Whether you're a fan of the season or can't wait for it to disappear, the time has come to give winter a stylish send-off. And what better way to do so than at The Governor Hotel's rooftop bar, where they've assembled an alpine-themed one-night-only bash. Taking over the space from 12pm–late on Saturday, August 30, this winter wonderland will feature wall-to-wall mountain-inspired fun. Think snow machines, giant igloos, fire pits and winter cocktails that rise above your average mulled wine. Of course, every good blowout needs the live entertainment to match. Apres DJs K-Time and Helena Ellis will light up the dance floor from 5pm, while drink specials like Aperol spritz snowcones and espresso martini slushies will be served throughout the night. Then, get ready to experience even more heat amid the winter fun. The crew from Fireball have put together an ice luge with spicy shots flowing down cinnamon slopes. Plus, there's a Fireball bubbler to face head-on. Don't worry, you'll protect yourself with a ski mask. Meanwhile, spin the wheel to see if you win sponsored merchandise. Bringing a flavour hit to the snowy madness, The Gov has also cooked up a selection of food specials for guests. You'll encounter hot pretzels paired with Fireball dipping sauce, Canadian-style loaded fries and freshly baked cinnamon cookies. Keen? This raucous event might be your last chance to don your favourite winter outfit and indulge in some winter escapism.
Customs house has been reworked any number of times. It's got a pretty rude facade, pocked with classical columns, a coat of arms, ornamental clock with deformed dolphins, arcades and some Indian symbols which have long shifted their meaning. It's already a bit of a strange texture, but as part of this year's Vivid Sydney they're giving this building yet another facelift. It's Customs House's turn to have its front electronically painted with projected light for Lights On — a whole new level of strange being slapped on the building by The Electric Canvas. The Electric Canvas has worked on light installations in Auckland, Adelaide and Singapore. Not to mention being the regular motive force behind Vivid's sail-lighting projections on the Opera House, and lighting up Sydney's governing district last year for Macquarie Visions — where they gave a full-body makeover to St Mary's Cathedral, from its Papal steps to the reconstructed spires. In Auckland they shook the walls themselves and pulled spectators up into the image, and here in Sydney they promise to transform Customs House from stone to paper and glass, and shiver it to liquid. *Lights are turned on from 6pm — midnight. Original image from State Records NSW.
In August 2000, the Russian submarine K-141 Kursk sank to the bottom of the Barents Sea after a torpedo exploded on board. There were 118 sailors on board the submarine and many believe at least 23 survived the initial explosions for hours before perishing. UK based sound and theatre company, Sound&Fury, in collaboration with playwright Bryony Lavery, have taken inspiration from the Kursk tragedy, creating an immersive production about the final hours the sailors endured before being lost to the sea. The performance titled Kursk will play at the Sydney Opera House Studio from October 6 to 16, 2011. In consultation with top naval psychiatrists and submariners, Sound&Fury and Lavery explore the banality and psychology of life in the dark. The interior of the submarine is rebuilt on stage as the audience is invited to step into the built-to-scale model with Sound&Fury's eerie mix of deep sea sounds to authenticate the experience. Step into the dark and witness the psychology of the sailors trapped at the bottom of the sea. We have five double passes to giveaway to see Kursk. To win, simply make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name through to us at hello@concreteplayground.com.au
Airbnb have a habit of coming up with wacky, adrenaline-inducing places to stay the night — like this shark tank, the end of a ski jump, or the Catacombs of Paris. Their latest listing is no less exciting, though it may have your heart pounding for an entirely different reason. On October 15, Airbnb is giving one lucky chump and three of your best (and most musical) mates the opportunity to spend a night in Studio 3 of Abbey Road Studios. And on top of that, you'll be hosted by legendary DJ, singer, songwriter, producer and all-round super musician Mark Ronson. Yep, imagine snoozing in the same studio where Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon was recorded. The last time anyone slept in Abbey Road Studios was in June, 1969, when an artist requested it. Thanks to Airbnb, the next person could be you (and Ronson will be your tour guide). Ronson grew up just around the corner from the studios and will greet the four lucky guests before they explore the entire building. They will have access to everything the historic studios have to offer, from the Beatles' cigarette-burned piano to the world's largest mixing board, and will be immersed in the rich musical history of the iconic building. Later in the evening, after hearing some of Mark's tips and stories about the building, they will even have the opportunity to pick up an instrument and record their own song. All you have to do to enter is click here and tell Airbnb a bit about yourself, which song you wish you'd been at the studios to see recorded and why. And the best bit? They'll even fly you to London from anywhere in the world. The house rules are pretty simple. Among a few other directions, you can crank up the volume (they have good sound proofing, as you'd expect) and answer the phone with a simple "Hello, it's me." They also ask that you "Don't go chasing pavements," although we think they might offer an exception if it's the zebra crossing out the front. And the last rule? "Leave your mark." Don't mind if we do.
Ananas Bar and Brasserie, the geniuses behind May’s Mad Hatters brunch, are now turning their talents to spring racing season. On Sunday, September 20, you’ll be able to indulge in all the glamour (and, more importantly, all the champagne!) without even heading to the track. From 11am, the venue will be transformed into a luxurious smorgasbord, inspired by the abundance of spring. There’ll be a scrumptious roaming buffet, featuring Ananas’s famously creative, French-leaning treats. Expect artisan cheeses, charcuterie, house-cured meats sliced to order, terrines, pates, parfaits, spring salads, Sunday roast, delicate desserts and a stunning seafood tower. To get into the spirit, you’ll definitely want to nab a champagne package, which means unlimited, premium-quality bubbles for a deliciously giddy two hours. Alternatively (or in addition), sample the signature cocktail menu, starring Ananas Avenue (Bacardi 8yo rum, Yellow Chartreuse, spiced orange, vanilla, fresh and caramelised pineapple, lime and aromatic bitters, finished with flamed cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg and served in a hollowed-out pineapple). Time to dust off those cocktail dresses, fascinators, suits and ties. Tickets are strictly limited, so you're best to book as soon as you can. The buffet is $69 and the additional bottomless champagne $55.
If you had time to speed through your reading list over the Christmas break, you're one of the lucky ones — many Australians spent their holidays either fleeing the country's widespread bushfires or helping to contain them. One of the hardest hit areas is NSW's far south coast and, even though it's a fair whack from Sydney, literature lovers can still do their bit to help its local Rural Fire Service. Next Wednesday, January 15, luxe Sydney linen label In Bed will hold an after-work book sale at its Oxford Street store — and all the proceeds on the night will go to the Far South Coast RFS. As well as a slew of secondhand books, local booksellers and publishers — including Ariel Booksellers, Penguin Random House, Bloomsbury and Pan Macmillan — donating new titles, too. Penguin classics, some Murakami, cook books and maybe even a Sally Rooney. Book subscription service Well Read will also be on hand to make some reccommendations. And if you buy five or more books, you'll go into the draw to win some other donated goodies — like Holly Ryan jewellery and some of In Bed's own linen. View this post on Instagram A post shared by IN BED (@inbedstore) on Jan 4, 2020 at 2:10am PST Some other goodies will be available to buy as well, including bookmarks, flowers and In Bed linen book bags. And you can peruse it all while sipping some natural wine courtesy of Drnks. Wander down Oxford Street after work — the sale kicks off at 6pm. If you'd like to donate books for the sale, just drop them off at the store before January 15. And to give directly to the Far South Coast RFS — or any local brigade — go here.
Working to capture the truth that lies behind their transforming society, filmmakers across China are working outside of state-sanctioned production companies with inexpensive cameras to communicate what international correspondents obsessed with simplicity do not. Huang Weikai's Disorder and Wang Jiuliang's Beijing Besieged by Waste illustrate, to a point, the breadth of these documentaries. Disorder is the product of over a thousand hours of amateur footage. Unshowable on China's heavily controlled television networks, it displays for the world to see the maddening effects of an ever-changing urban environment. Beijing Besieged by Waste documents the capital's struggle with its ever-encroaching waste, featuring conversation with the scavengers who live amongst the waste of 13 million people.
Fear, dread, tension, apprehension, just being creeped out — they're all strong emotions. They're also exactly the types of reactions that Darkfield and Realscape Productions trade in. The two companies have been teaming up for a couple of years now, with UK creators Darkfield first collaborating with the Melbourne-based Realscape Productions on Seance, Coma and Flight, those eerie shipping container installations that have popped up around the country. Then, when the pandemic hit, the pair pivoted to at-home audio experiences. If you've listed along to Double, Visitors and Eternal as part of the Darkfield Radio series — all of which are back streaming again now — you'll know that putting people on edge is firmly on the agenda here. Announcing their latest Darkfield Radio project, Darkfield and Realscape aren't messing with their successful formula — so audiences can expect another unsettling experience designed to be listened to at home. But this duo never serve up the same thing twice, even if their current works all spin nerve-jangling tales and unfurl creepy audio experiences. With Knot, which'll make its Australian premiere on Friday, June 25, you won't just sit in one place, don your headphones and listen attentively, for instance. You'll initially head to a park bench to listen in — still wearing those headphones, of course — and then you'll need to sit in a car. For the last section of this three-part experience, you'll then get comfy in a room in your house. To get the full experience, you need to work through all three of Knot's sections in one evening — untangling them in your head, naturally. Darkfield and Realscape always keep the minutiae of their shows close to their chests, so that audiences experience them for themselves while listening, but they have released one clue for Knot: "Here I am, I have come from nothing, created in this moment, as your brain improvises me into existence, improvised into existence... but with no hidden depths." "Season one exposed audiences to the mysterious and supernatural inside their homes, magnified by Darkfield's signature 360 degree binaural sound,", said Realscape Productions Amy Johnson. "We're looking forward to getting audiences outside of their homes for Season two — in COVID-safe settings of course — and pushing them out of their comfort zones even more." Leading Darkfield Radio's second season, Knot will arrive in Australia fresh from playing as part of the Tribeca Film Festival's 2021 immersive lineup. The company's shows have been earning that kind of attention over the past year, with season one becoming the first audio-only experience to ever be a part of Venice International Film Festival last year. Knot will be available to listen to every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between Friday, June 25–Sunday, September 30. For further details or to buy tickets, head to the Darkfield website. Images: Empty Bottles Media.
Before Succession first graced TV screens back in 2018, you mightn't have quite realised exactly how entertaining it is to watch people squabbling. Not just everyday characters, either, but the constantly bickering — and ridiculously wealthy and privileged — family of a global media baron. It's not just the arguing and power plays that make this hit HBO series compulsively watchable, however, but the witty words flung about, the scathing insults shot back and forth, and the pitch-perfect performances that deliver every verbal blow. The result: one of the best shows currently airing on television. Of course, Succession hasn't actually been on our screens for a couple of years now, with the series' last season dropping back in 2019. Now, after a pandemic delay, the show is set to return sometime this spring. Neither HBO nor Foxtel, who airs the series in Australia, has announced an exact date, but they have just dropped a welcome new trailer. Yes, it's time to soak up your latest glimpse of the fictional Roy family, including the always-formidable Brian Cox (Super Troopers 2) as patriarch Logan, and Jeremy Strong (The Trial of the Chicago 7), Kieran Culkin (Infinity Baby), Alan Ruck (Gringo) and Australian actor Sarah Snook (Pieces of a Woman) as his four adult children. If you've seen the past two seasons, you'll know that this brood's tenuous and tempestuous relationship has only gotten thornier as we've all watched. Based on the heated words swapped in this new teaser, that obviously won't change any time soon. For Succession newcomers, the series follows the Roys as Logan's offsprings try to position themselves as next in line to his empire. It's clearly set among the one percent, in lives that most folks will never know — but the idea that depiction doesn't equal endorsement is as rich in Succession as its always-disagreeing characters. Created by Peep Show's Jesse Armstrong — someone who knows more than a thing or two about black comedy — this Emmy, Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics' Choice, Writers Guild and Directors Guild Award-winner is savagely smart, darkly biting and often laugh-out-loud funny about its chosen milieu. And in the words of cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun, Zola) in this new sneak peek, yes, that sounds kinda dramatic. Check out the Succession season three trailer below: Succession's third season is set to air on Foxtel in Australia sometime this spring — we'll update you with exact details when they're announced.
Don't give a shit about what Justin Bieber is tweeting these days? Stick it to social media by ordering toilet paper rolls printed with your Twitter feed. Matt Delprado, a creative director at Profero Sydney, along with David Gillespie, created Shitter. The company's motto, "Social media has never been so disposable", says it all. Place your online order and have four rolls delivered to your doorstep so you can literally flush all the hashtagging and online ranting down the loo. It's much better revenge for an obnoxious tweeter than an 'unfollow'. #dontgiveashit [via Lost at E Minor]
You don't need an excuse to visit the Adelaide Hills and spend the weekend sampling local wines and regional food — but this free three-day festival makes a convincing case for planning a trip over the January long weekend. Crush is a family-friendly event that features long lunches in the sun, wine-matched degustation dinners, live music from local bands and DJs, plus kids' entertainment, art and theatre. It all takes place in Adelaide Hills — and the festival runs shuttle services from Adelaide CBD from $32–43 per person if you don't want to be designated driver. The 2020 festival program features lots of cool climate wines to taste at more than 30 wineries, a 'Friday Knockoffs' event that's all about lounging on the grass with live music and lawn games. On Saturday and Sunday (11am–6pm), food truck Syrian Mobile Disco will be serving up Syrian-inspired street snacks as you sample local wines and beers. The Lane Vineyard is hosting 'Hamptons in the Hills' (Sat, Sun 10am–5pm), which is a chance to enjoy frosés on the terrace with food by the hatted restaurant on site. Plus, the biggie — Alfresco Tomato Crushing — is when you get to squelch your way to fresh pasta sauce in advance of a long lunch on Saturday or Sunday. General entry is free, but you'll want to pick up a Spiegelau or Riedel wine glass for $10 to make the most of the ample wine pours. Some events are ticketed, so check the festival's website for the full program closer to January. Images: Nick Lawrence.
Sydney's new hyped-up venue, The Old Clare Hotel is holding its very Australia Day, and with a rooftop pool like that, we're pretty sure this'll be packed. Head up to the rooftop pool for live DJs and streaming of the triple j Hottest 100. Local artist Cuzn will be performing in The Clare Bar from 3-5pm, and the Old Clare's bartenders will be slinging Vegemite Martinis and Redskin Sour cocktails (along with their usual offering) all day.
In 2020, we all kept saying three words: pandemic, lockdowns and restrictions. None of those terms have gone away this year, but vaccinations have joined them among the COVID-era's most-discussed topics. Australia's leaders have been talking about jabs, and stressing the importance of getting vaxxed in helping the country find a sense of normality. Pubs, breweries and denim brands have been discussing them, too, and offering incentives for vaccinated folks. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brought up the subject while emphasising that vaccinations are our pathway to doing all the things we love again — and now local hospitality figures are championing the cause while reflecting upon how tumultuous the past 18 months have been for their industry. The message of the just-launched hospo advertising campaign: "put a jab on the menu". It's rolling out across print media, radio stations, TV and websites, and includes a 60-minute ad featuring a long list of well-known names all encouraging Aussies to get the jab. Also featured in the television commercial: oh-so-many empty spaces, all absent of customers during lockdowns. Figures involved include both chefs and restaurateurs, with Matt Moran, Danielle Alvarez, Neil Perry and Shannon Martinez among the participants — and Maurice Terzini, Anna Ugarte-Carral, Victor Liong, Adam d'Sylva, Jacqui Challinor and Morgan McGlone as well. They all know exactly how the pandemic has been affecting the restaurant business, because they've seen their eateries sit empty due to Australia's COVID-19 outbreaks and the understandable stay-at-home rules, takeaway-only mandates and capacity caps that come with them. And, alongside the likes of Frank Camorra, Ross Lusted, Munoz Labart, Massimo Mele and Nick Holloway, all of these prominent hospo figures are now asking everyone to roll up their sleeves so they can start welcoming in diners again. Obviously, when the latter happens, that'll mean you'll be able to visit the likes of Barangaroo House, Smith & Daughters, The Old Fitz and Nomad in-person — and all the other Aussie restaurants that've been impacted during the pandemic. Check out the "put a jab on the menu" television commercial below: Guillaume Paddington chef Guillaume Brahimi is helping lead the charge as the campaign's industry ambassador, and explains that "vaccination is the only way to save our industry and open it up again without restrictions. If we don't get it done, we're going to lose some amazing businesses." "Chefs and hospitality workers are resilient people — we have to be because what we do isn't easy at the best of times," he continues. "Whether it's a small suburban Thai restaurant, a country pub, a cafe, a 300-seat fine diner, every person who works in hospitality does it because they want to bring happiness to people by service or food… but, regardless of our shared passion, there's one thing that we can't overcome — and that's empty tables." You can also view the "put a jab on the menu" television commercial by heading to Vimeo.
Gravity promises to be the most stressful film of 2013. For those yet to hear about the Alfonso Cuarón-directed thriller, it features George Clooney and Sandra Bullock as astronauts separated from their spacecraft after a collision. They must then try to survive floating through space. Oh, and there has been absolutely no hint one way or the other as to if they live. Intense, right? As if imagining that or watching the trailer was not enough to whip us into a frenzy of tense anticipation, Warner Brothers has now released a truly terrifying film promotion tool. To simulate what Bullock and Clooney's characters experience, they have created an online 'game' that requires you to navigate through the vast loneliness of space. Free and playable on iPhone, iPad, Google play or through your browser, it's certainly worth a go. Given nothing but the instructions of "You are floating alone in the vastness of space. Use your thrusters to navigate", you are confronted with the scariness of this task. It is made all the more bleak by the incessant breathing of your character and static radio transmission. The tone of desperation and despair is set brilliantly and will certainly leave you wanting to see the film even more than you did already. Via Fast Co.Create.
Get your cat-eye sunnies at the ready, Sydney’s Fifties Fair is set to hit town this August for its 18th year running. For all you retro rookies, the annual event is held at the Rose Seidler House of Wahroonga, a Bauhaus time capsule made easily accessible by a free shuttle bus to and fro Turramurra station. The fair will be kicking off at 10am, with plenty of rockabilly acts to get you jiving, beauty parlours, burgers by the crew from Porteno, as well as dreamy '50s furnishings, fashion, trinkets, photography exhibitions and the like for you to ogle. So head en route to the Rose Seidler House in your Buick, 'cause August 25 is coming around faster than Betty Draper can spark up a curling iron.
So. You've watched all the documentaries on VICE's YouTube channel. You're up to your second viewing up just about everything on SBS's Food Network. You definitely don't want to watch A Current Affair. What's a news-hungry millennial to do? In answer to your free-to-air TV dreams, SBS and VICE today launched not only a new show, but a whole goddamn TV channel for your viewing pleasure. The new channel was announced earlier this year, but was set live at 4pm today, Tuesday, November 15, replacing SBS 2. It will be an extension of VICE's online TV channel VICELAND, and will be called by the same name. Along with some of SBS 2's news, sport and entertainment programs, VICELAND's programming will include VICE's own newscasts and doco series including Black Market (starring The Wire's Michael K Williams), Ellen Page's Gaycation, and F*ck That's Delicious with Action Bronson. VICELAND launched online earlier this year with a collection of Spike Jonze-produced docos. You can view the full schedule here or switch on your TV to SBS 2.
Melbourne Cup Day is fast approaching, with Tuesday, November 5, and ill-advised hat choices galloping toward us. It’s a day to gamble free from judgement and wear peacock-inspired fascinators to your heart’s content. For those of us who can't make the Flemington Racecourse event, Concrete Playground’s sorted through Sydney's best alternatives. These ten are a safe bet for a good, neigh (geddit?), amazing time. All include big screens and most with TAB facilities, sweepstakes and fashion on the field prizes. The Grounds of Alexandria Alexandria's warehouse cafe will once again be a Melbourne Cup destination for 2013. The Grounds are yet to finalise the details of the event, but last year featured a grazing table garden party, spit roast and extensive beverage package from 1pm (which set punters back $120). Calling (02) 9699 2225 or emailing rsvp@groundsroasters.com will get you more details. Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria The Winery Crown Street's The Winery is offering something a little more high-brow with entertainment from Drae & NAD. $110 will get you bubbles on arrival and a spot at the laneway BBQ, or for an extra $10 you can upgrade to a four-course extravaganza. Contact (02) 8070 2424 or info@thewinerysurryhills.com.au for bookings. 285A Crown Street, Surry Hills East Sydney Hotel While the East Sydney usually holds firm to a no television, no pokies rule, the one and only annual exception is the Melbourne Cup. The mix of old-world and local charm makes this country-style pub one of the best spots in Sydney to enjoy a no frills Cup experience. 113 Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo The Norfolk If it's tacos, a cool drink in hand and a sunny beer garden that you're hankering for this Melbourne Cup day, then put your trust in the Norfolk. The folks at the Norfolk sell out their Melbourne Cup event each year, and for good reason. From 1pm to 3pm, the Cleveland Street favourite is offering a four-course lunch feast — including snacks, tacos, mains, dessert, beer, wine and sparkling and a bunch of screens — for $80. Email functions@thenorfolk.co to make a booking. 305 Cleveland Street Surry Hills El Loco Reading this list on Monday, November 4? Then you're in luck, dear last-minute reader. Tickets will sell like hot cakes for many venues, but El Loco is strictly a no bookings cantina restaurant. Which means you can turn up when doors open at 11am to secure yourself authentic tacos, icy margaritas and a spot to watch the race. Know what else? It’s free. Arriba! 64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills Palings Palings — nestled on the first floor of George Street's Ivy — boasts both open-air and indoor seating, a sunny courtyard and what they're saying is the biggest screen in the CBD. Doors open at 11am for $75, which will also bring two courses and a glass of bubbles your way. Phone (02) 9240 3000 to make a booking. Level 1, The Ivy, 330 George Street, Sydney Newtown Hotel Inner Westies can enjoy a glass of Prosecco at King Street's bustling Newtown Hotel, with sweepstakes and a Greek style lunch from The Animal upstairs for $45. To book a table: shoot an email to info@newtownhotel.com.au or phone (02) 8070 2424. 174 King Street, Newtown Sweethearts Rooftop BBQ If proximity to late-night bars and clubs is what you’re after, then Sweetheart’s Rooftop BBQ might be just what you’re looking for. Positioned on Potts Point’s Darlinghurst Road, the wine and dine destination is offering a feast package with three hours of beverages for $100 per head. Call (02) 8070 2424 for more info. 33-37 Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point The Argyle The heritage-listed Argyle must be one of the classic spots to spend the Cup, so make sure you don your racing best. At $125 per head, the Member's Pavilion is available to groups of 12 or more with exclusive access to reserved areas, a three-hour beverage package and substantial canape lunch. $90 will set you up with Grandstand Tickets that include a two-hour beverage package, standing lunch service and unreserved seating. The Argyle will also be hosting an afterparty from 3.30pm till late with no cover charge. Book at reservations@theargylerocks.com or (02) 9247 5500. Argyle Street, The Rocks The Botanist Don't worry, we haven't entirely forgotten the North Shore. At Melbourne Cup time, the whimsical and sprightly botanical themes of the Botanist are a perfect set-up. From noon you'll be welcomed by canapes, a glass of Charles de Fere Jean Louis Sparkling (sounds fancy), an extensive selection of beverages and a range of Mexican-inspired share plates for $40. (02) 9954 4057 for bookings. 17 Willoughby Street, Kirribilli By the Concrete Playground team. Top image: The Grounds of Alexandria Melbourne Cup 2012 Garden Party, photography by Andy Vermeulen at Hobogestapo.
According to fast food joints, taxis and supermarkets, living in southeast Queensland is a little like living in the future. Already, the region has trialled KFC delivery by drone. And, using self-flying cabs for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics has been floated. The latest move in this same space, aka the Sunshine State's skies? Coles' new store-to-door grocery deliveries by drone. If finger-lickin'-good chicken pieces, burgers, nuggets and fries can be ferried to hungry Queenslanders' homes via air, then household staples can, too — and the same drone company is behind it. As well as working with KFC, on-demand drone outfit Wing is teaming up with Coles to bring groceries to consumers within minutes. For now, the trial is limited to southeast Queensland, and to the Gold Coast — to the suburbs of Ormeau, Ormeau Hills and Yatala, to be exact. That's where Coles' first store-to-door deliveries will be tested from Wednesday, November 2, soaring to customers from the supermarket brand's location at Ormeau Village Shopping Centre. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a drone carrying bread, fresh produce and snacks? Clearly, the latter now applies on the Gold Coast. Wing's Coles deliveries will also carry convenience meals, health care items and other household essentials, with 500 of the supermarket chain's most popular grocery items available for the drone service. After this trial, the plan is to expand to nearby suburbs on the Gold Coast. Also, Wing will offer Coles items for delivery in Logan in the near future, departing from the rooftop of Grand Plaza — where locals have been able to get goods flown to them by drone from select onsite businesses for more than 12 months. And, given that Gold Coast deliveries follow a Canberra pilot program that started in March 2022, albeit flying groceries from a Wing drone centre rather than direct from a Coles location, watch this space — and the heavens — for more developments. If you're now wondering "will people actually get their groceries sent by drone?" — a fair and reasonable question, and also a sign of the times — the answer based on the Canberra test is yes. Wing says that it made more than 5000 trips in the ACT, bringing folks everything from fresh fruit, milk and eggs to confectionery and cold drinks. Residents of Ormeau, Ormeau Hills and Yatala will need to download the Wing delivery app to have their pantry and fridge items swoop down from above — and the service will only operate from 9am–4.30pm Tuesday–Sunday. Here's how it works: after you place your order, Coles staff members will process and pack them. They'll then hand your goods over to the Wing team, who will operate a fleet of delivery drones in the Ormeau Village Shopping Centre carpark. Once loaded, the drone will fly to your house within around ten minutes, slow down upon arrival, bring itself to a delivery height of about seven metres above the ground, and gently lower your food on a tether — which'll automatically release. You don't need to unclip anything, and the drone doesn't need to land, either. Don't live in southeast Queensland, the Gold Coast and those three specific suburbs? Fingers crossed that you'll be living in the future soon, too. To order groceries from Coles via drone from Wednesday, November 2 if you live in Ormeau, Ormeau Hills and Yatala, download the Wing delivery app.
There's never a bad time to head to the cinema, but Sunday, January 19 might just be a better day than most. Make a trip to the movies any time on that specific date, and $2 from your ticket will be donated to charities helping bushfire-affected communities. A joint collaboration between most Australian cinemas and distributors — aka the folks who show movies, and those that make them available to screen — the day-long event will support the Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal, the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery and the RSPCA Bushfire Appeal. Most cinemas in Sydney are participating — which includes all Palace, Event, Hoyts, Dendy and Readings locations, plus Hayden Orpheum and the Randwick Ritz, among others. Wondering what to see? Spend a few hours with standouts such as True History of the Kelly Gang, Little Women and 1917, enjoy the all-ages hijinks of Jumanji: The Next Level or see Guy Ritchie fall back upon his British crime caper ways with The Gentlemen. You can also experience the catastrophe that is Cats for yourself, travel to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker or watch a Californian couple try a different way of living in inspirational documentary The Biggest Little Farm.
In a new initiative between the Australian film industry and Harley-Davidson, the Open Road Film Festival has challenged Aussie filmmakers to create the beginning of a six-minute film noir movie, the last 75 seconds of which have already been made by world-renowned Ned Kelly director Gregor Jordan. Entrants were tasked with fully developing the beginning of film noir thriller The Queen of Hearts, from scripting and storyboarding to production and editing. Each film had the chance to feature a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which were available free for 24 hours to those that wanted them. Preliminary judging and entries have ended, and this Tuesday the top eight films will be screened, with public voting beginning December 1. The best film will win a Harley-Davidson 883 and a Canon 1D.
No matter where you are in Australia, you've probably spent the majority of the year in your own state (if not the majority of the year in your own bedroom), with many states and territories keeping their borders firmly closed. But, the last of the interstate restrictions are starting to ease. With the exceptions of WA (which has flagged easing its hard border restrictions from tomorrow), Sydneysiders not being able to visit Queensland and Victorians being restricted to intrastate travel for the moment (but interstate travel to NSW and Tasmania is set to be allowed later this month), Australians can pretty much visit anywhere in the country without quarantining. To celebrate, Virgin Australia is selling over half-a-million fares to destinations around the country, starting from just $75 a pop. Hang on, Virgin? Yes. The same airline that, just months ago, entered voluntary administration. It has since been sold to US private investment firm Bain Capital, launched a comeback sale in early July and its voluntary administration is set to officially end on Tuesday, November 17. The domestic flight sale kicks off at 8.30am today and runs until midnight on Friday, November 20, or sold out. In the sale, you'll find cheap flights on more than 52 routes to destinations across the country, with travel dates between December 1 and June 23, 2021. If you've been waiting to book Christmas flights home — or a summer getaway — now might be the time. Discounted flights are economy and include seat selection and a 23-kilogram baggage allowance. Some of the routes on offer include Sydney to Ballina from $75, Melbourne to Launceston from $79, Brisbane to Hobart from $139, Adelaide to Sydney from $119, and Melbourne to Perth from $169. [caption id="attachment_743607" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whitsunday Beach by Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] The discounted flights are part of Virgin's new travel campaign, 'You Can't Keep a Good Thing Down' celebrating both the company's return and the country's reopening. As we are still in the middle of a pandemic, flying is little different to normal. Virgin has introduced a range of safety measures, including hand sanitisation stations, contactless check-in and face masks provided to all passengers (but wearing them is not mandatory). Virgin is also waiving change fees and allowed unlimited booking changes between now and January 31, 2020. You can read more about its new flexible options over here. Virgin's 'Go You Good Thing' domestic sale runs from Friday, November 13 until 11.59pm AEDT Friday, November 20, or until sold out. Find out more about current interstate border restrictions over here.
If, this January 26, you're looking for a thoughtful way to reflect on the impact of the arrival of the First Fleet and Australia's colonisation on its First Nations people, you should join the folks from Sydney Festival the evening prior. For the third year running, the festival will be running a vigil at Barangaroo Reserve from dusk on Monday, January 25 through to dawn on Tuesday, January 26. There will be performances and talks from First Nations artists happening throughout the night, as well as reflections from members of the Indigenous Australian community. You can drop by at any time or stay all night — if you're in it for the long haul, make sure you bring warm clothes. Feel free to take some mates with you, but the event is also a good opportunity to meet new people and have conversations around the anniversary and what it means for all Australians. The Vigil is free, but you must register your interest before attending as well as wear a mask. You can register over here. Images: Victor Frankowski
Did you miss out on the Australian Museum's award-winning First Nations-curated exhibition, Unsettled in 2021? Luckily, it's been extended until 27 January 2022 so you still have time to catch the program of free and ticketed events. You can grab tickets to one of the guided tours to get an undiluted education on what life has been like for First Nations Peoples since European invasion or participate in the unforgettable Aboriginal meditation workshop Winhangadurinya, facilitated by Milan Dhiiyaan. Other highlights include Children of the Revolution, a powerful talk celebrating the legacy of First Nations activists as told by their children and the free Unsettled film series screening on 26 January that explores First Nations stories through moving, insightful and funny films. Australian Museum's 'Unsettled' exhibition runs until January 27. For more information and to book tickets, head to the website.
Sydney-based designer Jeremy Saunders has built a career out of transforming films into evocative and arrestingly beautiful movie posters. In the last 10 years, he has produced the key artwork for such modern classics as George Clooney's Good Night and Good Luck, the Che Guevara biopic The Motorcycle Diaries, and Heath Ledger's heroin-fuelled love story Candy. Now Saunders has turned his hand to his own artwork, redesigning posters for films of his own choosing. First up is the poster series LYNCHED, based on the stylish and darkly mysterious world of director and cult legend David Lynch. By focusing on key objects in Lynch's films, such as the dismembered ear in Blue Velvet or the videotape in Lost Highway, Saunders has created a series of beautifully minimalist posters illustrating the bizarre details in Lynch's works that have made his filmography so iconic and enduring. Saunders told us that while he was inspired by the distinctive 'Lynch style', the motivation to create the posters came from a sudden artistic impulse. "Over the last few years the rise of the 'minimalist redesign' for existing movies has become more and more prevalent around the web," he says. "I'd always been a bit snooty about it, I think, because designing something that nods to a pre-existing understanding of a film is completely oppositional to the much harder task of creating a desire for something no-one's familiar with yet. "So I'd avoided doing them. Plus, you know, I was kind of busy with making movie posters as my day job. But one afternoon I was watching Lost Highway and the image came to me, and over the course of the next day I created the artworks." Have a look below to see all the posters from LYNCHED and check out Saunders website if you'd like to get your hands on your own movie poster.
The past year and a half hasn't delivered many reasons to laugh. It hasn't seen many big-name international comedians hit our stages to try to get us giggling and guffawing, either. And, if you wanted to end 2021 by chucking at Bill Bailey, that isn't going to happen either. Back in May, the British favourite announced that he was bringing his En Route to Normal tour to our shores this October and November, which would've marked three years since he last had the country in stitches back in 2018. But those plans have just changed due to Australia's COVID-19 restrictions, so you'll need to wait until September, October and November 2022 instead. Known for everything from Have I Got News for You and QI to Spaced, Hot Fuzz and Skins — and Black Books, obviously — Bailey will be pondering some of life's big questions during his delayed En Route to Normal sets. And, while the pandemic is certain to get a mention, he actually named the show before lockdowns, social distancing and always knowing how many active cases are in your state became our current definition of normal. Bailey will still kick off the tour in Queensland, before making his way — and taking his distinctive locks — to Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Plus, in some states, he won't just be sticking to capital cities. Tickets for 2021 dates will be transferred over to their new 2022 equivalents. [caption id="attachment_812863" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andy Hollingworth[/caption] BILL BAILEY EN ROUTE TO NORMAL TOUR 2022: September 22 — Empire Theatre , Toowoomba September 24 — The Events Centre, Caloundra September 25, 27–28 — QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane September 30 — Star Theatre, Gold Coast October 3–4 — Riverside Theatre, Perth October 6 — Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah October 9 — Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart October 10 — Princess Theatre, Launceston October 12–13 — Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide October 15 — Costa Hall, Geelong October 17–18 — Wollongong Town Hall, Wollongong October 20–22 — Palais Theatre, Melbourne October 26–28 — State Theatre, Sydney October 30–31 — Civic Theatre, Newcastle November 1 — Coliseum Theatre, Sydney November 3 — Civic Hall, Ballarat November 4 — Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo November 5 — Royal Theatre, Canberra Bill Bailey's En Route to Normal tour will make its way around the country between September–November 2022. For further information and tickets, head to the tour website. Top image: Brian Marks via Wikimedia Commons.
One of inner city Sydney's favourite regular markets is bringing the magic to the south with a new market in Wolli Creek. Located at Discovery Point and aptly named Discovery Markets, it's a fiesta of independently grown, baked, designed and made goodness — from local produce and tasty treats to fashion pieces and homewares. The brains behind this event are the same as those behind Chippendale's Brewery Yard Markets, Jacob Collier and Rupert Partridge. "Every stallholder has a unique story to tell," says Jacob and Rupert. "At Discovery Markets we want this to be recognised, by giving our visitors the opportunity to learn more about what they're buying and who they're buying it from." You can expect more than 40 stalls. Get set for sweet deliciousness from Donut Papi, super-fresh juices from Steve's Easy Squeeze, spicy feasts from Paella Del Mar, American burgers from East Coast Slider Shack and cracking caffeine hits from Black Market Roasters. Meanwhile, if it's gifts you're looking for, browse through Waja Creations' recycled flowerpots laden with cactii, hand-poured candles from Kandel, and designer dogwear from Haus of Harley. The Discovery Markets are held on the first and third Saturdays of every month from 9am till 3pm. Feel free to drive and load up your car with your loot — there's plenty of parking. Images: Tim da-Rin.
Some things never change, like packing a suitcase full of everything you think you might need on holiday, only to discover when you get to your destination that you've forgotten a crucial item. We've all been there, and more than once. When jetting overseas for a getaway becomes a reality again — and international travel returns in a big way, rather than just via quarantine-free bubbles — we all have that to look forward to. Even after Australia's borders have been closed for so long, that kind of thing isn't going to stop happening. But, if you're flying with Qantas and Jetstar, you will also need to add something new to your travel routine. Over the past 18 months, Qantas has responded to the pandemic in a number of ways. The carrier has sold off its fully stocked bar carts, done the same with its pyjamas and launched an athleisure wear range. It announced new routes for domestic getaways, released a gin and floated the idea of only allowing vaccinated passengers to travel. And, it ran a trial of digital health passports, in the hopes of using an app to facilitate safe travel when the global tourism market does reopen — which it has now announced it'll definitely put to use when it is able to resume international flights. The airline will work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to use its digital Travel Pass app. The same pass was also assessed by Air New Zealand, which tested it on its Auckland to Sydney routes back in April. The big drawcard: enabling travellers to verify their COVID-19 vaccination information and test results with border and health officials, as well as with airline staff. While the final app is still in development, it'll connect customers to certified testing labs, which is how your test results will be accessed. So, it'll allow you to show proof that you've tested negative before your flight — and to show that you have a vaccine certificate also. Handily, the IATA Travel Pass will cross-reference your health details against the entry requirements for the country you're heading to as well, providing specific information for your exact trip. Announcing the news, Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer Stephanie Tully said that "we want to get our international flights back in the air and our people back to work and a digital health pass will be a key part of that. Many governments are already requiring proof of vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test result for international travel. Even if it wasn't a government requirement, Qantas has always been a leader in safety and we have a responsibility to our customers and crew." Last November, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce first advised that the airline was "looking at changing our terms and conditions to say, for international travellers, that we will ask people to have a vaccination before they can get on the aircraft". He continued: "certainly for international visitors coming out and people leaving the country, we think that's a necessity". For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Australia, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.
Sometimes it can hard to get through the working week. Even if you love your job, it always helps to add a little mid-week joviality to get you through to Friday afternoon. Concrete Playground, with help from Debit MasterCard, are giving you the chance to win a night out that will keep you grinning all week at your desk (if you make it to work at all the next day). One lucky person will win a priceless Sydney night out with three of their best mates, dolled up in a brand new outfit from free-spirited Sydney fashion label, Strummer. Your night will start at the The Norfolk where you can sit in the leafy courtyard and sip beers or one of their cooling cocktail jugs to get warmed up before you head off to The Carrington, one of our favourite new venues, for a fab meal. Once you're well-fed and merry, you will head to the Seymour Centre with your VIP tickets in hand to see Florence + the Machine, whose powerful pop songs have won them fans all over the world, debut their new album, Ceremonials. Then, while still on a post-gig high, you and your friends will head for an after-party at the The Flinders to continue your night of dancing. The sold out gig is is part of Debit Mastercard's Priceless Music series, which has commissioned previous shows by other awesome bands like Birds of Tokyo at Cockatoo Island and Kasabian at Melbourne's Docklands, and is set to take place on November 15. For your chance to win the perfect night out, just make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then leave your email address in the box below. The winner will be notified by email on November 11, 2011. Note: Entries for this competition have now closed. [email_capture] https://youtube.com/watch?v=WbN0nX61rIs
The Sapphires is a feel-good, sparkle-spangled film uncovering the journey of four Aboriginal girls as they are plucked from a remote Australian mission and thrust onto the world stage performing for black US marines in Vietnam in 1968. The film was not only snapped up by The Weinstein Company for North American release before it even premiered at the Cannes Festival earlier this year, but it also received an impressive 10-minute standing ovation following its midnight screening at the festival. The Sapphires is an adaptation of the iconic stage musical of the same name, inspired by the true story of writer Tony Brigg's mother and three aunts. The charismatic quartet is played by AFI award-winning Deborah Mailman, who plays the protective mama-bear, Gail, newby Miranda Tapsell as the sassy sister Cynthia, Aussie pop sensation Jessica Mauboy portraying the feisty younger sister Julie, and Shari Sebbens as the estranged cousin, Kay, brought up with a white family in Melbourne as part of the stolen generation. The girls are spotted by Irish soul-lover Dave (Bridesmaids' Chris O'Dowd), who has a kind heart and an ear for raw talent. Under the condition that they switch from their beloved country western style to the toe-tapping beats of soul, Dave takes the four divas under his wing and secures them a spot on a tour performing for the Vietnam troops. The racial struggle and social upheaval of the heady days of the late '60s and the Vietnam War are largely overshadowed by exuberant songs, complete with Motown, Stax and Atlantic Records classics, soulful performances and lessons learned about love, life and friendship. Director and first-time filmmaker Wayne Blair has produced an effervescent and upbeat movie which will be sure to get you belting out hit tunes from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Linda Lyndell and Jackson Five. Mention must also go to O'Dowd, who delivers a hilarious performance with his clumsy character that will leave you giggling long after the credits roll. The film is opening the world-renowned Melbourne International Film Festival on August 3 and hits cinemas on August 9. Concrete Playground has five double passes to giveaway. To go in the running to win tickets to The Sapphires, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email your name and postal address to us at hello@concreteplayground.com.au
Empire of the Sun are back, proving that video making is still an art; Owl Eyes are telling golden lies; and Bastille are taking full advantage of the acoustics properties of a museum corner to give you the perfect Sunday song. 1. 'ALIVE' - EMPIRE OF THE SUN Empire of the Sun dropped their much-awaited new track 'Alive' just the other week. Tuesday saw the release of the accompanying video, and the apt word is wow. It almost looks like a futuristic Game of Thrones scene and it proves that Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore just know how to do epic. They also prove that despite the dwindling numbers tuning into MTV, the music video is still a valid art form. It also helps that the track is incredibly catchy. We should give a warm welcome back to the absurdly dressed duo. 2. 'GET LUCKY' - DAUGHTER And so the covers of the best song so far this year begin. Daft Punk's heralded return track has been covered here by brooding British band and anticipated Splendour act Daughter and is a surprisingly excellent cover, perhaps because they have taken such a different path to the French gods of electronica. Hopefully any other covers that follow are up to this quality. 3. 'YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL' - LANA DEL REY Anything to do with the upcoming movie The Great Gatsby gets me excited, mainly as everything is so secretive. The soundtrack is promising to be as epic as the film itself, with Jay-Z, Florence and the Machine and Sia just some of the artists who recorded for the film. For a long time we only heard snippets of sound, but now full tracks are starting to leak out. Lana Del Rey dropped this treat and, like all things Gatsby, it is suspenseful, epic and beautiful. Enjoy at will. 4. 'GOLDEN LIES' - OWL EYES Owl Eyes are telling us golden lies and I don't mind what truth they are covering up so long as it keeps sounding as good as this. 'Golden Lies' is one of the twelve dance-inducing tracks from Nightswim, Owl Eyes' debut album released just last week. Do yourself a favour and put this on repeat. 5. 'POMPEII' - BASTILLE These British boys were invited to perform 'Pompeii' at the opening of the British Museum's Pompeii exhibit, and we should all be very glad that Bastille accepted, as it turns out that the corner of a museum is the perfect place for a haunting voice, a guitar and three pairs of hands percussively beating thighs to make perfectly serendipitous music. Excellent for that relaxing Sunday afternoon.
The second annual Easter Dog Parade is sure to be a treat. All dog-lovers and dog-owners can come watch the competition, which includes Best Kisser, Waggliest Tale and Best Biscuit Catcher, among many others. For all the humans wanting to get in on the action, prizes are awarded in categories such as Best Impersonation of a Dog (by a human), Best Costume and Best Bonnet. The entry fee for each category is $2, with all proceeds benefitting the RSPCA Bushfire Appeal of New South Wales. All ages are welcome to compete in the competition, or enjoy the other activities the Easter Dog Parade has to offer. Listen to a reading of Aussie Dogs Stories by Paul Bugeja, enjoy some Doga (that's dog yoga), watch the wiener dog race, and gather around for the parade down Main Street (definitely not to be missed). The festivities include stalls set up by local sponsors, face painting and a concert performed by a mariachi band. The dog-fuelled day is sure to have something for everyone, whether four-legged or two. Photo via Padfoot Whiskers and Wings.
One of Sydney's longest standing players in the craft beer game, Harts Pub is set to hold the ultimate event of Sydney Beer Week — the Beer Olympics. While the full details remained shrouded in mystery, much like the vapours surrounding the Delphic shrine of Ancient Greece, we hear that there will be six events along the lines of foosball, darts, and Mario Kart. Accompanying refreshments — to help refuel the thirsty athletes — will be available from Little Alchemist, Holgate, 2 Birds, Kereru, Gage Roads and Rocks Brewing, with each supplying a new, seasonal or limited release beer. Tickets include three schooner vouchers and a chance to compete in all games. Merch giveaways, on-the-spot prizes and a glorious victory for the ultimate Beer Olympics Champion are on the cards. So get your game faces (and costumes) on for a great day of games, beers and good times all round.
Young Henrys, Newtown's craft beer brewery, is encouraging everyone to rip in this month with an exciting three-day mini-festival from Friday, November 11 to Sunday, November 13. Dubbed the Rip In Weekender, the event will take place at the Hotel Steyne and features a well-curated lineup of DJs including familiar names like DMA'S, Pacific Avenue and Ruby Fields, as well as other local artists. Described as an "all hell breaks loose" party, the spring event is also promised to feature a pop-up tattoo parlour, with ink provided by Thanks Tattoos and Whistler Street Tattoo. Volcom Stone have been charged with dropping a half-pipe for skaters, or you can get your nails done by Volcom's resident nail artist. Elsewhere, film enthusiasts can screen the premiere of the Nao Deane movie. For those who love their surf, podcast favourite Ain't That Swell will be live streaming an episode at the venue, too. [caption id="attachment_876463" align="alignnone" width="1920"] DMA'S - Supplied[/caption] And of course, there will be plenty of beer to quench your thirst provided by Young Henrys. Head over to Young Henrys' event page to save your spot for the highly anticipated weekender. Top images: Ruby Boland, Pacific Avenue — supplied, DMA'S — supplied, The Regime — supplied. [caption id="attachment_876468" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ruby Fields — supplied.[/caption]
Back in March, which feels like eons ago, the Australian Government announced a ban on non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people — leading to the cancellation of thousands of events across Australia. Everything from Vivid to Bluesfest was scrapped as the country's COVID-19 restrictions got progressively stricter. Thankfully, we're now on the other side, and restrictions are easing. In New South Wales, this means the state's events calendar is slowly filling up once more. One thousand gigs are happening as part of the State Government-run Great Southern Nights; and theatres, concert halls and cinemas have been given the go-ahead to host events of up to 1000 people. In the latest win for the state, the Government has today announced that outdoor events, including concerts, of up to 3000 people will be allowed to happen from Monday, November 23. Just in time for Christmas and NYE. On the topic of NYE, the NSW Government has also unveiled just how the fireworks will go down, with a new Public Health Order set to be drafted for the occasion. And it involves having to apply for a permit if you want to enter key harbourside areas. This year, there'll be no 9pm fireworks, but the seven-minute midnight show from the Sydney Harbour Bridge will still be going ahead. You can either watch these live on the ABC, or head to one of the yellow or green 'zones' in the map below — but there are some rules. Only frontline workers will be allowed to visit spots around the Sydney Opera House, Cahill Expressway, Campbell's Cove and Mrs Macquarie's Point, and Bradfield Park, Blues Point Reserve, Mary Booth Reserve, Quibaree Park, Kurraba Reserve and Cremorne Reserve all in North Sydney will be closed. To enter any of the green zones after 5pm on Thursday, December 31, you must be a resident of said zone, a guest of a resident, or have a confirmed booking at one of the restaurants, hotels and bars within the area. If you fall into one of those categories, you'll then need to apply for a special NYE Pass via Service NSW from Monday, December 7. You are allowed to enter the yellow zone to watch the fireworks without a permit, and if you have a boat (or money to hire a boat) you can drive that onto the Harbour, but you will need to register said boat from Monday, December 7. On the NYE announcements, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said, "2020 has been a tough year for everyone and we want people to be able to look forward to the festive season in a COVID-safe way." NSW has had no locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the last 12 days. For more information about NSW's coronavirus restrictions and NYE plans, head to the NSW Government website. To apply for a NYE Pass, head to Service NSW from Monday, December 7. Top image: NYE Fireworks 2016 by City of Sydney.
Foam ain’t just for music festivals and kids' parties. Artist Rosie Deacon will be staging a celebration of this wondrously fluffy substance at firstdraft this month. Her installation, featuring 700 kilograms of “Fun Foam”, will be a spectacle to behold. Deacon works with craft materials that are often derided and unappreciated within the world of contemporary art. She constructs fantastical sculptures, performances and installations from discount store goodies: synthetic eyelashes, glittery stickers, acrylic paint and clay. In addition to this exhibition, you can see Elena Papanikolakis’s visual exploration into “tripping” as woven together through memory and imagination and As If Light Could Be Translated from collective Art Proper, which will be an astrological investigation into constellations, space and the science of stars.
Summer hit Sydney in full force yesterday as the city sweated through its second hottest day ever recorded. Temperatures in Penrith hit a whopping 47.3 degrees at 3.25pm, according to live data from the Bureau of Meteorology. #SydneyHeat UPDATE: #Penrith has now reached 47.3 degrees at 3:25pm according to the preliminary live data from the weather station there. — Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) January 7, 2018 Earlier in the day, the Bureau mistakenly tweeted that Sydney had blitzed its previous record of 47.0 degrees from February 2017, before discovering old 1939 data from a now-closed Richmond weather station. Those temperatures remain the highest on record, clocking in at 47.8 degrees. #SydneyHeat: Sorry, in our earlier checks we missed a 47.8 degrees C temperature recorded at an old #Richmond station (now closed) in 1939. 47.3 today still beats the previous #Penrith record. — Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) January 7, 2018 In the city at Observatory Hill, the temperature hit a still-high 42.3 degrees at 1pm. While Sydney's weather's not expected to be quite as apocalyptic today, it's still set to be a scorcher, with temperatures in the low 30s predicted for the CBD and over 40 degrees in store for the western suburbs. Things will remain pretty sweaty tomorrow with highs of around 30 degrees, before we score a much more palatable top of 25 degrees on Wednesday.
The latest venture from subtlenuance theatre company (Blind Tasting, Rocket Man), High Windows Low Doorways is a multi-playwright project exploring spiritual belief. Opening mid-March, the show is a collaborative piece that originated when seven writers and seven actors worked together to tell a story from the actor’s personal experiences with religion. The result is seven separate pieces of theatre telling tales of, in their words, “fear, hope and love; of life, death and beyond.” The small, family-like company is gaining a following for their deep, thought-provoking pieces ideally suited to the intimate space at the TAP Gallery. Writers in this piece include Melita Rowston (Crushed, SPEW), and fans of the company will also recognise actors Helen Tonkin, Peter McAllum and Alice Keohavong from the company’s most recent show, Cristina in the Cupboard. For bookings call 0481 514 945
We're only one month into 2018, and it is already proving an eventful year as far as Sydney's Sirius building is concerned. Locals had a final chance to tour the iconic '70s-era building a few weeks back, and a farewell party for the structure's last remaining resident was held yesterday, all in the lead up to the impeding sale of the building. As part of the gathering for 91-year-old Myra Demetriou, however, Save Our Sirius campaigners revealed they'll be lodging their own purchase bid. "The government wants $100 million dollars for this building," SOS chairperson Shaun Carter said, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. "We think that's too much but we'll pay [it]." Launching a plan that'll endeavour to harness community support and even contributions from local organisations, further details are yet to be revealed, in what mounts as the latest chapter in the fight to save the Brutalist, box-like structure that stands tall by the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Previous efforts include public rallies and crowdfunding campaigns, and even court intervention against the New South Wales government. It was put up for sale in December. If the Sirius is bought by developers, the 79-unit tower is highly likely to be demolished to make room for new apartments. As well as wiping out a crucial part of '70s architectural history, it'll also mean saying goodbye to an important public housing initiative, allowing people on low incomes to live in the centre of this expensive city and enjoy harbour views. With the situation certain to keep developing over the coming months, take a look through our gallery of the building as it currently stands. Via: Sydney Morning Herald. Images: Katherine Lu / Kimberley Low.
If you've ever tried to buy art, you'll know that it can often be an inaccessible, intimidating process where you get so overwhelmed that you don't end up buying anything at all. That won't happen at The Other Art Fair. The London-founded contemporary art fair — running over four days at COMMUNE in Waterloo from October 27-30 — is specifically designed to bridge the gap between artist and collector, making it easier for artists to sell their work, and for you to buy it. Returning to Sydney for its second year, the fair will feature over 100 contemporary artists all chosen on merit over experience. Last year's fair challenged artistic practice with live street art and 3D printing demonstrations. This year, there will be a competition to win a surprise tattoo created by LA-based husband and wife artists Kozyndan and tattooed by Rhys Gordon of Little Tokyo (in which participants won't know what the image is, or where on their body it will go), the chance to participate in creating a wall mural with artist Chocolate Einstein, and guided tours with The School of Life. Work-Shop will also be holding three classes over the three days, covering off watercolour brush lettering, gin blending (with Archie Rose) and perfume making. Food-wise, you'll be able to purchase noms from Three Blue Ducks' grazing table as well as sweets from Black Pantry (who'll also teach you how to make s'mores). A bar will be hosted by Young Henrys, Urban Winery with Archie Rose. Expect music, workshops, and loads of contemporary art that will challenge your expectations (and eventually fill your living room). Plus, this year the fair is presented by Saatchi Art, which means that all the works showcased will be added to the Saatchi Art online gallery — at the moment, it features over 500,000 works from across the world so it's a pretty big deal. We're psyched on the whole program, but we picked out four hands-on things you can do at the fair over here.
National Young Writers' Festival (NYWF) is the four-day writerly celebration that takes over the imaginations of young writers around the country. Directors Alexandra Neill, Jessica Alice and Lex Hirst have just announced their colourful program featuring familiar names like Benjamin Law, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Clementine Ford, Lawrence Leung, Genevieve Fricker, Steph Harmon, James Colley, Patrick Lenton and more (including some other names you might not recognise now but definitely will in the next five years). As well as more serious talks on slacktivism, mandatory detention and identity, NYWF won't be holding back on the life's practical truths, informing young writers about how to get paid as a writer, how to become an astronaut, how to make a sumptuously good sandwich and how to keep a diary and still be cool. Like any good writers' festival, Breakfast Book Club will start each day with impassioned discussion on life changing books, ones that make you plain angry and ones that are so good you turn into a nocturnal creature. Over 60 panels, discussions, workshops, performances and launches will carry you through deep into the evening when you'll get to sit back and relax to late night romance, crime and dystopian readings. Did we mention the whole festival is free? Yep, all of it. Blowing out 17 candles this year, NYWF is growing bigger and wiser by the year. But a festival is never too old for an intergalactic-themed ball and a spelling bee-cross-Hunger Games-style battle of the brains, right? NYWF runs from 2-5 October. Check out the full program here. Image: Alan Weedon.
Kicking off with a light-hearted caper, ending with happy tears — that's what we look for in an Italian jaunt. And even if you're not heading over to Europe anytime soon, sitting in a cinema this September might be the next best thing, in the form of the 2017 Italian Film Festival. Marking its 18th year, Australia's annual celebration of Italy's filmmaking finest will kick off with screwball effort Let Yourself Go!, which won the 2017 Italian Golden Globe for best comedy, stars The Great Beauty's Toni Servillo, and follows a tightly wound psychoanalyst's dalliance with an upbeat personal trainer. Bookending the festival is a 20th anniversary screening of Roberto Benigni's bittersweet Life Is Beautiful, an Academy Award winner for best foreign language film. One of the more popular film events in Australia, IFF's 28-film, six-week national tour features brand new highlights, excursions off the beaten track, jaunts all over the country and an ode to coffee. Yes, there really is a film called Coffee in the program, which intertwines three tales about everyone's favourite caffeinated brew, and was inspired by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's 2006 Oscar-winner Babel. As for the rest of the fest, highlights include the tender portrait of conjoined twin sisters that is Indivisible (the festival's centrepiece), to Sea Girls Dreaming, a documentary about carefree grandmothers living in the tiny Italian mountain village of Daone. Plus, Italian movie buffs can also enjoy romantic comedy Emma, which comes to Australia straight from the Venice Film Festival, and the based-on-a-true-tale Sicilian Ghost Story, about the disappeared teenage son of a Mafia informant. There's more where they came from, including Roman ex-cons attempting to start a new life, broad Christmas comedies and topical accounts of ex-terrorists fleeing extradition — and a special guest and a new initiative. This year's festival will welcome Australian-Italian actor Greta Scacchi, who'll attend screenings of her latest effort Tenderness, and sit on IFF's first jury. The Looking for Alibrandi star will help pick the festival's best from a six-film competition, with help from The Space Between's Ruth Borgobello, actor Daniela Farinacci, actor Damian Walshe-Howling and Radio National's Jason di Rosso.
If you're staring at that blank space on your bedroom wall and feeling uninspired, fret not. The Other Art Fair returns this December. The celebrated global event returns to Sydney for the eighteenth time from December 2–5. The fair will showcase a lively collection of emerging artists alongside wondrous art installations including a set of huge luminous bubbles in the stimulating surrounds of Barangaroo's The Cutaway. This iteration of the fair is actually 2021's second Sydney showing, after 2020s was delayed until March this year. The creative works of more than 110 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 offers thousands of artworks starting from as little as $100. Plus, 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 art activations, hand-poked tattooing, workshops and immersive performances, plus street food and DJ sets. This summer edition will play host to installations The Birds by Eness and Fever Originals, and Evanescent, an ethereal display of giant bubbles that previously popped up in Brisbane as part of Curiosity Brisbane. Make a party of it by attending on opening night ($35–40), or stop by for a general browse between Friday to Sunday — general entry tickets cost $20 online or $30 on the door. [caption id="attachment_804058" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Evanescent[/caption]
In 2010, celebrated photographer and music video director Anton Corbijn made The American, a slow but intensely atmospheric thriller about a hit man hiding out in a rural village in Italy. His follow-up, an adaptation of John le Carre's recent spy novel A Most Wanted Man, appears at first glance to be a film in a similar vein. Unfortunately, while the deliberate pacing remains, the atmosphere is nowhere to be found. Instead, viewers are left with a cliched and frequently stodgy affair, one that proves a wholly disappointing venue for the swansong of its star. Indeed, the spectre of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman's unexpected death hangs heavily over proceedings, although if anything it might inspire critics to look on the film more kindly. Hoffman plays Gunter Bachmann, a hardened senior intelligence agent with the German secret service. Specifically, Bachmann works for an unofficial anti-terror unit that develops informants within the Islamic community in Hamburg. His team's latest target is a Chechen refugee named Issa Karpov (Grigoriy Dobrygin), who arrives covertly in the city to claim an inheritance worth tens of millions of Euros. Bachmann wants to use the fortune to help lure in bigger targets. Complicating matters, however, is the involvement of passionate human rights lawyer Annabel Richter (Rachel McAdams), who takes the traumatised Karpov under her protection. The ninth of le Carre's novels to be adapted for the big screen, A Most Wanted Man depicts the grim and grungy side of global espionage. Trapped within a broken system, Bachmann and his agents spend as much time traversing interagency politics as they do on stakeouts or interrogations. The bureaucracy of spying is not without a certain dry fascination, but as the movie drags on it becomes harder to stay engaged. Hoffman's performance is excellent, of course. Frankly, he never gave a bad one. Yet he's limited by a stock-standard character — the cynical old veteran with a nicotine addiction and a drinking problem, who bristles at authority and is haunted by the failures of his past. Similarly uninspired is McAdams' idealistic Richter, who of course by the movie's end learns the error of her altruistic ways. A Most Wanted Man is not without moments of suspense. Corbjin certainly knows how to craft a set piece, and also deserves credit for keeping the novel's original ending. But ultimately the film pales in comparison to his previous effort, or indeed, other recent le Carre adaptations, mostly notably Tomas Alfredson's masterful Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. There's talent here, both in front of and behind the camera. But that only makes the film we ended up with that much more disappointing. https://youtube.com/watch?v=i3PiMfpafuU
Even if you can't afford a plane ticket to Tokyo at the moment, (including a super cheap one with a five-hour stopover in Cairns that seats you so near the toilet you can develop flush-induced tinnitus for days afterwards), you can still get a taste of how the Japanese drink and dine at the Harajuku Nights pop-up launching Friday. As part of the ongoing ArgyleXchange Festival, Sake Restaurant and Bar will be temporarily taken over by DJs, Harajuku girls serving izakaya dishes, 20 different shochu-based cocktails and a "wasabi roulette" created by executive chef Shaun Presland. An izakaya is a kind of casual, after-work watering hole where you also eat food, usually at a pretty slow pace spread out over a few hours. Oh and for those who haven't sampled it, shochu is a traditional Japanese distilled spirit. So basically, you're in for yummy snacks, tasty drinks, fun costumes and a potentially explosive experience with wasabi. Sounds like a good way to start the weekend. And entry is free! This is just one of the events going on as part of the festival. For a full listing of events and special offers check out the official website.
If you want to make your friends and co-workers jealous (or be the coolest person in any given room), go to Beer Meat Axe. You'll be able to tell them you "had some Willie The Boatman and Young Henrys, some slow cooked meat, did some axe throwing. Just the usual Friday arvo stuff." You know you want to say that. This event is one of our top ten picks of Sydney Craft Beer Week. Check out the other nine.
Who hasn't looked at Barry Otto's magnificent head and not felt immediately inspired to paint it? He danced to himself in Strictly Ballroom, and played ageing genius to his real-life daughter Miranda's up-and-comer in Proof on stage. He's one the most Australian actors — embodying our sense of quirkiness, solemnity and bewilderment. And while Barry Otto's fame rests on his reputation as an actor, he offers other non-theatrical ways into his head as well. Running parallel to his acting career has been a passion for painting, an extra-curricular pursuit which has seen him enter the Archibald more than once. For Artsite this year he's pulled out the pre-Raphaelite influences, to put on arsenic-tinted exhibition called A Romantic Obsession. The pre-Raphaelites at first looked back to pre-Rennaisance, mediaeval art. They painted the flattened world of a telephoto lens, or a stained-glass window, loved by Ruskin, and their aesthetic later colliding into new forms in the time of Wilde and Beardsley. Otto has waited a little longer than the age of Wilde to get their pale influence out of his head, but he has their aesthetic in abundance and his happy to show it off to you on a flattened canvas. *Artsite is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11-5. Image of 'Music' by Edward Burne Jones by Martin Beek.
Do you struggle with the basic task of ordering in restaurants? Do you sometimes wish there was some kind of elaborate computer program that could just decide on a menu item for you? If your answer to both those questions is "yes", then consider paying a visit to a KFC in Beijing's financial district, where facial recognition technology is being used to pick meals for customers based on their age, gender and mood. According to a press release put out by Chinese tech giant Baidu, who collaborated with Colonel Sanders on the technology, customers stand in front of a machine which scans their face and then makes recommendations as to what they might like to order. For example, a male in his 20s would likely be recommended "a set meal of crispy chicken hamburger, roasted chicken wings and Coke," while a woman in her fifties would be encouraged to purchase "porridge and soybean milk." Already, this jumps out as pretty sexist/ageist — after all, who is this robot to say that I, a male in his 20s, wouldn't also like to order a delicious bowl of KFC porridge? Mmm... appetising. Perhaps more promising is the fact that the machine can recall the faces of returning customers, along with their favourite menu items. That's the theory at least, although it didn't remember Amy Hawkins, a reporter for The Guardian who tried the machine twice but failed to leave an impression. Hawkins also noted that a vast majority of people in the Beijing restaurant seemed to prefer ordering the old-fashioned way. According to one customer she spoke to, "if it knows in future what I want to eat that's great, but at the moment it's not very smart." Perhaps they're scared off by privacy concerns? Personally, I don't know that I want there to be a digital paper trail of how frequently I visit KFC, or how much I order when I do (spoiler: it's a lot). Nevertheless, KFC is reportedly planning to roll out the technology to 5000 stores across China. It's a brave new world we're living in folks. A brave, greasy new world.
Carriageworks will host to an exciting new social experiment this summer. They're getting people up on stage to take a lie detector test — and we all get to watch. Truthmachine, run by performance artists Counterpilot, is a subversive, intimate and frolicsome new theatre show that uses biometric sensors and live voting systems to hunt out truths in a world of fake news and alternative facts. Even if you're not the one strapped up to the biometric sensors you're sure to feel the tension in the room. Naturally, it's recommended for audience over 18. Expect the unexpected. Find more Sydney Festival shows here. Image: Dave D'Arcy.
Sydney sweet spot KOI Dessert Bar is going whimsical this month with a one-day pop-up restaurant inspired by Disney's upcoming blockbuster, The BFG. The restaurant, aptly named Rotsome, will open for one day only on Monday, July 4, just a few days prior to the film's Australia-wide release on June 30. The menu is the brainchild of Masterchef 2015 favourite, Reynold Poernomo, and the immersive dining experience is meant to stimulate your tastebuds and imagination alike. The details of the "deliciously disgusting" three-course degustation is still under lock and key, but will include a "snozzcumber" and some form of steaming green goo drink. Rotsome follows Sydney conventions with a strict no reservations policy; the restaurant will run on a first-come first-served basis from 1-6pm. All you grown-up BFG fans out there will have to hold your horses, though. As part of the deal, all "giants" (aka adults) will need to be accompanied by at least one "childler" (a small child over six years old) to get a table. Now's the time to suggest your siblings/nephews/nieces/cousins really need a day off school — you best get calling now before your brother beats you to it. The Rotsome pop-up restaurant will be open for one-day on Monday, July 4 at Koi Dessert Bar, 46 Kensington Street, Chippendale from 1pm until 6pm. For more information, visit the Facebook event. Updated: June 20, 2016. Please note that the date of the event has changed to Monday, July 4 after publication of this article. The above article has been changed to reflect this.
Wins can be hard to come by, whereas fails, well, when it rains, it pours, right? When you've missed your morning train, been yelled at by your boss, come home to a huge electricity bill and then realised you've got nothing in the fridge for dinner — a win can feel like a distant memory. It's in moments like these where you've got to recognise the little wins — those seemingly minor things that can reshape your day and make you feel all warm and fuzzy. We've put our heads together with our friends at Coopers to come up with some foolproof, easy ways of making you feel like everything's coming up you. The win might be as simple as growing your own basil, but don't underestimate the effect that putting a fresh herb — one that you've nurtured from a little baby seed — into a homemade dish can have. Trust us, you'll feel like an accomplished gardener and your food will taste delicious. Win, win. Look at that, two wins in a row. MONDAY: READ A BOOK TO AN ELDERLY COMPANION Remember how soothing it was when your mum read you a bedtime story? Very. There's something really nice about being read to, so spare a thought for those who could use it. Go visit your nan, your friend's nan or even a stranger's nan, and take a book you've been meaning to read — that way you'll kill two birds with one stone, get through a chunk of your book and spend some quality time with an elderly companion. If you don't know an elderly person, just walk into your nearest respite or aged care facility — or even a hospice — and get to know someone who's no doubt lived quite a life. TUESDAY: EAT AT A NEW RESTAURANT There's nothing wrong with your tried-and-true Indian eatery down the road nor clicking the 're-order' button time and time again on Deliveroo. But there's also a lot to be said about trying new places and foods. How about Ethiopian instead of Indian? Moroccan instead of burgers? There are heaps of new places popping up across our cities all the time, so treat your tastebuds to new flavours from a fresh venue. Hit up one per week, even if you have to trek out to the other side of the river or harbour, and your stomach will thank you for it. What's more, trying a new place every week will give you a whole wealth of dining knowledge in your city. On our list, Half Acre in Melbourne, Lankan Filling Station in Sydney and Little Big House in Brisbane. WEDNESDAY: GROW YOUR OWN HERBS Making a pasta sauce from scratch is super nourishing for the soul and makes you feel like a nonna who's been doing it for generations. Every good homemade bolognese needs fresh herbs, so, why not push yourself even further and grow them in your own garden? Then you can attest to the freshness of every ingredient (well, perhaps you didn't grow the tomatoes, but if you can do parsley you can do tomatoes, too). Find a sunny — but not too sunny — spot in your backyard, plant your parsley and basil seeds in the ground or in a pot and don't forget to water them (that's probably the most important part). Now you're a bona fide green thumb, bravo. THURSDAY: DO A BOOK SWAP No more excuses, this year is the year that you'll read that Tolstoy novel. Okay, maybe next year... But this year you are going to read more, you can promise yourself that. While it can be hard to find the motivation to devour a lengthy novel, it becomes much easier when you do it in tandem with a friend — it's like a good type of peer pressure. Swap a book you love for one of theirs and off you go. Or, step things up a notch and start a book club. If you aim to meet once a month, you can get away with reading a few pages a night. And, the best part is, it'll improve your media consumption habits, too. No more Instagram right before bed? That's a win for your sleep habits, mental health and eyeballs. FRIDAY: HEAD TO DANCE PARTY You might be tired after a full work week but muster your second wind, Friday night beckons. Corral your mates, have some beers and head to a themed dance party. Nothing says 'win' more than living out your dream of dancing at a Beyonce vs. Rihanna party (seen in the past at Melbourne venue Yah Yahs). If you're in Sydney, keep an eye on what The Bait Shop is up to — often themed nights around sub-cultures and music of the noughties — or Brisbanites should monitor The Brightside, which held a Hogwarts-themed event this year. SATURDAY: GET ACQUAINTED WITH A NEW STYLE OF MUSIC Though your music likes and dislikes are probably set in stone and your favourite Spotify playlist forever on repeat, why not refresh your listening habits with some tunes outside of your usual genres? Head to live music venue — no, not your regular — and spend the evening getting acquainted with a new style of music. Head to The Night Cat in Melbourne for some rhythm and blues, Lazybones Lounge in Sydney for some folk and country or Doo-Bop Jazz Bar in Brisbane for, well, jazz. [caption id="attachment_680605" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Buffalo Bar, Brisbane.[/caption] SUNDAY: WATCH FOOTY WITH SOME RANDOMS If you've ever travelled overseas during AFL season and walked into a pub while a game is on the big screen, you'll know that it's never easier to make 20 new best friends than over footy and beer. If you're new in town, bored in your own town or just feel like you could do with some new friends, head to a pub where they broadcast live sport and shout "GO [insert team here]!". Before you know it, you will have gained a whole family of fellow supporters who'll probably have your back through thick and thin — and that's a massive win. We suggest, the Bellevue in Sydney, the Royal Saxon in Melbourne and Buffalo Bar in Brisbane. Bring on the beers and cheers. Kick off your 'easy wins' by enjoying a Coopers Dry, or two, with your mates. Top Image: Half Acre by Tim Ross.
