Since 1999, Teage Ezard's eponymous fine diner has lived on Flinders Lane. But now it is no more, with Ezard this week announcing the permanent closure of the CBD spot. Together with Ezard's other more casual restaurant Gingerboy — and much of Melbourne's hospitality scene — Ezard temporarily closed in late March due to COVID-19 restrictions. That closure was switched to a more long-term decision on Thursday, June 4, when the acclaimed chef announced on social media that the restaurant would not be reopening. "Today we announce the end of an era," Ezard said in the post. "As we work towards exciting new beginnings, we have decided to close Ezard restaurants." Ezard's Yarra Valley restaurant, Ezard at Levantine Hill, has also shut up shop, with the winery announcing it will be offering 'an exciting new wine and food offer' when it reopens to the public on June 25, 2020. https://www.instagram.com/p/CA_m4S5jtIa/ As for Ezard, he says new projects (yes, plural) are in the works for 2021. "For many months, we have been evaluating, reshaping and planning for exciting new projects to come in 2021. As a company, we're exploring casual dining and experiential ventures," Ezard said. The chef's hawker-style CBD spot Gingerboy remains open and continues to be takeaway-only for the time being. Both pick up and delivery are available at present, with the restaurant offering its dumplings, curries and bottled Korean barbecue sauce to-go. Ezard is now closed. We'll let you know when more information about Teage Ezard's new ventures are announced.
Maybe you love checking out live bands, especially today's up and comers that'll become tomorrow's huge stars. Perhaps you like hearing the inside word from folks in the music business who've been there, done that and seen everything. For 22 years, BIGSOUND has offered both, operating as both a music festival and a conference — and its 2023 run just nabbed a few more impressive speakers. Back in April, the Brisbane event revealed the first folks that'd be chatting this year, with its initial speaker lineup headlined by ROC Nation's Omar Grant — who was once the road manager for Destiny's Child and now shares the President role at Jay-Z's entertainment agency. Now, the fest has added talents with experience managing Wham! and composing the score for Avatar: The Way of Water. Meet BIGSOUND 2023's two Simons: Simon Napier-Bell and Simon Franglen. The first also managed George Michael and Boney M, wrote music alongside Dusty Springfield, and made a documentary about Michael — and also one about Frank Sinatra. The second is a Grammy-winning composer with experience working with Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Madonna and Barbra Streisand. Plus, among Franglen's screen credits also sits music roles on Titanic, Moulin Rouge!, Skyfall, SPECTRE, Space Jam, Cool Runnings and Se7en. Both will discuss their hefty careers on a conference bill that's just added Clockenflap Festival promoter Cora Chan and South by Southwest's Senior Music Programmer Dev Sherlock, among others, as well. Over the past two-plus decades, BIGSOUND has highlighted Australia's music industry, getting power players sharing their experience and advice, championing emerging talents, fostering crucial connections, and celebrating live tunes and the folks that make them happen in general. In 2023, it'll do so across four days, at 18 venues, with 141 artists getting behind the microphone and via 300-plus showcases, all from Tuesday, September 5–Friday, September 8. The music lineup was announced in early July, as chosen from more than 1300 applications. Among those making the bill: Brisbane's own Full Flower Moon Band, Zheani, Felivand and Baby Prince; Sydney's Moss and Little Green; Melbourne's PANIA, Moaning Lisa and The Slingers; Perth's DICE and Siobhan Cotchin; and Adelaide's Aleksiah and The Empty Threats. From New Zealand comes Reb Fountain and SWIDT, while Casey Mowry and MF Tomlinson are heading to Queensland from the UK. [caption id="attachment_907796" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Kan[/caption] BIGSOUND 2023 SPEAKER LINEUP: First conference announcement: Ash Stahl (Flightless) Cabrea Casey (Downtown Music) Hazel Savage (Soundcloud) Michele Ronzon (Interscope) Omar Grant (ROC Nation) Scott Cohen (JKBX) Vanessa Palmer (Paramount) Second conference announcement: Chloe Pean (AEG Presents) Chris Brearley (Greyline Touring / School Night) Chris Duncan (The Orchard) Christiaan Kröner (FUGA / Downtown) Cora Chan (Clockenflap Festival) David Telfer (DMT Law Firm) Dev Sherlock (SXSW) Ed Lilo (Festival Republic) Eli Gelernter (Wasserman) Hallie Anderson (Rareform) Hannah Sklonick (Secretly Group) Jackie Palazzolo (Riot Games) Jaclyn Ulman (Grandstand Media) Jacob Daneman (Pitch Perfect PR) Jamie Shaughnessy (CAA) Jule Konrad (FMLY) Kate English (Parallel Lines) Louisa Robinson (Form Presents) Matt Hanner (Runaway Artists) Patrick Daniel (Reeperbahn) Seth Hubbard (Polyvinyl) Seth Kallen (This Faction) Silke Westera (FKP Scorpio) Simon Franglen (Composer/Producer) Simon Napier-Bell (Manager) Steve Zapp (ITB) Tony Kiewel (Sub Pop) BIGSOUND 2023 will take place between Tuesday, September 5–Friday, September 8 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For more information, visit bigsound.org.au. Check out BIGSOUND's 2023 artist lineup. Top image: courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios.
UPDATE: Tuesday, January 20 — With a majority of the Melbourne Music Week events selling out, this year's extended program has been expanded again with six new events being added. Punk rockers Skeggs and Ruby Fields will be taking to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, February 20 for Live at the Bowl, artists and musicians Atong Atem, Adolfo Aranjuez, Birdz and more will be taking over the Immigration Museum on Friday, February 26 and indie-rock groups Primo! and Floodlights will be performing across the city. Check out the full extended program here. With venues closing, gigs cancelling and festivals postponing, Melbourne's live music industry took a big hit during COVID-19. But, when restrictions slowly started easing, the City of Melbourne announced that the annual Melbourne Music Week is still going ahead — and that it will take place over three whole months. Originally set to take place in November (before Victoria's second round of restrictions), the aural celebration will now run from Wednesday, December 9–Sunday, February 28. As always, expect plenty of gigs in unusual Melbourne venues. Expect lots of local talent as well. The numbers paint an impressive picture — with more than 330 artists playing at more than 35 locations and venues, tallying up over 200 events and sessions. And that's just from the first program announcement, with more artists and gigs due to be revealed in January 2021. So, who can you see? In MMW's 11th year, the event will kick off with Wominjeka (MMW Welcome) — featuring a Welcome to Country and citywide smoking ceremony curated by Kee'ahn, a performance by Aboriginal dance group Dijirri Dijirri, additional live programming at four different city locations, and a show at Section 8. Also on opening night, the Music Victoria Awards will take over the Melbourne Recital Centre, which you can also watch via livestream. That's how it all starts — but, as for how MMW means to go on, there'll be shows by Baker Boy, Adalita, Cable Ties and High Tension, plus an audio-visual performance by Melbourne producers Ara Koufax and iconic DJ and academic Simona Castricum. Also on the bill: Blake Scott, Banoffee, Mick Harvey, Private Function and Allysha Joy. And, you can play techno bingo (which'll be seated, but otherwise it's exactly what it sounds like), take a tai chi class or learn how to vogue with Kiki Dévine. Venue-wise, you'll be hitting up the Capitol Theatre, The Forum, Max Watts, Colour, Cherry Bar, Curtin and more — and, unsurprisingly, outdoor gigs are a big part of the lineup as well. Can't make it to everything? Streaming is here to stay, and will help you check out plenty of MMW's shows. Updated December 2.
Cast your eyes on the YouTube diary of Canada Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield and you will never be impressed by the notion of man placing a flag on the moon again. Canada's first commander of the International Space Station has been furiously tweeting and video blogging live from Expedition 35 for the past five months, creating the closest thing the world has seen to the Big Brother diary room in outer space in the process. While the CSA website lists the mission's objectives as "to carry out scientific experiments" and "perform robotic tasks", Renaissance man Hadfield has also managed to produce the astronaut's answer to Cindy Crawford's Buns of Steel and show his tender side in an attempt to find out what happens to tears in space (hint: not the same as what happens in heaven). Most recently, Hadfield has been busy staging a music video of 'Space Oddity' by David Bowie. Turns out Bowie's understanding of outer space is pretty bang on — the clouds look very different up there, Hadfield floats in a most peculiar way and while planet Earth is blue, there's nothing left to do, hence the Soyuz capsule is set to touch down to Earth tomorrow. Via Slate.
When New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the two-way trans-Tasman bubble back in April — allowing Australians to travel to NZ without quarantining upon arrival — she noted that it could and would be paused if and when outbreaks occur. So, when Melbourne started to identify locally acquired COVID-19 cases back in May (which led to restrictions and a lockdown in response), the NZ Government stopped its arrangement with Victoria. It has been almost a month since the NZ Government suspended quarantine-free travel between NZ and Victoria — and, with restrictions now slowly easing in the Australian state, NZ has announced that it'll reinstate the travel bubble. From 11.59pm NZST/9.59pm AEST today, Tuesday, June 22, quarantine-free flights will be able to resume. If you're a Victorian eager to head across the ditch, soon you'll be able to. NZ public health officials now deem that "the public health risk from Victoria is low", although travellers are still advised to keep monitoring for symptoms — and to keep checking for Victorian exposure sites. You won't need to get a pre-departure test, though, so that's one less thing to put on your travel checklist. https://twitter.com/covid19nz/status/1406891419634044929 Initially, the pause was put in place for 72 hours to give Victorian authorities time to investigate the initial cases in the cluster; however, it was extended when case numbers in the outbreak grew. This wasn't the first time that the trans-Tasman bubble has been paused, with NZ suspending flights from Western Australia at the beginning of May in response to Perth's recent cases — and doing the same with New South Wales this month as well. In both cases, flights with NZ were given the all-clear to resume within days. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Victoria, head over to the Department of Health website. To find out more about the virus and travel restrictions in New Zealand, visit to the NZ Government's COVID-19 hub.
As part of the Belfast Festival, Northern Ireland’s capital city is currently playing host to WISH, a public art project by Cuban-American artist Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada. Already nicknamed by local residents as 'The Face from Space', the portrait of an anonymous Belfast girl is so enormous at its 11-acres that it can only be viewed from an aeroplane (or from a mountaintop). It was first plotted on a grid using some very swish technology and 30,000 manually placed wooden stakes. After that volunteers spent a month helping to 'draw' the portrait using nearly 8 million pounds of soil, sand and rock. Now that's patience. Rodríguez-Gerada is known for his giant-scaled portraits in public spaces. In a statement, he says of WISH, "Working at very large scales becomes a personal challenge but it also allows me to bring attention to important social issues; the size of the piece is intrinsic to the value of its message. Creativity is always applied in order to define an intervention made only with local materials, with no environmental impact, that works in harmony with the location." Via Colossal.
Anytime's a good time for oysters, but there's only one occasion where it's perfectly acceptable to gorge on them to the point of no return: the Oyster Frenzy. It's not the Oyster Frenzy — the all-you-can-eat oyster festival that was held at Circa, The Prince until it closed last year — but The Botanical's similarly serious annual seafood celebration. Like the former fest, the Frenzy includes bottomless oysters and bottomless booze — and that's all that matters, really. This year's event is going down in two parts: on Tuesday, July 23 and Tuesday, August 20. Over 4000 oysters will be brought in for the occasion, and they'll be shucked throughout the night as you work your way through them. As mentioned, it's all-you-can-eat — and, to break it up, there will also be other snacks of varying textures going around. Tickets are pricy at $110, but that does give you access to two hours of unlimited wine and Stone & Wood ales (and a glass of Champagne on arrival). Maybe, try and swing a late start on Wednesday.
If you haven't heard of 28 Hongkong Street before now, don't feel too out of the loop. Sure, it's been voted Asia's best bar for three years running and knocks out some seriously amazing cocktails — but it also operates as one of those mysterious, super secretive, word-of-mouth-only venues, hidden away behind an unassuming 1960s shopfront. Plus, it's been hanging out all the way up in Singapore, 6000 kilometres and an eight-hour flight away. Until now. For three nights this month, 28HKS will be hitting our shores as part of Sydney Bar Week. The brief touchdown on Australian turf will see the Singaporean enigma visit Sydney and Melbourne to take over two of our own hidden cocktail bars and give lucky locals a whirlwind taste of all the cocktail magic. They're not cutting any corners, either. The pop-ups — which will grace Darlinghurst's Henrietta Supper Club on September 18, and Fitzroy's The Everleigh from September 21-22 — will offer a bang-on recreation of the 28HKS concept. Expect those award-winning cocktails alongside a selection of the American-leaning share plates, all delivered by five of 28HKS's mixologists, floor staff and chefs. They're even bringing over the soundtrack to round-out the experience. It's not the first time Australia's had a fleeting taste of international cocktail greatness and, given the success of Attaboy's February stints at The Everleigh and Dead Ringer, and last year's Please Don't Tell pop-up at The Black Pearl, it's probably safe to say that this latest cocktail-wielding visitor won't be the last. One thing's for sure, though — at $20, these tickets won't hang around for long. Snap one up here for the Sydney pop-up, or here for the Melbourne one. 28 Hongkong Street will pop up at Henrietta Supper Club, Darlinghurst, on Sunday, September 18, and The Everleigh, Fitzroy, from September 21-22. There will be two sessions available each night, with each session running for 1.5 hours. Tickets are $20, and include a cocktail on arrival.
Maybe you first saw Mad Max: Fury Road in a cinema, with engine roars echoing through the theatre, and cars racing and crashing across the big screen. Perhaps you initially watched the exceptional Aussie flick — the best action movie of this century, and the best Australian film of the same period as well — at home. So, you felt all that revving reverberating through your lounge room. Whichever fits, there's no way that you can ever forget the experience. Fury Road arrived after three decades of anticipation, and it well and truly delivered beyond everyone's wildest dreams. There's zero chance that you've forgotten its many vehicles, either, because this is a film that knows how to get fast and furious (yes, even more so than that other franchise). Can't get those cars out of your head? Love movie history, and keen to own a piece of it? Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers have just the thing for you, then, with 13 vehicles from Fury Road going under the hammer. Yes, if you need new ride that's all shiny and chrome, you can get your hands on the Nux car, the Doof Wagon, the War Rig, the Pole Car, the Fire Car and more. Read those names, and you already know which vehicles we're talking about. When the great George Miller, Fury Road's director — and the filmmaker behind the entire Mad Max franchise — dreamed up these sets of wheels, he truly came up with movie cars for the ages. Obviously, the Fury Road vehicles aren't going to come cheap. But if you somehow have the necessary cash, they'll be up for auction across the weekend of Saturday, September 25–Sunday, September 26 — and, as they're part of a tender, you'll need to submit an expression of interest first. Clearly, they're the best things to drive if you find yourself in a desertscape that's part of a post-apocalyptic wasteland — or if you want to pretend that's the case. And, they're something Mad Max-related to get pumped about until the next movie in the franchise, Furiosa, hits cinemas. Need a reminder of just how all the vehicles look in the film? Check out the Fury Road trailer below: Thirteen cars from Mad Max: Fury Road will be up for auction across the weekend of Saturday, September 25–Sunday, September 26. For further information, head to the Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers website.
If you thought intellectual discussions were best enjoyed alongside stuffy, hifalutin food, here's an event that's sure to change your tune. Across a series of talks at temporary arts and ideas space Testing Grounds, you'll get those mind cogs whirring over the best kind of lo-fi comfort food – hot, cheesy jaffles. The Jaffle Symposium has returned to the Southbank site for its 2019 edition, with three more sessions to run before it all wraps up on August 17. Each of the free events features a thought-provoking discussion with a couple of interesting experts, enjoyed while tucking into some themed sandwiches. On Saturday, July 27, The Seaweed Appreciation Society International's Lichen Kelp and Danni Zuvela will open your mind to some unconventional uses for seaweed, while sharing 'ocean bread' jaffles around the fire. Saturday, August 3 will be dedicated to fat, steered by artists Mike Thompson and Arne Hendricks, the minds behind the world's first floating island of fat — the Fatberg in Amsterdam, Netherlands — with that session featuring a fittingly decadent three-cheese jaffle. And on Saturday, August 17, you'll explore the ideas of mythologies and rituals in urban landscapes with dramaturg Mark Pritchard and playwright Sibyl Kempson, matched to an oozy marshmallow jaffle. While Jaffle Symposium events are free, you'll need to RSVP to reserve your spot.
Music is used in every given scenario: weddings, birthdays, parties. Now, thanks to a pair of intuitive electrical engineering students, the power of bass can be used in a more practical way - dousing flames. Seth Robertson and Viet Tran from George Mason University in Virginia have invented a fire extinguisher that uses low-frequency sound waves to engulf a blaze. Instead of an air tank spewing out foam, water and chemicals, the device uses has a loudspeaker the size of subwoofer to pump out sound waves. It produces a low hum like a regular blast of air, that when pointed in the right direction, will make flames vanish. As well as of being an everyday utility, the extinguisher has the potential to be used in outerspace, where sound waves can be directed without gravity, in comparison to normal extinguishers that would spread chemicals in a disorderly fashion and possibly damage equipment. Despite initial doubt from classmates and professors, the pair now have a preliminary patent application and backing from the university.
It was really only a matter of time before someone went there — and they finally have. Residents that fit into the intersection of the 'Singapore resident' and 'Orange Is the New Black fan' Venn diagram will be stoked to hear Netflix is opening an a pop-up restaurant themed around the show's prison cafeteria. As of yesterday, June 16, Singaporean diner OverEasy has been transformed into Litchfield Penitentiary Cafeteria to bring the TV prison experience to the people (and also to cash in on the hype surrounding the OITNB season four debut, which should be going up on Netflix sometime today). Chef Bjorn Shen has created the menu inspired by the depressing slop served up in the prison cafeteria but, you know, more gourmet. On the menu? An appetiser of corn kernels with spiced butter, cheese and lime, a main designed to replicate Nutraloaf (the US prison punishment food of three meals literally blended into one), and gruel for dessert (which is actually white chocolate and coconut rice pudding, almond crumble and 'fruit' of the day). And to wash it all down? Delicious tap water (moreish, healthy and flavourful!). Unfortunately the restaurant has filled up pretty quickly but if you're in Singapore right now, you can chance your arm for a walk-in. It's worth a shot because the prison-style grub is free — probably because no one would actually pay for prison fare. And for everyone else, well, we can sleep easy knowing that OITNB-branded GruelTM is surely coming soon to a supermarket near us and get stuck into binge watching season four. Via CNET.
Apologies to backyard cricket, barbecues and water sports. Sure, they're ace things to do in summer in Australia, but movie buffs only have eyes for one outside activity. That'd be outdoor cinemas — and if you're keen catching a flick in Mt Martha under thes tars, Sunset Cinema is heading to The Briars from Wednesday, December 21—Friday, January 20. Whether you're eager for a moonlit date night or gathering the gang in the open air, this season's program has something on the bill. That includes opening with Christmas flicks, including Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas — and recent hits such as Top Gun: Maverick, The Menu , Don't Worry Darling and Strange World. Also on the list: classics Dirty Dancing and The Princess Bride, aka openair movie staples. BYO picnics are encouraged, but if you want to enjoy a sparkling, cocktail or brew throughout the film, the onsite bar will be serving a range of drinks. Didn't pack enough snacks? There'll be hot food options, which you can order online and then pickup, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn.
Why drink at just one watering hole, when you can head to two, three, six or 11? That's always been the motivation behind everyone's favourite boozy journey, aka a pub crawl. And, it's exactly the same type of thinking behind the long-running Urban Wine Walk. Back for its next Melbourne wander this spring, it's the bar-hopping excuse every vino-lover needs — if you need an excuse, that is. From midday until 4pm on Saturday, October 1, you'll saunter around Prahran — jumping between the likes of White Oaks Saloon, The Prahran Hotel, Casa N.O.M., The Emerson, Ruelle Wine Bar and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. [caption id="attachment_725708" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Casa N.O.M., by Griffin Simm[/caption] As for the tipples offered at each of the eight venues, they'll be curated by a heap of top local wineries such as Rob Dolan, Soumah, Zonzo Estate and Save Our Souls, so prepare to get sipping. Tickets will set you back $75 and you'll get to choose which venue you kick off from, though spots are limited. Guests will enjoy a stack of wine tastings, a tasting glass to keep and a $10 voucher to spend on food, plus $25 redeemable for take-home wine purchases on the day.
Most popular in the city of its birth, No Lights No Lycra has spread across the globe but remains at its most wild and daggy at its two Melbourne haunts. Daggy entirely by choice, and proud to be, NLNL is the dance community we should all worship. From its organic, loose-limbed beginnings in 2009, NLNL is an opportunity to truly set your mind and body free in a space where everyone is equal under the shadow of darkness. The concept is simple: it’s dark and no one is expected to wear tightly fitting lycra (though no one is stopping you, either - they’re free and easy like that). The unruly dance students who started the movement, Alice Glenn and Heidi Barrett, still run the classes at Will Sampson Hall in Windsor every Tuesday evening, and at 49 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East, on Wednesdays. Often oversubscribed, it’s important to check if there’s space at a class before rocking up. Wednesdays in Brunswick East might be your best bet. The class starts at 7pm, under the church. For the most up-to-date information, it’s best to follow their Twitter account. Trust us, this is a welcoming bunch and if ever there was a congregation to support the goodness of your soul through the graceless flinging of one’s limbs, this is it. Image by masochismtango.
Toronto welcomed a new and unique edition to its dining scene last month: Canada's first-ever restaurant tailored for the deaf. Signs, already popular with locals and tourists alike, is the brainchild of Anjan Manikumar, a hearing man who was inspired to learn American Sign Language (ASL) after realising first-hand how deaf customers struggled in restaurant situations that are simply taken for granted by others. The bar-restaurant, serving modern Canadian and international fare, employs a team of waiters who are almost entirely deaf. Choosing from over 200 deaf applicants, Manikumar found none had any waiting experience and some had never had a full-time job at all. He hopes the new venture will encourage the creation of other career opportunities for the deaf, while also promoting sign language among the community. For customers unfamiliar to ASL, the menu handily lists the sign equivalent next to each item, and a 'cheat sheet' (pictured below) translates some longer phrases, encouraging customers to engage with staff and fellow diners in this universal language. Via Buzzfeed. Photo credit: Signs.
With 24 percent of London's rush-hour traffic now made up of cyclists, the call for infrastructure upgrades is growing louder. Following the deaths of six cyclists within a fortnight last November, more than 1000 concerned riders staged a 'die-in' outside the Transport for London headquarters in mid-December. Now, architect and cycling fan Lord Norman Foster is proposing a solution: the SkyCycle. It's 135 miles (or 217km) of car-free cycle paths that would be built in the air, supported by pylons, at a height of three storeys, above the routes established by London's current railway lines. Fifteen metres of width would handle up to 12,000 cyclists every hour. More than 3 million people would live and work within ten minutes' of one of SkyCycle's 200 access points. "It's a lateral approach to finding space in a congested city," Lord Foster said. "By using the corridors above the suburban railways we could create a world-class network of safe, car-free cycle routes that are ideally located for commuters." SkyCycle is a collaboration between Foster and Partners, Space Syntax and Exterior Architecture. Space Syntax director Anna Rose compared the system's potential to that of previous major infrastructure changes that have "transformed the fortunes" of London. "Bazalgette's sewer system helped remove the threat of cholera to keep London at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution; the Underground strengthened London's core by making long-distance commuting possible," she said. "SkyCycle is conceived in this tradition as a network of strategic connections from the suburban edges to the centre, adding the much needed capacity for hundreds of millions of cycle journeys every year with all the social, economic, environmental and health benefits to London that follow." However, London is not the final stop. Sam Martin of Exterior Architecture told the Guardian that SkyCycle's ambition is, ultimately, international in scope. "The dream is that you could wake up in Paris and cycle to the Gard du Nord. Then get the train to Stratford, and cycle straight to London in minutes, without worrying about trucks and buses." The catch? The usual — time and money. The current projected cost is £220 million and the construction period is up to 20 years. In the meantime, however, Londoners have been taking advantage of their new cycle super highway. Via Inhabitat.
If the impending winter chill has you dreaming of cosy nights spent quaffing drams of whisky, there's a new Melbourne-made creation that deserves a spot in your spirits collection. The team at the city's own Starward Whisky has just unveiled the latest edition of its Ginger Beer Cask series — and this spicy little number promises to keep those winter blues at bay. The sixth annual iteration of Starward's ginger-based program is its most experimental yet — French and American oak barrels were used to brew a citrus-filled ginger beer, which was then left to soak up maximum flavour. Next, the casks were emptied and then refilled with a blend of apera (a fortified wine) and single-malt whisky that had been previously aged in red wine barrels. The result is a boldly-flavoured ginger-forward drop with aromas of orange and dark chocolate, and a juicy taste full of vanilla and pineapple accents. Starward's experts say you can try the whisky any way you please, but they particularly recommend sipping it straight, perhaps alongside some good-quality dark chocolate. Either way, it's safe to say you can expect a very good drop — the last Ginger Beer Cask edition took out a gold medal at the World Whisky Masters, as well as a bronze at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Competition. The special-edition spirit is always quick to sell out, and this year's release is pegged to be no different. In fact, after five increasingly popular runs, Starward is this year using a ballot system to determine who gets first dibs on buying the limited number of bottles available. To be in with a shot, register online before Sunday, May 9. Any remaining bottles will then be available to the general public for purchase on World Whisky Day on Saturday, May 15. And if you'd like to try before you buy, it'll be on the tasting roster at Starward's Port Melbourne distillery bar for a limited time. To get first access to Starward's Ginger Beer Cask #6, register for the ballot online by Sunday, May 9. Ballot holders will then get a few days to purchase a bottle, before any remaining stock goes on sale to the general public on Saturday, May 15. A 500-millilitre bottle will set you back $119, and will be available via the distillery's online store or at its Port Melbourne distillery shop.
Looking to the future opens up a vast expanse of possibilities — some hopeful, many frightening, few certain. Even contemplating the options can really push the limits of our conceptual thinking. Fortunately, there are experts and creative thinkers out there who love nothing more. The results of those thought experiments have come to life and can be found at the University of Melbourne's Science Gallery. Science Gallery Melbourne is the perfect place to ponder the big questions. It's part of the Global Science Gallery Network — the only node of this innovative hive mind currently existing in Australia. The current highlight exhibition, Not Natural, explores the daring question of the future: how far will humanity's meddling of nature go — and will we still find ourselves on top of the food chain when we're done? [caption id="attachment_942091" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Patricia Piccinini, Kindred. Photo by Matthew Stanton[/caption] As scientific thought evolves, concepts that were once outlandish sci-fi are becoming reality: cloning, de-extinction, AI — any of which could prove to change the world for better or worse. Accordingly, this exhibit gathers local and international projects exploring the growing friction between natural and artificial. It's part art gallery, part experiment, and all groundbreaking. Works on display include Patricia Piccinini's orangutan-human hybrid family sculpture Kindred, Neil Mendoza's AI-powered typing tins of spam Spambots, real Tasmanian tiger specimens from the University of Melbourne's Thylacine Integrated Genetic Restoration Research (TIGGR) Lab, and touchable silicone organs in Noemie Soula's Mythical Living Data. Additionally, the exhibit is supported by a packed live program, including a live cooking show with bio-artists and lab-grown meat and three Friday night parties headlined by Melbourne-based contemporary artists and theatre companies. All that's left in this exciting exhibit is for you to go take a look and be the judge of the most likely course for our future. Not Natural runs every Wednesday—Saturday at Science Gallery Melbourne until Saturday, June 29. For more information, visit the website. Top images: Noemie Soula, Mythical Living Data; Neil Mendoza, Spambots. Photos by Matthew Stanton.
After setting up their big screen earlier in 2017 — and packing out Buluk Park — Dockland's free open-air cinema is back for a second outing. This time, it's bigger and better, too. Presented by Victoria Harbour, the summer 2018 season will run over Friday nights from January 26 to March 2. On the agenda: new and old favourites such as Strictly Ballroom (for Australia Day, naturally), The Karate Kid and Ethel & Ernest, the latter of which arrives after featuring at the 2017 Melbourne International Film Festival. Pack a rug and some snacks, or leave the work to whichever eatery you like, with the site featuring a designated UberEats drop-off point. The event is alcohol-free, but if you're keen for a pre-movie tipple, stop in at Collins Street's Bar Nacional on the way to the park. Just note that there is no reserved seating, so make sure you're on time to score a prime spot on the lawn — gates open at 7pm, with the screening kicking off around 8.30pm as the sun goes down. Tickets for the first three sessions are available now, and keep an eye on the cinema website for further titles as they're announced. By Aobh O'Brien-Moody and Sarah Ward.
2023 has already gifted Melbourne with a slew of new hotel openings, from boutique inner-city stays to coastal retreats full of sunny charm. And now it has also spawned a reimagining of an old favourite, as Little Bourke Street hotel Laneways by Ovolo reopens following an extensive makeover. First launched in 2013 as Ovolo's first Australian property, the CBD stay is now sporting an entirely new look, with its latest incarnation driven by acclaimed designers Luchetti Krelle and inspired by the bold 80s aesthetic of Memphis Group. Striking patterns, graphic elements and heady pops of colour abound. Kitted out in a vibrant nod to Melbourne's famed laneway culture, the 42-room hotel welcomes guests via a playful new-look lobby complete with reception pods, and an honour-system bar stocked with snacks, wine and bottled cocktails The rooms pack just as much of a visual punch, with retro-inspired furnishings and colourful accents aplenty. Ovolo will shout your first round of goodies from the in-room mini bar, brekkie is available to go and there's even a self-service laundry option. Then, there's Room 303 — an exclusive suite featuring the stylings of design guru Neale Whitaker. He's transformed his favourite room with a curation of furniture, knick-knacks and original artwork, including an abstract piece by Melbourne-based artist Nunzio Miano. Book this suite and you'll also enjoy a Spotify playlist filled with Whitaker's personal favourites. When it's time for a tipple or a feed, you'll find yourself a haven in onsite bar and restaurant Amphlett House. With an offering steered by renowned chef Ian Curley (co-owner of French Saloon and Kirk's Wine Bar), the 120-seater is dishing up share-friendly snacks and a refreshed take on pub fare. Expect plates like grilled asparagus with egg 'confetti', pangrattato and hollandaise; smoked bone marrow on toast; aioli mussels; steak paired with kampot peppercorn sauce; and seared beef heart served with lentils and creamed spinach. Match it with something from the natives-heavy cocktail list, including the likes of a wattleseed negroni and a eucalyptus-smoked margarita. Find the new-look Laneways by Ovolo Melbourne and Amphlett House at 19 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Australia's theatre scene hasn't had much to smile about in 2020; however, before the year is out, some venues around the country will kick back into gear with a little help from their friends. Well, with Friends! The Musical Parody to be specific — with the comedic, song-filled satire of everyone's favourite 90s sitcom touring the country in November and December. Scheduled to kick off in Melbourne before being there for audiences in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Sydney, Friends! The Musical Parody will spend time with Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe, of course. Here, they're hanging out at their beloved Central Perk — and sitting on an orange couch, no doubt — when a runaway bride shakes up their day. Call it 'The One with the Loving, Laugh-Filled Lampoon', or 'The One That Both Makes Good-Natured Fun of and Celebrates an Iconic Sitcom'. Yes, no one told you that being obsessed with the Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer-starring show about six New Yorkers would turn out this way — with on-stage skits and gags, recreations of some of the series' best-known moments, and songs with titles such as 'How you Doin?' and 'We'll Always Be There For You'. That said, no one told us that being a Friends aficionado would continue to serve up so many chances to indulge our fandom 16 years after it finished airing, including via an upcoming reunion special that'll gather the TV series' main cast back together. A hit in New York and Los Vegas, Friends! The Musical Parody was actually due to make its way around the nation from August–September, but then came the COVID-19 pandemic. If you already had a ticket for an earlier date, you'll be, contacted about the rescheduled dates. FRIENDS! THE MUSICAL PARODY AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Comedy Theatre, Melbourne: Wednesday, November 4–Saturday, November 7 Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane: Thursday, November 19–Saturday, November 21 Regal Theatre, Perth: Saturday, November 28 Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide: Friday, December 4 Riverside Theatres, Parramatta: Thursday, December 17–Saturday, December 19 https://www.facebook.com/friendsthemusicalau/photos/a.1094246727578341/1225756067760739/?type=3&theater Friends! The Musical Parody tours the country from Wednesday, November 4–Saturday, December 19. For further details, and to buy tickets, visit the production's website.
Social enterprise cafe Sibling threw open its doors last week, marking the arrival of a venue that's little different to those in the surrounding streets of Carlton's northern edges. The cafe is run by Kinfolk, another social enterprise cafe and caterer in the CBD, with both venues aiming to counteract social isolation through their volunteer programs. With the waitlist to volunteer at Kinfolk stretching for months, the team decided they needed to open a second venue to meet demands. And, thanks to a robust crowdfunding effort — which raised almost $30,000 more than the initial $60,000 target — Sibling came to fruition. As a result, the volunteer task force, made up of people from more than 30 different countries and some of which are living with a disability, transitioning from prison or seeking asylum, was able to expand, with Sibling having room for 120 volunteers — double what Kinfolk could originally handle. So, you'll be able to enjoy tasty kimchi-spiked scrambled eggs from the volunteers, while they benefit from a friendly space, support and training. Which brings us to Sibling's second aim: to make tasty food as sustainably and with as little waste as possible. Along with coffee by Small Batch, the food menu is inventive and diverse. On the brekky menu, there's tahini-topped bread with salted cucumber, chickpeas and pickles ($17); asparagus, chilli, cashew, basil, mint and scrambled tofu ($19); and pan-fried chicken livers — from Trentham's Milking Yard — with peas, shallots and sorghum ($24). Lunch has the famously simple Roman pasta dish, cacio e pepe ($14) and a kangaroo tail braised with peas, labne and rice crisp ($22). And don't walk out without a sweet treat to finish things off — their truffles and cakes are mostly vegan and, from the sound of it, entirely tasty. As another added bonus, all of Sibling's distributable profits are redistributed to different charities each year. This year it's Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) and The Cathy Freeman Foundation. Find Sibling at 611 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. It's open Monday to Friday, 7am–3pm and Saturday and Sunday, 8am–4pm.
Late last year, Taco Bell quietly opened a test store in Annerley, Brisbane. And today — fittingly, International Taco Day — the US Tex-Mex chain has announced plans to open 50 new stores across Australia in the next three years. While its expansion will begin in Queensland — with stores already confirmed for Robina, Cleveland and North Lakes — the chain has confirmed that it will also be expanding interstate. Taco Bell, whose parent company is Collins Foods — which also operates 28 Aussie KFC restaurants and the 13 remaining Sizzler venues — announced today that after receiving positive feedback from its test store, it would be rolling out 50 new Taco Bell outposts over the next three years. Managing Director Taco Bell Asia Pacific Ankush Tuli suggested locals have embraced the brand. "We have had an overwhelming response to the launch of Taco Bell in Brisbane," Tuli explained. This is, however, Taco Bell's third attempted foray into the Australian market. The chain tried to launch here in 1981 (and was then taken to court by Sydney store Taco Bell's Casa) and again in 1997 — but both attempts were unsuccessful and the brand withdrew. It was speculated earlier this year that as part of the brand's expansion, Collins Foods would be rebranding its Sizzler restaurants as Taco Bells; however, this has not yet been confirmed. You can currently find Taco Bell at 594 Ipswich Road, Annerley, with the Robina store slated to open this year.
Long-running music festivals aren't just events. They become more than just beloved dates on everyone's calendars, too. Attending a fest like Golden Plains is a ritual and a pilgrimage for devotees, and it unfolds in steps. Here's the first for 2025's three-day takeover of the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre: the launch of the Golden Plains ticket ballot. Come Saturday, March 8–Monday, March 10, 2025, it'll be time to dance among the autumn leaves in regional Victoria again, in the same place that Meredith Music Festival also calls home. While the lineup isn't here yet, you can now put your name down for the chance to nab tickets. This round of Golden Plains will mark the fest's 17th year. Your best clue as to what's to come is, as always, the brief description offered by the festival team while announcing the opening of the ballot. "A premium long weekend of music and nature, sense and non-sense, in the supernatural-est habitat on earth," starts the latest word from the Aunty team. "Party largesse at the one and only Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre. Right size, right shape, with no commercial sponsors, free range camping, BYO, the No D---head Policy, and One Stage Fits All," it continues. The online ballot for Golden Plains 2025 remains open until 10.17pm AEDT on Monday, October 14, 2024, which means that clicking ASAP is recommended. Once the ballot is drawn, the lineup will be announced. Catering to 12,000 punters each year across three days and two nights, the fest has long proven a favourite for its one-stage setup, which skips the need for frantic timetabling. And, like Meredith Music Festival, its sibling, Golden Plains is also known for the Aunty crew's star-studded bills. If you're wondering how the roster of talent has shaped up in past years, 2023's fest boasted Bikini Kill, Carly Rae Jepsen, Soul II Soul and Four Tet, while 2024's featured The Streets, Yussef Dayes, King Stingray and Black Country, New Road — and plenty more. Golden Plains will return to the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre from Saturday, March 8–Monday, March 10, 2025. Head to the festival's website for further details, or to enter the ballot before 10.17pm AEDT on Monday, October 14, 2024. Images: Chip Mooney and Ben Fletcher.
When Barbie and Oppenheimer both released in cinemas on the same July 2023 day, they didn't take attention away from each other. Instead, Barbenheimer had everyone flocking to picture palaces to see both. Among the just-announced 2024 Golden Globe nominations, a similar phenomenon is occurring. Since these gongs split the bulk of the awards into dramas and musicals/comedies, Barbie and Oppenheimer have both scored a heap of love largely without competing. Greta Gerwig's take on the toy doll topped the list among the number of nods given to this year's contenders, nabbing nine overall. Christopher Nolan's latest was only one behind with eight. The two do face off in a few fields: Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (with Ryan Gosling and Robert Downey Jr nominated), and the brand-new Cinematic and Box Office Achievement accolade that's clearly designed to give a shiny trophy to a blockbuster (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, John Wick: Chapter 4, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Super Mario Bros Movie and Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour are also in the running). Now boasting six competitors per category, the Golden Globes will anoint its latest round of winners on Monday, January 8 Australian and New Zealand time, with Killers of the Flower Moon (with seven), Poor Things (also seven) and Past Lives (with five) also joining the movie-loving party. TV earns affection at these awards as well, with Succession garnering nine nominations, followed by The Bear and Only Murders in the Building with five each. Among the other cinema highlights: Celine Song's debut feature doing so well; Greta Gerwig finally being recognised in the Best Director camp after missing out for Lady Bird and Little Women; Lily Gladstone, always; The Boy and the Heron in the Best Animation field; Suzume doing the same; not one, not two, but three Best Song nominations for Barbie, including for earworm 'I'm Just Ken'; Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest notching up nods beyond the Non-English Language category; and Barry Keoghan's Saltburn and Andrew Scott's All of Us Strangers noms. Also stellar: Emma Stone getting attention for two absolutely stunning performances on screens big and small, aka Poor Things and The Curse. From the TV contenders, The Last of Us, Barry, Beef and Fargo all thoroughly deserve their nominations. So do Elle Fanning for The Great, Natasha Lyonne for Poker Face, Rachel Weisz for Dead Ringers and Christina Ricci for Yellowjackets, even if the shows they're each in sadly didn't get enough attention overall. The television fields also completely ignored Reservation Dogs and The Other Two, two of the best shows of the year, both of which wrapped up after their third seasons. Australian actors picked up three nominations, with Margot Robbie receiving the nod for Barbie, Sarah Snook for Succession and Elizabeth Debicki for The Crown. If you're wondering what else is in the running, here's the full list of nominations: GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEES: BEST MOTION PICTURE — DRAMA Anatomy of a Fall Killers of the Flower Moon Maestro Oppenheimer Past Lives The Zone of Interest BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE — DRAMA Annette Bening, Nyad Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall Greta Lee, Past Lives Carey Mulligan, Maestro Cailee Spaeny, Priscilla BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE — DRAMA Bradley Cooper, Maestro Leonardo DiCaprio, Killers of the Flower Moon Colman Domingo, Rustin Barry Keoghan, Saltburn Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer Andrew Scott, All of Us Strangers BEST MOTION PICTURE — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Air American Fiction Barbie The Holdovers May December Poor Things BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Fantasia Barrino, The Color Purple Jennifer Lawrence, No Hard Feelings Natalie Portman, May December Alma Pöysti, Fallen Leaves Margot Robbie, Barbie Emma Stone, Poor Things BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction Joaquin Phoenix, Beau Is Afraid Matt Damon, Air Nicolas Cage, Dream Scenario Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers Timothée Chalamet, Wonka BEST MOTION PICTURE — ANIMATED The Boy and the Heron Elemental Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse The Super Mario Bros Movie Suzume Wish BEST MOTION PICTURE — NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE Anatomy of a Fall Fallen Leaves Io Capitano Past Lives Society of the Snow The Zone of Interest BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer Jodie Foster, Nyad Julianne Moore, May December Rosamund Pike, Saltburn BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE Charles Melton, May December Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things Robert De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer Ryan Gosling, Barbie Willem Dafoe, Poor Things BEST DIRECTOR — MOTION PICTURE Bradley Cooper, Maestro Greta Gerwig, Barbie Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer Martin Scorsese, Killers of The Flower Moon Celine Song, Past Lives BEST SCREENPLAY — MOTION PICTURE Anatomy of a Fall Barbie Killers of the Flower Moon Oppenheimer Past Lives Poor Things BEST ORIGINAL SCORE — MOTION PICTURE The Boy and the Heron Killers of the Flower Moon Oppenheimer Poor Things Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse The Zone of Interest BEST ORIGINAL SONG — MOTION PICTURE Bruce Springsteen, 'Addicted to Romance', She Came to Me Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, Dua Lipa and Caroline Ailin, 'Dance the Night', Barbie Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, 'I'm Just Ken', Barbie Jack Black, Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Eric Osmond and John Spiker, 'Peaches', The Super Mario Bros Movie Lenny Kravitz, 'Road to Freedom', Rustin Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell, 'What Was I Made For?', Barbie CINEMATIC AND BOX OFFICE ACHIEVEMENT Barbie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 John Wick: Chapter 4 Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One Oppenheimer Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse The Super Mario Bros. Movie Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour BEST TELEVISION SERIES — DRAMA 1923 The Crown The Diplomat The Last of Us The Morning Show Succession BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES — DRAMA Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us Emma Stone, The Curse Helen Mirren, 1923 Imelda Staunton, The Crown Keri Russell, The Diplomat Sarah Snook, Succession BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES — DRAMA Brian Cox, Succession Kieran Culkin, Succession Gary Oldman, Slow Horses Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us Jeremy Strong, Succession Dominic West, The Crown BEST TELEVISION SERIES — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Ted Lasso Abbott Elementary The Bear Barry Only Murders in the Building Jury Duty BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary Ayo Edebiri, The Bear Elle Fanning, The Great Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building Natasha Lyonne, Poker Face BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES — MUSICAL OR COMEDY Bill Hader, Barry Steve Martin, Only Murders in the Building Jason Segel, Shrinking Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso Jeremy Allen White, The Bear BEST TELEVISION LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION All the Light We Cannot See Beef Daisy Jones & The Six Fargo Fellow Travellers Lessons in Chemistry BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION Ali Wong, Beef Brie Larson, Lessons in Chemistry Elizabeth Olsen, Love & Death Juno Temple, Fargo Rachel Weisz, Dead Ringers Riley Keough, Daisy Jones & the Six BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION David Oyelowo, Lawmen: Bass Reeves Jon Hamm, Fargo Matt Bomer, Fellow Travellers Sam Claflin, Daisy Jones & the Six Steven Yeun, Beef Woody Harrelson, White House Plumbers BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE ON TELEVISION Abby Elliott, The Bear Christina Ricci, Yellowjackets Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso J. Smith-Cameron, Succession Meryl Streep, Only Murders in the Building BEST PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE ON TELEVISION Alan Ruck, Succession Alexander Skarsgård, Succession Billy Crudup, The Morning Show Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear James Marsden, Jury Duty Matthew Macfadyen, Succession BEST PERFORMANCE IN STANDUP COMEDY ON TELEVISION Ricky Gervais: Armageddon Trevor Noah: Where Was I Chris Rock: Selective Outrage Amy Schumer: Emergency Contact Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love Wanda Sykes: I'm an Entertainer The 2023 Golden Globes will be announced on Monday, January 8, Australian and New Zealand time, streaming on Stan in Australia. For further details, head to the awards' website.
Crack open a beer and catch a movie under the stars at Geelong's openair theatre. Popping up at the Little Creatures Brewery (where they also brew Furphy) over summer, the Furphy Outdoor Cinema will screen a selection of iconic Australian films while serving up top-notch grub and ice cold bevs. Fancy a trip down the Princes Highway? Lighting up the night on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, the season begins on January 31 with Chopper. That'll be followed by Strictly Ballroom on February 7, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on February 14 and Red Dog on February 21 before the season comes to a close on February 28 with Mad Max. Doors at the Furphy Outdoor Cinema open at 7.30pm for an approximately 8.30pm start. Entry is via the brewery canteen, which will be serving up food until 10pm.
Whether you're searching for budget skincare solutions, are stuck in a makeup rut or have never quite figured out how to apply eyeliner properly, YouTube has long been a beauty vlogging haven. But what if you're trying to stay glam after nuclear winter decimates the earth, wipes out life as we know it and forces the mutated remnants of humanity deep underground? Only Sarah's Channel can show you how to dazzle in that literally nightmarish situation — and how to make homemade lipstick out of saliva, clay, blood and what seem to be glow-in-the-dark mushrooms. It's set two centuries after a world-ending disaster and, after initially dying along with the vast majority of the population, Sarah (Claudia O'Doherty) has been reanimated. She's supposed to help the planet's waning survivors grow crops, overcome illnesses, restart civilisation and avoid being eaten by a giant monster called Quahmork — just everyday things, really — but the beauty vlogger, influencer, brand ambassador and author would rather keep doing what she knows. In her original life, Sarah had more than 3.5 million subscribers across her various social media platforms, and she's not going to let them down. They're all dead, but what's the point of saving the few not-quite-people left if no one looks their best? That's the idea behind the ABC's hilarious new satirical series, with Sarah's Channel taking amusing and astute aim at influencer culture and manufactured authenticity — all while its eponymous host dispenses beauty advice in a bleak, post-apocalyptic future, of course. Now available on both ABC iview and YouTube, the first season's six five-minute episodes cover everything you need to know if you're having #dystopianworldproblems, including Sarah's favourite products, her daily routine living in a fortified bunker and how to give a makeover to a slimy subterranean creature who has evolved from humanity. If you loved Australian actor and comedian O'Doherty in Netflix's Love — if you thought she was the best thing about the romantic dramedy, in fact — then you'll feel the same about her turn as the relatable yet oblivious Sarah. She stars alongside Sarah's Channel writer/director Nick Coyle (stage production Feather in the Web), who plays terrified mole person Justin. Sarah's Channel is the smart end-of-the-world parody and scathing takedown of online behaviour that you didn't know you needed. Watch the first episode below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deLiDLkQzio The entire six-episode first season of Sarah's Channel is now available to watch on ABC iview and YouTube.
If Justin Gignac's success in selling garbage as art is anything to go by, doing something (and doing it well) because others thought you couldn't, actually works. Gignac's New York City Garbage is just that, except packaged nicely in transparent cubes and sold as art. Selling between $50 online and $100 at selected stores in the U.S, the handpicked NYC Garbage has owners in 29 countries, according to Gignac's website. The New York City-based artist and entrepreneur has been selling garbage since 2001 and has said he wanted to prove packaging could sell anything. Gignac has also sold commemorative editions of NYC Garbage cubes including St. Patrick's Day in Ireland and President Obama's inauguration. It sounds ridiculous but you’ve got to love a guy who can make a profit out of garbage at a time where newspaper sales are declining. Image: nycgarbage.com
Buckle up, beach goers, because it's that time again — the sand delivery has arrived and Section 8 is transforming into tropical beach paradise. The outdoor CBD bar's annual Urban Oasis Beach Party series is back for four nights this January, and the lineup will get you pumped. Along with a few tonnes of sand and plenty of beach umbrellas, each night will feature a unique selection of beats, all curated around a killer headliner. Planète take the helm on the Thursday night, before handing over to Afrik Futurism, Naram and friends on Friday. The party comes to a head on Saturday, when Harry McCanna takes over, while Sunday it's DJ Jnett and Mr Pitiful's time in the spotlight. Brews-wise, prepare to sip on Plantation Rum, plus brews from Stone & Wood. The fun kicks off at 5pm on Thursday and runs through until 11pm on Sunday. Images: Duncographic.
Each year, the team behind Vivid Sydney clearly asks itself a question: where else can we dazzle with lights next? Ranging from gardens and tunnels to buildings and bridges, the answers brighten up not only the festival's annual program, but the Harbour City. Letting a train lit up with an immersive glow and pumping techno tunes loose on the New South Wales capital's rails is a new answer for 2024, however. Meet Tekno Train. This isn't your ordinary, everyday, average commute — this is a 60-minute trip filled with lighting and music that changes to match the train's speed and the landscape outside. And the tunes? Like the event itself, they hail from Paul Mac. The result is a 23-night-only railway experience that's an Australian first, with its music newly composed specifically for what promises to be a helluva ride. Here's how it works: between Friday, May 24–Saturday, June 15, you'll hop onboard a K-set train at Central Station, either opting for a scenic route to North Sydney and then Lavender Bay via a secret spur line (the slower, more family-friendly trip), or hitting up City Circle and South Sydney (which'll be the livelier and faster-paced journey). Whether you pick The Scenic Route or Tech Express, as the two choices have been named, you'll see Tekno Train's custom lighting beam and hear its electronic dance music soundtrack pulse through all of the locomotive's carriages. "Trains have always fascinated me. Their mix of rhythmic clicks and clacks, the screech of metal on metal, and the sound and smell of brakes are all interesting sensory experiences that everyone can relate to," said Paul Mac about the new addition to the Vivid Sydney 2024 lineup, which has been announced just days ahead of the fest's kickoff. "Tekno Train will take things one step further. It will drive the music and lights, turning a commuter journey into a sensory rollercoaster." If you're wondering how it links in with this year's Vivid theme of 'humanity', Tekno Train puts the power of music to unite — even when people are doing something that they don't normally think twice about — in the spotlight. It also celebrates public transport, mass transit and community. And, of course, it'll get you seeing riding the rails in a whole new light, literally. In 2024, other responses to the Vivid challenge to put lights anywhere and everywhere include the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, where Lightscape will again get radiant; the Sydney Opera House sails, the city's trusty large-scale canvas; facades including Customs House and the Museum of Contemporary Art; the Sydney Harbour Bridge; Barangaroo; and Sydney Tower, which will project a fan of 40-kilometre-long laser beams. And, for the second year running, Dark Spectrum will return to Wynyard's railway tunnels with a one-kilometre trail featuring eight chambers, 300 lasers and strobe lights, 500 lanterns, 250 search lights and 700 illuminated arrows. Tekno Train departs from Central Station, running for 23 nights during Vivid Sydney — which takes place from Friday, May 24–Saturday, June 15. Head to the festival website for further details and tickets. Images: Destination NSW.
We hate to jump on the bandwagon of retailers telling you to get onto your Christmas shopping early this year, but sometimes we all need a little push and one retailer knows just the thing. Gift problem solvers since 2005, Etsy are stepping into the real world to host a one-night only Christmas market. Thankfully, you (and that impossible-to-buy-for family member/partner/friend) are invited. If you're a regular Etsy trawler, you'll know that the rapidly growing host of online boutiques is home to many a talented designer and craft maker. Now, 35 of those excellent jewellers, artists, artisans, fashion and homewares designers are setting up shop at the Rose Street Artist's Market on Friday, November 28 from 6-10pm. Alongside the unique shops there will also be an Etsy photobooth (no doubt full of great crafty props), goodie bags and a bunch of food and drink options. Get ahead of the last-minute Myer stampedes and do your Christmas shopping in style.
The term food precinct tends to make me think of overcrowded food courts, filled with overstuffed baguettes and suspiciously cheap sushi. But the Abbotsford Convent has one, and it's about as far away as you can get from bain-maries and plastic cutlery. Call it the Quadfecta, if you please. The Convent Bakery, Kappaya Soul Food Cafe and Lentil As Anything are all snuggled into the serene Kitchen Annexe space, with The Farm Cafe at the Collingwood Children's Farm just around the corner. Back in 1902, the Annexe was constructed as a key aspect of the Convent building, and the Sisters used to feed up to 1,000 people a day from its many kitchens. Convent Bakery You can still find the two magnificent masonry woodfired ovens used by the Sisters inside the Convent Bakery, where, on a daily basis, its artisan bakers now produce old-fashioned wood-fired bread — free from religious reference and baked straight on the oven brick floor. There is a beetroot sourdough that's the colour of red velvet, and they also make the best escargots in Melbourne (except for perhaps the flaky scrolls swirled with sultanas at Filou's). The glass display cabinet is packed with pre-made sandwiches, pastries, quiches, pies, croissants, tarts and cookies, and stands right beside the counter. It's nearly impossible to pay for an order without impulsively buying a treat or at least admiring the fluffiness of the strawberry cookies sittin’ pretty in the wheat-free section. The Bakery offers a full breakfast and lunch menu as well as the ready-to-go stuff, and the coffee is certified Fair Trade and organic. It's roasted in-house and available for purchase, and the Convent Bakery house blend means that local farmers get a fair price for their coffee harvest. Adjacent to the Bakery there’s a little hole in the wall known as the Boiler Room, where the nuns used to keep warm during the winter months. It now sells wine, spirits, liquors and cold, refreshing beer from midday. Like the rest of the Quadfecta, the Convent Bakery can get pretty crowded, especially during summer, so just close your eyes and think pious thoughts if people start to jostle and hustle around you. The goods coming to you are definitely worth the wait. Kappaya To the left of the Convent Bakery, underneath a spreading peppercorn tree, sits Kappaya Soul Food Cafe. It’s a quaint Japanese restaurant about the size of a Bento Box which offers simple, artful food at reasonable prices. The brown rice onigiri balls come with your choice of different fillings — think flaky salmon, pickled daikon, tempura prawn and walnut — and the green tea mousse is lightly drizzled with matcha syrup. Other highlights on the menu include the Breakfast Bento (order a creamy latte alongside it if early morning miso freaks you out; $9) and the mushi dori (steamed chicken and mushroom over broth; $7). Desserts at Kappaya are highly recommended, and the space is fully licenced with a melange of Japanese beers behind the bar. There is a staggering selection of green teas sourced outside Kyoto and served in gorgeous ceramic teapots. A particularly delicious fizzy pink moscato provides the perfect prelude to a list of organic local wines. Lentil As Anything To the right of Kappaya there is a small corridor leading down to Lentil As Anything, generally known as 'that hippy joint where you pay what you feel like'. The philosophy of philanthropy over profit has served Lentil As Anything well for over ten years — it's astoundingly popular and thriving in several inner-city suburbs. However, the Abbotsford outpost is the only one where you'll regularly find live music as well as local art. So to the food: Lentil As Anything is vegetarian, in case the name didn't give it away. Expect plenty of tofu, curries, dahl, stir-fried vegies, and pasta mixed with baby spinach. There's usually a green salad or two to go on the side and rounds of fresh white bread to mop up the sauce. The vegetarian tag means the spread is super-friendly to vegan and gluten-free eaters, but there is usually at least one dish at the buffet with feta lurking behind a stalk of broccoli. While the hippy ethos is in full effect, Lentils' management doesn't shove the meat-is-murder message down your throat. It's a peaceful place, though busy, and nobody stands over you when you pay — you simply slip whatever you feel the meal is worth into a large box with a slot in the lid. Nobody watches and the customers at Lentils are a friendly crowd; some are regulars who clearly just want a good feed, while others just find the experience priceless. The Farm Cafe The heritage and formal gardens at the Convent are beautiful at any time of the year and it's an easy wander past the main entrance to the Collingwood Children's Farm. Open 365 days a year, rain, hail or shine, the inner city haven is a much-loved Melbourne locus. In late 2005, two young volunteers had the genius idea of turning their pancake and coffee stall at the monthly Slow Food Farmers' Market into a cosy cafe with a paddock-to-plate ethos. The Farm Cafe is gorgeous, surrounded by veggie plots and 7 hectares of farmland. It's the kind of place where toddlers get up close and personal with roaming ducks while you sip a latte. Meals are made from scratch in the tiny kitchen and the food is sourced from just outside the kitchen door. The menu has a Kids and Adults section, and if you're one of those who prefers breakfast without baby-toting brunchers, you're in the wrong place. Live out your farmyard fairytale with the Ploughman's Lunch (ham off the bone, pickles, cheddar, apple, pork scratchings, bread and butter; $17.50) or try an organic beef sausage roll (served with herbed slaw and house relish; $12.50). Vegetarian food is far from an afterthought here, and the Green Eggs (caramelised fennel, silverbeet, quinoa, herbs, poached eggs and garlic aioli; $15.50) are a standout, second only to the Autumn Pear (poached William pear with nut granola, vanilla yoghurt mousse and sticky pear butterscotch; $10.50) The best thing about The Farm Cafe and the Abbotsford Quadfecta in general is the relaxed atmosphere and idyllic setting in genuine, earnest, down-to-earth nature. It just feels good to be there, and the therapeutic benefits of a visit last long after you've left the Convent grounds. Images thanks to eythian, Convent Bakery, Kappaya, s13n1 and Farm Cafe.
We're about to slide speedily into winter — and if that's put you in the mood for a wardrobe shakeup, well, you're in luck. The treasure trove of vintage threads that is the Round She Goes Fashion Market returns to Melbourne this month, taking over Coburg Town Hall on Sunday, May 7. This time around, the ever-popular market is treating shoppers to more than 55 stalls heaving with quality pre-loved designer fashion, vintage pieces, retro accessories and handmade goodies. And as always, there'll be a whole stack of affordable items in the mix, with prices starting from $10. Get your stylish self along from 10am to score covetable finds from big-name labels ranging from Prada to Phillip Lim, and from Balenciaga to Bianca Spender. Grab yourself a bit of Gucci, score some Christian Dior, and splash out on threads from Romance Was Born, Jean Paul Gaultier, Mister Zimi or Gorman. There'll be specialty coffee and baked treats from Coffee on Cue to fuel your rummaging, too, and entry costs $4.
The multi-level site at 188 Bourke Street has been the home of karaoke haunt and rooftop bar Heroes since 2018. But the party destination just got even bigger and bolder, thanks to an expansion and relaunch at the hands of new owners Robert Whiting and Lucas De Siqueira. The pair has taken over the entire building, adding a new dumpling and bao bar on the ground floor to complement the existing layers of offerings. This will play host to a new outpost for Drumplings, the unconventional dumpling diner by Deon St. Mor (MOR Cosmetics, St Jerome's). It's slinging fusion fare with an unapologetically experimental attitude, with dumpling fillings ranging from red duck curry, to pepperoni pizza, to the legendary cheeseburger-inspired combination complete with pickles and mustard. Also in the lineup are bites like the crispy 'firecracker chicken', a range of stuffed bao and a handful of more traditional dumpling varieties. Plus, celebrity-themed cocktails including the Fireball-infused Baby Spice and the Cardi B — a coconut and pineapple margarita. The same menu of signature cocktails is also available up at the 100-capacity rooftop bar, where you can sip and socialise amongst vibrant mural art by Justine Millsom (aka Juzpop), while soaking up tunes from the guest DJ roster. The rest of the neon-fuelled five-storey venue includes an open mic bar on Level Two, and four private karaoke rooms across the basement and first floor. And you can tuck into bites from the Drumplings menu no matter which space you're hanging out in. Stay tuned for the coming warmer months, when Levels Two and Three are set to play host to additional programming, including Brazilian barbecues and live music gigs. Find Drumplings and the newly-relaunched Heroes at 188 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD. It's open from 4–10pm Wednesday and Thursday, and 4pm–late Friday and Saturday.
If you've been using all these lockdown hours to plot your next regional Victorian escape, here's another reason to pop the Grampians on that itinerary. Up in the region's north, the town of St Arnaud has just unveiled a striking new cultural attraction: a towering silo artwork by local artist Kyle Torney, titled Hope. The latest addition to the renowned Silo Art Trail, the piece pays homage to the town's gold mining history, featuring a design of three faces that was selected by St Arnaud residents themselves. And this giant masterpiece was no mean feat to create, taking the artist over 800 hours from start to completion, and involving around 30 treks up and down the silo each day. The whole silo had to be cleaned and primed, before being decked out with a grid to help guide painting the faces' tricky proportions. Funded in part by the St Arnaud ArtSpace community centre and the Northern Grampians Shire Council, the artwork marks the sixth local mural painted by Torney, who himself is a sixth-generation St Arnaud native. The artist is well-known for his distinctive 'narrative portraiture' style, with works having graced spaces across Melbourne, Adelaide and Ballarat, as well as the walls of an art gallery in New York. It is hoped the new silo art will help boost tourism in the area following the heavy impact COVID-19 restrictions have had on regional travel. "Street art really brings the community together," said Torney in a statement. "I called the silo art 'Hope' which is reflective of the gold mining period but also resonates with the current climate." The Silo Art Trail is the country's largest outdoor gallery, covering over 200 kilometres. With this latest design, its collection now includes nine silo murals, featured in the stretch of towns from the Mallee's Patchewollock to St Arnaud. 'Hope' is located on McMahon Street, St Arnaud, Victoria. To learn more about the full Silo Art Trail, visit the website. Travel is restricted under metropolitan Melbourne's current stage four restrictions and regional Victoria's stage three orders. For the Victorian Government's latest advice, head to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website.
While it felt like this year's cultural calendar was dominated by bottomless brunches and themed high teas (and there were a lot of them) a lot of other game-changing events were also taking place. From an inclusive music festival — that was fully wheelchair accessible and translated into AUSLAN — to the first national survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design and an immersive installation that took over the Royal Botanic Garden with 6500 burning pots, Melbourne has seen a influx of events celebrating the city's cultural ecosystem and bringing people together. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented whippersnappers pushing Melbourne to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new events were nominated for Best New Event in Concrete Playground's Best of 2018 Awards.
Hex After critical accolades at the Next Wave festival in May, James Welsby's evocative dance production Hex returns for a limited six-show run at the Malthouse. The show is one of several major cultural events taking place in conjunction with the 20th International AIDS Conference. Partly inspired by a controversial HIV/AIDS awareness ad from 1987, Welsby's show uses movement, music and allegorical imagery to chronicle the gay community's relationship with the devastating disease. Saturday and Sunday (Until July 22) at the Malthouse. More info here. Vinyl Records Pop-Up Store Convinced that the world sounds just that little bit better on vinyl? Then head on down to Northcote Social Club on Saturday, July 19, and you'll find shiny new and beloved second-hand records for sale across a pretty mindblowing range of genres — some you weren't even aware were a Thing. The impromptu store, based out of the NSC bandroom, opens its doors for business at midday on the dot. Saturday, June 19, at Northcote Social Club. More info here. The Myth Project: Twin As part of this year's NEON Festival, The Myth Project: Twin by Arthur (the surrealist adventurers behind Cut Snake) is exploring the depths of the human psyche and the strength of blood ties. After the disappearance of her twin sister, Ana falls into a dark alternative reality, a world ruled by dreams and riddles. Described as a mix of opera-noir, cabaret and naturalistic drama, The Myth Project: Twin is the first instalment of Arthur's multi-play episodic exploration of the Australian psyche. Saturday and Sunday at the Southbank Theatre. More info here. Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton screening The legendary Stones Throw Records is home to a metric bucket-tonne of vinyl. The LA-based hip hop label is known for their left-of-centre artists, avant garde nature and ability to break artists well before dinner table fame. Feature length documentary Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton takes a close look at the label and its master, commander and founder Chris Manak, aka Peanut Butter Wolf — an exceptional DJ and producer in his own right. Manak is in the country for Splendour in the Grass later this month, but will be hanging at Howler for the screening and a special Q&A on the night. Sunday, July 20, at Howler. More info here. Sunday Afternoons in July As part of the City of Yarra’s annual Leaps and Bounds music festival, Ali Bird and Richard Stanley of Aarght Records are making Sundays a little more tune-filled for everyone. Kicking off at midday for three Sundays in July, a solid lineup of bands, top notch vinyl record market and smorgasbord of treats await to round off your weekend. It's Harmony, Bitch Prefect and Empat Lima on July 20. Sunday, July 20, at Copacabana International. More info here. Charlie's Country There are very few faces as synonymous with Australian cinema as that of actor David Gulpilil. His third and most recent film with Rolf de Heer marks the last part in a loose thematic trilogy — one that began with The Tracker in 2002 and continued with Ten Canoes four years later. Gulpilil looks far older than his 61 years, but as Charlie he may never have been better — he's just taken home a best actor award at Cannes for it. It's a performance loaded with understated feeling, one that's obviously informed by a wealth of personal experience. His very face tells a story, about a country, its people, and its cultural and cinematic history. What a wonderful piece of acting in a likewise remarkable film. All weekend long at Palace Verona. Full review here.
In its efforts to help the state recover from the pandemic, the Victorian Government has spent the last six months trying to entice Melburnians out of the house. First, to boost the local tourism sector, it offered up vouchers for travel to regional areas. Next, it rolled out the same initiative to Melbourne, to do the same in the CBD. Now, it wants to give the inner city's hospitality industry a helping hand, so it's bringing in a new plan. Called the CBD Dining Experiences Scheme, and set to launch in the coming weeks, it'll offer rebates for having a meal in the City of Melbourne — up to a maximum of $100. Announced on Sunday, May 9 as part of the Victorian Government's next $260 million in spending to revitalise the city, and set to be included in the 2021–22 Victorian Budget, the CBD Dining Experiences Scheme will provide 20-percent rebates on cafe and restaurant bills. Details on how it'll work, how Melburnians will claim their cash back, who it'll apply to and any other caveats haven't been revealed as yet, and neither has an exact start date; however, the minimum you'll be able to get back is $10 (so, you'll need to be spending at least $50). The Victorian Government will provide $7.4 million towards the scheme, with the City of Melbourne kicking in another $1 million. The dining initiative comes after the success of the aforementioned Melbourne Travel Voucher Scheme — and adapts an idea that's already been rolled out in New South Wales (and, before that, in the UK as well). [caption id="attachment_706673" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Josie Withers, Visit Victoria[/caption] Also part of the broader $260 million spending package: $100 million to create the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund, which'll be used to help renew city spaces — by funding arts and cultural events in the CBD, and supporting small businesses as they recover from the past year. It'll be matched by the same investment by the City of Melbourne, too, creating a pool of $200 million in total. The Victorian Government will also allocate $55 million to Visit Victoria, to be put into campaigns to attract visitors to Melbourne. Announcing the funding plans, Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino said that "life is returning to the CBD, and we're making sure the recovery continues with support for all of the things that Victorians and visitors love about Melbourne. We're backing the buzz of our cafes, restaurants and bars – and the people who make their living from them." Melbourne's CBD Dining Experiences Scheme is set to start in the coming weeks. For more information, head to the Victorian Government website.
Enter the charming little dream world of Lucy Folk, from her covetable candy-hued cocktail clutches to wearable works of art, and make them yours thanks to its online archive sale — all for a fraction of the price, too. Older styles and past collections are available at up to 70 percent off retail price. We're talking crocheted copper earrings, choker necklaces, colourful loungewear, clutches and basket-woven bags, retro-inspired shades and more. The Australian designer is known for her incredibly luxe yet playful accessories and wares, drawing inspiration from a variety of avenues in her life, although food and travel are two of the clearest. In the online sale, you'll find Moroccan-inspired clothing such as boldly striped robes, boilersuits, dresses, pants and kaftans — all of which are perfect for lazing around the house. Jewellery-wise, expect sphinx-like earrings and ones that look like coral; pearl-encrusted hoops; simple gold, silver and copper chokers; fun beaded necklaces; and a bunch of rings and bracelets — from fine and dainty to statement pieces. You can also nab a pair of her coveted sunnies for just $100, which usually retail for upwards of $375, as well as $125 off her much-loved beaded clutches. As we move into cooler autumnal weather and shorter days — and not to mention spending almost all our time at home — future you will thank Lucy Folk (and your shopping habits) for adding a burst of cheer to your every day outfits. The sale ends at midnight tonight, Monday, April 20 — so you best be quick. Lucy Folk Archive Sale runs until 11.59pm AEST.
Everyone's favourite gaming-themed burger joint 8bit has clocked up four years of life — and what better way to celebrate that little milestone, than with more of the good stuff? This time around, 8bit's taking on an international classic, dishing up its own take on the humble Big Mac. Fittingly dubbed the Big Pac, this one's a tasty tower rocking two beef patties, lettuce, pickles, double American cheese and a special Pac sauce. The burger hits both 8bit stores — in Footscray and the CBD — from Monday, November 5, and is set to stick around for a whole month. It's available solo for $16.50, or matched with your choice of side and drink as part of a Big Pac meal-deal for $20. If you're feeling extra celebratory, you can even add on an 8bit birthday sundae ($8). It's a limited-edition collaboration with Gelato Messina, featuring brioche gelato and raspberry puree, with white chocolate and pink coconut icing.
Love hanging in your local park and patting all the good boys that run past? Do you find the cool demeanour of cats cute? And don't get you started about rabbits doing zoomies, right? If you've answered yes to all of the above, we're guessing you're a big animal lover. Or, even if you wouldn't say you love animals, we're guessing you don't want to cause them harm. That's why factoring critters, both great and small, into your daily decisions is important, from the clothes on your back to what you eat. To help you out, we've teamed up with the animal-loving folks at nutritious plant-based meal delivery service Soulara to bring you five simple swaps to introduce to your daily life. Because you shouldn't have to choose between yourself and adorable animals. SIGN UP TO A PLANT-BASED MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE As they say, you are what you eat — and a plant-based diet is just one way you can live your best animal-loving life. It also has a bunch of health benefits and is one of the biggest ways you can lower your environmental impact. So, really, it's a win-win-win. But, whether you're all in or trying it out a few days a week, making the switch to plant-based can be tricky. One way to cut out the guesswork is by signing up to an animal product-free meal delivery service like Soulara. Every meal is designed by nutritionists and prepared by chefs, packed with vital nutrients and delivered fresh, not frozen, so you can simply pop it in the microwave when you're ready to eat. You'll enjoy the likes of choc hazelnut and chia seed pudding for brekkie, tofu laksa for lunch, and shiitake mushroom carbonara for dinner. It's got bliss balls, kombucha and cold-pressed juice packs that you can tack onto your order, too. There are plenty of dietary requirement-friendly options, too, as well as for the calorie conscious. If you're worried about not getting enough protein, don't be; Soulara's high protein range offers veg-based meals with 25-plus grams of protein in each serve. To top it off, it's a pretty affordable option, with meals starting from $8.50 and, right now, you can also nab $60 off your first order, too — just sign up here. GO CRUELTY-FREE WITH YOUR BEAUTY REGIME Breaking into labs and freeing rabbits isn't something Hollywood made up. Yep, the world of beauty has an ugly side. So, if you want to go cruelty-free with your daily beauty regime, it's important to know what brands to opt for. One thing to remember is that vegan and cruelty-free products are not one and the same. Vegan means no animal products or animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, are used in the product, whereas cruelty-free means no animal testing was carried out in the making of your face mask, perfume, moisturiser or body scrub. If you're a hardcore animal fan, you want to be buying beauty brands that do both. The good news is more and more companies are shifting to creating more ethical products. Natural skincare brand Sukin is a great go-to as it's good for your skin, animals, the environment and, for the most part, your wallet. Otherwise, Aussie beauty retail giant Mecca stocks a bunch of vegan and/or cruelty-free products, from brands such as Frank Body, Josie Maran, Korres, Stila and its own Mecca Max — just be sure to check the label. Animal welfare organisation PETA Australia has a handy guide, too, which you can check out here. ADOPT OR FOSTER AN ADORABLE ANIMAL While more of us are working from home — or, at least, spending more time at home — it makes sense that we're increasingly wanting a furry, four-legged friend by our sides. So, if you've been thinking about adding a pet to your fam (and have considered it thoroughly), now might just be the time. Rescue organisations such as the RSPCA and Petbarn adoption centres work to find permanent and foster homes for pups, cats, bunnies and guinea pigs surrendered into their care. In 2019, the RSPCA found new homes for 2654 pets Australia-wide, and we can only assume this year the numbers will be even more impressive. If you can't commit to taking a pet in permanently (but still think you'd make a great fur parent), fostering is also a great way to help out animals in need. Rest assured that the usual procedures and standards still apply, so every furry and feathered friend ends up in a happy home — whether it's forever or just for a little while. GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY We're not suggesting you follow Fido into a mud puddle, but there are ways you can directly help out animals that aren't fostering or adopting. For one, you can get to work on your green thumb. If you haven't already heard, bees play a pretty big part in how the world goes round; however, due to things like land development and pesticides used in farming, the global bee population is in danger. Just by getting a little garden growing in your backyard, you can help bees to do their work transferring pollen, which aids the growth of certain fruits, plants and, in turn, provides sources of food for much wildlife. Or, you could skip the dirt and get yourself this nifty Bee Pollination Grow Kit. Another way you can help is through animal conservation work. After last summer's devastating fires, there are a lot of native critters that need your help, which can involve everything from volunteering in national parks and joining WIRES to simply putting water out for distressed animals. [caption id="attachment_779786" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] LEVEL UP YOUR WARDROBE WITH ETHICAL LABELS No one ever said fashion had to be all fur, leather and feathers, but according to PETA, more than one billion animals are killed each year for their fur and leather alone. It's 2020 and we're a far cry from medieval times. On top of that, now it's easier than ever to pick up ethical threads — so why wouldn't you? While ethical is a broad-stroke term, when talking about animal-friendly fashion specifically, you don't have to look too far. Global retailers such as Zara, Uniqlo, Dr Martens and Topshop sell a bunch of 'vegan' leather goods, as well as alternative animal-free materials. You'll find some Aussie labels doing that, too, including Nico, Kowtow and Tasi Travels. For a one-stop ethical clothing shop, head to Well Made Clothes, which has a wide range of vegan clothing and accessories. And leading the charge of animal welfare in the high-end industry is Stella McCartney, which uses alternatives for everything from leather to fur, silk, feathers and wool. One of the biggest ways you can care for animals is to switch to a plant-based diet. To help make that part easy and fuss-free, Soulara delivers nutrition-packed meals straight to your door. And, if you need to, you can also pause or skip a week of your subscription at no extra cost. Better yet, Soulara is currently offering $60 off your first four deliveries — just sign up here.
Generations of Australian artists and comedians have spun parochial gold out of Queensland’s reputation as our country’s 'Deep North'. Queensland’s sub-tropical atmosphere might have suited a state with fertile ground for corruption, but Brisbane also played host to a thrilling punk music scene, which flourished in spite of the conservative repression presided over by Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen from 1968-1987. During that time the city gave birth to one of the world’s first punk anthems, The Saints' '(I’m) Stranded', as well as scores of iconic Aussie artists like The Go-Betweens and Xero. In Prehistoric, produced by Elbow Room and written by Marcel Dorney, four actors are taking up unfamiliar instruments in an ambitious attempt to recreate the raw vitality of Brisbane’s punk scene. The work premiered to rave reviews at Brisbane’s Metro last year and is now heading down south. Melbourne audiences might think that the play’s material sounds unfamiliar — a world away from the Glorious Socialist Republic that is our city’s inner north. But as the Coalition Government makes Australia a whiter shade of Joh each week, there’s no escaping the lessons that the era has to offer Australia in 2014. Together with Elbow Room’s enviable position as one of the country’s leading indie outfits, Prehistoric looks like an unmissable offering in this year’s Fringe. For more works at the 2014 Melbourne Fringe Festival, check out our top ten picks.
French, Spanish, German, American, Japanese: Australia has no shortage of film festivals categorised by country. But what about the stories of those with no nation at all? Lighting up screens for the first time as part of this year's Refugee Week, the films in the Refugee Film Festival will explore the trials and tribulations of people fleeing persecution and war. The festival will be held at Carlton's Cinema Nova from June 18-23. Standout titles include The Staging Post, which chronicles the lives of two asylum seekers stuck in Indonesia as a result of Australia's policy of turning back boats; The Land Between, about sub-Saharan African migrants living in the mountains of northern Morocco; and Constance on Edge, a ten-year project that tells the story of a Sudanese refugee family making a new life in Australia. Cinephiles outside of Sydney and Melbourne can also put their hand up to host a screening themselves. For more information on how to make that happen, as well as the full festival program, go here.
Throw those GoPros, bubble bottles and novelty gumboots in your rucksack, Splendour in the Grass is returning to North Byron Parklands for another year of festival merriment. With the epic likes of Blur, Mark Ronson, Florence and The Machine, Death Cab For Cutie, The Wombats, Tame Impala and Of Monsters And Men, Pond, Royal Blood and the Dandy Warhols on the bill, 2015's fest has one heck of a huge lineup. Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt is back, Australia's own dancefloor kings Flight Facilities are landing back home, Azealia Banks makes her Australian festival return and Spiritualised will play their only Australian show. Ryan Adams is comin' on over, Best Coast is bringing the beachery back to Splendour, while recent Coachella-smash Jenny Lewis is another of the bigwigs we can all get squealy about. SXSW buzz artists like Gengahr and Elliphant are coming, UK producer Shlomo will take things down a notch (and King Khan will do exactly the opposite), while Canadian duo Purity Ring should be one packed-out, all-the-emotions must-see. Australian artists really dominate the lineup this year, including Client Liaison, Elizabeth Rose, Hayden James, Megan Washington, Thundamentals, Meg Mac, Japanese Wallpaper, Dune Rats and more. Plus, there's going to be four stages this year, with the new Tiny Dancer stage joining the Amphitheatre, Mix Up, GW McLennan stages to host Splendour's DJ lineup. Splendour will return to North Byron Parklands on Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July. Onsite camping is once again available from Wednesday 22 July. Splendour In The Grass 2015 lineup Blur Florence + The Machine Mark Ronson Of Monsters & Men The Wombats Tame Impala Peking Duk Ryan Adams Flight Facilities Royal Blood (only Aus show) Death Cab For Cutie Earl Sweatshirt Boy & Bear Porter Robinson (Live) The Dandy Warhols (only Aus show) Xavier Rudd & The United Nations Azealia Banks The Rubens Jamie T Pond Spiritualized (only Aus show) Alison Wonderland Thundamentals Best Coast Everything Everything San Cisco MS MR Jarryd James Purity Ring Allday Carmada The Grates The Smith Street Band Tkay Maidza Johnny Marr Last Dinosaurs Megan Washington The Vaccines #1 Dads The Church Kitty, Daisy & Lewis The King Khan & The BBQ Show Alpine Catfish and the Bottlemen Paul Mac Dustin Tebbutt MØ Years & Years Jenny Lewis C.W. Stoneking Seekae George Maple Elliphant Client Liaison Palma Violets SAFIA Hayden James Dune Rats Wolf Alice Meg Mac Cosmo's Midnight Marmozets Oh Mercy Mansionair The Districts Shlohmo Elizabeth Rose The Delta Riggs Circa Waves Nancy Whang Eves The Behaviour Urban Cone Art of Sleeping Japanese Wallpaper Gengahr Bad//Dreems Ecca Vandal Holy Holy Vallis Alps UV Boi The Babe Rainbow Harts Generik Young Franco Mickey Kojak GL Benson Harvey Sutherland Total Giovanni DJs Dugong Jr I'lls Akouo Noise In My Head triple j Unearthed Winners Plus ... Joyride Post Percy Ara Koufax CC:Disco! Adi Toohey Set Mo Edd Fisher Mike Who Shantan Wantan Ichiban For more info, check out the official Splendour In The Grass site.
Visiting the Louvre art gallery in Paris is an exciting experience. Battling the crowds to get a glance of Venus de Milo is exciting. Copping an elbow to the face as you attempt to take a selfie with the Mona Lisa is even kinda exciting. But, imagine, if you could spend an entire night inside the Louvre, exploring the halls — and taking many many selfies with Mona Lisa — without any other tourists around. A total dream. And one that could become a reality, thanks to Airbnb. Yep, the company that lets you stay for cheap in other people's homes is giving away a night at the Louvre for you and a mate (date, mum, whoever). As well as spending the night under the iconic glass pyramid, you'll be given a Renaissance-inspired cocktail to toast with Mona — while relaxing on a luxe Parisian lounge and listening to French vinyl records, of course — enjoy an extravagant feast in a pop-up dining room next to Venus de Milo, and watch an acoustic concert inside Napoleon III's lavish apartment. Pick your jaw up off the ground and enter the competition, now. Well, before April 12. This crazy once-in-a-lifetime experience is part of AirBnB's Night At series, where it gifts sleepovers at really over-the-top spots. Previous sleepovers have been held on the Chicago Bulls basketball court, at the top of an Olympic ski jump, in a shark aquarium and on the Great Wall — the list goes on. To enter the competition, you need to answer the question "Why would you be the Mona Lisa's perfect guest?" in 800 characters or less before midnight on Friday, April 12 French time, which the morning of Saturday, April 13 AEDT. The sleepover will take place between April 28 and May 2 (the winner will win a total of three nights in Paris). To win a night at the Louvre head to the Airbnb website. Images: Julian Abrams.
