When Parrtjima — A Festival in Light announced its 2025 program, the numbers were impressive, with the event's tenth edition featuring works by 20-plus First Nations artists, plus more than 100 performers and special guests. But nothing sells this Australian celebration of Indigenous arts more than the spectacular end results each year, when the fest lights up the Northern Territory. For 2025, that time is now, and it's once again a dazzling sight to behold. Parrtjima — A Festival in Light has so firmly established itself as a highlight of Alice Springs, the Red Centre and Australia's cultural scene that it's hard to imagine a time before it. Getting a 2.5-kilometre stretch of 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges glowing every evening is the reliable star of the show; however, that's just the beginning. Heading along this year also means being welcomed by The Gateway at Parrtjima's entrance, for instance, where towering poles by artists from Antulye, Irlpme, and Mparntwe groups are greeting guests. Also, Balanggarra and Yolŋu artist Molly Hunt's Three Generations of Station Women is an animated comic strip that honours Aboriginal stockwomen, with actor Mark Coles Smith (Apple Cider Vinegar) on soundtrack duties. Then there's Bobby West Tjupurrula's Hypnotic Reverberations, creating a moving dreamscape out of beams of light, mist and reflections on a shallow pool. From Lyall Giles, Transforming Light & Country isn't just about sand dune patterns — it gets festivalgoers playing with them, using drums to create rings of light. 2025's Parrtjima kicked off on Friday, April 4, and runs until Sunday, April 13. The MacDonnell Ranges Light Show is among past favourites on the bill, again pairing its eye-catching display with classical music and Arrernte language. Another: Grounded, asking attendees to look down instead of up. A festival of lights in the NT was always going to incorporate the red earth, too, which is where large-scale projections turn the soil into a canvas. This year's version features six artworks. Budgerigar Dreaming Ngatijirri Jukurrpa is also back, using shapes from Wirliyajarrayi artist Myra Nungarrayi Herbert Patrick's paintings in neon-hued abstract bird sculptures — and so is Johnny Young and David Wallace's four-metre-tall The Language of Stockmen. While the fest's first weekend has been and gone, the program still has the Darwin Symphony Orchestra to come, in what'll be Parrtjima's first-ever orchestral performance. Gigs by Dem Mob, Dobby, Desert Divas and Warren H Williams & Western Wind are also part of the upcoming lineup, as is the festival's debut comedy night, with Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra sparking laughs. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs until Sunday, April 13, 2025, at venues around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Images: Parrtjima – A Festival in Light / Che-Chorley. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Huge news: South by South West (SXSW) is coming to Sydney in October of 2023 for its first festival outside of its longtime home in Austin, Texas. The world-renowned festival has been bringing together big names and rising stars in tech, film, music, gaming, culture and education industries since it first began in 1987. Now, it's heading Down Under for the first time, with its week-long edition in Sydney set to become the official location of SXSW's annual Asia-Pacific installment. Running from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22, 2023, the new iteration of SXSW will fill the city with more than 1000 sessions, screenings, performances, parties, networking events and activations over eight days. The Sydney iteration of the festival will bring a wide variety of events hailing from the US edition, but with a greater emphasis on creatives and thinkers from the Asia-Pacific. "Focusing on the creator industries in the Asia-Pacific region, SXSW Sydney will celebrate what's next in culture, tech and the regions thriving creative economy," SXSW Sydney Managing Director Colin Daniels said. "Put simply, SXSW is the Olympics of events for the creator industries, and we are thrilled to bring this legendary festival of gaming, music, screen, tech and innovation to Sydney in 2023," CEO of SXSW Sydney's event producer TEG said. Alongside the Sydney edition of the festival, SXSW will continue its usual programing in Austin with a 2023 festival locked in for March. The festival returned in-person earlier this year after an online iteration in 2021 due to the pandemic. It was headlined by talks from Mark Zuckerberg, Lizzo and Neal Stephenson; performances from Dolly Parton and Beck; premieres of films such as Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Lost City and upcoming A24 horror movie Bodies, Bodies, Bodies; and a Q&A with the cast and crew of Donald Glover's critically acclaimed TV show Atlanta. [caption id="attachment_854807" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Atlanta Season 3 premiered at SXSW 2022 with a cast and crew Q&A.[/caption] Over the years, SXSW has featured appearances from the likes of Barack Obama, Dave Grohl, Jordan Peele, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga and Arnold Schwarzenegger to name just a few — as well as large-scale activations. It also acted as an important space for young musicians, filmmakers and creatives to cut their teeth. The festival has had a close relationship with Australia over the past few years, with Sounds Australia running the Australia House showcase at the festival since 2018 featuring up-and-coming Australian musicians. Major Australian musical exports including Flume, Alison Wonderland, Nick Murphy, Tkay Maidza, Gang of Youths, RUFUS DU SOL and Courtney Barnett have all made appearances at SXSW over the years You can head to the SXSW Sydney website to register your interest for the 2023 event and stay up-to-date as new information emerges over at the festival's Instagram. South by South West will host its inaugural Sydney festival Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22, 2023.
The Australian designer behind some of Hollywood's most iconic costumes is finally getting the attention he deserves. Coinciding with the recent release of Gillian Armstrong's documentary Women He's Undressed, this new exhibition will shine a light on the irrepressible Orry-Kelly, whose clothing helped define the look of many of cinema's biggest stars. Running from August 18 until mid-January next year, Orry-Kelly: Dressing Hollywood marks the first time Kelly has been the subject of an exhibition, and promises to pay tribute to his incredible body of work. In a career that spanned decades, Kelly provided the costuming for films including Casablanca, 42nd Street and The Maltese Falcon, and won Oscar gold three times for Les Girls, An American in Paris and Some Like It Hot. In addition to the various frocks and gowns, the free exhibition will include letters, photographs, design sketches and various other documents, exploring Kelly's career as well as his personal life, including his tempestuous romance with screen great Cary Grant.
Over the past few weeks, racially motivated discrimination, oppression and injustice has been in the global spotlight. It's a subject that always demands action and attention, both worldwide and within Australia. Lately, however, it's been particularly thrust to the fore due to the Black Lives Matter movement, and protests over the death of American George Floyd at the hands of a police officer — as well as, at the local level, the ongoing fight to end the systemic mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by law enforcement, and to stop Indigenous Australian deaths in custody. This isn't a new topic. The quest to end racial prejudice and inequality isn't new either. Centuries of history can attest to that fact beyond the current news headlines — and so can a wealth of powerful documentaries on the subject. Some recent films chart the American civil rights movement. Others explore the lives and impact of Indigenous Australian musicians. And, with examples from both categories, five such docos are now available to watch for free on YouTube for the entire month of June. All five films are distributed by Australian company Madman Entertainment, and all have previously screened in cinemas and/or at film festivals. They're all vital viewing, too — and, at present, doing so doesn't involve any cost or require a subscription to a streaming platform. The documentaries are now up on Madman's YouTube channel, as embedded into the company's website. Leading the bill are a trio of movies with a local angle, and with a particular interest in Indigenous music. Viewers can watch Gurrumul, the immensely moving portrait about the chart-topping late Indigenous talent from Elcho Island off the coast of Arnhem Land; then check out Murundak: Songs of Freedom, which focuses on Aboriginal protest music, specifically following The Black Arm Band and other Indigenous Australian musicians on tour; then view Westwind: Djalu's Legacy, about Yolngu elder and master Yidaki (didgeridoo) player Djalu Gurruwiwi and his efforts to pass on his culture's ancient Songlines. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_USf1UQIAYg Those docos are joined by two films that examine race and injustice in America, and prove particularly relevant to current US protests. 3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets chronicles the 2012 murder of 17-year-old high school student Jordan Davis — who was shot at a Florida gas station after an argument over loud music — as well as trial that followed, and the media coverage and resulting protests also. Then there's Raoul Peck's potent and affecting Oscar-nominee I Am Not Your Negro, which tackles racism in America from a historical perspective. That's conveyed through the words of novelist, poet and activist James Baldwin — words written in the mid-70s, but sadly still applicable today — with Samuel L. Jackson serving as the documentary's narrator. In sharing the five films, Madman is encouraging everyone to not only watch, but to learn, listen, and talk about them with friends and family. It's also suggesting that viewers donate to support relevant causes, naming a worthy organisation — and, in some cases, multiple organisations — for each documentary. To watch Gurrumul, I Am Not Your Negro, Murundak: Songs of Freedom, Westwind: Djalu's Legacy and 3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets for free until the end of June, head to the Madman website. Top image: I Am Not Your Negro.
Apart from some amazing authentic Middle Eastern and Turkish restaurants that serve great food but lack presentation and ambience (that won't stop us going, mind you), Coburg is a veritable dining wasteland. And while the options may be limited, there are one or two that shine. The Post Office Hotel, for one, is a well-rounded gastro-pub experience, complete with bandroom and regular music gigs. The dining hall to one side is expansive and offers elegant, tasty food at a price only justified by sitting squarely in the 'gastro' category. Exposed brick walls and an open fireplace are matched by large terrariums that adorn the recycled timber tables, many surrounded by large booths, and an open kitchen that gives this space a contemporary restaurant feel with a menu to match. Share plates include charcuterie ($25), pickles and breads ($20) and pork hock and gruyere croquettes ($15), while entree and main menus are brief but well-rounded. The dill-crumbed smoked eel with spiced beetroot, aioli, capers and white anchovy ($15) is an interesting starter and the pan-fried Blue Eye with prawn ravioli, brandy and ginger bisque, celery and leek ($32) a hero of the mains. If that all sounds a little too upmarket for you (and we wouldn't judge), the bar next door offers a more humble experience. Here, the new lounge features Chersterfields and an open fire, with a front bar for gigs and a leafy beer garden for summer nights. The bar menu echoes the dining hall next door in a few of the prices — a chicken parma will set you back $25 — but offers some more down-to-earth options such as a burger with shoestring fries for $17 and a beef and bean chilli with corn relish and rice for $20. While this review may sound a little price-obsessed, it's important you know what you're in for. In search of some good ol' pub grub at the local? This is not the joint for you. Seeking a cosy place to sit with a glass of wine and well-considered bar food? The Post Office bar and lounge has what you need. And if you're wanting a sophisticated dining experience with good food, great service and the atmosphere to match, head into the dining hall and forget that this is supposed to be a pub. The reality here is a little bit different — not very 'Coburg' in any sense of the suburb — and the results more refined.
Since 2020, fans of cowboy-themed ice cream have had two options: lick your way through a classic ol' Bubble O'Bill on a stick as you've always done, saving the bubblegum nose for last (of course), or tuck into a Bubble O'Bill tub. That's all well, good and tasty, but frozen desserts can't keep a lasso over the fictional, confectionery-based Old West figure — because Bubble O'Bill Easter eggs are now a sweet treat that truly exists. Set to hit the shelves at Woolworths on Wednesday, March 16, the 160-gram chocolate eggs aren't shaped like their namesake, however. They're regular old egg-shaped, but with swirls of strawberry marbling, pieces of caramel and chewy berry pieces mixed into the Chocolatier Australia chocolate. Love the gumball part of Bubble O'Bills? Of course you do. And they're still included in the Easter egg version, with five found inside once you crack open all that chocolate. Turning a beloved Streets ice cream into an Easter egg isn't just the domain of Bubble O'Bill, either. Returning to both Woolies and Coles this year is the Golden Gaytime Easter egg, which sports the same toffee flavour as the frosty dessert and comes coated in Golden Gaytime crumbs. And, it's available now. Yes, Easter is still more than a month away — hitting on Sunday, April 17 in 2022 — but that just means you've got plenty of time to stock up, or to mark the occasion for weeks in advance. Being an adult means eating Bubble O'Bill and Golden Gaytime Easter eggs whenever you like. Find Bubble O'Bill Easter eggs at Woolworths stores from Wednesday, March 16, costing $10 each. Golden Gaytime Easter eggs are available at both Woolies and Coles now.
Something of a Footscray institution, Cafe Lalibela has a dedicated following of locals and regulars filling out its tables seven days a week. Drop by and you'll see all sorts of punters happily demolishing clay pots of beef, lamb, chicken and veggies, mopping up the rich, savoury sauces with pieces of light, fluffy injera. The family-owned venue has a welcoming, accessible vibe, with staff more than happy to recommend dishes and perhaps an Ethiopian beer to help wash it all down. An emphasis on sharing makes this a great spot for groups to gather and order a variety of different dishes, while plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans ensure all parties are catered for. There is also traditional hand-roasted coffee on offer, complete with the traditional roasting ceremony as part of its service — it's best to book in advance if you're after this unique experience. Images: Julia Sansone
Just five weeks after the overwhelming success of its first Melbourne store opening in the south-east, Adore Beauty is set to launch a second store at Watergardens Shopping Centre. And it's taking the in-store experience to the next level, with professional treatments onsite from expert dermal therapists. And, before you ask, yes, there'll be more Tim Tams. In fact, Adore is sweetening the deal with a free goodie bag for the first 300 customers. Treatments, which start at $60, are based on products from Adore Beauty's cult brands. Think AB LAB, BIODANCE, Burberry, Embryolisse, Estee Lauder, Murad, iKOU, K18, Kylie Jenner Fragrances, L'Oreal Pro, Oribe and Viviology. Not sure if your skin is oily, dry, or both? A state-of-the-art OBSERV 520x skin analysis system will be on hand to help you find out – and to determine the ideal treatment. These range from express 20-minute sessions to indulgent 45-minute marathons, and include a free skin consultation, as well as LED light therapy, skin analysis and facials. We all know Adore Beauty for being one of Australia's leading online beauty authorities – and the in-store vibe will echo the digital experience. You'll be able to browse from more than 65 brands, and, thanks to digital kiosks, check out the retailer's entire catalogue of more than 14,000 products. CEO Sacha Laing is excited about the move. "Adore Beauty has always been about empowering our customers to make the right choice, and our newest store will continue that tradition through personalised advice and treatments. And yes, Tim Tams with every in-store purchase!" she says. Want to get your hands on an exclusive Adore goodie bag? Well, head to Watergardens on Friday, March 7. You beauty! Adore Beauty's Watergardens store opens at 9am on Friday, March 7, at 399 Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes. Head to the website for more information.
Fans of Donald Glover, excellent television or both, rejoice: after a four-year gap between its second and third seasons, Atlanta is a mere month away from returning to our screens. The show's creator, co-writer, sometime-director, star and all-round driving force has been more than a little busy since we last saw him play Earnest 'Earn' Marks — cancelling and rescheduling Australian tours, playing Coachella, voicing Simba in the photorealistic remake of The Lion King, dropping albums and making Guava Island with Rihanna, and that was all before the pandemic — but now the wait for new episodes of his exceptional TV series is almost at an end. Get ready to be all about that Paper Boi again — and all about Glover as Earn, obviously. If you're new to Atlanta, it follows Princeton dropout Earn after he returns home to the titular city, then starts managing his cousin Alfred's (Brian Tyree Henry, Godzilla vs Kong) rap career. The 30-something also has an on-again-off-again relationship with Van (Zazie Beetz, The Harder The Fall), with the pair sharing a daughter, which throws up complications on a regular basis After a phenomenal second season which ranked among the best things on TV back in 2018 (as the show's first season did in 2016, too), Atlanta's third season looks set to follow Earn and Alfred/Paper Boy on tour in Europe — based on its teaser trailer. And yes, that means it's still tackling the ins and outs of its characters lives, including the daily reality of being Black in America today, while examining race, money, relationships, parenthood, art, music and trying to get by on the road on the other side of the world. Lakeith Stanfield (Judas and the Black Messiah) also returns as Darius, Alfred's righthand man, with Atlanta also boasting one of the best casts on television. [caption id="attachment_843677" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matthias Clamer/FX[/caption] After season two gave us the marvel that was the Teddy Perkins episode, it's basically impossible to guess what Glover has in store for his on-screen alter ego and his pals, and for viewers, this time around — but, when Atlanta's third season starts streaming in Australia via SBS On Demand on Friday, March 25, it'll be a definite must-see. That said, the good news keeps coming with the bad theses days, with Atlanta set to follow in Stranger Things' footsteps. We're not talking any storyline similarities, which truly would be wild. Instead, it's been announced that Atlanta also only has one more season left after its upcoming batch of episodes, so it'll end with season four — which is set to also air in 2022, arriving sometime during spring Down Under. Check out the trailer for Atlanta's third season below: Atlanta season three will start streaming via SBS On Demand from Friday, March 25.
On Sunday, October 29, Prahran Market will host the Say Cheese Festival. For uninitiated (or those who haven't attended before), it's essentially an entire day of eating cheese (and buying even more to eat later), featuring free cheese tastings, cheesy dish demonstrations and stalls from cheese providores. Throughout the day, chefs will take over the kitchen to demonstrate cooking techniques using cheese, including cheese and beverage pairing, knafeh from Atlas Dining and mozzarella stretching. If you're not too full from all of that, the traders are also offering food to take home or eat there. Some of the highlights include Noisette's croque monsieur, mixed-cheese ravioli, and an ice cream 'cheese board' from Glacé's Christy Tania. There will also be many, many cheese plates.
If you were diagnosed with coeliac disease over ten years ago you were given a packet of rice crackers, an apple and an apologetic smile as you were sent out into the big, bad, wheat-filled world. Now, it's a different story. For folks that can't tolerate gluten, there are now (really good) gluten-free pizza places, breweries that brew only gluten-free beer and even a totally gluten-free multi-story Mexican restaurant in the CBD. And, once a year, there's also an entire expo over an entire weekend just for gluten-free foods. On the weekend of October 5–6, the Convention and Exhibition Centre will be wall-to-wall with gluten-free snacks. We're talking plenty of free samples from the likes of Well and Good, Arnotts, Senza, Two Bays Brewing Co. and Venerdi. Plus, you can learn more about coeliac disease at one of the talks happening throughout the day, or get tips on cooking without contamination. If there's ever a time you don't have to worry about pesky traces of gluten, it's here. Go forth and feast, friends.
Last year, you ate copious amounts of burgers, and to balance it out, bunches and bunches of kale. Your beer got craftier than ever before. You wanted to know more about where your food came from, so you chatted to farmers and ate locally-sourced produce. Instead of extensive menus overloaded with choice, you opted for simpler, cleaner and more expertly-prepared dishes. You kept food trucks doing the rounds. You learnt more about Korean cuisine. And you decided that food tastes better when you share it. So, what's in store for 2015? We're expecting sustainability and seasonality taken to extremes, with hearty broths and micro-seasonal menus; the decline of kale; the rise of roots; veggie-fuelled desserts; cheaper lobster; more restaurant swaps; and epic, multi-sensory dining experiences, thanks to the wonders of neurogastronomy. Here are eight trends to look out for. VEGETABLES IN DESSERTS If only your mama had thought of this when she was struggling to get those Brussels sprouts down your recalcitrant, pint-sized throat. Pretending that vegetables aren't vegetables at all, but actually dessert, is one surefire way to crank up your five-a-day tally. In countries like Vietnam, where beans, lotus root and the like frequently feature in sweet treats, this isn't a new thing. But we're only just getting on the healthy yet tasty dessert bandwagon. Parsnip's been the main contender in Australia so far, thanks to Three Blue Ducks' chocolate with smoked parsnip and Four in Hand's parsnip ice cream with matching chips. RESTAURANT AND BAR SWAPS It seems that chefs and restaurateurs the world over are growing increasingly restless. Rather than keeping their gastronomical discoveries to their local clientele, they're keen to share them across regions and even hemispheres via swaps. Thousands of Melbournians got lucky (or greedy) when Heston Blumenthal announced he'd be bringing his Fat Duck to town, while Denmark's Noma has just opened its doors in Tokyo for a two-month stint. The trend is picking up at bar level too, with the Rook and Black Pearl doing an exchange in May last year. BROTH The more finite the Earth's resources are starting to look, the less we want to waste. In ancient times, when frugality was a necessity rather than an eco-conscious choice, the humble broth was master. Concocted out of animal bones and veggie scraps, it turned mere leftovers into a comfort food feast. Today, broth is the logical extension of our continual move towards sustainable food production. What's more, only Thai restaurants can compete when it comes to names. A restaurant in Melbourne has already jumped on the inevitable: Brothl, while in New York, there’s Brodo. Bring on the broth in 2015. AFFORDABLE LOBSTER After years of exclusivity, the lobster is at last stepping off its high horse and coming down to the street. Heading up the new egalitarian approach in Sydney is Burger Liquor Lobster, which has popped up for summer in both Paddo and Manly, waving $15 lobster rolls and lobster popcorn in front of our seafood-craving faces. The crustacean is getting affordable in London, too, where new trendy hangout Burger and Lobster is selling 2000 lobsters per day across six shopfronts. HATTED CHEFS OPENING CASUAL DINERS This trend, which comes direct from Paris, represents the latest in the growth of premium dining in a casual atmosphere. Hatted chefs are expanding beyond their illustrious premises into bistros, where they're making high-end gastronomy accessible to a mid-range crowd. In late 2013, the team behind the Bentley and the Monopole opened an eatery in Potts Point’s once-bohemian Yellow House. Then, last year, chef Mark Best of Marque brought his cooking to (more of) the people with the opening of Pei Modern in both Sydney and Melbourne. MICROSEASONAL MENUS 'Seasonal produce' and 'paddock-to-plate philosophy’ are the well-established catch-cries of many an Australian eatery. It looks like they’ll be taken even further in 2015 with a trend towards microseasonal menus. These promise fresher and more interesting cuisine than ever before, with dishes changing not with each shift of the earth's axis, but with every passing day. The alterations are ever-so-slight and subtle, and entirely dependent on available ingredients. Sydney’s Q Dining is getting in early. UGLY ROOT VEGGIES Kale's been more ubiquitous than cuts to the arts over the past year or so. But we’re not sure how much longer it's going to fare, given the rise and rise of ugly root vegetables. We're not talking about the good old potato, but its numerous more exotic-sounding and tasting (if not especially good-looking) cousins. As mentioned, parsnips have been sneaking their way into dessert menus, but then there's the likes of celery root and kohlrabi. Sydney's Yellow is already onto it, with a dish made up of beef tartare, kohlrabi, smoked curd and rye featuring on their tasting menu. The good news is that you, too can get started — pick up your own ugly veggies at Harris Farm for half-price. NEUROGASTRONOMY Did you know that on average, a pink strawberry dessert tastes ten percent less sweet on a black plate than it does on a white one? Or that, if you drink a single malt whisky while surrounded by real grass and birdsong, it tastes more herbaceous? Try it, on the other hand, around red lighting and curved furniture and it'll seem sweeter. Starting to get what 'neurogastronomy' means? We now have scientific proof that all of our senses — rather than our tastebuds alone — influence how we perceive flavour. A professor at Oxford University by the name of Charles Spence is obsessed with studying this phenomenon. Spence and a bunch of fellow experts have been developing an intense multisensory dining experience, which combines textures, colours, aromas and temperatures, having previously worked with the likes of Ferran Adrià and Heston Blumenthal. Image credits: Speed Bump Kitchen, jane boles via photopin cc
The hustle and bustle of the silly season is undoubtedly joyous but also sort of stressful. The biblical epic that is trying to make plans for a group of four or more is the hallmark of the month of December, and there's only so much we can help with — but damned if we're not going to try. The least we can do is provide some inspo, but we must leave the booking up to you. Our recommendation? Hit up one of these standout venues for a bottomless booking that the group won't resist.
Tasers, telephoto lenses and a new spate of crimes terrifying the beachside town of Neptune: yes, Veronica Mars is back. Everyone's favourite pint-sized TV private eye is finally returning to our screens, all thanks to the show's long-awaited, eagerly anticipated fourth season. As played with the usual pluck and determination by Kristen Bell, she's ready to sleuth her way through a whole new mystery. Of course she is. Due to release in the US in July, via streaming platform Hulu, Veronica Mars' revival follows its titular heroine as she endeavours to get to the bottom of a wave of bombings that've been blasting their way through her home town. The fictional seaside spot is quite the tourist spot — especially come spring break — and Ms Mars thinks that someone wants to blight its reputation. After dropping a very brief teaser in April, Hulu has released the first proper trailer for the series — and, as well as showing the no-nonsense Veronica doing what she does best, it features a heap of familiar faces. Her dad Keith Mars (Enrico Colantoni) and on-again, off-again love interest Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring) also pop up, as does her ex-classmate Weevil (Francis Capra). Also set to make an appearance: returning cast members Percy Daggs III, Ryan Hansen and Max Greenfield, plus new inclusions such as Patton Oswalt, Clifton Collins Jr and Bell's The Good Place co-star Kirby Howell-Baptiste. Oh and JK Simmons, too, and it appears that he's the new season's bad guy. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuhCFAtFE-A If you've been following Veronica's story for the past 15 years, you'll know that the TV series originally debuted in 2004, ran for three seasons until 2007, and then set a crowdfunding record to get a film off the ground in 2014. Next came two novels and a web series spin-off — and now, as first confirmed in September last year, this eight-episode revival. Break out the marshmallows, obviously. The fourth season of Veronica Mars hits Hulu on July 26. Details of the show's Australian and New Zealand release are yet to be confirmed — we'll keep you posted.
As winter closes in, you might be tempted to take anything that requires leaving your warm and toasty home off of your schedule. We get it. But it's no excuse. Even if it's cold outside, there are plenty of winter-friendly (and delicious) reasons to get out and about this season — especially down south. Tasmania might be known for its chilly weather, but, these days, it's also got quite the reputation as a culinary destination — and for good reason. Top-notch culinary menus make use of the freshest, seasonal and local produce and can be found all over the Apple Isle. That's why we've made it our mission to discover the Tassie restaurants that'll warm both your belly and your cold little hands this winter. Here are five of the best. Hope you're hungry. [caption id="attachment_719307" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Crerar.[/caption] STILLWATER — LAUNCESTON Stillwater is quite possibly the best-known restaurant in Tasmania. Situated on the edge of the Tamar River in Launceston — and set within a restored 1830s flour mill — the space is cosy, with warm lighting and timber furnishings, and boasts stunning views. The seasonal menu is a love letter to the island state, celebrating fresh, local produce and the region's best vineyards, distilleries and brewhouses. Our tip: opt for the Arras sparkling, which some might call Australia's best answer to Champagne, paired with flavour-packed seafood dishes like the fresh Moulting Bay oysters or the Tasmanian blacklip abalone with whipped tofu, brown butter ponzu, enoki and avruga caviar for a particularly indulgent experience. A visit on a clear winter day is something special — not only will you get a great view over the water, but be treated to the spoils of a Tassie winter. Expect a menu that makes the most of the abundant and rich produce available in winter like cauliflower, beetroot and brussels sprouts along with treats like oysters and black truffle. TEMPLO — HOBART Tucked away in the back streets of Hobart, Templo is all about intimacy. Which makes it a dream find on a cold winter night. Eating at this 20-seat restaurant feels as if you're at a friend's dinner party, with the exposed brick walls, low hanging lights and close quarters creating a warm atmosphere and cheerful vibe. Choose from a concise list of unique wines, and look to the large blackboard for the ever-changing, seasonal food offering. But while the dishes rotate often, they have a consistently Italian flair to them that's unmistakable and are all made with the freshest produce. If it's available, the gnocchetti with crunchy fried bread will knock your socks off. While seemingly simple, Templo is about shared food, unique wines and a solid communal vibe, making it a charming neighbourhood stalwart and an absolute must during Tasmanian winters. FRANKLIN — HOBART There's a confidence to Franklin that's reflected in every aspect of the restaurant. The contrast of the raw, exposed concrete interior and the soft kangaroo hides and heated floors (which are a real godsend when you step in from the cold) elevates the large space from a classy wine bar to something unexpectedly elegant. Housed in an old Ford showroom within Hobart's historic Mercury Newspaper Building, Franklin is the epitome of industrial-chic. And it's not just the interior design that's special — the food is distinctive, too. With one of Australia's most talented young chefs, Analiese Gregory, and a ten-ton woodfired scotch oven both in the open kitchen, the restaurant serves a menu featuring a made-from-scratch mentality. Everything occurs on-site — whole beasts are broken down, bread is baked daily, cheeses are made and meats are cured. It's a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds that truly champions local produce. GERONIMO APERITIVO BAR AND RESTAURANT — LAUNCESTON The second you walk into Launceston's Geronimo Aperitivo Bar and Restaurant, your winter blues will disappear. Packed with old-school charm, the space is adorned with Carrara marble, recycled timber, Greek metals, Italian ceramics and lots of warming Euro food on every table. Each dish is designed to share, so it's best to cosy up with some mates and order up. When it's cold outside you'll want to make a beeline for the confit duck leg — which is spiced with orange and star anise and comes with hazelnuts and cabbage — or maybe the fried polenta dumplings and a serve of winter veg. The bar's cherry-tinted take on the manhattan will send you home warm, full and slightly boozed. DIER MAKR — HOBART Dier Makr is made for winter. Broody and a little bit dark, the eatery sits within a large, nondescript, grey building. It doesn't exactly scream "this is one of the best restaurants in town" — but that's beside the point. Once you've found your way inside, you'll find a sleek, intimate bistro and bar where a playful degustation menu will take you on a journey of the senses. Try the seared mussels with chicken fat and mizuna-spiked golden ale. And opt for the cauliflower cooked so many different ways — you'll never look at the humble vegetable the same. Dier Makr is all about showing off the best Tasmanian produce, with a selection of natural and minimal intervention wines to match. Plus, there's a walk-in cellar if you want to bring back a souvenir. Top image: Stillwater, courtesy Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.
Italy, eat your heart out. According to the experts, our fair city is home to the best pizza in the world. To get your hands on the faultless stuff, make your way to 400 Gradi, where the man who won the 2014 World Pizza Championships serves up his award-winning fare to the Melbourne masses. Expect light, yeasty bases cooked to perfection and topped with delights like creamy buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, or marzano tomato. Simplicity is king here, though, with the margherita coming out tops. Follow up your feast with gelato at sister spot Zero Gradi, where classic flavours like pistachio and espresso are served alongside seasonal options. Produced in store daily and topped with whipped cream, this is Italian gelato at some of its most delicious.
During winter, it's mighty tempting to rid your after-work agenda of anything that involves leaving your blanket fort. But this season, we're on a mission to make sure you make the most of the bonus nighttime hours, so we've teamed up with Samsung Galaxy S9 to bring you the After Dark Guide — a series dedicated to the best things to eat, see and do in Melbourne when the sun goes down. To celebrate this partnership, we hosted the ultimate winter party and invited a bunch of you along to join in on the after-dark fun. The nighttime shindig at Ferdydurke featured an epic spread from Plentiful Catering and signature concoctions by the Ferdydurke team. Throughout the night, resident DJs provided the tunes that made the dancefloor too irresistible to ignore. The dim, poster-lined Ferdydurke, with its pink-tinted lights, put the Samsung Galaxy S9's Super Low Light Camera to the test. Cole Bennetts (photographer for the Samsung x Concrete Playground campaign) was on-deck to share his knowledge on all things photography, helping our party-goers capture these epic moments for the chance to win their own Samsung Galaxy S9 and a restaurant voucher. All the evening antics were photographed by Sarah Chav on a Samsung Galaxy S9, as seen in this gallery. Feeling inspired to get out and about this season? Check out our guide of the best things to do this winter after dark.
Can't afford a trip to Paris this year? Haven't had any luck lining up at Lune? Well, luckily for you, world renowned French baker Gontran Cherrier is set to cut the ribbon on his first Australian boulangerie in Collingwood this weekend. And to mark the occasion, he's giving out free (we repeat: free) croissants from 10-11am on Saturday, June 18 after the Smith Street cafe opens its doors at 7am. While these fresh-out-of-the-oven flaky beacons of heaven are the main attraction, the bakery and cafe will also stock a mouth-watering selection of freshly baked treats, including croissants, tarts, buns, rolls and fluffy white baguettes. A fourth generation baker, dreamboat and host of the popular French reality show La Meilleure Boulangerie de France (The Best Bakery in France), Cherrier currently owns boulangeries in Paris, Tokyo, Singapore and Seoul. His Melbourne shop has been designed by Eades & Bergman, the same team behind Kong BBQ and the Meatball & Wine Bar. The menu will feature a mix of traditional and modern food made with ingredients imported directly from France. Think lemon tarts, almond chocolate croissants, rye and red miso bread, and squid ink rolls. Our idea of a French fantasy #gontranmelb A photo posted by Gontran Cherrier Australia (@gontrancherrierau) on Feb 10, 2016 at 4:21pm PST "I chose Melbourne for my newest international bakery because it is known for its excellence in food," said Cherrier back in February. "I think it also shares a lot of similarities with Paris such as the café culture and laneways. I was in Melbourne in 2010 and was struck by the culture and lifestyle. Ever since then I have wanted to open a store in this city. I'm so excited that it's finally happening." Gontran Cherrier Artisan Boulangerie and Cafe will open at 7am this Saturday, June 18 at 140 Smith Street, Collingwood. For more info, visit gontrancherrier.com.au.
Restrictions have rekindled Melbourne's love affair with the humble picnic and we're forecasting park sessions to become the go-to social outing of choice over the coming months — no matter what the weather's doing. There'll be no slumming it on the food and drinks front either, thanks to the growing lineup of beautifully curated picnic packs being offered up by venues across the city. We've rounded up a few of the finest feasts to suit your next al fresco session, from grazing boxes brimming with nibbles, to luxurious seafood spreads. Order one of these beauts and make this picnic season one to remember. BIA HOI A taste of chef Jerry Mai's mod-Viet beer hall is coming to a park near you. Bia Hoi's new picnic packs are chock full of fresh Vietnamese flavours just begging to be devoured on some sunny patch of grass. We're talking: crisp spring rolls, mini grilled chicken banh mi, sugarcane prawns, plump rice paper rolls, and plenty of its famed JFC (Jerry Fried Chicken) teamed with hot chilli and fish sauce caramel. Plus, an assortment of banh hoi (vermicelli parcels), fresh herbs, pickles and zingy nuoc mam sauce rounds out the fun. The details: Feeds two to three, $55. Order online for delivery. ENTRECOTE Add some instant Frenchy-chic flair to your al fresco hangs with a Parisian Pique-nique box from Entrecote. Having settled into its new Greville Street home (though not yet opened the doors, thanks COVID), the celebrated French restaurant is now slinging a range of tres chic picnic accompaniments, headlined by a grazing box for two. The pack stars gourmet goodies like a sourdough baguette, proper French butter, local camembert, traditional charcuterie, mini quiches and macarons. Picnic add-ons range from ice-filled coolers to batched cocktails and bottles of Mumm. BYO beret and you're good to go. The details: Feeds two, $94.90. Pre-order online for pick up. ZSA'S BAR BISTRO & DELI Up in Northcote, Zsa's has made a name for its warm, honest cooking style and dishes rooted in classic European flavours. And, luckily for your future picnic endeavours, that vibe extends to the venue's expansive offering of park-friendly antipasto boxes and grazing packs. There's quite the selection, ranging from cheese packs to local charcuterie showcases. But for a bit of everything, try the Premium Antipasto and Cheese Box — a quality spread of local and international cheese, Aussie prosciutto, free-range mortadella, whisky-spiked orange marmalade, house-made crostini and much more. Extras and add-ons abound, including a bottles of the signature bloody mary laced with Truff hot sauce ($17). The details: $75. Order online for pick up or delivery (select days). ABACUS BAR & KITCHEN If your ultimate picnic pack is one involving plenty of ocean-fresh snacks, Chapel Street's Abacus has your back. Every Friday to Sunday, the South Yarra bar and eatery is serving up two picnic-perfect seafood platters that are destined to impress. Opt for the standard spread and spend your afternoon knocking back Mooloolaba king prawns with a jalapeno emulsion, Sydney rock oysters, lobster rolls loaded with chive mayo, crab and potato croquettes, house-made taramasalata and more. Or, bump up to the deluxe edition and enjoy half a Western Australia rock lobster as well. Add on a bottle from the wine list and your day is looking pretty schmick. The details: $125 (standard), $199 (deluxe). Order online for pick up or delivery. MR MIYAGI Windsor's beloved modern Japanese diner Mr Miyagi is going one step further to hook you up with premium snacking this picnic season. It's kicked off a roving picnic pop-up tour, appearing at a different venue every Friday and Saturday to sling its six-course picnic packs. The four-person Japanese feasts feature lively dishes like the yuzu kingfish sashimi, crispy chicken katsu rolls, soba noodle salad and yuzu cheesecake, and it all comes packed in a nifty Mr Miyagi cooler bag to keep. Cocktail boxes are also up for grabs if you're feeling thirsty. Keep an eye on the website to see where they're headed this weekend. The details: Feeds four, $149. Order online for pick up (collection venue changes every Friday and Saturday). HARRY & LARRY'S GENERAL STORE As Footscray's one-stop shop for locally-sourced groceries, pantry essentials and other fun wares, Harry & Larry's General Store is well-known for its curatorial skills, especially when it comes to tasty eats. So, it should come as no surprise that the venue's now slinging a top-notch grazing box, available in both small and large sizes. Level-up your park time with a primo selection of various breads, cheese, cured meats, dips, crackers and other antipasto fixings, neatly boxed and ready to play centrepiece of your picnic rug. They can be made gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan, and you can get a box whipped up with 90 minutes notice. Add on a tipple from the extensive online bottle shop range to make an afternoon of it. The details: Feeds two ($29) or more ($59–70). Order online for pick up (in-store or kerbside) or local delivery. THAT'S AMORE If an aperitivo-style picnic in the park is on the cards, you'll find a very worthy accompaniment in That's Amore's collection of curated cheese and booze hampers. The cheese producer's own Italian-inspired creations take centre stage here, carefully matched to wine, gin, or even a cheeky bottled cocktail. The Cheese & Wine Hamper, in particular, is picnic perfection, stocked with three signature cheese varieties — perhaps the buffalotto, the cacio and some smoked caciotta — plus lavosh crackers, fig paste and a bottle of vino of your choosing. If mixing and matching is more your style, simply swing past the full online store and curate your own epic cheese feast for speedy delivery. The details: $75. Order online for delivery Victoria-wide. [caption id="attachment_827589" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] FISHMONGERS SON Infuse your picnic with a hint of indulgence and lots of summer vibes, by ordering a picnic set-up from Carlton North's Fishmonger's Son. The store's seafood-heavy lineup of snack packs and lunch boxes is primed for sunny (or even cloudy) sessions at your local park or beach. Grazers will love the high-end snackage of the Blini Box, starring blinis, smoked salmon, 50 grams of Yarra Valley salmon caviar, and a tub of Lard Ass crème fraiche. Or, if you're picnicking as a pair, go for the Lunch Box — a two-person spread featuring a couple of the venue's cult prawn and crayfish rolls, with a side of Pafritas potato chips. The details: The Blini Box, $50; and The Lunch Box, feeds two, $40. Pre-order for pick up by emailing orders@thefishmongersson.com or calling 0452 166 552. A select range is also available for delivery via Your Grocer.
After seven years of bringing food to Australians' doors — and alcohol, kitchen and household products, and pop culture-themed board games in some places, too — Deliveroo has delivered a significant piece of news: it now no longer operates in the country. Via a series of messages to customers, on social media and on its local website on Wednesday, November 16, the company announced that it was shutting its Aussie service effective immediately. "Deliveroo no longer operates in Australia," the organisation's website now reads. "Deliveroo has taken the difficult decision to leave Australia. We have been proud to bring so many people amazing meals from Australia's great restaurants over the years," it continues. The company is now in administration, with KordaMentha appointed to oversee the process. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deliveroo (@deliveroo_au) In its statements on social media, Deliveroo called the news a "sad announcement" and reiterated that it "has been a very difficult decision to make". It also called out Australia's "amazing food" and "thousands of brilliant restaurants and riders". Obviously, the sudden shuttering will impact both considerably. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Deliveroo staff will receive compensation, and drivers who made a delivery in the past three months. As a result of the closure, Deliveroo's app is now no longer accepting orders, leaving customers to use competing food-delivery services such as UberEats, Menulog and DoorDash. Since opening in Australia in 2015, in efforts to stand out in a crowded market, Deliveroo has done everything from giving away burgers and Tim Tams, offering free delivery during lockdowns and slinging free fries based on vaccination levels through to even dropping off free Gelato Messina choc tops by boat. For more information about Deliveroo ceasing operations in Australia, head to the service's website.
Melbourne Skydeck is no stranger to breathtaking experiences. This New Year's Eve, it's taking the party to another level — literally. If you're over the standard NYE party and are looking for a countdown worth telling your grandkids about, then you might want to snap up a ticket to Disco in the Sky — the hottest (and highest) New Year's Eve party in town. This NYE, the southern hemisphere's highest observation deck will transform into the ultimate dance floor. Melburnians will strut into 2024 with glittering lights, fun beats courtesy of DJ Baitz, and a breathtaking view that quite simply cannot be beat (in this hemisphere, at least). Picture making your way to the 88th floor, New Year's buzz in the air, the lit-up Melbourne skyline stretches before in all directions. You grab a drink, maybe you grab two, perhaps you're there with your favourite person, maybe you have the New Year's kiss of all time high in the sky. Wouldn't that be just the best? And while you wait for that magic moment, live life on the edge as you step out onto the glass platform that extends from the building, daring you to look down through the glass floor. Or immerse yourself in a world of wonder with state-of-the-art VR in the downstairs Voyager Theatre. Tickets to the Disco in the Sky include a drinks package with beer, wine and bubbles. Ticket holders also get gourmet canapés prepared by Eureka 89, access to the Voyager Theatre from 8pm to 9:30pm, access to The Edge from 8pm to 11pm, and a commemorative photo booth to capture the magic. No New Year's Eve party is complete without cocktails, and Bar 88 delivers the goods. Enjoy a selection from classic espresso martinis and cosmos to bespoke cocktails of the month. Although they aren't included in the package, cocktails can be purchased all night from the bar. Tickets to Disco in the Sky are available to purchase on the website.
Tucked down Church Lane is Saving Grace, your friendly neighbourhood dive bar home to good brews, classic cocktails and banging burgers. Saving Grace rotates six seasonal taps with a lineup of largely local craft breweries on the list from the likes of Fixation, Hop Nation, Two Bays, and Hop Nation, as well as lagers from all over. When it comes to cocktails, Saving Grace has a considered collection of twists on classics. Fancy breakfast vibes at happy hour? Try the marmalade whisky sour, a take on a breakfast martini with marmalade, bourbon, lemon bitters, lemon sugar and wonderfoam for a frothy finish. Alternatively, you can chill out with a frozen slushy cocktail — just ask the staff what flavour is on for the night. Saving Grace is also where you'll find Burger Boys pumping out burgers, fried chicken and sides for the hungry drinkers at this lively dive and blues bar.
Things are heating up at The B.East on Lygon Street, the official home of the Melbourne Chilli Eating Championship. This Saturday, 26 brave souls will put their lives on the line in this searing hot contest to find Melbourne's steeliest tastebuds. Doors open at noon, while the main event kicks off at half past three. The contest consists of 12 knockout rounds, with things getting progressively spicier as the competition intensifies. Participants can be eliminated by tapping out, passing out or vomiting their guts up – although, hopefully it doesn't come to that. It all culminates with the consumption of the Carolina Reaper, which Guinness World Records considers the hottest chilli in the world. All competitor spots have already been filled, although there's always a chance someone chickens out on the day. In addition to the championship there'll by live music throughout the day, including sets by the Davidson Brothers, DJ Johnny El Pájaro and Iaki Vallejo & The Hits.
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2019 — We knew that ABC's perennially popular music quiz show Spicks and Specks was making a comeback with the OG crew, and now we have an air date. It has been announced that the first of four specials will hit small screens at 7.40pm on Sunday, November 24, as part of the network's Ausmusic Month celebrations. The other three will drop sometime in 2020 — we'll let you know when dates are announced for those, too. What's better than watching a heap of top Australian talent sit around and talk about music? Watching them do all of the above while answering questions, competing for points and just generally being funny, too. That's the concept behind ABC TV show Spicks and Specks, which took a few cues from the UK's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, pit Aussie musos and comedians against each other, and has proven a hit several times over. A weekly favourite when it first aired between 2005–2011, it just keeps coming back — and is about to do so again for four brand new specials. When the program was first revived back in 2014, it returned with a new host and team captains. This time, it's going back to the original lineup. That means that Adam Hills, Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough will all step back into the quiz show realm yet again. When the trio did just that back in 2018, for a one-off reunion special, it became the ABC's most-watched show of the year. Unsurprisingly, that huge response played more than a small part in inspiring this new comeback. If you're already eager to show your own music trivia knowledge and play along — we all know that's as much a part of the Spicks and Specks fun as seeing the on-screen stars unleash their own skills (or lack thereof) — then look out for the first special this November. It'll air on Sunday, November 24 as part of the ABC's network-wide celebration of Ausmusic Month, and it'll naturally focus on all things local. Then, at some point in 2020, three more specials will hit the airwaves. The Spicks and Specks crew obviously hope you're feeling suitably retro, with each show focusing on a different decade — the 90s, then the 00s and finally the ten-year period we've all just lived through. And, if you need a refresher, this comedic chat about a Star Wars Christmas album will do the trick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KNMtDu7TAY Spicks and Specks will return to ABC TV on Sunday, November 24 at 7.40pm and then again in 2020. We'll keep you updated with exact dates when they come to hand.
If you’ve got bucket loads of creative talent, are obsessed with digital innovation, and love the idea of collaborating with equally awesome minds, you should probably be at Pause Fest this February. Described as Australia’s answer to SXSW, this four-day event will be packed with workshops, presentations, interactive installations and panel forums. Pause Fest focusses on collaboration; bringing together creatives, artists, entrepreneurs and idea makers from all over digital culture. Appropriately, this year's theme is ‘Connected’ and will feature speakers who are professional practitioners in the worlds of advertising, digital production and post-production, start-up culture, music, design and animation. For those particularly interested in innovation within the music industry, Trevor Rooney from SONOS will discuss how music consumption has changed over time and where it’s heading. Alternatively if you’re interested in listening to the latest in electronic music check out acts such as Lowlakes, Drop Frame, Sons Et Al, Electric Sea Spider during the festival. For a full guide of events check the Pause Fest website.
Over the past 12 months, Melbourne scored its own multi-sensory (and permanent) digital art gallery, Flinders Street Station Ballroom welcomed Patricia Piccinini's latest strange and surreal artworks, and plenty of other dazzling exhibitions have popped up around the city. So yes, while the last year hasn't been great for many reasons, it's still delivered exceptional art — and now a showcase that recreates Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel frescos is coming to Emporium Melbourne, too. On display from Saturday, January 22–Sunday, March 20, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is filled with life-sized versions of all the stunning art that has long made the Vatican cathedral a must-visit destination. The showcase's 34 pieces have all been created using a printing technique that emulates the look and feel — and detail, colours and brushstrokes — of the original paintings, so it really is the next best thing to seeing the real thing on the other side of the globe. Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition hits Melbourne after sold-out stops in Chicago, London and San Francisco, and takes between 60–90 minutes to peruse. Of course, you can still view the OG pieces digitally via the Vatican's online tour — but this'll let you take in the immense detail beyond your computer screen. These artworks have glistened for more than five centuries and, as absolutely everyone knows, they comprise quite the sight.
There's something special about getting all your mates together during the summer months — being crammed into your favourite restaurant in Chinatown when the sun is shining really isn't making the most of it. No one wants to get to that first cold and grey day of the year and realise they've missed out on all the cool things that are only possible in the summer months. We've teamed up with Australian Venue Co to share just a few of the top happenings around Melbourne that'll help you make the most of the season with your mates — there's so much to see and do before we all hibernate for winter.
Melbourne seems to be following the pattern of another day, another new development. But instead of completely decimating the environment around it, Melbourne's newest mini suburb development in the city's inner-northeast looks like it might the most sustainable yet. It's set to become the world's first 'Tesla Town', with Tesla Powerwalls built into every home along with solar panels and electric car recharging points. The new 2500-home development is called YarraBend, and it will border Alphington, Ivanhoe and Kew in Melbourne's northeast. It's being developed by local property group Glenvill, who, on the YarraBend website, have billed the new residential space as "a world-first Tesla suburb" which is "designed to achieve the highest level of sustainability and quality of life". So what exactly does having a Tesla Powerwall in each home mean? Well, quite a lot. A Tesla Powerwall is a battery that not only powers your home but one that stores power for when you need it. It's designed to hook up with your power source, which is either solar power, or the grid, where most people get their electricity from. And it's really smart, because depending on which power source you have, the Powerwall will either store the solar energy for later or charge itself from the grid in off-peak times. This not only saves you and your household some cash, but it's a step away from Australia's reliance on dirty coal and fossil fuels for power, and means that we can move towards cleaner energy like solar, wind and geothermal. Plus, with Australia only getting its first shipment of the batteries earlier this year, this will be the first large-scale project to utilise them. According to the Urban Development Institute of Australia, YarraBend will be one of the most environmentally sustainable developments in the country. "This development leads the way in sustainability," the UDIA's Danni Addison told the Heidelberg Leader. "Some areas that are a standout include water reduction of 43 per cent, landfill reduced by 80 per cent and the potential to reduce energy use by 34 per cent." Along with the Powerwalls, solar panels will also be a standard on houses in YarraBend. Making it even more futuristic, residents will also be connected through their own app and have access to a complimentary tech-concierge, who'll be on hand to help when your internet goes down. Which, if your internet connection's anything like ours, is all the goddamn time. Via Heidelberg Leader.
Do you feel guilty every time you leave the house and leave your four-legged best friend home alone? Have you ever wondered what your favourite canine gets up to when you're out? Maybe you've just stepped inside one day to find that your pet has turned the television on and is sitting there staring it at. It happens. Whichever category you fall into, making sure your doggo isn't bored when you're out can be an enormous source of stress for pet owners — but a new collection of audiobooks wants to help. Whether your woofer has shown a love for literature (bringing in the newspaper or munching on a few books, perhaps?) or just likes the sound of someone's voice, Audible for Dogs has been specially curated for pooches left on their lonesome. It's inspired by a UK study that suggests that canines in kennels respond better to audiobooks than music, with the doggo-centric library featuring tales that have been "chosen for their calming narration and evenly paced narrative". And no, Marley and Me definitely isn't one of them. That said, there are a number of dog-focused titles in the collection, such as Red Dog, Working Dog Heroes and The Spotted Dog — which, along with Tim Winton's Cloudstreet, form Audible for Dogs' Aussie Collection. Other books available include Pride and Prejudice, David Copperfield, Anne of Green Gables and The Great Gatsby as part of the Classics Collection, so you can expose your fluffy friend to the greats (and maybe even listen to a few with them). Your four-legged bestie can also relax to Big Little Lies, Sherlock Holmes and The Lord of the Rings — and hopefully it won't start searching for precious things after the latter. The range of titles also comes with plenty of high-profile voices doing the narration, spanning everyone from Stephen Fry to Rachel McAdams to Jake Gyllenhaal. Audible for Dogs' selection has been chosen by animal behaviourist Dr. Susan Hazel, as well as Aussie media personality and dog-lover Osher Günsberg — and if you buy one of its audiobooks between now and November 2, 2019, $1 from each purchase will go to the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home. The two special doggy bundles each cost $19.95, while general Audible membership costs $16.45 per month. For more information, visit the Audible for Dogs website.
If you have a very particular set of skills (an encyclopaedic knowledge of useless Friends related facts, for example) that you've acquired over a very long career (of, maybe, watching repeats of Friends since it came off the air fourteen years ago), then boy is this news for you. Supersmall Club in South Yarra is hosting a Friends-themed trivia night on Saturday, November 10 — which will make up for all those times you quoted Chandler Bing to people who didn't watch the show and just came off as weirdly sarcastic. It could also end up being The One Where You End Up Quite Tipsy, too, because Supersmall is offering unlimited cocktails and beers to sweeten the deal, which is included in the entry price of $30. For two hours you can cop endless Cosmos, Daiquiris, Fruit Tingles or beers. Just take your enormous bottomless cocktail glass that is given to you upon producing your entry ticket back up to the bar to keep on kicking. Updated: November 5, 2018.
Victoria's current lockdown won't be ending today, Tuesday, July 20, after Premier Daniel Andrews flagged yesterday that the stay-at-home conditions would need to continue due to rising case numbers. Something has been changing during this current outbreak, however, and fast. That'd be the list of exposure sites — which, just a few days back on Friday, July 16, included 125 venues, but now reaches 320. The Victorian Department of Health has been updating the register as new places are identified, as it does during all outbreaks. Late on Monday, July 19, it announced a number of new Tier 1 exposure sites — including one big and familiar venue. As happened back in June, too, South Melbourne Market is once again on the list. If you visited the site on Sunday, July 11, you may need to get tested immediately and then self-isolate for 14 days, which is the standard procedure for Tier 1 venues. That requirement applies between the hours of 9.30am–12pm to folks who went to The SuperCool, Spin South Melbourne and Create tBt Toys and Games. South Melbourne's Panette Eatery on Cecil Street was also named as a Tier 1 site, between 8–11am the same day. Also just joining the list: Coles Glenferrie in Hawthorn from 6.45–7.10pm on Wednesday, July 14, Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya in Fitzroy from 6.35–9.15pm on Thursday, July 15 and Upton Girl cafe in Windsor from 8.30–9.05am on Wednesday, July 14. Obviously, given the lengthy number of sites now named, the list goes on. Some venues date back to Thursday, July 8, while the most recent exposures date to Saturday, July 17. https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1417105020802064386 Other notable venues that've newly joined the roster, but as Tier 2 locations — which requires getting tested urgently, then self-isolating until results are received — include the visitors hub at Queen Victoria Market (from 12.15–1pm on Thursday, July 15), Daniel's Donuts on Collins Street (from 3–3.30pm on Thursday, July 15), Bunnings Dandenong (from 7.45–8.15am on Tuesday, July 13), Richmond's Cheeky Monkey Cafe (from 8.10–8.55am on Friday, July 16), Woolworths Fitzroy (from 12.20–1pm on Friday, July 16), and a number of Metro Train and Yarra Trams routes. As always, Melburnians can keep an eye on the local list of exposure sites at the Department of Health website — it will keep being updated if and when more sites are identified. For those looking to get tested, you can find a list of testing sites including regularly updated waiting times also on the Department of Health website. And, has remained the case throughout the pandemic, Melburnians should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste, symptoms-wise. For further details on the latest exposure sites and updated public health advice, see the Department of Health website. Top image: Google Maps.
Portarlington Mussel Festival has become one of the largest yearly events to take place in the tiny bayside community. Last year, over ten tonnes of locally harvested mussels were served to 30,000 seafood-loving punters. For its 12th year, Australia's mussel capital will host over 100 food stalls, peddling not only shellfish but fresh local produce too. There'll be live music, art and photography exhibitions, cooking classes and demonstrations, a car show (possibly muscle cars?), kids' activities, and beer and wine tastings. Special guests The Eagles Story will be among over 20 performers providing entertainment for the day, including Avalon, Jazz Connection, Chrissy Burrell, The Big Bash Band and Hip Cats. There'll be a $2 entry fee per person, with all proceeds returned to the community. Established in 2007, the festival highlights the importance of the Bellarine's aquaculture industry — 60 percent of Australia's mussels come from Portarlington. Despite the town's remoteness, you can jump on a ferry from Melbourne or even better, do a coastal road trip. Image: Archangel12 via Flickr.
When Wednesday, October 28 hits Melbourne, life in the Victorian capital will look rather different to the status quo for the past few months. With the city not only recording zero new COVID-19 cases for two days in a row, but slowly easing out of lockdown, Melburnians will be able to venture 25 kilometres out of the house for any reason, go to the newly reopened shops, have a drink at a bar or pub, and eat in at a restaurant — and, as announced today, Tuesday, October 27 by Premier Daniel Andrews, to visit someone else's house. Yesterday, when he revealed the next stage of eased restrictions, Premier Daniel Andrews flagged that he'd announce details about in-home gatherings today. As part of his latest daily press conference, he's unveiled exactly where, when and how often Melburnians can head to a friend or family member's abode — and how many people can go along. In effect from 11.59pm tonight, the basic rule is that two adults from one household (and any dependents under the age of 18) can visit another household once a day. The reverse also applies, so you can only receive visitors from one other household each day as well. The new requirements aren't considered a bubble, as Melburnians can visit different households each day — so you can go to your parents' place one day and your bestie's the next, for example. But every home and the people within it can only be involved in one 'visiting event', as Premier Andrews called it, per day, which is where it might seem a bit tricky. Whether you're the one going to someone else's house or you're receiving visitors to your own home, that gathering is considered a 'visiting event'. And you're only allowed one each day — which again covers both heading out and having folks over. Everyone coming to your house at one time must be from the same household, too. Or if you're doing the visiting, you can only go to someone else's place with people from your own household. "If you have somebody over to your house at, say, lunchtime, you can't visit another house that night," Premier Andrews explained. "So mum and dad and two children go and visit grandma and grandpa, they can be there provided they're within the 25 kilometres, they can be there for as long as they choose to be there, but once they leave, neither they can go and visit anybody else, nor can grandma and grandpa have other visitors to their home that day." https://twitter.com/VicGovDHHS/status/1320839207644995584 As the above example outlines, the 25-kilometre rule does still apply to home visits for as long as it is in place, with that restriction slated to be lifted on November 8. Premier Andrews did note, however, that the at-home gathering limits will still remain even after the next set of eased steps comes into effect early next month, but they'll be reviewed over time. Explaining the new rule, the Premier advised that "your home is the most dangerous place for the spread of this virus" because it's where people put their guard down. Also, no one is being supervised; "not like a cafe, not like going to the pub where it's a licensed environment, people are keeping their distance, there's cleaning to that industrial standard, there's all of that formality". Like hospitality venues, Melburnians are being asked to keep records of their visits — of who has been to their house and when — to help contract tracing if needed. As for what else is entailed, including for sharehouses, a full rundown will be made available on the Department of Health and Human Services website later today. And if you're wondering whether these caps will be in place when Christmas rolls around (yes, it's almost that time of the year), Premier Andrews said he'll have more announcements on November 8 not only about the changes due to come into effect that day, but "about balance of November and what Christmas looks like". For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website — and for further details about Victoria's steps for reopening, head to the roadmap itself.
Strap in, Melbourne; it's time to finally control the weather. That's right, Rain Room is back in town for its third season. Once a resident of renowned international art institutions like New York's MoMA, London's Barbican and the YUZ Foundation in Shanghai, the ever-raining-but-you-never-get-wet installation is not to be missed. It's basically a dark, rainy room you can stroll through without needing that umbrella you always leave at bars. Housed in the Jackalope Pavilion in St Kilda, Rain Room covers a 100-square-metre space, and merges art, technology and nature into a single immersive experience. As you move, so does the rain. How neat? The whole experience isn't just a stroll in the rain; it's designed to provoke thought, to make us reflect on our relationship with nature and the environment. Thinking of diving in? The Rain Room runs from November 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. It's open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am till late, with specific child-friendly slots in the mornings (10am–11.30am) and afternoons (3pm–4pm) for little rain dancers. Adult tickets go for $29, kids and concessions at $19, and families at $89. If you're after a fun group adventure, a cute date, or some introspective solo time, this is the spot. Go on, enjoy yourself, go make it rain. Find Rain Room at the Jackalope Pavilion, corner of Acland and Jackson streets, St Kilda.
Want to cover your walls with cool, original artwork without it costing you the roof over your head? Then head on down to the Royal Exhibition Building, for an art bazaar you can actually afford to attend. A three day celebration of design, print and illustration, Supergraph is a goldmine for artists and art lovers alike. Supergraph 2015 features dozens of exhibitors, ranging from long-established artists to the best and brightest young talent. The flavour is local for the most part, although The International Salon section showcases designers from America, the UK, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Thailand. Pieces start from as low as $30, ensuring that no one has to go home empty handed. But it's not just artists spruiking their wares. The Supergraph program is packed full of special events, from an opening night party with DJ Yo! Mafia to masterclasses on felt art, fashion illustration and tattoos. In between, you can chill out at the Food Truck Stop, snacking on bagels, donuts, tacos and more. For the full Supergraph program, visit their website.
It’s time to crawl out from under your winter clutter and embrace the sunshine with bare limbs and sparse shelves; spring has arrived and we couldn’t be more relieved. More sunlight and (slightly) warmer weather makes now a great time to ditch any excess your home/wardrobe/office space may have accumulated and add some fresh pieces. We’ve got a few tips on cleaning out your home or office space as well as expert advice from Joshua Speechley, one half of the couple behind HIM&I online store, on how to make your place pop. HIM&I focus on simple, minimal, top-quality pieces. “Everything we sell on HIM&I we personally love, so our home is really a reflection of the store,” says Speechley. Garage Sale, Yard Sale, Bake Sale Step one is to declutter, and a great way to get rid of your goods is through a garage sale. It’s extremely tempting to go out and buy heaps of sparkly new things to spruce up your place, but without this essential first step you run the risk of being a contestant on an Australian version of Hoarders. Any clothes that are still in good nick that you don’t wear anymore, wash them, give them an iron (or boots a polish), and price them kindly. Bring out old books, magazines, knick-knacks, anything you’re not using; you’d be surprised what people will take off your hands for a reasonable price. Anything left over at the end of the day can go to The Salvos, Brotherhood of St Laurence, or hard rubbish. Sorted. Here how to bring all the boys (and girls) to the yard, no milkshakes required. A kickass flyer: Pop culture references and puns go down a treat. Baked goods/lemonade stand: It’s cute, the smell will lure passers-by in, and you know you need a cupcake at 10am on a Saturday. Dress the part: Look fabulous, and others will want your steez. We recommend a splashy bum bag. No really — it’s a great conversation starter, and so handy when keeping track of the cash being exchanged. Image: Mark Nye, ClubofHumanBeings.com via photopin cc. Do Your Homework, in a Fun Way A little bit of research can go a long way, and it’s a great way to justify poking around on social media. “We do find a lot of inspiration on Instagram," says Speechley. "It’s a great platform for finding other people's amazing creativity, there are so many creative DIY people out there! Magazines are always great too, [like] Inside Out, Frankie and Smith." Research doesn’t have to be restricted to the page, you’re just as likely to be inspired by getting out and about. As Speechley advises, “Markets and, of course, friend's houses are always great too, seeing what our friends are coming up with or finding here and there is always a big inspiration.” Get Crafty If you’re looking to deck out your digs with some new pieces, why not flex those craft skills that have been idling since primary school and make something yourself? Record boxes, planter walls, bookshelves, beds, you name it, Speechley and partner Kara Allen have attempted to make it. “Not all to great success,” Speechley points out, “but that ones that have worked out we’re completely stoked with ... Head down to your local hardware store and give it a crack.” Another bonus to having something you actually made decorating your place? You can guarantee no one else will have the same item adorning their walls or shelves. If you’re a bit of a novice, there's no need to fret, as many places offering affordable, fun, one-off classes for those looking to get their hands dirty. Our favourite places running classes include Work-Shop (Sydney and Melbourne), Laneway Learning (Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane), Colourbox Studio (Melbourne) and Koskela (Sydney). Avoid IKEA Rule number one: think outside the box. “It’s a trap!" says Speechley. "Sure, you can find some great items at IKEA, you get them home and you love them. Until you see them at eight of your friends houses ... We’ve found spending the little bit extra, to get something a bit more unique, or with more of a personal touch, means you’ll love the item more, and for longer!” Flower Bomb It’s spring. Everything is in bloom. They smell amazing. They’re colourful. They cheer you up. Why the heck wouldn’t you fill your house with floral goodness? If flowers aren’t your thing, succulents never die, or any other indoor plant/fern is actually good for your health. Lauren from Fowlers Flowers in Melbourne recommends blushing bride, hellebores, geraldton wax, tulips, magnolia buds, and king proteas for this season, but just about everything is in bloom at the moment, so pick whatever takes your fancy. Image by Lucy Djevdet.
At age 30, Michelle Ryan, one of Australia's most celebrated dancers, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Intimacy is a reflection, of sorts, on Ryan's life since diagnosis. It offers a fictional stage for her experiences and delves into her most private thoughts and feelings. The show is a collaborative work between Torque Show, Michelle Ryan herself and Lavender Vs Rose, who play their original score live. Performers Michelle Ryan, Vincent Crowley, Emma Bathgate and Simon Eszeky explore real-life experiences with a sense of humour, dignity and sensitivity. Fans of Ryan's work as a choreographer, dancer, artistic director and advocate should definitely check this intimate dance piece out, and newcomers should prepare to get intimately acquainted. Intimacy plays as part of the Helium season of independent works, risk-taking stuff that is given a stage and resources through Malthouse. You can also catch the YouTube Comment Orchestra, Applespiel Make a Band and Take on the Recording Industry and META, a multisensory nightmare riffing on Kafka's Metamorphosis. Intimacy plays at the Malthouse Tower Theatre from August 13-23, and tickets are $25 each. Thanks to Torque Show, we have two double passes to give away to the performance on Saturday, August 13, at 7pm. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
If you've got a thing for hip hop and fancy sussing out the freshest local talent, there's only one place you need to be on Saturday, March 12. That's when not-for-profit arts organisation L2R takes over Footscray Community Arts Centre for a huge all-ages block party. It all kicks off at 12pm with a community barbecue feast on the lawn, before a jam-packed program of tunes and dance fires up the afternoon. You'll catch hip hop showcases, 2-on-2 battles, and performances by L2R crews and a host of emerging talent, spanning a mix of styles including breakin', vogue, house, dance hall and more. It's safe to say you won't be sitting still in your seat once these guys get going. There'll be plenty of special guests on the bill, and a lineup of live acts and DJs to soundtrack the afternoon's festivities. Plus, a stack of local food trucks will be on hand to fuel those moves. Under 18s can score free entry, while adult tickets clock in at an easy $10. [caption id="attachment_844190" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Footscray Community Arts Centre, by Gianna Rizzo[/caption] Top Images: L2R dancers, by Sam Wong
Poof Doof Drag Brunch is back – and it's bigger, brighter and more glorious than ever. Starting on Sunday, April 27, the party will take over The Espy's spectacular sunroom once a week for ten action-packed weeks. Leading the star-packed program is Isis Avis Loren, who won season three of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under. Look out, too, for Cerulean, who won Miss First Nation 2023 at the Miss First Nation: Supreme Queen Competition during Sydney WorldPride. Then there's Lynduuh, current Miss Dragnation Australia. Plus, every week, there'll be appearances from surprises guests, while Nic Holland will provide the soundtrack alongside DJ Argonaut. Your ticket ($75 plus a booking fee) buys you the show, as well as two hours of bottomless house wine, beers, spritzes and rainbow mimosas with edible flowers. Also included is access to the bloody mary drama station, where you can spice up your cocktail with tomato juices, hot sauces, bacon, pickles and more. Meanwhile, you'll be snacking on a grazing spread by Menzies. Some of the delights on the menu are salmon and cream cheese mini bagels, party pies, bacon rolls, tiny franks, pink lamingtons, pop-that-cherry danishes and Golden Gaytime muffins.
Stonnington's four-legged residents are set to take centre stage this month when the annual Pets in the Park celebration returns for its 22nd edition. On Sunday, March 24, Malvern East's Central Park will host a family-friendly celebration of pets — and it's your furry mate's time to shine. Head along from 11am to catch live entertainment, food vendors, competitions and a range of market stalls with the latest and greatest pet-centric goodies. Learning more about your dog is a big part of Pets in the Park, too. Head to the stages for an interactive health check presentation by Dr Melissa Meehan, trick training demonstrations from the Melbourne Canine Freestyle crew and a talk about de-stressing your pets by Lara Shannon from Channel 10's Pooches at Play. Guide Dogs Australia will also be sending down some experts and pups to give visitors tips on how to raise puppies. But it isn't only about the canine crew. Dr Caroline Cook will be decoding our feline friends with '10 Ways to Make Your Cat Happy' and Conservationists WildlifeXposure returns to host some native animal encounters, highlighting the threats faced by many of our endangered Australian species. Pop by to check out snakes, lizards and other scaly animals and learn how we can all play our part in protecting native species. And if you know a star in the making, get them set for the Superstar Pet Competition, which'll have the day's four-legged guests battling it out for titles like Best Trick and Best Dressed.
From Thursday, June 27 at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre, expect three words to echo with enthusiasm: "be our guest". The venue is the latest home to the Australian season of Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical, which has arrived Down Under as a newly reimagined and redesigned production. Playing until October, this huge show brings a tale as old as time to the Victorian capital after its Aussie-premiere run in Sydney and subsequent stint in Brisbane — and marks the latest in a growing line of Disney hits to come our way. Frozen the Musical did the rounds in recent years, as did the musical version of Mary Poppins. This version of Beauty and the Beast first made its way to the stage in the UK in 2021, and reworks the original show that premiered in the US in the 90s — adapting Disney's hit 1991 animated movie musical, of course. Fans can expect the same Oscar-winning and Tony-nominated score courtesy of composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice, including all the beloved tunes such as 'Be Our Guest' and 'Beauty and the Beast'. It also comes with new dance arrangements by David Chase, and with original choreographer Matt West revisiting his work. Cast-wise, the production features all-Australian talent, including Brisbanites Shubshri Kandiah as Belle and Jackson Head as Gaston, the Gold Coast's Jayde Westaby as Mrs Potts, Melbourne's Gareth Jacobs as Cogsworth, plus Brendan Xavier as Beast and Rohan Browne as Lumiere. Images: Daniel Boud.
Holy Ghost are back with some ridiculously catchy music, The National have us swimming in a sea of love, and Sam Smith goes acoustic to show us the beauty of strings. Put down the iPod; these five tracks are your playlist for the weekend. 1. 'DUMB DISCO IDEAS' - HOLY GHOST Holy Ghost are back with their impending album Dynamics, and this week they treated us to the first delicious slice of audio pie from the record in 'Dumb Disco Ideas'. It is eight minutes of subtle hooks, groove and simplicity and the accompanying video is equally as fantastic, with a time lapse of the Manhattan skyline punctuated by cleverly synchronised disco lights. 2. 'SEA OF LOVE' - THE NATIONAL The National are experts at making music for all occasions. 'Sea of Love' is another one of those gems that you can listen to whilst jogging, brooding over a break-up or taking a road trip to the greatest festival of your life (at which they are probably playing). The track coasts along nicely until its final third when everything lets loose and the band just take it up a few thousand notches. The National are back to their very best. Also, the kid at the front of the video is incredible. 3. 'LATCH' - SAM SMITH Sam Smith provided the vocals for Disclosure's electro smash 'Latch'. This week he decided to strip that track back, take out all of the technologically created sounds and head in an acoustic direction and we should all be glad he has. Whilst the original is enjoyable in its own right, Sam's haunting voice and strong string accompaniment take it in a direction you never imagined the song could go. This is music as it was meant to be made. 4. 'FALL FOR YOU' - YOUNG GALAXY Canadian indie band Young Galaxy know how to have fun and thankfully they are kind enough to share what their fun creates. 'Fall For You' is from their new album Ultramarine and it creates all kinds of good feelings when you hear it. If you watch the video whilst listening you will never be sad again. 5. 'RUN AWAY' - SUNSTROKE PROJECT It's Eurovision weekend, which means its time to reflect on one of the greatest moments in recent competition history — epic sax man. When Moldova took to the stage in 2010 nobody expected much; how wrong we all were. Not only did we get a spinning violinist but we were also treated to the most epic saxophonist ever. Many have tried to replicate his hips, but none have succeeded and it is doubtful that anybody ever will.
There's a time for coffee and there's a time for cocktails — and, sometimes, there's a time in the day when you want both. Australia's caffeinated booze expert Mr Black ticks both boxes with the release of its new bottled beverage: a pre-batched coffee negroni. The company's first bottled cocktail, the coffee negroni is made with Mr Black coffee liqueur, Campari, sweet vermouth and Moore's dry gin, which is produced at the same distillery as Mr Black, Distillery Botanica. Each bottle is going for $49 and can be used to make five cocktails (yes, that's a very reasonably $9.80 a drink). To make said cocktail, you just need to pour 100 millilitres of the sweet stuff into a glass over ice and garnish with a citrus twist — if you want to get a little fancy. No stirring (or shaking) required. It's the second new product the Mr Black team has released during lockdown, with the company launching a hand sanitiser in late March. As well as selling thousands (and thousands) of bottles to the public, the team donated hundreds to front-line medical workers, not-for-profits, testing clinics and medical centres. It's not the only distillery to launch its own hand sanitiser during COVID-19, either, with Queensland icon Bundaberg and Sydney rum distillery Brix, among others, also jumping on the trend. To get your hands on a bottle of coffee negroni, which, knowing Mr Black's track record, will sell out fast, head over to the Mr Black website. It's currently offering free shopping on all orders over $80. Mr Black's coffee negroni is on sale now for $49.
Life might be a bittersweet symphony, as The Verve told us all back in 1997, but right now is a pretty great time to be a fan of a hugely influential late-90s teen flick that helped immortalise that very track. The movie in question is Cruel Intentions, of course, and it's about to hit the stage in Australia. And yes, the musical's soundtrack is filled hits from the era, including 'Bittersweet Symphony', obviously. Indeed, if that song and Placebo's 'Every You Every Me' get you thinking about Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon and Selma Blair, then you're clearly a fan of the film. And if you were a 90s or 00s teen who watched and rewatched the 1999 classic over and over again — soaking in all those dangerous liaisons, the scheming that went with them, Joshua Jackson's blonde locks and Gellar in a decidedly non-Buffy role — then you'll probably be first in line to see Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical. The movie-to-theatre production has been unleashing its teen tumult and throwback soundtrack in America since 2015, and now it's finally heading to our shores. That was first announced back in 2021; however, now the local leg of the production has confirmed its full Aussie dates. Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical's Melbourne stint was already locked in to start on Wednesday, May 25 at the Athenaeum Theatre, and its Sydney run will now kick off on Thursday, June 30 at the State Theatre as well. Then, it'll head to Brisbane's Fortitude Music Hall from Wednesday, July 27, before hopping over to Adelaide's Her Majesty's Theatre from Thursday, September 8. Because it's a jukebox musical, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is also filled with a heap other tunes from that late 90s, early 00s era; think: *NYSNC's 'Bye Bye Bye', Britney Spears' 'Sometimes', No Doubt's 'Just A Girl', Jewel's 'Foolish Games', Christina Aguilera's 'Genie In A Bottle' and Sixpence None the Richer's 'Kiss Me', for starters. If you've seen the movie — the original, not the direct-to-video 2001 and 2004 sequels, one of which starred a very young Amy Adams (Dear Evan Hansen) taking over Gellar's role — then you'll know the story. Based on 1782 novel Les Liaisons dangereuses, which was also been adapted in the 1988 film Dangerous Liaisons with Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer and Uma Thurman, Cruel Intentions follows step-siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil. Manipulating each other's love lives is their main hobby, a pastime that levels up a few notches when Kathryn places a bet on whether Sebastian can sleep with Annette Hargrove, the headmaster's daughter at their exclusive prep school. On-screen, Phillippe played Sebastian, Gellar vamped up the film as Kathryn and Witherspoon stepped into Annette's shoes. Exactly who'll be following in their footsteps when Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical tours Australia hasn't yet been revealed, with auditions underway now. Cruel Intentions' writer/director Roger Kumble co-created the musical, so it comes with quite the screen-to-stage pedigree. Also, it's arriving in Australia via David Venn Enterprises, who also brought The Wedding Singer: The Musical Comedy and Bring It On: The Musical our way. CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE 90S MUSICAL 2022 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Melbourne, at the Athenaeum Theatre: Wednesday, May 25–Sunday, June 12 Sydney, at the State Theatre: from Thursday, June 30–Sunday, July 10 Brisbane, at Fortitude Music Hall: from Wednesday, July 27–Sunday, August 7 Adelaide, at Her Majesty's Theatre from Thursday, September 8 Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical will tour Australia between May–September. For more information, and to buy tickets now for the Melbourne and Sydney seasons — and to join the waitlist for Brisbane and Adelaide tickets, which'll go on sale from Tuesday, March 29 — head to the musical's website.
Pitch Music & Arts Festival is back for 2020, this time with an even bigger lineup of electronic acts and visual art on display. The event will again take over Mafeking — about three hours northwest of Melbourne — from Friday, March 6 to Tuesday, March 10. The BYO camping festival is brought to you by the team behind Beyond the Valley, who will set up a satellite community out in the bush and invite festival-goers to pitch a tent — camping is included in your weekend ticket, or splash out extra for a glamping setup — then fully immerse themselves in the weekend's festivities. Expect a bunch of house, techno and disco tracks over the four days, with 47 music acts on the bill. The international 2020 lineup features Russia's Nina Kraviz; Berlin-based DJ Objekt; Midland (UK); South Korea's cosmic disco DJ Shubostar; Aurora Halal (US) who'll be playing a live set; Canadian techno pioneer Richie Hawtin; Ben UFO (UK); and genre-defying selector Hunee (The Netherlands) of Rush Hour Recordings; and new label Lifetones. Local names like Kllo, Moopie, Hiatus Kaiyote, Fantastic Man, Collarbones and Late Nite Tuff Guy are also on the docket. On the art side of things, you can expect CGI, spacial design and light installations from a host of local and international artists and creative companies, all of which are arranged to interact with the festival at large. Images: Duncographic.
The party never stops for Alison Wonderland. After hosting a slew of warehouse parties earlier this year, as well as playing just about every Australian music festival you can poke a stick at, Wonderland has dropped her Calm Down EP featuring all new original songs. Wonderland's DJ sets are known for their ability to ignite any dance floor, with her special mix of old school hip hop and modern indie dance. We were lucky enough to get Wonderland to sit still just long enough to tell us what we should look forward to with her new EP and her 'Rural Juror Touror' tour. The Calm Down EP Wonderland has previously released a compilation mix called Welcome to Wonderland, but the Calm Down EP is her first release to feature all original material. A more personal side of Wonderland will be coming through this EP, which her vast fan base has been eagerly awaiting. "This EP will be more songs rather than club jams," says Wonderland. "I'm excited and nervous to hear what people think about them." So far two singles from the EP have been released, 'Lies' and 'I Want U', the latter of which has a killer video clip, directed by local Melbourne maverick Prad Senanayake. Wonderland says the concept for the clip, which casually features possessed nuns and an old man being coddled by a younger temptress, was a collaborative effort between her and Senanayake. "It was super nice to work with Prad," says Wonderland. "He gets it, he's super smart." While Wonderland may be most well known for her work as a DJ, spinning tunes is not her first foray into music. Wonderland is a classically trained musician; she was a principal cellist with the Sydney Youth Orchestra and played bass in an indie band for a spell. "I think that the classical education that I received definitely helps me write music," says Wonderland. "I don't try and keep it at the forefront of my mind when I'm writing — I try to do that with feel — but I definitely think in the back of my mind somewhere it's a big reason why I make the music that I do." The Love Of Vinyl Wonderland is clearly excited for the release of her EP, but what's more, it's coming out on vinyl — a medium she has favoured since childhood. "When I was eight my Dad gave me his vinyl collection from when he was a teenager," explains Wonderland. So then, what was her last vinyl purchase? We don't want to be presumptuous, but it might not be what you'd first expect. "My latest vinyl purchase is actually kind of embarrassing!" admits Wonderland. "My favourite film ever is The Princess Bride, which is a 1980s fantasy film. I have the first ever release of the soundtrack on vinyl, played by Mark Knopfler." The Party Starter Before embarking on her Rural Juror Touror, earlier this year Wonderland hosted a series of warehouse parties across Australia. All the shows, held in secret locations, sold out almost immediately and in some cities venues had to be upgraded to keep up with the demand. The Wonderland Warehouse Projects were a huge success, and as per usual with Wonderland's gigs, the crowds were lively, sweaty, and brimming with riotous enthusiasm. "Getting up on stage and seeing the crowd, that was a pretty crazy feeling," explains Wonderland. "There was 2,000 people at each show." Despite being thrilled with the turn out to these events, there was one audience member in particular that Wonderland was especially thrilled about. "My Mum came to one of my shows, which was exciting!" says Wonderland. "She's only seen me play twice before, it was cool for her to see what I did." The Rural Juror Touror Wonderland has already performed the first few shows of her 'Rural Juror Touror', which will send her to all corners of Australia. The desire to take on a national rural tour was sparked after performing at Groovin the Moo last year. "I enjoyed it so much that it was kind of the inspiration for this tour," explains Wonderland. For Wonderland, there is no difference between playing to a crowd in a major city or a smaller rural venue. "I think they draw a certain type of crowd when I play," explains Wonderland. "They're usually quite educated in the type of music I DJ wherever I am." ALISON WONDERLAND'S RURAL JUROR TOUROR: Fri 27 June — Discovery, Darwin NT Sat 28 June — Argyle House, Newcastle NSW Sun 29 June — Flinders Social, Townsville QLD Thurs 3 July — Southern Cross Uni, Lismore NSW Fri 4 July — Fitzgeralds, Bunbury WA Sat 5 July — Toucan, Mandurah WA Fri 1 Aug — Star Bar, Bendigo VIC Sat 2 Aug — Amaroo Hotel, Dubbo NSW Thurs 7 Aug — World Bar, Queenstown NZ Sat 9 Aug — Movitas, Mackay QLD Sat 16 Aug — Karova, Ballarat VIC Fri 22 Aug — Secret Show, Taiwan Sat 23 Aug — Warehouse 82, Bali Fri 29 Aug — Observatory, Hobart TAS Fri 5 Sept — Plantation, Coffs Harbour NSW Sat 13 Sept — Smirnoff Snowdome, Thredbo NSW AW's Calm Down EP is out now. https://youtube.com/watch?v=YLCm9lP-3Uk
Melbourne is about to add another independent cinema to its collection, as Thornbury Picture House prepares to open its doors in March. Making its home within a former garage, the art nouveau theatre and adjoining bar are the brainchild of Gus Berger, whose name you might remember as the one behind St Kilda's George Revival Cinema back in 2013 and 2014. For his latest project, Berger has created a moviegoer's dream: a 57-seat cinema rocking a big six-metre screen, a top-notch Krix 5.1 sound system and an expertly curated program of big screen gems. In addition to showcasing an impressive mix of documentaries, cult classics, festival favourites and international titles, Thornbury Picture House will be giving plenty of screen-time to local filmmakers. It's the new home of Berger's long-running Red Hot Shorts event and there are plans for it to host a new northside film festival in the not so distant future. Meanwhile, the site's interiors pay homage to the building's art nouveau origins, sprinkled with historic film gear and classic movie posters. The bar, too, is a nod to the good old days, with the original garage features brought to life alongside recycled wooden furniture and pops of green foliage. Here, you'll be able to chase a film with Aussie spirits, local beers from the likes of Stomping Ground and Hawkers, a tidy selection of independent wines and batch brew coffee by Padre. Of course, there'll be plenty of homemade popcorn to round out the moviegoing experience. Thornbury Picture House is set to open late March or early April at 802 High Street, Thornbury. A full-price ticket will set you back $18.50 — you'll be able to book them at thornburypicturehouse.com.au soon.
With restaurant doors closed to dine-ins and weekend getaways on hold, lots of Victorian producers are living life on the back foot right now. But of course, there's always room in your life for some locally made or -grown goodies, pandemic or otherwise. And now, you can find countless ways to support our homegrown heroes from the comfort of your couch, with the Victorian Government's new Click for Vic campaign. This new website's all about celebrating Victorian businesses and encouraging users to continue shopping local via a curation of online stores. Scroll through to find a handy edit of local booze brands, coffee merchants, fashion retailers, makers and creatives, food producers and more. You can hone in on giftwares to find that special pressie, take a virtual shopping tour of your favourite weekend destination, or browse a selection of eateries offering takeaway and pick-up fare. [caption id="attachment_775941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maha on Providoor[/caption] Click for Vic's also partnered up with a handful of other specialised sites to help keep Melburnians connected to their local producers, all of which can be accessed here as well. The Regional Pantry's online store is stocked with a range of goodies from all Yarra Valley producers, while High Country At Home showcases products from across the High Country region, along with expert-led virtual experiences like gin appreciation sessions and cooking classes. Co-Lab Pantry is slinging ready-made meals and pantry staples from a lineup of much-loved Melbourne venues, and over at Providoor, you can order chef-prepared dishes from favourites like Supernormal and Bomba, designed to finish and devour at home. Plus, you'll find a sprawling selection of homewares, gifts, fresh produce, booze and more, to browse and buy online from the Victorian Country Market website. Set up like a virtual marketplace, this one's easy to shop by category or region, with a broad lineup of offerings promising hours of retail therapy. Shop a huge range of local wares by heading to the Click for Vic website. Top images: Co-Lab Pantry
Founded by twins Cam and Chris Grant back in early 2017, Unyoked's tiny houses have been in high demand since the outset. There are 13 cabins across NSW, Victoria and Queensland, including one designed by Matthew McConaughey. All properties have been placed in secret patches of wilderness, in the middle of nowhere, allowing you to escape all the hustle and bustle of the city. The off-the-grid experience brings you the convenience and comforts of four solid walls, alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. Unyoked's ethos is to connect back with nature to help unplug, alleviate stress and anxiety. Each cabin is designed to make you feel like you're part of the surrounding landscape, too. Think timber, oversized windows, solar power, composting toilets and a blissful lack of wi-fi. At the same time, though, simple comforts are taken care of, so you get a cosy bed, kitchen appliances, firewood, coffee, milk, herbs and the like. [caption id="attachment_745749" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble[/caption] Images: Unyoked and Luisa Brimble
If everyone looked at strangers in the same way as French New Wave icon Agnes Varda (Cléo from 5 to 7, Vagabond), the world would be a much kinder place. Indeed, when Faces Places begins with the Belgian-born filmmaker and oldest ever Academy Award nominee hitting the road with street artist JR, the octagenarian can't hide her excitement. "I'm always game to go towards villages," she explains, "toward simple landscapes, toward faces." It's with honesty and humour that she expands upon why: "In fact, JR is fulfilling my greatest desire. To meet new faces and photograph them, so they don't fall down the holes of my memory." So commences Varda's 22nd film, one of this year's best documentary Oscar contenders. Co-directed by JR, the movie centres on the pair's jovial jaunts through the French countryside. Zipping about in JR's custom-made vehicle — a van with an in-built large-scale photo printer — Varda and her younger companion do just what the doco's title promises: they take photos of different faces in different places. The photographs are her obsession; for him, it's just the start. Thanks to his distinctive car's printing abilities, it's not long before JR is standing in a cherry picker, zooming up the exterior of rustic, historic, often crumbling buildings and pasting the giant photos on their facades. As pieces of large-scale art, the results of their efforts are never less than striking, each installation towering down in all of its detailed glory. Moreover, their odd couple collaboration makes for a heartwarming project, requiring and encouraging openness, curiosity and warmth. Wide smiles beam from lofty heights, sparking wide smiles from those below — regardless whose portrait is on the wall, or if it's a goat instead. A sense of community also springs up around the photographs, cultivated not only by something as simple as paper stuck on buildings, but by the willingness to pay a stranger some attention. "I like your laughing eyes," Varda tells one woman, whose likeness will soon adorn a stack of dockside shipping containers. "We wanted to pay homage to you," she tells another, who refuses to move out of her slated-for-demolition home in an old mining town. With her friendly, empathetic chatter and her distinguishing mop of grey and red hair, Varda looms as large over the project as the images she makes with JR. As the duo roam through small yet lively villages, Varda makes new memories while reminiscing about older ones — about love, work, times passed, friends lost and past moments immortalised in earlier photos. She's looking forwards and backwards in tandem, observing, sifting and making sense of her lengthy life in the process. Of course, all photos, films, paintings and the like are informed as much by the artist's aims as their experiences. Faces Places doesn't pretend to coin this idea, but rather explores it in a thoughtful and affectionate manner. In her travels, in the people she meets and in her blossoming friendship with a man six decades her junior, Varda interrogates how she chooses to capture her existence as it's inching towards an end. Well known for making personal documentaries across her career, hers is a sometimes melancholy but always enchanting journey, accepting the changes that time brings and acknowledging the fact that nothing is permanent. Served up with charm and heart, that's a perspective we could all benefit from embracing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKbjnLpxv70
