The laneways of Melbourne have been the unofficial training ground and creative home for Australian street art, in all its variety and forms. Over the years, as street art has changed and evolved, it has moved beyond the laneways and in with some unlikely bedfellows — galleries, governments and businesses. A recent example of this is the collaboration between one of Melbourne's most prominent and talented street artist, Drab, and product design company Buzz Products. Drab's street art has not only graced the walls of Melbourne's laneways but also been part of exhibtions and festivals in Melbourne, Sydney and New Zealand. He also worked with locals kids in Woorabinda Queensland to paint murals as part of the Indigenous Hip Hop Project. However, this recent collaboration with Buzz Products has really expanded his artistic repertoire. Literally. The exterior of the Buzz Products has been transformed from a boring blank wall into Australia's largest paste up street art. Using 56 sheets of paper, 40 litres of glue and taking two days to complete, this piece of street of art is 27 metres long by 8 metres high. It gives the urban landscape a much needed lift, and the good residents of Abbotsford in Melbourne something to gawk at on their trainride home.
John Nixon and the late Fred Williams have both been widely recognised as leading figures in the Australian art world, with each man creating works that have stood the test of time. Reducing Landscapes brings their work together in a seven-week exhibition at Hawthorn's Town Hall Gallery. Opening on Saturday, January 16, the exhibition will highlight the process of abstraction that was integral to both men's work. Williams, whose art has been featured in more than 70 solo exhibitions, worked with wash and impasto oil paint and brush. Nixon takes a different approach, using enamel paints, sponges and alternate methods of construction, building his paintings beyond the frame. Running alongside Reducing Landscapes will be a separate exhibition featuring work from the Town Hall Gallery's collection, including pieces by Helen Maudsley, Ian Armstrong and Noel Counihan. Image: John Nixon, Eltham (2014), courtesy Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne.
Australia keeps going dotty for Yayoi Kusama — and this time, one of the Japanese artist's dot-filled installations is sticking around on a permanent basis. Acquired by the National Gallery of Australia earlier this year, Kusama's pumpkin-focused infinity room The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens is now on display at the Canberra gallery, opening today, Saturday, December 1. The piece was first exhibited in 2015 and last seen in Australia earlier this year, in Brisbane as part of the Gallery of Modern Art's Yayoi Kusama: Life Is the Heart of a Rainbow exhibition between October 2017 and February 2018. Comprised of a mirrored cube filled with yellow, dot-covered pumpkins, it's a quintessential Kusama work. Whether you're a devoted fan who considers visiting the artist's own Tokyo museum a bucket-list moment, or someone who has simply placed stickers around one of her obliteration rooms, you would've noticed that dots and the concept of infinity are crucial to her art — "our earth is only one polka dot among a million stars in the cosmos," she says. Inside the cube, the bulbous vegetables appear to create an endless field thanks to the shiny surface. On the outside of the cube, the structure's mirrored exterior reflects the yellow-and-black walls in the surrounding installation room — again, making it appear as though the pattern stretches on forever. The acquisition was made possible via a gift to the NGA from Andrew and Hiroko Gwinnett. "It has long-been my ambition to see a major contemporary Japanese artwork housed in Australia's national collection," said Andrew in a statement. "Kusama's playful installation is a legacy that will keep giving for generations to come." Find The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens at the National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes, Canberra. Images: Yayoi Kusama, THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO HEAVENS 2015 — Installation view at The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (Museum MACAN). © Yayoi Kusama. Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/ Singapore/ Shanghai. / Courtesy of National Gallery of Australia, installation view.
If you're a fan of the new and exciting, especially when it comes to what's in your wine glass, prepare to scope out some very fresh talent, when Young Gun of Wine's Uncut showcase hits Melbourne next month. Roving between legendary laneway spots Kisumé, Supernormal and Bar Tini on Sunday, November 4, the event's set to shine a spotlight on the bright young things and rising stars of Australia's wine scene. It'll offer the chance to sample 50 wines from 25 buzz-worthy winemakers, as chosen by the expert Young Gun of Wine crew — a group that champions groundbreaking, emerging winemakers and acts as an incubator for the country's up-and-coming wine stars. Uncut will see you quaffing all sorts of interesting Aussie drops as you cruise between venues, with eats available at each stop. Tickets are $55, which includes all your tastings and a Riedel glass to keep for future wine appreciation sessions.
Melbourne-based jewellery designer Susan Cohn has had an incredible career with her unique creations since the 1980s, and her exhibition at the Anna Schwartz Gallery is a testament to her ability to impress and inspire. UNcommon Moments focuses on three distinct moments determined by Cohn that we experience universally: Dying, Welcoming and Continuing. Death and its inevitable yet unbearable connotations are represented in Toe Tag, a talisman not for death but for life. Whether you’re beginning life as a child or entering into a new community as a stranger, we all require inclusivity into the unknown. Styx is jewellery to say welcome, to a new home and a new life. Finally, Cohn’s work recognises that sometimes the hardest part of existence can be found in the everyday. Whether suffering through the mundane or the awful, Ganbatte jewellery lets us know that our struggles are seen, and that someone is thinking of us.
Every community needs a local grocer — and Yarraville residents definitely don't miss out. Plump Organic Grocery has been supplying the area with the freshest fruit and vegetables since 2002 and it continues to be one of the most popular shops in the Yarraville Village. People are more conscious than ever about where their food comes from, and Plump Organic Grocery always guarantees great quality produce from both wholesalers and a select group of farmers, and the store has a massive range of organic and bio-dynamic products. Plus, you can pick up everything from a bag of pasta to a block of chocolate, making it a very convenient stop on your way home from work.
The NGV's first-ever showcase of Australian interior design, the Rigg Design Prize 2018 is a groundbreaking exhibition that highlights the artistry of 10 local designers shortlisted for the leading Australian design award. For the exhibition — and coinciding competition — each designer was invited to create a room exploring this year's theme of 'domestic living', with the rooms judged on their use of different materials, methods and design aesthetics. This year, the $30,000 prize has been awarded to Melbourne design firm Hecker Guthrie. Lead designers Paul Hecker and Hamish Guthrie designed a room entitled The table is the base, which features a table as the centrepiece and uses terracotta throughout. The award's international judge, Shashi Caan said it was the design's simplicity that won it the prize, saying, "this project inherently addresses our social need for smaller footprints for today's responsibly designed domestic space." It's now on show at the NGV, alongside rooms designed by nine of Australia's leading interior designers: Amber Road, Arent & Pyke, Danielle Brustman, David Hicks, Flack Studio, Martyn Thompson Studio, Richards Stanisich, Scott Weston Architecture Design and The Society Inc by Sibella Court. The Rigg Design Prize has celebrated the best of interior design since 1994, having undergone a revamp in 2015 when the prize was expanded to encompass the work of designers from outside Victoria. Images: The table is the base, 2018, Hecker Guthrie; Imaginarium, 2018, The Society Inc by Sibella Court; We've boundless plains to share, 2018, Flack Studio; Our natural needs in a digital world, 2018, Richards Stanisich; Panic room, 2018, David Hicks; Take it outside, 2018, Amber 2018; Inner-Terior, 2018, Danielle Brustman. All photos by Shannon McGrath.
The laughs are served up a little differently at The Arbory's annual MICF series, the Silent Comedy Festival. Returning for another round of hilarious stand-up showcases from Thursday, March 25, the fan favourite event sees some of Australia's top comics taking to the riverside stage to perform...in total silence. Or at least, that's how it appears from the outside. Rather, audience members enjoy the stand-up acts through noise-cancelling headphones, in a similar vibe to what you'd expect from a silent disco. Running Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights throughout MICF (until April 15), the Silent Comedy shows will each feature a trio of side-splitting comedians, with the likes of Jimeoin, Dolly Diamond, Lawrence Mooney and Katie Burch included in this year's lineup. Tickets are $25, which gets you an evening full of chuckles, plus a pair of headphones to use for the night. And if you fancy some refreshments, you'll also find a $25 MICF burger and beer special, teaming your pick of Arbory burger with a schooner of Mountain Goat summer ale. [caption id="attachment_804282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jimeoin, photographed by Simon Shiff.[/caption] Images: Simon Shiff
Burger lovers of Melbourne, rejoice — yet another (yes, another) place selling your favourite food has joined the culinary lineup. If you've ever been on holiday in Queensland and grabbed a burg on the Gold or Sunshine Coasts, then you might be familiar with our newest resident from up north: Betty's Burgers. After announcing they'd be opening new stores in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in November 2016, their shiny new burger joint is now open at 97 Elizabeth Street — their first outside of Queensland. So what's Betty's all about? Well they do a range of burgs that have been pretty well received up north. You can except their classic, crispy chicken, pork belly and mushroom signature burgers to make their way to Melbourne, as well as their insane Shake Shack-esque frozen custard concoctions. These are called 'concretes', and you can choose to get things like peanut brittle, pecan pudding, doughnuts and lemon cheesecake mixed through them. The concept is similar to Melbourne burger joint Royal Stacks, which also does burgers and frozen custard desserts, although it must be noted that Betty's was first opened in Noosa by David Hales in 2014 (before Royal Stacks' time). He has since opened two stores on the Gold Coast — one at Surfers Paradise and one at Robina. Interior images: Carmen Zammit.
We're not sure whether Kings Domain's late trading hours are because it's so popular or vice versa. But we appreciate it either way. Where many other businesses close up shop when the sun goes down — or may just have one late-night trading — this Toorak Road joint stays open until 8pm on weekdays to give you a better chance of snagging an after-work spot and leaving your weekend free for fun times. Kings Domain is quite the small business success story in Melbourne. Celebrity hairdresser Joey Scandizzo and his former apprentice Aaron Chan opened this store in South Yarra opened in 2013 right as the trend for vintage barbershops was on the rise. Now, the duo (who have picked up a few other business partners along the way) can boast five outposts across Melbourne — and sixth in Sydney. Here, hot towel shaves and haircuts will set you back $55 each, or you can get creative with a fade for $35. Plus, if you book via the website, you can snag 25-percent off your first service.
In what would have been his 100th year, the late Nelson Mandela will be honoured in a travelling exhibition set to make its world debut in Victoria next September. Hosted by Melbourne Museum, MANDELA My Life is expected to be the most comprehensive collection of the human rights icon's memorabilia ever to be shown outside South Africa. Alongside a huge assortment of artefacts, including warrants of committal for Mandela's 27-year stint in prison, the exhibit will explore the Nobel Peace Prize laureate's life through a series of film and audio archives. Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said that Melbourne's hosting of the centenary exhibition was a huge win for the city. "Nelson Mandela fought every day for freedom, love and human rights — changing the world and making it a better place," Eren said. "We're proud this exhibition is making its world debut in Victoria, continuing Mandela's incredible legacy and reminding us all that it's in our hands to make a difference." MANDELA My Life is supported by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which is the custodian of most of the revolutionary's personal photographs, documents and memorabilia. After premiering in Melbourne, the exhibition will embark on a world tour of up to 20 cities, expected to be seen by as many as 2.7 million visitors globally. MANDELA My Life will be on display at Melbourne Museum from September 2018. Tickets will go on sale early next year. For more information, visit the exhibition's website. Image: NMF/Matthew Willman (2004).
For those who aren't afraid to let their mind run wild when decorating their home, Fenton & Fenton offers some delightful opportunities. Upon entering the store, you'll be immediately struck by the bold pieces on display across a huge collection of homewares, furniture and art created by many of the world's leading designers and artists. Drawing inspiration from the globe's most vibrant cities, Fenton & Fenton's showcase of colourful new and vintage products offers limitless home decoration possibilities.
Melbourne's getting another alcohol-fuelled brunch, and this one has a dress code — of leotards, lycra, spandex, leg warmers, and anything glittery, sparkly, shiny and neon. While you're channelling a thoroughly 80s vibe, teased hair won't go astray. Perhaps it'll even make you more aerodynamic on the roller rink. On Saturday, August 24, it's time to dress up in all of the above and strap on a pair of roller skates. You can't dance around a Roller Disco Brunch without them. The rink will pop up at Seaworks in Williamstown, running in conjunction with the 1.5-kilometre Pac-Man-inspired maze — so you can do both in one day if you do choose. When you're not busting out your smooth retro moves to plenty of the era's hits — yes, Cyndi Lauper songs will be given a spin by the DJ — you'll be tucking into bottomless mimosas and pizza slices. There will be three 90-minute brunch sessions: at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. These will set you back $75.23 and include your food, booze and skate hire. If you just want to get your skate on, there'll be four more sessions on the Saturday — at 5pm, 6.30pm, 8pm and 9.30pm — as well as three on the Friday night. These just include a turn on the skates and are $39.55 each. Peachy keen, jelly bean? You can buy tickets now. UPDATE: MAY 28, 2019 — This article previously stated that the Roller Disco Brunch would be held on June 29, 2019. This has now been changed to August 31, and the above has been edited to reflect the new date.
No matter how many times you let them up on the couch, how will your pet truly know you love them unless you've got their furry little face emblazoned on your togs and beach towel? Well, you might soon be able to turn that slightly weird dream into a reality, thanks to a Sydney company called Petflair and its range of customisable swimwear. Currently funding on Kickstarter, the project will allow devoted pet owners to upload an image of their animal and have it splashed across one of Petflair's colourful swimsuit designs. It isn't all indulgence either — Petflair has been created to support local rescue and re-homing charity Pound Paws, who aim to encourage Australians to adopt from shelters and pounds. So not only will you get to spend the summer swanning around with your pooch, kitty, bunny or bird printed on your swimmers, but you'll be doing it for an excellent cause. The team's designed swim briefs for guys and a trio of women's one-pieces, all crafted from durable Italian fabrics, as well as a beach towel and a canvas beach bag. They've even got some nifty sticker sets, if, for some reason, you want a slightly more subtle homage to your four-legged mate. If after reading this you've already taken out your credit card, you can donate to Petflair's Kickstarter campaign up until October 12. At the moment they need to raise $5000 to reach their goal of $15,000.
If anything's going to bring some much-needed classiness to your lockdown, it's a little dose of Japanese fine dining elegance. And that's exactly what's being served up by acclaimed kaiseki restaurant Ishizuka as part of its new at-home food offering. While its dining room remains closed, the tiny 16-seater is whipping up a selection of its intricate fare for takeaway and delivery. And among the mix is one of the most indulgent bento boxes we've ever seen. The Single Layer Master Bento comes in at $135, brimming with a neat array of high-end inclusions to put even your most adventurous lockdown cooking forays to shame. We're talking seafood delicacies like baby abalone, snow crab, salmon roe and kamaboko (Japanese fish cake), alongside high-end meats such as premium A5 Kagoshima wagyu and duck. Other top-quality additions might feature the likes of kōhaku namasu (a daikon carrot pickle), braised eggplant with wintermelon, candied cumquats and house-made mochi. The offering changes up regularly depending on the produce in the kitchen — helmed by Michelin-starred chef Masahiko Yomoda. Order via the website's reservations page by 5pm for next-day delivery (between 3–5pm) or collection from the restaurant. [caption id="attachment_697864" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ishizuka, by Felix Forest[/caption] Top image: Eve Wilson
Set in the backstreets of suburban Brisbane, Trent Dalton's award-winning 2018 novel Boy Swallows Universe is destined to become an Aussie classic. It follows a young boy, his prophetic brother and his jailbreaking best friend as they navigate the heroin-filled underworld of 80s Queensland. And it's about to come to life on the stage. In September 2020, the stage version of the novel will world premiere in Brisbane. It'll be a co-production between Queensland Theatre and Brisbane Festival, with the former's Artistic Director Sam Strong directing the adaptation, which will be written by playwright Tim McGarry. Brisbane-born author Dalton said in a statement it was only fitting that the stage show should premiere in his hometown, "It was the people of Brisbane who took that wild, strange book and ran with it first and that book belongs to them now and this production will belong to them, too." It has not yet been revealed if the stage show will then travel to interstate theatres, but we'll keep our fingers crossed — and let you know if it does. Boy Swallows Universe has snagged a slew of local awards, including Book of the Year, Literary Book of the Year and Audio Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards. The novel, which has sold 160,000 copies in Australia alone, has also been longlisted for Australia's most prestigious literature prize, the Miles Franklin Award. The winners will be announced on July 30. Fans of the novel will be excited to hear that it won't stop at the stage, either — Boy Swallows Universe is also destined for the small screen. Last week, it was announced that Harper Collins had sold the television rights to the novel, with Australian actor and director Joel Edgerton (who recently wrote, directed and produced Boy Erased) set to produce the show alongside Dalton as executive producer. Boy Swallows Universe will world premiere in Brisbane in September 2020 as part of Brisbane Festival. You can sign-up to receive updates from Queensland Theatre here. Top image: Trent Dalton and Sam Strong by Luke Marsden.
Everyone has a preferred temperature. Some folks like rainy days, while others crave sunshine. Tropical weather beckons to some, and snowy climes call others. That remains the case when you go on holidays, but unless you're going skiing, you probably want to head somewhere where it'll be warm but not blistering hot, and where you won't need an umbrella. And, now, regardless of when you're getting away, you can always find the perfect destination. Ryan Whitaker thought that working out the best place to go at any particular time of year would be easy; however when he found otherwise — "searching Google for things like 'best places to visit in January' or 'best time to visit Spain'", and coming across broad recommendations that weren't backed up by data or experience — he decided to create his own. Available on DecisionData.org, the result is a map called The Best Time to Visit Anywhere in the World, and yep, that's exactly what it tells users. [caption id="attachment_618852" align="aligncenter" width="1219"] Image: DecisionData.org[/caption] Just enter your preferred week of travel, the temperature range you're after (including ideal minimum, maximum and average values), and how much rain you'd accept, and Whitaker's map has the answers. Available in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, it's based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data from the past ten years, captured every day at between 10,000 and 12,000 weather stations — or 35 million lines of information. Users can also exclude areas that don't report on precipitation to minimise showery surprises. Whitaker includes a reminder that his map isn't designed to replace local knowledge of events or seasonal attractions, but aims to "supplement it with good data on where temperatures are ideal." Keeping all that in mind, it's certain to prove a handy tool when you're planning your next getaway. Say goodbye to filling your suitcase with everything from an umbrella to swimwear to a warm coat — just in case — and hello to perfect holiday conditions. Via AWOL.
Attention NFL fans — or just anyone who's down for a US-themed party — mark your calendar for Super Bowl Sunday Monday, because The Wharf Hotel is about to throw a hell of a party. While the US gets to experience the big game prime time Sunday night, Melburnians are going to need to convince their bosses for a late start on Monday, February 12, or chuck a sickie to get in on the fun, as the game is set to kick off at 10:30am on this side of the planet. For those free and willing, The Wharf Hotel has collaborated with Pepsi to create Melbourne's first-ever Super Bowl LVIII Dome Experience, an event that claims to transform how you watch live sport. Set to float on the Yarra River, the Pepsi Dome Experience will offer a 360-degree viewing perspective. Picture yourself immersed in the game, lounging on beanbags, while enjoying a siren-to-siren package of unlimited drinks (selected bottled beer, wines, and Pepsi) and a lineup of American-themed snacks. Dome tickets aren't cheap ($190), and they're very limited, but if you're looking for a unique way to experience the game, this package might be for you — just get in quick. If you're on a tighter budget, the tailgate party is your go-to. This complimentary event unfolds on The Wharf's outdoor lower level, featuring a mega screen for live game coverage, with a nice background of the Melbourne skyline. Entry is free, but RSVPs are essential through the venue's website. For those seeking a more conventional viewing experience, general reservations are available, with tables inside, on the garden deck or the covered promenade. No matter where you sit, you'll be able to see the game, thanks to multiple screens throughout the venue. Doors open from 8am, while the Dome will open from 10am.
While Melbourne's chilly season hasn't quite kicked off yet, that doesn't mean you shouldn't start plotting a well-deserved winter pampering. After first being announced in mid-2021, the Mornington Peninsula's new wellness offering Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is almost ready to open its doors, taking bookings for September 26 onwards. Located in Fingal, just a stone's throw from the long-running Peninsula Hot Springs, Alba is out to deliver an all-in-one destination for self-care. It'll feature an array of luxe therapies and hydrothermal spa experiences, along with a dining offering led by celebrated chef Karen Martini. Those looking to pamper will find a hefty menu of more than 35 spa treatments, as well as bathing experiences that take advantage of the property's naturally occurring thermal water. A range of signature 'rituals' or spa packages feature an assortment of massages, facials, wraps, exfoliations and body polishes, alongside specialty baths and hammam steam room sessions. You can treat yourself to one of ten different standalone massage options, or spruce things up with a manicure or pedicure. And if you're feeling plush, there's a slew of half-day and full-day treatment packages, topping out at The Flinders — an all-day indulgence featuring a massage, facial, mani, pedi, hot springs and lunch or dinner for a cool $1450. If you're there for a good ol' soak, you'll find a series of 22 geothermal springs and pools nestled against a lush backdrop of native flora. The variety is impressive, ranging from secluded herbal-infused pools to a trio of private rooftop pools known as The Clouds. Meanwhile, Karen Martini's 120-seat restaurant Thyme will be taking care of all your pre- and post-pamper dining needs, with an all-day menu of nourishing fare to star alongside a lineup of coffee, cocktails and Peninsula-focused booze. Find Alba Thermal Springs and Spa at 282 Browns Road, Fingal, from Monday, September 26. Bookings are now open via the website. Images: Chris McConville
Bouvier Bar brings a little ritz to the north end of Lygon Street otherwise, peppered by Thai restaurants and burger joints, with its cocktail touting self, shmick black walls and dim lighting. Step inside for a deceptively long space, European-vibe tapas (duck liver parfait on lavoche, Spanish tinned sardines, house-made gnocchi) and a wine list with plenty of options from Australia and across the seas. The cocktail list is broad, with odes to distant lands championing Japanese and Mediterranean flavours. Give a 'Thyme Bomb' cocktail a whirl: vodka, St Germain elderflower liqueur, thyme syrup and lemon ($17). This zesty baby will freshen up the start of your weekend.
The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular — better known as just GABS — returns to the Royal Exhibition Building for its ninth year over the weekend of May 17–19. After humble beginnings right here in Melbourne, the festival has now expanded to cover four cities, two countries, and is rightfully considered by most as the best craft beer and cider festival in the Asia Pacific region. Creators Steve Jeffares and Guy Greenstone (The Local Taphouse, Stomping Ground Brewing Co.) have again wrangled up the best breweries from the region and are offering up hundreds of brews, including 100+ exclusive festival beers and ciders. These exclusive and often wacky specialty brews are created just for the event and are generally the festival's main draw, giving attendees the rare chance to try brand-spanking new beers while meeting the brewers behind them. This year's festival brews include collaborations with coffee roasters, tea houses, gin and whisky distillers, biscuit makers and even an American barbecue smokehouse — so expect plenty of experimental tastes. Apart from beer, the event will also play host to mini golf, a giant beer can piñata, a roller racing derby, a silent disco and a competitive scavenger hunt. The much loved 18-metre-high beer Ferris wheel will make its return, as will the usual wandering performances and local food stalls. The weekend-long event is categorised in five sessions, with the season passes to all sessions already sold out. We wish those ticket holders the best of luck.
Just as not all movies are created equal, neither are all stints on screens. The big, in budget and attendance, stick around. The small, in audience awareness but not in artistry or effort, might not stay that long. Such a cinema environment sees many gems fall by the wayside in the battle for viewer hearts and minds – many that rank among the year’s best, too. So which 2014 films should you have perhaps taken a chance on instead of just seeing the latest shiny blockbuster? Here’s ten that local box office performance tells us you most likely missed, but really shouldn’t have. THE BABADOOK Jennifer Kent’s debut feature is one of the best among Australian efforts, horror films, and haunted house fright fests — both of this year, and of all others. Alas, in a nation that rarely embraces anything spooky on the big screen en masse, it came and went quickly, though what it lacked in local attention it is now making up for in international acclaim. Such recognition is mere window dressing for a movie that allows its equally touching and terrifying content to make its own statement as it charts a single mother’s troubles when her six-year-old son finds fear in a formidable figure that springs from the page into his bedroom. The style, the story and the scares can now continue off-screen, too, courtesy of a crowd-supported production run of the pop-up book at the centre of the chills. Read our full review. ALL THIS MAYHEM Great dramas are made of the same ingredients as this stunning homegrown true tale, a rise to fame, a fall from grace, seeking glory at all costs, and getting mixed up with the wrong things among them. In Eddie Martin’s documentary, all this and more is wrapped up in a roller-coaster ride that starts in the Melbourne suburbs, reaches the heights of the international skateboarding scene, and comes crashing towards its conclusion with the tragedy of what might have been in different circumstances. For those unfamiliar with the story of brothers Tas and Ben Pappas, the film offers the best account you’ll ever experience. For those aware of the details, devastation still emanates from a feature suitably straightforward in structure and shattering in sentiment. Read our full review. FORCE MAJEURE While audiences flocked to Gone Girl’s twisty take on marriage and masculinity, a Swedish couple holidaying in the French Alps with their kids spawned the same musings in just as cynical and striking a fashion. Force Majeure begins with a seemingly impending avalanche, in the face of which, a man runs away as his family looks on. Watching the aftermath as the central pair fight in public yet drift apart in private is not only astute but also amusing in its insights. Writer/director Ruben Östlund has crafted an acerbic comedy of discomfort that says everything about the most intimate of interpersonal relations, with a mastery of form to match the complexity of theme. Read our full review. MY SWEET PEPPER LAND One feminist western – A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, which also earns many other descriptors, too – is starting to appear at Australian festivals and in niche screening runs; however, this year also brought another to local screens. Writer/director Hiner Saleem and actress Golshifteh Farahani combine to chart a teacher’s fight for independence in male-dominated Kurdistan, both excelling with the material. Also fuelling the narrative is a policeman’s quest for a new existence free from his gun-slinging past. In this tale of two outsiders endeavouring to establish their own identities and exert power over their own dominion, all the tropes unravel amid a desolate landscape, and given the parallels with the nation’s sociopolitical climate, the film ranges beyond its adopted genre. Read our full review. THE MISSING PICTURE Wading through the past to get a grasp on his – and Cambodia’s – present, filmmaker Rithy Panh attempts to fill in the gaps in his own and well as the collective memory. With the assistance of sculptor Sarith Mang, he assembles figurines and dioramas of clay and wood to restage scenes from his childhood, the fleetingly beautiful and the inescapably brutal among them. The documentarian earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film for his efforts, his latest offering continuing his prolonged fascination with the state of his country. As modest as it is meticulous, and as moving and illuminating, too, this is a picture that shouldn’t be missed. Pun intended. THE DARK HORSE Stories similar to the real-life circumstances of Genesis Potini have been seen before on screen, steeped as they are in a relatable arc of redemption. What James Napier Robertson’s film perfects is the mindset of the troubled chess prodigy turned coach to marginalised youth, in every expressive image and atmospheric sound, and in a tone that never loses hope – just like its inspiration. Formula might seethe through the underdog story, but so does authenticity. The feature swept the recent New Zealand Film Awards for its earnest and emotional efforts, with acclaim rightfully thrown the way of star Cliff Curtis and supporting actor James Rolleston (worlds away from the work he is best known for, his titular role in the charming Boy). Read our full review. THESE FINAL HOURS When this Australian apocalyptic effort made its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2013, it set audiences ablaze with excitement for its fresh cinematic talent and its invigorating approach to the end of the world. Fast forward to a year later, and the flames spluttered when Zak Hilditch’s debut earned a general release, a response that doesn’t reflect the skill and style of the movie. Nathan Phillips plays against type in a story not of special deeds but of looking beyond a selfish, self-serving mindset. As his protagonist, James, journeys from nihilism to humanism upon a road trip through Perth’s suburban streets — motivated by the lost, lonely girl he decides to help — he evokes a quiet awakening not just for the character but for a new Australian classic. Read our full review. SON OF A GUN Not even the lure of Ewan McGregor enticed patrons into theatres for Julius Avery’s first feature, another film coming out of Western Australia. As a veteran criminal masterminding a jailbreak, then caught in a web of mobster manipulation, the Scottish actor rightfully commands attention — but so do his co-stars, Australia’s own Brenton Thwaites as the innocent immersed in underworld dealings, and Swedish actress Alicia Vikander as the obligatory love interest. Yes, there’s no escaping the film’s fondness for standard crime caper cliches as it navigates prison hierarchies, daring heists and dalliances with Russian gangsters, but its embrace of its genre exceeds what could’ve just been an ordinary assembly of average parts. Avery also shows a knack for set pieces and a confidence with pace and tone that keeps everything moving beyond the familiar. Read our full review. NYMPHOMANIAC Lars von Trier doesn’t make films to cater for all tastes, to be certain. Danish cinema’s enfant terrible earned the label after making many a feature considered unpalatable by broader audiences. Four hours of his work may be an endurance test for some (and that’s the short version of his latest effort); however, his frank dissection of female sexuality demands to be seen. Lust eclipses love as the driving mechanism in the experiences of Joe as she grows from a girl into a woman, ever-aware of her carnal impulses. Some chapters hit the mark better than others, just as some performances — from a cast that includes Stacy Martin and Charlotte Gainsbourg sharing the lead role, as well as Uma Thurman, Christian Slater, Shia LaBeouf and Jamie Bell — suffer the same fate, yet the end product is never anything less than engrossing. Read our full review. OUT OF THE FURNACE A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it run in Australian cinemas excuses many from failing to cross paths with the latest feature from Crazy Heart writer/director Scott Cooper. Though he again steeps his story in the struggles of those striving for something more but continually restrained by their circumstances, here he places his stumbling characters in the midst of small-town malaise, post-war apathy and generational inertia. Excellent work from Christian Bale, Casey Affleck and Woody Harrelson lies at the core of an intimate, intricate effort played out with a brooding look and feel from start to finish. Also strong is the sense of conviction that helps patch over thematic similarities with other films.
The Australian festival scene's worst-kept secret for 2023 has been confirmed: Post Malone is headlining Spilt Milk. When the melancholic hitmaker announced his latest solo tour Down Under, he named venues in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, but also had Canberra, Gold Coast, Ballarat and Perth listed without specific sites. We predicted that those stops would see him play Spilt Milk — and, yes, that theory was right. Music lovers and festival fans in Canberra, Ballarat, Perth and the Gold Coast, Post Malone is on his way. The fest will kick off its 2023 season on Saturday, November 25 at Exhibition Park in the nation's capital, then head to the Gold Coast Sports Precinct on Sunday, November 26. The following weekend, it'll hit up Ballarat's Victoria Park on Saturday, December 2, before wrapping up on Sunday, December 3 at Claremont Showgrounds in Perth. The latter stop marks Spilt Milk's debut in the Western Australian city, and might just see the fest prove even more popular than it usually does. In 2022, that year's three stops all sold out in less than seven days. Post Malone has company on the fest's stages, with Dom Dolla and Latto also leading the bill. So, expect to hear everything from 'Sunflower' and 'I Like You' to 'Rhyme Dust' and 'Big Energy'. Tkay Maidza and Aitch also rank among Spilt Milk's impressive 2023 names, with Chris Lake, Dermot Kennedy, Budjerah, Cub Sport, Lastlings, Partiboi69, Ocean Alley, Peach PRC, Royel Otis also set to hit the stage. [caption id="attachment_851189" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Billy Zammit[/caption] Also, because this fest is also about food, there'll be bites to eat from Chebbo's Burgers, 400 Gradi, Chicken Treat, and the BBQ and Beer Roadshow. Originally only held in Canberra, then expanding to Ballarat, then the Gold Coast and now Perth, the multi-city one-dayer has cemented its spot as a must-attend event for a heap of reasons. In 2023, this just-announced lineup is one of them. [caption id="attachment_851187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] SPILT MILK 2023 DATES: Saturday, November 25 — Exhibition Park, Canberra Sunday, November 26 — Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Gold Coast Saturday, December 2 — Victoria Park, Ballarat Sunday, December 3 — Claremont Showgrounds, Perth SPILT MILK 2023 LINEUP: Post Malone Dom Dolla Aitch Budjerah Chris Lake Cub Sport David Kushner Dermot Kennedy Djanaba Grentperez Jessie Murph Lastlings Latto Levins & Friends (Guilty Pleasures) Lime Cordiale May-A Mincy Ocean Alley Pacific Avenue Partiboi69 Peach Prc Poolclvb Redhook Royel Otis The Buoys The Dreggs Tia Gostelow Tkay Maidza Also in Canberra: Apricot Ink Clique & Brittany Demarco G.A.C.T (Just Tneek, Kinetictheory, Bin Juice, Geo) Sputnik Sweetheart Zach Knows + more to be announced Triple J Unearthed Winner Also on the Gold Coast: Bill Durry Friends Of Friends Logan Peach Fur + more to be announced Triple J Unearthed Winner Also in Ballarat: Ango Ben Gerrans Blue Vedder Sami Srirachi Yorke Triple J Unearthed Winner Also in Perth: Don Darkoe Dulcie Sammythesinner The Vault Djs + more to be announced Spilt Milk will hit Canberra, Ballarat, the Gold Coast and Perth in November and December 2023. Pre-sale tickets go on sale on Tuesday, July 11 and general sales on Thursday, July 15 — at 8am AEST for Canberra tickets, 8am AWST for Perth tickets, 9am AEST for Ballarat tickets and 11am AEST for Gold Coast tickets. Head to the festival website for more info and to register for pre-sales. Top image: Jordan Munns.
Dear readers, you can’t say that we at Concrete Playground don’t do things for you. You were probably curious about Teleny. Maybe you’ve seen the posters or the Facebook ads; all bare skin and sultry eyes. Maybe you’ve heard of the novel it's adapted from — a 19th century porno frequently, if questionably, attributed to Oscar Wilde and his circle of literary friends. What would this possibly be like on stage? Dare you go? Well we went to see it for you, we sat through all of it, all three and a half hours of it, so now you don’t have to. Seldom has so little drama been extracted from such sensationalist material. The story has a torrid gay love affair between a young Parisian and an exotic pianist, a Bacchanalian all-male orgy, sex on a piano, a mother sleeping with her son’s boyfriend, murder, rape, suicide, drug use, blackmail, you name it. One thing it should not have been was dull. However, the show plodded along, weighed down with long-winded monologues by the protagonist Camille (Tom Byers), as if the writer had not realised adapting a novel for theatre meant more than simply speaking the novel to the audience. Camille spoke over the top of everything, including ruining an almost effective love scene by turning away from his lover (Jackson Raine as Teleny) and breaking into a detailed description of what they had for dinner. For what was supposedly intended as erotica, there were very few sexy moments, although the cast did come alive a bit when they all got to be naked for the orgy scene. The acting at least was of authentic porno standard throughout, mostly stilted but occasionally over the top. The running time could probably have been slashed simply by reducing the number of dramatic pauses, which were applied both excessively ("I… could… never… love… a… WOMAN!") and pointlessly ("I… will… have… a… champagne… and a BISCUIT!") It had the kind of ridiculous staging where characters would climb onto a table for no reason other than to be dramatic, pop up cartoonishly from behind a chaise longue or throw themselves randomly to their knees, including one scene where Camille does this onto the keys of a piano. It was meant to be in Paris, though the accents were all over the place: some tried French, some went for Cockney, one guy opted for both in the same character. There was even a "comtesse" (Jonathan Duffy) doing a reedy drag American. The snippets of attempted French scattered through the script were, ah mon dieu, truly horrible. At the end of the gruelling two-hour first act, a good half of the audience bailed. The second act was when we got the big gay orgy, the officer being buggered with a bottle and the cross-dressing doctor, so those quitters missed out. As should you, if you’re wise. Look, if the play was a normal length, Teleny could possibly claim a so-bad-it’s-fun kind of appeal but three-and-a-half hours (which, be advised, is its actual running time not what's advertised) is too much time just to get a few giggles when it tries to be sexy or dramatic. We sat through every second to save you from it, dear readers, please don’t let our sacrifice be in vain. Photo credit: Dushan Philip.
Who says Halloween celebrations can only go for one night? Not Fitzroy bar Bimbo. Seeing as the spooky night doesn't fall on a weekend this year, Bimbo is suggesting you celebrate for an entire week. From Monday, October 28, the bar will be hosting a costume party every night of the week until Sunday, November 3. The best look gets a $100 voucher — that's 25 x $4 Bimbo pizzas, if you're doing the math — so start planning those costume changes, stat. Get down for Halloween-themed drink specials (some complete with lychee "eyeballs"), different DJs each night (check out the website and pick your poison), and say "trick or treat" at the bar between 7pm and 8pm for a free pot of beer. Happy Halloween indeed.
Chef Alejandro Saravia is building his restaurant empire at a cracking pace. He's already made a name for himself in Melbourne with contemporary Australian restaurants Farmer's Daughters and Victoria by Farmer's Daughters. And in April this year, he launched the ambitious 220-seater Morena Sydney, which champions South American flavours. But that ain't all. Come spring this year, he'll open two neighbouring venues in the 80 Collins precinct that build upon the original concept of Morena Sydney. The first is Morena Restaurant, which offers a formal dining experience much like the Sydney outpost. Here, Saravia is pulling inspiration from his homeland of Peru, alongside Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico in crafting the menu. [caption id="attachment_964136" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morena Sydney[/caption] When it comes to bevs, there'll be a focus on Spanish and South American wines as well as signature cocktails heroing Latin American spirits. The second site, sitting right next to Morena Restaurant, is Morena Barra. Here, you'll find an all-day dining experience that's focused around a central bar and inspired by the vibrant cantinas found throughout Latin America. When it comes to this food and drink lineup here, you can expect slightly more casual renditions of Morena Restaurant's offerings. Much like Saravia's other Melbourne venues, locally sourced seasonal produce will be at the heart of both Morena Restaurant and Morena Barra. He's worked in Australian restaurants since 2006, developing mighty strong relationships with Victoria's top growers, graziers and fishermen. [caption id="attachment_964133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morena Sydney[/caption] "After the outstanding reception to Morena Sydney, I am so excited to be bringing the Morena concept to life in the heart of Melbourne," shares Saravia. "With Farmer's Daughters around the corner, Morena will be continuing to deliver warm hospitality and exciting culinary experiences in Melbourne's CBD. The new venues will refocus the ways that Melburnians engage with the diverse cuisines from across Latin-American cultures. "For me, opening Morena in Melbourne represents a full circle of my time in this industry in Australia. Since arriving in Australia in 2006, I have been working to shine a light on the unique flavours and hospitality of Latin America; and here in my hometown of Melbourne I am excited to bring this to life in two unique venue offerings. "At Morena Melbourne, we will continue to transform Australians' perspective of Latin-American cuisines, showcasing the diverse culinary heritage whilst preserving the rich cultural roots and authentic flavours that define it." [caption id="attachment_964135" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morena Sydney[/caption] [caption id="attachment_964134" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morena Sydney[/caption] Morena Melbourne will open on Little Collins Street in spring 2024. For more information on the new restaurant opening, check out the venue's website. Top image by Katje Ford and all other images by Arianna Leggiero.
Want to get your long weekend off to a cracking start? How does this sound: a night spent dancing up a storm to DJ tunes in a huge brewery, while sipping on a few boozy slushies. That's the situation that awaits you at Moon Dog World's free Good Friday Eve party, kicking off from 6pm on Thursday, April 14. The giant Preston brewpub is serving up a big dose of long weekend musical goodness — not only is legendary electro duo Close Counters headlining the evening's soundtrack, but they'll be backed by local favourites MzRizk and DJ Be Kind To Other People. And it'll all be spinning until 1am. As always, Moon Dog's 72-tap bar will have a host of good stuff to quench your thirst and fuel your best dance moves, including cocktails, craft brews and some special slushies made on their signature Fizzer seltzers.
If you're looking to dip into a few fresh literary delights, why not opt for a deep-dive into some of the world's oldest storytelling traditions? That's what you can expect to enjoy when this week's Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival serves up a celebration of First Nations stories and writers, fusing tradition and innovation. Running from Thursday, March 17 until Sunday, March 20, the festival will spotlight over 67 talented storytellers — both emerging and familiar — across a program of conversations, workshops, readings and performances. Most events will be held at Melbourne's Wheeler Centre, with many also streamed online. The festival's launch night kicks off with a Welcome to Country and multi-disciplinary performance piece Solace, as traditional owners and artists Philly, Bryan Andy, James Henry and Steven Rhall explore ideas around men's mental health. During Borrow a Living Book, you'll have the chance to sit down with an elder at Indigenous-owned eatery Big Esso and immerse yourself in the stories of their lived experiences. With Kimmy Lovegrove as MC, Gammon (Aboriginal slang for 'joking' or 'kidding') delivers a serve of Blak comedy, while The Monologues showcases words from celebrated First Nations playwrights including Kodie Bedford, Anita Heiss and Jane Harrison. Elsewhere, you'll catch a series of ten-minute talks by social justice activists, an in-depth exploration of Aboriginal aesthetic within the Australian design landscape, and a group poetry read featuring writers like Jazz Money and Charmaine Papertalk Green. Can't make it in person? A stack of the events will also be available to enjoy streamed online, with various ticketing options on offer. [caption id="attachment_846280" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maurial Spearim, by Tiffany Garvie[/caption] Top Image: Richard Frankland and Stan Yarramunua, by Tiffany Garvie
If you're fond of cats big and small — fluffy, hair-free, scampering, sleeping and the like — then you'll know one golden rule: every day is better when there's meowing mousers involved. And, maybe you've secured that sweet situation thanks to your own purring pet. Or, perhaps you're just the kind of person who makes a beeline to any kitten they see, tries to become its best friend and can't focus on anything else while it's in the vicinity. Whichever fits, adding more cats to your day is something that every feline fan wants — and it's definitely a part of the Cat Protection Society of Victoria's new dream gig. It's a volunteer job, spanning a three-month stint in Melbourne, but it'll 100-percent bring kittens your way. The role: CPSV's official 'cat cuddler'. Yes, that's really what it's called. Obviously, what it entails is rather self-explanatory — because the lucky person who scores the position will be tasked with providing love, affection and enrichment to the cats and kittens in the society's care as they wait to be adopted. The word you're looking for? "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww". This is the organisation that offered cat cuddling gift vouchers as Christmas gifts last year, after all — but this is even cuter. The caveats: you'll need to be in Melbourne to take the gig, and you'll need to have a minimum of three hours per week — on one weekday each week, and during normal operating hours — to head to CPSV's adoption centre to give its kitties all those snuggles. If that sounds like you — or if you've got a pussy-loving pal that you know would love it — all applicants have until Friday, June 4 to apply to temporarily join the society's team of around 40 volunteers. To throw your name in the ring, you'll want to head to the CPSV website and upload a short video (up to two minutes max) that explains why you should be the official Cat Protection Society Cat Cuddler, and also complete the online application form. To apply for the Cat Protection Society of Victoria's 'cat cuddler' position before Friday, June 4, head to the organisation's website.
East Brunswick Village — home to Rumi, The Rocket Society, Bridge Road Brewers, Bellboy Cafe and FoMo Cinemas — is throwing a huge block party on Sunday, November 10, from 11am–5pm. Triple R's resident DJ Small Fry will be playing tunes throughout the day, while the precinct's food and drink venues will be slinging one-off dishes, signature creations and limited-edition craft beers. Bridge Road Brewers is providing beer for the occasion — made just for the Village Feast — plus, they'll be plating up epic house-made Bavarian soft pretzels loaded with jalapenos, olives, spring onion and cheese sauce, or smoked ham, hot pickles and cheese sauce. [caption id="attachment_977709" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tacoya's nori tacos[/caption] Rumi's chefs will be serving their famous HSP, and its sibling venue The Rocket Society will be pumping out homemade falafels with an optional natty wine pairing. You can also get around prawn and crab rolls from Bellboy Cafe, beer and wine from Blackhearts & Sparrows, and special sweet popcorn from FoMo Cinemas — featuring mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and crushed graham crackers. To top it all off, you'll also find a small makers market where over ten local artisans will be spruiking their wares, competitions, raffles and kid-friendly entertainment. It's all about the community feels at the Village Feast. [caption id="attachment_972176" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bridge Road Brewers[/caption]
The winter chill has set in across Melbourne, which means it's time to bust out your warmest winter woolies once again. Happily enough, to coincide with the start of winter, a heap of private igloos have popped up across the city so you can get your winter escape without even having to leave the big smoke. As part of the Winter Igloo Garden, these pop-up winter wonderlands have descended upon The Auburn Hotel's beer garden, Footscray's Station Hotel, Studley Park Boathouse and the banks of the Yarra at The Wharf Hotel. Each see-through structure can fit up to six people and comes decked out with twinkly fairy lights and winter-inspired furnishings. You can hire any igloo out for a two-hour time slot, which includes a different food and drink offering depending on the venue. The Studley Park Boathouse igloo is serving a winter high tea full of sweet and savoury bites with a glass of bubbly for $49 per person, with the option to add on 90 minutes of bottomless drinks for an extra $25. At The Auburn you'll be chilling out in your wintry bubble enjoying a shared three-course feast featuring the likes of mini lobster rolls, charred broccolini with toasted almonds, and a king salmon with saffron-braised fennel for $59. That'll also get you your choice of drink — think mulled wine, local beer, cherry spritz or a hot toddy. At the riverside Winter Igloo Garden at The Wharf Hotel, you'll part with $49 for your choice of wintery beverage, paired with a shared grazing board loaded with bites like southern fried chicken ribs, salt and pepper squid, and triple cheese pumpkin arancini. If you're looking for more soul-warming fare, The Station's igloos come with a meat-heavy set menu with options like short ribs, wagyu tartare and yakitori, teamed with your pick of drink for $69. Espresso martinis, house wines and boozy hot chocolate set the tone here. And while you're hanging out in any of the above igloos, further drinks can also be ordered via an app, so you don't have to leave your wintry lair.
UPDATE, Thursday, February 29: The Nonnas at Ronnie's has sold out, but you can head to the venue's website to find out more about it to head by another time. Don't worry if you don't have a nonna of your own because Ronnie's in the CBD will be hosting a dinner run by a bunch of nonnas for this year's Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. On Wednesday, March 20, Ronnie's crew will host a few two-hour seatings (with only the 6pm and 7.30pm slots available at the time of publishing), during which diners can experience the love and warmth that only a nonna's hospitality can provide. Wholesome alert! [caption id="attachment_920567" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Dillon[/caption] The Italian matriarchs hail from The Furlan Club, one of Melbourne's oldest Italian social clubs, and will share a heap of their generations-old dishes on the night as they take over the restaurant's kitchen. This will include a few different kinds of pasta and some of Ronnie's own focaccia and salads. A welcome drink will be included in the $94 ticket price and the bar will be open for all your additional beverage needs. Live music will also be on the cards to liven up this old-school Italian party in the city.
An underground sensation has been stirring in Australia since 1999. That's when the country's first truffles were harvested, following years of careful preparation, and as a nation we've embraced this black gold of haute cuisine ever since. To see how the prized fungi are farmed firsthand, there's nothing better than to join a truffle hunt and tasting at Black Cat Truffles. This truffiere on the edge of Victoria's Creswick State Forest, just outside of Ballarat, boasts more than 1000 French and English oak trees with truffles slowly, moodily growing on their roots. To help you sniff them out, you'll have a little animal assistance from Black Cat's resident dogs, Ella, Harry and Narla (pigs are famously naturally drawn to truffles, but you don't want to fight one for the rights to its find). Farmers Andres and Lynette Haas will be there too, sharing their truffle-related knowledge, tales and tasting notes. You'll also get to try a selection of truffle-infused dishes, ranging from oozy d'Affinois cheese to potato stacks and ice cream. This is a quintessentially winter activity — truffles aren't in season for long — so prepare to rug up, pull on your wellies and get enveloped in the highland mists. Black Cat's Truffle Hunts and Tastings run from June to August. If you're really enamoured with the catch of the day, it's yours to take home for $2.50 per gram. To find more winter adventures in Ballarat, Daylesford and the surrounds, visit the Wander Victoria website.
Winning the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers poll for 2023, Mountain Culture's Status Quo Pale Ale is living up to its name. The tipple from the New South Wales brewery in the Blue Mountains was also anointed 2022's top drop. So, from that ranking to the just-announced new countdown — which was unveiled on Saturday, January 27, 2024 — the existing state of affairs has indeed been maintained. When the end of January rolls around in Australia, folks get a-counting — and brews sit alongside tunes. The nation loves working through the top 100 songs of the past year thanks to Triple J's huge annual music poll, and has for decades. And, it loves celebrating the beers that everyone is likely sipping while listening to that countdown, which is where GABS' ranking of Aussie craft beers has come in for 16 years now. This yeasty poll does for beer what the other Hottest 100 does for bangers, and it loves repeat winners. In both 2020 and 2021, Canberra's Bentspoke Brewing Co did the honours with its Crankshaft American IPA. In 2022 and 2023, that brew came in third instead. Mountain Culture also bested 2017 and 2018 winner Balter Brewing Company for the second year running, with its Balter XPA notching up second position in 2022 and 2023. And, it beat out Your Mates Brewing Co, which nabbed fourth place this year. In fifth: Bridge Road Brewers' Beechworth pale ale. The rest of the top ten includes Gage Roads Brewing Co's Single Fin Summer Ale in sixth, Coopers Brewery's Original Pale Ale in seventh and Stone & Wood Brewing Co's Pacific Ale — the winner of the 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2019 polls; 2020's second-place getter; and 2021 and 2022's fourth beer on the list — in eighth. Young Henrys sits ninth with Newtowner, while Pirate Life Brewing came in tenth with its South Coast pale ale. Mountain Culture, which is run by husband-and-wife team DJ & Harriet McCready, also placed 22nd with its Cult IPA, 41st with its Be Kind Rewind NEIPA and 46th with its Summer Pale Ale. Obviously, it made more than a little company. 2023's hottest 100 was whittled down from 436 vote-receiving breweries and 1877 of their beers. From that hefty list of contenders, 63 different breweries scored a spot on the full list of 100 brews. That covers 27 beers from NSW, 24 from Queensland and 22 from Victoria, plus 11 from Western Australia, and eight each from the ACT and South Australia. 2023's rundown saw quite the turnover in tipples, too, with 28 of 2022's top brews dropping out and being replaced in 2023's rundown. Held by GABS — or the annual festival also known as the Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular, which returns for 2023 this May and June — the countdown is a people's-choice poll decided by booze lovers around the country. If you're thinking "less background, more beer", here's what you've been waiting for: the rundown of the best beverages from the past year that just keep tempting tastebuds. Working your way through the whole 100 isn't just a great way to show your appreciation for locally made brews, either — consider it research for the 2024 countdown. GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers of 2023: 1. Mountain Culture Beer Co — Status Quo Pale Ale 2. Balter Brewing — Balter XPA 3. BentSpoke Brewing Co — Crankshaft 4. Your Mates Brewing Co — Larry 5. Bridge Road Brewers — Beechworth Pale Ale 6. Gage Roads Brewing Co — Single Fin Summer Ale 7. Coopers Brewery — Original Pale Ale 8. Stone & Wood Brewing Co — Pacific Ale 9. Young Henrys — Newtowner 10. Pirate Life Brewing — South Coast Pale Ale 11. Philter Brewing — XPA 12. Black Hops Brewing — G.O.A.T. 13. Little Creatures — Pale Ale 14. Beerfarm — Royal Haze 15. Capital Brewing Co — Coast Ale 16. Range Brewing — Disco 17. 4 Pines Brewing Company — Pacific Ale 18. 10 Toes Brewery — Pipeline 19. The Grifter Brewing Co — Grifter Pale 20. Rocky Ridge Brewing Co — Jindong Juicy 21. Coopers Brewery — Sparkling Ale 22. Mountain Culture Beer Co — Cult IPA 23. Balter Brewing — Eazy Hazy 24. Stomping Ground Brewing Co — Gipps St Pale Ale 25. Moffat Beach Brewing Co — Passenger Pale Ale 26. Mountain Goat Beer — GOAT Very Enjoyable Beer 27. Better Beer — Better Beer Zero Carb 28. Blackflag Brewing — Rage Juicy Pale 29. Heads Of Noosa Brewing Co — Japanese Style Lager 30. Blackman's Brewery — Juicy Banger IPL 31. Green Beacon Brewing Co — Wayfarer Tropical Pale Ale 32. Heaps Normal — Quiet XPA 33. KAIJU! Beer — KRUSH! Tropical Pale Ale 34. CBCo Brewing — CBCo Pale Ale 35. Matso's Broome Brewery — Mango Beer 36. Feral Brewing Co — Biggie Juice 37. Hawkers Beer — West Coast IPA 38. Bright Brewery — Alpine Lager 39. Brick Lane Brewing Co — One Love Pale Ale 40. One Drop Brewing Co — We Jammin' 41. Mountain Culture Beer Co — Be Kind Rewind 42. Balter Brewing — Hazy 43. BentSpoke Brewing Co — Barley Griffin 44. Capital Brewing Co — Capital XPA 45. Balter Brewing — Cerveza 46. Mountain Culture Beer Co — Summer Pale Ale 47. James Squire — One Fifty Lashes 48. Your Mates Brewing Co — Sally 49. Gage Roads Brewing Co — Side Track All Day XPA 50. Little Bang Brewing Co — Sun Bear 51. Hop Nation Brewing Co — Rattenhund Classic Pilsner 52. Hiker Brewing Co — Cloudscapes 53. Bodriggy Brewing Company — Speccy Juice 54. Akasha Brewing Co — Super Chill Pacific Ale 55. Hop Nation Brewing Co — J-Juice Hazy IPA 56. Range Brewing — Lights + Music 57. Seeker Brewing — Mystic NEIPA 58. Heads Of Noosa Brewing Co — Black Japanese Lager 59. White Rabbit — Dark Ale 60. Bridge Road Brewers — Bling IPA 61. Coopers Brewery — Australian Lager 62. The Grifter Brewing Co — Serpents Kiss 63. Dainton Beer — Blood Orange NEIPA 64. Moon Dog Craft Brewery — Old Mate 65. Hawke's Brewing — Hawke's Patio Pale 66. Shout Brewing Co — Mullet Pale Ale 67. Modus Brewing — Modus Cerveza 68. Deeds Brewing — Juice Train 69. Coopers Brewery — XPA 70. Kosciuszko Brewing Co — Kosciuszko Pale Ale 71. Black Hops Brewing — East Coast Haze 72. Balter Brewing — Captain Sensible 73. 4 Pines Brewing Company — Japanese Lager 74. Stone & Wood Brewing Co — Hinterland Hazy Pale Ale 75. BentSpoke Brewing Co — Sprocket 76. Capital Brewing Co — Hang Loose Juice Hazy IPA 77. Little Creatures — Rogers 78. Sunday Road Brewing — Cryotherapy 79. Rocky Ridge Brewing Co — Rock Candy 80. Margaret River Beer Co — In the Pines 81. Big Shed Brewing Concern — Boozy Fruit 82. Blackflag Brewing — Affinity Tropical Pale 83. Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel — Three Sheets Pale Ale 84. Brouhaha Brewery — Strawberry Rhubarb Sour 85. Helios Brewing Co — Dionysus Oat Cream DIPA 86. Banks Brewing — Cake Eater 87. Coopers Brewery — Best Extra Stout 88. 4 Pines Brewing Co — Hazy Pale Ale 89. Fixation Brewing Co — Fixation IPA 90. Little Creatures — Little Hazy Lager 91. Bad Shepherd Brewing Co — Peanut Butter Porter 92. CBCo Brewing — CBCo IPA 93. Yulli's Brews — Amanda Mandarin IPA 94. Stone & Wood Brewing Co — Cloud Catcher 95. Moffat Beach Brewing Co — Moff's Summer Ale 96. Capital Brewing Co — Trail Pale Ale 97. Young Henrys — Hazy Pale Ale 98. Wolf of the Willows Brewing — Wolf PUP Hazy Pale Ale 99. Range Brewing — Dripping in Green: Citra 100. Your Mates Brewing Co — Macca For more information about the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers of 2023, head to the GABS website.
They're perhaps the most mystical of all sea creatures, but you probably haven't had much of a chance to get up close and personal with real-life jellyfish. Well, all that's about to change. Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is shining the spotlight on these ocean enigmas with an interactive new $1.5 million jellyfish exhibition launching tomorrow, Thursday, December 12. Spread across 300 square metres and three multi-sensory zones, and featuring a thousands of jellyfish from a range of species, Ocean Invaders has made its home permanently at the aquarium. It's home to a range of exhibitions dedicated to these gelatinous critters — from lighting installations to hands-on activities and mesmerising, colourful displays of living jellyfish. Here, you can learn the ins and outs of jellyfish, watch them being cared for by Sea Life's ocean experts and even crawl through a cylindrical tank surrounded by them. In another zone, striking light projections lend even more magic to a range of living displays, including one transparent sphere that's packed full of floating creatures. Species like the blue blubber jellyfish (catostylus mosaicus), the upside-down jellyfish (cassiopea andromeda) and sea nettles (chrysaora melanaster) also feature in the Ocean Invaders collection, which also aims to school visitors on why some jellyfish populations are currently booming across our oceans. Find Ocean Invaders at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium from Thursday, December 12, 2019. Entry is included in the price of general admission ($37.40)
Sunny al fresco spaces are hot property coming out of lockdown, so there's never been a better time for waterfront pop-up Pétanque Social to make its anticipated return for 2021–22. Joining Crown Melbourne's riverside precinct from November 5 till the end of autumn, the open-air bar is inspired by the Tuscan countryside this year. While there'll be none of the namesake pétanque as part of this new incarnation, there will be lots of red cushioned day beds to unwind on, plenty of terracotta hues and a striking mural by local artist Melina McGough. Here, you can kick back on cushy communal lounges and pretend you've been whisked far from home, as you sip summery cocktails and ice-cold brews, and listen to the roster of live DJs. Meanwhile, snacks rule the food offering, which celebrates some of Crown's best-loved kitchens — expect everything from Nobu's wagyu taco to 400 Gradi's famed pizza. The bar's also showing off a renewed focus on sustainability this year, with an onsite kitchen garden, a rainwater collection system, solar panels and a series of 'energy bikes' that allow guests to charge their phone batteries using pedal power. Pétanque Social will launch on Friday, November 5, opening from 4–11pm Thursdays, and 12–11pm Friday–Sunday.
Only one Australian festival this summer can whip it, whip it good. When Good Things returns for 2023, it'll hit Melbourne with new-wave icons Devo on the bill. The 'Girl U Want' band will be celebrating 50 years since first forming in 1973, and also saying goodbye on a farewell tour that'll mark their last-ever Australian shows. Devo's famous energy dome hats will be on display at Flemington Racecourse on Friday, December 1 on a jam-packed Good Things lineup that is brimming with nostalgia-inducing acts — including Fall Out Boy. The group behind 'Sugar, We're Goin Down' and 'Uma Thurman' are festival headliners, playing both tunes dating back to their 2000s heyday and recent tracks. From there, Good Things keeps rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' with Limp Bizkit; will see Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor hit the stage solo; and is guaranteed to burst with punk energy thanks to Pennywise. Bullet for My Valentine, Taking Back Sunday and I Prevail are also on the bill, plus Enter Shikari, Pvris, Behemoth and Sepultura. [caption id="attachment_913268" align="alignnone" width="1920"] swimfinfan via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Fresh from featuring a reunited TISM in 2022, Good Things boasts a packed roster of local names in 2023, too, celebrating Australian alternative rock with Spiderbait, Frenzal Rhomb, Jebediah and Eskimo Joe. On both the international and homegrown front, the list goes on, including Hanabie, While She Sleeps, Magnolia Park, Short Stack, Boom Crash Opera, Luca Brasi and more. And yes, this is a fest where you can likely hear 'Whip It', 'Dance, Dance', 'Society' and 'Buy Me a Pony' live on the same day, plus 'The Last Fight', 'Leaving Home', 'Punch in the Face' and a very non-George Michael cover of 'Faith' as well. GOOD THINGS 2023 LINEUP: Fall Out Boy Limp Bizkit Devo (The Farewell Tour celebrating 50 years) I Prevail Bullet For My Valentine Corey Taylor Pennywise Spiderbait Slowly Slowly Enter Shikari Behemoth Sepultura Taking Back Sunday PVRIS Bloom Boom Crash Opera Eskimo Joe Frenzal Rhomb Hanabie Jebediah Luca Brasi Magnolia Park Make Them Suffer Ocean Sleeper Royal & The Serpent Short Stack Slaughter To Prevail Stand Atlantic Tapestry The Plot In You While She Sleeps Top image: Drew de F Fawkes via Wikimedia Commons.
Girls to the front — Bikini Kill are coming to Australia. The iconic Kathleen Hanna-fronted, Washington-formed band instigated the riot grrrl movement, and will perform their first Aussie shows in more than 25 years on a seven-date 2023 tour. On top of appearances at Mona Foma, Golden Plains and Perth Festival, the trailblazing trio of Hanna, Kathi Wilcox and Tobi Vail are doing a series of headline shows, including appearing in Melbourne in March. In the Harbour City, Bikini Kill are headed to The Forum on Tuesday, March 7–Wednesday, March 8 — and in good news for the next generation of rebel grrrls and underage rockers, it's an all-ages affair. [caption id="attachment_875442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Debi Del Grande[/caption] In preparation, either watching or rewatching the exceptional documentary The Punk Singer, about Hanna, should be on your must-do list right now. Fun fact: when Hanna spray-painted "Kurt smells like Teen Spirit" across her pal Mr Cobain's wall, the name of a certain grunge anthem was born. When they hit Sydney, Bikini Kill are appearing at the Sydney Opera House's All About Women conference on Sunday, March 12, too, which Melburnians can also livestream from home. Top image: Debi Del Grande.
Sydney fine-dining institution Nel is known for its next-level set menus, with its always-popular Disney degustations taking beloved animated films and turning them into mind-blowing dishes, and its Christmas banquet bringing the ultimate festive cheer with inventive takes on seasonal classics. Now, the CBD venue is going rogue with a 11-course set menu based on everyone's favourite fried chicken fast food chain — the home of 11 secret herbs and spices, KFC. Available for $75 per person across just three days on the weekend of Friday, April 1–Sunday, April 3, the dinner will take iconic menu items from the Colonel and transform them into luxurious, unrecognisable culinary creations. The experience has been created by Nel's owner Nelly Robinson, with each course designed to combine the extravagance of Nel with the fun and playfulness associated with fast food. Highlights from the menu are too abundant to list out, but some exciting concepts you'll be presented with include supercharged wings charred and served on a bed of charcoal, a candle made of gravy that will drip onto a potato bun, and the portrait of Colonel Sanders that's used as the KFC logo recreated on a plate with flavours of fried chicken, tomato, lettuce and pepper mayo. Elsewhere on the menu, you'll find takes on popcorn chicken, Original Recipe drumsticks and the twister — all manipulated and elevated by the chefs at Nel — as well as some yet-to-be-revealed surprises. Wines will be served to compliment the dishes, and finishing off the whole affair will be a nitrogen-dipped chocolate mousse that promises to melt in your mouth. "As a lifelong fan of KFC, creating an 11-course degustation with their most-loved menu items and elevating them to new heights has been a dream come true," Robinson said. The profits are also going to a good cause, with 100-percent of the proceeds from the three nights being donated to KFC's charity partners The Black Dog Institute, ReachOut Australia and Whitelion. With both Nel and KFC expecting this limited-time banquet to be in high demand, you'll have to sign up to a waitlist at KFC's website in order to be in the running to nab tickets to the event. [caption id="attachment_846235" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nelly Robinson[/caption] KFC and Nel's degustation will be happening at a secret location in Sydney between Friday, April 1–Sunday, April 3. You can join the waitlist at KFC's website.
What features Jay and Silent Bob dancing, the Quick Stop opening and hockey being played on the roof? There's more than one answer to that question. The response right now: the trailer for Clerks III, which is a real thing that's headed to US cinemas in September. Feeling like you've just jumped back 28 years comes with the territory with this threequel — and the film well and truly knows it. Trust Jason Mewes (Loafy), playing Jay yet again, to state the obvious in the just-dropped sneak peek at Kevin Smith's third Clerks flick. "That's how we did it in the 90s, son!" he exclaims. Naturally, that's just the beginning of Clerks III's meta leanings. In fact, winking and nodding is one of the main reasons that this movie seems to exist — because the titular twosome, aka Randal Graves (Jeff Anderson, Zack and Miri Make a Porno) and Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran, On Your Own), are making their own movie. As the trailer shows, Randal has a heart attack on the job, realises he's living on borrowed time and decides that he'll finally make a film rather than just watch them. "Everything in the script is something either me or someone I know said," he explains — followed by Our Flag Means Death's Fred Armisen, Buffy the Vampire Slayer icon Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Smith's Mallrats and Chasing Amy star Ben Affleck uttering "I'm not even supposed to be here today". No, snoochie boochies, nothing in pop culture ever really dies or ends. Yes, there's always a new movie or TV show popping up to prove how that's the case. All things Star Wars keeps on keeping on, after all — and, given that Smith both writes and directs Clerks III, as he did 1994's Clerks and 2006's Clerks II, you bet that sci-fi space opera gets a mention in his latest flick. If you're new to Clerks, aka the franchise that kickstarted Smith's career both behind and in front of the camera — playing Silent Bob, of course — the OG black-and-white movie followed Quick Stop Groceries employee Dante and his video rental store worker pal Randal going about an ordinary day. Famously, Dante wasn't even supposed to be working. The first sequel then picked up ten years later, checking in on the pair's lives. In that film, they've made the move to fast food, with Rosario Dawson (DMZ) playing their manager. Dawson features in Clerks III, too, as do other familiar franchise faces that are best spotted by watching the trailer yourself — or seeing the film, although it doesn't yet have a release date Down Under. Given how many times that Smith has busted out Jay and Silent Bob now — this makes the ninth View Askewniverse film so far, and they've appeared in other flicks like Scream 3 as well — you can probably expect that he'll be palling around with Mewes on-screen until he's at least 90. The Tusk and Yoga Hosers filmmaker also has a sequel to Mallrats in the works, so add that to the list. Check out the trailer for Clerks III below: Clerks III will release in the US from September 4, with Down Under release dates yet to be confirmed — we'll update you when local details are announced.
Chris Lucas is the force behind plenty of vibey Melbourne restaurants worth raving about (Kisume, Yakimono, Society, Grill Americano, Hawker Hall and Baby), but Chin Chin is forever a Melbourne favourite. The spot somehow manages to still have lines snaking around the corner regularly, flummoxing other local eateries that wish they could have the same. Lucas has also seen the power of smartly replicating Chin Chin in Sydney, taking one successful business and turn it into two without too much fuss. And now he is making it three. Come late April this year, a new Chin Chin will land in Geelong's GMHBA Stadium. On game day, this means footy fans can get brilliant South East Asian food right at the oval, either nabbing a speedy set menu or going a la carte. But it's not just for sports fans. The new Chin Chin in Geelong will be open throughout the year, no matter whether there's a game on or not. It might seem strange to dine at an empty sports stadium, but Lucas has a knack for creating a lively atmosphere at each of his restaurants. Those skills might just be tested here, but the veteran hospitality great rarely lets folks down in that department. The new Chin Chin is slated to open in late April this year at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong. For more details, head to the venue's website.
Infamously the craziest time of the year when it comes to discounts, Black Friday sales can be hard to navigate at the best of times. To help you get prepped, we've narrowed down some of the best bargains from Amazon. You can expect to see some epic deals across homewares, beauty, shoes, electronics and fitness with brands like Samsung, Maybelline, Hugo Boss and Garmin. It's time to get shopping and make the most of the deals while they last. Homewares Stocking up on things for around the house and grabbing some homewares for a gift is never a bad idea. And with these discounts, you'll finally get your hands on those top-quality frying pans you've been putting off or actually replace that pillow you've had for an embarrassingly long time to admit publicly. Corelle Dinnerware Set for $51.99 – 60% off. Tontine Allergy Sensitive Pillow for $17.89 – 61% off. TEFAL Non-Stick Induction Wokpan for $61.19 – 49% off. PetSafe Staywell Aluminium Pet Door for $109.62 – 49% off. Tontine Single All Seasons Quilt for $31.96 – 70% off. Electronics Whether you're a Samsung or a Google person, these Black Friday discounts on all your electrical necessities are enough to make you drop everything. Google Nest Cam Wireless Camera for $166.00 – 50% off. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Wireless Earbuds for $104.99 – 47 % off. Yamaha TW-E3C True Wireless Earbuds for $45.00 – 65% off. JBL FLIP 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker for $99.99 – 41% off. Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook for $29.90 – 46% off. Beauty For all the beauty queens out there, we know how expensive it can be to get your hands on the best makeup, moisturisers, perfumes and all the other essentials to keep you feeling at your best. Our recommendation? Stock up while you can. Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette for $28.13 – 68% off. Hugo Boss Boss Bottled Eau De Toilette for $84.93 – 59% off. Maybelline New York Matte Lipstick for $8.91 – 58% off. Garnier Brightening Serum for $16.63 – 55% off. Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Wash for $11.10 – 57% off. Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Liquid Lipstick in Peachy for $11.47 – 58% off. Maybelline Multi-Use Concealer for $9.77 – 58% off. Shoes Finding durable, hardy shoes at a low price can feel almost impossible. However, you can get your hands on everyone's favourite brands including Dr. Martens, Keen, Salomon and Tevas for almost half-price with these spicy Black Friday deals. Dr. Martens Unisex Embury Leather Chelsea for $139.99 – 50% off. Skechers Women's Sneakers for $78.99 – 47% off. Salomon Men's XA PRO 3D Trail Running and Hiking Shoe for $120.00 – 48% off. Teva Men's M Forebay Sandal for $79.99 – 53% off. Nike Sneaker for $44.88 – 55% off. KEEN Women's Waterproof Hiking Boot for $153.06 – 49% off. Timberland Men's 6-Inch Waterproof Boot for $179.99 – 48% off. MERRELL Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe for $101.99 – 49% off. Fitness Get active, running, swimming or whatever kind of movement you prefer with these nifty fitness accessories. With these kinds of discounts, there's really no excuse not to. Speedo Men's Endurance + Aquashort for $31.99 – 42% off. Garmin GPS Fitness Smartwatch for $998.00 – 46% off. Buzio 1180ml Insulated Water Bottle for $29.58 – 44% off. Step One Men's Bamboo Trunks for $17.50 – 50% off. TriggerPoint GRID TRAVEL Foam Roller for $23.98 – 60% off. This article contains affiliate links, Concrete Playground may earn a commission when you make a purchase through links on our site. Images: supplied.
Over the past few years, Gelatissimo has whipped up a number of creative flavours, including frosé sorbet, gelato for dogs, and ginger beer, Weet-Bix, fairy bread, hot cross bun, cinnamon scroll, chocolate fudge and bubble tea gelato. Most recently, it made Biscoff, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey's Kisses varieties, too. For its latest offering, the Australian dessert chain is taking inspiration from another beloved foodstuff — in case you can't choose between tracking down and devouring some Caramilk chocolate or licking your way through a few scoops of ice cream. Yes, that very combination is now on the menu, with Caramilk Hokey Pokey-inspired gelato earning the honours as Gelatissimo's January flavour of the month. Now on sale, it starts with caramelised white chocolate gelato — which is then topped with hazelnut and peanut toffee pieces. If you're only just learning about Caramilk Hokey Pokey bars, that's because they haven't been easy to come by in Australia — but now you can try the next best thing in ice cream form. At Gelatissimo, the new gelato flavour will only be available for the month of January at all stores Australia-wide, and only while stocks last. That includes via delivered take-home packs via services such as UberEats, Deliveroo and DoorDash. Gelatissimo's Caramilk Hokey Pokey gelato is available from all stores nationwide for the month of January.
When March 18 hits, it will have been 12 months since the Australian Government implemented an indefinite ban on international travel due to COVID-19, only allowing Aussies to leave the country in very limited circumstances. Accordingly, just when jetting overseas will be back on the agenda has been the subject of much discussion. Last year's prediction that opening up to the rest of the world wouldn't happen in 2020 proved accurate — and, earlier this year, Australia's ex-Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy (now the Secretary of the Department of Health) said that we might not be going anywhere until 2022. Whether that last forecast comes true is obviously yet to be seen but, thanks to a new extension of the human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015, Australians definitely won't be travelling overseas until at least mid-June. Yesterday, Tuesday, March 2, Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt announced that the emergency period now spans until June 17, 2021, which'll mark 15 months since it was first put in place. The extension comes on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, with the former advising "the Australian Government the COVID-19 situation overseas continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk to Australia, including the emergence of more highly transmissible variants". So, it means that the current rules regarding international travel will remain in place for at least another three months, restricting Aussies wanting to fly overseas and folks wanting to return home, and also cruise ships keen to enter Australian territory. It also extends current limits on trade of retail outlets at international airports, and requirements for pre-departure testing and mask-wearing for international flights. This isn't the first time that the emergency period has been lengthened, following several moves in 2020 — however, the government has noted that they "can be amended or repealed if no longer needed". With vaccinations starting to roll out around Australia, Qantas and Jetstar have begun selling tickets for overseas flights for trips scheduled from October, demonstrating hope that the country's international travel rules might ease by then. Of course, the fact that you can book a trip doesn't mean that you'll actually be able to take it — because the current border closure may get extended again — but if you're keen for an overseas getaway, you might want to cross your fingers. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Interactive detective game CluedUpp has taken over Australia's streets before — and if you like the idea of true crime and Cluedo colliding while you run around town, then it's the pastime for you. Its next Melbourne event on Saturday, December 11 will bring the classic board game to life throughout the city once again, with a slight twist. The outdoor adventure will have you tracking a Jack the Ripper copycat — and while the serial killer was very real, everything else about this murder-mystery game will be fictional. Forget Colonel Mustard with the candlestick in the study — this event will bring you and your friends closer to reality and out onto the streets to solve the case. The game will kick off at a secret location, and you can choose to start whenever you like between 9am–2pm. Then, how long it takes depends on how good of a detective you are. The best news of all, however, is that the event is dog friendly — and there are prizes to be won by both human and canine detectives. All you need to play is some friends and your phone. Dressing up as a detective is encouraged, so you can really get yourself into character. A ticket will set you back $65 per team of six, but you only need two humans to play. With only 100 teams available, get in quick for your chance to solve the mystery.
Biannual art and design markets The Finders Keepers is returning for its spring/summer iterations, bringing shoppers the latest and greatest from its stellar lineup of Australia's most creative makers. The Naarm edition is taking over Royal Exhibition Building from Friday, October 14 till Sunday, October 16. Joining a roster of over 240 stalls is a tasty range of food and beverage offerings — all the makings of a prime day to get out, have a chat with artists and support the industry. At the core of the conscious shopping space is a focus on helping you discover and connect with the next wave of Victorian-based emerging artisans and designers. So, you can expect to find everything from jewellery, fashion and ceramics to leather goods and body products. [caption id="attachment_869186" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Samee Lapham[/caption] Those with an eye for illustrations should check out Georgia Perry for a spread of vibrant pieces, while online-exclusive footwear brand Twoobs will be making a rare in-person appearance. Sustainable fashion is the name of the game with Melbourne-based brand Kindling, and you can expect to see pieces from the recycled activewear experts Amble Outdoors, handmade linen from Bilboa and style-heavy 'fits from the trendy tailors at Al Elé. Don't miss the return of the Finders Keepers Indigenous Program, which will be shining a spotlight on the skincare brand Mwerre Soap and Skin (pictured below). The products are made with love using Australian ingredients, with each sudsy creation crafted slowly and by hand. As well as nabbing a ticket to enter — which is just $5 for daily general admission — be sure to remember that the market is completely cashless. So check (then check again) that you've got your digital or plastic payment methods at the ready — it would be a travesty to leave the market empty handed. The Finders Keepers Spring/Summer Markets will take place on Friday, October 14 (4–9pm), Saturday, October 15 (10am–5pm) and Sunday, October 16 (10am–5pm) at the Royal Exhibition Building. For more info and to check out the full vendor lineup, head to the website. Top images: Samee Lapham (location shots)
Everybody wins — you, me, our fair nation — when six experienced winemakers join forces to create unique vintages out of the Hunter Valley and then take their finest drop on the road. Caravan of Courage, the ingenious pop-up wine bar creation of Next Generation Hunter Valley, enjoys its third incarnation this year with the apt title One More for the Road, boasting a selection of 24 wines to titillate the palette. Formerly setting out northwards from Melbourne in a big green bus to secret locations all over Australia, this time around Next Generation have taken to the skies. Having left Brisbane on May 3 and since visited Newcastle and Sydney, they will this week be pitching camp in Canberra on Thursday, May 16, and finally reaching their summit in Melbourne on Friday, May 17. What makes Next Generation Hunter Valley special? It's a collective of six prized stables (David Hook Wines, Thomas Wines, Meerea Park Wines, Mistletoe Wines, De Iuliis Wines and Margan Wines) that share a commitment to the future of the Hunter Valley, melding old, well-established vineyards with contemporary winemaking practices. In true Aussie style, Caravan of Courage embodies the larrikin spirit, and you can get to know the wines better by meeting the personalities behind them — David Hook, Andrew Thomas, Rhys Eather, Nick Paterson, Mike De Iuliis and Andrew Margan will be in attendance. Ever broadening the scope of their imperialist tipple agenda, they're rumoured to have their sights set on Adelaide, Perth and Tasmania for upcoming pop-ups. Tickets to One More for the Road are $35 (available here). The Melbourne event takes place on May 17, 6-9pm at 1000£ Bend (361 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne — access via Heape Court). Updates are available by following @nextgenhv #COC2013 on Twitter and becoming a fan on Facebook.
Smith Street is a constantly evolving entity. From grungy pub times to classy dinners at hip dining rooms to all-in brawls over gelato — it's one of those uber-gentrified areas that makes cynics roll their eyes and excitable hipsters rub their hands together in feverish anticipation. Now that evolution seems to have reached tipping point. The Underground Experiment, the latest addition to Collingwood's small suburban metropolis, opens next week as an experimental cocktail bar with a constantly changing theme. Riding the turbulent wave of global cocktail trends, the first form this bar takes is a strangely alluring mixture of '80s flamboyancy and Prohibition cool. The drinks are odd and outlandish, the tunes are strictly '80s or '90s, and the crowd is sure to be a little confused — but we feel like we need to go there immediately. In the bar's first form, the cocktail list is characterised by old classics with unexpected twists. The much-loved Sex on the Beach is accompanied by edible sand and Chambord caviar — what even? There's a Pina Colada, a Fluffy Duck, and a Blue Lagoon featuring "a swimming fish". Do they mean a live fish?! Who knows. I'm willing to give in to the magic of it and drink some dirty fish water if you are. The team behind this mayhem are Daniel and Kristin Lemura — the same people who launched The Noble Experiment Prohibition-style bar and restaurant just six weeks ago. This latest project sees them utilising the bar's downstairs space. The Underground Experiment is just that, really — a basement space with big and exciting plans. Whatever new themes and trends that are to follow, you can tell the bar's going to be a whole lot of fun. Where you might expect experimental cocktail bars to serve you whiskey in the form of a hand lotion or vodka as a flash of light, this one embraces the novelty of it all and slings you a fishbowl with a rubber ducky instead. The Underground Experiment is at 284 Smith Street, Collingwood and will open Friday and Saturday evenings from June 13.
D4vd has officially been removed from the touring lineup of Spilt Milk, in the midst of official investigations into a dead body discovered in a Tesla registered in the artist's name. His 2025 touring schedule has been up in the air ever since the investigation began, but after quietly being scrubbed on the weekend, the organisers have confirmed their decision today as reported on Rolling Stone. The body was discovered in the Tesla trunk after police were called to a tow yard in Hollywood to investigate reports of a foul smell coming from the car. It took a week for medical examiners to identify the victim as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, who had been missing for over a year. Burke was on tour when Rivas' body was discovered, and he continued to play shows. "Last week we removed d4vd from our website and marketing out of respect for the unfolding story," a statement reads. "We can now confirm d4vd will not perform at Spilt Milk and we are working on a replacement booking which we'll announce as soon as it's finalised." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Spilt Milk (@spiltmilk_au) Tickets for d4vd's headline shows while in the country have also been quietly scrapped. Rolling Stone AU/NZ has contacted promoters for comment. According to a previously released statement, Burke has been "cooperating" with authorities during the investigation. He has not been named as a suspect or a person of interest, nor has he been accused of any crimes. While authorities haven't identified a suspect or person of interest yet, several details about the investigation have come out. For instance, the impounded Tesla was towed from the affluent Bird Streets neighbourhood in the Hollywood Hills, with neighbors telling Rolling Stone that it had been spotted in various places. It was eventually towed from a spot on Bluebird Avenue, where sources said it had been sitting for at least three weeks. After Rivas was identified, law enforcement searched a house around the block from where the car was towed. Police left with several items, including a computer. The home's owner later confirmed to Rolling Stone that the residence had been rented to Burke's manager, Josh Marshall, last year, starting in February 2024. Spilt Milk will take place in Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and the Gold Coast between Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 14. For more information on the lineup, visit the website.
Winter in Melbourne in 2024 began with a festival, with RISING getting June started with everything from music-fuelled block parties to 24-hour movie marathons. Winter in Melbourne in 2024 will also end with a fest when Now or Never makes its big return in mid-to-late August. After proving a hit with its mix of tunes, performances, installations, talks and more in 2023, its inaugural year, this City of Melbourne-presented celebration will again fill the Victorian capital with creativity. Clear your calendar now — you've got more than 100 different events to attend. Now or Never already locked in its dates and theme earlier in the year. Whether you're a Melburnian or an interstater looking for an excuse for a getaway, you'll have plenty to do across Thursday, August 22–Saturday, August 31. And, with help from 250-plus local and international talents, you'll be getting revelling with the concept 'look through the image' — so, honing in on imagination, emotions and contemplation — firmly in mind. A recurring idea among 2024's Now or Never events is peering beyond the surface, as reflected in a lineup that's jam-packed full of deep cuts. While 2023's fest saw Melbourne's historic Royal Exhibition Building host its first large-scale live music performances in over 20 years, 2024's will return to the venue for four nights of tunes and audiovisual projections that aim to leave a big impression. Eartheater, Sandwell District, Erika De Casier, Ben Frost, Naretha Williams, Clark and DJ Donato Dozzy are all on the bill, as is the Australian debut of COUCOU CHLOE. Still on Aussie premieres, DESASTRES from Marco Fusinato falls into that category, heading Down Under after first appearing at the Venice Biennale 2022 across a 200-day run. For just two days in Melbourne, audiences will be peering at the world's largest LED volume screen for virtual production at NantStudios in Docklands cinema studios for this experimental noise performance project, which synchronises its guitar sounds with imagery. It's both a solo performance and an installation. Across Thursday–Sunday nights during the festival, Joanie Lemercier will unveil Constellations above the Yarra River. This free AV installation projects lights to form shapes in the air, focusing on the cosmos, as accompanied by a soundscape by producer Paul Jebansam. Similarly at the right price for everyone's wallets, the also-free Silent Symphony and Present Shock II hail from London's United Visual Artists. The first features Frost's compositions as part of celestial patterns given a sonic interpretation, in a piece that will never repeat. The second boasts a score by Massive Attack's Robert Del Naj with Robert Thomas, and is all about confronting a realm where alternative facts and post-truths now dwell. At ACMI — and also presented by the Melbourne International Film Festival — the free world-premiere kajoo yannaga (come on let's walk together) will take participants on an interactive virtual and gamified walk on Country that puts First Nations knowledge at the fore, all thanks to Wiradjuri Scottish artist April Phillips. Or, hovering above Melbourne Museum Plaza, get ready to experience Peder Bjurman's augmented-reality experience Slow Walker, which turns a microscopic organism into a floating giant. Plagiary is another certain highlight, with dance technologist and choreographer Alisdair Macindoe joining forces with media artist Sam Mcgilp to create a new dance performance each night. Ten dancers will improvise, but it's a computer presence that'll tell them what to respond to. Elsewhere on the lineup, Roxane Gay's latest trip to Australia is tied to discussing 2023 book Opinions: A Decade of Arguments, Criticism, and Minding Other People's Business; Melbourne's HTRK and Britain's Actress are teaming up for a single evening; and Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta and Nari Nari man Kutcha Edwards is in the spotlight at Wuigada — Gagada (To Sing — Loud), which makes its Victorian premiere. There's also MOUNTAIN, a dance performance with costumes by Akira Isogawa, plus mycologist Merlin Sheldrake chatting about fungi, if you needed more examples of how wide-ranging the 2024 program is. Now or Never 2024 runs from Thursday, August 22–Saturday, August 31 around Melbourne — head to the festival website for further details.
