Whether or not you believe that time is a flat circle — and everything we've ever done or will do, we're gonna do over and over and over and over again, too — watching new True Detective episodes is about to become a reality again. January 2024 will mark ten years since the HBO series first started, and five years since it dropped its third season. So, there's clearly no better point for True Detective: Night Country to arrive. This six-episode fourth season will focus on a new cop duo: detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster, The Mauritanian) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis, Catch the Fair One). In the show's two trailers so far, this pair isn't happy to be working together; however, they've got an icy mystery to solve. Set in Alaska, True Detective: Night Country follows the aftermath when eight men working at the Tsalal Arctic Research Station in Ennis disappear. Cue calling in the police, and also ample complications, with Danvers and Navarro endeavouring to ascertain what has happened and why. When it hits Down Under on Monday, January 15 — via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand — True Detective: Night Country will also feature Finn Bennett (Hope Gap), Fiona Shaw (Andor), Christopher Eccleston (Dodger), Isabella Star LaBlanc (Long Slow Exhale) and John Hawkes (Too Old to Die Young) in front of the camera. Behind the lens, every one of the series' six new episodes is written and directed by Tigers Are Not Afraid filmmaker Issa López, with Moonlight's Barry Jenkins an executive producer. Each season of True Detective tells its own tale, so there's no need to catch up on past chapters if you watched the Matthew McConaughey (The Gentlemen)- and Woody Harrelson (White House Plumbers)-led first season in 2014 — as everyone did — but didn't keep up from there. Taylor Kitsch (Painkiller), Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Rachel McAdams (Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret) starred in season two, while Mahershala Ali (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) and Stephen Dorff (The Righteous Gemstones) took over in season three. Check out the two teaser trailers so far for True Detective: Night Country below: True Detective: Night Country will stream in Australia Monday, January 15, 2024 via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand.
Milky Lane might be best-known for its burgers named after Kevin Bacon, Drake and Post Malone, but that isn't the only reason that Australians hit up the chain's eateries. The sides menu is just as indulgent, including mac 'n' cheese croquettes and hot skillets of liquid cheese. So is the dessert range, complete with deep-fried Golden Gaytimes, plus Biscoff and Nutella pancakes. And the drinks? If you like creaming soda spiders but boozy, you'll find them here. Keen to sip Milky Lane's cocktails at home, too? Enter the brand's new range of tinnies. Three varieties are on offer — and yes, the creaming soda spider, a canned take on the cocktail that's made with vodka, watermelon, creaming soda and an ice cream mix in-store, is one of them. You can also get cans of lychee and passionfruit mojito, as well as the Bondi sour. In-stores, the first is a blend of white rum, sauvignon blanc, passionfruit soft drink, lemon, lychee and mint in-store — and the second is made with vodka, Aperol, passionfruit, pineapple, vanilla and egg whites. So, that's the mix of flavours you'll be tasting, but in versions made for tinnies. Your summer picnics, barbecues and beach trips can all now include Milky Lane's sips, with Milky Lane founder Christian Avant advising that the canned range was born of the growing demand "for high-quality, convenient cocktails at home". Available in packs of 16, or as a bundle that includes a pack each of all three varieties, these are limited-edition drinks with just 8000 cases available. There's no word on whether any other Milky Lane boozy concoctions will get the same treatment, but fans of its grape Hubba Bubba spiders, bubblegum sours, pine lime Splice sips, Nerd cocktails and shared sour apple Warhead beverages can cross their fingers. Milky Lane's RTD cocktails are available online via the chain's website.
Chatswood Cellars is a one-stop-shop for all of your boozing needs. Perusing its many shelves, you'll find it fully stocked with a large range of wine, liquor and beer. For those looking for something a little different, the shop has an interesting focus on sake and vodka, stocking labels you won't see at every bar around town. There are also regular manager specials of local and international wine producers, plus a wide range from big Hunter Valley names, including Brokenwood and Tyrell's. The staff are knowledgeable and welcome a good chat, so don't be shy. Plus, Chatswood Cellars is open until 9pm Sunday through Wednesday, and 10pm Thursday to Saturday, for when you're late to dinner or need to pick something up after work. Image: Trent Van der Jagt.
Kudos Gallery has been playing host to some of Sydney's most exciting up and coming artists for more than 20 years. First established in 1998, the UNSW gallery has nurtured the learning and careers of artists known for producing provocative and compelling works of art. Kudos has also provided artistic opportunities for students in a number of artistic fields, covering curating, art history, art theory and design, among many other disciplines. In other words, it serves up a great opportunity to observe and support the work of an upcoming generation of Australian artists in multiple ways, all in the heart of one of Sydney's creative suburbs. Visits to Kudos are mostly free, although you will need to book via its website.
Set in the leafy suburb of Bellevue Hill in Sydney's east, Crave Wares is a home decor boutique that stocks smaller labels and steers clear of anything that's mass-produced. If your home needs some warming up in the form of fresh pillows, throws, candles, art, and kitchen items, this is the place to find special gems that you'll keep for a long time. Wander through on a lazy afternoon and pick up a treat for a friend, a present for your mum and update your dining room, all at the same time.
Regardless of your amazing (or less-than-amazing) green thumb skills, keeping your garden lush is extra tough right now. Greater Sydney continues to battle through some of the roughest drought conditions in history and, as a result, level 1 water restrictions. Which is why Sydney Water's huge Drought Proof Garden has popped up in the CBD's Martin Place this week, offering garden inspiration aplenty and giving away over 100 hardy plant babies for free. Open to the public from 7am–7pm until Wednesday, October 30, the 100-square-metre living installation aims to show locals how they can create top-notch, healthy gardens while also conserving water. It's packed with over 15 varieties of locally sourced, water-efficient plants that can thrive even in extra tough conditions, from vibrant blue chalk sticks to the bushfire-resistant gymea lily. Head in from 5pm on Wednesday, and you can even take home one of these indestructible plant species for free. While the pop-up's here, you can also take a workshop on efficient watering led by The Planthunter editor Georgina Reid, jump on a guided tour of the garden, and learn about other nifty water-saving methods including mulching and composting. For more water-saving tips, head to the Sydney Water website. The Drought Proof Garden is giving away 100 free succulents and drought proof plants from 5pm on Wednesday, October 30.
Darling Square's popular izakaya Nakano Darling is going big this month with a series of five one-off meals curated by local Japanese chefs. If you're after a memorable Japanese meal, take your pick from one of these inventive displays of Japanese cooking ranging from yakitori omakase through to ox-tongue curry. Billed as Nakano Invites, the event will run from Sunday, April 17 through to Thursday, April 21, bringing together Sydney's Japanese hospitality community after a tough two years for the industry. Participating chefs include Ken Takenaka (Jicca Dining), Kenta Hatamoto (Yakitori Yurippi), Jun Okamatsu (Kurumac), Yuki Ishikawa (Jazushi) and Iwao Yamanishi (Spanish Sakaba) serving up his Spanish-Japanese fusion. Other highlights from the menus include Yamanishi's renowned ox-tail ramen, two set menus from Takenaka and an eight course dinner with accompanying jazz from Ishikawa. Topping the whole thing off, Musubiya's founders Hiro and Ritusko Kawabata will be serving up Japanese breakfast sets featuring omusubi (or onigiri as it's also known) every day of the activation from 8am through to 2pm. "When you eat our Omusubi, we want you to feel 'at home' and to bring you back to Japan. When you eat our Omusubi we want you to come back for more. That's the kind of Omusubi we serve and want you to try," Kawabata said. Dive into the full program of Nakano Darling Invites events via the restaurant's website. [caption id="attachment_850150" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oxtail ramen[/caption]
Gaia Retreat, located among the lush greenery of Bundjalung country, is a picturesque haven worlds away from the bustle of city life. The boutique accommodation offers a highly flexible retreat experience, so you can enjoy the gorgeous facilities as you please — whether that's complete sloth-like relaxation or a health and wellness kick. It's worth a visit to simply soak up the beautiful scenery, but there is plenty more to enjoy here, from day spa treatments and lounging by the pool to practicing yoga and getting a naturopathic consultation. Plus, don't forget about the award-winning food on offer. Throughout your stay, you'll indulge in delicious organic wine and food, with all produce grown on-site or sourced from local producers within the Northern Rivers region.
Book-to-film adaptations can go either way. Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather was so good that the novel's author, Mario Puzo, said he wished he'd written a better book. Conversely, The Cat in the Hat made you want to push sharp, salty popcorn into your eyeballs. It's usually when a film makes artistic changes from the source material that the ire of the book's fans is most extreme, and (arguably) nobody feels more passionately about the fundamentals of their favourite book than Christians. Now, I'll admit it's been a while since I read the Bible, but — try as I might — I simply cannot remember the bit about Transformers. Maybe it was in the Book of Michael? Or was it Bay? Suffice it to say, it was more than a touch surprising to see them turn up in the opening scene of Darren Aronofsky's highly anticipated film Noah. Rather than Autobots, however, these giant fallen angels (not to be confused with 'The Fallen' from, yes, Transformers) are called 'The Watchers'. Made ostensibly from stone and speaking with about as much clarity as an underwater Bane, they mark the first of several major departures from, or least reinterpretations of, one of the best-known stories of all time (the next being Noah's propensity to dispatch entire gangs of men with nothing but a tiny blade like he was some sort of biblical Jason Bourne). Thankfully, for Aronofsky, these embellishments and emendations contribute to, rather than detract from, what is literally the epic tale of good and evil. With a budget of US$125 million, Noah has the resources of a blockbuster and a narrative from scripture yet avoids many of the trappings of both. Cerebral and unsanctimonious, it is, in Aronofsky's words, "the least biblical film ever made". God is only ever referred to as 'the Creator', and themes of environmentalism and survivor's guilt outweigh those of sin and the downfall of man. As the film's eponymous lead, Russell Crowe is simply excellent. With his eyes alone he can sparkle with joy or threaten with burning menace, and in Noah that menace increasingly captures the character's singular, unwavering fidelity to his divine cause — culminating in a horrifying personal choice. Alongside him, Jennifer Connelly and Emma Watson play the loyal yet conflicted wife and adopted daughter, while Anthony Hopkins offers an amusing turn as Methuselah. Rounding out the ensemble is Ray Winstone as Tubal-cain, a descendant of Adam's son inserted into the plot to provide the film with a specific antagonist rather than relying simply on the generality of 'all sinful humanity'. Cinematically, Noah is every bit the sumptuous spectacle the story deserves, with the highlight being an enthralling time-lapse chronicle of the 'first seven days' from the Book of Genesis (albeit with an amusing cross-fade just as evolution progresses to the point of simians, whereupon — cue dissolve — man pops separately into existence). No matter your faith (or even the absence of), this is an accomplished piece of direction and a powerful story of belief, devotion and — perhaps — obsession. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UAfJulXFYlc
If you thought country music was all Billy Ray Cyrus covers, line dancing and XXXX, Tamworth asks you to think again. That's not to say you can't get bootfuls of such things – XXXX especially. But they're just the tip of the whip. Apparently the biggest music festival in Australia (Bluesfest might have something to say here) and the second biggest country music festival in the world — after Nashville – Toyota Country Music Festival in Tamworth offers tonnes of diversity. Whether honky tonk, bluegrass, blues, rock, Appalachian, folk or old-school cowboy music is your thing, you can get it. We went country for a weekend at the 45th festival, held January 20-29, 2017 — and what better way to get around town than asking for tips from the lineup of musicians? COUNTRY DRINKIN' AND DININ' Festival favourite Lee Kernaghan, who was busy celebrating 25 years since hit single 'Boys from the Bush', had just one word for us: "Powerhouse." It's a swanky hotel, which recently scored a $7 million redevelopment. Among the oak and leather of Coal Bunker Bar, we started with a brew from New England Brewing Co. (made just 90 kilometres away in Uralla) and a signature 'Saffron & Burnt Orange' cocktail. Beneath the amber lights of the open-plan Workshop Restaurant, hearty cuts are given fancy treatments, one example being loin of kangaroo loin with peppered spinach, cous cous, smoked bacon oil and roquette. Next up, we asked Fanny Lumsden, an indie, alt-country artist who took out the 2017 Golden Guitar for New Talent and put on a cracking show at St Paul's Hall — FYI the Golden Guitars are Australian country music's equivalent of the ARIAs. "Addimi does great food and is really supportive of musicians," she told us. Dropping by, we found out the rest of Tamworth was on board. Crowds were pouring in and out of the place all day for properly-made Allpress and unusual takes on classics, including smoked salmon and ricotta bruschetta with pear, rocket and fresh lemon. Another top spot is Deco Wine Bar and Restaurant at CH on Peel, a boutique hotel. It's a cool, black-and-white escape to 1920s France, where you can break from boot scootin' over fine wine and Mediterranean dishes. We also liked Hopscotch for Toby's Estate coffee on the park, Cafe 2340 for local produce, the Old Bell Tower for Campos coffee and Ruby's Cafe and Gift Store for tasty fare in Melbourne-inspired surroundings. COUNTRY LISTENIN' AND DANCIN' With more than 700 musicians and over 2800 gigs — mostly free — the music program can feel a tad overwhelming. If you're not sold on mainstream country, then alt-country — mixed with rock, folk or roots — is a good place to begin. At The Tamworth, built in 1936, we came across a decent craft beer selection and, in the garden, ace Sydney act Green Mohair Suits, who launched new album Evans Street in October. "We like Tamworth because it's so different to what we do in Sydney," the Suits' Brian Campeau told us. "It's just a bunch of people who want to go out and drink and watch music — that diehard country thing we don't really experience in the Inner West." Also on The Tamworth stage was the Andy Golledge Band. Meanwhile, the Cake & Cordial Sessions hosted indie singer-songwriters, including Brisbane's Megan Cooper and Ben Salter (The Giants of Science, The Gin Club, The Wilson Pickers). The alt community poured into the Services Club's downstairs bar for Late Nite Alt, where 'secret acts' play till 1.30am. 2017's program included Henry Wagons, Shane Nicholson, Harmony James and the Wilson Pickers. "Late Nite Alt's in its fourth year," MC and singer-songwriter Jen Mize told us. "Before, we were at the Tudor Hotel, but we outgrew the room upstairs ... It's a young crowd and the program's a mixed bag of up-and-comers and established musicians ... we tend to book touring and travelling musicians, with new material out." For big names, Toyota Park was the place to go, where free, outdoor concerts were held nightly. Among them were Stars Under the Stars, the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final, won by 21-year-old Sydneysider Rachael Fahim, and the Toyota Busking Championships, featuring ten buskers handpicked from the hundreds who filled the streets throughout the festival. This year's winner was Tim Scanlan, whose music mixes Celtic and Indigenous sounds. He first went to Tamworth in 1999, as a 19-year-old hitchhiker. COUNTRY LIVIN' It's popular knowledge that Australia's raised some of the world's fastest swimmers, but do you know we also have the planet's fastest whip cracker? WA boy Nathan 'Whippy' Griggs can generate 614 cracks per minute, with two whips in hand. And he was doing just that on Tamworth's streets. We also met hoop-jumping kelpies, mechanical bulls and strong people picking up big bits of concrete. Plus, we learned to drive a 4WD through mud, sand and rocks on the Toyota 4 x 4 track. [caption id="attachment_610790" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Powerhouse.[/caption] COUNTRY SLEEPIN' With so much action on the agenda, a quiet place to curl up at night was crucial to our survival. A suite at the aforementioned Powerhouse had us sorted with a comfy queen-sized bed, classic wooden furnishings and a private spa. Given that most days were 30 degrees plus, the pool and air-conditioning were serious bonuses. That said, hotel prices soared during festival week - as they tend to do every year. For wallet-watchers, camping offered a more friendly option. Those armed with a tent headed for Riverside Park, just a few minutes' walk from the town centre. Those without had Moogee, a temporary tent city that provided pre-pitched tents, sheltered areas, security, showers, toilets and, in 2017, a free, secret acoustic show featuring The McClymonts, Kaylee Bell, Jared Porter, Rachael Fahim, Andrew Swift and others. Jasmine Crittenden travelled to Toyota Country Music Festival in Tamworth as a guest of Toyota. All images Peter Saw unless otherwise specified.
The Badlambs story started 17,000 kilometres away. After years cutting hair in a bunch of contexts — from Edinburgh's Famous Spiegeltent to Adelaide Arts Festival's late-night club — hairdresser Tony Mellis decided to set up his own salon in 2001 in Bloomsbury, an upmarket area in London. More than a decade later, he was ready to move to Australia — Bondi, to be exact. So he brought his business with him. Hairdressing, for men, women and children, is just one aspect of what goes on at Badlambs. While you're there, rummage through Mellis' incredible collection of antiques, bric-a-brac and local artworks. Just some of the objects to have passed through his hands include a framed, signed version of Listen Like Thieves on vinyl signed by INXS themselves, an original enamel London street sign, and a meat cleaver autographed by Mark "Chopper" Read. Oh, and don't be surprised if musicians drop by to jam on the in-salon piano — live music of both the organised and impromptu varieties is part of the Badlambs experience.
There's something undeniably charming about wandering through an outdoor market on a crisp weekend morning. This month, the folks at Cambridge Markets are giving you a chance to do just that with its Ultimate Autumn Market, which lands in the Entertainment Quarter on Sunday, May 29. Head down from 10am to get your fix of hot food, artisanal goods, gifts, clothing and homewares, with a focus on Sydney-based small businesses. There'll be over 100 stalls to explore, giving you plenty of opportunity to shop, sample and stroll through the historic site of the former Sydney Showground. Among the highlights of the European-inspired market is Arye Studio, which will be showcasing a range of its stunningly minimalist 18-carat gold-plated and sterling silver jewellery made from recycled materials; Knit for Life, a social enterprise and purveyor of children's clothing, toys and accessories that are handmade from naturally grown cotton yarn; and Moore Park-based Verve Candles, which stocks an impressive selection of natural soy wax candles, homemade soaps and body products. Looking to pimp your pantry? Pick up a boutique wine from Hunter Valley faves Savannah Estate or Hanging Tree Wines, flavour-packed chilli sauce and condiments from Old Bones Chilli Co, a hefty loaf of sourdough from Maison Cafe Bakery or honey from The Honey Library. There'll be all manner of food and drink to keep you fuelled as you browse, from gozleme and handmade bao, to plant-based hot chocolate and loukoumades. It'll be a perfect family day out, with live music, face-painting and other entertainment keeping the vibes high. Plus it's a dog-friendly affair, with a range of pet treats, accessories and all-natural dog food on offer. Entry to the market is free, and there's two hours of free on-site parking. Cambridge Market's Ultimate Autumn Market takes place on Sunday, May 29 from 10am–3pm. For more info, head to the website.
While Sydney's Italian cuisine is known for being inventive and boundary-pushing — think Bella Brutta's clam pizza or Ragazzi's ever-changing ravioli varieties — sometimes all you want is some simple homely food. Palle, the new restaurant coming to Tramsheds from the team behind A Tavola and Flour Eggs Water, is all about homely and hearty Italian food with one big speciality: meatballs. "Mum's recipe was basic, but it was full of sustenance and love. It took a pandemic to make me wonder why the meatball has taken a backseat in the dining scene," said Founder of A Tavola, Flour Eggs Water and Palle Eugenio Maiale. "Palle is all about bringing back comfort, nostalgia and love, in a fun and playful way." Translating to "balls" in Italian, Palle is bringing bright colours, terrazzo clad tabletops and a concise themed menu to Tramsheds, alongside the existing Flour Eggs Water outpost and Forest Lodge favourites like Belles Hot Chicken, China Diner, Fish & Co and Messina. On the menu at the vibrant and colourful diner, you'll find classic meatballs side-by-side with more uncommon takes like salt cod and potato balls or tangy lamb tzatziki balls. From there you have a decision to make. You can order your meatballs in a set of two, a bucket of twelve, inside a sub or on top of a bed Palle's house-made spaghetti. There's even a chicken parmi sub or a lamb ball sub with whipped feta. If you want to ease into your meal before ordering your bucket of meatballs, there's a range of classic Italian starters and sides on offer. Cold cut meats, cheesy garlic bread, fried zucchini flowers, white cabbage salad and a crab and corn crostini will all tempt you before you even get to the main event. Of course, bombolini is the obvious dessert to have on offer at a meatball restaurant and Palle doesn't disappoint, with cinnamon, raspberry, Nutella or dulce de leche-flavoured balls available post-dinner. Palle will open on Friday, May 6 at Tramsheds, 1 Dalgal Way, Forrest Lodge. It will be open for lunch and dinner Friday—Sunday. Images: Dexter Kim
Travelling Jerusalem street food container Knafeh — which has popped up on piers and festivals across the city — is turning five, and is about to embark on an international tour. But, before it goes, Sydneysiders will have one last chance to enjoy the pop-up's Middle Eastern fare. The Bearded Bakers (as Knafeh's owners are known) are hosting The Old City, a one-off immersive dinner that'll transport guests from North Strathfield to the streets of Jerusalem on Saturday, May 18. The Bearded Bakers will take over the former Arnott's biscuit factory for just one night and transform it into a Middle Eastern-style souk (openair marketplace) and communal dining experience. The three-course menu will include the authentic eats that the gents grew up eating — as well as plenty of their famed knafeh (a Middle Eastern dessert made with syrup-soaked cheese and fine string pastry). As the venue is not licensed, it'll be a booze-free event. Instead of cocktails, expect the drink pairings to include Middle Eastern coffee, tea and soft drinks. What will remain is the group's high energy-style of food service — namely a whole heap of singing and dancing that accompanies all Bearded Bakers meals. It'll cost you $100 all up and reservations are essential.
After hosting a sellout weekender in 2024 to celebrate its 15th birthday, Strawberry Fields is turning sweet 16 in 2025 with another three-day festival filled with impressive acts hitting the decks and the stage, all on the banks of the Murray River. When you're not catching Detroit Love featuring Carl Craig and Moodymann, Gilles Peterson, Chaos in the CBD and Interplanetary Criminal at Tocumwal in regional New South Wales this November, you'll be seeing Tommy Holohan, Malugi, Lady Shaka and ISAbella. They're a mere few of the 80-plus DJs and live acts on the lineup. Other names on the bill across Friday, November 21–Sunday, November 23 include KOKOROKO, WITCH, and Circle of Live featuring Albrecht La'Brooy, Move D and Sebastian Mullaert — plus Dita, Wax'o Paradiso and Horse Meat Disco. Or, for more than three hours, Mama Snake, DJ Scorpion and Andy Garvey will play B3B. Aurora Halal, DJ Sweet6teen, Fafi Abdel Nour, DJ PGZ B2B Yikes and Karen Nyame KG are on the roster, too. Strawberry Fields is among the Australian music festivals that aren't just about who's providing the soundtrack, even though it clearly doesn't skimp on talent. This fest boasts a setup and setting worth spending a weekend enjoying no matter which acts are on the bill, with its location is a hefty drawcard all by itself. Having multiple stages pumping out tunes in leafy surroundings, and also a bush spa for a soak between sets, will do that. Folks lucky enough to nab a ticket can look forward to epsom salt baths, plunge pool sessions and sauna trips, then, plus hanging out in the festival's Mirage Motel space again, and hitting up an expanded range of workshops and talks — alongside onsite glamping and camping. Strawberry Fields 2025 Lineup DJ Afrodisiac Anu Aurora Halal Ayebatonye Baby J Bella Claxton Chaos In The Cbd Dameeeela Detroit Love (featuring Carl Craig and Moodymann) Dita DJ Friday B2B Sweetie Zamora DJ Pgz B2B Yikes DJ Sure DJ Sweet6teen Fafi Abdel Nour Gene On Earth Gilles Peterson Horse Meat Disco Interplanetary Criminal ISAbella Jenny Cara Josh Caffé Karen Nyame Kg Kirollus Kuzco B2B Quicksticks Kyle Hall Lady Shaka Malugi Mama Snake B3B DJ Scorpion B3B Andy Garvey Mazzacles Messie Mismeg Move D Myles Mac B2B DJ Possum Naycab Neptunes Trident Poli Pearl Regularfantasy Roka Sampology B2B Frank Booker Slothboogie Super Flu THC Tommy Holohan Toni Yotzi Vanna Wax'o Paradiso Wolters B2B Ned Bennett Zalina Live Asanti Beats Becca Hatch Bumpy Circle of Live (featuring Albrecht La Brooy, Move D, Sebastian Mullaert) Close Counters Corto.Alto D.D. Mirage Devaura Drifting Clouds Drmngnow / Bricky B Ella Haber Ella Thompson Empress Ferrari Party Flewnt Inkabee Jerome Thomas Juman Kokoroko Mathew Jonson Minyerra Moontide No News Rodriguez Jr. Serebii The Pro-Teens (MF Doom Tribute) Waari Wilson Tanner Witch Wrong Way Up Xpress Point Images: Duncographic / Will Hamilton-Coates / Max Roux.
If you want to know what it feels like to have Siri laugh at you, ask them to search for "small garden hideaway with excellent food, drink, music in Sydney's CBD". Once you've done that, head back here so we can give you what you want. Since I Left You is a 21st century city speakeasy nestled in a heritage-listed storehouse in the centre of Sydney. You can check it out any day of the week (except Sundays), but we recommend stopping by the next instalment of the bar's SILY Sessions. The bi-monthly sessions are live gigs, but not as you know them. Rather than spending the day being elbowed in the face at varying intensities, the gig takes place in SILY's courtyard oasis, and is small — 50 people max — and generally acoustic. October's session will see northern beaches busker-turned-musical wunderkind Taj Ralph take the stage alongside the inner west's own Zepha. Tickets are only $20, which includes unlimited access to the antipasti table. The bar also serves up $12 cocktails and six-buck beers all arvo. Take that, Siri.
Need to zhuzh up a spare room? Perhaps your new space needs a full makeover? Whatever your vision might be, the poised staff at Orient House can help select excellent interiors for your home. This rather fancy warehouse ships antiques, furniture and home decor from Africa, China and Southeast Asia right to the Bridge Road bend in Glebe. You can colour a room with African textiles, splurge on vintage furniture from far-flung Chinese provinces and peruse a huge collection of handwoven lampshades and baskets. Pieces come with a pretty hefty price tag, so budget-conscious shoppers might want to stick to just one or two statement pieces. Images: Elise Hassey
Darlinghurst venue The Taphouse and its sun-soaked rooftop bar Elm Rooftop are saying cheers to Sydney for getting through more than three months of lockdown — by offering 49-percent off their entire food and drink menus every Monday–Friday throughout November. Head to the venue between 5–7pm every weekday throughout the month and you'll nab nearly half-price off your dinner or after-work drinks. "We are stoked to be doing what we can to bring the good times back to our beautiful city," The Taphouse owner Joshua Thorpe said. "We want to launch into the silly season with a bang, giving everyone an excuse to get out and have fun." The Taphouse is known for its wide array of local and unique beers, as well as its top-notch pub food. Make the most of the deal with $13 schnitzels, $11 chicken sandwiches or a massive two-person barbecue plate for under $30. Upstairs at Elm Rooftop, you can enjoy 49-percent off your cocktails, seltzers and selections from the small plates menu as you enjoy a post-work drink and feed in the sun. Plus, new additions to the cocktail menu include a blackberry Jack Daniel's cocktail called the Black Jack Fizz and a jalapeño-infused spicy margarita. Head over on a Monday during November and you'll be able to enjoy the limited-time deal while securing your spot for Doggo Rooftop Trivia, a classic pub trivia that encourages you to bring along your furry friends from home.
Airbnb Australia has just launched #UntilWeAllBelong, a marriage equality campaign that involves wearing an 'incomplete' ring in an act of LGBTQI+ marriage support. The company is using this physical symbol as a way to further publicise the equality gap conversation, as well as to give individuals the chance to have their voices heard through direct action. Designed in partnership with influential Australian designer Marc Newson, each limited edition ring has an electroplated matte black finish and has been inscribed with the phrase "Until we all belong" — supporters promise to wear the ring until marriage equality legislation is passed. The ring also features a 2.2mm gap in its loop, which is meant to symbolise the current inequality of marriage in Australia. Participants can purchase the ring for a postage and handling fee of $3.50, with absolutely no profit on the rings going to Airbnb. Per unit costs cover only the postage and handling within Australia. "This incomplete ring symbolises the gap in marriage equality that we need to close," reads the website. "Until the day comes when two people who love each other can celebrate that love through commitment, will you wear this ring and show your acceptance of marriage equality?" A video supporting the campaign was released on the Airbnb Australia Twitter account yesterday and it promotes the fight as one which all Australians should be participating in — whether you're showing support for your sibling, parent, neighbour, friend or yourself. This incomplete ring symbolises the gap in marriage equality in Australia. Wear this ring & show your acceptance #untilweallbelong pic.twitter.com/hiTRtChHks — Airbnb Australia (@airbnb_au) April 2, 2017 Airbnb's public support of marriage equality comes after a wave of Australian businesses and brands speaking up, with a major marriage equality campaign backed by 30 of the nation's largest companies in March. The letter, coordinated by Australian Marriage Equality, urges PM Malcolm Turnbull to legislate same-sex marriage and is signed by the chief executives of such big businesses as Qantas, Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, Holden and ANZ, to name a few. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has continued to speak out on his and the company's support of the campaign, despite backlash comments by immigration minister Peter Dutton, who has made bold claims that the businesses were "bullied" into supporting the letter — though no proof of this claim has been offered by Dutton. The debate around marriage equality has been continuously escalating in recent months, with Skyy Vodka's Cheers to Equality and Smirnoff's We're Open campaigns also recently launched, and following last month's consumer boycott against Coopers after an uncomfortably timed video run by the Bible Society. According to Galaxy Research polls, 64 percent of Australians support marriage equality, so its likely more brands will herald their support for the cause.
Set in the backstreets of suburban Brisbane, Trent Dalton's award-winning 2018 novel Boy Swallows Universe is destined to become an Aussie classic. It follows a young boy, his prophetic brother and his jailbreaking best friend as they navigate the heroin-filled underworld of 80s Queensland. And it's about to come to life on the stage. Between Monday, August 30–Saturday, October 9 this year, the stage version of the novel will world premiere in Brisbane. Originally slated to debut in 2020 before the pandemic postponed much of the year's events, it'll now arrive this year instead. It's a co-production between Queensland Theatre and Brisbane Festival, with the former's ex-Artistic Director Sam Strong directing the adaptation, which is written by playwright Tim McGarry. When it was first announced, Brisbane-born author Dalton said in a statement it was only fitting that the stage show should premiere in his hometown. "It was the people of Brisbane who took that wild, strange book and ran with it first and that book belongs to them now and this production will belong to them, too." Boy Swallows Universe has snagged a slew of local awards, including Book of the Year, Literary Book of the Year and Audio Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards. The novel, which has sold 160,000 copies in Australia alone, was also been longlisted for Australia's most prestigious literature prize, the Miles Franklin Award in 2019. Fans of the novel will be excited to hear that it won't stop at the stage, either — Boy Swallows Universe is also destined for the small screen. Harper Collins had sold the television rights to the novel, with Australian actor and director Joel Edgerton (who recently wrote, directed and produced Boy Erased) set to produce the show alongside Dalton as executive producer. Tickets for Queensland Theatre's production of Boy Swallows Universe are currently on sale — and they've been proving popular. In fact, the show's end date has just been extended to October 3 — the second time it has been extended — to meet demand. Top image: David Kelly. Updated September 29.
Macquarie Park's multi-level neighbourhood pub and entertainment venue The Governor Hotel is set to kick off in August with the opening of JINJA, an exciting new Cantonese restaurant with a hatted chef at the helm. The diner will open on level one of the venue, joining The Governor's bistro and rooftop bar as part of its multi-faceted hospitality offerings. Leading the kitchen at JINJA is Head Chef Sebastian Tan who previously ran the hatted Silks and Teahouse out of the Crown Sydney. Speciality Chef Kushal Lama will join Tan in the kitchen, bringing over 16 years of culinary experience and generational hospitality knowledge to the venue. Opening Wednesday, August 3, the 218-capacity restaurant will offer a new outpost for top-quality Cantonese dishes to this newly developed north-Sydney suburb. Diners will be welcomed by red neon signs and a lush modern fit-out inspired by traditional Cantonese restaurants with a dining room, a bar, private rooms and a secret space hidden behind a sliding door making up the expansive eatery. Once you've taken your seat, you can expect a dedicated dumpling station and a variety of dishes ranging from the expected favourites like wonton soup, prawn and chive dumplings and peking duck pancakes to inventive and lavish takes on classic bites. Highlights of the more extravagant side of the menu include XO southern lobster scallop dumplings and black garlic wagyu beef sui mai. There's also a distinct drinks menu accompanying the food. Tea-lovers will also be enticed to the venue by a specialty tea dispensary, and there's also a boundary-pushing cocktail menu, accompanied by the country's largest selection of baijiu and a 100-strong wine list with both Australian and international drops on hand. JINJA will open Wednesday, August 3 at Level 1, 9 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park. It will be open from lunch Wednesday–Sunday and dinner Wednesday–Saturday. Images: Steven Woodburn
As if Object Gallery's Spring Series were not, with its bicycle dinners and inflatable couch parking lot takeovers and studio tours and pretty website, endearing enough, here is an exhibition with a pun in the title! A double one! Curated by Joan-Maree Hargreaves (Object's Producer - Digital & Publications) StereoTyped looks at sound design and typography and how they come together in contemporary practice, questioning received attitudes about design and designers in the process. And by received attitudes, we mean stereotypes. See what they did there? Featuring works by Stephen Banham, James Cecil, David Chesworth,Amanda Cole, Nils Crompton, Future Classic,Ellen Lupton, Gemma O’Brien, Tin&Ed, Brooke Trezise and Jared Underwood, StereoTyped is an immersive exhibition that brings viewers into close consideration of the works, pairing up visuals with big black headphones around the arc of Object Gallery's Project Space. Pieces employ print, film and sound recording to explore the potentialities of multimedia communications as forms diversifying beyond formally skilled practitioners into broader cultural applications accessible to non-professionals via new publishing technologies. Specialisation is being challenged here, as is a view of design as something that's applied to represent a concept rather than being a part of it. Get excited, inner dorks who like fonts!
Take a moment to appreciate life and reflect on important relationships at HIDDEN — a series of sculptures and artworks displayed throughout the expansive Rookwood Cemetery. Now in its 13th year, the unique annual event will feature multidisciplinary works by over 40 artists at one of the country's oldest cemeteries. Alongside established and emerging artists, HIDDEN will showcase five works from schools and seven stonemasons in a new category this year. The sculptures tie in with the setting at Rookwood and explore stirring themes such as remembrance, spirituality, time, cultural practices and loss. [caption id="attachment_921129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Your one wild and precious life' (2022) by Karen Golland[/caption] Visitors can explore the grounds on their own with the option to follow an audio guide or delve deeper with a curator tour or artist talk. There is also a d/Deaf-led tour available. HIDDEN is open from sunrise to sunset with free entry from Saturday, October 21, until Sunday, November 19. Make a day trip of it with the family (furry friends included). You'll find plenty of free parking along Hawthorne Avenue, Necropolis Drive and opposite All Souls Chapel and Rookwood Village Cafe serves coffee, snacks and lunch until 3.30pm daily. Find out more at the HIDDEN in Rookwood website. Entry is free, but you can reserve a slot at the event website. Top image: 'The Red Shoes Vanitas' by Cybele Cox
Take a bit of the best of Rose Bay home with you after a visit to Beds Australia. A staple of Rose Bay's shopping experience, Beds Australia can help you take your sleep game to a whole new level. The brand is known for its expertise on the right components for a perfect night's sleep, so the staff make it their mission to find the right mattress for you. The dreamy Rose Bay showroom has it all, with mattresses available to sink into and textiles to style your chosen one with. If you've been looking for a new addition to your bedroom haven, this is where to go. But, a word of warning: it's going to make getting out of your cosy bed every morning even harder.
Finding a job you're passionate about isn't always easy, but turning to your hobbies and interests for study and career inspiration is a great start. There are many benefits to building a career you love. According to research by Yale professor Dr Amy Wrzesniewski, people who orient their work around a 'calling' rather than seeing their job as purely a transaction for money, tend to be more satisfied with their work and lives overall. Here are five ways to connect what you love to a study option that will steer you towards an enriching career. What's more, these options can all be studied online through Open Universities Australia, which partners with universities across Australia to bring you over 150 degrees and 1300 subjects. [caption id="attachment_660244" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Casey Fiesler.[/caption] YOU LOVE: LISTENING TO TRUE CRIME PODCASTS Consider Studying: Criminal Justice with University of South Australia or Criminology and Criminal Justice with Griffith University Serial, S-Town, Dirty John, My Favourite Murder — everyone loves a good true crime podcast. But if you like taking things that extra mile — analysing the cases from all angles on Reddit — you could consider pursuing this passion outside of conspiracy forums. Angered by wrongful convictions? Discover how the criminal justice system works with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice with University of South Australia. Or are you more curious about theories behind who commits crime and why? If the human side appeals to you more than the technical side of law, explore a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice with Griffith University. YOU LOVE: BLOGGING ABOUT FOOD, FITNESS AND HEALTH Consider Studying: Food and Nutrition with La Trobe University Your friends may laugh at you photographing your every açaí bowl for Insta, but it turns out you may be onto something. Aussies spend $8.5 billion a year on gym memberships, sports equipment and fitness crazes, which means if you're thinking about a career in health and fitness, there is plenty of demand. It's difficult to turn a passion for food and fitness into a viable career without some sort of credentials. Stand out from the Fitspo crowd with a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition with La Trobe University — you'll learn how to separate spurious health claims of the weight-loss tea variety from evidence-based claims supported by actual research. [caption id="attachment_670821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Atsuko Sato: Doge.[/caption] YOU LOVE: SCROLLING MEMES, REDDIT AND VIRAL INTERNET CONTENT Consider Studying: Internet Communications with Curtin University Believe it or not, being a lover of all things meme, subreddit and retweet related is a legitimate interest that you can turn into work. To go from your average Internet humour consumer to a better than average content producer, check out a Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications) with Curtin University. You'll level up your skills in creating, maintaining and managing online communications. In today's increasingly digital world, these are useful abilities to have. YOU LOVE: SAVING THE PLANET Consider Studying: Sustainable Development with Murdoch University You were the first to bust out a KeepCup, and you spend your time at parties explaining to strangers why the huge plastic island forming in the Pacific Ocean is a huge deal. Because without the planet, nothing else matters right? To really make a difference, learn how to transform your personal passion for environmental issues into broader policy changes and strategies. A Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sustainable Development with Murdoch University will give you a deeper understanding of the issues and help you influence sustainable policies in government and the private sector. [caption id="attachment_636262" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Bec Taylor.[/caption] YOU LOVE: GOING TO CULTURAL EVENTS Consider Studying: Society and Culture with Macquarie University If you like spending as much of your spare time as possible visiting museums, art galleries and music festivals, there are a myriad of ways you can turn your penchant for all things culture into an actual job. Studying a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Society and Culture with Macquarie University is a good option. Learn how to critically analyse society and culture, expose yourself to different ideas, and empower yourself to work in an arena related to your interests. Explore all the degrees on offer from Open Universities Australia and turn your passions into an actual career.
It's October and you know what that means: it's time to get spooky. One of the first Sydney venues to get into the Halloween spirit is Kickstarter-funded Darling Square IIKO Mazesoba. IIKO Mazesoba specialises in its namesake Japanese-style 'brothless' ramen dishes that are tossed in savoury sauces instead of soup. The noodle specialist has designed a Halloween-themed menu featuring some of its fan-favourite dishes alongside some new creations done up to look a little more frightening. The centrepiece of the menu is soft shell crab mazesoba, naturally blackened with activated coconut charcoal powder to give it that Halloween feel. Also on the menu, you'll find pumpkin croquettes and black sesame tiramisu for dessert, providing a strong black and orange colour palette throughout. You can order these festive dishes alongside all of the classic IIKO Mazesoba selections like karaage fried chicken, potato salad and gyoza from Friday, October 15 through until Sunday, November 7.
If you've ever needed your texts in physical form, designer Joe Doucet has created a nifty little mobile printer that produces your text message conversations on paper. The 'Blackbox SMS Printer' simply connects to your phone through a cable to produce two identical records of any conversation, no matter how long, using a "standard, non-carbon receipt printing system." Importantly, the designer states that this printer is appropriate "whether the communique is of a loving or legal nature." So if you're keen on treasuring some heartwarming messages from your lover, and also scared of the inevitable cracking of your iPhone screen making them illegible, the Blackbox will be right up your alley. Furthermore, it's only a matter of time before these little text message scripts become evidence of communication between dodgy drug dealers in high profile court cases. [via PSFK]
If you were planning to commute by train this Monday morning, it may take you a bit longer than expected. At 2am on Monday, February 11, a car crashed into train signalling equipment in Riverwood, in the city's south, which has resulted in delays across the network. While the T8 Airport & South Line has predominantly been affected, with commuters reporting delays of up to 30 minutes, Sydney Trains has announced that Inner West and Leppington Lines are also impacted. https://twitter.com/T8SydneyTrains/status/1094671623121031168 Repairs are underway and extra customer service staff are available to help commuters, with some services likely to be replaced by buses. According to commuters on Twitter, some Macarthur services are running more than 30 minutes late. Sydney Trains Chief Executive Howard Collins has also taken to Twitter, telling Sydneysiders that the signalling equipment has been "badly damaged" and to "expect major delays". https://twitter.com/HowieCollins/status/1094667824683900928 To stay up-to-date with delays and replacement buses, check the Transport for NSW website and real-time apps.
Even before the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic visiting an Australia supermarket to buy groceries had become a rather fraught affair. First came panic-buying of household staples. Then, limits on everyday items were put in place. Even after that, shelves normally stacked with toilet paper, paper towel, tissues, hand sanitiser, pasta and rice can still be found empty in plenty of stores around the country. To help — and to help you stay home if you're social distancing or self-isolating — Deliveroo has announced that it has added kitchen and household products to its delivery range. As well as restaurants and other takeaway eateries, you can now order from local stores and supermarkets to get basic supplies dispatched to your door via the service. The range varies depending on your area, as is always the case with Deliveroo; however, for those keen on staying home, it's a handy option. Deliveroo has also implemented a 'no-contact' drop-off service, which lets you request that your rider leaves the food on your doorstep — so that you can still place an order if you are feeling unwell, have just returned from overseas or you're being cautious about coming into contact with other people. To order via Deliveroo, visit the service's app or website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Reign is ringing in World Chardonnay Day with a spectacular Chardy Party on Friday, May 24. The evening event will see 15 esteemed wine producers set up a tasting trail at the venue, along with an oyster station, lavish grazing tables, engaging masterclasses and live music. It doesn't stop there — all Trippas White Group venues will offer Chardonnay flights and a tempting 49 percent discount on select bottles throughout the week leading up to World Chardonnay Day on Thursday, May 23. Led by Trippas White Group sommeliers Louella Mathews and Luigi Celiento, the Chardy Party will feature renowned producers like Handpicked Wines and House of Arras. Guests will be able to engage with winery representatives, sample an array of wines and feast on freshly shucked Sydney Rock Oysters courtesy of East 33 at the oyster and Chablis station. Tickets for this exclusive soirée start at $89. VIP tickets are priced at $109, which comes with a masterclass with House of Arras, a tasting of Handpicked's acclaimed 2022 Wombat Creek Yarra Valley Chardonnay and a Plumm sensory experience.
UPDATE, August 15, 2020: I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story is available to stream via DocPlay, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. For many teenage girls, love has a name. It's not their schoolyard crush, or that boy who keeps teasing them in class. Depending on the decade, it's Harry Styles, Nick Carter, Robbie Williams or Paul McCartney. Their great loves sing to them, stare back at them from posters on their walls, and soulfully look their way at packed-out concerts. They croon tunes about holding hands, wanting them back and inner beauty, and — crucially — declare they'll never break any hearts. Whether it's The Beatles in the 60s, the Backstreet Boys in the 90s or One Direction earlier this decade, such is the power of boy bands. Many come together in the most calculated of manners, specifically engineered to appeal to as many swooning girls and sell as many records as possible. But the sentiments they're uttering feel real to their fans. Take 16-year-old Long Island resident Elif, for example. When she talks about One Direction, her face could light up Zayn Malik and company's world like nobody else. She screams at their videos, calls them "the boys" like they're kids that she goes to school with, and bursts into tears when a friend suggests that a band member might deliver their pizza. Alongside 25-year-old San Francisco journalist Sadia, 33-year-old Sydney band strategist Dara and 64-year-old Melbourne TV producer Susan, Elif is one of four boy band aficionados featured in I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story. Each has fallen hard for a different group and it's changed their life, with the documentary exploring, analysing and celebrating their fandom. Well aware that loving a boy band is so often seen as the domain of silly young girls, filmmaker Jessica Leski examines the phenomenon with joy, affection and irreverence, and with an open heart and mind. She knows a thing or two about the topic herself, having become a devoted Directioner at the age of 31. Cue a delicate balancing act, but one that I Used to Be Normal manages with the skill of a carefully choreographed *NSYNC dance routine. As the bright, upbeat, quick-paced film delves deep into its subjects' thoughts, emotions, hopes and desires, it also dissects the broader allure of manufactured male pop groups and the catharsis they can offer. Dara gives viewers a Boy Band 101 lesson to help cover all angles, however its her own personal story — and Elif, Sadia and Susan's too — that comprises the beating heart of the doco. Set to an appropriate soundtrack, their love of cute men belting out pop ballads is always intimate and genuine, and handled with thoughtfulness and insight. For Turkish immigrant Elif, One Direction connects her to her adopted country and helps unleash her dreams of becoming a musician. Growing up in a conservative Muslim household, Sadia's obsession with the Backstreet Boys helped her explore her teenage urges — and still helped when she suffered from depression in college. Dara's affinity for Take That's Gary Barlow shaped her identity and her sexuality, while Susan's Beatlemania has been a crutch to lean on through decades of ups and downs. Even if you don't know New Kids on the Block from East 17, and even if you'd never want to, these tales are instantly relatable. It's passion that unites I Used to Be Normal's four women, and unites them with everyone watching, too. On good and bad days alike, these ladies filter their lives through something that feels larger than life, which is exactly what sports nuts, comic book-lovers, Game of Thrones tragics and Potterheads do as well. While exposing this truth, Leski acts in much the same way from behind the camera. That's a key aspect of her documentary: she doesn't judge or dismiss or play up stereotypes, because everyone is a fangirl (or boy) for something, including the director herself. There's humour in the film, but it comes from someone who knows what her subjects are going through — and knows that everyone watching knows the same loving feeling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSQBPzGL8EI
UPDATE, May 29, 2021: Baby Done is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. A relic of a time when women were considered wives, mothers and little else, the public need to comment on whether someone has a baby or is planning to have a baby is flat-out garbage behaviour. In your twenties or thirties, and in a couple? Yet to procreate? If so, the world at large apparently thinks that it's completely acceptable to ask questions, make its judgement known and demand answers. Baby Done offers a great take on this kind of situation. Surrounded by proud new parents and parents-to-be at a baby shower, Zoe (Rose Matafeo) refuses to smile and nod along with all the polite cooing over infants — existing and yet to make their way into the world — and smug discussions about the joys of creating life. An arborist more interested in scaling trees at both the national and world championships than starting a family, she simply refuses to temper who she is to fit society's cookie-cutter expectations. Her partner Tim (Matthew Lewis) is on the same wavelength, and they visibly have more fun than everyone else at the party. With a title such as Baby Done, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise when this New Zealand comedy soon upsets Zoe and Tim's status quo. She discovers that she's expecting and, while he starts dutifully preparing to an almost unnervingly sensible extent, she also struggles to face the change that's coming their way. At the forefront of Zoe's mind is a phenomenon she has noticed with most of her friends, other than the still single and child-free Molly (Emily Barclay) — who just might be more pregnancy-phobic than she is. When women become mothers, that's often the only way they're seen by the world and themselves. Zoe is also concerned about being forced to put her own dreams on hold. In fact, even as her bump expands and everyone from her doctor to her parents tells her otherwise, she's adamant that she's still heading overseas to climb as many branches in the pursuit of arboriculture glory as she can. Comedies about the trials and tribulations of parenthood, and of the journey to become parents, are almost as common as people asking "when are you two having kids?" without prompting at parties. But this addition to the genre from director Curtis Vowell and screenwriter Sophie Henderson (both veterans of 2013 film Fantail) approaches a well-worn topic from a savvy angle. Zoe clearly isn't a stereotypical mother-to-be, and doesn't experience the stereotypical feelings women have been told they're supposed to feel about having children — and Baby Done leans into that fact. The role-reversal at the movie's centre really shouldn't feel so refreshing. Neither should depicting a women daring to think that, even though she wants to have a baby, she doesn't want her entire life as she currently knows it to disappear. It also shouldn't stand out that, instead of depicting an impending father who's less than fussed about taking on that responsibility as plenty of previous flicks have, Baby Done focuses on an expectant mother who'd rather carry on as if nothing big is happening — but it does. In her first lead big-screen role, comedian Matafeo stands out, too. Indeed, it's easy to wonder whether Baby Done would've worked so engagingly and thoughtfully with someone else as its star. In her hands, Zoe instantly feels like a fully realised character that has walked off the street and into the camera's sights — because, even in an obvious comedy that's constantly trying to evoke laughs, its protagonist is always relatable, fleshed out, and the sum of both her clear strengths and overt struggles. That's the kind of balance that the leads in the last female-led, Taika Waititi-produced New Zealand comedy that touched on motherhood, The Breaker Upperers, also perfected. Matafeo has her own presence, however; playing plucky, outgoing and friendly, but also stubborn and wilfully in denial about what she's going through, she could easily (and will hopefully) step out of Baby Done and into a host of other affable and amusing movies. Understanding that motherhood means different things to different women and subverting the usual gender roles in the process doesn't stop the brightly shot, breezily toned Baby Done from sticking to a largely, sweetly predictable narrative, though. Or, from serving up just as easy-to-anticipate jokes amongst a particularly awkward threesome and a series of encounters with a pregnophile. Neither does Matafeo's excellent efforts, or her also likeable co-stars Lewis and Browning — with the former worlds away from his time as the Harry Potter franchise's Neville Longbottom, and the latter in her second offbeat supporting part this year after Babyteeth. And yet, as the likes of Knocked Up and Juno have shown entertainingly (especially in comparison to tripe like What to Expect When You're Expecting), finding an astute way to tackle a familiar topic really can't be underestimated. Again, Baby Done shouldn't feel like an outlier in its genre. In many ways, it really isn't, in fact. But charting one woman's pregnancy experience, and her backlash to the widely accepted notion that motherhood is the pinnacle of a woman's life, proves poignant and charming more often than not here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbIxi2VHTTk
Before European invasion, the Parramatta River was flanked with mangrove forests. These days, many of them are gone, but, on Badu Mangrove Boardwalk, you can still surround yourself with trees that are centuries old. Wandering among the twisting branches and above water roots, you'll also see the many creatures that call mangroves home, from crabs to cormorants. Be sure to wander north to the waterbird refuge to see all sorts of birds, including Australian pelicans, black-winged stilts and sharp-tailed sandpipers. Take your binoculars with you. Image: City of Parramatta
Following the welcomed success of Bondi's vegan gnocchi spot Peppe's, owners Joe Pagliaro and Grace Watson made the decision to close down their plant-based fine diner Paperbark and use the space to spread the gnocchi love. While it wasn't an easy decision, Peppe's Osteria gives the team the opportunity to go a little bigger, with a larger laidback dining space welcoming more customers to enjoy fresh pasta and salads and minimal-intervention wine. You'll be eating and drinking these surrounded by white curtains and lots of plants, while sitting on emerald couches and grey banquettes, and wiping the rich tomato sauce from the corners of your mouth with ruby napkins. [caption id="attachment_763606" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] Keeping with a similar format of a small selection of antipasti, a handful of pasta dishes, a few salads and two sweet options, the food here is prepared by the head chef of Bondi's Peppe's, Joel Benetts. Bennetts trained under renowned chef Grant King at Pier Rose Bay, and later helped King open the two-hatted Gastro Park, and his resumé boasts stints at Three Blue Ducks and Japanese boutique hotel AIR Myoko, where he served vegan degustations to the masses. As with the Bondi original, the pasta at Waterloo is all made in-house daily, and the sauces change regularly. Recent varieties include pesto with green pea, pomodoro and the gnocchi al funghi. Keep an eye out for the return of the gnocchi bianchi, which is sauced in cauliflower purée and three-hour porcini stock reduction, then topped with oyster mushrooms, crisped sage and toasted pangrattato-style breadcrumbs made with Iggy's bread. There's also the very popular lasagne. [caption id="attachment_763602" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] Salads and sides are simple but punchy, and currently include a fennel, rocket and rockmelon number, a fresh mix of cos lettuce, cucumber and herbs, and a serving of broccolini with salsa verde. The house tiramisu is, thankfully, a permanent fixture on the menu, and will be joined by regular dessert specials like the coconut and vanilla panna cotta with torched fig, orange and Campari syrup. On the drinks side, the wine list focuses on local and sustainable drops, as well as Italian labels courtesy of Fun Wines — an Aussie wine importer run by Giorgio de Maria (of the now-closed 121BC and Vini). You can get a bottle of SA rosé for a very reasonable $60, go big (literally) with a 1.5 litre bottle of Yetti & the Kokonut or enjoy a zero-sulphur montepulciano from Abruzzo. It all goes well with gnocchi. Find Peppe's Osteria at 8/18 Danks Street, Waterloo. It's open from 6–10pm daily. Images: Trent van der Jagt
Despite also serving up everything from all-day vegan breakfast to ice cream sandwiches, we still think that fries are the best thing about Lord of the Fries. It's right there in the name, after all. The chain's chips are particularly tasty — as made with Australian potatoes and cooked in a cottonseed sunflower oil blend. There is one thing better than Lord of the Fries' titular dish, however. That'd be free shoestring fries from the chip-loving establishment. And on Wednesday, July 13, the vegan fast food joint is giving away just that. Free. Fries. Yes, really. To snag free fries on Wednesday, you'll need to head to your chosen store in between 4–5pm and you'll be gifted a serving of shoestring deliciousness. You don't even have to purchase any vego nuggets to redeem them. There is a limit of one freebie per person, though, so take that into consideration if you're feeling particularly peckish. You'll get your choice of classic sauces, too. This is clearly great news for anyone who like fries, aka everyone. Folks in Sydney can head to Newtown, Melburnians can choose between ten different stores, and Brisbanites can flock to Fortitude Valley (or Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast). Also, people in Adelaide can hit up Hindley Street and Glenelg, with Perth residents can visit Northbridge. And if you're wondering why, that's because it's National Fry Day. Of course it is. There are a few caveats, as is always the case with this kind of giveaway. So, the freebies span one Lord of the Fries stickered cup of shoestring fries and one classic sauce, with the latter popped directly on top of the former. Again, you can only get one per person, and only in-store. And, it's only for shoestring fries — not the classic, chunky or sweet potato versions. Lord of the Fries is giving away free fries from 4–5pm on Wednesday, July 13 at all of its Australian locations. To find your closest store, head to the chain's website.
Just north and around the headland of Long Reef Beach, you'll come to a top-notch location for some friendly beach games: Collaroy. Collaroy has the benefit of being slightly sheltered, so playing games that involve lightweight or excess equipment is often pretty good here, such as spikeball and frisbee. Plus, it stretches into Narrabeen Beach, giving you just over 3.5 kilometres of continuous beach to play on. After you've worked up a sweat, you can head to one of the beach's many barbecuing and picnic areas or head into The Collaroy for a cold beer. And be sure to stick around for sunset, as this beach offers some of the best.
First, gyms. Then, saunas. Now, skincare is the latest service to get the membership treatment. Late-2022 saw the launch of Fayshell, Australia's first membership-based skin clinic in Bondi Junction. A second clinic is due to open on Sydney's North Shore any day now. Katelin Gregg and Ella James are behind the new beauty concept. After years of educating others on cosmetic enhancements and skincare via their podcast Cosmechix, the powerhouse duo are now channelling their knowledge into a bricks-and-mortar offering. The aim is to rebrand facials from a once-in-a-blue-moon treat to a regular step in a monthly self-care regime. "Facials shouldn't be reserved for a big event or a luxury day spa. This was our inspo behind the brand. We wanted to bring facials into the every day, educating our clients about their skincare needs and offering a customised experience to ensure they put their best face forward," says James. There are three membership tiers available, starting with the Basic Fayshell. For $169 per month, members will get one facial fully tailored to their skin concerns and goals. A dermal therapist will also help you craft an at-home routine, including skincare recommendations and nutrition advice. For $229, you'll also score unlimited LED light therapy sessions as well as more advanced treatments such as skin needling, hydrabrasion, herbal peels and chemical peels. "The monthly treatments are like PT sessions; they push your skin hard to get lasting results. The LED members lounge is like the gym; the more you go, the better the results," says Gregg. Not ready to commit just yet? A once-off facial will set you back $179, including skin consultation and an ongoing skincare plan, while a drop-in LED Light Therapy session is $59 a pop.
Extra Silky is an inner west salon that specialises in bright colours and bold looks, and strives for sustainability. Initially set up by Nina Ratsaphong in Paddington, the salon moved to Parramatta Road in Petersham just before Sydney's latest lockdown. Here, Nina, Emma and Haruka can hook you up with a neon-coloured shaved head, a fresh mullet or just a classic style. All prices here are gender neutral and all cuts include a relaxing shampoo and conditioner treatment and a blow dry. Prices start at $35 for clipper cuts or $98 for short hair and go up to $150. A range of colouring and styling options are all on offer. Plus, you can order hair and beauty products, as well as fun accessories like socks and custom-made multi-colour phone charms at the salon's store.
Originally from Windsor in Melbourne, restaurant and cocktail bar Sash has embraced the concept of fusion cuisine. It marries Japanese flavours with familiar dishes from other countries. Think pizza, tacos and sliders dished up with a Japanese twist. And it has just arrived in Surry Hills. Sash's best-known, and most popular, dish is its pizza. With ingredients like tuna tataki, twice-cooked pork belly, strawberries and tonkatsu, the menu enters a territory that no other pizzeria has considered. As well as the unusual combination of flavours, texture is also an important part of the pizzas. "The experience starts with a slightly crunchy, thin base, balanced by textures of soft fish and wasabi mayo. There's also a contrast in temperature. The pizza has a hot base topped with cold fish," explains co-owner Kyle Stagoll. "Even though the combination of sashimi and fruit in poke bowls is now common in Sydney, the way we do our pizzas provides a much richer flavour and totally different experience." Other dishes on the menu, created by Executive Chef Peter Wu, include charcoal bao filled with crisp-fried prawns, sushi nachos and tacos topped with wagyu beef or miso eggplant. Some less left-of-centre items also feature, including kingfish sashimi and a lineup of hand-rolled sushi. If you'd like to stick to pizza, though, you can also have one for dessert — in the form of a apple crumble version with sweet miso and white chocolate and raspberry ice cream. Drinks are also a big part of this big (in personality and size) venue, which spreads itself across two neon-lit levels on Wentworth Street. Fifteen signature cocktails are available, designed by bartender Kyle Rose (Chin Chin), and feature almost as many Japanese flavours as the food. Think lots of yuzu and sake, as well as spritzes and shots (the latter for those wanting a larger-than-average night). If you are wanting to linger over drinks, it's suggested you settle yourself into a leather booth in the bar area, while those wanting to eat can perch themselves at wooden tables in the restaurant. Either way, you should be able to nab a spot — the venue has a 160-person capacity, and is open every night of the week. Sash is now open at 82 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills from 5.30pm till late Monday and Tuesday, and midday till late Wednesday through Sunday.
Icon alert: in a year that's already bringing everyone from Kraftwerk, Devo and Paul McCartney to Sparks, Ms Lauryn Hill and Christina Aguilera Australia's way, Chaka Khan is also heading Down Under. The American singer and ten-time Grammy-winner will headline the 2023 Melbourne International Jazz Festival, putting on a one-night-only Aussie-exclusive show at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. And joining her onstage? Nile Rodgers & Chic while they're in the country for Harvest Rock. That evening of tunes will be all about icons teaming up with icons, clearly. Khan — aka the Queen of Funk — will celebrate five decades in the music industry with talents that've been around just as long. Among the Chicago-born singer's hits: 'I'm Every Woman', which was later covered by Whitney Houston; the Prince-penned 'I Feel for You'; and 'Ain't Nobody' with her funk band Rufus. Rodgers and Chic will bust out 'Le Freak' and 'Good Times', and also revel in their own hefty history. And, there's also the former's prowess as a guitarist to relish — which has seen him pop up on Daft Punk's Random Access Memories, including single 'Get Lucky'. As a writer and producer, too, he's had a hand in everything from David Bowie's Let's Dance album to Madonna's 'Like a Virgin'. Khan, Rodgers and Chic will be supported by Kaiit and Horns of Leroy at their six-hour opening-weekend show, which will help launch MIFJ's 26th festival. Running from Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 29 at venues around Melbourne, the rest of the fest's lineup spans more than 100 events, with 11 world premieres and ten Australian-exclusive performances on that list. Lisa Simone, daughter of Nina Simone, will take to Hamer Hall's stage to sing her mother's songs, while the Hot 8 Brass Band will host and lead the Second Line Street Party, a New Orleans jazz parade along the Yarra, Southbank and into Fed Square. The fest's international contingent is bringing Cécile McLorin Salvant, Makaya McCraven, GoGo Penguin and SFJAZZCollective to Melbourne as well, alongside trumpeters Marquis Hill and Ingrid Jensen. Also on offer: Raw Denshi, with the Australian Art Orchestra teaming up with Japanese hip hop's Kojoe and Hikaru Tanaka — and a collaboration featuring William Barton's didgeridoo sounds and Nduduzo Makhathini's jazz stylings. Or, jazz fans can hit up Federation Square to see Bumpy Thndo and Rita Satch play for free, then get their toes tapping to Afrobeat at Beasts of No Nation, where 87-year-old Ghanaian guitarist Ebo Taylor will make his Australian debut. Throw in Australian names such as Elixir and Paul Grabowsky AO, Chapel Off Chapel hosting five days of jazz, JazzLab in Brunswick welcoming late-night jams, and outdoor dining and tunes at Grazeland, and this hefty program keeps throwing up more and more reasons to attend. The 2023 Melbourne International Jazz Festival runs from Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 29 at venues around Melbourne. Head to the festival's website for further details, and for tickets from 8am on Tuesday, August 29.
It's been 100 years since the art world welcomed an icon with the birth of Jeffrey Smart, who went on to become one of Australia's most celebrated artists. And this summer, the National Gallery of Australia is paying homage to his life and work when it hosts a retrospective exhibition, aptly dubbed Jeffrey Smart. Running from Saturday, December 11–Sunday, May 15, the exhibition will dig deep into the renowned artist's legacy through a major survey of his works. Greatly inspired by the urban environment and the age of industrial modernity, Smart was known for his hyperrealist streetscapes, theatrical stylings and penchant for geometric composition. Vehicles, highways, factories and water towers are common motifs within Smart's art, as are eerily empty streets occupied by solo travellers. The National Gallery of Australia's centenary showcase will feature pieces from throughout his illustrious career and highlight the many varied themes Smart explored via his painting, as well as chronicle his evolution as an artist. Book your timed visit to check out Jeffrey Smart here — it'll be open daily (except Christmas Day). [caption id="attachment_834494" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jeffrey Smart, Wallaroo, 1951, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, purchased 1959, © The Estate of Jeffrey Smart.[/caption] Top Images: Jeffrey Smart 'Self portrait, Procida', National Gallery of Australia, copyright The Estate of Jeffrey Smart. Jeffrey Smart 'Corrugated Gioconda', National Gallery of Australia, copyright The Estate of Jeffrey Smart.
Based out of the architecturally textured Albury Library Museum, Write Around the Murray (WAM) is now celebrating a decade of reading, writing and storytelling. The five-day festival will return from September 13 through 17 and with it comes over 30 events featuring authors from around the country. This year's featured events include a Poetry Slam Bootcamp for a crash course in performance prose and Designing Stories For Games, a look at narrative for all you gamers out there. There will also be book sales and launches, round tables and even fabric painting classes for kids. The festivities aren't limited to reading and writing, either. Expect festival dinners and literary lunches to accompany poetry slams, workshops, author talks, performances, panel discussions and writing competitions.
The Makers and Shakers Market is cooking up a big return to Sydney this May, complete with more than 100 stalls filled with handmade goods — spanning everything from clothing to candles. Shoppers at the two-day market at the White Bay Cruise Terminal will be able to peruse stalls featuring Australian-made wares, and also participate in creative workshops and product tastings. Also a highlight: having a drink at the outdoor bar. Vendors include sellers such as Albatross Ceramic, a ceramics studio that designs functional tableware that looks like fruit and vegetables; and The Social Outfit, a slow fashion company that provides employment and training in fashion industries to folks from refugee and new migrant communities. Obviously, the list goes on. This edition of Makers and Shakers is a joint venture with The Slow Fashion Market, an event dedicated ethical and sustainably made clothing. And, it has been certified by the Australian Made campaign, which means that it will showcase only genuine locally made products. It all takes place from 10am–5pm on Saturday, May 7–Sunday, May 8, with entry to the market costing $5 for adults. Photo credit: Alana Dimou
Award-winning pastry chef and dessert expert Anna Polyviou is bringing her beloved sweet treats to the inner west. Polyviou revealed she'll be opening her first shopfront in Marrickville later this year, via an Instagram post earlier this month. Polyviou, known for her outlandish dessert creations, appearances on MasterChef Australia and her iconic pink mohawk, said she had received the keys to a store in the inner west suburb and has plans to open up around Easter. "YES I am opening my first FIRST SHOP... and what better location than Marrickville. It's forever been a dream of mine & my teams to be around such an amazing community," Polyviou wrote on Instagram. Not much has been revealed about the shop yet, with more information to be unveiled soon. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anna Polyviou (@annapolyviou) The announcement comes as the popular chef launched a new range of cookie dough available at Harris Farm Markets across Sydney. Hot off the tails of Bennett St Dairy's supermarket cookie dough which captured the attention of Sydneysiders in lockdown last year, Polyviou has dropped a range of bake-it-yourself dough featuring three flavours — triple choc, choc brownie and peanut butter fudge. To stay up-to-date with everything happening at Anna Polyviou's Marrickville store, be sure to follow her on Instagram as she documents the process of renovating and setting up the shop. Anna Polyviou's inaugural IRL store is set to open in Marrickville sometime in April or May 2022. We'll bring you more details as they become available.
Talented pooches have been barking their way to big-screen stardom since the birth of the medium, and Cannes Film Festival even gives out awards for ace pupper performances. In Australia for a few years now, we also celebrate the intersection of canines and cinema — via our very own dog-themed movie showcase. At the Top Dog Film Festival, doggos and puppers cement their status as humanity's favourite film stars in a touring program of pooch-centric shorts. For a couple of hours, dogs will leap across screens in a curated selection of heartwarming flicks about humanity's best friend. Over the last few years, the lineup has included films about dog-powered sports, dogs in space, dogs hiking through the desert, senior dogs and more — and also dolphin-spotting dogs, animal actors and mountain pups. In 2025, the festival hits Sydney's Ritz Cinemas in Randwick at 2pm on Sunday, August 10 and Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace at the same time on Sunday, August 17 — and rushing after tickets the way your best four-legged friend rushes after a frisbee is recommended. Given how much we all love watching dog videos online, not to mention attending pupper-centric shindigs in general, this event is always popular. You'd be barking mad to miss it, obviously.
With international travel unlikely to return for some time yet, your 2021 holiday plans probably include vacationing somewhere within Australia. If heading to the country's southern-most state is on your list, and you're keen to do so via car, then you'll welcome the Federal Government's temporary expansion of the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme — because it's letting travellers take their wheels to Tassie via ferry for a four month period without paying extra. Announced on Thursday, January 7 by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, the move sees an existing rebate — which dates back to 1996, and is designed to "reduce the cost of seagoing travel between the mainland and Tasmania" — extended via $6 million in funding from the Australian Government. As part of the scheme, it'll be free for passengers on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to take their vehicles on the journey with them. That also applies to motorcycles and bicycles, if they're your preferred methods of transport. The scheme's expansion covers travel between March 1–June 30, 2021, and can be booked from January 14 — with tickets available until sold out. When you book the journey between Melbourne and Davenport (or vice versa), the rebate will be applied automatically, so you won't need to do anything else. Travellers taking their cars to Tassie with them will save an average of $240 for a return trip. If you're taking a caravan or motorhome with you, you'll still save the same amount — but, unlike with a car, you'll still need to pay an amount on top as the rebate won't cover the full price of the caravan or motorhome fee. There is still a passenger fee, which varies depending on whether you're travelling by day or night, and if it's high or low season. [caption id="attachment_796424" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mattinbgn via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Like plenty of schemes announced by various governments this year — such as Victoria's and South Australia's tourism vouchers — the aim is to get more folks going on local holidays, and spending money to support Australia's tourism industry. Tasmania does currently have border restrictions in place as at the time of writing, affecting those who've been in parts of Victoria and New South Wales. Accordingly, in advice we're all used to by now, it's worth checking the requirements and taking them into consideration when making your booking. For more information about the temporary expansion of the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme — or to make a booking with Spirit of Tasmania — visit the latter company's website. Top image: Steve Penton via Wikimedia Commons.
Redfern's Cult Design has been Sydney's acclaimed home of designer furniture for over 20 years now. Here, you can nab expertly crafted pieces from both international and local brands, many of which you won't find anywhere else. Expect designs from the likes of Denmark's Fritz Hansen, Carl Hansen & Søn and Louis Poulsen, as well as Italy's Poltrona Frau, Zanotta and Cappellini. On Aussie shores, Cult's own design brand, Nau, promotes Australia's leading designers. While Cult has showrooms across Australia, the Chippendale outpost is the main branch, so it has the best of the bunch. Can't make it into the shop? Check out the online store, which will ship heaps of designs to your doorstep.
Ah, the memories of small legs caught in trampoline springs and small bodies rocketing off onto the lawn. Skyzone takes the simple joy of jumping really high and adds a touch of crazy, with a trampoline dodge ball league. The addition of a new indoor climbing centre with mad obstacles and freefall jumps just adds to the hyperactive fun. We would also recommend their trampoline fitness courses purely on the company's guarantee that "something to do with NASA has proved that SkyFit is 68 percent more efficient than jogging." And then just when we thought Sky Zone couldn't clock up any more awesome points, they went and launched an indoor climbing wall. Well, about 30 new climbing walls. With disco lights. Sky Climb is the first indoor climbing course of its kind in Sydney. Think LEDs, Tetris-themed walls, adrenaline drops and jumps. Now, you can get the experience of outdoor rock climbing, without the whole plunge-to-your-doom possibility of real abseiling.
