Australian author Christos Tsiolkas is back with a new novel, Barracuda, sure to get the nation talking. The follow-up to 2008's agenda-setting, TV-destined hit, The Slap, it's an exploration of failure and how to come back from it. Ahead of his sold-out talk at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, Christos spoke with Marcus Costello about the nature of failure. You're a winner. And you don't have kids. Who are you to talk about teaching kids to fail? Fair call. To be honest I'm very wary of telling anyone how they should lead their lives. The thing is, I believe you can only ever truly talk from your own lived experience. Everyone's failures and, for that matter, everyone's experience of parenthood is unique, so to speak on behalf of anyone else under the pretence that you're all part of a select group [parents] isn't really fair either. That said, you know, maybe because I'm not a parent I can think what's in the best interest of a generation of children, not just my child, my flesh and blood. I can ask the question: Have you come here to learn how to raise your kid to be the best or how to think about what's best for your kid's generation as a whole? I mean, if we care to think about it, the wholesale derailment of the education system by the private sector has failed so many underprivileged children. And yet, my guess is, were they able to afford it, most parents would want to send their kid to a private school, and in so doing, feed the beast. But my talk isn't only about teaching children the virtues of failure. My talk is going to focus on how failure marks a certain adult relationship with Self and the world by way of moments in my life where I feel I've failed and the lacerating but ultimately rewarding experience of atoning for that failure. But if one can atone then it's not true failure; it's just part of an eventual success story, no? I see what you mean. Like, if you flick through any of those in-flight magazines there's always a profile of some celebrity that reads like an elaboration of a Nike advertisement or some dot-com entrepreneur in Forbes talking about how "failure made me stronger". My talk isn't going to be like that. The kind of professional failure I'm interested in exploring isn't so much a book that didn't sell well, but a book I've put out that betrayed my integrity or where I made lazy choices. I feel this way about my second novel, Jesus Man. On a personal level I've failed as a friend, as a son, as a lover ... On a national level, and this is a central theme of my talk, the culture of ruthless materialism and political self-regard that has emerged over the past two generations strikes me as a moral failing. That makes me think of a quote by Po Bronson I found while researching, "Failure is hard, but success is far more dangerous. If you're successful at the wrong thing, the mix of praise and money and opportunity can lock you in forever." Yes! That's so accurate. The seduction of success is something we all need to keep in check because when we step into smaller and smaller social circles it's so easy to fall out of touch with the broader community. How will you feel if your new novel Barracuda flops? Come what may, I feel I've reached a certain point in my life where I know that, for the rest of my time here, writing is what I will do. In that way you're fail-proof. I mean, if you think of yourself as destined to write, compelled by a force greater than commercial success, then you've beat the system. I guess you're right. As an artist it's folly to single out any one work as the mark of failure or success — if you're true to what you do then you see everything you produce as building towards something greater. That said, if Barracuda flops I will be upset, but for other reasons. There are so many people around me who are invested in this book and in my success — I don't want to let them down. Like The Slap your FODI talk is for an elite audience. The sad truth is that if anyone thinks anything of a child being slapped at a BBQ, that marks them as elite. To that end, how dangerous is any idea if you're only talking to those people who actually care to think about ideas? Ah, yes, this is true, and such a hard thing to deal with. I guess I can only hope that what I say will spark conversations beyond the Opera House; that someone will listen to what I have to say and take that message to someone else and the word will filter out that way. I wish I had a better answer to that but I don't. Barracuda is out now through Allen & Unwin. The Festival of Dangerous Ideas is on at the Sydney Opera House from November 2-4. Top image by John Tsiavis.
Doppelgängers: they're more than just a science-fiction staple, a key part of Twin Peaks and the reason that plenty of actors keep winning awards. Whether you've been mistaken for someone else, been sent a photo of someone who could be your twin or walked past a painting or snap that could double as a mirror, we've all had one of those moments. If you'd like more — and you'd like to see how your likeness has been represented in the art world — Google's Arts and Culture app can now help. While the app itself isn't new, launching back in 2016, the ability to search by uploading your own selfies — or photos of someone else — is. Users are prompted to take a photo, which the app then compares against its database of art from over a thousand museums and galleries in 70 countries. If one of them looks like you, depending on your expression and hairstyle in the photo, it'll do its best to find it. At the moment, the new feature doesn't appear to be available in all parts of the world as yet, so if you're fond of taking pics of yourself and finding your likeness in the creative world, fingers crossed that it'll be rolled out soon. There's no point snapping away as practice, as the feature will only allow you to upload a newly taken photo. One side effect, once you can try it out: wanting to visit a whole heap of galleries and museums to see your artistic doppelgängers in person. UPDATE: JANUARY 20, 2018: Google Arts and Culture app users in Australia can now access the selfie submission feature. Users should scroll down until they see the "search with your selfie" tile, which will then take you through the steps. Via Mashable.
Winter in Sydney has become synonymous with Vivid, and the first weeks of autumn brightened by news of its plans. This year, the news is more light, more music and more ideas: interactive light art is expanding to Martin Place and the harbour waters, new music event Modulations comes to Carriageworks while the Pixies prop up the Opera House, and the Vivid Ideas program will bury you under the cumulative wisdom of 300 speakers. Vivid Music includes several new initiatives, including a Stephen Pavlovic-curated event, Modulations, at Carriageworks; New Wave club nights at the Seymour Centre and uber-contemporary performances at both The Basement and the Argyle Centre. We're eagerly awaiting the full VividLIVE announcement on March 24, but for now we can tell you that the Opera House will be hosting The Pixies in intimate mode, a groundbreaking ACO-Presets collaboration traversing 42,000 years of music history and 230+ songs, and a DJ-set from Giorgio Moroder (Daft Punk, Donna Summer, Scarface, Top Gun). Meanwhile, Modulations will feature the Pet Shop Boys' epic multi-sensory ‘Electric’ show, as well as an immersive adventure from Fred Deakin (Lemon Jelly), involving music, light, sculpture and interactive technology. Lighting the all-important sails this year is creative agency 59 Projections, who count the London Olympics and the spectacular War Horse among recent works. Last year's projection stars Spinifex are working on the MCA, this time collaborating with artist Jess Johnson, while France's Danny Rose is transforming the facade of Customs House into playable instruments. Even the vessels on Sydney Harbour don't escape a cloak of light. Fifty art installations will grace the hugely popular light walk, including an Aurora Australis; Luke Hespanhol's LOL, beach-ball smiles that laugh with you in Walsh Bay; and one that really appeals to our narcissistic sides, Simon Brockwell's e|MERGEnce in the new Vivid venue of Martin Place. It 3D projection maps your face onto a giant sculpture. While functioning as an umbrella for some massive creative industries events — such as Semi-Permanent and Good Design — Vivid Ideas is still hogging some star speakers for its own signature program. Before I Die artist Candy Chang, viral strategy secret-keeper Sara Critchfield from Upworthy, Antipodium's Geoffrey J Finch, 4D printing leader Skylar Tibbits, American Apparel's Ryan Holiday and street culture juggernauts Joshy D & Mike Giant all feature. As usual, the Vivid Ideas Exchange on level six of the MCA will be the place to let all these thoughts meld. The panels and workshops there will be based around eight 'content clusters', including 'The Future of Work', 'UX IRL' and 'DIY & Maker Culture'. The 18-day festival, named Australia’s Event of the Year in 2013 at the Australian Event Awards, is on from May 23 to June 9. It's kind of staggering how much it's achieved since starting in 2009, last year attracting 800,000-strong crowds and selling 11,000 Vivid-related packages to the international market. Photos of our crazy light shows spread around the world, while Circular Quay restaurants regale with stories of running out of food to serve the swarming masses. For the full program and ticketing information, see the Vivid Sydney website. By Rima Sabina Aouf and Jasmine Crittenden.
The restaurant at Bad Shepherd Brewing Co's Cheltenham HQ has long had people flocking for its low-and-slow American-style barbecue fare. But as of Saturday, May 13, that classic USA-inspired menu is getting a full-blown Aussie makeover in honour of our country's most iconic — and most divisive — condiment. Yep, Vegemite is turning the big 1-0-0 this year and as part of the birthday celebrations, the beloved brand is teaming up with Bad Shepherd's kitchen to create a special Vegemite-infused food offering that packs a huge umami punch. Available exclusively at the Bayside brewery from Saturday, May 13, 2023–Thursday, February 1, 2024, the Mitey Menu spans a bunch of innovative new dishes, both sweet and savoury. Happy little barbecue-loving Vegemites can get excited for creations like Vegemite and cheddar snags, Vegemite-rubbed brisket and fried chicken wings slathered in a Vegemite-infused barbecue sauce. Even dessert's been given the Vegemite treatment, with a sweet-meets-salty cheesecake that we're guessing is unlike anything you've ever tasted before. You can be among the first to say g'day to the Mitey Menu when Bad Shepherd throws a free launch party at the brewery on May 13. There'll be live entertainment and giveaways galore to enjoy while you tuck into the new Aussie-fied food offering. What's more, you'll have the chance to try two additional dishes being whipped up exclusively for the party — Vegemite-glazed chicken lollipops and a buttery smoked potato mash paired with Vegemite gravy. Find the new Mitey Menu at Bad Shepherd Brewing Co, 386 Reserve Road, Cheltenham, from Saturday, May 13, 2023–Thursday, February 1, 2024. The launch party kicks off from 12pm on May 13, with walk-ins welcome.
The last year has seen the resurgence of wines in alternative packaging. Instead of the standard 750mL glass bottle, winemakers are packing their beloved grapes into cans, casks, boxes and Tetra Paks. Wines in cans, which used to be a novelty, have been redesigned, and the quality of the wines inside have increased exponentially. They're a responsible way to drink in a myriad of locations where glass might not be permitted, such as campgrounds, festivals and beaches. Packaging quality wines in vessels like bags and casks also protects the liquids from outside air and other influences for longer, which guarantees a fresher and more consistent glass of wine. The smaller packaging has a secondary benefit, too: portion control. You can drink the wine the way it's supposed to be drunk — a glass at a time — without feeling pressured to drink the entire bottle (for fear it will go off). It's also much easier to transport on road trips. One canned beverage that we fully endorse is Sparkke's #TimesUp sparkling white wine. It's predominantly chardonnay, with equal parts pinot grigio and riesling. The chardonnay gives the wine its structure and body, the pinot grigio some texture and tropical fruit flavours and the riesling creates a nice acidity and length. Sparkke is a for-purpose alcohol company, with 10-percent of sales from each of its drinks going to a different cause. The company has previously given to charities supporting refugees, same-sex marriage rights and climate change. And its latest drink — the aforementioned sparkling white wine — is raising money for the International Women's Development Agency, which works toward achieving gender equality across the globe. To help you separate the fads from the flavoursome, we've picked the best wines (and one sake) in alternative packaging — perfect to pack in the esky for your next camping adventure. SHOPPING LIST 1. Sparkke #TimesUp sparkling white wine, Adelaide Hills & McLaren Vale, 250ml can, $35 for four 2. 2017 Elephant in the Room chardonnay, Limestone Coast, 250 mL can, $4.75 or $18 for four Bursting with peach, guava and melon flavours, interwoven with toasty oak elements, this wine has a fresh acidity on the palate that makes way for a pleasant and dry finish. Pair with your favourite pit-stop chicken sandwiches. 3. 2017 Le Chat Noir Rosé, Gers & Aude Valley France, 250 mL can, $5.70 or $22 for four This wine has everything you want from a rosé — a pale colour and a dry palate. Notes of rose petals and strawberries almost jump out of the can, too. The dryness of the wine is well balanced with fresh berry notes, and it has an almost crunchy texture in the mouth. Take a can with you when you're foraging for fresh mulberries. 4. Kunizakari Tanrei Yuzushu, 1L Tetra Pak, $48 Need a break from wine (for a short moment)? We've got you covered. Yuzu is a native Japanese citrus, and when combined with young-style sake it creates yuzushu (think of it as the Japanese version of Italian Limoncello). The drink works well on its own or paired with the above sparkling for a DIY campfire spritz. 5. 2016 Casale Sangiovese Blend, Tuscany, 3L Bag in Box, $70, available from Giorgio de Mara Fun Wines or at P&V Wine and Liquor The gold standard of wine in a box, this red blend is biodynamic wine in large format. It smells like rich soil after a fresh rain and tastes like cranberries covered in dark chocolate. Perfect for any kind of barbecue/campfire/grilled meat combo you throw at it. Its convenient three litre bag will keep you going for a long weekend, too. The Oeno Files is our new bi-weekly wine column keeping you up-to-date with the latest wine trends happening around the country. Samantha Payne is a Sydney based wine consultant, writer and sommelier who has worked in the industry for over a decade. She travels, both locally and internationally, to chat with winemakers (and occasionally lend a hand in winemaking), write wine lists and hosts wine events. Images: Lucia Braham
Since 2019, Netflix's Dead to Me has contemplated endings — starting with a just-widowed woman trying to cope with losing her husband in a hit-and-run incident. Taking a few cues from 2018 film A Simple Favour, the grief-fuelled dark comedy has twisted its way through plenty of chaos from there, including via the unlikely friendship at its centre; however, the fact that everything comes to a conclusion sooner or later has always hung over the show. When it returns for season three on Thursday, November 17, that notion will remain — and Dead to Me itself will wrap up. Back in 2020, after the second season aired, it was revealed that the show would finish after a third and final run. So, get ready for your last swim through its murders, mysteries and cover-ups. The premise, if you missed Dead to Me when it premiered back in 2019: two women meet, become friends despite seemingly having very little in common, and help each other with their daily existence. From there, however, they find themselves immersed in more than a little murky business. Christina Applegate (Bad Moms 2) plays Jen Harding, whose husband has just died, while Linda Cardellini's (Hawkeye) Judy Hale is the positive-thinking free spirit that breezes into her life. They initially cross paths at a grief counselling session, sparking a definite odd-couple situation — which has evolved to feature secrets, lies, complications and cliffhangers galore across the show's two seasons to-date. Season two ended with a big car crash, in fact — and as well as announcing when Dead to Me would return to close out its story, Netflix has just dropped a teaser trailer for season three. Get ready for a glimpse of Jen and Judy in hospital and unhappy about it, as well as a recap of exactly what's brought them to this point. As for where the story will head afterwards, that'll only be revealed when Netflix drops the third season itself. If it's as easy to binge as the first two seasons, you'll know how the show ends quickly. Created by 2 Broke Girls writer Liz Feldman, Dead to Me marked Applegate's first lead TV role since 2011-12 sitcom Up All Night when it debuted. For Cardellini, it saw a return to Netflix after starring on the streaming platform's drama Bloodline — and she also featured in A Simple Favour, too. Check out the first teaser trailer for Dead to Me's third season below: Dead to Me's third season will hit Netflix on Thursday, November 17. Images: Saeed Adyani / Netflix.
Aussie festival lovers, get your best Queen voice on. It looks like another one’s biting the dust (for a year at least). The Hunter Valley's Gum Ball organisers Matt Johnston and his fiancée Jess have just announced that there’s every chance the event won’t be happening next year. We shouldn’t be too hard on the live music-loving couple, though. After ten years of providing stages for the likes of Jinja Safari, Ed Kuepper and Turin Brakes, they’re going to take some time out to tie the knot. “What I do want to tell you is that excitedly Jess and I are getting married early next year,” Johnston said. The statement begs the obvious question: why not kill two birds with one stone and get hitched at Gum Ball, in front of thousands of loyal festival fans? Not the plan, apparently. All might not be lost quite yet, however. Johnston did suggest the possibility of outsourcing the organisational frenzy to another party. “No exact plans have been made... as yet,” he explained. “Though, there is a bit of a desire to go on an extended holiday at a time that would otherwise be peak Gum Ball preparation time. “Perhaps we can source someone to help us make it all happen... The thing is you can’t do this event in halves and, as has been the case for the last ten years, you can’t really expect to have much downtime when you take it on.” If this, combined with Sound Summit’s recent hiatus announcement, has you crying all the rivers, don’t despair entirely. After all, Matt and Jess aren’t leaving us totally high and dry – PigSty in July is coming up on July 5. And, given Gum Ball’s popularity, it’s highly likely to be back on the festival calendar come 2016. Via TheMusic.com.au.
Dodging peak hour traffic, avoiding unmindful pedestrians and negotiating road rage - all the while exposed to the elements - are part of a day's work for the average city bicycle courier. With this in mind, Renault has put together the 'Twizy Cargo'. First presented in concept mode at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009, and now on the market, it's a one-seater electric car with an over-sized boot, designed to make urban delivery easier, faster and safer. Sharing the convenience associated with a bicycle, with its small size enabling parking in the tiniest of spots, the Twizy also offers a seatbelt, an airbag and a sealed cabin. In other words, protection from the weather and from crazy drivers whose legal access to a licence remains a mystery to us all. Plus, it's super cheap to run. The boot has a 180-litre capacity and can handle weights of up to 75 kilograms. It might not be able to take an elephant, but it can certainly handle more than a party's worth of pizzas. And the doors open to a blissful 90 degree angle. So there's no more trying to prop the door open with your leg while juggling boxes and keys. Two versions of the Twizy Cargo are currently available. The granny-style 'MA L6e' has a maximum speed of 45 km/hr and is selling for $US10,433; while the more rock-starrish 'MB L7e' can handle speeds of up to 80km/hr and retails at $US11,337. Both require a Renault-rented battery, which comes in at about $US65 per month. [via PSFK]
World-renowned masterpieces such as Michaelangelo's David have established the blank human canvas as an artwork. However, a recent series of Naturist tours has artist Stuart Ringholt taking this to the next level by not only appearing naked himself - but requiring all tour participants to also turn up in the flesh. This tour has already taken place at Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art and Melbourne's Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. At such tours, Ringholt has allowed guests to gain a new perspective on existing works by viewing them in a new context where getting kitless is mandatory. Importantly, these tours have taken place outside of the standard venue opening hours, so there is no fear of outsiders or general creepers peeking in. Hypochondriacs will be relieved to know that you can keep your sneakers on, but it might be hard to choose a pair that will match the rest of your outfit. Ringholt's art has long been equally confrontational and controversial. In one of his performance pieces, the aptly-titled Embarassment, Ringholt placed himself in some red-faced situations. These included one instance where he walked in public with toilet paper hanging from his pants. Other pieces have documented a period of his life in the mid-nineties where he suffered from a drug addiction and subsequent psychotic episodes. Sydneysiders will now have a chance to experience Stuart Ringholt in all his naked glory when he conducts these tours at the Museum of Contemporary Art on 27-29 April, 2012. Bookings for these sessions open on 1 March, and enthusiasts would be wise to get in early after the high demand in other Australian cities. These will be open to adults only. Birthday suit up.
On the cusp of a sun-filled scorcher of a summer, it’s hard to imagine going as long as three months without seeing the sun. But it’s precisely this seasonal phenomenon that Norwegian designers Christine Istad and Lisa Pacini have responded to, creating a travelling circular sculpture whose warm-coloured LED light mimics the absent sun. Three metres in diameter, the glowing core of SUN changes in hue, moving from sunrise to sunset tones. The design is portable and adaptable, capable of being freestanding on a base or hung on a wall as an installation. The sculpture was transported by cruise ship and pick-up truck around Norway, bringing illumination to darkened cities starting from Tromsø in the country's north and ending in Bergen. The project most recently journeyed as far as London, where it made an appearance at London Design Festival as part of the 10th anniversary of the annual 100% Norway exhibition run by the Norwegian Embassy, Norwegian Design Council and Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Each year the exhibition showcases the best and brightest from Norway’s art and design world, with this year’s special focus being light. Via DesignBoom
In Bertrand Tavernier's new political comedy, fictional foreign minister Taillard de Worms is likened to a human tornado. His arrival is announced by a sudden blast of wind, his departure accompanied by the scrambling of stressed-out aides. In that way, he's a lot like the film in which he resides. The French Minister rushes around with lots of sound and bluster. Yet it never really adds up to anything more than a bunch of hot air. The film is based on a popular French comic book by author Antonin Baudry. The book was, in turn, based on Baudry's time working as a speechwriter for Dominique de Villepin, the actual French Foreign Affairs Minister during the early parts of the 2000s, who serves as inspiration for the bombastic, temperamental de Worms. An arrogant, volatile, melodramatic diva, de Worms speaks mostly in pompous quotes and metaphors, with the occasional bizarre demand thrown in for good measure. He should be intensely unlikeable, but actor Thierry Lhermitte — apparently a major comedic star in France – endows him with a cocky sort of charisma. He's certainly more interesting that the film's protagonist, newbie speechwriter Arthur Vlaminck. There's nothing wrong with actor Raphael Personnaz's performance, but the character is just way too thinly drawn; a cipher through whose wide eyes we're given a glimpse at the madhouse of power. Even blander is his dutiful fiance, whose sole reason for being in the film appears to be so she can smile adoringly at her BF. Well, that and a few totally unnecessary shots of her lounging around in her underwear. Most of Arthur's working day involves drafting and redrafting speeches — and then inevitably redrafting them again once de Worms or someone else dismisses his work out of hand. The film's ticking clock is an address to the United Nations, at which de Worms will urge the free world against a pre-emptive invasion of the Middle Eastern nation of Ludmenistan — a very obvious stand-in for pre-2003 Iraq. Despite being sold as In the Loop with subtitles, Tavernier's film is far sillier than it is satirical. Most of the sharpest gags centre on the ministry's appalling bureaucracy problem; Arthur seems to have about five bosses and spends the first third of the film without an office. Niels Arestrup has some terrific moments as a veteran chief of staff, his character providing the perfect deadpan foil to de Worms' energy and Arthur's naivete. What the film is really missing, though, is a character like Malcolm Tucker. Without an angry Scotsman threatening to punch people into paralysis, the humour feels decidedly toothless. Soon, jokes and comic arcs start repeating themselves — whether Arthur is writing a speech about a coup in Africa or a dispute between French and Spanish anchovy farmers, de Worms' reaction is inevitably the same. As disconnected subplots crop up one after the other, the movie grows episodic and the comedy rather stale.
With a network of cycling trails that extend the length of the country, New Zealand has recently positioned itself very squarely at the forefront of cycling destinations around the world. And the South Island alone has more fantastic trails than spokes on a wheel, allowing you to discover the stunning and varied scenery that makes cycling in these regions a joy. While there are challenging trails for the bona fide bikers, if you're more into checking out the scenery at a leisurely pace with the wind in your hair and enough breath to chat with your companions, here are some suggestions that don't involve downhill-heart-in-your-mouth type adventures. Here are five scenic cycling trails suitable for, well, pretty much everyone. QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK, MARLBOROUGH The 70-kilometre Queen Charlotte Track has long been a favourite hiking trail for locals and tourists alike because of its spectacular beauty, the many accommodation options along the way — camping, bed and breakfast and high-end resorts — and because of the bag-carrying service offered. Though the track was purpose-built for cyclists and walkers, it's a single track, which means that it can be a bit rough in places. Also, you'll need to look out for tree roots, rocks and mud if it's been raining. But don't let that put you off, cycling through native beech forest, stopping in at the many tiny bays along the way and getting up close to New Zealand's fauna is an unforgettable experience. Cycling the whole track can take up to three days, with a boat ride at the end to take you back to Picton, or you can pick and choose sections to easily do in a day. ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL, CANTERBURY The St James Cycle Trail passes through St James Station, near the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs. Now a conservation area, this land was one of the largest operating cattle and sheep stations in New Zealand for almost 150 years. The total length of the trail is 64 kilometres, and it offers incredible vistas including mountain peaks, rivers, high-country lakes, alpine meadows, subalpine beech forest and grassy river flats. While this is a mixed grade track and some sections could prove slightly challenging, it's a great way to get a real appreciation for New Zealand's outback. If you have limited time, there are some shorter options within the trail. And with its proximity to Hanmer Springs, what could be better than a soak in the hot springs once you've conquered the cycle trail? CLUTHA GOLD TRAIL, OTAGO The Otago Central Rail Trail was one of the South Island's first great cycle trails — it follows 152 kilometres of the old gold mining railway and is the track everyone talks about. But, there are other neighbouring trails well-worth considering. Slightly shorter at 73 kilometres, the Clutha Gold Trail is a one-way track that starts at the Lake Roxburgh dam and runs through the heartland of rural South Island, along steep gorges, through an old tunnel and ends up in the gold mining town of Lawrence. The track itself is smooth and allows for easy riding, but there are enough ups and downs to work up an appetite for some handmade chocolates and pastries from The Lawrence Mint on the main street of Lawrence. While it's beautiful all year round here, in autumn when the leaves change colour, this trail brings a whole new meaning to the gold in its name. GODLEY HEAD, CANTERBURY With mellow flowing trails and amazing views over Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour, this half-day ride is super close to Christchurch and an easy way to get a great view of the city. The single track shared with runners and walkers will take you up along the crest of an ancient crater rim and across tussocky grassland towards the headland and the remnants of WWII gun emplacements. There is also the option here to take the Anaconda and do a bit of downhilling if you so desire. On a good day, you can look north along the beach to see the Kaikoura Range. OPARARA VALLEY, WEST COAST About an hours' drive from Westport in Karamea is the entry point for the South Island's West Coast and the Kahurangi National Park — New Zealand's second largest National Park, which features a wide range of landforms and ecosystems you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Here, 27 kilometres of old logging roads have been revamped into the K Road Track — and it feels a lot like the set of Jurassic Park. The verdant nikau palms and towering rimu trees make it easy to believe that this area was once the stomping ground of giant moa and other now-extinct species. Keep your eyes peeled for wekas, one of New Zealand's flightless birds. It has brown plumage and is about the size of a chicken — and trust us, it's super cute. Start planning your trip to New Zealand's south with our guide to the South Island journeys to take here.
If you've ever tried to con your pet into sitting still for a even a second so you can take their picture, you'll be delighted to learn about Frog Dog Studios. Melbourne's newest photography studio just opened in Yarraville, and focuses solely on taking cute, elegant and charismatic portraits of pups and cats. Belinda Richards is the woman behind the camera and she's the perfect candidate to snap pooches. She's been working with animals for 16 years and as a photographer for seven. After working as a groomer, trainer, animal ambulance driver, in animal welfare and animal management, Belinda decided to enrol in a diploma of photo imaging and eventually went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Art at RMIT. From there, it was a natural progression to bring her two loves together and open Frog Dog Studios. Richards admits to the vice shared by most iPhone-wielding pet owners: Instagramming the ever living crap out of her fur babies. Her French bulldog Smooshie is actually the inspiration behind the brand (Frenchies like to sit like little frogs, naw), and her cats Marley and Nala feature on the website. Her studio is perfect for new-age pet owners who treat their animals like members of the family, and want a non-cheesy photoshoot to prove it. The pet portrait experience at Frog Dog Studio is quite involved — there's no half-assing it here. The team book a consultation and get to know you and your pets before organising the shoot. "One of the most common concerns we get from customers is that their dog won't sit still long enough, to which we reply: good — the more movement the better!" says Belinda. "This is definitely an exercise in patience, but it's so worth it. Our favourites are the ones who just want to play and catch. We get the funniest photos from those guys." The team uses high-speed photography techniques to capture the undeniably adorable moments. You'll then have another appointment to pick a showreel and decide which shots to blow up and print on many and various homewares (matching puppy pillowcase set, anyone?). They offer a set of all-inclusive packages, just in case if you're not sure how to display their glamour shots. "People are prepared to spoil their dogs, not only because it brings the pets joy but because it brings us as pet owners so much joy," Belinda says. And that extends to the rest of us who can cruise their Instagram for A+ doggo content. Frog Dog Studios is located at 80 Anderson Street, Yarraville. For more info or to book an appointment, visit their Facebook page.
The end of the year is fast approaching, and with it the time to start making lists. 2017 has been a tough one on a number of fronts, but fortunately we've had movies to see us through. Over the past 12 months out critics have sat through hundreds of hours of motion picture magic, from blockbuster space operas to critically acclaimed indies, surprising local gems and more. After much reflection, they've put together the following list of the ten best films to hit screens in Australia since January. If you missed them in theatres, make it your mission to seek them out. If you've seen them already...well, see them again. 10. THE BEGUILED With The Beguiled, Sofia Coppola won a directing gong at Cannes, making her the first woman in more than 50 years to do so. After catching the film ourselves, it's easy to understand why. An immaculately shot Southern gothic thriller, the movie takes place in an all-girls boarding school during the dying days of the American Civil War, where life is suddenly thrown into turmoil by the arrival of a wounded Yankee soldier. Seething with sexual tension, and surprisingly funny, The Beguiled also benefits from an absolutely stellar cast, with Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning and Colin Farrell all operating at the top of their game. – Tom Clift 9. GOD'S OWN COUNTRY God's Own Country isn't a film that romanticises the Yorkshire countryside where it takes place. Rather, it's a film that gets down to the nitty gritty, the blood and the sweat, the rain and the isolation. It's also a film that leaves your heart hurting: a love story between a young farmer Johnny and a visiting worker from Romania. Johnny is an angry, binge drinking man who hasn't come to terms with his sexuality — but when Gheorghe arrives, this all changes. In his directional debut, Francis Lee has made a film which captures beautifully the minutiae of falling for someone (sharing a cup of noodles, making each other laugh), as well as Johnny's painful internal struggle at letting something good into his life. This movie will have you wanting to hug someone, hard. – Kat Hayes 8. THOR: RAGNAROK In a movie-going year — hell, a movie-going decade — that has been defined by the adventures of caped crusaders, one superhero movie in 2017 stood out above all the rest. Helmed by New Zealand indie director Taika Waititi, Thor: Ragnarok was an unexpected curveball from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and one that was long overdue. Yes it's got the action and the super-powered team-ups and the vague, ominous references to Infinity Stones. But the thing that makes this movie such a delight is Waititi's quirky, self-deprecating, distinctly Kiwi sense of humour. Chris Hemsworth gets the chance to work out his comedic muscles, while Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston and universe newbie Tessa Thompson are at the tops of their games as well. This is the kind of film you get when studios are willing to take risks with their flagship franchises. Let's hope the rest of Hollywood was paying attention. – Tom Clift 7. WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES At a glance, War for the Planet of the Apes might seem like little more than another monsters-versus-men, CGI-driven blockbuster. Instead, what it delivers is a sensitive, intelligent and profoundly moving war drama to round out one of the most surprising and imaginative trilogies of all time. In the vein of Terrence Malick's The Thin Red Line, this is a film about the quieter dimensions of combat; the internal conflicts, family tragedies and moral ambiguities that can harden and darken the soul. Boasting special effects of extraordinary realism, the film's leads – all of them computer generated – are no less human than the humans they fight, allowing us to wholly indulge in a Shakespearean saga full of heartache, betrayal, courage and redemption. – Tom Glasson 6. THE FLORIDA PROJECT If every filmmaker looked at the world in the same way as Sean Baker, we'd be living in a much kinder and more empathetic place. In The Florida Project, his follow-up to the critically acclaimed Tangerine, the director heads to the spot most commonly associated with Disney World, only to turn his focus to the families living day-to-day in the low-rent hotels nearby. When rebellious six-year-old Moonee (impressive child actress Brooklynn Prince) isn't running around the purple-hued Magic Castle she calls home — and cheekily annoying manager Bobby (an awards-worthy Willem Dafoe) in the process — she's watching her mother Halley (Bria Vinaite) do whatever it takes to get by. Clear-eyed in its depiction of their troubles and struggles, yet affectionate and exuberant as well, this chaotic kid's-eye view of life on the margins is tender, tragic, humorous and openhearted all at once. – Sarah Ward 5. THE BIG SICK If you haven't already, put your pajamas on and snuggle up on the couch to watch The Big Sick. It's a cute, tight, funny film that follows an intimate narrative between two star-crossed lovers. Kumail Nanjiani (playing himself) meets Emily (Zoe Kazan) and things look great, until life throws two fairly significant hurdles in the way. The first: the expectations of Kumail's religious parents. The second: a mysterious illness that threatens Emily's life. We won't give too much more away, other than to say that what follows is both funny and genuinely sweet. Moreover, the story is based on Kumail's real-life romance with his wife. Nawww. A rare rom-com that was a hit with viewers and critics alike, this movie has it all: cross-cultural romance, modern dating scenarios, and probably the best performance of Ray Romano's career. – Imogen Baker 4. ALI'S WEDDING Part of what makes Ali's Wedding so enjoyable is the fact that it's all just a little bit silly. But to be clear, we mean that in a good way. Writer-actor Osamah Sami's take on the rom-com from an Australian-Muslim perspective is a bit ridiculous, yes, but it's also warm-hearted, deceptively smart, and hits you right in the feels. Playing on that near-universal desire to live up to our parents' expectations, the film is as incisive and important as it is funny and fun, while the whole cast does a great job (although Don Hany and Helana Sawires are the undeniable highlights). Once you get to the scene where they perform a musical about Saddam Hussein at their Melbourne mosque, you won't look back. You're along for the ride, and a surprisingly touching one at that. – Kat Hayes 3. CALL ME BY YOUR NAME It's easy to fall in love with Call Me By Your Name on sight. Full of the kind of sumptuous visuals that director Luca Guadagnino (A Bigger Splash) is known for, the 80s-set effort proves a gorgeous piece of filmmaking from its opening frames. That said, it's the movie's sun-dappled dalliance that will really make you swoon, as Guadagnino follows the blossoming romance between 17-year-old Elio (Timothee Chalamet) and grad student Oliver (Armie Hammer) over the course of a sweltering Italian summer. A seductive and sensual queer romance, and a pitch-perfect account of yearning and desire — one that features an emotionally intricate turn from Chalamet in particular — Call Me By Your Name is the film that stories about first love will be judged against for many years to come. – Sarah Ward 2. MOONLIGHT No wait, we meant La La Land! Actually, no, Moonlight. Warren Beatty's debacle notwithstanding, this was absolutely the deserving winner of the most recent Best Picture Oscar. A sensitive, imaginative and deeply affecting coming-of-age tale set in the poor neighbourhoods of Miami, Barry Jenkins' film tells the story of a boy becoming a man and discovering his sexuality in three distinctive chapters – each of which boasts a performance of extraordinary nuance by Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes respectively. With sumptuous cinematography by James Laxton, Moonlight delivers an almost impossible fusion of visual splendour and unsparing emotion, in a film that lingers long in the memory after the credits have rolled. – Tom Glasson 1. GET OUT There's no denying that Jordan Peele's Get Out was one of the most unexpectedly provocative and entertaining films of 2017. A white woman (Allison Williams) takes her black boyfriend (Daniel Kaluuya) upstate to meet her parents for the first time. It's a ripe setup that paves the way for a tense and twisting mix of genuinely terrifying horror, savage dark comedy, and timely social commentary. Its technical credentials are similarly impressive: it's beautifully shot, phenomenally acted and boasts a genuinely satisfying ending. Not to mention the fact that Williams' involvement gave us a chance to exorcise some of our Girls-related rage. – Imogen Baker
From the crime antics of Murder on the Orient Express to the slow TV phenomenon that was SBS' The Ghan, lengthy train journeys have chugging across our screens over the past year. If watching folks make a long trip in a locomotive has you wanting to hit the rails yourself, you'll soon have a new luxury Australian option: the Great Southern. Set to embark on its maiden journey in December 2019, the Great Southern will cross the country from Adelaide to Brisbane — and vice versa, of course. The trek up north will take three days and two nights, while the return leg will occur over four days and three nights. If that seems like a considerable amount of time, that's because this kind of trip isn't just about getting from A to B. It's also about taking in the scenery and the general experience. Passengers departing from Adelaide will stop at the Grampians National Park, then hop off again at Canberra, and also enjoy the northern New South Wales coast on their way to Queensland. For those boarding in Brisbane, dining by the beach in northern NSW awaits, as does a day in the Hunter Valley and Newcastle, plus some time at the Twelve Apostles. The latest venture by Great Southern Rail, the Great Southern will be comprised of 28 carriages and two locomotives, with up to 214 guests able to take each journey. It doesn't come cheap — starting at $1649 per person — but that price does include your food and wine onboard, any dining that takes place off the train, and all of the off-locomotive experiences across the multi-night the trip. As you'll clearly be sleeping on the train, that's also included. Great Southern Rail also operates Australia's other two long-distance train treks, The Ghan (which runs from Adelaide to Darwin) and and the Indian Pacific (which journeys from Sydney to Perth). Tickets will go on sale on Monday, December 3, with the Great Southern's first season taking to the rails between December 6, 2019 and January 27, 2020. It'll operate 16 departures over that period, should you be looking for a different kind of getaway across the summer of 2019–20. Image: Great Southern Rail.
As warmer weather starts to make its presence known, including an unseasonably hot September patch in Sydney and Brisbane, we're all clamouring for our favourite cooling devices. Fans, air conditioners, pools, any patch of water you can find, frozen drinks, boozy icy poles, all the ice cream you can handle: if it can combat the heat, even for a brief instant, it's a spring and summer staple. Imagine, however, just slapping on a temperature-regulating smartwatch rather than camping out under your aircon or getting comfy in a paddling pool with an esky filled with cold beverages. Or, in addition to all of the above. That's the idea behind the Aircon Watch, a device two years in the making. It claims to offer a reprieve from feeling too warm — or, in winter, too cold — by sending hot or cool signals to the wearer's brain through its special pulsating wrist strap. If you're a little skeptical, that's understandable, though the folks behind the watch point to the instant cooling effect that running an ice cube over your wrist can have — as well as a 2012 research study by Stanford University, which used a cooling glove to indicate that heat exchange can occur through the extremities. And if you think it sounds like a winning idea, you're not alone. Currently running a Kickstarter campaign, the Aircon Watch has already reached its funding goal more than 26 times over. At the time of writing, it's still accepting backers for 18 more days, with the watches expected to start shipping in December. Image: Aircon Watch.
Travelling overseas ranks right up there on everyone's bucket list, but the actual travelling part is far from fun. No one loves spending more than a couple of hours on a plane, and no one loves taking multiple flights to get to their destination either. But if you could choose between hopping over to your destination in one leg, or getting a break from being cramped and uncomfortable in the air, which would you opt for? Thanks to advances in aircraft development, ensuring that today's planes are more fuel-efficient over hefty distances, airlines are increasingly making non-stop long-range flights a reality. After Qantas introduced its 17-hour-plus Perth-to-London route earlier this year, Singapore Airlines will be unleashing the world's longest non-stop commercial flight in October: from Singapore to New York over 18 hours and 45 minutes. First announced by the airline in 2015 and confirmed a few months back, the route will be made possible thanks to the new Ultra Long Range version of the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, which completed its first successful test flight in April. Singapore Airlines now have the world's first Airbus A350-900ULR in its possession, and it'll take off on October 11, with seven more set to be brought into operation shortly afterwards. The planes can travel up to 16,000 kilometres (or 8,700 nautical miles) without refuelling — or, for over 20 hours non-stop — which makes the 15,322-kilometre trip between Singapore and New York possible. They also feature higher ceilings, larger windows, a wider body, as well as quieter cabins and lighting that's designed to reduce jetlag. It's not the first time that the airline has flown direct to the US, with Singapore-to-Newark, New Jersey flights in operation until 2013. The world's current longest route without stopovers runs from Doha to Auckland in around 18 hours, travelling 14,529 kilometres on a Boeing 777-200LR, followed by the Perth-to-London leg. Qantas is keen to beat both the current and the impending record-holders, though, last year announcing plans to fly direct from Australia's east coast to both London and New York by 2022 — and this year advising that their plans are on track, with the airline comfortable that plane manufacturers will create a vehicle that can handle the 20-hour and 20-minute, 16,983-kilometre stint between Sydney and London.
For most of us, being buried alive ranks among our worst nightmares. For Mike Parr, it's his latest performance artwork. Between June 14 and 17, the Australian artist will be interred in a steel container beneath a Hobart street — spending 72 hours underground as part of this year's Dark Mofo. Appropriately titled Underneath the Bitumen, the piece will see Parr take up temporary residence below the middle lane of Macquarie Street in the Hobart CBD from 9pm Thursday through till 9pm Sunday. He'll descend into a box measuring just 4.5 metres by 1.7 metres by 2.2 metres, accompanied by a sketchpad and pencils, meditation stool, bedding, water and other items he'll need to survive. Once he's down there, the road surface will be sealed as normal and traffic will resume, driving over the top. The public will be able to view Parr's 'disappearance' under the street as part of his performance, and afterwards, the capsule he'll spend three days in will remain in place. While the road will be completely patched up after he emerges, concrete will be poured over the chamber once he's out, creating a time capsule filled with everything he's left inside. That stress you're probably feeling on Parr's behalf, well, that's by design. "The anxiety of the artist's disappearance is the point of the piece," states the Dark Mofo website. Underneath the Bitumen has been crafted as a response to two events in Tasmania's history: the transportation of 75,000 British and Irish convicts to the state across the first half of the 19th century, and the waning of Tasmania's aboriginal population afterwards. "To my knowledge, it will be Tasmania's first monument referencing both the Black War and The Convict System," said Dark Mofo Creative Director Leigh Carmichael. "It is a story that is not well known, but is ever-present, just beneath the surface of our contemporary culture. The fact that Mike Parr's work will happen underground, just out of sight, as everyday life continues above it, is clearly no coincidence." This is the third time Parr has been part of the Dark Mofo program, after a 72-hour performance at the historic Willow Court Asylum in New Norfolk in 2016, with an accompanying two-week exhibition afterwards; and a one-hour piece on Bruny Island in 2017, where he was joined by 72 people aged around 70 years for a show that kicked off at 2am. Underneath the Bitumen runs from June 14-17 as part of this year's Dark Mofo in Hobart. For more information about the artwork — and about the festival which runs between June 13 and 24 — visit the Dark Mofo website. Image: Nick D via Wikicommons.
There are several truths to the Michael Bay Universe: 1. Magic Hour (i.e. the brief period just after sunrise or before sunset) lasts for approximately 22 hours in any given day. 2. Everything is explosive. Even Water. Especially water. 3. All explosions go predominantly 'up' and emit firework-like flares. 4. A shot should never go for more than three seconds, because, what is this, a Steve McQueen film? 5. There's nothing funnier than people who aren't Cool-Arse Playaz from Da Street speaking like they're Cool-Arse Playaz from Da Street (see: grandparents and/or cars). 6. Pretty girls wear heels. Even if they're ice-skating. Even if they're mountaineering. Even if they're spelunking. Even if they're blowing stuff 'up' or being blown up. 7. The higher the heel, the shorter the skirt. 8. The shorter the skirt, the lower the cut of the top. 9. Physics is bullshit, and should apply to neither action sequences nor breasts. 10. Blow something else up. Make sure it goes 'up'. The thing about the Bay Universe, though, is that it's so much fun. Big, dumb and fun. You know what you're going to get when you buy your ticket, and you get total value for money when you do. On that front, Transformers: Age of Extinction doesn't fail to deliver. Just on length alone, you're getting almost three hours of film, which is an hour too long from a critical standpoint, but from a Bay Movie perspective, it's the promise of several hundred more explosions, car chases and outrageous racial stereotypes. As for plot (and yes, there is one…just...), Transformers: Edge of Extinction picks up the story several years down the track from where the initial Shia Labeouf trilogy left off. Our new hero is Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), a Texan inventor whose ranch is in receivership and whose predictably hot teenage daughter (Nicola Peltz) is on the cusp of graduation. Around the world, all the Transformers — Decepticon and Autobot — are being hunted down by the CIA (led by Kelsey Grammer), and a mysterious third-party Transformer/bounty hunter named Lockdown. It's an uncomfortable alliance through which each party furthers its own sinister agenda, and which threatens to end all life on earth. As the inexplicably overweight truck that even more inexplicably smokes cigars would say, "bummer, dude" (refer to Truth No.5). There's nothing especially new here, save for the 3D, which is, admittedly, extensive and impressive, as well as the introduction of Dinobots, which fans of the comics/cartoons will doubtless appreciate. The performances are solid despite a laughably bad script, most notably from Stanley Tucci as the unscrupulous tech billionaire. The film's highlights centre almost exclusively around Lockdown, who makes for an outstanding villain, not in the least because his character actually has one. Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to blow something up. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ubGpDoyJvmI
Right now, automobile design faces two significantly big restrictions: one, the need for a driver; second, it's got to be safe. Pretty straight forward. However, if tech projections are on the money, we're heading into a future in which neither will be a factor. Driverless vehicles, currently limited to Google experimentation and public transportation, will become ubiquitous. On fully-automated thoroughfares, collisions will be a thing of the past, and design will respond by moving further and further away from functionality and closer and closer to art. London designer Dominic Wilcox is pre-riding the wave. At this year’s London Design Festival, finishing up tomorrow, he's revealed a life-size concept car. Or, more accurately, a mobile sleeping pod. "In the future it will be safer to drive in a driverless car than it will in a manual car," he says. "Therefore we don't need the protection systems that are built into contemporary cars. We can just have a shell of any design." One thing's for certain, you’ll be certain to see it coming. The Stained-Glass Driverless Sleeper Car is a bed on wheels, protected by an egg-shaped dome made of multi-coloured glass panels. They're soldered together and attached to an arched wooden frame. The controls are remote; Wilcox imagines that, like that of Google, his creation will be operated via a distant computer. That, of course, leaves loads of room for sleeping, reading, relaxing and sundry work and leisure activities. To illustrate the potential, Wilcox has simultaneously launched a concept website named taxirobot.co.uk. This allows visitors to select from a variety of driverless vehicles that double as mobile facilities, including a bedroom, an office, a gym, a dining room and even a sun bed that could be programmed to avoid cloudy routes. Via Dezeen.
It's only taken a few short years for the British Film Festival to become a highlight of Australia's busy festival calendar, and their first titles for their fourth year demonstrate why. Fancy seeing this year's Cannes Palme d'Or winner? Or a host of high-profile titles direct from their premieres at the Venice and Toronto film festivals? Or a restored version of the David Bowie-starring sci-fi classic The Man Who Fell to Earth? Well, they're all on the bill. Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake — which took top honours in Cannes back in May — takes a look at the British welfare system through the filmmaker's usual social realist lens, and ranks among the most highly anticipated of the bunch. It's joined by the high-profile likes of opening night's A United Kingdom and closing night's A Monster Calls. The former tells the true tale of a Botswana prince (Selma's David Oyelowo) who caused a scandal when he married a white Englishwoman (Gone Girl's Rosamund Pike), and is also slated to open the London Film Festival. Directed by The Impossible's Juan Antonio Bayona, A Monster Calls adapts a fantasy novel about a young boy coping with his mother's terminal illness, and features Liam Neeson as the voice of the titular creature. Audiences will also get the chance to see crime-drama Trespass Against Us, which not only stars Michael Fassbender and Brendan Gleeson, but marks the film debut of the Chemical Brothers' long-term visual collaborator Adam Smith. For cinephiles looking for something completely different, rom-com fans can get their fix watching Gemma Arterton and Sam Claflin in Their Finest, from An Education helmer Lone Scherfig. And because all good film fests don't just look forward to future hits but also peer back to the greats of years gone by, this year's British Film Festival has curated a ten-movie tribute to some of the country's enduring cinematic heroes. As well as Bowie proving his out-of-this-world acting abilities, catch Gary Oldman getting his punk on in Sid and Nancy and feast on the epic action adventure that is Highlander. The full program will be released in late September, so expect more ace titles to come. The BBC First British Film Festival tours the country from October 25, screening at Sydney's Palace Verona and Palace Norton Street from October 25 to November 16, Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay and The Astor from October 26 to November 16, and Brisbane's Palace Barracks from October 27 to November 16. For more information, visit the festival website.
Scienceworks' new exhibition Beyond Perception takes a look at the unseen: gravitational waves, invisible light, and the sound and aerodynamics that all surround us. While it's technically designed for teenagers, you'll still find it fun if you're into the cool stuff that science Even more adult-friendly is the accompanying Party Beyond event that will happen on Friday, June 22. With Scienceworks open late and the event only open to those over the age of 18, attendees can get a hit of adult science along with their glass of adult drinks (suck it, kids). Food and drinks will be available to purchase, and you won't be mulling over whatever you've just learnt about invisible light in silence — performances by Pillow Pro, Biscotti and Future Fosil will be featured throughout the six exhibition spaces. Plus, DJ Anton Motorik will be spinning everything from Italo-disco to proto-techno between acts. Image: Museums Victoria/Benjamin Healley.
A massive Gandhi exhibition is on its way to Melbourne's Immigration Museum. Curated from more than 1000 photos, over two hours of footage, an hour's worth of film clips and 20 audio recordings, the show focuses on Gandhi's role in leading India to independence, as well as his travels in England and South Africa. At the same time, it's a celebration of Indian diaspora all over the world. One of the reasons the exhibition is heading for Victoria is that the state is home to more people of Indian descent than any other place in Australia. "Mahatma Gandhi was an inspirational leader and I'm thrilled that Victorians will be able to enjoy this incredible exhibition," said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who's in India this week checking out the show. It's been at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Delhi since October 2016. "Victoria is home to Australia's largest Indian population and this exhibition is an important way to acknowledge their cultural heritage and build the cultural understanding of India among the wider Victorian community." You'll have until July to head along. The show is just one of many upcoming events celebrating Victoria's Indian connections, following the release of Victoria's India Strategy: Our Shared Future. The Mahatma Gandhi Exhibition will be at Melbourne's Immigration Museum from April to July, 2018.
Step into the strange and seductive world of Greek cinema as it lights up the screen at Palace Como and The Astor as well as cinemas around the country. Now in its 23rd year, the latest edition of the Greek Film Festival boasts an expectedly eclectic program, ranging from fiction features to documentaries and a couple of Australian productions as well. The festival will begin with an opening night screening of Worlds Apart, a romantic anthology film from writer-director-actor Christopher Papakaliatis co-starring Oscar winner J.K. Simmons. It's one of a number of critically acclaimed contemporary films on the bill, with skewering social satire Chevalier and darkly comic thriller Suntan both deserving of a look. Other highlights including a pair of local productions by Greek-Australian filmmakers, in bold religious drama Sacred Heart and medicinal marijuana documentary A Life of Its Own. There's a lot to see, but find our picks of the five must-see films at this year's Greek Film Festival below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfE7zzOXR3A CHEVALIER One of our very favourite films of this year's Melbourne International Film Festival, Chevalier offers of deadpan critique on male insecurity. Directed by Attenberg's Athina Rachel Tsangari, who also co-wrote the screenplay with regular Lanthimos collaborator Efthymis Filippouk, the film is about six men on a yacht as they compete to determine who is "the best in general". How quickly can you solve a Rubik's cube? How good are you at household chores? Everything — and we mean everything — becomes fodder for their ridiculous contest, in a film that is both hilarious and profoundly sad. In addition to sessions at this year's Greek Film Festival, Chevalier is screening in Melbourne at ACMI until October 20. Read our full review here. SUNTAN Where Chevalier offers a cringingly funny look into the middle-aged male psyche, Suntan provides a more sinister view of a similar subject. Makis Papadimitriou stars as Kostis, a doctor who takes a job as a GP on a small Greek island, only to fall hard for a beautiful young tourist. But infatuation soon gives way to misanthropic obsession, as director Argyris Papadimitropoulos leads viewers down a path they may not wish to tread. The sun-soaked cinematography belies the darkness at the heart of this picture, which proves an uncomfortably compelling watch. A LIFE OF ITS OWN As the Australian medical community continues to debate the potential benefits of medicinal marijuana, Greek-Australian journalist and broadcaster Helen Kapalos delves into the controversial subject for herself. Inspired by her encounter with cancer sufferer Dan Haslam, who used cannabis to relieve his excruciating pain, A Life Of Its Own: The Truth About Medical Marijuana explores the social and political factors that shape legislation around the drug, while chronicling groundbreaking research that could make a world of difference. Kapalos will be on hand for public Q&As following screenings in Sydney and Melbourne. SMAC Critically acclaimed in its native Greece, Elias Demetriou's SMAC won the audience awards at both the Athens Outview Film Festival and Cyprus Film Days International Film Festival, and shapes up as essential viewing at this year's GFF. Evangelia Andreadaki stars as Eleni, a middle-aged lesbian woman struggling with a cancer diagnosis. In order to quell her fears of dying alone, Eleni invites a homeless man to live with her, leading to an unlikely friendship. Whatever you do, don't forget to bring a pack of tissues. BENEATH THE OLIVE TREE Inspired by secret journals written by imprisoned female political dissidents during the Greek Civil War between 1946 and 1949, Beneath the Olive Tree is described in the GFF program as "an exposé of courage, ideals, forgiveness, healing, and the important role our past plays in our present and future". Using a mix of archival footage, contemporary interviewers and motion capture animation, young New York-based documentarian Stavroula Toska recounts the remarkable stories of incredible women accused of crimes they didn't commit. The Greek Film Festival will run at Palace Como and The Astor from Wednesday, October 12 until Sunday, October 23. For the full program, visit greekfilmfestival.com.au.
It's not often you get a group of designers competing to have their work set alight. But then again, being chosen as the creator of that iconic Temple — or, The Man — at Nevada's legendary Burning Man festival is a very unique sort of honour. This year, bragging rights go to Arthur Mamou-Mani from London's Mamou-Mani Architects, whose spiralled structure Galaxia beat out a swag of other entries to become the next edition of the festival's most famed installation. It was selected this week by the Burning Man Arts organisation. The Temple has been a Burning Man tradition since 2000, picking a different large-scale art work each year. Towering over the festival's centre in the temporary locale of Black Rock City, it's inscribed with personal messages from festival-goers and then ritually burned to the ground on the final day. Mamou-Mani's take on the project is an enormous, swirling design, made from twenty triangular timber trusses that form paths into the structure's centre, where there'll lie a huge 3D mandela. Word is, it's inspired by the fictional planet Gaia, from Isaac Asimov's Foundation's Edge series of sci-fi novels, with the architect saying it "celebrates hope in the unknown, stars, planets, black holes, the movement uniting us in swirling galaxies of dreams."
Already one of the most scenic areas in Australia, the Whitsundays are about to give visitors something else to look at — an installation of underwater and inter-tidal art, the first to ever be placed in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Set to be unveiled at this weekend's Whitsundays Reef Festival at Airlie Beach, which runs until August 5, four sculptures will be placed near Langford Reef. They're the creation of local artist Adriaan Vanderlugt, and include a fish, a nudibranch (aka a type of mollusc) and a crab. Size-wise, they range up to 1.8 metres long, and weigh around 300 kilograms. The artworks' purpose — other than celebrating creativity — is to give the region a new attraction, unsurprisingly. "This artwork will provide a new experience for people travelling to the Whitsundays and will help the marine tourism industry recover after Cyclone Debbie," said Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones in a statement. "Around the world — from the Caribbean, to the Maldives, Spain, Bali and Australia's west coast — underwater art has been used to lure visitors." After the unveiling, the sculptures will be installed in early August, moving first to the beach, then to an intertidal spot and then underwater, all one month at a time. It's an approach aimed to prevent interference and damage, with the project acting as a trial to see how locals and tourists alike respond. Up to six more locations in the Bowen-Whitsunday region may also receive underwater art, with calls for artists now open.
With the rise of the mp3 and the gathering of the cloud, the concept of physically owning your music has gradually begun to disappear. Yet for many music lovers, the tactile nature of analogue media still holds a powerful nostalgia. How else do you explain last year's record-breaking vinyl sales? But while the record may have experienced a bit of a resurgence as of late, what about the humble audio cassette? Well, it turns out there may be a market for that too. Inspired by the success of Record Store Day, Cassette Store Day is a celebration of all things magnetic tape and plastic. Its third iteration is set for October 17 — and for the first time, the southern hemisphere is getting in on the action. Australian label Rice Is Nice and New Zealanders Arch Hill Recordings will join Germany’s Mansions & Millions, America’s Burger Records and original UK founders Suplex Cassettes, Kissability, and Sexbeat in organising the 2015 edition, an international party marked by a slew of events, sales and releases. Last year saw such big name artists as Karen O and There Might Be Giants drop tapes for the occasion, among more than 300 others. Of course, not everyone is so enamoured with these chunky slabs of plastic. Last year Tone Deaf penned an article titled ‘Why International Cassette Store Day is Stupid’, arguing that the event is simply nostalgia taken too far. And look, the killjoys may have a point. Although vinyl fans insist that records sound ‘warmer,’ it’s a lot harder to make that argument for the compact cassette. Still, anything that gets people supporting local music stores is okay by us. Besides, who doesn’t secretly want an actual mixtape from their crush? CASSETTE STORE DAY AUSTRALIAN RELEASES Courtney Barnett — Sometimes I Sit And Think And Sometimes I Just Sit Summer Flake — Time Rolls By EP Bloods — Work It Out Ocean Party — Light Weight Step-Panther — Strange But Nice Dollar Bar — Paddington Workers Club Dollar Bar — Hot Ones Red Riders — Drown In Colour Demos The Finks — Lucklaster Fraser A. Gorman — Slow Gum Ouch My Face — Bunyip Raindrop — Crowded Brain EP Rice Is Nice Records — Vol. 3 Mixtape (various artists) Ft. Blank Realm (unreleased), Black Zeros, Tired Lion, Lowtide, The Living Eyes, Pearls, Love of Diagrams, Day Ravies, Us The Band, Zeahorse, White Dog, Weak Boys Wonrowe Vision — Triple Cassette Mortification — Scrolls Of The Megaloth Double Cassette Barrow-man — Dog Tales Betty & Oswald — King Of Bohemia Tutu and the Bodyrockets — The Ballad of Bonnie Bigfish Hills Hoist / Piqué — Cool Change / Kitty Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Do you know what us Melburnians can't get enough of? Little pick-me-ups to make the days a bit sunnier. It may be as small as turning a new corner on your daily walk to discover lesser-known street art in the area, or getting satisfaction from finishing off a DIY project you've had on hold. It's the little things that matter most right now. So, to help give you some ideas for your working week ahead, we've teamed up with Oporto to bring you five easy pick-me-ups to make your week a little bit better. Plus, they'll speed up the days until the weekend rolls around again. MONDAY: SEND A GREEN BABY TO YOUR FRIENDS Know a mate who's feeling a little blue? Pick them up with a present delivered right to their door. And choose one that has lasting benefits. We know of ten plant stores across the city that have the green goods to do just the trick to lift your friend's spirits — and help give them a smile every time a fresh leaf sprouts. Choose them a bestseller from Vine Boy, such as a monstera, or opt for a seasonal indoor variety from Folia House. Alternatively, Botanicah's online store has cute cacti if that's more your mate's style. It also stocks cute ceramic plant hangers, locally made pots and an assortment of accessories to throw in, too. With spring in the air, a new pop of green is just what the doctor ordered. [caption id="attachment_781727" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Adnate[/caption] TUESDAY: DISCOVER A HIDDEN GEM IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD There are always under appreciated spots in every neighbourhood to uncover and explore. So why not take a new path on your walk today and discover a hidden gem in your hood? While sticking to the lockdown guidelines, of course, you could find some street art by local artists, try a new takeaway coffee place and maybe even order a new type of drink to shake things up. You could visit a new-to-you local grocer or try out a different bakery and grab some pastries and pies. Getting the blood flowing always helps the mood, too. [caption id="attachment_783396" align="alignnone" width="1920"] St Kilda, Visit Victoria[/caption] WEDNESDAY: BEAT THE MIDWEEK BLUES Get over the hump that is Wednesday and beat any midweek blues that may have crept into your week by ordering Oporto's new Halloumi and Chicken Rappa. Protein, dairy and carbs. Need we say more? It has grilled halloumi side by side with grilled chicken breast fillets, crisp lettuce, slaw mix and avocado doused in creamy mayo accompanied with a tomato and capsicum relish. The best part is: this scrumptious package wrapped in a warm pita bread wrap can be ordered online and delivered to your door. Eat this feast while watching the sunset over the city (from a park near you) and if you are able to, why not meet with a friend for a socially distanced picnic (within the current guidelines, of course). [caption id="attachment_768047" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cornersmith[/caption] THURSDAY: COMPLETE THAT DIY PROJECT You know that home project you've been meaning to start since March? Maybe it's time to finally give it a good crack — or find a completely new crafty new idea to try your hand at. With spring in the air, it's a perfect time to get your hands dirty creating a veggie garden or box. The Little Veggie Patch Co has beginner seed kits, guidebooks for growing food at home and plenty of pots and planters to get your started. Jump on board the sourdough train with a sourdough starting kit from Ballarat Home Brew or Simply No Knead. Or, wow your housemates by taking an online pickling course with Cornersmith. Now's the time to start or finish something worth talking about. FRIDAY: THROW YOUR DREAM PARTY Who says that just because you can't go out (much), you can't have a party? Get out the disco ball, put on your finest or wildest outfit and throw the party of your dreams. Start by trying a new cocktail recipe to get you in the mood. Enjoy beach vibes with a coconut margarita or pretend you're in a smoky bar with a tequila old fashioned. Then, tune into an online set, such as Room 2 Radio, which will transport you into a virtual dance party with local DJs. Join in on the live chat too to mingle with the other partygoers and enjoy some solid Melbourne nightlife – just, at home. Check out Oporto's full Rappa Range here, then make tracks to your closest store — or order online. Top image: Yarra River sunset, Visit Victoria
For seven decades, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has been brightening up galleries around the globe with her dot-filled art work — and bringing smiles to art lover's faces in the process. Come October 1, she'll not only be doing just that; she'll also have her own museum dedicated to her lively geometric designs. Expect circles galore, colour aplenty and pumpkins. Slated to open in Tokyo's Shinjuku, the new facility will become a permanent celebration and showcase of the 88-year-old's inimitable pieces, spreading the vibrant joy across five storeys. According to The Japanese Times, the Yayoi Kusama Museum will feature a collection of her art, including her immersive installations, plus documents and related material. Launching with the inaugural exhibition Creation is a Solitary Pursuit, Love is What Brings You Closer to Art from October 1, 2017 to February 25, 2018, it will host two per year, as well as regular lectures. In what's proving to be a great time to surround yourself with Kusama's art, the news comes in the lead up to her next Australian exhibition, Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow, which heads to Brisbane for four months from November. Kusama fanatics (aka everyone) in the vicinity of Japan rather than Brissie can snap up advance tickets to the Tokyo museum from August 28, for a cost of 1000 yen (around AUD$11). The site will run year-round, opening Thursday to Sunday across a series of staggered entry times. Via The Japan Times. Image: Yayoi Kusama in front of Life is the Heart of a Rainbow (2017) ©YAYOI KUSAMA, Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/Singapore, Victoria Miro, London, David Zwirner, New York
For five days in October, the Queen Victoria Market will become the cheesiest place in Melbourne, all thanks to its second ever Holey Cheese Festival. Running between Tuesday, October 22 and Sunday, October 27 (except on the Wednesday when the market is closed), this is the type fest that'll fill your stomach with all of things fromage — so if you're not fond of dairy, consider yourself warned. A good cheese fest is all about the tastings, and this one promises samples of the state's best hard, soft, blue, white, fresh and aged rinds from both regular market traders (like Bill's Farm) and local producers. When you're not nabbing a bite of gouda, camembert or raclette, you can tuck into cheesy meals from food trucks, pop-up eateries, Melbourne chefs and, once again, the market's regulars. Throw in live music, a wine bar, and cooking demonstrations — hopefully showing you how to whip up the cheesiest possible dishes at home — and you'll be having cheese dreams for days. Image: Bill's Farm at the Queen Victoria Market.
Alia Shawkat, star of Arrested Development, Search Party and this year's indie flicks Duck Butter and Blaze, is in town already, here for a MIFF Talks: In Conversation event taking place this Saturday at The Comedy Theatre. She's also put her hand up again for another one-off MIFF event: a screening of film Duck Butter, which Shawkat both appears in and co-wrote. The premise of the film is a 24-hour sex marathon undertaken by Shawkat's character, Naima, and Sergio (Laia Costa). The two meeting at a bar and heading home together, they decide to wield an experiment – having sex every hour on the hour for a whole day. "Bruising" and "sweaty" are two words that have been used to describe Duck Butter and though it does make you tired just thinking about it, Shawkat took home the Tribeca Best Actress (US Narrative Feature) award for her role. She'll present the film at the screening as well as hosting a Q&A after it screens. We're sure there'll be some pearlers revealed, and not just about the film — she's been popping up everywhere from Broad City to Whip It as well as the Ethan Hawke-directed Blaze.
Since 2012, Melburnians have been honouring the age old tradition of making salami by throwing their hat in the ring and showing off their product at the Melbourne Salami Festa. For those who are just being introduced to The Salami Army, salami-making is by no means restricted to your elderly Italian neighbours, as every year their salami-tasting competition sees more and more entrants. Making salami is a nose-to-tail approach where every piece is appreciated and nothing is wasted. The process that goes into creating this delicious treat takes skill and patience, and we’re salivating just thinking about taste-testing the rewards. Northcote Town Hall will be set up as a salumi tasting hall, with some of Australia’s best artisan brands selling their product. On top of that, a few of Melbourne’s top restaurants will have pop-up stalls, and there'll be live music throughout the day. If you’re inspired to make your own salami, stick around for a demonstration or two, just don’t forget to make one for us.
Melbourne Fashion Week is back, and this year's instalment promises a week brimming with style, flair and a pinch of the unexpected. From Monday, October 23 to Sunday, October 29, the heart of Melbourne is set to pulse with the vibrant rhythm of 300 designers and retailers. There will be 100 events in both classic venues as well as some rather interesting settings, including the rooftop pool deck at Le Méridien and some abandoned industrial garages. This year's MFW theme, For Curious Hearts, is all about giving a nod to the unsung heroes backstage. The mavericks, the designers, the people who make the industry tick — both emerging and established. This year is for championing sustainability, inclusivity, and everything that makes Australia's fashion scene so vivaciously diverse. Speaking of sustainability, MFW is carbon neutral certified, with $1 from each ticket going to carbon offset efforts. So, while you enjoy the city's fashion fiesta, you're also doing your part to stave off the climate apocalypse. Fun! The MFW runway spectacle is set to grace various venues across the city, from transformed industrial locales to the majestic Regent Theatre. Spotlighting the event are names like Jason Grech, Bec + Bridge, Ngali, Blanca Studios, Leo Lin, Aje, J'Aton, Oroton, Mariam Seddiq, and Arnsdorf, among others. The crowd-favourite fashion capsules are back in full swing, revealing the craftsmanship of over 70 local creators. To add to the fun, there will be complimentary runway pop-ups, including at the newly launched MFW spots at Emporium and QV. For those keen on learning more about the industry, Creative Victoria is hosting the MFW Conversations program. The series, graced by iconic fashion editor Janice Breen Burns, delves into topics like circular fashion and the role of tech in the industry. Students will also get their moment in the limelight with the Student Collections Runway, crowning the MFW Student Award winner on October 27. So, if you're a fashion lover (or just keen on soaking up the vibes), grab your tickets, and we'll see you on the runway. Head to Visit Melbourne for the full rundown and to check out what else is happening in Melbourne this spring.
If the best solutions solve problems you didn't even know you had, then the growing novelty delivery industry surely ranks among humanity's greatest feats. There we all were, living our lives without even contemplating sending eggplants, glitter or evil fortune cookies to someone — or nicer items, such as cacti, cocktail ingredients or personalised chocolate. Now, who isn't thinking about taking the easy route this Christmas, clicking a few buttons and organising amusing gifts for their friends, family and enemies? Handwritten greeting card service Felt is taking the concept a step further to celebrate the season, however. As the usual festive tradition goes, Christmas is a time for giving and receiving presents — and, if you've been behaving badly throughout the year, to find a lump of coal in your stocking instead. Sure, it's an easy (albeit materialistic) way to motivate kids to be nice. For the US-based app, it's also an amusing way to punish 2017's naughtiest person. Head to The Naughty List, and you can cast your vote for the unlucky recipient. Whatever the final winning count is, that's how many lumps of coal they'll receive. Voting closes on December 18, and the current leaders shouldn't come as a surprise. At the time of writing, the US president is leading the charge, followed by United States Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai — one of the figures behind the recent repeal of net neutrality — and Harvey Weinstein. US residents can also send a lump of coal to their not-so-loved ones, accompanied by a handwritten Felt greeting card. It's the latter — via an app that lets you scrawl your own words onto the screen, which are then printed onto the paper — that is Felt's main business. Alas, while international orders are usually accepted, they won't be shipping coal beyond the US. Via Mashable. Image: The Naughty List.
The Art Gallery of NSW has announced the finalists for the 2016 Archibald Prize — and this year's got some good'uns. This is the 95th year for the highly sought-after portraiture award.Considered the "who's who of Australian culture", portraits entered into the prize generally depict notable Australians, from politicians and celebrities to artists and athletes. This year's finalists include Natasha Bieniek's oil painting of Wendy Whiteley (above), Clara Adolphs' portrait of actor Terry Selio, Betina Fauvel-Ogden's painting of MasterChef's George Calombaris (which is also the winner of the Packing Room Prize) and — our personal favourite — Carla Fletcher's portrait of fashion icon Linda Jackson. Seriously, look at those colours. [caption id="attachment_579238" align="alignnone" width="455"] Carla Fletcher, Twin souls, Linda Jackson, mix media on board, 200 x 150.5 cm, © the artist, Photo: AGNSW, Felicity Jenkins.[/caption] The Archibald finalists will be exhibited at AGNSW from July 16 to October 9, along with the finalists for the Wynne Prize (which awards the best landscape painting of Australia or figure sculpture) and the Sulman Prize (for the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project), which were also announced yesterday. After exhibiting in Sydney, the finalists will then tour regionally until August 2017, after which time the winner will be announced by the trustees of AGNSW. The winner will be awarded $100,000 in prize money and some serious bragging rights to boot. The prize was created by Jules Francois Archibald, the founding editor of The Bulletin magazine. He established the prize with the goal to promote both great Australian portraiture and great Australians. The only real stipulation within the contest is that the painting must have been created in the last 12 months and include at least one live sitting with the subject. The award is an open competition, which means that any resident of Australia or New Zealand can enter. Something to keep in mind for next year. Top image: Natasha Bieniek, Wendy Whiteley, oil on wood, 34.5 x 32.5cm, © the artist Photo: AGNSW, Mim Stirling.
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.
It's the ultimate holiday dream, particularly when the weather's warm: golden shores and blue waters as far as the eye can see, comfortable surroundings for all-day lazing around, and your full run of the resort facilities. For most of us, it'll remain a fantasy; however, if you happen to have a cool $5.99 million burning a hole in your bank account, you can head to the Whitsundays and make this beachy vision become a reality. Mackay and Marina Real Estate have listed the Cape Gloucester Beach Resort for sale, and the inclusions are epic. Your fat stack of cash will get you thirteen hectares of sand and bush, plus a licensed bar, a restaurant and an array of beach-side, self-contained cabins boasting 45 beds. The resort was established in 1995, offers visitors everything from snorkelling and kayaking to bird- and whale-watching, and is located 45 minutes by car from Airlie Beach — or 20 nautical miles by boat, if that's your preferred mode of transport. The current owners are four Brisbane friends who put their funds together to purchase the property around six years ago, but are no longer able to make the most of having their own beach getaway. If you'd like to follow in their footsteps (or pretend that you might, just for a minute or so), check out the listing. Via realestate.com.au. Images: Mackay and Marina Real Estate.
Among the many thoughts that Only Murders in the Building has caused viewers to ponder across 2021's season one, 2022's season two and 2023's season three, the misfortune that comes with living in its eponymous spot is right up there. Exactly why is in the show's name, too. Each season, a new murder has taken place in the Arconia, the New York apartment complex that its main sleuthing trio call home. Here's another takeaway from this hit mystery-comedy series so far: famous faces are rarely far from its halls. Only Murders in the Building stars Selena Gomez (The Dead Don't Die), Steve Martin (It's Complicated) and Martin Short (Schmigadoon!) as neighbours and podcasters Mabel Mora, Charles-Haden Savage and Oliver Putnam, and has enlisted a heap of other well-known talents. Sometimes they play themselves, as Sting (The Book of Solutions) and Amy Schumer (IF) have. Sometimes the show gets Meryl Streep (Don't Look Up), Paul Rudd (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire), Tina Fey (Mean Girls) and more into character. In season four, which starts streaming via Disney+ Down Under from Tuesday, August 27, 2024, all of the above notes still prove true. There's another murder to investigate. There's more big-name cast members as well. Some of the latter appear as versions of themselves, while some play fictional parts. Being aware that there has again been a killing in the Arconia doesn't mean knowing what's in store in the show's return, though. Indeed, something different is afoot this time around, taking Only Murders in the Building to Hollywood. But as the just-dropped full trailer for the new season demonstrates, no one is completely saying goodbye to the series' main setting. Also, Los Angeles isn't the only fresh surroundings that beckon for Mabel, Charles and Oliver. The crew's latest investigation and the cinema business both beckon in Tinseltown. A studio wants to turn their podcast — which is also called Only Murders in the Building — into a film. Cue the arrival of Molly Shannon (The Other Two), Eugene Levy (Schitt's Creek), Eva Longoria (Tell It Like a Woman) and Zach Galifianakis (The Beanie Bubble), with season four's new cast members also including Melissa McCarthy (Unfrosted), Kumail Nanjiani (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) and Richard Kind (Girls5eva). Alongside Short, Gomez and Martin, fellow long-running Only Murders in the Building regulars Michael Cyril Creighton (American Fiction), Da'Vine Joy Randolph (a newly minted Oscar-winner for The Holdovers) and Jane Lynch (Velma) are also back. Check out the full trailer for Only Murders in the Building season four below: Only Murders in the Building streams Down Under via Star on Disney+, and will return for season four on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Read our reviews of season one, season two and season three.
UberPool, the adventurous sequel to your well-used Uber app, launched in Melbourne earlier this month providing the city with the option to utilise the ride-sharing option in tandem with fellow passengers, car-pooling to cut down your fare. To celebrate, this week Uber is offering three free UberPool rides for users. Based on the US-based Uber Express Pool, the introduction of the service in Melbourne follows a Sydney trial and subsequent launch this year, and the trips are meant to wind up costing passengers around two thirds of a solo Uber trip – but drivers will still be able to earn around the same as they would for a regular service. The offer — announced in an email to Melbourne Uber users this morning — is valid until Friday, June 22 and lets passengers nab up to three free UberPool rides, as long as they're under $40 per ride and taken between 5am and 11:59pm. To redeem the offer, all you need to do is select "Pool" in your Uber app and the discount will be automatically applied, then follow the instructions regarding where to find your "dynamic pick-up spot" and meet your travel mates and driver. UberPool is currently only available in certain suburbs (bordered by Coburg, Hawthorn, Balaclava and Footscray), so those in further-flung regions of Melbourne may need to wait a little longer to live out your cheaper carpooling dreams.
Coca-Cola Amatil, one of the largest manufacturers of beverages and food products in the Asia-Pacific, is the latest company to make a big-ticket move in the fight against plastic waste, announcing it'll phase out all single-use plastic straws and stirrers from its Aussie operations. The company is now switching to fully recyclable and biodegradable paper straws sourced from BioPak and Austraw, for its distribution services to around 115,000 venues across the country, which include everything from grocery stores to petrol stations, bars and cafes. Stocks of the current single-use products will be run out over the next two months, with the more eco-friendly alternatives available from February. While it's a great move for the environment, as highlighted by the ABC, it also has potential to marginalise disabled members of the community. A number of Aussies with disabilities rely on straws to eat and drink, and reusable versions aren't always an alternative. And it seems this is just the start for Coca-Cola Amatil's sustainability shake-up, as the group moves towards its goal to have 100 percent of its Australian packaging fully recyclable by 2025, including bottles, cans, plastic wrap, cardboard and glass. With over 700,000 customers across its brands, ditching the plastic will have a big positive impact. The company says it's currently working with suppliers on a range of sustainable solutions for products like plastic spoons and frozen drink scoops. Last year, it also announced a range of environmental targets it hoped to achieve by 2020, including using at least 60 percent renewable or low-carbon energy in its operations, and significantly reducing the overall carbon footprint of its drinks. The straw phase-out follows similar recent moves by the likes of IKEA, McDonald's and Melbourne's Crown Casino, and comes as South Australia reveals it's looking at implementing its own state-wide ban on single-use plastic items.
I'm sure the guys behind the Young Guns dinner series don't mean to namedrop, but for this instalment, they kind of have to. Because this month it's The Town Mouse's George Tomlin and Miranda Campbell, co owner of Belles Hot Chicken and the brand new Bar Clarine, who will take their places at The National Hotel on Thursday 30 April — as chef and sommelier, respectively. The feast is the 17th of the highly successful Young Guns dinner series, an initiative that showcases the best of the up-and-coming hospitality pack. Each month a bright young chef and sommelier are chosen — by Jerry Mai, The National's menu creator and Pho Nom legend — to put together a dinner around a changing theme. On Thursday, George and Miranda will present an Australian-inspired banquet of dishes and matched wines. A seat at the table costs $99, and is all-inclusive of both food and drinks. With so much hype around both the Town Mouse and Belle's, it's hard to believe that both Miranda and George are just up-and-comers. So get a taste of what these young guns have in store for the future in this one-off, very special dinner. To book, contact Rani at The National Hotel on (03) 9429 8811 or email manager@thenationalhotel.com.au
We're over halfway through Sydney's winter festival of Light, Live (music) and Ideas. Fans of Vivid have been capturing the best of the spectacle, and we're celebrating the best of this year's pics taken from folks like us — appreciators of light art sculptures, awesome projections, and perfect timing. If you haven't made your way down to Circular Quay and its surrounds, hurry. Vivid Light 2012 wraps up next Monday, June 11. Customs House, taken by Alex Wain (via Flickr). What lies beneath... Photo taken by Patrick Shirey (shared via Instagram). Don't feed the piranhas - photo taken by @keithmcinnes (via Instagram). A forest of bubble trees. Taken by iwoolf (via Flikr). A very vivid merry-go-round. Taken by Welsay (via Flickr). Museum of Contemporary Art, taken by @koltonlol (via Instagram). Sunflowers in the Rocks, taken by Real_ARMOTUR (via Flickr). Lighting of the Sails by URBANSCREEN. Taken by Artistiquephotography10 (via Flickr). Main photo courtesy of Destination NSW. Follow the latest fan photos on Vivid Sydney's Facebook page.
Half a century ago, one of the greatest science-fiction films of all time made its cinematic debut. It might hail from a genre filled with plenty of excellent flicks — both then and now — but 2001: A Space Odyssey still remains one of sci-fi's best and most iconic efforts. And, one of the best and most iconic movies ever made, too. With Stanley Kubrick at the helm, adapting Arthur C. Clarke's short story The Sentinel with the author himself, it's easy to see why. Really, this isn't your usual jaunt into space. It was a mindblowing, groundbreaking feat at the time — and come June 7, Melbourne audiences will get the chance to watch the film in all of its original glory. While 2001: A Space Odyssey has remained a favourite pick for retrospective screenings around the city for years, the latest release will feature an 'unrestored' 70mm print of the movie — that is, it'll look just like it did 50 years ago. The version about to do the rounds was created using a true photochemical film recreation from the original camera negative without any digital tricks, remastered effects or new edits. After premiering at this year's Cannes Film Festival, it'll screen at the The Sun Theatre and The Astor Theatre for a limited run, so you'd best open the pod bay doors, HAL, and hurry along.
Just as Hobart's winter arts fest Dark Mofo kicks off its final weekend of this year's iteration, MONA has announced that it will move the festival's summertime counterpart, Mona Foma, to Launceston. MONA shared its plans to move the festival back in July last year, when it announced it will build a huge new five-star hotel alongside the Berriedale gallery. The gallery then called on the Tasmanian Government to help fund the move — and that funding has just come through. It's pledged a hefty $1.75 million for each of the next three years to help MONA hold the festival in Launceston, rather than its usual home of Hobart. The move's been prompted by the success of Mona Foma 2018, which saw part of the program hosted in the Launceston, including a free block party at QVMAG enjoyed by a huge 5000 people. It seems that, having changed the cultural landscape in Hobart, MONA founder David Walsh and Mona Foma curator Brian Ritchie have their sights set on doing the same in the state's second biggest city. This will no doubt bring in lots of tourism dollars for the government and local businesses, too. "We weren't interested in putting together a watered-down Mona Foma," explained MONA co-CEO Mark Wilsdon. "This funding means we'll be able to do it, and do it properly. It will help us create a world-famous cultural event, industry and legacy in northern Tasmania, as Mona Foma did for Hobart when we launched in 2009." From its new home, the January festival will continue its celebration of creativity in all forms, through an eclectic program of art and music that's not afraid to get a little weird. The Mona Foma 2019 dates are set to be announced this August, with the lineup dropping shortly after. We'll keep you posted on that front.
A much-loved Melbourne legend is set to have his legacy memorialised, with a fitting permanent tribute set to be unveiled early next year. The City of Melbourne has today announced that a memorial table and plaque created in honour of the late Pellegrini's co-owner Sisto Malaspina will be installed out the front of his famed Bourke Street Italian restaurant. The news comes one year after the Melbourne hospitality pioneer was killed in the Bourke Street terrorist attack in November, 2018. The table will be engraved with a portrait of Malaspina by acclaimed Melbourne illustrator Oslo Davis and the words "Sisto loved Melbourne – and Melbourne loved him back". It'll be placed streetside, where the Pellegrini's mainstay would often be found sitting, chatting and watching the world go by. [caption id="attachment_749741" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Some of the tributes left outside Pellegrini's after Malspina's death in November 2018.[/caption] Malaspina arrived in Melbourne from Italy in the 1960s, purchased Pellegrini's with his business partner Nino Pangrazio in 1974 and operated it together right up until Malaspina passed away last year. He was a familiar face for scores of locals and visitors, renowned for his generous personality and welcoming nature. And for decades, the venue he helped create has been one of the CBD's go-to Italian coffee bars and eateries, famed for its classic pasta and friendly vibe. Malaspina's son David, who's in negotiations to purchase Pangrazio's half of the business, said in a statement that the family is proud of the memorial and he "look[s] forward to looking out of the window of Pellegrini's and watching people learn about Dad while enjoying a coffee at his table". Find Pellegrini's Espresso Bar at 66 Bourke Street, Melbourne. It's open from Monday–Saturday 8am–11pm and Sunday 12–8pm.
Every January, ABC radio station Triple J counts down the hottest 100 tunes of the past year, and gives Australians a new go-to playlist for the next few months. Now, fellow station ABC Classic has gifted fans of movie, television and video game music their own version — the Classic 100: Music for the Screen, which just named the best scores and soundtracks that've echoed from screens big and small over the decades. The Classic 100 isn't new. It's been around for two decades, in fact, and threw Beethoven some love back in 2021. For 2022, however, the countdown has solely honed in on music from films and TV, plus the gaming realm. To the surprise of no one, the winner game from a galaxy far, far away. Yes, John Williams' additions to all things Star Wars topped the list, because the force was clearly with this poll — which, like the Triple J Hottest 100, was voted for by listeners. Coming in second was Howard Shore's efforts for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, while iconic Italian composer Ennio Morricone's score for 1986 film The Mission took out third spot. Muggles and wizards alike must've cast their votes for the Harry Potter series in fourth, recognising the work of John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper, and Alexandre Desplat. And John Williams took fifth spot, too, for Schindler's List. Other highlights include the late Vangelis' Chariots of Fire score, John Williams (again) for Jurassic Park, and Ramin Djawadi's work on Game of Thrones — all in the top ten. And yes, Williams popped up a lot. He was also recognised for the Indiana Jones series (11th), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (42nd), Superman (55th) and Jaws (57th). Among the other standouts, Doctor Who came in 12th, the music for The Legend of Zelda series notched 23rd spot, Blade Runner sat at 36th, The Godfather trilogy at 41st and Back to the Future at 47th. Or, there's the wonderful and strange sounds of Twin Peaks at 50th, the Super Mario series at 52nd, The Princess Bride at 59th, the Final Fantasy games at 64th, The Simpsons at 70th and the James Bond theme at 72nd. Also on the list: Pokémon at 75th, Bluey at 83rd, Bernard Herrmann's stellar Psycho tunes at 84th and Daft Punk's exceptional Tron: Legacy score in 89th place. Studio Ghibli was well-represented, with Howl's Moving Castle at 21st, Spirited Away at 32nd and My Neighbour Totoro at 66th. Hans Zimmer was too, with nine showings — for the Pirates of the Caribbean (6th), Gladiator (19th), Interstellar (27th), both versions of The Lion King (sharing 28th place), Inception (49th), The Crown (65th), 2021's Dune (74th), Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy (75th) and Dunkirk (95th). Yes, you've now got 100 iconic soundtracks to listen to. And if you missed the countdown live, you can still work your way through it via the ABC Classic website. For the full ABC Classic 100 Countdown, head to the ABC Classic website.
Congratulations. Not only have you made it through an entire year, and an entire month of Christmas carols, but you've also reached a neat yearly milestone. Today is the longest day of the year — and not just because you're staring out the window before your office goes on holidays tomorrow. Today — that is Wednesday, December 21 — is the 2017 summer solstice. What does that mean? Well, it means that today has the most daylight hours of any other day this year. That's because the earth's axis at this point in time puts the sun is at the highest point in the southern hemisphere's sky, creating a longer period of sunlight. This happens once a year in each hemisphere. How long the day is exactly will depend on where you live — the further south you are (i.e. closer to the South Pole), the longer the day. According to ABC News, Sydney will get 14 hours, 24 minutes and 43 seconds of sunlight today, while up north Brisbane will get about half an hour less. Hobart gets the longest one of all, with the day stretching for 15 hours and 21 minutes. Interestingly, the summer solstice doesn't coincide with the earliest sunrise or latest sunset, which take place on separate summer days. It might not have the hype of the last month's supermoon, but it's still a great excuse to get do something outdoorsy after work tonight. Via ABC News.
Female-led food collective BABS has already earned plenty of fans in Sydney, thanks to the dining pop-ups the team has hosted at much-loved venues like Valentina's and Either/Or. Now, it's our turn for a slice of the culinary action. BABS (short for BadAssBitcheS) is heading south for its first-ever Melbourne pop-up, teaming up with Cam's Kiosk at the Abbotsford Convent for a four-course lunch on Sunday, April 16. Here, the mission is the same as always: to champion some kick-ass women of the Aussie hospitality scene and celebrate collaboration while serving up a standout feast. [caption id="attachment_876407" align="alignnone" width="1920"] BABS, by Haydon Fanning[/caption] This one will have a Mediterranean lean, running over two sittings (12pm, 2pm) and clocking in at $110 per person. Chefs Ellie Hayes O'Brien (BABS) and Julieanne Blum (Cam's) have dreamed up a seafood-heavy spread featuring plates like clams with fregola, saffron and fennel; scallop tartare paired with tomato oil and fried kipflers; and grilled flank steak served with greens sourced straight from the convent grounds. True to form, the wine situation will be equally impressive — a collaborative effort from BABS's Bec Shave and Anna Clifford and Alessia Augello (Cam's) that'll focus on lesser-known female winemakers from across the world. [caption id="attachment_895877" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christopher Pearce[/caption] Top images: Christopher Pearce
There may or may not be a new mixtape from the Avalanches. This past weekend, the Australian band tweeted this mysterious message to fans, with a link to a mix titled 'A Sleepy Bedtime Mix for Young Ones'. The link is hosted by new mixtape site, Pinchy & Friends, created by Tom Kuntz, who directed the video for the Avalanches' 'Frontier Psychiatrist'. Reps from Modular, the Avalanches' label, claim to have no knowledge of a mixtape. The Avalanches have gonna a little MIA as of late; a "taking a break" message appears on their site, and the band has thanked fans for their patience via Facebook. The mysterious mixtape is posted under the name of Charles Bukowski's character Henry Chinaski, and is currently available for free download here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=eS3AZ12xf6s
Goodbye Henry Cavill, hello Liam Hemsworth: when The Witcher returns for season four, that's the first big talking point. The change is old news, given that it was announced back in 2022, but seeing it in action isn't. And while Netflix hasn't yet revealed when it is bringing its hit fantasy series back, it has just dropped the first teaser for the new episodes — including the first look at Hemsworth (Land of Bad) as Geralt of Rivia. The icy long locks and the firm gaze are all accounted for in the brief debut glimpse at The Witcher season four, in what'll be the first season without Argylle's Cavill. Hemsworth takes over the part for not just season four but also season five, after the show was renewed for a fifth and final season in April 2024 before its fourth even airs. They're both currently being filmed back to back. So, get ready to toss a coin to your new witcher, and then one more time — but that'll be it. "As a Witcher fan I'm over the moon about the opportunity to play Geralt of Rivia," Hemsworth said when the casting change was initially announced. "Henry Cavill has been an incredible Geralt, and I'm honoured that he's handing me the reins and allowing me to take up the White Wolf's blades for the next chapter of his adventure. Henry, I've been a fan of yours for years and was inspired by what you brought to this beloved character. I may have some big boots to fill, but I'm truly excited to be stepping into The Witcher world," he continued. [caption id="attachment_748890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Henry Cavill in The Witcher[/caption] If you haven't watched the first three seasons yet but the name sounds familiar from elsewhere, that's because The Witcher is based on the short stories and novels of writer Andrzej Sapkowski — and, as well as being turned into comics, it was adapted the video game series of the same name. A Polish film and TV show also reached screens in the early 2000s, although they were poorly received. Sapkowski's last three Witcher books, aka Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow and Lady of the Lake, will form the basis of the Netflix series' final two seasons. In the Netflix effort, Cavill and now Hemsworth play the witcher of the title. Geralt of Rivia prefers to work — aka slay beasts — alone in a realm called The Continent. But life has other plans for the lone wolf, forcing him to cross paths with powerful sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra, The Cypher) and young princess Ciri (Freya Allan, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes). Alongside Hemsworth, season four will also welcome Laurence Fishburne (John Wick: Chapter 4), Sharlto Copley (Boy Kills World), James Purefoy (The Veil) and Danny Woodburn (Bookie) to the cast. Check out the first teaser for The Witcher season four below: The Witcher's fourth season doesn't yet have a release date — we'll update you when one is announced. The show's first three seasons are currently available to stream via Netflix.
