Thanks to the events of the past year, you've probably forgotten what an overseas holiday feels like — unless you've either already taken advantage of the newly opened trans-Tasman travel bubble with New Zealand, or you've made plans to hop across the ditch sometime soon. Don't go pulling out a map of the rest of the globe just yet, however, because the folks at Qantas and Jetstar have just announced a delay to their plans to start flying to other international destinations again. Initially, the airlines were hoping to begin soaring to a number of overseas spots in October. Qantas had outlined plans to recommence flights to 22 of its 25 international destinations — including London, Singapore and Los Angeles — while Jetstar was intending to resume trips to all of its 13 international routes by the same projected date. The Qantas Group, the company behind both carriers, has since updated that timeframe, announcing that it's now hoping to restart its international flights to places other than NZ in late December this year. The change follows recent forecasting by the Federal Government, which noted that Australia's borders wouldn't reopen to international travel until at least mid-2022 — as well as the fact that the nation's vaccine rollout hasn't been proceeding as quickly as originally advised. So, a lot still needs to go to plan for the two airlines to have you jetting off to foreign lands this summer. That's Qantas and Jetstar's current target date, though. It has been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic first forced Qantas and Jetstar to suspend international flights, which happened back in March 2020. There has been talk of other travel bubbles, however, including a possible one with Singapore — with Qantas Group saying that it remains "optimistic that additional bubbles will open once Australia's vaccine rollout is complete to countries who, by then, are in a similar position." The airlines will contact anyone who has already booked flights from October onwards, but notes that "recent levels of uncertainty meant international booking levels were relatively low." When overseas flights to spots other than NZ do resume, you might not be able to fly until you've received your jab, with Qantas CEO Alan Joyce previously stating the airline would only allow vaccinated passengers to travel on international flights. The airline is also currently trialling digital health pass apps, such as Common Pass and IATA Travel Pass, which contain information about a passenger's COVID-19 status, testing and vaccinations, on current international repatriation flights. Of course, even once international flights are up and running again, you can expect a much lower capacity than pre-COVID travel — Qantas previously said that it's not anticipating a full return to normality until 2024. To find out more about Qantas and Jetstar's international travel plans, visit the Qantas website.
If your days spent working from home and social distancing could do with a few more adorable animals, you'll be happy to know the internet is filled with many. Melbourne's zoos are live streaming their penguins, leopard cubs and giraffes, Sydney's aquarium brought us playtime with Pig the dugong and the Wild Life zoo is prepping for cuddles with quokkas. At a Queensland wildlife sanctuary, however, one of Australia's cutest native marsupials is the star of the show: the koala. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it does have 15 webcams running. Yes, 15. And eight of them are dedicated to observing the sanctuary's 130 koalas, 24/7. So, you can watch them eating, climbing, hanging out with each other and, mostly, sleeping. Koalas sleep for about 18-20 hours a day, so you will see many many sleeping furry boys and girls. https://youtu.be/6TYHWQt1YV0 While they are sleeping, though, you can tune into some of the other live-streams, which follow the sanctuary's dingo puppies (awww), reptiles, platypus and birds. There are also a few highlight reels if all the residents are particularly quiet. As the koala cams are running all day, every day, we can't promise this won't put a slight dent in your productivity, but we can promise that it'll help brighten up your day every so slightly. Check out Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary's webcams over here.
After heading to Australia earlier this year for a one-night-only show at the Sydney Opera House, Margaret Atwood is heading Down Under once again in early 2020. This time, though, she'll be hitting up six Aussie cities (Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart and Perth) as well as Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. The Canadian writer also has some very exciting new material to discuss — her long-awaited sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale', called 'The Testaments'. Released 34 years after the original, the novel is set 15 years after Offred's final scene and is narrated by three female characters. Since it's release in September, 'The Testaments' has already garnered one of the world's biggest literary awards, the Booker Prize, which it won jointly with Bernardine Evaristo's 'Girl, Woman, Other'. As well as discussing her award-winning new novel, the seminal 1985 book and the captivating TV drama it inspired, Atwood will chat about her life and career, and the rest of her very extensive body of works. While it seems this talk won't be quite as political as her SOH conversation, it's likely Atwood will dip into topics such as extremist politics, feminism and climate change — they are themes that are brought up time and time again in her fictional works, after all. It'll be an interesting, if not eyebrow-raising, talk — as well as being an obvious advocate for women's rights, Atwood has came under fire for her controversial take on the #MeToo movement and her reluctance to call The Handmaid's Tale feminist. It's said the talks will also have a Q&A segment, so putt on your thinking hats and get some questions ready. [caption id="attachment_751168" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Margaret Atwood via Wiki Commons, Image credit: Mauro Rico/Ministerio de Cultura de la Nación[/caption] IN CONVERSATION WITH MARGARET ATWOOD 2020 DATES February 10 — Wellington, Michael Fowler Centre February 11 — Auckland, The Civic February 12 — Christchurch, Christchurch Town Hall February 16–17 — Sydney, ICC February 19 — Canberra, Canberra Theatre Centre February 22 — Brisbane, QPAC Concert Hall February 23 — Melbourne, Arts Centre Melbourne February 24 — Hobart, Wrest Point March 1 — Perth, Riverside Theatre Tickets for In Conversation with Margaret Atwood go on sale Monday, November 25. Image: Jean Malek
Harrison Ford fans, rejoice: first came the legendary actor's debut regular small-screen role in western drama 1923 late in 2022, then arrived his second such part in comedy Shrinking, and 2023 will also deliver his fifth big-screen stint as Indiana Jones, too. But when Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny arrives midyear, complete with Ford donning the famous hat once more, his new co-star will prove just as exciting: Fleabag favourite Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Hitting cinemas in late June 2023, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny heads back to the 60s, and uses the Space Race between the US and the Soviet Union as a backdrop. And, as both the movie's initial trailer back in 2022 and its just-dropped new sneak peek during the Super Bowl both show, he has his goddaughter in tow — with Waller-Bridge's Helena even dropping in to rescue the hero archaeologist in the latest clip. Wondering what else is in store? As well as Ford, Dr Henry Walton 'Indiana' Jones Jr's famous headwear and that whip — two different looks at Ford, actually, including Indy in the film's present day and Indy in the past, with the movie using digital de-aging technology — there are Nazis to battle and the famous John Williams-composed theme soundtracking the action as well. The archaeologist's latest outing does bring in a few changes to the series, however. Firstly, Steven Spielberg isn't in the director's chair for the first time ever, handing over the reins to Logan and Ford v Ferrari's James Mangold. And, George Lucas doesn't have a part in the script, either with Mangold co-scripting with Ford v Ferrari's Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth. Cast-wise, expect the return of John Rhys-Davies as Sallah, too, plus Antonio Banderas (Official Competition), Mads Mikkelsen (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore), Thomas Kretschmann (Das Boot), Toby Jones (The English), Boyd Holbrook (The Sandman) joining the on-screen talent alongside Shaunette Renee Wilson (Black Panther), Oliver Richters (The King's Man) and Ethann Isidore (Mortel). When it crusades across the big screen from June, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will arrive a whopping 42 years after Raiders of the Lost Ark, 39 since Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and 34 since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (and 15 years after Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull). And yes, if it's a big blockbuster franchise, it stars Harrison Ford, and it debuted in the 70s or 80s, then it's always coming back to the screen — as Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens and its sequels have, as well as Blade Runner 2049. Check out the latest teaser for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny below: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny releases in cinemas Down Under on June 29, 2023. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
If the words “talent quest” conjure up traumatic year four memories of sashaying around the assembly hall singing 'Pretty Woman' dressed as Roy Orbison (and you’re a girl), fret not. NightTime, PSpace Social’s much-loved evening of always inventive, frequently wacky short performances, is back. This time you’re invited to Talent Quest, an event guaranteed to wipe away any lingering negative primary school emotions. Taking the curatorial reins this year are Friends with Deficits (Amelia Wallin, Lisa Mumford and Maria White), who pose the question “what happens at a talent quest where NO-ONE wins or loses?” Proudly self-identifying as part of “the generation that brought you endless positive reinforcement”, the creative trio have enlisted an enticing range of acts, from stand-up routines to installation artists to karaoke duets. Also expect a smattering of too-often neglected entertainments, including but not limited to bush poetry, community dance and spoons (nope, that’s not a typo: spoons). Talent Quest is part of Performance Space's PSpace Social season of multidisciplinary works taking place in Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, which also includes Micro Parks. For the full program, head to the Performance Space website.
The weather has been very newsworthy this year — and very unpredictable. We've been hit by devastating drought and had more than our fair share of heatwaves, including the second hottest day ever in January, a casual 40-degree day in March, and an unusually warm day in early September. And that was before we had a huge downpour in early October and Western Sydney got 70mm of rain in just own night. But it seems that Sydney's emerged from the October's wet, grey cloud and launched right back into scorching territory, as the city is set to get a minor heatwave this week. Weatherzone reports that a pool of hot air is currently making its way down south and, when it reaches NSW, Victoria and South Australia over the weekend, it will raise the temperature considerably. Sydney is expected to maximum of 37 degrees on Friday, November 2, with areas around Penrith around the same. That's around 13 degrees over the average at this time of year. The Bureau of Meteorology is even calling it a low-intensity heatwave. Forecasting heatwave conditions for parts of NSW for the next few days. For information on our heatwave services follow the link. The #heat is on! #NSW #hot #heatwavehttps://t.co/DtSwKc5QL8 pic.twitter.com/fOQisFS4I1 — Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) October 31, 2018 For many, the hot temps signals the start of beach season — and the hot night will see a many a crew trot down to the beach for Friday after-work swims — but this heat in early November never bodes well for the rest of the season. Better buy that fan now, fam.
From FernGully: the Last Rainforest to Moana — and including everything from Studio Ghibli's Pom Poko and Princess Mononoke to Pixar's Wall-E, too — many an animated movie has combined stunning frames with a stirring message about the environment. Add new Irish film Wolfwalkers to the list, with the gorgeous feature heading to Apple TV+ this year and likely to become your next favourite animated flick. Story-wise, the film follows a young wannabe hunter by the name of Robyn Goodfellowe (voiced by Honor Kneafsey). In a tale set centuries ago, she moves to Ireland with her father Bill (Sean Bean) when he's hired to eradicate the last wolf pack lurking in the woods. The locals, as overseen by an English Lord Protector (Simon McBurney), want to wipe out the wolves so that they can tear down the forest in the name of progress. But, after sneaking out to go exploring, Robyn befriends a girl called Mebh (Eva Whittaker) who just might be a member of a mythical tribe that's able to shapeshift into wolves while they're dreaming. As well as a rousing eco-conscious narrative, Wolfwalkers serves up distinctive, eye-catching animation — as its first teaser trailer makes plain. Expect earthy, natural colours, with greens, browns, oranges and yellows dancing across the screen. Expect a line-heavy animation style, too, which is almost reminiscent of woodblock prints. None of the above should come as a surprise given the film's roster of talent — including Tomm Moore, director of Oscar-nominated and equally stunning duo The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. He co-directs with a veteran of both movies, with Ross Stewart working as the art director of the former and a concept artist on the latter. Wolfwalkers is also the latest feature produced by the Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon, which also has the similarly Academy Award-nominated The Breadwinner on its resume. After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival this month, just when Wolfwalkers will hit Apple TV+ is yet to be revealed, other than it'll drop sometime later in 2020. And, obviously, whether Game of Thrones star Bean will survive in his latest role is something that you'll only find out by watching. Check out the teaser trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj72cf3x5KM&feature=youtu.be Wolfwalkers is set to hit Apple TV+ sometime later in 2020 — we'll update you with an exact release date when one is announced.
Artbank understand us so well that they've packaged up their latest exhibition in one thing always guaranteed to turn our heads: sex. Conjuring up the perforated pages of a naughty mag, this bastion of Australian contemporary art is giving us the Sealed Section exhibition — a chance to ogle at the juiciest bits of our recent art history as it has wrestled with those most indecent of subjects: sex, politics and religion. Included are works by ?Brook Andrew, Penny Byrne, ?Abdul Abdullah, ?Sarah Contos and ?Richard Larter. Established by the Fraser Government, Artbank is government-funded and dedicated to keeping Australian contemporary art thriving. Collecting and curating more than 10,000 works of Indigenous and non-Indigenous works over the years, it sustains itself by leasing out these works to government and corporate institutions or even members of the public to hang in their homes (should that kind of thing be in your budget).
Only watching a single scene, merely a few minutes or just a sole episode of Such Brave Girls is impossible. With its blisteringly frank and hilarious first season in 2023, and now with its equally raw, authentic and side-splitting second run in 2025 — both streaming in Australia via Stan — letting instalment after instalment roll while binge-viewing is the natural response to pressing play on this British sitcom about three adult women in a dysfunctional family. That said, there's a line in the show's second season that couldn't sum it up better, even if you were to only ever hear one piece of dialogue from the Kat Sadler-created series. "Your mouth's doing the right thing, but your eyes are trying to call the Samaritans," Josie, her on-screen alter ego, is told when she cracks a smile. Sadler also writes Such Brave Girls, with its first season winning Best Scripted Comedy and earning her the Best Emerging Talent: Fiction award at the 2024 BAFTAs. She's drawn much within its frames from her own experiences, as well as those of her sister Lizzie Davidson, who plays Josie's sibling Billie. Across its 12 episodes to date, there isn't a second of the end result that isn't deeply perceptive, including about depression, trauma, love, financial stress and the unshakeably intertwined relationship between the latter two, to name just some of its focuses. But that Samaritans line is such an astute statement about trying and pretending — however wholeheartedly or convincingly, or willingly or not — to put on a content and settled face to the world, an idea that's at the core of Such Brave Girls again and again. As she keeps exploring the lives of not just chalk-and-cheese sisters Josie and Billie, but also of their mother Deb (Louise Brealey, Lockwood & Co) — and of Dev, (Paul Bazely, Miss Scarlet and the Duke), a quiet widower with a big house, who the family matriarch is keen on marrying; Seb (Freddie Meredith, Andor), the keen-to-wed boyfriend that the queer Josie wishes that she didn't have; and Nicky (Sam Buchanan, Just Act Normal), the womaniser that Billie refuses to see anything but good in — how does Sadler find new ways to dig into the ever-relatable concept of constantly putting on brave faces? "It is capturing the MO of the show, and that's a really interesting way to look at it," Sadler tells Concrete Playground, "because I think every character is an emblem of this fine line of dancing through this desperation going on in the family home, and capturing that through keeping up appearances." "You've got Deb, who deals with it more superficially. Similarly with Billie, who's looking for someone to love her. And then it's Josie sort of constantly weaponising her mental health as a way of trying to experience love. Every character is on the quest for it. So I think when I go about writing, I often just have my characters on the wall, and I have this theme of love that I'm always trying to dig into, and then it's about finding different ways to have that come out." When season one introduced its main figures, it plunged into Josie's mental-health struggles, the mountain of debt that Deb can't escape, and the impact of her ex-husband going out for teabags ten years earlier and never returning home — as well as Josie's sexual identity, and the need for the series' three women to discover ways to try to keep fiscally afloat. Sadler's own attempts on her life and the £20,000 that Davidson owed at the same time were firm inspirations. Another motivation for the show: making the type of no-holds-barred sitcom about these situations and themes that didn't already exist but Sadler wanted to see. "That's exactly what I wanted to do," she explains. "I wanted to capture the uniqueness in the way that we talk, and the way that I talk to my friends, and show that, because I hadn't seen that before. And I wanted to lift up a rock into our world and try to capture as much of that in as much detail with as much authenticity as possible, to open people's eyes to the way that we see the world. And show that perspective, because there wasn't a lot of that that I was seeing on-screen — and it made me sad that we didn't have a lot of that. It made me lonely." "So I was trying to capture that — and help other people feel more normal by saying that the way that they talk is the maybe the way that they talk in their family." Life brightening up isn't Such Brave Girls' journey, though. That wouldn't fit its tone, or its aim to both subvert and satirise. Most sitcoms don't have the origin story that this one does, clearly — and also don't sport the commitment not to shy away from complicated characters, from daily woes, from mental illness, and from a range of topics that many dramas don't even dig into, let alone comedies. The again-exceptional season two begins with Josie chasing a crush, then swiftly being trapped in her worst nightmare: marrying Seb. Deb is endeavouring to use the nuptials to show to Dev that the family's women are worth getting hitched to, while Billie is intent on locking in a sugar-daddy relationship with the much-older — and already-wed — Graham (Daniel Ryan, The Bay). Most sitcoms also don't ensure, no matter what else Josie, Billie and Deb are navigating — be it weddings, infatuations, affairs, boat trips, potential pregnancies, rivals and so much more — that worrying about money isn't something that dissipates. That's another of Such Brave Girls' profoundly relatable touches. Interrogating the connection between love and finances is not the status quo for the bulk of television comedies, either. The feeling of catharsis for its creator, whether in processing her own experiences into something where Josie can make different choices, turning pain into laughs or seeing a show built with such a commitment to authenticity in such a range of ways resonating with audiences, stands out for Such Brave Girls, too. Alongside those themes of romance and money, as well as her own emotional journey with the show, we also spoke with Sadler about discovering the tone and feel for the series, and how season one's BAFTA success empowered her for season two. Among our topics as well: finding new scenarios to put Josie, Bille and Deb in the second time around, plus standing in Josie's shoes for 12 episodes now. On Financial Stress as a Daily Reality Always Sitting at the Heart of the Series — and How Love and Money Intersect "I love having a theme. And I think when you keep it on theme, the whole series will feel unified and keep the characters together — and that's the rubber dinghy that these characters are all stranded in and the ocean: financial stress. And if anything grows or moves or changes the way they're dealing with it, then the whole boat goes over. So it's all about keeping the characters on track and having that be the theme that we're constantly exploring. Like, when I start writing, I have love and money, that's my really strong theme of this year — and last year, too. I think that's what makes the characters feel relatable, and what is exciting to me as a writer is that it is fundamentally about love at its core. Even though the characters are horrible to each other and narcissists and all these things, their quest is fundamentally to be loved — but it's just these toxic ways they go about it. That was what was interesting to me as a writer in series two, was the kind of way that money relates to that. And Deb's quest for that, quest for money, is really about showing her love to the girls by keeping the house there, and keeping everyone safe and surviving. But we deal with it in these kind of toxic ways. So I do want to show that love and money really intersect in lots of ways that you might not be expecting." On Finding the Tone and Feel of the Show From Its Personal Origins for Both Sadler and Her Sister, and with Its Range of Topics That Not Even Dramas Always Cover "I think it went through lots of different versions. There was a while in which I suddenly thought 'oh gosh, am I writing a comedy-drama? Am I writing a drama?' in some of the stuff I dealt with. And then I think I had to stop and reassess and decide what I wanted to make — and fundamentally all I ever wanted to make is a sitcom that shows that you can deal with these issues, and not shy away from it and be hamstrung by the format of a sitcom. You can put anything in there, as long as you understand why characters are the way they are and act the way they do. So I think that was what I really decided on, and then I think once I decided that, it was all systems ago. I remember it went through lots of different drafts. That whole series went through loads of different drafts of versions, and then when I stripped all that back and showed it to my sister, it was then like 'this is what it is'. I think when it became like it was just jokes, that was then, I think, this is what makes me feel excited. Like, this is what gets me feeling a bit nervous, which is the best feeling — when you get a bit of fear." On If the Success of Season One, Including Its BAFTA Wins, Set Sadler a Challenge to Push Even Further in Season Two "Exactly. And it was an incredible vote of confidence in the show, and just gave us the feeling of 'people are behind us on this' — like they get it. Because it is a big ask, because it is challenging in different ways. So the fact that we had that mark of kudos of 'we back you' was huge, and so rewarding. And has been amazing, and totally made me feel like I can be more brave and confident, and like people give me the benefit of the doubt now. But it also comes with 'oh my god, how do you follow that up?'. We won the most-incredible prize — the list of shows on that list of BAFTA-winners for Best Scripted Comedy is unparalleled. It's incredible. So to try to compete with that or to be like 'okay, what's series two?' was terrifying. So we're working out 'how do you follow it up and not just try to be outrageous for outrageous' sake'. But it was a huge mark of confidence that has made me feel much more confident as a writer, which I struggle with." On Finding New Scenarios to Push the Characters Into in a Series About a World Where Nobody Is Right "My favourite thing is the twisted logic of the characters. That's what I love to write. I love twisted logic, like something that makes complete sense to the character, but as the viewer, you're like 'why on earth have you done that?'. So that's always my challenge. So I love to get a situation up on the board and be like 'what is the funny way that my characters would be front-footed and decide how to' — because we're all spin doctors, that comes from my family experience, like how we always just turn everything into something positive. You rewrite it. You work out how you win. And so it was about being like 'okay, how do I spin these situations so that the characters leave it feeling powerful, or leave it feeling like this is actually what they wanted?'. So that is the fun bit of the job, is working out 'what would be the most cathartic way to deal with this?' and 'how do these characters manipulate the situation?'. That's the bit which comes from just sitting and writing it, rather than reality, because a lot of reality didn't happen like that." On Whether There's a Feeling of Catharsis That Comes with Processing Sadler's Own Experiences Via the Series and Seeing Audiences Relate "Yeah, that has been an incredible experience. Having people relate or connect or say 'oh my god, I did that' or 'oh my god, that happened to me', that is actually, it's the best feeling. It's such a mark of confidence in the writing that it is truly the most rewarding bit. It truly is. Getting messages on Instagram being like 'oh my god, I can't believe you talked about that' or 'I thought only we did that' or something — those are the best messages." On How Sadler Feels About Josie After 12 Episodes of Standing in Her Shoes "I find her the hardest one to write for, because she's me. So I do find her difficult, because I haven't got that level of separation like I do with the other characters. So it's sort of about working out how to keep her — because Josie is also quite a passive character. She lets things happen to her. She's obsessed with her own trauma. She's lives in her head. And so it's hard to — thinking of plots for her to do where she is active is hard. Because I'm someone that usually just like — I think there's a line series one that's 'you're a deer in headlights, you just wait for the car to hit you' and that's me. So how on earth do you explore that in writing a series? She is the most fun, though, when she is front-footed about something. So it's just working out how to make her go for that. So that has been my challenge, just to make sure there's a degree of separation there between the two." Such Brave Girls streams via Stan. Read our review of season one.
After trialling the Dine & Discover program in The Rocks and Broken Hill earlier this month, the NSW Government has continued the rollout of its $25 food and entertainment voucher program, expanding it to the Sydney CBD, northern beaches and Bega Valley. Across the three areas, around 700 businesses and 125,000 customers are eligible to take part in the program, alongside the previous 500 customers and 45 businesses eligible as part of The Rocks and Brocken Hill trial. The program is expected to be rolled out statewide in March. Dine & Discover will be available to all NSW residents over the age of 18, who are eligible to receive $100 in vouchers. You'll score four $25 vouchers, in fact, with two available to use at restaurants, cafes, clubs and other food venues from Monday to Thursday, and the other two specifically for cultural institutions, performing arts, cinemas and amusement parks seven days a week. Once the vouchers are rolled out in your area, you can access the vouchers from their Service NSW app, while businesses can still register to participate. There are a few caveats, understandably. You can't use your vouchers on tobacco, alcohol or gambling, for starters. And, you can only use each voucher once, including if your transaction totals less than $25. You'll also need to use your vouchers separately, because the idea is to get NSW folks heading out several times to several different places. [caption id="attachment_696566" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] To access the vouchers, you'll also need a MyServiceNSW account — and the corresponding app, so you can use the vouchers digitally. You'll only be able to redeem them at participating and COVID-safe registered businesses, however, with the exact details about where you can use them set to be revealed before the scheme goes live. Hospitality company Sydney Collective has already announced that it'll double the value of the vouchers at eight of its NSW venues — so it'll give you an extra $25 on top of each $25 voucher. The Dine & Discover program was announced as part of the NSW Government's State Budget 2020–21 in a bid to help NSW's hospitality and entertainment businesses, which had a rough run during COVID-19. Originally called Out and About, the program is designed to encourage folks to head out of the house, have a meal, and see a movie or show. And, to do so on multiple occasions. The NSW Government's Dine & Discover scheme has been rolled out in The Rocks, Broken Hill, Sydney CBD, northern beaches and Bega Valley. It's expected to be rolled out statewide from March. For more information, visit the government's website. Top image: Kitti Gould
If Harry Potter and Singing in the Rain were mashed up, this gadget would be the key prop. It might look like a magic wand, but it acts like an umbrella. By sucking in air at one end and pushing it out at the other, the motorised head creates a jet airflow, pushing raindrops away from you. Hence, you’re kept dry, without the inconvenience of carrying around a soggy piece of fabric that will invariably whack your fellow pedestrians in the face. Created by Nanjing-based inventor Chuan Wang, the air umbrella is currently funding on Kickstarter. It began life as a prototype back in November 2012. Wang then spent time working with PhD graduates from the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics to reduce the size, while maintaining an effective level of airflow. A controller at the base of the handle enables the user to manipulate the umbrella’s force, to meet the rain’s intensity. With ten days to go, the Kickstarter campaign has exceeded its target goal, thanks to 97 backers pledging to the tune of $10,283. Three sizes are available, the ‘A’, which is selling for $88; the ‘B’, priced at $98; and the ‘C’ at $108. The smallest measures 30 centimetres and weighs in at 500 grams, while the largest is extendable, to a length of 80 centimetres, and weighs 850 grams. The invention has some weaknesses. For one, it looks dodgy as. Dyson should really put this sleeker concept into production. Two, it eats battery life faster than Facebook for iPhone. Despite the significant size of the rechargeable lithium pack, umbrella ‘A’ offers only 15 minutes of protection at a time, while ‘C’ provides 30 minutes. Via PSFK.
It seems strange that street art comes with a press release these days. Its creation was once banished to the darkest hours of the night to be carried out by wanted dudes in hoodies and runners; now it gets its own fanfare. Is it even still a crime? Regardless, it makes sense that this one was delivered to our inbox today. After being the star of zillions of Instagram posts in downtown LA, Colette Miller's Wings installation is coming to the streets of Melbourne and Sydney. Brace yourselves, this is sure to trend in no time. Originally created in 2012, the now-famous installation was imagined as a way for people to start interacting with art in urban spaces. As it encouraged people to take photos with it, this multi-colour paste-up was a hit — an instant classic to the growing list of must-see artworks around the streets of LA. Since then, it's been brought to Washington, Nairobi and now Australia. It appears that the desire to be a giant neon angel is universal. Melbournians and Sydneysiders can experience this strange privilege for a limited time this month. Flying over to Sydney first as part of Arts Brookfield, the wings will be plastered at World Square and King Street Wharf from September 5 'til October 9. At two metres high and three metres wide, they'll be hard to miss — not to mention the crowd of happy snappers that will invariably surround them. The wings will be appearing in Melbourne from September 15 to October 15 at Southern Cross Lane near the corner of Bourke and Exhibition Streets. And, with such a central CBD location, the artist's point is pretty clear. "Cities bring humans together and Wings is accessible art that aims to capture the imagination of workers as they transverse the city," said Miller. "My Wings are a universal archetypal symbol of humanity and its divine self." While we think the latter point is reaching a little far, we wholeheartedly agree with the former. Everyone deserves some sprawling, neon art to admire on their lunch break and it's well worth taking the time for a selfie.
In what may be the ultimate fusion of practicality and style, Brookstone are now selling cufflinks that offer both Wi-Fi when plugged into devices and two gigabites of storage. These magical miniatures will be perfect for frequent overseas travellers who need quick internet access, and nine-to-fivers will decrease their danger of leaving their most important work at home. Furthermore, if you ever need to undergo an investigative spy mission, these will be a perfect place for you to store all the secret documents and images you can collect. After all, nobody ever suspects your cufflinks of housing information. There are other products which offer just the USB storage, which hold up to four gigabytes. You can also engrave these for that personal touch. Sitting at around $250, these cufflinks will undoubtedly please fashionable tech geeks and businessman ballers. [via Mashable]
When your pockets are feeling a little empty, but you're still in search of some comfort food and a little pick-me-up, the last thing you need is to get sucked into the local fast food chain. To take your meal deal game to the next level, we've put together a list of five incredible food and beverage pairings that are both delicious and devilishly economic. Whether you're feeling pasta, burgers or burritos, these choice lunch and dinner deals are undeniably a match made in heaven.
The time is nigh to snap up some ridiculous discounts at the shopping extravaganza that is Fashion Weekend Sydney. Head over to the Royal Hall of Industries to shop from over 100 designers selling their wares for up to 70 percent off. Both Australian and international labels will be represented, and there are some serious fashion steals to be had. Once you've done your shopping, head to one of many runway shows happening over the weekend. Fashion from the likes of Bec & Bridge, Winston Wolfe and Lover will strut down the runway, and you'll be tempted to buy those very clothes right afterwards (because you can). Head to The Beauty Hub after the runway shows and get your hair or eyelashes did, then go to the Photo Studio and get it all documented for free. Then, best to top things off with a glass of bubbles from the Henkell Wine Bar — ahh, the #fashionlife. Tickets and more info at fashionweekend.com.au. [competition]590917[/competition]
Lorde is back. After five years away from music and touring, the New Zealand pop sensation has returned with the first taste of her next album and dates for a massive tour of Australia and New Zealand. The tour will run from Saturday, February 26 through until Saturday, March 19. Australians are scoring four dates across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, while New Zealanders can choose from six shows. Accompanying the tour news is an announcement that Lorde's third studio album Solar Power will be unveiled to the world on Friday, August 20. The album comes five years after her critically acclaimed sophomore release Melodrama and is "a celebration of the natural world, an attempt at immortalising the deep, transcendent feelings I have when I'm outdoors," Lorde says. The Australian and New Zealand tour will begin at Christchurch's Electric Avenue on Saturday, February 26. From there the 'Royals' singer will make her way around New Zealand throughout late February and early March, and arrive in Australia on Thursday, March 10 for a show at the Brisbane Riverstage. Australia's east coast will be treated to two more shows at Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the ICC's Aware Super Theatre in Sydney before the tour wraps up at Perth's Belvoir Amphitheatre on Saturday, March 19. The last time either country was treated to Lorde's live show was her headline set at Splendour in the Grass 2018, a full circle moment for the singer as she returned to the stage of one of her first ever performances as a last-minute replacement for Frank Ocean back in 2013. A year prior, in 2017, Lorde also toured some of Australia's largest and most iconic outdoor venues including the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. Tickets to The Solar Power Tour are sure to be snatched up quickly and there are a few ways to get your hands on them if you're looking to belt out all the words to 'Ribs' or 'Green Light' early next year. Telstra customers will receive first dibs as part of a Telstra Plus pre-sale on Monday, June 28. If you sign up to be a Frontier Member you'll receive pre-sale access on Wednesday, June 30, before general public ticket sales begin on Monday, July 5 at noon. Head to the Frontier website for all the details. Lorde The Solar Power Tour Saturday, February 26 – Electric Avenue, Christchurch Saturday, February 27 – Neudorf Vineyards, Upper Moutere Tuesday, March 1 – Days Bay, Lower Hutt Wednesday, March 2 – Black Barn Vineyards, Havelock North Friday, March 4 – TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth Saturday, March 5 – Outer Fields Western Springs, Auckland Thursday, March 10– Riverstage, Brisbane Saturday, March 12 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Tuesday, March 15 – Aware Super Theatre, Sydney Saturday, March 19 – Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth Lorde's The Solar Power Tour will take place between Saturday, February 26 and Saturday, March 19. Head to the Frontier website for all info on tickets. Top image: The Come Up Show
People who say they head to ski resorts simply to ski should not be trusted. Everyone knows that once the day on the slopes is over, that's when you really get down to business. Après-ski parties are what you're really there for, and Thredbo has you covered. On Saturday, June 30, make sure you don your best retro ski suits and borderline-ugly vintage sweaters and get ready to party at Canadian Club's First Base: A Vintage Après Soirée. House DJs will warm things up and ease you into the party (with a little help from a certain Canadian whisky) from 2pm till 4.30pm, before some big names take to the stage. If you've ever wondered what it would sound like if Client Liaison and Flight Facilities teamed up, you're about to get an answer. Tom Tilley of Triple J and Client Liaison fame (he oft plays backup bass at the duo's gigs) and Hugo Gruzman of Flight Facilities will take to the decks, spinning smooth 80s throwbacks filled with plenty of nostalgia. If you're back in Thredbo later in the season, Canadian Club presents First Base: A Vintage Après Soirée will be repeated on August 4 with Touch Sensitive headlining, and on September 8 with Joyride. To find out more about Thredbo's exciting winter program, head to thredbo.com.au.
You know those Mondays when things just keep getting worse? You're having a hard time suppressing the yawns, can't stop daydreaming about the fading glories of the past weekend and you keep checking your watch — it's barely noon. On days like this, you need a little something-something to get you through to 5pm, and we reckon a lunch hour or post-five feed spent getting intimate with a juicy burger is just the ticket. In collaboration with American Express, we've rounded up ten of the best places in Sydney to get your burger game on — and up your Amex points balance. Whether you're a fan of the basic burg with a side of skinny fries or want something a little more indulgent, we've got the place for you. From the classic beef version to the fish, chicken and vego varieties, the burgers at these spots will kick those back-to-work blues where it hurts. Throw in some sweet treats like a caramel milkshake or a cup of frozen custard, and your Monday just started looking a hell of a lot nicer. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
If you've ever wondered what the chefs behind some of Australia's top restaurants are really like, that lust for knowledge can now be slaked with the launch of new Australian food podcast, The Pass. Having launched this week, each weekly episode will take listeners behind the scenes with restaurant icons including chefs, food critics and other food-related personalities. The podcast's guests — which will this season include Kylie Kwong, Matt Moran, 4fourteen's Colin Fassnidge, blogger and author Sarah Wilson, wine hero Mike Bennie, Dave Pynt of Singapore's Burnt Ends and Josh Niland of Saint Peter — delve into their own personal favourite dishes, ingredients, and restaurants, as well as dishing out answers to burning questions like what they would choose as a death row meal. Broadcaster and meteorologist Magdelena Roze hosts the podcast, which goes all over the country, from quickfire interviews on the streets to in-depth discussions inside secret locations that the guests have chosen themselves. Each episode will also include a bite-sized interview with another food personality at the end, where they endure a barrage of questions about their most (and least) favourite things. It's produced by Roze alongside the podcast's creative director Sam Kennedy and founder Jeanine Bribosia. The podcast itself is perfect to wolf down on the way to work, at the gym or, fittingly, while eating lunch — each episode clocks in at 20 minutes. Episode one of The Pass launched this week, with an episode to be released each Tuesday for the next eight weeks. You can listen to it here.
If you love sashimi, you really love sashimi. And if you love sashimi and live in Sydney, chances are you've had a piece or two from Zushi at some point. In addition to restaurants in Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, they've also opened at Barangaroo with a striking fit-out courtesy of the acclaimed Koichi Takada Architects. The waterfront space boasts a semi-open kitchen, a dedicated sushi bar and a stunning, all-weather outdoor dining area with room for 106 people — it's bound to be red-hot property over the summer months. There's also a walk-up bar space, where Zushi's resident sake expert can hook you up with a few drops from the extensive range while you're waiting for that table. In true Zushi style, the modern Japanese fare here strikes a balance between innovation and authenticity, with this menu a mix of favourites, specials, and seasonal dishes unique to the Barangaroo restaurant. You'll find specialty sushi and sashimi, alongside an assortment of Izakaya-inspired share plates. Backing it up, there's that hefty range of sake, some clever sake cocktails, and a NSW-led wine list, which has plenty of love for biodynamic and organic labels. Zushi joins a slew of other eateries that at Barangaroo, including Belles Hot Chicken, Lotus, Cirrus and The Rabbit Hole.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your text trip. In this instalment, we take you to Hanging Gardens of Bali where guests stay in luxury villas overlooking some of Indonesia's untamed jungle. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This Balinese resort sits far away from the crowds, up in the lush rainforest surrounded by local wildlife and charming rice terraces. Hanging Gardens of Bali has also won so many international accommodation awards thanks to the breathtaking views, super luxurious villas and gracious service. THE ROOMS This high-end resort is made up of 44 private villas, each perched high atop wooden pillars overlooking the valley below. Wake up and enjoy this view from your extra-large canopy bed before rolling out into your own private plunge pool — it's paradise on stilts. And each villa is full of character. The villas combine contemporary and Balinese décor with signature hand-crafted furniture, exotic fabrics, open-air dining areas and epic master bathrooms. We see no reason why you'd ever need to leave your villa. FOOD AND DRINK Keeping with the 'never leave your villa' life, these guys will make and deliver an enormous breakfast to your room, made to be eaten in your private pool. It's all served in a bespoke wooden boat that sits out in the water with you. A dining experience that, due to your location, is quite literally next-level. But, if you do want to get out of your villa for dining, they have stacks of other options available. Either head to the main pool area for cocktails and snacks or dine in their Three Elements Restaurant. The restaurant has won separate awards for their cuisine and dining experience so shouldn't be missed. And that's just the start. Hanging Gardens of Bali also offers a wide range of other dining experiences. Spread throughout the valley are a series of cosy private dining spaces. Have a gourmet picnic on their riverside Bale, be served a romantic dinner within an ancient temple and eat some traditional afternoon tea around the rice fields. [caption id="attachment_872752" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Niklas Weiss (Unsplash)[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA This luxury resort is located near Payangan, a small village north of Ubud. Zip around the winding roads of the area on a quad bike (or just get a taxi if you dare not undertake this feat) to explore the nearby temples, holistic centres, yoga studios, rice fields and stacks of local markets. Explore this area to see why Bali is still on the top of so many people's travel bucket list destinations. You can also visit Canggu and Uluwatu to find the best surf or temporarily leave the serenity and hit Kuta and Seminyak for those famous Bali party vibes. Choose your own Bali adventure — it's all pretty easy to do from this location. THE EXTRAS Now we've already mentioned all of the extra dining options available at Hanging Gardens of Bali, but these guys don't stop there. The team here has created an impressive smorgasbord of additional pampering activities. First off, there is the spa — yes, this has won a handful of awards too. It's truly luxurious treatments combine natural, local ingredients and ancient techniques, to create beauty therapies and treatments that soothe the mind, rejuvenate the body and energise that poor old soul of yours. Of course, these treatments also come with a view of the Balinese jungle so you'll feel surrounded by nature even when you're technically inside. We are also big fans of their guided morning walks. Take off on a journey through the local villages, led by their resort guide before reaching one of the local rice fields. Here, the guide will serve a few refreshing drinks while talking a little bit about rural life in this part of Indonesia. It's a really delightful way to start the day. Get 30% off your stay at The Hanging Gardens of Bali here (with daily breakfast, sunset yoga and a couple's massage included). 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.
"Attention players: you will now compete for our biggest cash prize in reality-show history." They're the first words spoken in the new teaser trailer for Squid Game: The Challenge, aka the competition series that was always going to happen when Squid Game became a massive Netflix success. Once more, 456 players come together. And, they will indeed compete to win $4.56 million. There's no murder this time, however — nor fictional thrills. If you're one of the hordes of viewers who watched Squid Game when it instantly became one of the best new TV programs of 2021, as we all are — and you thought that playing hopscotch, marbles, sugar honeycombs and tug of war sounds like fun, too — then you'll understand the concept at the heart of Squid Game: The Challenge. As seen in the just-dropped new sneak peek for the show, the whole pesky compete-to-the-death angle is missing, obviously, but everything about the series looks exactly like its inspiration otherwise. The red and green tracksuits, the games, the decor and, yes, the notorious Red Light, Green Light doll: they're all accounted for. The reality competition TV show received the green light back in 2022, after the streaming platform had also confirmed that a second season of Squid Game itself was on its way. In June 2023, Netflix also announced that Squid Game: The Challenge would arrive in November. The service has now gone one better, locking in Wednesday, November 22 as the spinoff's launch date. How does it work? Again, you already know the details. Those 456 folks — all ordinary people, and not actors — will try to score $4.56 million by playing a series of games inspired by the extremely fictional South Korean thriller, as well as a few new additions. Also, competitors will be eliminated as the games go on, and forming strategies and alliances will play a huge part. So, Squid Game: The Challenge is clearly designed to get as close to the OG Squid Game as possible, just without the body count. It's all being overseen by a Front Man, too, because of course it is. The results will unfurl over ten episodes, in what Netflix has dubbed "the biggest reality competition series ever". Well, it certainly has the biggest cast. Making a gripping and brutal TV show that satirises capitalism, then bringing its games into real life does sound like something that might happen in Squid Game itself if the show was getting meta. As for the second season the OG series, Squid Game's dramatised return doesn't yet boast a release date, but it does have a heap of cast members locked in. Lee Jung-jae (Deliver Us From Evil) returns as the show's protagonist Seong Gi-hun, while Lee Byung-hun (The Magnificent Seven) will be back as the masked Front Man as well. They'll be joined by Wi Ha-joon (Little Women) as detective Hwang Jun-ho, plus Gong Yoo (Train to Busan) as the man in the suit who got Gi-hun into the game in the first place. A show about a deadly competition that has folks competing for ridiculous riches comes with a hefty bodycount, which means that new faces were always going to be essential in Squid Game season two. Yim Si-wan (Emergency Declaration), Kang Ha-neul (Insider), Park Sung-hoon (The Glory) and Yang Dong-geun (Yaksha: Ruthless Operations) will all join the series, but Netflix is keeping quiet about their characters at the moment. Check out the latest teaser trailer for Squid Game: The Challenge: Squid Game: The Challenge will hit Netflix in on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Squid Game's first season is available to stream via Netflix — we'll update you with a release date for season two when one is announced. Images: Netflix.
Australia's most prestigious portrait award, the Archibald Prize is one of the country's most anticipated annual arts events, making a huge splash across the Aussie creative scene each year. For the past few years, the event has announced its finalists in early May, then revealed its winner around a week later — and unveiled its exhibition at the Art Galley of NSW at the same time. In 2020, however, the Archibald has been postponed, with new dates yet to be revealed. It's the latest event affected by the growing spread of COVID-19, as well as Australia's various efforts to stop the illness — including banning outdoor gatherings with more than 500 people, banning indoor gatherings with more than 100 people, and implementing a limit of one person per four square metres in inside spaces and venues. In a statement on the Art Gallery of NSW website, the venue announced that "due to COVID-19, the gallery intends to hold the 2020 exhibition later this year". That applies not just to the Archibald, but to the Wynne and Sulman Prizes — which recognise the best landscape painting of Australian scenery, or figure sculpture and the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project, respectively. At present, entries have been suspended for all three prizes, with dates for submission and delivery of entries to the prizes postponed. [caption id="attachment_721079" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Lindy Lee by Tony Costa.[/caption] In 2019, Sydney painter Tony Costa took out the Archibald with his oil painting of fellow artist Lindy Lee — marking the first time in the award's 98-year history that a portrait of an Asian Australian has taken out the coveted prize. The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize exhibitions will no longer open on May 9 at the Art Gallery of NSW. For further details, visit the gallery's website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
If these walls could talk, they'd tell you to leave this godforsaken place while you still can. And to take the greyish terry towelling bedspread with you. You're inside a Northern Territory motel where the lives of several characters who have lodged here amongst the dank decor at different points in time are interwoven. Youth worker Anni (Leah Purcell) is chaperoning the severely (and for most of the play, unspecifically) traumatised teenager Grace (Billie Rose Prichard) while she searches for a foster home that will take her, and the two spend the night alternately fighting for dominance and trying to make a connection. Sometime later, but narratively in the same time and space, police officer Stephen (Brendan Cowell), recently exiled from Sydney, and his wife, Emma (Anne Lise Phillips), return to the room after a wedding celebration and begin to unfurl an argument that rakes over months of latent tension. A grizzled old cop (Cameron Stewart) enters after them, and sometimes yet another seems to be lurking in this crowded room. Playwright Angela Betzien and director Leticia Caceras (collaborators at RealTV) have masterfully crafted The Dark Room so that its separate strands combine into a taut thriller that contains plenty of poetic moments. Naturalism is leavened by some Gothic styling — a thumping heartbeat, haywire lighting, a creepy mask. You fear for when the lights go out. The script asks a lot of its actors — Prichard, in particular, who brings the balance of innocence and violence to Grace necessary to anchor the play. Cowell and Phillips are electric as a couple, and with their repartee and Cowell's endearing drunkenness, you really warm to them. The Dark Room is almost unbearably intense — when it's over you'll wish you could wash your brain out with rainbows and kittens and be given some reason to hope again. But life is a shitty thing for a good number of people, and this play's real achievement is that it makes a world of unspeakable terror seem very human and incredibly close. It also isn't horror for horror's sake; it intersects with contemporary social issues in a non-ostentatious way. It's well worth seeing, especially in the effectively claustrophobic Belvoir Downstairs space, which is small enough that the audience could conceivably be pressed into the same motel room as these unlucky, overlapping characters. We might all be ghosts who once stayed here, hopefully on more unremarkable nights.
Australia's favourite portrait exhibition, the Archibald Prize, is currently on at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. And, now, the Gallery is giving you another reason to visit — or revisit — thanks to its newly launched free program of art, music, performance and dance. Dubbed Archie Plus, it celebrates people, portraiture and the power of community after a really tough year with the aim to honour diversity, resilience and acts of care. To make it happen, the Gallery is working with New South Wales-based artists, performers and community collaborators to create an alternative experience of portraiture. The program will see dynamic portrait-inspired pieces popping up across the entire ground floor of the Gallery, as well as a lower-level corridor. You can expect to catch more than 60 ceramic sculptures by Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran gracing the grand entrance vestibule, an eye-catching mural from Studio A and newly commissioned works capturing dance, music and spoken word by likes of Nardean and L-Fresh the Lion. The project is bringing numerous artists on-site to create new work, too, so you may be lucky enough to encounter a live performance or work-in-progress during your visit. [caption id="attachment_790674" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, 'Avatar towers' 2020 (installation view) © the artist. Photo: Mark Pokorny[/caption] For more details, check out the Art Gallery of NSW's website. Top Images (in order): Mathew Calandra, Emily Crockford, Annette Galstaun, Lauren Kerjan, Jaycee Kim, Catherine McGuiness, and Meagan Pelham of Studio 'A Love owls and mermaids singing in the rainbow pop' 2020 © the artists; 'Our superpowers' 2020, designed by children of Plunkett Street Public School, Woolloomooloo with Abdul Abdullah, and families supported by the Asylum Seekers Centre, Newtown and contributors to Together In Art Kids; Angela Tiatia 'The Golden Hour 2020' © the artist; and Peter Drew, 'Aussie' poster series displayed in the Grand Courts, Art Gallery of NSW, Thea Proctor Memorial Fund 2020 © Peter Drew.
Sydney is blessed with a disproportionate amount of sunshine. Hence, one of the finest pleasures of any weekend is finding a beer garden where you can sit back, relax and soak up some vitamin D. Whether you're gazing at the harbour, watching waves roll in, or admiring the city skyline — there's no doubt that a good brew tastes even better with a view. We've partnered with Heineken to bring you some of the best bars in Sydney with outdoor areas and killer views perfect for whiling away a sunny day. Stop at any one of these al fresco beauties for a quick bevvie, be it the Newport's sprawling beer garden or Mrs Sippy's pint-sized courtyard in Double Bay, and you'll feel like you've taken a mini holiday. Each and every one serves Heineken 3, an easy drinking, mid-strength drop that's made for long, lazy afternoons in the sun.
Two years ago, Pappa Rich gave tastebuds across Australia the culinary hybrid they didn't know they were craving: a nasi lemak burger. They were originally sneakily trialled in Sydney stores in 2018, then rolled out for a limited time in 2019. Now, they're back. The burger takes the typical accompaniments in this Malaysian rice dish and sandwiches them all between two toasted burger buns. There are layers of crispy Malay fried chicken, spicy sambal, peanuts and anchovies, all topped with cucumber, lettuce and a fried egg. As a side? Expect Pappa Rich's deep-fried chicken skin, of course. You can also opt for chips if you prefer. The Malaysian hawker chain is returning the nasi lemak burger to its menu — at all of its 31 stores countrywide, but only until Sunday, May 30. If you're instantly hungry, you'll want to pop into one of Pappa Rich's outlets, which includes Bankstown, North Ryde, Chatswood and Ultimo in Sydney.
An old garage down a service laneway doesn't sound like a spot for a bar, but that's exactly where Sydney's new 20-person mezcal bar has taken up residence. Cantina OK! is located down the non-street that is Council Place, and it's rocking bright pink and purple walls, Mexican vibes and no seating whatsoever. You may not be surprised to hear that this mini mezcal mecca is run by Sydney's favourite tequila joint, Tio's Cerveceria — the men behind it are venue owners Alex Dowd and Jeremy Blackmore and its manager Alex (Happy) Gilmour. The trio took one helluva road trip around Mexico last year, hitting three states and picking up heaps of mezcal along the way. "We wanted to take what we saw in Mexico and really showcase it in this space," says Gilmour. "It's our way of documenting what these amazing mezcal producers can do." The team took their research very seriously, returning to Sydney with a whopping 140 bottles that now sit behind the minuscule bar. There are mezcals from regions all across Oaxaca, Michoacán and Jalisco, as well as drops of tequila, raicilla (an agave distilled spirit from Jalisco) and sotol (non-agave distilled spirit from northern Mexico). "You won't find another mezcaleria in the southern hemisphere that has the particular collection that we have," says Gilmour. Some of his favourite labels include the experimental Michoacán producer Jorge Perez — who distills his mezcal with likes of rattlesnake and a whole coyote — a single distillation arroqueño mezcal from Oaxaca and even a few bottles that have been aged for 29 years — those, of course, are on the expensive side. [caption id="attachment_714466" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low.[/caption] If all that sounds a bit intimating, turn to the well-trained staff, who are eager to get into the "nitty gritty" of mezcal drinking with you. But you don't have to go high brow — the place still has the casual, laid-back Tio's vibe where you can just pop-in for a damn good margarita, too. And that'd be the house margarita, which combines both mezcal and tequila with lime and cane sugar syrup, all served over shaved ice. Otherwise, chose from an old fashioned with five spice and chilli bitters; a tequila fizz with horchata rice milk and egg white; and a chamomile and pineapple sour. There's also one produce-driven cocktail on the menu each week, which there'll write down for you on one of the hand-stamped coasters. Recent specials have included an espresso martini, a tommy's margarita with watermelon and rosé and the kalamansi paloma (with the Filipino lime, kaffir lime, mezcal and soda). You'll find that more than a few of the cocktails include shaved ice — which comes courtesy of the hand-powered yellow Nepalese ice shaver sitting at the centre of the bar. "Everything has a story in the venue and a connection to Mexican style, history and colours" says Gilmour. When you head in, expect a bright combination of tyrian purple, watermelon pink and safety yellow — Gilmore 's words, not ours — plus plenty of timber. Just not a lot of space. So, find yourself a spot at the bar or in the corner and grab a drink — or stay for a few. Cantina OK! is now open at Council Place (off Clarence Street, between Market and King Streets), Sydney. Opening hours are 4pm–2am seven days.
Western Australia is known for its stunning beaches, incredible nature, top-notch eats and plenty of excellent vino. So, it's no wonder some of the best chefs and sommeliers from around the globe want to come Down Under this spring. Come November, rockstar chefs and wine experts will flock to Western Australia for an epic food and wine fair — Western Australia Gourmet Escape presented by Westpac. Taking over the Swan Valley, Perth and Margaret River for ten days (Friday, November 8 – Sunday, November 17), the event is an extravaganza of long lunches, cruises, wine tasting sessions and masterclasses. You can count on more than 50 events featuring more than 50 world-class talents. Coming from the UK, Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White will host a one-off dinner at Swan Valley's Sittella Winery. You'll also find him at the new Gourmet Feast in the Valley, which will run from Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10. The weekend-long shindig of food, music and workshops will also host Jess Pryles (author of Hardcore Carnivore), Christian Stevenson (aka DJ BBQ), DJ-chef Yo Levins and Aussie band The Rubens playing live. Plus, you can expect artisan producers and wineries, hands-on activities, masterclasses and a lineup of Perth's best food trucks, too. Head down to Margaret River and you can also hit up a barbecue on the beach with the famed Momofuku empire's executive chef David Chang or a twilight vegetarian degustation at the idyllic Margaret River's Secret Garden, hosted by WA chef George Cooper (Tiller Dining) and Amanda Cohen from New York's Dirt Candy. You can also join chef Mark Best (ex-Marque) on a luxury catamaran to cruise around Geographe Bay, Margaret River, from Friday, November 15–Sunday, November 17. With plenty of food, wine and culinary stars hitting our western coast, a trip over could be a hot option before diving into summer. There's plenty more food and wine frivolity in store, which you can check out in the festival's massive programme over here. Tickets to Western Australia Gourmet Escape presented by Westpac go on sale at 9am on Thursday, July 18. To see our picks of the best events to check out at this epic food and wine festival, head here. UPDATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 5 – Western Australia Gourmet Escape is hosting a one-off event in Sydney. On Tuesday, August 13, you can join WA chef Luke Mangan, Gage Roads Brewing Co's chief brewer Aaron Heary and Annabelle Coppin from the Pilbara's Outback Beef, plus Sydney-based wine expert Mike Bennie for a four-course dinner at The Hilton Hotel Sydney's restaurant, Glass Brasserie. Kicking off at 6pm, the event is a celebration of Western Australian produce, with tickets costing $123 per person. Tickets include four courses matched with Gage Roads brews or with optional pairings of Margaret River wines available as an alternative. For tickets, head here.
Spend a day immersed in Aboriginal culture and wander around Sydney's Barangaroo Reserve at the next edition of Blak Markets. The festival will take over the Stargazer's Lawn on Sunday, September 24 from 10am till 4pm, showcasing artists with over 20 stalls Blak Markets will feature performances from triple j unearthed artist Rebecca Hatch, and dance workshops hosted by the Ngaran Ngaran traditional dancers. Keep an eye out for The Black Olive's (Mark Olive) Bush Tucker cooking class too. Blak Markets is a project of First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation. With the help of the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, Aboriginal artists come together to celebrate their culture and 100 percent of profits go to Aboriginal communities.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Dharawal National Park, on a new kind of nature tour that invites you to make use of more than just your eyes. Held on April 14, 21 and 28, the Autumn Series Sensory Walks will be led by a qualified park ranger and will call on each of the five human senses. Over the course of the 90 minute walk, guests will take in the sounds of nature, smell and touch the vegetation, and chow down on a number of tasty bush treats. In addition to the Sensory Walks, the little-known nature park – which is located roughly 90 minutes outside of central Sydney – also offers indigenous walking tours on the second Saturday of every month between February and November.
Last year, HBO said goodbye to Game of Thrones, at least for now. It also farewelled Veep and wrapped up Big Little Lies, although the latter apparently could still make a comeback. But don't go thinking that the US cable network has gaps in its schedule in 2020. Not only did Westworld return, but The Outsider, Perry Mason, Lovecraft Country, I May Destroy You and The Undoing all proved must-see viewing. Australian viewers can watch its Italian-set mini-series We Are Who We Are from this month, too — and in December, HBO's new six-part psychological thriller The Third Day will also hit local screens. Starring Jude Law, Naomie Harris (Moonlight, Spectre), Paddy Considine (The Outsider), Emily Watson (Chernobyl) and Katherine Waterston (the Fantastic Beasts franchise), The Third Day is comprised of two halves: 'Summer' and 'Winter'. In the show's first three episodes, it follows a man called Sam (Law) who is drawn to an island off the British coast, only to discover that he can't leave. In its second three episodes, it spends time with Helen (Harris), who also finds herself on the tiny Osea Island. If it sounds familiar, that's because it started airing in the US in mid-September and just finished up its overseas run in mid-October. Now Australian viewers will be able to enjoy its intriguing premise, eerie setting and top-notch cast, with The Third Day hitting Foxtel from Monday, December 7 — airing weekly, and also making every episode available to stream via Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now. There's no word as yet regarding The Third Day's other component, called 'Fall' — a day-long event that featured Law, Watson and Waterston, was broadcast in real time and was also captured in one continuous take. Behind the scenes, the show stems from creators Felix Barrett and Dennis Kelly, with Barrett founding British theatre company Punchdrunk — which created the aforementioned 'Fall' segment of the show — and Kelly writing the original UK version of Utopia. Check out the trailer for The Third Day below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hHT5FlMaIQ&feature=youtu.be The Third Day starts screening via Foxtel from 8.30pm on Monday, December 7, with new episodes airing each week. All six episodes will also be available to stream on the same date via Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now. Top image: Liam Daniel/HBO.
Good times are coming Down Under in October, and disco-soul hit 'Good Times', too. As well as locking in spots at 2023's Harvest Rock in Adelaide and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Nile Rodgers & Chic are doing their own headline tour. Ah, Sydney, get ready to freak out on Monday, October 23 and Wednesday, October 25 at the Enmore Theatre. Not only 'Good Times' but also 'Le Freak' is certain to get a whirl when the one and only Rodgers takes to the stage with the group that he co-founded more than five decades ago. Also on their recent setlists: Chic tracks 'Everybody Dance', 'Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)' and 'I Want Your Love'. [caption id="attachment_916215" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alex Marshall via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Mention Chic and Rodgers instantly springs to mind; however, as a guitarist, the latter is in a league of his own. You'll also know his work on Daft Punk's Random Access Memories, including single 'Get Lucky'. And as a writer and producer, he's had a hand in everything from David Bowie's Let's Dance album to Madonna's 'Like a Virgin'. Accordingly, Nile Rodgers & Chic gigs are known to bust out tracks from across Rodgers' career beyond Chic. Cue 'Get Lucky' and its earworm of a guitar riff, both 'Let's Dance' and the always-delightful 'Modern Love' by Bowie, and also a Madonna double of 'Like a Virgin' and 'Material Girl'. Because Rodgers and late, great fellow Chic member Bernard Edwards were involved in writing, composing and/or producing them, Diana Ross' 'I'm Coming Out' and 'Upside Down' also get a spin, plus Sister Sledge's 'He's the Greatest Dancer' and 'We Are Family'.
Sleeping with your mother. Killing your father. Eating your children. Usurping your brother. Greek theatre is full of the kinds of extreme acts of violence and wrongness that we may enjoy watching but don't often see as tied to our own world. That all changes when the Hayloft Project take the Greek tragedy that birthed all other Greek tragedies, Thyestes, and mine it for rich veins of the modern and the real. This production already comes on the back of a wave of approval — from Melbourne theatregoers, who raved about it; from Belvoir, who afterwards recruited director Simon Stone to come to Sydney and make shows for us, to wit, The Wild Duck, Neighbourhood Watch and STC's Baal — and this review, sadly for contrarians, just can't find a voice of dissent. Thyestes is brilliant, a true shock and a thrill to watch. The story of Thyestes, once by Seneca, is brutal even among its contemporaries. After killing their half-brother and triggering the suicide of their mother, brothers Thyestes and Atreus are meant to be sharing rule of Mycenae but instead vie for total control. Eventually, Atreus, out for vengeance, murders Thyestes' sons and, yes, feeds them to him as part of a feast (spaghetti and meatballs will not be appetising again for a long time). Things do not improve from here. An oracle tells Thyestes that a child by his own daughter Pelopia will one day kill Atreus, and eventually, after many more tragedies, this does come to pass. It pays to learn the synopsis, for this production of Thyestes takes place around it rather than within it. It spends time in the set-ups to murders, the domestic lives that breed adultery, and the conversations over that dinner table. It might seem counter to the contemporary impulse to skirt the prime moments of brutality, but in doing so, this Thyestes finds a beautifully uneasy tension between overt violence, covert violence and nice chitchat that always threatens to spoil. The first scene, for instance, is an oddly charming buddy comedy as three brothers discuss naïve gestures of love, watching Water Rats dubbed into Spanish, wanting to sleep with the 'middle sister' from Hanson, and, um, being penetrated with a strap-on. When it ends, with the impending shooting of the innocent and unaware Chryssipus (Ryan), you dread that it will be him that goes. Plus, there's still blood, nudity and oral sex to spare. If the Hayloft Project are looking for modern manifestations of the extreme behaviours that seem to have infected the ancients, they find it in the tyranny of Atreus (played with sick glee by Mark Winter). The character is a charismatic egomaniac who needs attention like oxygen, gets off on controlling everyone around him and commands followers. Very plausible. Getting power, it turns out, doesn't make him nicer. He's terrifying. It's nice to think that he does sort of get his comeuppance, but that isn't the moral of the story. The stage design (by Claude Marcos), meanwhile, is a wonder. Its minimalist yet spectacular white cube creates an illusion of containment that is constantly broken by sweeping scene changes, and it also starts an interesting game of seeing how unconventional audience placement can affect experience. In the emerging Stone oeuvre, this is still the most cohesive and clear of vision and purpose. Which is unexpected given the production's anarchic veneer. It's testament to the power of an exceptional group of long-term collaborators: Stone, Winter and co-writers/performers Chris Ryan and Thomas Henning devised this script together and continued to rip out and replace scenes well into the Melbourne season. May they dismember and reanimate many classics to come. https://youtube.com/watch?v=SW1AOkhUL3c
After being hauled back from the financial brink in 2016 and then making the move from central Sydney to Parramatta earlier this year, Tropfest has seen a lot of change over the past few years. But it seems that the world's biggest short film festival has found some security in a few big multi-year partnerships, with Tropfest founder and director John Polson announcing that it will return to Parramatta Park in 2018. Like last year, the festival will be held on a Saturday, with a series of events (like the Tropfest Talks program) to run in the lead-up to the main event. This year's 'signature item' is rose, which entrants can interpret or include in their seven-minute-max film at their discretion. After finally reaching an equal gender split this year (that is, 50 percent female filmmakers and 50 percent male), Polson is pushing for more cultural diversity for Tropfest 2018. "Australia is one of the most multicultural countries on Earth, which makes for some unique perspectives," he said. "We are calling for diverse stories from filmmakers of all backgrounds to showcase in the heart of Parramatta, western Sydney — one of Australia's most ethnically vibrant communities." If you're thinking of giving it a go, entries open for submissions will open on October 15, 2017 and close on January 11, 2018.
Love, Tilly Devine in Darlinghurst will undergo an American invasion today, as cult fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger hosts a pop-up event for the day from 11am-3pm. Get down there for a America's freshest and most delicious take on fast food. It's about time that Australians had more fries with melted cheese. The last time these guys popped up — at Barrio Chino in 2011 — stocks certainly did not last. Love, Tilly Devine is at 91 Crown Lane Darlinghurst. Run! Update: In-N-Out is now sold out. Redirect your burger cravings, Sydney.
While social distancing and public gathering rules are still in place across the country, some companies are starting to look to the less-restricted future. Qantas yesterday said interstate travel could be back on the cards by July, Restaurant and Catering Australia wants hospitality venues reopened in June and, now, Falls Festival has announced it's powering ahead with plans for its New Year's festival — with some big changes. In a statement released this morning, Falls Co-Producers Jessica Ducro and Paul Piticco said they'd decided to push ahead with the end-of-year festival. "As Australia heads towards the recovery phase of COVID-19 we have decided to move forward with optimism, and work towards presenting our Dec 2020/Jan 2021 event in a way that will best bolster Australia's live music industry," the statement said. Details of the summer festival, which usually takes places at Tassie's Marion Bay, Lorne in Victoria, North Byron and Fremantle, are scarce for now, but the duo has announced one big change: an all-Aussie lineup. With Australia's borders currently closed and even travel between just Australia and New Zealand "still some time away", keeping the lineup local does seem the smart choice — and it has the added bonus of helping Aussie musicians, many of which have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown. According to website I Lost My Gig, Australian music industry workers have lost approximately $340 million worth of income since the crisis began. Falls Festival hopes it'll be able to help support some of those impacted with its locally focused festival. "We have some of the most exciting acts in the world and this special 'home grown' edition of Falls will ensure that money stays in our local economy, providing maximum financial benefit for the Australian music community – artists, management, crew, agents, roadies, production etc — as well as the thousands of contractors and suppliers who rely on our events for their income," Ducro and Piticco said in the statement. The festival will also help raise funds for Support Act, a charity delivery crisis relief services to those in the music industry. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_04sZGhybw/ It's positive news for those in the industry and music fans alike, but the the festival is not yet set in stone. Two-person public gathering rules are still currently in place in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, and Australia's ban on non-essential mass gatherings of over 500 people was one of the first restrictions implemented — way back on March 13, 2020 — so could, if we're to work backwards, be one of the last lifted. The Australian Government has also said some level of social distancing measures will need to remain in place until a vaccine is found, which Federal Science Minister Karen Andrews told the ABC earlier this week was still 10–15 months away. So, if the festival is to go ahead, it could look a little different — and a have a lot less punters in tow. Falls Byron usually has around 25,000 attendees, while Falls Lorne has 9000. Last year, the music festival was impacted by the bushfires, with the Lorne leg cancelled one day in because of extreme and hazardous weather. Falls Festival is hoping to go ahead in December 2020/January 2021. We'll let you know if and when more details are announced.
While we've been lucky enough here in Sydney to have the freedom to safely return to activities like the movies, indoor dining and seated live music, the COVID-19 pandemic has left a dance-sized hole in many of our lives. You may have been able to temporarily fill it with an at-home boogie over the last 12 months, but Sydney Opera House is offering the opportunity to fill your Tuesday afternoons with dance thanks to its new free dance classes. Running every Tuesday throughout March, Every Body Dance Now is a series of free outdoor dance classes taking place on the Opera House forecourt. Attendees will learn a mix of contemporary, jazz, street and Latin dance in front of the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Starting on Tuesday, March 9, the weekly classes will be run by dancers, choreographers, performing artists and educators throughout the month. Classes will run at two separate times, 3.30pm and 6pm, meaning you can drop in for an afternoon dance fix or head over to Circular Quay after work to shake out the day's energy. If this is your first foray into organised dancing, there's no need to worry, as participants of all fitness, age and abilities are invited. The classes are free, but registration is essential, which you can do over at the Sydney Opera House website from 9am on Wednesday, February 17. Images: Daniel Boud
Trying to dance like Christopher Walken, pretending you're in Cruel Intentions, being transported back to the late 90s and early 00s: that's all on the agenda when Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, returns Down Under in 2023. Touring New Zealand in January and February, then hitting Australia in April and May, the British dance music legend will take to the decks to bust out a hefty range of dance floor fillers. His 1998 album You've Come a Long Way, Baby was the club soundtrack to end the 20th century — a staple of every 90s teen's CD collection, too — and responsible for hits like 'Right Here, Right Now', 'The Rockafeller Skank' and 'Praise You'. As for 2000's Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars, it gave the world 'Weapon of Choice' and its iconic Walken-starring (and Spike Jonze-directed) video. You might not be able to dance along the walls when Cook plays Christchurch, Napier, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Taupo in Aotearoa — and then hops over the ditch a couple of months later to do the same in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth — but you'll want to thanks to his big beat sound. Indeed, alongside the Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, The Propellerheads and Crystal Method, he helped bring the style to mainstream fame. Cook has been making music since the 80s, but took on the name Fatboy Slim in the mid-90s, starting with 1996 record Better Living Through Chemistry. His discography also spans 2004 album Palookaville and 2013 single 'Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat'. [caption id="attachment_878697" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] If you've seen Cook live before, you'll know that this is news to get excited about right about now. His Australian tour marks Cook's return after his 2020 headline shows — pre-pandemic — with his Melbourne gig at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl recorded for an epic live video that's notched up more than 2.4-million views. FATBOY SLIM 2023 AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR Friday, January 27 — QE2 Park, Christchurch Saturday, January 28 — Tremain Field, Napier Sunday, January 29 — Gardens Music Festival, Victoria Park, Auckland Friday, February 3 — Anderson Park, Wellington Saturday, February 4 — Gibbston Valley, Queenstown Sunday, February 5 — Riverside Park, Taupo Friday, April 28 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Wednesday, May 3 — Riverstage, Brisbane Friday, May 5 — The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney Sunday, May 7 — Burswood Park, Perth Fatboy Slim will tour New Zealand in January and February 2023, and Australia in March and April 2023. Tickets for NZ are on sale now. Pre-sale tickets for Australia start at 2pm local time on Wednesday, November 23, with general sales from the same time on Friday, November 25. Top image: Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons.
A landmark in Aboriginal musical theatre, Bran Nue Dae won awards and fans across the country during its original tour in the 1990s. A winner of a Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award, the beloved musical is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its debut with a run at Riverside Theatre, allowing audiences old and new the opportunity to spend time with Willie as he makes his way home from mission school. A coming of age story set in 1960s WA that's choc-full of musical numbers, Bran Nue Dae is likely to delight audiences today just as much as it did three decades ago. Image: Ben Symons.
Here's a new perspective on your familiar bottle of cider. On display at the Kings Cross Library is Wiradjuri artist Amala Groom's The Cider Series. Groom notes that "the word 'cide' means 'to kill' and refers to the ongoing attempt to annihilate Aboriginal Peoples' ways of being and existing." Exhibiting contemporary paintings of cider stamped with words such as 'Genocider' and 'Ethnocider', Groom critiques the ongoing colonisation of Aboriginal Peoples and their land. The series reminds us that Aboriginal cultures have and will continue to thrive and survive. Between being a law student, social justice advocate, filmmaker, researcher, network builder and attending UN forums, Groom is an artist exhibiting solo for the first time. If scathing social commentary and witty puns are what you look for in art, The Cider Series needs your attendance. It's up until February 28.
The 40th parallel is much more than simply a line of latitude spanning the distance of America from East to West; and Bruce Myren's photographs of it are much more than just photos. The line N 40° 00' 00'' bisects the country from New Jersey's shore crossing through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, over the border between Nebraska and Kansas, following on past Colorado, Utah, Nevada and finally finishing in California. Myren is not only capturing the stunning surroundings of these landscapes, but is trying to understand and portray the "human desire to create systems and then locate ourselves within them". The fortieth parallel north is a tool for measurement, as well as acting as the baseline for creating homesteads and townships, functioning as a useful marker during Western settlement. The project began as a fairly small and basic undertaking, using maps to identify the areas because GPS's were not widely available during that time. However, as geographical technology began to grow and develop, so too did Myren's photo series. Using an 8 x 10 Deardoff camera and colour transparency film, Myren produced panoramas by snapping three shots moving from left to right then adding them together during editing. The photographer is aiming to take a landscape panorama shot at every longitudinal point along the line, adding up to a total of 52 locations and images, spaced roughly 53 miles apart from each other. So far he has captured 28 stunning images of these locations. Here are 10 of the inspired images from his series, aimed to make you "consider the history of landscape photography, American development , but most importantly [your] own relationship to place." N 40° 00' o0'' W 109° 00' 00", Rangely, Colorado, 2000 N 40° 00' 00" W 108° 00' 00", Meeker, Colorado, 2000 N 40° 00' 00" W 101° 00' 00", Ludell, Kansas, 2011 N 40° 00' 00" W 98° 00' 00", Webber, Kansas, 2007 N 40° 00' 00" W 97° 00' 00", Hollenberg, Kansas, 2007 N 40° 00' 00" W 95° 00' 00", Fillmore, Missouri, 2007 N 40° 00' 00" W 93° 00' 00", Winigan, Missouri, 2011 N 40° 00' 00" W 81° 00' 00", Belmont, Ohio, 1999 N 40° 00' 00" W 76° 00' 00", Gap, Pennsylvania, 1999 N 40° 00' 00" W 74° 03' 32", Normandy Beach, New Jersey, 1998
As part of the flurry of new streaming services competing for our eyeballs, FanForce TV joined the online viewing fold during the COVID-19 pandemic — with the pay-per-view platform not only screening movies, but pairing them with virtual Q&A sessions as well. Now, between Wednesday, November 11–Sunday, November 15 it's also hosting an online film fest: its second Virtual Indigenous Film Festival. The returning event coincides with NAIDOC Week, and will showcase five films: In My Own Words, The Song Keepers, The Flood, Wik vs Queensland and Westwind: Djalu's Legacy. That means you can watch your way through an array of Aussie movies focused on Indigenous stories, spanning both dramas and documentaries — and exploring race relations in the process. Sessions will also feature guest speakers, such as The Flood's writer/director/producer Victoria Wharfe McIntyre, The Song Keepers' filmmaker Naina Sen and Ben Strunin from Westwind: Djalu's Legacy. Viewers can tune in on a film-by-film basis, or buy an all-access pass to tune into everything. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY3O5LtMo9Q&feature=emb_logo Top image: Westwind: Djalu's Legacy
Malaysian hawker chain Pappa Rich is spreading the love for its eighth birthday, with two weeks of banger deals across all six of its NSW stores. You'll be able to try your Pappa Rich favourites, or taste something completely new, all for just $8. Dip roti canai in vegetarian curry, try stir-fried noodle dish char koay teow and tuck into a toasted hainan sandwich. Or go classic with chicken rice and steamed chicken. There'll be a different dish for $8 each day from March 16–29, including blended ice drinks, teh tarik and puddings. You can check out each day's deal below. Since 2012, Pappa Rich has opened 28 stores around Australia. The chain has developed a reputation for serving up a fusion of flavours from Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, as well as creating next-level limited edition bites, like this nasi lemak burger and a collaborative chicken sandwich with Belles Hot Chicken. PAPPA RICH $8 MEALS March 16 — three roti canai March 17 — nasi lemak curry (chicken, vego or mutton) March 18 — chicken curry laksa March 19 — two ice blended or two nasi lemak bungkus March 20 — six chicken wings and a drink March 21 — toasted hainan sandwich and two half-boiled eggs March 22 — deep-fried chicken skin and a drink March 23 — char koay teow March 24 — roti canai curry (chicken, vego or mutton) March 25 — nasi lemak fried rice (chicken, vego or mutton) March 26 — two drinks (lemon iced tea or teh tarik) March 27 — two puddings or three curry puffs March 28 — chips and nuggets or salt and pepper chicken wings with rice March 29 — chicken rice and steamed chicken Pappa Rich's $8 meals are available from March 16–29 at all six of its NSW stores.
Following their successful debut in Melbourne last June, one of Australia's most exciting new film festivals is doubling down in their sophomore year. Extending their dates and adding Sydney to the rotation, the second annual Czech and Slovak Film Festival of Australia (CaSFFA) promises to be even more intriguing than the first. A tale about family, friendship and an endearing love of movies, Jiri Madl's To the Sea will bookend the festival, launching the Melbourne leg on August 21 and screening on closing night in Sydney two-and-a-half weeks later. Other contemporary highlights include the 60s set surveillance thriller The Confidant and the action-packed mob movie The Godfather's Story. Classic movie buffs can also look forward to a series of retrospective screenings, including a digital restoration of Jiri Menzel's 1966 Oscar winner Closely Observed Trains and a multi-session sidebar on the work of Czech surrealist Jan Svankmajer. The festival will also present a number of free exhibitions, for patrons looking to expand their understanding of Czech and Slovak history. For the full CaSFFA program, visit the festival website. Image: To the Sea.
There's nothing like a pop up, and one featuring luxurious French champagne and macarons from Becasse is something we want to be a part of. To celebrate the opening of the luxury dimension in the otherworldly new Westfield, French champagne house Pommery (also celebrating their 175th birthday this year) are hosting a intimate bar. Swing by for a flute (or two) at $15 a pop, with complimentary macaron, and take a tour of the new precinct. We imagine that browsing Miu Miu, Mulberry and Christian Louboutin can only get more fun once tipsy. But be quick: it begins this Wednesday 15th and lasts for five days only.
No longer will denizens of the west have to venture into the Sydney CBD for a Neil Perry hamburger. Following on from the success of his first budget burger venture The Burger Project in World Square — and the five others that have sprung up since — the Rockpool chef is today firing up the grill on a second Burger Project location in Parramatta. The first Burger Project began its life primarily as a means of bringing the next best thing to Perry's much drooled-over $24 Rockpool beef burger to the masses — without the prohibitive price tag. Parramatta diners can expect 14 variations on the humble hamburger, including the chilli cheese, Magic Mushroom and the katsu fried chicken, the names of which are all fairly self-explanatory. The new location — the group's first in western Sydney — is located on the ground floor of Parramatta's 28-storey V by Crown complex. With street frontage and room for 90 patrons, the glass-walled eatery has been designed by architect Grant Cheyne. The complex is soon to open a brand new luxury hotel, which will feature 72 suites, a retail precinct, some flashy facilities — which include a swish pool that's only open to residents and guests — and a brand new openair terrace bar by the Eau de Vie team on level 26. Since opening in Sydney back in 2014, the celebrity chef's high-end fast food joint Burger Project has expanded rapidly, particularly after Perry's Rockpool Group was acquired by the Urban Purveyor Group last year. The Parramatta store will be their sixth in Sydney and their ninth Australia-wide, having recently opened two in Melbourne and one in Brisbane. Burger Project Parramatta opens at 11am on Friday, March 10 at Shop 1 and 2, V by Crown, 134-140 Marsden Street, Parramatta. For more info, visit their website.
Whiplash is a drama about the pursuit of artistic greatness. Its characters push the boundaries in their determination to reach their goal. The film stars Miles Teller as an aspiring jazz percussionist, Andrew Neyman, who becomes so absorbed in his art he overworks himself mentally and physically, making his fingers bleed from overwork on multiple occasions. Starring alongside him is JK Simmons, playing his volatile music teacher, Terrence Fletcher, at a prestigious music academy. Wholly absorbed in a desire to create the best musicians of our time, Fletcher adopts a sort of survival-of-the-fittest teaching method, which borders on sociopathic. Oscillating between cruel mind games, verbal attacks and feigned pleasantness, he continually isolates his students — forcing nothing but the best. The film has won a string of awards, including the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award (US Dramatic) at the Sundance Film Festival, and is so far 96 percent certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Whiplash is in cinemas on October 23 (with sneak previews 17-19 October at select locations). Thanks to Sony Pictures, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our review of Whiplash here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=8J6JH-R-TN0
What were you doing on 10/10/10? It appears that innumerable professional and amateur filmmakers from over 200 countries were filming the world around them as part of the One Day On Earth Project. The initiative aimed to collect the many and varied stories and images of that particular day - pregnant bellies, soccer games, guitar playing, arrests, little colourful fish and hair-washing to name but a few - and in the process became one of the biggest participatory events in history. The project was the brainchild of founder Kyle Ruddick who, in 2008, had the idea of using cinema to connect people from across the globe. Since then, with the support of non-government organisations and the United Nations Development Program, it has turned into a social networking phenomenon where not only films but stories and information are shared. A feature length film of the project will be released in the near future, but for now a trailer has been released to give a brief glimpse into this ambitious project.
You may think you've had enough politics after just following the state elections, let alone the last federal one, but for the political cartoonists with work in Behind the Lines at Parramatta's Riverside Theatre, the work is just getting started. Cartoonists were doomed to follow the last terrible government in intricate detail, and are fated to follow the terrible successor day by dusty day as well. Although in some respects today's caricatures are actually much more tame than their historical predecessors, political cartoons have come a long way since the days of Hogarth. There are other programs that promise to take you behind the scenes in the cartoonist's studio, but none of them bring together the pure breadth, diversity and quality in the collection at Behind the Lines. And while good political cartoons aren't always funny, Behind the Lines' collection of contemporary satire keeps up a pretty good standard of chuckles if not as many out-and-out LOLs. Pyramid-nosed Gillards, long-suffering Abbotts and dour-faced — and faceless — numbers operators plaster the Parramatta walls. This suburb was the heart of last weekend's political victory, and no doubt tomorrow's political scandal. So get in its local spirit, and don't be the last in the conga-line of suckholes to check it out. Behind the Lines is open 9-5 Monday to Friday, 9.30 - 1 on Saturdays and before performances at the Riverside.
