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.
Breakfast, brunch and microroasteries are to Melburnians what brown sauce is to the Brits. But it's a ritual that often requires heading toward, rather than away from, the city. Paul Vernuccio is trying to turn that notion around with his new all-day eatery in Pascoe Vale, George Jones. The name, George Jones, belonged to the first business owner to open a general store in the area in 1841. And with Pascoe Vale being sparse in venues of this kind and calibre, the name is a fitting tribute. George Jones the eatery, then, has been 174 years in the making. The northern suburbs cafe is a familiar concept, yet not one seen in these parts before. Polished concrete, painted grey steel and soft blonde timbers are all incredibly warm when paired with the mid-tone lighting and gradient of tri-colour tiles. Eon Design, the team responsible for the interior, have produced a gem capable of standing alongside the best of the leafy inner east — and the menu doesn't skimp out either. A well-rounded day menu features a variety of the light, sweet and substantial with no shortage of gluten-free or vegetarian options. Green eggs and 'ham' ($19.90) are more than a fictional favourite: poached eggs are plated with a pea puree, crispy chunks of pork and a potato hash before being dusted in dry and crispy kale. On the flip side, the buttermilk hotcake stack ($18.90) offers a sweet-toothed alternative. Dinner here is the domain of burgers ($17.90), pasta (from $17.90) and a parmigiana ($23), along with a host of other crowd-pleasing favourites. Another neat addition is the on-site coffee roaster. Here, George Jones produce their house blend as well as a rotating list of single origins. It's specialty coffee without the fluff or feather puffing, served as you like from one of their four grinders. They also have a small but growing retail trade. George Jones is slick, and you can tell this isn't Vernuccio's first rodeo. He's opened up a polished venue in an area where nothing like this has really ever existed, and it's already proving popular with an intergenerational cross-section of locals. George Jones shows that with great risk does come reward. And that there may be more reward for locals around the corner with an adjacent gelato shop in the works. Stay tuned on that one. Images: Thanh Do.
When the Australian Government introduced an indefinite ban on all overseas travel in late March, Qantas and Jetstar suspended all scheduled international flights and temporarily stood down two-thirds of its staff. Today, Thursday, June 25, the airline has revealed that overseas flights will not takeoff again until at least July 2021. At a press conference this morning, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce announced 6000 job cuts across all parts of the business and the continued standing down of 15,000 employees until flights return — which, for international flights, won't be for a while. Referencing a report released earlier in the year by an airline industry expert, Joyce said that it is expected to take three years for international travel to return to 2019 levels. "We think international will take a long time," Joyce said. "There'll be nothing this next financial year, July next year we may start seeing some international services and that will only get us to 50 percent. The following year, only two-thirds of the pre-COVID international schedule." [caption id="attachment_773510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A trip to Japan won't be on the cards until 2021[/caption] The likelihood of international travel not returning for Australians until at least 2021 isn't new, news, though. Earlier this month, Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said as much, telling the National Press Club, "international border restrictions are likely to be there for some time to come" — and that "keeping those border restrictions largely in place is a price we're going to have to pay to keep COVID under control". The good news is that, as has come up frequently over the past few months, implementing a 'travel bubble' with New Zealand — aka reinstating international travel just between the two countries before Australia's international border reopens to all nations worldwide — is still under consideration according to Birmingham. Whether Qantas and Jetstar will run flights across the ditch if a travel bubble is allowed before July 2021 is currently unknown. The airlines will, however, definitely still be running domestic flights — and expect domestic travel to be back to 100 percent of pre-COVID-19 levels by 2022. "We're very optimistic about domestic," Joyce said at the press conference. "The domestic market will get back to maybe 70 percent of pre-COVID levels in the next year and the following year to 100 percent." The airlines have started ramping up domestic flights again and even held a big sale, with one-way flights as cheap as $19, last week. https://twitter.com/Qantas/status/1268341083257233408 It's worth noting, of course, that many of Australia's state borders are still closed. 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. While Victoria, NSW and the ACT currently have open borders, numerous state health ministers — including NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard today — have encouraged their residents to avoid travel to Victoria, especially to Melbourne's COVID hotspots, as the state has seen a recent uptick in new cases, with 33 recorded in the last 24 hours. Qantas and Jetstar's 6000 job cuts are part of post-COVID-19 recovery plan for the airlines, which also includes the retiring of the remaining 747s six months early and the grounding of 100 aircraft for up to 12 months. 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.
Just as hearts will go on, so will everyone's fascination with the Titanic: the ill-fated vessel and the film of the same name. Where the latter is concerned, it has been two decades since Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet stepped onboard James Cameron's Oscar-winning behemoth, danced, flirted, fell in love and fell afoul of an iceberg, but cinemas aren't done with the box-office hit yet. To be fair, however, the movie's latest outing isn't exactly in your usual picture palace. In November, Beyond Cinema will screen Titanic in the way you never thought you'd see it: on a ship in Sydney Harbour as part of a live event that not only lets you pretend you're on the real thing, but re-enacts the feature. They're calling it a unique cinema experience designed to take you into the movie, aka Titanic cosplay. If you're a fan, you'd best hold onto your necklaces and maybe bring your own door to use as a raft. The Titanic Experience is the maiden voyage in a planned series of similar events, with screening The Shawshank Redemption in a jail one of the next on the agenda according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Of course, they're not the first to jump into the immersive, interactive cinema space — Underground Cinema and World Movies Secret Cinema are just some of the organisations that have done the same thing, and Brisbane has had its own pop-up prison cinema as well. Still, Titanic on a boat sounds like a watery treat. Information regarding specific dates and prices is also yet to be announced; however anyone interested in pretending they're the king of the world can sign up for pre-release details on the Beyond Cinema website. Beyond Cinema's Titanic screening will take place in November. For more details, keep an eye on their website and Facebook page. Via The Sydney Morning Herald.
This year, Australia's leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, is inviting audiences to experience a connection to Country in a whole new way. The company's newest stage production, Illume, will tour nationally from June to September 2025, bringing Bard-Bardi Jawi culture and storytelling to the stage. Developed by Mirning woman and Bangarra Artistic Director and Co-CEO Frances Rings, the show is an exciting kaleidoscope of images, music and movement. It explores light as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, the impacts of light pollution, and puts forward the question: 'Is the deep wisdom passed down from elders enough to illuminate a path forward from the shadows of a dark future?'. [caption id="attachment_1007624" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] It's also the first time a Bangarra mainstage production has been created in partnership with a First Nations visual artist – Goolarrgon Bard man, Darrell Sibosado. Sibosado is known for his pearl shell carvings and large-scale geometric installations, with works shown at the Biennale of Sydney and QAGOMA, and held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and Art Gallery of South Australia. In Illume, his visual language shapes the entire production, from costume and set design to lighting patterns that ripple across the stage, creating a shimmering world that draws directly from his Bard-Bardi Jawi heritage. "I think [Frances' work] and my work will work very well together, there is a similar energy," Sibosado says. "It's always about the rhythm and everything of my own Country." [caption id="attachment_1002105" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cass Eipper[/caption] On top of Sibosado's artistic influence, what makes the production special is the way it came to life through Bangarra's Cultural Creation Lifecycle, a process that involves years of community engagement, transfers of knowledge, and on-Country visits. This unique Cultural Creation Lifecycle is the foundation of all Bangarra's work and can take anywhere from 3 to 4 years from start to finish. With each production, the process begins with people, place and story, then involves multiple stages of research, development and input from cultural leaders. [caption id="attachment_1002103" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cass Eipper[/caption] For Illume, the Bangarra creative team made multiple trips to draw inspiration, including travelling to Lombadina on the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia. There, they met with local cultural consultants, spent time listening and observing, and sought permission to bring elements of their stories into the work. Rings and her collaborators consider the Cultural Creation Lifecycle an essential part of the creative process. Rather than drawing from archives or second-hand sources, the company builds work through lived experience. By being on Country, surrounded by the landscape and people who shape the story, they're able to create something that's authentic and respectful. [caption id="attachment_1002106" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] In Illume, that deep connection to Country is felt in every moment, from the stunning set details to the choreography led by Rings, and the score by Brendon Boney, an Wiradjuri/Gamilaroi man and longtime Bangarra collaborator. The end result is a performance that's immersive, powerful and grounded in place. It promises to bring audiences closer to the stories of Bard-Bardi Jawi Country in a way that's creative and entirely original. Bangarra will tour Illume nationally from June to September 2025, with stops in Sydney, Perth, Albany, Canberra, Brisbane, Darwin and Melbourne. Whether you've followed Bangarra's work for years or you're seeing the company for the first time, Illume is a chance to experience a unique creative collaboration that brings Country to the stage in your city. Illume tour dates: Gadigal Country Sydney Opera House – Wednesday, June 4 to Saturday, June 14 Whadjuk Noongar Boodja Heath Ledger Theatre, Perth – Tuesday, July 10 to Sunday, July 13 Kinjarling Albany Entertainment Centre – Friday, July 18 Ngunnawal Country Canberra Theatre Centre – Friday, July 25 to Saturday, July 26 Meanjin QPAC, Brisbane – Friday, August 1 to Saturday, August 9 Garramilla Darwin Entertainment Centre – Friday, August 15 to Saturday, August 16 Wurundjeri Country Arts Centre Melbourne – Thursday, September 4 to Saturday, September 13 Bangarra's 'Illume' tours nationally from June to September 2025. Head to the website for more information or to book your tickets. Images courtesy of Bangarra Dance Theatre By Jacque Kennedy
Last week we told you about Endulj, a brand new Melbourne food service replicating and delivering dishes from some of the swankiest restaurants in town. Well, if Endulj is the equivalent of dinner at a high-end restaurant, then FoodByUs would surely be a comforting home-cooked meal. In fact, that's literally what they're all about, connecting hungry Australians with talented home chefs. Because why bother borrowing a half-dozen eggs from your neighbour when you can get them to make the whole omelette for you? Described as "a vibrant local community of food buyers and sellers", the online portal and app has been operating in Sydney back in August, and launches in Melbourne this week. Users can chose from culinary creations — ranging from Egyptian tangines to vegan treats and incredible cakes — made by dozens of different professional and amateur chefs for pick-up or delivery. It's like UberEats at community level — a place where it's perfectly acceptable to ask someone else's nonna to cook you dinner. "It's an opportunity to meet your [food] maker and have really authentic food that is homemade and that is really hard to find anywhere else," co-founder Ben Lipschitz told SBS earlier this year. "It's about having that authentic experience." Alternatively, you can try your hand at making and selling dishes of your own. Have your friends ever told you your cupcakes are so good you could charge people for them? Well, here's your chance to put that to the test. For more information and to try it for yourself visit foodbyus.com.au. The app can be found on Google Play and in the Apple App Store.
Disney has its own. Apple has one too. And so does Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn. If you're fond of documentaries, you have not one but two local choices. The same applies if you're eager to get viewing for free, especially if you can handle retro flicks and titles that you've never heard of before. And if you're eager to support Australian content, there's one for that as well. We're talking about streaming platforms, of course. Throw in Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video, SBS On Demand and ABC iView, and Aussies can't say there isn't anything to watch. That's not an exhaustive list either, because this space just keeps growing — with a new service dedicated to British television shows about to join the fold this year. Already operational in the USA, Canada and, of course, the United Kingdom, Britbox is a joint collaboration between two English TV networks: the BBC and ITV. They both have a hefty stable of programs up their sleeves — and while exactly what'll be available on the Aussie version of the service hasn't been announced, you can expect retro and recent series such as Absolutely Fabulous, The Office, Blackadder, Harlots and A Confession, based on the titles showcased on the current local website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2DCExerOsA Britbox will focus on box sets of UK shows, which means full seasons all there at once ready for audiences to stream. You'll be able to do so via mobile devices, tablets, connected TVs and Chromecast — and via the online site. Just when Britbox will start streaming in Australia is yet to be revealed, other than than sometime in 2020. Nor has a price as yet, if you're eager to add another platform to your subscriptions. Britbox is set to launch in Australia sometime in 2020. Visit the streaming service's website to sign up for further updates.
Garden State Hotel, the reliable, always-bustling, fuss-free Flinders Lane pub, is set to get an upgrade with a new two-level rooftop bar coming soon. The massive, four-storey, sprawling venue will add to its huge digs, which already have space to host more than 800 people. Garden State is located at 101 Flinders Lane, inside a 130-year-old building that began its life as a sawmill before playing host to Rosati, one of Melbourne's top dining destinations in the '80s and '90s. In the centre of the building, punters gather at the multi-level beer garden built around several large ficus trees. Lush greenery and a seamless indoor-outdoor feeling help transport patrons away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. The Public Bar is a favourite post-work hangout for many city workers who come here for a care-free, good time. Pub classics like chicken parmas, pizzas, burgers and fish and chips are complemented by elevated snacks such as grilled haloumi with capsicum relish and kingfish crudo with pickled zucchini, as well as dishes including oven-baked ricotta gnocchi and salmon Nicoise salad. On the basement level, you'll find The Rose Garden, a vibrant, late-night cocktail bar, accessible through AC/DC Lane and Duckboard Place. Find live music and DJs on the weekend, or consider hosting your next dynamic event here. The options really are endless at this sprawling pub. Step through the yellow-framed doorway to find Tippy-Tay, a love letter to the coastal cities of Italy. Tippy-Tay is a relaxed, eccentric and chaotically welcoming Italian restaurant that loves to see a celebration coming. Whether it's a midweek catch-up or a weekend hens party, you can't go wrong with the generous feed me menu, especially when you go for the matched wines options, which include three wines plus a Limoncello for just $50 per person. Now, Garden State Hotel is set to improve its already sprawling offering with a 300-seat, two-level Rooftop Garden to be unveiled later in 2026. With sweeping views of the CBD, the rooftop will be a natural extension of Garden State's signature upbeat, social energy. Easy-to-drink herb and floral-inspired cocktails, craft beers, approachable wines, and non-alcoholic drinks are set to draw even more post-work punters for relaxed city drinking at its best. Designed by Melbourne-based architect Telha Clarke, the new space will feature layered greenery, banquette seating and soft lighting. "The rooftop will be a true extension of what people already love about Garden State," says Garden State Venue Manager Scott Woods. "With a retractable roof, it will be the perfect place to gather all year round. Images: Supplied.
Earlier this year, Goose Island migrated down under from its home in Chicago, setting up shop in Tasmania. Now, the craft brewery is bringing its Migration Week event series to Australia for a hop-fuelled week of brews, eats and Aussie-American mashups. To kick off the very first Aussie Migration Week, Goose Island is throwing a street fest at Welcome to Thornbury in Northcote on Monday, November 13 from 5pm. Bringing together the best of Chicago and Aussie culture, the brewery will team up with local eateries including Mr. Burger, The Art of Fried Chicken, Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks, Bluebonnet BBQ and Loaded Gourmet Sweets & Creams. Each vendor will be dishing out Chicago-inspired classics alongside Goose Island's premium brews including the Midway IPA, the award-winning IPA, plus the barrel-aged Halia, Lolita and Matilda — flown in direct from Chicago. Before the street fest kicks off, the brewery will host an exclusive tasting where you'll also be able to meet the Chicago brewers. Want to attend? We have enough passes to go around for you and a few friends to join, so you can take not just a plus one but plus three. Join the flock for a night of frothy fun and American eats by entering below. [competition]644305[/competition]
For those who like their comedy a little more introspective, you can’t go past Sydney’s Michael Workman. Combining wry observational humour with surreal long-form storytelling, he’s a rare kind of comedian capable of transcending genre, moving audiences to tears even as they’re cracking up with laughter. We Have Fun Don’t We explores Workman’s first-hand experience with heartbreak and depression. Sounds hilarious, right?
Atop iconic Curtin House on Swanston Street, illuminated by the moon and the lights of city skyscrapers, the screen at Rooftop Cinema & Bar is about to flicker back to life. Fresh on the heels of The Shadow Electric in Abbotsford and Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema in St Kilda, the folks at Melbourne’s highest-altitude outdoor picture house have just unveiled the first half of their summer program, with plenty of awesome choices to whet cinephilic appetites. The party begins on December 5 with a screening of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. Other recent releases on the schedule include Gravity, Francis Ha, The Counselor and, perhaps the year’s most talked about film: Sharknado. As fun as those titles might be, it’s the retro picks that show the team have really outdone themselves. Unlike Ben & Jerry’s, the program at Rooftop leans heavily on nostalgia, with titles like Pulp Fiction, Casablanca and The Blues Brothers barely scratching the surface of the film-buff favourites on offer. The latter flick is just one in a kick-ass '80s stream that also includes Labyrinth, The Goonies and Stand by Me. The following decade is similarly well represented by Reality Bites, Point Break and Dazed and Confused, amongst numerous others. This year also sees Rooftop teaming up with the gang from Speakeasy Cinema for a Tuesday sidebar that includes Lena Dunham’s breakout feature Tiny Furniture, David Lynch’s divisive Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and the new film from David Gordon Green, Prince Avalanche. The week leading up to Australia Day, meanwhile, features a trio of great local flicks in the form of Muriel’s Wedding, BMX Bandits and the newly released Mystery Road. Seating at Rooftop begins at 9:00pm for a 9:30pm start. The good news is that the bar begins operations at midday, as does the All Day Burger shack. One floor down, Mesa Verde opens at 5:00pm and offers a wide selection of beer, wine, tequila and Mexican cuisine. For more information about Rooftop Cinema including the full December-January program, see here. The February-April program will be announced at the end of January.
Melbourne is getting a gin festival. Or should we say: Melbourne is getting another gin festival. In a turn of events that could only be a problem in our fine city, Melbourne is all of the sudden faced with the happy problem of having not one, but two gin festivals on the cards for this year. You might remember the hugely successful Juniperlooza, a locally-organised festival which was held in November last year. Well, this new festival — confusingly called Junipalooza (yes, that's an 'a' instead of an 'er') — is coming to Melbourne by way of the UK, and will unsurprisingly be dedicated entirely to gin. The Melbourne version of the festival (the first to be held outside of the UK) will be a twin event to Junipalooza London, which started back in 2013. The event will be held over two days this October at North Melbourne's Meat Market. It'll be hosted by founders of the UK's Gin Foundry, Olivier and Emile Ward — so you know you're in good gin-pouring hands. The award-winning brothers live, breathe and drink gin, compiling all their knowledge onto their comprehensive online gin directory. It makes sense then that the pair have teamed up with local gin expert, The Gin Queen (aka Caroline Childerley) and gin makers Four Pillars, Archie Rose and Poor Toms Gin (just to name just a few) to celebrate the noble spirit in Melbourne. Junipalooza will feature sampling stations, cocktails and gin masterclasses with some of the world's best distillers. Over 26 distillers from around the globe will be in attendance, giving punters the chance to take a bottle or two of their favourite gin home. Tonic water specialists Capi will be on-hand as well to bring the T to your G&T. The festival will take place over the weekend of October 22-23, and early bird tickets are on sale for $35 now. We see a lot of gin drinking in your future.
Buckets of sunshine, adrenaline-inducing thrills in the heart of the city, plus dreamy white-sand islands and lush rainforests on its doorstep... Brisbane and its surrounds are a wonderland for outdoor adventurers. There's the iconic Brisbane River where you can captain your own eco-friendly boat or abseil down 230 million-year-old rock formations at sunset. Or, further afield you can find the epic sand islands of Bribie, Moreton and North Stradbroke/Minjerribah, hugged by crystal clear waters, covered in national park and packed with wildlife — from green sea turtles and dolphins to wallabies and koalas. Then there's the Lamington National Park that provides nature lovers and enthusiastic hikers with magnificent waterfalls or the chance to kick back in a spa overlooking ancient rainforest. Read on for seven unmissable outdoor adventures in and around Brisbane for your next adventure. [caption id="attachment_856015" align="alignnone" width="1920"] River to Bay Tour at Moreton Island. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] TAKE A RIVER TO BAY TOUR Just east of Brisbane you can find islands galore to explore. The easiest way to experience them? Book in a day trip with River to Bay. For snorkelling among tropical fish and green sea turtles at the picturesque Tangalooma Wrecks, spotting koalas among tall trees and wandering around the haunted ruins of Queensland's first penal colony, take the Moreton Island Bay Tour. Alternatively, go for incredible swimming beaches, spectacular scenery and boutique cafes in a historical village on the Stradbroke Island Tour. Another tempting option is the Champagne and Oyster Tour, which involves sipping bubbly and sampling oysters fresh from the ocean while watching the sun set. GO ABSEILING WITH RIVERLIFE For an adrenalin rush, go abseiling with Riverlife. On the Day Abseil, you'll complete a 90-minute ascent and descent of the 20-metre high Brisbane Kangaroo Point Cliffs. They're heritage-listed formations of 230 million-year-old volcanic rock which flank the Brisbane River, just a stone's throw from the CBD. Once you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Brisbane City and its surrounding waterways. For an even more magical experience, book a Twilight Abseil Tour. And if you're a nervous abseiler, don't worry. Riverlife is all about helping you overcoming your fears. [caption id="attachment_807856" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Go Boat Brisbane. Image by Lean Timms.[/caption] JUMP ON A GO BOAT One of the newest additions to the adventure scene is Go Boat. Founded in Copenhagen in 2014, it was launched in Brisbane to make the most of the city's glorious weather and winding river. For up to three dreamy hours, you'll captain a blissfully silent electric boat made of recycled PET bottles transformed into fibreglass. Pack a cheeseboard, a bottle of bubbly and up to seven mates, and see Brisbane from a whole new perspective on the water. Pets are welcome. By the way, there's no need for a boating licence, as the Go Boat crew will show you what to do before waving you off on your adventure. [caption id="attachment_856018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hot Air Ballooning Brisbane. Image by Sam Lindsay/Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] GO HOT AIR BALLOONING WITH FLOATING IMAGES Once you've seen Brisbane from the water, the next logical step is to see it from the sky. You can do just that with Floating Images. Their sunrise flight takes you up where the air is clear for 60 glorious minutes. Prepare for incredible views of the Brisbane city skyline, backdropped by the Great Diving Range, the Scenic Rim and the countryside of Somerset. Afterwards, you'll be treated to a breakfast fit for royalty at a local restaurant. Chief pilot Graeme has flown air balloons for three decades on three continents, so you can relax knowing you're in safe hands. TAKE AN ADVENTURE TOUR WITH G'DAY Another spot on the must-see list for visitors to Brisbane is Bribie Island, the fourth largest sand island in the world. It, in itself, is an outdoor adventurer's kingdom packed with national parks, wild surf beaches, idyllic coves for swimming and the Pumicestone Passage, a protected marine park home to dolphins, turtles and dugongs. To get amongst it, take a tour with G'Day Adventure Tours. Their frolics range from the three-hour 4WD beach and bunker tour to the two-day, one-night Camping Adventure, which sees you kayaking through Norfolk lagoon, swimming in Mermaid lagoon, toasting marshmallows around a campfire and meeting wallabies. [caption id="attachment_856009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] RETREAT INTO THE RAINFOREST AT O'REILLY'S Another of Brisbane's drawcards is its proximity to lush ancient rainforests. One way to immerse yourself is a visit to O'Reilly's, an eco-retreat overlooking the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. Visitors have been escaping here for nearly 100 years. There's a bunch of activities to try, including an adventure trek to the Thunder and Lightning Falls, indulgent treatments in the Lost World Day Spa, a glow worm experience and e-bike tours. To fit them all in you'll want to stay overnight, either at the campground with your own tent or go a little more luxe with a variety of studios and villas. [caption id="attachment_856007" align="alignnone" width="1920"] North Gorge Walk at North Stradbroke Island. Image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.[/caption] VISIT NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND / MINJERRIBAH If beaches are your thing, then you'll want to put North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah on your itinerary. It's the world's second largest sand island, which means there are beaches for surfers, swimmers and sun-soakers of all kinds. For stunning views (especially at sunset) hit Flinders Beach (Point Lookout). For a long seaside walk try a stretch of sand across the 33km-long Main Beach. For amazing surfing (not for beginners) get some epic swell off Frenchmans Beach or Cylinder Beach. For solitude make your way to Toompany Beach and for laidback swimming in gentle crystal-clear waters visit Amity Beach. And, since you can't pack all that paradise into one day, you should definitely stay for a night (or three). Ready to plan a trip to Brisbane and its surrounds? Learn more at the Visit Brisbane website.
If the just-dropped 2019 Good Food Month program is anything to go by, those stretchy pants are set to come in very handy this June. Melbourne's annual month-long food fiesta is back for a jam-packed few weeks of culinary fun, featuring top Aussie chefs, food-focused parties and unique dining experiences to impress just about every palate. Heading up an impressive lineup of culinary icons is the legendary Marco Pierre White, joined by homegrown stars including Andrew McConnell, Oakridge Wines' Matt Stone, Tipo 00's Andreas Papadakis and Lulu La Delizia's Joel Valvasori-Pereza. Taking the reins from 2018's Palm Springs-inspired Fed Square pop-up, South Melbourne warehouse space Canvas House is set to host this year's Good Food Month Restaurant, coming alive for its own program of exciting feature events. [caption id="attachment_715805" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marco Pierre White.[/caption] The fun here kicks off on Wednesday, June 5, with a stunning four-course feast hosted by White, which sees the acclaimed Phil Wood (Pt Leo Estate and Laura) reworking some of the UK chef's classic dishes. Then, Andreas Papadakis, Joel Valvasori-Pereza and White will team up to host a pasta party. Elsewhere in the program, you'll catch two of Australia's food sustainability champions working their magic at The New Vanguard, a dinner by Joost Bakker protégé Matt Stone and Paul Iskov, of Fervor in Perth. And on June 9, the traditional Sunday roast gets a revamp at the hands of White and good mate Andrew McConnell (Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co), who'll deliver a contemporary family-style feast matched with wines and James Squire brews. Good Food Month's Let's Do Lunch — a series of $45 lunches at Melbourne's hatted restaurants — will also return. More events are set to be announced soon. The 2019 Good Food Month runs from June 1-30. Tickets are on sale now at goodfoodmonth.com. Pasta image: Griffin Simms
If it feels like you've been seeing a lot of Benedict Cumberbatch lately, there's a reason for that. On screens big and small, the British actor has featured in no fewer than five movies in 2021. Thanks to The Power of the Dog, he even looks poised to collect an Oscar for the best of them — and, with Spider-Man: No Way Home, he's also a significant part of the flick that's certain to be crowned the biggest box office hit of the entire year. Cumberbatch popped his Doctor Strange cloak back on in the hit web-slinging movie and, as anyone with an interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will know — anyone who watched No Way Home, too — he's set to reprise the role next May. That's when Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will reach cinemas, in what's both a sequel to 2016's Doctor Strange and the 28th movie in the MCU. As the just-dropped first trailer shows, this new dive into the mystic arts promises to live up to its name. In No Way Home, Doctor Strange was asked to cast a spell to make the world forget it knew Spider-Man's true identity — and that had big repercussions in that film, exposing the MCU to the multiverse. Those consequences will flow over to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, as will trippy Inception-style imagery, Strange's brooding demeanour and Marvel's usual world-in-peril shenanigans. Few MCU movies ever just feature one of the franchise's superheroes, so a post-WandaVision Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) also pops up — alongside Benedict Wong (Nine Days) as Wong, Rachel McAdams (Game Night) as Strange's ex Dr Christine Palmer and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Locked Down) as fellow Master of the Mystic Arts Mordo. In one of Marvel's nice pieces of symmetry, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness marks the MCU filmmaking debut of acclaimed Evil Dead franchise director Sam Raimi — the man who helmed the original three Spider-Man movies in the 00s, way back before the Marvel Cinematic Universe was even a glimmer in the comic book company's eye, and obviously long before Doctor Strange and Tom Holland's Spider-Man became pals. Check out the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness trailer below: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness releases in cinemas Down Under on May 5, 2022. Images: Photos courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
Attention BLACKPINK fans around Australia — and get ready for love — because 2023 just got a whole lot better. As initially announced back in 2022 and now officially locked in, the world's most successful female K-Pop group are heading Down Under this winter, hitting Australia mere months after a rather huge gig: headlining Coachella 2023. Last year, the dates for the [Born Pink] World Tour were unveiled in a post on Instagram, revealing that the tour was kicking off in Seoul before moving through the US and Europe. As revealed then, come June 2023, BLACKPINK will spend the final leg of the tour performing over two nights in Melbourne (Saturday, June 10–Sunday, June 11) and two nights in Sydney (Friday, June 16–Saturday, June 17). A one-night stint in Auckland, however, has been ditched. "Due to unforeseen logistical challenges, the originally announced Auckland show will no longer be feasible," according to the tour announcement. [caption id="attachment_887179" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jiya & Arcam[/caption] BLACKPINK's two Melbourne shows will take over Rod Laver Arena, while their Sydney gigs will unleash their pink venom at Qudos Bank Arena. Fans around the rest of Australia, we bet you wanna show your BLACKPINK love, too — so you have trips to the New South Wales or Victorian capitals in your future. The tour supports BLACKPINK's latest album BORN PINK, which released in September 2022. It also comes after 'Pink Venom' made history by becoming the biggest release by a female group or solo artist this decade. First, then tune debuted at number one on Spotify's global top songs chart. Then, it racked up over 7.9-million streams within the first 24 hours. And on YouTube, the official music video reached 100-million views quicker than any video by a female group ever, including 90.4-million views notched up in the first 24 hours. Also the most-subscribed music act on YouTube thanks to their 84 million-plus followers, and the most- followed girl group on Spotify, BLACKPINK will head through Asia first before hitting Australia. And if you can't make it or don't manage to nab tickets, there's always the Coachella livestream in April. BLACKPINK [BORN PINK] WORLD TOUR AUSTRALIAN DATES: Saturday, June 10–Sunday, June 11 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Friday, June 16–Saturday, June 17 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney BLACKPINK's [Born Pink] world tour heads to Australia in June 2023. The Frontier members' pre-sale runs for 24 hours — or until the allocation is all snapped up — from 11am AEDT for Sydney and 1pm AEDT f0r Melbourne on Wednesday, February 8, with general sales from 12pm AEDT for Sydney and 2pm AEDT for Melbourne on Thursday, February 9.
Lucinda Coxon's Herding Cats isn't about what you think it is. Nope, it's about two mid-twenties housemates whose work fills them with expletive-filled fury and mind-boggling frustration. Justine is a high-powered office worker who physically can't stand to be around her boss, and Michael earns his living by pretending to be a woman and making dirty calls to men such as Saddo. Theirs is an increasingly fraught relationship as their different circumstances threaten to swallow them whole and life in the 'cat' race becomes unbearable. Directed by Suzanne Chaundy, Herding Cats takes a long hard look at the herd mentality which leaves people so overworked and overwrought that they only have time for the wrong kinds of intimacy. The intensity of Coxon's script lends itself well to a Red Stitch Actors Theatre production and the award-winning script offers disturbing insights into loneliness, bitterness and human frailty.
English record producer and trance DJ extraordinaire Paul Oakenfold brings the beat to the Melbourne Festival Hall this Friday. With two albums topping the US dance music charts, Oakenfold is a man used to having his name up in lights. One of trance’s biggest names, the DJ has worked with many big names over his illustrious career, like Madonna and The Happy Mondays, as well as having contributed to soundtracks of big name films like The Planet Of The Apes and The Bourne Conspiracy. No stranger to touring, Oakenfold has brought his electric show to venues all over the globe, and is expected to set the festival hall aflame. Fans can expect one hell of a show.
The Heide Museum of Modern Art is one of Melbourne's most significant cultural institutions, with a history that dates back to 1934 and an exhibition program that often plays host to some of the biggest names in Australian art. Boasting 16 stunning acres in Bulleen, it's usually a prime spot for laidback weekend adventures. The gallery is, in-line with current COVID-19 restrictions, closed to the public until at least June 30, but when you visit later in 2020 expect to find a new multi-sensory exhibition: a Healing Garden. Designed by architecture studio Openwork, it's inspired by Heide founder Sunday Reed's passion for plants. While it's not promising to cure any of you ailments, the circular garden is hoping to be a place that'll "improve people's wellbeing and restore a sense of equilibrium". Kind of like The Secret Garden, but in 2020 Melbourne. Sandwiched between Reed's existing heritage-listed kitchen garden and the Heide cottage, the new Healing Garden will be split into six different 'mini exhibits'. When you first enter, you'll be greeted by a cacophony of aromas from the Scented Entries section, which will feature some of Reed's original roses. Then, you'll move through two edible gardens: a Sensory Kitchen Garden and a Bush Tucker Garden. Here, you'll be able to touch, smell and even eat some of the plants. Elsewhere in the maze-like area, you'll find a Haptic Play Garden with a water feature; The Meadow, which is promising to be "rambunctious" and "immersive"; and the climbing rose-filled Wild Garden. Dotted throughout, there'll be limestone seating and nooks where you can sit and socialise (distantly, most likely). When you visit Heide in the hopefully not-too-distant future — with the museum set to reopen on June 30 — you'll also be able to browse the architecturally stunning galleries, explore the mid-century Heide house and cruise through the sculpture park while moseying among the lush green grounds. The Healing Garden is slated to open at the Heide Museum in late 2020. The museum is set to reopen on June 30. Images: Design render of Heide Museum of Modern Art's Healing Garden courtesy Openwork.
Across November, New South Wales is hosting 1000 gigs at more than 300 venues, all thanks to the State Government-run Great Southern Nights. The event is helping to restart the state's live music scene after this year's lockdowns and restrictions, and it has just gained a huge new addition — especially in terms of crowd size. While you might've already filled your calendar with smaller shows both in Sydney and across the rest of NSW, make room for The Great Southern Nights series, which'll take place on Saturday, November 28 and Saturday, December 5. Not only will the two gigs hit up Qudos Bank Arena — marking the first big indoor arena shows in Australia since the beginning of the pandemic — but they'll host just over 5000 punters at each gig. That's just a fraction of the venue's 21,000 total capacity, but it still covers a hefty number of music lovers in a year that's been mostly devoid of listening to live tunes en masse. It'll all be held in a COVID-19-safe manner, of course — and, across the two shows, it's expected that crowd numbers will near 12,000 in total. As for the lineup, the first evening will see Ocean Alley, Jack River, Ruby Fields and Jack Botts doing their thing on stage — while the second gig will feature Bernard Fanning, Matt Corby and Merci Mercy. The Great Southern Nights series will take place as NSW's events calendar is slowly filling up, and as venues are being given the go-ahead to welcome in bigger crowds. The state's outdoor stadiums can have up to 10,000 fans in the stands; theatres, concert halls and cinemas can host events of up to 1000 people, and country shows of up to 5000 people will be allowed to happen this summer. The Great Southern Nights takes place on Saturday, November 28 and Saturday, December 5 at Qudos Bank Arena. For more information, or to buy tickets — from 10am ADST on Monday, November 9 for the first gig and at the same time on Tuesday, November 10 for the second — head to the Ticketek website. Top image: Ocean Alley, Neegzistuoja via Wikimedia Commons.
It only takes one perfect record to make a musician a legend. For Ms Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was that album. The American singer and rapper fronted The Fugees before dropping her only solo release. She starred in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit as well. But come 1998, when the record that bears her name hit, it ensured that she'd always be an icon. 2023 marks 25 years since The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill first arrived — and to celebrate, Hill is touring. Down Under, she has locked in three stops, including a stadium show on Tuesday, October 3 at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. Home to singles 'Doo Wop (That Thing)', 'Ex-Factor', 'Everything Is Everything', 'Lost Ones' and 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You', The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was a smash on the charts, with critics and at the Grammys. It peaked at number two in Australia; has been named in oh-so-many lists of 90s, hip hop and rap records, as well as albums of all time and releases by women; and earned five Grammys from ten nominations. During her tour, Hill will play tracks from her time with The Fugees, too — killing audiences softly with the iconic cover that the band is best known for, plus 'Ready or Not', 'Fu-Gee-La' and more. Top image: Città di Parma via Wikimedia Commons.
We all have a mate with a special interest that doesn't quite match up to our own. Maybe you've got a friend who is trying to drag you on a camping trip when you'd much rather spend a weekend staying in a luxury hotel? Or a Crossfit-mad mate who wants you to fall in love with the beloved fitness regimen that you have zero interest in? We get it. But it doesn't mean you can't have a good time while supporting your mate's penchant for niche activities. To help you be a supportive mate (and to have a good time while you're at it) we've teamed up with Ticketblaster to find a few ways to enjoy yourself at your friend's special interest events. Whether it's getting around the footy or seeing a movie you don't couldn't care less about, read on to find out how you can have a good time in unexpected places — even when you'd rather be anywhere else. TO ENJOY THE FOOTY: WATCH THE GAME AT THE MEDALLION CLUB If you need extra convincing to head along to the footy in Melbourne, Ticketblaster has your back. You can nab tickets to the Medallion Club on a game-by-game basis exclusively through the ticketing site. Even if you're not a member, you can still have an elevated AFL experience (think: premium seats, dining and access to the corporate suites) at the MCG and its Shane Warne Stand or Marvel Stadium courtesy of Ticketblaster. That means you can enjoy all the perks of a season membership without the hefty annual price tag with tickets starting from $50. TO APPRECIATE THE THEATRE: START WITH TWILIGHT DRINKS IN THE COURTYARD If you're not typically keen on theatre or sitting in the dark for long periods on end, beginning your evening with an alfresco drink beforehand might just be the gateway you've been looking for. Make tracks to Malthouse Theatre, an old brewery turned contemporary theatre complex, which presents various forms of performing arts including comedy, music and theatre. Here, you can enjoy drinks in the sunny courtyard bar before heading inside to see that play that your friend won't stop banging on about. TO GET ON THE GREEN: MAKE IT MINIATURE Golf isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you make the game a more bite-sized length, it can be a good time for the game's naysayers. Thankfully, Victoria has a few options when it comes to mini golf. Holey Moley promises a putt putt party in the CBD, with a fully stocked bar and plenty of snacks to keep you going as you tackle the venue's whopping 27 holes across its three colourful courses. And, if you get sick of swinging your golf club, you can jump on the mic and have a crack at karaoke instead. Feeling adventurous? Head further afield to Maru Koala and Animal Park to test your skills at Pirate Pete's 18-hole course. Don't forget to say hello to all the gorgeous animals at the park after your day on the green. TO HEAD OFF ON A HIKE: SCHEDULE A SUNSET SOAK AFTERWARDS Been guilted into digging out the trainers for a hike in the great outdoors? Why not reward yourself with some serious relaxation after your trek? After getting your heart rate up, escape to the Peninsula Hot Springs for a soak in its spectacular baths. The geothermal mineral waters span over 50 bathing experiences, including the hilltop pool and smaller ones amongst the trees. There are also spa treatments if you really want to spoil yourself and moonlit bathing available, too. [caption id="attachment_799282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charlie Kinross Photography[/caption] TO ATTEND A NICHE FILM: CATCH IT A BOUTIQUE CINEMA If you're being dragged along to a movie you don't really care for, make plans to see it at a boutique theatre. The Astor Theatre on the corner of Chapel Street and Dandenong Road is an ideal spot. There's only one screen in the huge auditorium that opened in 1936, and a trip to this famous theatre really does feel like an event in its own right. It's known for showing classic and cult favourites, along with new releases here and there. Another option is the Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick, which shows a selection of new releases and arthouse classics in a gorgeous 1800s building. The best part? There are cocktails and handmade ice cream to enjoy during your mate's favourite film. TO GET YOURSELF GAMING: TEST YOUR SKILLS AT AN ARCADE Not the gaming type? The arcade and pinball bar Bartronica, located on Flinders Lane in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, might help you change that for the night. The retro arcade is filled with neon everywhere you look and boasts pinnies, consoles, arcades games and more. There's also plenty of tinnies and cocktails being slung and and bar snacks to keep you refreshed during the big gaming battles. Sounds pretty good right? Tap into the nostalgia of playing games in your younger years and enjoy a cold bev while you're at it. TO FROTH THE WAVES: HANG TEN AT URBNSURF Always wanted to try new surfing but afraid of, you know, sharks? URBNSURF Park in Tullamarine may be the way to go to indulge your mate who wants to hang ten. With ocean-like waves in a controlled environment, the surf park offers you the chance to catch a wave without the dangers (or anxiety) of deep ocean water. There are waves for newbies, intermediate surfers and challenging barrels for those who are more accustomed to the riding the sea. After your surf, head to Three Blue Ducks to refuel with food from a menu featuring sustainable and ethically farmed produce. Reckon you're ready to join your mate's niche interest activity? For more information on Medallion Club and to book tickets, visit the Ticketblaster website.
Run to the Melbourne Fringe Hub for this late-night celebration of the music of Whitney Houston. Taking over Arts House in North Melbourne on Friday, September 21 in the middle of the festival, Queen of the Night will see a bevy of local performers — including Mz Rizk, Mama Alto, Shamita Siva, Jennifer Vuletic and the cast of Lou Wall's Drag Race — pay tribute to the legendary singer with unique takes on her iconic music. Best of all, it's free. Have a boogie, feel the heat, and make the most of this one moment in time. The party doesn't kick off until 10pm, so you can even sneak in a Fringe show beforehand.
There's a whole swag of reasons to love Melbourne in February, from the balmy rooftop bar weather to the abundance of cracking beach days. And of course, there's that much-loved summer favourite — the long-running live music celebration that is St Kilda Festival. The legendary event is back for its 42nd year in 2023, bringing another huge program of gigs to its bayside home from Saturday, February 18–Sunday, February 19. Across the weekend, multiple stages will play host to a bumper showcase of Aussie musical talent, spotlighting big-name acts and exciting up-and-comers alike. And, as always, it's free. [caption id="attachment_839020" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nathan Doran[/caption] Along for the ride this year, you've got celebrated singer-songwriter Christine Anu, who'll be headlining Saturday's new First Peoples First program. The Archie Roach Foundation has curated a good chunk of the lineup, while its namesake, the late Uncle Archie, will be further honoured with a dedicated musical tribute. Meanwhile, legends including longtime Aussie rockers Hoodoo Gurus and electro-pop act Confidence Man are confirmed to be hitting the main stage the following day for Big Festival Sunday. As always, Fitzroy Street's New Music Stage is set to be a treasure trove of emerging musical goodness — and where audiences themselves will scout and crown the winner of the New Music Competition — while Acland Plaza plays host to a dedicated locals stage. [caption id="attachment_884062" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mackenzie Sweetnam[/caption] More music is set to envelop the St Kilda Foreshore and its surrounds, as artists also work their magic across the Triangle Stage, the Catani Gardens Stage and the family-focused O'Donnell Gardens Stage. Plus, throw in a spot of roving entertainment, dance performances, community activities, market stalls, and a slew of food and drink pop-ups, and you've got one very festive February weekend by the bay. Stay tuned for the full St Kilda Festival program, which is set to drop on Wednesday, January 18. [caption id="attachment_884064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nathan Doran[/caption] [caption id="attachment_839022" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nathan Doran[/caption] St Kilda Festival will take over the St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds from Saturday, February 18– Sunday, February 19. Catch the full program over on the website from Wednesday, January 18. Top image: Nathan Doran.
UPDATE: April 15, 2020: Aladdin is available to stream via Disney+. Let's get the obvious reference out of the way: in remaking the 1992 classic, Disney's live-action Aladdin doesn't venture to a whole new world. Instead, the company's latest rehash of its back catalogue adds literal, visible flesh to everyone's favourite makeover concept (Blue Eye for the Street Rat Guy, basically), as well as a few minor twists and an extra song. Relaying the same tale again isn't necessarily an issue, on paper. Storytellers have been doing the same thing since time began, as have filmmakers for more than a century, with re-interpreting familiar narratives, adapting them to different contexts and seeing them afresh all part of human nature. But what Aladdin lacks is a purpose beyond the obvious. It's a glossy new version with actors instead of animation; a shiny, nostalgic replica that's definitely entertaining enough. However it never tries to soar on its own magic carpet. One line of thinking, of course, is that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Another is that faithful do-overs of beloved hits (including Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast and Dumbo, plus the forthcoming The Lion King) are just Disney's safety-driven success strategy. These are risk-averse filmmaking times, so the latter approach is understandable. When fans mobilise online en masse to cry about women with lightsabers and demand that a television show be remade because it didn't end the way they personally wanted, simply giving viewers what they already like is the all-too-sensible option. Accordingly, Aladdin circa 2019 is exactly what it was always going to be, with all of the expected ups and downs that entails. Yes, it'll make you want to revisit the original. No, Will Smith can't match Robin Williams, but he doesn't always try to. Surprisingly, while there are no geezers spouting Cockney rhyming slang (and no Jason Statham, sadly), director Guy Ritchie's penchant for energetic spectacle generally fits. The story, for those who didn't spend their childhoods rewatching the animated flick endlessly and committing the details to memory, charts Agrabah urchin Aladdin (Mena Massoud), his newfound love for Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) and the lamp-dwelling Genie (Will Smith) who can make dreams come true. Aladdin is merely a kind-hearted petty thief with a cheeky monkey for a best friend, with Jasmine only able to marry royalty — and her sultan father (Navid Negahban) is hardly fond of breaking tradition. Complicating matters even further is nefarious advisor Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), who exerts his own influence — with the help of his all-seeing parrot Iago (voiced by Alan Tudyk) — to try to seize the throne. With Genie's wish-granting assistance, Aladdin pretends to be a prince to secure Jasmine's hand, but securing the kingdom becomes just as pressing a concern. There's a timely female empowerment thread to this version to Aladdin, as seen in its new song, as well as Jasmine's rallying against her lack of agency. Barely tinkering with the initial flick's script, Ritchie and co-scribe John August (Frankenweenie) aren't trying to break the mould — or enchanted lamp — yet it's a welcome albeit fairly obligatory touch. Where the director best exerts his influence is in teaming with cinematographer Alan Stewart (Mary Poppins Returns) to bring Agrabah to vivid, jewel-toned life, watching Aladdin sneakily parkour himself around the city and giving the musical numbers the requisite bounce. Where the tunes are concerned, established crowd-pleasers such as 'Prince Ali', 'Friend Like Me' and 'A Whole New World' prove the high points they're meant to be, which sums up the film's fortunes perfectly: its hits are already known, and making sure they don't crash compared to the original is the primary plan. That could sum up Smith's tactics also, or at least that's how it initially seems. He's less comfortable and convincing when he's overtly mimicking Williams at the outset, but serves up an engaging and amusing Genie once he makes the character his own (and when he isn't sporting a distracting shade of blue). Indeed, if viewers had three wishes for the Aladdin remake, and one of them was for a great cast, that has largely been granted. Crucially, Massoud makes a suitably charismatic rapscallion, and Scott brings poise and radiance to a star-making performance, helping you forget that she was in the awful Power Rangers movie. The true scene-stealer, though, is ex-Saturday Night Live star Nasim Pedrad as Jasmine's handmaiden Dalia. It's a move that'd never happen, but if this adequate yet never arresting Aladdin revival sparked a spin-off about its two main ladies just being great and taking on the world, it'd justify its existence several times over. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foyufD52aog
The Scandinavian crime fixation currently sweeping non-Nordic nations shows no signs of abating. Jussi Adler-Olsen's Department Q series provides the latest instance, a four-instalment-to-date police procedural setting a duo of detectives in search of answers to dead cases. The Keeper of Lost Causes is the first feature to result. All the elements exist in director Mikkel Nørgaard and writer Nikolaj Arcel's version of the novel. (They're both veterans of the burgeoning genre with resumes that encompass television's Borgen and the Swedish-language The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo as evidence.) An odd couple, an against-the-odds task, brooding backstories, a pretty prey and a cat-and-mouse game with the perpetrator furnish a feature that stays within the confines of the expected — except for one significant deviation. As well as tracking the law enforcement quest to uncover the truth, the film gifts viewers with the victim's perspective: her tale told as a parallel to the investigation. The Keeper of Lost Causes is in cinemas on July 31, and thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our full review here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=68sO1s9Hy70
