sessions is far larger than its online program — but you can still join in from home no matter where in Australia you're located. For cinephiles watching on from the couch, choices include All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White, the Berlinale Teddy Award-winning love story about two men dealing with Nigeria's anti-gay laws; Mexico's All the Silence, centring on a CODA (child of deaf adults) and her girlfriend who is deaf; F.L.Y., which sees two exes living under the same roof during the pandemic; and Mutt, which won Lio Mehiel a Special Jury Award-winner at Sundance for their performance. Or, opt for drama Old Narcissus about getting older in Japan, with a 74-year-old children's author finding connection with a sex worker. You'll also be able to stream several shorts packages online, including sessions dedicated to Asia Pacific, comedy, gay, non-binary and gender diverse, queer horror, queer documentaries, transgender and sapphic films. The My Queer Career short film fest will hop online as well, featuring seven films competing for $16,000-plus in prizes.
Biannual art and design markets The Finders Keepers is returning for its spring/summer iterations, bringing shoppers the latest and greatest from its stellar lineup of Australia's most creative makers. The Meanjin edition is taking over Brisbane Showgrounds from Friday, September 2 till Sunday, September 4. Joining the creatively charged stalls is a tasty range of food and beverage offerings — all the makings of a prime day to get out, have a chat with artists and support the industry. At the core of the conscious shopping space is a focus on helping you discover and connect with the next wave of independent and emerging artisans — specifically, local designers. So, you can expect to find everything from jewellery, fashion and ceramics to leather goods and body products. And, for the market's return to Brisbane, there's more than 100 stores to peruse. Nicoco Design will have you sorted for your bold and bright fabric pieces, Paxy & Flora are bringing oodles of cute-as-pie ceramic creations and Brisbane-fave Claire Ritchie has her joy-inducing floral artworks at the ready (pictured above). Plus, if you're into slow fashion, you'll be able to shop the excellent creations from Rex & Isla (which keeps maternity wear front and centre), Rose + Reggie and Al Elé. Don't miss the beauty delivered via the Finders Keepers Indigenous Program, which will be shining a spotlight on the collaborative works from Ikuntji Artists (pictured below). This collective — the first Aboriginal art centre for Western Desert women — has been producing fine art from the rich red soil of Haasts Bluff since 1992. As well as nabbing a ticket to enter — which is just $5 for daily general admission — be sure to remember that the market is completely cashless. So check (then check again) that you've got your digital or plastic payment methods at the ready — it would be a travesty to leave the market empty handed. The Finders Keepers Autumn/Winter Markets will take place on Friday, September 2 (4–9pm), Saturday, September 3 (9am–4pm) and Sunday, September 4 (9am–4pm) at Brisbane Showgrounds. For more info and to check out the full vendor lineup, head to the website. Location images: Samee Lapham
If you like beer, buns and biological conservation, then get your mates together and lend a hand. Stone & Wood Brewing have set up a pretty incredible initiative that not only sorts out a gross environmental problem at Gardens Point, but lets you party in return. First things first: the clean up. Slip, slop, slap and head to Gardens Point mangroves under the fig tree on the Riverstage side of the Goodwill Bridge at 3pm this Saturday. For two hours you can lend a hand cleaning up the mangroves in the area along with Clean Coast Collective. Then, as a little treat, you get to party. Pesto & Meddles, Eden Mulholland and TH'FIKA will be performing at the Maritime Museum, and the Bun Mobile will be providing all the bites. That will kick off at 5pm, aka immediately after the clean up finishes, and it should wind up around 9pm. Have a bit of heart and sign yourself up for this worthwhile cause — or just do it for the beer.
This little Norman Park nook might be a newbie to the Wynnum Road coffee scene, opening its doors in October 2017, but Clancy's Espresso is off to an impressive start. The slick, Scandi-inspired interior is dotted with sweet succulents, stone benchtops and a mean green coffee machine. In between the enamel cups and fiddle-leaf plants you'll find plenty of Brisbane's favourite local producers, including Hrvst St cold pressed juices and loose leaf tea from West End Tea Co. Coffee is supplied by Sydney stalwart Single O. There are dashes of American influence, too — think bagels, pretzels and a subway-tiled backsplash. As well as being able to make a stellar cup of coffee, barista and co-owner Clancy Sonter-Kelso clearly loves a good pun. We challenge you to get through the menu (featuring items such as the "Chicken Out The Goods" and "Reuben Me The Wrong Way") without a solid chuckle. Dad jokes aside, this cosy corner has blitzed through its first month. By popular demand, the opening hours have already been extended, and a full breakfast menu is in the works. As an added bonus, Clancy's Espresso has also had the brilliance to add dog hooks out the front (hooks that you can easily attach your dog lead to while you run inside to grab a coffee) — perfect for some puppy perving.
When you think 'patron of the arts' your local council probably doesn't spring to mind. Thanks to our Art/Work interview series, we're fully aware of the extra work our local artists put in to keep themselves in canvas and oils, and perhaps Blacktown Council could help. Now in its sixteenth year, the Blacktown City Art Prize has grown in popularity and reputation to become one of the most popular art competitions in Western Sydney. There's a grand total of $24,000 available in prize money and acquisition funds across several categories. Entries are invited for four official sections: painting, watercolour, works on paper and sculpture. There are also open prizes for Aboriginal artists, youth artists, environmental art, and local artists. Don't worry if you don't actually live in Western Sydney, that last category is the only one restricted to Blacktown city residents. Entry forms must be submitted by Tuesday August 23, and selected works will be displayed at Blacktown Arts Centre from 24 September – 22 October, admission free.
Sixty years ago, biscuit history was made. Back in 1964, the winning combination of malted bikkies filled with chocolate cream and covered in textured chocolate first hit Australian shelves — and, much to the delight of tastebuds across the country, Tim Tams were born. Since then, what might just be the nation's favourite biscuit has come in all manner of flavours (including both Gelato Messina- and Jatz-riffing versions), inspired a hotel suite and earned fame around the world. But Lune working Tim Tams into one of its pastries? That's new. To celebrate the bikkie's 60th anniversary, Lune Croissanterie has joined forces with Tim Tam's maker Arnott's to create a twice-baked Tim Tam pain au chocolat. The must-try bakery item features Tim Tam biscuit frangipane and chocolate ganache inside, and also chunks of Tim Tams on top. If you're keen to sink your teeth into one, you've got a month to head to one of Lune's Melbourne and Brisbane venues. "We are so honoured to be part of this special 60-year celebration. I am *this* close to fulfilling my dream of becoming the Tim Tam Genie!" said Lune Owner and Founder Kate Reid, announcing the collaboration. "We all have such fond memories with Tim Tam, and so we really wanted to create something that befits such an Aussie icon." The Tim Tam pain au chocolate is on the Lune menu across October 2024, from Tuesday, October 1–Thursday, October 31, at all stores in the Victorian (Fitzroy, the CBD and Armadale) and Queensland (South Brisbane and Burnett Lane) capitals. Taking cues from the beloved biscuit shouldn't come as a surprise for the bakery's customers. Lune loves an edible mashup, turning fellow food items into pastries — as one of its other October specials, birthday cake croissants, also demonstrates. This year marks 12 years of Lune, too, which is why the chain is doing some celebrating of its own. Available from its Fitzroy, Armadale, South Brisbane and Brisbane CBD locations, its birthday cake croissants are inspired by the birthday cake from Milk Bar Store in New York, and feature birthday cake frangipane and birthday crumb in a twice-baked tradition croissant. On top: vanilla buttercream and — because it wouldn't be a birthday without them — sprinkles. Among the sweet dishes, the October specials range also features cinnamon buns (made with sugar, cinnamon and crushed walnuts, and finished with cream cheese glaze and roasted walnuts) and passionfruit coconut cruffins (featuring passionfruit sugar, passionfruit coconut whip, passionfruit jam, coconut flakes and meringue shards). Lune is also going savoury with its everything croissant, complete with herb paste, chive cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning among the ingredients. As always, different options are available at different stores — and only some shops take pre-orders. Lune's October 2024 specials are available from Tuesday, October 1–Thursday, October 31. Different items are available from different stores, with Lune operating at Fitzroy, the CBD and Armadale in Melbourne, and South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane — and from everywhere except the Melbourne CBD, you can also order them online. Images: Pete Dillon.
On September 23, the September-long cultural feast that is Brisbane Festival sets up shop at the Riverstage for one of its musical highlights: an afternoon with London Grammar, James Vincent McMorrow and some special guests. One heads to Australia for the first time since releasing their second album in June. The other drops by for the third time in just over a year. Both will put on quite the ethereal show. They'll be joined by this year's Splendour hits The Kite String Tangle, plus Mansionair and Wafia. In fact, with everyone on the bill boasting a connection to the annual Byron event (even if London Grammar ultimately cancelled their 2014 appearance), consider this a taste of the fest to tide you over until next year.
Vampires can be slain by staking them in the heart. Werewolves aren't fond of silver bullets. But Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's addition to the undead world can't and won't be killed — not that anyone would want that outcome. First, What We Do in the Shadows jumped from a short film to a hilarious feature-length comedy. Next, it not only inspired a US television remake, which has been renewed for a season season, but New Zealand television spinoff Wellington Paranormal. And in the latter's case, following an exceptionally amusing six-episode first season, it's returning to Australian screens for its 13-episode second season this month. We've said it before, and we'll say it again: trust a mockumentary about the undead to keep coming back in new guises. The Cops-style spinoff follows police officers Karen O'Leary and Mike Minogue, who WWDITS fans might remember came knocking at the vampire share house's door. With the help of Sergeant Maaka (Maaka Pohatu), the cop duo keep trying to keep the city safe from supernatural happenings — including not only bloodsuckers and lycanthropes, but ghosts, aliens and more. Wellington Paranormal's second season once again explores the spate of paranormal phenomena popping up in the city, with a whole heap of new spooky occurrences attracting O'Leary, Minogue and Maaka's attention. The season starts with sea monsters — and a very high-profile cameo from Clarke Gaylord, partner of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern — and stays in strange but funny and silly territory from there. In Australia, Wellington Paranormal's first batch of episodes screened on SBS Viceland and was available to stream on SBS On Demand, and that's the case again this year. Episodes will drop weekly on both the free-to-air channel and the online platform from Thursday, November 28. For those following What We Do in the Shadows' continued evolution, Wellington Paranormal's success shouldn't come as a surprise. When the show was first revealed, Waititi described it as "Mulder & Scully but in a country where nothing happens" on Twitter, after all. Wellington Paranormal's second season starts screening on SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand from Thursday, November 28.
If peering at an artist's work is the same as peering into their soul, then staring at a self-portrait is like peeking through a wide-open window. Perhaps Rembrandt believed this? The 17th-century artist certainly loved putting his likeness on paper, whether he was picking up a brush or pencil, or getting etching. Perhaps you can ponder this very notion at Rembrandt — True to Life, which is bringing the Dutch Golden Age master's works to Melbourne's NGV International to brighten up Australia's winter. From Friday, June 2–Sunday, September 10, the St Kilda Road gallery will be home to a wide-ranging exploration of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn's work — so expansive, in fact, that it's the most-comprehensive Rembrandt exhibition to display Down Under in 25 years. On loan from the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, 1659's Self-Portrait is one of the star attractions, and one of around 80 images of himself he's thought to have made. Created when the artist was 53 (and three years after he'd declared bankruptcy), it sits alongside ten etched self-portraits. Combined, they let True to Life attendees chart how he saw himself, and conveyed his soul to the world, over three decades. Etchings comprise a significant portion of the NGV's ode to Rembrandt, with more than 100 from its own collection at the heart of the impressive retrospective. In addition to helping to detail his self-perception, they showcase his innovations as a printmaker and also illustrate how widely and deeply he splashed around his artistic talents. If you're heading to a Rembrandt exhibition, you want to see his paintings, of course, an instinct that the showcase capitalises upon. Thanks to pieces borrowed from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Louvre in Paris, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and the Teylers Museum in Haarlem as well, the artist's prints are placed in context with his paintings. You'll see how they're connected no matter the subject or theme as True to Life steps through not just his portraits, but also his landscapes, scenes of daily life, depictions of religious motifs and nudes. Among his scenery-focused works, his largest landscape etching The three trees, which dates back to 1643, is a drawcard. From his pieces that hone in on the human form — never idealising them — Diana at the bath, an etching from 1631, is another highlight. Taking its cues from passages from the Gospel of St Matthew, 1648's well-known piece The Hundred Guilder Print is also on display as part of the exhibition's survey of Rembrandt's fascination with faith. His two largest prints similarly fall into the same category: The three crosses from 1653 and Christ presented to the people from 1655. Because the artist transformed them both by making continuous adjustments, True to Life shows them in two different states — early and late side by side. Images: Installation view of Rembrandt: True to Life on display from 2 June-10 September at NGV International, Melbourne. Photos: Tom Ross.
When a big occasion is on its way, timely markets are always excellent for those of us who tend to leave gift purchasing until the last minute. While Etsy usually arrives towards the end of the year to lend a hand with your Christmas shopping, it's also bringing its market back to Brisbane this May for Mother's Day. Etsy Made Local is a grassroots initiative that celebrates crafters, collectors and artisans in local communities, and provides them with the opportunity to sell their creations both online and in a physical space. So whether you're on the hunt for handmade wares or vintage goods, these guys have got you covered. The market will take place in the Exhibition Building at the Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday, May 10 from 4.30–9.30pm and Saturday, May 11 from 9am–4pm. Because it focuses on the best local talent, every market is filled with different stallholders and unique creations. Supporting creative small businesses and scoring a killer gift for mum is a win for everyone involved, so head along and get your shopping sorted. Entry is via gold coin donation.
If you're Melbourne's NGV International and you've spent the summer filling your walls and halls with fashion by Coco Chanel, how do you follow up come winter? By dedicating your next blockbuster exhibition to Pablo Picasso and the artists, poets and intellectuals he crossed paths with. The iconic Spanish painter, sculptor and printmaker's pieces will sit alongside works by everyone from Salvador Dalí and Henri Matisse to Marie Laurencin and Gertrude Stein at The Picasso Century, which'll take over the St Kilda Road gallery from Friday, June 10. A world-premiere showcase developed exclusively for the NGV by the Centre Pompidou and the Musée national Picasso-Paris, and displaying until Sunday, October 9, The Picasso Century won't skimp on its namesake. From Picasso alone, more than 70 works will be on display. But it'll also surround his pieces with over 100 others from more than 50 of his contemporaries, with the latter sourced from French national collections and the NGV Collection. [caption id="attachment_844954" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pablo Picasso. Spanish 1881–1973. Reclining woman (Femme couchée). 19 June 1932, oil on canvas, 38.0 x 46.0 cm, 55.6 x 63.0 cm (framed). Centre Pompidou, Paris, Musée national d'art moderne - Centre de création industrielle. Donated by Louise and Michel Leiris, 1984. © Succession Picasso/Copyright Agency, 2022 Photo © Centre Pompidou, MNAM - CCI/Bertrand Prévost/Dist. RMN - GP.[/caption] That means that art lovers will be able to gaze at 170-plus works of art, and chart Picasso's career via his paintings, sculptures, drawings and ceramics in the process — and also see how it developed through his engagement with his peers. And, when it comes to other talents showcased, the hefty list also covers Guillaume Apollinaire, Georges Braque, Alberto Giacometti, Françoise Gilot, Valentine Hugo, Dora Maar, André Masson and Dorothea Tanning. By placing the artist's pieces in context with the works of others around him, The Picasso Century examines the connections that helped make him who he was, and explores how his creations rippled throughout the world. Accordingly, art by Natalia Goncharova, Julio González, Wifredo Lam, Suzanne Valadon and Maria Helena Vieira da Silva will also feature, all talents who've rarely been exhibited in Australia. And, other artists included span André Breton, Georges Bataille, Aimé Césaire and Alberto Giacometti, as well as Kay Sage, Max Ernst and Giorgio de Chirico — plus Francis Bacon and Willem de Kooning as well. [caption id="attachment_844955" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Salvador Dalí. Spanish 1904–89. Invisible sleeping woman, horse, lion (Dormeuse, cheval, lion invisibles). 1930, oil on canvas, 50.2 x 65.2 cm, 74.3 x 89.2 cm (framed). Centre Pompidou, Paris, Musée national d'art moderne – Centre de création industrielle. Gift of the Association Bourdon, 1993 © Salvador Dalí, Fundació Gala - Salvador Dali/VEGAP. Copyright Agency, 2022. Photo © Centre Pompidou, MNAM - CCI/Philippe Migeat/Dist. RMN - G.[/caption] Didier Ottinger, a scholar of 20th century painting and Deputy Director of the Musée national d'art moderne, Centre Pompidou, Paris, has curated the exhibition, which obviously steps through Picasso's distinct artistic periods: his blue period, cubism and surrealism, for instance. In total, The Picasso Century will explore 15 thematic sections that chart the course of Picasso's seven-decade-plus career. If you're fond of his surrealist period, however, it'll be particularly packed with works from then. As Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV, explains, "this exhibition offers visitors an extraordinary insight into the development of modern art and the preeminent figure at its centre, Pablo Picasso. Through more than 170 works of art — including many that have never been seen in Australia — audiences will come to appreciate the many ways in which Picasso influenced — and was influenced by — the artistic community that surrounded him." If it sounds big, that's because it is. And, as French Impressionism was in 2021, The Picasso Century is part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition series. The Picasso Century will be on display from Friday, June 10–Sunday, October 9, 2022 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the NGV website. Top image: Pablo Picasso. Spanish 1881–1973. Figures by the sea (Figures au bord de la mer). 12 January 1931, oil on canvas, 130.0 x 195.0 cm. Musée national Picasso - Paris. Donated in lieu of tax, 1979. © Succession Picasso/Copyright Agency, 2022. Photo © RMN - Grand Palais (Musée national Picasso - Paris) / Mathieu Rabeau.
Like your poultry pieces covered in crispy coating and served in in bite-sized chunks? Don't we all. Sure, chicken nuggets probably make you remember being five years old and trying to dip them in as much sauce as possible, but that experience doesn't just live on in your memory — it has been on the menu at The Coop at The Flying Cock every Saturday for the past five months. While plenty of places serve up chicken nuggets, this Valley hangout cooks up as many as you can eat within two hours, all as part of The Nugg Club. It also pairs them with bottomless fries, slaw and your choice of ten sauces for $20, running from midday until 9pm. Alas, with The Coop shutting up shop to make way for Brisbane's first I Like Ramen, this weekly dose of all-you-can-eat nuggets is coming to an end. Get your last feast between midday and 9pm on Saturday, October 20, which also happens to be the eatery's last day of trade. As always, arrive hungry.
This Wednesday, one of Brisbane’s finest rock bands is set to fill one of Brisbane’s finest music venues with their heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies – what a perfect combination. But just who is the band that is behind such music to our ears? Open your diaries, and write this down: Daisie May is playing this week at Black Bear Lodge. Yay! Lead by French-born songstress, Pauline Maudy, the four-piece band will deliver a show filled with the distinctive sultry, sexual rock sound that the group is known for. It is also a sound that led them to be featured on the fifth Brisbane Sounds Compilation. Fellow Brisbane rockers The Gonzo Show and Anti-Thesis will open for Daisie May. The show is set to be a teaser for their highly anticipated, soon-to-be-released EP. Check out Wednesday’s show – that way you can say you were an original groupie when they’re headlining Coachella!
Last time you spent a couple of days hanging out in Surfers Paradise, enjoying the beach and bars, and listening to live tunes by the shore, you might've been attending Schoolies. Your next excuse: Springtime, the brand new music fest that's heading to the Gold Coast this year. Obviously, thanks to the name, you know which season will be in bloom. Between Friday, September 3–Sunday, September 5, the new event will take over both beachside and streetside spaces around Surfers, with over 40 acts on the bill. There'll be multiple stages, including in outside spots and at sideshow venues. And, in fantastic news for your wallet, entry to all of the outdoor shows is completely free. If you're planning to make a weekend of it, the lack of entry fee means you'll have more cash to splash on a hotel room. With Australia's tourism industry taking a hit over the past year or so, enticing music lovers to the Goldie for a three-day getaway is obviously one of the fest's aims. Some sideshows might be ticketed, though — the details haven't been announced yet, but you might want to factor that into your plans. As for who you'll be seeing, headliners include Ball Park Music on the Friday, Hermitude and Sneaky Sound System on Saturday, and Ruel on Sunday. The Gold Coast Music Awards will be part of the fest as well — as will celebrating spring's arrival just by soaking in the location, obviously. [caption id="attachment_815054" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Derek Henderson[/caption] SPRINGTIME MUSIC FESTIVAL 2021 LINEUP: FRIDAY: Ball Park Music Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Ali Barter Radolescent Vices SATURDAY: Hermitude Sneaky Sound System Gold Coast Music Awards JK-47 Ninajiraci Mia Rodriguez Ebony Boadu Mollie Rose Garrett Kato Lili Papas Daste Gratis Minds Akurei Jake Carmody Strex Happy Hour Live with Lucy & Nikki SUNDAY: Ruel Sycco May-A Budjerah Ivey Peach Fur DVNA Saint Lane Pink Matter Kye Pure Milk Tom West Chutney Sh#t Shirt Disco Nina Sinclair Veople Springtime Music Festival will take place across the weekend of Friday, September 3–Sunday, September 5. For further information — and to RSVP — head to the festival website.
Already in 2020, the busy Brisbane CBD precinct that stretches along Eagle Street has welcomed one new restaurant, with Naga Thai opening as a lantern-filled long-term pop-up. Come December, Eagle Street Pier will see the launch of two other fresh additions: Italian restaurant Coppa and the steak and lobster-focused Cha Cha Char Steak and Lobster. It's a case of swapping previous eateries for similar replacements — if you're wondering why Cha Cha Char in particular sounds more than a little familiar. Yes, Eagle Street Pier has long been home to Cha Cha Char Wine Bar & Grill; however, with owner John Kilroy retiring, he has sold the business. So, it'll be renamed, and run by new proprietor and restaurateur Michael Tassis (George's Paragon, Rico Bar & Dining and Massimo) with business partner Ciao Rossetto. As well as the two ingredients that give the place its new moniker, Cha Cha Char Steak and Lobster will also include a whisky and wine bar, serving up more than 150 types of the former. And, the whole joint will have a big focus on alfresco dining, which is understandable given the view. As for Coppa, it's taking over the space formerly filled by another Kilroy-owned restaurant, Il Centro. Again, the newcomer has a familiar title. Tom Sanceau of The Happy Fat Group was also behind Coppa Spuntino on Creek Street before it closed in March, and considers the new Eagle Street Pier site a case of relocating the eatery's Italian cuisine to a new location. At Coppa, patrons can expect both indoor and alfresco dining, as well as stunning river vistas, of course. Find Coppa and Cha Cha Char Steak and Lobster at Eagle Street Pier, Eagle Street, Brisbane, from sometime in December — we'll update you with exact opening dates when they come to hand.
When the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2019, this year began in a familiar fashion. All around Australia, beverages were raised in cheers to the next 12 months. But as we all know by now, 2020 hasn't delivered what anyone hoped for. If there has been a silver lining to this tough year, however, it has been the renewed focus on supporting local businesses. As well as spending more time at home, shopping local, eating local and sipping local have all been on the agenda. And that has been essential for two Queensland drinks companies, Brisbane's Aether Brewing and Far North Queensland's Mt Uncle Distillery. They've been forging ahead and doing what they do best — and what their local fans love — even under the most trying of circumstances. Queenslanders have certainly shown them both affection, with Aether and Mt Uncle picked as the Sunshine State's favourite tipples during the BWS Local Luvvas initiative. Aether's brews and Mt Uncle's Botanic Australis Gin will now receive an extra helping hand with getting both products stocked in more BWS stores. And we've spoken to the masterminds behind the two drops about their dream jobs, their love of making top-notch drinks and the importance of homegrown support. WHEN YOUR PASSION BECOMES YOUR JOB With Mt Uncle Distillery based on a farm in the Atherton Tablelands, head distiller and director Mark Watkins doesn't just spend his days making the most of FNQ's sultry weather — he also makes drinks perfect for those tropical climes, too. Indeed, his love of the region's climate is one of the reasons he is doing what he does today. "Given the inability to grow grapes up here, I decided to put my wine science degree to use and make rum," he explains. Watkins started his distilling journey before his studies, as a teenager. "Needless to say, I was popular with my mates," he notes. But when he dived into the botany side of his degree, he "fell in love with Australian native plants, and had the drive to pursue the production of the quintessential Australian gin" — which is where the concept of Botanic Australis began. For Aether's Dave Ward, his move into brewing arose out of a completely different field — fly-in fly-out jobs building gas plants. Meeting and working alongside his now-former business partner, they both realised that "FIFO wasn't exactly the life we wanted to live forever, and the thought of owning a brewery really just fit with what we wanted," he advises. The fact that Ward already had a lifelong passion for brewing and beer helped, unsurprisingly. Ward credits that affection for yeasty beverages, and for making them, to his father. "It is one of my earliest memories as a child, brewing with dad and his friends — the exploding bottles in the laundry, the dodgy stouts from extract and some pretty awful beer," he explains. "Those memories have stuck with me my whole life, and fuelled my love of brewing and great beer. I home-brewed on and off for most of my adult life, and eventually I found my life in a position where I was able to live my dream." GETTING CREATIVE — AND LOCAL Obviously, it takes more than just a fondness for a frothy beverage to make it in the drinks industry. As Ward advises, "brewing for me is an expression of creativity". He's now at the point where, when he's "on the brew floor or designing new beers, it comes naturally" — but he admits that getting to that point required hard work. "The real challenge started when I started studying and I realised that I knew nothing about beer. The more I learnt, the more I wanted to know, and the more I realised that my lifetime wasn't going to be enough for me to learn everything I need to be the brewer I want to be," he says. Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise, then, that when asked to describe a great beer, Ward notes that it "isn't a style, or a flavour, or even a taste". Rather, he sees it as "the ability to make a beer for everyone". At Mt Uncle, Watkins has a firm view of what makes a standout spirit, too. For him — like much of his approach to his work — it reflects his location. While it'd be hard not to love distilling gin in such scenic, relaxed and leafy surroundings, Watkins can't separate his tipples from his home base. "A great spirit should reflect the environment that creates it," he tells us. In practical terms, that means that Mt Uncle sources or grows all of its ingredients locally. It's a great source of pride to the distillery, with everything in its products either stemming from around the distillery or from a stone's throw away. ADAPTING TO TOUGH TIMES WITH HOMEGROWN SUPPORT In Mt Uncle's case, you could say that what goes around comes around — in a positive manner, of course. "We are a very small business and times recently have been quite trying," Watkins says, referring to this pandemic-afflicted year. "Local support is essential and a massive part of our business' DNA. If it wasn't for our local fan base we would not be here." For Ward, the embrace of Brisbane's beer community has been just as pivotal. "Honestly, if it wasn't for the amazing support that locals gave — whether they are in our neighbourhood or we are stocked in theirs — we would more than likely have gone under when COVID-19 hit," he admits. "Over the past few years, we have seen a shift towards local; people want to know who makes their beer, food or products," Ward observes, "and the last 12 months have pushed this further into the spotlight". To find these or other Queensland drinks as part of the BWS Local Luvva's initiative, head to your nearest BWS store.
Ever since 1922, every movie that's been made about vampires owes a debt to Nosferatu. On the Malthouse Theatre stage in 2023, so does Australia's latest world-premiere theatre production. The Melbourne theatre company is taking inspiration from the cinematic masterpiece in a new drama that shares its name — but, giving the tale an Aussie twist, it's setting its horror story in a Tasmanian mining town. Hailing from writer Keziah Warner, and starring Jacob Collins Levy (The White Princess), this take on Nosferatu heads to a locale that residents are keen to restore, hoping that its glory days can return. To achieve that feat, they embrace a mysterious investor. If you've seen the film, however, you'll now that its central figure always has quite the taste for blood — no matter the other narrative details around him. People disappearing, questions no one wants to ask, getting more than one bargains for: that's how Malthouse's Nosferatu goes from there, as theatre attendees can see during its debut season from Friday, February 10–Sunday, February 16. And yes, Nosferatu has always owed its own debt, too, given that the OG version has quite the similarities to Bram Stoker's Dracula. There's a long story behind that connection between the 1922 film and Stoker's iconic novel, but it all comes down to making an unauthorised adaptation of a popular book. Dracula has inspired a wealth of movies, TV shows and stage productions itself, of course — and Nosferatu has been remade, turned into an opera and more before Malthouse's new production. (Also in the works for cinemas: a new big-screen version by The Northman filmmaker Robert Eggers, reportedly starring Barbarian and IT's Bill Skarsgård.) Malthouse's date with the influential story marks its latest page-to-stage show, after adapting classic Aussie book Looking for Alibrandi in 2022. At present, anyone wanting to see the end result for Nosferatu will need to rush to the Melbourne season — but cross your stake-holding fingers that audiences elsewhere in the country will get to sink their fangs into the production in the future. Check out a trailer for Malthouse's Nosferatu below: Nosferatu's world-premiere season runs from Friday, February 10–Sunday, February 16 at the Merlyn Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank, Melbourne. Head to the Malthouse Theatre website for tickets and further details. Top image: Kristian Gehradte.
Illustration and photography collide to unlock new perspectives in a stunning series by Belgian-based artist Ben Heine. Heine's Pencil vs. Camera project began in 2010. Recent new additions displayed here were created for Art Official Concept, an art gallery in Cape Verde, West Africa. Heine portrays an overwhelming sense of hope in these pictures of daily life in the Republic of Cape Verde. Vibrant colours from the real world unite with inspirational ideas flowing from Heine's pencil. [Via Flavorwire]
Words like 'hidden kingdom' and 'radio broadcast' don't often find themselves hanging out too often. But one of Nepal's most remote spots is now on air, broadcasting from one of the world's most stunningly designed stations to date. Nestled in one of Nepal’s most remote regions lies the 'hidden kingdom' of Mustang. Accessed on horseback via the old Salt Route of the Kali Gandaki River valley, Mustang sits on the border of Tibet and was one of the last parts of the country to encounter Westerners. Dubbed the best example of traditional Tibetan life in the world, Mustang’s surrounding Himalayan mountain range and isolation from major metropolises has kept things pretty traditional, centered around the kingdom’s Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The old king’s palace hasn’t been used in years and is falling into disrepair. But this tiny Tibetan kingdom, who hasn't changed much since the 15th century, is about to leap into the 21st century with an unexpected new development: a radio station. Being cheap as chips to set up, broadcast and listen to, radio is a super democratic medium. Isolated regions can stay on top of things, access crop and weather details and get news bulletins much quicker than the ol' hand delivery. But if you’re 8,400 feet above sea level and surrounded by the Himalayas, radio frequencies might give your town a miss. You'll also be at a bit of an environmental and sociopolitical disadvantage without radio so, according to Gizmodo, nonprofits like the Center For Rural Technology are helping to establish radio stations all through the region, with 144 existing to date in Tibet and Nepal. Now, the Mustang town of Jomson has landed its very first radio station, a stunning, gneiss-walled establishment that looks straight from Grand Designs. Although radio is celebrated as a cheap medium to set up, South Korean communications heavyweight MBC fronted up a whopping $930,000 to build the station. Why would a South Korean bigwig blink an eyelid at a tiny Tibetan community? MBC stated that "the radio station has been established to enhance the awareness of Nepalis in the rural area and assist them to live a quality life". Then the company claimed the station would be the world’s most beautiful broadcasting center. Well, they kind of nailed it. Architect Kim In-cheurl and his firm Archium took on the project, working with extremely temperamental weather, steep hillsides and Mustang’s isolated location. The resulting station is an elegant, modern space that seamlessly corresponds with Jomson’s existing architecture. Gneiss stone walls, sunken courtyards and sleek wooden pegs seats. The studio and event spaces live downstairs, protected by stone walls from Mustang’s extreme weather. The antenna, the heart of the station, has been adorned with prayer flags. So what will Mustang be crankin' up? Broadcasts, which will be sent to about 2,000 people in 98.9 MHz frequency, will cover news, weather, health, culture and the odd trekking tip for the Annapurna circuit. We’ll just have to wait to see if it makes it online, so we can brag to our friends about our love for sweet hidden kingdom radio. Via Gizmodo and Karobar Daily. Images by Taylor Weidman/The Vanishing Cultures Project and Jun Myung-jin/ArchDaily.
A year filled with catastrophic bushfires, seemingly never-ending Brexit negotiations and a US President that Tweets this, 2019 doesn't particularly inspire the phrase "dependable and stable". But Pantone is hoping 2020 will. Its colour experts have just announced the 2020 Colour of the Year and they're saying (or hoping) it'll signal a "new era" that's a little less shaky. Classic Blue (Pantone 19-4052) is the elegant, simple and enduring colour Pantone has chosen for the turn of the decade. As well as highlighting "our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era", the cooling shade makes us think of summer — well, all those beaches, ocean pools and rivers we'll be jumping into during the warmer months. Speaking of water, hopefully Classic Blue also inspires some more of it to fall down on Australia, parts of which are pushing through a two-year drought. [caption id="attachment_663542" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bilgola Beach by Paros Huckstepp[/caption] According to the Pantone experts, Classic Blue can also do a lot for you mentally — including bringing "a sense of peace and tranquility" and helping concentration, clarity and reflection. So paint your room in it, cover your body in it or just buy some snazzy blue socks — it might help you get through this crazy messed up world in 2020. You can check out all the previous Colours of the Year, head to the Pantone website.
Situated in a string of shops on the corner of Enoggera Terrace and Waterworks Road is Brisbane's newest health food hotspot, Botanica. Serving wonderfully fresh and original salads for take away only, Botanica's focus is on fast food the healthy way. The glass display cabinet has enticing salads full of flavour and beautiful colours. For my visit I chose to have a small box ($10) filled with three salads. In one corner I had the shredded carrot, flame grapes, parsley, celery root salad with spiced peanut puree; in the middle was the red rice with pumpkin, sweet potato, and spinach; and finally crisp green beans with almond slivers, celery red onion and lime and chili dressing. Taunting me in the front window were plates full of amazing looking sweets. I was told that all of their sweets are gluten-free which is great news for coeliacs. Feeling piggish and deserving of a treat I bought a chocolate cupcake and an individual cinnamon bun cake (both $4). The service was delightful, with every dish being explained to me in detail. Once I returned home I tucked into my salads. All were crunchy and fresh, full of flavour and beautifully dressed (in fine couture). And the best part was that I felt full, but not uncomfortably so, afterwards...with just enough space for a ridiculously awesome gluten free and vegan chocolate cupcake. Who knew that no eggs or wheat could taste so amazing!? The absolute winner of the day though (other than me), was the individual cinnamon bun cake which was indescribable perfection. For delicious, health-focused and convenient food, you must stop by Botanica.
What happens when a touring showcase of music throughout Queensland joins forces with an annual citywide celebration of arts and culture in Brisbane? Sweet Relief!, the latest event from both Qld Music Trails and Brisbane Festival. A collaboration between both fests, but taking place in Brissie in September, this one-day-only excuse to get dancing will make its debut in 2023 with a helluva electronic-focused lineup, starting with Groove Armada, The Avalanches and Ladyhawke. Sweet Relief! also involves the folks at Untitled Group, the team behind festivals such as Beyond The Valley, Grapevine Gathering and Wildlands — and they've helped bring in quite the names. Groove Armada and The Avalanches will both play Australian-exclusive gigs, in fact, with the former doing a DJ set and the latter performing live. [caption id="attachment_907867" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grant Spanier[/caption] We see you, festival-loving babies. The day to block out in your diary: Saturday, September 16. The place to head: the Maritime Green at Northshore Brisbane. As well as New Zealander Ladyhawke, the bill also spans Cut Copy doing a DJ set, plus Nina Las Vegas, Latifa Tee and YO! Mafia. Poof Doof Pride Patrol featuring Jimi the Kween is on the lineup as well, and additional Brisbane acts are still to be announced. [caption id="attachment_907869" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kath Gould[/caption] "We're so excited to be heading up to Brisbane to play at Maritime Green at Northshore Brisbane. It's such a cool looking spot — we've got a feeling it's gonna be a very special one," said The Avalanches. "Brisbane's history is littered with iconic festival moments such as Livid, Boundary Street Festival and Valley Fiesta that gave the Brisbane community an opportunity to bring their weirdest and wildest selves out to create an electric atmosphere of togetherness, diversity and inclusion," added Joel Edmondson, CEO of Qld Music Trails, announcing Sweet Relief!. "We hope that Sweet Relief! can establish itself as a place where people travel from around the country to experience Brisbane's local flavour and global appeal." SWEET RELIEF! 2023 LINEUP: Groove Armada (DJ set) The Avalanches (live) Ladyhawke Cut Copy (DJ set) Nina Las Vegas Latifa Tee YO! Mafia Poof Doof Pride Patrol featuring Jimi the Kween + more Brisbane acts to be announced Sweet Relief! will take over the Maritime Green, Northshore Brisbane, on Saturday, September 16. For more information and images — and to register for ticket presales from 6pm on Wednesday, July 5, with general sales from 12pm on Thursday, July 6 — head to the event website.
More than a quarter-century ago, a TV sitcom about six New Yorkers made audiences a promise: that it'd be there for us. And, as well as making stars out of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer, the hit series has done just that. Sure, Friends wrapped up its ten-season run in 2004, but the show has lived on — on streaming platforms, by sending an orange couch around Australia, by screening anniversary marathons in cinemas and in upcoming boozy brunch parties. In news that was bound to happen someday — no pop culture entity truly comes to an end in these reboot, remake, revival and spinoff-heavy times — Friends is going to live on in a much more literal sense, too. First hinted at last year, and now officially confirmed, the show is coming back for a reunion special on HBO's new streaming platform HBO Max. Naturally, all of the gang will be involved. Yep, it's 'The One Where They Got Back Together', although it doesn't actually have a title as yet. And it's worth noting that the special will be unscripted, which does mean that Aniston and company aren't literally stepping back into Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe and Ross's shoes. Instead, the actors behind the characters will chat about their experiences on the show — all on the same soundstage where Friends was originally shot. And, let's face it, the fact that they'll all be on-screen at the same time in the same place celebrating the series that so many folks love is probably enough for fans. Friends creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman are also slated to join the reunion special. And if you're wondering when it's happening, the special is due to arrive in May. That's when HBO Max launches in the US — and it's clearly aiming to kick things off in a big way. For folks Down Under, there doesn't seem to be a current plan to bring the streaming platform to our shores. Instead, the company appears to be continuing to focus on its existing arrangements with local channels and streamers for the time being. HBO Max's Friends reunion special will be available to stream in the US at a yet-to-be-revealed date in May. It doesn't currently have an air date or streaming date Down Under — we'll update you if and when one is announced.
You're feeling festive. You're also feeling like tucking into some fried chicken. But, because it isn't December yet, your two-piece feed probably doesn't feel all that merry. Enter KFC's latest piece of merchandise, which is being released to celebrate Christmas in July — but can obviously be worn whenever you need some yuletide cheer and some of the Colonel's secret herbs and spices in your life at the same time. The item in question: a red-and-white Christmas jumper. To use the very words stitched onto it, alongside tiny little chicken drumsticks and buckets of KFC: 'tis the seasonings. Clearly, it's the only thing that you should be decked out in whenever you treat yo'self to some of the fast food chain's fare. If you like to pair your chook pieces with VB for some reason, and you already bought one of the beer brand's own Christmas sweaters last year, you'll now have two festive pieces of apparel to choose from. KFC's version costs $59.95, comes in seven sizes spanning from extra small to triple extra large, and is available to purchase now. That said, they're a limited-edition item, so you'll need to get in quickly if you just can't imagine eating chicken while donning anything else. The brand is donating all of the proceeds to charity partners The Black Dog Institute, ReachOut Australia and Whitelion, too, so you'll be giving them a Christmas in July gift as well. Because KFC does like to theme as many things as it possible can with its own brand — it has given the world KFC cocktails, a KFC meditation track that sounds like chicken frying and gravy simmering, a KFC wedding service and a KFC augmented reality game, after all — it has paired the new jumper with a new Christmas tune as well. Well, a fresh spin on the classic carol 'Deck the Halls', to be exact, with Dune Rats doing the honours. You can listen to the new track below, probably while you're trying to ignore your chicken cravings: KFC's 'Christmas in July' jumper is available for purchase online now, but it's only available for a limited time.
As the creator and host of This American Life, one of modern radio's truly great story hours, Ira Glass needs little introduction. But now Ira is trying his hand as a film producer. Marcus Costello caught up with him ahead of the Australian release of Sleepwalk with Me, a comedy based on the life of, directed by and starring Ira's longtime friend and collaborator Mike Birbiglia. There's a sequence in Sleepwalk when Matt (Birbiglia) stays overnight in a hotel. For a guy who moonlights in a bar to support himself, this is the sign of making it — so he orders room service and dances on the bed. You also had a day job when you first started making radio: temping as a secretary. Was there a jump-on-the-bed-moment when it dawned on you that radio was going to work out? There were a few moments, but they were not early in my career! I took longer to figure out how to make a living making radio than anyone I've ever met. I was always a very good editor but all the other parts of making a radio story — being a solid interviewer, writer, knowing how to write something that could be read out loud — I was just so bad at these things. And I don't say that with false modesty. If you poke around you can find examples of my early stuff. I have. And, yeah, well, you only got better and better. [laughs] All through my twenties my parents kept telling me "you've got to get out of radio, you've got to get out of radio!" and I always thought they were being so unsupportive. But when I go back and listen to what I was producing, I completely understand where they were coming from. Did you ever turn to them and say, "look at me now"? Yes. Well, not in so many words. When they saw me on The David Letterman Show they stopped telling me I should go to medical school. Nice. Staying with the hotel experience, I have you as saying, "Just when did I get to the point when staying at a hotel wasn't fun?" I have a cousin who's a composer, Philip Glass, and when he was starting out his mother said to him, "You're just going to be travelling around staying in hotels", and he said, "Yeah, exactly!" But, you know, the novelty comes and goes. These days, I've come back around to embracing the escapism of hotels. In that scene, Matt looks around the hotel room sort of awestruck and I remember seeing it in the script and thinking "Well, that's going to look stupid" but it worked! It's a perfect example of something that's utterly convincing on film but if you think about it, 100 percent BS. And that was one of the key things I've learnt about filmmaking. And what about bumping into famous people at fancy hotels and thinking "I'm famous too, I can talk to them!" Is there still novelty in that? I mean, This American Life is a show about ordinary people's stories. Tell me, who's the most memorable person you've met? I can definitely answer this question but it's hard because if an interview is going well I fall in love with that person a little bit... Are you falling in love me with, Ira? Exactly. And after this interview, where are you taking me, Marcus? [laughs] I guess, be it with a man, woman or child, any age, I know an interview's going well, that we're both feeling good about it, when I start talking honestly about myself with them. Okay, here's something that really stands out in my memory. We did a show about babysitting and I interviewed a guy called Myron Jones. It was one of those stories that starts out light-hearted and funny but gets darker and sours. The deeper into it we went, I realised the story wasn't about what we thought it was about but actually about his mum; she was kind of crazy. At one point she actually followed through with her threats to send him away to an orphanage, like, who does that? It was the kind of complicated, emotional story that is so hard to come by. I mean, he was from another generation, another part of the world, there's no other way I would have had access to a story like his. And he really opened up to me. But the thing that touched me most was how graceful he was about his past. I mean, his mum did some terrible things, some really terrible things, and yet he had no bitterness about it. He was beyond bitterness and almost onside with his mum. I remember thinking to myself after that interview, when I get old I want to be like Myron. It's so touching and telling that people open up to you. I wonder, if you're asking someone who you've just met to talk about a traumatic period of their life, have you ever felt you've pushed too hard, gone too far? Hmm. Well, there have certainly been times when people have told me too much without having to push for it. I remember when I was a producer for the daily news back in the '80s when AIDS first hit, I was interviewing this couple and I asked them, "Do people still have sex when they have HIV?" And then they gave the most graphic, like, graphic, account of how they do it. I thought, wow, you are just so much less inhibited than I am. Well, journalists are compelled to get the truth out there in all its graphic detail. On the other hand, artists are compelled to create truths. As a sort of hybrid of these two, what compels you? Truthfully, I feel that my interests are really basic. I'm looking for something that is exciting or amusing. I like to be entertained. Balancing funny moments with emotional moments in the one story is always powerful. I like being told stories about people I don't know or places I haven't been but told in a way that I can relate to. I certainly relate to This American Life, and I'm an Australian. Have you ever thought about selling the concept to other countries? Say, This Russian Life? [laughs] The name of the show goes to show just how shortsighted we were! Back in the early '90s when we started out, we honestly never thought anyone outside of America would ever hear us. I don't know how we'd go in Russia, but we're on in Canada and they're such chauvinists up there we actually thought about inserting a little snippet into the intro so it's like, 'This North American Life'. I often reflect on what you have to say about starting out, "For the first couple of years you make stuff and it's just not that good. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. You gotta know it's normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work." (Read the full quote here.) I loved This American Life the TV series, but it was abandoned so early on! Yeah. Basically, for things to work in the This American Life format things have to unfold, somebody has to learn something, somebody to change. On radio, we get people to tell us what happened to them but on TV you want the cameras to be there rolling as the events transpire. So it becomes a really tall order to find something worth filming before it's happened. Look, I'm proud of what we produced and we even won some awards for it, but it was just so hard, like, really hard, and we had trouble meeting our deadlines. And it's so much more expensive to experiment with stories in TV than it is to run with something in radio then let it go if it's not working out. We asked to be taken off television and very graciously Showtime let us out of our contract. You seem to have a love-hate relationship with hard work. Speaking about your first time producing a film, you said, "It was a shocking amount of work — the despair-making sort of work where you aren't really sure if it's ever going to work." And yet your team is ploughing ahead with six more films. Something tells me it's all going to work out just fine. [laughs] Thank you. Ira's Sleepwalk with Me collaborator Mike Birbiglia is currently in Australia with his show My Girlfriend's Boyfriend, on at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival until April 4 and at the Sydney Opera House on April 6. He'll also be appearing at a special Q&A session and Sleepwalk with Me screening at the Dendy Newtown on April 5. Read our review of Sleepwalk with Me here.
The 16 pieces of the BMW Art Car Collection have been individually displayed in museums across the world, most notably in famous art venues such as New York's Guggenheim Museum and Paris' Louvre. At least one piece of the collection, however, has always remained within the familiar walls of the BMW Museum in Munich, Germany, where the collection began in 1975. The classic cars are painted by artists such as Calder, Warhol, Hockney and Lichtenstein. Each car is a canvas for uniquely vibrant interpretations of BMW's value of automotive performance and the pure joy that the company believes comes with driving. In 1979 Warhol even painted his entire BMW for the collection in only 23 minutes in order to convey a sense of speed, using quick brushstrokes and colors that appeared to blur together. Two of the cars have an Australian connection, with car seven painted by aboriginal artist Michael Jagamara Nelson, and car eight emblazoned in Ken Done's trademark bright colours. This year the Art Car Collection is celebrating 35 years of creating exquisite "rolling masterpieces" by welcoming home the entire set of painted cars to Munich. For the first time, all of the pieces are together under one roof in the BMW Museum for the special anniversary exhibition and are on display until September 30.
Bars where you can do more than just sit around and drink are really having a moment in Brisbane, and specifically Fortitude Valley. In no small part, it's thanks to the ever-expanding empire of Funlab. The company is in charge of the ever-popular Holey Moley, Strike Bowling and Sydney's Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq — with Holey Moley leading the charge in the Valley's boozy kidulting scene, alongside the independently owned Netherworld. Now, Funlab has just launched its latest brainchild: B. Lucky & Sons. It's a kidult-friendly bar-meets-arcade with some actually good pawn-shop prizes, instead of the usual plastic crap you get. Think vintage Chanel bags, classic cameras and rare vinyls, plus a Nintendo 64 in its original box and Tune Squad swag from the 1996 cult classic, Space Jam. Yup, they're going real old school with this one. The bar is coming to the Valley's TCB Building from September 27 — and Melbourne's version is also hidden behind the facade of an old pawn shop, so expect something a little bit different. Down south, the venue is also decked out with eclectic furnishings, from old-world casino chandeliers to neon-lit red octagonal booths. This East-meets-West fit-out extends to the food, where pizzas are topped with the likes of crispy wonton wrappers and bonito flakes or sausage, gravy and potato crisps. For drinks, the bar sling canned cocktails and alcoholic bubble teas — like the Taro Bang (Frangelico, rum and taro with blueberry pearls and jellies) and the Passion Crackle (vodka, passion fruit and peach teas with apple flavoured pearls and jellies). Not to mention punch bowls served with floral tea cups, a gold-rimmed espresso martini and one with a side of toast and raspberry jam. While Brisbane details haven't been confirmed, the bar's games themselves will be clear throwbacks for the millennial generation — featuring everything from Mario Kart and Space Invaders to NBA Hoops and a Dance Dance Revolution knock-off. And although the venue will be open to littluns during the day, it'll be strictly adults-only at night, so you don't have to worry about being laughed at by a ten-year-old when you fall off Rainbow Road for the fourteenth time. Find B.Lucky & Sons at the TCB Building, 315 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, from September 27. Images: Zennieshia Photography
Like all of the eateries in the PappaRich empire, this Coorparoo outpost of the Malaysian restaurant chain serves consistently satisfying buttery rotis, fragrant laksa, filling nasi goreng and fiery sambal. What started out as a vision to create a modern version of the traditional coffee shops in Malaysia, has turned into an Australia-wide name, and rightly so. Each store has its own menu, but you'll always find roti canai, nasi lemak and pan mee — plus its range of teas, like teh tarik, lemon tea with honey and the Milo Dinosaur, a cup of iced Milo with a scoop of Milo powder on top.
Last year saw a slew of announcements around new streaming platforms, including two dedicated to horror and another to the world of Disney. Now, Australia's ever-growing streaming landscape is being joined by a service spotlighting great storytelling. Landing at the beginning of March, the documentary-focused iWonder launched with more than 500 hours of on-demand content, and hopes to host over 1000 blockbuster and under-the-radar titles by the end of the month. Documentaries already available on the platform cover a huge range of topics, from fast food social experiment Super Size Me, to fly-on-the-wall spectacle Jesus Camp which follows an Evangelist summer camp, and Morgan Neville's Oscar-winning music doco 20 Feet from Stardom. Music doco series Rolling Stones: Stories From the Edge, which covers the last 50 years of music in the US, and timely political flick Alt-Right: Age of Rage are also available on the service. iWonder co-founder James Bridges says a key feature of the service is the curation of the home page, which will reflect current events through articles and relevant documentary recommendations. Subscriptions have been set at $6.99 per month or $69.90 for an annual subscription. New Aussie users will receive the first month free — you can sign up here. The service is available on iOS and Android and can be cast to the small screen via Apple TV and Chromecast. The platform previously launched with 15 million users via the iflix platform in Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East. iWonder debuted in Singapore and New Zealand at the same time as Australia. You can sign up for iWonder via the website. Top image: Alt-Right: Age of Rage.
With racially motivated discrimination, oppression and injustice in the global spotlight over the past few weeks, one confectionery company has taken the opportunity to rebrand two of its lollies that have names with racist overtones. Nestlé has announced it will rename its chewy red lollies, currently called Redskins, an antiquated and derogatory term for Native Americans, and its chocolate-flavoured, people-shaped Chicos, which means 'children' in Spanish and is considered offensive to people of Latin American descent. In a statement released today, on Tuesday, June 23, Nestlé said it will change the names of the two lollies and "acknowledges the need to ensure that nothing we do marginalises our friends, neighbours and colleagues. These names have overtones which are out of step with Nestlé's values, which are rooted in respect," the statement said. New names have not yet been finalised, according to the company, but it is moving to change them "quickly". Race and discrimination is a subject that always demands action and attention, both worldwide and within Australia, however, it's been particularly thrust to the fore due to the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, and protests over the death of American George Floyd at the hands of a police officer — as well as, at the local level, the ongoing fight to end the systemic mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori by law enforcement. A similar long-running debate about the offensiveness of the Washington Redskins NFL team has ramped up again in the US, too, with The Washington Post calling on the team's owner Daniel Snyder to change the name in an editorial published earlier this week. Calls for Nestlé to change the names of its two products, which are manufactured in New Zealand and Australia under the company's Allen's brand, also isn't new — with the debate raging when they were featured in a 2013 episode of MasterChef Australia — and they're not the only controversially named product on Australia supermarket shelves, either.
For the first time in Australia, music festival attendees will be able to check their illicit substances for dangerous ingredients, with pill testing set to take place at this weekend's Groovin the Moo in Canberra. The ACT Government has approved the trial as a harm reduction strategy, aiming to minimise overdoses and other adverse effects resulting from party drugs. It comes six months after a previous attempt to implement pill testing was scrapped — with approval given for the city's Spilt Milk festival last year, only for organisers to pull out before the event. At Groovin the Moo's Canberra leg on April 29, a mobile laboratory will be set up at the fest's University of Canberra site. Run by the Safety and Testing and Advisory Service at Festivals and Events (STA-SAFE) — a consortium of non-government organisations lead by Harm Reduction Australia — it'll be manned by volunteer medical staff and analytical chemists, who'll test small samples of each pill, interpret the results and give festival-goers the details. Advice and counselling about the risks involved in consuming the substances will also be given, and folks will have the option of disposing of their pills in a bleach-filled amnesty bin. Anyone using the service will remain anonymous, the ABC reports, but data will be collected about the number of patrons attending the service, how many tests are conducted, how many people discard their drugs and the chemical content detected in each sample, all to help shape any future pill-testing operations. Drug checking has been used overseas since the '90s, and is currently available in around 20 countries across Europe, the Americas and New Zealand, but remains a controversial topic in Australia. Calls for Groovin the Moo to offer pill testing have been circulating for the past two years, after a 15-year-old collapsed from an overdose at the fest's Maitland event in 2016. Image: Jack Toohey.
When the time came for Hannah Gadsby to follow up international smash-hit show Nanette, that seemed a rather difficult task. After all, the one-performer stand-up show copped serious praise on its 18-month travels across Australia and the UK, even scooping the top honours at both the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe — and spawning its very own Netflix special. But, then Douglas was born, with the beloved Aussie comedian returning to the stand-up stage with a performance named after a pet pooch. While Nanette pulled apart the concept of comedy itself, dishing up an insight into Gadsby's past, Douglas took comedy fans on a "tour from the dog park to the renaissance and back". It toured stages across Australia and New Zealand in late 2019 and early 2020, and then hit Netflix in 2020 as well. After that came Body of Work — first as a live show again, and now as a Netflix special, too. Gadsby and the streaming platform have announced that they're reteaming for a multi-title deal that includes bringing that last comedy set to the service, and also producing a new multi-comic special featuring gender-diverse performers. I am pretty excited to be filming my new 'feel-good show', Body of Work, at the Sydney Opera House...yep…I'm back at the scene of the Nanette 'crime'. The shebang of it all will premiere on @netflix....at some point… in the future, I suppose. pic.twitter.com/P53tDfqoqC — Hannah Gadsby (@Hannahgadsby) September 26, 2022 With Body of Work, it'll be filmed live at the Sydney Opera House — this week, in fact, ready for a 2023 release. Exactly when it'll drop next year hasn't yet been revealed, however, but add it to your future must-stream list. As for the special, Gadsby offered a few thoughts with the announcement. "In an effort to further open a door that I had to fight to get through myself, I will curate and host a line-up show on Netflix featuring six new, gender-diverse comedians," Gadsby advised in a statement. "In a notoriously transphobic industry, I am looking to broaden the scope of opportunities for genderqueer performers from around the globe, as well as expand the diversity of offerings to audiences on one of comedy's biggest platforms. Coupled with a mentorship initiative for these up-and-coming comics, the program aims to foster the professional development of a demographic that is still struggling to have their voices heard," the Aussie comic continued. "Recorded in a single run in the UK in 2023, this will be a chance for the world to hear these voices for the first, but definitely not the last, time." It's clearly too early for sneak peeks at all of the above — Body of Work hasn't been filmed for Netflix yet at the time of writing, and the multi-comic special won't be recorded until 2023 — but you can check out trailers for Nanette and Douglas in the interim below: Hannah Gadsby's 'Body of Work' Netflix special will drop sometime in 2023 — we'll update you with an exact release date when one is announced.
"Your nose like a delicious slope of cream / And your ears like cream flaps / And your teeth like hard shiny pegs of cream." Le Diner en Blanc — like Howard Moon's poem — will have you in all white. But sorry, Booshers: this Brisbane event, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2023, is just for the sophisticated. Now popping up all around the world, the Diner en Blanc began in Paris more than three decades ago thanks to François Pasquier and friends. This year, Brisbane's creme de la creme will once again dress in all-white on Saturday, November 4 and flock along, with the event held at a predictably stunning location that remains secret until the very last moment. Following an evening of elegance, fine dining and live music, the 2000-plus foodies then pack up their crystal, dinnerware, tables, chairs and litter. Like ghosts (white 'n' all), they leave behind no sign of their rendezvous. That said, don't get any ideas — a white sheet thrown over your figure will not do for an outfit. Le Diner en Blanc guests must either be invited by a member from the previous event, or get on the waiting list for a ticket — with the latter open for registrations now. And, if you're wondering what the event entails — other than eating, drinking and wearing white and white only — you'll need to bring a table and two white chairs with you, as well as your own picnic basket, glassware, white tablecloth and white dinnerware. You can order a catered picnic, though, if you don't want to bring your own. Booze-wise, you'll either need to opt for wine or champagne via the event's e-store, or be happy bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages. Wondering where Le Diner en Blanc might pop up this time? In past Brissie outings, it has brought its all-white setup to Eagle Farm Racecourse, New Farm Park, Roma Street Parklands and the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Images: The Edit Suite / Balvin Productions.
Fortitude Valley's Cloudland — the lavish Italian dinner-destination-meets-event-space — presents Vintopia, the event designed to warm up the cooler months. A celebration of all things plonk, the in-house wine tour is here to top up your Friday-night glass with a stunning array of drops. The grand space, complete with magnificent high ceilings and sparkling chandeliers, welcomes guests to tables set for a nine-part tasting journey. And there to guide you through your somm-selected sampling? Your 'tasting guru' — a person with the expertise to solve your vino curiosities and ensure you finish up sipping on something triumphant. The boozy business is happening on Friday, July 22, and is tailored especially to those who lean towards ripe reds with lots of character (and those who simply love to sample the vinos recommended by the best). Vintopia: Bold and the Beautiful spotlights nine gutsy reds that keep things a little interesting. There's sure to be a new fave flave, and a whole lotta new intel into the scarlet liquid. Your $20 ticket will see you sip through the lot before picking your favourite for a full glass to finish. If you simply can't pick which glass is for you, don't fret. Each of the wines is available at the bar (in a glass or bottle), as well as a snackable antipasto spread to keep you fuelled throughout the evening. So, if you're looking to vamp up your Friday wine-day with red-hot rouges, Vintopia is the destination for you. For tickets to Vintopia: Bold and the Beautiful on Friday, July 22, and to check out the full lineup of Vintopia events, head to the website.
Sydney might be world-renowned for its harbour, bridge and Opera House, and Melbourne's food and live music scenes might've won it plenty of fame and acclaim, but neither Australian city is one of the world's greatest places of 2023. Each year, TIME magazine singles out 50 locations around the globe that it considers extraordinary — and that travellers should make it a priority to visit — with just two Aussie destinations making the latest cut. Kangaroo Island keeps earning praise in 2023; already, The New York Times has named it one of the best places to head to this year in its version of the same type of list, and the South Australian spot's Stokes Bay topped Tourism Australia's best ten beaches for 2023, too. So, its place among TIME's picks is hardly surprising. But the publication also chose one Australian state capital: Brisbane. Move over Sydney and Melbourne — the rivalry that the New South Wales and Victorian capitals have is pointless, with the Sunshine State just sweeping in and nabbing the glory. In three words, TIME shouted out Brissie's "sports and sun", but it had more to say. And, while the hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games obviously got a mention, that's also just the beginning. "The capital of Queensland is already gearing up with ambitious infrastructural advancements, which visitors can enjoy before the crowds pour in," TIME notes. It then shouts out United Airlines' new direct flights between San Francisco and Brisbane; the soon-to-open Queen's Wharf with its bars, restaurants, four luxury hotels and sky-high observation deck; and co-hosting the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. "Beyond the central business district, the James Street Precinct is a welcome testament to how urban development can champion local businesses and artisans rather than supplanting them. The semi-industrial area leverages Brisbane's perennial sunshine to showcase an outdoor promenade anchored by artsy boutiques and cafes, all under the canopy of Moreton Bay fig trees," TIME also advises. "The surrounding neighbourhood, Fortitude Valley, has recently evolved into a culinary epicentre with new places like sAme sAme showcasing inventive international fare within a laid-back, uniquely Australian atmosphere; a growing assortment of global flavours befitting a now-worldwide audience." sAme sAme has been around for a few years now, but otherwise TIME's praise tells Brisbanites what they already know: that the River City is ace. Fresh from noting that the city's Myer Centre shopping centre would lose Myer, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said "while this is a fantastic accolade for our city, it's also about time!". "It's no accident that Brisbane is the fastest growing capital city in the country with people from southern states recognising that our city's incredible climate, lifestyle and liveability is second to none. We're investing in fantastic projects like Victoria Park, Brisbane Metro and our green bridges to help make Brisbane even better," the Lord Mayor continued. "Precincts like South Bank and Howard Smith Wharves are world-class destinations while our suburbs are great places to live, work and relax." Chosen by soliciting "nominations of places from our international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences," TIME explains, Brisbane sits on the world's greatest places of 2023 list alongside the likes of Barcelona, Kyota and Nagoya (home of the new Studio Ghibli Park) in Japan, St Moritz in Switzerland and Dijon in France. Also getting some love: Mexico City, South Korea's Jeju Island, Vienna, the pyramids of Giza, and the prime northern lights spot of Churchill, Manitoba in Canada. For TIME's full World's Greatest Places of 2023 list, head to the publication's website.
This month, The Lakes Festival celebrates its tenth birthday. The festival is designed in homage to the Central Coast's lakes, waterways and community with a stellar program of 30-plus events dotted along the coast. The majority of the program is free to enjoy, too. Each year, it brings a smack of music, colour and culture to the Central Coast. From November 7–16, we're all invited to head north and make the most of the lineup. The highlight of the festival takes place on Saturday, November 8 with Light Up the Lake. Headlined by Ruby Fields, she'll share the stage with Dear Sunday, Dizzy Days, Chloe Parché, and Elaskia. As the sun sets, the sky will erupt with fireworks to, as the name suggests, light up the lake. Away from the main stage, food trucks and local restaurants will be serving hungry festival goers between sets. Aside from great music, The Lakes Festival is about honouring the waterways through sustainability. Naturally, that means everyone's favourite gardener, Costa Georgiadis, will be making an appearance. You can catch him and Lottie Dalziel (NSW Young Australian of the Year) at the Sustainable Future Festival at The Entrance on Saturday, November 15. Over the ten days, make the trip north and you'll be able to experience everything from floating yoga to artisan markets. There's something for everyone at the festival—even Pelican Time. Join a free talk with local volunteers who rescue and care for the area's beloved pelicans. Or, join a cooking class and learn to cook with native ingredients like pepperberry and saltbush. Stop by The Entrance Artisan Markets for local artwork and homemade scones. Spend a day following the Soundscapes Story Trail throughout the Central Coast where local writers and creators have written stories with the coast as the muse. Drive up to Canton Beach for a day at Sea Food Fest and devour fresh prawns in the sunshine. You can even operate an underwater drone or rover to scope out underwater habitats in Tuggerah Lake. Or, head down to Avoca Beach and join a free surf lesson or group surf. Carve out some space in your November, The Lakes Festival is sounding like summer's place to be. Check out the full digital program here. Lead Image: The Lakes Festival
The Brisbane International Film Festival is showcasing dozens upon dozens of amazing films from around the world, so it is understandable if you find the process of selecting what to watch a little bit daunting. Fear not! We have made it easier for you with a selection of films that we think are some of the must-sees of the festival, encompassing Hollywood fare, international offerings, documentaries and obscure arthouse gems. There's lots more to see, so keep in mind that BIFF sells tickets in groups of six, twelve and twenty-five so, you know, you can see everything if you want to. Only Lovers Left Alive Jim Jarmusch is a cinematic maverick. Known for gritty, indie hits like Dead Man and Ghost Dog, Jarmusch is great at conveying desperation and humour with his unconventional style, and Only Lovers Left Alive looks to continue that trend. This film stars Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston and Mia Wasikowska. Don Jon Hollywood heartthrob, Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes his writing and directorial debut with Don Jon, a tale about a man’s struggles with an internet porn addiction and its affects on his sex and love life. This is a comedy with a bit of an unexpected edge; it also features fellow good-looker Scarlett Johansson. Big Sur Kerouac fans will get a kick out of this film, which depicts the writer in a successful yet stressful stage of his career. Director Michael Polish has created a film that manages to accurately portray the acclaimed writer, his thoughts on life and his internal struggles. Filth Continuing the trend of gritty films on show this year is Filth, a surreal and sleaze-drenched tale of a Scottish detective whose morals lie on the wrong side of the law. In a world of sex, drugs and crime, Filth is a thriller that is as mind-bending as it is confronting. It stars James McAvoy. Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer The world took notice when the Russian punk band, Pussy Riot, was detained for an allegedly illegal protest. The world declared the imprisonment of members of the band a criminal offense in itself. This documentary delves into the trial of Pussy Riot and their transformation into symbols of youth resistance and punk idols. Mistaken for Strangers If you have heard the brooding, beautiful music from The National, then you might be interested in this fly-on-the-wall look at the inner workings of the band on tour. Filmed by Tom Berninger (brother to The National’s lead singer, Matt), Mistaken for Strangers is a funny and touching look at one of the biggest bands on the planet. Blue Is the Warmest Colour You may have heard about this Palme d’Or winning film due to its sexual content, but Blue Is the Warmest Colour is being hailed as a passionate tale of love between two young women. Despite the sex, this could be one of the best films at BIFF, but just to be safe, maybe don’t go and see it with your parents. The Grandmaster As one of many international films on display at BIFF, The Grandmaster is a brilliant example of filmmaking from another culture. The Grandmaster is about Ip Man (the guy who trained Bruce Lee!) and blends martial arts with substance as the film depicts the political and cultural landscape of Ip’s youth. This film is directed by renowned auteur Wong Kar-wai. The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith As part of BIFF’s retrospective on the work of Fred Schepisi, The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith is a classic piece of Australian cinema based on the novel by Thomas Keneally. This was the first piece of Australian cinema to ever premiere at Cannes, so not only is it an important story, the film itself is also a major landmark in Australian cinematic history. 12 Years a Slave 12 Years A Slave is the closing night film of BIFF this year, and they couldn’t have made a better choice. This film is generating a lot of Oscar buzz thanks to the inspired performances by its lead actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor and its visionary director, Steve McQueen. This movie is being hailed as the most important films about slavery made to date — it could also be one of the best films of the decade. The Brisbane International Film Festival is on from November 11-24, 2013. To see the full program and book tickets, visit the festival website.
If you truly want a break from city life and fully immerse yourself in country living, there's no finer place than the Orange region. Whether you'd love to be sipping wines by a fire pit at the Winter Fire Festival, taking a summer hike up Mount Canobolas, watching the leaves change in autumn or seeing the bud bursts in vineyards in spring, there's always a reason to make the trek to the Central Tablelands. Together with Orange360, we've collated some of the best reasons to visit the Orange region, from epic festivals and top-notch wine to some of the country's best food and cosiest country stays. Outdoor and Festive Events The highlight of the winter season in the Orange region is the Winter Fire Festival. Attendees can enjoy a series of events curated by local producers to showcase the region's finest food and wine offerings. Sample local treats and wines throughout the day. As night falls, fire pits will line the streets as you enjoy live music and family-friendly activities before the event culminates in a dazzling fireworks display. It's a celebration of community against the backdrop of the picturesque countryside. Fireworks are nothing next to this next annual activity. Massive hot air balloons take to the skies every autumn in the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge. This creative festival is held annually in Canowindra, a small but strong rural community in the picturesque and fertile Belubula Valley. It has a long history of hot air ballooning, dating back to the first modern hot air balloon flight in Australia in 1966. Stick around for the monthly Twilight Markets at The Palms Canowindra. Six times a year, this market showcases producers from Canowindra's surrounds. Peruse the produce, hunt for gifts or snack on local food and wines. There's also live music and an open mic for brave travellers wishing to share a song or two. Wine Tasting and Vineyard Visits Thanks to the Orange region's unique climate and high altitudes on the Great Dividing Range's north and west slopes, wine producers can cultivate a diverse range of grape varieties in the region. Cooler sub-regions are perfect for riesling and sauvignon blanc, the warmer spots are ideal for merlot, shiraz and cab sav, and chardonnay and pinot noir are happy in between. So, you simply can't come here and not make time for a wine tasting. Macquariedale Organic Wines should be on your itinerary if you're a mindful wine fan. It specialises in organic, biodynamic, low-preservative, vegan-friendly and natural wines — as nature intended. The winery hosts a range of wine tastings and experiences at its cellar door, including a Wander and Graze package that will take you up the gentle slopes of the property to take in views across to Mount Canobolas while enjoying a hamper stocked with local goodies (and wine, of course). Head to the family-owned winery Angullong in Millthorpe for a more traditional wine tasting. Visit its historic bluestone cellar door to sample its range, which includes classic cool-climate varieties such as sauvignon blanc, shiraz and cabernet. There are also some dynamic alternative wines in the mix, such as viognier, tempranillo, barbera and sangiovese. Delve deeper into the countryside and take a jaunt out to the Logan Wines cellar door. This whimsical wine brand was started by wine industry stalwart Peter Logan. Everything on the wine list is an experiment and a testament to the team's determination to create a shift from the norm. Epicurean Experiences As the Central Tablelands' food bowl, the Orange region is the perfect place to polish up your cooking skills or simply taste some delicious food. Local winery Ross Hill Wines — Australia's first certified carbon-neutral winery — hosts cooking classes every other week with chef Michael Manners, as part of its school of food and wine Barrel & Larder. Classes range from how to prepare Mediterranean share plates to mastering the art of pies, pizzas and desserts. For a taste of the region in the city centre, head to Hey Rosey, on Summer Street. This stylish wine bar celebrates local food and wines. For big feeds, opt for a roasts with seasonal veg or, for lighter bites, go for the oeuf mayonnaise with soft poached eggs, Pernod mayo and salmon roe. Another local favourite is Byng Street Local Store, a must-stop for breakfast, lunch or coffee on the go. From Wednesday to Saturday, the store opens for dinner service. The menu changes weekly but includes dishes like crispy pork belly with a mango and curry sauce, tuna tataki with grapefruit and ponzu dressing, and seven-hour beef short ribs with tamarind and kaffir lime. Cosy Stays in the Country The Orange region has many epic spots to stay, from charming cottages to elegant hotels, but what could be more immersive than a real farm experience? 11 kilometres from the city centre is a sixth-generation sheep station, Bondonga, where you'll find The Quarters' farm stay. Encounter all kinds of flora and fauna and spend the day as a farmer on an ATV Tour, where you'll meet lambs and get a taste of life as a sheep farmer. For a home away from home, The White Place Home on Byng could be the perfect stay for you. This quaint cottage, only steps away from the Byng Street Local Store, boasts four generous bedrooms, fireplaces and glass French doors that open out to an entertaining deck that overlooks an in-ground pool — ideal for a dip after a long day, weather permitting. Whether you're planning a springtime escape or a wintry weekend away, the Orange region has fine wine, good food and spectacular surroundings that make for a great break. Start planning your trip here.
The Granite Belt region is known for its excellent wine so, chances are, you're already planning to hit up a few cellar doors. But if you want to challenge yourself to something beyond trying to identify the tropical fruit scents in a glass of savvy b, head to The Granite Belt Maze in Glen Niven. This wooden maze is a good activity for the whole family and will require about 2.5 kilometres of wandering to complete. Once you finally make it out of the maze, challenge your travel companion to a game of giant chess or mini golf, or take a wander through the garden. There is also a kiosk onsite for snacks and refreshments. The Granite Belt Maze is open daily (except Wednesdays) from 9am–5pm, but is closed each February.
Feel like you already need a vacation to get over your yet-to-start Christmas vacation? As merry and jolly as the festive season is, all that fun, shopping, eating, drinking and partying in such a short space of time can have that impact. So, if that's your current vibe, you're not alone. And thanks to Jetstar, you can now make cheap post-Christmas holiday plans — as in $39 for domestic fares and $175 for international flights cheap, and to The Whitsundays, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Bali and more. The Australian airline has just launched its 'post-Chrissy recovery' sale — and yes, technically it's a pre-Christmas post-Chrissy recovery' sale given the timing. Whatever you want to call it, it's an excuse to grab that suitcase and get excited about the getaway that'll help you recover from Christmas. Running from 12am AEDT on Thursday, December 8 till 11.59pm AEDT on Monday, December 12— or until sold out, if everything gets snapped up earlier — the sale's list of destinations is impressive just like the supremely affordable prices. Those starting fares cover Sydney to Byron Bay (from $39) and Sydney to Auckland (from $175), but the full list includes Brisbane to Proserpine from $59, Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $49, Cairns to Osaka from $259 and the Gold Coast to Tokyo from $299. Also on offer: Melbourne to Bali from $199, Melbourne to Phuket from $219, Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City from $195 and Sydney to Honolulu from $229. Yes, the list goes on. You will need to be happy to wait till around mid-2023 for your post-Christmas vacation, however. Dates for sale flights vary depending on the departure and arrival points, but expect to travel between early May and mid-September. There are a few rules, as is always the case. All sale fares are one-way, and they don't include checked baggage — so you'll need to travel super light or pay extra to take a suitcase. But, if you're a Club Jetstar member, you'll get the jump on the sale — with access from 12pm AEDT on Wednesday, December 7 until midnight. Jetstar's 'post-Chrissy recovery' sale runs from 12am AEDT on Thursday, December 8 till 11.59pm AEDT on Monday, December 12— or until sold out, if snapped up earlier. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
