Sometimes it's nice to get out of Melbourne. Rippon Lea is a hidden gem, boasting a grand estate, sweeping gardens and a vast lake — only seven kilometres out of the city. This winter, the magnificent heritage-listed Rippon Lea Estate is hosting a couple of exhibitions. One of them is Night Life, which utilises the National Trust of Australia's fashion collection to display the stunning history of Australian fashion from the 1920s and 1930s. The exhibition features over 50 gowns and accessories — many made locally in Victoria. The event takes place within the historic mansion, but why not arrive early to explore the grounds? It's an ideal spot for a picnic, and a classy way to round off the weekend.
The Emerging Writers' Festival this year looks to be stuffed to the brim with great minds, events, and ideas. Taking place from June 19–29, many different disciplines and venues will to unite to host the voices of the Australian writing world, both established and emerging. For just a few bites of what's on offer, there will be masterclasses and intensives on everything from poetry to podcasting; a dinner 'speakeasy' on money, sex and death; Pan Afrikan Poets, which will bring Afrikan artists and First Nation and Pasifika artists together in conversation; and Translation Nation, a roaming look through different disciplines and languages exploring ways of saying. The National Writers' Conference will take place during the weekend, bringing together ambassadors such as Isobelle Carmody, Michael Mohammed Ahmad and Ellen van Neerven to share their experience and advice, while also allowing emerging writers to pitch to industry professionals. It's not all serious stuff, though — there are parties on the agenda, too. Amazing Babes is a constant favourite of the festival, and will again celebrate the women who uplift and better others (aka, babes that are amazing) at Northcote Town Hall. The Queer Icons Party will be a big ol' bonanza celebrating queer stories and lives, and Further from the Sun is the winter solstice party featuring words, dance and song at the Footscray Community Arts Centre. More than 50 percent of the program is free – best start booking yourselves in. More information and full program here.
Bunjil Place in Melbourne's southeast might be the newest arts centre kid on the block, but it's certainly a new kid that's pulling its weight. The Narre Warren cultural precinct opened in 2017, and incorporates an 800-seat theatre, exhibition and function spaces, a gallery, a library and a civic centre as well as offices. And it has already won awards, taking out the Architecture of the Year prize at the 2017 International Design Awards. Major players in the Melbourne dance, opera and theatre scene will head to Bunjil Place this July, including the Narre Warren venue in their touring sights. No longer just the domain of those who live in the inner city, Bunjil Place will host performances from The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia and Bell Shakespeare. Opera Australia will perform heartbreaker Madame Butterfly, Puccini's epic operatic love story between a US Navy sailor and a Japanese woman, on Saturday, July 17. Directed by John Bell, the performance will include a children's choir partly drawn from Berwick's Melbourne Youth Chorale. The Australian Ballet's regional touring company will include Bunjil Place on its tour on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21, presenting Coppélia, the story of an enchanted doll and the poor sucker who falls in love with her, thinking she's real. For serious theatre-goers, there's good news here too: Bell Shakespeare will perform Shakespeare's treacherous Julius Caesar, on Tuesday, July 31. Broken hearts and bodies all around.
This Is Spinal Tap set the benchmark for mockumentaries way back in 1984 and has reigned supreme ever since. Now it may finally have an equal with What We Do In The Shadows, a collaboration between writer/directors Taika Waititi and Flight of the Conchords' Jemaine Clement. Billed as "a couple of interviews with a couple of vampires", it's a fly on the wall 'documentary' about four vampires sharing a flat in present-day New Zealand and is, quite simply, hilarious. Key to its appeal is the way What We Do In The Shadows presents the needs, problems and activities of vampires as entirely commonplace. The flatmates cruise the clubs of Wellington seeking victims like others seek a one night stand, they jeer each other on when a back-alley argument descends into a 'bat fight', and they projectile vomit blood when they absentmindedly eat actual food. Yes, they've their share of 'vampire' problems (sunlight, vampire hunters, etc), but also more normal ones, like having to tell your best friend you're the undead and suppressing the unceasing desire to kill him. What We Do in the Shadows is in cinemas on September 4. Thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have a What We Do in the Shadows prize pack to give away, with a double in-season pass and DVDs of Submarine, Bernie and Prince Avalanche. Eight runners up will also get double in-season passes to see the film. 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 of the movie here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=Cv568AzZ-i8
Oysters and gin are both high up there on the list of Aussie food and drink faves, especially at this time of year — on the cusp of what's set to be a huge silly season. And now, the two ingredients are joining forces in a very special way: the brand-new Oyster Shell Gin from South Australia's Never Never Distilling Co and Chris Lucas' (Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Baby) new Melbourne restaurant Society. The collaborative concoction is made using oyster shells from Kangaroo Island, as well as a host of seaside botanicals including saltbush, Tasmanian wakame and native coastal daisy. You'll also find some salted citrus, mint, pine, waxflower and coriander spice in the mix. All the ingredients fuse to create a mineral-forward spirit with subtle saline notes, representing a big, fresh taste of the Aussie coastline. Spritely citrus aromas and a lengthy finish mean it's just as well-suited to a dry martini as a refreshing G&T. The sip's also primed to be paired with a seafood feast, whether that involves more local oysters, or some other kind of ocean-fresh goodies. Which makes it a festive season winner, of course. This particular match-up of distillery and restaurant is a fitting one, given the sophisticated seafood dishes peppered through Society's menus and Never Never's own penchant for innovation. You can find the adventurous drop pouring exclusively at Society once it reopens on November 5, as well as at the distillery's McLaren Vale cellar door. It's also selling over on Never Never's online store. The Never Never Dark Series Oyster Shell Gin is available from the distillery's website, for RRP $75. You can also get your hands on it at Society, 80 Collins Street, Melbourne (from November 5), and at Never Never Distilling Co, 56 Field St, McLaren Vale, South Australia.
Part of what makes travel so special is making friends with people from all over the globe. Yet staying in contact after you eventually return to the 'real world' is surprisingly rare. Think about the travel pals you follow: how many do you stay in contact with? It doesn't have to be this way. By putting yourself out there and going the extra mile, you can make these short but sweet connections into lifelong friends. This way, when you say 'keep in touch' as you leave for your next destination, it actually happens. Forging friendships on an epic adventure is easy when good experiences are had. Together with Intrepid Travel, we've curated this guide to making lifelong friendships while gallivanting across the globe. Put Yourself Out There You can't always expect friendship to find you. Instead, put in the effort to meet your fellow travellers and introduce yourself to your trip guide and other travellers in your group. You'll bond over new experiences and become closer with your group mates at food markets as you sample new foods. In rousing destinations like Cambodia, you'll find yourself surrounded by travellers from every corner of the globe at landmarks like Angkor Wat. Strike up a conversation with a friendly face; you might just become lifelong friends. Book a Group Tour Sure, taking an international adventure where every decision is made moment-to-moment is exciting. But sometimes, it's nice just to hang back and let someone else figure out the guesswork for you. This is where the beauty of group multi-day tours comes in. Best of all, these experiences are ideal for making friends, as you'll spend hours together roaming the sights and commuting between them. So, pass the time by getting to know each other. Before you know it, your travel bud becomes a close pal. Embrace the Unknown When you're travelling the world soaking up new experiences, finding a way to get out of your shell is essential. Although it might seem daunting at the time, saying yes when you're invited on an adventure by other travellers is the ideal way to form a tight bond. Similarly, inviting others to tag along when embarking on a trip is another way to kick-start friendships with those you meet on the road. In a vibrant country like Morocco, embracing the unknown is the best way to stave off culture shock. Bond Over Local Experiences The people you meet on your travels make some of the most striking memories. Although there's a good chance some just become hazy recollections from late nights on the town, others are a little more meaningful, especially when you connect over incredible experiences. For many, this means delving into local customs. Rather than sticking to what you know, exploring diverse food, art, and traditions means you level up your worldliness together. If you take a colourful journey to Mexico, getting your cultural fix is never far away. Stay in Touch Found a kindred soul on a trip to Turkey? Even the strongest connection won't last unless you commit to staying in touch. Once you're back home and the adventure is over, it's easy for real life to get in the way of lasting friendships. Fortunately, it's never been easier to keep in contact with your new friends. Add them on socials, tag them in pics and reminisce about the good times you shared. By keeping the group chat active, new adventures are bound to appear on the horizon. Plan Your Next Trip Don't wait for the next adventure to come to you. When you're looking to turn travel companions into forever friends, taking the initiative to keep everyone informed about your upcoming trips is the perfect way to organise an overdue meetup. Whether you've planned out a journey to the Southern Balkans or you've worked together with your pals to create an unforgettable itinerary, inviting travel friends near and far to join your adventure strengthens your bond and makes them companions for life. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website.
The films we like to classify as big, dumb fun haven't had a great run of things so far in 2018. They've made money, definitely, but the balance has been out. Be they clangers like Pacific Rim: Uprising or mindless popcorn offerings like Rampage, there's been a lot of big and even more dumb, but the fun has been noticeably absent. The latest contender, Skyscraper, fares a little better, although ultimately its preposterous script and story render it little more than a passing diversion. Set in Hong Kong and starring Hollywood's most bankable star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Skyscraper is a thriller centred around The Pearl, the world's tallest and (supposedly) safest building. Johnson plays Will Sawyer, a former FBI agent turned high-rise security expert who finds himself in the midst of a convoluted terrorist plot to steal a valuable flash drive by setting fire to The Pearl in order to flush out its billionaire owner. Allusions to both Die Hard and Towering Inferno have been embraced by the film's distributor, so much so that they even created homage movie posters. Sadly, Skyscraper possesses neither the wit and gritty action of Die Hard nor the suspense of Inferno to see it come close to either. As always, Johnson does his level best to keep the film entertaining. But he's robbed of his usual charm-fuelled asides, left instead to deliver bizarre non-sequiturs like "if you can't fix it with Duct Tape, y'aint using enough Duct Tape" (this also ranking as perhaps cinema's most unexpected product placement). The movie's villain, too, is entirely forgettable – and whilst it might be unreasonable to hope for another Hans Gruber, writer-director Rawson Marshall Thurber could at least have endeavoured to give us something a little meatier than the generic hired gun he serves up. Refreshingly, Neve Campbell appears as Johnson's wife, who proves a far more capable action-movie heroine than the traditional spouse-in-distress. Multilingual, combat-trained and a surgeon, she's the first to clue in to the terrorists' plot and doesn't back down when the guns are pointed in her direction. And then there's that jump. Every poster, promo spot and trailer has focussed on Johnson's physics-defying leap from a towering crane into the blazing building. Every part of the sequence is ludicrous, from the impossibly short space of time it takes for Johnson to ascend the crane in a free-climb, to the Olympic gold medal everything a leap of that magnitude would win, to the police shooting at him from a helicopter despite him being unarmed and no threat to anyone. Of course, in the end he does land the jump and the crowds both on screen and off cheer in unison. It's an A+ example of big, dumb and fun existing in perfect harmony. The great shame is how few of these moments exist in Skyscraper despite a setting of such scale and design offering so many more possibilities. At the end of the day, there's not much of Skyscraper that holds up to any real level of scrutiny. Still, as a park your brain at the entrance type distraction, it mostly gets the job done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9QePUT-Yt8
What's Attica without Ben Shewry? The team at Gelinaz! are about to find out. The Melbourne-based head chef of 'Australia's best restaurant' is packing his bags for a huge global chef swap this July. Created by Gelinaz! — the international chef collective responsible for wild, collaborative cook-off stunts — the event will see 37 chefs from around the globe jump on a plane, travel to a new country and serve up their best in another chef's kitchen. They'll even be living in each other's houses, just like that terrible, terrible Wife Swap. It's called the Grand Gelinaz! Shuffle and it's going down on July 9. Shewry is joining one humdinger of an international chef lineup, repping our culinary nation alongside Adelaidean chef Jock Zonfrillo (of Orana). The pair will put their names in the hat with Parisian chef Alain Ducasse (La Plaza Athenee), Tokyo's Yoshihiro Narisawa (Narisawa), Copenhagen's René Redzepi (Noma), NYC's Sean Gray (Momofuku Ko), Charleston's Sean Brock (McCrady's) and San Francisco's Dominique Crenn (Atelier Crenn) to name a few. The chefs know where they're going, but ticketholders won't know which chef's delights they'll be enjoying until the day. So you could be dining on a Noma or Momofuku-style dish at Attica if you're lucky. Tickets are available to the public, so if you're keen to head to Attica or Orana on July 9 you'd better plan ahead. Tickets go on sale on May 13, but prices haven't been unveiled just yet. Check over here for more details. Here's all 37 Grand Gelinaz! Shuffle participants. Who'll be your chef for the night? Ben Shewry, Attica, Melbourne — Australia Jock Zonfrillo, Orana, Adelaide — Australia Danny Bowien, Mission Chinese Food, New York — USA Sean Gray, Momofuku Ko, New York — USA Sean Brock, McCrady's, Charleston — USA David Kinch, Manresa, Los Gatos — USA Daniel Patterson, Coi, San Francisco — USA Dominique Crenn, Atelier Crenn, San Francisco — USA Carlo Mirarchi, Blanca, New York — USA Blaine Wetzel, Willow's Inn, Lummi Island — USA Colombe Saint-Pierre, Chez Saint-Pierre, Le Bic — Canada Claude Bosi, Hibiscus — England Magnus Nilsson, Faviken, Järpen — Sweden Peter Nilsson, Spritmuseum, Stockholm — Sweden René Redzepi, Noma, Copenhagen — Denmark Paul Cunningham, Henne Kirkeby Kro, Henne — Denmark Kobe Desramaults, In De Wulf, Dranouter — Belgium Mehmet Gurs, Mikla, Istanbul — Turkey Yoshihiro Narisawa, Narisawa, Tokyo — Japan David Thompson, Nahm, Bangkok — Thailand Bertrand Grebaut, Septime, Paris — France Alain Ducasse, La Plaza Athenee, Paris — France Yannick Alleno, Le Doyen, Paris — France Inaki Alzpitarte, Le Cheateaubriand, Paris — France Mauro Colagreco, Mirazur, Menton — France Alexandre Gauthier, La Grenouillere, Montreuil/Mer — France Ana Ros, Hisa Franko, Kobarid — Slovenia Davide Scabin, Combal Zero, Rivoli — Italy Fulvio Pierangelini, Hotel de Russie, Rome — Italy Riccardo Camanini, Lido 84, Gardone Riviera — Italy Massimo Bottura, La Francescana, Moderna — Italy Massilmillano Alajmo, La Calandre, Venice — Italy Andoni Luis Aduriz, Mugaritz, San Sebastian — Spain Albert Adria, Pakta, Barcelona — Spain Alex Atala, D.O.M., San Paolo — Brazil Rodolfo Guzman, Borago, Santiago — Chile Virgillo Martinez, Central, Lima — Peru Via Grub Street.
Go buy a 3D printer right now, and show us what you can invent. Every industry is getting cooler thanks to this democratising technology, which is in the process of bringing us 3D-printed organs, 3D-printed cities, and 3D-printed sex toys (including a vibrator modelled on Justin Bieber's head). And what can it do for broken bones? One Victoria University of Wellington graduate has cleverly used 3D printing to reinvent the clunky, sweaty arm cast we all had to wear in primary school after a violent game of handball. Called the 'Cortex', Jake Evill's invention is breathable, eco-friendly and washable. Its polyamide can also be reused. Unlike the oh-so-analogue plaster casts of yore, the Cortex's structure has the potential to be digitally tailored to the injury. Computer software can receive x-rays and measurements of the limb, and via an algorithm, the printer produces (within a slightly lengthy 3 hours) a lightweight cast which protects and supports in all the right places. And excitingly, it can be worn under a long-sleeve shirt. While some would mourn the hallowed tradition of messy cast graffiti, it's our surmise that 3D printing culture will quickly come up with an upgrade for that, too. Via Gizmodo. Image from http://jakevilldesign.dunked.com.
Well, it looks like Brunswick Street has more than a few surprises up its sleeve for punters this season. First, the long-standing Provincial Hotel unveiled its sunny new rooftop bar, and now the team behind cocktail-slinging stalwart Polly has announced plans for a new addition to the strip: a soon-to-open bar named The Roy. Of course, this new watering hole is a whole lot less of a surprise for owner Casey Gordon and manager Chris Hinds, who've put in a solid two-year stint of renovations, shaping an unused nook at the back of Polly into a cosy drinking den. The result is what the pair describe as a laidback 'local's local', accessed via a rear laneway, decked out with a big screen for watching sport, and with a vibe that's a few notches more casual than its older sister. But that's not to say you won't find the same attention to detail and boozy prowess. Polly's years of expertise shine through in The Roy's drinks offering, which features a six-strong tap rotation running from the classic to the crafty, a broad lineup of wines by the glass, and a hefty spirits collection to top it all off. There's no word yet on an official opening date, but we'll keep you posted. The Roy is slated to open soon at the rear of 401 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. For more information, visit theroy.com.au.
Do you struggle with the basic task of ordering in restaurants? Do you sometimes wish there was some kind of elaborate computer program that could just decide on a menu item for you? If your answer to both those questions is "yes", then consider paying a visit to a KFC in Beijing's financial district, where facial recognition technology is being used to pick meals for customers based on their age, gender and mood. According to a press release put out by Chinese tech giant Baidu, who collaborated with Colonel Sanders on the technology, customers stand in front of a machine which scans their face and then makes recommendations as to what they might like to order. For example, a male in his 20s would likely be recommended "a set meal of crispy chicken hamburger, roasted chicken wings and Coke," while a woman in her fifties would be encouraged to purchase "porridge and soybean milk." Already, this jumps out as pretty sexist/ageist — after all, who is this robot to say that I, a male in his 20s, wouldn't also like to order a delicious bowl of KFC porridge? Mmm... appetising. Perhaps more promising is the fact that the machine can recall the faces of returning customers, along with their favourite menu items. That's the theory at least, although it didn't remember Amy Hawkins, a reporter for The Guardian who tried the machine twice but failed to leave an impression. Hawkins also noted that a vast majority of people in the Beijing restaurant seemed to prefer ordering the old-fashioned way. According to one customer she spoke to, "if it knows in future what I want to eat that's great, but at the moment it's not very smart." Perhaps they're scared off by privacy concerns? Personally, I don't know that I want there to be a digital paper trail of how frequently I visit KFC, or how much I order when I do (spoiler: it's a lot). Nevertheless, KFC is reportedly planning to roll out the technology to 5000 stores across China. It's a brave new world we're living in folks. A brave, greasy new world.
Every year, Melbourne comes alive for Chinese New Year. While Tuesday, February 5 is officially the first day of the new year, festivities start on Friday, February 1 with some running through to the end of the month — and the schedule for the next few days is packed. Whether it's spent attending a free tai chi class at the art gallery, roaming through a bustling night market or making your way through a five-course Chinese feast, this weekend is a great opportunity to celebrate Melbourne's rich cultural diversity and help ring in the Year of the Pig.
One for the horror buffs, a ghost tour of Ararat's J Ward is just the ticket for those who love their thrills and chills. Over the two-hour nighttime tour of the infamous gaol-turned-ward for the criminally insane — that, over its time, housed such notorious criminals as Chopper Read, Gary Webb and Bill Wallace — you'll get to explore sites like the governor's bathroom, hangman's gallows, the original kitchen, showerblock and grave sites, searching for the souls that still linger there.
A culinary collaboration is making its debut for one weekend only this month. Black Star Pastry and Hugo's Deli have teamed up to create a limited-edition watermelon combo, which will be available at the sandwich deli's location in Richmond. The combo features a watermelon katsu sandwich curated by Hugo's Deli. This sandwich includes a thick slice of watermelon marinated in soy, mirin, molasses and ponzu, paired with negi miso and charred cabbage yuzu slaw, all nestled between two pieces of shokupan bread. For dessert, customers can refresh their palette with Black Star Pastry's popular strawberry watermelon cake made of almond dacquoise, rose-scented cream, watermelon, strawberries, pistachios and dried rose petals. The famed patisserie will also unveil its new strawberry matcha latte, blending colours and flavours for a velvety refreshment. For those craving something extra, their latest carrot cake creation – made with walnuts, crushed pineapple, warm spices and cream cheese frosting – and yuzu streaks will be served at the event. The Black Star Pastry x Hugo's Deli Watermelon Combo will only be available from Saturday, April 6–Sunday, April 7, starting from 10.30am.
Whether you can't get enough of Euphoria, are a Succession stan or adore True Detective, streaming HBO's hits in Australia has meant making a date with Binge since 2020. The platform launched as an offshoot of pay TV service Foxtel — following past platforms Presto — with the slate of shows from the beloved US network as its number-one drawcard. Back then, it was Game of Thrones, Westworld, Chernobyl, Veep and Big Little Lies luring in subscribers; now, it's House of the Dragon, The Last of Us and The White Lotus, too. Whichever HBO series you adore — and how many of them are on your must-watch list — you'll be making a date with Binge for the foreseeable future. Or, with Foxtel if you still prefer. Either way, Warner Bros Discovery, which owns HBO, has just made a new deal with Foxtel and Binge to keep its series on those Aussie services. The Foxtel Group will remain the home of HBO, Max Originals, Warner Bros and Discovery programming as part of a multi-year partnership extension — and the only place you'll be able to see shows like all of the above. Other series involved include set-to-return programs such as Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Perry Mason, And Just Like That..., The Sex Lives of College Girls and Peacemaker. And, the deal covers newcomers like The Idol, political drama White House Plumbers, the Robert Downey Jr- starring The Sympathizer, The Palace with Kate Winslet and The Batman spinoff The Penguin. Plus, when they make their way from cinemas to streaming, upcoming flicks such as Dune 2, Barbie, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom and other DC Extended Universe movies will also hit Binge and Foxtel. "This landmark partnership cements our position as the partner of choice to the world's largest entertainment studios. We are delighted Warner Bros Discovery chose us as we continue our long-standing partnership together with optionality at its core. A unique business model like ours that covers multiple platforms and brands means we can partner for the long term and together we will continue to entertain millions of Australians every day for years to come," said Foxtel Group CEO, Patrick Delany, announcing the deal. "Foxtel Group are a long-term, historic partner for Warner Bros Discovery in Australia, and we are thrilled to deepen this strong collaboration with a renewed agreement that reflects the scale and opportunity of Foxtel Group's growing suite of products and customer base," added James Gibbons, Warner Bros Discovery President and Managing Director, Western Pacific. In America since 2020, and rolling out through Latin America, the Caribbean and parts of Europe since, HBO streams its lineup of shows via its own platform, HBO Max, which hasn't yet made it to Australia. Based on the new deal with Foxtel and Binge, doesn't look set to anytime soon. "As we look to drive strategic growth of our business across all platforms locally, this deal also provides optionality for future collaboration, including for our future streaming service, that will ultimately offer Australians greater access to the world-class storytelling and much-loved brands Warner Bros Discovery is renowned for," said Gibbons. The Australian Financial Review reports that HBO Max won't make its way Down Under until at least 2025. For more information, head to the Binge and Foxtel websites. Top image: HBO.
While La Niña may be threatening hot vax summer, no doubt you still intend on living it up over the warmer months. After all, you've got mates to catch up with, new bars to check out and a swathe of live gigs to see. And, with all these social occasions coming up, you're probably keeping an eye out for some new summer threads. Lucky for you, top seltzer brand White Claw has teamed up with local fashion brand Barney Cools to bring you the ultimate wardrobe to cruise around in this summer. The brands are basically the epitome of summer, so the collab makes sense. And the best news? You can score it for free. The White Claw x Barney Cools all-white capsule collection includes three epic items: a terry cord party shirt, a breezy vintage-style tee and corduroy cap. Each limited-edition piece is designed to be genderless, too, so they'll suit anyone and everyone who's keen to make the most of summer. Oh, and did we mention that the prize also includes one White Claw variety pack? The new-release pack includes four flavours: watermelon, mango, lime and grapefruit. There are ten White Claw x Barney Cools packs to be won around the country. Should you win, you'll score some White Claws and all three clothing items, so you can don them to the beach, pub, park and just about everywhere else you plan to hit this summer. Keen to win some new summer threads? Enter your details below to go in the running. [competition]836217[/competition]
Ridesharing service DiDi launched in Melbourne back in 2018, but you probably haven't needed its services much lately. Now, as many Melburnians are beginning to venture out of the house — thanks to the city's easing COVID-19 restrictions, including on hospitality venues — the company is offering half-price rides on select days across the next six weeks. Spent the past few months walking around your neighbourhood for exercise? Don't quite fancy hopping on public transport as yet? Don't have a car — or a bike? Obviously, that's where ridesharing comes in. You can, of course, choose from Ola, Uber or DiDi. If you go with the latter, though — and if it's 4–10pm on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday between now and December 5 — you'll get a much cheaper trip. The newer of the three, DiDi is offering every Melburnian two half-price trips (up to $20 a trip) each on those select days, all within metro Melbourne. You just need to jump onto the app and use the code DIDIHOUR, which get you access to the discounted trip. You can only use the code once per week — and if you're wondering about the time slot, that's so you can get to or from a pub, bar or restaurant now that they're back in action. According to DiDi, lots of Melburnians have already been using the app since the latest set of eased restrictions came into effect this week. DiDi Chuxing launched in China in 2012 and has quickly become a huge player in the global ridesharing game — it has since bought out Uber's Chinese operations and has stakes in numerous companies, including Ola, Taxify, Lyft and Grab. To get your two half-price DiDi trips — as valid from 4–10pm on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday between now and December 5 — download the app (for iOS or Android) and use the code DIDIHOUR.
As with most DC universe superhero stories, Wonder Woman isn't aiming for lofty heights. Which is probably a good thing, because it hits right in the middle. We saw the superheroine appear briefly in Batman vs. Superman, where she was far and away the best part of the film. Now, in her origin movie, we get to see where she came from. Wonder Woman, Diana Prince, or Princess Diana of Themyscira (Gal Gadot), is raised on the secret island of Themyscira, home of the Amazons. When American soldier Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) washes up on their island, Diana defies her mother Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen) by freeing him, before setting out to help humanity escape from, what she infers must be, the wicked influence of Ares the God of War (the Amazons are supposedly tasked with protecting humanity from Ares, although they seem to mostly just chill on their island). Diana and Steve sail to London in a dinghy, and travel to the front of World War I to find the wellspring of evil and end the war. Rollicking adventures soon ensue. As a narrative, Wonder Woman leaves plenty to be desired; a standard hero's quest but without elegance or depth. Words like 'love' and 'innocent lives' and 'protect humanity' are thrown around until they lose all meaning – although apparently, German soldiers do not count as humanity since the film sees them slaughtered in droves. The horrific trench warfare of WW1 is once again co-opted as gritty texture in an otherwise textureless film. Director Patty Jenkins manages to tick all the boxes of the worn out genre: fast-paced fight scenes, goodies versus baddies, a smattering of humour and a dramatic final showdown. If you're into caped crusaders, Wonder Woman is still probably worth your time. It's also good to see a superhero film with a strong female cohort – Gadot in front of camera, Jenkins behind, an island full of Amazonian warriors, and Elena Anaya playing the wicked Doctor Poison. And yet it's still basically impossible to call Wonder Woman a feminist film. For all the buzz about female empowerment, the movie falls prey to the same tired, sexist tropes that define all male-dominated movie franchises. We're talking blatant objectification, lack of agency, and outdated stereotypes. Diana is superhuman, with a whip that compels truthfulness and magic wrist guards that deflect bullets. She speaks over a hundred languages and has literally been raised from birth on an island surrounded by fierce fighting women. And yet everywhere she goes, she's greeted with comments about how smokin' hot she is. Can you imagine anyone doing that to Batman? Steve Trevor helps her off a boat and steers her through the streets of London with a possessive hand on her arm. He bosses her around. The men in her ragtag gang see her destroy a church and flip over a tank, but they don't quite believe she knows what she's talking about when it comes to strategy. They simply refuse to let her infiltrate the gala seething with German high command. At the end of the day, the woman is saddled with the same old shit – just as a protagonist and not a one-dimensional narrative device. At the end of the day, if you're just looking for another superhero flick, Wonder Woman should suit you just fine. But if you were hoping to see something revolutionary in terms of the representation of women, prepare to be bitterly disappointed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q8fG0TtVAY
Open at Melbourne Holocaust Museum from Tuesday, November 17, 2024 until Sunday, March 30, 2025, Underground: The Hidden Archive of the Warsaw Ghetto displays rare artefacts from the Hidden Archive of the Warsaw Ghetto from the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw, Poland. The artefacts on display have never been seen before in the Southern Hemisphere. During the Holocaust, historian Emanuel Ringelblum, who was imprisoned in the Warsaw Ghetto, enlisted a group of academics, journalists, and activists to create a secret archive. Over a two-year period, they created a comprehensive archive that chronicled life and death in the ghetto. The archive was secretly buried within the ghetto. After the war, miraculously, a portion of the archive was retrieved from underneath the rubble where the ghetto once stood. The full archive consists of over 35,000 documents, and right here in Melbourne, you can see 12 key documents and one of the metal boxes they were carried in. The exhibition offers a rare insight into the personal experiences of those incarcerated within the ghetto – showcasing items such as drawings, posters, letters, songs, poems, plays, and even lolly wrappers. The exhibition also offers a uniquely Melbourne perspective with artefacts and first-hand accounts from survivors who immigrated to Melbourne after the war. More than 8,000 Polish-born Holocaust survivors immigrated to Australia within the first decade after WWII. Most settled in Melbourne, including approximately 2,000 from Warsaw. This exhibition is unlike many—you will be immersed in this harrowing but intimate attempt to tell the story of the Holocaust from the perspective of its victims. A series of public programs including behind-the-scenes tours, lectures and film screenings also launched alongside the exhibition and can be booked via the museum's website. Opening hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday 10am to 5pm. Book your tickets here. Images: Supplied.
Talk about dreams coming true, or ideas that you've probably fantasised about over a few glasses of vino actually becoming a reality. A town in Italy has installed what's certain to become a tourist attraction, at least with those fond of a grape-centric boozy beverage: a free, 24-hour wine fountain. Because you're probably already booking a trip to the European country, then Abruzzo is the place you want to head to. There, designed to provide refreshments to folks following the Cammino di San Tommaso pilgrimage from Rome to Ortona, inspired by a similar setup on the Camino de Santiago route in Spain, located at the Dora Sarchese vineyard and open to anyone who walks by, you'll find the fontana del vino dripping with the good stuff. Red wine that is, not white. Yes, this is a real thing. No, we'd never joke about something like this. It's better than anything Art vs Science could ever sing about, and up there with the cascade of youth-giving liquid spoken about in legends and nodded to in Darren Aronofsky's Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz-starring 2006 film. Forget bubblers spurting H20 — this is the true holy grail of public drink dispensers. You might recall similar concepts popping up around Italy in the past; however they were once-off affairs. This is permanent: no gimmicks, no time limit, just an all-day-round spring of vino that you can enjoy for zilch. The vineyard does warn that it's not for drunkards, though, so behave yourselves. Via Travel and Leisure.
UPDATE, August 9, 2020: Kusama: Infinity is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. Early in Kusama: Infinity, a series of black-and-white drawings and paintings take pride of place. Unsurprisingly given the documentary's subject, they're filled with dots. The artworks rank among Yayoi Kusama's earliest creations, with the Japanese icon starting her love affair with the medium — and with the circles that she repeatedly wields as a motif — when she was ten years old. Nearly eight decades later, she's still following those passions in pieces littered with dots and pumpkins, and in infinity rooms filled with orbs too. Of course, now the entire world gets to share in the eye-catching results. The path from creatively curious child to international superstar hasn't been quick or smooth for Kusama, which is the crux of Heather Lenz's film. As a kid, Kusama's mother would snatch away her paper while she was still drawing — and even as a twenty-something, it was only writing to American artist Georgia O'Keeffe that gave her the confidence to move to the US. Virtually ignored in conservative post-war Japan, she was hardly the toast of New York when she arrived in the late 1950s. That's the reality of an artist considered a sensation in her eighties: all of that fame and acclaim only came after a lifetime of hard work. Directing, writing, producing and editing her first full-length documentary, Lenz explores the inescapable truth at the heart of Kusama's story. In the process, she also gives viewers a Kusama 101 lesson. The dots, dilemmas and dramas flicker across the screen, furnishing a tale that's as much about the doors that wouldn't open to the young artist as it is about the boundaries that she dared to push. In Japan, she was a woman who defied convention by refusing to become a dutiful housewife. In America, she was both a woman in a male-dominated realm and a foreigner in an unwelcoming land. Everything about Kusama's story is vital and essential — as important and affecting as staring into one of her mirrored cubes, or seeing her dots completely envelop a room. But while Kusama: Infinity clearly recognises that fact, the movie remains happy to chronicle its subject in the usual art doco manner. Experts impart explanatory narration, sometimes as talking heads. Clips showcase a feast of different pieces, spanning paintings, sculptures, installations, videos and even America's first queer wedding ceremonies. Kusama herself lends her thoughts, which are relayed as interviews as well as voiceover. There's gorgeous sights and biographical insights aplenty, but the film never quite breaks the mould in the same fashion as the artist at its core. Thankfully, Kusama: Infinity's array of artwork works its charms. How could it not? If Kusama's pieces feel more than a little otherworldly just as they are, seeing them blown up on a big screen makes them larger than life. Colour, shape, movement, an intoxicating sense of repetition — they all dance through her creations, and through the movie as a result. As they do, one of the picture's opening remarks lingers: "I convert the energy of life into dots of the universe," Kusama offers. "And that energy, along with love, flies into the sky." Kusama herself proves the film's other highlight, for devotees and newcomers alike. Her work may tell a thousand stories — tales that the doco's well-selected archival photographs of the artist only enhance — however there's nothing like hearing about Kusama's life, motivations and roadblocks in her own words. There's nothing like seeing her chat to the camera either, with her bobbed red hair a-blazing. First spied wearing a vibrant crimson dress peppered with white polka dots while standing in front of one of her monochrome circle-filled drawings, she provides an instant visual reminder of why her art strikes a chord. It might be impossible to capture the enigma that is Kusama in one 85-minute documentary, but her inimitable allure is evident every time the artist herself brightens up the screen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRqxWNn3iQU
Two gigantic Australian billboards were hijacked this week, now sporting seriously gnarly tatts. Located in Sydney's George Street and Melbourne's St Kilda Junction, the 16m x 6m billboards have been emblazoned with giant tattooed lions by longtime team-up Aussie artists The Yok and Sheryo in collaboration with LYNX. The two artists were invited to use their own unique styles and expression to transform the men's brand's latest outdoor campaign. Marking phase one of LYNX's brand new 'Expression Series', the billboards were completed over four days; with a limited run of t-shirts and posters available through Facebook. This isn't the first time the pair have worked together; The Yok and Sheryo have exhibited and painted their fantastical creatures everywhere from Mexico to NY, Atlanta, LA, Miami, Africa, Belgium, London, Europe, Seoul, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and Cambodia. So why the massive lions? The Yok has seen his fair share of expression-fuelling travel, moving to Africa from Australia and finding an addictive freshness in his newfound environment (lions included). "I moved to Kenya when I was 25 and I lived there for a year and a half; I think that had a real dramatic effect, it was a really rewarding experience" says The Yok in the behind-the-scenes video. "I really value that feeling, so maybe I'm always trying to chase that feeling again. It's kind of like being a kid and everything's new. "I remember when I saw my first lion in Kenya. Such an amazing animal to see close up; they're just so powerful-looking. I can't really describe what it is to look at a lion in the face, but they're an amazing creature." https://youtube.com/watch?v=zNQyWPUqdF0 LYNX aren't stopping at two gigantic billboards; the next phase of the 'Expressions Series' will see typographer Luca Ionescu and a photographer collaborate on a mystery project to be announced later in the year. LYNX's project aims to help Australian guys express themselves authentically, supporting creators who stay true to their vision but might not always have the opportunity to do so. Check out LYNX's 'Expression Series' over here and stay tuned for the next project announcement later this year.
If you're into theatre, Poppy Seed is a festival to keep an eye on. It's one of only a few events that support and fund theatre in Melbourne — indie producers who take part are catapulted into recognition with the three-year-old festival growing in popularity and weight each season. 35 theatremakers are part of this year's month-long event, taking place between November 8 and December 9. This year's gala kicks the festival off with Alexithymia, a performance by Citizen Theatre and A_tistic. It's made up of three shorter pieces that explore life as a woman with autism and tests the audience's emotional intelligence. Jean Tong's Romeo Is Not the Only Fruit is a tongue-in-cheek, politically satirical musical representation of what it means to be a queer woman of colour in today's world, and features a 'Dead Lesbian chorus' — you'll have to go along to find out what this entails. Hyperlocal performances are a highlight of this year's festival. BREAD CRUMBS sees Ruby Johnston and Benjamin Nichol bring the traditional fairytale narrative to a Dandenong setting where it explores the impact of domestic violence and gender roles in the form of a sinister black comedy. And set on Flinders Street, Lost: 5 showcases five short monologues exploring the persistent issue of homelessness in the CBD. Finally, there's Tandem, presented by Gravity Dolls. It's circus-meets-gameshow, as actors respond to the audience's decisions and actions to win each game. An example? Giant acrobatic Jenga, and Twister (but with performers acting as the mat). Poppy Seed takes place in four locations across Melbourne: Meat Market in North Melbourne, South Yarra's Irene Mitchell Studio, The Butterfly Club in the CBD and Chapel off Chapel in Prahran. Each show is $22–35, with bundles and gala tickets available through the website.
Fancy a frolic in the flowers before colder weather arrives? The Ballarat Begonia Festival is just the place, with the Ballarat Botanical Gardens featuring three days of begonias, sustainability and community good vibes from March 8–10. Throughout the festival, visitors can expect a host of free activities, entertainment and educational experiences for all ages. Headlining this floral extravaganza in 2025 is The Last Numbat – a large-scale, interactive performance installation controlled by 14 people at a time. Sharing a message of connection, community and environmental awareness, this is the first time the enormous marionette will be presented on Australia's east coast. Also on the program is a who's who of environmental educators, eco-conscious chefs and award-winning gardeners. Everyone's favourite green thumb Costa Georgiadis will bring his infectious enthusiasm for sustainable gardening, while admired horticulturalist Millie Ross will share her unconventional approach to gardening. Plus, lauded local chef Liam Downes showcases his paddock-to-plate philosophy, highlighting the region's culinary delights. Beyond the main stage, a special begonia display features more than 500 rare and unique varieties, the Garden of Giggles offers free puppet and comedy shows for kids, and the gardeners' market reveals a treasure trove of plants, flowers and garden gifts. Of course, there's also a great selection of food trucks, plus refreshing drinks served from The Boronia Bar.
Everyone has different priorities when it comes to planning a holiday. For some, it's a jam-packed itinerary of outdoor adventures. Others may be looking for a place to kick back and relax. But for you, it may be all about seeking out good food and drinks. Hey, we don't blame you. You've got to keep fuel in the tank for that sightseeing. Canberra is one city that delivers all of the above on a silver platter. A weekend here can be filled with wondrous epicurean delights, plus a hell of a lot of life-affirming tasty vino. You'll find everything from fine dining establishments and cosy wine bars to bustling markets and top-notch wineries. Throw in a few more unique food experiences that you're unlikely to find in your city and you've got yourself a pretty amazing food-filled weekend. If you're guilty of planning every single meal in advance, right down to the dishes you (and your travelling companion) will order, we've got you covered. Read on to discover five spots around the capital that you must make a stop at on your next trip. Please stay up to date with the latest ACT Government health advice regarding COVID-19.
Brunswick, say hello to Joey Smalls. A little older (and somewhat wiser) than her rowdy CBD brother bars New Guernica and Chuckle Park, Joey Smalls is set up for relaxing summer days in her cosy courtyard or snug winter nights in a booth. In other words, you probably won't be on the dance floor spilling your vodka sodas all over everyone here. This is a much more casual affair. At Joey Smalls, the design seems to sit somewhere between American diner and modern Melbourne, though the final result makes it hard to say. A cave-like formation surrounded by polished wood and an Americana specials board results in a strange mix of styles — but it works. An excellent roster of DJ's will likely be playing a range of soul, funk, house or hip-hop most nights of the week with the odd special event or performance. Huxtaburger are supplying the food with the simple burger menu that Melbourne knows and loves. There are a few surprises thrown in too, such as the okonomiyaki fries ($15), which are covered head to toe in Kewpie mayo, bonito, special okonomiyaki sauce and a sprinkling of seaweed. Regular Huxtaburger prices apply with a burger setting you back $9.50-$12 depending on how fancy you want to be. Interesting local and imported beers are available by the bottle and on tap. The cocktail menu, while not exactly unique, is full of cheerful classics that won't break the bank. The Chilli Coconut Margarita ($15) and Passion Palomo ($15) are both tasty options to go with, but it's the wallet friendly Smoke 'n' Stormy ($10) — a twist on the classic Dark and Stormy — that is the crowd favourite. Licensed until well past your bedtime, Joey Smalls is a welcome addition to Sydney Road.
Chapel Street got a taste of old-world European romance when Matteo Bruno (Hana, The Meatball & Wine Bar) opened the doors to his latest project in May. Named after Bruno's 93-year-old nonna, Ines Wine Bar is one of the most charming watering holes around, Euro-style street seating and all. Inside, the team at Techne Architecture have pulled together a warm, laidback mix of walnut, Italian marble and aged brass accents, to match a soundtrack of classic tunes from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles. In short: it's a space designed for unwinding. Having most recently honed his smarts at Ides and intimate Japanese spot Kappo, sommelier Raffaele Mastrovincenzo has designed a wine list of around 80 Italian, French and local varieties, with a Coravin system allowing for more interesting by-the-glass sessions. That said, Ines' cocktail game is equally strong, with Italian mixology whizz Stefano Cinelli showing off his knack for the classics — you're just as likely to find yourself dropping in for a sazerac or old-fashioned. Plus, buy a bottle of your favourite spirit and they'll even keep it safe behind the bar for your subsequent visits. Meanwhile, in the culinary corner, it's Euro accents all the way. Think a daily-changing selection of crostini, cheese and charcuterie boards, freshly shucked oysters and the croque signore, riffing on a French classic with the addition of aged prosciutto.
Winter is well and truly upon us, but that doesn't mean you need to lock yourself away. Melbourne's cultural calendar is as jam-packed as ever, with endless activities to coax you out into the cold. From ice skating in the CBD to getting dressed up and watching the ballet to hearty long lunches, there's no shortage of fun to be had in this city, which has a way of looking especially beautiful in the rain. And the best part is, you can do all of these very weather-appropriate activities with a drink in hand. So you don't miss out on any of these winter happenings, we've partnered with Tanqueray to bring you some top activities to tackle this season. HIT THE ICE AT FED SQUARE'S WINTER VILLAGE Nothing says winter quite like strapping on your skates, and there's no better place to do it than at Federation Square's Winter Village. This seasonal pop-up in the very heart of the Melbourne CBD includes an ice rink and a charming igloo village, as well as hot chocolate and dessert stations. After carving it up out on the ice, treat yourself to a late-night martini at nearby Juniper haven Gin Palace on Russell Place. Alternatively, 1806 on Exhibition Street boasts a killer cocktail selection. The gin-based options range from the classics (negronis and dry martinis) to something a little more special like the Red Snapper — a gin-based take on a bloody mary with sherry. SIP PRE-SHOW COCKTAILS BEFORE CATCHING A MUSICAL Hamilton won't arrive on our shores until 2021, but you can still get your Lin-Manuel Miranda fix this winter with Bring It On: The Musical. On stage at the Athenaeum Theatre from Thursday, July 11–Sunday, July 28, the Tony-nominated production will have you cartwheeling in the aisles as you relive your younger self's favourite movie. If you want to bring a little high-brow to this decidedly low-brow night of fun, stop by Melbourne institution Eau de Vie on Malthouse Lane for a pre-show cocktail. The Opera-inspired Carmen 23, made with Tanqueray No.10, fino sherry, rosemary and rosewater sounds fitting, don't you think? [caption id="attachment_722852" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sean Fennessy[/caption] HAVE AN ARTY AFTERNOON THEN GO FOR A LAVISH LUNCH They're often described as the eighth wonder of the world. And, for the next few months at the National Gallery of Victoria, you can see them with your own two eyes. In town as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, the ancient Terracotta Warriors are presented here alongside new works by celebrated contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang — a powerful contrast of Chinese art old and new. When you're finished, why not grab a tipple and a bite to eat at The Barre next door at the Arts Centre? The food is seriously moreish — think squid ink linguine, tuna loin tataki and charcuterie boards — and it's all perfectly suited to enjoy with a Tanqueray No.10 and tonic. TUCK INTO A LUNCH DEGUSTATION THEN HEAD TO THE BALLET Enjoy a feast fit for a king, or maybe a hare and Mad Hatter, at fine dining establishment Lûmé in South Melbourne. Its recently relaunched long lunch degustation is the perfect thing for a chilly Saturday afternoon, with barbecue pork glazed in black banana, pumpkin molé tart and calamari with coconut, cucumber and chrysanthemum as just some of the options on offer. To drink, you can't go past the Negroni Fizz made with Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla, mandarin orange and vermouth. Keep the whimsy going by taking in the Australian Ballet's magical production of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, running at Arts Centre Melbourne from June 8–22. CELEBRATE WORLD GIN DAY What better way to kick off winter (aka gin season) than with a whole day dedicated to your favourite spirit? World Gin Day falls on Saturday, June 8 this year — the start to the Queen's birthday long weekend. So, in honour of this spirit and Australia's undying love for it, hit the streets and head to a Melbourne bar or restaurant for tastiest gin cocktail you can find. For an inventive tipple that can be enjoyed with some equally inventive bites, head to Saké on Flinders Street for the Berri Kawaii — this vibrant mix features spicy yuzu kosho shaken with sake and house-made berry jam. Or, if you'd like your gin served with a killer view on the side, head to Arbory Bar to sip a gin bramble, with creme de mure, lemon, blackberries and lemonade — you can order this as an individual drink or in a jug if the whole gin-loving crew has tagged along. But, if you'd rather keep things simple, make tracks to Garden State Hotel for a classic Negroni. Top Image: Gin Palace.
After a horror run over the last three years, another major cancellation has hit the Australian festival scene. This time, The Grass Is Greener has been forced to cancel its new Canberra and Geelong gigs, and four of its acts won't be appearing at the remaining Gold Coast and Cairns dates. 2023 was slated to be a big year for the fest, which made its debut in Cairns back in 2016. This year, it was due to expand outside the Sunshine State, including heading to Canberra and Geelong as part of its planned four-date run — and, it had locked in multiple international headliners. The festival has sadly had to scale back last-minute, citing a range of reasons including weather forecasts, rising costs and the event industry post-COVID. "The reason for cancellation doesn't rest upon a single factor. Rather, it's related to the culmination of multiple elements that have affected not only us but our industry partners and siblings across the entire event industry in the COVID/post-lockdown period," a statement from The Grass Is Greener team reads. [caption id="attachment_856350" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Curdin Photo[/caption] The statement continues: "From an event standpoint, especially heading into these new markets, a festival team relies on certain milestones to enable us to run events successfully. What's more, the weather warnings we're receiving from Canberra and Geelong have also played a large role in this decision. While the shows were selling slower than predicted, we still had full intention of seeing them through — loss or otherwise. However, when coupled with the chance that sites might not even be built due to the impending weather, we knew we had to make a call as soon as possible." While this is sad news for those in the ACT and Victoria, it's not all doom and gloom. The festival will still be going ahead in the Gold Coast on Saturday, October 22 and Cairns on Saturday, October 29 with the likes of YG, PNAU, Alok, Wafia, Boo Seeka and Wongo. ONEFOUR, Ty Dollar $ign, Zhu and Maya Jane Coles have dropped off the bill, however, and won't be playing the Gold Coast or Cairns. [caption id="attachment_856349" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitch Lowe[/caption] Refund information for folks with tickets for the two cancelled dates will be made available in the next 7–14 days, or Canberra and Geelong ticketholders can use their tickets to gain access to the Gold Coast and Cairns festivals. The festival's statement also mentions that tickets will be valid for YG's Melbourne sideshow on Monday, October 31. YG was billed to appear with Ty Dolla $ign at his Margaret Court Arena show on that date. Be sure to check the festival and YG's Instagram pages for up-to-date info on this sideshow. [caption id="attachment_812356" align="alignnone" width="1920"] PNAU. Image: Pat Stevenson[/caption] THE GRASS IS GREENER 2022 LINEUP: Alok Aluna Boo Seeka Brux Crush3ed Little Fritter Wongo Market Memories Mood Swing & Chevy Bass Pnau Sidepiece Sticky Fingers TDJ YG + more THE GRASS IS GREENER 2022 DATES: Saturday, October 22 — Doug Jennings Park, Gold Coast Saturday, October 29 — Cairns Showgrounds, Cairns The Grass Is Greener has cancelled its Geelong and Canberra dates. It will now hit the Gold Coast and Cairns with reduced lineups this month. Head to the festival website for more information. Top image: Mitch Lowe.
It might come as a surprise, given Australia's questionable internet speeds, but Melbourne has claimed the ranking of tenth smartest city in the world, with Sydney snapping at its heels in spot number 12. Headed up by international parking app company Easy Park, the 2017 Smart Cities Index analysed 500 cities worldwide, ranking the top 100. Other Australian cities that made the cut were Perth at number 41 and Adelaide at number 61. The key factors used in the study looked at digitalisation (including 4G connectivity, access to Wi-Fi hotspots and high smartphone usage) and knowledge-based mobility and transport (considering the prevalence of ride-share apps, smart parking and traffic sensors). Sustainability, online access to government services, and significant levels of citizen participation were also taken into consideration. Over 20,000 urban planning and technology experts were then asked to provide opinions about their own cities. Melbourne scored highest of all the countries for 4G connectivity, with Sydney and Perth making up the rest of the top three. Melbourne and Adelaide also ranked especially well when it came to citizen participation. Unsurprisingly, no Australian cities broke the top 20 for internet speed. While San Francisco topped the class with a perfect score of 10, Melbourne ranked number 26, with Sydney at 29 and Perth clocking in at 31. See the full table of results for the 2017 Smart Cities Index here. Photo via Wikimedia.
The first half of Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby is every bit its director, and is to be endured rather than enjoyed. Set during America's economic boom of the 1920s, the action is cartoonish, the dialogue is almost devoid of nuance and the lavish parties appear dull despite all the sparkles in the world — a regrettable triumph of impeccable style over substance. Apologists may argue this merely reflects Gatsby's time and theme: a shallow, superficial facade to reflect its characters and their unapologetic opulance, but that is too convenient. Simple regard to Luhrmann's history reminds us that exaggerated spectacle is every bit his custom, not a carefully chosen device, and his fondness for juxtaposing period drama with modern music (the soundtrack was produced by Jay-Z) proves more distracting than entertaining. Matters improve immeasurably, however, in the second half when Luhrmann begins to explore his favourite theme of forbidden love twixt star-crossed lovers. Moulin Rouge, Strictly Ballroom and Romeo & Juliet all hit their highest notes when the pagentry gave way to the intimate, and Gatsby is no exception. The stolen moments between its protagonist Jay (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Daisy (Carey Mulligan) are appropriately tender but ominous, presided over with a mix of fascination and regret by the film's narrator Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire). To borrow from Fitzgerald, these few quiet moments are — compared to the 'rotten crowd' of the first hour — worth more than the lot of them put together. From a performance standpoint, the women definitely come out on top. Mulligan is utterly charming as Daisy, consistently allowing her character's fragility to worm its way to the surface before masking it with a disarming smile, and Isla Fisher is unrecognisable as the mistress of Daisy's husband Tom (played by Joel Edgerton in yet another impressive turn). Most captivating of all, however, is the statuesque Elizabeth Debicki, who commands the eye in every frame of film she occupies. In terms of the men, Maguire's doe-eyed exuberance is endearing enough, though at times it strays almost to the point of clowning, and Jason Clarke provides a nice cameo as Fisher's dim-witted husband. In the role of Gatsby, DiCaprio looks every bit the man whose smile "was one of those rare [ones] with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you come across four or five times in life", yet his performance feels largely wooden and unnatural. It's as if the words and accent are not his own, particularly in the first half where they seem so apart from his body as to invoke uncomfortable memories of Tom Hardy's Bane. Ultimately, it's far from the disaster indicated by some of its early reviews, particularly those that labelled it a 'two-hour music video', and there's no denying Luhrmann has a flair for engaging the senses with his extraordinary vision. That said, The Great Gatsby largely departs from the memory almost as quickly as it arrives, an impermanent and largely uncritical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's beloved take on the infirmity of the American Dream. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ozkOhXmijtk
With summer waiting just around the corner, it's time to start plotting how to cram those warmer months with as many openair live music experiences as possible. And here's some more musical goodness to add to your hit-list: the return of Arts Centre Melbourne's concert series Live at the Bowl. Returning to the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl from Wednesday, January 4–Saturday, March 11, the sonic celebration is set to deliver a hefty lineup of local and international talent to start your year off right. And it all kicks off with a couple of huge gigs from UK rockers Arctic Monkeys. Other international stars set to grace the stage include indie-folk legends Bon Iver, German DJ Boris Brejcha, New Zealand's Lorde and US singer-songwriter Kehlani, while Savage Garden's Darren Hayes is descending on the Bowl for a special solo show. [caption id="attachment_875625" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kehlani[/caption] The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's signature free concert series will also return, this time delivering a celebration of Tchaikovsky, a dedicated showcase of Melbourne artists and a performance of Prokofiev's Carmina Burana. The much-loved dance tunes-meets-classical music mash-up that is Synthony is back with a new show on February 17, paying homage to the past three decades of club sounds with tracks by Disclosure, Eric Prydz, Flume, Calvin Harris and more. [caption id="attachment_875626" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Midsumma Extravaganza, by Suzanne Balding[/caption] And on January 21, comedian Joel Creasey and RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under legend Kween Kong will host the star-studded queer fiesta known as Midsumma Extravaganza. Taking the stage for this huge night of fun, you'll catch comedians including Nina Oyama, Rhys Nicholson and Scout Boxall, as well as a sparkling cast of musical talent such as Courtney Act, Tina Del Twist, Kira Puru and Dolly Diamond. There'll also be a riotous tribute to the late drag icon Miss Candee, featuring an ensemble of 22 drag artists recreating the star's best-loved moments and songs. [caption id="attachment_875627" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MSO's 'Carmina Burana', by Mark Gambino[/caption] Live at the Bowl returns to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl from Wednesday, January 4–Saturday, March 11. To check out the full program of events and nab tickets, head to the Arts Centre Melbourne website. Top Image: Ian Laidlaw
Following on from the success of his Collingwood debut, acclaimed French boulanger Gontran Cherrier has opened a second Melbourne bakery in Hawthorn. Focusing on take-away bites — with a small sit-down space for those eager to eat in-store — it's the latest addition to the fourth-generation baker's growing pastry empire. For those new to Cherrier's tasty wares, he was sent to the prestigious Ferrandi Culinary School when he was 16, and then went on to study in Paris at the Les Grandis Moulin de Paris bakery and patisserie school. It's no surprise then that, after opening his first boulangerie in Paris in 2010, he has since swiftly expanded into Singapore, Japan, Korea and now two spots in Australia. Filled with light and featuring a stripped-back look, the new Glenferrie Road store boasts a hefty array of flaky, buttery deliciousness — including his classic offerings, as well as three new savoury danishes of the chorizo, tomato, smoked paprika and fetta; zuccini and fetta; and, egg, ham and gruyere varieties. With everything else staying the same, this means that the flour is still Gontran's favourite Label Rouge, which he sources from the french region of Auvergne, and the croissants are still small, dense and chewy. Maintaining the quality of the traditional product, Cherrier is known to then add unique and unexpected flavours into the mix, so if you want to try something a little out of the norm, the miso rye bread or lemon yuzu tart are good places to start. In Cherrier's mind, "freshly baked bread, made from French flour is one of life's greatest pleasures." This is something you're probably already well aware. What you mightn't know is that French flour is much more digestible than other alternatives, which means that it won't leave you bloated or uncomfortable. Recognising Glenferrie Road's community feel, the new boulangerie also hopes to collaborate with local businesses further down the line. Find Gontran Cherrier at 696 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. Head to their website for further details.
What stars Selena Gomez (The Dead Don't Die), Steve Martin (It's Complicated), Martin Short (Schmigadoon!), the ageless Paul Rudd (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), and the one and only Meryl Streep (Don't Look Up)? What's arriving to add a bit of murder, a new mystery to solve and plenty of laughs to your winter? That'd be season three of Only Murders in the Building, which has locked in a date for its eagerly awaited premiere: Tuesday, August 8. "Is this really happening again?" asks Oliver Putnam (Short) in the first teaser trailer for the new batch of episodes. "Well, you know, who are we without a homicide?" replies his neighbour, fellow murder-mystery buff and co-podcaster Mabel Mora (Gomez). Clearly, this hit sleuthing comedy will be back doing what it's always done, and well, since season one made it one of the best new shows of 2021 and season two put it in the best returning category in 2022. This time around, Mabel, Oliver and Charles-Haden Savage's (Martin) will still be bantering while solving a murder. Given that season two ended with another big death, the latter won't come as a surprise — and neither will the victim. From the initial sneak peek so far, season three will devote a fair amount of its focus to working through the events leading up to that killing, piecing together what happened, why, how and who's behind it. Enter Rudd and Streep, because this series does love adding names to its on-screen roster. Over both season one and two, Tina Fey (Girls5eva) has been a significant presence, Sting and Amy Schumer have played themselves, and Cara Delevingne (Carnival Row) has also popped up. If you're yet to experience Only Murders in the Building's charms, it follows the odd trio of Charles-Haden, Oliver and the much-younger Mabel after they bond over two things: listening to a Serial-style podcast hosted by the show's own version of Sarah Koenig, aka Cinda Canning (Fey); and a death in their luxe abode. Of course, they did what everyone that's jumped on the true-crime bandwagon knows they would if they were ever in the same situation, starting their own audio series that's also called Only Murders in the Building. That's how season one kicked off — and continued, proving a warm, funny, smart and savvy series at every step along the way. In the show's second go-around, another death needed investigating. That time, it was someone the main trio were all known not to be that fond of, so suspicions kept pointing in their direction. Check out the first trailer for Only Murders in the Building season three below: Only Murders in the Building's third season will start streaming Down Under via Star on Disney+ from Tuesday, August 8. Season one and two are currently streaming. Read our full review of season two — and of the show's first season, too.
What would you do if you were a little less freaked out by consequences? Would you talk to more new people, fear a bit less, dance a little more like FKA Twigs, quit your desk job and start that no-guarantees creative career you've always had in the back of your mind? Some sparkling young Australians are already flinging their inhibitions into a ziplock bag and seizing this little ol' life with both hands. Concrete Playground has teamed up with the Jameson crew to give you a sneak peek into the lives of bold characters who took a big chance on themselves. They've gone out on a limb and rewritten their path, encapsulating 'Sine Metu', the Jameson family motto which translates to 'without fear' — getting outside your comfort zone and trying something new. After all, we only get one shot at this. Take notes. From a very young age, we're all asked the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" We're told to pick one path, one profession, to neatly label the rest of your life. Our responses change as we grow up, from astronaut to engineer, princess to PR, and for Sydney-based Cole Bennetts, from Penguin Boy to renowned photographer taking the Prime Minister's portrait. You can read the interview over here. Want to experience a little bit of 'Sine Metu' yourself? Cole's being a total legend and helping us give away the chance to be a photographed like the biggest names in the music business. Cole will work with you and a lucky friend to create a unique shoot for your own use, be it the ultimate profile pic or your next step to stardom — so you can see for yourself what happens when bold humans take big creative chances with big payoffs. Enter here to win.
This summer, the Heide Museum of Modern Art is celebrating the works of famed British artist Barbara Hepworth through its new In Equilibrium exhibition. Dame Barbara Hepworth is known for being one of the greatest modernist sculptors during the 20th century, and the first female sculptor to achieve international recognition and accolades. The Heide Museum has curated more than forty of them for this exhibit, many of which have never been seen in Australia. [caption id="attachment_874063" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Eidos, 1947, Barbara Hepworth, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. © Bowness[/caption] They will take over the main galleries of the Heide Museum from November 5, 2022, to March 13, 2023 and will trace Hepworth's career, including her early figurative carvings, forming a complete retrospective of her life's works. Much focus will be on her inspirations, too. Nature was one of Hepworth's main influences, with the artist inspired by the coastal landscape of St Ives in Cornwall, where she lived and worked for much of her artistic career. From the movement of tides to Cornwall's magnificent and towering ancient standing stones, the artist's later sculptures are a nod to much of the patterns and shapes found naturally formed in nature. In Equilibrium offers up a rare opportunity for Australians to experience Hepworth's sculptures and learn more about Hepworth herself — who was one of the leading British artists of her generation. [caption id="attachment_874064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Drawing for sculpture—Santorin, 1955, Barbara Hepworth, Image courtesy The Hepworth Wakefield. © Bowness[/caption] Tickets to Barbara Hepworth: In Equilibrium cost $22 (+ booking fee) for adults, $17 (+ booking fee) for concession holders and are free for Heide Museum of Modern Art members. Top image: Sculpture with Colour and Strings, 1939, Barbara Hepworth, Ingram Collection, London. © Bowness
Sometimes, it can feel like there's a new high-rise building popping up in Melbourne every week. But, the city's newest urban development is a welcome respite from all that height. Dubbed simply Park Melbourne, the street-level retreat is the latest venture from Maz Salt, director of Cast of Falcons (Section 8, Ferdydurke, Belleville). And it's made its home in a former Chinatown car park. After Salt won a lengthy battle with Melbourne City Council over plans and permits, the 40-year-old car park was transformed into an openair bar and public space, with an ever-evolving arts program and an indefinite lifespan. The once bitumen-filled space has been reimagined at the hands of Baracco & Wright Architects, the minds behind 2018's Australian Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Soil and bark cover the ground, and a swag of native tree have been arranged throughout, planted into recycled plastic bags in a nod to Park's temporary nature. You'll spy indigenous grasses, red gums, acacia and sheoaks, referencing what this space might have been like decades before. [caption id="attachment_748697" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] In the centre of Park, you'll find a shiny silver Airstream serving up refreshments from morning till night. Opening at 8am with coffees from Brunswick roaster Founder and a rotating iced Tea 2 special, it transforms into a bar at night with tinnies of Furphy and 3 Ravens Acid sour beer, and couple of local wines. To eat, there's a selection of fresh baguettes and Pie Thief pastries. Expect regular appearances from Melbourne food truck favourites, too, like T-Rex BBQ. As for the entertainment, Park's main aim is to deliver a diverse, ever-changing program of free events, while supporting local talent. Think, resident DJs spinning tunes, a broad lineup of creative workshops, installations and live art projects. Also on the agenda: a community radio station in a pop-up greenhouse at the front of the space. Keep an eye on Park Melbourne's Instagram for upcoming events. Find Park Melbourne at 132–138 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. It's open from Thursday–Saturday 8am–1am, Sunday–Wednesday 8am–11pm. Images: Julia Sansone
Memories don't just dwell in the mind — they also linger in places. Gazing at a piece of furniture may inspire recollections of younger, wilder days, just as playing a particular record in a specific room can conjure up visions of times gone by. In Aquarius, as retired music critic Clara (Sônia Braga) battles to save her seaside apartment from developers, this is what she's fighting for. Her home, where she raised her three now-grown children, is more than simply a lucrative piece of real estate in an area undergoing gentrification. As she's reminded with every glance, it's where her life has unfolded. Understanding that sentiment is easy in Kleber Mendonça Filho's second fictional film. Or, to be more accurate, the Brazilian writer-director makes it look easy. Named after the structure at its centre, Aquarius starts with a flashback to the 1980s, ensuring that viewers will already appreciate just what Clara's home means to her once developers come calling. "This is a generous offer," she's told when her doorbell rings in the present. But you can't put a price on what Clara has, and what she wants to hold on to. Before long, they begin to push harder, and even her kids start chiming in. Still, our protagonist remains unfazed, embracing her quest to save her very own castle. In truth, Clara's fight for her right to live where she wants is tied to and heightened by several other factors. Focusing on a beloved, rough-around-the-edges building that's being cast aside for supposedly bigger and better things, the film's statement on the current climate of upheaval in Brazil is inescapable. And then there's Clara herself: an older woman who refuses to be ignored or bulled by a younger generation that thinks they know better, or to behave in a more 'age-appropriate' way. In short, Clara is a force to be reckoned with – and that goes more than double for the magnetic actor portraying her. Spying parallels between Aquarius' protagonist and its main place of interest aren't hard, and nor are they meant to be. But what would have likely been clumsy and clichéd in most other hands proves complex and nuanced here, largely thanks to Filho's leading lady. A stock-standard crank well past her prime Braga's character most definitely is not. After spending much of her recent career popping up in American TV shows such as Luke Cage, Alias and Sex and the City, the veteran actress couldn't be more commanding, whether Clara is flirting with the young lifeguard across the street, dancing in her living room to Queen's 'Fat Bottomed Girls' or reminding her nemesis at the construction company that she won't be pushed around. The movie might be given room to grow and breathe over the course of 142 minutes, but Braga ensures that her performance is memorable from the outset. From the steely glint in her eye to the confident swagger in her walk, she makes Clara the passionate and determined 65-year-old everyone wants to grow up to become. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zln78CcFkA
Nothing says summer like ice cream and ice cold ciders, and you'll find both — along with a variety of other tasty morsels — at the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club Summer Pop-Up. Open from Boxing Day to the Australia Day long weekend at the Surf Club House at 52 Ocean Road, Point Lonsdale, the month-long multi-storey pop-up restaurant and bar will feature food and beverages from local vendors perfect for munching under the sun. Savoury snacks will come courtesy of Fodda Food Truck — think summer tacos, BBQ prawn skewers and sweet potato cakes. Dessert, meanwhile, will be provided by The Scandinavian Ice Cream Company, who've created a special chocolate and honeycomb 'bumblebee' flavour just for the occasion. For their part, The Flying Brick Cider Company will keep punters thoroughly hydrated, sponsoring the pop-up's downstairs lawn bar featuring cider as well as beer and a selection of local wines.
If life has you travelling regularly between Melbourne and Geelong, here's a little win for you: you'll soon be able to do so via ferry. After trials in July 2018, Port Phillip Ferries will run a regular service between the two cities from December this year. Transporting commuters between Central Geelong, adjacent to the Cunningham Pier, and Victoria Harbour, the ferries will run twice daily. While times haven't yet been announced, the test runs ran departed Corio Bay for Docklands at 6.15am, then made the return trip to Geelong at 5.30pm. Last year's trip took around one hour and 45 minutes, aka a bit longer than the train journey, which typically takes an hour and a half. That said, it might be quicker than driving in peak hour traffic — especially if you work in or near the harbour. Thanks to a new 'fast ferry', it could be speedier still — although those details haven't been revealed either. Built by Tasmanian-based company Incat, the new route will be sailed by a purpose-built Geelong Flyer catamaran, which'll boast indoor and outdoor spaces, and can seat 400 people. Either way, with the added bonus of free wifi, phone charging stations, bike racks and an on-board licensed cafe (perfect for that post-work tipple), the ferry ride sounds a whole lot more picturesque than the train journey — and much more tempting than a peak-hour crawl over the West Gate Bridge. If you don't get seasick, that is. Committing to the route continues the expansion of Port Phillip Ferries' commuter services. It has already been running a daily service between Portarlington and Melbourne, the Bellarine Express, for the past three years, and promised that the Geelong route would be considered for a permanent fixture if trials proved successful. Port Phillip Ferries' new Geelong Flyer will hit the water from December 2019. For further details, visit the Port Phillip Ferries website.
The National Gallery of Victoria International is putting a spotlight on female artists with its latest large-scale exhibition. Designing Women will open on level three from September 28, 2018 to March 24, 2019. The exhibit showcases nearly 40 years of work from 1980–2018 and focuses on the ongoing role of women in contemporary design culture. It will collate the NGV International collection to highlight over 50 pieces that span multi-disciplinary creative fields — including fashion, jewellery, product design, architecture and digital breakthroughs. Works from groundbreaking designers Zaha Hadid and Neri Oxman will be joined by those by local heavy-hitters Elliat Rich and Helen Kontouris. An NGV commission will also be showcased as part of the exhibition — Lee Darroch, a Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti, Boon Wurrung artist from Gippsland, has designed a 25-pelt possum skin cloak that depicts the enthralling history of her family and the region. Accompanying the exhibition is a discussion titled Curator's Perspective: Modern Day Trailblazers, which will take place at 12pm on Sunday, October 14. The talk will be hosted by Simone LeAmon (NGV's curator of contemporary design and architecture) and discuss how the female artists on display have succeeded in this male-dominated industry. Image: Carlotta de Bevilacqua, Yang Metamorphosis 2000 for Artemide, Italy. Courtesy of the designer.
Arc One Gallery are kicking off 2014 with a bang, hosting the work of seven prominent Australian artists in this impressive new group exhibition. From the end of January till the start of March, you may stumble across some local greats such as Julie Rrap, Anne Zahalka, Peter Callas, Pat Brassington, Peter Daverington, or Rose Farrell and George Parkin; and though there's no solid theme to the show, it seems each work may well end up subtly complementing the next. Though renowned in different mediums and styles, each artist Arc One represents seem enthralled in an exploration of different kinds of dissonance. Whether that be a conflict of cultures as in Peter Callas' work Japanese Uncle Sam, or a convergence of styles as in Anne Zahalka's photographic appropriation of Jan Van Eyck's Arnolfini Portrait, The Marriage of Convenience (pictured above). In fact, a tension between the new and old seems to be a recurring theme exhibited especially in Peter Daverington's cheekily titled oil painting Miniature Self Portrait #Selfie. With all this in mind, the show's title seems somehow spot on — exploring the differences and divides in our shared histories these artists are all in some way trying to unite these things which at first seem a world apart.
Summer is here and with it the holy trinity of sun, sand and surf — and conveniently long days to enjoy them. But before you book your annual leave and leg it to the beach, plan your suncation. Now is the time to invest in sun safe essentials so you don't come out the other side of summer looking like a shrivelled raisin. And one of the most overlooked sun-safe accessories is a beach tent. "A beach tent?" you shriek. "Good grief, I'm not 85!" Well, hold up now. Yes, beach tents may have started as a gaudy, fluorescent nightmare dotting the shore but the logic behind them is sound. And they've evolved way past the beach tents we remember as kids and they're the best way to keep the sun off. We've found some super cute ones that won't ruin your beach cred while you avoid the UV. BYRON BAY BEACH LIFE As if those gorgeous, vintage tropical prints weren't sweet enough, these tents by Byron Bay Beachlife have clearly been designed by someone who spends a lot of time on the beach. How can we tell? They're designed to cast shade but also give you a clear, 360-degree view of the beach so you can stay out of the sun but keep track of any fire hotties that wander past. And isn't that the whole point of lazing on the beach? They've been designed to be assembled in a few different ways too, so you can customise your set-up. GINGER AND GILLIGAN If you're looking to spend big bucks on your beach swag (we're talking $249 each) and be voted 'Most Opulent Beach Goer 2016', look no further than Ginger and Gilligan. We recommend their tie-dyed beach tipi because it's just so damn pretty. It's also a bit more contained than most beach tents, giving you some privacy while ocean-side, just in case you need to change. Each tent is hand-dyed so you can guarantee no one else on the beach will have a tent like yours. LOVIN' SUMMER Minimalist beach tents look incredible. You can rig your beach set-up to look like it's straight out of a photoshoot. But how do minimalist beach tents hold up against the elements? Pretty well apparently. The gorgeous tents from Lovin' Summer are only minimalist in look. They block out 99 percent of UV protection and come with specially-made pegs that anchor deep in the sand. They've also been designed to be easily assembled by a solo beachgoer, making them genuinely 'pop-up'. SOMBRILLA BY HOLLIE AND HARRIE The Sombrilla tent by Hollie and Harrie, similar to the Byron Bay Beach Life design, lets you gaze over the whole beach while staying in the shade. They come in a variety of pop colours and designs, bringing to mind the famous beach boxes of Brighton Beach. And best of all, they're versatile — you can put it up in the standard symmetrical formation for shade coverage or set it up more like a windbreaker for when the sun dips low. They also sell windbreakers, for those days when you just can't have the wind up in your business. SUNNY JIM When we say Sunny Jim tents are designed to make #beachlife easy, we really mean it. They've thought of everything you could possibly need to execute the perfect beach tent seamlessly. The cute tents fold away into an easy yoga bag and/or handbag and they come with a mallet. A mallet! Useful not only for banging in pegs but also for passing official judgements on your friends. Best of all, the shade material is made from UPF50+, the highest shade rating available. The Sunny Jim really isn't messing around here. CANCER COUNCIL The range of tents available from the Cancer Council might be a bit more in line with your original ideas about beach tents. They're the classic beach pod, closed in on three sides (no sunlight getting in here, no sir) in bright blues and yellows. They each boast the highest UPF rating (50+) and very high nostalgia factor. We'd also like to give an honourable mention to the 'Sunshade Chair', a fully shaded chair, with a drink holder included. Now that's how you stay sun safe with raditude. SPORTBRELLA Now, here us out on this one. The Sportbrella might look a bit whack, being a Frankenstein combo of beach tent and beach umbrella, but it's actually pretty useful. It's rocking that UPF 50+ rating, so you know no UV is getting in. The Sportbrella (but feel free to use it for leisure) combines the sturdiness of the umbrella staked into the sand with the privacy of an enclosed beach tent. Plus they're huge, at 2.45 metres wide and perfect for big groups. Stay tuned for our wrap-up of the summer's best beach umbrellas, coming soon.
Melbourne’s very own international biennial festival dedicated to contemporary video practice has come around once more to thoroughly bend our minds. This year, Channels Festival will host a series of exhibitions, screenings, talks, performances, and workshops that will disrupt your reality, challenging the historical context of video and make suggestions as to where the future lies for this artform in an increasingly tech-saturated world. The official opening night kicks off on September 18, at Screen Space. The night will feature international festival guest Same Smith's new exhibition Slow Fragmentation downstairs, as well as a selection of contemporary video work from Australian and New Zealand artist-run initiatives, curated by Screen Space, upstairs. Some highlights from this year’s program include In the Epoch of the Near and Far exhibition, featuring works from Petra Cortright (USA) and Heath Franco (AUS) and curated by Amelia Winata, and Jessie Scott’s exhibition/lending library, Miraculous Ribbon. The festival will run for ten days in total in venues across the CBD, Fitzroy and Collingwood, as well as online.
1980s Brisbane is coming to your streaming queue, and one of Australia's iconic novels along with it. It's been four years since Harper Collins sold the television rights to Boy Swallows Universe in 2019, then a year since Netflix announced its involvement in bringing the tale to the screen in 2022. Now, when 2024 hits, the wait to see what Trent Dalton's beloved award-winner looks like as a streaming series will be over. Boy Swallows Universe has won a swag of awards, including the Book of the Year, Literary Book of the Year and Audio Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards — and was longlisted for Australia's most prestigious literature prize, the Miles Franklin. It sold a heap of copies and been turned into a play. The Brisbane-set story trod those boards in Brissie, too, and now it's a Netflix series that was shot in the River City. After releasing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the production, initially advising that it would arrive in 2023 and dropping a first teaser trailer, the TV adaptation has now locked in its release date and unveiled its full sneak peek. First, mark Thursday, January 11, 2024 in your diary. Then, check out what's in store for this coming-of-age story on-screen via the new trailer. Dalton's novel and now the television show that follows spin a tale about a young boy, his prophetic brother and his jailbreaking best friend as they navigate the heroin-filled underworld of 80s Queensland. Also included: Eli Bell's (Felix Cameron, Penguin Bloom) attempt to understand how to be a good person, with his plight spanning a lost father, a criminal for a babysitter, a mum recovering from addiction, a mute brother, a stepfather who deals and a red telephone. Netflix's Boy Swallows Universe adaptation features eight episodes, running as a self-contained limited series, as it plunges into the space between childhood's magic and adulthood's reality. Travis Fimmel (Black Snow) also stars as Lyle Orlik, while the cast includes Simon Baker (Limbo) as Robert Bell and Phoebe Tonkin (Babylon) as Frances Bell — plus Lee Tiger Halley (The Heights) as Gus Bell. Also appearing: Bryan Brown (Hungry Ghosts) as Slim Halliday, Anthony LaPaglia (Nitram) as Tytus Broz, and Sophie Wilde (Talk to Me) as Caitlyn Spies, plus Christopher James Baker (Ozark) as Ivan Kroll, HaiHa Le (Spooky Files) as Bich Dang and Deborah Mailman (The New Boy) as Poppy Birkbeck. And, you'll see Ben O'Toole (Barons) as Teddy, Zachary Wan (Never Too Late) as Darren Dang, and Millie Donaldson (Jack Irish) and Eloise Rothfield as Shelley Huffman (aged 17 and 13, respectively). Boy Swallows Universe is directed by Bharat Nalluri (The Man Who Invented Christmas), Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker) and Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket), and scripted by screenwriter John Collee (Master and Commander, Happy Feet, Hotel Mumbai). The impressive names involved extend to the show's executive producers, too, which include Joel Edgerton (The Stranger), Troy Lum (The Water Diviner, Saving Mr Banks, Mao's Last Dancer), Andrew Mason (The Matrix, The Water Diviner), Sophie Gardiner (Howard's End, Chimerica) and Kerry Roberts (Foe, Boy Erased). Check out the full trailer for Boy Swallows Universe below: Boy Swallows Universe will stream via Netflix from Thursday, January 11, 2024. Images: courtesy of Netflix © 2023.
In a week that's already revealed the closure of The Commune Group's short-lived Alter Dining and celebrated fine diner Estelle by Scott Pickett, another Melbourne restaurant has announced its farewell. The latest news sees Andrew McConnell's St Kilda eatery Supernormal Canteen up for sale, 12 months after the chef transformed the space from its previous incarnation as Luxembourg. McConnell has had the Fitzroy Street site for seven years, since launching his first solo venture Golden Fields there back in 2011. Now, it's on the market as the owner moves to focus his attentions on the rest of his hefty restaurant stable. A Supernormal spokesperson confirmed the news, saying, "After seven years in St Kilda, we have decided to consolidate our focus on existing venues and projects." At this stage, no closing date has been set and the venue will kick on as usual, at least until a new buyer snaps up the site. The restaurant's CBD sibling, Supernormal will continue operating as usual. Pay Supernormal Canteen a visit while you still can, at 157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. Image credit: Nikki To
Coburg Night Market, the much-loved northside summer pop-up, is back for a 23rd time, taking over Bridges Reserve from Friday, December 15–Sunday, December 17. Whether you're stocking up on prezzies or just want to soak up the start of those long summer nights, the free, dog-friendly market promises three nights and two days jam-packed with good stuff. Not least of which are the live tunes that go well beyond your stock standard neighbourhood p festival lineup. Pull up a picnic rug and treat your ears to sounds from the likes of Pirritu, Hooper Crescent, Muma Ganoush, OUZO!, Fonzie, Sunny Morris, Sunfruits and DJ Jas Moore from Triple R. The Coburg Night Market is also introducing the Mindful Mob Healing Market for the first time. First Nations songwriter and producer Maylene Yinarr has curated a stacked program featuring performances, a children's mindfulness workshop, cultural healing sessions, Elders stories and more. Visitors will be encouraged to enter this cultural space within Coburg Night Market of the broader market to learn more about the local First Nations community and their connection to land and Spirit. Shoppers will also find an impressive curation of 68 market stalls from local creatives and businesses. This will include a heap of food and drink vendors slinging a diverse range of eats throughout the weekend. The market will run from 5–10:30pm on December 15, 12–10:30pm on December 16 and 12–8:30pm on December 17. Images: Nic Cleary and Coburg Night Market
After one of the hottest summers on record and heading back into the cooler months, the thought of throwing on a suit is just becoming bearable. And, in perfect timing, menswear label M.J. Bale has announced a huge archive sale. Running from Thursday, March 21 to Sunday, March 24, at 255A Chapel Street, the sale will get you sorted for the season ahead (and maybe a few after that, too). Since Matt Jensen founded the quality menswear brand in 2009, it's become a staple in many of Aussie men's wardrobes. From quality office attire to special occasion wear, the label prioritises maintaining a close supply chain between Australian wool growers, Italian weavers and Japanese tailors, so you're guaranteed to find clothing that is stylish, breathable and top quality. Along with suit wear, the brand also offers laidback linen, knitwear, cotton and lightweight flannel styles, plus a great selection of accessories. And you'll be able to score some of it for up to 75 percent across the four-day sale. The M.J. Bale Archive Sale will be open 8am–8pm on Thursday, March 21 to Friday, March 22 and 9am–5pm on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 — head to the event page for more.
