The globe-trotting flavour fest that is Pint of Origin is back this year. This fan-favourite event sees bars and pubs across the city turn over their taps to spotlight top-notch beers from different corners of the world. 2024's instalment runs from Friday, May 10–Sunday, May 19, shaking up taplists at much-loved venues like Co-Conspirators Brewpub, Terminus Hotel, The Lincoln and The Windsor Alehouse. Each drinking hole will spend ten days heroing brews from a different regional, interstate or international destination, giving punters the chance to broaden their horizons while scoping out some stellar new sips. [caption id="attachment_900291" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr West[/caption] Each tap takeover will span a range of beer styles from a stack of different breweries — many of which aren't readily found in Melbourne. You can hit The Catfish for a taste of New Zealand's beer scene or even explore a rotation of UK brews at Whitehart. Also in the 21-strong lineup, Benchwarmer is spotlighting Japanese drops, Heartbreaker is slinging Canadian cold ones, and Fitzroy's Near & Far is diving into some full-blown appreciation for South Australian beers. Many of the venues are also doing guided tastings, pairing events, dinners, trivia and meet-the-brewer sessions throughout the takeover. Plus, if you keep track of your wanderings with a Pint of Origin digital passport, you'll be in with a shot at some great prizes. [caption id="attachment_761608" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Carwyn Cellars[/caption] Top images: The Lincoln, Beermash
There was plenty to get excited about when Rising was first announced in March earlier this year. Now, the 12-day twilight festival has revealed a unique line-up of specially-curated culinary events featuring an all-star line-up of Melbourne's most renowned and loved chefs. 1800 Lasagne's Joey Kellock, Hector's Deli's Dom Wilton, Smith & Daughter's Shannon Martinez (and recently opened Lona Misa), Atlas Dining's Charlie Carrington and Anchovy's Thi Le are just some of the big names creating pop-up and once-off dining menus for Rising. [caption id="attachment_795675" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joey Kellock's brick and mortar 1800 Lasagne restaurant.[/caption] Headlining the gastronomic offering is David Moyle (ex-Longsong), who will lead the food program at The Lighthouse. The glass-walled restaurant will be perched at the top of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and set against The Wild's dense bamboo forest. If you manage to snag one of the 130 seats on offer, you'll be treated to Moyle's bespoke three-course menu with matched wines by Jess Ghaie of Blackhearts & Sparrows. While the exact menu is still under lock and key, it promises to include dishes smoked to order with a small army of onsite smokers expected as special guests. Two pop-up kitchens will also host nightly once-off collaborations with some of Melbourne's biggest names. Shannon Martinez will takeover 'kitchen one' with the likes of Wilton, Kellock and Ian Curley (of Kirk's Wine Bar) depending on the evening. In 'kitchen two' Lee Ho Fook's Victor Liong will team up with co-head chef Chase Kojima of CHUUKA, Carrington will partner with former-Middle Eastern restaurant Bar Saracen, and Le brings a fresh menu in collaboration with a surprise interstate chef. [caption id="attachment_810907" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew McConnell's menu at Meatsmith.[/caption] Elsewhere during Rising, Meatsmith's Andrew McConnell will team up with butcher Troy Wheeler to bring a special menu to Birrarung Marr. Enjoy char-grilled snacks like slow-cooked beef short ribs with pickled daikon radish, and fried chicken sandwiches within view of the illuminated 200-metre long eel installation. Fancy Free, the roving pop-up bar by ex-Black Pearl bartenders, will be in attendance at Golden Square. Rising is set to house 133 different projects and events involving more than 750 Victorian artists across 12 evenings, from Wednesday, May 26–Sunday, June 6. You can check out all the events and get tickets via the Rising website. Tickets for The Lighthouse are $90 per person for a three-course set menu and entry to The Wilds.
As a movie, it's a masterpiece. As a stage musical, it's one of the most famous there is. And when it returns to Australia for the first time in almost 20 years with Sarah Brightman starring as Norma Desmond, Sunset Boulevard is going to be big. Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony-winner, which first took the leap from the screen to the stage in 1993 — and picked up Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, and awards for leading actor, leading actress and featured actor for its efforts, among more — is bringing its Hollywood story Down Under again in 2024. The production will kick off its new Aussie run in Melbourne in May, debuting at the Princess Theatre, then move to the Sydney Opera House from August. As Desmond, Brightman will make her global debut in the part, taking on her first theatre role in over three decades. She'll also add to a spectacular career that includes originating the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera back in the 80s. Here, she's taking on a part that saw Gloria Swanson nominated for an Oscar in 1951 and Glenn Close win a Tony in 1995. Debra Byrne played the part in Australia back in 1996, while Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls is doing the same in West End right now. "I am so delighted to be returning to Australia after many years, and to be marking my return to the stage in a musical after so long. It is only fitting for it to be with such an exquisite production as Sunset Boulevard," said Brighton. "I have always admired Andrew's work on this musical and I very much look forward to exploring the incredible score and also the iconic character of Norma Desmond. Mr DeMille, I'm ready for my close up!'." As Billy Wilder's 1950 film first covered in a feature that's been influential not just in inspiring stage adaptations, but on every other movie about Tinseltown since, Sunset Boulevard follows silent star Desmond. With her career getting small with the advent of the talkies, she dreams about making a comeback. The movie famously starts with a man's body floating in a swimming pool, then flashes back to Desmond's time with screenwriter Joe Gillis, her latest attempts to reclaim her success and the events that bring about that watery end. On the stage, Sunset Boulevard will echo with tunes such as 'With One Look', 'The Perfect Year' and 'As If We Never Said Goodbye' as it tells the above tale. GWB Entertainment and Opera Australia are behind Sunset Boulevard's latest Aussie stint — and if you're wondering who'll star alongside Brightman, the casting process has just begun. For audiences outside of Melbourne and Sydney, details of possible stops in other cities are yet to be announced. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @sunsetmusicalau SUNSET BOULEVARD 2024 DATES: From May 2024 — Princess Theatre, Melbourne From August 2024 — Sydney Opera House, Sydney Sunset Boulevard will play Melbourne from May 2024 and Sydney from August 2024, with Melbourne pre sales from Tuesday, October 10 and general sales from Friday, October 13. To join the ticket waitlist and for more information, head to the musical's website. Sarah Brightman images: Simon Fowler.
Melbourne is set to score a slurp-worthy new noodle destination, with the arrival of Bowltiful's latest store to Swanston Street. And to celebrate, it's treating punters to oodles of noodles — on the house. From Saturday, February 18–Monday, February 20, the restaurant will be handing out free bowls of its bouncy hand-pulled noodles. There are a huge 249 serves up for grabs each day to the first customers through the door from 12pm. The signature Lanzhou-style noodle dish features tender halal beef and homemade chilli oil in fragrant clear broth that's been simmered for four hours and is guaranteed to warm your cockles. If you're yet to experience the work of Bowltiful's expert noodle pullers, this is the perfect excuse. And if you miss out on a freebie, fear not — the restaurant's menu is brimming with supremely affordable creations like a spicy lamb burger, the 'Hot Chilli Oil Spill' dry noodle and a braised beef brisket noodle soup. Images: Griffin Simm.
Sitting outside, getting comfy in a deckchair and watching a movie under the stars is a regular part of Melbourne's summers. It's also the kind of activity no one across the city has even been able to dream about during the past few months of lockdown. But, come the end of October, it's set to become a reality again. Under Victoria's just-announced roadmap out of stay-at-home conditions, outdoor cinemas will be permitted to reopen once 70 percent of eligible Victorians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — which is expected around Tuesday, October 26. Two venues that are counting on that happening: the Lido and Cameo cinemas, which've just announced the reopening lineups for their respective rooftop and outdoor setups. Both sites will welcome in movie buffs again from Tuesday, October 26, with the Lido getting things started with a gala session of wild tweet-to-screen flick Zola, and the Cameo going the Marvel route with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Other flicks Melburnians can look forward to at the two openair spots include the excellent new Candyman movie, which'll screen on Halloween (obviously) at both venues; the Ryan Reynolds-starring Free Guy, where he plays a non-playable video game character who becomes self-aware; and Australian drama Nitram, the Cannes Film Festival Best Actor-winner that depicts the days leading up to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. There's also Disney's animated newcomer Ron's Gone Wrong, plus Adam Driver, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon-led medieval drama The Last Duel — all of which have tickets on sale now. Although they don't yet have sessions on sale, big-name flicks Eternals, The Many Saints of Newark, No Time to Die and Dune are all also slated to light up the big screen at Lido on the Roof and Cameo Outdoor Cinema. And if you're wondering about the third openair cinema run by the team behind these two venues, Classic Cinema's Rooftop Cinema, it's set to reopen again after lockdown as well — but a date hasn't been set as yet, as its screen needs to undergo some maintenance first. It will be reopening its rooftop bar on Tuesday, October 26 for drinks, however, so you'll be able to stop by from 4–8pm on weeknights and 2–8pm on weekends. Capacity-wise, Victoria's roadmap allows outdoor entertainment venues to reopen with a cap of 50 people at the 70-percent fully vaxxed mark. That'll increase when the state hits the 80-percent double-jabbed threshold, which is expected around Friday, November 5. That date is when indoor cinemas will be permitted to reopen, too, with a 150-person cap per space. Lido on the Roof and Cameo Outdoor Cinema will reopen on Tuesday, October 26, pending Victoria reaching the 70-percent fully vaxxed threshold by that date. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to the Lido and Cameo cinemas websites.
You may know the Grampians as home to sandstone mountains, abundant wildlife, spectacular waterfalls and plenty of walking tracks. But this rugged landscape has more than meets the eye. Dotted among the vineyards and wondrous vistas are some pretty out-there experiences that set it aside from other parts of regional Victoria — and make it a great place to escape to when you want to get out of the city. Read on for ten things you mightn't expect from a trip to the Grampians. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Some of the places mentioned below may be operating differently due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check the relevant websites before making any plans. GO ON A LANTERN GHOST TOUR AT A CRIMINAL ASYLUM Located in the former gold-mining town of Ararat is a former gaol-turned-asylum for the criminally insane. J Ward once housed some of Victoria's most troubled and dangerous men — including Chopper Read, Garry David (Webb) and Bill Wallace — under the highest security and in fairly horrific conditions. It's a pretty bone-chilling place. Closed in 1991, the defunct building now contains a museum, with tours running most days. But, if you want the full shake-in-your-boots experience, wander the halls at night on a lantern ghost tour. Kicking off at 9.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, the two-hour tour lets you explore the hangman's gallows, governor's bathroom, the original kitchen, shower block, grave sites, west wing, exercise yards and, of course, the J Ward block. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, J Ward at night is sure to get you a little spooked. [caption id="attachment_681276" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] SEE LARGE-SCALE MURALS AT AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST OUTDOOR GALLERY Running through a stretch of western Victoria is Australia's largest outdoor gallery — the Silo Art Trail. The 200-kilometre gallery showcases portraits depicted on old grain silos, celebrating the region and its people — sort of like a rural (and much larger) version of the Archibald Prize. Running from Rupanyup to Patchewollock, the Silo Art Trail is a partnership between the local council, the Victorian Government, the Australian Government, international street art agency Juddy Roller and GrainCorp, plus a host of local and international street artists. Rupanyup should be your first stop. The silo, located a 30-minute drive from Horsham (or 3.5 hours from Melbourne), boasts a double portrait of two young sport players, capturing the town's community spirit and an accurate depiction of rural youth culture. Venture a little further to Sheep Hills and you'll come across Melbourne-based artist Adnate's mural, which depicts the region's Indigenous peoples, their stories and their native lands. A little further along, you'll find Brim. This mural (pictured) was the first silo artwork in Victoria and depicts four farmers in tribute to the local community's strength. WALK THROUGH A WINERY'S HISTORIC UNDERGROUND TUNNELS Best's Great Western is one of the oldest and continuously family owned and operated wineries in the country, making it one of the best vineyards to stop by while you're in the Grampians. Kick off your visit to this old spot (it's over 150 years old) with a Concongella Cellar Walk, where you can see the 1860s-built, hand-dug tunnels and explore the cobwebbed passages. Although it was renovated in the 1940s for white wine maturation and bottling, the underground cellar sections are still a great insight into the winery's heritage. After your brief history lesson, head back up into the cosy cellar door (if it's cool, the wood fire will be crackling away in the corner) and enjoy a relaxed tasting of what's on offer for the day. SLEEP AMONG THE VINES Another historic winery in the region is Seppelt. Established in 1863, Seppelt is the birthplace of Australian sparkling shiraz and is basically synonymous with Victorian viticulture. Boasting heritage-listed cellars, a cafe, a cellar door and 105 hectares of rolling vineyard, Seppelt produces some top-notch cool-climate wines. And you can actually rest your noggin right here in the vineyard. Run by Wanderlust Glamping, the accommodation here is a great option for those wanting to experience the great outdoors with the comfort of an Airbnb — plus, have the bonus of wines galore right next door. There are three tents — one designed for couples, one designed for three people, and another to share between four mates. Optional extras include hampers, a bottle of bubbly on arrival and electric blankets if you're visiting in winter. PICNIC AT A VINEYARD At Mount Langi Ghiran, you can sip on the sweet nectar of the gods and look out across some stunning countryside as you snack. Its Picnic Idyll weekends are currently on pause, but when the weekend events are up and running again you can bring your own feast and set up a spread under the chestnut orchard, with sweeping views of Mount Cole. For those keen to sit inside, the cellar door is open for seated tastings daily (10am–5pm) and you can sample your way through five of Mount Langi Giran's vinos. When social restrictions are lifted, we're hoping the vineyard brings back its bocce and bikes for hire, too. [caption id="attachment_773157" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] GET A HIGH-FLYING FEED AT A RESTAURANT WITH A 28,000-STRONG WINE CELLAR Found in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, the Royal Mail Hotel, with its restaurant Wickens, is Dunkeld's headline dining destination. Home to Australia's largest working restaurant kitchen garden and a sprawling cellar that houses 28,000 high-quality bottles of wine, the Royal Mail Hotel is a countryside dream for gastronomes. The menu shifts with the seasons and is a five-course ($190) degustation. If you can stretch the wallet as much as your stomachs, there are pairings of cellar or French wines available, too. Considering the restaurant's grand cellar, it'd be rude not to. [caption id="attachment_726920" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] CATCH AMAZING SUNSETS AT THE BALCONIES With its own namesake national park, the Grampians is a natural paradise with plenty of hikes and sites to keep you busy. Home to impressive sandstone mountains and Victoria's largest waterfall — MacKenzie Falls — the Grampians National Park boasts natural beauty by the bucketload. Even more so come sundown. Just a quick, one-kilometre walk will get you to a unique rock formation called the Balconies. Here, you'll catch sweeping views across Victoria Valley with Mount Victory standing proudly in the distance. Start from Reed Lookout car park and walk along the relatively easy track through native shrub and rocky paths to get to the panoramic lookout point. If it's a clear evening, the sunset over the valley will be worth the trek. Just remember to pack your camera and a torch for the walk back. [caption id="attachment_726813" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] TAKE A HIKE AND WALK ALONG THE NEW GRAMPIANS PEAKS TRAIL One of the Walk Victoria's Icons' long-distance trails, the Grampians Peaks Trail, once completed, will be a 160-kilometre trail like no other. When it's open (planned for December 2020), it'll be a 13-day, 12-night walk. Right now you can trample 36 kilometres of it in a three-day, two-night trek departing from Halls Gap. First up, you'll pass the Venus Baths track, which you can take a short and easy detour to in order to see the deep, sandstone rock pools. Proceed to Splitters Falls, then through a rocky gully to the ancient rock formations of the Grand Canyon. From here, you'll approach Pinnacle Lookout, with spectacular views over Mount William, Halls Gap and Fyans Valley. Continue along Grampians Peaks Trail to your campsite for the night at Bugiga. Day two brings an ascent to Mount Rosea summit and, at 991 metres elevation, you'll cop 360-degree views over the Serra and Mount William Ranges, before settling in at Borough Hut Campground for your second night's stay. Round off the trek with a six-hour amble back to Halls Gap. LEARN HOW TO FLY A PLANE IN A GLAMPING TENT Sure, you've likely heard of glamping, but have you ever heard of aero-glamping? Fair, it's pretty weird. At Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, you'll find plenty of campsites, cabins, caravans and stock-standard safari tents, but you'll also find a glamper with an attached flight simulator. The aero glamper really takes glamping to new heights. Inside the canvas walls is a decked out timber-clad pad with all the amenities. Equipped with a bed, kitchenette and full bathroom, it's got everything, including the kitchen sink and a fully functional 737 flight simulator. Priced at $149 per night, the aero glamper includes one complimentary hour of fly time, with additional hours available for purchase at $50 an hour. MAKE SNOW ANGELS ON MOUNT WILLIAM Mount William is the highest peak in the Grampians National Park. It stands 1167 metres tall and provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Although the valley rarely gets blanketed in snow, Mount William is a winter wonderland almost every chilly season. Perfect for building snowmen, making snow angels or having a cheeky snowball battle, Mount William should be at the top of your list if you want a little winter jaunt in the Grampians. Plus, it will make stopping into one of the many wineries for a full-bodied, cool-climate shiraz even sweeter. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Mount William by Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria.
It's times like these that you can add a big summer gig to your diary, with Foo Fighters announcing their next trip Down Under for a two-country, eight-city stadium tour. Kicking off in Perth in late November to see out spring, then doing the rest of the Australian rounds in December before hitting New Zealand in January, the Dave Grohl-fronted rockers will embark on their first headline tour of Australia and NZ since 2018. It's also their first visit Down Under since drummer Taylor Hawkins passed away in March 2022. Foo Fighters were last in Australia that same month and year, playing a huge Geelong show to help launch Victoria's post-COVID-19 lockdowns live music program. The band unsurprisingly took a break from touring after Hawkins' death, only returning to live gigs just last month. Alongside Perth, they'll play Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, as well as Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington in Aotearoa. [caption id="attachment_903618" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Picking up the sticks: ex-The Vandals, Devo, Guns N' Roses and A Perfect Circle drummer Josh Freese, taking on the likely-daunting task of being the touring drummer in a band led by Nirvana drummer Grohl. Freese's stint with the band was announced in May, ahead of their first tour dates. When they hit our shores, the new-look Foo Fighters will weave in tunes from their new record But Here We Are, which released on Friday, June 2. Of course, all the hits from across their career will get a whirl, with their current setlist including everything from 'This Is a Call', 'Big Me' and 'Monkey Wrench' through to 'Learn to Fly', 'The Pretender' and 'Best of You'. And, yes, 'Everlong', because it wouldn't be a Foo Fighters show without it. [caption id="attachment_903619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Rossi vi Wikimedia Commons[/caption] 'I'll Stick Around', which is also on the list, isn't just a song title from the group's first album. Given that their new tour comes 28 years after that debut release in 1995, it perfectly sums up Foo Fighters' longevity. Over the years, they've made it Down Under a heap of times, released 11 studio albums including the just-dropped But Here We Are, and made 2022 horror movie Studio 666. When they take to the stage again in Australia, they'll do so with Queensland punk act The Chats in support on a stack of dates, Manchester's Hot Milk also playing with them on the east coast, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers doing Melbourne and Body Type in Adelaide. In NZ, Dick Move are doing the honours, plus yet-to-be-announced special guests. FOO FIGHTERS AUSTRALIAN 2023 AND NEW ZEALAND 2024 TOUR DATES: Wednesday, November 29 — HBF Park, Perth, with The Chats and Teenage Jones Saturday, December 2 — Coopers Stadium, Adelaide, with The Chats and Body Type Monday, December 4 — AAMI Park, Melbourne, with Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and Hot Milk Saturday, December 9 — Accor Stadium, Sydney, with The Chats and Hot Milk Tuesday, December 12 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, with The Chats and Hot Milk Saturday, January, 20 — GO Media Stadium Mt Smart, Auckland, with special guests and Dick Move Wednesday, January 24 — Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, with special guests and Dick Move Saturday, January 27 — Sky Stadium, Wellington, with special guests and Dick Move Foo Fighters are touring Australia in November and December 2023, and New Zealand in January 2024. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, June 15, with times varying per city — and an Amex pres-sale from Friday, June 9, then a Frontier pre-sale from Tuesday, June 13 from staggered times. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Scarlet Page.
Next time that you grab a drink in Melbourne or Sydney, you might want to get sipping at one of the globe's top watering holes. Those must-visit spots: Melbourne's Caretaker's Cottage and Sydney's Re, which just nabbed rankings in 2022 version of The World's 50 Best Bars extended 51–100 list. Each year, The World's 50 Best Bars does exactly what its name says, picking the best 50 bars on the planet — and 2022's top 50 will be announced on Tuesday, October 4 in Barcelona. But why stop at 50? This ranking doesn't, despite its moniker. That's where the longlist comes in, throwing some love at the next 50 venues worth checking out. [caption id="attachment_871415" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Caretaker's Cottage[/caption] Little Lonsdale Street's Caretaker's Cottage came in at 60th spot, and marked its first year in the list — while Re, Matt Whiley (Scout) and Maurice Terzini's low-waste bar in South Eveleigh, took out 87th position. For the latter, it marks a slip from 46th place in 2021, after opening last year. Caretaker's Cottage and Re are the only Australian bars to make the cut so far — sorry, folks in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and the rest of the country — with the 51–100 list including tipple-serving spots from 32 different cities in 25 countries, complete with 15 new entries scoring a place. The location with the most must-visit bars in this secondary rundown? Singapore, with eight; however, spots chosen elsewhere include bars in first-timers Kraków, Bratislava, Manchester, Playa Del Carmen and Bogotá as well. [caption id="attachment_871414" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Re[/caption] When the full list drops — being announced outside of London for the first time — here's hoping that Australia is well-represented. In 2021, Sydney's Maybe Sammy took out 22nd place, with The Rocks' venue making the top 50 list for the third year in a row. Fellow Sydneysider Cantina OK! came in at number 23 last year, Melbourne's Above Board earned a spot at number 44 and the aforementioned Re placed, too. In 2021's longlist, Melbourne's Byrdi nabbed 56th spot. Watch this space — we'll run through the winners of the World's 50 Best Bars 2022 list when they're announced next week. [caption id="attachment_871416" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Re[/caption] And yes, if you choose where to drink and eat based on these kinds of rankings, you've got a few spots to visit. So far this year, Melbourne's Gimlet at Cavendish House made The World's Top 100 Restaurant longlist for 2022, while Sydney's Josh Niland placed in 78th spot at The Best Chef Awards 2022. For the full 51–100 list of the World's 50 Best Bars for 2022 (and past years' lists), see the website. The top 50 rankings will be revealed from 8.15pm GMT on Tuesday, October 4 via Facebook and YouTube.
Thanks to social distancing restrictions, we're having to take a break from some of our favourite food experiences right now, from mimosa-matched bottomless brunches, to sit-down dinners at actual restaurants. But at least in the meantime, you can get your culinary fix delivered via soundwave, by tuning into one of the many podcasts dedicated to life's tastiest of pleasures — food. Whether you're hungry for some fun food history facts, or fancy tucking into an interview with one of Australia's hospitality legends, we've pulled together a menu of food podcasts to satisfy all your culinary cravings. And, unlike a visit to your favourite fine diner, these won't require you to change out of your trackies. Get downloading and whet your appetite with a few of these audio gems. DEEP IN THE WEEDS For an especially timely, locally focused food fix, try this new podcast headed up by restaurant critic and food journalist Anthony Huckstep. A real no-holds-barred look at the impact COVID-19's had on the Australian hospitality industry, Deep In The Weeds is dishing up honest conversations with a range of chefs, restaurateurs, producers and other hospo folk who are riding the storm. You'll get insight into the many issues currently facing our venues and their staff, and learn about the creative plays being made in an effort to help keep things afloat, sitting down with names like Jacqui Challinor (Nomad), Rockpool's Neil Perry, Attila Yilmaz (Pazar Food Collective) and Colin Fassnidge (4Fourteen, Banksia). HOME COOKING WITH SAMIN NOSRAT Born in response to the world's newfound passion for kitchen projects — thanks, COVID-19 — Home Cooking is the new podcast from chef Samin Nosrat (star of Netflix's Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat) and producer Hrishikesh Hirway (Song Exploder). As the name suggests, it's designed to be the ultimate companion to your home cooking adventures, no matter where your skill levels are (or aren't) at. These affable hosts will help you whip up culinary success with whatever random ingredients you've got lying in the pantry, turning the everyday basics into inspired food creations. You might learn how to transform those tinned beans into something fab, or find an unexpected use for that less-than-fresh loaf. Best of all, Nosrat and Hirway are even taking audience requests for upcoming episode topics. THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING HUNGRY Aussie food journalist Lee Tran Lam hosts this largely Sydney-centric podcast, where each episode features a sit-down with a different local food legend, the program ranging from star chefs to renowned restaurateurs. You'll hear tales from the industry frontline, behind-the-scenes goss and plenty of colourful personal back stories, interspersed with hot tips on all the city's (and Melbourne's) best spots for eating and drinking. Seafood maestro Josh Niland (Saint Peter), celebrated chef Monty Koludrovic (Icebergs Dining Room, The Dolphin) and croissant queen Kate Reid of Lune are just some of the high-profile names to be found among this rich back catalogue. A worthy antidote for anyone who's missing dining out. RADIO CHERRY BOMBE A big ol' celebration of the boss ladies that have helped make our food scene what it is. Radio Cherry Bombe is an audio spin-off of the US magazine of the same name, now with over 270 episodes under its belt. That juicy back catalogue is brimming with inspiring stories about the industry's clever, creative female talent, starring guests ranging from chefs and cookbook authors, to food stylists and gutsy entrepreneurs. Get up close and personal with the likes of best-selling writer and activist Yasmin Khan, Canadian cake queen Lyndsay Sung (Coko Cake Land), cereal artist Jessica Siskin (aka Misterkrisp) and loads more. And if you tune in to recent episodes, you'll get the low-down on how some of our female hospo heroes are handling the global pandemic. GASTROPOD What kind of food crops might we one day be able to grow in outer space? How did liquorice become England's first branded candy? What the heck are blue raspberries and where did they come from? They're the kind of quirky questions you'll find answers to over at long-running podcast Gastropod, which aims to sate your inner foodie, history buff and science nerd, all at once. Co-hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley take listeners on a series of fun, investigative journeys, with each of the fortnightly episodes diving into the often surprising science and history behind a different food-related topic. Listen in for a treasure trove of cool facts you can throw around at your next dinner party. THE SPLENDID TABLE A spin-off of the acclaimed debut book from food writer and cooking teacher Lynne Rossetto Kasper, The Splendid Table began life as a public radio show way back in the 90s. These days, it's a weekly podcast hosted by renowned food writer Francis Lam, continuing the same mission of celebrating the countless ideas and stories of our global food culture. Sharpen your skills with expert cooking tips, catch sit-downs with top international food heroes, explore the history of your favourite ingredients and dishes, and get acquainted with a smorgasbord of cuisines from all across the globe. One week, you might find yourself hearing René Redzepi chat all things fermentation, while the next, you're reigniting your passion for dairy with tales from a team of international cheese experts. RACIST SANDWICH A food podcast served up within a slightly different context, Racist Sandwich dives into the politics behind what you're eating, and why. It's hosted by a pair of American writers, with (mostly) fortnightly episodes that explore the various ways in which concepts like race, gender and class intersect with the big wide world of food. Prepare to catch a diverse spread of insightful investigations and guests, from one food justice advocate's mission to preserve Salvadoran culture through its recipes, to an interview with a French prisoner and Instagram food star who's whipping up culinary magic behind bars. Make yourself a cuppa and settle in to score some fresh perspectives. EATER'S DIGEST Famed food publication Eater backs up its online feed with this weekly podcast serving up all the tastiest news morsels from the culinary world, both across the USA and further abroad. Join Amanda Kludt and Daniel Geneen as they dissect food trends, unearth new hot-ticket dining destinations, celebrate favourite cuisines and touch base with a swag of big-name hospitality heroes. You could tune in to a discussion about the world's new obsession with food TV, learn some unexpected secrets from a top restaurant critic, or get taken through a definitive list of all the very worst dining-out habits, as revealed by New York hospo staff. Right now, Eater's Digest is also dishing up plenty of honest insight into how COVID-19 is affecting the restaurant game as we know it.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled its 2019 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off on Friday, April 26 in South Australia and travel through Maitland, Canberra, Bendigo and Townsville before finishing up in Bunbury on Saturday, May 11. This year sees local talent new and established taking the stage, with the lineup spanning up-and-comers like Jack River, G Flip and Haiku Hands right through to recent Hottest 100 top tenner Billie Eilish, Aussie favourites Nick Murphy and Thelma Plum, Australian hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods and rockers Regurgitator. International talent like Coolio — who'll you'll most likely recognise from his hit track 'Gangsta's Paradise' — Danish pop singer MØ and American rapper A$AP Twelvyy will make their way to the Moo, too. After hosting Australia's first ever pill testing trial in Canberra last year, Groovin the Moo is moving its ACT festival to Exhibition Park for the first time. Pill testing is still a much-debated topic around the country with five people recently dying from suspected overdoses in as many months. Here's the full lineup. GROOVIN THE MOO 2019 LINEUP A$AP Twelvyy (USA) Angie McMahon Aurora (Nor) Billie Eilish Carmouflage Rose Coolio (USA) Crooked Colours DMA's Duckwrth Fisher Flosstradamus (USA) G Flip Haiku Hands Hermitude Hilltop Hoods Holy Holy Jack River Just a Gent MØ (Dnk) Nick Murphy Nicole Millar Regurgitator Rejjie Snow (Irl) Sofi Tukker Spinderella Thelma Plum TOKiMONSTA (USA) Trophy Eyes GROOVIN THE MOO 2019 DATES & VENUES Friday, April 26 — Wayville (SA) Saturday, April 27 – Maitland (NSW) Sunday, April 28 — Canberra (ACT) Saturday, May 4 — Bendigo (VIC) Sunday, May 5 – Townsville (QLD) Saturday, May 11 — Bunbury (WA) Tickets for GTM in Wayville, Maitland and Canberra will go on sale at 8am on Thursday, January 31, and Bendigo, Bunbury and Townsville will be released the day after at 8am on Friday, February 1. For more info, go to gtm.net.au. Images: Jack Toohey.
Purrfect news, feline fans: everything a dapper doggo can do, a cute cat can as well. While that's an accurate statement in general, as anyone who has ever shared their life with both a pooch and a kitty will know, it's also the thinking behind Melbourne's returning animal event. From the folks behind the Dog Lovers Festival comes the mouser equivalent: the Cat Lovers Festival. If you wear the 'crazy cat person' label as a badge of honour, stop to pat every moggie you meet while you're walking down the street or spend your all of your spare time watching cat videos (or all of the above), then you'll want to block out Saturday, October 26–Sunday, October 27, 2024 in your calendar. Expect the Melbourne Showgrounds to come alive with the sounds of meows, and expect pussy lovers to come out in force. On the agenda: feline-focused education and celebration. Before you go thinking about adorable kitties wearing glasses and sitting at desks, or popping streamers and wearing party hats (awwwwwwwww), humans will be doing the learning and rejoicing. Really, what's more informative and exuberant than entering the Pat-A-Cat zone and getting cosy with cats of all shapes and sizes — and possibly taking one home with you? If that doesn't tickle your whiskers, expect to meet more than 250 kitties, hit up a cat supermarket, listen to talks about felines, watch cat shows, see a Hello Kitty! performance and grab a bite to eat. Just remember: there'll be plenty of mousers in the Cat Lovers Show house, so you'll need to leave your own moggie at home.
If there's one thing the entertainment industry loves at the moment, it's turning movies into something else. Musicals and television shows, to be exact. Following in the footsteps of La La Land, Amelie and a wealth of others, The Devil Wears Prada is the latest film making the leap to another medium. Yes, the fashion-focused workplace drama is headed to the the stage in musical form. Showing just how terrifying your boss has to be to make you not just scream, but sing, the film-to-theatre adaptation will take its cues from the 2003 novel the movie was based on, as well as the 2006 flick starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. And, it'll come with songs from a famous source, with Elton John signing on to compose the production's music. If this sounds partly familiar, that's because taking The Devil Wears Prada to the stage has been mooted since 2015, but without any specific details. John will join forces with playwright and screenwriter Paul Rudnick (Sister Act, Addams Family Values) to bring the tale of aspiring journalist Andy Sachs, her haughty, haute couture magazine editor Miranda Priestley to singing-and-dancing life. No word yet on casting, or when the musical will become the kind of hot ticket that a million girls would kill for. Via Deadline.
Sometimes, life delivers the perfect script. At its 2025 edition, Sydney Film Festival has notched up that feat. Each year since 2008, the Harbour City's major annual cinema celebration has featured its own Official Competition, awarding the picture judged the most "audacious, cutting edge and courageous" the Sydney Film Prize. Fresh from winning the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Jafar Panahi's It Was Just an Accident now has SFF's top accolade to its name as well. At Sydney Film Festival's Together-led opening night, it was announced that acclaimed Iranian writer/director Panahi was one the event's special guests — and that he was already in the New South Wales capital. Given that he has been subjected to filmmaking bans, travel restrictions, arrests and imprisonment in his homeland across his career, this was no minor development. During the fest, not only did It Was Just an Accident screen, but featured retrospective Jafar Panahi: Cinema in Rebellion highlighted every single one of the filmmaker's movies. Now, at SFF's closing-night gala — with Splitsville 2025's final flick — Panahi has collected the event's major accolade, accepting it at the State Theatre in person. It Was Just an Accident was picked as 2025's Sydney Film Prize-winner by a jury led by Australian filmmaker Justin Kurzel (Ellis Park) as president, plus his The Narrow Road to the Deep North talent Thomas Weatherall, the latter's Heartbreak High co-star Rachel House, Hong Kong-based producer and distributor Winnie Tsang and Marrakech International Film Festival Director Melita Toscan du Plantier. If you're in the Harbour City between Tuesday, June 17–Friday, June 20 when Sydney Film Festival's 2025 Back By Popular Demand bonus screenings hit Dendy Newtown, Palace Cinemas Norton Street and Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Panahi's awarded movie is among the titles receiving encore sessions. The filmmaker's latest picture follows a family on a road trip — and, at SFF, follows Parasite as the only two flicks to have taken home both the Palme d'Or at Cannes and the Sydney Film Prize. Iranian features have now won SFF's top gong, which awards a $60,000 cash prize, a record-breaking three times. Asghar Farhadi's A Separation claimed the accolade in 2011, then Mohammad Rasoulof's There Is No Evil did the same in 2021. Other previous winners span There's Still Tomorrow (2024), The Mother of All Lies (2023), Close (2022), The Heiresses (2018), On Body and Soul (2017), Aquarius (2016), Arabian Nights (2015), Two Days, One Night (2014), Only God Forgives (2013), Alps (2012), Heartbeats (2010), Bronson (2009) and Hunger (2008). "It has been an honour and a privilege to watch cinema for the past ten days. To be amongst audiences who love and guard this powerful expression, are champions for experiences which are transforming and transcendent. To Nashen [Moodley, SFF's Festival Director] and the Sydney Film Festival team, thank you for inviting us to be part of what has been an enormously successful festival," said the jury in a statement. "We want to acknowledge the powerful and assured first-time films within competition. There were many and we were astonished by their confidence, authenticity and swagger. This new wave of international filmmakers are pushing the boundaries and connecting to cinema in original ways. It is their perspective which moved us and opened our hearts to stories which felt deeply personal and true. There was a push towards testing the form, taking real risk to find new ways to challenge cinema," the jury continued. "In these times of great conflict and uncertainty, it is more important than ever that filmmakers are given the freedom to express what they see around them. The films we watched led with empathy, compassion and kindness. The directors trusted that their stories would make us feel first, connect to a personal point of view, they were political but human first." "The winner of the Sydney Film Festival for 2025 embodied all these qualities, a courageous film with a deep soul and a powerful sense of forgiveness. It has outstanding performances and an understated authority which is brimming with truth." The 2025 recipients of SFF's full suite of annual prizes was also revealed at closing night, including for documentaries and shorts. Songs Inside nabbed the Documentary Australia Award, with Aussie filmmaker Shalom Almond (Prisoners and Pups) emerging victorious — and with a $20,000 cash prize — for exploring the impact of a music program on women prisoners. Fellow homegrown doco Floodland, which shines a spotlight on Lismore, scored Jordan Giusti the $40,000 Sustainable Future Award. Canadian filmmaker Lisa Jackson (Indictment: The Crimes of Shelly Chartier) received the $35,000 First Nations Award for Wilfred Buck, about its namesake Cree educator in Northern Manitoba, while Big Bang Sound Design's Wayne Pashley and Libby Villa collected the $10,000 Sydney-UNESCO City of Film Award. In the Dendy Short Film Awards, this year's applauded titles include Faceless for Best Live Action Short Award, and also Best Practitioner for its music and sound designer Josh Peters; Yoram Gross Animation Award-winner The Fling; and Mates, which saw Rory Pearson named as Best Director and share the Rising Talent Award for Screenwriting with co-scribe Marcus Aldred-Traynor. [caption id="attachment_1009303" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Belinda Rolland © 2024[/caption] Sydney Film Festival 2025 ran from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. The fest is screening four days of encores via Sydney Film Festival's 2025 Back By Popular Demand bonus screenings at Dendy Newtown, Palace Cinemas Norton Street and Ritz Cinemas Randwick between Tuesday, June 17–Friday, June 20. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website. Jafar Panahi images: Tim Levy.
Mount Buffalo is an absolute dreamland for outdoor adventure lovers — think mountainous hikes, alpine lakes and heart-pumping rock climbing experiences. This expansive natural playground located on Taungurung Country is situated about a 3.5 hours' drive from Melbourne and, thanks to its endless alpine scenery, is undoubtedly worth the trip. In partnership with Victoria's High Country, we've tracked down some of the top activities in the area, from guided walks to sky-high picnics. Whether you're camping overnight or based out of luxurious accommodation in Beechworth or Myrtleford, Mount Buffalo National Park is teeming with thrilling endeavours for every kind of adventurer. So, get out there. [caption id="attachment_838742" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] GORGE HERITAGE WALK The Gorge Heritage Walk is the perfect introduction to the Mount Buffalo region. The 2.5-kilometre track is flanked by alpine ash trees and snow gums, and signage ensures you learn fascinating details about the local area along the way. The views are also spectacular, with the best seen at the towering Crystal Brook Falls, which plunges into the Buckland Valley below. There are a few picnic tables, too, should you wish to feast mid-walk. The trail's starting point is opposite Mount Buffalo Chalet, so don't miss your chance to visit this historical place either before or after your stroll. Plus, you'll find a new glass-bottomed lookout point nearby, where you can truly appreciate the depths of the magnificent gorge. [caption id="attachment_837286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] THE HORN TRACK (AND SUNSET PICNIC) Mount Buffalo plateau's highest point is at the summit of The Horn, which rises 1723 metres above sea level. So, it's safe to say you'll score sprawling views of the adjacent alps from up here. How do you reach this spectacular lookout? Along the Horn Track which starts at the oh-so-scenic Horn Picnic Area. The scenery is always remarkable no matter what time you reach the summit; however, we recommend you elevate your visit by timing your adventure at dusk. As the path to the top is relatively easy (about 45-minutes return), you can bring along a picnic basket and catch the sun set across the high plains while feasting on cheese and sipping an ice-cold brew. [caption id="attachment_804961" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bright Adventure Company[/caption] CLIFF PICNIC Speaking of picnics, you won't find one more extreme than Bright Adventure Company's Cliff Picnic experience. Let's just say: acrophobes beware. But if you are willing to dine 300 metres above the valley floor, this unique picnic adventure will ensure your visit to the High Country is truly unforgettable. For $449, you and your fellow adventure lover will abseil down to your sky-high picnic spot on the side of Mount Buffalo. Then, you'll tuck into a picnic hamper overflowing with locally produced goodies. You can choose what time you'd like to snack and take in the jaw-dropping vistas, too, with sunrise, lunchtime and sunset slots all available. With each picnic lasting 2.5 hours, there's loads of time to revel in this once-in-a-lifetime experience accompanied by unmatched views. [caption id="attachment_839063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] CATHEDRAL HUMP TRACK Mount Buffalo is renowned for its striking landscapes, with the Cathedral Ranges and The Horn both widely regarded as the top landmarks in the alpine plateau. If you want to find a standout vantage point to enjoy them both, the Cathedral Hump Track is the ideal out-and-back journey. Along the moderately challenging two-kilometre walk, hikers are rewarded with incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding granite peaks. The one-way trail reaches a lookout over Cresta Valley and the surrounding countryside, making it ideal for sunrise or sunset viewing. [caption id="attachment_837279" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rob Blackburn / Visit Victoria[/caption] KAYAK ON LAKE CATANI Located in Mount Buffalo National Park, Lake Catani is the only place where you can enjoy a day of watersports on the mountainous plateau. Surrounded by forest and alpine heathlands, this tranquil spot is perfect for breaking out your kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard. And should you capsize, you can rest easy knowing the waters are a cool (but not freezing) 16 degrees celsius in the height of summer. Want to get on the water but don't have any watercraft with you? No worries, you can hire some from the Dingo Dell Cafe just a short drive away from the lake. The alpine pool is surrounded by everything you need for a great day in the sun, including well-equipped bathrooms, barbecues, picnic tables and a jetty for bombies into the water. If you're keen to stay a while, there's also a campground which is the perfect spot to explore the area from. [caption id="attachment_838745" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] THE BIG WALK No one said stunning hikes had to be named creatively. As you might guess, The Big Walk is one of the Mount Buffalo region's most impressive full-day hikes, with a stirring trail that climbs 1000 metres in nine kilometres. All up, the hike is 11.3 kilometres long, starting at Eurobin Creek Picnic Area and finishing at Gorge Day Visitor Area. It's estimated to take five hours to complete — so this one ain't the faint-hearted. Your calves are bound to feel the burn as you ascend the mountain, cross through various terrains and soak up the shifting landscape. But your efforts are well-rewarded, with several lookout points offering magnificent views of the Aussie alps and Buffalo Gorge. [caption id="attachment_837283" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] ROCK CLIMBING The national park is known as one of Australia's top rock climbing destinations. And it's no wonder why. Its soaring granite structures provide the perfect crags and boulders to conquer. The best part, though, is that there are sections suitable for every level of climber, including newbies. Led by Adventure Guides Australia, climbers of all experiences are welcome to get on the ropes. You can take your pick of half-day and full-day tours, both of which provide a comprehensive introduction to rock climbing fundamentals. As you learn about specialist knots, anchor points and simple manoeuvres, you'll feel inspired to take your ability to the next level. Then, get climbing. [caption id="attachment_838747" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] CATHEDRAL EXPLORER EXPERIENCE Looking to see the Cathedral Range from every perspective? Bright Adventure Company's Cathedral Explorer is a guided tour like no other in the area. Across this three-hour adventure, you'll scramble across boulders and climb rope ladders on your way to the summit. Then, it's time for a break as you appreciate the sweeping valley views. However, there's more action-packed fun on the way back down, with rock climbing and abseiling adventures on your descent. You'll be led by an expert team, so there's no need for previous experience, either. Just pack some sturdy shoes and suitable clothing to complete this action-packed journey priced at $149 per person. Swap Home for Victoria's High Country and tap into your adventurous side this summer. To discover more epic walks and outdoor adventures, check out the Victoria's High Country website. Top image: Mount Buffalo, Visit Victoria
The wait is over. Ten months after it was first announced, Margaret Atwood's highly anticipated sequel to The Handmaid's Tale is being released to the world on Tuesday, September 10. Knowing how badly you want to get your hands on The Testaments (and not be the only one at the office that doesn't have a clue what everyone is talking about), Readings Carlton is opening the store bright and early at 7.30am, so you can be one of the first to delve into the story. Obviously, if you're going to be up at that time — and consuming bleak, dystopian fiction, too — you need sustenance. So Readings' neighbours Heartattack and Vine will be providing free coffee and pastries to the keen literary minds picking their books up between 7.30am and 9am, or until all the goodies run out. Can't wait? In the meantime, you can have a gander at an extract of The Testaments online. 'The Testaments' will be released on Tuesday, September 10. Readings Carlton will be open from 7.30am, with free coffee and pastries available until 9am.
End times really are upon us — end times for Good Omens, that is. The beloved series about an angel and a demon teaming up to stop the apocalypse has locked in a third season; however, this'll finish its on-screen story, with Prime Video revealing that the Michael Sheen (Best Interests)- and David Tennant (Ahsoka)-led show will return for one final run. "I'm so happy finally to be able to finish the story Terry and I plotted in 1989 and in 2006. Terry was determined that if we made Good Omens for television, we could take the story all the way to the end," said Neil Gaiman, with the series based the 1990 novel Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch that he wrote with fellow fantasy author Terry Pratchett. "Season one was all about averting armageddon, dangerous prophecies and the end of the world. Season two was sweet and gentle, although it may have ended less joyfully than a certain angel and demon might have hoped." "Now in season three, we will deal once more with the end of the world. The plans for armageddon are going wrong. Only Crowley and Aziraphale working together can hope to put it right. And they aren't talking," Gaiman continued. Exactly when the series will stream its final season hasn't been revealed as yet, but filming is set to start in Scotland soon, Prime Video advised. So, that should mean that fans won't be in for a four-year wait to see Sheen as the angel Aziraphale and Tennant as the demon Crowley again, as happened between season one and season two. Who else will return among the cast also hasn't been announced — but Jon Hamm (Fargo), Doon Mackichan (Toast of Tinseltown), Gloria Obianyo (Dune), Miranda Richardson (Rams), Maggie Service (Life) and Nina Sosanya (His Dark Materials) have been key parts of the show since season one. Neil Gaiman is back as executive producer, writer and co-showrunner, helping guide yet another season that expands past its source material. "Good Omens has checked every box for a clever, witty and funny comedy that not only made it a success on Prime Video, but also made 'goodness' watchable and fun thanks to Neil and Terry's immense creativity. The final season is sure to be packed with the same dynamic energy that our global customers have come to enjoy," said Vernon Sanders, Amazon MGM Studios' Head of Television. "We're delighted to see Crowley and Aziraphale returning after breaking our hearts in season two. Seeing award-winning duo David and Michael reunited will be such a joy. We only wish Terry was here to enjoy the ride with us," added Rob Wilkins, Good Omens' executive producer. There's no sneak peek at Good Omens season three yet, but you can check out the trailer for season two below: Good Omens doesn't yet have a release date for season three, but streams via Prime Video. Read our review of season two.
Internationally renowned sculptor Ken Unsworth was born in Melbourne, but, during his 50-year career, he's not had a major exhibition in the city. Until now, that is. This spring, he'll be bringing skeletons, crying babies and a grand piano to the National Gallery of Victoria, for Ken Unsworth: Truly, Madly. The free show will feature key works spanning Unsworth's past. Among them are When the angel of the lord came down, a tribute to his late wife, Elisabeth Unsworth, who was a concert pianist, and Mind games, in which two skeletons face one another across a table. Look out, too, for brand new pieces, including When snowflakes turn to stone, an oversized skeleton encircled with stones, and Alphaville, which immerses you in five-metre high buildings and their sounds – from barking dogs to prayer rituals. Now 87, Unsworth worked as a high school art teacher before becoming a full-time artist. He exhibited at the 1976 Sydney Biennale; numerous Australian Sculptural Triennials; Biennales in Paris, Venice and Istanbul; and several other major international shows, including Magiciens de la Terre, curated by Jean-Hubert Martin at The Pompidou Centre in 1989. Images: Mind Games 2014, Ken Unsworth; When snowflakes turn to stone 2018, Ken Unsworth; In concert (1983-84), Ken Unsworth; Below the horizon 2017, Ken Unsworth. All photos by Eugene Hyland.
Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art started 2023 by musing on air, with floating mirrored spheres, volcanic mounds, and dances between light and darkness to help. When the year comes to an end, it'll turn its attention to fairy tales, complete with twisted woodlands taking over the South Bank venue. In-between, GOMA is shining a spotlight on two Australian artists, Michael Zavros and eX de Medici, in a pair of exhibitions that feature everything from cars to blood swabs. Running now until Monday, October 2, and filling GOMA for winter as well as the start of spring in the process, Michael Zavros: The Favourite and eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness are taking their status as major surveys of each talent's work seriously. The former covers 90-plus paintings, sculptures, videos, photos and performances by the Queensland artist, while the latter is the most extensive retrospective to-date on the Canberra-based creative and tattooist, spanning more than 100 works. With The Favourite, GOMA looks back across 25 years of Zavros' art — although Drowned Mercedes is brand new. Created for the exhibition, the sculpture fills the cabin of an original classic 90s Mercedes-Benz SL convertible with water. When attendees peer at the piece, they see their own reflection in the water. Other Zavros highlights include paintings including Man in a wool suit and Ferragamo 2000, which take inspiration from men's magazines; the Prince/Zavros, with American conceptual artist Richard Prince's late-80s Cowboy images and Marlboro Man tobacco ads an influence; architectural representations Love's temple and Unicorn in the anticamera; and a heap of portraits, with Zavros himself a frequent subject. Still-life works; equestrian paintings, drawings and sculptures; depictions of rare Japanese Onagadori chickens: they all grace GOMA's walls and halls, too. So does Acropolis Now, a large-scale mural depicting the Parthenon in Athens, which is being turned into a Greek coffee house once a month thanks to folks from Brisbane's Greek community playing backgammon and sipping Greek caffeinated beverages. "At the core of the exhibition and among the things that differentiate Michael Zavros from other artists of his generation is an unapologetic love of beauty and craftsmanship, folly, and grandeur. Audiences will enter Michael's world. They will see the rigour and breadth of his practice and how his work across multiple media reveals a subtly evolving worldview," said Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art Director Chris Saines. "His work is inescapably about who he is: his lifestyle — real or imagined — his family, his interests and values." In Beautiful Wickedness, the gallery harks back four decades, charting eX de Medici's exploration of life's fragility, death, greed, power, conflict and more. Here, visitors can peer at watercolours; intricate botanical studies; ample works featuring flowers and skulls; and even a bridal gown that takes its cues from Julie Andrews' dress in The Sound of Music. Early pieces include The Blood of Others, which is where those blood swabs come in — from eX de Medici's tattoo clients back in the 90s — while later works go large, feature moths and weapons, and explore war's pointlessness. "An avowed environmentalist and activist, de Medici's life and career has been dedicated to uncloaking misuses of power and revealing its effects on everyday lives. Exquisitely detailed and technically adept, her often large-scale watercolours seduce the viewer while seeking to expose the shadowy underbelly of consumerism and the long reach of systems of surveillance, authority, and control," said Saines. "Her artworks conceal surreptitious yet razor-sharp barbs among lush arrangements of historical and contemporary emblems of excess." Michael Zavros: The Favourite and eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness display at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane from Saturday, June 24–Monday, October 2, 2023. For further details — or to find out more about the gallery's full 2023 slate — visit its website. Images: installation views of Michael Zavros: The Favourite and eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, 2023. © Michael Zavros and eX de Medici / Photographs: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA.
UPDATE, DECEMBER 23, 2021: Fast and Furious 9 is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes, and will hit Amazon Prime Video on January 1. Fast cars, furious action stars, a love of family and oh-so-many Coronas: across ten movies over 20 years, that's the Fast and Furious franchise. It might've started out as a high-octane spin on Point Break, but this long-running series has kept motoring across nine flicks in its main storyline, and also via a 2019 spinoff. The latter, Hobbs & Shaw, actually casts a shadow over the saga's latest instalment. Because Dwayne Johnson was part of that sidestep, he doesn't show up in Fast and Furious 9. He's missed, regardless of whether you're usually a diehard fan of the wrestler-turned-actor, because he's managed to perfect the F&F tone. Over his decade-long involvement to-date, Johnson always seems amused in his Fast and Furious performances. He's always sweaty, too, but that's another matter. Entering the F&F realm in Fast Five, he instantly oozed the kind of attitude the franchise needs. He knows that by taking the outlandish stunts, eye-catching setpieces and penchant for family with the utmost seriousness, these films border on comedic — and by navigating five flicks with that mood, he's been the saga's playful and entertaining barometer. Without Johnson, Fast and Furious 9 isn't as willing to admit that it's often downright silly. It's nowhere near as fun, either. Hobbs & Shaw wasn't a franchise standout, but Fast and Furious 9 mainly revs in one gear — even in a movie that features a high-speed car chase through Central American jungles, a plane with a magnet that can scoop up fast-driving vehicles, Helen Mirren (Winchester) racing through London's streets and a trip to space in a rocket car. The latest F&F is as ridiculous as ever, and it's the least-eager F&F film to acknowledge that fact. It's also mostly a soap opera. It leans heavily on its favourite theme — yes, family — by not only swapping in a different wrestler-turned-actor as Dominic Toretto's (Vin Diesel, Bloodshot) long-lost sibling, but also by fleshing out the warring brothers' backstory through flashbacks to their tragic past. Fast and Furious 9 starts with an 80s-era Universal logo, because that's the time period it heads to first — to introduce a teen Dom (Vinnie Bennett, Ghost in the Shell), his never-before-mentioned younger brother Jakob (Finn Cole, Dreamland) and their dad Jack (JD Pardo, Mayans MC). It's 1989, the elder Toretto is behind the wheel on the racetrack, and his sons are part of his pit crew. Then tragedy strikes, tearing the Toretto family apart. In the present day, Dom and Jakob (John Cena, Playing with Fire) definitely don't get along. Indeed, when Roman (Tyrese Gibson, The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two), Tej (Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, Show Dogs) and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel, Four Weddings and a Funeral) drive up to the rural hideout that Dom has been calling home with wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez, Crisis) and toddler son Brian (first-timers Isaac and Immanuel Holtane) since the events of 2017's The Fate of the Furious, he doesn't even want to hear about the latest mission that demands their help. The only thing that changes his mind: realising that Jakob is involved and up to no good. From there, Fast and Furious 9 doesn't skimp on plot across its two-and-a-half hours, but it's all just an excuse to send Dom and the gang on yet another globe-hopping trip to save the world (yes, again). Much of the storyline mimics the last film, in fact, including the return of cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron, The Old Guard) — although this time there's a different high-tech gimmick that could end life as we know it, and a different reason behind Dom's determination to protect his crew. Returning for his fifth F&F flick, as well as his first since 2013's Fast & Furious 6, writer/director Justin Lin doesn't challenge himself, narrative-wise. Co-scripting with franchise first-timer Daniel Casey (Kin), he largely throws a heap of the saga's usual elements together, dials up the emphasis on family, and hopes that the reappearance of familiar faces — such as the already-teased return of Han (Song Kang, Lisey's Story) — will fill in the gaps. And there are gaps; more than once, the movie ends a big scene by jumping to the group at a later point, but doesn't trouble itself to explain what happened. Sense? Logic? Coherence? The Fast and Furious films haven't ever expended much energy on these. It makes zero sense that Dom's son is called Brian, for instance — he's named after Paul Walker's character, but the latter is still alive in the saga (albeit never seen now), so that celebratory gesture towards the late actor has no rationale in the on-screen story. Fast and Furious 9 doesn't just zoom past rationality a quarter-mile at a time, though. It's really just a collection of scenes that Diesel and Lin think are cool, complete with 197,000 references to family. Here, even the fast cars and big stunts get drowned out by the melodrama. When Lin lets the action choreography truly let loose, this franchise-extender is easily at its best, but that happens less often and in a more routine way than it should. Plus, in a series that's hardly known for its acting, all the bloated chatter and soapiness is still far too cartoonish to even dream of grounding the OTT saga in real emotion. This far in, not just inertia but also a lack of imagination seems to be grinding F&F's gears, with genuinely new and exciting action ideas almost as rare as a high-pitched squeak from the gravelly voiced Diesel. Fast and Furious 9 has its characters play a real-life version of Frogger, celebrates magnets more than Jesse Pinkman, name-drops Harry Potterand visually apes Star Wars, for example. It also ponders whether Dom and the gang are superheroes, and has Roman get meta and ask how they've all escaped the past 20 years unscathed. This should all be knowingly, winkingly ludicrous. It never feels that way, however, and no one's motors will be thrumming while watching. Like too many big franchises these days, Fast and Furious 9 also saves one of its best moments for its post-credits slot, teasing what'll come next. If only the bulk of what preceded it didn't feel like a franchise blandly on auto-pilot.
When was the last time you paused to marvel at the tower of good times that is Curtin House? This multi-level beauty is brimming with history filled with activities you've probably forgotten about. Built back in 1923, and once acting as the headquarters of the Communist Party, it's now home to the much more light-hearted business of eating, drinking and shopping. In lieu of your usual Saturday night local, take time to explore one of our city's historic gems from bottom to top — from drinking craft beers at Cookie and cocktails in a train carriage booth at The Toff, to browsing the shelves at independent bookshop Metropolis, getting into punchy Mexican eats and top-notch tequila at Mesa Verde and brews with a view up at Rooftop Bar.
Lesbian hustlers, homophobic smartphones and the grandfather of gay porn. These are just a few of the colourful characters you’ll meet at this year’s Melbourne Queer Film Festival, as it dives head first into its vibrant 25th year. One of the oldest queer film fests anywhere in the world, the latest edition of MQFF features more than 180 features, docos and shorts, plus parties, panels and a whole lot more. The festival begins on Thursday, March 19, with Brazilian coming-of-age drama The Way He Looks. It’s a recurrent theme on this year’s program, with several other standouts — including Boys and Blackbird — tackling questions of sexuality and youth. More genre-centric titles include Lyle, a lesbian horror flick starring Girls’ Gaby Hoffman, and In Hiding, a Polish psychological thriller set during WWII. There’s also a contingent of Australian titles, including the confronting beachside drama Drown and high-energy crime caper All About E. The film program is complemented by an array of extracurricular activities. This year’s panel discussions will cover everything from Australian queer cinema to gay gaming culture, while tickets to the always popular speed dating sessions are already selling fast.
Next time you do your grocery shopping, you could cut down your reliance upon single-use plastics, treat your four-legged friend and pick up a fresh-cooked pizza — all at Coles. The supermarket chain has just launched a revamped store in Moonee Ponds, and it comes with a big focus on sustainability and quite a few upgrades. Also included: a fishmongers, cheese from That's Amore, and a fruit and vegetable bar. It certainly hasn't been a normal 12 months for supermarkets, with toilet paper battles and limits on everyday items hitting the front page more than once. But now the pandemic palaver has settled down somewhat, Coles hopes to make your everyday grocery shop (dare we say) exciting with the launch of its fancy new store — which is part of the company's mission to reduce waste. The newly renovated and reinvented store joins Chatswood in Sydney in boasting a range of forward-thinking elements. You can stop buying shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash and laundry liquids in throwaway containers thanks to packaging-free in-store refill stations — and some fresh foods will be misted and stored on cold plates to reduce the need for packaging there, too. Herbs are being sold without plastic packaging as well, and you can also head to the fruit and vegetable bar to get your fresh produce of choice sliced, diced or made into juice while you wait. On the eco-friendly front, the Moonee Ponds site also has a coffee cup recycling station, as well as a soft-plastic recycling service — with the latter turning your discarded waste into benches, furniture, playground equipment, roads and Coles car parks. And, it's using trolley baskets made from recycled milk bottles and other recycled plastics, and also capturing waste heat from the refrigeration system to warm up the store. Overall, Coles has pledged to deliver net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and to power the entire Coles Group via 100-percent renewable electricity by the end of the 2025 financial year — with the Moonee Ponds store operating as a sustainability concept store. Last month, the company also announced that it would stop selling single-use plastic tableware from July 1. As well as ticking a heap of eco-conscious boxes, Coles Moonee Ponds now features locally caught seafood available at The Fishery, which is run by industry expert John Sussman and features food by Sam Cheetham (ex-Cumulus Inc). Pizzeria Tremila is whipping up the Italian favourite in 90 seconds in its in-store oven, and selling pizzas whole or by the slice. Roll'd also has a space onsite, serving its Vietnamese dishes; That's Amore is suppling 13 lines of cheese as part of an artisan dairy nook; Vegan Dairy is providing handmade products from the Mornington Peninsula; and Liquorland is heroing 140 local beer, wine and spirits brands. Plus, Coles hasn't forgotten about the most important member of your family: your pets. You can pick them up a few goodies thanks to the new in-store pet treat pick-and-mix bar — so your pooch can have an after-dinner snack while you enjoy your Tim Tams. Coles Moonee Ponds is located in Moonee Ponds Central Shopping Centre, Homer Street, Moonee Ponds — operating from 7am–11pm daily. Images: Coles.
With The Studio, Seth Rogen draws upon his years in show business to both satirise and shower love on Hollywood and the filmmaking game. He also plays the Apple TV+ series' lead: Matt Remick, a film executive who has always dreamed of getting the head job at Continental Studios, and achieves that feat when season one begins. Newly installed in his coveted gig, Matt unsurprisingly starts discovering the stresses of running a studio, including the difficult balance between artistic and commercial objectives — aka making something that he can be proud of and making hits. As one of The Studio's guiding forces, Rogen has achieved that mix with the show, which is both excellent and a success. The streaming platform behind it are clearly fans, because they've given it the ultimate tick of approval: renewal for a second season while its first is still dropping weekly episodes. There was always going to be ample material for an inside-Hollywood comedy from Rogen and his long-time collaborator Evan Goldberg (see: Superbad, Pineapple Express, This Is the End, Bad Neighbours and its sequel, The Interview and The Night Before). Together, they've co-created, co-written, co-directed and executive produced The Studio, partly drawing upon their own Tinseltown experiences. In both the regular cast and among the show's guest stars and cameos, Rogen and Goldberg have also enlisted a heap of other familiar faces to navigate everything from trying to make the next Barbie, one-take shots, giving famous filmmakers feedback and casting choices to awards ceremonies and whether the movie industry is important work. Rogen (Mufasa: The Lion King) leads, with Catherine O'Hara (The Wild Robot), Ike Barinholtz (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Kathryn Hahn (Agatha All Along) and Chase Sui Wonders (City on Fire) joining him in the main ensemble as fellow execs — some displaced by Remick, some gunning for the same gig, others wide-eyed and bringing a new perspective among seasoned Hollywood veterans. The core group frequently have company — so when Bryan Cranston (Argylle), Zoë Kravitz (Blink Twice), Paul Dano (Fantasmas), Olivia Wilde (Don't Worry Darling), Charlize Theron (Fast X), Anthony Mackie (Captain America: Brave New World), Zac Efron (A Family Affair), Sarah Polley (Women Talking) Greta Lee (Past Lives), Ice Cube (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem), Rebecca Hall (Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire), Adam Scott (Severance), Ron Howard (Jim Henson Idea Man) and Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon) aren't making appearances, then Dave Franco (Love Lies Bleeding), Jean Smart (Hacks), Johnny Knoxville (The Luckiest Man in America), Josh Hutcherson (The Beekeeper), Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), Ramy Youssef (Poor Things), Steve Buscemi (Transformers One), Zack Snyder (Rebel Moon), Aaron Sorkin (Being the Ricardos) and Parker Finn (Smile and Smile 2) are. "We're thrilled to be making a second season of The Studio. We're looking forward to taking the lived experience of making season one and immediately putting it into season two, then repeating that loop for ten more seasons. And, we're excited to keep all our industry friends and colleagues guessing as to when one of their personal stories will stream on Apple TV+," said Rogen and Goldberg about the renewal. The Studio joins a number of fellow Apple TV+ series that have locked in their comebacks in recent months, after news arrived that Ted Lasso's fourth season is finally on the way and that Severance will return for season three. There's obviously no sneak peek at season two as yet, but check out the trailer for The Studio's first season below: The Studio streams via Apple TV+ — and we'll update you with more details on season two when they're announced. Read our interview with Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Hahn, Chase Sui Wonders, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver.
Here's one of the greatest double features that you can stream right now: Emma Stone and Greek Weird Wave director Yorgos Lanthimos teaming up on 2018's ace The Favourite, then the duo working their combined magic again in 2023's Poor Things. The best film of last year is still screening in picture palaces; however, it's also hitting Disney+ on Thursday, March 7 so that you can soak up its delights at home. If you're wondering why this riff on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is dancing like it's never danced before into your streaming queue right now, you have the Oscars to thank. Hollywood's night of nights takes place on Monday, March 11 Down Under, with Poor Things collecting 11 nominations — coming second only to Oppenheimer. So, you can either rewatch or finally catch up with the awards contender, which is up for the big gongs such as Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Stone and Best Supporting Actor for Mark Ruffalo. Poor Things is also in the running for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score and Best Production Design. Even if it doesn't emerge victorious in all or even most fields, it's going to get plenty of attention at the Oscars whenever these categories come up. Poor Things doesn't actually use the f-word — Frankenstein, that is — but Stone is clearly playing a version of Frankenstein's monster. The film adapts Alasdair Grey's 1992 award-winning novel, with the parallels with Shelley's mother-of-all horror greats as obvious as a bolt of lightning. The focus: Bella Baxter, a woman resurrected by an unorthodox scientist, distinctive in her mannerisms afterwards and eager to learn about a world that isn't quite sure how to react. Continuing the movie's top-notch casting — and Lanthimos' in general, as seen in everything from Dogtooth and Alps to The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer as well — Poor Things boasts Willem Dafoe (Asteroid City) as the tinkering Dr Godwin Baxter; Ruffalo (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) as Duncan Wedderburn, a slick lawyer that Bella runs off with; and also Ramy's Ramy Youssef, plus On the Count of Three co-stars Jerrod Carmichael and Christopher Abbott. It features just one of Stone's two stunning 2023 performances, too, with the end of the year seeing her turn in exceptional work in both this and TV's The Curse. She'd been away from the screen for a short stint beforehand; Cruella released in 2021, and only The Croods: A New Age, Zombieland: Double Tap and TV's Maniac also sat on her resume after The Favourite. Check out the full trailer for Poor Things below: Poor Things is still showing in cinemas, and streams via Disney+ from Thursday, March 7. Read our review. Images: courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
The Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash in Ukraine has reportedly claimed the lives of some of the world's top medical researchers, on their way to Melbourne for the high-profile 20th International AIDS Conference. Conference organisers have this morning released the following statement on their website: "The International AIDS Society (IAS) today expresses its sincere sadness at receiving news that a number of colleagues and friends en route to attend the 20th International AIDS Conference taking place in Melbourne, Australia, were on board the Malaysian Airlines MH17 flight that has crashed over Ukraine earlier today. "At this incredibly sad and sensitive time the IAS stands with our international family and sends condolences to the loved ones of those who have been lost to this tragedy." One of those believed to have been on board is former president of the International AIDS Society Joep Lange. American academic and AIDS activist Gregg Gonsalves tweeted, "Joep Lange was a leading AIDS researcher and clinician and an activist at heart. Lost today too soon on Malaysian flight 019. RIP." Two hundred and ninety eight people have died in the tragedy, including 27 confirmed Australians. The plane crashed in Ukraine, in a separatist-controlled area near the Russian border, likely after being hit with a surface-to-air missile. It is unclear at this stage how the crash will affect AIDS 2014, which commences on Sunday and has now taken on an even more tragic tone. Former US president Bill Clinton, UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibé and musician and activist Sir Bob Geldof are also scheduled to speak at the conference, whose official airline partner is Emirates. Update 1.17pm: It now appears that as many as 100 of those killed were headed to the AIDS 2014 conference. Via Sky News and SMH.
When 2023 first kicked in, it brought a multi-sensory Frida Kahlo installation Down Under, letting art lovers in Sydney immerse themselves in the iconic Mexican artist's works. Consider that exhibition the appetiser before the main meal that is Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution: a huge winter-long tribute to Kahlo, her well-known spouse Diego Rivera and the entire Mexican modernism movement, which is now on display in Adelaide. Open at the Art Gallery of South Australia since Saturday, June 24, running until Sunday, September 17 and one of the venue's headlining exhibition for 2023, this showcase is sizeable. Visitors can currently see more than 150 works, spanning everything from paintings and photographs to works on paper and period clothing, as drawn from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection. Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution has two key aims: examining why Kahlo's work, and Kahlo herself, holds such enduring appeal; and placing Kahlo and Rivera's art in context with their contemporaries. "'Each generation brings a new lens to the profoundly inspiring figure that is Frida Kahlo. A 21st-century muse, Kahlo is today revered as a feminist and as a singular political and creative force. Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution speaks to the influence and ingenuity of art practice in Mexico and aims to recontextualise the enduring allure of Kahlo within today's society," said AGSA Director Rhana Devenport ONZM. "These iconic paintings from the extraordinary Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection form the heart of this exhibition. Close friends of Kahlo and Rivera, the Gelmans were pioneering collectors who formed an outstanding collection of works foregrounding Mexican modernism," adds Tansy Curtin, AGSA's Curator of International Art, Pre-1980s. Amid suitably colourful walls, attendees can also spy large-scale reproductions of folk art-heavy Rivera's murals. Another highlight: exploring Kahlo and Rivera's home life and artistic practice, as inspired by their La Casa Azul house and studio. That said, while Kahlo, Rivera, and their art, connection, politics and influence all sit at the centre of this wide-ranging showcase, it also highlights pieces by Manuel and Lola Álvarez Bravo, Miguel Covarrubias, María Izquierdo, Carlos Mérida, David Alfaro Siqueiros and more — as any survey of Mexican modernism should and must. Focusing on the first half of the 20th century, this an Australian-exclusive exhibition, too — meaning that you'll have to go to Adelaide to see it — as well as most comprehensive exhibition of Mexican modernism that the country has ever seen. Unsurprisingly, South Australia expects it to be a big tourist attraction. Accordingly, Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution is being accompanied by a series of events, and not just at AGSA, to cater for locals and travellers alike. Think: clay and cocktails sessions, making paper-cut flowers in the traditional Mexican decorative craft style, a dining experience to mark Mexican Independence Day, Mexican-themed menus at Adelaide restaurants and a La Casa Azul installation in Rundle Mall. Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution is on display at the Art Gallery of South Australia until Sunday, September 17, 2023. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the AGSA website. Images: installation view: Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide; photos: Saul Steed.
Open House Melbourne Weekend feeds the same nosiness that sees us snooping around our neighbours' homes before they go to auction or peering over fences into the gardens of luxury homes. Our curiosity gets the best of us in these moments. But there's no need to be ashamed of these very human urges during Open House Melbourne Weekend 2024. In fact, on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, you're strongly encouraged to feed the beast by hitting up some of the 170-plus experiences that have been organised for folks just like you. [caption id="attachment_963213" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Armadale House[/caption] The team behind the weekend of events is calling for Melburnians to "re/discover their city" by exploring new and old buildings in a range of unique ways. You can walk across the rooftop of Collingwood Yards, join tours of ten architecturally significant private homes, run around AAMI Park's pitch like the Matildas, step inside heritage buildings that aren't usually open to the public and even explore ArtBank's collection of over 14,000 artworks. [caption id="attachment_963214" align="alignnone" width="1920"] ArtBank Collection[/caption] But there's a lot more to Open House Melbourne Weekend than simply exploring properties that are usually closed off to the public – for starters, 27 exhibitions are also running throughout the weekend, while 14 self-guided tours are also on the program. Plus, you can also expand your understanding of the city by joining some of the 28 talks by designers, architects and artists. [caption id="attachment_963217" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eyes Open Ride[/caption] There's even an opportunity to go on a scooter tour of the CBD with caseworkers from Launch Housing. They'll give firsthand perspectives from people working with those experiencing homelessness. "Open House Melbourne Weekend is a chance for the curious at heart and lovers of architecture to discover new places and spaces in their city, to re-examine what they have perhaps overlooked and reconnect with beloved favourites," shared Executive Director and Chief Curator Dr Tania Davidge. [caption id="attachment_963222" align="alignnone" width="1920"] WOWA Magic[/caption] [caption id="attachment_963219" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Secret Laneways Through the City tour. Image by David Hannah[/caption] [caption id="attachment_963212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] AAMI Park[/caption] Open House Melbourne Weekend 2024 will take place at venues throughout the city on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. For more information and to book tickets, visit the festival's website. Top image: Melbourne Connect and the University of Melbourne Student Precinct Public Space.
Lygon Street and its surrounds might once have been wall-to-wall, old-school Italian joints — and famously so. But a new wave of residents are slowly but surely shaking up the demographic. Tortilla and tequila bar Taquito, famed ramen joint Hakata Gensuke and even all-vegan pub the Green Man's Arms have settled happily into the neighbourhood. And, next up, it's time for modern east Asian eats, courtesy of newcomer Lagoon Dining. This one's the debut joint venture from a trio of hospitality young guns and Ezard alumni – Chris Lerch, Ned Trumble and Keat Lee – along with business partner Susan Wyles. The 80-seat restaurant has made its home right in the heart of this iconic strip, taking over the space that once housed the Lygon Food Store. The menu is grounded in traditional Chinese sensibilities, though you'll also spy plenty of other Asian influences, as well a few clever riffs on Chinese food concepts plucked from further abroad. Pull up a seat at the bar and snack your way through options like popcorn chicken teamed with white pepper togarashi and curry leaf, pork and cabbage dumplings, and xinjiang-spiced lamb ribs. Raw dishes might include the likes of a 'hot and numbing' beef tartare, while a wok selection stars combinations like mapo tofu knots with mustard greens and shiitake. Larger offerings come in the form of charcoal-roasted char siu pork matched with tare sauce and spring onion relish, and steamed market fish paired with Hunan-style salted chilli. A banquet menu clocks in at $70 per person. Meanwhile, sommelier Ben Skipper has headed up the drinks lineup, designing a broad-ranging rotation of craft beers – from local Cavalier pilsner to NZ's Garage Project White Mischief — as well as spirits and aperitifs. The wine list is a considered trip across the globe and the cocktail offering's set to change up regularly. Right now, the house sour is a blend of Plantation rum, pineapple and sugar cane, while the spritz teams umeshu, yuzu soda and sparkling wine. Find Lagoon Dining at 263 Lygon Street, Carlton. It's open from 5pm till late Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 12pm till late Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Images: Nikki To.
With every new year comes new ambitions, goals and hopes for the next 12 months. Despite not quite ticking off everything from last year's resolutions list, there's something about a new year that restores your faith in your own ability to achieve your dreams this time around. And, if the world has shown us anything these past few years, it's to lean into fun while you can. While trying new things can be somewhat daunting, we hear that getting out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens. Whether you've been promising yourself to sign up to an acting class for years or you feel like trying a different sport, there are loads of ways you can get involved in a new activity this year. We've teamed up with Just Play to give you some inspiration for your extracurricular activities in 2022. PLAY A TEAM SPORT After so much time in solitude and indoors over the past few years, there's never been a better time to get involved in a team sport. Although this may sound very intimidating to some — especially if your high school dabbled in dodge ball — being part of a team sport can be a completely supportive and enjoyable experience. If you're ready to play but haven't got enough mates who are as keen you, Just Play is here to help find you a team. Simply sign up to one of the sports on offer — basketball, netball, futsal, soccer, touch footy, cricket, volleyball and more — as an individual or with a mate and you'll be added to a team in your area. How good. Once you've registered, Just Play will then send you a playing top and you'll be off and away with your new teammates. LEARN A NEW CREATIVE SKILL There's something super satisfying about getting your hands dirty to learn a new skill or to make something. And Work-Shop offer plenty of courses that will leave you feeling creatively fulfilled. You can try your hand at workshops across various art forms including ceramics, jewellery making, pot painting or simply sip on some wine as you paint a watercolour masterpiece. It even offers Kintsugi classes — the art of repairing broken pottery. By the end of each workshop, you'll leave with a beautiful piece of art and a story to tell your mates at dinner. Plus, classes fall on a range of different days and timeslots, making it easy to fit in around your busy weekly schedule. VOLUNTEER FOR A CAUSE YOU CARE ABOUT Volunteering is a top-tier way to get involved in your community and potentially discover new areas of interest. In Sydney, Story Factory has ongoing volunteer opportunities, both online and in person, focusing around greater western Sydney schools. If helping under-resourced communities through creative writing sounds like something for you, this will be right up your alley. There are heaps of other places you can volunteer, too. Consider yourself an animal lover? You could volunteer at an animal shelter. Love to read? Libraries could use your help. Or, if you like life on the more dramatic side, your local theatre is likely to love your creative input. Go Volunteer can help you get started with opportunities and organisations listed or Volunteer Match can help you find something that aligns with your interests. HIT YOUR MARK IN AN ACTING CLASS Ever think you could be the next Cate Blanchett or Eric Bana but just haven't been discovered yet? Well, it might be time to enrol in a NIDA Open course to help you discover your true acting ability or to simply have a bit of fun centre stage. There are intensive part-time courses and shorter weekend and evening classes available in stage acting, screen acting, stand up comedy, design, writing and more. Some courses require an audition to enter but many are available to anyone ready to take on a creative challenge. The best bit? NIDA Open offers regular classes in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. ELEVATE YOUR CULINARY SKILLS You can never stop learning when it comes to cooking. Some of us simply want to master the art of slicing things up a little more intricately. Others might want to figure out which spices should go with what dishes while some might want to perfect a pad thai recipe. Whatever skill you want to refine, a cooking class could be your answer. You can find a range of classes on Red Balloon to suit a range of palate preferences. Want to finally learn how to make some proper Italian pasta? How about delicious Japanese or Middle Eastern food? Either way, Red Balloon has you covered. You can even take a cocktail masterclass and impress all your mates next time they come over for drinks. ENROL IN A LANGUAGE COURSE Learning a new language is one of those things that perpetually seem to be on the 'I should get around to finally doing that' list. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to answer 'Parlez-vous Francais?' with more than 'Oui'? Well, this could be the year. There are plenty of courses to help. The Vocational Language Learning Centre offers courses in Arabic, French, Italian, Greek, German, Japanese, Indonesian, Russian and Spanish at centres in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. EXPLORE YOUR CITY ON SKATES Time to limber up those legs and get on some skates to see your city in a whole new way. Rollerskating is an excellent way to keep active and try something new and still maintaining an element of social distance (ideal in 2022). There are plenty of routes for you to roll around in our major cities. Hit up the St Kilda Beach Promenade in Melbourne, let loose on the long and scenic Brisbane River run or lap it up at Centennial Park in Sydney. In terms of purchasing the gear, Impala Roller Skates online store has plenty of good stuff. Or, there's Bayside Blades in Melbourne, Extreme Skates in Brisbane and Skater HQ in Sydney. Ready to try something new in your city this year? For more information on Just Play, visit the website.
If you're a Lorde fan, there's no better news than this: in February 2026, the 'Royals', 'Green Light', 'Solar Power' and 'What Was That' singer-songwriter will hit the stage in both Australia and New Zealand. The Aotearoan star's Ultrasound world tour has just locked in gigs Down Under, heading to six cities across the two countries, making dates with arenas at every stop. Ella Yelich-O'Connor last took her Solar Power tour to both nations in 2023. This time, as part of a run of concerts that begins in September 2025 in the US — and also includes gigs in Canada, the UK and across Europe before this year is out — she has levelled up venue-wise. First up on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 is Spark Arena in Lorde's native Auckland, then Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch on Friday, February 13, 2026. After that, she's hopping across the ditch to play Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Monday, February 16, 2026; Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Wednesday, February 18, 2026; Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Saturday, February 21; and finally Perth Arena on Wednesday, February 25. [caption id="attachment_1012900" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thistle Brown[/caption] The tour dates come fresh from Yelich-O'Connor's surprise 2025 Glastonbury set, as well as her fourth album Virgin releasing at the end of June, with the latter debuting at number one in Australia and New Zealand alike. This is her biggest tour of her career in general, too, with nights at the likes of Madison Square Garden in New York City and O2 Arena in London already sold out. Featuring the aforementioned 'What Was That' — her first original new track in four years — alongside 'Man of the Year', 'Hammer', 'Favourite Daughter' and 'Shapeshifter', Virgin also hit number one in the UK and number two on the Billboard 200 chart in the US. [caption id="attachment_1012904" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joseph Okpako/WireImage[/caption] There might be a three-year gap between Lorde's last Down Under shows and her upcoming Ultrasound tour concerts; however, in addition to writing and recording Virgin, she's been busy making a surprise Sydney club appearance back in May 2025 at a Lorde-themed night. Since 2013, when her debut record Pure Heroine arrived, Yelich-O'Connor has also released 2017's Melodrama and 2021's Solar Power, won two Grammys, picked up a Golden Globe nomination for 'Yellow Flicker Beat' from the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 and notched up over 18 billion streams worldwide. Lorde Ultrasound World Tour 2026 Australian and New Zealand Dates Wednesday, February 11 — Spark Arena, Auckland Friday, February 13 — Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch Monday, February 16 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Wednesday, February 18 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Saturday, February 21 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Wednesday, February 25 — Perth Arena, Perth [caption id="attachment_1012901" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thistle Brown[/caption] Lorde is touring Australia and New Zealand in February 2026, with ticket presales from 1pm local time on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 and general sales from 2pm on Friday, July 18, 2025 — head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Joseph Okpako/WireImage.
Last year served up its fair share of lows, but if you'd like to balance that out with a few dizzying highs, Southbank's newest addition has them in abundance. Home to the highest observation platform in the Southern Hemisphere, the former Eureka Skydeck has been reborn with a multimillion-dollar makeover as Melbourne Skydeck. The site has relaunched not just with a new moniker, but with a whole swag of new onsite experiences and attractions designed to show off Melbourne from a fresh — and soaring high — perspective. Perched almost 300 metres above street level, the lofty Skydeck reopened in mid-December, now sporting a ground-breaking virtual reality theatre, a heart-pumping new attraction based in a suspended cube, a virtual reality zipline experience and a plush sky-high bar. To access them all, you'll first take a ride up in the speediest elevators in the entire Southern Hemisphere, too. Kitted out with 24 Positron Voyager VR shell chairs, the cutting-edge Voyager Theatre (located on the ground floor) delivers an immersive, 360-degree adventure, stopping off at 16 of the state's most iconic scenes and attractions. Vibrations, movements and aromas help virtually transport guests to the heart of the action, matched by a specially curated soundtrack courtesy of The Cat Empire's Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill. Meanwhile, upstairs, world-first experience The Edge sees you enter a glass-walled cube that then moves out beyond the building's facade to leave you suspended 300 metres above the ground — with the floor switching temporarily to transparent mode for an extra rush of adrenaline. You can even get your photo snapped while you're hovering up here above the earth. Back inside on firmer ground, those after a less edgy thrill can try the virtual reality plank walk and zipline ride, which sees you pop on a pair of goggles to enjoy a realistic cruise through the skies above the CBD. And for drinks matched with arguably the grandest views in town, check out Skydeck's Bar 88, run by the fine dining team behind Eureka 89. Here, you can sip Bollinger, nibble cheese platters and tuck into chic bar snacks while gazing out across the city spread out far, far below. Find the newly revamped Melbourne Skydeck at 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank. It's open daily from 12–10pm.
This article is part of our series profiling the perfect Brisbane weekends of the city’s creative personalities. Brisbane is home to some amazingly talented folks. Whether it’s home by adoption or birth, the creatives that make their mark in Brisbane are inevitably drawn to the natural wonders of the south-east corner — the sun, surf and greenery. This week we continue the series with Mel Stringer, the artist extraordinaire. You probably know Mel from her prolific art Instagram, her on-point Etsy store Girlie Pains or through her cute and cutting zines. Or maybe you’ve seen her famous pug Grover zipping around a ball pit and being the most fashionable pug to ever live. Mel is a character illustrator, drawing pastel portraits inspired by life and real women. You might have already been papped by Mel and not even know it yet. And though she is originally from the Northern Territory, Mel calls Brissie home for the same reasons many others do. "Sometimes I've felt really isolated living somewhere too large," she says. "I think Brisbane is just right. It's not as intimidating as Sydney or Melbourne, and its subtropical climate appeals to me as well”. Aside from her life as an artist and crafter, Mel has her finger on the pulse and is one to listen to for the best tips on kawaii cafes and unfished vintage havens. It’s all part and parcel of her distinct aesthetic and all inspired by the streets and people of Brisbane. “Everything here inspires my art in one way or another," she says. "Though subtle, the lifestyle and kinds of people inspire me. I can't really pinpoint one specific thing, but I love going to the city, the beach or the countryside — there's always something that sparks inspiration in me”. Here are Mel's five steps to the perfect Brisbane weekend. To experience them for yourself, head to the Visit Brisbane website and get booking. BREAKFAST AT THE LOW ROAD “Wake up early and drag your best mate to go and chew on a yum breakfast and sip on some coffee from The Low Road in Windsor,” Mel says. “The kitsch paradise has a front garden adorned with hot pink flamingoes and palm trees, so you can't miss it. Their breakfast salad with lemony haloumi has also made many a friend.” The Low Road is worth a visit not only for the sumptuous food and drinks menu but for the quality chalk board messages like “Oh my god Becky, look at their café” and (inexplicably) “Hail Ants”. TREASURE HUNTING AT THE WOOLLOONGABBA ANTIQUE CENTRE “Check out any treasures that may be hidden at Woolloongabba Antique Centre. There are so many dealers here pedalling furniture, crockery and knick-knacks from yesteryear,” Mel says “If you pop in on a Saturday afternoon, you might catch their in-house jazz band.” The Antique Centre also brags of an in-house '50s style cafe that offers a mean milkshake and will transport you back to the American sitcoms we all know and love. OP SHOPPING IN WEST END West End is the hub for all vintage rummaging in Brisbane and has recently been injected with fresh blood in the form of SWOP and the Boundary Street night markets. Mel agrees. “Explore a few op shops in West End,” she says. “There are some good ones on and around Vulture Street. St Veronica on Hardgrave Road is wonderfully cluttered and full of rewards for those prepared to go rummaging.” But remember: rummaging is the key. Image via Swop. HAVE A KADOYA BENTO BOX LUNCH After a strenuous morning of shopping, you’ll need a decent lunch eaten from a beautifully crafted bento box (you’re worth it). “Next up: go and cry over how beautiful a bento box meal at Kadoya in the CBD is, then eat it,” Mel says “Each comes with a vegetable croquette, spring roll, Japanese pickles and rice — sometimes salad and deep-fried tofu too. The casual and pocket-sized restaurant feels like it really could be in Japan.” Image via Forever Craving. SIP A LYCHEE BOBA FROM LITTLE SINGAPORE AND GO FOR A WANDER A boba, for the uninitiated, is another term for a bubble tea — a pastel, picturesque milk tea with tapioca pearls that is almost too cute to drink. Mel recommends the boba from Little Singapore on Charlotte Street in the CBD. “Ask for the watermelon iced drink with lychee boba,” she says. “They offer a pretty extensive menu of bubble teas in plastic-topped takeaway cups. Head home while sipping it, go through all the treasures you found that day and have a nap.” Book your own Queensland weekender at the Visit Brisbane website or follow them through the Visit Brisbane Facebook page or Twitter at @VisitBrisbane and hashtag #brisbaneanyday.
Montreal-based artist, Shelley Miller, has turned graffiti into a tasty artform. Her sugary designs have covered city walls in ornate scrolls and decorative motifs. She takes the conventional approach to graffiti, and turns it completely upside-down. Her designs are beautiful, intricate and look straight out the Victorian era. Miller's latest installation titled Throw-Up was part of the Nuit Blanche ("white night") project in September at the Metro Hall in Toronto, Canada. You could call her a sugar graffiti veteran. Having worked with cake icing for several years, Miller has exhibited works around the world including Canada, India and Brazil. And, she is even cooler than you think. Not only does she make amazing art, but it often represents more serious and important global issues. Her work has represented consumer culture and the historical links between sugar and slavery. Miller's pieces have been acquired by The City of Montreal, The Museum of Modern Art of Bahia, Reliance Industries and the Just for Laughs Museum (Montreal). Check out some of her unique street-art below and her website, here.
For the third time in seven days, the Australian Government has introduced new restrictions on non-essential mass gatherings. On Friday, March 13, a ban on outdoor mass gatherings over 500 people was introduced, and was followed by a ban on non-essential indoor events of over 100 people on Wednesday, March 18. The latest, announced this afternoon, Friday, March 20, by Prime Minister Scott Morrison concerns non-essential indoor events of less than 100 people. A limit of one person per four square metres has been recommended by the Australian Government and Chief Health Minister. Airports, public transport, age care, correctional facilities, law courts, parliaments, food markets, supermarkets, office buildings, factories, mining sites, hotels, motels, schools, universities and transit spots — such as Bourke Street Mall, Martin Place — are considered 'essential', but cafes, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, bars and cinemas (ones that are not already closed) will need to adhere to the new limits, the Prime Minister has today revealed. It's not clear how and if these limits will be enforced, but it's likely many venues will need to introduce new limits on capacity. With hospitality venues across the country closing and becoming takeaway-only already, it's also likely these new restrictions will lead to even more closing their doors, at least temporarily. The Prime Minister has also encouraged essential gatherings to adhere to the new guidelines, saying if it's done so more broadly we have a greater chance of "flattening the curve" (the term adapted for reducing the exponential spread of COVID-19, as shown by this graph). He has also, once again, pressed Australians to practise social distancing. It's predicted the above measures will be in place for "at least the next six months". For now, the bans on non-essential gatherings are in place indefinitely. A limit on one person per four square metres is now recommended for all non-essential indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people. The Australia-wide bans on non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people on non-essential outdoor events of more than 500 people are still in place. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Kitti Gould
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 — If you're looking for a way to spend the Grand Final weekend that doesn't involved MCG traffic, Brick Lane is opening up its taproom for two days. On Saturday, September 29 it'll screen the AFL Grand Final between Collingwood and West Coast, and then, the following day, it'll show the NRL showdown between Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters. The bar will open from 11am on Saturday and midday on Sunday. Melbourne's Brick Lane has just opened a new multi-million dollar brewery in Dandenong. But, it's not an ordinary brewery. It's big — with the capacity to churn out more than 100,000 pints a day — and it's opening its doors to the public and other brewers alike. Brick Lane Brewing Co was founded by Paul Bowker and Andrew Scrimgeour, an all-star lineup of sporting legend shareholders — including Melbourne Storm's Billy Slater and Bart Campbell, All Black's Dan Carter, Collingwood's Eddie McGuire — as well as radio presenter Mick Molloy and restaurateur Shane Delia. From a group of mates who unanimously agreed on their love of craft beer, Brick Lane Brewing Co was created, with Jon Seltin hired as head brewer. Now, the eclectic team has set up a brewery, which has the capacity to churn out more 10,000 bottles and 15,000 cans each hour. In addition to the magnitude of the bevvies being produced, there are also opportunities for other brewers to use the state-of-the-art facilities within Brick Lane for their own brewing purposes. The tap room will also open to the public, with events and festivals hosting on the horizon. To start, the brewery will fling open its doors one weekend each month serving up tasting flights of its beers and hosting a rotating lineup of food trucks. Brick Lane's new brewery is also hoping to to have a limited environmental impact — by reducing waste, energy and water use and sending spent grain to local farmers then, ultimately, buying back beef to feed their diners. Brick Lane Brewing Co is located at 41 Imagine Way, Dandenong South. For future public opening dates, check the brewery's Facebook page.
Inspired by design greats like Dieter Rams and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Uniform Black is dedicated to producing one-off wedding bands for men. While your average wedding band tends to be pretty straightforward, that's not the case at Uniform Black, as buyers work closely alongside the craftspeople to choose the ring's shape, thickness and metal in a hands-on experience. The company's Seddon-based appointment-only showroom is housed within a 100-year-old ex-cricket bat factory, with all of its unique pieces made to fit on-site.
Melbourne's Park Hyatt may not have had a large-scale refurb in quite some time, but the five-star hotel still oozes luxury. From the moment you enter the timber- and marble-clad lobby and circle around the balcony looking down on the grand spaces below, you can see why this has been one of the city's most luxurious hotels for decades. But it's not just all the old-school art deco features and double vaulted ceilings that make this place feel grand. The service is also next-level — especially the hyper-personalised concierge team that will open doors to parts of Melbourne that most locals will never enter. Even Mr Walker, the resident blonde labrador retriever who's been trained by Guide Dogs Victoria, will greet guests on most days. The rooms, while a bit outdated, still have that luxe feel to them — it seems as if timber and marble never go out of fashion — and come with all the luxury hotel trimmings. The views across St. Patrick's Cathedral and Fitzroy Gardens also just get better with age. Beyond that, it is also home to one of the best day spas in Melbourne, where guests can enjoy a range of treatments, swim in the long lap pool and sweat it out in the steam rooms and saunas. Keen for an extra dose of treat-yourself energy? Book the spa and afternoon tea package to experience all of the hotel's best bits without having to get a room.
Over the past decade, Sydney Film Festival's opening-night movies have included Goldstone, The New Boy and We Don't Need a Map, all Australian titles from Indigenous directors. It's too early to say what 2024's fest will launch with to mark the cinema celebration's 71st year; however, First Nations filmmaking will firmly be in the spotlight via a brand-new cash prize that joins the event's slate of awards. SFF will now be home to the world's largest cash accolade for Indigenous cinema: the $35,000 First Nations Award. Set to debut at the 2024 festival, which runs from Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 16, the prize will be handed out in Sydney but is open to films from around the world — shorts as well — as long as it is featured in Sydney Film Festival's annual First Nations program strand. "The First Nations Award is more than a celebration of unique storytelling; it's a crucial investment in the future of Indigenous cinema. By offering this level of support, we hope to encourage more First Nations filmmakers to share their stories, enriching the film industry with diverse perspectives and voices," said SFF's long-running Festival Director Nashen Moodley. "This award aligns seamlessly with Sydney Film Festival's long-standing commitment to fostering cultural diversity and amplifying Indigenous narratives." "It is entirely fitting that the Sydney Film Festival, which for so long has been a champion of First Nations stories and storytellers from around the world, now offers the largest single cash prize for First Nations film globally," added SFF Chair Darren Dale. "This prize will inspire, motivate and reward established and emerging First Nations filmmakers with the promise that their art is important, is valued and will be seen." The First Nations Award is supported by Australian production company Truant Pictures, and joins SFF's annual gongs alongside the annual $60,000 Sydney Film Prize, the $40,000 Sustainable Future Award, the $20,000 Documentary Australia Award and the range of Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films. If you're a First Nations filmmaker with a movie that you'd love to be considered to screen at this year's SFF, and to go in the running for the new award, you have until Friday, March 1 to submit. Sydney Film Festival 2024 takes place from Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 16 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information, head to the festival's website. Images: Tim Levy / Luke Latty.
Korean television made history in 2025, when season three of Squid Game broke Netflix viewership and ranking records. Parasite, Korea's big Oscar-winner, is in the spotlight at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival courtesy of new big-screen sessions with composer Jung Jae-il conducting and performing its score live. That movie's director Bong Joon-ho released his first feature, Mickey 17, since his most-acclaimed picture. They're just some of the ways that 2025 has already been excellent if you love Korean film and television. Here's another: from August–October, the Korean Film Festival in Australia is returning for its latest run. Back in 2010 when it debuted, it did so in Sydney. The Harbour City remains the event's main home in 2025, too. As the fest did in 2024, however, it's also taking the show on the road to regional locations — and when the KOFFIA Touring Program hits up Benalla, Toowoomba, Parramatta, Alice Springs, Victor Harbour and The Whitsundays, it will be free. Accordingly, the Korean Film Festival in Australia has a date with Event Cinema George Street from Thursday, August 21–Tuesday, August 26, kicking off its lineup of ten titles. Then, the KOFFIA Touring Program will visit Benalla Cinema in Victoria across Saturday, September 13–Sunday, September 14; The Strand Cinemas in Toowoomba for the first of its Queensland stops on Sunday, September 14; and Riverside Theatres in Parramatta over Friday, September 26–Saturday, September 27. In October, Alice Springs Cinema will play host from Friday, October 3–Sunday, October 5; Victa Cinema in Victor Harbour gives the event a South Australian location across Saturday, October 4–Sunday, October 5; and Proserpine Entertainment Centre in The Whitsundays will close out the tour, and add a second Sunshine State trip, over Saturday, October 11–Sunday, October 12. The schedule does mean that if you're in Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide and you want to attend KOFFIA in 2025, you do need to head out of town. At every stop that the festival makes, though, Hear Me: Our Summer is on the bill — including opening Sydney. The romantic drama co-stars former Iz*One member Kim Minju, remakes Taiwan's Hear Me and sees a love story blossom via Korean Sign Language. Sydney audiences can also catch the South Korean spin on 2011 Colombian film Hidden Face, with Parasite's Cho Yeo-jeong among the cast; see a new take on Mary Shelley's masterpiece via Frankenstein Father; watch more K-pop stars, including An So-hee leading the Seoul-set The Daechi Scandal and EXO's Doh Kyung-soo feature in Secret: Untold Melody; and get a dose of crime thrills via Dirty Money. A 4K restoration of 1999's spy thriller Shiri is showing in the Harbour City as well. If you're keen to hear more about a number of titles on the lineup in Sydney, Hear Me: Our Summer director Jo Seon-ho, Hidden Face helmer Kim Dae-woo and About Family's Yang Woo-seok are all attending the fest — and so is The Noisy Mansion's Lee Lu-da, plus actor Gyeong Su-jin. The last of those two movies are also on the touring program, with About Family a dramedy about a chef discovering that he might have grandchildren, and The Noisy Mansion focusing on a tenant and her neighbours trying to discover why their building is plagued by strange sounds. Sydney and regional audiences can catch Forbidden Fairytale, too, about a children's book author who starts ghostwriting online erotica. Korean Film Festival in Australia 2025 Dates Korean Film Festival in Australia Thursday, August 21–Tuesday, August 26 — Event Cinema George Street, Sydney KOFFIA Touring Program Saturday, September 13–Sunday, September 14, 2025 — Benalla Cinema, Benalla Sunday, September 14, 2025 — The Strand Cinemas, Toowoomba Friday, September 26–Saturday, September 27, 2025 — Riverside Theatres, Parramatta Friday, October 3–Sunday, October 5, 2025 — Alice Springs Cinema, Alice Springs Saturday, October 4–Sunday, October 5, 2025 — Victa Cinema, Victor Harbour Saturday, October 11–Sunday, October 12, 2025 — Proserpine Entertainment Centre, The Whitsundays The Korean Film Festival in Australia 2025 runs in Sydney from Thursday, August 21–Tuesday, August 26, with the KOFFIA Touring Program hitting Benalla, Toowoomba, Parramatta, Alice Springs, Victor Harbour and The Whitsundays between September–October. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the KOFFIA website.
Euphoria isn't returning until 2025, but it isn't the only series starring Jacob Elordi that you have to look forward to. Also on the way: The Narrow Road to the Deep North, which was first announced in 2023, and has now just dropped a couple of images to give viewers — and Saltburn fans, of course — an initial sneak peek. Pre-Euphoria, Saltburn and Priscilla — and before the three Kissing Booth films also helped boost his career first — Elordi scored his first on-screen acting credit beyond short films in Aussie movie Swinging Safari. Since then, however, the Brisbane-born talent has largely focused on working overseas. So The Narrow Road to the Deep North is a rarity of late on his resume, with the actor returning home to film the a new five-part streaming drama series. Elordi leads the cast for the series, which makes the leap to Prime Video from the page, adapting Richard Flanagan's Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name. Also featuring among the show's starry lineup of talent: Olivia DeJonge, fresh from playing Priscilla Presley in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis; her The Staircase co-star Odessa Young; Limbo and Boy Swallows Universe's Simon Baker; Heartbreak High's Thomas Weatherall; Love Me's Heather Mitchell; Belfast's Ciarán Hinds; Show Kasamatsu (Tokyo Vice); and Charles An (Last King of the Cross). Prime Video has also revealed that filming has ended on the series — and advised that more cast members, such as Essie Davis (One Day), William Lodder (Love Me), Eduard Geyl (Born to Spy) and Christian Byers (Bump), are co-starring as well. The project's impressive talent extend behind the camera, with The Narrow Road to the Deep North hailing from Snowtown, True History of the Kelly Gang and Nitram collaborators Justin Kurzel and Shaun Grant. Kurzel directs, while Grant is on adaptation duties — and both are also executive producing. [caption id="attachment_927127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic for HBO via Getty Images, supplied by Prime Video.[/caption] Elordi shares the role of Dorrigo Evans with Hinds, playing the younger version of the character in a tale that jumps between different time periods. The Narrow Road to the Deep North's protagonist is a Lieutenant who becomes a prisoner of war on the Thailand-Burma Railway. His story encompasses becoming a surgeon and war hero, and a life-changing stint of falling in love with Amy Mulvaney (Young). DeJonge and Baker feature with Elordi and Young in the show's 40s-set segments, where World War II obviously casts a shadow. Hinds hops in when the series gets to the 80s, which is where Mitchell, Weatherall, Kasamatsu and An will pop up as well. Exactly when the series will hit your streaming queue hasn't been announced yet, but add it to your future must-watch list anyway. [caption id="attachment_919075" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saltburn[/caption] The Narrow Road to the Deep North doesn't yet have a release date, but will stream via Prime Video — we'll update you with more details when they're announced. Images: Prime Video.
When winter begins to thaw, with leaves growing back on trees and flowers coming into full bloom, we want to celebrate the warmer weather and the world's annual rebirth. And, come September — which is just around the corner — Australia's biggest festival of spring will once again roll around. Floriade has been drawing crowds for decades — and its 32nd year will be marked with the theme 'World in Bloom'. A celebration of all things floral, the festival will fill Canberra's Commonwealth Park with more than one million blooms. But this month-long flower festival is more than just smelling the tulips. From Saturday, September 14 until Sunday, October 13, Canberra will be filled with music, food, vino, locally crafted brews and spirits, entertainment, markets and cultural happenings galore. Those with green thumbs can also take part in workshops, while live music and markets will be open for art lovers and bargain hunters alike. To top it all off, festival entry is free. For one day only (Sunday, October 13), you'll also be able to take your four legged friend along for Dogs' Day Out. Expect to pat lots of pooches and some pup-themed food, too. Floriade runs from 9.30am until 5.30pm each day. Plus, after the sun goes down between October 3–6 (hello, long weekend in Canberra), you can wander through the gardens at Floriade's after-dark counterpart, NightFest. While you're in town, you may as well take the time to check out Canberra's best microbreweries, cafes and cultural hotspots, too. Start looking at accomodation ASAP. We're also giving you the chance to visit Floriade's NightFest for free. To be in the running, enter your details below. [competition]742011[/competition]
Given how 2020 has turned out, we can all be forgiven for hoping that next year is much, much brighter. In Sydney, that'll happen literally. After cancelling its 2020 festival due to COVID-19, Vivid has announced that it'll make a comeback in 2021, returning with another jam-packed lineup of light installations, live music and interesting discussions. When Vivid re-emerges next year, it'll do so with one big change: a later time slot. Usually, the luminous fest's events and city-wide glow mark the end of autumn and the beginning of winter; however, in 2021, it'll run from August 6–28 instead. Whether you're a Sydneysider in desperate need of a bit more light in your life, or you're located elsewhere and contemplating local 2021 holidays — seeing that Australia's international border is likely to stay closed for some time — you can now look forward to a late-winter feast of projections, tunes and talks. Exactly what the program will hold hasn't yet been announced, with the lineup usually unveiled a few months before the event. [caption id="attachment_761801" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] If it had gone ahead in 2020, this year's Vivid was set to be headlined by US neo-soul singer and poet Jill Scott. The festival cancelled before it released its full lineup of gigs, installations, light shows and other cultural events. As well as a change of date, it's sensible to expect that moving around Vivid might look a little different in 2021, too. The event hasn't announced anything along those lines but, in 2019, it attracted more than two million attendees. That's quite the crowd in general, and even more so in these pandemic-afflicted times. In terms of restrictions, New South Wales has been easing them, though — including announcing just this week that outdoor music gigs will be able to host up to 500 people from Friday, October 16, and that outdoor venues can double their capacity to one person per two square metres. Vivid Live 2021 will take place from August 6–28, 2021. For more information, visit the event's website. Top image: Yaya Stempler.
National Reconciliation Week is here for 2022, running from Friday, May 27–Friday, June 3 — and The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation and Australian clothing label Deus Ex Machina have just the threads for the occasion. Collaborating to raise awareness about the ALNF's efforts to transform and empower First Nations communities around the country via literacy, language and education, the two organisations have teamed up on a new range of 'Literacy Is Freedom' t-shirts. And, as well as adding to your wardrobe, they'll help you support Indigenous Aussies as well. On sale from today, Friday, May 27, the limited-edition shirts come in black and white, both featuring the same 'Literacy Is Freedom' logo on the front. Printed upon 100% cotton, that design emulates the colours and format of the Aboriginal Flag. But, it's the fact that 100% of the profits from the tees are going to the ALNF's work with First Nations communities that's even more exciting. To launch the shirts, the ALNF and Deus Ex Machina have launched a campaign featuring a heap of familiar faces — including ALNF ambassadors — all decked out in the new gear. Doing the honours: everyone from AFL legends Adam Goodes and Lance Franklin through to ex-footballer and ABC News Breakfast sports reporter Tony Armstrong, plus Baker Boy, Casey Donovan, Brooke Blurton, Isaiah Firebrace and Hugo Weaving. The list goes on, with Michala Banas, Isaiah Firebrace, Benjamin Law, and Chloe Zuel and the cast of Hamilton all involved, too. And, so are Miriam Margolyes, Tim Minchin, Asher Keddie, Vincent Fantauzzo, Virginia Gay, Jesinta Franklin, Nathan McGuire, Luke Carroll, Clare Bowditch, Eddie Perfect, Zoe Norton Lodge, Alan Brough, Narelda Jacobs and Zindzi Okenyo. If you're now keen to slip on a tee and help a fantastic cause, you'll find them on sale for $59.99 from David Jones online, in-store at select David Jones locations, and in-store at Deus Ex Machina Camperdown and Good Ways Deli Redfern. "We need collaboration, bravery and commitment if we want to pave the way for a brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities," said ALNF Co-Founder and Executive Director Kim Kelly, launching the shirts — and the campaign. "We are excited to be partnering with an iconic Australian brand, standing with us and supporting our goal to give every single Australian a voice through literacy, language and education. Reconciliation is everybody's responsibility, and it's an important time for us all to reflect on what we can do to be part of the change. The simple act of buying and wearing this powerful t-shirt contributes to the creation of a fairer and more just Australia," Kelly continued. Deus Ex Machina and The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation's 'Literacy Is Freedom' shirts cost $59.99, and can be purchased at David Jones online, in-store at select David Jones locations, and in-store at Deus Ex Machina Camperdown and Good Ways Deli Redfern. For more information about the ALNF, head to its website.
Always dreamed of visiting the Mediterranean island of Sicily? Then you might want to bump it to the top of your post-COVID-19 travel plans. If you do, you could score some handy financial help — with the Sicilian government offering to cover some travel expenses once Italy is out of lockdown. As first reported by The Times, the regional government is offering to pay a portion of flight costs and accommodation expenses — covering half the price of airfares to and from the island, and paying for one in every three hotel nights. It'll also stump up the entire cost for tickets to museums and archaeological sites, so that visitors can do plenty of sightseeing. At present, few other details have been revealed, such as when it'll come into effect, when eager tourists will be able to start booking, who the scheme will apply to and where in the world you'll be able to fly in from. That said, when the plan is implemented, it'll be done via vouchers available from the Visit Sicily website — so you might want to bookmark it for future reference. The Sicilian government will spend €50 million (AU$86.4 million) on the scheme to revive its tourism industry — which, with not only the country but most of the world enforcing restrictions to help contain the spread of COVID-19, has understandably taken a battering in recent months. Italy has been in lockdown nationwide since Sunday, March 10, but announced on Sunday, April 26 that it would enter 'phase two' from Monday, May 4. That'll involve the slow easing of current restrictions, including allowing Italians to travel within their regions to visit relatives. Factories, parks and public gardens will also reopen, with museums, galleries, libraries and shops able to open their doors from Monday, May 18, then bars, restaurants and hairdressers from Monday, June 1. For further details about the Sicilian government's tourism scheme, keep an eye on the Visit Sicily website. Via The Times.
Prospects for craft brewers have taken another knock, as much-loved independent operation Molly Rose Brewing has been placed into liquidation. The latest in a long line of struggling breweries to reach this point over the last couple of years — including Burnley Brewing, Deeds Brewing and Rocks Brewing Co — Molly Rose is now working with liquidator DBA Reconstruction & Advisory in an effort to keep the lights on in Collingwood. Following the massive surge in craft breweries over the past decade or so, the market is now experiencing a significant downturn compounded by numerous factors. With consumers faced with surging cost of living, many are turning to cheaper options, leading to a substantial drop in craft beer sales. Many companies have also struggled to overcome COVID-era debts that have placed a heavy burden on their finances. "A combination of rapidly increasing costs of operations and a reduction in consumer sentiment has made our financial situation untenable, and after exploring every possible option, we have decided to appoint DBA Reconstruction & Advisory as liquidator," said Molly Rose Brewing founder Nic Sandery in a statement issued to media. While finding a solution will be challenging, not all hope is lost. In recent times, breweries like Kaiju Beer and Black Hops Brewing have emerged from the liquidation process with new investment and positive prospects. "While there is no guarantee of success, we are hopeful that we can negotiate an agreement that will allow us to reopen and continue serving our community with great beer and food," added Sandery. Regardless of the outcome, Molly Rose Brewing has left a significant impression on the local craft brewing scene. Prior to launching the business, Nic worked at a wealth of forward-thinking breweries in Australia and overseas, such as Little Creatures and Holgate. After returning home, he started selling his small-batch creations, informed by his journeys, directly to consumers online. Then, he 2019, he made the leap to a physical location with the opening of a Collingwood taphouse. Focused on innovation, the brand has captured fans far and wide thanks to its creative brews, from fermented blends to barrel-aged hybrids. The brand has also become known for its frequent collaborations with culinary figures and outfits from across the food and drink world. Just recently, Molly Rose teamed up with Kariton Sorbetes, pairing Asian-inspired artisanal gelato with a frothy beverage to create beer floaters. Molly Rose Brewing is currently closed. Head to the venue's website or Instagram to check for updates.
It's time to hit the galleries, as 22nd Biennale of Sydney is set to return from Saturday, March 14 through Monday, June 8. Sure, three months might sound like a lot of time, but this massive biennial showcase spans over 700 artworks and 101 artists from 65 different countries — as well as several galleries across our city, from Campbelltown to Cockatoo Island. The 2020 edition is entitled Nirin, which means 'edge' in the language of western NSW's Wiradjuri people. It is helmed by a new First Nations artistic director, famed Sydney-born, Melbourne-based interdisciplinary artist Brook Andrew. Andrew has selected an impressive lineup of artists and creatives — many of them First Nations — from around the world to exhibit at the Art Gallery of NSW, Woolloomooloo's Artspace, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Cockatoo Island, MCA and the National Art School for the exhibition's 12 weeks. The showcase brings together artists from all over the globe, with fresh perspectives on Australia that span culture, gender and place. Expect installations, performances, sculptures, videos, paintings and drawings that examine what it means to be First Nations. Here are ten highlights that you can't miss. Due to current concerns surrounding COVID-19, the Biennale has implemented precautionary measures at all its galleries, in line with advice from WHO and the NSW Department of Health. Venues are cleaned more frequently and hand sanitiser is readily available. It's also asking all visitors to practise good general hygiene and stay at home if they're feeling unwell. You can read its full statement and any updates over here. [caption id="attachment_765015" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Teresa Margolles, 'Untitled', 2020, mixed-media installation. Installation view (2020) for the 22nd Biennale of Sydney, National Art School. Courtesy the artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann, Zurich. Photograph: Zan Wimberley[/caption] UNTITLED BY TERESA MARGOLLES, NATIONAL ART SCHOOL Teresa Margolles' mixed-media installation Untitled is one of the most powerful and heart wrenching works of the entire Biennale. The Mexican artist's work acts as a memorial to murdered women and transgender women across both Mexico and Australia. Over 70 women were murdered in Australia last year alone. Untitled compiles acts of violence and trauma from several sites in each country — with Sydney-specific sites included. Margolles collected particles from these murder scenes through sponging the area with water and collecting any particles or residue that remained. The water collected from each site is used in the actual work, incorporated as droplets (each representing one life) that fall onto an electric copper hot plate in regular intervals. As you hear the water evaporate, it signifies the loss of a life, though every drop leaves a mark. Surrounding the installation is a blood-red butcher curtain, giving the entire scene an eerie edge. Margolles' work is a very visceral and emotive piece, with the viewer acting as witness to forgotten acts of violence. [caption id="attachment_765017" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Barabara McGrady. Installation view (2020) for the 22nd Biennale of Sydney, Campbelltown Arts Centre. Courtesy the artist. Photograph: Zan Wimberley[/caption] NGIYANINGY MARAN YALIWAUNGA NGAARA-LI BY BARBARA MCGRADY WITH JOHN-JANSON MOORE, CAMPBELLTOWN ARTS CENTRE Sydney-based photographer and Gomeroi/Murri/Yinah woman Barbara McGrady brings modern First Nations issues front-and-centre with her collaborative work, Ngiyaningy Maran Yaliwaunga Ngaara-li (Our Ancestors Are Always Watching). This Biennale installation acts as a photographic archive of McGrady's extensive work, which truly represents contemporary Aboriginal history. The artist aims to 'engage audiences with images through a black lens and document the diverse Aboriginal experience' — across themes such as sports, song and dance, community, politics and protest. The blacked-out room screens multi-channel audio-visuals across several large televisions, while R&B, rap and other culturally-specific music plays through the speakers. Black couches invite viewers to hang around and truly immerse themselves in the exhibition. [caption id="attachment_765039" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Colectivo Ayllu artists, Artspace. Courtesy the artists. Photograph: Zan Wimberley[/caption] COLECTIVO AYLLU/MIGRANTES TRANSGRESORXS, ARTSPACE The massive Artspace installation by Collectivo Ayllu is a collection of 11 works, which together form a labyrinth-like exhibition of four 'stations' all up. The political action group, formed in Madrid in 2009, includes five artists from South America: Alex Aguirre Sánchez (Ecuador), Leticia/Kimy Rojas (Ecuador), Francisco Godoy Vega (Chile), Lucrecia Masson (Argentina) and Yos Piña Narváez (Venezuela). The work aims to critique western heteronormative values through the lens of the Spanish colonisation of the 15th and 16th centuries — of which all of the Collective's members identify as descendants. This powerful installation tells the repeated and ongoing story of colonial pain and adds a contemporary lens to it. The floor of the entire winding exhibition is covered in sand, making reference to the images of colonisers landing on the beaches of South America and around the world. The artists have constructed the installation as an Andean huaca – a fundamental Inca sanctuary or sacred place. [caption id="attachment_765020" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view (2020) photographed in the Grand Courts at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. Photograph: Zan Wimberley[/caption] RETAULE DELS PENJATS AND MÀRTIR BY JOSEP GRAU-GARRIGA, AGNSW At AGNSW, the Biennale has been very appropriately integrated into the galleries on the ground floor, which primarily houses European art. This artistic decision forces the viewers to re-evaluate the history of art in Australia and the Euro-centric lens it often takes. Taking centre stage in the AGNSW Grand Courts is Retaule dels penjats (Altarpiece of the Hanged People) — a prominent 1970s work by Spanish artist Josep Grau-Garriga. His three-storey textile installation truly takes over the space, reaching to the ceiling, and works as a direct dialogue with the architecture of the gallery. His three-dimensional woven characters are a hanging memorial to tormented and suffering victims of war and martyrdom, which the viewer is forced to address — this massive installation literally cannot be missed. [caption id="attachment_765050" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Emma Joyce.[/caption] WATAMI MANIKAY BY THE MULKA PROJECT, AGNSW A stunning work by the Yolŋu digital artists of The Mulka Project, Watami Manikay (Song of the Winds) will transport viewers to another time and place. The artist collective works with digital technologies and video art. This specific project weaves the kinship of Yolŋu clans through the four winds in the form of a three-walled, floor-to-ceiling video projection that moved from sunrise to sunset — depicting lapping waves and sunny beaches. The focal point of the installation is a painted larrakitj (hollow ceremonial log), which represents the gunḏa rock that grounds each clan to its identity. It changes colour and glows in time with the mesmerising film. The cyclical work aims to express the 'countless generations of evolving Yolŋu art practice'. [caption id="attachment_765024" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Museum of Contemporary Art installation view. Photograph: Zan Wimberley[/caption] WHAT LASTS! (SARCOPHAGUS) BY AHMED UMAR, MCA For artist Ahmed Umar's autobiographical work he created an earthenware tomb, one which is meant for him. The lid of the ancient-looking, ceramic sarcophagus includes a full body cast of Umar. It is part of a sculptural triptych that the artist created after opening up about his sexuality — and being considered 'dead' by close family members. The tomb is both a reminder of the pain of oppression and a celebration of his death. This piece is a protest against his upbringing in Sudan, and Umar (dressed in traditional Sudanese clothing) also physically protests alongside the artwork (he'll appear at various times throughout the festival). He holds a sign that reads 'Sudan executes gay people under its government endorsement'. His form of protest creates a timely and meaningful piece of art that needs to be seen. [caption id="attachment_765051" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Emma Joyce.[/caption] KUINI HAATI 2 AND TOGO MO BOLATAANE BY KULIMOE'ANGA STONE MAKA, MCA For Biennale 2020, Christchurch-based and Tongan-born artist Kulimoe'anga Stone Maka has created an expansive tapestry which nearly takes up an entire gallery floor at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The two-in-one painting re-enacts the meeting between Queen Salote of Tonga and the UK's Queen Elizabeth II, when the latter visited Tonga in 1953. The tap cloth depicts Maka's actual memory as a ten-year-old boy, with yellow barricades around the piece recalling the crowds on the day. His memory also includes seeing someone with blue eyes for the first time — which you'll notice as blue dots on the tapa cloth. The artist's technique nods to the Tongan art of ngatu 'uli (black-marked bark cloth), which has a 'material connection to his homeland'. Through his work, Maka is simultaneously telling both a personal and global story of connection. THE LAST RESORT BY LATAI TAUMOEPEAU, COCKATOO ISLAND Tongan Australian artist Latai Taumoepeau's The Last Resort depicts an all-too-real dystopia where idyllic island landscapes have literally become garbage dumps. It specifically explores the vulnerability and fragility of the Pacific Island nations' saltwater ecosystems. Performer Taliu Aloua wears brick sandals and holds an 'ike (Tongan mallet), while surrounded by a wall of glass bottle-filled sacks. A sea bed of glass lays at her feet. She repeatedly (and very loudly) smashes the bottles with her feet and mallet, and adorns broken sacks in replace of a lei around her neck. This ongoing endurance performance acts as a response to the physical and emotional (as well as geo-political) labour of Pacific Island people against the agents of climate change. Their connection to the land and the true destruction happening to it is viscerally depicted here. RE(CUL)NAISSANCE BY LÉULI ESHRĀGH, COCKATOO ISLAND Sāmoan artist Léuli Eshrāgh created a peaceful and beautiful ceremonial space for the 22nd Biennale. Re(cul)naissance honours precolonial kinship systems, using natural light to shun western religious beliefs of bringing 'light' to colonised nations; instead, this work fully embraces Indigenous practices that are 'considered deviant by western missionaries'. The work specifically interacts with Sāmoan and other Indigenous concepts, namely 'mālamalama — the process of enlightenment through paying attention to symbiotic pō (the origin of the universe), lagi (multiple heavens) and other kin animals. The space and video performance openly explores multiple genders and sexualities in an engaging way that offers up a future 'free of colonial shame'. Eshrāgh collaborated with artists Tommy Misa, Sereima Adimate and Kiliati Pahulu on this project. [caption id="attachment_765031" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Laure Prouvost installing 'Into All That is Here With The Two Cockatoo Too' (2020), Cockatoo Island. Courtesy the artist; Galerie Nathalie Obadia, Paris/Brussels; carlier | gebauer, Berlin / Madrid; and Lisson Gallery, London / New York / Shanghai. Photograph: Zan Wimberley[/caption] INTO ALL THAT IS HERE WITH THE TWO COCKATOO TOO BY LAURE PROUVOST, COCKATOO ISLAND French artist Laure Prouvost's Biennale artwork is potentially the most unsettling of the bunch. Into All That Is Here With The Two Cockatoo Too is a site-specific work that uses the entirety of the island's Dog Leg Tunnel. Within the dark tunnel, Prouvost provides an immersive experience that touches many senses and mimics the 'daily flow of images and texts that assail us'. Think of it as content overload, while trying to traverse a house of horrors. You'll hear whispers throughout the tunnel, and one of those voices may just be the artist herself — who at times will be lurking in the shadows and encouraging you to sit with her. Further in, the tunnel begins to 'wind' as constructed black curtains make you weave in-and-out, which starts to feel endless. Needless to say, you better not be afraid of the dark for this one. Top image: Hannah Catherine Jones 'Ode to Diaspora'; photograph: Zan Wimberley
Talk about going out on top: Sky Safari, a mainstay of Sydney's Taronga Zoo since 1987, is saying farewell. The sky-high cable car — the Harbour City's only cable car, in fact — has been a beloved part of a trip to the animal-filled tourist attraction for a huge 35 years. But, once February 2023 arrives, it's retiring in its current guise. That means that Sydney locals and visitors alike have until Tuesday, January 31 to go for a last spin, which includes views of the Sydney Harbour, peering down at Taronga's Asian elephants as they play and attempting to see squirrel monkeys. But, hopefully, this is just a goodbye-for-now situation, with an upgrade already planned — pending final approval. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taronga Zoo (@tarongazoo) "The current Sky Safari is an ageing asset and has reached the end of its workable life with Taronga," explained the zoo's team announcing the news. "Plans are underway for an exciting new experience. While we are in early stages of planning, the revitalised Sky Safari will feature additional larger and accessible gondolas, extend along an expanded route, and provide greater access to the zoo for guests of all ages and abilities," the statement continues. [caption id="attachment_830238" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Last upgraded in 2000, and even carrying the Olympic Torch for the Sydney Olympics that same year, the Sky Safari has carried more than 20 million passengers over its lifetime, helping ferry zoo-goers around the 28-hectare site. In its absence, there'll be extra buses in holiday and peak periods to move patrons to Taronga's top entrance. When 2025 hits, that's when the new Sky Safari is aiming to start operating, as part of a major investment by the New South Wales Government that'll also help future-proof it as much as possible — and Taronga itself. Announced back in April 2022, Sky Safari 2.0 is set to gain more gondolas than the 21 currently used, and larger and more accessible ones at that. At the moment, it can't accommodate guests in bigger wheelchairs, which is something that's set to be addressed The revamped Sky Safari will also head along an expanded route, complete with new terminals. That'll connect to fellow upgrades that are in the works at the Taronga Zoo Wharf — and, thanks to those extra gondolas, increase Sky Safari's daily capacity. And, Taronga visitors will also gain additional ways to view the venue's inhabitants from a lofty perch. At the time of writing, the makeover proposal is still in the planning stage, and accepting community feedback. Ideally, a development application will be lodged in 2023, with construction starting before the year is out. Taronga Zoo's Sky Safari will take its last ride in its current form on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Head to the zoo's website for further details, and for bookings before the end of the month.
