When you've played your hardest and your team has scored a win, the last thing you want to do is go home and sleep. You need to take all that positive energy from the field to the pub. There's no question, beer tastes better when you've earned it. To celebrate the triumph the right way you'll need to decide on a spot for celebratory kick ons before kick off. As Louis Pasteur said: "Fortune favours a prepared mind." To give you a helping hand, we've teamed up with Heineken to find Sydney's prime spots for post-match shenanigans. Wherever you live in this mighty metropolis, there's a bar awaiting you — with friendly vibes (even among the defeated) and, more importantly, ice-cold Heineken 3s. Go forth, victors, and celebrate rightfully.
"The punchline is true about me...I did the dumb thing. But I did a lot of other things too." So says Anthony Weiner at the beginning of the documentary that bears his name. His statement is both an admission and a reminder, as presented with a level of candour that mightn't be expected from a former New York congressman. Of course, Weiner isn't any old politician ,and there's a reason that everyone knows who he is. You saw the scandals play out, giggling about someone with his particular surname getting caught texting dick pics. Now we get to see his side of the story. Indeed, we already know why filmmakers Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg were keen to peer beyond the international headlines and discover the man behind the very public mockery. What isn't always clear is just why Weiner himself agreed to be involved. Why did he agree to subject himself to a warts-and-all look at his notorious indiscretions and their impact upon his career and marriage. And why did he agree to give the film crew such extraordinarily intimate access? That's the first of many questions that springs from this astute and insightful film, and most of them don't have easy or obvious answers. In fact, when Kriegman is heard interrogating his subject about why he was allowed to chronicle the minutiae of his life, Weiner doesn't really have a response, other than later stating his desire to be seen as more than just a punchline. His loyal wife Huma Abedin, an advisor to Hillary Clinton, and an increasingly distressed figure in the feature, doesn't know what to say either. Still, as the tabloids, news reports and late-night comedians prove relentless in dissecting her decision to stand by her husband, her deteriorating facade speaks volumes. By honing in on Weiner's comeback mayoral bid, which is soon derailed when another explosive revelation rears its head, the documentary does a great many things. It acts as an all-too-familiar twist on the American dream, contemplating not just the path to success, but trying again after falling so far. It examines the difficulty of living a life of incessant scrutiny while trying to put your past behaviour behind you. It offers disarming images of a man watching his world fall down around him yet again. It points the finger at the way the media treats those in their orbit. And it provides an utterly fascinating look at the real inner-workings of a political campaign. Here, the truth is absolutely stranger than fiction — and more compelling, too. Kriegman and Steinberg present rather than judge, and flesh out rather than assume. The end result is patient and observational as it follows Weiner on the campaign trail, yet remains infused with the urgency of his rollercoaster existence. Whatever your thoughts on the man, we're guessing they won't be the same when the end credits roll.
Dust off your sombreros, amigos. The latest international excuse for a good time to reach our shores is Cinco de Mayo — a celebration of all things Mexican (which, if we’re being nit-picky, is really more of an Americanisation than anything but shh, let us party). In celebration, the folks at Corona and Beach Burrito Company Bondi are putting together a fiesta, complete with face painting by local street artists and the first ever Taco Time Trials Eating Contest. For the less competitively inclined but equally taco-happy, Cinco de Mayo falls conveniently on a Tuesday, and Beach Burrito Co’s regular $3 taco deal applies, so your pesos’ll stretch further. With what you’ve got left, you can sip salt-rimmed margaritas, down trays of tequila shots (not recommended) or share a bucket of ice-cold Coronas. And, of course, come prepared to smash and whack your way to glory, because they wouldn’t be doing Mexico right without pinatas.
As if Kendrick Lamar shows weren't already hard enough to nab tickets to, it's just been announced that the West Coast king will play an uber-exclusive/downright splurge-worthy show in the Bermuda Triangle. Performing this Halloween alongside Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding, Kendrick will take the stage in the spookiest place on earth as part of a three-day festival sponsored by Bacardi. Here's hoping he makes it back alive. Unless you're an heiress, Bruce Wayne or Tony Stark, The Bacardi Triangle festival is pretty completely unlike any festival you've ever been to. From October 30–November 2, 1862 guests will descend on the Caribbean via private chartered jet from London, New York and Los Angeles. And it's safe to say they won't be roughing it with a broken tent and goon bag. Festival patrons will be put up at the five-star Waldorf Astoria El Conquistador, treated to intimate poolside performances and then taken to a private island via boat for the main show. Usually we wouldn't even tell you about this kind of stuff. It just makes people feel bad. Who wants to hear about luxurious world-class performances on a private island while they're bunkered over a pint of draught watching young screamo kids at the local bandroom? It's cruel. But this time around, Bacardi Triangle are offering up free tickets. Bacardi are giving away all-expense paid trips and plane tickets to 12 Australian island-less peasants. The price of everything adds up to over $20,000 and the value of the stories you'll have is absolutely priceless. Just head along to their website, tell them in 25 words or less what the weirdest place you've ever partied is and you'll be in the running. Sure, the possibility of winning is sure to be smaller than the actual lottery, but you have nothing to lose and a literal boatload of free Bacardi and epic Kendrick times to gain. The full lineup is yet to be released, but rumour has that it will feature an Aussie electronic act. We'd tell you to keep your eyes peeled for further details, but if you're still reading this you've missed the point entirely. Kendrick Lamar. Bermuda Triangle. Private jets. Actual swimming pools full of liquor. Enter here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=B5YNiCfWC3A
If you're looking for your latest glimpse of the next Star Wars movie, there's no need to travel to a galaxy far, far away, because the full final trailer has just dropped in this one. Two months before the main franchise's ninth episode (and 11th theatrical flick overall) hits cinemas, Disney has delivered its last sneak peek of Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker — as well as reiterating the claim that this flick will end the whole Skywalker saga. Don't worry — more Star Wars movies are definitely in the works, courtesy of two big-screen spinoff trilogies by Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi helmer Rian Johnson and Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, respectively. Just next month, new TV series The Mandalorian will start screening on Disney's new streaming platform as well. An Obi-Wan Kenobi-focused television show is also in development, with Ewan McGregor returning as the beloved Jedi master. And, even if The Rise of Skywalker wants to tell us otherwise for now, we have a good feeling that we won't see the last of all of the other Star Wars characters that everyone already knows and loves. Given The Rise of Skywalker's title, the way that The Last Jedi wrapped up and the theories that have been swirling around Daisy Ridley's Rey since she was first introduced in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, it should come as no surprise that the scavenger-turned-pilot takes centre stage in the new trailer — as she did in the first teaser earlier this year. Also popping up are Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron and John Boyega's ex-stormtrooper Finn, helping out the film's plucky heroine once more; Adam Driver's Kylo Ren, wielding his red lightsaber for the dark side yet again; and long-standing series favourites Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO, of course. The late Carrie Fisher features as well, with the actor's appearance as General Leia Organa made possible by using previously filmed footage. And two other familiar characters also rejoin the fold, including Billy Dee Williams' Lando Calrissian and a sinister figure who's once again heard rather than seen. The huge cast list keeps going, with Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran and Lupita Nyong'o all returning, Mark Hamill also included, and Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell and Naomi Ackie among the Star Wars newcomers. As he did with The Force Awakens, JJ Abrams also sits in the director's chair. Feel the force with the full final trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qn_spdM5Zg Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker releases in Australian cinemas on December 19. Images: (c) 2019 and TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
Sydney has no shortage of edible subscription services. You can have many interesting boxes and hampers of cheese, wine and charcuterie delivered straight to your door. But now it's adding a novel new subscription service to its repertoire: pies. Oh My Pie is offering pie-loving Sydneysiders the chance to try four different savoury pies every month. And it's promising some pretty wacky flavours, too. While there will be your standard meat pies, there will also be variations such as butter chicken pie, cheese and bacon pie and even spaghetti bolognese pie (yum?). If you're a traditionalist, this may not be for you. But if you dabble in pie experimentation, it could be right up your alley. It's also pretty affordable, the four pies — which are delivered on the last Sunday of each month — will set you back $39.95. They're 12cm-wide and are freshly made, but arrive frozen (with cooking instructions, we don't recommend eating them like that), And you're not locked into a membership, either — you can pause or cancel whenever you like. You can also send the subscription as a gift, for those hard-to-buy friends who you've already signed up to five different magazine subscriptions.
If we can glean any positive takeaways from 2020, one of them has been our renewed appreciation for a casual get-together with friends. While nothing replaces the joy of hitting up your local for a few cold ones with your mates, the benefits of staying home include having the time to play games, the freedom to listen to your own music and the chance to show off the cooking skills you perfected during lockdown. To help you make the most of barbecue season, we've partnered with Jim Beam to bring you a guide to flexing your hosting skills around the grill this summer. [caption id="attachment_786631" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Erik Mclean[/caption] SWAP SAUSAGE SIZZLE FOR GOURMET SANGAS Snags are easy, which is precisely why you're going to give them a miss this time around. When you want to level up your grilled feast, swap out the sausages for a platter of steak sandwiches topped with caramelised onions and gruyere (for when you're really flexing). Pick up a ciabatta loaf, flank steak or bavette, and a few large onions, red wine vinegar and brown sugar to make the caramelised onions. You can caramelise the onions ahead of time, and warm up the ciabatta just before serving time. For those who'd like a little helping hand, Jamie Oliver has a good steak sandwich recipe, as does Gourmet Traveller. It's your turn to play MasterChef contestant, so get creative, and if you've got fussy eaters, present each ingredient individually at a serving station so that everyone feels part of the process. [caption id="attachment_786453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] SWAP CHIPS AND DIP FOR PIMPED-UP POTATOES Leave the corn chips on the supermarket shelf. Instead, pick up some chats, corn on the cob and prosciutto and create bowls of potato salad fancy enough to match your gourmet steak sandwiches. First, bring a pot of potatoes to the boil and cook until they're soft but still retain their shape. Leave to cool and slice into halves or quarters. Bring a pan to high heat and crisp up chunks of prosciutto until crispy. Now, make up some spiked sour cream (silken tofu, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, chilli powder and cayenne pepper) and add it to the cooled potatoes along with strips of prosciutto and a pinch of smoked paprika. To add to the feast, grill corn on the cob and leave part of the husks intact for hands-on snacking. [caption id="attachment_786622" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] SWAP FRIDGE BEERS FOR PREMIXERS OR COCKTAILS Your mates aren't going to turn up at your house empty handed, and we bet they'll bring a couple of beers along as usual. So, as you're the host, make sure you have a slab of something else to change up the booze options. We suggest picking up cans of Jim Beam and Cola, a premixed drink of Jim Beam's famed American bourbon and cola that pairs well with barbecued meat flavours. Keep the cans on ice, chilled and ready for your guests to drink from the can or to serve themselves over ice in a glass. If you like to add a little something extra, prep some wedges of lime for a citrusy addition to the premixed drinks. Or, if you have a bottle of Jim Beam in your drinks cabinet, make up a quick cocktail with 15ml of lemon cordial and 30ml of bourbon in a highball glass. Fill the glass with ice and top up with soda and a wedge of lemon. [caption id="attachment_762521" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eric Nopanen[/caption] SWAP ARVO FOR SUNSET It can be hard to pin people down for a date if your event runs all through the day and into the night. So, make things easier for everyone by hosting yours after the peak sunshine hours when everyone can relax into their evenings and enjoy dinner together. If you have epic views from your abode, make the most of golden hour and take lots of photos just before the sun sets (trust us, you'll look amazing). And, when the sun has gone down, have lots of atmospheric lighting ready to go — think vintage festoon lighting, or a lit fire pit if you have one. Need inspiration? The Party People has clear, colourful, disco ball-shaped and festive lights for sale with delivery available across Australia. [caption id="attachment_787327" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cottonbro[/caption] SWAP TABLES AND CHAIRS FOR PICNIC RUGS Use the best of what you already have to your advantage. Got a picnic rug? Camping chairs? Cushions? You can make a cosy and super casual chill out area in your backyard, no matter how much space you have. Your mates will love your creativity, and it'll create an environment where everyone feels relaxed and able to kick off their shoes without feeling trapped at a dining table. Go one better and gather all your pot plants from around the house and bring your green friends to the party, too. It'll create a mini oasis where you might otherwise have had a lifeless concrete patio. Looking to add to your indoor jungle? The Plant People delivers low-maintenance plants across Australia. Or see our lists of the best places to buy new plants in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Top image: Cassandra Hannagan
"Sixteen-year-old Billie's reluctant path to independence is accelerated when her mother reveals plans for gender transition and their time together becomes limited to Tuesday afternoons." So reads the synopsis for 52 Tuesdays, the striking debut feature from Adelaide-based filmmaker Sophie Hyde. A nuanced exploration of issues surrounding youth, gender, sexuality and family, the film is also remarkable for its unique method of production: shot chronologically, one scene every Tuesday, for the course of an entire year. Hyde and lead actor Tilda Cobham-Hervey have since seen their little indie scoop up awards at Sundance, Berlin and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival. It hits cinemas in Australia on May 1. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y5WcMzEYRGU STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD "The rules came first," recalls Hyde. "In film now, there has to be something that helps you stand out, especially if you're coming at it from a low budget, and you're unknown …the truth though is that we're always interested in different ways of making something …and that's something I'd take into anything. Let's not do something because it's always been done. Let's do something because it feels right." "You can't hide the messiness of a year," chimes in Cobham-Hervey. "You're always going to have a pimple, or you've just had a fight with Mum, and you actually can't stop the real world from coming into the film, which I think inevitably drenched it in a reality and authenticity." BECOMING BILLIE With a background in theatre and circus, Cobham-Hervey's role as Billie marked her first time in front of the camera. "It didn't feel like a huge commitment at the beginning," says the fledgling actress, who was in year 11 when shooting began. "Then suddenly halfway through we all had that realisation that this is really massive!" "I felt very different before it started to what I did at the end," she continues. "It was that interesting thing of initially not feeling very much like the character, and then reaching that point in the middle where those lines were really blurred … I don't know what I'd be without it." QUESTIONS OF GENDER As impressive as Cobham-Hervey's performance is, equally memorable is the work of Del Herbert-Jane as Billie's mother. "Del identifies as gender non-conforming", explains Hyde. "Whereas the character is a transgender man and wants to be seen as a man. So they're really different. But I think there is an experience in Del, in feeling different from how people treat you, which is something that's hard to understand if you don't experience that." "It's one of the great things that I feel like I learnt making the film", Hyde continues, "realising that every single person I meet treats me as my gender, and I treat them as their gender, and we just make this assumption immediately. If you try and take gender out of a sentence, you have to change like thirty words." "I found it hard in the film," agrees Cobham-Hervey, "saying in the same sentence, 'Mum' and 'he'. That's really hard to do in your brain." GETTING PEOPLE TALKING Despite the film's festival pedigree, local success is by no means a guarantee. "It's a story about family. It's a story about queer issues. It's about young people. And it's got a very arthouse vibe. Those are really quite different audiences," muses Hyde. "People, when they've seen it, respond in a really personal way. But whether we can get to all of those people, I don't know. "The truth is Australian films don't attract huge audiences at the cinemas … most films that we see now have marketing budgets three times their film budget, and their film budgets are hundreds of times ours." Nevertheless, the director hopes people will go to the effort to see the film in a theatre. "[In Berlin] we were playing in a young person's strand, and talked to loads of teenagers, which was amazing," says Hyde. "These sorts of films are great to see with a cinema audience, where you might actually have a conversation afterwards." 52 Tuesdays is in cinemas on Thursday, May 1. You can read our full review of the movie here.
Following his Queer, Blak & Here Series and Blak Superheros where he created a team of First Nations superheroes, artist Dylan Mooney returns for Sydney WorldPride with his latest exhibition. For Still here and thriving, Mooney is unveiling a series of large-format portraits focusing on LGBTQIA+ identity and love which will be on display at the N.Smith Gallery in Paddington. This series explores Mooney's personal experience as a proud queer Indigenous man. Each portrait is intimate and inviting, showing the subjects in warm embraces and adorned in native Australian flora, pride flags and poignant words or phrases. Each painting also contains an intrinsic link to Yuwi Country (the Mackay region in Queensland), with the skin of the figures painted in ochre from the area. "I feel honoured to be given the platform to share my work with Sydney WorldPride," said Mooney. "My work focuses on authentic representations of the queer Indigenous community, representing connection to Country and our love for each other. It means a great deal that those often under-represented can stand proudly and defiantly sharing tender moments." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sydney WorldPride 2023 (@sydneyworldpride) As part of a commission especially for WorldPride, Mooney's portraits will come to life on an even bigger scale, transforming Darlinghurst's Top of the Town building with one of the pieces from the exhibition. Top image: Dylan Mooney, Timeless Growth, 2023, digital illustration with Yuwi ochre and ink, 84.1 x 59.4 cm, edition of 10 + 2 AP, Courtesy of the artist and the N.Smith Gallery, Sydney
Intelligent machines that interact with humans have long been a sci-fi staple in books, cartoons and film. Whether the future will hold the doe-eyed Haley Joel Osment of Artificial Intelligence or the all-destroying Terminator is still the stuff of fiction, but the fact is thinking machines are already among us, watching us, and telling us what to drink. Japanese beverage company JR East Water Business Co. have created the ultimate in customer service with the Acure vending machine. This oversized box can be found on train platforms in Shinagawa and Tokyo. It boasts a 47-inch touch screen and a camera that uses inbuilt technology to detect sensory data, including the age and sex of the individual standing before it. When the hi-tech device is idle it engages in its 'intelligent marketing system' whereby advertisements relevant to the season, weather and time of day are displayed. If it’s a cold winter’s eve you can expect a nice warm cup of cocoa tempting you on its LCD. While it offers demographically targeted drink selections it also collects marketing data, which is stored and then collated by the company. Launching their first Acure vending machine in August 2010, they already know the most frequent users of the device are men in their 30s and that an inordinate number of juices are bought by them at night. [Via Hypebeast]
So no one told us that the 2020s were going to be this way. Nearly three decades have passed since Friends first introduced the world to its close-knit bunch of New York pals, but nostalgia for the show is still in full swing. And, after a replica of the series' couch toured Australia last year, the program's 25th anniversary sparked cinema screenings and rumours about a reunion special just keep buzzing, a bottomless boozy Friends-themed brunch and viewing party is your next excuse to worship at the altar of Monica, Chandler, Joey, Rachel, Ross and Phoebe. Called The One Where They All Went For Brunch (naturally), this Friends-loving get-together is coming to secret locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland in April and May. The latest event by the folks behind 2019's roller disco brunch, it'll combine two hours of bottomless drinks and a selection of appetisers with Friends trivia, Friends-themed charades, a Friends costume competition and episodes of Friends playing on a big screen. As tends to be the case with these kinds of pop-up events, few other specifics have been revealed as yet — although each city's brunch will take place at a venue within ten minutes of the CBD. Drinks-wise, mimosas will feature. And, word is that Ross' 'moist maker' sandwiches might just grace the food menu. Tickets aren't on sale at present, but you can register to be notified when they become available. Obviously, if you've still been cutting your hair like Jennifer Aniston, have been known to bust out your best Matt LeBlanc-style "how you doin'?" or just like singing 'Smelly Cat', you'll be in your element. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIPSwnHMmNE The One Where They All Went For Brunch will pop up at secret locations in Sydney on Sunday, April 12, in Melbourne on Sunday, April 19, in Brisbane on Sunday, April 26 and in Auckland on Sunday, May 3. To register for further information, and to be notified when tickets go on sale, visit the event pages for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.
The time has come again to celebrate the world’s largest LGBTQI celebration, the 36th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. The march up Oxford and Flinders Streets in Darlinghurst commemorates the 1978 demonstration of a few hundred people standing up against discrimination and has become a celebration that draws tens of thousands onto the street. Get up to Oxford Street early on in the afternoon to take in the visual extravaganza of costumes, floats and fabulous fun. Then squish into your favourite bar early — believe it or not, this is the first weekend the new 1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks will be in effect in the area. Want more Mardi Gras events? Check out our top ten picks of the festival.
If you're the type of movie buff who likes watching new release films on the big screen, popcorn in one hand and choc top in the other, then your viewing habits have undergone some drastic changes in recent weeks. First, upcoming blockbuster flicks started postponing their release dates due to COVID-19. Then, cinemas across Australia began closing — initially by choice, and then by government decree. As a result, no one is gathering in a darkened room to soak in some movie magic from the silver screen any time soon. In the US, a number of studios have been making the leap to online releases, as a way of still letting audiences access and watch their latest films while everyone is staying home. Australian distributors have been slower to take the same jump, but now Roadshow Films has announced that it's fast-tracking a heap of its recent flicks to digital — so you can catch Margot Robbie's chaotic antics in Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), check out the Michael B. Jordan-starring legal drama Just Mercy or get a dose of Guy Ritchie's latest British crime caper The Gentlemen all from your couch. In total, 12 recent big-screen releases have been earmarked for digital rental, although some — Joker, Hustlers and The Good Liar — were already available via home entertainment formats anyway. Other titles include entertaining Karate Kid-style Aussie go-karting flick Go!, which stars Richard Roxburgh as an ex-champ reluctantly mentoring an eager teen; Clint Eastwood-directed true crime drama Richard Jewell, about the bombing at the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta; and Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, the partially crowdfunded big-screen spin-off from the beloved Australian mystery TV series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbHkNiIyl3I Most of these movies were still in theatres when cinemas started closing in Australia. Some, such as Ben Affleck vehicle The Way Back — where he plays an alcoholic former basketball star who starts coaching his old high school's team — had actually only started screening at the beginning of March. Either way, being made available to watch at home so quickly marks a big change for the local film industry, with films usually only jumping to DVD and streaming 90 days after they first hit cinemas — although Netflix movies such as Roma, The Irishman and Marriage Story, plus Amazon titles like Brittany Runs a Marathon and The Report, have all been challenging that fixed window in recent years. For Roadshow, it'll be dropping different films online from different dates, with rentals via GooglePlay and iTunes. Check out the full list of titles and dates below: Joker: available now Hustlers: available now The Good Liar: available now Go!: available now Midway: available now Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn): available Saturday, March 28 Just Mercy: available Saturday, March 28 Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears: available Monday, March 30 The Gentlemen: available Tuesday, March 31 Richard Jewell: available Wednesday, April 1 Motherless Brooklyn: available Wednesday, April 1 The Way Back: available Wednesday, April 15 Roadshow's fast-tracked films are available to rent via GooglePlay and iTunes. To find out further details, visit the distributor's website. Top image: Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). © 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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.
Usually, Australia's various film festivals only pop up once every 12 months; however, there's little that's been usual about the past few years. So in these chaotic times, the fact that the Jewish International Film Festival is returning for a second stint in 2022 doesn't seem all that out of the ordinary. Already enjoyed the fest during its March and April run? Get ready to do so all over again. JIFF will screen 50 features and documentaries at this iteration, alongside episodes from two TV shows and three short films — covering titles from 21 countries as it tours Australia between October–December. Leading the highlights, filling JIFF's biggest-ever lineup from Tuesday, October 25– Monday, November 28 at Ritz Cinemas and Roseville Cinemas in Sydney: opening night's Armageddon Time, which arrives after premiering at this year's Cannes Film Festival and will have its Aussie debut at the fest. Starring Anthony Hopkins (The Father), Anne Hathaway (Locked Down) and Jeremy Strong (Succession), and written and directed by Ad Astra and The Lost City of Z's James Gray, it tells a coming-of-age story in 80s-era Queens. Also among the standouts, Charlotte Gainsbourg (Sundown)-led French drama The Accusation tackles sex and consent; Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic World Dominion) narrates Fiddler's Journey to the Big Screen, about bringing Fiddler on the Roof to the big screen; and Israel's Karaoke arrives after being nominated for 13 Ophir Awards. Or, there's doco The Art of Silence about mime Marcel Marceau — plus 60s-set comedy My Neighbour Adolf, featuring Udo Kier (Swan Song) as a Holocaust survivor in Colombia who thinks the German man who just moved in next door is Hitler. The full lineup includes closing night's As They Made Us, the directorial debut of directorial The Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik; Reckonings, about the negotiations between Jewish and German leaders that led to the 1952 Luxembourg Agreement; and three episodes of Bloody Murray, which follows the titular film lecturer, who specialises in romantic comedies.
This year has been ripe for Whoops! The Wharf Revue 2013 to satire. We have bid adieu to Julia Gillard and KRudd, welcomed Tony Abbott as our PM, endured Gina Rinehart’s ‘poetry’ and somehow elected Clive Palmer to a position of power. Therefore, the last thing that should characterise this year’s show is laboursome. Unfortunately it manages to sneak in there. First though, credit where credit is due. The Wharf Revue again present an enjoyable show and musical director Andrew Worboys particularly deserves credit, with each of his numbers proving incredibly impressive. The Abbott Family opening is more entertaining than The Addams Family musical proved to be, the Julian Assange number punctuated by various whistle blowing instruments is very clever, and the Clive Palmer and Gina Rinehart duet of 'My Heart Will Go On' aboard the Titanic is particularly hilarious. The show-stealing moment, though, is Amanda Bishop’s skilled reprisal of Julia Gillard, in what will surely be Julia's swan song. She makes a glorious exit in the guise of Carmen and gets the last word, deserving of the ovation it receives. Fellow cast members Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, Simon Burke and Andrew Worboys have also mastered their impersonations and their performances cannot be faulted. The issue with this year’s show is that the writers have played it too carefully. Too many sketches don’t hit home, nor lampoon to the levels expected. Some end without a punchline and then, frustratingly, the show exacerbates this by stating its absence in the hope of garnering a laugh — it does but they thin rapidly. It is a frustrating staple of The Wharf Revue and appears a little too often this time around when its performers and audience deserve more. Also, given the wealth of material the show has to poke fun at, their angle of attack on the ALP tires towards the end and it occasionally becomes draining to laugh at. Luckily the musical numbers recharge the show's energy, but overall the revue appears to struggle to cope with the burden of its own expectations. Ultimately Whoops! knows its audience and safely panders to it rather than pushing the envelope a little further. Despite that, though, it is still worth watching, if only for the performances of the three Bs — Burke, Biggins and Bishop — who have perfected what they present and thus watching them is a real joy.
Car parks are usually thought to be places to simply park a car. Or a slightly different vehicle. But lately they’re being used for more arty happenings. First a Kings Cross car park was used in SafARI, and now The Vic’s abandoned car park is been transformed into a beer garden and multipurpose creative space called The Projects. Street art is a big part of these arty bits n’ pieces, most likely because they have a handy giant 20 x 8 metre wall to play with. Every fortnight it’s going to be graffiti-ed or street art-ed up by artists including Sofles, Roach, Pudl, Numskull. They’re also going to do bike swaps, designer markets (curated by the Lo-Fi Collective), an open air cinema (perfect for summer), workshops, live music, basketball and foodie treats (like rotisserie meats). You can even bring your kiddies (if you have any — you could always borrow some off a friend for the day), or dog. The team behind this? It’s the same crew that runs the Lo-Fi Collective and the Tate at the Toxteth Hotel. It’s going to be a place to hang.
That soothing feeling that sweeps over you when you spy a cute canine, spend too much time watching internet cat videos or even just spot a picture of a newborn animal — that's the feeling at the heart of Australia's newest wellness sessions. Sure, you've been to kitten yoga and puppy pilates, and they're both great. But we're guessing that you haven't tried meditating with baby goats or getting mindful with soft, cuddly lambs. Currently held in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, with plans to expand to the Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Melbourne in the near future, attendees at Karmably's classes attempt to find inner bliss while they're surrounded by rescued baby farm animals. In short, it's the best way to de-stress when life's got your goat. After all, who can remain overwhelmed, exhausted or annoyed when they're sharing their chill-out session with actual goats? The classes focus on relaxation techniques, and boast names such as Breathe In & Bleat Out and Breathing and Baa-ing, which gives you an idea of just what's in store. Those heading along can expect three parts to each session: mindful stretching, meditation and snuggling the four-legged participants. If you're wondering where the concept came from, it was inspired by organiser Berenice Tan's own experiences trying to find something other than the usual mindfulness classes within Australia. Unimpressed with the options already available, she flew to Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco "and experienced every meditation class under the sun," she explains. "Funnily enough, I heard about goat yoga and laughed it off as something ridiculous I wasn't interested in trying." Upon returning to Brisbane, Tan began to research animal therapy and, after learning of the benefits (and realising that everyone loves cute critters), her sessions with goats, lambs and even piglets were born. The bliss goes both ways, too — with Karmably not only helping humans to relax in a fun manner, but also assisting animals in need. Tan works with sanctuaries, rescue centres, and organisations such as Harmony Hooves Healing Hearts, Brisbane Pony Parties and My Little Farm Friends. They're all outfits that raise baby creatures who have either been rejected by their mothers or lost their mums in other ways, and hand-rear them until they can be adopted out as pets to families who live on suitable properties. After setting up shop in August, classes in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast are already selling out two months in advance. To meet the demand, they're now held every weekend at various locations, but reserving a spot early is a necessity. Folks in Sydney and Melbourne should watch this space — although New South Wales is no stranger to combining wellness with farm animals, with the state home to a goat yoga retreat just last year. Karmably hosts Breathe In & Bleat Out and Breathing and Baa-ing meditation and mindfulness sessions at a variety of Brisbane and Gold Coast venues — visit the Karmably Facebook page for further details.
When a supermoon graced the skies in April, you probably trotted out to your backyard to stare at the heavens. And, you might've nabbed a decent-enough look at the impressive lunar sight. But if you'd like to get a bit closer to the astronomical body during this month's next supermoon — the second and last for 2021 — you now have the option of jumping on a plane. On Wednesday, May 26, Qantas is running a special supermoon flight — and yes, its sole purpose is to let its passengers get a better look at the moon. Not only will the date bring a supermoon, but there'll be a full lunar eclipse as well. That's when the Earth gets between the sun and the moon, covering the latter with its shadow and giving it a reddish hue. If you'd like to take to the skies, rather than just peer up at them, you'll need to be in Sydney. Just one supermoon flight is departing from Sydney Domestic Airport (T3) at 7.30pm, and only just over 100 seats will be available. Passengers will hop onto a B787 Dreamliner, then take a three-hour trip over the city — including Sydney Harbour — complete with a stint cruising above the clouds at 43,000 feet for maximum moon viewing. The lunar eclipse is due to begin at 6.47pm, reach its maximum at 9.18pm and end at 11.49pm, according to Timeanddate.com, so you'll be in the air at the absolute best time. Before departing, you'll also enjoy a cocktail party in the Qantas business lounge from 5.30pm. And, once you're onboard, you'll eat, drink, lock your eyes on the window and listen to CSIRO astronomer Dr Vanessa Moss — who'll be giving a live commentary, and also working with the pilots in advance to design the optimal flight path. Unsurprisingly, tickets for the supermoon flight don't come cheap — starting at $499 for economy, $899 for premium economy and $1499 for business. To offset the environmental impact of taking to the sky purely to get a closer look at the moon, Qantas will offset 100 percent of the flight's carbon emissions. Qantas' supermoon flight will depart Sydney Domestic Airport (T3) at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 26, with tickets going on sale at 12pm on Tuesday, May 12.
Corruption at the highest level is a timely topic. Rock Surfers' upcoming production The Way Things Work takes characters that are all-too-familiar (for all the wrong reasons), pits them in a sordid cover-up against each other, and watches the messy trickle-down from high public office, through the boardroom scuffles of private enterprise and down to the seedy inner workings of the criminal underbelly. The play is the winner of the inaugural Rock Surfers/CJZ Playwriting commission. Written by Aidan Fennessy (Brutopia) and directed by Leland Kean, it's a proudly Australian satirical take on the grubby bedfellows that are politics and big business, following a certain minister through the descent behind all those trashy headlines. Kean describes it as "a wonderfully biting, aggressive, corrupt, contemporary, black comedy." Go along. Laugh, cringe, be horrified. And then leave, trying to ignore the sinking sensation that comes with the realisation that it's all a little bit close to home. The Way Things Work is on from November 5-29, at the Bondi Pavilion, and thanks to the Rock Surfers, we have three double passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address.
Fifty years, oh-so-many epic campaigns, and everything from movies to video games, too: that's the Dungeons & Dragons story. 2024 marks half a century since the tabletop roleplaying game first had its players rolling the dice and spinning fantasy tales, a milestone that's being celebrated Down Under with the Australasian premiere of Dungeons & Dragons' leap to the stage. Get ready for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern. Normally a trip to the theatre means engaging via watching, not by playing a part; however, that fittingly isn't the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern experience. Audience members don't simply view this version of the game, which is also currently running off-Broadway — they also play along, choosing the characters and helping shape the story. Here's how it works, as Australians will discover when DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern hits the Sydney Opera House Studio from Sunday, December 15, 2024: when you take your seat, you're a key aspect of the show. Entering the Forgotten Realms, you also pick the experiences and other elements of the performance using Gamiotics software, with more than 30 playable characters, 34 backgrounds and 28 combat effects involved. Still on numbers, the production also features 40-plus custom character illustrations, 40 item cards and over 300 individual pieces of content. Five actors take to the stage to bring all of the above to life, including via games, combat, puzzles and riddles — and, because of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern's interactive nature, they're not just performing the same roles each time. Shaking things up for the audience and the cast alike, this experience is never the same twice. "As passionate gamers and D&D players, the creators of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern set off on a quest to explore what a live interactive experience of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS could look like. What started as a D&D-style RPG onstage with folding tables and a box of props has grown beyond our wildest imagination — it's now an experience that has allowed us to forge a deep connection with gamers and non-gamers alike, with each night seeing the story play out in a way unique to that audience," explains co-creator and producer David Carpenter. "Dungeons & Dragons has an enduring and near-mythic appeal across generations, with so many adaptations and features in pop-culture moments over the past 50 years. But it's safe to say, no one has done anything like DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern before – and we're thrilled to be giving audiences the first chance to see it outside the US," adds Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Performance Ebony Bott. "This theatrical production captures the imagination, inviting everyone to join the adventure and interact with a new world from the moment they walk in the door." DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern will play the Sydney Opera House Studio from Sunday, December 15, 2024. Head to the venue's website for more details — and for pre-sale tickets from 9am on Tuesday, September 10 and general sales from 9am on Thursday, September 12. Images: Bronwen Sharp.
For public playtime festival Art & About, it's nearly time to pack up and put Sydney city back the way they found it. Having already thrown a block party in suit central, allowed kids to guide adults around and put on theatre at your house, they're gearing up for a big final three days of events, ending on Saturday, October 12. Here are five weird, wonderful and day-brightening things to see before then. Bodies in Urban Spaces Austrian choreographer Willi Dorner and his company see an odd little city space and think: human Tetris. The movement artists (whose skills are not solely focused on dance — he also hires climbers, martial artists and circus performers) gracefully shove themselves into any sort of architectural gap they can find, hold their positions for several minutes and then effortlessly wriggle out of the tight spot and move on to the next. What it means for the passer-by is that your eyes fall on brightly colour-blocked human staying perfectly, magically still in an otherwise dead space, including up walls, under walkways and squished into public art works. October 10 and 11 from 12.30pm - 2pm around Archibald Fountain, Hyde Park north. Australian Life Sydneysiders always know when Art & About is on because these large-scale photo reproductions arrive to dominate the stroll along Hyde Park's St James walkway. A regular festival fixture, the exhibition and competition Sydney Lives has this year become the broader Australian Lives, attracting a record number of entries. The resulting shortlist (notably mostly made up of NSW photographers) is a significantly diverse patchwork of Australian daily life in its weirdest, funniest and saddest moments. Riding bulls in Broome, empty pie shops, Western Sydney's total boss suit-wearing sapeur trend straight from the Democratic Republic of Congo — it all gets a showing at Australian Life. Until October 12 at Hyde Park. Numskull: Here Now This time-lapse video's out-of-control (and super fun) tempo is pretty much the opposite of Here Now's message, which is actually a call for stillness. "Modern society is fast paced," Numskull (real name: Elliott Routledge) states on the Art & About site. "Time is precious and often neglected. We need to slow down, take it all in and start living in the moment. This mural will inspire onlookers to challenge their perspective about how precious life's moments are." If you're looking to take a break, while basking in Here Now’s brilliant colours and striking typography, you'll catch the best view from the corner of Park and Pitt Streets. Until October 12 at 307 Pitt Street. Neon Nomads Walking through the park at night has never been so inviting, thanks to this little village of five three-metre-high tepees, each illuminating the works of impressive graphic artists like Wendy Red Star, Phil James, Jonathan Zawada and Brett Chan. It's a little back-to-nature throwback in our otherwise full-steam-ahead urban world. Until October 12 at Hyde Park. Trolleys Turn everything you know about ballet completely on its head. Even then, you probably won't be able to get close to imagining the performance that is Trolleys, a street dance crossed with ballet crossed with public art. Choreographed by Shaun Parker and Company (who at last year's Art & About took us to the playground with the impressive Spill), Trolleys sees various dancers engage with five shopping trolleys in different locations around the Sydney CBD, enacting stories of love, anarchy and friendship. Using the trolley as a prop/stand-in dance partner, the 20-minute performance promises to push the boundaries of our spatial relationships. Until October 12. Noon and 1.30pm at Customs House Square. By the Concrete Playground team. Images courtesy of the City of Sydney.
From moving road trip dramas and joyous concert documentaries to passionate anthologies and wondrous animation, plenty of excellent films reached screens large and small throughout 2020. Indeed, the past 12 months have been filled with cinematic delights — even when we've been watching them at home while movie theatres were closed — but, sadly, they can't all be great. Each year delivers its fair share of exceptional and awful movies, of course. And, both the best and the worst of the bunch can all score awards. The Oscars and the Golden Globes rank among the accolades that recognise the former, while the Golden Raspberries devotes its attention to the other end of the spectrum — and it has just revealed its latest contenders. Leading the pack among the 41st Razzie Award nominations are Polish erotic drama 365 Days, which nabbed six nods and became the awards' first-ever contender in a language other than English; and Dolittle, the Robert Downey Jr-starring remake that hit cinemas before the pandemic, and was also recognised in six categories. Also scoring more nominations than any movie would like: the horror version of Fantasy Island, which picked up five; the terrible Sia-directed Music, which notched up four; Netflix drama Hillbilly Elegy, with three; and Netflix comedies Hubie Halloween and The Wrong Missy, also with three each. None of these nominees are surprising in the least, although some films deserve their nods in a different way. Take Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, for instance — which is smart, funny and savage, and definitely not terrible, but scored two nominations for Rudy Giuliani (for worst supporting actor, and for worst screen combo with Maria Bakalova). Other movies vying for the Razzies include Wonder Woman 1984 (for worst supporting actress, and worst prequel, remake, rip-off or sequel), The Very Excellent Mr Dundee (for worst supporting actor), Call of the Wild (for worst screen combo, between Harrison Ford and that totally fake-looking CGI dog) and The Witches (for worst actress). Reflecting the past year's general chaos, the Razzies are also handing out a special trophy to the 2020 overall, naming it 'the worst calendar year ever'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFgnHhMLNJE The 2020 Razzie Award winners will be announced on Sunday, April 25, Australian and New Zealand time. Check out the full list of nominees below: GOLDEN RASPBERRY NOMINEES 2020: WORST PICTURE 365 Days Absolute Proof Dolittle Fantasy Island Music WORST ACTOR Robert Downey Jr, Dolittle Mike Lindell, Absolute Proof Michele Morrone, 365 Days Adam Sandler, Hubie Halloween David Spade, The Wrong Missy WORST ACTRESS Anne Hathaway, The Last Thing He Wanted and The Witches Katie Holmes, Brahms: The Boy II and The Secret: Dare to Dream Kate Hudson, Music Lauren Lapkus, The Wrong Missy Anna-Maria Sieklucka, 365 Days WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR Chevy Chase, The Very Excellent Mr Dundee Rudy Giuliani (as himself), Borat Subsequent Moviefilm Shia LeBeouf, The Tax Collector Arnold Schwarzenegger, Iron Mask Bruce Willis, Breach, Hard Kill and Survive the Night WORST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Glenn Close, Hillbilly Elegy Lucy Hale, Fantasy Island Maggie Q, Fantasy Island Kristen Wiig, Wonder Woman 1984 Maddie Ziegler, Music WORST SCREEN COMBO Maria Bakalova and Rudy Giuliani, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm Robert Downey Jr and his utterly unconvincing Welsh accent, Dolittle Harrison Ford and that totally fake-looking CGI dog, Call of the Wild Lauren Lapkus and David Spade, The Wrong Missy Adam Sandler and his grating simpleton voice, Hubie Halloween WORST DIRECTOR Charles Band, All three Barbie and Kendra movies Barbara Bialowas and Tomasz Mandes, 365 Days Stephen Gaghan, Dolittle Ron Howard, Hillbilly Elegy Sia, Music WORST PREQUEL, REMAKE, RIP-OFF or SEQUEL 365 Days Dolittle Fantasy Island Hubie Halloween Wonder Woman 1984 WORST SCREENPLAY 365 Days All three Barbie and Kendra movies Dolittle Fantasy Island Hillbilly Elegy
Over the last few years, Brisbane has quietly become one of the best spots for a weekend escape. It's got the climate of a tropical holiday, the creativity of a capital city and a local food and drink scene that punches well above its weight. Across the city, there's art, architecture and plenty of green space, but also incredible spots to dine and unwind that are world-class without trying too hard. Whether you're looking for a few days of luxury, a culture-filled weekend or just a change of scenery (and weather), Brissy makes it easy. Here, we break down where to stay, what to eat and how to spend your time while you're there. Where to Stay The Calile Hotel If you're a person who wants the relaxation to start the second you check in, The Calile will be right up your alley. This pastel-drenched, luxury hotel is the kind of place you'll struggle to leave (and honestly, you don't need to). The rooms are built for relaxation with cool stone, brass accents and breezy balconies, while the pool area is more like a scene from a Slim Aarons photograph than your standard hotel setup. It's also in the thick of James Street, Brisbane's designer shopping and dining precinct, so everything you need is within walking distance. Beyond the rooms, there's a full day's worth of indulgence on-site, including a library stocked with art books and journals, a gym with personal training available, and Kailo Wellness Medispa for top-tier facials, massages and LED sessions. When hunger strikes, you can walk straight from the pool into Hellenika restaurant, or grab an afternoon spritz in the Lobby Bar. Whether you're swimming, shopping or slipping into a deep-tissue massage, The Calile makes you feel like you're on holiday, even if you're only up for the weekend. Book your stay here. Where to Eat SK Steak & Oyster Opened in 2019 by the St Albans restaurant group, SK Steak & Oyster has slowly but surely become a James Street institution. Conveniently located within The Calile Hotel, the restaurant has a light and bright, mid-century aesthetic and the kind of polished yet unpretentious service that makes you feel at ease from the moment you walk in. The menu leans classic in the best possible way. The team of chefs delivers expertly grilled steaks, market-fresh oysters with caviar and showstopper seafood dishes like the Moreton Bay bugs and spanner crab pasta. Alongside these big hitters, diners also have an impressive choice of pastas, soups, salads and sides. Oh, did we mention there's an entire 10-option menu dedicated to potatoes? Yep. It's a cheeky flex that fans of the restaurant have come to love. But beyond the delicious food, the high standard service and attention to detail is what makes SK Steak & Oyster an exceptional experience. This isn't just one of the best steakhouses in Brisbane, it's one of the best restaurants, full stop. There's a reason locals book this place for special occasions, and why visitors should make it one. Book a table here. Joy Hidden down a laneway in Fortitude Valley, Joy is a tiny restaurant with a big reputation. The space seats just ten, with chef Sarah Baldwin and her small team running the entire show – from the kitchen to the floor – which makes every service feel extremely personal. But it's not just the size that sets Joy apart. There's no printed menu and no choices to be made. You're served what Sarah is cooking that day, which is always a seasonal and multi-course tasting menu that's part fine-dining, part performance art. While you'll never know exactly what's on offer before sitting down, you can expect delicate, clever dishes with creative and unexpected flavour combinations. Choose the matching drinks options, and you'll enjoy sake or natural wine pairings that are carefully chosen to complement each dish. When you dine here, it's as much about the moment as it is about the food. The intimate setting, minimalist aesthetic and one-chef kitchen all create a unique tension that heightens the experience. Getting a seat takes some planning, but don't let that deter you, it's a meal you'll remember long after you leave Brisbane. Book a table here Gerard's Bistro Gerard's is one of those restaurants that's been around long enough to be considered a classic, but continues to evolve and surprise. Positioned just off James Street, the bistro has long been known for its contemporary Middle Eastern menu and cool, textural fit out featuring warm clay tones, timber and rammed-earth walls inspired by Lebanon's ancient Temple of Baalbek. The vibe here is lively in all the right ways, with an open kitchen, a buzz of conversation and a menu designed for sharing. The best time to go is for a late lunch on Friday and Saturday, or an early dinner, when the light softens and the wine starts flowing. Yes, the space is beautiful, but what you're really coming for is the food. The menu draws on Levantine, North African and Mediterranean flavours, giving traditional dishes a modern twist. Housemade breads, charcoal-grilled meat and fresh produce lead the charge, and regulars rave about the lamb shoulder with parsley tahini, woodfired octopus from Western Australia and chickpea hummus with black barley. If you have any space left for dessert, the Turkish coffee pastry cream with meringue is a must-try. It's generous food made to be eaten with friends. Book a table here. Supernormal Andrew McConnell's Melbourne institution, Supernormal, finally landed in Brisbane in 2024, and the team hasn't missed a beat. Located on Queen Street, both Supernormal and its sister terrace spot, Bar Miette, look out over the CBD skyline, making them the perfect duo for a sunset dinner and drinks. Inside, the restaurant mirrors the minimal, high-functioning design of the Melbourne location. There's an open bar feature, spacious layout and timber tones throughout. But this isn't a carbon copy – the Brisbane team, led by Executive Chef Jason Barratt, has added just enough local energy to make it feel grounded in its new home. The menu is built around bold Asian flavours and textural contrast. Must-tries include the prawn and chicken dumplings, five spice half chicken, a rich pork tomahawk with fermented chilli, and of course, the signature lobster roll. The drinks are just as enticing, with Supernormal's take on a Margarita Koshó with yuzu and fermented green chili a crowd favourite. Book a table here. Hellenika If you're staying at The Calile, you have to try Hellenika. You'll spot the green and white striped umbrellas from across the pool, but this restaurant is very much a destination in its own right. It's the kind of place you come to for lunch and find yourself still at the table by sunset, bringing a slice of Mediterranean life to inner Brisbane. The space is open, breezy and built for long, lazy meals with plenty of natural light by day and a romantic glow by night. You don't need to be staying at the hotel to dine here, but if you are, it's a convenient (and frankly irresistible) option for an afternoon of indulgence. The menu is Greek-influenced and the service is impeccable. Highlights include the spanakopita, saganaki, grilled octopus and the signature whole baked fish. Pair it all with a bottle of Greek white or a spicy margarita and you've got yourself a very good time. Book a table here What to Do Kailo Wellness Medispa If you're going to book one thing while you're here, make it a treatment at Kailo. This is Brisbane's premier medispa and regularly ranked among the best in the country, offering everything from LED facials and lymphatic drainage massages to more advanced therapies like injectables and vitamin therapy (yes, that's a thing). Located conveniently inside The Calile, it's the kind of place you can weave into your day around lunch or shopping without needing to go out of your way. The space itself is serene and architecturally designed, with treatment rooms that feel both luxurious and calming. The spa is run by a team who know what they're doing, with service that's thoughtful and discreet, and an extensive menu of clinical-grade treatments. Whether you're popping in for a pick-me-up or carving out a few hours for total relaxation, you'll be sure to walk out glowing. Book a treatment here Albion Bathhouse Australia's bathhouse scene is having a moment and Albion Bathhouse is one of the standouts. Housed in a converted warehouse with huge ceilings and atmospheric lighting, it's easily one of the most stunning spaces in the city. In fact, walking inside feels like you've entered a whole different world. Every detail here is considered, from the curve of the archways to the texture of the towels, and the experience is elevated further by a truly premium offering. You'll find not only the usual suspects (steam room, magnesium plunge pool, cold dip) but also infrared saunas and bespoke wellness experiences that you can book alongside your soak. Perfect for a solo recharge or an afternoon with friends, Albion Bathhouse is equal parts stunning and soothing, and well worth carving out an afternoon for while you visit Brisbane. Don't forget to book ahead – it's popular for a reason. Book a session here Brisbane Powerhouse Housed in an old power station on the Brisbane River, the Powerhouse has long been a cultural hub for the city. And it's only getting better. The calendar is packed year-round with performances ranging from experimental theatre and indie music to comedy, contemporary dance and festivals. Coming up this winter, you can book tickets to see comedians Wil Anderson, Anisa Nandaula and Will Gibb. Plus, there's the World Press Photography Exhibition and performances by the Brisbane Ballet to look forward to. No matter what you see, the venue itself is worth a visit: a towering structure with exposed brick walls and years of history. Plus, the outdoor bar with food vendors and sunset views is a great place to kill time before a performance. Whether you plan your trip around a specific show or just pop in to see what's on, this place is always checking out. Book your tickets here. Whether you're up for a long weekend or just a couple of days to recharge, Brisbane is ready when you are. And with The Calile Hotel as your base, you won't need to go far to find the city's best bites, sips and spa sessions. Discover accommodation, spa and dining options at The Calile Hotel website.
Right now, we're navigating the weird — and often glitchy — world of digital drinks. Instead of clocking off, going down to our local and ordering a pint with some colleagues, we're on Zoom calls and dancing at online nightclubs. But what to drink? By now, we're sure your kitchen either looks like a full-blown saloon or you've at least got some supplies stashed away. So, instead of reaching for the wine, why not take things up a notch with a cocktail? And not just any cocktail, but one worthy of a celebrity. Thankfully, the world has recently been blessed with a fair bit of celeb cocktail content of late — from cosmopolitan queen Ina Garten to suave Stanley Tucci and the ever-classy Meryl Streep. And, unlike Paris Hilton and her lasagne, you can trust these three celebs in the kitchen. So, if you're wondering what concoction to make this afternoon, look no further. INA GARTEN'S GIANT COSMOPOLITAN (SUITABLE AT ALMOST ANY HOUR) Serves one Ina Garten or a household Keeping cocktail hour alive — even though "nobody's stopping by" — is Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa). And while her catchcry "it's always cocktail hour in a crisis" may not be advisable, it's pretty relatable. Plus, this is coming from a culinary icon. Her drink of choice during iso is the sophisticated cosmo, naturally. If you want to take a page out of the cocktail queen's cookbook, you'll need top-shelf vodka, Cointreau (or any orange liqueur), cranberry juice, limes and ice, plus a jug, novelty-sized cocktail shaker (with strainer) and an extra-large martini glass. Ingredients 2 cups vodka 1 cup Cointreau 1 cup cranberry juice 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime Ice Method Pour vodka, cointreau, cranberry juice and lime into jug. Stir. Half fill shaker with ice and add in the cocktail mix. Depending on the size of your shaker, you may have to do this in batches. Shake for 30 seconds. Pour into martini glass(es). In the wise words of Garten: "During a crisis, you know, cocktail hour can be almost any hour." So, bottoms up. https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-cJUwUpxbM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link STANLEY TUCCI'S UNLAWFUL — BUT INTRIGUING — NEGRONI UP Serves one If you can look past the incredibly sculpted biceps, you'll see The Devil Wears Prada actor shaking a negroni. Yes, shaking. While most like their negronis as they should be — on the rocks, with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari — Tucci's twist is intriguing. But again, it could be the arms. For what Tucci calls a Negroni Up, you'll need gin, sweet vermouth (good sweet vermouth, not that Martini brand he has such disdain for), Campari, an orange, and ice, plus a cocktail shaker (with strainer) and a glass, preferably a coupe. Now, throw whatever negroni-making knowledge you have aside. Ingredients 2 shots gin 1 shot sweet vermouth 1 shot Campari 1 orange slice Ice Method Half fill shaker with ice and add gin, sweet vermouth and Campari. Shake it up, as Tucci does so well. Pour into a coupe, martini glass, or whatever you want. Garnish with an orange slice. Really, a negroni is a simple drink, relying on balance and good liquor. Although Tucci's breaks all the rules, his confidence has us convinced. https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_NkcbTgVfy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link MERYL STREEP'S MARTINI (WITH A SIDE OF SHOW TUNES AND SCOTCH) Serves one Even Meryl Streep is getting around the quarantini — shaken, not stirred. But she doesn't just make a stiff drink and tell you how to do it, no. The award-winning actor takes her cocktail making to the next level — of course she does — leaving a little guesswork to the recipe. So, you can get creative with this one. As part of Stephen Sondheim's birthday celebrations, which saw celebrities the world over celebrate with a virtual concert, Streep shakes up a martini while singing Sondheim's show tune 'The Ladies Who Lunch'. She's joined by a red wine-drinking Christine Baranski and a bourbon-swigging Audra McDonald and if you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favour and watch it here, immediately. For Meryl's martini, you'll need gin, vermouth, lemon, ice, plus a cocktail shaker (with strainer) and martini glass. And a chic robe to wear while shaking and singing. Ingredients 50 millilitres gin 10 millilitres dry vermouth lemon twist Ice Method Half fill shaker with ice and add gin and dry vermouth. Shake for about 30 seconds — or the duration of singing: 'Here's to the girls that stay smart / Aren't they a gas?/ Rushing to their classes / In optical art / Wishing it would pass'. Pour into a martini glass theatrically and garnish with lemon twist while belting out 'I'll drink to that'. Once you've sung a bit more and polished off that martini, take a large sip of scotch straight from the bottle — be sure to do it with equal parts class and sass. Then, pour yourself another martini. https://twitter.com/michcoll/status/1254609437492461569
The long weekend is here. And, as Monday is a public holiday, some of your regular spots will be shut. So, if you're on the hunt for a caffeine hit, long lunch or a few more beers, we've put together an extensive list of all the bars, cafes and restaurants that'll be open on Monday, October 7. There is something for everybody on this list, too — from yum cha at Chin Chin to A1 Canteen's famed muffuletta and Wayward's craft brews. And if you're looking for further inspiration on how to spend your days off, head this way for our pick of the best long weekend happenings. [caption id="attachment_645827" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chin Chin[/caption] RESTAURANTS Aria, Circular Quay: noon–2.15pm; 5.30–10.30pm Banksii, Barangaroo: noon–5pm The Bucket List, Bondi: 11am–5pm Chin Chin, Surry Hills: 11.30am–11pm Ciccia Bella, Bondi: 5pm–late Coogee Wine Room, Coogee: 3pm–late Dopa Don and Milkbar, Darling Square: 11am–10pm The Fenwick, Balmain East: 7–10.30am, noon–5pm Franca Brasserie, Potts Point: noon–midnight North Bondi Fish, North Bondi: noon–midnight Vecino, Canterbury: 7am–10pm Yellow, Potts Point: 5pm–11pm Taffy's, Neutral Bay: 10am–midnight The Paddo Inn, Paddington: noon–10pm [caption id="attachment_684208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mary's Newtown[/caption] BARS Archie Rose Distillery, Rosebery: noon–10pm The Australian Heritage Hotel, The Rocks: 11am–midnight The Dolphin, Surry Hills: 11.30am–10pm The Glenmore, The Rocks: 11am–midnight The Imperial, Erskineville: noon–midnight Manly Wharf Hotel, Manly: 11am–late Mary's, Newtown: 4pm–midnight; Circular Quay: noon–midnight Opera Bar, Bennelong Point: 11am–11.30pm Public House Petersham, Petersham: 11am–midnight The Royal Hotel, Paddington: 11am–10pm Sauce Brewing Co., Marrickville: noon–8pm Tudor Hotel, Redfern: 10am–10pm The Unicorn, Paddington: 4pm–1am Wayward Brewing Company, Camperdown: 4–8pm [caption id="attachment_625345" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Grounds of the City by Bodhi Liggett[/caption] CAFES A1 Canteen, Chippendale: 8am–3pm Bills, Bondi: 7.30am–10pm; Darlinghurst: 8am–3pm; Surry Hills: 8am–10pm Bourke Street Bakery, all stores except North Sydney: 8am–3pm Devon Cafe, Barangaroo, Surry Hills and North Sydney: 8am–3pm Edition Coffee Roasters, Haymarket: 9am–4pm The Grounds of Alexandria, Alexandria: The Cafe, 7.30am–4pm; The Potting Shed, 11am–9pm; The Garden, 8am–3.45pm The Grounds of the City, CBD: 8.30am–5pm Matinee Coffee, Marrickville: 7am–4pm (kitchen closes 3pm) Paramount Coffee Project, Surry Hills: 7am–4pm Reuben Hills, Surry Hills: 8am–3pm Three Blue Ducks, Bronte: 7am–2.30pm Top image: Matinee Coffee by Letícia Almeida.
With its frames filled with teenagers and 20-somethings driving across America in search of a different life, watching American Honey feels like tagging along on a road trip. Many movies have charted characters coming of age as they traverse streets and highways and varying landscapes, but, with this film, Fish Tank and Wuthering Heights writer-director Andrea Arnold wants audiences to feel — rather than simply observe — the journey that results. "It's like an experience, rather than like a film," offers actor Riley Keough. After rocking out in The Runaways, racing through the desert in Mad Max: Fury Road, and starring in the television remake of The Girlfriend Experience, Keough plays the tough-talking, no-nonsense, money-focused Krystal, the leader of a crew that ventures from town to town and door to door selling magazine subscriptions. Jake (Shia LaBeouf) is the closest she has to a second-in-charge — and he's the reason that 18-year-old Star (Sasha Lane) decides to join the group, lured in by his charm, epic rat-tail and Rihanna-inspired dance moves. Theirs is a careening trek, with Star's entry into this brave new world the focal point. Mile by mile, they encounter privilege and poverty, kind and cruel passers-by, and new revelations about themselves and others, all set to an eclectic rock, pop and hip hop soundtrack. Populated by a mostly non-professional cast (who largely improvise dialogue), Arnold's film was shot on the road and in sequence — meaning that it replicates reality as much as possible. With American Honey now screening in Australian cinemas, we spoke with Keough about living rather than acting her part, seeking out complicated roles and making a movie that touches people. ON WANTING TO BE A PART OF AMERICAN HONEY "Well, I heard that Andrea [Arnold] was making a film, and I was a really huge fan of her. And I went and met the casting person, and it was a bit of a different casting experience. I was just kind of, I was very persistent on wanting to do everything I could to be able to be in this film, I guess. I knew that she liked to work with non-actors. I knew it was going to be wild. I knew it was going to be like, you know, a once in a lifetime kind of experience. So I was just kind of like, 'I'll do anything I can to come with you.'" ON MAKING A MOVIE IN SEQUENCE ON THE ROAD "She [Arnold] gave us a situation where we were allowed to just exist as these people, and it wasn't like something that a movie normally is. You kind of just had to take it day by day, and see what happens. It was like she was writing our lives for us, sort of, day by day. It was in sequence, and we wouldn't know what was happening until the day of. I don't think any day was the same. You get picked up, you go do your thing, you go back to your motel. There was no line or boundary between anything really. It was all just kind of what you see in the film. Everything she captured was real. I don't think people really knew either when she was rolling and when she wasn't." ON ACTING WITHOUT FEELING LIKE ACTING "There weren't really any acting choices. The thing is, when you're acting with non-actors or children, you can't really have an acting choice. You can't really act. You're forced to really open up to the scenario, which is what I think everyone's looking for, which is non-acting. You know what I mean? If I could do it on every film, I would, because it's what you're looking for when you're working with actors on every film. Because for us to be fully present and spontaneous and not have to have any attention on anything going on around us — it's a really magical thing to me. I prefer it that way, because there's not a lot of thought, there's not a lot of heavy intellectualising about every single thing that's happening. It just kind of really allowed us to exist in the moment and not feel like you're making a movie, which is kind of what you're always trying to not feel like, you know." ON SEEKING OUT STRONG, INTERESTING DEPICTIONS OF WOMEN "I definitely try to avoid a cookie cutter woman at all costs, just because I don't find that interesting. The normal characters that are written for women that are a bit two-dimensional — I definitely want to avoid that because I don't like doing that. I don't think any woman likes that. It's just like, a lot of the types of roles that are written for women are supporting the narrative in some way, and writers don't really want to go in deep on who these people are. And Andrea's amazing at that, in all of her films. Every little person, you know, they're so complicated. I think that's what makes her films so full of life. I look for something that I've never done before, whether it's the tone of the film, or the style or the character, or all of it. Just things I haven't done before, you know. But also, I like strong women." ON REACTIONS TO THE FILM "I have a lot of people walk up to me on the street or in the store and be like 'American Honey!'. I can see it in their eyes, how much they enjoyed watching the film. And I've never had that as an actress before. I have a couple of times, with Fury Road and GFE [The Girlfriend Experience], but with American Honey it was in a different way. I could tell it really touched people in the way that films touched me when I was teenager. I think it really touches people's sort of core. And that, to me, we've done something to the audience, which is kind of what you're always trying to achieve. So, I don't know how to really describe it, but it's kind of like what we always want to be doing with art. I think it happens a lot with singers, where they see sort of a more clear version of it. They listen to your song, and people are like 'oh this song got me through this thing.' It's very like clear version of art touching someone in a way, and I think American Honey is really getting to that sort of place in people's souls. It's just been a really cool thing to watch." American Honey is now screening in Australian cinemas. You can read our review here.
Uniting the world's imaginative minds in its annual conference, Semi-Permanent will return to Sydney this May for its 10th year. Semi-Permanent caters to the creative community, no matter what the field. Artists, graphic designers, agency personnel, fashion designers: any sort of artistic discipline is welcome. Attendees will gather at the Bayside Auditorium to listen to a series of talks by industry idols. This year’s line-up includes NY photographer David Alan Harvey, Sydney graphic designer Vince Frost, and GMunk, an LA motion graphics designer whose work lit up Tron Legacy. There are 15 speakers in total, each delivering a 45-minute speech throughout the two-day conference.
Erotica fans Australia-wide are celebrating the return of World Movies Channel's adults only program, Summer of Sin. Starting in December, it's a 62-night festival of all things intimate, with a sexually charged film screening at 9.30pm every single night until January 31. Before you ask, yes, Christmas Day's included. 2011 Spanish film The Sex of the Angels has that one covered. Moreover, New Year's Day will see a coital marathon kicking off at midnight, with 24 hours of films played back-to-back. In December 2012, the initiative saw a 49 percent increase in the channel's audience. This year, the formula that proved so irresistible to so many is being reapplied — a combination of classics and new international films, never-before-seen in Australia. In the words of the organisers, "We've scoured the darkest and dirtiest corners of the cinematic world for a line-up of the sexiest premiere films." Pretty much every fantasy or fetish gets a look-in, from swingers' parties to alien abduction. Here's our top 5. Young and Wild (Chile, 2012) When: Friday, 13 December 2013 (Australian television premiere) & Wednesday, 15 January 2014 This playful, raunchy, stylish film centres on 17-year-old Daniela (Alicia Rodriguez), who can't stop thinking about sex. Raised in a strict, wealthy, religious family, she expresses herself through her blog, Young and Wild, where she records her most outrageous desires and experiences. Call Girl (Sweden, 2012) When: Wednesday, 18 December 2013 (Australian television premiere) Inspired by true events involving Swedish politicians and prostitutes, this crime film is one of the more serious items on the Summer of Sin menu. A teenage girl's entry into prostitution exposes widespread hypocrisy at governmental level. Intimacy (France, 2000) When: Thursday, 26 December 2013 (Australian television premiere) & Saturday 18 January Every Wednesday afternoon, Jay (Mark Rylance), a failed-musician-turned-bar-tender, meets a woman (Kerry Fox) for brief, rough, wordless sex. One day he follows her home and discovers more than he bargained for. Kiss Me (With Every Heartbeat) (Sweden, 2011) When: Wednesday, 8 January 2014 Mia has always lived a straight life, and is about to enter an engagement with her partner, Tim, when she falls in love with her stepmother's gay daughter, Frida. An irrepressible mutual attraction develops between the two women, leading to a sensual affair. Elles (France, 2011) When: Friday, 31 January 2014 (Australian television premiere) Obsessive, middle-aged, unhappily married journalist, Anne (Juliette Binoche), receives an assignment that carries her into the risky yet seductive world of Parisian student prostitution. She gets to know two independent young women whose erotic adventures carry them into dangerous and unpredictable territory. Read our review here.
The centrepiece of the 2018 Biennale of Sydney was Ai Weiwei's 60-metre inflatable boat, a critique and exploration of the global refugee crisis. Next year, when the Biennale returns to art galleries across Sydney, the lineup of 70-plus artists will be examining another poignant issue close to the heart of Australia: First Nations sovereignty and intergenerational trauma. Running from Saturday, March 14 until Monday, June, the 2020 Biennale will be titled Nirin, which means 'edge' in the language of western NSW's Wiradjuri people. The citywide exhibition will be made up of installations, artworks, interactive experiences and spoken-word pieces exploring seven themes inspired by 'nirin', which range from bagaray-bang (healing) to yirawy-dhuray (food) and gurray (transformation). This year's themes are timely, for two reasons: the 2020 blockbuster will fall on the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook's voyage to Australia — and it will be helmed by a new First Nations artistic director, famed Sydney-born, Melbourne-based interdisciplinary artist Brook Andrew. Andrew has selected an impressive lineup of artists and creatives — many of them First Nations — from around the world to exhibit at the Art Gallery of NSW, Woolloomooloo's Artspace, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Cockatoo Island, MCA and the National Art School for the exhibition's 12 weeks. And 33 have just been announced today. The first announcement includes American cinematographer Arthur Jafa, who's worked with Solange and Spike Lee; famed Australian chef Kylie Kwong; Pakistani American sculptor Huma Bhabja, whose works are often seen as grotesque and confronting; audiovisual Beirut artist Lawrence Abu Hamdan; and Mexico's Teresa Margolles, who recreates morgues and objects inside them to explore thoughts surrounding death. While there's no word yet on what artworks we'll see pop up next May, previous exhibitions have included mirror-filled shipping containers, an 'Embassy of Spirits' and a multimedia installation teamed with vocals by Rufus Wainwright — and Andrew himself is known for creating confronting and interactive inflatable works. So, expect many playful, immersive and boundary-pushing installations to make an appearance in 2020. FIRST BIENNALE OF SYDNEY 2020 LINEUP Tony Albert Maria Thereza Alves Lhola Amira Sammy Baloji Huma Bhabha Blacktown Native Institution Anna Boghihuian Eric Bridgeman Victoria Santa Cruz Léuli Eshrãghi Jes Fan Nicholas Galanin Fátima Rodrigo Gonzales Lawrence Abu Hamdan Arthur Jafa Hannah Catherina Jones Bronwyn Katz Mayun Kiki Kylie Kwong Barbara McGrady Ibrahim Mahama Teresa Margolles Misheck Masamvu Katarina Matiasek JotaMombaça Prof Sir Zanele Muholi The Mulka Project SJ Norman Taqralik Partridge Laure Prouvost Lisa Reihana Latai Taumoepeau Gina Athena Ulysse The 22nd Biennale of Sydney will run from Saturday, March 14 until Monday, June 8. We'll keep you posted on the whole artist lineup and exhibition program. Image: Biennale of Sydney 2018 by Zan Wimberley.
It has been a big year for fans of The Crown, and the show hasn't even released any new episodes in 2020 so far. At the beginning of the year, Netflix announced that it would end the royal drama after its fifth season. Then, it had a change of heart, revealing it would continue the series for a sixth season. That's quite the drama — and all of this before the show's fourth season has even aired. If you prefer your royal intrigue on-screen, however, the streaming platform has now just dropped its full trailer for the aforementioned fourth batch of episodes. When the first teaser for the fourth season arrived back in August, it only ran for 46 seconds, but this trailer gives viewers a heftier — and heavier, mood-wise — look at what's in store. The focus here is on Prince Charles (God's Own Country's Josh O'Connor), his wedding to Lady Diana Spencer (Pennyworth's Emma Corrin), and the fact that their marriage will turn out to be anything but a fairytale. Also present, of course, is Oscar-winner Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II. The trailer includes a bigger glimpse of The X-Files icon Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher as well, with the fourth season takes place during Thatcher's time as Britain's prime minister. When season four hits Netflix on Sunday, November 15, it'll be the last chance for fans to see the current lineup on talent. The series' fifth and sixth seasons — which are expected to follow the Queen in the 1990s and 2000s — will switch out its cast again, as it did after seasons one and two. This time, after season four, Downton Abbey, Maleficent and Paddington star Imelda Staunton will don the titular headwear, and Princess Margaret will be played by Staunton's Maleficent co-star and Phantom Thread Oscar-nominee Lesley Manville. Also, Game of Thrones and Tales from the Loop's Jonathan Pryce will step into Prince Philip's shoes and Australian Tenet, The Burnt Orange Heresy and Widows star Elizabeth Debicki will play Princess Diana. Check out The Crown's season four trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hJ5CwsphdQ The Crown's fourth season will hit Netflix on Sunday, November 15. Image: Des Willie / Netflix
You can't stop the Boosh! First it was Dixon Bainbridge closing down the Zooniverse, then it was the army of nannas plaguing the Nabootique, and were it not for a regrettable run in with the crack-fox, I too would have been bouncing on the Boosh castle with 'The Doctor and the Pencil' (Noel Fielding and Dave Brown). Yes, the Mighty Boosh journey continues, this time Down Under with everybody's favourite shaman, Naboo the Enigma (Mike Fielding). Both brothers from the cult series have continued to tour with comedic acts, stage shows and DJ sets embracing their unique characters. So don't miss your chance to see Naboo as he mashes up indie-electro tunes with a mix of psychedelic classics, hopefully with Boosh flavour — "croutons, croutons, crunchy friends in a a land of broth". Supporting Naboo will be the Vines and Howling Bells DJs, Murray Lake, Sampology (Visual Set) and Sosueme DJs. Dressing up is encouraged, but remember, it's what's inside that counts! https://youtube.com/watch?v=Dh3NrphoASE
From sushi roulette to all-you-can-eat dim sum, Manly's Daniel San knows how to please a crowd. This year has seen the beachfront venue throw some major parties, introduce new, creative means of stuffing our faces and generally obliterate our sinuses with wasabi, and now, kicking off 2016 with a royal hootenanny, they're throwing a huge New Year's Day party: Beach Please. Daniel San, for those uninitiated, is a Japanese rock n’ roll eatery in Manly with some primo waterfront views, which they’ll be making full use of for Beach Please. From 1pm on NYD, the beach bash begins at DS's Dojo rooftop bar and won’t stop till you get enough. Save yourself the pain of a NYE party (give up on that crazy fantasy of The O.C.’s Ryan running towards at exactly midnight for a smoochie) and lean right on into the day drink. House legends Fear of Dawn are headlining so you know it’s going to be beats-happy. Best of all, if you send through a guestlist you and your pals get free entry (prior to 3pm), a private area and a free drink when you get there (so fancy). In fact, free entry for all of God’s party-seeking children before 3pm (but $10 thereafter, just FYI).
On an international tour in 2009, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was asked to sing with Sting on a French television program. The song: The Police's 'Every Breath You Take'. As seen in archival footage in the documentary Gurrumul, Sting jokes around and makes clumsy comments about how strange it is to croon the tune with the Indigenous musician, given that the Australian has been blind since birth. The mood is as awkward as anyone would expect, but Yunupingu, when he's not singing, mostly stays silent. Nor does he react to the track's famous line, "I'll be watching you". In fact, before learning the words for the performance, he wasn't familiar with the 1983 hit and didn't even know who Sting was. Yunupingu remains a consummate professional throughout this encounter. Ultimately it's his music — often sung in the Gumatj, Galpu and Djambarrpuyngu languages of his Elcho Island home off the coast of Arnhem Land — that matters to him, not the circus that comes with it. In a documentary filled with moving moments, this segment with Sting speaks volumes. It's not the most mesmerising part of this exceptional and essential picture, which explores Yunupingu's life, work and legacy. It won't move audiences to tears like his tunes, and it won't incite cheers like his concerts. Rather, the scene encapsulates the everyday essence of a quiet talent with a powerful voice, while also outlining his approach to his career, in stark contrast with the industry around him. Make no mistake: as this thoroughly fascinating film makes plain, the late artist was a musician and a man utterly unlike anyone else. Making his first feature, director Paul Damien Williams charts Yunupingu's days from childhood to his passing, painting a captivating portrait of one of the nation's undisputed icons. Thanks to the wealth of materials at the filmmaker's disposal, Gurrumul watches a charming toddler grow up to become a reluctant star — although it doesn't journey from Yunupingu's birth to his death in a linear fashion. It's also a globe-trotting road trip, accompanying the artist as his career takes him well beyond the Northern Territory. All of the requisite details are accounted for, including the singer's early days in Yothu Yindi and Saltwater Band, his wariness about pursuing music solo, and the fame that echoed as loudly as his astonishing tenor. Any filmmaker could amass this kind of biography, however Williams' skill is that he doesn't craft an easy ode, but truly endeavours to understand the man at the centre of his movie. Sometimes, the documentary is happy to simply sit and watch as Yunupingu does what he does best: sing and play, his voice ringing out over the top of his own guitar or even paired with an orchestra. Sometimes, it delves deep into his clearly reclusive nature, whether he's keeping mum in interviews, preferring to stay at home, or failing to show up at the airport for what would've been a career-defining trip to America. What detail doesn't spring from Yunupingu's music and actions instead comes from those around him. His aunt Susan Dhangal Gurruwiwi provides personal stories, while producer and collaborator Michael Hohnen expands upon their work together, as well as their close bond. The end result is a dense and insightful documentary modelled in Yunupingu's image, proving as beautiful, intimate, layered and revelatory as the artist's remarkable songs. Unsurprisingly, one specific topic hangs over the film. It isn't discussed on-screen, but the documentary commences with two sorrowful messages. Firstly, it advises that the movie was approved by Yunupingu just three days before his passing in July 2017. Secondly, the movie explains that Yolgnu elders have lifted the usual ban that follows death in their culture, which dictates that the name and image of the deceased should no longer be used. Both serve as an important statement about the doco and Yunupingu, indicating the care that is evident in every frame, the reverence with which he's held by his own community, and the fact that the film forms a welcome part of Yunupingu's body of work. The musician's final album, the just-released chart-topper Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow), might be his last recording, but Gurrumul is also one of his final gifts. A heartfelt, affectionate and admiring celebration of Yunupingu's success completely on his own terms, it's not a cinematic eulogy but rather a rare and haunting glimpse at one of the country's most significant music talents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXa3gw3g4C4
Do you have trouble reconciling your green thumb with the clamorous reality of city living? Sydney Council's new initiative might put some of your frustration at ease. They're in the middle of developing plans for a city farm, with the goal to promote healthy, sustainable living. While it'll be a little while before those seeds are sown, you can get a glimpse of what’s to come on January 19 with the opening of a Summer Garden at Sydney Park, St Peters. Open till March 24, the Garden will host more than just your average home-grown tomato. You can expect an array of unusual and tasty-looking crops that will challenge some of the limits often associated with growing-your-own. If you're keen to pick up a hose or a trowel, you can sign up as a volunteer. Furthermore, weekly Saturday workshops will focus on subjects as diverse as no-dig gardening, bee-keeping, scarecrow-building, and market gardening. There’ll even be an old-fashioned sheep dog trial on February 9, and you probably won't want to miss the finale: a hoedown and harvest on March 23.
Prepare to add another activity to that growing list of summer must-dos: Merivale and Summer Bright are holding a slew of A+ Sunday afternoon shows on Coogee Pavilion's rooftop. And the best part? They're all free. Returning to the beachside venue for a third year, the Sunday Sundown sessions will be held over 13 Sundays from December 3 to February 25. Melbourne's Miami Horror will kick things off with five DJ sets in December before Linda Marigliano and producer Swick take over in January. February's sessions will be helmed by the inimitable Client Liaison. This year the set times have been pushed back to 5–7pm so you can see the sun set over Coogee mid-performance. Here are the details. SUNDAY SUNDOWN 2017–18 PROGRAM December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Miami Horror (DJ set) January 7, 14, 21 and 28: Linda Marigliano + Swick February 4, 11, 18 and 25: Client Liaison (DJ set)
Arguably the worst part of travel is the bit where you actually have to travel. Sitting in an over-cramped, over-air-conditioned metal tube for 20+ hours almost makes post-pasta swims in the Mediterranean seem too much trouble than it's worth (almost). But until we're at The Fifth Element stage where we can just hop in a capsule and get knocked out cold for the duration of the journey, we'll just have to be content with airlines' attempts at cutting down flight times and transfers. So it was welcome news for Aussie travellers when, in December last year, Qantas announced it would introduce a direct flight from Australia to Europe. And now the non-stop flights have officially gone on sale, with the first one set to take to the air on March 24, 2018. The new route will take passengers from Perth to London daily in approximately 17 hours, thanks to their new Dreamliner 787-9 aircraft, which is set to start flying in October. It will be the first and only direct flight from Australia to Europe. It will also be considerably quicker than their current route, which, with their partnership with Emirates, includes a stopover in Dubai. Melburnians will be able to fly to London via Perth, with Qantas also swapping out its daily Melbourne-Dubai-London flight for a daily Melbourne-Perth-London service. Travellers from other cities will have the option to go via Perth when booking too. "This is a game-changing route flown by a game-changing aircraft," Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said in a Qantas press release. "Australians have never had a direct link to Europe before, so the opportunities this opens up are huge." We first reported on this back in October 2017, when Qantas were still in negotiations with the Western Australian Government and Perth Airport to lock down the new route. It seems they managed to reach an agreement, as the new Perth-London flight will operate from Qantas' domestic terminal at Perth Airport, to make the stopover as smooth as possible for travellers coming from other states. Qantas will also build a new international transit lounge at the airport. The layout for the airline's new Dreamliner fleet will be two-thirds the size of the 747s they will eventually replace and have only 236 seats (as opposed to the 747's 364 seats). Economy will have a 3:3:3 seat situation (as opposed to the 3:4:3), as well as USB ports and an extra inch of leg room. Hurrah for leg room! The first Perth to London route will take off on in March 24, 2018, and flights are on sale now.
For many of us, the festival season's been plagued by cancellations and hot chips that are actually cold. Thankfully, the clever Simon Beckingham and Wade Cawood are lifting the game with their new boutique festival. Appropriately named Lost Picnic, the Centennial Park event will begin a new festival tradition of gourmet eating this Sunday, March 23. While you graze on the hampers on offer, local musos — including singer-songwriter Megan Washington, alt-rockers The Rubens, Emma Louise, Dustin Tebbutt and Sons of the East — will make for a more bohemian alternative to the festival season. Big Day Out it ain't. The gourmet hampers are put together by renowned chefs Martin Boetz from The Keystone Group and Maurice Terzini from Icebergs and the Cherry Kitchen. Boetz's hamper includes goodies from Rushcutters and his Cooks Co-Op, including smoked meats with remulade and dill pickles, sweet onion tart with smoked speck and paprika, potato salad, pretzel loaf and chocolate torte. Terzini's hamper is based around Icebergs' catering arm, on which they collaborate with Cherry Kitchen. It's Italian to the max, packing Buffalo mozzarella with two Sicilian salads, bresola involtini with goats cheese and caramelised onions, porchetta paninis with Italian coleslaw and tiramisu. The hampers serve up to three people (gather a group of six and you could order one of each) and cost $69 in addition to your ticket, which is $89 at first release. Tickets are on sale now through the festival website.
Independent Melbourne brewery Brick Lane Brewing Co has just taken out the award of World's Best Porter at the World Beer Awards for its Revolver Dark Hoppy Ale. The annual beer awards recognised the indie Aussie brewer in the Porter and Stout category of the 2021 Taste Awards, alongside other award-winners from a global showing from Serbia, Canada and the United Kingdom. The dark ale beat out a range of porters from around the world to claim the prize of the world's best, with the silver medal going to The Flying Dutchman Nomad Brewing Company's 'Wake The Hell Up You Can Sleep In The Coffin' Hazelnut Cappuccino Porter from Belgium. Brick Lane's award-winning brew is described as a midnight black beer with a velvety body and a bright hop aroma. "Revolver is a particular staff favourite and something we really look forward to brewing each winter. To have this recognised at the World Beer Awards is really something special," the brewery's head brewer Jon Seltin said. [caption id="attachment_825187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brick Lane's Jon Seltin and Paul Bowker[/caption] Each year the World Beer Awards hands out prizes to the best beers, ciders, wines and spirits in their categories, with beers from across the globe eligible for both taste and design awards. Brick Lane's One Love Pale Ale and Red Hoppy Ale were also recognised in this year's awards, winning Australia's Best American-Style Pale Ale and Australia's Best Amber Pale respectively. The brewery, based in Dandenong South, was founded in 2018 by Paul Bowker and Andrew Scrimgeour with help from some recognisable names including NRL star Billy Slater, restaurateur Shane Delia and comedy stalwart Mick Molloy. The brewery has previously been recognised for several awards including four entries in last year's beloved GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers. Interestingly enough, the Revolver was not among the four brews voted into the list. You can purchase Brick Lane's beers through its website and Craft Cartel or pick a six pack up from Dan Murphy's. You can see the full list of winners at this year's World Beer Awards here.
You know the feeling when your colleagues roll into work on a Monday morning with tales of their weekend adventures and you wish you'd been at that hip hop gig, or dancing till dawn at that techno party? Well, don't feel sorry for yourself — Sydney has heaps of live music events each summer for you to play catch up. You've just got to decide which one suits your music tastes. With a little help from our friends at Sunglass Hut, we've picked out eight FOMO-inducing gigs and parties coming up this summer, from festive singalongs in the Domain with Paul Kelly to Australia's clash-free, one-day summer festival in Parramatta (aptly named for those who fear missing out). There are also international artists on some of the lineups, from avant-garde acts at Sydney Festival to "the world's greatest boyband". Whatever genre you worship, get out and enjoy it before summer's over.
Coogee Bay Hotel will open its garden to Sydney's craft beer-loving masses again when its fourth annual Craft Beer and Cider Festival returns on Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13. The weekend-long festival celebrates the best drops from around the country, showcasing Australia's best breweries and cider makers. Festival-goers can expect over 60 beers from brewers across Australia, including Byron Bay's Stone & Wood, Adelaide's Pirate Life and, all the way from Hawaii, Kona Brewing Co. Not to mention a huge showing of local talent including Akasha, Batch, Lord Nelson, Young Henrys, Endeavour and 4 Pines, plus ciders by Hillbilly Cider and more to be announced. Pop-up food stalls will be offering smoked meats and other treats throughout the weekend, plus there'll be live jazz to help fuel your beer tastings. While entry is also free, discounted tokens and festival kits can be pre-purchased online, or you can nab 'em at the door. If the thought of all this booze is already making your head spin, why not book a staycation while you're at it? Coogee Bay Hotel has plenty of boutique and heritage rooms so you don't have to go far to find a pillow after the festivities wind down. Plus you'll be beachside when you wake up so you can remedy any sore head the next day with a plunge in the ocean. Head over here to pre-purchase your festival tokens.
When global media giant Condé Nast Traveler releases its annual Readers' Choice Awards lineup, it's usually guaranteed to instantly have you dreaming of far-flung holiday destinations. But this year's award winners, which were unveiled yesterday, might just foster a newfound appreciation for what's in your own backyard, with both Melbourne and Sydney ranking among the world's top ten in the Best Cities in the World list. The awards are significant as they always pull a high number of votes — this year, 429,000 readers participated. n fact, they scored so much feedback that the Best Cities list has been split into two. For the first time, the list covers the top 20 small cities, as well as their top 20 'big city' counterparts. Chalking another win in the indulgent age-old Melbourne vs Sydney debate, the Victorian capital ranked third best big city in the world — coming in behind Tokyo and Kyoto (first and second, respectively). The Condé Nast team described Melbourne as having "all of the traits you'd want in a friend" (naww), praising its arts scene, giving a thumbs up to both Heide and Gertrude Contemporary, and advising a daily flat white to take advantage of its reputation for banging coffee. We just hope no one flies in especially for the Urban Scrawl street art tour mentioned in the article, as it's currently on hiatus. In the latter, Sydney took out the number six position, praised as "an ideal getaway no matter the season". The magazine suggests visitors hit the beach during summer and explore the arts scene in the cooler months, specifically giving a shout-out to Paddington, Manly and the "cool kid 'hood" of Surry Hills. In all, this probably won't make the two cities any more affordable — they both rank as some of the most expensive cities in the world — but this ranking might help ease Melbourne's insecurity about losing its top place as the most liveable city in the world.
In 16th-century England, John Donne had the freshest flow around. The boy could wield a quill (see above). Plus, by the time he turned 17, he had obtained degrees from both Oxford and Cambridge. Yet, as Wikipedia sadly records, "despite his great education and poetic talents, Donne lived in poverty for several years." Half a millenium on, and it seems that the fate of brilliant literary creators has not radically changed. Take Melbourne-based curiosity journal Ampersand, for example. Despite blowing minds worldwide through issues 1-5 (even rating a small mention in Huffington Post's '11 Amazing Magazine You've Never Heard Of'), their sixth instalment almost didn't make it out alive. Dead broke just before print date, the publication had to solicit funds from readers to get Issue #6 off the ground. And, oh boy, did the readers deliver (or over deliver, we should say). As a result, we are pleased to announce that the latest Donne-inspired edition of Ampersand, 'One Little Room', will be hitting all good bookstores this morning. And you can grab your copy for a mere $15. Rejoice. Furthermore, the Ampersand team will be celebrating issue #6 with a launch party. Hosted by Redfern's 107 Projects, the night will feature live readings from contributors Darren Hanlon, Jesse Cox, Lucy Lehmann, Nick Coyle, Alice Gage and Charlie Garber, as well as free beverages from Batlow Cider.
Seltzer brand Part Time Rangers has arrived with a new line of summer-ready drinks that are helping make a difference. The Peach Penguin is a flavour-packed addition to the brand's range and, as the name suggests, it has an affinity for one of the world's cutest creatures: the penguin. If you pick up a four-pack of these fruity vodka and peach juice drinks, you can feel a little better about your latest boozy purchase than usual. For every seltzer sold, Part Time Rangers donates to conservation initiatives around the world — and this time, a portion of the profits from the peach flavour are going directly to the Conservation Council of Western Australia and penguin expert Dr Erin Clitheroe. WA's Little Penguin has seen an 80-percent population decline since 2007 due to warmer ocean conditions and increased air temperature. It's species like the little penguin that the Conservation Council is working to save. On top of donating these proceeds to help provide assistance with the penguin population of Penguin Island, Part Time Rangers also wants you to get involved directly. After conducting a survey that found only five percent of young Australians consider the Little Penguin a conservation concern, the seltzer brand has launched a competition to try and raise awareness for these fluffy little animals. The seltzer brand is giving away an all-expenses-paid trip to Western Australia to help Clitheroe with her conservation efforts. The winner of this major prize will get to spend three days with the scientist, in what Part Time Rangers has described as a "scholar-sip". They'll also get return flights to Perth, four nights accommodation, $1500 to spend on food and transport, $2000 prize money and a case of seltzer. There will also be ten runner-ups who will each win a hat and a four-pack of seltzer. To enter, just head to the Part Time Rangers website and explain in 25 words or less why you want to fly to Perth and hang out with Dr Erin Clitheroe. Applications for the competition close at 5pm on Monday, February 20. Outside of the Peach Penguin flavour, you'll also find other drinks in the range — like the Pink Rhino, with proceeds going to Rhinos Without Borders, plus the Black and Yellow Elephant flavours, which both raise money for the Big Life Foundation. For more information on Part Time Rangers and the competition head to the brand's website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
By now, you've probably forgotten what an overseas holiday even feels like. But you might want to pull out a map and start flexing those vacation planning skills, because the folks at Qantas and Jetstar have just announced plans to kick start international flights from late-October. Yep, if all goes to plan, the two airlines could have you jetting off to foreign lands as early as spring. The Qantas Group today announced it aims to resume flights to most international destinations from October this year, after it ramps up flights on its trans-Tasman routes from July. The news comes almost a year after the COVID-19 pandemic first forced Qantas and Jetstar to suspend overseas flights back in March 2020. The tentative plans also take into consideration the Aussie rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the Federal Government aims to give every Australian the opportunity to get vaccinated by October. 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. Come October 31, Qantas expects to have resumed flights to 22 of its 25 international destinations, including London, Singapore and Los Angeles. Unfortunately, if you've got New York, Santiago or Osaka on your wish list, you may have to wait a little longer to fly. Meanwhile, Jetstar plans to resume all of its 13 international routes by the same projected date, though flight frequencies will be determined by what's happening in the rest of the world. Got your sights set a little closer to home? Both airlines are aiming to dramatically increase their trips to and from New Zealand, starting from July 1. Of course, even once international flights are up and running again, you can expect a much lower capacity than pre-COVID travel — Qantas says it's not anticipating a full return to normality until 2024. In good news for planners, Qantas has also announced some extra flexibility for customers booking international flights. It's expanded its Fly Flexible policy to include overseas routes that are booked from now until at least the end of April 2021. That'll allow you to change your flight date to any other currently available, up to 355 days in advance. Learn more about Qantas and Jetstar's international travel plans at the website.
Australians, if you thought you had a lot of food delivery options at your fingertips before, consider yourself even more spoilt for choice now. DoorDash, the US's biggest on-demand food platform for door-to-door delivery, has arrived Down Under, taking on Melbourne, Geelong and Sydney in its first expansion outside of North America. Thousands of restaurants are set to jump on board as DoorDash rolls out its platform locally. And yes, that means dinnertime decision-making just got a little more interesting. Which can't be a bad thing, given that stats show a lot of us — two million of us to be exact — use meal delivery services at lease once every three months. Even more so now, with many Australians practising social-distancing or self-isolating in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DoorDash has introduced no-contact delivery (and will leave your food at the front door) and is waiving delivery fees for a heap of restaurants, so they can generate a little more money in these uncertain times. Big-name restaurant brands available on the delivery service in Melbourne include Betty's Burgers and Nando's, along with a diverse spread of well-loved local eateries like Red Sparrow Pizza, Le Bon Ton, Huxtaburger. In Sydney, you can order from the likes of Grill'd, Restaurant Moon, Huxtaburger, Lukumades, Mr Crackles and Thirsty Bird. The app works much the same as competitors, like UberEats and Deliveroo, though it also has a 'pick-up' and 'group ordering' options — the latter making it a lot easier to coordinate big groups. DoorDash is by no means new to the game. Having launched back in 2013, it now operates in over 4000 cities across all 50 states of the USA and Canada. If you're keen to check out the new service, DoorDash is currently offering free delivery for a heap of restaurants. The DoorDash delivery platform is now available in Melbourne, Geelong and Sydney over at doordash.com. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Whether you have tickets to Bluesfest or you were just intending to head to Byron Bay for an Easter getaway, the latest COVID-19 developments in New South Wales might have you rethinking your plans. Today, Wednesday, March 31, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that four shires in the north coast region will be placed back under gathering and venue restrictions in response to the recent community transmission cases linked to the area. From 5pm AEDT today until at least 11.59pm on Monday, April 5, the Byron, Ballina, Tweed and Lismore shires will revert back to 30-person caps for at-home gatherings, and will reinstate the one person per four-square-metres rule at all indoor public settings, including hospitality venues. You'll also have to sit, not stand, while you're having a drink. And, masks will be compulsory on public transport, in retail settings and whenever you're indoors in a public place. https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1377061983447490560 The Premier also revealed today that one case has been identified in Byron Bay, linked to one of the venues visited by two positive cases from Brisbane who visited the area over the past weekend. The man in his 20s "sat in proximity to the travellers from Queensland who were infectious at the time," NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant advised at today's press conference. Due to this growing cluster, the Greater Brisbane area is currently in lockdown. Announcing the changed restrictions in the four shires, Premier Berejiklian said that "we know through this one case of community transmission that there could be others. Until the end of Easter, those four local government areas will be subject to some restrictions." She continued: "the positive news in all of this is we're not saying to businesses shut your doors, quite the opposite. We are saying you can keep your doors open but because of the risk that is there — we want you to be extra cautious." If you've seen NSW Health's COVID-19 figures for today, it lists no new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday, Tuesday, March 30 — but this new case in Byron Bay was identified after that period ended. Premier Berejiklian also advised that the government isn't locking down the identified areas, but folks who were planning to head there might want to re-evaluate their plans. "We won't tell people to stop going to those four regions over Easter but, given the new restrictions about the four-square-metre rule, venues which could previously take more people may have to take less people," she said. "We ask everybody who was attending those local government areas to reconsider their plans, although we're not saying it is compulsory not to go." Specifically regarding Bluesfest, which is due to kick off tomorrow, Thursday, April 1, the Premier said that a statement will be put out later today. Speaking about the festival, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard also said discussions are ongoing with the event's organisers. "There is a high level of concern from our public health officials that, with these new cases that have come from Queensland and then the newest case that we have heard about just overnight, that we all need to be on high alert," he advised. "What I would say is that if it were absolutely safe, then we wouldn't be making this comment... To those who might be intending to come, just be alert to the messages that will come from the New South Wales Government in the next 12-24 hours as we look at the unfolding situation on the north coast," he continued. As always, Sydneysiders are asked to continue to frequently check NSW Health's long list of locations and venues that have been visited by positive coronavirus cases — and, if you've been to anywhere listed on the specific dates and times, to get tested immediately and self-isolate. You can also have a look at the venue alerts over at this interactive map. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
Australians, it's time to roll up your sleeves — because the nation's slow-moving COVID-19 vaccine scheme has just been given a crucial boost. In a newly announced change, all Australian adults of any age can now get the AstraZeneca jab. All you need to do is go to your GP and specifically request the AZ vaccine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed the news during a late-night press conference yesterday, Monday, June 28, in which he addressed several aspects of the country's vaccine rollout. Specifically, he announced a new no-fault indemnity scheme for general practitioners who administer COVID-19 vaccines, so they're covered if their patients have any adverse reactions. Australia's current health advice notes that the AZ vaccine is preferred for folks over the age of 60, and that anyone younger should have the Pfizer vaccine; however, if you're below that cutoff and would still like the AZ jab, your doctor can now give it to you. "This relates to encouraging Australians to go and chat to their GP about their vaccination, and to have their vaccination administered," said the Prime Minister. "The advice does not preclude persons under 60 from getting the AstraZeneca vaccine, and so if you wish to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, then we would encourage you to go and have that discussion with your GP," he explained. "We are also providing the indemnity scheme for those general practitioners so they can actively engage with you and you can make the best decision for your health." While that part of the Prime Minister's press conference didn't mention age limits, he was specifically asked about under 40s, and confirmed that any Aussie adult of any age can now go to their GP to get the AZ shot. "If they wish to go and speak to their doctor and have access to the AstraZeneca vaccine, they can do so," he said. That's welcome news for everyone under 40 that's keen to get jabbed, but hasn't been able to due to Australia's staged vaccine rollout. Until last night, adults aged between 16–39 weren't eligible to get vaccinated unless they fell into a number of specific categories. You had to either be of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent; work in quarantine, border or healthcare roles; work or live in an aged care or disability facility; work in a critical and high-risk job such as defence, fire, police, emergency services and meat processing; have an underlying medical condition or significant disability; or participate in the NDIS, or care for someone who does. Aussies under 40 who'd prefer the Pfizer vaccine will still need to fall into one of the aforementioned groups. Since Thursday, June 17, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has recommended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine in people aged over 60 only due to the risk of rare blood clotting disorders that've been linked to the vaccine when given to younger folks. That change followed an early recommendation back in April, which noted the AstraZeneca vaccine wasn't preferred for anyone under 50. But anyone of any age, including those under 60, can now still get the AZ jab — after making an informed decision by talking to their doctor. For further information about Australia's vaccine rollout, head to the Australian Department of Health website.
As Australia's drinks scene has boomed, so has a hardly surprising side effect, with more than a few independently owned breweries and distilleries getting snapped up by the big end of town. In fact, the latest development in this space sees not one, not two, but five indie names make the move to a beer behemoth — with Lion purchasing the Fermentum Group, which includes Stone and Wood, Two Birds, Fixation, Little Dragon and Sunly Seltzer. The sale sees the Byron Bay-based Stone and Wood, Melbourne labels Two Birds and Fixation, boozy ginger beer brand Little Dragon and hard seltzer Sunly Seltzer all join Lion's sizeable alcohol stable. Owned by Japan's Kirin Holdings, Lion also boasts beer labels such as James Squire, Little Creatures, Furphy, White Rabbit, Hahn, Tooheys, James Boag's, Malt Shovel, Eumundi and XXXX to its name — and, since 2019, 50 percent of Healesville-based gin distillery Four Pillars as well. Announcing the news on its website, Lion said that it has "huge respect for what Jamie Cook, Brad Rogers, Ross Jurisich and the team have created; great beer, wonderful brands, spiritual homes in their breweries and tap rooms, an inclusive culture and a commitment to the community. We want to grow what they've started, giving their people and beers even more reach across the country." In their own statement, the Stone and Wood trio of Cook, Rogers and Jurisich said that "earlier this year, we realised that we were approaching a major milestone in the development of Stone and Wood where we knew it was time to build a new brewery. After many months of working through how we were going to begin the next chapter in our story, the founding families decided it might be time to see if there was a custodian for the business who could grow the legacy, its people, its culture, its brands, and continue to drive the business whilst staying true to its purpose." [caption id="attachment_667510" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Two Birds, Simon Shiff[/caption] Part of the sale will see Lion support Stone and Wood, Two Birds and Fixation to go carbon neutral, and to also continue Fermentum's plans to build a new brewery in Murwillumbah. The deal comes nine months after Fermentum bought Two Birds' brewery, tap room and brands, as announced back in January. At the time of writing, the sale of Fermentum to Lion is still subject to regulatory approvals. For more information about Lion's purchase of the Fermentum Group of breweries, visit the Lion and Stone and Wood websites.
If we had to name just one inner city suburb to best represent what makes Sydney special, then a strong case could be made for Redfern. It combines slices of Sydney history and cultural heritage with buzzing hospitality and modern creative arts scenes. Some of the area's greatest offerings are hidden right in plain sight. To help you explore more of this part of Sydney, we teamed up with City of Sydney to ask Concrete Playground readers what businesses they love to visit and support around Redfern and Waterloo. Here are some of your top picks. Read on to discover some of the most popular picks to visit during the day. Then, flick the switch above and we'll dim the lights to show your favourite things to do once the sun goes down.
