With a city as large, diverse and storied as Sydney, there are incredible experiences around every corner. Outsiders may flock to the tourist traps of the inner city, but true Sydneysiders know there's just as much to see and do outside the CBD, including the ever-growing arts scene in greater western Sydney. From galleries in old power stations and state-of-the-art theatres to cultural food tours and historic houses, these experiences in the GWS region are a surefire way to get a big dose of culture — and to get to know the local communities who make up this part of Sydney's DNA. In partnership with Stockland, we've picked out five must-try experiences. So, next time you're craving some art in your life, all you have to do is hit the pavement and discover Sydney's art scene beyond the 2000 postcode. CASULA POWERHOUSE ARTS CENTRE The former power station first opened as a multipurpose arts centre back in 1994 and then relaunched as the Casula Powerhouse you know today in 2008. It's got incredibly diverse attractions and spaces, housing six galleries, a 321-seat theatre, artists studios, 20 hectares of parklands, an amphitheatre, legal graffiti spaces and a cafe and bar. You can check out new exhibitions and the Powerhouse's 1500 artwork-strong permanent collection. Or, join workshops and educational programs, and catch a tonne of live performances. The arts centre's jewel though is The Koori Floor Artwork by First Nations artist Judy Watson, which covers 600 square metres of the the Powerhouse's largest space, Turbine Hall. [caption id="attachment_808445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Teniola Komolafe[/caption] JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Affectionately known as The Joan, this theatre space is named after opera legend Dame Sutherland. In fact, she did a gala performance with Richard Bonynge to mark its opening back in 1990. As well as being home to the Penrith Conservatorium of Music and the Penrith Symphony Orchestra, The Joan has a strong focus on community events, with festivals, shows and events celebrating the local area, plus its own youth theatre group. At the on-site Q Theatre, you can catch everything from stage productions to talks, recitals, cabaret and comedy. [caption id="attachment_808454" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] TASTE'S AFGHANISTAN AND SYRIA FOOD TOUR We reckon one of the best ways to learn about a culture is by eating its cuisine (and lots of it). So, make time to get a taste of the different cultures that make up the tapestry of Sydney's west. If you're one for organised tours, then check out Taste, which offers guided food tours led by local experts. Its Merrylands tour is a fascinating — and tasty — look at the food customs of Afghanistan and Syria. Over the course of 3.5 hours, you'll get to sample street food, spiced ice cream, dumplings and some of the best bread and rice in the city. On top of all the eating, you'll have the opportunity to meet Afghani and Syrian chefs, business owners and refugees, each with their own unique tale of their homeland and how they came to Australia. FAIRFIELD CITY MUSEUM & GALLERY Housed in the former council chambers, Fairfield City Museum & Gallery has been around for almost four decades and is one of the go-to cultural experiences in the greater western Sydney region. It boasts a full and varied program of exhibitions, from contemporary art to social history and community-based works, as well as events, workshops and tours that dive into the history of the local area. It also runs an artist-in-residence program, where the Gallery gives one lucky applicant the opportunity of a three-month residency and solo exhibition. Plus, it's home to the city's Heritage Collection — a catalogue of photographs, audio and art that's available to browse online as well as view in person. [caption id="attachment_808455" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] ELIZABETH FARM Built by wool pioneer and controversial public figure John Macarthur in 1793, Elizabeth Farm is Australia's oldest homestead. The on-site heritage-listed cottage, overlooking the Parramatta River and set within a recreated 1830s garden, is now an all-access museum, giving you a close look at what life was like at the estate in the 1800s. Plus, you can learn about the series of major events that took place on these grounds throughout history. It's a fully immersive experience, complete with replica furnishings owned by the Macarthurs. Visit Stockland's pop-up fashion event House of Kicks at Stockland Merrylands (May 3–16) to take part in sneaker customisation, street styling and street art workshops. To secure your place in a workshop, head this way. Top image: Fairfield City Museum & Gallery
There's a reason Japanese food is the universally agreed-upon Best Food Ever. In choosing the cuisine you don't have to sacrifice dumplings for ramen, and you certainly don't have to choose fresh fish in favour of deep fried deliciousness. No, the Japanese love deep fried foods as much as the rest of us — and their national dishes include many a greasy, gritty dish. Matt Goulding knows this better than most, having downed many a Panko-crumbed morsel while traversing Japan's best (and greasiest) eateries for his new book Rice, Noodle, Fish. From convenience store korokke to Michelin-starred tempura temples, these are the fried foods you gotta try on your next trip to Japan. KOROKKE Filled with everything from mashed potatoes and mince meat to curry and cream of crab. Like a Spanish croquette but executed with Japanese precision. KARAAGE Chicken thighs marinated in soy, garlic, and ginger, then floured and fried. Also made with shrimp, octopus, and other sea creatures. KUSHIKATSU Fried meat on a stick eaten elbow-to-elbow at a bar and washed down with rivers of cold beer. What's not to love? Osaka invented the form, but you’ll find it everywhere. TONKATSU Panko-breaded pork loins fried to a greaseless crisp, served with hot mustard, sweet Worcestershire, steamed rice, and shredded cabbage. The best is made with kurobuta (black foot) pork. TEMPURA Shokunin dedicate entire lives to tempura, turning battering and frying into a high art form. For the full experience, go to a tempura-only restaurant and order the omakase: the chef's tasting menu. DEEP-FRIED DEPACHIKA Japanese department stores (called depachika) — wondrous centres of gastronomic greatness — trade in the entire spectrum of fried specialties. A fine place for korokke, katsu or tempura. (Be on high alert for free samples of each.) This is an edited extract from Rice, Noodle, Fish, written by Matt Goulding and published by Hardie Grant Books, RRP $45. The book is available in stores nationally.
Scott Gault and Katie Shortland have slurped countless bowls of ramen since their first trip to Japan, back in 2010. Gault's trained one-on-one with renowned ramen masters, while Shortland's wrangled approximately 35-kilos of books and magazines about the cult noodles back home from their many ramen pilgrimages. So it's safe to call the husband-and-wife duo's newly opened Redfern ramen joint RaRa a serious labour of love. The 28-seat izakaya-style eatery takes its design cues from the plethora of Japanese microbreweries and cafes the couple have visited over the years. Think warm timber accents, a slight industrial edge and full-length windows to capture the noodle-making magic unfolding in the open kitchen. Then menu's a testament to the pair's own ramen obsession and Gault's well-honed skills, having studied in kitchens and classrooms usually reserved for teaching only Japanese speakers. At RaRa, a special pressure cooker is used to nail that full-flavour broth without the 14-hour wait time, and noodles are made fresh each morning with a 380-kilogram Yamoto machine that's been shipped in from Japan. Those noodles have a bit more length and strength than those you might find in Japan, catering to us Aussies and our more relaxed pace of noodle slurping. A one-time vegetarian himself, Gault has set out to pack a flavour punch right across the board, so expect to be just as impressed by the vegan soup as the signature meat-based creations. On the menu, you'll find three styles of free-range pork tonkotsu, highlighting the kitchen's nose-to-tail approach, available in shio, black garlic or with smoky, Japanese chilli oil. The vegetarian ramen comes in either a vegan shio or a miso style, with soy milk lending a flavour reminiscent of pork. There's also a soupless noodle dish called maze soba — akin to Japanese spag bol, without the mince — plus local cans, Yulli's Brews on tap and a range of natural wines championing young producers. Opening in early September, RaRa is already a hit with locals. So much so that many nights you'll find a line stretching along Regent Street, with wait times as long as an hour on Friday and Saturday nights. It's certainly worth the wait, but if you'd like spend more time slurping and less time in line, we suggest heading in early. Find RaRa, 66 Regent Street, Redfern. It's open Tuesday–Sunday 12–2.30pm and 5.30–9.30pm. Images: Luisa Brimble.
Supermarkets sell them. Almost every bakery does, too. But there's a difference between most croissants and Lune's croissants. The latter have been described as "the finest you will find anywhere in the world" by The New York Times, are made and baked inside a climate-controlled glass cube, and are the result of a time-consuming process overseen by the Melbourne-born croissant haven's founder Kate Reid, an ex-Formula 1 aerodynamicist who brings scientific precision to her craft. For a full decade now, Lune Croissanterie has been earning praise and fans — and sparking hefty lines — for its signature item. The many different playful variations it offers up each month, such as finger bun croissants, birthday cake croissants and lamington cruffins, have scored the same adoration. But from Wednesday, November 2, those baked goods aren't just available at Lune's multiple Melbourne and Brisbane outposts (with a debut Sydney store slated to open in 2023). Now, thanks to the brand's first-ever cookbook, you can also whip them up at home. Clear your kitchen bench, switch on the oven, and stock up on flour and butter — in a variety forms — plus eggs and milk: you have some baking to do. Penned by Reid, LUNE: Croissants All Day, All Night's title says everything it needs to, and fills 272 pages with all your new favourite snacks. Unsurprisingly, the tome is thorough, stepping through how to make the perfect dough, the layers and lamination process, and getting the right shapes, including for danishes and pain au chocolat. From there, the range of recipes includes croissants, obviously, but also a hefty lineup of other edible delights. Think: lemon curd cruffins, pecan sticky buns, reuben croissants, croissant 'bread and butter' pudding, chocolate-dipped croissant 'biscotti' and croissant croutons, for starters. Other highlights span ham and gruyère croissants, cheese and vegemite escargots, chocolate plum sake danishes, pepperoni pizza escargots, those aforementioned lamington cruffins, four-cheese tousades, fish pies, pulled-pork croissants and lobster rolls. Amid all of the above, and more, the book is filled with food porn-style shots of plenty of dishes, images of Lune's stores and tidbits of history from the company's decade of operations so far — since setting up shop back in 2012 as a pint-sized store in Elwood. Your new problems: picking which of Lune's treats to make yourself, and somehow not devoting every waking hour to cooking your way through the new tome. If you want to set yourself a Julie & Julia-style challenge to work through them all, however, we're sure that your tastebuds will approve. LUNE: Croissants All Day, All Night also covers what to do with leftovers, stale croissants and how to freeze your dough and pastries — and all of the classic recipes, of course. Happy baking — and yes, if one of your nearest and dearest loves making pastries, you might've just found their Christmas present. LUNE: Croissants All Day, All Night hits Australian bookstores on Wednesday, November 2, with the hardback edition retailing for $55.
There’s something enticing about a Hollywood passion piece. Moneyball took Brad Pitt four years to get off the ground, The Avengers didn’t enter production until seven years after it was announced and Christopher Nolan spent the better part of a decade trying to nail down his script for Inception. For Warner Bros, it was way back in 2001 when they first acquired the rights to a Three Stooges film and attached brothers Peter and Bobby Farrelly to direct. But then came the inevitable delays, prolonged writers’ strikes and ongoing casting dilemmas (Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jim Carey were all at one time set to play the trio before each withdrew for separate reasons) – not to mention that no one was really clamouring for a Stooges film to be made in the first place. Finally, though, filming began in May of last year and the result has just hit our screens; or rather - punched, jabbed, boinked, slammed, slapped, spanked and slugged our screens. The old Stooges brand of comedy was the epitome of slapstick and the Farrelly brothers have boldly stayed true to its form in this offering. Larry, Curly and Moe bash each other with the frequency, wantonness and utter inconsequence of a WWE match, using anything from a salmon to a chainsaw to land their blows. Sometimes it’s funny; usually it’s not, and therein lies the problem of basing an entire movie around a single (and in many ways out-dated) style of entertainment. This is definitely a movie for the old Stooges fans; an homage that’s impressive in its recreation but unlikely to attract many new enthusiasts to the cause. Sean Hayes (Jack from Will and Grace) plays Larry in an almost unrecognisable performance – completely transforming himself via the iconic ‘shaved up top / uncontrollably curly out the sides’ haircut. Will Sasso, meanwhile, tackles the hardest of the three roles with his version of Curly: the high-pitched, hot-headed and dog-barking barrel of a man used by the others as anything from a trampoline to a battering ram. Then finally there’s Chris Diamantopoulos as Moe: the interminably surly ringleader with the bowl haircut and Brooklyn inflection. Together they bust out every “soytenly”, “why I oughta” and “nyuk nyuk nyuk” you’d expect from a Stooges film with remarkable fidelity to their predecessors’ accents and expressions. Plot was rarely the focus of the two hundred or so original Stooges shorts and it doesn’t factor a whole lot here, either. When the boys’ orphanage runs into financial trouble, they head out into the world to try to raise the necessary $830,000 themselves, one hair-brained scheme after the next. Femme fatale Lydia (Sofia Vergara) spies an opportunity to capitalise on their naivety by recruiting them to murder her husband, while the producers of Jersey Shore see a chance to cash in on their eccentricities by throwing one of them into ‘the house’. It’s one of those films where the writers threw a gag into every line based on the idea that if you swing at every pitch, you’ll eventually hit a few out of the park. Others might call it a war of attrition. Either way, while The Three Stooges may not set the world on fire, it also never stops trying to win you over. What’s more, when it does land a joke it’s so harmless and well intentioned that you can’t help but laugh from that wonderful, wholesome part of your belly where dad-jokes normally reside.
The status of Queensland's borders has changed multiple times in 2020, and whether they're open to other states or not has attracted ample public and political attention over the past few months. At present, the Sunshine State has closed off access to anyone who has been in Victoria, New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory in the past 14 days — and, as revealed today, Monday, August 17, that is unlikely to change anytime soon. When the last border restrictions were announced on August 5, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk noted that they'd be reviewed at the end of the month. In her latest press conference, however, she said that the state's borders won't reopen until New South Wales and Victoria no longer have any COVID-19 cases that were acquired by community transmission. "We do not have any intentions of opening any borders whilst there is community transmission active in Victoria and in New South Wales," the Premier advised. "I think we're going to continue to see restrictions in Victoria up until around Christmas time. That's very unfortunate for people living down there, but it's a serious situation. You only have to look at what's happening around the world — and we don't want to see that happen here." The Premier also explained that, in good news for Queenslanders, "there has been no evidence of community transmission in Queensland now for 28 days". That's particularly significant given that the past month has seen several health alerts issued regarding areas of Brisbane that have been visited by a number of people with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. https://www.facebook.com/annastaciamp/videos/690694074852757/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBbc0v17o2dQyWT_ig-HRbWPgWa0drYvvm9Dmb83aVr9h1jP8-dKx6gLMWWNwhn8fUDjnAs8_3Cr4nVZCu27aKMq-po6yPw26D4I8gZIeqztFg_HdgrXPsOk7RhLS9g-Mcd-62BTfbD2E6BprnJVCSnhHuIjr0vXP1T2VSdxu-OyqXxBogearGuoOvC16jxpt8eZIhD6yC32KaE3NqZUjxBtA1RnVUO91dizZ80dW8wQkPK5cgBQqrt3aazyXYBm5A5HxKn0KcxgwHTiSqbb0dVpkYAhCy85GNRFZHDWe1acp-ovxYj_fDhGo268LAT_v2xQ_86-8AXXOK6mEtCEXBk0qqpnjW6iDI&__tn__=-R In case you're not 100-percent up-to-date with Queensland's border situation — or you need a refresher — the state is completely shut to folks in Victoria, NSW and the ACT, which have been declared hotspots by Queensland's Chief Health Officer. That means that all visitors from all three states and territories will be denied entry to Queensland, except for rare exemptions and returning Queenslanders. If you fall into those categories, you'll have to fork out for a 14-day stretch of mandatory hotel quarantine. As the Premier has previously advised, exemptions are limited, including for compassionate reasons. During the shutdown, the aim is to only allow folks who live in border communities and essential workers such as truck drivers to cross. Anyone who fits that description will need to obtain a pass, with those who reside in the area requiring proof of address and photo identification to do so. Queensland's borders are currently closed to everyone in Victoria, NSW and the ACT, unless they are a returning resident or are entering for one a few essential reasons. For more information, head to the Queensland Government website.
Everybody likes putting things on walls. Particularly pretty things, and particularly well-designed things. Better still, the people at Ferm Living are now making removable vinyl wall stickers designed to adorn your home, which are also functional and educational. The products are designed in Denmark and made in Europe, so they have that lovely Nordic well-designed glow. The stickers can be either decorative or functional. If it's winter and the birds have stopped singing, put a flock up by the window to remind you spring is coming, or if you're longing for the forest, put up some tree trunks. The calendars come with their own sets of post-it notes and chalk, so you can wipe them down and begin again fresh next month, the to-do lists make the task of being organised neater and easier to access, and the period tables can provide your bedroom with that chemistry lab atmosphere it's been so sadly lacking. And while their map probably won't help you find Azerbaijan or help you figure out how many countries the Danube runs through, at least it provides a reference point for discussing current affairs when you bring home someone lovely of an evening. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zWoDOUE2X58 [Via Cool Hunting]
Four days, one coastal hotspot, and oh-so-much to see, eat, drink and do: that's your latest excuse to treat yourself to a trip to Byron Bay. Back in July, it was announced that the seaside New South Wales town was getting a brand-new festival that's all about food and culture — and now that event, Caper Byron Bay Our Food and Culture Festival, has announced its program. Firstly, yes, the fest has undergone a name change. Rather than just lapping up all that the region has to offer under its old title Revel, the new moniker now encourages attendees to go a-frolicking. But other than that one switch, the idea is still the same, spanning eating, drinking, checking out art, listening to tunes and being merry in gorgeous surroundings. Taking place between Thursday, November 10–Sunday, November 13, Caper boasts a hefty culinary component as curated by Chef David Moyle, who has been Chief of Food at Harvest Newrybar since 2020. Highlights include bottomless oysters and bellinis at Balcony Bar & Oyster Co, natural wine-fuelled degustations at Supernatural, distillery tours at Brookie's Gin and a sourdough workshop with Bread Social. Soon-to-open newcomer Bar Heather is doing a five-course dinner with Palisa Anderson, while 100 Mile Table at Stone & Wood is hosting a backyard barbecue — and Treehouse on Belongil is opting for a mix of beats, bubbles and brunch. A farm-to-table feast with The Farm and Three Blue Ducks and The Hut's Spanish fiesta are also on the bill, alongside pop-up yum cha — with the Brunswick Picture House being taken over by Melbourne Chinatown diner ShanDong MaMa on the Saturday and Sunday. Also making the journey, but from Brisbane: Louis Tikaram from Stanley, who'll be part of a cabaret takeover at the same space. Another standout: celebrating embrace Bundjalung Nation's Indigenous culture via a walk on Country tour led by Explore Byron Bay owner and Arakwal woman Delta Kay, then a five-course lunch curated by Karkalla chef and owner Mindy Woods. An 'anti-bad vibes circle' with OneWave Fluro Friday; free exhibitions at Yeah, Nice Gallery, art salon Gallery 7, Gallery 3 and ThomGallery; and horse-riding followed by brunch or lunch at Zephyr Shack are also on the wide-ranging agenda, with more than 30 events filling out the program If you're keen to see where the day takes you in-between the official activities, head to the Caper Village, aka a massive food, beverage, music and art precinct that's set to sprawl across the whole North Byron Hotel in the Byron Arts and Industrial Estate. It'll host live music, DJs and art installations, as well as workshops, panels and talks. Caper Byron Bay Our Food and Culture Festival runs from Thursday, November 10–Sunday, November 13 at various locations around Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers region. For more information, head to the festival's website. Images: Jess Kearney.
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled its 2020 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 24 in South Australia and travel through Canberra, Bunbury, Bendigo and Townsville before finishing up in Maitland on Saturday, May 9. This year sees local talent new and established taking the stage, with the lineup spanning recent Hottest 100 favourites San Cisco, Dope Lemon, E^ST, Slowly Slowly, Tones and I and Mallrat to up-and-comers like Kira Puru, Ruby Fields and WAAX. International talent like Bhad Bhabie, Kelis, Clairo, recently reformed 90s rock band Supergrass and Darude — who'll you'll most likely recognise from his hit track 'Sandstorm' — will take to the stage alongside Aussie legends Gang of Youths, The Cat Empire and The Veronicas. After hosting Australia's first (and second) ever pill-testing trial in Canberra, Groovin the Moo's ACT festival will take place in Exhibition Park for a second year. Despite many protests and petitions supporting it, pill testing is still a much-debated topic around the country. Here's the full lineup: GROOVIN THE MOO 2020 LINEUP AJ Tracey Bhad Bhabie Blanco Brown The Cat Empire Channel Tres Clairo Darude Dope Lemon E^ST Gang of Youths Hayden James Kelis Kira Puru Mallrat Manu Crooks Maxo Kream Ruby Fields San Cisco Slowly Slowly Sugarhill Gang Supergrass Tones and I The Veronicas WAAX YBN Cordae GROOVIN THE MOO 2020 DATES & VENUES Friday, April 24 — Adelaide Showground, Wayville (SA) Saturday, April 25 – Exhibition Park, Canberra (ACT) Sunday, April 26 — Hay Park, Bunbury (WA) Saturday, May 2 — Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo (VIC) Sunday, May 3 — Murray Sports Complex, Townsville (QLD) Saturday, May 9 — Maitland Showground, Maitland (NSW) Tickets for GTM in Bendigo, Bunbury and Canberra will go on sale at 8am on Tuesday, February 11, and Maitland, Wayville and Townsville will be released the day after at 8am on Wednesday, February 12. For more info, go to gtm.net.au. Image: Mackenzie Sweetnam
There are fewer ideal pastimes than soaking up the sunshine and looking out over the water, all with a glass of champagne in hand. Thankfully, Manly Pavilion is helping you take advantage of Sydney's warm weather with a top-notch food and wine pairing until the end of April. So, head to the venue's Bistro and nab a spot on the stunning outdoor terrace for panoramic views and a bottle of French bubbly matched with tasty Italian cold cuts. For $115, you'll get a bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial, as well as a complimentary prosciutto board. The pink vino, with its bright, berry-driven palate and subtle notes of pepper, is a great tipple for sunny afternoons — and will add an air of sophistication to any outing. The board is the perfect accompaniment with your luxe drink choice, too. So, grab your date (or mates) and watch on as boats go by on the harbour. Keen for an indulgent day out? Book here.
Quittin' time means it's time to catch some good ol' live music this weekend. From intimate fundraisers with Sarah Blasko to late nights with Mykki Blanco and rambunctious pub crawls with Dune Rats, now's not the time to miss all your buds who've headed to Hobart's Dark Mofo. Get amongst it and wrap your eardrums around some solid live tunes. Dune Rats There are few bands with enough unfaltering stamina to line up a debaucherous, beer-fuelled pub crawl to kick off every night of their Australian tour. But Brisbane's Dune Rats leave the rules at home, abiding by one big ol' proviso: "no kooks, no gutties." Whatever the blazes that means, these bloody corker dudes surf self-generated waves of laidback party-fuelled philosophy. Dune Rats' BC Michaels, Danny Beusa and Brett Jansch have been away from home for some time now, heading to the US, staying in a New York AirBnB warehouse, driving along the West Coast from San Diego to Vancouver and filming their own (sorta) web series American Death Trip of Dreams. After months on the road, the Dunies will head back home to Australia for a national tour, showcasing their debut album released on June 1. It'll be the first time the trio have played to home audiences for months and is guaranteed to be one messy affair. Check out our chat with Dune Rats bass player Brett Jansch over here. When: Saturday, 21 June - 8:00pm Where: Oxford Art Factory , 38-46 Oxford Street Darlinghurst How much: $18.50 https://youtube.com/watch?v=lU3n6vRX8yY Mykki Blanco Cross-dressing spitfire MC Mykki Blanco is in the country for Dark Mofo, heading north afterward to blow Sydneysider minds at Good God. One seriously multitalented artist, NYC-based Blanco is a rapper, performance artist and poet who grew up listening to riot grrrl music. The significantly internet-hyped New Yorker's setlist will inevitably include writhing party jam 'Wavvy' and heavier tracks like the recently released 'Initiation' — both as likely to intrigue audiences as attract them to the dance floor. Think bass heavy, post-trap anthems with a killer MC at the helm. When: Saturday, 21 June - 1:25am Where: Good God Small Club , 53 - 55 Liverpool St Sydney How much: 30 +BF https://youtube.com/watch?v=w39Fxx10CEI Sarah Blasko ARIA-winning artist and bighearted Sydney legend Sarah Blasko will play an intimate gig at Giant Dwarf in Redfern on World Refugee Day, Friday 20 June. With all ticket sales going straight to the Refugee Council of Australia, Blasko's fundraiser is a direct response to the federal government's funding cuts to the RCOA, announced as an addition to the recent budget. After the release of her stunning fourth album I Awake to critical high-fivery in 2012, Blasko is breaking out of creative hibernation to play for a cause. "I'm emerging from what I'll affectionately call my 'fifth album writing cave' to play this special show at Giant Dwarf (the latest venture from the Chaser team) during Refugee Week. I'm an ambassador this year and The Refugee Council need financial support now more than ever to continue their positive work within refugee communities in Australia," said Blasko. "They are also an important force in lifting the veil on our country's treatment of asylum seekers. So, come watch me sing for the night and you'll be supporting them. I promise at least one new song and special guests." Blasko will be joined onstage with special guests, alongside her solid session buddies. Tickets are available from Giant Dwarf's website. When: Friday, 20 June - 7:00pm Where: Giant Dwarf , 199 Cleveland St, Redfern How much: $45 https://youtube.com/watch?v=IyzF4dRpqow The Cairos Brisbane's hyped-up and Island-signed foursome The Cairos are currently running a national tour that you cannot afford to miss but certainly can afford to attend. Immediately following a national support slot for Sydney big timers The Holidays, the triple j Unearthed-winning newbies to Island Records are taking their celebrated sound across the country with their own headliner tour. The Brissy lads are keeping the motor running off the back of releasing their brand new debut album Dream of Reason. Tracks 'Desire' and 'We All Buy Stars' just scream "hear me live" and if the feedback coming out of their recent Asia tour is anything to go by, this is going to be one of the most justified sub $30 spends this year (now you can't even use budget-related gripes as an excuse to not go). Plus they just got a new keyboard. Now you're really obliged to head along. Make sure to get there early as Chinese psych band Nova Heart kicks things off. Seems Beijing psychedelia proves a perfect support pairing ahead of the Brisbane up-and-comers, so pop in early for a crispy Good God cocktail and a fully-fledged bliss out. When: Saturday, 21 June - 8:00pm Where: Good God Small Club , 53 - 55 Liverpool St Sydney How much: $20.40 + bf https://youtube.com/watch?v=LAsjO3UIUsY RUFUS Electro dance trio RÜFÜS know a thing or two about touring. Currently on the road for their national Worlds Within Worlds tour, the Sydney threesome have whipped up thousands-strong crowds with their euphoric melodies at many an Aussie festival over the past few years. This time, however, the triple j favourites have collaborated with Red Bull and Melbourne art and design studio ENESS, creators of otherworldly interactive light installations. The ENESS wizards have done their light-fuelled thing in unexpected spaces worldwide — from the streets of Mumbai to the French Alps. Now bringing both creative teams together, RÜFÜS combine material from their debut album Atlas with a 12,000-LED-strong backdrop. Operated in real time, the hyperreal set responds to the music in a fusion of virtual projections with physical space. It's a perfect complementary partnership for the trio's escapist dance sound. The Worlds Within Worlds tour is also RÜFÜS' last hurrah in Oz before heading to Berlin to work on their next record. It's worth checking out, especially if Vivid Sydney didn't quite satisfy your appetite for trippy light installations. (Really, can that ever be satisfied?) When: Saturday, 21 June - 8:00pm; Sunday, 22 June - 8:00pm Where: Enmore Theatre , 130 Enmore Road Newtown How much: $39.80 https://youtube.com/watch?v=-75cTvn8gXQ Words by the Concrete Playground team.
Shell House is the latest venue from The Point Group, the hospitality collective behind the likes of The Dolphin, Bondi Beach Public Bar and Harry's, as well as the upcoming restaurant, bar and wine room on former defence facility Fort Denison. The much-hyped multi-level venue plays home to four different bars and restaurants: Menzies Bar, Sky Bar, Dining Room and Terrace, and Clocktower. Each venue inside Shell Bar comes equipped with a luxurious interior design and its own unique energy. Step into Menzies and you'll find warm lighting, thick leather seats and a lavish bistro menu. The gold-heavy Sky Bar offers up a fun mix of cocktails with panoramic city views. Dining Room and Terrace is filled with rich brown and beige tones as well as a seafood-heavy dinner menu. And Clocktower is fittingly situated inside Shell House's historic 400-tonne clocktower. Each space is classy and refined, complementing their respective menus. Whether you're looking for a quiet drink, a hearty meal or a night out with unbeatable city views, Shell House has a spot for you. Appears in: The Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney
Riding bulls in Broome, empty pie shops, Western Sydney's total boss suit-wearing sapeur trend straight from the Democratic Republic of Congo — Australian life is pretty hard to pin down. Legendary Sydney artist Ken Done, The Messenger Group owner and creative director Lisa Messenger and award-winning Sydney photographer Stephen Dupont have come close to it, painstakingly trawled through a record 1250 entries in the City of Sydney’s 2014 Australian Life competition. Part of this year's Art & About program, the exhibition formerly known as Sydney Life has been expanded to include the whole country this time around — as well as Instagram. Unsurprisingly attracting a record wave of Australian photographers — both established and upcoming — Australian Life now has its 22 finalists, all of whom sought to capture their own little corner of Australia as intimately or vastly as possible. The resulting shortlist (notably mostly made up of NSW photographers) is a significantly diverse patchwork of Australian daily life in its weirdest, funniest and saddest moments. "We opened this iconic competition to all Australians for the first time and we are delighted with the result," Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. "We’ve received record numbers of entries providing unique glimpses into the lives of people from right across our country." The Australian Life competition is no small fry; the winner takes home a cheeky $10,000 prize. The top shot is set to be announced at Art & About Sydney’s free public launch party in Martin Place on Friday, September 19, after which you'll be able to stroll through Hyde Park's St James walkway and take in all 22 finalists in large-scale reproductions until October 12. Casual snappers, you've still got a shot at glory and fame. If you think you've nailed a moment of pure Australianness with one of your Instagrams, make sure you hashtag it #australianlife and enter the official Instagram part of the competition. Entries are open until September 18 and will be announced October 3. Australian Life 2014 finalists: Georgina Pope (Goulburn, NSW) — A great day for drying Berylouise Mitchell (Ashfield, NSW) — Anzac Day Tribute Godelieve Mols (Dee Why, NSW) — AFL Match in Ngukurr, Arnhem Land, NT Rodney Campbell (Lane Cove North, NSW) — Boarding Glenn Campbell (Darwin, NT) — Brothers in Boob Tubes Natalie Grono (Lennox Head, NSW) — Children of the tribe Rob Annesley (Lugarno, NSW) — ColourMeRad 5K Ivana Jovanovic (Botany, NSW) — Dinner Jon Lewis (Wombeyan Caves, NSW) — Farewelling Martin Sharp Desmond Kok Hui Ong (Redfern, NSW) — For Sale Paul Blackmore (Tamarama, NSW) — Icebergs Matthew Newton (Hobart, TAS) — I’m a fire starter Jewels Lynch (Tweed Heaqds, NSW) — Mutitjulu Dreaming Richard Payne (Manly, NSW) — PIES Brent Winstone (Bondi Beach, NSW) — Pondering in the tent of wonder Lisa Maree Williams (Bondi Junction, NSW) — Rio Station Warwick Kent (Crows Nest, NSW) — Rush Hour Tamara Voninski (Alexandria, NSW) — Saltwater Cowboys Louise Whelan (Avalon, NSW) — Sydney Sapeurs Dianne English (Round Corner, NSW) — The Doll House Andre Martin (Artarmon, NSW) — tin city John Goodridge (Newington, NSW) — Windbreak For more details and full stories behind the finalists visit Art & About.
For three years, Night at The Barracks has popped up in Manly in Sydney with a lineup of live tunes under the stars. For Harbour City residents, that's continuing in 2025. But the New South Wales capital is no longer the only city with a concert series from event promoter Second Sunday to look forward to this spring. Brisbanites, meet Night at The Parkland. Sydney's returning event is again headed to North Head, taking place across Friday, September 12–Sunday, October 5. In Brisbane, Night at The Parkland has a date with The Amphitheatre at Roma Street Parkland from Friday, September 5–Sunday, September 14, 2025, and falls into the still-to-be-announced Brisbane Festival program. Music lovers in both cities will be treated to a packed roster of Australian acts, including Icehouse, Lime Cordiale, Amy Shark, Grinspoon, Cut Copy and James Johnston playing Brisbane and then Sydney. The Sunshine State is also welcoming Xavier Rudd, while the NSW bill features Kate Ceberano, Hoodoo Gurus, Ian Moss and Mark Seymour, and Missy Higgins among its other headliners. Weekends are the focus for Night at The Barracks and Night at The Parkland alike, primarily with Friday–Sunday shows — but given that Brisbane's series is condensed across two weeks, there's also a Thursday gig. "We're absolutely thrilled to build on the incredible success in Manly and bring the magic to Brisbane," said Second Sunday co-Founder Cameron Coghlan. "Pairing a stunning, iconic venue with world-class artists and a premium experience — we can't wait." "We are proud to be able to showcase to audiences in Sydney and Brisbane a quality all-Australian artist lineup that showcases the true depth of musical talent in this country. This not only includes our brilliant headliners but also a great roster of support artists that will grace our stages across the series," added fellow Second Sunday co-Founder Brendan Maher. "Brisbane deserves world-class music experiences in extraordinary settings, and Night at The Parkland delivers just that. We're thrilled to welcome this epic outdoor concert series to Roma Street Parkland as part of Brisbane Festival. It's going to be seven unforgettable nights under the stars," said Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzin. Night at The Parkland Lineup Friday, September 5 — Icehouse with Rolling Holy Saturday, September 6 — Lime Cordiale with Jack River Sunday, September 7 — Xavier Rudd with Birren Thursday, September 11 — Amy Shark with Chloe Parché Friday, September 12 — Grinspoon with Bad//Dreems and Loose Content Saturday, September 13 — Cut Copy with KLP Sunday, September 14 — James Johnston with Zac & George Night at The Barracks Lineup Friday, September 12 — Cut Copy with KLP Saturday, September 13 — Icehouse with Rolling Holy Sunday, September 14 — Kate Ceberano with Mahalia Barnes and Gypsy Lee Friday, September 19 — Hoodoo Gurus with Dallas Crane Saturday, September 20 — Lime Cordiale with Lola Scott Sunday, September 21 — Amy Shark with Chloe Parché Friday, September 26 — Ian Moss and Mark Seymour with Sam Buckingham Saturday, September 27 — Furnace and the Fundamentals with Nicole Tania Sunday, September 28 — Yesterday's Gone: The Fleetwood Mac Legacy Featuring Kav Temperley (Eskimo Joe), Fanny Lumsden, Charlie Collins and Karen Lee Andrews with Phoebe Over Friday, October 3 — James Johnston with Zac & George Saturday, October 4 — Grinspoon with Bad//Dreems and Purple Disturbance Sunday, October 5 — Missy Higgins with Rachael Fahim and Tilli Kay [caption id="attachment_1004776" align="alignnone" width="1920"] www.charliehardy.com.au[/caption] Night at The Parkland runs between Friday, September 5–Sunday, September 14, 2025 at The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland, Roma Street, Brisbane — with ticket presales between Monday, May 19–Monday, May 26 and general sales from 9am on Tuesday, May 27. Head to the event's website for more details. Night at The Barracks runs across Friday, September 12–Sunday, October 5, 2025 at North Head, Manly, Sydney — with ticket presales between Friday, May 16–Tuesday, May 20 and general sales from 9am on Wednesday, May 21. Head to the event's website for more details. Top image: Charlie Hardy.
Staring at art is easy. Getting into collecting it doesn't always prove the case, however. You might have bare walls and empty shelves positively screaming to be filled, but you also may not know where to start. Our suggestion: Carriageworks' Cut N Polish: Artist Car Boot Sale, which is exactly what it sounds like. Actually, it's even better, because it's bringing together a whopping 140-plus Greater Sydney artists and collectives to sell their works directly to the public. When it returns for 2023 from 11am–4pm on Sunday, May 7 at Carriageworks' Blacksmiths' Workshop, no one will be standing in the middle of you and these supremely talented folks — and no one will be taking commission and reducing the funds that'd otherwise go to the artists, either. You'll also get to meet fabulous creatives, chat to them about their work and hear their stories while you're supporting their practices via a cash-and-carry setup. The brainchild of Consuelo Cavaniglia, Jonny Niesche and Brendan Van Hek, this year's Cut N Polish will feature emerging and established artists alike — such as Zanny Begg, Shahroud Ghahani, Wiradjuri artist Leeanne Hunter aka Wiradjuri Aura, Emma Maye Gibson (aka Betty Grumble), Campbell and Grace Unlimited and more. Entry is free, and prices for the pieces on sale vary — with everything from art, paintings, prints and sculptures to clothes, art books and ceramics on offer. And, because all that browsing and buying is hungry and thirsty work, AP Bakery, Broomfields, Kepos Street Kitchen and others will be on food and drink duty. Images: Jacquie Manning.
Calling all local foodies — Fior is the new Italian gem that's serving up an Australianised menu in the Sutherland Shire. Restauranteurs Tristan Rosier and Rebecca Fanning, the duo behind Surry Hills haunts Jane and Arthur, helm the venue, which opened its doors on Thursday, May 2. Thanks to the arrival of this Gymea restaurant, Sutherland Shire locals no longer need to cross the bridge for sophisticated dining and top-tier tiramisu. Housed inside the historic digs of an old clock tower — and conveniently a short walk from Gymea station — Fior's modern outpost and Italian-Australian offerings level up the area's food and drink scene. "We want to create a dining destination that is fun, exciting, and always revolves around our guests' experience," said Rosier. The 120-seater joint features a share-focused menu, with the space's elegant design curated to accommodate larger groups and celebratory occasions. Peruse Fior's selection of dishes and you'll find modernised variations of Italian classics curated by Rosier and Head Chef Will Lawson, with local produce taking centre stage. The antipasti selection will change seasonally, but you can expect dishes such as oysters, freshly made focaccia, calamari fritto, mortadella from LP's Quality Meats, and saison pork and pepper berry salami, to name a few. Highlights from the mains include the pesto-coated mafalde corte with stracciatella, the prawn and chilli gnocchetti sardi, and the tender chicken with radicchio and balsamic. The dessert ranges from a creamy tiramisu to a light panna cotta with a rhubarb syrup, a coffee-fuelled affogato, and the star of the selection: a roaming gelato and sorbet cart. Served tableside, you can pick from four of the rotating flavours on offer, which include classics like chocolate, hazelnut, lemon, pistachio, and even rhubarb or melon. Fior's cocktail list follows suit, with a fruity spin on the beloved Aperol spritz, a coconut- and cucumber-fused margarita, and a reimagined espresso martini starring dulce de leche. As for the venue itself, Luchretti Krelle has co-designed Fior's fitout. Upon visiting, you'll spot a relaxed open kitchen with a bar, breezy terrace and streams of natural light brightening the space. Plus, the kitchen even boasts a hefty pasta extruder that pumps out massive 18 kilograms of pasta per hour. "The trust our local community has in us to deliver a quality experience makes us want to work harder to ensure Fior exceeds expectation," said Rosier. The popular spot recommends securing a booking, but walk-ins are more than welcome if you decide to drop by for a spontaneous long lunch or intimate dinner. You'll find Fior at Shop 2 of 752-756 Kingsway in Gymea, open from 4pm–10pm Tuesday–Thursday, 11.30am–11.30pm Friday–Saturday and 11.30am–10pm on Sunday.
Just one year after the launch of Darling Square's Steam Mill Lane, the precinct's next bustling food-filled laneway is set to open. Now, it's Little Hay Street's turn to become a neon-lit culinary destination. Dubbed Electric Treat Street, the laneway will become a haven for Sydneysiders with a sweet tooth. The location will welcome ten new retailers, slated to open in August this year. Kicking things off is a new concept by the Devon Café team. DOPA by Devon will serve up a Japanese-inspired menu that's evenly split between dessert and savoury bites — think strawberry shortcake and tiramisu shakes alongside a variety of don rice bowls. Other Asian eats joining the laneway include Darlinghurst's Filipino restaurant Rey's Place, which will open its second outpost in Little Hay Street, and Chinese bakery and tea shop Bengong Black will expand from Burwood into the Sydney CBD, offering up signature milk tea with brown sugar pearls and patisserie-style breads with Chinese flavours. For even more dessert action, Melbourne's cult favourite Shortstop Coffee & Donuts is opening its second Sydney outpost — expect the brand's signature maple walnut and brown butter doughnuts paired with batch-brewed filter coffee. And, of course, Gelato Messina had to get in on the action, bringing along its 40-flavour cabinet of gelato. Apart from the eats, there'll be Newtown's tattoo parlour Thirteen Feet Tattoo, fashion boutique 15 Sheets, cosmetic retailer La Cosmetique, hair salon Hair Corner and beauty salon Five Beauty all opening as well. [caption id="attachment_695865" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Exchange, Darling Square.[/caption] Electric Treat Street won't be the last food hub to arrive in Darling Square, either. The Exchange, a six-storey building filled with an epic collection of eateries, will also be opening in mid-2019. One of its major attractions will be Pasta Wafu, a Japanese pasta shop created by Hamish Ingham and Rebecca Lines of Banksii and Kerby Craig of Ume. Look out, too, for Enmore's Saga, loaded with Andy Bowdy's scrumptious pastries, cakes and desserts; craft beer specialists Bucket Boys, who'll be opening a bar and a bottle shop; famed bakery Sonoma; and fusers of Japanese and Vietnamese goodness Mr. Bao Buns. These are just the first part of the lineup — further revelations will be coming soon. The Electric Treat Street retailers will open between August and October along Little Hay Street, Darling Square. Keep an eye on this space for updates.
Joanna Newsom plays the harp, sings like a fairy and writes songs covering subjects as various as moonlight, eyelashes, daddy longlegs, runaway rabbits, peaches, plums, bears and butcher boys. The darling of many a music fan since her debut album The Milk-Eyed Mender, was released in 2004, she cemented her place as one of the most beautiful, original and influential musicians around with the release of Have One On Me in 2010 — a three disc album with most songs averaging around eight minutes in length, and bestowed with a rating of 9.2 by the hard-to-please people at Pitchfork. Back in Australia to headline the Golden Plains festival in March, Newsom is gracing Sydney with her presence at the beautiful Angel Place City Recital Hall. The delicate and hysterical tautness of her ramblings and storytelling, which are haunted by a "darlin'" who seems always to be plaguing her, could find no better venue. She brings with her a full band, including drums, guitar, piano, strings and her trademark harp. Grab a ticket quickly, before they sell out, and she'll have you using words like "poetaster" and exclaiming "mercy me" as you mosey back out into the world. https://youtube.com/watch?v=KcHjAUhtSrk
Steamy, sunny days are still upon us, making afternoons around the pool an enduringly high priority — and a surefire reason to leave the office inappropriately early. While swimming a few laps satisfies the large majority of water babies, there are those of us yearning for the playful days of yesteryear; when fighting your siblings on the back of inflatable dragons was the ultimate, when diving for sunken rings was the best of times, when blow-up alligator time had to be shared out and rostered by your tired-but-practical Aunty Jane. But pool toy companies haven't forgotten you. There's a huge market for pool toys to suit all ages, with plenty of stylish, weird and genius inflatable ideas on offer. From floating poker and ping pong tables to giant floating birds and watermelons, these are our favourite inflatables to make any pool party that little more Instagrammable — and your summer that extra bit more nostalgic. THE GIANT FLAMINGO/SWAN One of the most Instagrammable pool accessories around: the giant swan (or pink flamingo, if you're feeling more flamboyant). According to the Giant Swan website, the swans are "popular in fashion shoots", so for $99 you can nab your very own oversized aquabird and get yourself a perpetually summery profile picture. POOL SHOOTBALL If you like shooting hoops but find the asphalt a little too steamy in summer, this genius little game brings the court to the water. For just $40 with free shipping, this one's perfect for pool parties or sorting out sibling rivalries. AQUA ZORBS With the increasing popularity of Zorb Bumper Soccer and Human Zorb Bowling, Aqua Zorb water walkers could be of the most epic additions to home pool toy collection. One of the more exxy pool toys on the market, the Zorbs are $595 each — and obviously you're going to need two for battle reasons. One for the truly dedicated pool fiends. FLOATING POKER TABLE Now here's a truly grown-up pool toy. Bestway are responsible for the world's first pool poker set, complete with inflatable poker table, chairs, cards, chips and most importantly, drink holders. It's just $39.95 for the set, however a day of poker in the pool may end up costing you more. THE LAKE TRAMPOLINE You're going to need a bigger pool for this one, preferably lake-sized. Remember all those hours you spent as a youngster doing precarious trick jumps from your trampoline into your pool? Now your adult self can get some solid (and somewhat safer) air jumping off a giant lake trampoline, priced from a rather steep $1800 to $3700. With a price tag like that, might be worth getting your crew to chip in. MOTORISED BUMPER BOATS Yep, motorised bumper boats. Longtime aquatic toymakers Hammacher Schlemmer have created these floating vehicles for long afternoons spent crashing into your loved ones at four kilometres per hour. For $100 each, these bumper boats can also be used to ferry your summer snacks from one end of the pool to the other, or could be used as a flimsy excuse for a jetski in a lake situation. FLOATING POOL PING PONG Never chase ping pong balls around your garage again. Yours for around $60-90, depending where you buy it, this floating ping pong table is as summery an activity you can get. You're going to want to take this to the shallow end though; treading water and playing ping pong sounds like one hell of an exercise. AQUAGLIDE REVOLUTION If you're looking to make other people jealous (or highly confused) of your toys, this'll do the trick. Priced at $4500, the six-foot-high Aquaglide Revolution has it all: slides on one side, some form of extreme seesaw on the other, climbing walls aplenty. The Revolution allows up to ten people on board at once, and will have you outrageously exhausted and immeasurably happy by the end of the day. URBAN OUTFITTERS POOL FLOATS Another much more realistic and adorable option to brighten up any pool party. From watermelons, Monaco bars, snakes, suns, smiley faces to floating beer pong, American retail giants Urban Outfitters have a variety of novelty pool inflatables on offer for just $25 to $50 each. By Tommy Codling and Shannon Connellan.
If you're pounding pavement for the Sydney Half Marathon this weekend — or supporting someone who is — swing through the HOKA Pit Stop Experience before heading to the start line. Designed as a performance-focused service station, this personalised encounter is geared to getting every participant and their crew race-ready. The pop-up begins at the Diagnostic Bay, where runners jog into an on-site hub to log their details and receive an assessment of their stride. Then, it's over to the Performance Refuel zone, where you're welcome to top up from fridges stocked with complimentary snacks and drinks designed to help you power through the race. View this post on Instagram Next, step into Performance Upgrade to explore the latest HOKA footwear innovations and technology before arriving at the Spare Parts station. Here, you're invited to fine-tune your race-day kit, complete with fresh laces, a customised race bib and hats with pins, all intended to help you smash your PB, or at least reach the finish line. Finally, a fully kitted Chill Out space is where runners can cool down in an outdoor seating area before getting back on the road. Here, you'll also find a race podium to capture the perfect post-race shot. Operating throughout the weekend, get down from 7am–1pm on race day — Sunday, May 3 — to explore this elevated hub for runners and spectators alike. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
UPDATE: June 18, 2020: Spider-Man: Far From Home is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. Here's the great thing about the recent batch of Spider-Man movies: they are, like their protagonist, smaller, friendlier and far more humble than their superhero contemporaries. Crucially, they're about a teenage boy firs, and superhero stuff second, which not only keeps them grounded in about as much reality as films of this genre can hope for, but also provides for an endless source of conflict as the two themes inevitably clash. The extreme version of that incompatibility was explored in the original (Tobey McGuire) franchise, with Spidey declaring he was "Spider Man no more". Far From Home takes one step back from that level of angst, compelling Tom Holland's character not to retire the suit but leave it hanging in the closest while he goes on a European field trip with his classmates. Fair enough, too, since he and the other Avengers did just save the universe from annihilation. Who are we to begrudge him a little down time? Of course, the aftermath of the recent Avengers films (especially the 'snap') lingers long in the memories of everyone on earth, both for those who never left, and those who became dust and then returned. That divide is given a neat comedic angle in Far From Home, too, by virtue of some of Peter Parker's classmates now being five years older and more mature — which proves especially problematic in the case of Australian actor Remy Hii who emerges as a handsome rival for Peter's romantic crush, MJ (Zendaya). For Peter, though, the impact of the Endgame conflict vests squarely in the loss of his friend, mentor and father-figure, Tony Stark. To make matters worse, not only does he have to grapple with that loss in virtual secret solitude, he's also constantly being asked whether he is to be Tony's heir-apparent in replacing Iron Man as the lead Avenger. A Venetian/Parisian holiday alongside MJ and his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) looks to be the perfect way to leave all these worries behind for a while. That is until world-destroying monsters rear their giant heads and imperil his friends and strangers alike. This time, however, Spidey isn't alone. A mysterious new hero with remarkable powers emerges in the form of Mysterio, played by a terrific Jake Gyllenhaal. Mysterio and Peter seem like kindred spirits, blessed as they are with extreme intelligence, reluctant heroism and sensitive souls. As with the previous Spidey movies, and indeed the MCU at large, it's these intimate, quiet connections that continue to drive this universe forward far more so than the bombast of the battles and special effects wizardry. Which isn't to say there aren't still some phenomenal effects in Far From Home, including an intensely trippy, mind-bending sequence that comfortably rivals its equivalent in Dr Strange. Holland remains the perfect casting for Peter Parker: baby-faced and eminently likable, he absolutely captures the sweaty awkwardness of a teenage crush absent the confidence to actually act upon it. Zendaya, too, gets much more screen time in Far From Home, and immediately proves she's worthy of it with a witty, nuanced and really quite tender performance. Some old hands also return to bolster the supporting cast list, including Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and the man who started this whole thing off back with the original Iron Man, Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau). Their presence, along with the constant allusions to Tony Stark, remind us that this is still an MCU movie, but never so much that it loses its distinct and unique feel. Its "Spidey sense", if you will. Overall, Far From Home isn't quite as polished as Homecoming, nor as resonant as Endgame. But it makes up for it in humour and heart, serving as both a fitting end to Marvel's Phase 3 and a launch pad for the new era to come. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt9L1jCKGnE
Darlinghurst's much esteemed (and very, very tiny) corner of cafe culture, Bootsdarling, has drummed up quite the dedicated pack of coffee and fritters crazed Sydneysiders crowding around the door. Expect a rotating menu of hearty fare like vegetable pie with a creamy tomato sauce, organic grass-fed slow-cooked lamb with vegetable ratatouille and chili pumpkin cornbread, grilled cheese, Thai crab and fish burgers, quinoa salads — even the odd Friday gourmet sausage sizzle. But you'll also find insane sweet things like the salted caramel coconut slice and coffee experiments aplenty — they once brewed up a blueberry cold drip, so expect anything and everything. Image: Trent Van der jagt.
If all you want for Christmas is a trip to a part of Australia like no other, then there's no need to ask Santa for tickets in your stocking. You can, of course, but for five days from Thursday, December 8—Monday, December 12, discounted fares to the Northern Territory are on offer as part of Jetstar's big pre-Christmas flight sale. Treat yo'self to an early festive holiday booking and get a jump on your 2023 vacation planning all at once, with $89 flights to Uluru up for grabs. That's how much it'll cost to get to the Red Centre from Melbourne, but you'll also only pay $109 one-way from either Sydney or Brisbane. [caption id="attachment_840264" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism NT[/caption] For NT visitors keen on scoping out Darwin instead, all fares are under $150, with prices varying depending on the departure point. For Brisbanites, the starting price is $109, while Adelaide residents can get $129 fares, and Sydneysiders and Melburnians can book $149 flights. If it feels like these kinds of sales pop up often, that's because they have been lately. 'Tis the season after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, after all. That said, no travel aficionado will ever complain about too many opportunities to nab cheap flights. The usual Jetstar caveats apply: all sale fares are one-way, and they don't include checked baggage — so you'll need to travel super light or pay extra to take a suitcase. [caption id="attachment_813586" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Darwin Festival, Elise Derwin[/caption] And if you're wondering what to do when you're there, fares are on sale for trips between May and September 2023, which means checking out Darwin's BASSINTHEGRASS music festival headlined by Tones and I, Baker Boy, Amy Shark and Ocean Alley — or enjoying the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Country to Couture, the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awards, the National Indigenous Music Awards and Darwin Festival. Or, obviously, there's Uluru itself, all of the tours and experiences around the sacred spot, and Bruce Munro's dazzling Field of Light. [caption id="attachment_847444" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Central Australia[/caption] Jetstar's 'post-Chrissy recovery' sale runs from 12am AEDT on Thursday, December 8 till 11.59pm AEDT on Monday, December 12 — or until sold out, if snapped up earlier. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
A two-and-a-half hour drive from Sydney is Murray's Brewing Co, a small brewery that's been making top-notch and interesting craft beers since 2006. The team serves up to ten different beers on tap at any one time, plus bottled specials. And, along with the beer, visitors can taste local wines, enjoy cheeseburger spring rolls, sticky pork ribs or haloumi burgers from the Brewery Restaurant, play a game of bocce and listen to live entertainment. Those keen to learn more about craft beer can take a tour, which run daily at 2.15pm. For beer novices, Murray recommends the Angry Man pale ale, Whale Ale wheat beer and refreshing East Coast lager, and those feeling riskier can give the Spartacus Imperial IPA, Wild Thing stout, Coco Hops coconut porter or Pucker Up sour ale a whirl. If you head in around October, you may by lucky enough to try the limited-edition, oft-requested Pumpkin Ale, made with 50-kilograms of roast pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.
With exciting outdoor explorations, remarkable eateries, eye-opening cultural experiences and an effortless transit system, Singapore is a no-brainer for your next family getaway. Thanks to Singapore Tourism, we've rounded up some insider tips on activities around the Lion City to delight any kids (and kids at heart) and make your family trip to Singapore unforgettable. Skip the tourist haunts for these lesser known adventures when you're here. Race at Hyperspeed at The Palawan at Sentosa Sentosa is a haven for family fun, with everything from tranquil beaches, shops and eateries to theme parks, indoor skydiving, zip-lining and treetop obstacle courses, a dolphin island, and a role-play city for kids. Can't decide where to start? Kick off your Sentosa adventures at The Palawan, where you can get a bite at the food trucks before letting your tiny tots run wild at Singapore's only floating water park, HydroDash, or at the beachside mini-golf course, UltraGolf. The Palawan is also home to a massive go-karting circuit, which spans 308 metres across three levels. What makes HyperDrive stand out is not only its sheer size, state-of-the-art electric go-karts and immersive lighting and sound features, but its innovative Game of Karts experience. Instead of just zooming around the track, drivers can participate in an interactive virtual game while racing, collecting weapons or boosts along the track to beat out the competition. Stimulate Your Senses at Sentosa's Sensoryscape While you're at Sentosa, be sure to explore the newly opened Sensoryscape. As the name suggests, this 350-metre passageway is a treat for the senses, making use of pioneering architecture, soundscapes, augmented reality and light projections. Linking Resorts World Sentosa to the beaches in the south, Sensoryscape features six stops — the Lookout Loop, Tactile Trellis, Scented Sphere, Symphony Streams, Palate Playground and Glow Garden. From verdant views and streams of water to textured plants, scented flora and edible greenery, each garden is designed to be interactive and immersive. As the sun sets, Sensoryscape comes alive with digital projections, sounds and lights to complement the installations. Be a Zookeeper for a Day at Mandai Wildlife Reserve Get up close and personal with Singapore's wildlife at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which consists of the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, Night Safari and River Wonders. Do more than just marvel at the animals when you visit the Singapore Zoo — children above the age of six can become a zookeeper for a day and learn about Mandai Wildlife's conservation efforts, meet some of the animals, try their hand at basic caring duties and enjoy lunch at Ah Meng terrace. There are two programs: the Kid Edition runs from 9am–1.45pm on Saturdays for little ones between the ages of 6–12, while the Junior Edition runs from 9am–4pm on Saturdays for teens above the age of 13. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at the Museum of Ice Cream With 14 themed rooms, interactive experiences, delightful photo opportunities and of course, unlimited ice cream, the Museum of Ice Cream is a pastel-hued paradise. Embrace your love of all things sweet as you play giant games, do arts and crafts, leap around in an inflatable room and dive into a pool of sprinkles. A general admission ticket will also get you unlimited amounts of five different ice cream desserts, but for only 10 SGD more, you can unlock additional flavours with a premium ticket. Marvel at Nature at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden Located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this enchanting park is specifically designed for children under the age of 14 and is the first of its kind in Asia. Intended to educate little ones and foster their appreciation for nature, the gardens include a maze, playground, treehouse, pond, flying fox, potting garden, fruit orchard and classrooms, with interactive activities and educational signs dotted throughout. To preserve the magic of the grounds (and for safety reasons), adults are only permitted if accompanying a child. [caption id="attachment_983728" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oo La Lab Facebook[/caption] Create Your Own Scent at Oo La Lab For a one-of-a-kind souvenir, book in for a workshop at Chinatown perfumerie Oo La Lab. Adults and teens can have a go at mixing their own scents to create a bespoke perfume, incense or candle. If any little ones want to have a go, there's also a 60-minute workshop for kids aged five and older, where they'll get to learn about smells, play around with fragrances and make their own scented body wash to bring home. Book your Singapore holiday now with Flight Centre.
Cam Knight gives new meaning to the phrase 'giving 100%', in that he does everything to the fullest. His aptly titled new comedy show, 100 percenter, discusses his goal of saying yes to anything, trying to live in the now and experiencing absolutely everything the world has to offer. Knight is a fixture in the Australian comedy scene, making appearances on Foxtel and The Comedy Channel programs. He has previously hosted two seasons of Stand Up Australia. Knight also performs with Sydney-based band ManChoir. His performance will be in conjunction with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The 25-day festival features some of the best and brightest international and homegrown comedic talent. With venues throughout the city and beyond, MICF is accessible easily accessible to Melbournites that need a little laughter in their life. https://youtube.com/watch?v=vl_nMq_Tt1Q
Who knew ballet and rock music make such a beautiful team? The newest production from the Australian Ballet, Chroma, features four contemporary works and proves that ballet is not just classical orchestration and frou-frou. The White Stripes combine with contemporary costume and minimalist set design to make this not your mum’s ballet. The quadruple bill takes its title from one of the works within, Chroma, a legendary piece originally created by Wayne McGregor for The Royal Ballet of London and using the aforementioned music from the Whites. McGregor’s ballet differentiates itself from the classical style, with jerky movements meant to push the limits of the dancers’ bodies. “The movement can be freaky at times and shows off every joint our bodies have, sometimes all at once," says Daniel Gaudiello, the male lead in Chroma. "The body is such an amazing instrument and you witness it at its limits." Also slated for performance are twin pieces choreographed by Jirí Kylián, Petite Mort (also featuring Gaudiello) and Sechs Tanze, as well as a new original work, Art to Sky, by the Australian Ballet's resident choreographer Stephen Baynes. The contemporary dances by Kylián and Baynes are paired with the classical music of Mozart and Tchaikovsky, creating a blend of old and new ballet styles. Both Chroma and Kylián's works will feature dancers in all white or neutral costumes, highlighting the motions of the dancers. “We are in these little camisole-like chiffon outfits that are designed to complement our skin tones," says Gaudiello. "The result I think is an inside-out view of ballet through an androgynous lens.” The intensity of ballet, particularly when paired with the music of The White Stripes, shows off the pure athleticism of the dancers. “I feel Australia is such an athletic country and so is the ballet," says Gaudiello. "We all feel so lucky to have the chance to try such a coveted work and I really believe we will strive in every show to put in the raw intention, attack and groove that such a difficult piece like Chroma demands." As for the stories the choreography conveys, Gaudiello tries not to sway us. “That is the beauty of contemporary ballet, sometimes the ending is up to you,” he says. Chroma is on at the Sydney Opera House from May 2-17. Tickets can be purchased through the Sydney Opera House website.
Since October 2017, Mr Liquor's Dirty Italian Disco has been doling out plates of handmade pasta, wood-roasted meats and delicious cheeses to the drive-through bottle shop of the Tennyson Hotel in Botany. Merivale own the pub, and the pop-up is a collaboration between the group and Pinbone's Mike Eggert and Jemma Whiteman. If you've not had a chance to check it out year, you'd best get your skates on because, at the end of April, it'll be pulling up stumps. The good news is that the Disco will be going out with a bang — in the form of a raucous closing party. Turn up between 1pm and 6pm on Sunday, April 29 for tasty snacks, including porchetta rolls and chicken wings, wine tastings and cocktails, all soundtracked by DJs. Tickets are $40 and include two drinks and two snacks. Even though Mr Liquor's is wrapping up, this doesn't mean the bottle-o is going back to selling slabs. Look out for a new pop-up later in the year.
For five years now, the Sydney Modern Project has been on its way: the multimillion-dollar expansion and renovation project that's set to transform the Art Gallery of NSW, that is. Originally announced in 2017, officially given a green light in 2018 and revealing its first commissioned artworks in March 2022, it'll turn the Sydney institution into a two-building art museum — and almost double its space in the process — with the revamp costing $344 million to bring to fruition. That's the old news surrounding the Sydney Modern Project. The new news: it'll open its doors on Saturday, December 3 this year. So, Sydneysiders, you now have a summer date with a brand new gallery. And if you reside elsewhere in Australia, you now have an excuse to head to the New South Wales capital to close out 2022. Here's what's in store: a new standalone building that sprawls across 7830 square metres, as designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architects SANAA (with Australia's Architectus as the executive architect). Set to be light, airy and open to its surroundings, it'll feature a dedicated gallery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at entrance level. Venture downstairs, however, and Sydney Modern Project will also be home to a huge underground art space that'll be used for special commissions and performances, and happens to be repurposed from a decommissioned World War II naval oil tank. Funded by $244 million from the NSW Government and $100 million raised by private donations, the project also includes a new public art garden, plus a revamp of AGNSW's original historic building. Expect new pools, greenery and public spaces to join the cultural institution's longstanding gallery forecourt — and its entire collection will be reinstalled as well. Art-wise, nine artists have been enlisted to create works for Sydney Modern Project's opening: Yayoi Kusama, Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Karla Dickens, Simryn Gill, Jonathan Jones, Richard Lewer, Lee Mingwei, Lisa Reihana and Francis Upritchard. Spanning huge artworks from First Nations artists through to intricate installations worked into the building's architecture, the creations will be displayed across the site both indoors and outdoors, with some viewable to the public day and night. Announcing the opening date, Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Dr Michael Brand said that "all eyes will be on Sydney when our new building opens on our magnificent site on Gadigal Country overlooking Sydney Harbour. Our new art museum campus brings together art, architecture and landscape in spectacular new ways, providing visitors with art and cultural experiences only possible here. This is truly the world seen from Sydney." "We can't wait to share our dazzling new stage for art. It will be a place of generosity and inclusion where contemporary art is shown in context with historical art — a place where everyone is welcome," Brand added. A big focus of the new spot: allowing the gallery to "engage our audiences and work with our artists in thrilling new ways," explained AGNSW Deputy Director and Director of Collections Maud Page. "When we open in December, visitors will experience art right across our campus — indoor and outdoor — from the inaugural installations in our new building to the completely re-installed galleries in our existing building. Our collection will be accentuated by bold and compelling new art commissions that contribute to important global conversations of our time from our place here in the Asia Pacific," Page said. The Sydney Modern Project will open its doors on December 3, 2022 at Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney. For more information about the project, head to the AGNSW website. Images: Sydney Modern Project render as produced by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa / SANAA. © Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2021. Top image featuring Taloi Havini Habitat 2017 © Taloi Havini.
When looking for the perfect (or just good enough, depending on how desperate you are) Airbnb it's important to tick off the basics: walls, roof, bed, running water, no undisclosed housemates that will appear halfway through your stay etc. Then you can get to the extras. Perhaps the house comes with gratis Corn Flakes and milk, has a rooftop or has a sweet recycling system in place. While we can't be sure of the cereal situation, this Airbnb on the Brazilian island of Florianópolis certainly ticks off the last criteria. And it doesn't just feature a reclaimed piece of furniture or two — it's made almost entirely of recycled materials. Uruguayan visual artist (and, evidently, handy carpenter) Jaime has built the incredible home — dubbed 'Cabana Floripa' — from scraps he collected from homes demolished in the area. The walls are mostly built from reclaimed glass and bottles, along with other bits of 'garbage' like pieces of wood, ceramics and mirror. And not only does it looks amazing from the outside, the inside is just as (if not more) ridiculously colourful and mismatched. The home is close to the beach, can sleep you and six of your mates and comes with a loft bed, air conditioning, a kitchen, bathroom and all the basics. Jaime, who's lived on the island for 30 years, also lives on the property (although in another house), so he'll no doubt be able to show you 'round and tell you where all the bits and pieces have come from. You can book the Cabana Floripa here for around $80AUD a night. Via Inhabitat.
4:48 Psychosis is the last play penned by British playwright Sarah Kane before her suicide in 1999. That the manuscript was left in an envelope with her suicide note probably gives you a fair idea of what you're in for here. Variously described by critics as 'a deeply personal howl of pain' and 'written in the almost certain knowledge that it would be performed posthumously', Kane's final work, one imagines, is as difficult to stage as it is to watch. The script is a puzzle, with no setting, no characters and no delineations for dialogue. When the Royal Court first staged the play a year after her death, they had several different groups of actors gather for readings in an attempt to assign voices to certain segments. Regardless of how Red Line Productions choose to stage it, this is difficult material. One interpretation of the script paints a consciousness (with or without a body is unclear) in turmoil, raging against uncomprehending medical staff and itself in equal measure. But many reviews of past productions have also written of the playfulness of the text and a surprising humour. Kane never flinched from the grit and unpleasantness of existence, but almost two decades after being written, 4:48 Psychosis also burns with energy and ferocity. This one'll be hard going, but the rewards are there for those who can tough it out. Image: Marmaras Shoots.
Butter just keeps giving Sydneysiders more reasons to go absolutely crazy for it. The cult favourite is already a palace of fried chicken, sneakers, Champagne and truffle. Now, you can add limited-edition ramen to that list, too. Executive Chef Julian Cincotta has teamed up with Nick Smith of Newtown's super-popular Rising Sun Workshop to create a tantamen ramen. Available for four weeks only — starting Tuesday, September 3 — the rich, spicy ramen features a sesame chicken broth, rayu (Japanese chilli oil), hot and numbing ground chicken, fermented bamboo, noodles, pickled wasabi leaf and marinated egg. Oh, and it's topped with Butter's fried chicken tenders, of course. If you've eaten Rising Sun Workshop's ramen before, you'll know it's good. And we're expecting this will be, too. You can find these tasty noods at Butter's stores in Surry Hills and Parramatta, and at its pop-up at Mrs Sippy in Double Bay. To celebrate the collab, the duo will be throwing a fried chicken party at Rising Sun Workshop sometime in spring. We'll let you know when more info on that drops. Images: Sean Alcantara
At the beginning of 2020, Netflix announced news that no fan of The Crown wanted to hear: that, when the royal drama's fifth season hits the streaming service, the show will come to an end. While the revelation didn't mean that the popular series would be finishing up anytime soon — the series' third season only released via Netflix last November — it did cut short creator Peter Morgan's original six-season plan. It also meant that The Crown's storyline probably wouldn't venture too far into the 21st century. Six months is a long time in the entertainment world, though (and it seems even longer during a pandemic, as we all know). Having a change of heart, Netflix has now announced that The Crown will carry on for a sixth season after all. When it airs — after season four and five hit the streaming platform, obviously, so likely still a couple of years away — it really will mark the end of the series. https://twitter.com/NetflixUK/status/1281225790991020032 In a Netflix tweet, Morgan explained the change of plans, noting that "as we started to discuss the storylines for series five, it soon became clear that in order to do justice to the richness and complexity of the story we should go back to the original plan and do six seasons". That means that viewers will watch one more season with Oscar-winner Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II, before seeing Downton Abbey, Maleficent and Paddington star Imelda Staunton — an Oscar nominee for Vera Drake, and known for playing the Harry Potter franchise's Dolores Umbridge — don the titular headwear for seasons five and six. Of course, Colman herself took over from season one and two star Claire Foy. With the fourth season in the works at the moment and set to take place during Margaret Thatcher's time as Britain's prime minister — and feature Princess Diana, who'll be played by Pennyworth's Emma Corrin — the fifth and sixth seasons are then expected to follow the Queen as the 2000s arrive. And, while Netflix hasn't unveiled the entire roster of actors that'll be joining Staunton in the show's final two batches of episodes, it has revealed that Princess Margaret will be played by Staunton's Maleficent co-star and Phantom Thread Oscar-nominee Lesley Manville. She'll take over the role from Helena Bonham Carter (in seasons three and four) and Vanessa Kirby (in seasons one and two). In case you haven't watched The Crown's third season yet, check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLXYfgpqb8A The Crown's fourth season is expected to hit Netflix towards the end of 2020 — we'll update you with exact details when a specific release date is announced. Via Variety. Image: Des Willie / Netflix
Every Christmas movie is meant to put a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your soul but there's one that stands on a special pantheon: Home Alone. It's a heartwarming tale of family, Christmas and guerrilla warfare on home invaders. It also has one of the best film scores of all time, by the master himself, John Williams. You can get into the festive spirit with a screening of this family favourite at the Sydney Opera House, with the iconic score performed live to screen by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. With five performances taking place across, Thursday, December 5, Friday, December 6, Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, it's the perfect excuse to level up the annual rewatch tradition. If it's been a while between screenings of Home Alone for you, allow us to refresh your memory. Kevin McAllister (played by Macaulay Culkin) is enjoying the childhood dream of getting his huge family home all to himself. One issue: It's Christmas, and his family left him behind when they departed for Paris. Oh, and there are two bungling burglars trying to break into the house. Whether it's your first or 50th time seeing the film, watching it live at the Sydney Opera House with the Oscar®-nominated score performed live by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will be a truly merry Christmas experience. Home Alone Live in Concert will take place on Friday, December 6, Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, at the Sydney Opera House. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to the pristine beauty of Vava'u, Tonga and the lush Reef Resort. We love this place so much that we teamed up with the resort to offer an exclusive seven-night travel deal — including a discounted room rate, breakfast and lunch included and a magical five days of swimming with humpbacks. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? If you've found yourself in the tropical paradise of Vava'u, Tonga, you're already set for a spectacularly lush holiday. Pristine natural surrounds, crystal clear waters and perpetually warm temperatures: all the makings of a standout time. But, if you've also found yourself checking in to the understated luxury of Reef Resort, your time here is only going to get better. There's sprawling grounds, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and Polynesian fine dining with a Euro twist. The most special element here, though, is the chance to swim with mighty humpbacks. Big and gentle, the whales play right in front of the resort — pure magic. THE ROOMS There's only five fales (Tongan bungalows) in the resort so whenever you stay here you're guaranteed some secluded R&R. Each is self-contained and comes with a private deck — the ideal spot for a pre-whale stretch and early coffee in the morning light. There are four deluxe bungalows dotted over grounds — two on the beach and two a short walk up the hill. Each of these fales boasts sweeping vistas over the lagoon, a king bed complete with lofty canopy and enough room for three. Then, there's the Honeymoon Villa. Nearly twice the size of the deluxe fales, there's a bigger deck, a second bedroom and a more modern feel in this one (so if you're a lovebird, you'd be silly not to). FOOD AND DRINK The onsite restaurant at Reef Resort will have you savouring the earthy, spicy and fruity flavours of Polynesia. Rich coconut milk curries and ocean-fresh fish, the freshest of produce straight from the markets and sweet treats that hero the juiciest melons and papayas. The kitchen here is always helmed by an expert, with this season welcoming Chef Jürgen who is bringing a wealth of experience from time in fine-dining institutions throughout Germany, Italy and Switzerland. The restaurant and bar (pictured above) is easy breezy, with ocean views from every seat. You can expect a constantly rotating menu that features the likes of parrot fish, snapper and mahi mahi — all freshly plucked from the deep. It'll be here that you enjoy all your meals, including a three-course dinner to see out each day in the tropics. THE LOCAL AREA Vava'u isn't one island, but a group of 55. It's in this archipelago that underwater caves await for adventurous divers, pods of gentle giants swim alongside curious humans and nature-heads come to simply enjoy. Come and charter a sailing trip, go scuba diving, explore the abundant surrounds and hop from island to island before returning to your fale for a refreshing sleep in the tropics. THE EXTRAS In case lazing by the ocean under the shade of a palm isn't relaxing enough, the team's made sure there's plenty of places to plonk yourself when you want to hit the chill zone. There are hammocks and a communal sundeck — where cakes are baked fresh and served every day, and cocktails are served each day to farewell the sun. Although you won't find all-out day spas or a smorgasbord of places to refuel, you don't head to Vava'u to luxuriate in this way. Come to enjoy the untouched perfection of the area and the whales. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum invites visitors into the world of First Nations fashion and textile design. Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion runs until January 19, 2025 and reveals the depth and diversity of cultures across Australia. The title of the exhibition, Piinpi, is an expression from the Kanichi Thampanyu people (East Coast Cape York Peninsula) that reflects 'seasonal changes' and regeneration of Country. The gallery's curator, Kaantju woman Shonae Hobson, has commissioned works from some of the country's top designers. Those include hand-printed designs (using ancient techniques) by Gunnai, Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta woman Lyn-Al Young, Teagan Cowlishaw's sparkly Deadly Kween jumpsuit (made from upcycled materials) and sculptural wearable art pieces by Grace Lillian Lee. [caption id="attachment_792476" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Grace Lillian Lee 'Body Armour'[/caption] Top image: Elisa Jan Carmichael, CIAF 2017 Saltwater Footprints Collection; Photo: Tim Ashton
The Summer Olympic Games is a prime opportunity for the world's best architects to showcase their creativity and ingenuity by designing some of the most iconic and celebrated buildings and stadiums in the world. With almost every eye in the world stopping to admire the intense competition between elite athletes from all over the globe, host cities compete to see who can construct the most awe-inspiring sporting amphitheatres. Here is Concrete Playground's selection of the most beautifully designed venues in modern Olympic Games history. London 2012 Shooting Venue Designed by German innovators Magma Architecture, the 2012 Olympic Shooting Venue consists of three demountable pavilions with massive coloured bullet holes. Appropriately, for a shooting event, this unique venue is located at London's Royal Artillery Barracks and will be disassembled following the games and taken to Glasgow for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. An estimated 104,000 spectators will cheer on their nations' finest marksmen in these giant tents. London 2012 Aquatics Centre The ultra-modern indoor facility for the swimming, diving and synchronised swimming events at this year's Olympics is a chic construction designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid. The unique 6-board diving platform used a massive 462 tonnes of concrete during construction, and the three pools in the complex hold around 10 millions litres of water. Beijing 2008 National Stadium Affectionately known as the 'Bird's Nest', Beijing's Olympic cathedral cost a whopping $423 million to build. The breathtaking design by Swiss Architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron was inspired by a study of Chinese ceramics and consists of an enormous concrete bowl surrounded by crisscrossing steel beams that give the stadium its distinctive appearance. 17,000 workers were employed to build the stadium with The Times reporting in January 2008 that ten workers died during its construction, a claim that was vehemently denied by the Chinese Government. Beijing 2008 Aquatics Centre Known colloquially as the water cube (despite it actually being a cuboid), the Beijing Aquatic centre was an absolute marvel at the 2008 Olympic Games. Many believe that the greater depth of the pools and their perforated gutters help make the pool the fastest in the world, which is backed up by the fact that 25 world records were broken within its bubbly and vibrant walls in 2008. Athens 2004 Olympic Sports Complex Originally built in 1982, the Athens Olympic Sports Complex had itself a massive revamp in preparation for the 2004 games. This refurbishment, led by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, transformed the once functional centre into a majestic international facility, with the addition of the awe-inspiring arch seen above and an enormous retractable roof across the Olympic Stadium. Montreal 1976 Olympic Stadium The elaborate, multi-purpose facility of the Montreal Olympic Stadium was designed by Roger Taillibert and used as a venue for a number of events during the games, such as the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, football and equestrian. The Montreal Tower is the tallest inclined structure in the world at 175m and helps open the retractable roof of the stadium. Munich 1972 Olympiastadion Günther Behnisch and Frei Otto's 80,000 capacity stadium was considered revolutionary at the time of its construction in 1968 due to the giant sweeping canopies of acrylic glass, which were intended to be imitations of the Alps and representative of the new, democratic Germany. The construction of the stadium was made significantly easier due to the large pits that were made by bombings in Munich during World War II. Tokyo 1964 Yoyogi National Stadium The suspension roof of the Yoyogi National Stadium helped make Tokyo's Olympic design by Kenzo Tange both an architectural icon and an Olympic favourite. Tange managed to seamlessly intertwine both modern Western style and traditional Japanese culture to create the fluid, draping roofs of this dynamic structure. Athens 1896 Panathinaiko Stadium Unlike the ultra-modern stadiums of today in which the boundaries of gravity and taste are continually pushed, the first stadium of the modern Olympic Games was designed as a monument to the magnificence of the Ancient Greeks and the Olympics of yesteryear. Reconstructed from the remains of an ancient stadium estimated to be over 2500 years old, the Panathinaiko Stadium is the only major sports venue made entirely of white marble. In classical times the stadium was built and used in honour of the Greek Goddess Athena, while today it is primarily used for commemorative events and special musical performances by the likes of Bob Dylan and Tina Turner.
From The Crucible and The Craft to Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Suspiria, witches just keep working their magic on popular culture. Now they're casting a spell on the Brisbane art world too, all thanks to the UQ Art Museum. The venue's next big exhibition delves into the world of witches, sorcery, rituals and magic — and given the topic, there's plenty to examine. This showcase will feature bewitching historic etchings, enchanting modern-day works that ponder intuition and incantations, and new commissions of the dark and otherworldly kind. Displaying from Friday, March 1 to Saturday, June 29, Second Sight: Witchcraft, Ritual, Power aims to not only explore all things witchy, but to understand why witches continue to conjure up a reaction — be it fascination or fear. Expect pieces that ruminate on everything from collective happenings to the usual elements to peripheral activity, all while challenging prevailing stereotypes. Witches have been known to have second sight, and here you'll give them a second look. The four-month exhibition features works by 11 artists, and entry is free. Image: Naomi Blacklock, Padma. 2018. Performance documentation from NETHERWORLDS exhibition, Spring Hill Reservoir, Brisbane, 9 June 2018. Photo: Charlie Hillhouse. Courtesy of the artist.
This artist refuses to stop sliding. Longtime lover of the playground staple, Carsten Höller has been bringing slides into his work since the '90s. Now he's installed a colossal freestanding slide at Swiss furniture company Vitra's campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany. Off-time just got a whole lot better for Vitra residents. Höller's latest piece, straightforwardly named Vitra Slide Tower (2014), stands at a whopping 100 feet tall. It's also a clock. Why not. “I think it would change our lives if we could slide more,” Höller told the New York Times. True that, imagine sliding from bed to work instead of that dastardly train trip. You're feeling a cheeky second morning coffee but you work in a walk-up? Sliiiiiide. You're running late but the nearest bus stop is at least twenty minutes down the hill thattaway? Sliiiiiide. You despise the Goo Goo Dolls but your housemate just cranked their Party of Five-friendly '98 single? Sliiiiiide. Höller has been using slides in his work since 1998, from the Berlin Biennale to his hugely popular 2007 work Test Site in the Turbine Hall at London's Tate Modern. More recently, Höller installed a spiralling tube slide through all four floors of NYC's New Museum as part of his stunning 2011-12 takeover exhibition Experience. You'd jump in here... ... shoot through here... ... end up here. Then race back up stairs, push the kiddies out of the way and ART AGAIN! But there's more to sliding than "WEEEEEEEEE!" Höller more eloquently quotes French sociologist Roger Caillois in his New York Times interview, seeing structures as more than their functional ability to transport things — creating what he calls a "voluptuous panic" during sliding. Höller's love for sliding is reminscent of the time a UK artist decided to build a giant Slip N Slide through Bristol, primarily because he was jaded by how people move from A to B. Either way, dudes know how to party. Via artnet and New York Times.
If you've been craving comfort food this winter to warm up your cold bones, you're not alone. A salad never kept anyone warm and you can fulfil this validating realisation by partaking in Cruise Bar's limited edition food and drink menu. The Quayside Comfort menu will see waterside venue Cruise Bar partner with Bulleit Frontier Whiskey to create one super-indulgent Southern dining experience throughout winter. Inspired by flavours from America's Deep South, there's a suitably decadent array of soul food. To start, loaded french fries come with Bulleit Bourbon gravy, cheddar, charred onions and bacon. Moreover, the Sweet Home Chicken is fried then coated with a rye whiskey-honey sauce, and the chicken and veggie stew has dumplings swimming in it for extra comfort points. If you're looking to further indulge, consider this dessert: the Fat Elvis vanilla pudding with peanut butter, bourbon whipped cream, chocolate cookie crumbs, banana and candied bacon. To take the extravaganza even further, Cruise Bar has updated its cocktails to match the Quayside Comfort menu — you can get a bloody mary topped with a bit of bacon. Or, if you're meat-ed out, the spicy Bulleit rye manhattan will bring a little heat and perhaps wake you up from your bacon-induced sleepiness. You can get stuck into it right up until August 31 — the bar is open until 1am every day of the week.
After months of cancelled and delayed get-togethers, we're excited to be able to call up our friends and host a much-needed party. If you're in the same spirit, you may be looking to up your cocktail making game for pre- or post-dinner drinks. In partnership with Hennessy, we've pulled together five cocktail recipes that are an upgrade to the classics — from fruity concoctions that'll make you feel like you're on an overseas getaway to sophisticated takes on sidecars, martinis and champagne cocktails. And, most can be made or prepared in advance to help take the stress out of having everyone over to yours this holiday season. ESPRESSO MARTINI When you want to shake up your favourite caffeinated cocktail to pep everyone up at the end of a big meal, try whipping up this elevated version. The below ingredients serve one, but you can batch make this drink to make offering up a round easier on you. Ingredients 45ml Hennessy VS 10ml Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur 40ml freshly made, chilled espresso or cold drip coffee 10ml sugar syrup Coffee beans (optional) Method Shake all the ingredients together with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and serve with coffee beans (optional). GINGER MULE When you're keeping things as simple as possible for your at-home occasion, there's a refreshing drink you can make with three ingredients and minimal effort, but still looks impressive. Scale up the below ingredients to serve more than one. Ingredients 45ml Hennessy VS Ginger beer Lime juice Mint leaf (optional) Method Add cognac to a tall glass and top up with ice. Squeeze the juice of a quarter of a lime and add to glass. Top up with ginger beer and garnish with a mint leaf or wedge of lime (optional). PINA COLADA Few people like getting caught in the rain, but many more enjoy this fruity drink. And you can take the holiday cocktail up a notch with this truly luxury take on a piña colada. Ingredients 45ml Hennessy VS 15ml coconut cream 15ml coconut cordial 45ml pineapple tepache (fermented drink) Squeeze of lime Method Shake cognac, coconut cream, coconut cordial and squeeze of lime together. Pour pineapple tepache into a glass. Strain shaken ingredients into the same glass and top up with ice. FRENCH 75 When you're out to impress, this elegant and easy-to-make cocktail has that je ne sais quoi. The classic drink is usually made with gin and champagne, but this twist uses cognac. Ingredients 40ml Hennessy VS 40ml champagne 30ml lemon juice 20ml sugar syrup Method Shake cognac, lemon juice and sugar syrup together with ice and strain into a glass. Top up with champagne. SIDECAR This party-ready drink will appeal to your sweeter toothed guests. Make this sugar-rimmed cocktail as a welcome drink, or to serve with desserts. Though the egg white gives it a perfect cloud-like top, it's entirely optional. Ingredients 40ml Hennessy VS 20ml Cointreau or triple sec 25ml lemon juice 10ml sugar syrup Egg white (optional) Method Shake all ingredients together. Pour over ice, or serve straight with a sugar rim on glass (not salt). Find more cocktails recipes on the Hennessy website.
There is nothing, nothing more purely joyous as hurtling down an epic plastic lane covered in soap bubbles and hose water. Slip 'N' Slides have pride of place in some of our Paddle Pop-dotted, sunburn-ridden backyard memories, but all is not lost to the slippery realms of memory. This year, a giant Slide 'N' Slide is coming to your city, with Nova's Slidestreet confirmed for Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne this summer. Created by the team behind Perth's ice skating pop-up, Winterland, the Slidestreet is inspired by the urban slide created by UK artist Luke Jerram. With its successful Perth run under its belt, the 315 metre-long Slidestreet is heading to Melbourne's Fitzroy Gardens on January 24 and Sydney’s Centennial Park on Australia Day, January 26. Melburnians, you lucky, lucky bunch, you could also be casually getting the world's longest slide in February — permit permitting. At $15 +BF a slide, it's a teeny bit exxy for something you could DIY with a little help from Bunnings, but sometimes you just have to hand over the cashola for novelty bragging rights. And if you thought an entire event could be created around the humble Slip 'N' Slide, you're bang on. The whole day will feature food trucks, icy summer treats, DJs, pop-up bars — yep, the whole bloody works. We're guessing this is to give the sad, sad, slideless spectators something to do while their ticket-holding friends have All The Fun. Importantly, according to the Slidestreet rules, Go Pro selfie poles are NOT allowed on the slide. Slidestreet is heading to Melbourne's Fitzroy Gardens on January 24 and Sydney’s Centennial Park on Australia Day, January 26. Tickets start at $15 +BF a slide, available here.
A Rachel Gilbert gown is rarely a bad choice. Whether you're on the market for a slinky cocktail number or a wedding guest look that sidesteps the white dress faux pas, the label has earned its place as one of Australia's most coveted eveningwear icons. Understandably, these stunning pieces come with a higher price tag. This weekend brings a rare opportunity to snag a deal: Rachel Gilbert is holding a warehouse sale in Paddington, featuring a curated edit from its core collection, bridesmaid range, and line of mix-and-match separates. The sale will run from Thursday, April 30, to Sunday, May 3, with varying opening hours every day — it's worth checking the brand's website before making the trip. Images supplied
The 2020s are an age of many things, but an underrated symbol of this decade is the age of convenience. Not only can our phones keep us entertained but they can also keep our pantries stocked and bellies full. Apps like DoorDash put even more convenience in our hands — and not just by being able to order from the local Dominos without having to interact with another human being. Depending on your nearby providers, you can order almost any essential item straight to your door, so below we've highlighted some of the lesser-known items you might one day need delivered. With bonuses for new users, plus a daily specials series (running until Saturday, March 23) for beloved vendors — think $5 burritos and buy-one-get-one subs. There's no reason not to give DoorDash a whirl. [caption id="attachment_943284" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sarinya Pinngam via iStock[/caption] Fresh fruit and veggies We all dread forgetting the groceries, leaving it to the last minute when it's easier to hang on the couch binging a sitcom. Gone are the days of being forced to wear outside clothes and head to the shops. Nowadays, if you live within range of a participating grocer, you can simply press a few buttons, and a dasher will drop everything you need for a fruit bowl or salad right outside. Best for: fixing a healthy feed at the last minute. DoorDash it now [caption id="attachment_943285" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dennis Van Hoef via iStock[/caption] Meat and poultry Picture this: Friday night, you've had a long day at work rushing to hit a few end-of-week deadlines, friends are coming over for dinner, and you've got a barbecue for the ages planned. The grill's preheated and it's time to grab a steak and some chicken drumsticks out of the fridge — but they're two days past their best and smell like a bin. Fret not. The supermarket rule applies here too. Pick a replacement cut from a grocer; if it's available, a dasher can drop it at your door. Best for: replacing off meat when you've got a horde of carnivores coming over. DoorDash it now [caption id="attachment_943280" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jacob Lund via iStock[/caption] Beer, wine and spirits If there's a house party, dinner party or grownup birthday party coming up and your bar cart's looking a little empty, sure enough, DoorDash can come to the rescue if you have participating merchants nearby. With deliveries available from BWS, Liquorland, Vintage Cellars, Porter's Liquor and a range of independent bottle shops, you needn't worry about running out for drinks. From a ritzy champagne to a cold four-pack of premixed cocktails, the dashers will get your drinks to your door. Note: you will need to show ID upon receipt of the liquid goods. Best for: a last-minute addition for a party when you realise you've inadvertently emptied the home bar. DoorDash it now [caption id="attachment_943286" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Vladans via iStock[/caption] Over-the-counter medicine If you're sick as a dog, feeling wiped out and legitimately cannot (and should not) leave the house, you can wait for your roommate or S/O to get a minute to get something for you and suffer a while longer, or open DoorDash. You'll find actual pharmacies here, and while they can't fill a prescription, they can send your choice of over-the-counter meds on their way to help beat any bug. Best for: when you're fighting a bug with no strength to leave home. DoorDash it now [caption id="attachment_943281" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dmytro Skrypnykov via iStock[/caption] Batteries and chargers You may take your phone with you everywhere you go, but do you bring a charger? You don't want to be caught amiss if your battery runs flat. Similarly, finding out you're out of actual batteries tends to happen when you need one most. Don't panic because if you've still got even 1% left on your charge, open up DoorDash and summon a fresh pack of power on its way to you ASAP, whether it's a wall plug or a AAA, you'll find one here. Best for: replacing the charger you forgot to pack. DoorDash it now [caption id="attachment_943287" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Hung Chung Chih via iStock[/caption] Toiletries and hygiene products Running out of essential bathroom or hygiene items can be a disaster, especially in critical moments. Say you're in need of a fresh can of deodorant for a date; you're glued to the loo but didn't realise you were down to the scraps of your TP supply. Nightmare. With the participating grocers on DoorDash, everything from Lynx Africa bodywash to menstruation products are just a press of a button away. Best for: an emergency refill of the bathroom cabinet. DoorDash it now [caption id="attachment_943283" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Frantic00 via iStock[/caption] Fresh flowers Nothing can heal the wounds of a bad day like a bit of romance at home. Say you want to surprise a special someone or simply pep up your home decor if it feels a bit short on colour and life, flowers can help you out. If there's a participating florist within range, a dasher can collect a fine bouquet and ferry it to your door in a flash. Particularly useful if you've forgotten a key birthday or anniversary and need an emergency surprise. Best for: a romantic surprise that won't require a drive. DoorDash it now [caption id="attachment_943294" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Drazenzigic via iStock[/caption] Desserts and confectionary Anyone can tell you that a little sweet treat to break up the working day is essential. Feeling overwhelmed from a big day of studying? Little treat. Back-to-back deadlines at work? A little treat will help. If you're within range of a bakery, convenience store, or anywhere with a dessert menu, the power of a little treat is within your grasp on DoorDash. Best for: curing a mid-afternoon slump. DoorDash it now [caption id="attachment_943282" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Liudmila Chernetska via iStock[/caption] Hot (or iced) coffee and tea A tea or coffee can really work wonders to fix a bad day or poor mood. It's science! If you fancy a cuppa tea order some of your favourite blends from a nearby grocer, or get a fresh round of espresso coffee delivered from a nearby cafe with DoorDash. Best for: an emergency pick me up at work or home when you're too busy to self-brew. DoorDash it now Delivery gifting It's easy to order anything for yourself, follow your wants and needs, and order from local businesses accordingly. However, you might not have considered the possibility of ordering something for someone else. DoorDash offers a gifting service on the app. You just put in the recipient's address and tick the gifting option at the bottom, fill in an order, and then add a personalised message. Add the recipient's phone number to the order and send them the gift link to tell them it's coming. Easy. Best for: an easy gift for a special someone. DoorDash it now Download the DoorDash app for free on the Apple Store or Google Play to find out what's nearby. For more information, visit the website.
A day in the life of a business owner revolves around decision making. Does this web design look right? Have we ordered enough stock? When is the right time to move to a bigger space? With so many priorities to juggle, it's tough to consider the bigger picture. But, thinking about the long-term impact of our day-to-day decisions is essential — small actions add up and have the power to create powerful change. Sustainability can be too often overlooked when building a business. So, we've gathered some sage advice from sustainably focused local businesses. Discover their simple strategies for making eco-friendly choices and practical sustainability tips — and see how you can apply them to your own business (or everyday life). [caption id="attachment_731492" align="alignnone" width="1918"] Kimberley Low[/caption] CREATING WITH LONGEVITY IN MIND In a small Surry Hills laneway, Nina Cueva and Cesar Cueva co-founded their contemporary jewellery and objects gallery space. Over the past 15 years, the duo has navigated the everchanging bricks-and-mortar landscape. Now, boasting three spaces across The Strand Arcade, their ethos of community, craftsmanship and innovation remains unchanged. Courtesy of the Artist represents over 80 artists from Australia and around the globe. Here, sustainability comes to life as a celebration of bespoke treasures. In store, you'll find exclusive one-off pieces that are designed to last and crafted using sustainably mined gemstones and gold from Western Australia. Plus, regular talks, workshops and demonstrations allow shoppers to meet and engage directly with artists. Over the years, Courtesy of the Artist has introduced other sustainable practices into its business. All tax invoices are sent digitally and a paperless tracking system for orders is used. These simple, practical changes serve to reduce waste, cut unnecessary costs and simplify the retail experience. [caption id="attachment_731472" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABLY PRODUCED FOOD In 2001, finding vegan products on supermarket shelves was a tough ask. So, Jessica Bailey founded The Cruelty-Free Shop. This one-stop shop for vegan-friendly food, beauty and home goods. It's an online store turned bricks-and-mortar supermarket with locations around Australia, including a Sydney store in Glebe. Leaping offline wasn't without its challenges though. Bailey quickly learned the value of asking for a helping hand. With the mentorship and guidance of the City of Sydney's Retail Innovation Program, Bailey uncovered the need to delegate and expand her team. "The program helped me see the big picture and step away from the minute detail which freed up my time to come up with new ideas," explains Bailey. With her creative juices flowing, The Cruelty-Free Shop has grown from strength to strength. For Bailey, sustainability means empowering shoppers to make the switch to a plant-based diet. In store, you'll find vegan recipe cards and information to inspire more sustainable food choices. Plus, Bailey is committed to supporting animal rights charities that align with her core business values through events and fundraisers. "Last year alone, we raised $80,000 for these charities," she reveals. SEEKING OUT ETHICAL SUPPLIERS For most of us, slavery and human rights are abstract concepts. But these abuses happen every day, and The Freedom Hub is one business set up to address them. On top of being an ethical cafe, events and retail space, it's also home to the Survivor School, which rehabilitates victims of modern slavery. Across its two cafe locations (Sydney's Waterloo and Palm Beach on the Gold Coast), the business focuses on having an ethical supply chain and ensures its suppliers are free from slavery or environmentally damaging manufacturing methods. In store, you'll find smashed avo with sourdough from The Bread and Butter Project on the menu and stacks of 100 percent recycled Who Gives A Crap toilet paper in the restroom. Plus, it's actively giving back to organisations that work towards social good. With 100 percent of all cafe proceeds going directly towards its Survivor School, the business model ensures everyone has the opportunity to do good. [caption id="attachment_731483" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] USING AUTOMATION TO SAVE RESOURCES One in three pieces of clothing ends up in landfill. That quite sobering stat is what sparked co-founders Zoltan Csaki and Eric Phu to create Citizen Wolf. The 'smarter casual' Sydney fashion label delivers tailored t-shirts made to order. The best bit? It uses a 'magic fit' algorithm and machinery to remove the manual labour of traditional apparel production. Plus, this customisation means a perfect fit every time — working towards its goal of being a zero-waste business. The range is a focused offering of men's and women's tees. Each piece is made in a Darlinghurst factory using fabrics sourced from a series of Melbourne-based mills. "It is important to us that we can keep the supply chain as short as we possibly can," explains Csaki. As far as fashion brands go, Citizen Wolf is undeniably going against the grain. It's invested in sourcing biodegradable and natural fibres for all of its garments and ensures zero labour exploitation across the business. Plus, making pieces on demand ensures there's no unsold inventory going to landfill. [caption id="attachment_731479" align="alignnone" width="1918"] Kimberley Low[/caption] HARNESSING 100 PERCENT AUSTRALIAN INGREDIENTS Flocking to the markets is how Sydneysiders prefer to do their groceries. And for those who frequent Bondi Farmers Market, you'll be familiar with hemp foods provider Senzu Roots. This Sydney-based startup delivers a range of sustainable hemp-driven products. Offering everything from protein powders to oils, plus a new range of gourmet nut bars and smoothies, founder Romain Hannequin hopes to make a positive impact on the environment one bliss ball at a time. "Our hemp is 100 percent Australian-grown. And, our 'raw products' (seeds and protein powder) are offered in biodegradable and compostable packaging," Hannequin explains. The commitment to working alongside local farmers and suppliers means lower food mileage, less energy usage and fresher produce for consumers. In its commitment to shopping local, Senzu is keeping its offline presence to just a handful of markets alongside limited online sales. "I believe that consumers are going to support smaller, local businesses offering ethical and sustainable products, and that's why we will focus on working with small businesses instead of big chains," says Hannequin. Top Image: Trent van der Jagt.
