In cinemas, on TV and on the page, the past decade or so has served up more than a couple of Nordic noir hits. It's also left audiences wanting more. So, when Australia's annual Scandinavian Film Festival rolls around each year — sitting out 2020 for obvious reasons, though — it tends to deliver a few twisty thrillers from that part of the world. In fact, when 2021's fest kicks off in Sydney on Tuesday, July 6 — and plays Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Byron Bay as well — it'll start with a must-see new entry in the Scandi-noir genre. Hailing from Denmark, opening night's Wildland stars Sidse Babette Knudsen (Borgen, Westworld) as the head of a family crime syndicate. She's charged with looking after her teenage niece and, in a movie that instantly brings Australia's own Animal Kingdom to mind, the latter soon learns more about the family business. Also on this year's Scandinavian Film Festival lineup: Knudsen again in Copenhagen-set psychological thriller The Exception; masterful and engaging Norwegian film Disco, about an evangelical dance champion who finds her faith tested; and surreal mother-daughter drama Psychosis in Stockholm. Or, for fans of Nordic cinema's big names, relationship drama Hope co-stars Stellan Skarsgård (Chernobyl), musical comedy A Piece of My Heart sees Swedish-born actor Malin Akerman (Rampage) back on home turf, and The Country hails from Icelandic filmmaker Grímur Hákonarson — who directed Rams, which was remade in Australia last year. Other highlights include Icelandic box office hits Agnes Joy and The Last Fishing Trip, the latter of which has been compared to The Hangover; Finnish biopics Helene and Tove, about painter Helene Schjerfbeck and visual artist and author Tove Jansson, respectively; Tigers, which tells the true tale of former Inter Milan player Martin Bengtsson; and closing night's 50th anniversary-screening of The Emigrants starring Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann. Australia's various country- and region-focused film fests have always let cinephiles see the world without leaving their cinema seats — and with trips out of the country (other than New Zealand) off the cards at the moment, that's clearly a big drawcard at this year's Scandinavian Film Festival, too. The Scandinavian Film Festival tours the country between Tuesday, July 6–Wednesday, August 4, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinemas from July 6–28; Melbourne's Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino and Pentridge Cinema from July 8–28; Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James St from July 15–August 4; Adelaide's Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas from July 13–August 4; and Perth's Luna Leederville, Luna on SX & Palace Raine Square from July 14– August 4. For the full program, visit the festival website.
Become the most mindful version of yourself at Melbourne's new multidisciplinary meditation studio. Now open on Glasshouse Road in Collingwood, A—SPACE is a place where busy professionals can escape from the pressures of everyday life. "It's a nourishing environment," says co-founder Josh Lynch, "that allows people to slow down, take a breath and feel like they're part of a community." Both Lynch and his business partner Manoj Dias have a background in marketing and know full well the difficulties of maintaining work/life balance. "I know what it's like to feel the weight of your working life pile up on your shoulders and not know how to remove it," says Dias. "Drinking more coffee than your body can handle, taking on more and more tasks and feeling like you can't switch off." "We wanted to create a space for people to slow down, breathe and engage in meaningful connections," he adds. To that end, A—SPACE offers a range of classes and workshops, from mindfulness meditation to pranayama techniques to yoga nidra. Classes start at $20, or you can invest in a membership. A—SPACE also has a number of corporate options for employers and their teams. With meditation having been found to make people happier and more productive, it seems like a worthwhile investment. Find A—SPACE at 5 Glasshouse Road, Collingwood. For more information visit www.a-space.com.au
UPDATE: JUNE 20, 2020 — With the number of new COVID-19 cases increasing in Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced that some restrictions will be tightened at midnight on Sunday, June 21 instead of eased. The below has been updated to reflect this change. From Monday, June 22, more changes are rolling out in Melbourne. But not quite as first anticipated. Victoria has seen an increase in new COVID-19 cases — with 25 recorded in the 24 hours before Saturday, June 20 — which means that some restrictions are tightening once again. You are now allowed just five visitors in your home and outdoor gatherings have been restricted to ten — instead of 20 for both. Limits for hospitality venues, libraries and museums were expected to increase to 50, but, instead, they will stay at 20. There is some good news, though: you can now go buy a pint from a pub without ordering a meal, as well as visit a gym, theatre or cinema — all which have been allowed to open from today. Victoria's State of Emergency has also been extended for another four weeks, until midnight on Sunday, July 19. So, what exactly can you do from June 22? We've broken it down. GATHERINGS The tightening of restrictions as a result of Victoria's recent increase in new COVID-19 cases predominantly impacts gatherings. You can now have only five visitors in your home and outdoor gatherings must be restricted to ten. Premier Daniel Andrews has also reiterated the importance of staying at home when you are unwell — even if you just have the sniffles. "You cannot make your own decision because it is not your decision to make. You are putting the rest of Victoria at risk," the Premier said at a press conference on Saturday, June 20. "My message is very clear. If you are sick, you cannot go out. If you are sick, you cannot go to work. If you are sick you cannot — even moderate symptoms, mild symptoms — you cannot go and visit family and friends. If you are told to isolate, you must isolate." If new COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Premier has said lockdowns could be reintroduced in COVID-19 hotspots. [caption id="attachment_738194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leo's By The Slice, Kate Shanasy[/caption] RESTAURANTS, BARS, PUBS AND CAFES While you've been able to head to cafes, pubs and restaurants since June 1, there have been some pretty tight restrictions, including having to order a meal with your drink. From June 22, you'll be allowed to grab a pint, cocktail or wine without having to order food — but you will need to remain seated while drinking, no dancing on the dance floor just yet. While the capacity was set to increase to 50 punters per space from this date, too, it'll stay at 20 until at least July 12. Some venues are walk-ins only and others require bookings, so be sure to check the relevant websites before you go. [caption id="attachment_753117" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NGV, Tom Ross[/caption] ART GALLERIES AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS Victorian cultural institutions, including galleries, museums, libraries and historic sites have also been allowed to open since June 1; however Melbourne's major cultural spots will be reopening from Saturday, June 27. This includes the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, State Library Victoria, IMAX Melbourne and Scienceworks. Similarly to restaurants and cafes, their capacities were set to increase to 50 people on June 22, but, instead, they'll remain at 20 in each space. As capacity is limited, time-allotted visits will be essential, with many of the galleries and museums requiring pre-purchased tickets. Arts Centre Melbourne has postponed its partial reopened that was initially scheduled for June 27. [caption id="attachment_693396" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thornbury Picture House by Nicole Cleary[/caption] CINEMAS, THEATRE SHOWS AND CONCERT VENUES Movie theatres have been closed around the country since mid-March, but as of Monday, June 22, projectors will be allowed to start whirring again in the Garden State. And, while that doesn't mean that it's popcorn-munching business as usual quite yet, local cinemas will gradually begin to reopen. Cinema Nova will be one of initial places to start welcoming movie buffs back into darkened rooms, opening its doors on the very first day it can, as will the Classic, Lido and Cameo cinemas, and Reading's Victorian sites. Thornbury Picture House will then reopen on June 25, followed by Palace's Victorian sites on July 2. Drive-in cinemas, including Dandenong's Lunar Drive-In, Village Cinemas Coburg Drive-In and the Dromana Drive-In will continue screenings, too. You'll be able to head to the theatre or catch a live gig, too, with the Victorian Government allowing such spaces to open, with 20 seated patrons per venue or theatre, subject to the four square metre rule. Theatres with multiple seating tiers with separate entries can have up to 20 people per tier. However, many major Melbourne theatres and gig spaces are yet to announce their opening dates. Because of the recent increase in cases, all of the aforementioned venues will be allowed a maximum of 20 seated guests per venue, unlike the expected 50. GYMS, SWIMMING POOLS AND COMMUNITY SPORT If you've missed your sweat sessions, you'll be pleased to know that indoor gyms and recreation centres can resume from June 22, with a maximum of 20 people per space or zone and up to ten people per group class. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools will still have the current 20-person limit, but there'll be no restrictions of people per lane in each pool. You'll now be able to access the change rooms and showers, too. Unfortunately, you won't be able to rejoin your local footy club just yet as only non-contact competitions can resume for all ages; however, full-contact training for adults are set to resume from July 13, followed by competitions ons July 20. [caption id="attachment_714491" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] HOLIDAYS We've been able to go on regional holidays for a few weeks now, but places — including campgrounds — with communal facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens have remained off limits. From next week, this will no longer be the case and you'll be able to go camping or stay in communal-style accomodations. Victoria's snowfields are also allowed to reopen from June 22, with Mount Buller reopening on the first day it can, followed by Hotham and Falls Creek on June 24. The resorts will run a little differently this year, though, and passes and lift tickets must be pre-purchased. To find Interstate travel is also allowed, but, at present, only NSW and the ACT have opened their borders. Queensland is working towards reopening to visitors from other states on July 10, although that hasn't been officially confirmed as yet, while the Northern Territory announced it'll reopen on July 17 — and South Australia is slated to do the same on July 20. Neither WA nor Tasmania have yet to announce reopening dates. If you're keen to plan ahead, Qantas and Jetstar are offering some crazy cheap domestic flights (as low as $19) until midnight on Monday, June 22. International travel is still off the cards, which looks likely to remain the case until 2021. To find out more about Victoria's COVID-19 restrictions, head to the Department of Health and Human Services website.
One festival that certainly hasn't taken a hit in the popularity stakes is Falls Festival. This year the Falls team is also bringing the party closer to home, debuting in Byron Bay. One of the longest running, boutique music events in Australia, the three-day festival boasts camping, music and arts acts from all over the globe. This year's headliners include (the greatest house band in the world) The Roots, festival favourites The Wombats and the always-interesting Grizzly Bear, as well as some killer local acts such as Hermitude, Big Scary, Chet Faker and Horrorshow.
Dinner parties always seem like a good idea. But just thinking about the shopping, setting up, cooking and cleaning can be enough to drive you to drink, often at a pricey bar. Never fear, there are some easy tricks to hosting a cracker of a meal that is easy on the wallet and won’t test your sanity. As spring beckons urging us to act on our festive impulses, many of us will brave it. Let us present to you our tips for the time poor and culinary challenged in our bluffer’s guide to hosting the perfect dinner party. Setting Up Alfresco dining is always preferable. As George Michael will tell you, people just have more fun outside. And don’t worry if your backyard is wearing the wounds of less classy occasions. Do a quick sweep-up (no need to be too fussy) and fill the place with random objects, fairy lights and lots of candles – I like to stick them in old booze bottles. Imperfections, somehow, become charming in dim lighting. Light a fire. Cover the table in something black - it’s forgiving - and pour all the wine into carafes. It is an undeniable fact that wine tastes more expensive when poured from a carafe. Vases or glass containers of any description will work also. Once setup, get the tunes going. It’s important that your playlist is tailored to accompany the swim of lady alcohol through your guests. Regardless of your preferred genre, there is a formula I’ve found never fails. Start with something new, slowly move into some cult classics, finally, if the mood is right, get a little bit tragic. Entrée Save the unnecessary effort, and washing up, that comes with preparing individual dishes and simply throw a nice platter together. The key is to know where to pick up some good grub for picking. Thankfully the city is teeming with amazing delis. Throw everything straight on the platter, no little dishes. And you need some bread. This is not the time for Wonder White, though. Try a spelt or a kamut if you want to go gourmet. Rip it up and serve straight on the board with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic for dipping. Discarded jar lids come in handy. Set it beside the table and let the guests graze casually. Main course I opted for a vegetarian risotto. It’s cheap, easy and will keep your vegetarians and gluten haters at bay (you can hold out on the cheese if need be, but it seems lactose intolerance has become a bit passé). Any old Google recipe will do, just toss through your favourite bits and pieces and be sure to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Throw together a simple salad. Rocket, pear, walnut and parmesan is my go-to. The nightcap As the evening curtails, it is nice to introduce a new beverage. Boil some cheap plonk with oranges, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla (or whatever condiments you’ve got!) and voila! Mulled wine. I like to throw some rhubarb in also. And maybe a splash of port if it’s on hand. Whether the night evolves into a political debate or a living room dance-off, you’ve certainly set your guests up for a good one. Sit back, relax and bask in the host’s glory.
Whether you like hitting the beach, hopping on rollercoasters, touring movie studios or trekking through the hinterland, the Gold Coast isn't short on tourist attractions. But the Sunshine State holiday spot's latest addition will take you to new depths — swimming around underwater sculptures and coral, and past hundreds of different species of marine life, all without venturing too far from the shore. Meet Wonder Reef, which opens for dives from Wednesday, June 8. It's a huge artificial reef, and it's perched just a ten-minute boat trip from the Gold Coast Seaway. Here, you'll descend down to 30 metres, and paddle around nine giant buoyant reef sculptures, which are floating beneath the surface about 2.5 kilometres offshore from Philip Park at The Spit. First announced back in mid-2021, the new $5-million attraction is designed for experienced divers — and to draw in more tourists to the Goldie, obviously. The site's coral was planted just before Christmas last year, and has already been attracting everything from lobsters, octopus and tropical fish to turtles and giant gropers. It's also expected to grow by between one and 25 centimetres a year. That's what more than 16,000 divers will see each year, too, as well as those nine sculptures. Made by Queensland artist Daniel Templeman, they measure up to 22 metres tall, weigh more than 738 tonnes (in air) and span a reef habitat of 32,000 cubic metres in size. If you're now keen for a dip, Gold Coast Dive Adventures and Queensland Scuba Diving are running regular tours. Or, if you're an experienced diver with your own boat and dive equipment, you can also book a public mooring. Pitched as a new bucket-list dive site by the City of Gold Coast and the Queensland Government, who've brought it to fruition, Wonder Reef has been given a 50-year seabed lease. So, it's sticking around for both a good time and a long time. And while the site is man-made — the coral is real, but the reef setup is artificial — it's been crafted with the natural environment in mind. Indeed, not that anyone should need any assistance, but helping folks to appreciate the underwater beauty of the natural world is another of Wonder Reef's big aims. Wonder Reef is open for bookings from Wednesday, June 8. For more information, head to the Wonder Reef website.
When it comes to showcasing up-and-coming Australian musical talents, and also celebrating the country's music industry in general, Brisbane's BIGSOUND has never held back. Going big is right there in its name, after all. So, with the event finally making its in-person return after a pandemic-afflicted couple of years — and also marking its 21st birthday — it should come as no surprise that it's set to host its biggest lineup ever. Back in April, BIGSOUND confirmed its comeback details for 2022, including dates and basic numbers — a four-day event including the conference side of things, running from Tuesday, September 6–Friday, September 9, and popping up in 21 different venues, to be precise. It also promised that more than 150 bands and artists would take to its stages, too. Now that the full bill is here, that figure has gone up to a whopping 182. [caption id="attachment_861893" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jess Gleeson[/caption] That's 38 artists more than the last in-person event, in 2019, boasted — and they'll take to 23 stages at those 21 Fortitude Valley venues over three nights. Leading the charge: Adrian Dzvuke, Budjerah, flowerkid, Dallas Woods, Mia Wray and Teenage Joans, as well as Dulcie, Ghost Care, Ashwarya, Birdz, Jem Cassar-Daley, Concrete Surfers and VOIID. The list goes on, and also includes the event's first BIGSOUND Country lineup, spanning country The Buckleys, Hinterland, DARLINGHURST, Loren Ryan, Melanie Dyer, Taylor Moss and The Wolfe Brothers. A contingent from New Zealand will head over as well, with JessB, Soaked Oats, Troy Kingi, TE KAAHU, Church & AP, MELODOWNZ and Jenny Mitchell making the trip. [caption id="attachment_861894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] Wondering which venues will be doing the honours? The list features everywhere from Black Bear Lodge and both inside and outdoors at The Brightside through to The Wickham and The Zoo. If you're a BIGSOUND regular, you'll know what all of this entails: jumping between as many spaces as possible, all teeming with as many bands, industry folks and music-loving punters as possible, and enjoying the latest and greatest tunes and talent that's on offer. Expect 2022's iteration to be no different to usual — well, the pre-pandemic usual — although the vibe is set to jump up a few notches given that there's so much to celebrate. [caption id="attachment_851420" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bianca Holderness[/caption] Past events have showcased everyone from Gang of Youths, Flume, Tash Sultana and Courtney Barnett to San Cisco, Violent Soho, Methyl Ethel and The Jungle Giants, making the BIGSOUND program a very reliable bellwether of current and up-and-coming musos. This year's fest will also include 300 artist showcases and more than 20 parties, while the conference side of things will welcome in 150-plus speakers over 55 sessions (and more than 1500 delegates as well). Leading the conference bill so far: 'Friday' singer Rebecca Black; activist, author and #MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke; Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinski; and Jaguar Jonze and Example. BIGSOUND's return to the Valley's streets follows a virtual event in 2020, and comes after 2021's fest was originally slated to go ahead in-person, but had to cancel due to COVID-19. [caption id="attachment_851423" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] BIGSOUND 2022 FESTIVAL LINEUP: Adam Newling Adrian Dzvuke AGUNG MANGO Alter Boy Andrew Gurruwiwi Band Andrew Swift Andy Golledge Anesu Aodhan Asha Jefferies Ashwarya Ayesha Madon Baby Cool Banjo Lucia Beckah Amani BIG SKEEZ BIG WETT Birdz BLOODMOON Blusher Bones and Jones BOY SODA Brekky Boy Bud Rokesky Budjerah Bumpy C.O.F.F.I.N Caroline & Claude Chanel Loren Chloe Dadd Church & AP CLOE TERARE Club Angel Cody Jon COLLAR CONCRETE SURFERS cookii Dallas Woods dameeeela Daniel Shaw DARLINGHURST Dean Brady Death by Denim Diimpa Dulcie Eastbound Buzz EGOISM Eilish Gilligan Eliza Hull Eluize Enclave ENOLA Evie Irie Fash Five Island Drive flowerkid FLY BOY JACK Folk Bitch Trio Forest Claudette FOURA Franko Gonzo Full Flower Moon Band Future Static Germein Ghost Care Girl and Girl Gold Fang Grace Cummings and Her Band Grand Pine Great Sage Greatest Hits grentperez Greta Stanley Grievous Bodily Calm Hallie HANNI Hauskey Hinterland Holliday Howe Hope D ISUA JACOTÉNE JELLY OSHEN Jem Cassar-Daley Jenny Mitchell Jerome Farah Jess Day JessB June Jones KANADA THE LOOP Kee'ahn KEYAN Kid Pharaoh Kutcha Edwards LÂLKA Lee Sugar LION Liyah Knight Loren Ryan LOSER MALi JO$E Melaleuca Melanie Dyer MELODOWNZ Memphis LK merci, mercy Mia Wray Mitch Santiago Molly Millington Monnie Moonboy Moss MOUNTAIN WIZARD DEATH CULT Mr Rhodes Mulalo MUNGMUNG Mvlholland Newport Nick Griffith Nick Ward Noah Dillon OK HOTEL Old Mervs Phoebe Go Pink Matter Platonic Sex Queen P RinRin Romero Roy Bing Ruby Gill Ryan Fennis & Voidhood Saint Ergo Sam Windley San Joseph Sappho Sarah Wolfe SayGrace Selfish Sons Selve Shanae (FKA MADAM3EMPRESS) Shannen James Siobhan Cotchin Skeleten Soaked Oats SOPHIYA South Summit Srirachi Stevan Suzi Talk Heavy Tasman Keith Taylor Moss TE KAAHU Teenage Dads Teenage Joans Teether & Kuya Neil Tentendo The Atomic Beau Project The Buckleys The Last Martyr The Rions THE RIOT The Terrys The Wolfe Brothers To Octavia Toby Hobart Troy Kingi Tulliah VOIID VOLI K Waxflower WIIGZ Wildheart Woodes Yb. Yen Strange yergurl YNG Martyr Zeolite ZPLUTO BIGSOUND 2022 VENUES: Black Bear Lodge Blute's Bar The Brightside The Brightside Outdoors EC Venue Ivory Tusk King Lear's Throne La La Land O'Skulligans The Outpost Press Club The Prince Consort Hotel Prohibition Ric's Bar + Backyard Stranded Bar Summa House Tomcat The Warehouse The Wickham Woolly Mammoth Mane Stage The Zoo BIGSOUND 2022 will take place between Tuesday, September 6–Friday, September 9 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit bigsound.org.au. Top image: Bianca Holderness.
It's best known for whipping up eye-popping, intricate sweet treats; including the legendary strawberry and watermelon creation that once claimed the title of 'world's most Instagrammed cake'. But for its latest trick, Sydney-born bakery Black Star Pastry is doing something a little different. The famed brand is now in the business of liquid treats, today releasing two new signature drinks inspired by two of its best-loved cakes. It's time to ditch your usual coffee order and say g'day to the Strawberry Watermelon Latte and the Hot Chocolate Mirage. The decadent sips will be joining the menu permanently at all of Black Star's Sydney and Melbourne stores, clocking in at $7 a pop. Fans of pink drinks will be all about the strawberry and watermelon concoction — crafted on a secret-recipe syrup featuring all the same notes as the iconic cake, as well as almond milk to capture the flavours of its almond dacquoise layers. It's all finished with a spritz of rosewater, a sprinkling of pistachio powder and a garnish of rose petals. For the chocolate fiends, there's the Hot Chocolate Mirage, which is built on rooibos tea — just like its eponymous Choc Mirage Slice. The tea's mixed with your choice of milk, plus caramel, hazelnut syrup and paste, and rich Valrhona Madagascan Manjari chocolate. Then, the drink's garnished with chocolate and gold, and served with the same passionfruit, chocolate and yuzu sun that normally sits atop the cake. Find the Strawberry Watermelon Latte and the Hot Chocolate Mirage at all Black Star stores in Sydney (Newtown, CBD, Rosebery, Moore Park) and Melbourne (Chadstone).
Virtual assistants in our homes, facial recognition technology everywhere, drones throughout the skies — it's no secret that we're being watched and listened to more than ever before. None of us want our data used for nefarious purposes, but what is the true price of living in such a state of surveillance? The Ethics Centre director Dr Simon Longstaff is chairing a panel — which features AI researcher Toby Walsh, former national human rights commissioner Edward Santow and journalist and filmmaker Yaara Bou Melhem — that will attempt to answer some of the modern world's most urgent questions. Join these luminaries in The Great Hall at UTS as they share their ideas and concerns.
UPDATE, FEBRUARY 15: Moonlight Cinema has now dropped its March program, which'll take the openair cinema through until the end of its 2019–20 season on Sunday, March 29. Highlights include Oscar-winner Parasite, the creepy new version of The Invisible Man and a couple of chances to see Margot Robbie unleash mayhem in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). You can also enjoy a blast from the past with The Dark Knight and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. UPDATE, JANUARY 18: Moonlight Cinema has revealed its February lineup, with a fresh batch of films coming to the outdoor venue. Recent gems such as Little Women and 1917 will screen alongside old-school hits such as Mean Girls, Ghost, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and a sing-along session of Grease (yes, it's playing on a summer night). You can also head along to a pooch-focused night of movies thanks to a collaboration with Top Dog Film Festival, who'll be presenting a best-of screening. Like all sessions at Moonlight, you can bring your pupper along, too. When Moonlight Cinema returns for its 2019–20 season, the annual feast of outdoor movies will give film fans exactly what we all want. Sure, we're all keen to roll out our picnic blankets, sit under the stars and stare up at the big screen — but, given that this openair cinema launches at the end of each and every year, we also want Christmas movies. In the week leading up to the big festive day, Moonlight will screen Last Christmas, Die Hard, Home Alone, Love Actually and Elf. Yep, all the basics are covered. They're not the only highlights from the just-dropped November, December and January program, but they sure do twinkle brightly among a heap of other movie standouts. If you're wondering what else will tempt your inner cinephile from November 28, it's a lengthy list. With recently or newly released movies a big part of Moonlight's lineup, expect to watch Rocketman, Hustlers, Joker, Ford v Ferrari, Knives Out, Cats, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker and Charlie's Angels — and, in some cities, to see Brad Pitt twice thanks to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Ad Astra. Moonlight also showcases advanced screenings of upcoming films, so add the Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie-starring Bombshell and Tom Hanks in It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood to your must-see pile. Going retro, the outdoor cinema will mark 20 years since The Matrix with an anniversary screening, and revisit last year's A Star Is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody. Dirty Dancing is also on the bill, like every year — it wouldn't be a Moonlight without it. As always, Moonlight will also boast its usual food truck and licensed bar offering, and its reserved bean beds. You can also BYO booze and bring your dog.
Trying not to think about Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet is about to become impossible in Australia. So will getting Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On' out of your head, where it's dwelled for most people since the Oscar-winning track was released in 1997. The reason: a Titanic exhibition has dropped anchor Down Under and docked at Melbourne Museum until Sunday, April 21. Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition has brought 200-plus items from the shipwreck to the Victorian capital in its Aussie trip after selling out its Paris season and also proving a hit in the US. The pieces on display were legitimately recovered from the vessel's wreck site, too, after the RMS Titanic's ill-fated voyage in April 1912 — aka the events that James Cameron (Avatar: The Way of Water) turned into the DiCaprio (Killers of the Flower Moon)- and Winslet (Ammonite)-starring Titanic more than a quarter-century ago. For everyone bound to exclaim, "I'm the king of the world!" while walking through Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition's Australian-exclusive stop, this is the king of all Titanic exhibitions. In fact, it's the most extensive in the world. As well as seeing the genuine objects from the ship, attendees will wander through full-scale recreations of the vessel's interiors, such as the veranda cafe, first-class parlour suite and grand staircase. In addition to the recovered items and recreations of the Titanic's spaces, the exhibition will tell tales about those onboard the ship that launched its maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, only to sink five days later on April 15, after hitting an iceberg. You'll be able to immerse yourself in the fateful events of that night with interactive exhibits like a touchable iceberg chilled to the temperature of the water the night of the sinking. This exploration of a tragic chapter in history will focus on passengers and crew alike while stepping through the vessel's class divisions and pondering the boat's legacy. Beyond the historical learnings, you can enjoy a Titanic-themed high tea designed by a Michelin-star chef to fully immerse yourself in the era in an elegantly designed lounge. Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition must close on Sunday, April 21. Evening sessions are also available. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website. Images: EMG / Alexandre Schoelcher / Eugene Hyland / Museums Victoria.
If a cheeky ancient spirit wanted to unleash their signature beverage, how would they go about it? Mix up some rum cocktails? Corral a bunch of bands and DJs? Take over some bars and pubs? In the case of Campari's new lip-smacking spirit Baron Samedi Spiced, all of the above proves true. To celebrate the launch of Baron Samedi Spiced — a Caribbean rum laced with spices such as vanilla, cacao, cinnamon and native Haitian spice Vetiver — the folklore villain is spreading his brand of mystery across Sydney and Melbourne. After all, you don't become a skull-faced underworld figure in Haitian Voodoo, leader of the Guédé, guardian of the afterlife (and general go-to dude whenever magic and death comes up) without causing a bit of mischief. If you're in NSW, you have a few options, starting with Baron Samedi Haitian Nights at Taylor's Rooftop from June 8 to July 7. If Sunday hangouts and tunes by Sydney hip hop legend Joyride north of the bridge take your fancy, there will also be heap of fun stuff taking place at Manly Wharf Hotel and Daniel San throughout June and July. Melburnians can head to Brunswick's Penny Black to get in on the action, with local band Dallas Frasca kicking things off with a live set on June 3. The venue will also offer nightly Baron Samedi drink specials until the end of July, as will Big Mouth St Kilda. So it's time to switch to rum for winter — it's one of the best ways to keep warm, after all.
Unless you have the greenest of thumbs, it's not always easy knowing what to do to keep your plant babies from going to plant heaven. But if you figure out how to do it well, you'll reap the benefits of living in an environment that's good for your health and highly attractive, for that matter. Founder and editor of The Planthunter, Georgina Reid, spoke to us about the important things to keep in mind when growing plants at home, while Dr Dominque Hes, director of Melbourne's Thrive Research Hub, provided us with her own research on how plants improve our wellbeing. It's easy to hoard plants, particularly if you're drawn to their natural aesthetic. And according to Hes, science has proven it's beneficial for your health to have heaps, too. "What's important is having a variety of plants of all shapes and sizes, colours and textures. The variety is what gives us the greatest benefits as it most reminds us of nature," says Hes. [caption id="attachment_647290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Georgina Reid of The Planthunter.[/caption] "It's part of a biophilic response left over from a time when humans spent more time outdoors than indoors, surviving based on a relationship with nature. Our brain is more relaxed and able to better deal with day-to-day activities if it feels in control," she says. "Parts of the brain still need to be connected to nature to feel that control. When this bit of the brain is relaxed, research shows that it allows improved concentration, communication, intuition, recollection, learning and creativity," she says. So, really, stocking up on your favourite plants is a win/win. Your place will look lush and your wellbeing will skyrocket thanks to plants' ability to take up fine dust particles, CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can come from new furniture, paints, carpets and clothes. Which plants are good for your space? We've taken you through choosing the best plants for your home, now here's how to make sure they (and, in turn, you) stay healthy and happy. Read on to learn how to take care of your favourite plants — and reap the benefits of having these green guys as housemates. SUCCULENTS We'll start with the easiest plant type to grow at home: succulents. They often have thick, fleshy leaves for storing water (so they also look kinda quirky) and generally aren't that needy. Because of their ability to store water, succulents aren't the thirstiest of plants. One watering each week is enough — but if the soil or potting mix around the plant is already moist, it won't need any. You can check how damp the soil is by putting your finger a couple of centimetres into the soil (this measurement can be used to test soil or potting mix moisture for other plants, too). Reid suggests putting them in full light as most succulents prefer outside life. However, if keeping plants outdoors isn't an option at your place, Reid says some succulents like jade plant (crassula spp.) and haworthia (haworthia spp.) will do just fine indoors. Plus, jade plant is a power plant. Hes explains that plants like jade plant with more stomata (like plant pores) are considered 'high removalists' because they're able to remove those fine dust particles, CO2 and VOCs at a much higher rate than other plants, meaning they are good for producing oxygen. FERNS Having spent millions of years evolving to survive in perpetually wet, humid environments, ferns are not exactly going to appreciate the drier climates of your house. If you give them a rainforest-like space to grow in they'll absolutely thank you for it. This could look like your bathroom or a shadowy part of the garden. Most ferns will require more watering than other plant types. And some ferns will need more drenching than others. But they all love nutrient-rich soil and organic liquid fertilizer is recommended for that extra nourishment. Ferns can be tricky to figure out and can differ a lot from one another, so it's not wise to put down any blanket rules. Reid confesses to having killed a fern or two. "Do your research and talk to specialist fern growers about providing the best situation for your ferny friend," she says. One fern to look for is the hare's foot fern. Also a high removalist like jade plant, hare's foot grows well in sunny environs, all while helping filter the air in your home. HERBS These guys love the sun so consider keeping them outside wherever possible. Annual herbs such as parsley, basil and mint can survive with a bit of shade (and plenty of water) but perennials such as rosemary, oregano and thyme come from the Mediterranean and want to soak up the rays — they need direct sunlight to grow. Perennials are more tolerant of drier conditions than their annual cousins. They thrive in the summer months and will need more watering then. "Water weekly in the warmer months, as this is generally their growing period," says Reid. "And water less so over winter." In order to keep them alive for as long as possible, pinch the flowers off parsley, basil and coriander. Similarly, try pruning herbs (cutting their tips off) for denser growth — it'll give them a bit more life. VEGGIES You don't need a background in agriculture and miles of fertile land to grow beautiful vegetables. All that's required is a planter box and a lot of sun (you'll need to give them at least six hours of sunlight each day). Most vegetables are annuals and will set seed after a year, meaning that they won't be able to produce anything good after this. The key to mouth-watering produce is rich, moist soil. "You want your soil to be as rich and nutritious as possible, to ensure your crops are juicy and delicious," says Reid. She suggests looking into compost and 'worm wee', both wonderful forms of nutrition. And, make sure that your veggie plants don't stay in soil that's too saturated or has been dried out for too long. Oh, and it's not just you that likes tasty produce. "Depending on where you live you may need to protect your veggie garden from hungry critters like possums and birds," she says. CACTI They're virtually the opposite of a fern and far better at soaking up sun rays than anything else you'll ever grow. If you can help it, avoid keeping them inside. In fact, if you're good at neglecting things, the cactus might be your match. It's imperative not to water a cactus more than necessary — if in doubt, it's better to hold back. "If they're not undercover, don't be fussed about watering them. Just rely on the rain," says Reid. "Otherwise, water your cactus when you remember — but make sure you don't remember too often." Now that you can go forth confidently knowing how to take care of your favourite plants, check out our guide to choosing the best plants for your home. And don't forget to add some of those home-enhancing high removalists like jade plant and hare's foot fern, as well as silver queen, pot mum, dragon tree and devil's ivy. Plant Life Balance is a new initiative designed to get Australians excited and confident about styling their homes with plants while promoting the healthy benefits plants bring. The initiative also delivers an Australian-first, virtual greening app. The Plant Life Balance app, asks Aussies to rate their space, then improve their health score by choosing a look for their room or outdoor area, grabbing a plant list and hitting the nursery. Download the app here.
After two years of COVID cancellations, Australia's most interestingly named beer festival is finally back. Blobfish makes its much-anticipated return to North Melbourne's Meat Market this month, once again pulling together a lineup that celebrates the sour, the funky and the delightfully different. Founded and helmed by the team at Footscray's own Hop Nation Brewing, the tasting party will run across two sessions on Saturday, July 23, offering punters the chance to sample a whole swag of rare and unusual beers from 19 leading Aussie and New Zealand labels. You'll spend 4.5 hours sipping your way through a diverse range of sours, saisons, barrel-aged brews, fruity concoctions and rare small-batch runs, from the likes of NZ's Garage Project, Sydney's Wildflower, Van Dieman out of Tasmania and Queensland's AWOL. Locals among the lineup include Future Mountain, La Sirène, Collingwood's Molly Rose and regional favourite Bridge Road Brewers, as well as Hop Nation's own funky, barrel-aged spin-off label, Site Fermentation Project. The options don't end there, either, with a 'lager lounge' where you can cleanse the palate between tastings, a range of food vendors and an oyster bar shucking all through the day. Plus, there'll be DJ tunes to soundtrack your sipping. A ticket will cost you $85, which includes entry, a keepsake Blobfish beer glass and tastings from each brewery. Blobfish sessions run from 11.30m–4pm and 5–9.30pm.
One of the big hits of this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival is back in town for Melbourne Fringe. Featuring some of the city's best improvisers, Completely Improvised Potter delivers exactly what it promises, building on suggestions from the audience to tell the story of a typical year at Hogwarts. Naturally, things go off the rails almost immediately. Will our plucky heroes do battle with a horde of Hippogriffs, or defend their honour on the Quidditch pitch against a rival wizarding school? No two shows are the same, but one thing's for certain: there's always magic.
From a rooftop glamping hotel to rumours of a rooftop bar at Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne's high spots have been getting more and more attention. The latest addition to the mix is QT Melbourne's secret rooftop garden. Not that the space, dubbed Secret Garden, hasn't existed before now. It was established the garden a couple of years ago by Andy Harmer, executive chef of QT's Pascale Bar and Grill, who has since been using it as a source of fresh produce. Every morning, he and his team head up into the sunshine to harvest vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit in their wonderland of natives and rare varietals. Next time you're perusing the menu, look out for fruit salad sage, karkalla, native river mint and blue lily pilly. Now, for the first time, the garden has become open to the public — more specifically, to parties. Get together with 10–25 mates and you can have the beautiful space to yourself. There's a couple of food-and-drink packages available. With ten people, you can partake in a long, lazy, multi-course feast made up of dishes like asparagus, truffle and stracciatella, and rose veal with almond gazpacho and secret garden radish, all with matching wine, cocktails and spirits. Meanwhile, if you're travelling with a bigger group, you can opt for a two-hour experience that gives you a private chef, private bar and handpicked selection of share plates. Find Secret Garden at QT Melbourne, 133 Russell Street, Melbourne. More information and to make a booking, visit the hotel website.
Located on South Wharf, The General Assembly is brought to you by the good people of Matilda Bay Brewing Company, and is the only venue outside the brewery itself to stock all of the Matilda Bay beers on tap. The clean, open space is filled with with long wooden tables and an inventive beer bottle light fixture makes the venue a pretty prime location to sample a few beers by the river — and while you're there you should definitely grab something off the menu. Matilda Bay is the brewery that brought you Fak Yak, Beez Neez, Alpha Pale Ale and other staple Australian craft brews. If you can't decide what to drink, they do beer tasting paddles which includes 5 glasses for $16. For those of you who are well acquainted with the Matilda Bay selection already, don't fret, they also stock one-off seasonal beers on tap, as well as other bottled local and international ones. If wine is more to your taste, they've carefully selected wines that are 'minimal intervention', which includes biodynamic, organic and preservative-free drops. Their beer taps are really interesting here — arranged lightest to darkest, the taps are transparent so you can actually see the colour of the beer before it starts pouring. The menu appears uncomplicated, with each dish focusing on few ingredients to make the most of excellent produce. It's part of the simple but effective philosophy going at The General Assembly, and it makes for tasty and satisfying fare. The prawn bun with cos and Marie Rose sauce ($10), is a nice way to kick things off if you just want something small off the snack menu. The fiore di burrata ($12) was one of the more intriguing smaller dishes we've had in a while, with an interesting mix of flavours and textures. Baby cos is drizzled in a creamy anchovy dressing, and the delicate burrata is surrounded by stronger flavours of liquorice and candied olives. The anchovy doesn't overpower the dish, allowing everything on the plate to have a distinct taste, while still working well together. Candied olives sound a bit unusual but, let us warn you, they're addictive. For something a little larger that's ideal for sharing, try something from the Josper grill, which is a hybrid of a charcoal grill and an oven. We can vouch for the whole snapper, which is wonderfully cooked and covered with capers, lemon and beurre noisette, with a side of a refreshing watercress and fennel salad ($32). As with this dish, the beers on tap and the simple aesthetic of this riverside pub, The General Assembly comes out as a winner with their keep things simple approach. This venue will be quite the crowd pleaser this summer.
Twice a year, the Sydney-based Queer Screen team puts together a film festival — because condensing the year's best LGBTIQ+ into just one event is a tricky feat. The first, the Mardi Gras Film Festival, happened earlier in 2020. Now, in this new pandemic-afflicted world, the crew's second fest for the year is heading to your screens. That'd be Queer Screen Film Fest, which runs from Thursday, September 17–Sunday, September 27 — and, adapting to this chaotic year, will largely be held virtually. If you're located outside of Sydney, that's particularly excellent news, as the festival is going national in 2020, too. On the bill: more than 40 feature films, documentaries and shorts, with the majority streaming to your chosen device during the fest period. That means that you can curl up on the couch and watch everything from queer German coming-of-age film Cocoon and Japan-set drama Moonlit Winter to New Zealand rom-com Same But Different: A True New Zealand Love Story — plus cross-cultural romance Breaking Fast, documentary Steelers: The World's First Gay Rugby Club and a heap of shorts as well. For Sydneysiders keen for a night out, that is still an option — at the Skyline Drive-In and the Chauvel Cinema. Hop in your car to see the Jacki Weaver-starring Stage Mother or Aussie classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert under the stars, or get cosy in the theatre to check out acclaimed doco Welcome to Chechnya. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N0bzQ-qzCg The 2020 Queer Screen Film Fest runs from Thursday, September 17–Sunday, September 27 , with most of its program available online nationally. It's also hosting physical events on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 at the Chauvel Cinema, and on Saturday, September 26 at the Skyline Drive-In.
If this isn't a golden ticket to a great night on the couch, then we don't know what is: the delightful Willy Wonka prequel starring Timothée Chalamet (Bones and All) and directed by the Paddington films' Paul King is now spreading its sweetness to your couch. Although it's still playing in cinemas after opening in mid-December 2023, Wonka has been fast-tracked to digital so that you can get chocolate cravings at home. And you will be have a hankering for desserts as Chalamet sings, twirls around an umbrella, and talks about making weird and wonderful treats — and as a childhood favourite gets a prequel. Our tip: choose your movie-watching snacks accordingly. Otherwise, your stomach will start grumbling amid the songs, dancing and Hugh Grant (Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves) stealing scenes as an Oompa-Loompa. Wonka hitting digital helps add to any pre-Dune: Part Two Timmy C marathons that you might be planning before the latter film reaches the big screen at the end of February. With King writing and directing, the first with co-scribe Simon Farnaby, this new stint with Roald Dahl's chocolatier gives the character an origin story starring the actor who has had his heart broken during a lusty Italian summer, romanced Saoirse Ronan in a Greta Gerwig film not once but twice, spiced up his life in a sci-fi saga and sported a taste for human flesh. Here, Chalamet croons his way through a whimsical world of sugar and pure imagination. First gracing the page almost six decades back, in 1964 when Charlie and the Chocolate Factory initially hit print, Willy Wonka has made the leap to cinemas before with Gene Wilder playing the part in 1971, then Johnny Depp in 2005. The difference this time: not just Chalamet, but a film that swirls in the details of Wonka's life before the events that've already been laid out in books and filled those two movies. The picture's main man has a dream — and, after spending the past seven years travelling the world perfect his craft, he's willing to get inventive to make it come true. Starting a chocolate business isn't easy, especially when the chocolate cartel doesn't take kindly to newcomers, selling choccies at an affordable price and sharing their wares with the masses. From there, brainwaves, optimism, determination, Wonka inventions and life-changing choices all spring, plus big vats of chocolate, chocolate that makes you fly and Willy's dedication to making the greatest chocolate shop the world has ever seen. Beyond Chalamet and Grant, Wonka's cast is as jam-packed as a lolly bag, with the pair joined by Farnaby (The Phantom of the Open), as well as Olivia Colman (Heartstopper), Sally Hawkins (The Lost King), Keegan-Michael Key (The Super Mario Bros Movie), Rowan Atkinson (Man vs Bee), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey: A New Era) and Natasha Rothwell (Sonic the Hedgehog 2). And the magical tone sprinkled throughout Wonka doesn't just fit the tale — it's exactly what King and Farnaby spun when they were celebrating a marmalade-loving bear. King helmed and penned both Paddington movies, while Farnaby also did the latter on the second (and acted in each). The duo worked together on wonderful and underseen 2009 film Bunny and the Bull as well, and on The Mighty Boosh, of which King directed 20 episodes. Check out the trailer for Wonka below: Wonka is available to stream via platforms such as YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. It's also still showing in cinemas Down Under. Read our review.
When I was eight, I drew detailed portraits of each of my family members with a brand spanking deck of Derwent pencils. I put up my masterpieces on the wall of my room and forced everyone who crossed the threshold of our front door to come up and praise my abilities, demanding 50 cents per person for the privilege of this experience. Pretty steep I know, but those Lipsmackers weren't going to buy themselves. While unfortunately for everyone my pop-up gallery has long since closed its doors, the only portrait exhibition you need to worry about right now is 69 Smith Street Gallery's Likeness 3. The third of its kind in the annual portraiture exhibition out of this artist-run space, Likeness challenges each artist to consider the process behind painting the portrait — in both the development of the idea and also the production of the image. The exhibition runs from July 3–21, and opening drinks will be held from 4pm on July 6. We have it on good authority that wine and cheese will be there. Which means you should also be there.
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.
A giant gumball machine that you can climb inside. An igloo made of doughnuts. An adult-sized ballpit in bubblegum-pink hues. A mini-cinema dedicated to sweet-themed movies. Throw in a free ice cream, sweets and snacks; a dedicated fairy floss room with its own swing; and the ability to jump out of a giant birthday cake — and Melbourne's new pop-up dessert museum sounds like the kind of place Willy Wonka might own. Called Sugar Republic, it's actually a short-term exhibition on Smith Street in Fitzroy, bringing eight weeks of sugary delights to folks with a sweet tooth. Running until August 17, the pop-up features 14 spaces designed to immerse the senses in all things chocolate, confectionery and dessert-oriented. When you're not making yourself a soft serve and showering it in sprinkles, you'll be spinning a wheel o' treats. Other highlights include a sherbet-filled rainbow bridge, a forest of giant bananas, an interactive sprinkles wall, a neon art wall and other dessert-centric art, including a giant Bubble O' Bill sculpture. And it wouldn't be a celebration of all things sweet without a huge lolly store, of course. As for the location, Sugar Republic's site was once the MacRobertson's confectionery factory — aka the brand originally behind the Freddo frog and Cherry Ripe. The last room in the space pays tribute to the company's founder, Sir Macpherson Robertson, adding a dose of history to the sugar rush. Basically, if you missed out on visiting New York's Museum of Ice Cream back in 2016, this is Australia's equivalent. Typically these kind of places are designed to be as photogenic as possible, so expect plenty of pics to clog your Instagram feed. If you're keen to take some of your own, tickets cost $35 for adults, which includes free lollies, treats and ice cream over your 90-minute stay. Find Sugar Republic at 377 Smith Street, Fitzroy until August 17. For more information, visit the museum's website.
In response to Melbourne's growing Holiday Inn COVID-19 cluster, the entire state of Victoria will enter a five-day lockdown from 11.59pm on Friday, February 12 until the same time on Wednesday, February 17. That means that stage four restrictions will be back in effect, and you'll only be able to leave your house for the now-familiar four reasons. The lockdown is happening in the middle of one of Melbourne's biggest annual sporting events, too: the Australian Open. It's running from Monday, February 8–Sunday, February 21, with big-name stars including Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal flying in (and quarantining) for the event. The good news is that the Australian Open will go ahead during the five-day lockdown. The bad: no spectators will be allowed to attend. https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1360069954800807938 Under the new stage four restriction rules, professional athletes are considered 'essential workers', so they are allowed to leave their homes and their five-kilometre radius to go to work. This means, not only can the Australian Open games go ahead — but so can the AFLW games that are scheduled for this weekend. Once again, without crowds. It does mean, however, that you can't head out in person to cheer on Ashleigh Barty, Carlton or North Melbourne, but you can order in a feast for you and your housemates (or intimate partner) and yell as loud as you want from the comfort of your house. In regards to tonight's matches, in particular the much-hyped 7pm game between Nick Kyrgios and Dominic Thiem, the AO has said "sessions today and tonight will continue as planned with COVIDSafe protocols in place". But, do remember that stage four restrictions begin at 11.59pm. All of Victoria will revert back to stage four restrictions from 11.59pm on Friday, February 12 to 11.59pm on Wednesday, February 17. For more information about the rules, head to the Victorian Department of Health website. Top image: Australian Open 2020 by Rob Keating via Wikimedia Commons
Of the crop of locally commissioned works featuring at this year’s Melbourne Festival, one sure to get attention is experimental dance piece A Small Prometheus. It is the brainchild of choreographer Stephanie Lake, known for her work with cutting edge companies such as Chunky Move and Lucy Guerin Inc, and audiovisual artist Robin Fox, also a Chunky Move veteran (eg. Mortal Engine 2008) and recently responsible for installing a giant theremin on Southbank. Taking its name from the Greek myth about the immortal who gave fire to humanity thereby sparking civilisation, the show exploits the creative potential of fire in a very direct manner. The performers dance even alongside fire-powered kinetic sculptures: mobiles that move in response to the heat of live flame. Lake’s choreography will blend into freeform movement as the dancers interact with the machines, which also generate music as they move. A celebration of creativity, A Small Prometheus seems sure to be as mesmeric an experience as looking into a candle flame.
In good news for people who hate spending more than ten seconds on a single task, you can now get personalised contents insurance with just one swipe. A new app named Trōv has just launched in Australia, and it allows you to insure individual items quickly, painlessly and potentially without even having to ask your parents for help. It's being described by media outlets as the 'Tinder of insurance', which is honestly quite ridiculous as the only similarity between the two apps is the generic swiping motion and the fact you access it on your smartphone. But despite the fact that the app can't offer you a date for Friday night, Trōv is pretty cool. The app allows you to insure individual items against damage, loss and theft on-demand. So you add your valuables to your account (at the moment they're just insuring common electronics), choose your excess, and — much like switching Wi-Fi on and off — 'turn on' protection for that particular item. You can 'turn off' protection in the same way as well. Insuring individual items means that you don't need to take out a hella expensive blanket contents insurance plan just to cover the one or two things you own that actually have monetary worth. And, during periods when you're not using your gear or it's packed away safely, you can turn insurance off to save some moolah. Best of all, it's a good alternative to not insuring any of your stuff and simply praying that the God of small things is a merciful one. Another concession to the tech generation is the claims process, which can be started by sending a text. It's not quite at the level of ordering takeaway with an emoji but it's certainly better than being on hold with an insurance claims operator for ten hours. The San Fransisco start-up behind Trōv have obviously tried to understand the way Gen Y use technology and apply it to something we largely don't understand: insurance. According to The Age, Trōv has gained $US39 million in funding so far, which includes $US5 million from Australian insurance company Suncorp — hence the Australian launch. It will expand to the UK later this year, and the US in 2017. Trōv can currently only insure electronics and appliances, but is working to add more options to their repertoire. In the meantime, you can insure some of the most precious items we have: our laptops and phones. They're the bringers of GoT, memes and UberEATS, after all.
Winter might be long, but it has its advantages — from beers by the fireside to dog sledding and snowshoeing. Then there are the whales. Between May and October, thousands of the mighty beasts swim north from the Antarctic to warmer waters to have babies. And, if you're anywhere on the Australian East Coast, you're likely to see them. But if you're on Phillip Island, you'll get even better views. To celebrate this fact, the island hosts an annual whale festival. For three happy days from Friday, July 11–Sunday, July 13, you can escape the city to gaze at humpbacks while soaking up films, talks, art and live music. This year, the heart of the event is the Festival Hub, where you can go on a scavenger hunt through interactive installations, explore underwater via virtual reality, hear from whale researchers, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a marine world. Beyond the hub, there'll be a pop-up art show at Clay & Co Studio, a creative arts station at Phillip Island Gallery (from where you can set off on an artists' trail), the 2025 Ocean Film Festival at Berninneit Theatre and, of course, plenty of chances to go whale watching — on land and at sea. Images: Island Whales
Usually, when a new Pixar film hits screens — typically cinemas, but occasionally being fast-tracked to streaming as well — it unleashes a whole heap of emotions. Getting viewers to ponder their feelings is a big part of the animation company's formula, after all, and it's been working well for them for a quarter-century. See: everything from Wall-E and Ratatouille to Inside Out and Soul. When the next Pixar flick arrives in June, it'll tap into a very specific sensation that's been bubbling up since early 2020. And, it's one that we're all familiar with. Are you craving a vacation? Do you feel a strong yearning to travel the globe and see somewhere other than your own backyard, city, state or country? Have you been dreaming of beaches far, far away every night for 12 months? Then the fact that Luca is set in the Italian Riviera and follows two teenagers over summer is certain to stoke your wanderlust. If the just-dropped first trailer for the film is anything to go by, first-time feature director Enrico Casarosa (Pixar short La Luna) and his team seem to have crafted a gorgeous-looking movie that'll have you wishing you're on the other side of the globe. Against those striking animated backdrops, two teens eat gelato, devour pasta, ride scooters, explore caves and splash around in the gleaming blue ocean. Oh, and they try to hide the fact that they're actually sea monsters — which becomes obvious whenever they get wet — too. As this tale unfurls, viewers will hear Jacob Tremblay (Room, Good Boys) as the eponymous 13-year-old Luca Paguro, while Jack Dylan Grazer (Shazam!, We Are Who We Are) voices his pal Alberto Scorfano. Also among the cast: debutant Emma Berman, Maya Rudolph (The Good Place), Marco Barricelli (The Book of Daniel) and Jim Gaffigan (Tesla). Check out the trailer for Luca below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i1fgoMyoG8&feature=youtu.be Luca is set to release in Australian cinemas on June 17. Images: © 2020 Disney/Pixar.
With the Australian Government restrictions on mass gatherings currently having no end date, the country's flurry of event cancellations was always going to continue. In Melbourne, that means a massive change to the city's September calendar, with the Royal Melbourne Show shuttering its 2020 plans. In a statement released today, Wednesday, April 29, the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria announced it had made the decision to cancel the 2020 show in the "best interests of public health". "The COVID-19 health crisis is unprecedented and the ongoing social distancing measures and mass gathering restrictions mean...we are unable to plan and deliver the 2020 Royal Melbourne Show." This year's event was due to take over the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds from Saturday, September 19 to Tuesday, September 29. First held in 1855, this is only the third time in the show's 165-year history that it has been cancelled — with previous cancellations in 1915 and between 1940-1945 due to World War I and II, respectively. The Royal Melbourne show, which attracts around 450,000 visitors each year, joins a growing list of cancelled and postponed events, including Sydney's Royal Easter Show and Brisbane's Ekka. The 2020 Royal Melbourne Show will no longer take place from Saturday, September 19 to Tuesday, September 29. For more information, visit the show's website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Images: Flickr/Chris Phutully.
But with the inclusion of occasional live music and the small cinema out back, LongPlay delivers spectacular first date conditions in which to enjoy either intense political debate or eyelash-batting and footsies. To take pressure off the situation, busy yourselves by nibbling on offerings from the European-inspired bar snack menu, which features restrained, but contemporary constructions of risotto, salad and tapas. If conversation isn't flowing, a few rounds of the relatively affordable cocktails should make time go by more rapidly. A neighbourhood favourite for Fitzroy North dwellers, the bar is best avoided if you're already a local. If not, it's the perfect place for an anonymous rendezvous.
Wednesday nights in Melbourne mean one thing: hitting up the Queen Victoria Market's usual midweek — and after-dark — offering. During winter, it celebrates the frosty season with an appropriate spread. Across spring this year, it's been oozing Euro vibes. Now, with the warm weather upon us for another year, it's bringing back its legendary Summer Night Market. After last running earlier in 2022, from January–April, the event is returning every Wednesday from November 23–March 15. That means that Melburnians can look forward to a fresh 15-week run, and to a heap of places to browse, buy from, eat at and sip drinks from, with more than 125 different shops, stalls and bars on the lineup. Each week, the Summer Night Market will feature a mouthwatering lineup of food vendors slinging street eats from every corner of the globe. We're talking rigatoni al pesto with saffron and stracciatella from That's Amore Cheese, lobster rolls and popcorn prawns courtesy of George the Fishmonger, and The Cypriot Kitchen's famed halloumi chips. Mr Miyagi is also making its Summer Night Market debut, serving up peking duck, soft shell crab and salmon nori street tacos — and so is Ripe Cheese, doing flambéed Milawa camembert topped with biscotti crumble, spiced baby figs and drizzled with brand; and Mr Yes and Mr No, if you're fond of hummus bowls. Similarly on offer: all sorts of spherical sweet treats from the doughnut masters at Taki's Balls, Portuguese tarts via Casa Nata, and cartoon-themed snacks such as fairy floss and mini donuts from Son in Law. To wash it all down and quench your summer thirst, you'll find no less than four dedicated festival bars — one focusing on mojitos, another doing sangria, a dedicated general cocktail spot and a Brick Lane caravan — along with drinks stalls from the likes of Antagonist Spirits. As always, there'll be a program of live, local tunes to soundtrack your food-focused wanderings, including DJ sets and roving performers. And, for a little midweek shopping action, see the diverse range of artisan maker stalls, brimming with an array of handmade gifts, homewares, fashion and more.
Crittenden Restaurant has reopened its doors following a major upgrade, bringing a reimagined dining experience to the Mornington Peninsula. The reopening of the restaurant, situated on the picturesque Crittenden Estate alongside the Cellar Door and Lakeside Villas, solidifies this family-owned winery as a must-visit destination on the Peninsula. Not only has this renovation given the restaurant a new lease on life, but importantly, it has been part of a return to its roots. Margaret and Garry Crittenden first established the estate in the 1990s, and it became an influential food and wine venue in the region. However, when the family faced challenging times 20 years ago, they leased the restaurant to outside operators. Now, Crittenden Estate has been returned to the family, with children Rollo and Zoe taking over as co-owners. Zoe Crittenden serves as the Marketing Director, and Rollo Crittenden acts as Managing Director and Winemaker. Zoe says, "We're honoured to continue mum's legacy and her commitment to genuine hospitality." Rollo explains, "This new space reflects the way we want people to experience food and wine at Crittenden today. We hope guests feel the same connection and care that have always defined Crittenden — now expressed through a refreshed, modern lens." Following a full renovation of its design, guest experience, and culinary direction, the restaurant will now be led by Venue Manager Gautheir Georgelet and Head Chef Brunno Melo. Melo's menu is inspired by the coastal landscape and quality local produce. It effortlessly blends modern Australian cuisine with Mediterranean flavours, all designed to pair perfectly with the estate's cool-climate wines. Melo says, "Our philosophy is about expressing a true sense of place — coastal, seasonal, and deeply connected to the Peninsula. We're inspired by the produce and people around us, creating dishes that are honest, textural, and balanced — flavours that speak to both the landscape and the wines." Expect Josper-fire dishes, such as a dry-aged tomahawk pork chop with charry cabbage, capers and a burnt pear glaze, or a swordfish steak, line-caught off Mooloolaba, finished with burnt lime and smoked maple chimichurri. Make a day of it with a visit to the Crittenden Cellar Door to sample award-winning pinot noir, chardonnay and savagnin, or make a weekend of it, and experience the luxury of one of the Lakeside Villas, which have been recognised as Victoria's Best Self-Contained Accommodation by the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards. Images: Supplied.
Big hair, hairspray and '80s glam rock will intoxicate the Palace Theatre this Sunday, with Steel Panther hitting Melbourne. The band's exaggerated personalities, profane lyrics and insane on-stage personas, led by the blaze of Michael Starr, are the ultimate eighties parody. With tracks like '17 Girls In A Row', 'Let Me Cum In', and 'Just Like Tiger Woods', the band are a jaw-dropping gangbang of lewd behavior, dropping flairing solos, screams and pounding drums clad in unashamedly tight-fitting leopard print. With past stages shared with the likes of System Of A Down, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson and Limp Bizkit, along with timeless legends like ZZ Top and Guns 'N Roses, Steel Panther are unrivalled as performers, delivering a show not quickly forgotten. Death to all but metal. Bring a spare pair of pants.
UPDATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 12 — The RTBU announced last night, Sunday, August 11, that after "construction conversations" with Metro Trains, it would not be proceeding with its planned industrial action between August 12–19. Instead, it'll be "work as usual" from today onwards as the union continues to negotiate a new agreement. The four-hour stoppage on Tuesday, August 27, however, is still on the table — we'll let you know if that changes. If your daily commute involves catching the train, you're in for a disrupted day on Tuesday, August 27. After discussing the matter for months, the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) will go on strike — although, while a 48-hour walk-off had been proposed, its members will only stop work for four hours. All services will be affected between 10am–2pm. The stoppage will occur between hectic peak-hour periods; however it's reasonable to expect disruptions both before and after the scheduled period as a flow-on effect. The move comes after an eventful week, with the RTBU originally stating that its members would keep ticket barriers open all day on both August 12 and 19 — effectively giving Melburnians two days of free travel. Then, on Friday, August 9, the Federal Court of Australia ruled in favour of an injunction filed by Metro Trains, causing the RBTU to cancel that part of its initial plans. At the same time, the new stoppage was announced, involving not only drivers but commuter-facing employees as well. Speaking to The Age, the RBTU Victorian Branch secretary Luba Grigorovitch said that the strike was in response to Metro's decision to dock the pay of any workers involved in the union's upcoming actions, and not a reaction to the Federal Court decision. https://www.facebook.com/RTBUVic/photos/a.905557212842062/2541434102587690/?type=3&theater Other plans for the period between August 12–19 remain in effect. RBTU staff still won't be checking Myki cards on both August 12 and 19, although the barriers will remain closed and require a swipe to pass through. Commuter-facing employees will also scrap their uniforms indefinitely from August 12, too, and workers will refuse to participate in any training for Melbourne's soon-to-launch high-capacity trains between August 12–18. Between these dates, drivers will also refuse to operate any train that doesn't have fully operational public address systems and passenger emergency intercoms. And there'll be no skipping stations, alternate services running, or announcements by drivers to alert when their trains are running late. The union, which supports over 35,000 members Australia wide, has seen months of failed negotiations with Metro Trains, while trying to secure a new enterprise agreement, cut a new wage deal and call for improved working conditions. "This industrial action is aimed at Metro's hip pocket, not the travelling public," explained Grigorovitch in a statement. With negotiations still under way, it's possible no strike will go ahead, though only if Metro and the RTBU reach a satisfiable agreement in time. Melburnians also look set to endure tram disruptions in the near future, as part of a separate set of failed negotiations with Yarra Trams. RBTU members have voted for industrial action across the tram network, including a strike of up to 48 hours. There's no word yet as to when the latter may happen, although it's expected within the next 30 days. Image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria
As one of the most promising young faces in Australian comedy at the moment, Laura Davis has set the bar high for herself. Her previous show, the critically acclaimed Ghost Machine, won both the 2015 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Golden Gibbo for the most creative independent show of the festival, and the Best Comedy award at the Melbourne Fringe a few months later. Her 2016 MICF show, Marco. Polo., is described in the program as "an above-ground pool party" — and we have no idea what to expect. But that only makes us more excited to check it out.
One king. Six wives. Centuries of folks being fascinated with the regal story. Throw in pop songs as well, and that's the smash-hit SIX the Musical formula, as Australian audiences discovered in 2021, 2022 and 2023 — and can again in Melbourne from Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Comedy Theatre. If you've ever needed proof that some stories never get old, the ongoing obsession with Britain's royal history provides plenty. In IRL, it's relentless. On screens and stages, a slice of regal intrigue is regularly awaiting our viewing, too, interpreting and remixing the past in the process. The Crown might've taken ample artistic license with reality, but it's got nothing on the empowering pop-scored twist on the 16th century that's been wowing audiences in SIX the Musical. This theatre sensation gleans a few cues from well-known history, adds toe-tapping tunes and makes stage magic. If you think that you know the stories of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr, then you probably do — even those with little interest in Britain's past kings and queens are likely aware that Henry VIII had six wives — but SIX the Musical's version isn't about telling the same old tale. First premiering back at the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, then jumping to London's West End — and winning Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, plus a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album, along the way — SIX the Musical gleans inspiration from one of the most famous sextets there's ever been. It also finds its own angle despite how popular the Tudor monarch's love life has been in pop culture. So, move over 00s TV series The Tudors and 2008 movie The Other Boleyn Girl — and this one takes the pop part rather seriously. SIX the Musical is presented as a pop concert, in fact, with the Catherines, Annes and Jane all taking to the microphone to tell their stories. Each woman's aim: to stake their claim as the wife who suffered the most at the king's hands, and to become the group's lead singer as a result. Images: James D Morgan, Getty Images.
The roll call of food favourites announced for CBD development 80 Collins are slowly starting to open their doors. We'll get our first glimpse inside opulent champagne bar Nick & Nora's when it opens on Thursday, July 2, but, before that, we can swing past Maverick for a golden waffle and a bloody mary. Fronting Little Collins Street, Maverick is the next offering from the minds behind Richmond's Mayday Coffee & Food, brother and sister duo Adam and Elisa Mariani. The space comes courtesy of Pitch Architecture and is warm and playful, filled with apricot and navy hues, futuristic lights and a terrazzo bar as its centrepiece. While CBD foot traffic isn't quite what it was pre-pandemic, with many Melburnians still working from home, those who do drop by on their lunch break can pick up coffee by specialty roaster Axil and pastries from Richmond's Penny for Pound or linger over Head Chef Eugene Yap's (The Kettle Black) eggs benedict with house-made pastrami, roast pork belly rolls and three-cheese and chilli scrambled eggs. If a coffee — albeit an oat-milk flat white, a single-origin long black or a batch brew — isn't quite going to cut it, the cafe is also licensed. You can pair a house spritz with the seasonal mushrooms on thick-cut rye, perhaps, or a Victorian montepulciano from Delinquente with a dry-aged stead sandwich — or, you can ditch the alliteration, and go for a martini with a bowl of bircher. [caption id="attachment_711890" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A render of 80 Collins[/caption] Come the end of 2020, Maverick will have some fairly fancy food company in the new food precinct. As well as Nick & Nora's, it'll be home to a new fine-diner from Chin Chin's Chris Lucas and Sepia's Martin Benn and Vicki Wild, Alejandro Saravia's new paddock-to-plate Farmer's Daughters restaurant, an urban cellar door from Handpicked Wines, a two-story dessert bar from Christy Tania and Colours Bowls from young gun chef Charlie Carrington. The giant 80 Collins development is going up on the site of the heritage-listed Le Louvre building, on the corner of Collins and Exhibition Streets. The high-rise, along with a newly refurbished commercial tower on the same block, will boast a futuristic new office tower, a 255-room boutique hotel and a luxury retail offering alongside the hospitality precinct. Find Maverick at 95 Little Collins Street, Melbourne from 7.30am–3pm Monday–Friday. Images: Michael Woods
"History has a way of repeating itself. The dangers we've seen foretell an even more menacing future." After growling about understanding real fear for the first time in the initial trailer for The Witcher season three, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill, Zack Snyder's Justice League) is still painting a dark and brooding picture for the Netflix fantasy hit's big return, which also sees Princess Ciri (Freya Allan, The Third Day) with ghost cavalry on her tail — plus more sinister forces. Yennefer (Anya Chalotra, The ABC Murders) also has her own scares to deal with, and things are looking chaotic in general — not just in that debut sneak peek from a few months back, but in the just-dropped new trailer for The Witcher's third season. When this next batch of episodes tosses a coin to its namesake, it will take its cues from Time of Contempt, the second book in writer Andrzej Sapkowski's series. Season three hits streaming queues this winter Down Under, featuring eight instalments split into two parts. Volume 1 arrives on Thursday, June 29, with Volume 2 following on Thursday, July 27. Need a refresher on the story so far? Haven't watched the first two seasons yet? If The Witcher's name sounds familiar, that's because it's based on Sapkowski's short stories and novels — 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. In the Netflix series, Cavill plays the witcher of the title. Geralt of Rivia is a monster hunter who 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 and young princess Ciri. One of Netflix's hefty successes, The Witcher has been renewed for a fourth season, too, which happened back in 2022 long before its third had any trailers — something that also occurred with season three before season two dropped as well, and with season two before season one debuted before that. But instead of Cavill as Geralt, The Hunger Games, The Dressmaker and Independence Day: Resurgence's Liam Hemsworth will replace him, as also announced in 2022. The Witcher franchise doesn't just include the show itself, but also animated flick The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, which hit Netflix in 2021. And, there's 2022 prequel series The Witcher: Blood Origin, which takes place 1200 years before Geralt's time, spans four episodes and stars Everything Everywhere All At Once Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh. Check out the full trailer for The Witcher's third season below: The Witcher's third season will hit Netflix in winter 2023 Down Under, releasing in two parts — with Volume 1 arriving on Thursday, June 29 and Volume 2 on Thursday, July 27.
When the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2019, this year began in a familiar fashion. All around Australia, beverages were raised in cheers to the next 12 months. But as we all know by now, 2020 hasn't delivered what anyone hoped for. If there has been a silver lining to this tough year, however, it has been the renewed focus on supporting local businesses. As well as spending more time at home, shopping local, eating local and sipping local have all been on the agenda. And that has been essential for two Queensland drinks companies, Brisbane's Aether Brewing and Far North Queensland's Mt Uncle Distillery. They've been forging ahead and doing what they do best — and what their local fans love — even under the most trying of circumstances. Queenslanders have certainly shown them both affection, with Aether and Mt Uncle picked as the Sunshine State's favourite tipples during the BWS Local Luvvas initiative. Aether's brews and Mt Uncle's Botanic Australis Gin will now receive an extra helping hand with getting both products stocked in more BWS stores. And we've spoken to the masterminds behind the two drops about their dream jobs, their love of making top-notch drinks and the importance of homegrown support. WHEN YOUR PASSION BECOMES YOUR JOB With Mt Uncle Distillery based on a farm in the Atherton Tablelands, head distiller and director Mark Watkins doesn't just spend his days making the most of FNQ's sultry weather — he also makes drinks perfect for those tropical climes, too. Indeed, his love of the region's climate is one of the reasons he is doing what he does today. "Given the inability to grow grapes up here, I decided to put my wine science degree to use and make rum," he explains. Watkins started his distilling journey before his studies, as a teenager. "Needless to say, I was popular with my mates," he notes. But when he dived into the botany side of his degree, he "fell in love with Australian native plants, and had the drive to pursue the production of the quintessential Australian gin" — which is where the concept of Botanic Australis began. For Aether's Dave Ward, his move into brewing arose out of a completely different field — fly-in fly-out jobs building gas plants. Meeting and working alongside his now-former business partner, they both realised that "FIFO wasn't exactly the life we wanted to live forever, and the thought of owning a brewery really just fit with what we wanted," he advises. The fact that Ward already had a lifelong passion for brewing and beer helped, unsurprisingly. Ward credits that affection for yeasty beverages, and for making them, to his father. "It is one of my earliest memories as a child, brewing with dad and his friends — the exploding bottles in the laundry, the dodgy stouts from extract and some pretty awful beer," he explains. "Those memories have stuck with me my whole life, and fuelled my love of brewing and great beer. I home-brewed on and off for most of my adult life, and eventually I found my life in a position where I was able to live my dream." GETTING CREATIVE — AND LOCAL Obviously, it takes more than just a fondness for a frothy beverage to make it in the drinks industry. As Ward advises, "brewing for me is an expression of creativity". He's now at the point where, when he's "on the brew floor or designing new beers, it comes naturally" — but he admits that getting to that point required hard work. "The real challenge started when I started studying and I realised that I knew nothing about beer. The more I learnt, the more I wanted to know, and the more I realised that my lifetime wasn't going to be enough for me to learn everything I need to be the brewer I want to be," he says. Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise, then, that when asked to describe a great beer, Ward notes that it "isn't a style, or a flavour, or even a taste". Rather, he sees it as "the ability to make a beer for everyone". At Mt Uncle, Watkins has a firm view of what makes a standout spirit, too. For him — like much of his approach to his work — it reflects his location. While it'd be hard not to love distilling gin in such scenic, relaxed and leafy surroundings, Watkins can't separate his tipples from his home base. "A great spirit should reflect the environment that creates it," he tells us. In practical terms, that means that Mt Uncle sources or grows all of its ingredients locally. It's a great source of pride to the distillery, with everything in its products either stemming from around the distillery or from a stone's throw away. ADAPTING TO TOUGH TIMES WITH HOMEGROWN SUPPORT In Mt Uncle's case, you could say that what goes around comes around — in a positive manner, of course. "We are a very small business and times recently have been quite trying," Watkins says, referring to this pandemic-afflicted year. "Local support is essential and a massive part of our business' DNA. If it wasn't for our local fan base we would not be here." For Ward, the embrace of Brisbane's beer community has been just as pivotal. "Honestly, if it wasn't for the amazing support that locals gave — whether they are in our neighbourhood or we are stocked in theirs — we would more than likely have gone under when COVID-19 hit," he admits. "Over the past few years, we have seen a shift towards local; people want to know who makes their beer, food or products," Ward observes, "and the last 12 months have pushed this further into the spotlight". To find these or other Queensland drinks as part of the BWS Local Luvva's initiative, head to your nearest BWS store.
If you're of the opinion that the only thing better than a sandwich is a free sandwich, you're in luck. In celebration of National Sandwich Day, Nico's Deli and Toyota Australia have joined forces to give away 200 free sandwiches. Why the collab, you may ask? Because not only is the classic sanga an Aussie staple — it's also the perfect snack to bring on a road trip. But not all sandwiches are made for driving on the road, which is why Nico's has created a limited-edition combo that is packed with flavour and mess-free. Dubbed the Sarni, the sandwich's base is a crusty sourdough that is filled with smoked ham, sweet mustard relish, vine-ripened tomato, butter lettuce, cave-aged cheddar and a soft-boiled egg. And don't worry veggo pals — a meat-free version is available upon request. To claim your Sarni, head over to Nico's Fitzroy location at 10am on Thursday, November 3, where the team will be handing out 100 free sandwiches until they run out. If you miss out, you can quickly make your way to the deli's Brunswick spot at 11.30am, to find the other 100 free sandwiches. If you don't get the chance to get your free Sarni, you can always try the combo throughout the month of November at all three Nico's branches — and nab a cheeky 20 percent off your order by following Toyota Australia on Instagram. Top image: Nico's Deli - Supplied
If you're putting in a conscious effort to ditch single-use plastic and cut down on waste, here's an initiative that should make life a little easier. Yarra Valley Water has teamed up with a bunch of cafes and restaurants in Melbourne's north for its Choose Tap Refiller program, which offers free water bottle refills for those on the move in an effort to encourage greener habits. More than 30 businesses across the likes of Brunswick, Northcote, Coburg, Thornbury and Preston are currently signed up and displaying the Choose Tap logo in their front windows, including popular haunts like Welcome to Brunswick, Pachamama Wholefoods, Red Bean Cafe and Tinker. If you see that sticker, you'll know that you're welcome to head on in and get your reusable bottle refilled with tap water for free, even if you're not purchasing anything. The campaign aims to help people cut down on buying bottled water by making it easier to keep their reusable vessels full and stay hydrated on the go. No more being left high and dry simply because you feel a bit guilty asking a cafe for a refill when you're not a customer. [caption id="attachment_807349" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Red Bean Cafe by Andrew Tauber[/caption] "We know Australians use around 130 kilograms of plastic per person each year and this is a small step in the right direction will help to reduce this number. We are grateful to these hospitality venues who are participating," said Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Pat McCafferty. If you're out and about and hunting for a planet-friendly hydration station, head to the Choose Tap website to see the full list of participating venues. Yarra Valley's Choose Tap program is now available at more than 30 inner north venues. For more information, see the Choose Tap website.
Keen to end this year on a high note? How about 88 floors high? There are two parties going down at the Eureka Tower this NYE, depending on how much cash you're willing to part with. The Silver ticket ($195) gets you into the party from 8pm-1am on the 88th floor, and includes substantial canapes, beer, wine and sparkling. But if you're really wanting to blow the bank, the Gold Ticket ($280) will take you to the 89th floor and nab you the same nibbles and drink perks, plus five basic spirits and extra epic views. Music-wise, you can expect to ring in 2014 with all those Top 40 guilty pleasures. Threads-wise, the dress code is cocktail and the views of the fireworks should be pretty next level.
Examining the dark underbelly of suburban Australiana, Drop Out by Toby Pola consists of a series of balsa wood carvings that investigate rituals, obsessions and iconography. Solid replicas of woolen sweaters (just like that one your great-Aunt Joan always gives you for Christmas) hang alongside a collage of a McDonalds bag, the bustier of a cat and the latest issue of BUNS magazine. Sounds like a perfect Friday night in to me. Maybe as part of the imaginary fast-food bag contents, a larger than life sculpture of a soft serve ice cream takes pride of place in the center of the space, perhaps an artistic interpretation of Australia’s growing obesity problem? A Freudian phallic symbol? Or maybe Pola just had a craving for a 50-cent cone. While these objects are seemingly mundane, work titles like Waiting to be invisible, furious to be ignored, Losers blame their parents, failures blame their kids and He’s going to hell on a poker suggest something greater lying beneath the surface of hard veneers and glossy exteriors in these recreated objects. Nearby in Gallery 2, Lucas Grogan’s installation The Wedding Quilt celebrates the evolving and diversifying definition of marriage. A double bed stands in the middle of the room, although there’s no champagne on ice or strawberries dipped in chocolate in sight. Spoiler: TV lied to us about marriage. Covered in 4,000 blue roses, basking under an ominously dripping blue rainbow, Grogan’s hand embroidered quilt is emblazoned with inspiring quotes, such as, “opinions are like arse holes so enjoy yours” and “low and behold, the sky didn’t cave in”. Love is so complicated and beautiful. Striking a balance between beauty and morbidity, the back gallery space is occupied by Eddy Carroll’s exhibition, Glimmer of Wild Patience. Based on an Inuit skeleton myth relating to loss, fear and compassion, Carroll uses skeletal shapes adorned with hand-me-down jewelry, found objects, native feathers and thread, to slightly unsettling affect. Long, bejeweled strands drip from a skull in Galaxy Head, while beside it sits the aptly titled Clavicle, made of leather, felt and beads. In a room filled with the suggestion of that which is internal (both literally and philosophically), it’s as though Carroll has dissected the human body, assembled it in order and laid it out for show in all its gore and glory. Image credit Toby Fola
Think you've seen it all when it comes to wedding fairs? Think again — this one's a little less about the dress and a little more suited for, well, suits. Groom Fest will unite around 40 wedding vendors from all over Australia to concentrate on those who need a snappy three-piece suit and a pocket square to top it all off — the grooms of the world. There'll be much to see in the way of men's fashion, not to mention suiting, styling and grooming advice, with a barber setting up shop to do live hairstyling demonstrations. Presenter and wedding celebrant Shura Taft will play MC for the day, while you wander through the stalls and get that special day sorted. To help you sail even closer to being your smoothest self, live panel sessions will cover everything from delivering a killer wedding speech to nailing that daunting first dance. There'll be plenty of food and drinks on offer, including gin tastings from Sydney-based distillery Archie Rose and live music performances from The White Tree Band (to help settle that band-versus-DJ argument once and for all). The event is open to all (not just grooms), so round up the troops for a two-hour wedding planning power session. All attendees will score a free goodie bag filled with items from Hunter Lab, a free Hello May magazine and the official Pocket Groom's Guide, written and produced exclusively for the event. Groom Fest will take place from 7.30–9.30pm on Tuesday, March 26 at The Toff in Town. Entry is free but RSVPs are essential — and you can add a donation to Movember at check-out if you wish. To reserve your ticket, head this way. Images: The White Tree.
Community sport, outdoor boot camps, and leisure activities such as bushwalking, fishing, golf and swimming might soon be back on the agenda nationwide, with the Australian Government releasing its National Principles for Sport and Recreational Activities. As referenced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday, May 1 in his press conference after the latest national cabinet meeting, the 15-point set of principles outline the pathway for resuming physical pastimes — focusing on a staged approach. Using the Australian Institute of Sport's Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment as a guide, the principles recommend that small-group, non-contact activities involving less than ten people be allowed to recommence first, with social distancing required for participants. Then, at the next stage, large group and full-contact pastimes could recommence, covering sports and activities with more than ten people involved. That means that anyone eager to go for a stroll, hit a few balls or do some laps in the pool will be able to do so in the first stage, with large team sports returning in the second stage. The government hasn't provided an exhaustive list of activities that fall into each category, or of the steps required at each stage — but for those eager to get outside and get active as soon as possible, it's still a positive sign. Guided by health concerns first and foremost, and noting that outdoor activities likely possess a lower risk for COVID-19 transmission than indoor activities, the principles also touch upon professional sport — aka football codes such as AFL and NRL. "For the foreseeable future, elite sports, if recommenced, should do so in a spectator-free environment with the minimum support staff available to support the competition," the principles state. And at the community level, "sport and recreation activities should limit those present to the minimum required to support the participants". Crucially, the principles don't include a timeline or timeframe for implementation. But with the Prime Minister announcing that the national cabinet will meet on Friday, May 8 to decide on how to relax some of Australia's social distancing and public gatherings restrictions — bringing the date forward from Monday, May 11, because "Australians have earned an early mark" — it's safe to assume that progressing with the National Principles for Sport and Recreational Activities will be on the agenda. Once actioned at a national level, it'll be up to the individual states and territories to implement in their own jurisdictions. As the nation's new daily cases of COVID-19 continue to drop — remaining below 20 per day nationwide since Wednesday, April 22 — governments at both the federal and state levels have been looking to relax limitations on daily life. Queensland and New South Wales eased some restrictions this week, while the Northern Territory outlined its roadmap to "the new normal". Learn more about the National Principles for Sport and Recreational Activities and the Australian Institute of Sport's Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe, The Mighty Boosh, Frida Kahlo: they're just some of the faces that've graced exhibitions around Australia in 2023. The next to join them is Amy Winehouse, in a showcase that's doing what documentary Amy also dedicated some of its frames to: stepping back a couple of decades to the beginning of the 'Back to Black' and 'Rehab' singer's career. When Winehouse was 19, photographer Charles Moriarty was requested by a friend to take some snaps of the then-unknown talent. They're the images that Amy, Before Frank will display. More than 30 will feature — and if you're wondering where the exhibition's name comes from, it references Winehouse's debut album Frank, with the photos covered hailing from before that record dropped. When Winehouse was in front of his lens, Irish photographer Moriarty didn't know what'd follow for the performer — the fame and success, nor her passing in 2011. The session clearly worked out well because Moriarty also shot the cover art for Frank, and became friends with the singer. "It's time for people to know the girl I knew; Amy before the fame, Amy before Frank" said Moriarty about his exhibition, which heads to Australia for a two-city tour this spring. To check out Amy, Before Frank, fans will need to head to Sydney's M2 Gallery from Wednesday, October 18–Sunday, October 22 or Melbourne's @14 Gallery from Wednesday, November 1–Sunday, November 5. That timing couldn't be more perfect, given that Frank — which includes the singles 'Stronger Than Me', 'Take the Box' and 'In My Bed' — released two decades ago in October. Moriarty is coming to Australia with the exhibition, chatting in both Sydney (on Saturday, October 21) and Melbourne (on Saturday, November 4) about his work and Winehouse. AMY, BEFORE FRANK AUSTRALIAN DATES: Wednesday, October 18–Sunday, October 22 — M2 Gallery, 4/450 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney Wednesday, November 1–Sunday, November 5 — @14 Gallery, 14 Langridge Street, Collingwood, Melbourne Amy, Before Frank will display in Sydney in October 2023 and Melbourne in November 2023 — head to the exhibition website for further details. Images: Charles Moriarty.
Section 8, a collective in Melbourne like no other, is launching its biggest event lineup to date. Dubbed Level Up, the six-month-long series is set to take place at the hip open-air bar nestled between Lonsdale Street and Chinatown. One headline event has been allocated per month from November 2022 to April 2023. Kicking off the lineup is a record store showcase (Sunday, November 13) featuring four of the city's classic record stores: Natural Selection, Wax Museum, Northside Records and Skydiver. Each establishment will present its own collections via two 30-minute sets. [caption id="attachment_876668" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leilani Bale[/caption] Other events include a Vox/MC battle (Sunday, December 11), improv battle (Sunday, January 8, 2023), dance battle (Sunday, February 12, 2023) and beat battle (Sunday, March 12, 2023). Rounding off the series is Section 8's vinyl release launch party (Sunday, April 9, 2023), a celebration of the bar's eight-track multi-genre vinyl comprised of unreleased tracks by local artists. To sweeten the deal even further, Section 8 will also be giving away $10,000 worth of prizes, including cash prizes, an Ableton mentorship, dance classes, festival tickets and food vouchers. Finally, a new drinks menu will be available spotlighting the likes of Coopers, Jameson, Chivas Regal and Headline Acts. As usual, entry is free. You can head over to the official event page to find out more about what to expect in the next six months. [caption id="attachment_876665" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leilani Bale[/caption] Top images: Duncographic, Leilani Bale
Docs have been kicking for decades. Your parents' soles are probably still relatively intact. Punks wear Docs. Pop stars wander to Starbucks in Docs. Somehow they've never lost that lovin' feeling since the first pair of Dr. Martens rolled off the production line in 1960. Now they're fusing their long-loved lace-ups with a solid live music lineup, with their #standforsomething pop-up store and concert series. Taking over Tongue & Groove on St Kilda's Grey Street, the Docs pop-up will stock boots, shoes, and Dr. Marten's products not available in Australia so you can be That Guy at your next coffee date. But it ain't all lace ups at the pop-up. Ahead of the general public launch Docs are hosting some pretty killer gigs in the space — Band of Skulls (June 18), Kingswood (June 17) and Stonefield (June 16). Unfortunately they've already closed the ballot for the gigs, but keep an eye on their Facebook page for any updates. After the gig-goers have checked out the merch, the Docs pop-up store will open up to the public from Thursday June 19 to Sunday June 22, so we can rifle through the Docs we'd usually only find online. You can find Docs at Tongue & Groove, 16 Grey Street, St Kilda from June 16. Hours are Thursday and Friday 11am - 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am - 5pm. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zxntDF0-5Uk
A tense, make-your-stomach-drop drama from director Benedict Andrews, Una is not an easy watch. You'll find your skin crawling, and your legs and arms crossed, physically recoiling from the modern-day version of Lolita too realistic for comfort unfolding on screen. You might even forget all about the big crush you have on your fave Aussie dad figure Ben Mendelsohn. The effect of Una is just that jarring. The film tells the story of Una (Rooney Mara), a woman whose sudden reappearance threatens to destroy the life of Ray (Mendelsohn), a man who at first glance it seems she was once intimately involved with. But we soon pick up on the fact that "involved with" here means "sexually abused by". Una was 13 when Ray began a sexual relationship with her. Years later, she arrives at his workplace, come to confront him about the past. In brief, disjointed moments of flashback we meet Una as a child, and Ray as a younger man who becomes obsessed with his neighbour's daughter, sexually abusing her through the guise of them "being in love". Back then, it all ended in a plan to run away to Europe, a single motel bed, abandonment, and a jail sentence. Years later, Ray (now "Peter") has rebuilt his life with a new job, a new wife, a new house, and a whole new identity. Una? Not so. Still dealing with what was done to her as a child, she lives in the same house where it all happened, with a mother she's still failing to communicate with. The last time we see Una as a child, she's pleading with Ray via live video feed in a courtroom, asking him to come back, to make contact, and to tell her why he left her. The first time we meet her as an adult, she's having sex with a faceless man at a club and wandering home in the early morning, stuck in her anger and her past. The film was adapted from Blackbird, a play by David Harrower, and its origins on the stage are clear to see. Una's musings to Ray, mostly within the confines of the lunchroom at his workplace, are delivered like monologues. Mara chews up and spits out the dialogue the way her character must have practised hundreds of times in the years since her abuse. The film succeeds in what it sets out to do in part through its handling of the aspects of Una and Ray's past that, obviously, it can't actually show. A chill runs down your spine with each horrible moment left unseen; a close-up of two hands holding each other, or a long shot of a huge tree that obscures our view. Our imaginations run cold along with our blood. Mendelsohn is convincingly charismatic while bringing the requisite darkness to his role. Mara struggles a little in her attempts to pull off a British accent, but aside from that her performance is exceptional. The chemistry between the two is patently present, enough to make you shudder. Una is one of those films that you can't stop watching, no matter how much you might want to; a tense, confined study of a paedophile that dares you to look away. Is Ray rehabilitated, trying to move on from the unforgivable actions of his past? Or is he still as sick and manipulative as ever? The film, and Mendelsohn, will leave you guessing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSpZBmnamhg
Having been open for just shy of a month, Ether is the latest cafe to land in Melbourne's western suburb of Avondale Heights. And it's serving up speciality coffee and a hearty brunch menu inspired by the classical elements: earth, air, fire, water and ether. "Our focus is coffee, which is essentially a combination of the elements," says owner Adem Kolege. "Coffee beans come from the earth, you add water and you use fire to create the steam giving you the final product." Kolege, who previously owned and ran a cafe in West Melbourne as well as a coffee and gelato pop-up in Melbourne Central, decided to open this latest venture in his home suburb of Avondale Heights. "I always had the idea to open a cafe here," explains Kolege. "I nearly got the spot three years ago but it didn't work out, so when the space recently became available again, I knew it was fate." [caption id="attachment_734205" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] Having a Turkish background, Kolege has created a menu that stays true to a classic brunch experience, but also has an undeniable Turkish influence. As an added bonus, many of the key ingredients are being made in house. "We try to make as much as we can," says Kolege. "Our basil pesto, chilli jam, granola, dukkah and sweet potato rosti are all made right here in the cafe." On the menu you'll find dishes like the Ether Bowl, which is made up of quinoa, beans, spiced broccoli, pumpkin puree, avocado and house-made chilli hummus, as well as with optional additions like poached eggs, haloumi and Moroccan chicken. The 'Avo-Heights' avocado smash is a highlight, featuring salty herbed feta, house-made almond dukkah and a side of Angus beef 'bacon', giving this quintessential Aussie brunch dish a twist. [caption id="attachment_734211" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] For a quick fix on the run, the Breakfast Brioche Burger is already popular among locals. Filled with the usual suspects of egg, cheese, bacon and chilli jam, the dangerously yolky burger is finished off with Ether's house-made sweet potato rosti infused with ground spices. The minimalist and light-filled space, lined with quirky vintage tiling and hanging plants, was designed by Kolege and his brother, who also run a side project designing home and work spaces. In addition to the cafe's rotating single origin coffee menu, Kolege will start serving up traditional Turkish coffee in the near future, as well as extending the menu to feature seasonal food specials. Find Ether Coffee & Kitchen at 51 Military Road, Avondale Heights. It's open from Tuesday–Friday 7am–4pm and Saturday–Sunday 7am–3pm. Images: Julia Sansone
If you're looking for a way to get inspired by exceptional women and witness some live talent for International Women's Day this year, check out the happenings at Melbourne Quarter between Monday, March 7 and Friday, March 18. This year's International Women's Day theme is Break the Bias, encouraging us to imagine a world void of bias and discrimination to see how a gender-equal world can benefit communities everywhere. Melbourne Quarter will be home to a series of free events to commemorate all the inspirational women in our lives. From live music, guest speakers and art installations — there is so much to discover this March. If you are a fan of ARIA award-winning musician and author Clare Bowditch, check out her free International Women's Day address on Thursday, March 10 at 11am. Witness a convergence of story, song and science as Clare forms a playful and effective lesson on how to 'tame your inner critic'. You can register here. You can also check out the interactive video gallery that will feature six women sharing how they personally overcame bias. You'll be inspired by women like former AFLW star and advocate Moana Hope and author and cancer survivor Janet Parsons. The gallery will be shown at One Melbourne Quarter lobby on weekdays from 8am to 5pm. While exploring Melbourne Quarter you might come across the Empowerment Wall filled with empowering quotes. Or, the wonderful live art installation in Gunpowder Walk by muralist George Rose. You can also expect live music from an exciting lineup of local female artists from Tuesday, March 8 till Thursday March 10 between 12-2pm. Check out the full lineup for International Women's Day at Melbourne Quarter at the website.
