We already know this summer's going to look a little different to those before it, as our cities set about recovering from months of pandemic-driven restrictions, while still trying to keep a lid on community transmission of COVID-19. But if you needed a reminder that 2020's social-distancing habits aren't going anywhere anytime soon, just check out the newly installed circle markers at Prahran Square, in Melbourne's south. Offering a glimpse into the near future of COVID-safe picnics and park hangs, these social-distancing guides appeared on the grass this week as part of a trial project by the Chapel Street Precinct Association and the City of Stonnington. The new additions were inspired by similar social distancing rings that popped up during New York's summer, in locations like Brooklyn's Domino Park. Sprayed on with eco-friendly white paint and spaced 1.5 metres apart, there are 25 of the circles now gracing Prahran Square's lawns, with another 50 in surrounding locations. If you're in Melbourne and fancy giving them a workout, just keep in mind the current rules for public gatherings. There's been a positive response to Melbourne's debut park circles so far, with a spokesperson for the City of Stonnington telling Concrete Playground it now plans on bringing more of these projects to life in parks across the region. Stay tuned for details on exactly where they'll be installed. [caption id="attachment_782750" align="alignnone" width="1920"] First Fleet Park by Destination NSW[/caption] And it seems other Aussie states can also expect to see similar circles soon gracing their own local parks and green spaces. In a COVID Safe Summer Plan unveiled by NSW's Department of Planning, Industry & Environment, it's revealed distancing markers are already in the works for spring at First Fleet Park in The Rocks, Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, Murray Gardens and the Crescent amphitheatre in Parramatta Park. More circles for sites in Centennial Parklands, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Olympic Park are set to be unveiled in the lead up to summer, too. In some good news for Sydneysiders, the summer plan also mentions a hefty roster of events, which are set to take place in parklands and public spaces across the city. So far, the program includes 1000 gigs as part of Great Southern Nights and a 365-day celebration dubbed The Festival of Place. We'll let you know when more are announced. You can check out the new social-distancing circles at Prahran Square, Cato Street, Prahran.
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 14, 2019 — Last month, Urbnsurf pumped out its first waves — and today, the first pro surfers rode them. That means the park is one step closer to its slated January 2020 opening. Memberships have also just gone on sale, if you're itching to get on the surf. Landlocked surfers of Melbourne, rejoice — Australia's first surf park is finally makin' waves and one big step closer to opening. It's also a whole lot closer to the city than Torquay or the Peninsula. Urbnsurf Melbourne will open in Tullamarine, near the airport, just 16-kilometres north of the CBD. Plans for the park first surfaced way back in 2016 and, while the team was initially hoping for a spring opening, Urbnsurf is set to open its doors to the public this summer. And today, the two-hectare space, has started to pump out its first waves. It's just testing things out at the moment, but when running at its full potential, it'll power up to 1000 waves per hour, day and night. And you'll get a choice of waves. Want to ride nothing but perfectly-formed right-handers for an hour? Or would you prefer a random selection, like what you'd experience in the ocean? You'll be able to take your pick. According to Urbnsurf founder Andrew Ross, "every wave has six different take-off spots", which equates to 3600 surfable positions every hour. The ability to create waves means that the park is built for both pros who are looking for steep, barrelling waves and novices looking for a safe place to get their start in the surf. At Urbnsurf, Ross predicts, most novices will stand on their board within an hour and ride across the green face within two. And not only will you get guaranteed waves — you won't be fighting for them. The park holds 84 riders per hour. And, should you get seriously hooked, you'll be able to enter amateur competitions, maybe with (or against) your mates. [caption id="attachment_750759" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Gibson[/caption] To kick things off, Urbnsurf has started to test out a few different wave types, including the Malibu, which is perfect for beginners, the intermediate-appropriate Turns and the Tubos — steep, barrelling waves for all you expert surfers out there. Also on the testing lineup are Giros I and Giros II, described as "performance turn waves" perfect for those wanting to carve and cutback. So how does it manage to create all these waves? Basically, they come from an 85-metre pier that runs down the centre of the lagoon. A series of pistons located on the pier then push the water to the left, then to the right, to create the waves. Ross likens the movement to "moving your hand back and forward like a shark's tail". If you need a break between sessions on the water, Urbnsurf will also be home to hot tubs, beach cabanas and a new two-storey restaurant by the owners of Sydney's Three Blue Ducks. And it's hoping to host a heap of live gigs, art shows and cultural experiences, too. If you're not in Melbourne, you'll be happy to know that a second Urbnsurf is set to open at Sydney Olympic Park in 2021. Urbnsurf is due to open in January 2020 near Melbourne Airport. You can still sign up to test out the surf park before it opens on the website — but get in quick. Images: Courtesy Urbnsurf, Ed Sloane and Adam Gibson.
Going back to study part-time can be a daunting process. Learning how to balance work and social obligations can be hard enough without adding in the massive third edge that is a uni course. Studying online with leading Australian universities via Open Universities Australia (OUA) can certainly combat some of the hurdles of juggling work and study — like needing to be in two places at once. However, it's still kind of scary to consider adding more to your already hectic schedule. But you don't need to jump in headfirst without any help. To give you a deeper insight into how to make your part-time study work for you, we spoke with Sydney career expert and psychologist Suzie Plush. Plush chatted to us about the challenges, hacks and keys to success when considering taking on part-time study. Here's what we found out. [caption id="attachment_732003" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Suzie Plush[/caption] LEARN THE ART OF THE PIVOT In a perfect world, your work-life-study priorities would be completely balanced — but we all know that life doesn't work like that. So, to achieve somewhat of a balance, Plush suggests you learn the 'art of the pivot'. "The concept of the pivot is more around leaning into what the priority is each week. If you're studying part-time and you're working part-time, you might have one week that's really crazy at work — that just means you pivot to focus on work, and then the next week you'll pivot back and do more studying." The goal here is not to achieve a perfectly balanced schedule all the time. Instead, you 'pivot' toward which is more important. Studying through OUA gives you the flexibility to scale up or down the number of subjects you're taking over the year. So, if you've got a huge project at work, a holiday planned or something else unexpectedly pops up in your life, you decrease your study load during one period and catch up later once things settle down. According to Plush, this can take a lot of the pressure off, because you're "purposely neglecting something rather than feeling like you're dropping the ball altogether." PACE YOURSELF AND DEVELOP A GAME PLAN Taking on too much at once will only lead to burnout. Instead, Plush suggests you pace yourself and focus on chipping away at your studies, rather than take on big chunks of work at once. A successful way to go about this is to develop a game plan early on. "Instead of procrastinating when you study, it's important to get organised. If you don't feel like studying, get all the dates in your calendar, download all your files and make sure you have a system at home for where you put your notes. So, when you do have that time to study, you don't have to waste it getting organised." Another study hack Plush recommends is to always take the time to listen to your lectures, as going over those audio files will save a lot of time when you sit down to study later. Having a study system in place is especially key for online work, as you really need to be a self-starter to ensure you don't fall behind. UTILISE THE SUPPORT THAT'S AVAILABLE When undertaking online study, it is all too easy to feel disconnected and isolated. But those support systems are there — you just need to know how to tap into them. It's so important to take advantage of every avenue of support that is available to you, whether that be chat rooms, forums, study groups or one-on-one teacher assistance. "You really want to try and build connections with people that are doing the same course as you and are in the same mode. Reach out to teachers as well — if you're doing online study, you may not be super clear on what an assessment is, so asking makes sure you're answering things appropriately. Be assertive and get that clarification and support you need." To aid with this, OUA gives you free access to a platform called Smarthinking — a tool that offers 24-hour access to qualified tutors. These tutors can help you plan assignments and work through them, too. Plus, Smarthinking tutors can also read through assessments and give constructive feedback before you formally submit them. Plush says it's also necessary to let your family and close friends know what your needs are and ask them to pick up some slack for you where possible. Managing your expectations and those of the people close to you helps minimise stress in your already busy life. [caption id="attachment_732002" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Suzie Plush[/caption] PLAY TO YOUR NATURAL RHYTHMS Whether you're a night owl or an early bird, it's important to notice when are you most productive and play to those strengths. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to balance, work, study and personal commitments. By paying attention to those natural rhythms, you will become your most productive self. It will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, too. "Really leverage your natural state. Are you better studying at night or waking up early? Play to those natural preferences rather than copying what other people do." Other daily hacks Plush mentioned include trying to incorporate some of your studying into your everyday routine, like listening to lectures on your commute. It helps you make studying part of your day-to-day and avoid procrastination. TAKE TIME TO RECHARGE With so much on your plate, it can be easy to lose sight of why you went back to study in the first place. "When it gets hard, always come back to the 'why' of it. It can get you the extra push of motivation and remind you why you're studying in the first place." But burnouts can still happen, and it is important for you to take time to recharge. Plush recommends spending ten minutes per day on mindfulness exercises — apps like Smiling Mind and Head Space can help you through your meditation. She also insists on staying active. "I talk a lot to clients about the art of recharging. Even for athletes, it's important to rest. You need to have those two modes and have strategic times of rest so that, when you're going back to studying, you're fresh." Plush suggests getting outside, into nature and away from screens. Moving your body and raising your dopamine levels gives you a fresh perspective, too. Often we think we're too busy to stop, but that's the most important facet in maintaining a healthy balance. Decided to take on part-time study, but haven't found the right course for you? Explore hundreds of degrees from leading Australian universities — offered online through Open Universities Australia. Hop to it.
Taylor Swift's Eras tour is the gift that keeps on giving, whether or not you're actually heading along in person when it finally hits Australia in February. Since October 2023, concert film Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour has let Swifties enjoy the show on the screen, first in cinemas and then via digital. Its next stop, if you're ready for it: Disney+ from mid-March. When the blockbuster movie hits the Mouse House's streaming platform on Friday, March 15, it will feature five extra tunes, including 'cardigan' and four acoustic tracks. So, Disney is calling it "the concert film in its entirety for the first time". You might be dubbing it reason enough to don your friendship bracelets in your lounge room. If your wildest dreams have been about getting in on Taylor Swift's Eras tour since it was first announced, then this is gorgeous and enchanted news, clearly. And if you missed out on tickets to the live shows, consider this the next best thing. Look what the world made Swift do: turn her current massive tour into a movie that's also proven a smash, taking in over $260 million at the worldwide box office. The film offers a money-can't-buy view of the 'Shake It Off', 'We Are Never Getting Back Together' and 'Bad Blood' musician's gig, working through her entire career so far by playing tracks from each of her studio albums in a three-hour, ten-act spectacular. The IRL Eras Tour kicked off in March 2023 in the US, then headed to Mexico and Brazil. Japan — around the Super Bowl — then Singapore, France, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Canada, a return to the US and, of course, Australia, are all on the itinerary in 2024. "The Eras Tour has been a true phenomenon that has and continues to thrill fans around the world, and we are very excited to bring this electrifying concert to audiences wherever they are, exclusively through Disney+," said Disney CEO Bob Iger, announcing the film's impending arrival on the service. If you fancy picking yourself up some Eras tour merchandise to wear at home while you dance along, and you'll be in Sydney or Melbourne in February, that's on the agenda as well — via merch presales and a one-day-only Melbourne pop-up. Check out the trailer for Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour Concert Film below: Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour will stream via Disney+ from Friday, March 15, 2024. Read our review. Top image: Ronald Woan via Wikimedia Commons.
Following the tragic death of Apple innovator Steve Jobs, a digital book containing his 'best' e-mails has been released. Letters to Steve: Inside the E-mail Inbox of Apple's Steve Jobs has been compiled and commentated by Mark Millan, a technology writer from CNN who has gathered the e-mails through various forums and blogs. Importantly, there are also some 'never-before-published e-mails' which are featured. It is said that this book will offer fans an insight into the character of Jobs, a passionate man who often replied to customer queries himself. It also shows his deep connection with his own products, as Millan notes that "he’d write long missives about Flash or the H.264 video codec or the Objective-C programming language." Millan also goes into great detail to analyse Jobs' online communication. He notes that "he was also inconsistent about whether he’d sign his name or include 'Best' in his sign-off signature. Some of the sources I interviewed for the book believed he had assistants help him with his mail, but I didn’t find any evidence to support that." At $2.99, this is a cheap read that will appeal to the most dedicated Apple technology enthusiasts. [via Mashable]
Paying tribute to great authors and writers is easy. Libraries beckon, as do whatever happens to be on your own bookshelf or Kindle. Getting the chance to celebrate the talents behind some of the greatest works of literature ever committed to paper in a stunning exhibition is far more rare, however. Indeed, Writers Revealed: Treasures From the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London is a world-first. Clearly, it's a special treat for word nerds — especially if you're a fan of Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, JRR Tolkien, Bram Stoker, the Brontë sisters, Virginia Woolf, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and more. What goes on display at a showcase dedicated to wordsmiths? When it arrives at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast from Saturday, April 12–Sunday, August 3, 2025, Writers Revealed will span author portraits, plus rare handwritten manuscripts and first editions. Over 70 pieces of art will feature the likenesses of the writers responsible for Pride and Prejudice, Romeo and Juliet, The Lord of the Rings, Dracula, Wuthering Heights, Sherlock Holmes and other masterpieces. More than 100 texts will be included, too, with six centuries of literature covered. [caption id="attachment_987067" align="alignnone" width="1920"] William Shakespeare, associated with John Taylor, oil on canvas, feigned oval, circa 1610. © National Portrait Gallery, London[/caption] As the exhibition's full name states, this is a collaboration between the British Library and the National Portrait Gallery, London. If you're wondering why the two institutions are pairing portraits with texts, one of the showcase's aims to explore how literature and visual expression are linked. Also in the spotlight: the legacy of influential writers, plus digging into their creative processes. Oscar Wilde, Harold Pinter, William Blake, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, Lord Byron, TS Eliot, Thomas Hardy, James Joyce, DH Lawrence, John Keats, William Wordsworth and Rudyard Kipling are some of the other greats earning Writers Revealed's attention, as are AA Milne, Beatrix Potter, Dylan Thomas, Sir Kazuo Ishiguro and Zadie Smith. Among the highlights that'll fill 1000 square metres in HOTA's Gallery 1 for 16 weeks: Austen's writing desk, what's thought to be the only Shakespeare portrait to be painted while he was alive, illustrated letters from Tolkien to his grandson, Lewis Carroll's diary entry about Alice in Wonderland and Virginia Woolf's handwritten Mrs Dalloway manuscript. [caption id="attachment_987064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harold Pinter by Justin Mortimer, oil on canvas, 1992. © National Portrait Gallery, London[/caption] "We are thrilled to collaborate with the National Portrait Gallery on Writers Revealed, a truly unique exhibition that brings together some of the most exceptional objects from our collections. Visitors will experience rare first editions and exquisite manuscripts alongside celebrated portraits of the writers who created them," said Alexandra Ault, Lead Curator of Modern Archives and Manuscripts at the British Library, announcing the exhibition. "Featuring treasures that rarely leave our gallery in London, this major new exhibition will bring HOTA's visitors closer to some of the most-important figures in English literary history," added Catharine MacLeod, Senior Curator of 17th Century Collections at the National Portrait Gallery. "Encountering these displays, visitors will discover what is revealed and what is hidden when life, writing and portraiture intersect." [caption id="attachment_987063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charles Dickens by Daniel Maclise, oil on canvas, 1839. © National Portrait Gallery, London[/caption] [caption id="attachment_987062" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beatrix Potter by Delmar Harmood Banner, oil on canvas, 1938. © National Portrait Gallery, London[/caption] [caption id="attachment_987066" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lord Byron, replica by Thomas Phillips, oil on canvas, circa 1835, based on a work of 1813. © National Portrait Gallery, London[/caption] [caption id="attachment_804623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Scott Chrisman, Pixeltape Media[/caption] [caption id="attachment_987061" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A vista through the Romantics display through to Queen Victoria by Sir George Hayter (1863) at the National Portrait Gallery, London. Photo by Oliver Hess.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_987060" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tony Antoniou[/caption] Writers Revealed: Treasures From the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London displays at HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, from Saturday, April 12–Sunday, August 3, 2025. Head to the gallery's website for further details and tickets. Top image: Jane Austen by Cassandra Austen, pencil and watercolour, circa 1810. © National Portrait Gallery, London.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Rekorderlig. Longtime snow bunnies and powder purveyors know exactly what to throw in their duffle bags for a weekend away. But perhaps you've never trekked to the pearly white mountains, endeavoured to carve up snowfields, dangled your skis precariously from a lift only to reach the mountaintop and realise you've picked up the wrong skis. Never done it? Maybe your experience with snow looks like this: With the help of our seasoned snow enthusiasts Rekorderlig we're here to help the ski-pack go smoothly with our surefire list of winter essentials you'll be needing on your snow trip. If you're a seasoned snowgoer, perhaps we've nailed the missing element. From Cards Against Humanity to Out Cold on flickering VHS (all best fuelled with copious amounts of cinnamon-drenched hot cider), here's the ultimate list of what to pack when entering the realms of the White Walkers. Moon Boots Stomping and schlumping in novelty boots is half the fun of trekking to the snow. Bringing NASA to le neige, Moon Boots are just about the most fun you can have walking in a straight line. Tecnica created Moon Boots back in the early '70s, bringing technical finesse to snuggly footwear. They were coveted back then, they're still coveted now — with more ridiculous, customisable iridescent colours to choose from than ever. Even Dior makes Moon Boots. Rainbow Moon Boots are a favourite, also bright gold makes a Riff Raff out of any snowbound citizen. For post-carve-up downtime, whack on a pair of ugg boots. Hot tip, don't wear your uggs around icy areas if you want to keep your beanie-clad skull intact. Another hot tip, don't wear uggs as regular shoes. You may just have to rethink your life. Snuggly Threads Ah thermals, the unsexiest garment in anyone's wardrobe this side of Bridget Jones' nanna pants. But by the power of how unbelievably good a film Frozen is, they keep you mighty warm. Think '80s and look for either lycra or spandex thermals, they're the fabrics that keep the warmth in and let your sweaty ski body breathe. Hit up Uniqlo for the most acceptable of the cheaper thermal options, avoiding the cream lacy spencers of K-Mart. Keep your little paws toasty with some handwarmers and crank one of those ridiculous beard beanies — earning you the esteemed title of That Guy on the slopes for the season. Camera Strap a GoPro to your head, throw yourself down a mountain on a tiny, tiny strip of wood, upload it to YouTube. This is the quintessential essence of going to the snow. A Warm Winter Cider So your face froze off, huh? You've earned a good ol' defrosting session, kicking back with your fellow boarders in the lodge and mulling over the triumphs and epic fails of the day over a warm mug of cider. The Swedish legends at Rekorderlig make winter bearable, with their Premium Winter cider perfect when heated up and cradling in your frozen paws. This delicious apple cider, laced with cinnamon and vanilla, goes down super well at the end of a long, blizzardy, chairlifty day. Board Games If you're hauled up inside while blizzards shut down any lodge bar plans, what possible other way to spend the time than significant cider-fuelled boozing and old school board games — usually graduating from Balderdash to sexy Twister. Many a cold wintry night has been spent after a long, semi-successful black ski run unwinding with a bout of Mouse Trap, a spot of Scattergories or a lightning round of Battleship. There are certain so-called 'fun for the whole family' blatant lies to avoid — everyone knows Monopoly and Risk are ill-advised choices, unless you're up for a good ol' fashioned fallout with your mates. Perfect for a dark and stormy night, Cluedo usually starts out jovially and ends with someone's inevitable demise in the kitchen with the lead pipe. But if you're after the ultimate game to bring to the snow, Cards Against Humanity is your ticket to breaking the ice indoors. Offensive, yes. Inappropriate, yes. GUARANTEED-A-ONE-WAY-TICKET-TO-HADES-FUN, absolutely. Classic Snow Films Like watching the ever-genius Jingle All the Way only at Christmas time, cranking a good ol' snow-themed movie surrounded by the chilly stuff generates some kind of cheeseball magic. Start at the Empire Strikes Back, work your way to Dumb and Dumber and Edward Scissorhands, ice the cake with made-for-adult-viewing kiddie go-tos Frozen and Ice Age. If Cuba Gooding Jr's Snow Dogs just happens to accidentally play itself into your heart, that's cool. No judgement. Just don't let things get all Shining snow maze up in here. Fargo might be stretching the snowery a bit and Ethan Hawke's Alive might give you bad ideas, but if you're a James Bond fan check out On Her Majesty's Secret Service or For Your Eyes Only (plenty of sweet skiing chase scenes in which bullets ping off powder with physics-defying metally noises). Cool Runnings might get you to to the top of the bobsled course, while solid docos like Art of Flight will make you do dumb jumping-out-of-helicopter things the next day. But the most honorable of mentions goes to 2001's rambunctious screwball comedy Out Cold, best viewed on shitty VHS and only truly appreciated by Super Troopers fans. Oh yeah... one more thing. Skis. You'll probably need skis. Or a snowboard. Or the unbridled ability to personally roll down a hill at speed. At the end of the day (however dramatically you reach the base of the mountain) you're probably going to earn a snuggly defrost, a crappy movie and a mug of warm Rekorderlig. Happy packing.
Internationally, the suburb of Bondi is known for its famous beach, Icebergs and the cohort of lobster-red tourists that dominate in summer. Locally, however, it has the reputation of being a tight community that has evolved into a hipster mecca in the last five or ten years, described best by Ksubi founder Dan Single (who could easily be the face of Bondi) as “a beach town filled with actors, models and photographers". Along with the surfers and hippies that fill the rest of Bondi's crumbling apartments and cute beach shacks, it is easy to understand why a farmers' markets fits in here like a square peg in a square hole. The farmers' markets may be a fashionable place to shop but its popularity isn’t a superficial evolution. Consumers are increasingly more interested in where their food comes from and how it’s grown, as well as buying local produce to support farmers and reduce their carbon footprint. The Bondi Farmers' Markets have been around for only half a year but are already submitting applications for more stalls to the councils, with shoppers and stall holders both extremely satisfied with the chance to form relationships. Richard Clarke, from Westerway Raspberry Farm, says it “allows consumers to meet the people who grow their produce, which enables trust to be built.” Talking to Hapi at the stall Field to Feast, you get the sense you could be there for hours and come away with an encyclopedic knowledge of vegetables, such is their friendliness and willingness to educate. Some of the novelties at their stall included purple, white and orange carrots that had very little in common with their counterparts at Woolworths, a rainbow range of chard, fresh chickpeas and an Australian bush herb called purslane, which apparently is full of Omega 3. With artisan bread, smokey salt, honey, fruit and veg, home-made ice blocks, macaroons, youghurt, cheese and coffee only some of the produce on offer, not to mention the pleasure of doing the grocery shop in the sunshine, Bondi Farmers' Markets is a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning. There are only two or three stalls doing ready-to-eat food but there is no shortage of cafes in Bondi for a big breakfast after your shop if all the beautiful produce has made you hungry. The markets have also been the source of new collaborations. Darren Robertson, ex-head Tetsuya's chef and now owner of popular Bronte café, The Three Blue Ducks, now has a stall at the markets. He uses bread for his Pulled Pork rolls from fellow stall Organic Republic, and vegetables from Field to Feast. Concrete Playground had a chat to Darren about his involvement in Bondi Markets. The Bondi markets are a fairly new enterprise but they seem to be doing really well. Why do you think they have been so successful? I think the public wants to support local food and grower’s markets at the moment and I think people in Bondi are really interested in good food, local produce and learning about more about food. I think that’s why it will do well. What kind of relationship do you think consumers should have with the people who grow the produce they’re buying? It’s not always possible but it’s great that they get the chance to meet the producers growing the stuff and ask questions and find out how the animals have been treated and what they’re feeding them. It also gives the producer the opportunity to educate the public and get them interested. Do you think it’s benefited the producers as well? Yeah, absolutely. I think the middle men are fine but it’s given them a chance to cut out the middle man a little bit, and get down there and get hands on and be like ‘this is what we do.’ Especially with what’s happening with the [supermarket] wars at the moment, without getting to political. I think it’s really important and it’s going to keep growing. Have you found your customers [at Darren’s café, Three Blue Ducks] are more interested in where all the produce is coming from in recent years? Yeah, definitely. We don’t like to force information on the customer but if they’re curious, the information’s there. For instance, Down The Rabbit Hole; we met them at Bondi Markets (they do organic cheese), so they’ll come round and have a tasting and we’ll discuss what goes into it, the flavour notes and get everyone interested. So then you kind of want to talk about it, to get people to try stuff. People will be more willing to try stuff if they know where it’s coming from, I guess. I think they are, they’re more willing to try things if we know about it, yhey kind of feel a bit safer and will be more willing to give it a go, absolutely. If it just turns up in a box and no one knows what it is, then it’s no good. What made you decide to become part of the farmer’s markets? I wanted to put my money where my mouth was. I’m from a fine dining background so I wanted to get involved. It was a good opportunity for to meet a lot of the supplies and the dudes down at the market and to visit their farms, and then to come up with a couple of dishes and start selling that to the public – which chefs don’t often get to do. Yeah, true. Have you learnt anything surprising about your dishes, or had any feedback you didn’t expect? Yeah I did actually, it’s really nice to get an instant response, when you’re talking to someone as you’re making the dish, then they taste it and they can say whether they like it or not. I’ve learnt heaps, it was surprising how much people in Sydney are really getting a taste for chilli now, they like things a bit hotter and spicier, which is cool, I do to. We have hot sauce on our pulled pork bun and pretty much every week we up it a bit more, make it hotter and hotter and hotter. Just see how far you can go... Yeah (laughs). You learn heaps about what you do. What I think is really amazing, someone else might think, ‘oh, that’s just ok.’ Which I think is great. I’m really fortunate now because I work in an open kitchen, so you’ll pass out a plate and it’s nice to see someone reaction. For years I worked in closed kitchens and most cooks only really hear the bad stuff. It’s so great, with the food we’re doing at the moment, I’m so happy with it. So what else is going to be on the menu f or the market stall? Well, we’re working on a muesli at the moment and we’re going to get some jams, start doing some salts and then something sweet. We’ve been playing around with some waffles, some breakfasty items. We’ve been going down to the farm [stallholders Field to Feast’s farm] a lot and we’ll just see what stuff they’ve got and just have a play. Then well either use it for the markets or the restaurant; last time we got some little beetroots and we made chocolate and beetroot brownies, maybe a chocolate and fennel dessert. We want to do all sorts of stuff, we’re always playing around. The Bondi Farmers Markets run every Saturday at Bondi Beach Public School from 9am-1pm.
For more than a decade, the Melbourne-based Human Rights Arts and Film Festival has been exploring human-rights issues through cinema. Exactly how this annual fest covers its subject matter and where it screens has varied over the years, however. Past iterations have included stints around the country, and some fests have solely remained in the Victorian capital. Across Thursday, May 4–Tuesday, May 9, 2023's lineup is only hitting cinemas in-person in Melbourne, but has a date with viewers elsewhere thanks to its online component. In its physical form, HRAFF opens with Kash Kash — Without Feathers We Can't Live, a documentary from first-time filmmaker Lea Najjar about her hometown of Beirut. For folks elsewhere, or for those who can't make it along on the night, it's one of the movies on the event's digital bill as well. From a lineup that includes work from Iran, Brazil, Ireland, Lebanon, Venezuela, South Sudan, Mexico, the US, Canada and more, Melburnians can also look forward to North Circular, which highlights the importance of music in culture in Ireland; Dark Days, telling the tale of a community living in New York City's underground train tunnels in the 90s; and Uýra: The Rising Forest, about trans non-binary Indigenous artist Uýra. From Venice 2022, Alice Diop's Saint Omer is an absolute must-see, with the documentarian drawing from true events to craft a drama about a young Parisian journalist and novelist attending murder trial, then wading through the complexities it surfaces within her own family history. In The Last Daughter, Wiradjuri woman Brenda Matthews charts her experience being taken from her family as a toddler, growing up with a white foster family, then being returned to her parents. And in closing night's Fashion Reimagined, designer Amy Powney's efforts to create a sustainable collection are in the spotlight. Viewers watching on from home can also enjoy The Endangered Generation?, which boasts narration by Laura Dern (Jurassic World Dominion) as it explores the fight against climate change — plus the world-premiere of We Eatin' Good, which sees Matisse Laida and Nisha Hunter get recipes for food and life alike from members of Melbourne's queer community. To take care of the 'arts' part of its name, HRAFF is hosting two exhibitions as well: Real Job, which ponders how the labour of visual artists is so often neglected; and A Wholesome Gang, a storytelling photo series by South Sudanese Dinka woman Awak Rech Kongor (and shot and edited by artist Joshua Sims).
Sometimes you just want to get away from it all. Luckily, New Zealand's watery borders are home to around 600 islands that offer a unique blend of peace and tranquility, stunning scenery and adventure too. Make a beeline for one of the accessible island escapes below. Time your visit right to avoid the crowds and you might even manage to have an island practically all to yourself. Here are five islands where you'll find wildlife reserves for spotting kiwi in their natural habitat and island dark sky sanctuaries perfect for stargazing up into the universe. [caption id="attachment_986097" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Matt Crawford[/caption] Stewart Island/Rakiura Off the southern coast of South Island lies New Zealand's third largest island, Stewart Island/Rakiura. Over 85 percent of the island is designated National Park land and unspoiled nature with rare wildlife is what to expect down here. Despite its size, settlement on Stewart Island is sparse and the only place to stay is in Oban (also known as Halfmoon Bay) where you won't ever be too far from the island's pristine natural environment. Getting to the southernmost island of New Zealand is an adventure in and of itself, with ferries serving as one of the main ways to arrive. If the thought of travelling by boat makes you feel queasy, you can always fly in too. [caption id="attachment_986589" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alistair Guthrie[/caption] Bay of Islands Just a three-hour drive or a 50-minute flight from Auckland is the Bay of Islands, a breathtaking destination where you'll discover sleepy towns that roll on to crystal-clear inlets, more than 144 undeveloped islands up for exploration as well as water activities and vineyards to fill your days. Roberton Island (Motuarohia) is a 20-minute boat ride from Paihia or Russell and is best known for its stunning blue water lagoons and snorkelling trail. The luxury Cook's Cove Retreat is one of five houses on the island that can be hired for overnight getaways. The eight-person resort is found in a peaceful private bay. From there you can bushwalk to historic Māori sites, explore underwater marine reserves, or set off via kayak from the private jetty. [caption id="attachment_986579" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Scott Venning[/caption] Great Barrier Island/Aotea Great Barrier Island (Aotea) is the fourth largest island in New Zealand. A 30-minute flight or four-hour boat ride from Auckland will bring you to the rugged wilderness where spectacular fishing, natural hot springs and first-class surfing spots await. Away from the light pollution of Auckland, the off-the-grid island is also one of four dark sky sanctuaries, and the only officially recognised island dark sky sanctuary in the world. [caption id="attachment_663062" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden.[/caption] Waiheke Island An escape to New Zealand's Waiheke Island feels miles away from the bustle of central Auckland, though it's only a quick ferry ride from downtown. It's an island of varying landscape, with the turquoise-blue waters of the coast giving way to rolling green hills inland. This gives visitors endless options, too — from bushwalks and beaches to art galleries and, most notably, the plentiful wineries on offer. The whole island is easily explored by bus or bike, and trips from the vines of one winery to the next take only a traipse through the vineyard. Mudbrick is a standout, with stunning views back to Auckland city and top-shelf wines and dining options.You could spend a week here and still not hit all of the artisanal producers dotting the island. Join an art walking tour, try your hand at archery or distil your own bespoke gin, just to name a few things waiting for you on this wine island. Waiheke is the most densely populated island with over 8000 permanent residents. Kapiti Island This wildlife sanctuary off the Kapiti Coast is home to rare species such as the flightless takahē, white faced heron and kākā. You can visit the island for a self-guided day tour, or spend the night and enjoy local hospitality — while keeping an eye out for kiwi in their natural habitat. Kapiti is home to over 1200 little spotted kiwi, making it one of the most reliable opportunities to see them in the wild. There are three accommodation options including private glamping tents, native timber cabins and a Kiwi-style bach offering ocean views out across Waiorua Bay. Find your very own Aotearoa New Zealand here. Top image: Slipper Island Resort.
Winter and comfort foods always go hand in hand, but fans of doughnuts should find the start of the frosty season particularly delicious. Each year, to kick off June, National Doughnut Day arrives. And, when the date hits, free round orbs are often on the menu. In 2023, on Friday, June 2, Donut King will be handing out freebies — and keeping Australians happy with their eponymous blend of sweets and carbs. The chain is known for its hot cinnamon doughnuts, and that's exactly what it'll be giving away at every store Australia-wide. Donut King hasn't advised exactly how many doughnuts are up for grabs, and it is a while-stocks-last affair. That said, the brand is intending to serve up a whole heap of its number-one treat to customers in exchange for zero cash, beginning at 1am AEST — if that's when your local store opens — and running through until 11.59pm AEST. The big caveat, other than the first-in-best-dressed rule: there's a limit of one free hot cinnamon doughnut per person. Also, you do have to hit up a Donut King shop in-person, with the giveaway not available for deliveries. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Donut King (@donutking_au) To snag yourself a freebie, folks in Sydney can make a date everywhere from Chatswood and Top Ryde to Leichhardt and Hurstville, while Melburnians can add Northcote, Sunshine, The Pines and Southland Westfield to their must-visit lists. Brisbane's choices include Indooroopilly, Carindale, Chermside and Mt Gravatt; Perth's venues cover the likes of Ocean Keys and Midland Gate; and Adelaide boasts stores in Glenelg, Tea Tree Plaza and more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Donut King (@donutking_au) Donut King's free National Doughnut Day giveaway is happening in the chain's stores around the country on Friday, June 2. To find your closest shop and check its opening hours, head to the Donut King website.
Not all that long ago, the idea of getting cosy on your couch, clicking a few buttons, and having thousands of films and television shows at your fingertips seemed like something out of science fiction. Now, it's just an ordinary night — whether you're virtually gathering the gang to text along, cuddling up to your significant other or shutting the world out for some much needed me-time. Of course, given the wealth of options to choose from, there's nothing ordinary about making a date with your chosen streaming platform. The question isn't "should I watch something?" — it's "what on earth should I choose?". Hundreds of titles are added to Australia's online viewing services each and every month, all vying for a spot on your must-see list. And, so you don't spend 45 minutes scrolling and then being too tired to actually commit to watching anything, we're here to help. From the latest and greatest to old favourites, here are our picks for your streaming queue from April's haul of newbies. BRAND NEW STUFF YOU CAN WATCH IN FULL RIGHT NOW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmSK3XliTk4 RUTHERFORD FALLS He co-wrote and produced The Office. He did the same on Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which he co-created as well. And, he gave the world The Good Place — which makes Michael Schur one of the best in the business when it comes to kind-hearted, smart and savvy small-screen laughs. His new show, Rutherford Falls, continues the streak. Co-created with star Ed Helms and showrunner Sierra Teller Ornelas (Superstore), it also boasts his usual charm and intelligence and, as with all of the above programs, it's exceptionally well-cast. Plus, it's immensely easy to binge in just one sitting, because each one of its ten first-season episodes leave you wanting more. The setup: in the place that gives the sitcom its name, Nathan Rutherford (Helms, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun) runs the local history museum. One of his descendants founded the town, and he couldn't be more proud of that fact. He's also very protective of the towering statue of said ancestor, even though it sits in the middle of a road and causes accidents. So, when the mayor (Dana L.Wilson, Perry Mason) decides to move the traffic hazard, Nathan and his overzealous intern Bobbie (Jesse Leigh, Heathers) spring into action. Nathan's best friend Reagan Wells (Jana Schmieding, Blast) helps; however, the Minishonka Nation woman begins to realise just how her pal's family have shaped the fate of her Native American community. Also featuring a scene-stealing Michael Greyeyes (I Know This Much Is True) as the enterprising head of the Minishonka Nation casino, Rutherford Falls pairs witty laughs with warmth and sincerity, especially when it comes to exploring the treatment of First Nations peoples in America today. The first season of Rutherford Falls is available to stream via Stan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3PkRz0Qda4 WAKEFIELD Scroll through the list of Wakefield's cast members, and many a famous Australian name pops up. Ryan Corr (High Ground), Wayne Blair (Rams), Kim Gyngell (Brothers' Nest), Harriet Dyer (The Invisible Man), and comedians Felicity Ward and Sam Simmons are just some of them, but this ABC series belongs to phenomenal British talent Rudi Dharmalingam (The Split). With an Aussie accent so flawless that all other actors attempting the feat should study it in the future, he plays nurse Nik Katira. His workplace: the eponymous Wakefield, a mental health hospital in the Blue Mountains. Nik's days involve caring for his patients, navigating the usual workplace politics and grappling with his personal life, with all three often overlapping. That might sound like the usual medical drama, but Wakefield isn't ever as straightforward as it might appear. From its very first episode — one of five directed by The Dressmaker filmmaker Jocelyn Moorhouse, with the other three helmed by The Rocket's Kim Mordaunt — the series purposefully throws its viewers off-kilter. With roving cinematography and looping stories, it keeps everyone watching guessing, just as the figures within its frames are doing about their daily existence (including and sometimes especially Nik). Already set to be one of Australian TV's most impressive new series of the year — and likely the best of the year, too — Wakefield is gripping, twisty, powerful and almost devastatingly empathetic about a topic that is rarely handled with as much care and understanding. In other words, it's a knockout. The first season of Wakefield is available to stream via ABC iView. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ3dgHqaw8U CONCRETE COWBOY Like many titles that grace Netflix's catalogue, Concrete Cowboy sounds like the type of movie that the streaming platform's algorithm could've easily cooked up. It might've gleaned that its subscribers like Idris Elba, and that they're keen on horses. It already knows that viewers love Stranger Things, obviously, which is where Caleb McLaughlin comes in. Combine all of the above with a coming-of-age tale that also doubles as a story of redemption, and this movie could be the end result. That's not how Concrete Cowboy came about, though. It's based on Greg Neri's novel Ghetto Cowboy, and it has both a classic and a vibrant air — befitting a film about a teenager who finds his life forever changed by an animal, and a movie about an urban riding community in Detroit as well. As the trouble-prone 15-year-old at the centre of the story, McLaughlin puts in a stirring performance. As his initially estranged father, and the man that introduces him to the stables, Elba (Cats) is magnetic, but his work here doesn't coast by on charm alone. First-time feature writer/director Ricky Staub guides stellar portrayals out of both his stars, and also works with cinematographer Minka Farthing-Kohl (The Nowhere Inn) to ensure that every second of Concrete Cowboy looks and feels as if it's galloping thoughtfully and perceptively through an oft-seen subculture. Concrete Cowboy is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgB7rMuxY-s THE SERPENT One day, Tahar Rahim will likely win an Oscar. He's that phenomenal an actor, as he has shown in everything from A Prophet, The Past and Daguerreotype to The Eddy and The Mauritanian. In The Serpent, however, he's never been more unsettling — but given that he's playing Charles Sobhraj, that comes with the territory. If the real-life French serial killer's name doesn't ring a bell, then this eight-part series will make sure you'll never forget it. The instantly riveting drama tells a grim true tale, and an unnerving one. With his girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc (Jenna Coleman, The Cry) and accomplice Ajay Chowdhury (TV first-timer Amesh Edireweera), Sobhraj targeted young travellers in Bangkok and south Asia in the 70s — usually luring them in with a scam first, or trying to flat-out steal their money, then drugging them, killing them and stealing their passports. Ripper Street writers Richard Warlow and Toby Finlay intertwine Sobhraj, Leclerc and Chowdhury's murderous exploits with the efforts of Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg (Billy Howle, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker) to find two missing tourists. After being tipped off about two bodies by a loud-mouthed Australian in Thailand (Damon Herriman, Judy & Punch), Knippenberg begins to piece together the broader story. It's easy to feel just as he does while watching The Serpent, actually, because getting swept up in its distressing details is simply inevitable. The Serpent is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9xVoRoWmnA I USED TO GO HERE With I Used to Go Here, writer/director Kris Rey (Unexpected) tackles an experience that everyone goes through once they've spent a decade or so being an adult. You might've achieved everything you'd ever hoped for when you were in university — and you might be well-aware that your teenage self would be gobsmacked by what you've conquered — but few dreams are ever as glittering in reality. For Kate Conklin (Gillian Jacobs, Love), things should've been perfect. But while the 35-year-old's first novel is new on bookshelves, it isn't selling. Her book tour has been cancelled as a result. And, although a wedding was in her near future, she soon finds herself single, confused, angry, alone and hurting. So, Kate accepts an offer to step back into the past. Asked to speak at her alma mater by a professor (Jemaine Clement, Legion) she looked up to, she jumps at the chance to revisit her old haunts, to feel like a big deal in her old college town and to get nostalgic with familiar faces. But, she primarily ends up hanging out with the students who now live in her old house, and regressing emotionally. In in its narrative, I Used to Go Here delivers few surprises. And yet, this keenly observed film knows how it feels to walk in Kate's shoes, and how to make those emotions drip from the screen as well. It helps that both Rey and Jacobs invest depth and emotion into every frame; indeed, this would've been half the movie it is otherwise. I Used to Go Here is available to stream via Stan. NEW SHOWS TO CHECK OUT WEEK BY WEEK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miQqyfO66uw MARE OF EASTTOWN Kate Winslet doesn't make the leap to the small screen often, but when she does, it's a must-see event. 2011's Mildred Pierce was simply astonishing, a description that both Winslet and her co-star Guy Pearce also earned — alongside an Emmy each, plus three more for the HBO limited series itself. The two actors and the acclaimed US cable network all reteam for Mare of Easttown, and it too is excellent. Set on the outskirts of Philadelphia, it follows detective Mare Sheehan. As the 25th anniversary of her high-school basketball championship arrives, and after a year of trying to solve a missing person's case linked to one of her former teammates, a new murder upends her existence. Mare's life overflows with complications anyway, with her ex-husband (David Denman, Brightburn) getting remarried, and her mother (Jean Smart, Watchmen), teenage daughter (Angourie Rice, Spider-Man: Far From Home) and four-year-old grandson all under her roof. With town newcomer Richard Ryan (Pearce, The Last Vermeer), she snatches what boozy and physical solace she can. As compelling and textured as she always is, including in this year's Ammonite, Winslet turns Mare of Easttown into a commanding character study. That said, it's firmly an engrossing crime drama as well. Although yet again pondering the adult life of an ex-school sports star, The Way Back's Brad Ingelsby isn't just repeating himself by creating and writing this seven-part series, while The Leftovers and The Hunt's Craig Zobel takes to his directing gig with a probing eye. The first two episodes of Mare of Easttown are available to stream via Binge, with new episodes available weekly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg_160Be71g THE HANDMAID'S TALE Fans of The Handmaid's Tale have had to wait longer than expected for its fourth season, with the dystopian series' next batch of episodes among the many things that were postponed due to the pandemic. But, now it's here — and yes, the word you're looking for is 'finally'. Basically, it's time to trade one source of anxiety and tension for another. Watching the series has never been a stress-free experience, and that continues this time around. Given that the show is all about toppling a totalitarian society that's taken over the former United States, tearing down its oppression of women under the guise of 'traditional values', and fighting for freedom and equality, sending your blood pressure soaring is to be expected (and reading Margaret Atwood's 1985 book wasn't a calm experience, either). After season three's cliffhanger, June (Elisabeth Moss, The Invisible Man) is still battling against Gilead. In fact, after everything that the oppressive regime has done to her and her loved ones — and the ways in which it has changed life for women in general — she's firmly out for justice and revenge. That involves taking new risks, but that's what a rebel leader has to do. And we all know that stress and tension is only going to keep building as The Handmaid's Tale drops its new episodes week by week. The first three episodes of The Handmaid's Tale season four are available to stream via SBS On Demand, with new episodes available weekly. INSTANT AND OLD-SCHOOL CLASSICS TO WATCH AND REWATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc5hiLqHa6g ZAMA Nine years is a rather long time to wait for a filmmaker to make a new movie. But, for fans of Argentinian director Lucrecia Martel, that's exactly the period that passed between her 2008 thriller The Headless Woman and 2017's exceptional Zama. Although there was never really any doubt that the latter would be something special when it finally surfaced, the acclaimed auteur well and truly made her comeback with an effort that matches her reputation: mythic. Here, Martel takes on Antonio di Benedetto's 1956 Argentinean novel Zama to explore the story of an 18th-century Spanish magistrate — the Don Diego de Zama (Daniel Giménez Cacho, The Promise) of the movie's title. He's stuck in a small South American town, desperately hoping for a transfer and, as he waits and his patience slips, he's also quickly losing his grip on everything. Narrative-wise, Zama has plenty to say about colonialism and class, and uses drama, comedy and tragedy to do so; however, it's how Martel conveys the film's tale and dives into its themes that sears this inimitable movie into viewers' brains. As its protagonist's ideas of his own grandeur are chipped away moment by moment, Zama, the feature, charts the opposite trajectory with its exquisite imagery, hypnotic rhythm and distinctive logic. Zama is available to screen via Binge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH-aPyydgoE SNOWPIERCER Whenever Bong Joon-ho makes a movie, the entire world should take notice. It did with Parasite, with the masterful thriller nabbing Cannes' Palme d'Or, Sydney Film Festival's prize and four Oscars to prove it (and a slew of other awards as well). But, arriving two titles and six years earlier on his filmography, Snowpiercer didn't initially get the same amount of attention. Yes, it sparked an immensely watchable TV remake; however, it didn't attract eyeballs en masse. It should've, but that's the thing about movies once they're out there in the world: if you've missed them, you can always hunt them down. When it premiered in Australia, also at SFF, more than a few folks in the audience walked out. They robbed themselves of a smart, savage and supremely entertaining dystopian action-thriller, all set on the perpetually moving train that gives the film its title. Adapted from the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige by Bong and co-screenwriter Kelly Masterson (Before the Devil Knows You're Dead), the film transports the world's class, social and economic struggles into the locomotive's stratified carriages, and charts the inevitable uprising that follows when those left at the back of the train decide to rebel. Bong's first English-language feature, it boasts a killer cast, too, including Chris Evans (Knives Out), Song Kang-ho (Parasite), Tilda Swinton (The Personal History of David Copperfield), Jamie Bell (Rocketman), Octavia Spencer (The Witches) and John Hurt (Jackie). Snowpiercer is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8lT_X8Oycc FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose. If those six words already mean something to you, you're clearly a fan of Friday Night Lights — which, although it only spanned five seasons and 76 episodes, is one of the very best dramas of the 00s. It wasn't guaranteed to be a hit, or to even be any good, though. Initially, Friday Night Lights was a 1990 non-fiction book about small-town high-school football. Then, it became a grim sports film, starring Billy Bob Thornton when he was fresh off of Bad Santa. Both the text and the movie still exist, of course, but it's the TV series that everyone now thinks of when the Friday Night Lights name comes up. It's the show that made everyone think of Kyle Chandler (Godzilla vs Kong) as their coach and their dad, too, because they're the roles he plays to absolute perfection here. The general premise remains the same, this time following the Dillon Panthers. Chandler's Eric Taylor steps into the head coach role just as the team's star quarterback is injured, which sets up the storyline for the first season. Not just centred on sport, the series also dives deep into the everyday lives of its players in its fictional Texas community, and their loved ones as well — which is where everyone from Connie Britton (Promising Young Woman), Taylor Kitsch (21 Bridges) and Jesse Plemons (Judas and the Black Messiah) to Michael B Jordan (Just Mercy) and Jurnee Smollet (Lovecraft Country) pop up. All five seasons of Friday Night Lights are available to stream via Binge. Top images: The Serpent, Mammoth Screen Ltd, photographer: Roland Neveu.
One of the best directors to ever step behind the camera. Two of the absolute top living actors. An unnerving true tale. A Cannes-premiering film. That's a helluva combination — aka Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, events in the 1920s in Osage County in Oklahoma and Killers of the Flower Moon. And, if you're not already excited, a third trailer for the soon-to-release movie has just been unveiled. Every Scorsese film is worth waiting for, but Killers of the Flower Moon has been decades in the making. The nonfiction book that the acclaimed director's latest film adapts also steps a century back, detailing a time when members of the Osage Nation became wealthy through oil, then targets for white interlopers. To bring this real-life story to the screen, the filmmaker has finally united DiCaprio and De Niro in one of his full-length flicks, too, after spending decades working with both separately. The end result, and Scorsese's first feature since 2019's The Irishman, premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in May. Next, it's headed to cinemas Down Under in October and then Apple TV+ after that. De Niro and DiCaprio have been in so many of the legendary director's movies that it's rare for any of his titles to not include one or the other. The former's run gave viewers gangster masterpieces such as Mean Streets, Goodfellas and Casino; also spans the iconic Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The King of Comedy; and covers musical New York, New York and thriller remake Cape Fear, too — and, of course The Irishman. The latter began leading Scorsese's films in the early 2000s, kicking off with Gangs of New York, then starring in The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street. That's a mighty impressive resume for both actors, and for their favourite helmer. Killers of the Flower Moon is actually the second time that De Niro and DiCaprio have joined forces for Scorsese, but the first time in one of his features, with the pair playing themselves in the director's 2015 comedy short The Audition. The actors also have a past on-screen beyond that thanks to the non-Marty helmed This Boy's Life in 1993, back when DiCaprio was still a teen. Its main talents aside, Killers of the Flower Moon has looking backwards on its mind as well. As seen in the initial teaser in May, then the first full trailer and now this just-dropped next sneak peek, the film jumps into a series of real-life of murders. DiCaprio (Don't Look Up) and Certain Women standout Lily Gladstone play Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle, a couple that gets caught up in the investigations surrounding the mounting killings — with Burkhart facing off against his scheming uncle William Hale (De Niro, Amsterdam). The deaths start when oil turns the Osage Nation into some of the richest folks on the planet, and quickly, which attracts the wrong kind of notice — attention fuelled by greed and envy, and resulting in manipulation, extortion and homicide. Killers of the Flower Moon surveys that story through Burkhart, Kyle and their romance, while also taking in the bitter resentment (and worse) expressed by Hale. Scorsese also co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Roth (Dune, and an Oscar-winner for Forest Gump), adapting David Gann's 2017 non-fiction book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. And, movie co-stars Jesse Plemons (Love & Death), John Lithgow (Sharper) and newly minted Best Actor Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser (The Whale). Oh, and Scorsese himself, albeit in a small part. Check out the latest trailer for Killers of the Flower Moon below: Killers of the Flower Moon releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 19, and will then stream via Apple TV+ at a later date — we'll update you with streaming details when they're announced.
A quarter-century ago, Christmas changed forever. Sure, the end of the year was filled with plenty of festive cheer before Mariah Carey released 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' — but since 1994, that upbeat ditty has become everyone's go-to seasonal soundtrack. Just last year, in fact, the track topped the US charts. It didn't even achieve that feat back when it was initially released, making it the song that has taken the longest journey ever to the top spot. Carey has re-recorded 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' several times, and it just keeps spreading its festive melody. Yes, we know you now have it stuck in your head just from thinking about it. The singer has several holiday albums to her name, too, which keep prolonging the song's longevity. And if that's all 100-percent okay with you, you'll be particularly excited about her next Christmas-themed project. As announced earlier this year, Apple TV+ is releasing Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special — aka the star-studded festive show you didn't know you had always wanted until now. And if you're wondering just when it'll head to your streaming queue, the company has just revealed that it'll hit come Friday, December 4 — in the lead up to Christmas (obviously). In its efforts to help salvage the trainwreck that is the past 12 months, Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special will feature Carey, of course, alongside a star-studded lineup of other guests. You'll also be seeing Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Misty Copeland and Mykal-Michelle Harris take part — and, as co-directed and executive produced by A Very Murray Christmas alumnus Roman Coppola, the special will include not only music and dancing from this list of famous names, but animation as well. It's Apple TV+'s latest big-name project — with Sofia Coppola's new Bill Murray-starring movie On the Rocks also hitting the service this year, and its recent live documentary Beastie Boys Story earning a couple of Emmy nominations. If watching Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special is now all you want from the rest of 2020, you can check out a teaser trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhwdLOYOg-8 And because we already know you're humming it to yourself, you can also check out the music video for 'All I Want for Christmas Is You', too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special will hit Apple TV+ on Friday, December 4.
Walking around Brisbane is a great way to enjoy your own backyard, see the local sights and get in some exercise. For a 17-day period between Friday, March 12–Sunday, March 28 in 2021, doing just that will also allow you to engage with a series interactive installations. They're called 'curiocities', and they're part of the returning Curiocity Brisbane festival, which focuses on the interaction of science, technology, innovation and the arts. Spread around town — across a 6.8-kilometre circuit that links the City Botanic Gardens, South Bank, the Cultural Precinct and the Brisbane CBD, in fact — these hubs will serve up both physical and virtual experiences. One, Platonic Volumes & Cosmologies by Bits to Atoms, is a large scale-translucent matrix of recycled plastic beams, while another, Evanescent by Chimera Atelier and Pineapple Design Studios, will use colour-changing film that'll make it look like a huge bubble. Or, you can check out two augmented reality works, either venturing back to Brisbane on the day prior to First Settlement or working with other folks to build a digital ecosystem. Also on the bill: a chat-fuelled program called Curious Conversations, where Benjamin Law will host a range of speakers to talk about the future; a giant vertical kaleidoscope in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens; and The Party Button, an interactive artwork on the Goodwill Bridge that plays party tracks and turns on flashing lights when pressed. And, a number of other big events fall within the program also — such as World Science Festival Brisbane and GOMA's Up Late sessions as part of its new motorcycle-focused exhibition.
Watching famous faces star in TV dramas about taking luxe holidays is 2021's current trend, and fans of The White Lotus and Nine Perfect Strangers are definitely here for it. Getting a big dose of travel envy while you're binge-watching? Fancy doing more than spectating via your screen once border restrictions and lockdowns lift? If you're particularly keen to spend some time hanging out in a scenic Byron Bay retreat that's been doubling as the fictional Tranquillum House — and playing host to Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon and Luke Evans — you're in luck. In Nine Perfect Strangers, the real-life Somo Retreat doubles for Tranquillum — and it's now available to rent via Airbnb. So, your next getaway could see you literally following in Kidman and company's footsteps. We're talking about heading to the lavish location, and obviously not about navigating all of the show's twists and turns in real life. Soma is indeed all about heath and wellness just like its fictional counterpart, though, with the retreat stemming from technology entrepreneur Peter Ostick and wellness and meditation practitioner Gary Gorrow. You'll find it in Ewingsdale in New South Wales, and just a ten-minute drive outside of Byron Bay — and it has hit Airbnb as part of the platform's 'Luxe' offering of super swanky and expertly designed homes. If you've seen Nine Perfect Strangers, you'll know what you're in for in terms of facilities. The retreat comes complete with ten bedrooms all decked out with king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, rain showers, and either their own balconies or direct access to the terrace — and there's also a freshwater infinity pool, communal fire pit and 22 acres of bamboo forest. Yes, that geodesic yoga dome exists, too, or you can soak in some calm in the zen garden. [caption id="attachment_823169" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Vince Valitutti/Hulu[/caption] Unsurprisingly, this is a real treat yo'self kind of spot — and the type of getaway that'd need to involve gathering the gang for one hefty hangout — with bookings for the entire place costing a whopping $6279.43 a night. You can also opt to pay extra to include massages, meditation courses, and breath and bodywork sessions as part of your stay, or Ayurvedic meals made by a specialised chef. You can book a stay at Soma in Ewingsdale, New South Wales, via Airbnb. Head to the platform's website for further details. The first four episodes of Nine Perfect Strangers are available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes dropping weekly. Soma Retreat images: Romello Pereira. 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.
When New South Wales last experienced a COVID-19 cluster, Queensland shut its borders — first to select hotspots, then to Greater Sydney, then to all of NSW. Accordingly, when Sydney's northern beaches cluster began to grow in December, it didn't come as a surprise that the Sunshine State closed down again to folks from the Greater Sydney area. The latest border closure was announced back on Sunday, December 20 by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, and came into effect at 1am on Monday, December 21. All Greater Sydney local government areas were declared a hotspot, spanning 35 in total. And, while a few weeks have now passed, the situation isn't going to change any time soon. At her latest press conference today, Thursday, January 7, the Premier advised that the border situation won't be reviewed again until the end of January. "We are concerned still about Greater Sydney," she advised, noting that folks from the area "will not be allowed to come to Queensland — this will be reviewed at the end of the month". https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1346993917435150336 That means that anyone who has been in those Greater Sydney areas in the past 14 days still isn't allowed to access or quarantine in Queensland for the time being, and will be turned away at the border — whether you live in the hotspot areas or have visited them in the specified period. You'll only be permitted into Queensland if you receive an exemption as part of the reintroduced Queensland Border Declaration Pass system. And, if you do receive an exemption, you will be required to go into forced quarantine for 14 days, in a hotel, at your own expense. A 14-day forced quarantine period applies to Queensland residents returning home from Greater Sydney — in a hotel and at your own expense, too. And, if that's you, you can only return to the Sunshine State via air travel. Border checkpoints have been re-established, and anyone coming to Queensland from NSW — even from outside of Greater Sydney — also requires a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. If you've been in Orange, Nyngan or Broken Hill between Saturday, January 2–Sunday, January 3, you also need to get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you get a negative result. In addition, Premier Palaszczuk advised that the Queensland Government is watching the situation in Victoria, but isn't making any changes to its border arrangements with the southern state at yet. At present, anyone that's currently in Queensland who has been in Victoria in the last 14 days needs to get tested immediately and quarantine at home or in their accommodation until they get a negative result — and folks travelling up who've been in Victoria in the last 14 days have to get tested in Queensland once they get to their final destination, then quarantine until receiving a negative result. The latest statement regarding Queensland's borders comes as the state recorded one new local case in a hotel quarantine worker, and issued a health alert for a number of Brisbane locations. Queensland currently has 20 active COVID-19 cases. For more information about Queensland's border restrictions and requirements, head to the Queensland Government website.
Bubbling cauldrons of soup, freshly squeezed "juices of the dead", witches' pasta — yep, Ananas Bar and Brasserie is rising to the occasion this Halloween. Since delivering a bonkers mad hatters' brunch in May and a glamorous spring racing feast in September, the team has been turning its next-level talents to edible horrors. Your brunch ticket will score you as much as you can eat. And you can rest assured that every dish will be as scarily delicious as its looks. Prepare for perfectly sliced cured meats; slow-roasted leg of spring lamb, with rosemary, garlic, honey and roasted pumpkin, served as "dead of the night"; fish cakes jazzed up with a "sinister spread" of celeriac remoulade and confit lemon zest; "Dracula bites" of beetroot cured salmon, watercress, hard-boiled egg and horseradish creme fraiche in a pretzel roll; and loads more. Meanwhile, dessert will take the form of a cobwebbed graveyard, complete with edible spiders, coffins and soil, veiled by misty dry ice. For $55, melt your fears with two hours' worth of bottomless champagne. And/or sample one of the specially created cocktails, like the Eye to Eye: Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Lillet Blanc, Massenez ginger liquer, lime, fresh lemon juice, lychee puree and ginger syrup, served with ice, a "lychee eyeball" and fairy floss spider’s web garnish. As usual, expect the venue's interior to be utterly transformed, according to the theme. You may as well dress the part.
It's the first Australian-produced show to win the Tony Award for Best Musical. It's based on an adored Baz Luhrmann-directed, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor-starring film that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. With its tale of star-crossed lovers set to a toe-tapping soundtrack, it's been a Broadway sensation — and it's finally opening in Australia. That'd be Moulin Rouge! The Musical — and, if you're as keen to attend its Melbourne premiere season as its central duo are about each other (and about professing their affection through song), then you just might be able to nab yourself a cheap ticket. As has happened with The Book of Mormon, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Hamilton, a ticket lottery is being held for the production's homegrown debut run. Via Today Tix, you can sign up for your chance to score a ticket for just $30. Yes, that figure is accurate. This is your spectacular (spectacular) chance to see the acclaimed screen-to-stage musical for less than the price of a dinner. To take part in the lottery, you will need to download the Today Tix app — which is available for iOS and Android — and submit your entry each week for the next week's performances. The lottery will go live at 12.01am every Thursday morning, starting from today, Thursday, November 11, with winners drawn between 1–6pm on the following Wednesday. If your name is selected, you'll have an hour to claim your tickets from when you receive the good news. If you need a reminder, you can also sign up for lottery alerts via Today Tix, too. Opening at Melbourne's Regent Theatre on Friday, November 12, Moulin Rouge! The Musical brings to life the famed Belle Époque story of young composer Christian and his heady romance with Satine, actress and star of the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret. Set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris, the show is known for its soundtrack, celebrating iconic tunes from across the past five decades. The film was, too; however, the stage version backs up the movie's tracks with even more hit songs that have been released in the two decades since the feature premiered. Usually, tickets will set you back $95–219 a pop — so the $30 lottery really is an absolute bargain. There's no word yet on whether Moulin Rouge! The Musical will head to other Aussie cities later on. It's possible, as other big musicals, such as The Book of Mormon, have — and Hamilton has announced a move from Sydney to Melbourne, too. But, if you don't want to risk it, those located interstate should to start planning a trip ASAP — we think it'll be more than worth it. Moulin Rouge! The Musical will make its Australian premiere at Melbourne's Regent Theatre from Friday, November 12. To enter the Today Tix $30 lottery, download the company's iOS or Android app, and head to the company's website for more information — and to set up an alert. Images: Michelle Grace Hunder.
Since opening just six years ago, Assembly Label has made incredibly speedy progress. This month, the much-adored clothing brand launched yet another retail space, bringing its total to seven. Paddington's got the goods this time and, as Assembly fans might've come to expect, the store is minimalist and light — just like the garments hanging on the racks. "Drawing a direct parallel to the brand's pared-back approach to clothing, the design uses a minimalist palette of natural materials to create an inviting and airy space that feels more like a living room than a traditional retail environment," said architect Christopher Granville of Darlinghurst-based CM Studio, who worked on the design with business partner Megan Burns, in collaboration with the Assembly Label crew and furniture makers Mr and Mrs White. For those looking for summer gear or keen to spend some post-Christmas cash inside, you'll find this seasons' clothing range, as well as a handpicked selection of accessories and homewares. Paddington's appeal lies in its location for Assembly Label co-founder Damien Horan, including its history as a premium shopping precinct and sense of community. "We're very much at home amongst the terrace-lined streets, galleries, pubs and cafes," he explains. "Oxford Street itself quite literally forms a bridge between the city and the beach, which is a clear reflection of Sydney's cosmopolitan and coastal lifestyle — something that resonates directly with our brand and our customers." Find Assembly Label's Paddington store at 262 Oxford St, Paddington.
With their second album, Coexist, set to be released on Friday, September 7, The xx have given us a taste of what's to come with their new track 'Angels'. It's the first track off their forthcoming album, and is a beautiful song that left us wanting more. Thankfully it's not much longer now. Produced by The xx's Jamie Smith, Coexist was recorded over number of months between November 2011 and May 2012 in the band's own studio in London. The band said of their new song: “It’s been a long time since we’ve played you anything new. This song is called Angels, it is the first single from our new album, Coexist. We’ve been playing this song live recently, so it feels good to share with you the version we’ve been working on for so long. We hope you like it. xx The xx”. Tickets quickly sold out for both Australian shows — at The Forum in Melbourne on Wednesday, July 18 and The Metro in Sydney on Friday, July 20 — as well as Jamie xx's DJ Set at Goodgod on Thursday 19 July. There are unfortunately no hints of The XX crossing the ditch to New Zealand.
In a year where we've all become a little too familiar with our own kitchens and living rooms, the just-announced Eat Drink Design Awards 2020 should help fill a bit of a void. The annual hospitality design accolades have kicked on as normal, despite the pandemic, naming this year's pick of Australia's most stylish food and drink venues. While 2020 might have delivered fewer new hospitality haunts than usual, this year's awards still identified a cast of beautiful spaces located across the country. Where Melbourne and Victoria reigned supreme among the previous two lineups, this year was all about NSW, with the state claiming five out of the nine design awards. Sydney is home to a number of the recipients, including Surry Hills' Poly as joint winner in the Best Restaurant Design category. The "austerely chic" subterranean space beneath Paramount House Hotel won over the judges with its open kitchen, industrial edge and intelligent fit-out. It shares the title with the contrasting Osteria Tedesca — a relaxed, yet considered farmhouse-inspired restaurant located deep in the wine country of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. Other Sydneysiders on the lineup include the Darling Exchange Market Hall, which took out the retail design category for its unconventional, new-school food court, and fellow Haymarket resident Dopa — a donburi cafe and milk bar whose playful branding claimed it the title of Best Identity Design. Further afield, Adelaide's Leigh Street Wine Room nabbed the covetable top gong for Best Bar Design, lauded for its timeless Euro aesthetic, cosy space and impressive use of a small budget. And to check out the winner of the hotel design field, you'll need to venture to Armidale in NSW's northern tablelands, where the Tattersalls Hotel is showing off an award-winning restoration that nods playfully to its glamorous art deco heritage. Fresh out of lockdown, Melbourne emerged victorious in the cafe design category, with top honours going to Footscray's There Cafe. Here, the lofty wool store space once home to the Lonely Planet HQ has been transformed into a restrainedly sophisticated venue, featuring subtle tones, leather banquettes and considered industrial touches. Melbourne also claimed this year's revered Hall of Fame accolade, for long-running and legendary laneway cocktail bar Gin Palace. The awards were judged this year by a cast of experts, including Movida's Frank Camorra, restaurant critic Gemima Cody, founder of IF Architecture Iva Foschia, Sydney architect Jonathan Richards and Artichoke editor Cassie Hansen. [caption id="attachment_790716" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Osteria Tedesca by Tommy Miller[/caption] 2020 EAT DRINK DESIGN AWARD WINNERS Best Bar Design: Leigh Street Wine Room by Studio Gram (Adelaide, SA) Best Restaurant Design: Poly by Anthony Gill Architects (Surry Hills, NSW) and Osteria Tedesca by COX Architecture (Red Hill, VIC) Best Cafe Design: There Cafe by Ewert Leaf (Footscray, VIC) Best Hotel Design: Tattersalls Hotel Armidale by Luchetti Krelle (Armidale, NSW) Best Installation Design: Orana in Residence by SJB with Orana, Promena Projects and Tracey Deep (Surry Hills, NSW) Best Retail Design: Darling Exchange Market Hall by Anthony Gill Architects Lendlease Design (base build architects of record) (Haymarket, NSW) Best Identity Design: Dopa by The Colour Club (Haymarket, NSW) Hall of Fame: Gin Palace by Skidmark Designs with Garner Davis Architects (Melbourne VIC) For the full list of winners and commendations, head to the Eat Drink Design website. Top images: There Cafe by Jenah Piwanski, Poly by Kitti Smallbone, Leigh Street Wine Room by Josie Withers, Darling Exchange by Ben Hosking.
Wine. It's a perfect elixir that can make any ordinary, humdrum Wednesday into an unforgettable adventure. Sommeliers, wine folk and your parents have been harping on for years about wine's natural symbiosis with food — but what about situational drinking? What wine goes best with outdoor boxing in the park? (Yep.) Or should you bring white or red to the open air cinema? Don't worry, we've got your back. Using the same fundamental principles applied to pairing wine with food — take one element in the dish and pair it to one element in the wine — we've combed through the Vinomofo cellars to find you the best drinking drops no matter the occasion, time of day or experience you might find yourself in. And what's more, if you find yourself with some extra American Express reward points kicking around after all those winter purchases, you can use those babies to purchase some vino and start stocking up your home cellar. Here are the drops you should be looking to first. CHABLIS AND A TRIP TO THE FISH MARKETS Ah, Chablis: one of the purest expressions of Chardonnay there is. From its delicate acidity to the oyster shell, saline minerality that weaves its way through the palate, plus the wine's invigorating lemon sherbet finish, it's easy to see why the French drink it by the magnum. The most natural pairing in the world would be chilled oysters with fresh lemon squeezed over them (or if you want to be really French, a drizzle of the Chablis you're drinking) or a trip to the local fish markets to pick up some fresh scallops to sear at home. Add a little bit of 2014 Le Domaine d'Henri Les Allées du Domaine Chablis in the pan with some butter, garlic, fresh thyme and the scallops, and, more importantly, a little bit poured in your mouth while you're at it. Dinner, sorted. ROSE AND AN OPEN AIR CINEMA Springtime is well and truly on our doorstep. The daytime's losing that touch of chill in the air, the evenings are starting to feel balmy, and when you inhale, a sweet floral fragrance tickles your senses thanks to new spring blooms. This warmer, sweeter weather means the return of many great outdoor activities, including the spring/summer fave: outdoor cinemas. So, while sitting on the grass at your local open air cinema watching a classic like Top Gun or Ferris Buller's Day Off, you'll need a wine that encapsulates all those springtime flavours feels, something refreshing but also all about fun. Enter rosé. Dubbed 'spring in a glass' with its jasmine floral notes, hints of wild strawberries and just a touch of sage lingering on the finish to add dimension, the 2016 Chateau Sainte-Croix Charmeur Rosé is the perfect accompaniment to your homemade cheese and charcuterie plate as the sun goes down and the movie flickers on. PINOT NOIR AND FRIDAY NIGHT POKER WITH THE CREW It's Friday, the end of the working week, and this can be cause for celebration — or a chance to sit pants-less on the couch watching TV and relax. And for some, Friday calls for the overwhelming need to rob your friends blind of their hard-earned cash with a game of poker, all while inhaling slices of pizza. But what to pair with your large margherita pizza and the tears of your friends? If you really want to bring your A-game to pizza and poker night, bring a bottle 2014 Oakridge 864 'Lusatia Park Block B' Pinot Noir. At the higher end of the price bracket, this vino is worth every poker chip. It's a rare little gem from the Yarra Valley, with its cranberry notes and plum flavours that match harmoniously with the sweet tomato sauce of the pizza and high acidity that cuts through the greasiness of the cheese and dough. SPARKLING WINE AND AN OUTDOOR FITNESS CLASS We've all got that one friend, who, as soon as the weather starts to warm, wants to shake off the shackles of winter by throwing themselves into an outdoor fitness class or boot camp. And perhaps you are that friend. Well, do yourself a favour and put down that disappointing protein shake (with those lumps of banana that never quite seem to get pulverised in the blender) and pick up a bottle of bubbles, because nothing pairs better with sweat and sunshine like sparkling wine. Think about it; you're lying on the grass, exhausted, you've doused yourself in what feels like ten litres of water and you're still not refreshed. Then, a glass of NV Bisou Bisou Blanc de Blancs is handed to you, and from the first sip of its lemon zest and granny smith apple notes, you feel instantly revived. Now, aren't you glad you did those extra ten burpees? PRIMITIVO AND THE 'CASUAL' MEET-THE-PARENTS BARBECUE There is one experience we can all agree is universally terrifying: meeting your significant other's parents for the first time. When the day arrives, you start to break into a cold sweat with a thousand questions running through your mind. What do I wear? Do I have time for a haircut between now and then? What happens if they don't like my jokes? But one question inevitably rises above all others: what should I bring? This epitomises what wine was made for; it will be your friend and ally calming your nerves, your buffer between awkward pauses and the catalyst for a great first impression. So what's the ideal drop to get the conversation started? The 2015 Bollina 'Tavros' Primitivo di Manduria. And what's Primitivo you ask? It's the grape variety that has a long, proud lineage in Italy and is a very close relative (almost genetically identical) to the Zinfandel grape variety widely planted in California. The most appealing part of this style of wine is that it's a killer accompaniment to barbecued meats, as its flavour profile is similar to a Barossa Shiraz (another conversation starter) with firm tannins, dark and opulent fruits and just the right amount of vanilla oak that screams for protein to break it down. Treat yourself this spring. More and more places welcome American Express — like Vinomofo — and you can even use your reward points to pay off your purchases, so you'll feel like you're winning at life as you use all those points you've collected over winter
If you missed out on the last Sydney Contemporary, fret not. The Other Art Fair returns this March. The celebrated global event returns to Sydney for the fifth time on the weekend of March 14–17. The fair will showcase a lively collection of emerging artists in the stimulating surrounds of Eveleigh's creative hub, Australian Technology Park. Presented by Saatchi Art, this year's fair is bigger than ever before. The creative works of more than 120 carefully chosen artists, each selected by a prominent panel of art industry experts, will be up for sale. From the ornate to the inexpensive, The Other Art Fair 2019 offers thousands of artworks starting at as little as $100. Plus, all of the artists will be on-site, so you can chat with them and hear the stories behind your chosen piece. The vast four-day event is complemented by an eclectic array of art activations, workshops and immersive performances, plus street food and DJ sets. Make a party out of it by attending on opening night ($25), or stop by for a general browse between Friday to Sunday. The fair will be open from 2–10pm on Friday, 11am–7pm on Saturday and 10am–5pm on Sunday, and general entry tickets cost $20 online or $30 on the door.
White Rabbit Gallery is unique among Sydney galleries in that it focuses on 21st century works and specifically showcases Chinese art. Following a lengthy closure, its next exhibition promises to be a real treat. Big in China is a collection of works from a dozen different artists that seeks to answer the question of how you can represent and capture the spirit of a nation of over a billion people. See how the nation's rich history, cultural practices and incredible creativity all play parts in creating inspiring artworks that resonate on a personal level with such a large proportion of the world's population. The artworks here take just about every shape and form. There's a Corinthian column twisting like a snake and following attendees around the room, large-scale colourful pieces, video game installations and towering rock-like sculptures. The Chippendale gallery is open 10am–5pm Wednesdays–Sundays and entry is free.
We were already planning to spend all summer on Cockatoo Island's new Island Bar. Think striped deck chairs, croquet tournaments and some of Sydney's best cocktails, courtesy of mixologist extraordinaire Marco Faraone. Who needs ferries when you can stay the night (or the week)? Then, just when we thought things couldn't get any better, they've upped the stakes. This weekend Cockatoo Island officially transforms into Cocktail Island, a two-day long festival celebrating all the best bits of bar and cocktail culture. We hear it will be a maze of cocktail stands and tasting rooms, likely to transform into a Baccalian melee. Classics like Negronis and Martinis will be offered alongside the newest and hippest from around the globe, with only the world's leading spirits used in the mix. It's a time not only for tippling but for learning. Master classes will be held with international guest speakers, including the unmissable tequila expert Julio Bermejo. Get worded up on cocktail history, current trends and even take-home tips for the perfect guest-impressers. Unlike your favourite music festival, tickets are a mere $15 (plus booking fee) then you only pay for the bits - well, the drinks - that you like.
My my, how can you resist this? MAMMA MIA! The Musical is bringing its Greek-set onstage party back to Sydney in 2023 — and if you're a musical fan, an ABBA devotee or perennially keen to indulge in 70s nostalgia, you'll want to be there. By now, the hit production is well-known around the world, including from previous Aussie runs. It has spawned not one but two movies, too. And, its tale of a young bride-to-be's quest to find her father before her wedding will liven up Sydney Lyric from Saturday, May 27. Here we go again with this restaging of the popular 2017 production, which is filled both with romantic chaos and 22 ABBA tracks. It's one of the biggest jukebox musical hits of the past quarter-century, in fact, as seen by over 65 million people worldwide so far. And, for this run, Elise McCann will be playing Donna Sheridan, after she played Ali in the 2009 season. Sarah Krndija (9 to 5 The Musical, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical and Friends! The Musical Parody) steps into Sophie's shoes, while Martin Crewes (Handa's The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour), Drew Livingston (War Horse) and Tim Wright (New Amsterdam) play her three potential dads. The story, as theatre audiences have enjoyed since 1999, follows 20-year-old Sophie, who is about to marry her fiancé Sky on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. It's her dream for her dad to walk her down the aisle, but courtesy of her mother Donna's old diary, she learns that her father could be one of three men: Sam Carmichael, Bill Austin or Harry Bright. Calling all dancing queens, obviously — with that track, the titular number, and everything from 'Money, Money, Money', 'Thank You for the Music', 'Super Trouper' and 'The Name of the Game' to 'SOS', 'Does Your Mother Know', 'Waterloo' and 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' featuring (and 'Take a Chance on Me', 'The Winner Takes It All' and, of course, 'I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do', too). The new Australian run hails from producers Michael Coppel, Louise Withers and Linda Bewick, plus Helpmann Award-winning director Gary Young, choreographer Tom Hodgson and musical supervisor Stephen Amos. Images: James D Morgan / David Hooley.
As part of the New South Wales Government's response to two locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in Sydney, face masks will be compulsory in indoor public settings across Greater Sydney for the next three days. The mandatory requirement will come into effect from 5pm Thursday, May 6, and run through until 12am on Monday, May 10. Sydneysiders, including those who live in Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast, must don a mask when they are indoors in public. That includes shopping at supermarkets, shopping centres and other retail stores; on public and shared transport; and at all other public indoor venues including theatres and aged care facilities. They'll also be mandatory for all staff working at hospitality venues. Face coverings have not been mandatory in NSW since restrictions on masks on public transportation on Monday, March 29. The reinstating of restrictions comes after a man in Sydney's eastern suburbs tested positive for COVID-19 with an unknown source on Thursday, May 5. His wife then tested positive overnight. Compulsory mask-wearing isn't the only new restriction announced today, Thursday, May 6, for Greater Sydney, either. Under the new snap restrictions, singing and dancing will be banned in indoor venues, and no more than 20 people will be allowed to gather in homes. Patrons are also required to remain seated while drinking at venues; however, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian implored those with Mother's Day bookings or tickets for outdoor events to not to change their plans this weekend. The Premier also advised that anyone who can adopt the new restrictions — including wearing masks — before 5pm today should do so. NSW Health has also been updating the COVID-19 venues of concern list. Anyone who has visited these venues during the times specified are required to get tested and self-isolate until provided with an update from NSW Health. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
As early-pandemic travel restrictions fade into memory, vacationing around the world is beginning to return to normal. That said, if a Japan trip has been your dream for the past few years, you'll know that the rules haven't eased everywhere. Back in May, the Japanese government started trialling letting strictly controlled package tours — including with Australian tourists — into the country. Then in early June, it broadened those entry requirements and began allowing in visitors from a heap of nations. The next step: permitting travellers, including from Down Under, to make the journey even when they aren't on guided tours. In welcome news, from Wednesday, September 7, visitors will be able to enter Japan without being on a controlled tour — but there are still a number of rules in place. The key caveat: you do still need to have booked a package through a travel agency, even if it just covers your flights and accommodation. Whatever you lock in, it no longer needs to include a guide overseeing your every move. The Japan Times reports that travellers will be allowed into Japan as long as they meet the main requirement to book via a travel agency, and also apply for a visa — with the country's daily arrival cap going up to 50,000 per day, too. "The key is to have a sponsor in Japan, like a travel agency, and that they know the whereabouts of the traveller on a given day," a Japanese Government official told the publication. "They will also offer information on Japan's social-distancing rules and be the contact person if travellers get sick." If you'd like to stay in accommodation that isn't offered by travel agents, however — such as private rentals or small inns — your plans won't be permitted under the eased requirements. So, Tokyo jaunts will get easier, and soon — although the Japan Government hasn't announced if or when it'll revert to pre-pandemic travel arrangements as yet. Still, if you're desperate to hit up a Super Nintendo theme park, you've always wanted to walk across Shibuya's famous scramble crossing, or you're keen to sing karaoke in a ferris wheel — or you'd prefer to wander around the Studio Ghibli museum, make a date with the animation house's upcoming theme park, or hit up all the izakaya or ramen joints possible, too — this is welcome news. Also effective from Wednesday, September 7, pre-arrival negative COVID-19 tests will no longer be needed for travellers to Japan who've had three coronavirus vaccinations. Japan's new border rules will come into effect on Wednesday September 7. For further details about visiting Japan and its border restrictions, head to the Government of Japan website. Via The Japan Times / Bloomberg.
One of Redfern's most beloved eateries, Ron's Upstairs, will close its doors after five years of feeding Sydneysiders with rotisserie-starring Mediterranean fare and a hugely agreeable drinks list amid a haven of late-70s kitsch. The team behind Ron's Upstairs has unceremoniously broken the news via Instagram with a message saying: "Hi All. The time has come to close the doors to Ron's Upstairs. We say this with a heavy heart that our last service will be Saturday 7 May. We want to take this opportunity to thank all that have come through the doors and hopefully we'll get to see your faces one last time. Cheers." When we know more about the future of the team and what's next for the venue space, we'll provide an update. In the meantime, switch off the fairy lights and pay your respects then make a booking for one final hit out before the pippis with white wine and cherry tomato soffritto and that rotisserie chook live on in legend alone. Ron's Upstairs is located at 133A Redfern Street, Redfern. It will close its doors on Saturday, May 7. Images: Kitti Gould.
A night of fast and funny entertainment is in store at the Giant Dwarf's Cut & Paste. The scratch night features an array of performers testing out ten minutes of their respective acts. Cut & Paste is presented in conjunction with Rock Surfers Theatre Company and is a bimonthly event featuring entertainers of all kinds — poets, magicians, acrobats, comics and more. Nothing is off limits, as previous nights have included Twitter dance parties, rap battles, ghost stories and voodoo. Performing at May 12's Cut and Paste are musician Elana Stone, The Chaser's Chris Taylor and Andrew Hansen, artist Malcolm Whittaker, playwright Emily Sheehan, cabaret act Sugar and Vice and theatre makers Teik Kim Pok and Kevin Ng. In addition to Cut & Paste, Giant Dwarf hosts regular comedy and storytelling events like Story Club, Erotic Fan Fiction and the Bear Pack. Photo by Helen Melville
The Flinders Hotel is officially back in business, or will be. The much loved Sydney pub ceased operations back in January last year, with management laying the blame squarely on the NSW lockout laws. Nevertheless, the new owner has big plans for the historic location, and is believes he can make them work. "We're very confident we can turn things around," a spokesperson for the new owner, who we can't reveal just yet, exclusively told Concrete Playground this week. "[We've] changed the whole complexion…[we're] not just a late night venue anymore." Indeed, the rebooted Flinders wants to get people through the doors early, an ambition that's set to be reflected by the décor. Describing the new features as "a little bit upmarket," Flinders' spokesperson says the new fitout will include a marble bar, new wallpaper and a greater emphasis on natural light. Alongside the brand-spanking new interior comes an updated menu with a focus on gourmet pizza, gourmet burgers, ribs and "a pretty decent wine list." Sounds like Picklebacks are off the menu, folks. That said, the new owner isn't ditching the old Flinders feel entirely — and hey, why squander a 3am license? "We still want to use it as a live music venue," the spokesperson assures us. "We're connected with a lot of Sydney bands and a lot of DJs." Once the venue is up and running, the new owner will also invite other local performers to make use of the space. "Not to the extent of Cirque du Soleil, but something like that," the spokesperson says. The Flinders is set to reopen in the lead up to Christmas. Look for it at 65 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst.
Arguably the worst part of travel is the bit where you actually have to travel. Sitting in an over-cramped, over-air-conditioned metal tube for 20+ hours almost makes post-pasta swims in the Mediterranean seem too much trouble than it's worth (almost). But until we're at The Fifth Element stage where we can just hop in a capsule and get knocked out cold for the duration of the journey, we'll just have to be content with airlines' attempts at cutting down flight times and transfers. In huge news for Aussie travellers, Qantas over the weekend announced they will start operating a direct flight from Australia to Europe from March 2018. Thanks to their new Dreamliner 787-9 aircraft — which is set to start flying in October 2017 — the airline's non-stop flights from Perth to London will take approximately 17 hours. It will be considerably quicker than their current route, which, with their partnership with Emirates, includes a rather hellish stopover in Dubai (as all stopovers are). It would be the first and only direct flight from Australia to Europe. "This is a game-changing route flown by a game-changing aircraft," Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said in a Qantas press release. "Australians have never had a direct link to Europe before, so the opportunities this opens up are huge." We first reported on this back in October, when Qantas were still in negotiations with the Western Australian Government and Perth Airport to lock down the new route. It seems they managed to reach an agreement, as the new Perth-London flight will operate from Qantas' domestic terminal at Perth Airport, to make the stopover as smooth as possible for travellers coming from other states. The airline recently revealed the layout for their new Dreamliner fleet, which will be two-thirds the size of the 747s they will eventually replace and have only 236 seats (as opposed to the 747's 364 seats). Economy will have a 3:3:3 seat situation (as opposed to the 3:4:3), as well as USB ports and an extra inch of leg room. Hurrah for leg room! Plus, they also revealed some new branding, which includes new typography on the side of their planes. The Perth to London route will start operating in March 2018, and flights will go on sale from April 2017.
When you imagine the film that would unite Aussie powerhouse actors Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska and Jacki Weaver, you probably think gritty outback drama. You don't think violent neo-gothic Bildungsroman directed by renowned South Korean director Chan-Wook Park (Old Boy) and set in wealthy New England. But that's what you get with Stoker, a film that's bewitchingly stylish but anchored by an intense performance from Wasikowska. Wasikowska plays India Stoker, a somewhat sheltered loner of a girl who is deeply sensitive to small sensations — but that's where her commonalities with Amelie end. On her 18th birthday, she learns that her loving father (Dermot Mulroney) has died in a car accident. Besides being left with her less demonstrative mother, Evelyn (Kidman) in their big ol' house, India now has to deal with the arrival of her unknown and perturbing uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode). He is soon followed by his aunt Gwendolyn (Weaver), who appears to have an urgent message to impart to young India. Gwendolyn disappears and we have a movie, where Charlie obsessively draws closer to India while India tries to figure out who she really is. See Stoker for its striking imagery (including one tracking shot you won't forget) and cool mood of creepiness. Stoker is in cinemas on August 29, and thanks to Twentieth Century Fox, we have a Stoker prize pack to give away, containing a collector's poster signed by Mia Wasikowska and Chan-Wook Park and a Fox Searchlight DVD pack (including Black Swan, Ruby Sparks and Hitchcock). To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address. https://youtube.com/watch?v=NPIi5sHmkAw
Another of your childhood favourites is making the leap from movie to stage musical — this time, the Robin Williams-starring Mrs Doubtfire. The theatre production will once again follow the plight of a divorced dad and struggling actor who's desperate to see his kids, and so dresses up as a kindly English nanny in order to spend time with them. Originally based on Anne Fine's bestselling novel Alias Madame Doubtfire, the 1993 film won two Golden Globes — for best musical or comedy, and for best actor in a musical or comedy for Williams — as well as an Oscar for best makeup. If the stage musical version sounds familiar, that's because it was originally mooted back in 2015. Then, last year, a different team hopped onboard, revived the project and announced that it was actually going to happen — unlike the film sequel that was planned in the early 00s, but didn't ever come to fruition. (And no, Arrested Development's homage, aka Tobias Funke's Mrs Featherbottom, doesn't really count.) Set to premiere at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre this year, the Mrs Doubtfire musical will then give Broadway hot flashes from March 9, 2020, ahead of its proper New York launch on April 5. Both productions will star Rob McClure, who nabbed a Tony nomination in 2013 for Chaplin, and is currently treading Broadway's boards in another movie-to-theatre adaptation: Beetlejuice. If you need a refresher on just what McClure will get up to when Mrs Doubtfire hits the stage, check out the original film trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqxpC_jYncE Behind the scenes, the musical's creative team includes director Jerry Zaks, and writers John O'Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick (book) plus Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick (music and lyrics) – all taking on the task of bringing the beloved flick to the stage. Between them all, they boast an impressive history. Zaks has won four Tonys, including for the 1992 revival of Guys and Dolls, and also has Little Shop of Horrors, Le Cage aux Folles, A Bronx Tale, Sister Act and Hello, Dolly! on his resume. As for the writing team, they're behind nine-time Tony nominee Something Rotten!. Planning to visit New York next year? Pre-sale tickets are currently available for the Broadway season, with regular sales starting on November 1. If it wasn't evident before this news, then it is now — the combination of nostalgically remembering enjoyable flicks from years gone by and adding songs to the mix seems to be a licence to print money. In recent years, everything from Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bring It On and Mean Girls has made the leap to the stage, plus The Bodyguard, Amelie, Waitress, Muriel's Wedding and Moulin Rouge!. A stage version of The Devil Wears Prada is also in the works, as are theatre adaptations of Empire Records, The Notebook, The Princess Bride, Magic Mike and Aussie classic Starstruck. Via Playbill.
Whether you're a kitchen whiz or meal-improv-aficionado, nobody can deny the simple pleasure of eating a meal made with your own hands. If you're lacking culinary skills and wish to change that, a great place to start is Sydney Seafood School. Located in the famed Sydney Fish Market, this all-inclusive cookery academy offers masterclasses in the realm of prepping, cooking and serving damn fine seafood dishes and has a spring cooking class series ready and waiting for eager students. There's a class for every skill level, from total beginner to self-acclaimed expert. Each class is led by an (actual) expert chef who is passionate about sharing their craft. This goes beyond showing how to perfectly pan-fry a salmon fillet. You could learn how to slice sashimi flawlessly, how to fillet a whole fish, the secret to cooking live crabs and much more. There are also classes themed around seafood specialties from all over the world, with Korean, French, Middle Eastern, Spanish, Italian, Singaporean and First Nation recipe-focused classes all making appearances in the program. Take a look, and you'll see there really is something for every kind of seafood lover. Sydney Seafood School offers classes every Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to book a class, visit the website.
Located above the current Sydney Fish Market site, the Sydney Seafood School has been a staple for top-notch cooking classes for over 30 years now. Following some reduced seasons of classes due to the pandemic, the school is back with a hefty spring season of classes featuring some of the best chefs in the biz. The program is expansive but highlights include a Sundowener Session with Lankan Filling Station's O Tama Carey where the acclaimed chef will take guests through some of her favourite Sri Lankan dishes over a drink. There's a healthy seafood and veg class with online sensation Tom Walton, a First Nations Seafood class with Rockpool Dining Group's Luke Bourke, and a masterclass with Danielle Alvarez formerly of Fred's. Other classes in the program are based around specific dishes, with attendees mastering the art of Singapore chilli mud crab, Malaysian laksa, Spanish tapas, sea urchin and retro Australian-Chinese. To check out the full program head here. The cost of classes ranges from $110–240 — and with this quality of dishes and calibre of chefs, you're getting a lot of bang-for-your-buck. Hot tip: tickets to any one of these would go down a treat as a gift. Top image: Franz Scheurer
In frightening news, we're almost halfway through the year so a well-deserved escape from your desk is on the cards. Whether you're saving up your leave for a trip abroad or waiting impatiently for enough to accrue, we've got a solution that allows you to coast through the work week without using up any precious annual leave. Enjoy a scenic four-hour drive up to sunny Port Macquarie where you can trade the confines of your home office for a week of remote working with a view and mornings and evenings (and some cheeky lunch breaks) spent discovering the picturesque region. Start your day with a swim or hike at one of the surrounding beaches or rainforests, before setting up shop in a local cafe. Ditch your usual meal-prepped salad for some fresh seafood overlooking the water, and then close out a day of work with a meal at one of the city's many stellar restaurants or a cellar door. Read on for our top picks of where to stay, eat and explore around Port Macquarie. Where to Stay Ditch the fake Zoom background for a real view that'll make your colleagues jealous. Whether you opt for a cosy motel, boutique apartments or a luxe resort, you're guaranteed idyllic views of the water at each of these hotels. Keep it simple at The Mid Pacific, which offers five different room types to suit solo travellers, couples and groups alike. The modern motel overlooks the Hastings River and is an ideal base from which to post up for the week with kitchenette and private balcony in every room, plus a communal laundry. If you've convinced a mate or two to tag along, Macquarie Waters has one- to three-bedroom options for your stay. Located a stone's throw away from Town Beach, various shops and popular eateries, such as Bandwagon and Zebu Bar & Restaurant, the apartment hotel also has a pool, hot tub and free parking. For the ultimate beach vacay experience, choose to unwind at Sails Port Macquarie. The newly refurbished resort boasts sprawling views of the Hastings, an outdoor heated pool and spa, a tennis court, three restaurants and room service. Your full inbox will seem much more manageable when you're holed up in a poolside cabana with drinks and snacks on hand. Must-Try Dining Port Macquarie's dining scene has evolved in recent years. Cafes, bars and restaurants take full advantage of the region's fresh produce and seafood while working closely with local producers. Kick off your day with a picture-perfect piccolo at Banks, which serves breakfast classics and coffee by the river in McInherney Park. Drop in to the coastal cafe for seasonal brunch dishes including poached pear brioche toast, reuben benedict, butter-poached prawn croissant and chorizo scrambled eggs. On Friday and Saturday evenings, you can sip on a glass of wine or a cocktail while enjoying the sunset when the cafe transforms into a romantic restaurant for dinner. Beat the afternoon slump with a light lunch or go for a post-work wine and dine at Zebu Bar & Restaurant. The Italian restaurant offers everything from sunrise coffee to sunset cocktails in an airy space by the Hastings River, with dishes that include a blue swimmer crab risotto, gnocchi with garlic chilli prawns, chargrilled swordfish and seared chicken with portobello mushroom, smoked eggplant, hazelnut salsa and prosciutto crisp. Continue your Italian journey at Bar Florian. Inspired by the famed Caffé Florian in Venice, the inviting eatery serves a selection of antipasto, such as French brie with chilli jam, and gourmet pizzas. Unmissable Attractions Between endless emails and dreary meetings, reignite your curiosity with some of Port Macquarie's inspiring nature. Whether you want to ride the waves, hike through lush rainforests, visit koalas or wander through charming rural towns, there's an experience for every type of traveller. Tack another trip onto your time away with a short drive to nearby Wauchope. The country town is well worth visiting for a day, with historic museums, local bakeries and cascading waterfalls. If you've only got a short lunch break but are itching to get out and explore, the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is located just three minutes from Port Macquarie's CBD. Stretch your legs with a one-kilometre stroll along the looping boardwalk before stopping in at the Rainforest Cafe for lunch or a coffee. Finally, make some new furry friends at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. The rehabilitation facility and research centre is committed to the conservation of koalas, with treatment rooms, intensive care units, recovery yards and a round-the-clock rescue operation. Admission is free, but the non-profit will gratefully accept donations, and any purchases from the gift shop will go towards the care of these endangered animals. To start planning your break and find out more, head to the Port Macquarie website.
Nickelodeon, the makers of You Can't Do That on Television, must have been onto something: slime may well hold the key to a sustainable future, if the creation of the world's first algae-powered building is any indication. Titled BIQ (Bio Intelligence Quotient) House, the zero-energy apartment block opened at Hamburg's International Business Exhibition last week and is the product of collaboration between multinational company Arup (the brains behind the Sydney Opera House and the Pompidou Centre), Austria's Splitterwerk and Germany's Strategic Scientific Consulting. Here's how it works: The southeast and southwest, sun-facing sections of the building's facade feature a 'second outer shell', which contains 129 glass bioreactors, filled with microalgae. A circuitous water supply provides the algae with carbon dioxide and liquid nutrients, which, in combination with sunshine, stimulate photosynthesis and growth. Once the algae is dense enough, it is harvested and taken to a special room in the BIQ House, where it is fermented and utilised in the production of biogas, thus becoming a renewable energy source. In comparison with other land-dwelling plants, algae can create five times as much biomass (organic material that translates as fuel) per hectare. Simultaneously, the facade functions a little like a solar thermal system. Any sunshine unneeded by the algae is transformed into heat, which can be used immediately or stored underground. Conventional needs are met, also, as the facade is a powerful source of shade and insulation, providing protection from cold, heat and noise. The BIQ House is but one of many slimy possibilities for the future. Earlier this year, Arup's Foresight + Innovation team published It's Alive, a report outlining ideas for the built environment come 2050, when the global population will most likely number 9 billion and three-quarters of people will inhabit cities. Arup's vision incorporates "intelligent buildings that can make informed and calculated decisions based on their surrounding environment" and have the capacity to "produce food, energy and resources". Via Inhabitat.
Symmetry, pastel hues and an astonishing cast: they're all now part of your 2023 plans. Two years after The French Dispatch hit cinemas, Wes Anderson is returning to the big screen with Asteroid City, his 11th feature. Even better: it's now officially on the release slate for the year, featuring a Moonrise Kingdom-esque setup and just about every well-known actor that the filmmaker has ever worked with before (and then some). First, mark midyear in your diary. Asteroid City just locked in a US release date of June 16, 2023, and hopefully it'll reach cinemas Down Under not too long afterwards. That timing makes it an obvious choice to play at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where The French Dispatch and Moonrise Kingdom also premiered, and then possibly hit the Sydney Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival and New Zealand International Film Festival in this part of the world. Next, the premise. Those Moonrise Kingdom vibes spring from Asteroid City's plot, with the film following a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention in the titular — and fictional — American desert town. Students and their parents descend on the contest from around the country, all in the name of scholarly competition; however, then world-changing events shake things up. Anderson penned the script alongside his frequent writing partner Roman Coppola, who also co-wrote Moonrise Kingdom and The Darjeeling Limited, and has a story credit on Isle of Dogs and The French Dispatch. [caption id="attachment_881607" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raffi Asdourian via Flickr[/caption] Helping bring the story to life on-screen is everyone from Jason Schwartzman (I Love That for You), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Jeffrey Wright (The Batman), Tilda Swinton (Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio) and Ed Norton (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) to Adrien Brody (See How They Run), Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan), Willem Dafoe (The Northman), Tony Revolori (Servant), Stephen Park (Warrior) and Bryan Cranston (Better Call Saul) — and, of course, Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic World Dominion) — all of whom are Anderson regulars. They'll be joined by Tom Hanks (Elvis), Margot Robbie (Amsterdam), Steve Carell (The Patient), Matt Dillon (Proxima), Hong Chau (The Menu), Hope Davis (Succession), Rupert Friend (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Maya Hawke (Stranger Things), Jake Ryan (Uncut Gems), Grace Edwards (Call Jane), Aristou Meehan (The Contractor), Sophia Lillis (IT: Chapter Two), Ethan Lee (Mr Robinson) and Rita Wilson (Kimi). We told you that the cast list was hefty. It's too early yet for a glimpse at Asteroid City, but you can check out the trailer for Moonrise Kingdom below in the interim: Asteroid City will release in the US on June 16, 2023, with exact dates Down Under yet to be confirmed — we'll update you when the local release date is locked in. Top image: Moonrise Kingdom.
If you're in a part of Australia that's sweating through a heatwave right now — Sydney is set to break its record for the most days above 35 degrees in a season — you've probably been visualising trickling streams and cannonballing into a body of water for a few days now. But how about gliding down a waterslide straight into the ocean? A photo posted by Jongkol Palarit (@pookjongkol) on Jan 20, 2017 at 12:23am PST Unfortunately the cooling relief is purely a psychological one, as this slide of slides is located at luxury resort Soneva Jani in Medhufaru (Noonu Atoll) in the Maldives. The moderately-sized waterslide takes guests from the top deck straight into the ridiculously clear blue private waters the resort resides on top of. You can do all this between courses at dinner or drinks on the catamaran nets that are suspended just above the water. The resort, which opened at the end of last year, boasts 25 over-water villas — all of which include their own private outdoor decks, pools, access to the ocean and retractable roofs. If you're already picturing yourself there, note that villas start at a huge $2000 AUD per night, with some even exceeding $10,000 a night. So while going to the Maldives would be a great right about now, we might just have to live in hope that Australia's main swimming spots gets a slide — we can definitely picture one down at Clovelly in Sydney or jutting off the pier at St Kilda.
A collaboration that's immersed in colour and vibrancy, Sydney-based visual artist Dreamcatchersdreamtime, aka George Barnes, regularly teams up with the brains behind Think Positive Prints, Emilie Cacace. And they'll be doing so again for another iteration of the Miller Design Lab — an innovative event series we're hosting with Miller Genuine Draft at SoHigh Gallery in Melbourne, featuring some of the most exciting contemporary artists and musicians Australia has to offer. Here, we speak with Barnes and Cacace about creative inspirations and their latest project that brings a colourful, experimental spectacle to the Miller Design Lab on Saturday, March 23. George Barns and Emilie Cacace are more than just artistic collaborators. They're also partners outside of work, having recently turned their duo into a trio, with the arrival of son Louie, who has become a helpful source of inspiration. "I'm generally working on a few projects at once," says Barnes. "I always have creative chats with Emilie, talk about dream projects with my friends, and our son Louie always keeps me feeling inspired." As Dreamcatchersdreamtime, Barnes constructs powerful narratives that explore the universe through art, culture, lifestyle and ideas, all while he moonlights as the senior textile designer for much-loved Australian fashion label Sass & Bide. These collaborations between him and Cacace are something of a match made in heaven; she plays a leading role at Think Positive Prints, an internationally renowned digital printer specialising in ultra high-coloured and detailed fabrics. "I've been working with digital printing for the past 12 years, and I want my next major thing to be figuring out how to bring new life into the industry," explains Cacace. "I still want to create beautiful textiles and products, but treat them differently and not so literally." Since the pair has lived and worked together over the last nine years, they find great satisfaction whenever they have the chance to combine their skills."I watch George working on creative projects every night, dreaming up his next creation and collaboration — it's exciting to be able to print what he comes up with," explains Cacace. So for their latest collaboration, the Sydney-based duo is turning to a variety of unconventional fabrics to produce a spectacular array of new textures and patterns. They'll take over the SoHigh Gallery on Saturday, March 23, hosting a Miller Design Lab event that's set to stimulate audiences with intense music, light projections and flickers of gold. "Emilie and I are producing two large-scale textile pieces that will be integrated into the space down in Melbourne," says Barnes. "I think they're going to look really wonderful — rippling moire textures meet high-gloss, golden goodness!" Outside of their own work, the duo finds much artistic inspiration all over the world. Some of their favourites include the large-scale resin installations by Sterling Ruby, the environmental works of Olafur Eliasson and Jedda-Daisy Culley's spirited paintings. They also have a few regular Melbourne spots that they often gravitate towards whenever they need to recharge. "Baker Bleu has the best bread in Australia," says Barnes. "But we also love heading to Supernormal for a dope snack or Bar Americano for one of their next-level cocktails. And if we're after something a bit fancy, there's great French cuisine and vino at France-Soir." Despite all their successes, neither Barnes nor Cacace are thinking about slowing down. Soon, the pair are moving their creative practices to the United States. However, in the meantime, they have a range of projects to finish up in Australia. Undoubtedly an exciting time for the young family, they offer some advice for any hopeful artists out there: "do what you love doing deep down," says Barnes, before Cacace adds, "Start somewhere, grow and be proud of each stage. Experience is everything, so give it your all and talk, collaborate and get involved." Images: Kitti Gould.
Carriageworks is always up for surprising happenings. And, this month, things are going next level, thanks to Liveworks Festival of Experimental Art 2019. For 11 days, every nook and cranny of Carriageworks will be full of experimental art hosted by Performance Space — from installations and performances to chats, workshops and parties. At the heart of the action, you'll find the Bombay Sapphire Canvas Bar. This spot is about more than just getting a drink — although you certainly can do that. Visit this multi-sensory hub to immerse yourself in Sonic Nightcap, a series of after-hours gigs, intelligent conversations and interactive experiences, so you can continue your exploration of creativity with a drink in hand. And the best part? Every event on the lineup is completely free to attend. Keeping you company will be a gin-infused cocktail menu, featuring experimental takes on the classic G&T, including one spiked with ginger and mint, and another inspired by the negroni. Whatever your beverage of choice, be sure to match it with one — or all — of these five gigs and talks. STIFF GINS Since forming in 1999, Stiff Gins has become one of Australia's best-loved Indigenous acts. The duo of powerful singers, Nardi Simpson and Kaleena Briggs, has travelled all over the world delivering stunning harmonies and clever songs in between releasing three albums. The duo's latest project, Spirit of Things: Sound of Objects, combines music and theatre in a sonic response to Indigenous objects held in museums across the planet. This performance, created in collaboration with British director Felix Cross, celebrates these objects by reconnecting them to their homeland. When? Saturday, October 19 from 9.30pm. LONELYSPECK Travelling all the way from Adelaide will be Lonelyspeck, the project of singer, songwriter and producer Sione Teumohenga. Taking inspiration from acts like Arca, Charli XCX, Linkin Park and fellow Adelaidians Hummingbird, they combine pop melodies with expansive soundscapes and personal lyrics. During the past few months, they've played gigs all over Australia, and released singles 'My Angel Goes Before Me' and 'Drown'. You can hear those tracks and Lonelyspeck's many other dreamy tunes with a G&T in hand after watching the Sydney premiere of dance performance Double Double or multidisciplinary solo performance plenty serious TALK TALK. When? Wednesday, October 23 from 9.30pm. NARETHA WILLIAMS The work of Melbourne-based Wiradjuri woman Naretha Williams brings together composition, experimental audio art and sound engineering in adventures into identity, place, body and the unseen. Her recent pieces include 'CTGTTCTTTC', a recording commissioned for Melbourne's Federation Bells, and Blak Mass, a performance that transformed Melbourne's Town Hall — and its grand organ — into an immersive music piece based on Williams' DNA code. Experience her creative wonders for yourself following a two-hour vibraphonics workshop or Betty Grumble's The Unshame Machine. When? Friday, October 25 from 9.30pm. ALYX DENNISON Alyx Dennison hit the music scene around ten years ago as one half of kyü, a duo that played many of the world's great festivals, including SXSW (US), The Great Escape (UK) and Homebake. Since then, Dennison has been composing and performing furiously for projects of all kinds — from Shaun Parker's AM I and Agatha Gothe-Snape's Rhetorical Chorus to Hilary Bell's play Splinter, which just finished a run at Griffin Theatre. In 2015, she released her first solo album Popfrenzy/Caroline. Hear the results, as well as a bunch of newer songs, at Canvas Bar alongside Elsz and Chela (DJ set). Dennison will also be performing in Lauren Brincat's Other Tempo at Liveworks, too. When? Sunday, October 27 at 6pm. LIVE SPARKS Sometimes, the story behind an artwork, performance or song is as compelling as the piece itself. If your experiences at Liveworks have you wondering where artists get their ideas, grab a seat at Live Sparks for an afternoon of free talks. You'll be hearing from performance artist Betty Grumble; Wiradjuri writer, dancer and performer Joel Bray; musical duo Stereogamous (Paul Mac and Jonny Seymour); unpredictable trio Th3 Order; and Indigenous artist Vicki Van Hout. When? Sunday, October 20 from 4.30pm. The Bombay Sapphire Canvas Bar will be open daily at the Liveworks Festival of Experimental Art between Thursday, October 17 and Sunday, October 27. For opening times and more information, visit the Performance Space website.
Six states and territories, six locations, six reasons for a road trip: Groovin the Moo has unveiled its 2024 plans. Largely taking tunes beyond Australia's capital cities, the long-running large-scale touring music festival will traverse the country in April and May, again hitting up South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. Grab your diaries, because you've got dates to jot down. In New South Wales, festivalgoers also have a new location to head to, with Groovin the Moo making a major move in 2024. Instead of taking place at its previous site in Maitland, the fest will pop up in Newcastle, with Foreshore Park its new home. The change comes after feedback from attendees, especially regarding transport and accommodation. "We're really excited to be putting on a festival in Foreshore Park. Whilst Maitland has played a major part in the history of GTM, Newcastle's transport and accomodation options will provide a better experience for our patrons. Foreshore Park is a stunning location and we look forward to calling it home," said a GTM spokesperson. "Groovin the Moo will be a valuable addition to this year's events calendar, allowing locals to experience some of the best Australian and international acts at the city's premier events space in Foreshore Park, while also delivering an important boost to local businesses and the visitor economy," added Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelme. In all other states and territories, the festival will settle into the same spots as last year — starting at Adelaide Showground, then hitting Exhibition Park in Canberra and Bendigo's Prince of Wales Showgrounds. After the Newcastle spot, Groovin the Moo will move on to Sunshine Coast Stadium Precinct, then Bunbury's Hay Park. It's a touch too early for a lineup announcement as yet, but cross your fingers for another impressive roster of talent when the festival bill does drop. 2023's included everyone from Fatboy Slim, Denzel Curry, Eliza Rose and Skepta to Amy Shark, Ball Park Music, Barkaa, Skegss, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. GROOVIN THE MOO 2024 DATES AND VENUES: Thursday, April 25 — Adelaide Showground, Kaurna Country, Wayville, South Australia Friday, April 26 — Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Ngambri and Ngunnawal Country, Mitchell, Australian Capital Territory Saturday, April 27 — Bendigo's Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Dja Dja Wurrung Country, Bendigo, Victoria Saturday, May 4 — Foreshore Park, Awabakal Land, Newcastle, New South Wales Sunday, May 5 — Sunshine Coast Stadium Precinct, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country, Warana, Queensland Saturday, May 11 — Hay Park, Wardandi Noongar Country, Bunbury, Western Australia Groovin the Moo will tour Australia in April and May 2024. We'll update you with lineup details when they're announced. For more information in the interim, head to the festival's website. Images: Jordan Munns.
Following the decline of Trumps Tavern and Noble Canteen, hospitality wizard Justin Hemmes is next in line to have a crack at 50 King Street in the CBD. And, for a while at least, his Merivale group are putting the focus on art. The company recently acquired the space and is working on long-term plans for a refit. In the meantime, however, we're to be treated to a pop-up bar, opening May 2. Rather than the usual drinks and dinner, the temporary space will be home to a constantly changing art studio. The project, knowingly called A Work In Progress, will be the progressive work of two stalwarts of the Australian art community. Curated by Glenn Barkley, formerly of the MCA, it will play host to the pop art stylings of Darwin-based Franck Gohier. It will be up to the two of them to transform the former bar into an evolving and interactive art space. It wouldn’t be a Merivale establishment, though, without a little something to eat and a lot of something to drink. Joining the experiment are ex-Sailor's Thai chef Air Jantrakool and group bar manager Paul Mant, cooking up traditional Thai street food paired with a rotating menu of cocktails, both with a focus on local produce. Apart from the potential disaster of spilling a plate of pad thai on a developing (and potentially valuable) canvas, the combination of art and boozing is a promising new turn from Merivale. A Work in Progress opens at 50 King Street, Sydney, on May 2.
It's one of just a handful of hawker eateries to ever have scored a Michelin star, taking out the honour in both 2016 and 2017. And now, Singapore's legendary Hawker Chan is bringing its famed chicken rice dishes to Australia, setting up shop on Melbourne's Lonsdale Street from Friday, December 8. As with the original, it's helmed by chef Chan Hon Meng, who's had a tidy 30 years of experience perfecting Singapore's national dish: soy sauce chicken. Set to star on the Melbourne Hawker Chan menu, this age-old favourite features chicken poached in chicken stock, soy sauce and ginger, the meat then blanched to give the skin a gelatinous texture, and served on a fluffy pile of jasmine rice. It'll sit alongside a tight collection of just 19 other dishes, including authentic hits like char siew noodles, roasted pork rice, wonton soup and soya sauce chicken hor fun. The space itself will tap into the hawker spirit — it'll be a lively 92-seater where diners will order and pick up their meals from the front counter. It won't be taking any bookings though, given this is Michelin-quality fare, we're betting no one will be too fazed by a bit of queuing. Hawker Chan will open at 157–159 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, from Friday, December 8. For more information, visit Hawker Chan's Instagram.
There's no disputing one of the best episodes of The O.C. is 'The SnO.C.' — the one where Harbour High's winter dance is themed like an opulent winter wonderland to make up for the lack of actual winter in California (but not the lack of social events). And just like Newport, Sydney doesn't get gifted with a blanket of snow during the cold months — which is why Daniel San has decided to throw their own winter-themed bash. The waterfront Manly Japanese-inspired bar will once again host their Winter Wonderland party on Sunday, June 12. Taking place on their sweet Rooftop Dojo overlooking the Manly foreshore, the party will feature lots of drinks, a lineup of local DJs and everything to make you feel like you're sipping cocktails in a ski lodge. Presuming Sydney's unseasonably warm weather continues, this is set to be the warmest snow party ever. Things kick off at 7pm, and entry is free. If you want to head along, just RSVP here.
Two hefty names in 80s and 90s music. One massive visit to Australia and New Zealand. Pearl Jam have finally announced new Down Under gigs, as a leg on their Dark Matter tour to support their next album, and they'll have huge company thanks to Pixies. Eddie Vedder and Black Francis taking to the same stage? That'll make you feel alive and ask "where is my mind?". The Seattle-born Pearl Jam are the headliners, and about time; this is the band's first visit Australia and Aotearoa since 2014, on a tour that included the final-ever Big Day Out. They've been dropping clues for a while that they were heading this way again, complete with hints at Bondi Beach since the past weekend. Now, they've locked shows in Auckland, Melbourne, Sydney and on the Gold Coast. [caption id="attachment_940844" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Danny Cinch[/caption] Dark Matter, the band's 12th album, will release in April — which gives fans plenty of time to know it by heart before the group play Go Media, Heritage Bank, Marvel and Giants stadiums in November. The record's title track is a brand-new tune, just dropping on Tuesday, February 12. Live, that song and others from Dark Matter will feature on a setlist that's sure to span past hits 'Alive', 'Black', 'Jeremy', 'Better Man', 'Last Kiss' and 'Daughter' from previous albums such as the iconic Ten, Vs and Vitalogy from the early 90s, plus No Code, Yield and more since. [caption id="attachment_940849" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wp72 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Pixies, who were last Down Under in 2022, are responsible for a helluva one-two punch with their first two albums: 1988's Surfer Rosa and 1989's Doolittle. The first gave the world the track that's been linked with Tyler Durden courtesy of David Fincher's Fight Club since 1999, aka 'Where Is My Mind?', as well as 'Gigantic' and 'Cactus'. The second is home to 'Here Comes Your Man', 'Monkey Gone to Heaven', 'Debaser' and 'Wave of Mutilation'. Foo Fighters, blink-182, Queens of the Stone Age, Tenacious D, now Pearl Jam and Pixies: it's been a great time of late for big rock tours in this neck of the woods. Pearl Jam Dark Matter World Tour 2024 with with Special Guests Pixies — Australia and New Zealand Dates Friday, November 8 – Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart, Auckland Wednesday, November 13 — Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast Saturday, November 16 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Thursday, November 21 — Giants Stadium, Sydney Pearl Jam and Pixies are touring Australia and New Zealand in November 2024, with ticket registrations from Wednesday, February 14–Sunday, February 18 and ticket sales from Friday, February 23 — head to the Pearl Jam website for further details. Top image: Raph_PH via Flickr.
The simple things are the hard bits. Jamie Adkins does some easy looking stuff on stage, but the audience falls around with laughter. It's not that what Adkins does isn't difficult. In fact, the things that he does are usually pretty hard. Using ladders as stilts, popping stage-balls out his mouth, walking the slack rope (like a tight-rope, but not so steady) and contact juggling, Adkins works on staple circus tricks and on the audience's expectations. In Circus Incognitus he plays someone with something to say on the tip of his tongue, the action of the show coming as he tries to take his idea from tip to talking. Adkins has done Cirque du Soleil and the lesser-known (here) Cirque Éloize, having left his native San Diego for the more circus-friendly Montreal. With his early circus expriences drawn from his street performances, he likes to pull his audience into his act. The Studio's wide design and ample cabaret-style table-seating will no doubt provide him here with scores of easy volunteers. Nonetheless, don't let his forward approach dissuade you. Though child-friendly, his clowning is anything but juvenile.
Following a teaser on their Facebook page last month LA alt-rock legends Weezer announced that they would be touring Australia for the first time in sixteen years, much to the delight of fans, and the dismay of those previously thriving on the idea that the band hate the nation. Despite a career spanning twenty years Weezer have only been here once before when, back in 1996, they promoted their cult record Pinkerton. Stopping off in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, the tour will see the band play their greatest hits and rarities plus the full length of The Blue Album, in just the same way as their US concept tours do. For Weezer fans in Australia this is a must not miss opportunity, and one that many never occur again. Tickets go on sale first thing July 26th; be quick or you'll miss out. Weezer Australian Tour Dates: Sunday 13th January, Entertainment Centre, Brisbanehttp://www.ticketek.com.au 132 849 Wednesday 16th January, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbournehttp://www.ticketmaster.com.au 136 100 Saturday 19th January, Entertainment Centre, Sydneyhttp://www.ticketmaster.com.au 136 100 Wednesday 23rd January, Perth Arena, Perthhttp://www.ticketek.com.au 132 849 https://youtube.com/watch?v=_9BGLtqqkVI
