Whether you went for work, leisure or something in-between, if you've recently travelled to the Perth metropolitan area and Peel region in Western Australia, you were probably happy to venture further than your own city. But with the WA capital currently experiencing a three-day lockdown in response to a new COVID-19 case, state governments around the country are implementing new conditions on travel and crossing interstate borders. The situation varies state by state; however, it's the type of thing that has been happening after new cases and subsequent lockdowns of late. It last occurred in March, when Brisbane went into its most recent set of stay-at-home conditions. In New South Wales, a COVID-19 concerns notice has been issued by NSW Health, applying to the the Perth metropolitan area and Peel region from 12.01am today, Saturday, April 24. Anyone coming to NSW who has been in an affected area either on or after that time has to fill out a self-declaration form either before or upon entering the state. If you have been in either region since Saturday, April 17 and you're now in NSW, you're asked to look at a list of exposure sites issued by the WA Government. If you visited them within the time frames identified, you'll beed to follow the actions outlined and also contact NSW Health immediately. It's a lengthy list, spanning shopping centres, restaurants and an aquatic centre, all between Saturday, April 17–Friday, April 23 so far. https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1385504424487882754 In Victoria, a number of changes are now in effect. With WA's lockdown coming in response to a Victorian man who tested positive upon his return to Melbourne after spending 14 days in hotel quarantine in Perth, the Victorian Government has listed both Qantas flight QF778 from Perth to Melbourne on Wednesday, April 21 and Melbourne Airport's Terminal 1 between 7–7.30pm on Wednesday, April 21 as new exposure sights. Folks who were on the plane must get tested for COVID-19 immediately, then self-isolate for 14 days regardless of their initial test result, while anyone at the terminal during that timeframe must also get tested for COVID-19 immediately and self-isolate until a negative result is received. Plus, anyone who has returned from WA recently is also asked to look at a list of exposure sites issued by the WA Government and, if you visited them within the time frames identified, to contact the Victorian Department of Health immediately. Melburnians can also keep an eye on the local list of exposure sites at the Victorian Government Department of Health website — as it may change if more sites are identified. Regarding the Victorian border, the state has classified the Perth metropolitan area and Peel region in Western Australia as red zones under its traffic light border system, which means that non-Victorian residents can't enter the state without an exception, permit or exemption. Also, anyone currently in Victoria who has been in the metro Perth or Peel region between Saturday, April 17–Friday, April 23, other than to transit through either, is required to isolate, get tested within 72 hours and stay isolated until receiving a negative result. https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1385555025590509568 For Queensland, anyone who has been in the Perth or Peel regions on or since Saturday, April 17 and entered the Sunshine State before 11.59pm on Friday, April 23 is required to get tested as soon as possible and self-isolate. They'll also be under the same lockdown conditions that are currently in place in Perth until 2am AEST on Tuesday, April 27. Plus, those coming to Queensland after midnight last night who have been in the same parts of WA since Saturday, April 17 are only allowed to enter under an exemption, unless they're a Queensland resident. Either way, they now have to go into hotel quarantine for up to 14 days. https://twitter.com/qldhealthnews/status/1385569595784790017 South Australia requires anyone who has been in the Perth or Peel regions on or since Saturday, April 17 to get tested and quarantine until getting a negative result. Only returning SA residents, genuine relocations and domestic violence victims are allowed to SA from the two areas from 12.01am Saturday, April 24, and must now get tested and go into self-quarantine. In the Australian Capital Territory, non-ACT residents wishing to travel over from the Perth or Peel regions — who've been there since Saturday, April 17 — now need an approved exemption from ACT Health. You'll also have to quarantine until 2am AEST on Tuesday, April 27. For residents coming back from the two regions, you'll need to complete an online declaration form before leaving, and then to also stay home until the same time. Tasmania won't allow entry from folks who've been to the Perth or Peel regions within 14 days of their arrival, except for people deemed essential travellers — and then you'll need to quarantine for 14 days. If you've been there, arrived in Tasmania since Saturday, April 17 and attended one of the exposure sites listed by the WA Government, you need to self-isolate and contact Tasmania's Public Health Hotline. The Northern Territory now requires testing for anyone who has been to been to the Perth or Peel regions since Saturday, April 17, but only if they went to one of the exposure sites listed by the WA Government. You'll also need to quarantine until you get a negative result. 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.
It's called Ghostbusters, not franchisebusters — so, four decades after the initial supernatural comedy flick in the series proved a huge hit, of course the saga is still tackling ghouls on the big screen. There was a 27-year pause between 1989's Ghostbusters II and 2016's women-led, excellent and wrongly maligned Paul Feig-helmed Ghostbusters, but then came 2021's Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Next up: its sequel Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. As both the initial teaser back in 2023 and the just-dropped full trailer show, familiar faces are everywhere in the fifth Ghostbusters movie — and from past features both recent and classic. Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson: they're all back, teaming up to take on an ancient force that's trying to unleash a second Ice Age. Rudd (Only Murders in the Building) returns as Gary Grooberson, while Coon (The Gilded Age), McKenna Grace (Crater) and Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) are back as Callie, Phoebe and Trevor Spengler. Yes, they're the daughter and grandchildren of the late Harold Ramis' Egon Spengler, who became initiated in the family business when they inherited his old farmhouse in Afterlife. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire reverses the last flick's swap, which centred around that eerie abode. So, rather than unfurling in Oklahoma, it returns the series to New York. There, summer is proceeding as normal until an unseasonable chill kicks in. The reason for the plummeting temperatures isn't any old blast of cooler weather, either, which is where the Ghostbusters come in. Also in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire's cast: Kumail Nanjiani (Welcome to Chippendales), Patton Oswalt (What We Do in the Shadows), Celeste O'Connor (A Good Person) and Logan Kim (The Walking Dead: Dead City), alongside OGs Murray (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), Aykroyd (Zombie Town) and Hudson (Quantum Leap), plus Annie Potts (Young Sheldon). A certain firehouse pops up as well, as does Slimer, an army of ghosts, possessed possessions, rising supernatural attacks and a new paranormal research centre. The latest film sees Gil Kenan (A Boy Called Christmas) directing. After helming Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Jason Reitman (Tully, The Front Runner) — who is the son of Ivan Reitman, who directed the first two movies — co-writes the script this time around. Check out the full trailer for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire below: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
The history of street photography is generating more interest than ever, now that street style blogs influence high-end brands, everyone has a spy camera (read: iPhone), and documentaries like Bill Cunningham: New York have charmed DSLRs into the hands of the populace. But what about when it wasn't just about fashion, but about documenting a moment in cultural history? A new look at the origins of the movement, Everybody Street, gathers a group of seminal New York-based street photographers to examine the method and motivation behind this most candid and telling style of documenting the human race. Street photography takes balls. Imagine approaching a total stranger, even a pretty rough-looking one, to ask for their picture — as Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York (with almost a million followers on Facebook) does dozens of times every day. Henri Cartier-Bresson similarly knew how to be bold and keep in the thick of the action, and that's why his opus includes so many arresting images of the major events of the 20th century. Nowadays the rising generation of street photographers in New York, including Le 21-eme, I'm Koo and An Unknown Quantity keep busy chasing down Soho's trendsetters. Everybody Street, on the other hand, asks veteran photographers Bruce Davidson, Elliott Erwitt, Jill Freedman, Bruce Gilden, Joel Meyerowitz, Rebecca Lepkoff, Mary Ellen Mark, Jeff Mermelstein, Clayton Patterson, Ricky Powell, Jamel Shabazz, Martha Cooper, Jeff Mermelstein, Max Kozloff and Luc Sante all about how they managed to transgress social boundaries to capture iconic images of their milieu. Jamel Shabazz alone is a phenomenal force in the street photography scene, whose chronicling of the '80s hiphop style movement can be seen in the influential monographs Back in the Days and A Time Before Crack. Shabazz — a former corrections officer with a photographer father — used street photography to perform a type of social work: mainly capturing images of African Americans, he helped to spread pride and self-confidence among young men and women who were at risk of getting mixed up in crack culture. By reminding them they were worth being photographed and admired, and taking the opportunity to talk with them about their lives and share his experiences as a corrections officer, Shabazz hoped to steer people away from drugs and crime. In Everybody Street, documentarian Cheryl Dunn honours Shabazz's story and those of other snap-happy New York street-crawlers who dared to step in and chronicle what was happening every day on the street, and make a difference along the way. Everybody Street will be making its world premiere at the Hot Docs International Film Festival in Canada. Further distribution is TBC. Images by Jamel Shabazz. More on his website.
A new Parisian hotel designed by French artist Matali Crasset is offering travellers a completely new hotel experience. Recently opened in the trendy Rue Chardonne area, Hi-Matic Hotel is entirely internet-based and has no traditional staff. Guests are given a unique code when they make an online reservation and that code gives them access to the building. Once inside, guests are able to check in and pay for their stay on computers (that then dispense their room keys). If they become hungry or bored, guests are able to purchase organic foods, books, music and playful objects from vending machines located in the hotel. The aim of the Hi-Matic is to create a new type of hotel - something unique and luxurious but also practical and accessible. The spaces within the hotel are bright and futuristic, with eco-friendly materials such as organic paint being used throughout. The design is simple but striking and effective. All this does not come without a price, however, with rooms starting at AUD$180 a night. [Via Design Boom]
The impending consequences of the earth's dwindling water supply are no mystery. The question that we all need answered, however, is how to replenish it. French physicist Jérôme Kasparian, may have a solution with his new seeding condensation method. 'Laser-assisted water condensation' is a water-collecting technique which employs powerful lasers. At the flip of a switch, a laser pulse carries trillions of watts of energy into the atmosphere, removing electrons from atmospheric molecules. The removal of electrons creates charged particles, which form water droplets as more and more water molecules accumulate and stick to the original particle. Kasparian's method seems a good alternative to other current precipitation-inducing techniques, which are expensive, risky, and environmentally damaging. It isn't a magical cure-all to drought and drinking water shortages, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. https://youtube.com/watch?v=5yjHZr_gn18 [via Mother Board]
Powerhouse Museum Ultimo is set to look a whole lot different thanks to $500-million makeover — and if you're wondering what that might entail, the venue has just unveiled a more extensive look at its proposed revamp. A development plan is currently on display via the NSW Government's website, outlining further details, in what proves the latest step in the venue's complicated recent history. Back in 2015, Powerhouse Museum Ultimo was earmarked for closure, as part of a move to shift the entire facility to Parramatta. Then, when that idea didn't prove popular, the New South Wales Government committed to revamping and revitalising the existing site, allocating $480–500 million to the makeover. Another Powerhouse Museum location will still be established in Parramatta, and is under construction at the moment. Back at Ultimo, its revamp plan is now on public exhibition until Thursday, July 21, revealing details about expanding the museum site, and also creating a comprehensive design outlet for local creatives. A renewed focus on design and fashion is central to the multimillion-dollar overhaul, with plans to bring the Powerhouse's local and international exhibitions to the forefront of its event programming. Another aim: for the Ultimo site to also increase opportunities for creative development, via subsidised studios and workspaces for creatives. [caption id="attachment_859231" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Powerhouse Museum corner of Harris Street and William Henry Street, NSW Planning Portal[/caption] Alongside general refurbishments and cosmetic upgrades, the new-look Powerhouse Ultimo is expected to connect seamlessly with The Goods Line, Darling Square and UTS in a bid to contribute further to the nighttime economy. While exact design proposals are still to come, the report pushes for a rejig of the building's orientation and public spaces at the museum in order to create entrances and courtyards flowing between the Powerhouse and surrounding infrastructure — such as the nearby light rail stop and The Goods Line. The report shows plans to expand the museum site on Harris Street and Macarthur Street, increasing both indoor and outdoor space and allowing "the Museum program to spill outside and engage with the Goods Line and public realm of Ultimo and Haymarket beyond." [caption id="attachment_811875" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Powerhouse Ultimo, Jordan Munns[/caption] "We will create a vibrant public square beside the Goods Line, and creative industries workspaces that will become home for Australian designers," Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said when the renewal was first announced. Following this stage of planning, an architectural competition will be held to establish the final design of the museum, as well as the firm that will work on it. As part of the renewal, a chunk of the Ultimo site's collection will also be relocated to Powerhouse Castle Hill in order to create space for the new design and fashion initiatives being planned for the renovated site. Sydneysiders keen for more detailed information can look through the application on the NSW Government website, or head to one of the drop-in sessions that Powerhouse Ultimo is hosting. The sessions will take place on the afternoons of Thursday, July 7 and 14, plus the mornings of Saturday, July 9 and 16. Powerhouse Museum Ultimo is located at 500 Harris St, Ultimo. For more information about the Powerhouse Ultimo renewal project, head to the museum's website.
Goodgod's the place where people go for the gig and stay for the nachos. An inner-city favourite, the Liverpool Street location is playing host to a night of POP-FRIENDZZZY on Thursday, November 21. From 8pm, San Franciscan Sonny & The Sunsets will be headlining an evening of rock 'n' roll. The foursome will be joined by lo-fi Kiwi kids Surf City, whose forthcoming album We Knew It Was Not Going to Be Like This is making waves in the psychedelic scene. With Sydney bands Adults and Community Radio by their side, they'll be making Goodgod's Danceteria the definite Thursday night go-to on the 21st.
Do you wish you could mix up an Old Fashioned like Don Draper? Do the words "Tiki Safari" make your mouth water in anticipation of the magical Mai Tai? Do you spend your days weighing up the pros and cons of gin and vodka or pondering how tequila can break free from the shackles of salt, lemon and shot glasses? Whether you answered "yes" to all of the above or whether you just like to enjoy the odd cocktail, you will probably be excited to hear about Bar Week. The formerly trade only drinks show is now throwing its doors open to the thirsty public after a decade of showcasing the best in brews, bottles and fancy garnishes to industry professionals. Sunday, September 23 is when the week's flagship event will be staged in the form of Drinks Fest (tickets $25 for either the morning or afternoon session). Amongst those happenings stirring up connotations of the word "seminar" are a pre-noon Tiki Safari, an Irish Whisky Tasting, masterclasses on libations ranging from Cuba's Mojito to Don's Old Fashioned and a hands-on lesson in creative mixology intended to break rules and introduce cocktails back into Aussie households. Many of the day's events are aimed at breathing new life into spirits commonly brought down by false stereotypes. A class called 'Why Everyone Should Love Tequila!' will take skeptics on a taste-test south of the border. To celebrate the broadening of mind and palette, the day will culminate in a sunset BBQ at Cruise Bar next door, offering free entry to all ticket holders. Concrete Playground has 10 double passes to give away to Drinks Fest. For a chance to win, make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au Sydney Bar Week will run from 22 to 25 September 2012. For the full timetable of Bar Week events visit www.barweek.com.au/timetable
North and west of Byron Bay is the Tweed hinterland, a land of ancient rainforest, wild rivers and rugged mountain peaks. Twenty-three million years ago, a volcano erupted here, creating a caldera 40 kilometres wide and 1000 metres deep. To see it in all its lush beauty, wake up before sunrise and ride a hot air balloon with Byron Bay Ballooning. This dreamy escapade takes you way up into the air for an hour or so and, on landing, treats you to a champagne breakfast. Image: Destination NSW
International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable women who've shaped our world. While there will no doubt be many thought-provoking talks, workshops and networking events focused on platforming powerful female voices happening this year, March 8 is also an opportunity for you to look inward, indulge in a little much-needed TLC and spend some time with the most important females in your life. In partnership with Revlon, we've rounded up some of the most empowering experiences that combine celebration with self-care, so you can honor the day while also prioritising your wellbeing. Start the Day with Stretches, Smoothies and Skincare Samples It's the girlhood holy trinity: yoga, brunch and free beauty products. That's what you can expect from our very own Get Up and Glow events happening in Sydney and Melbourne this International Women's Day. In collaboration with Revlon, we're hosting these early-morning events on Saturday, March 8 which will feature a 45-minute yoga flow, snacks and refreshments, and the opportunity to sample the goods from Revlon's Illuminance range. Spanning both skincare and make up, the Illuminance products are packed with skin-loving ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and squalane, to hydrate and nourish the skin. A makeup artist will be there to help you find your perfect shades and provide help tips and tricks to achieve that coveted lit-from-within look. Our goal is to help you feel empowered and ready to tackle the rest of your weekend. To score passes for you and a mate to the event in your city, enter the giveaway here. [caption id="attachment_985808" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sense of Self[/caption] Zen Out With Your Pals in a Bathhouse If you and your pals just want to escape reality for a little while, visiting a bathhouse may be the answer. This age-old tradition is currently having a big moment with sleek wellness retreats redefining relaxation as a social activity. In Sydney, Capybara is our pick. Taking cues from wellness rituals from around the world, including Japanese onsens and Moroccan hammams, this Surry Hills spot offers a communal mineral bath, hot-stone sauna, steam room,cold-plunge pool and heated bench on which you can try an ice scrub. Melbourne's Sense of Self has many of the same facilities in addition to a Sud & Mud kit, which allows guests to try a self-led hammam-style ritual, and a massage studio. Treat Yourself... With a Tech Twist You've surely heard the many benefits of hot and cold therapy by now — it's said to improve circulation, muscle repair and joint mobility. But recovery science has come a long way and there are plenty more technology-driven services available to trial. With spaces in Coogee, Cronulla, Manly and Martin Place, RCVRI has Australia's first zero-gravity flotation bed, which is said to reduce stress and improve sleep and concentration through a 30 or 60-minute 'weightless' session in a stimulus-free room. RCVRI also has high-tech massage guns and pulsing leg compression therapy to soothe muscles after intense activity and hyperbaric chambers for increased oxygen. In Melbourne, Cure HQ Recovery also offers compression and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, plus IV vitamin drips. Venture into the Forest Truly immersing yourself in nature to relieve stress seems like a bit of a no-brainer. But how often do you actually do it? The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the intentional act of going into nature and connecting with its sights, smells and sounds — no devices stealing your attention, no thinking about work. You can do this pretty much anywhere you please but if you are seeking some guidance, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne hosts two-hour sessions every Sunday, while Forest Minds in Sydney runs private sessions in Lane Cove National Park, Bobbin Head and the Blue Mountains that end with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. [caption id="attachment_785510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Helena Dolby[/caption] Seek the Soothing Powers of Salt Water Whether your ailments are of a mental or physical nature, there's no denying salt water has some almost other-worldly effect on them. Of course, Sydney has no shortage of ocean pools to have a splash in but International Women's Day seems as good an excuse as any to visit the dreamy McIver's Ladies Baths in Coogee. This heritage-listed tidal pool is a little sanctuary open to "girls only" making it a safe space for many. In Melbourne? The iconic Brighton Sea Baths is the best place to swim about in the salty sea. If you are seeking a women-only swimming space, Collingwood Leisure Centre hosts a leisure program exclusively for women on Saturday nights (note: it's not saltwater). Make the most of International Women's Day by attending one of our Get Up and Glow events, held in partnership with Revlon. To be in the running to score double passes, click here enter the draw.
Plastics, specifically single-use plastics, have been in the spotlight a lot this year. State governments and supermarket chains have banned single-use plastic bags and plenty of bars and eateries across Australia have introduced plastic straw bans. And now, fast food giant McDonald's is taking a stand against single-use plastic straws, announcing it'll start phasing plastic straws across Australia next month. Australia is not the first country in which the fast food chain has introduced this — it started phasing them out in the UK in April this year. But back in Australia, McDonald's will begin trialling paper straws at two restaurants in August, before banning them completely by 2020. There's no exact figure for Australia, but it's estimated that 500 million plastic straws are used and discarded every day in the US — that's enough to fill 125 school buses. Plastic straws are also part of a wider plastics and general waste being experienced globally, with experts estimating that by 2050 there'll be more plastic in the ocean than fish. While the most recent push to ban plastic straws across Australia has been welcomed by many environmental groups, it also has unwelcome consequences for many disabled Australians. As reported by the ABC, many disabled Australians rely on straws to eat and drink, with reusable options not being suitable because of their inability to bend or to be used in beverages above a certain temperature. Users on both sides of the debate have voiced their opinions on Twitter, with some saying the ban is a no-brainer, while others saying it just further marginalises the disabled members of our community. Some users suggest a straws-on-demand policy could be the answer. It has not yet been announced which Australian restaurants will be trialling the paper straws, or when a wider ban will be implemented, but we'll continue to update as more information is released.
New King, new cast of The Crown. The latter isn't a result of the former; however, change has come to the monarchy IRL, and is also clearly on its way in season five of Netflix's hit regal drama. Chaos and scandal is in the air on-screen, in fact, with the series jumping to the early to mid-1990s — aka the era of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's marriage breakdown. In The Crown's just-dropped trailer for its fifth season, things are tense in the House of Windsor. Actually, that's an understatement. As the relationship between the now-current off-screen King and his first wife stretches, strains and snaps, media interest heats up, Queen Elizabeth II has plenty of worries and Diana refuses to simply toe the family line. None of this will be new news to anyone aware of history, just like almost everything in The Crown since 2016, when it started bringing the British royal family's ups and downs from newspaper headlines to Netflix. And, yes, the film Spencer did cover some of the same territory as The Crown season five, just on the big screen, earlier this year — but come Wednesday, November 9, streaming viewers will be able to see how this award-winning series handles it. Also part of The Crown's fifth season: approaching the 40th anniversary of the Queen's reign, the public questioning the role of the royal family and changes on the international landscape. But it seems that the bulk of the new episodes' focus will sit with Charles, Diana, divorce requests, press scrutiny, explosive books and interviews, and the rest of the fallout. This time around, Downton Abbey, Maleficent and Paddington star Imelda Staunton dons the titular headwear, while Game of Thrones and Tales from the Loop's Jonathan Pryce steps into Prince Philip's shoes — and Princess Margaret is played by Staunton's Maleficent co-star and Phantom Thread Oscar-nominee Lesley Manville. Also, Australian Tenet, The Burnt Orange Heresy and Widows star Elizabeth Debicki takes over the role of Princess Diana, with The Wire and The Pursuit of Love's Dominic West as Prince Charles. The Crown shakes up its cast every couple of seasons. After starting out with Claire Foy (The Electrical Life of Louis Wain) as Queen Elizabeth II, Matt Smith (House of the Dragon) as Prince Philip and Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret (Pieces of a Woman) in its first two seasons, which aired in 2016 and 2017, the series returned in 2019 with Olivia Colman (Heartstopper), Tobias Menzies (This Way Up) and Helena Bonham Carter (Enola Holmes) in those roles. Plus, it added Josh O'Connor (Mothering Sunday) as Prince Charles — and, in season four in 2020, Emma Corrin (Misbehaviour) and The X-Files icon Gillian Anderson joined the cast as Lady Diana Spencer and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, respectively. Netflix's full trailer for season five comes after a first sneak peek back in September, which also honed in on Charles and Diana. Season five arrives two months after Queen Elizabeth II's death in early September, and following a pause in the show's production afterwards. News around the show's fifth and sixth seasons, with the latter following the monarch into the 2000s, has changed a few times over the past few years. At the beginning of 2020, Netflix announced that it would end the royal drama after its fifth season. Then, the streaming platform had a change of heart, revealing it would continue the series for a sixth season after all. Check out the trailer for The Crown season five below: The Crown's fifth season will hit Netflix on Wednesday, November 9. Images: Keith Bernstein / Netflix
If you wouldn't trust Gumtree, Domain or Craigslist to find you a new roommate, you're not alone. You're probably pretty smart, as well. To help you avoid the slob, the creep, or the no-concept-of-personal-space roommate, Friends With Rooms has created a Facebook roomie-finding app. The app utilises Facebook's social graph to match you up with other people whose profiles contain similar information and interests. Users answer a series of general questions designed to get a more in-depth concept of what type of roommate he or she might be (Do you prefer to stay out late or to rise early?). If you do happen to find a 'match', you can even have a mutual friend vouch for the other person. So rest assured that, thanks to this app, not every roommate has to be like your infamous first-year uni roommate. [via Mashable]
Cannes may be the world's most prestigious film festival, but it sure can be predictable. First of all, you can guarantee there will be a host of big name auteurs strutting around with A-list celebrities, you know the films will largely be about war or poverty — and yes, the critics will of course go crazy for them. With all the glitz and the glamour that comes with such prestige, you can't help but yearn for a little more intrigue. So, to combat all the glowing end-of-festival reports written by the world's best critics, here's a list of the festival's oddities — the things we didn't really see coming. Jean-Luc Godard is still alive, and he's messing with our minds Okay, this may sound insensitive but we just had no idea this guy was still around. It's not totally unreasonable either. Now at age 83, this legendary auteur of the French New Wave has officially reached the time usually reserved for shuffleboard and cryptic crosswords. If he was still making films, we'd kind of expect them to be dawdling black and white tales of an elderly intellectual's battle against his noisy young neighbours. Instead Godard's offering to this year's festival, Goodbye to Language, was a daring formal experiment. In terms of plot, the film is unsurprisingly lacking. In fact Indiewire summarised it simply as a film about a couple and a dog: "She wears clothes only very rarely ... he likes to talk about shit while taking a shit, and the dog is drawn to [some] water." But the buzz around the film came from its unexpected use of 3D technology. At one point in the film, the audience was presented with what reviewers described as "a headache-inducing blur". However, when viewed with one eye closed a clear picture comes into focus. When opening the other eye, a different picture comes to the fore. Who would have thought Godard would be the one to bring Magic Eye books into cinematic reality? Films can basically be shot with Instagram now Another noted formal innovation was by the 25-year-old Canadian wunderkind, Xavier Dolan. His prize-winning film Mommy was shot in an unprecedented 1:1 ratio — the same square size as your average Instagram video. Following the story of a single mother and her 15-year-old son who suffers from ADHD, the film coincidentally shared the Grand Jury Prize with Jean-Luc Godard's Goodbye to Language. The move has created an understandable buzz in the filmmaking industry and has been given incredibly positive reviews by critics and audiences alike. It's been reported that this tight field of vision intensifies the action of the film and gives an effective lens to the character's struggle with ADHD. Not to give anything away, but the screen ratio does however change to full-screen in moments of happiness during the film. It sounds a little corny, but with such a huge prize and stacks of audience approval, Dolan must pull it off pretty well. Ryan Gosling made a film and it sucked I know it seems impossible. Ryan Gosling is supposed to be some kind of superhuman specimen capable of anything except eating cereal, but apparently he's not that great at directing either. Lost River was his very first foray into the director's chair. At first it seemed promising — he recruited his buddies Eva Mendes and Christina Hendricks onto the cast, and the film made its way to Cannes. But after being universally panned by both audiences and critics, it's officially being labelled a flop. Following a single mother's struggles in a new city, the film has harshly been described as both "a student film with an A list cast" and "a cacophony of meaningless motifs stumbling round in service of a plot best summed up by 'woman decides to move house'". Yikes, sorry RyRy. Cinema is dead (according to Quentin Tarantino) We really should have seen this one coming. Between throwing whole scripts away and making films that are basically one giant in-joke, Quentin Tarantino does have a reputation for being a bit of a diva. But before entering a screening of his cult hit Pulp Fiction, the legendary director threw a bit of a hissy fit about digital film. "The fact that most films now are not presented in 35mm means that the war is lost," said Tarantino. He complained that screening films in a digital format is basically the same as watching television in public. "What I knew as cinema is dead," he said. Soon after, Tarantino announced new plans to create a TV miniseries from the unused footage of Django Unchained and did a little dance on the red carpet. So, who knows what this guy will do next. Sometimes sex scenes with Robert Pattinson pay off We know that's an unfair way to put it, but it's true all the same. This year Julianne Moore has won a Best Actress award for her role in David Cronenberg's Maps the the Stars — a satirical filmic look at Hollywood in which Moore has sweaty car sex with Pattinson. Obviously she also entirely deserves the award for her unflinching portrayal of an ageing Hollywood starlet, but seriously... who thought some vehicular good times with RPattz could get you a top gong at Cannes? Better luck next time, KStew.
Over seven years in the making, Bondi Pavilion's massive transformation is finally set to be complete this spring. First announced way back in 2015, the pavilion's multimillion-dollar revamp has been a long-running project of the Waverley Council, which has revealed that the historic building will finally reopen later this year with a host of new food, drink and cultural tenants. "There is such growing excitement in the community about the reopening as more and more of the building and our world-class restoration works are revealed," Mayor of Waverley Paula Masselos said. The rejuvenated space will feature an art gallery, cultural spaces, a new area called the Bondi Story Room, a pottery studio, new amenities and an expansive public courtyard, plus the previously announced food and drink tenants. Late last year, it was revealed the team behind Circular Quay's new multi-level venue Hinchcliff House would be at the helm of an all-day cafe, bakery and bistro called Bondi Promenade at the pavilion. The cultural spaces will be available for a multitude of uses by the community including art exhibitions, theatre, workshops and classes, while the Bondi Story Room will offer visitors the chance to look back on Bondi's history via an interactive digital exhibition. The council is taking submissions for the exhibition via the Bondi Pavilion website. During the renovations, the council has also been working with the Gujaga Foundation to ensure that Indigenous cultural heritage is reflected in the Bondi Pavilion, including naming new spaces in the building in the local Dharawal language. The nearly century-old building was first built in the 1920s, replacing the Bondi Surf Sheds with the Turkish and Hot Sea Water Baths in 1929. The current renovations have uncovered the bathhouse's original signage, which has been restored ready for the pavilion opening. While an exact date in spring hasn't been provided for the reopening, expressions of interest to hire the pavilion's Community and Cultural Centre are now open for the dates Monday, October 10 through until the end of the year. Bondi Pavilion is located at Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach and is set to reopen in spring. You can stay up to date with the building's refurbishment at the Waverley Council's website. Images: Tonkin Zulaikha Greer.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia wrapped up last Friday after showcasing the best of local fashion design against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Noticeably absent this year were big names Lover, Josh Goot and Dion Lee, as well all as our well-shod friends from across the ditch like Kate Sylvester and Stolen Girlfriends Club, but often it's the emerging designers who put on the most impressive shows. To celebrate five days of more laser lights and short shorts than you could poke a complimentary bottle of San Pellegrino Aranciata at, here are five exciting local labels to familiarise yourself with immediately. 1. MICHAEL LO SORDO To say rising cool kid Michael Lo Sordo’s show at The Apollo was highly anticipated would be a sweeping understatement. Sydney-based Lo Sordo recently took out the Qantas Spirit of Youth Award for his prodigious grasp of construction, and lived up to the hype with a meticulously tailored collection of soft white shirting, coloured metallic tees and knockout party dresses with graphic prints and gladiator detailing. Buy his pieces at Maubourg, Roots & Wings Design or Adelaide’s Chasing Nel. 2. KAYLENE MILNER Among the six talented graduates showing at the highly anticipated TAFE show was Kaylene Milner. Milner has just been selected for an internship with Diane von Furstenberg, and it's thanks to this patchwork-luxe collection juxtaposing earthy furs with vibrant colours. The young designer also has a gutsy back story — she was flipping through a 2007 Vogue during a uni lecture when she decided to ditch musicology in favour of whipping up a portfolio to submit to the prestigious TAFE. Previous designers to have made their runway debut at the Innovators show include Dion Lee and Emma Mulholland, so expectations are justifiably high. 3. AJE Design duo Edwina Robinson and Adrian Norris staged a confident runway debut which mixed sequins, mesh, fishtail skirts and scalloped micro hemlines — sometimes all at once — without sacrificing the label’s nonchalant elegance. Among the many standout pieces was a heavily sequinned mermaid-inspired gown, fittingly anchored by beaten leather boots with the tongue hanging out. Aje is stocked in Desordre in Sydney and Strada in Noosa. 4. CHRISTOPHER ESBER Most 23-year-olds are navigating life one mistake at a time, but Christopher Esber is not most 23-year-olds. The young Sydney designer was one of the standout newcomers at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week last year, consistently proving himself worthy of the hype that has surrounded his collections since he debuted alongside Dion Lee in 2008. Esber’s clothing is characterised by minimalist design, meticulous tailoring and luxurious fabrics, and this season he's all about clinical whites offset by delicate sheer fabric. 5. AN ODE TO NO ONE Few things kick of a runway show like a holographic laser light display, but you don't want the theatrics to outshine the clothing. Luckily An Ode To No One designer Adi Setiadi is a sartorial genius. Last year he penetrated a market saturated with digital prints by rendering his own in trippy 3D, and this time he paraded an army of sci-fi bombshells in Tron-esque geometric dresses, sharply tailored pantsuits and silks that rippled like water. Setiadi cut his teeth working for iconic Aussie designers Akira and Nicola Finetti before starting An Ode To No One in 2008, but his futuristic aesthetic is all his own.
Step into the light and embrace your own mortality at the unsettlingly-named Festival of Death and Dying. Curated by artist and scholar Peter Banki along with festival dramaturge Victoria Spence, this two-day event will feature a mixture of workshops, talks and performances in order to examine the western fear of death while celebrating all that life has to offer. Standout events on the program include Share My Coffin, a role-playing workshop in which participants will be cast in the role of both mourners and the deceased and End of Life Dreams, a discussion with palliative care physician Dr. Michael Barbato about the experiences of dying patients. Mortality Performance Night will see an evening of long and short performance works from artists including Alice Cummins, Alan Schacher and WeiZen Ho. The Festival of Death and Dying will be held at The Drill Hall in Rushcutters Bay on October 7–8. Image: 'Free falling No.1' from the series Death Suits Me Fine by Paula Mahoney.
The onset of those searing summer rays should remind us that skin cancer is Australia's biggest killer. But national awareness doesn't seem to mirror the scary statistics. In an attempt to rectify this, Pretty Shady is injecting some style into the skin cancer awareness campaign, with sun protection gear you can get your hands on for free — some of it rather covetable and limited edition. Included is a beautifully designed Basil Bangs beach umbrella (there are 50 of those) and a rad Lister-designed tee (just 40). There's also a stack of reversible bucket hats (800), some handcrafted sunnies (800), and a few hundred litres of sunscreen up for grabs. These items ought to help you kick the habit of poolside tanning. Pretty Shady is aiming to be the generation that stops the spread of skin cancer, one summer at a time. With high-profile ambassadors such as Nicole Warne, Anthony Lister and Gossling, they're packing a pretty powerful cool factor. Enter the competition to win Pretty Shady gear and you'll automatically go into the draw to win even more. The five limited edition items will be released one by one. So jump on in as soon as possible to increase your chances of securing a piece of the shady action. And even if you don't win, we encourage you to find a way to, in the words of a much daggier campaign, slip slop slap.
You've read the books, watched the TV series and seen the concert experience. You're looking forward to all of the television spinoffs that are currently in the works and, once international travel resumes, you're keen to take a tour of its sets, costumes and props. Now, Game of Thrones fans, you can add something else to your list: watching George RR Martin's fantasy world on the stage. Yes, Westeros is heading to the theatre, thanks to a new stage adaptation that'll be set at an important moment in the history of the series. And, with a 2023 target premiere date and seasons on Broadway, in the West End and in Australia mooted, it's set to arrive sooner than you might've expected — and closer to home, too. Martin is involved, working alongside playwright Duncan Macmillan (Lungs, Every Brilliant Thing, 1984), who'll be adapting the author's works and writing the play. Overseeing the production is director Dominic Cooke (On Chesil Beach, The Courier), while Simon Painter and Tim Lawson (The Illusionists) are producing the show. If you're wondering exactly what the as yet unnamed theatre production will cover, few details have been revealed — but, unlike Jon Snow, we do know something. Familiar and well-known characters will definitely feature, as will a story centred around "love, vengeance, madness and the dangers of dealing in prophecy, in the process revealing secrets and lies that have only been hinted at until now" according to the press release announcing the play. Martin himself has offered further information. "The seeds of war are often planted in times of peace. Few in Westeros knew the carnage to come when highborn and smallfolk alike gathered at Harrenhal to watch the finest knights of the realm compete in a great tourney, during the Year of the False Spring," he explained. "It is a tourney oft referred during HBO's Game of Thrones, and in my novels, A Song of Ice and Fire... and now, at last, we can tell the whole story... on the stage." Obviously, it's far too early for cast announcements — so just who'll be bringing these dramas to life, and whether any of the TV show's cast members will be involved, is yet to be revealed. If you're wondering whether there'll be dragons, White Walkers or direwolves, that's also yet to be unveiled. Exactly when in 2023 the play will debut also hasn't been advised as yet, or details of the proposed US, UK and Australian seasons. But, thanks to all of those television prequels and spinoffs set to hit the small screen and now this theatre production, you can safely expect to spend plenty more time in Westeros over the coming years. The as yet unnamed Game of Thrones stage production is set to premiere in 2023, with producers aiming for seasons on Broadway, in the West End and in Australia to start. We'll keep you updated when more information comes to hand.
Uniting a handful of the Darlinghurst street's vendors, Nightmare on Stanley Street is the pre-Halloween party for the foodie. Nightmarees can explore both tricks and treats at a haunted mental institution (Kubrick's), the Addams Family mansion (Rupert & Ruby) and a scene from 'Return of the Titanic' (Hazy Rose), with live music from 9.30pm. Tickets include your choice of a Halloween-themed drink or dish at each of the venues. Nightmare on Stanley Street is one of the picks from our Halloween party guide. Check out the rest here.
When The Haunting of Hill House hit Netflix back in 2018, it left a strong impression. The horror show clearly had that effect not just on audiences, but on the streaming platform, even though it stepped through a once-off storyline. So, anthology series-style, the service is bringing viewers a follow-up — in the form of The Haunting of Bly Manor. As the name makes plain, an eerie abode definitely plays a very prominent part once again. Created and co-directed by filmmaker Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep), just like its predecessor, The Haunting of Bly Manor adapts Henry James' 1898 horror novella The Turn of the Screw. That means that it heads into gothic chiller and even romance territory; however, given that it's set in 1980s England, you can expect a few tweaks to that story. As both the initial teaser and the just-dropped full trailer demonstrate, the show's narrative kicks off when Henry Wingrave (Henry Thomas, Stargirl) hires an American nanny (Victoria Pedretti, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) to look after his orphaned niece Flora (Amelie Bea Smith) and nephew Miles (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth). Her employment follows the death of an au pair, and her arrival at Bly Manor exposes the estate's centuries of secrets. If you're a fan of The Haunting of Hill House, you will have spotted that both Thomas and Pedretti return from that series, as do The Invisible Man's Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Gerald's Game's Kate Siegel — all playing different characters this time around. And, if you'd been wondering what you'll be watching to celebrate the spookiest month of the year — October, obviously — The Haunting of Bly Manor has you covered, as it'll drop on Friday, October 9. A word of warning: if you're not too fond of creepy dolls (are there any other kind in horror movies and TV shows?), expect to feel extra unsettled. Check out the full trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tykS7QfTWMQ The Haunting of Bly Manor will hit Netflix on Friday, October 9.
As always, Falls Festival has gifted us with one helluva lineup. Helping to ring in the art and music festival's 27th year is a pretty exciting gang of musical mates headlined by America pop singer and star Halsey, who'll be performing songs off her Platinum albums Badlands and Hopeless Fountain Kingdom. She's joined by Ezra Koenig-fronted rock band Vampire Weekend, who've just dropped their latest album Father of the Bride, British electro duo Disclosure and Icelandic indie pop band Of Monsters and Men. True to form, the Falls 2019 local lineup is equally exciting, and every bit as broad. Homegrown acts hitting the stage include The Voice himself John Farnham, who'll be belting out hits from some of his nineteen albums, including, we're sure, 'You're the Voice'. Aussie dance trio Pnau, dance floor regulars Peking Duk, folk singer Vera Blue and rapper Baker Boy will all be making appearances, too. As always, the tunes are backed by a colourful curation of art events, performances, pop-ups, markets, wellness sessions and gourmet eats. It's all happening over New Years at the usual spots in Tassie's Marion Bay, the North Byron Parklands and the Fremantle Oval Precinct, WA. But, the Lorne festival in Victoria, as of Sunday, December 29, has had to cancel one day into the event because of extreme and hazardous weather. You can read more about the cancellation here. FALLS FESTIVAL 2019 LINEUP Halsey (no sideshows) Vampire Weekend Disclosure Peking Duk Of Monsters and Men Pnau Lewis Capaldi Milky Chance John Farnham Banks (no sideshows) Dope Lemon Vera Blue Yungblud G Flip Crooked Colours Parcels Thelma Plum #1 Dads Waax Baker Boy Psychedelic Porn Crumpets Amyl & The Sniffers The Japanese House Pink Sweat$ Good Doogs Cxloe Totty Tash Sultana (Byron Bay only) What So Not (Lorne only) Wolfmother (Marion Bay only) Matt Corby (Fremantle only) Updated December 29
Trust Young Henrys to come up with an afternoon of beer, music and brewery-related sports. Come along and watch some of your favourite brewers try to best each other at the Brewers Olympics. There's a bonus – all the competing breweries will have a tap pouring as well. Clear out your Saturday, grab a pint of your favourite beer and watch the shenanigans. This event is one of our top ten picks of Sydney Craft Beer Week. Check out the other nine. Image: Young Henrys.
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 West End 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.
When you've already announced that you're turning 31 with Kraftwerk, what comes next? Adding an impressive list of other acts. Back in July, Meredith advised that 2023's fest would feature the German electro pioneers. Now, the beloved Victorian event has unveiled who else will be taking to its Supernatural Amphitheatre. Also leading the bill: Caroline Polachek making her first trip Down Under, plus Alvvays and Alex G. Eris Drew & Octo Octa, Flowdan and Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs join the roster, too, as well as Sneaky Sound System, No Fixed Address and Souls of Mischief — and there's more where they came from. 2023's list of talent continues to demonstrate Meredith's knack for curating its lineup to perfection. Australia boasts no shortage of music festivals, but no one puts together a bill like the Aunty crew. "From deep discovery to elementary enjoyment. Subterranean treasures to searing virtuosos, from sunlit essentials to late-nite blasts. Never-thought-it-would-happens amidst hometown heroes. A bellow of resonant revelations." That's Meredith's own suitably evocative description of everyone taking to its single stage from Friday, December 8–Sunday, December 10. There's still a few more names to come — "a handful", the festival notes — for what's set to be a massive long weekend. To nab tickets to the beloved three-day BYO camping festival, you'll need to enter the ballot, which is up and running now until 10.31pm AEST on Tuesday, August 22. And if you'd like to head along by volunteering instead, applications are currently open as well. MEREDITH 2023 LINEUP: Kraftwerk Caroline Polachek Alvvays Alex G Eris Drew & Octo Octa Flowdan Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Sneaky Sound System No Fixed Address Souls of Mischief Cable Ties Blawan Floodlights moktar Telenova They Hate Change C.O.F.F.I.N. dameeeela Bumpy Kuniyuki Meninyan Miss Kaninna Gut Health Ali Milo Eastwood Watty Thompson Mary Lattimore Pachyman City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band Meredith Music Festival will return to Meredith on Friday, December 8–Sunday, December 10, 2023. To put your name in the ballot to get your hands on tickets, head to the festival's website before 10.31pm AEST on Tuesday, August 22. Top images: Michael Ridley, Adam Ricco, Chelsea King, Steve Benn and Ben Fletcher.
Hendrick's Gin and The Adventurists have teamed up with Concrete Playground to offer CP readers 2 x double passes to a quintessentially British occasion taking place at the Justice & Police Museum at Circular Quay on Saturday – Afternoon Tea with a Legend of Adventure. A group of fellow intrepid explorers and the premium gin brand have joined forces to host a most curious and adventuresome event featuring Jon Muir, one of Australia's greatest adventurers, as a speaker. The very epitome of legend, Jon Muir will tell his esteemed tales of exploration and adventure. For more details about the Afternoon Tea, the 'Legend of Adventure' headline speaker Jon Muir and info on nabbing your tickets, please visit www.afternoontea.theadventurists.com. To enter, just make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and phone number. Entries close at midday, November 11, 2011.
We're not big fans of food celebration days, but we are big fans of doughnuts. Especially free ones. And this Friday, June 1 — 'International Doughnut Day', if you will — Butter is giving away a few hundred doughnuts to mark the occasion. Yep, as well as being a shrine to fried chicken and Champagne, Butter also pumps out hot fluffy cinnamon numbers on the reg. Haven't tried them? This is a good chance — the team will be handing out 100 free doughnuts at both its Surry Hills and Parramatta stores from 11.30am. You don't have to buy anything else to nab one, but, as is custom, there will only be one freebie per person. A word of warning: you'll need to get in early. Nothing draws a crowd like free doughnuts.
Last week, it was announced that community sport for under 18s would be allowed to recommence from July 1. Now, NSW Sports Minister Geoff Lee has revealed in an interview on 2GB, that adults will be able to return to the sports fields, too. Netball, basketball, Aussie rules, rugby and indoor soccer are all back on the cards, with Lee telling 2GB, "all community sports will return July 1 this year and everybody can play, it's game on for the whole community." At the moment, teams can train in groups of up to ten only, but Lee says limits on group sizes for sport will also be relaxed from the first of next month, which is particularly helpful for sports, like AFL, where you have more than ten a side. The NSW Government is currently developing a COVIDSafe checklist for community sport, which will include guidelines on hygiene, social distancing and — a much debated topic — spectators. From this weekend, up to 50 people, with one person per four square metres, will be allowed in corporate boxes at NRL stadiums. But Lee says the Government is currently working on other spectator limits, for both professional and community sport. While Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V'landys is calling for full stadiums by August 1 and NSW's Deputy Premier John Barilaro wants fans in stadium stands as early as this weekend, Premier Gladys Berejiklian told The Today Show that fans will not be permitted to return to the footy this weekend. "No, not this weekend, no," the Premier said. "However, as we've said, the use of corporate boxes and the like is the first stage." https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1270473242977996801 This Saturday, June 13, gyms, fitness centres and yoga and dance studios will all be allowed to reopen with class sizes restricted to ten people and a maximum of 100 people per venue. Indoor pools and saunas will be able to reopen with restrictions, too, following the reopening of outdoor pools and ocean pools back on May 15. For more information about what you can and can't currently do in NSW under COVID–19 restrictions, have a look here and at the NSW Government website.
While we Southern hemisphere-bound folk have been digging out our cosy coats and clinging to our winter warmers, Fremantle's San Cisco have been blitzing the UK and the US, inspiring sun-kissed comparisons from the critics. The Guardian's Paul Lester introduced them as the 'New Band of the Day' on November 1, 2012, with "meet the new beach boys and girl." And if you've haven't heard, they've been signed. As in, to a major label. Fat Possum has picked them up in the US and they're with Columbia in the UK. 'Awkward's domination of the Aussie pop charts and 4 million+ YouTube hits may have had something to do with that. The good news is that San Cisco is home, to spend May and June on their nationwide The Beach Tour. Their first Sydney gig (May 31) is already sold out, but tickets are still up for grabs for a second show on June 9. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ukNOaKeUEQY
Gathering up a heap of fellow Aussie talent, actor and singer John Waters (no, not that one) is putting on a huge day-long bushfire benefit concert for the Southern Highlands. Hosted by Julia Zemiro, FireAid2020 will raise money for the fire-ravaged community — where Waters lives and where many have lost their homes. On the bill: Waters himself, plus Daryl Braithwaite, John Paul Young, Megan Washington, Jack Jones, Margaret Urlich and Leo Sayer. Expect to hear classic tracks such as 'Horses' and 'Love Is in the Air', as well as a heap of Leonard Cohen — with the latter coming courtesy of Stewart D'Arrietta. It all takes place on Friday, January 24 at the Bong Bong Picnic Racecourse in Bowral, with gates opening at 2pm. And your $65 ticket will go to a good — and local — cause, with net proceeds being donated to the Red Cross Bushfire Relief, specifically directed to the Southern Highland division. If you're road tripping down south for the night (or weekend), it's a good chance to visit and support some local businesses affected by the fires — the Spend With Them Instagram account is helping to call out many of them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnigc08J6FI
Sydney Film Festival went out with a bang last night, naming Aquarius as the official winner of the 2016 Sydney Film Prize at their closing night gala. It is director Kleber Mendonça Filho's second feature film, and the second to have won him international acclaim. The filmmaker won out against eleven other knockout films to take home the SFF Official Competition trophy and a $63,000 cash prize. Following on from his first film Neighbouring Sounds — which was a finalist in the 2012 SFF Official Competition, and has since won over 100 awards, as well as being Brazil's submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars — Aquarius follows 65-year-old protagonist Clara, played by the brilliant Sonia Braga (Kiss of the Spider Woman). Clara is a fiercely independent music critic who goes head-to-head with the firm that is trying to buy her seaside apartment. This 'last woman standing' drama is well suited as a sophomore film to Neighbouring Sounds, which examined race, class and fear in the same setting of Recife, Brazil. Despite its power and a nomination for the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival this year, Aquarius has not yet aired in Brazil. Aquarius went up against some stellar films this year, including Goldstone and It's Only the End of the World, both of which were on our top ten films to see at the festival. The Festival's Official Competition was established in 2008 and looks for films that are audacious, cutting edge and courageous. Previous Sydney Film Prize winners include Arabian Nights (2015), Two Days, One Night (2014), Only God Forgives (2013) and Alps (2012).
What's better than indulging in a sweet treat? Indulging in one that gives back — and that's exactly what you can do with this exciting new collaboration. Social enterprise Two Good Co. is teaming up with Gelato Messina on an exclusive, Australian-inspired dessert range, the proceeds of which will be donated to aid women and children facing domestic violence and homelessness. From Monday, October 9, the Sydney-based food brands have launched a joint chocolate bar and a festive Christmas cracker, available nationally on the Two Good website and in-store at Messina outposts. Then, from Saturday, November 25, a limited-edition gelato flavour to pair with the chocolate bar will also be available alongside a bunch of gelato cart pop-ups across the country. This particular dessert will aim to raise awareness of a 16-day global initiative called the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, whose mission is to eliminate gender-based violence. "For this year's festive release, we wanted to create a truly immersive experience that enhances your holiday celebrations and leaves a lasting impact — for both our customers and our community," said Rob Caslick, Founder of Two Good Co. The epic collaboration will feature three enticing desserts, including an indulgent milk chocolate bar crafted by Messina chocolatiers — featuring dark chocolate and wattleseed brownie pieces and sea salt flakes throughout — alongside a Christmas cracker containing a voucher for a free Messina scoop and a limited edition milk chocolate gelato flavour aptly named Two Good to Miss, which also features the additions of sea salt with dark chocolate and wattleseed brownie pieces. The Two Good Foundation will power its missions to aid those in need, with 50 percent of the chocolate bar profits being reinvested into its core programs, while each Christmas cracker purchase will provide a much-needed meal to women and children in need. Every scoop of the 'Two Good to Miss' flavour will also contribute to the mission, as each scoop purchased will provide a free serving to women's refuge shelters. "It's not just about serving gelato; it's about serving love, support and hope to women and children in need. For every scoop sold, it's our way of wrapping them in love and letting them know they are not alone," says Messina's Siân Bishop. "[We want] to inspire our customers to engage in small acts of kindness during a time when some people need it most." Plus, there will be the aforementioned gelato cart pop-ups, called Scoops for Good, serving the limited-time gelato at Charter Hall office towers throughout Australia, as well as any participating Charter Hall retailers. But be sure to get in quick — the limited edition treats are only available online, in stores and at the pop-up gelato carts while stocks last. Head to the Two Good Co. website for more information on the social enterprise's collaboration with Gelato Messina.
It's a year since Chuck Hahn, the legendary brewer who founded Hahn, opened a brewery in St Peters with his son, Scott. The duo has already won a bunch of awards, including Man of Many's Beer of the Year and Open Table's Best Venue for Dining, determined by vote. To celebrate, Chuck and Son's Brewing Co. is throwing a massive one-day party. There'll be live music, craft and face painting for kids, and, most importantly, free tastings on the hour, every hour. Get there at midday to start off easy with a Lo-Cal Lager, before popping back to the bar at 1pm to sip the Touring Radler, then at 2pm for an Original Pilsner. The samples will continue until 9pm, which means it's an excellent opportunity to try all the beers you've never tried before. Chuck, who's been brewing for 50 years, reckons these drops are the best he's ever made. As they head into their second year, Chuck and Sons will launch a supper club in June. Every Friday and Saturday, the venue will transform into a lounge bar, with a roaming cart providing table service and late night snacks, accompanied by live jazz.
Already home to the best beach in the world for 2024, Palm Cove in Queensland's north now also boasts the best hotel in the South Pacific — and also Australia — for this year. The first accolade arrived back in March, when the Sunshine State locale near Cairns topped Condé Nast Traveller's beach list. The second has just dropped via Tripadvisor, as part of its Best of the Best Hotels ranking in its 2024 Travellers' Choice Awards. The celebrated hotel: The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove, which takes over the top spot on both the South Pacific and Aussie Tripadvisor lists after coming second to Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island in 2023. That said, while it earned plenty of local love, it didn't make the global 25, which Pinetrees Lodge managed last year. [caption id="attachment_901977" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove[/caption] The Reef House was applauded for its beach access, onsite pools, calming atmosphere and well-appointed rooms, if you're now thinking of heading north for your next getaway. Queensland is also home to the second-best hotel in both the South Pacific and Australia, with that honour going to Emporium Hotel South Bank in Brisbane. It's been a big year or so for showering the Sunshine State with affection, with Brisbane named one of the best places to go in 2024 by The New York Times, travel guide Frommer's also selecting the city as one of 2024's best spots to visit, TIME putting it on its world's greatest places list for 2023, and the World's Best 50 Hotels picking The Calile as its only Australian and Oceanic entry in its inaugural countdown in 2023. [caption id="attachment_952781" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emporium Hotel South Bank[/caption] On Tripadvisor's South Pacific rankings for 2024, Australian hotels scored six of the top ten spots, including MACq 01 Hotel in Hobart in third place, Next Hotel Melbourne in fifth, Quest Orange in sixth and Zagame's House in Melbourne at tenth. They had company from two Fijian places to stay — Tokoriki Island Resort in fourth place and Six Senses Fiji at ninth — as well as the seventh-ranked Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts and eighth-placed Sojourn Apartment Hotel Riddiford in Wellington in New Zealand. The Aussie-only list filled its top six positions with the local hotels named above, then found a spot for Pinetrees Lodge this year, plus Element on Coolum Beach, Terminus Apartment Hotel in Newcastle and The Tasman in Hobart to round out the top ten. The full top 25 spans accommodation in Tamworth, Sydney, South Perth, Adelaide, Echuca and Canberra, too. [caption id="attachment_866700" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MACq 01 Hotel[/caption] Globally, the best place to stay is Hotel Colline de France in Gramado, Brazil — with OBLU SELECT Lobigili in Malé, Maldives coming in second; La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa in Hoi An, Vietnam sitting in third; Adiwana Suweta in Bali, Indonesia taking out fourth; and Iberostar Grand Packard in La Habana, Cuba notching up fifth spot. From there, it's back to the Maldives via Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa on Fasmendhoo Island, then to La Siesta Classic Ma May in Hanoi in Vietnam, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in Mexico, Padma Resort Ubud in Bali and finally Sofitel Mexico City Reforma back in Mexico. Next time that you're planning a vacation or a staycation, you've clearly got options. Tripadvisor's rankings are based on reviews on its platform, with its hotel lists joining its beach picks for 2024, which were announced in February. Manly Beach in Sydney was the only Aussie spot in the top ten, coming in seventh place. [caption id="attachment_952780" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hotel Colline de France in Brazil[/caption] Top Ten Hotels in the World 2024: 1. Hotel Colline de France — Gramado, Brazil 2. OBLU SELECT Lobigili — Malé, Maldives 3. La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa — Hoi An, Vietnam 4. Adiwana Suweta — Bali, Indonesia 5. Iberostar Grand Packard — La Habana, Cuba 6. Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa — Fasmendhoo Island, Maldives 7. La Siesta Classic Ma May — Hanoi, Vietnam 8. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya — Akumal, Mexico 9. Padma Resort Ubud — Bali, Indonesia 10. Sofitel Mexico City Reforma — Mexico City, Mexico [caption id="attachment_952783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove[/caption] Top Ten Hotels in the South Pacific 2024: 1. The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove — Palm Cove, Australia 2. Emporium Hotel South Bank — Brisbane, Australia 3. MACq 01 Hotel — Hobart, Australia 4. Tokoriki Island Resort — Tokoriki Island, Fiji 5. Next Hotel Melbourne — Melbourne, Australia 6. Quest Orange — Orange, Australia 7. Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts — Bora Bora, French Polynesia 8. Sojourn Apartment Hotel Riddiford — Wellington, New Zealand 9. Six Senses Fiji — Malolo Island, Fiji 10. Zagame's House — Melbourne, Australia [caption id="attachment_952782" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emporium Hotel South Bank[/caption] Top 25 Hotels in Australia 2024: 1. The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove — Palm Cove, Qld 2. Emporium Hotel South Bank — Brisbane, NSW 3. MACq 01 Hotel — Hobart, Tas 4. Next Hotel Melbourne — Melbourne, Vic 5. Quest Orange — Orange, NSW 6. Zagame's House — Melbourne, Vic 7. Pinetrees Lodge — Lord Howe Island, NSW 8. Element on Coolum Beach — Coolum Beach, Qld 9. Terminus Apartment Hotel — Newcastle, NSW 10. The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel — Hobart, Tas 11. Goonoo Goonoo Station — Tamworth, NSW 12. Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Chippendale — Sydney, NSW 13. The Henry Jones Art Hotel — Hobart, Tas 14. Treasury On Collins — Melbourne, Vic 15. Quest South Perth Foreshore — South Perth, WA 16. Majestic M Suites — North Adelaide, SA 17. Quest Echuca — Echuca, Vic 18. Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury — Adelaide, SA 19. Alcyone Hotel Residences — Brisbane, Qld 20. Vibe Hotel Hobart — Hobart, Tas 21. Little National Hotel Sydney — Sydney, NSW 22. Lancemore Crossley St — Melbourne, Vic 23. East Hotel — Canberra, ACT 24. Deco Hotel Canberra — Canberra, ACT 25. Park Hyatt Melbourne — Melbourne, Vic [caption id="attachment_901978" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tokoriki Island Resort[/caption] For more information about Tripadvisor's 2024 Travellers' Choice Awards, head to the service's website. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Now you're spending a little more time in your home, you may as well pick up a new skill. Always wanted to know how to shake a martini that would impress James Bond? What about learning some handy tricks in the kitchen for the dinner party you're planning when this is all over? Well, Sydney bar and vegetarian diner Golden Gully is letting you level-up from the comfort of your living room. If you're keen to take your boozy drinks from the humble G&T to a whiskey sour or manhattan, join bartenders Rachael and Danny over video chat for a one-hour class, which will show you how to mix up whatever you've got lying in your liquor cabinet. So, you can put that shot of Midori down now. Prefer to learn how to be a whiz in the kitchen? Golden Gully's chef Emma Evans (ex-Alibi) will help you turn water into wine — well more like mi goreng into pad see ew, which is still a mean feat. You'll join her for an hour via video chat to go through a recipe and cook up something tasty, even using the most mundane ingredients in your panty. Each class costs $60 and will not only see you through self-isolation, but also are life skills you should probably have under your belt anyway. To purchase a class, head here. And once that's done, message Golden Gully on Instagram to arrange a time and date. Images: Trent van der Jagt
Take a trip to America's East Coast this Easter Sunday with an epic hip hop and R&B jam, happening at The Soda Factory. New York City's biggest names will be in your ears from 6pm till late and you're invited to get into their beats in whatever way makes you happy — be that dancin', rappin', sittin' or chowin' down. While you're getting comfy to Biggie Smalls, Tupac, TLC, Jay-Z and Lil' Kim, the Soda Factory's usual goodies will be on the menu — from housemade burgers to juicy, crunchy, southern fried chicken to those famous gourmet hot dogs. Entry is free, but you can book yourself a table by emailing hello@sodafactory.com.au.
If you're a bit wary of technology's ever-growing influence in humanity's daily lives — be it artificial intelligence, streaming algorithms, social media, drones, augmented reality or online dating, to name just a few examples — then Charlie Brooker and Black Mirror might be one of the reasons. Since 2011, they've been spinning dystopian nightmares about what might happen as tech evolves. In plenty of cases, they've been satirising and interrogating innovations we use today, and what their next step might be. Yes, that makes Brooker the perfect speaker to get chatting at SXSW Sydney. Just days after the tech, innovation, screen, music, games and culture festival added Chance The Rapper to its list of headliners at its first-ever event outside of the US — celebrating 50 years of hip hop — it has now announced that Black Mirror creator Brooker is on his way to Australia as well. He'll hit Sydney during Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 as part as a stacked lineup that also includes Coachella CEO Paul Tollett, Queer Eye star Tan France and Future Today Institute founder and CEO Amy Webb among its big names. [caption id="attachment_917939" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix[/caption] "Having to quickly provide a personal quote for a press release about how excited I am to join the inaugural Sydney-flavoured SXSW event is exactly the sort of thing ChatGPT is for, but I've written this one myself because I still care about our species, dammit," said Charlie Brooker in a statement announcing his trip Down Under. "Although I initially misspelt 'inaugural' just then until I got corrected by a machine, so actually maybe we're just rubbish." "This tense love-hate relationship with technology is what Black Mirror is all about. That and stories about Prime Ministers and pigs. Anyway, I can't wait to attend and get so cowed by all the creativity and innovation on display that I go home feeling depressed and inadequate. I'm genuinely looking forward to it," Brooker continued. [caption id="attachment_917938" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Netflix[/caption] "SXSW Sydney seeks to offer unique perspectives of the future, making Charlie Brooker an ideal speaker for our event," added SXSW Sydney Managing Director Colin Daniels. "Black Mirror consistently leads the cultural conversation on what we face in the now or may confront in our future, offering a chance for reflection and change. Charlie embodies what attendees can expect from SXSW Sydney: creativity and innovation." Also on the SXSW Sydney lineup so far: a 700-plus strong bill of talent, covering over 300 sessions. The event will feature more than 300 gigs across 25 venues, too, and has been dropping its music highlights and must-attend parties since earlier in 2023. Its dedicated gaming strand will include a tabletop game expo. And, the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival will open with The Royal Hotel, and host the world premiere of Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles. The entire event — the festivals within the bigger fest, exhibitions, talks, networking opportunities and streetside activations — will happen within a walkable precinct in the Sydney CBD, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and more, with the SXSW Sydney's footprint operating as a huge hub. Venues named so far include Powerhouse Museum, ICC Sydney, UTS, Central Park Mall, the Goods Line Walk, The Abercrombie and Lansdowne Hotel. [caption id="attachment_911084" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jane Greer[/caption] SXSW Sydney will run from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues, with the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival running from Sunday, October 15–Saturday, October 21 at The ICC's Darling Theatre, Palace Cinemas Central and more venues to be announced. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Charlie Brooker images: Michael Wharley. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
Summer has had a blistering start, with the country yesterday clocking its hottest ever day on record. Australia's average maximum temperature soared to a whopping 40.9 degrees, barrelling past the previous record of 40.3 set back on January 7, 2013. But, things are looking much more bearable for December 25, as Christmas Day promises some balmy mid-20 conditions for Australia's barbecuing, beach-going and festive-feasting adventures. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne's the big day is set to hit a maximum of 28 degrees, with partly cloudy skies and only a ten-percent chance of any rain. It'll not only be cracking beach weather, but a welcome change of pace, after this coming Friday's expected top of 43. It's also a jump above Melbourne's December average, which clocks in at 24.2 degrees. [caption id="attachment_651722" align="alignnone" width="1920"] St Kilda Beach by Josie Withers for Visit Victoria[/caption] Sydney is on track to enjoy similar conditions, with an overall maximum of 27 degrees and a 40-percent chance of showers on the cards for Christmas Day. However, if you're venturing west, you'll probably want to line up a swim (or air-conditioning) of some sort, as Penrith hits an expected top of 32 degrees. It comes after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a seven-day State of Emergency on December 19, handing over executive powers to the RFS Commissioner, because of predicted worsening bushfire conditions. It's the second State of Emergency declared this fire season, too, which has been particularly devastating, with 768 homes lost and more than 2.7 million hectares burnt at last count. Those travelling over the festive period are being told to prepare for possible road closures, diversions and delays as a result. And before you head out of town, it's suggested you check Fires Near Me and heed any instructions and warnings. Further north in Brisbane, things are looking especially balmy with a sweaty forecast max of 33 degrees. It's just another in a long string of mid-30 days the city's been through this month, though Christmas Day is bucking the trend with a forecast 40-percent chance of rain. You might want to have a contingency plan for that outdoor barbie. [caption id="attachment_703464" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bunya River Crossing[/caption] Perth's set to unwrap a sticky top of 36 degrees for Christmas, way beyond the average December maximum of 29.1. With zero chance of rain forecast, it'll likely be the hottest day locals will have had all week, rounding out a string of high-20s and low-30s. Darwin is in for a similarly steamy maximum of 35 degrees with the added bonus of potential thunderstorms — pretty much the exact conditions it'll see every day in the lead-up. Meanwhile, Adelaide folk will be ringing in Christmas Day with a festive top of 32 degrees and Canberra is wrapping up a week of low-40s and mid-30s with a partly cloudy 33. As usual, Tasmania's playing things a little cooler, with Hobart in for a partly cloudy, potentially drizzly maximum of 23 degrees.
With the spectacle of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, it can be easy to forget that Vivid's delights extend further than the CBD. But there's plenty to see and do up north, too. As part of the festival's tenth anniversary, the Chatswood precinct will present Lightscape, a free outdoor installation that combines art and light exhibitions with fashion and food — the latter of which includes the Light Market. The market will pop up each night of the festival (May 25 through June 16) from 5.30pm. The central square will host 20 food stalls that have been built from recycled materials and arranged to resemble a makeshift town. Built by event producer Victoria Harbutt and Sydney-based scaffold sculpture artist Alejandro Rolandi, with the help of Randwick's Bluebottle art studio, the scaffold structure of opposing lines and shapes is complete with a dynamic light design. The stalls will feature some Sydney food favourites, including Mary's burgers, cakes from Black Star Pastry, Agape Organic's hearty dishes, and some scoops of gelato from Enmore's Cow & the Moon.
When the Sydney Fringe Festival rolls around, you know you're in for experiences that are both weird and wonderful, with an abundance of extravagance found all across town. A wonderful experience is exactly what you can expect from History of House, an electrifying event that will be held inside Sydney Spiegeltent in the Entertainment Quarter from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 29 as part of Sydney Fringe Festival's Spiegeltent Festival Garden program. History of House is a collaborative exploration of the history of dance music led by ARIA-nominated DJ Groove Terminator and the three-time Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, a world-famous South African choir that has performed with the likes of Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Throughout the course of the evening, they'll take you on a trip through the best tunes of the 70s right up to the 00s, from CHIC's 'Le Freak' to Eurythmics' 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' and Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)'. Staying still in your seat will be a challenge. Shows will run every Thursday through to Sunday. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Soweto Gospel Choir will perform Hope, an all-new concert featuring music penned during Nelson Mandela's South African freedom movement and Martin Luther King's 1950s American Civil Rights Movement. It includes the works of James Brown, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. History of House will run Thursday through Sunday at Sydney Spiegeltent from August 30–September 29. Visit the website for more information or to book tickets.
In 2020, the inaugural Great Southern Nights saw more than 1000 gigs take place across 300 NSW venues. This year it's coming back throughout March and April with a heap of live shows from artists both emerging and bonafide iconic. That first iteration of the initiative saw more than 75,000 tickets sold across the 1100 gigs. "Great Southern Nights was designed with COVID-safety in mind, supporting shows of all sizes, in all kinds of live music venues, and giving the industry a leg up to get back to work," Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said. Last year we were treated to the first six acts of the lineup including indie-pop sensation Amy Shark, Yolngu rapper Baker Boy and DJ duo Peking Duk joining Australian music royalty Jimmy Barnes, Missy Higgins and Jessica Mauboy. Now, we've been treated to the full program featuring nearly 100 established and up-and-coming performers taking to stages across the state. Some of the beloved local acts, musical legends and festival favourites heading up the lineup include Archie Rose, Ball Park Music, Violent Soho, Hoodoo Gurus, Courtney Barnett, The Whitlams, Confidence Man, Youngn Lipz, Mallrat and Sneaky Sound System. Elsewhere on the lineup you'll find First Nations trailblazers Briggs and Nooky coming together with special guests, a Moree Block Party thrown by Kobie Dee, drill sensation Hooligan Heffs, viral hitmaker Masked Wolf, meme-heavy DJ Partiboi69 and throwback queens The Veronicas. "The live music scene makes a significant contribution to our social and economic wellbeing. As part of our roadmap to recovery it is vital that we get it back on its feet," said Ayres. "This will create jobs for artists and crew, revenue for venues and drive visitation to large parts of regional NSW that have done it tough over the past few years." Head to the Great Southern Nights website to check out the full lineup and all the details for when you can catch all your favourite acts performing. [caption id="attachment_636228" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Bec Taylor.[/caption]
If there are two things that are helping us through this latest stretch of lockdown, it's good food and good tunes. So, it's an extra win that the two are coming together for one exclusive virtual knees-up on Saturday, September 12. Attica's renowned culinary maestro Ben Shewry is teaming up with local electronic legends The Avalanches to host A Party for Melbourne, streamed live and loud, straight to your living room. They're aiming to send fans a big 'thank you', while blasting away a few of those dreary iso blues. The celebrations kick off early with a series of online 'How To Party' videos released in the week leading up, which'll see Shewry sharing his tips and tricks for whipping up the ultimate shindig. He'll guide you through everything from transforming your house into a disco den to creating game-changing prawn cocktails and sausage rolls. They'll be free to watch over on the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (MFWF) website, as well as Shewry's and MFWF's social channels. On the big night, things will fire up with a set from DJ Soju Gang, before The Avalanches grace your screens with a show of their own, streamed via YouTube. Best make sure you've cleared plenty of room for dancing the night away. Tickets to this house party are free, but you'll need to register over at the MFWF website.
Anyone that's done time in the service industry will understand what we mean when we say it can be intoxicating — and not just because of how many free bevs you consume. ACT-based photographer Lucy Pallett-Jones has been on a mission to capture the good, the bad and the dirty of the hospitality life in a series she's dubbed Silk and Grit. The exhibition will take over Bulletin Place on Sunday, March 22, giving you one night only to explore the world of Australia's bartenders in a gallery space fitting for the topic at hand. Images in the exhibition were captured on film over a year — from behind, in front and on top of some of Australia's most beloved bars. Sydney's Cantina OK!, PS40 and Ramblin' Rascal feature, as do Melbourne's Heartbreaker and Brisbane laneway bar Death and Taxes. Award-winning bartender Alex Gondzioulis will create a special menu for the night, too, exploring themes from the exhibition. The event runs from 6–9pm and is free to poke your head into, but it's recommended you RSVP here. Images: Lucy Pallett-Jones.
Heralded as a scathing indictment of contemporary Russian society, Declan Donnellan takes Shakespeare to Moscow in this collaboration between Moscow's Pushkin Theatre and UK-based Cheek By Jowl, examining of the very nature of the society we live in, and the relationships we build. Shakespeare's classic focuses on the characters of an inept ruler, a corrupt official and a novice nun, demonstrating the inequalities and shortcomings of society. Donnellan's version is performed entirely in Russian (with subtitles, don't fret), transposing this idea onto the cultural canvas that is modern Russia. Plus, we can't wait to hear someone say, I'll pray a thousand prayers for your death in Russian. This is one of 15 next-level events to see at Sydney Festival. Check out the whole list.
The new metro stations planned for Sydney's CBD are set to become destinations in themselves, inspired by developments like New York's Hudson Yards and Paddington Station in London. Rather than functioning just as public transport stations, the Sydney stations will be developed to include retail, residential and commercial offerings, as Sydney Metro looks to create destinations that integrate with their surroundings. Plans for the design of Pitt Street and Victoria Cross in North Sydney are the first to be revealed. As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, Pitt Street's design includes a 65-storey residential building and a 47-storey mixed-use development which could potentially be a hotel. Meanwhile, a 40-storey commercial and retail building has been proposed for Victoria Cross station. According to Sydney Metro Program Director Rodd Staples, the new stations will help shape the city's future. "Sydney Metro is more than just a world-scale public transport project, it's a defining city-building opportunity," he said. Last year, the NSW Government announced plans to build new stations at Central, Victoria Cross, Waterloo, Martin Place, Crows Nest, Pitt Street and Barangaroo as part of the $20 billion Sydney Metro rail project. Sydney Metro services are expected to begin in the first half of 2019. Via The Sydney Morning Herald.
It's no surprise that many of us are looking to upgrade our home comfort level at the moment. Aussie furniture brand Koala is keen to help you do just that with its cyber sale where you can nab up to 20 percent off mattresses, sheets, sofas, desks and armchairs to help you upgrade your pad or improve your night's sleep. A heap of products from across the brand's range are on sale from Monday, November 23 to Monday, November 30, including the popular Koala mattress, which you can score for up to $250 less than the usual price. Plus, if you order a bed today, you will be sleeping pretty tonight as Koala offers a free four-hour delivery service. Also on offer in the sale is the WFH desk, which is made in Ballarat from hand-sanded timber, easy to assemble and designed with home office use in mind. If you've found yourself working from home a lot more this year, you can pick up the desk for a sweet 15 percent off. Comfy Koala sofa beds, TV units, pillows, bed bases and more are going with a 20 percent discount, too, so you can give your whole house a makeover. And everything comes with a 120-night trial — though, it might be hard to give any of these up after four-months of comfort. 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.
Word Travel's literary laboratory Story-Fest is set to return to Sydney this month. Between October 19–21, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks and other venues around the harbour will host wordsmiths from across the globe as they take the stage to share their vocal art. The annual festival celebrates eclectic creatives with three jam-packed days of provocative poetry slams, talks, live literature and monologues. Artists expected to make the journey include celebrated Canadian poet and novelist Kaie Kellough, who will host both a discussion and an experimental language workshop, and Singapore's Deborah Emmanuel. Emmanuel will take to the stage at Customs House to perform her new solo work Alien Flower in Fundamentalist Fields for the first time. She will also join ABC Radio National audio documentary maker Belinda Lopez and Laurie May for the multilingual performance, Leaving Home, Coming Home, which explores the concept of what is, well, home. Those wanting to stretch their creative muscles can take part in poetry zine making and haiku workshops, the latter of which ends in a precariously named 'Death Match' — don't worry, it's just a battle of the spoken word. This expansive line-up culminates in the festival's main event: the Australia Poetry Slam National Final, taking place at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday evening. Kellough will start the night with a unique vocal performance, then the comp will kick off. During the slam, members of the crowd will be randomly chosen to play the role of judge. Last year's winners Solli Raphael and Jesse Oliver will also perform before handing over their (figurative) crowns. The winner will get a golden ticket to literary festivals around the globe, from Singapore to Montreal. Whether you're a hidden poet, like to experiment with a haiku or two, or just want to sit back and watch some damn emotive speech, this event will be sure to unleash some real feels from within. Tickets vary from show to show and range between $10–58. Or, if you get in quick, you can snap up a Festival Pass for just $35 (there's only 35 of these available — so poetic). If you're strapped for cash, the event is also running a free Performing Writers Forum, where you can still experience the best of this dynamic community.
The spectacularly dark and epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan's Batman series, which opens in cinemas on July 19, is one of the most anticipated films of the year (and there have been big contenders for that title with super-sized superhero flicks coming out of Hollywood faster than Comic-Con-goers can fasten their utility belts). Eight years since Batman took the flack for crimes he didn't commit, our hero-turned-fugitive is forced to emerge from hiding as the city is thrust into anarchy with the arrival of villain Bane (Tom Hardy). All that, plus Anne Hathaway as Catwoman. What in Gotham are you waiting for? If you haven't already booked your tickets to see a bulked up Christian Bale deliver the superhero's famous words, fear not as Concrete Playground has 10 double passes to give away. See The Dark Knight Rises, which was filmed using IMAX cameras, at the world's largest screen in Sydney's Darling Harbour. To be in for a chance to win two tickets to The Dark Knight Rises at Sydney's IMAX, make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au.
They're famous for singing about an island in the sun. Come October, they'll be playing on one: Australia. Yes, add Weezer to the list of acts that first made it big decades ago that are hitting our shores again, and soon, with the Los Angeles-formed alt-rock band just announcing three big Aussie arena gigs for this spring. Expect the supremely cruisy, holiday vibe-heavy 'Island in the Sun' to get a spin, plus 'Undone — The Sweater Song', 'Buddy Holly', 'El Scorcho', 'Beverly Hills', 'Hash Pip', 'Pork and Beans' and more, all from across the group's three-decade career. Rivers Cuomo, Patrick Wilson, Scott Shriner and Brian Bell will take to the stage in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane on a whirlwind three-day, three-show trip between Friday, October 6–Sunday, October 8. [caption id="attachment_912637" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Murphy[/caption] Music lovers in Victoria and Queensland's capitals, you'll be catching Weezer play through its hefty discography as headliners, with the band picking up their instruments at John Cain Arena in the former and Brisbane Entertainment Centre in the latter. In support, Brissie legends Regurgitator will warm up the crowd in both cities — another favourite that began rocking the airwaves in the 90s. In Sydney, Weezer fans will need to see KISS, too, with Weezer's only Harbour City show in support of KISS in what's been dubbed the makeup-clad icons' last-ever Australian concert. Weezer love a bit of a nostalgia, at least where their Aussie tours are involved. Back in 2020, they were announced for the Hella Mega Tour's Down Under run, which was meant to hit the country that November with Green Day and Fall Out Boy also headlining. Then the pandemic hit, and the trio's successful worldwide combined gigs cancelled its Australian plans. WEEZER 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES: HEADLINE SHOWS: Friday, October 6 — John Cain Arena, Melbourne Sunday, October 8 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane KISS: THE FINAL CURTAIN WITH SPECIAL GUESTS WEEZER: Saturday, October 7 — Accord Stadium, Sydney Weezer will tour Australia in October 2023, with early-bird pre-sale tickets for their solo shows available from 9am AEST on Tuesday, August 15, and general sales from 9am AEST on Thursday, August 17. Head to the tour website for further details — and to Ticketek for KISS tickets now. Top image: Hunter Kahn via Wikimedia Commons.
