Minimalist Aussie clothing designer Assembly Label is currently hosting a massive online charity sale so you can upgrade your wardrobe with linen pants and a comfy woollen knit tee— and help Aussies doing it tough. With both men's and women's wear on offer, you'll find both cosy outfits for those chilly La Niña days such as denim, jumpers and jackets, plus swimwear, dresses and shorts ready for when the next summer heat wave hits. Best of all, you can nab it all at up to 50 percent off. There's a whole range of summer essentials available for cheap on the site. You could be sporting this cord drawn black dress, for example, at your next beachside brunch or sunny summer picnic for $60 down from $100. As part of the sale, Assembly Label has a choose-what-you-pay initiative raising money for the Curing Homesickness, an organisation that helps kids get home from hospital sooner. When you buy a sale item, you can choose to pay an extra $5, $10 or $15, with that amount then matched by Assembly Label and donated to Curing Homesickness. So, you can grab some new threads and feel good about it too.
UPDATE, August 31, 2020: Cats is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. In case you don't already know, Cats is about moggies and mousers called Jellicle cats. If that means nothing to you, then you might want to keep it that way — unless you like overblown, nonsensical musicals that take place around a pile of trash, a sign if ever there was one. The word 'Jellicle' won't actually mean anything to you once you've seen Tom Hooper's adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's popular theatre production, either, but you will have heard the term more times than any human or feline should. Cats devotes its opening song-and-dance number, called 'Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats', to explaining what Jellicle means; however the track only really succeeds in being repetitive and silly. The tune is basically Cats' equivalent of 90s hit 'Blue', using the same lyrics over and over until nothing means anything and you're praying for it to finish. The film's busy, jerky, bewildering opening — staged to initiate the wide-eyed Victoria (ballet dancer Francesca Hayward) into the Jellicle cats — is indicative of what's to come. As the song drags on, it also inspires questions that'll keep popping up: 'why?', 'how?' and 'what the?'. Those unfamiliar with Cats, the musical that's been prowling the stage since 1981, will be hard-pressed to understand its long-running appeal. You'll equally wonder how anyone could think it should get the big-screen treatment. Just because special effects can now cover humans with CGI fur, it doesn't mean that it should be done. And that fur, plus the twitching whiskers and ears that go with it (and the human breasts but lack of genitals, too), appear nightmarish at worst and distracting at best. After Victoria is abandoned in a London alley, and after Rum Tum Tugger (Jason Derulo) and his purring crew meow the word Jellicle at her relentlessly, she still has much to learn. It's the night of the Jellicle ball, where the Jellicle cats compete — and when the Jellicle choice will be made. Whoever is deemed the ultimate Jellicle by matriarch Old Deuteronomy (Judi Dench) will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn. So, the lazy Jennyanydots (Rebel Wilson), debonair Bustopher Jones (James Corden) and their four-legged brethren all sing their cat-sized hearts out. Alas, master criminal Macavity (Idris Elba) is also scampering about, attempting to trick his way to glory. Let's address the obvious hairball: these felines want to howl and caterwaul so they can float into the sky, die, then be resurrected for the next of their nine lives. That's a ridiculous, overtly religious concept, and it always feels the case in Cats. More kitties scramble around, competing and introducing themselves via song, but they can't croon past the baffling premise. That doesn't stop them from trying, including magician cat Mr Mistoffelees (Laurie Davidson), outcast Grizabella (Jennifer Hudson), cat-burgling duo Mungojerrie (Danny Collins) and Rumpleteazer (Naoimh Morgan), and elder statesman Gus the Theatre Cat (Ian McKellen). Those eager for Taylor Swift's catty moment as the mischievous Bombalurina, who drugs her fellow critters with catnip, will be waiting a while — and for just one slinky number. Cats is a sung-through musical, barely uttering a word that isn't belted out, which doesn't improve the storyline either. Lloyd Webber based the stage version on TS Eliot's poetry collection Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats and, even with Hooper (Les Miserables) and Lee Hall (Rocketman) tackling the film's screenplay, it's just a bunch of kitty ditties flung together like a dog's breakfast. That might've been entertaining enough if the tunes had emotional heft, but they don't. Even famed ballad 'Memory' feels thin — and that's the cowering Hudson's only substantial contribution. New Swift and Lloyd Webber-penned track 'Beautiful Ghosts' is similarly forgettable, although it does provide a noticeably quieter pace amid all the unconvincing feline razzle-dazzle. Consequently, Cats is something you endure — like emptying a cat's litter tray — with Hooper's flick failing to sink in its claws in any meaningful manner. The performances reach pantomime levels, perhaps to help you forget that Elba, Dench and McKellen are prancing, crawling and licking milk from saucers. (Or, so you don't ask why some cats don suspenders, others are naked, and Old Deut resembles The Wizard of Oz's Cowardly Lion.) Even beneath the special effects, every aspect of the movie looks like it's taking place on a stage, which is hardly immersive. Worse, Hooper can't decide if he wants to zip around amongst the cats, peer too closely at their faces or watch their dancing from afar, making the film as disjointed in its cinematography as it is elsewhere. 2019 hasn't been kind to singing cats on-screen, but at least The Lion King's uncanny photo-realistic jungle beasts didn't seem like they were staging a cat version of that other terrible recent musical: The Greatest Showman. Real-life cute kitties deserve far better than this catastrophe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv-n0ZZHbSY
Even in the middle of Sydney, you're never far from cafes, green spaces and beautiful water views. And one of the city's popular running and walking routes, Blackwattle Bay, has all three in abundance. The eight-kilometre pathway can be tackled in any direction and there's plenty to see and do no matter what time of day you like to exercise. To help you discover more on your next run or walk, we've teamed up with Adidas to pick out seven spots along the way where you can recharge the batteries and add a bit of variety into your routine. Starting at Pyrmont, head towards Glebe before returning back to Ultimo. Or, plan your own adventure using the map below. PIOIK BAKERY Named after the ancient Egyptian word for bread, Pioik is Pyrmont's specialist bakery and cafe. It has a wide range of Middle Eastern-style breads, pastries and treats — all of which are preservative-free and made on site. If you're starting your jog or walk on an empty stomach, you can grab a freshly baked croissant, a takeaway drink or a slice of Pioik's famous orange cake to go. Or, if you have time to linger, take a seat at the communal table and watch the world pass by on Pyrmont's busy Harris Street. [caption id="attachment_804445" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan; Destination NSW[/caption] SYDNEY FISH MARKET A fish lover's paradise might not be the most obvious place for a respite when you're on a mission to burn calories, but the Southern Hemisphere's largest seafood market has more to offer than its fresh catches. There are delis, cafes and eateries here, meaning it's an ideal place to pick up a snack on the go. If you're craving some five-a-day goodness, perhaps a fresh juice is on the cards? Or, if you missed Pioik's opening hours, you can get coffee here too. [caption id="attachment_804619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] City of Sydney/Adam Hollingworth[/caption] FEDERAL PARK Found within Jubilee Park, Federal Park is a grassy playground for our four-legged friends. When there are no sporting events taking place at the nearby oval, dogs are allowed off-leash throughout the area. When there is a game, they can roam free on the grass only. Reward your kilometres so far by giving pats to a parade of puppers and, once you've met a few new besties, you can take in the stunning water views or have a go on the outdoor exercise equipment. We know you're here for the good boys and girls, though. They'll give you the serotonin boost you need to carry on running. GELATO MESSINA TRAMSHEDS At Sydney's Tramsheds you'll find an outpost of one of Australia's finest gelato emporiums. Messina has become famous for its range of flavours, from vanilla and strawberry to its outlandish and indulgent specials. At any one time there are five specials to choose from, meaning one week you could be tucking into a scoop of Robert Brownie Jr. (milk chocolate gelato with chocolate brownie and chocolate fudge pieces) and the next, Papa Don't Peach (peach gelato with crushed amaretti biscuits). The best part is: Messina's open from midday until at least 10pm, even on Sundays. Afterwards, run back around and run back towards Pyrmont. [caption id="attachment_804443" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Horan; Destination NSW[/caption] BELLEVUE COTTAGE Located within a 19th century heritage-listed building, French cafe and restaurant Bellevue Cottage is known for its stunning vistas and next-level dishes, created by Head Chef Antoine Moscovitz. Given you're unlikely to be in the mood for a three-course meal, the cafe's takeaway cart is where to head. Order a warm cuppa and a pastry as you take in the views over the Bay across to the Anzac Bridge. Should you be passing by on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, the cart has an expanded menu featuring baguettes and traditional french crêpes, too. [caption id="attachment_804624" align="alignnone" width="1920"] City of Sydney/Katherine Griffiths[/caption] WENTWORTH PARK If you're in the mood to add a little distance to your route, take a scenic diversion into Wentworth Park. The urban park was developed in the late 19th century as a way to provide more green space in the inner west; today it has public fitness equipment available in abundance, from traditional bars and ramps for strength building to parkour-themed stations to test balance and dexterity. You'll find the outdoor gym near the corner of Wattle and William Henry Streets. IAN THORPE AQUATIC CENTRE Named in honour of swimmer Ian 'Thorpedo' Thorpe's five Olympic gold wins, Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre was one of the last buildings to be designed by noted architect Harry Seidler. The building's iconic wave-shaped roof is thanks to Seidler, which you can admire from the 50-metre lap pool. As this is your last stop, you can add in some more cardio at the indoor gym, or relax in the spa, sauna and steam room. The latter is open from 6am–9pm daily and casual entry is $15.20. In need of a new pair of runners? Take a look at the new Adidas Ultraboost 21 runners here. Launch the map below to start plotting your own running adventure in and around Sydney. Top image: City of Sydney; Adam Hollingworth
Pour yourself a white russian, pop on your favourite bathrobe and prepare to spend two hours with one of the best big-screen creations there is. No one else in the history of celluloid is quite like Jeffrey 'The Dude' Lebowski, played with such relaxed slacker charm by Jeff Bridges that it genuinely seems as if he isn't acting. And no other filmmakers could've brought his zany (and immensely fictional) story to life like the Coen brothers, either. There's a reason that this flick has been a cult classic for more than two decades now. Actually, there are plenty — including a bowling joke that you've probably either quoted or heard multiple times, because it never gets old. If you're a newcomer to the 1998 movie, prepare for a mistaken-identity tale, with The Dude mixed up with a millionaire with the same name. Oh-so-many hijinks ensue, with the Coens firmly in offbeat crime-comedy mode, as aided by a cast that includes everyone from John Goodman and Julianne Moore to John Turturro and Steve Buscemi.
Every hotel tries to offer visitors a home away from home. At Melbourne's new luxe spot, however, that's the entire concept. Opening in June, United Places endeavours to blend the best of both — a hotel and a home — across its 12 roomy suites. And, like everyone's dream house, it also features plenty of greenery. The rampant plant life comes courtesy of United Places' location, situated opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens in South Yarra. As well as views over the parklands, the hotel's three two-bedroom suites boast city vantages from their sunken bathtubs. Nine one-bedroom suites will also be available. Further ramping up the comfort, United Places will provide personalised butler service 24 hours a day, plus curated in-room breakfasts by chef Scott Pickett (Estrelle, Saint Crispin). Daily hampers will stem from onsite restaurant Matilda, Pickett's latest venture, which'll focus on open fire and hot coals. While it'll be open to the public for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and for weekend brunch as well, the eatery will also give hotel guests priority seating. Design-wise, architects and interior designers Carr Design Group have opted for velvet drapes, hardwood floors and charcoal bathroom pods, with each suite also featuring a kitchen and terrace. And as a striking focal point upon entry, artist Laura Woodward has created a specially commissioned piece for United Places' foyer, playing with water, light and movement and interacts against the hotel's monochromatic hallways. If all of the above sounds particularly luxurious, that's the entire point. Unsurprisingly, it also comes with a hefty price tag, with rooms starting at $650 per night. Find United Places Botanic Gardens at 157-159 Domain Road, South Yarra from June. Keep an eye on the hotel's website and Instagram feed for further details. Image: Moritz Marquardt via Flickr.
It's a lifesaver when it comes to transporting oversized items, it comes in especially handy when moving house and it even makes a pretty mean bucket hat. Now, there's another nifty new use for the ubiquitous blue IKEA Frakta bag — edgy doggy fashion for the oh-so-stylish canine. Yes folks, the Swedish furniture giant is taking a dip into the world of haute couture for dogs. The chain isn't selling the extremely blue outfits, though. Instead, it has released a series of instructional patterns to help you upcycle those signature bags into some very dapper looks for your pooch. In the spirit of its renewed focus on sustainability for 2021, IKEA has dropped DIY guides for three Hund Couture dog outfits, complete with the same sort of step-by-step instructions that accompany its flat-pack furniture pieces. With these designs, though, there's no Allen key required — and you won't have any pesky stray screws left over at the end of the build. The Hund Couture line features a ruffled raincoat, an eye-catching frilled-necked lizard-inspired get-up and even an AM-to-PM look centred around a dashing detachable collar. To recreate them, you'll need a sewing machine, some velcro, and — depending on which garment you're going for, and the size of your pooch — between three and seven Frakta bags. After first announcing the new pet-focused release on April 1, the brand had many people writing it off as an April Fools' Day joke, which is how it started out. But IKEA has come through and given canine lovers the step-by-step details on how they can turn the DIY pieces into legit dog outfits. You'll find all three designs and their accompanying manuals available to download for free on the company's website. All that's left to do is let your four-legged fur-shionista choose which glam statement piece they want you to whip up first. Check out IKEA's Hund Couture range over at the company's website.
With pubs, restaurants and cafes closing around the country forced to close comes the loss of many hospitality jobs — and it's all happened very, very quickly. According to website I Lost My Hospo Shift, at last count, 2294 Aussie hospo workers had lost their jobs and 11,709 shifts had been cut, which equates to around $2 million in lost wages this week alone. To help those impacted by the sudden changes, Pernod Ricard is offering $100,00 worth of free meals via Deliveroo to out-of-work hospo workers, including bar staff, waiters, managers, suppliers, cleaners, owners and chefs. From 12pm today, the new initiative called Meals for Mates will see thousands of free meals delivered across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. There'll be a total of 4000 $25 meal voucher codes available via Deliveroo for hospo workers now out of a job or just getting by on reduced hours. As an added benefit, when the hospo workers use the vouchers, they'll also be helping those venues still open for takeaway and delivery. Basically, it's a small win-win situation in what is an incredibly tough time for the industry. While there's a whole host of eateries where workers can spend their vouchers, some of them include cult-favourite burger joint Mary's (Sydney), Italian restaurant Salt Meats Cheese (Sydney, Brisbane), Sydney's retro-Aussie pub The Unicorn and St Kilda's PB's Bar & Eatery. Out-of-work hospitality workers can snag their voucher by emailing a copy of their RSA and the venue they last worked at to MealsForMates@pernod-ricard.com. Then, you'll receive a Deliveroo code, which can be redeemed anytime over the next three months. [caption id="attachment_766230" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mary's Newtown by Maclay Heriot[/caption]
Finders Keepers is a dangerous place to be. Hell for those unable to exert willpower over their need to possess objects both locally and delightfully made. Hell for those escorting said shoppers who have run out of cash and look to you with puppy dog eyes. Aside from that, it’s absolute heaven.Perfectly timed for holiday season shopping, the Finders Keepers Spring/Summer markets will be held on December 4th and 5th at CarriageWorks. This independent market event showcases some of Australia’s best young art and design in a festival atmosphere with live music, a café and a bar.Some of our favourite picks from this season’s markets include TMOD’s interactive scratchie cards, KeepCup, the world’s first barista standard reusable coffee cup, and up-and-coming fashion labels Secret Squirrel and Limedrop. We’re also a fan of the instant photography fun of Inaninstant Photography.Remember, 'Finders Keepers, Losers… Suck.’ The old primary school rhyme will definitely ring true if you miss out on these Sydney-grown markets.Photo: Prue Upton
We're still a far cry from jetting off to the UK, but thankfully there are plenty of Brit-style pubs around town to pop into for a pint, nip of scotch or comforting pub feed. And now, you can head to The Duke of Clarence in the CBD for even cosier English tavern vibes thanks to its new Scotch Egg Club offering. Every weekend from Saturday, October 24 right up till the end of the year, the pub will be hosting a weekly whisky tasting, with a food pairing that's a little out of the ordinary — at least, it is for Sydney. For $60, you'll get a Dewar's whisky cocktail on arrival, followed by four 15ml serves of blended and single malt whiskies — Dewar's 12 year old, Aberfeldy 12 year old, Craigellachie 13 year old, and Royal Brackla 12 year old — with a good ol' fashioned scotch egg to scoff down. The bartender will talk through the scotch tasting and, for your snack, you can pick between traditional pork, fried chicken and even a vegetarian option. [caption id="attachment_663159" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Duke of Clarence, Kitti Gould[/caption] Scotch Egg Club will run from 3–7pm each Saturday, with bookings lasting up to one hour. Round up your mates for a top-notch scotch and snack session that'll have you dreaming of your next London trip. The Duke of Clarence's Scotch Egg Club will take place every Saturday from 3–7pm until December 19. To book your spot, head here.
As far as summer food/drink combos go, beer with guac and chips is definitely up there. But one brewery's just found a way to combine the two in one unusual but very intriguing beverage. The LA-based Angel City Brewery recently introduced Avocado Ale as part of their inaugural Avocado Festival on August 24, which celebrated the beginning of avocado season in California. The beer contains avocados harvested straight from brewmaster Dieter Foerstner's grandmother's farm, as well as other ingredients you'd normally find in guacamole, like crushed red pepper, garlic, lime and coriander. Angel City is no stranger to experimental brews — their previous creations include the Pickle Weiss and the less weird-sounding White Nite, a golden, chocolate- and espresso-flavoured ale. It looks like Avocado Ale's just a one-off local thing, but they're not the first brewers to take the 'Why can't we have both?' approach to beer and food. Sydney's own 4 Pines Brewery recently held a series of Beer Mimics Food events, featuring beer infused with HP sauce, apple and blackcurrant crumble and, even more bizarrely, a bento box lager. Foerstner, the man behind Avocado Ale, described it to LAist as a "love or hate kind of thing. It's not what traditionalists would expect a beer to taste like. It does have a well-pronounced avocado flavour, so people who don't care for the fruit to begin with might not enjoy it. But being an avocado lover, I love it." Via PSFK.
Even with a slew of fundraising shows, feasts and classes, Australia's bushfire relief effort is set to score plenty more live, loud support, when an impressive group of big name Aussie and international artists come together for a huge fundraising gig at ANZ Stadium next month. And when we say big name, we mean it. The show — which will kick off at 1pm on Sunday, February 18 — is headline by a little band called Queen. Queen! The legendary band is in town for a national tour with Adam Lambert, who'll also be taking the stage. There are only a few seats left to their Sydney show on the Saturday night, so if you've been keen to see them in the flesh and chuck some money to some worthy charities, this might be your best option. Especially as Queen is just one of the artists on the bill for the nine-hour show. If you grab a ticket, you'll also get to see sets by local festival favourites Amy Shark, Baker Boy and Peking Duk, and long-serving Aussie artists Delta Goodrem and Jessica Mauboy, and even Alice Cooper and K.D Lang. Your need for nostalgia will be looked after, too, as John Farnham, Daryl Braithwaite and Tina Arena are also set to play. Plus, fundraising queen Celeste Barber will be the event's host. Tickets cost $100 (or $70–85 if you want a seat), and will go on sale at midday today, Monday, January 13. All profits from ticket sales will be donated to a group of charities, namely the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery, the RSPCA Bushfire Appeal, and rural and regional fire services in each affected state. You can also donate extra to these charities on the event website. FIRE FIGHT AUSTRALIA LINEUP Alice Cooper Amy Shark Baker Boy Conrad Sewell Daryl Braithwaite Delta Goodrem Grinspoon Guy Sebastian Hilltop Hoods Icehouse Illy Jessica Mauboy John Farnham K.D Lang Lee Kernaghan Olivia Newtown-John Peking Duk Queen + Adam Lambert Tina Arena William Barton
No matter how much we might want to, we can't all attend every music festival ever. And when one of those events is the huge behemoth that is Coachella, we definitely can't all nab highly sought-after, quickly selling-out tickets each and every year — or, indeed, even any year — either. But, thanks to Indio, California's huge annual drawcard, we can stay home and live our best Coachella lives by livestreaming along. The fest has been teaming up with YouTube to beam its tunes to the world for 11 years now — and it has just locked in plans to keep doing so until 2026. YouTube and Goldenvoice, the company behind Coachella, have announced the multi-year renewal of their partnership, which includes behind-the-scenes content on YouTube Shorts, playlist integrations within YouTube and YouTube Music, YouTube Shopping exclusive merchandise drops, exclusive content for YouTube Premium subscribers, live chats, and onsite activations with YouTube creators and artists — and, of course, that crucial and supremely popular livestream. Make a standing couch date each April, then, if trips to the US to head along in-person aren't in your future. "Our partnership with YouTube brings Coachella to everyone around the world," said Paul Tollett, Goldenvoice's President, in a statement announcing the news. "The 2023 lineup sees performers from Brazil, France, Iceland, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Spain, and beyond, and bringing international fans closer to their hometown artists is important to our team." 2023's fest announced its lineup earlier in January, and will be headlined by Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK and Frank Ocean. Also on the bill: everyone from Calvin Harris, Gorillaz, The Chemical Brothers, ROSALÍA and Blondie through to The Kid LAROI, Björk, Fisher, Charlie XCX, Porter Robinson and Idris Elba. Coachella will unleash that impressive collection of talent over the weekends of April 14–16 and April 21–23, which is Saturday, April 15–Monday, April 17 and Saturday, April 22–Monday, April 24 Down Under. While livestreaming is no longer a novelty in these pandemic times, given the calibre of the fest's lineup, it's still a mighty fine way to join in. Wondering who else is on the bill? Here you go: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) Coachella 2023 runs from April 14–16 and April 21–23 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. It'll stream via YouTube from Saturday, April 15–Monday, April 17 and Saturday, April 22–Monday, April 24 Down Under.
Watch Red, White & Brass and you'll never see the pre-game or half-time entertainment at a big sporting match the same way again. Of course, if Rihanna, or Beyoncé with Destiny's Child, or a heap of hip hop and rap legends are taking to the stage at the Super Bowl, you won't question it — but if there's a community band on the turf, you might start wondering when they first picked up their instruments, why and if it was only four weeks ago to make it to this very gig. Are they just out there because they were that desperate to see their team play? And, because they missed out on expensive and instantly sold-out tickets? Were they so eager, in fact, that they bluffed their way into a gig by claiming to already be a musical group, then had to speedily do anything and everything to learn how to get melodic, and obviously not embarrass themselves, in a passion-fuelled whirlwind of pretence and practice? A band solely forming to score access to a rugby game sounds like pure screenwriting confection. Often enough, though, when tales like that make it to the silver screen, it's because they're so wild that they can only be true. Such is the case with Red, White & Brass' premise, as it notes at the outset. Back in 2011, New Zealand hosted the Rugby World Cup, which was a source of particular excitement to Aotearoa's Tongan population, and especially to avid aficionados at a Wellington church. The kind of fans that were showing their devotion by decking out their homes in the Tongan flag top to bottom, hitching the red-and-white cloth to every free space on their cars and carrying around the symbol on their phone cases, they were determined to see Tonga play France in their own home city, and willing to whatever it takes to do so — wholesomely, in the type of underdog story about fervour, ingenuity, self-belief and luck that engagingly makes for an easy and warm-hearted cinema crowd-pleaser. On-screen, the dynamic Maka (NZ Popstars personality and film debutant John-Paul Foliaki) first thinks that he'll simply raise enough in donations for his congregation to attend the big game, aided by his dancing while the choir sings. When it ends up taking too much money to make money that way, that plan hits a bum note. So does a too-good-to-be-true offer that's exactly that. But sports fandom and a love of one's country are just like life in frequently finding a way. Handily, Aroha (Hariata Moriarty, Cousins) from the city council is looking for a brass marching band to perform before the match, asking at Maka's father Pita's (Tevita Finau) church for local talent. They don't have what she's searching for, and have never been anywhere near even thinking about having a brass marching band; however, that doesn't stop their resident born entertainer from saying otherwise when he hears that free Rugby World Cup tickets are involved. It may spring from reality, with co-writer Halaifonua (Nua) Finau scripting the story with first-time feature director Damon Fepulea'i from his very own experiences — yes, this happened to Finau — but there's a touch of Brassed Off meets Pitch Perfect meets Cool Runnings to Red, White & Brass. Although some films bring others to mind because they're that generic, often lazily as well, that isn't what's occurring here. Whether or not you know the IRL outcome going in, you know the outcome. You know that there wouldn't be a movie unless exactly what you think will happen happens. Stepping through this real-life quest makes for infectious viewing because it does follow the expected narrative pattern so lovingly, with such heart and so satisfyingly, especially when it comes to celebrating NZ's Tongan community. Maka has plenty of convincing to do, including friends like Veni (Dimitrius Shuster- Koloamatangi, Upright), who has largely lost touch with his Tongan heritage; Irene (Ilaisaane Green, The Commons), who is sceptical about this new brass-playing scheme; and his disapproving father and wary mother Elisiva (Valeti Finau). In the process, with help from Samisoni (Michael Falesiu), the only person Maka knows with any brass marching band experience, the Tongan word "māfana" is mentioned more than once. It means an overwhelming feeling of warmth and emotion, so it happily fits his mission, and it's also what Red, White & Brass itself is revelling in. This is an affectionate and joyous film that doesn't just pay tribute to events that clearly begged for the big-screen treatment from the moment that they happened, or to the feeling and energy behind them, but to the community and culture goes all-in when it comes to national pride. Even when they're disagreeing, disparaging or doubting — and when the familiar sports-film training journey sees Maka and his pals start out with plastic bottles, then join a school band for lessons, and also become the unhappy stars of a viral fail video — Red, White & Brass' persistent group of Tongan rugby superfans don't waver in their māfana. Nor does the cast that Fepulea'i has assembled to portray them, as led by Foliaki bouncing around the movie with a larger-than-life vibe that plays as pure zeal. That the Finaus, Nua's parents and both first-time actors, basically step into their own shoes is a nice touch, as is including some original members of the Taulanga Ū Brass Band, who started it all. Red, White and Brass is directed with inescapable fondness as well, which flows through to its sunny frames (as shot by Andrew McGeorge, The Panthers), upbeat editing (including by Fepulea'i) and mix of marching-band tunes with tracks from Three Houses Down. In music, hitting every expected note is usually pivotal. When that skill is perfected, creativity and experimentation can echo, which Red, White & Brass acknowledges and embraces. In cinema, movies that stick to the sheet before them can be blandly cliched, and many do, but the best of them swell with reassurance and comfort. Everyone watching wants this film to turn out the way it does, which it does, sticking to reality and offering a soothing bit of solace in a hectic world. That's what loving a sport, your culture or anything that you're passionate about can be, too, and Fepulea'i, Finau and executive producer Taika Waititi (Thor: Love and Thunder) know it, feel it and let it resound.
Just a few short weeks ago, when we were craving comedies to watch, we noted an important fact: that Parks and Recreation's Leslie Knope knows how to handle herself in a pandemic. She's already done so once, in a fifth-season episode of the beloved sitcom — and, while the show came to an end in 2015, viewers are about to see how the Pawnee, Indiana resident copes with the coronavirus. In a one-off special to raise money for US charity Feeding America, the cast of Parks and Recreation are reuniting to tackle COVID-19. And, more importantly, they'll be showing the world how their adored characters are managing at the moment. Adding another scripted instalment to the series, the show's stars will be resuming their on-screen alter egos, courtesy of a brand new episode that follows Leslie's (Amy Poehler) efforts to keep in touch with her friends while everyone is social distancing. The whole gang will be back, including not only Poehler as Leslie and her Making It co-host Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson, but Aubrey Plaza as April Ludgate-Dwyer, Chris Pratt as Andy Dwyer, Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford, Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt, Jim O'Heir as Jerry/Garry/Larry/Terry Gergich and Retta as Donna Meagle. Although Rashida Jones' Ann Perkins and Rob Lowe's Chris Traeger left the series halfway through its sixth season, they'll be back as well, Variety reports — and you can also expect a few other yet-to-be-revealed guest stars from the show's original run, too. https://twitter.com/parksandrecnbc/status/1253461556102197251 As Poehler reveals in the above video announcing the news, it was all filmed individually from each cast member's home. That means that when this Parks and Rec special hits US screens on Thursday, April 30 (with an airdate Down Under yet to be announced), it'll look a little different to the show's usual episodes. Of course, no Parks fan will mind. Indeed, if you fall into that category, a new episode is literally the best news you could receive right now — so start making waffles, gather all the bacon and eggs you have, and make sure you've got plenty of whisky on hand. A Parks and Recreation Special airs on Thursday, April 30 in the US. There's no word yet about screening details Down Under, but we'll update you when they come to hand. Via Variety.
Australian Venue Co — one of the country's largest hospitality groups which operates 94 venues in Queensland, 70 in Victoria, 26 in Western Australia, 18 in South Australia, 10 in New South Wales and 2 in the Northern Territory — announced on Monday, December 2, that it will no longer host Australia Day celebrations on January 26 at any of its more than 200 outposts. January 26 is a contentious date for many. Commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the beginning of European settlement on the Australian continent, it is a day of enduring collective trauma for First Nations communities and their allies who know it as Invasion Day or Survival Day rather than its traditional name. [caption id="attachment_908540" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morris House, Melbourne[/caption] In a statement supplied to The Herald Sun, an Australian Venue Co spokesperson said of the decision to bar events on January 26: "Australia Day is a day that causes sadness for some members of our community, so we have decided not to specifically celebrate a day that causes hurt for some of our patrons and our team," Since 1994, all Australian states and territories have enjoyed a public holiday on January 26, but calls to move the country's national day to another less controversial date have gained momentum in recent years. In 2017, radio station Triple J made the decision to move its annual Hottest 100 rankings to January 25 and earlier this year, major supermarket brands Woolworths and Aldi both pledged to no longer stock Australia Day merchandise in its stores. Across Australia, January 26 has also created opportunities to show solidarity with First Nations communities. More than 80 councils around the country no longer hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26 and Invasion Day rallies attract thousands of peaceful protesters every year. For a full list of the Australian Venue Co venues effected by the January 26 event ban, visit the Australian Venue Co website.
Following eight mighty culinary pop-ups in locations like Newtown, Marrickville and Melbourne, acclaimed hospitality duo BABS has taken over a beloved space on Enmore Road for their first longer-term venue. Led by Head Chef Ellie Hayes O'Brien and Restaurant Manager Bec Shave, BABS has built a cult following over the last 18 months through a series of long lunches and dinners, all celebrating women in the hospo industry. The name BABS is double-pronged — standing for Bad Ass Bitches, and paying homage to the patron saint of said badasses, Barbra Streisand. This is the energy that O'Brien and Shave have brought to their new short-term home on Enmore Road, opening a BABS neighbourhood bar and restaurant for three months in Saga's former digs. The short and sweet stay has brought the usual female-led vision of BABS previous pop-ups to 178 Enmore Road. The layout of Andy Bowdy's popular cafe has been maintained, but the lights are now a little moodier — and the duo have traded Saga's sandwiches and pastries for sardines and pét-nats. The Euro-focused menu features chicken liver gougeres and handmade pasta, plus playful sweets like champagne jelly and sticky flans. [caption id="attachment_916528" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lily Austin[/caption] Drinks-wise, expect two-sip martinis, amaro and negronis, plus a robust wine list with special attention paid to female vino-makers. If you're lucky, you might wander in as a magnum of natty wine has just been cracked. Tying the whole operation together is vintage pink crockery reminiscent of your grandma's house and handprinted linocut menus made by the head of design at BABS, Eva Balog. Both O'Brien and Shave are hospo lifers and Inner West locals, with the pair deciding to channel their love for food, booze and good times into something special following the lockdowns — and after nearly two years of experimentation, they've arrived at BABS' first standalone venue and one that they describe as "a love letter to the Inner West". The limited-time bar and restaurant is open from 5pm Thursday–Saturday and for lunch on Sundays throughout spring. It will be a walk-in-only affair, meaning you'll be able to saunter down to Enmore Road for a glass of wine and a few memorable snacks whenever the inspiration hits. Images: Lily Austin.
There's an unappealing Bonds campaign on at the moment. It adds one very slightly rude word to an underwear campaign that feels almost exactly the same as every crass underwear ad campaign that's gone before it. Very barely suggestive, and very much the same as before. Two time Archibald winner Del Kathryn Barton's pressure to the need, by contrast, is full of explicit penises, vaginas and quite a lot of thorn-like boobs. But there is absolutely nothing same-y about her work. Every image she makes of the body seems to look at it obliquely. But her focus is on the strangeness, not the alienness of the human form. This is most obvious in the opening ink and watercolour images. Each combines strange spaces with a mindscape of objects, or very naked human figure studies. Barton's work is often compared to Egon Schiele, and when she's drawing in delicate lines that similarity is pretty obvious. But here, her figure workseems much closer to Aubrey Beardsley's Lysistrata, with wonderful glimpses of Chrissie Abbott as parts become windows into another space. In the next room her colour work is simply magic. In the smaller portraits the colours balance from afar, like Chagall or Kandinsky. But these combinations are every bit her own, her paints making her cascades of colours hues shimmer like the sheen of beetles' wings. to hold 4 makes its serious face out of the translucent colours of rhubarb, painted china and Smarties. Her bigger canvases are even more spectacular, their figures' eyes bird-like and perceptive, or glazed over like untenably thin stained glass. but my dreams seems to feature an enormous and literal beehive of black feathery hair. Pulsing arteries sprout out the top, combining with a three quarter profile for a pursed stare that gives it the feel of a Frida Kahlo self portrait. the human dress sits underneath the weight of her feathery hair as though this brain is unpleasant, dominant and powerful, while of pollen makes a ruff from colourful leaves, sprouting at the collar like a much the more interesting cousin of Jack in the Green. Even with a modern phone Roslyn Oxley9 can be a little complicated to find, the gallery almost hidden by tiny Soudan Lane's sheer rock face. But Barton's stunning colours make this mini adventure in urban orienteering well worth the effort. Roslyn Oxley 9 is open 10-6 Tuesday to Friday, 11-6 on Saturdays. Image: Del Kathryn Barton, pressure to the need, 2013, Installation view at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney. Image courtesy the artist and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney. Photo: Jessica Maurer.
They can't all be good ones: Baz Luhrmann movies, that is, although almost all of them are. There's one outlier on his resume, though — one film that definitely doesn't live up to the others. That flick: Australia. Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby and Elvis are all spectacular. Despite combining two of the nation's biggest actors with one of its biggest filmmakers, 2008's Nicole Kidman- and Hugh Jackman-starring Australia definitely isn't. But if you ever wondered what it might look like with a bit of tinkering — actually, a lot of re-cutting and re-imagining — you're about to find out. Faraway Downs will be the end result, a six-part miniseries that's destined for streaming queues in the near future. It's set to drop in the US via Hulu sometime during America's winter, which means that it'll hit Disney+ Down Under — at around the same time, hopefully. "I originally set out to take the notion of the sweeping, Gone With the Wind-style epic and turn it on its head — a way of using romance and epic drama to shine a light on the roles of First Nations people and the painful scar in Australian history of the Stolen Generations," said Luhrmann in a statement, as per The Hollywood Reporter. "While Australia the film has its own life, there was another telling of this story; one with different layers, nuances and even alternative plot twists that an episodic format has allowed us to explore. Drawn from the same material, Faraway Downs is a new variation on Australia for audiences to discover." If you need a refresher on Australia's plot — and therefore Faraway Downs's plot, too — it follows English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman, The Northman) after she comes into possession of an Aussie cattle ranch. To save it from cattle barons, she enlists the help of a drover (Jackman, Reminiscence). That's just the overall gist, however, given that the sprawling movie also spans World War II and its impact, as well as the country's historical treatment of Indigenous Australians. Fittingly given the name — and as usually proves the case with Luhrmann's flicks — the cast includes a who's who of homegrown talent. As well as Kidman and Jackman, plus Brandon Walters (Mystery Road) as Nullah, everyone from Essie Davis (Nitram), Bryan Brown (Hungry Ghosts) and John Jarratt (Wolf Creek) to Ben Mendelsohn (Cyrano), Jack Thompson (High Ground) and David Wenham (Elvis) features, as does the now-late David Gulpilil (Storm Boy) and Bill Hunter (The Cup). Exactly how long each episode of Faraway Downs will run for hasn't yet been revealed — but at 165 minutes, the movie it's remixing wasn't short. Check out the original trailer for Australia below: Faraway Downs is due to hit Hulu in the US sometime in America's winter — and Disney+ Down Under. We'll update you with an exact date when it announced. Via The Hollywood Reporter.
The announcement that beloved Sydney dining institution Golden Century was going into administration, prompted an outpouring of sadness from Sydney diners and the broader food community. While there were rumours circulating that the restaurant could be saved, Billy Wong of Golden Century group (the son of original owners Eric and Linda) confirmed to Concrete Playground that the OG GC site is no more: "Golden Century will no longer operate out of the Sussex Street site. We left during lockdown at the end of our lease when we were unable to negotiate a renewal," Wong told us. Thankfully, all hope is not lost. You can still get yourself the legendary dishes that made Golden Century a popular mainstay for so long — including via its two sibling venues, XOPP and The Century at The Star, so that, in the words of Billy Wong, "we can continue to serve our wonderful family of Golden Century customers with the same classic dishes, taste, and flavours." XOPP opened in Haymarket in 2019 with Billy Wong at the helm. As suggested by its name, then restaurant's signature is Golden Century Group's beloved pipis in XO sauce. Located on the mezzanine level of Darling Square's six-storey Exchange building, a few tweaks to the XOPP menu and experience have been directly informed by customer requests. "XOPP at Darling Square has reopened with installation of live seafood tanks and a new menu more aligned to the original Golden Century," Wong explains. "We listened, and many of our chef and front of house team members have joined from Sussex Street to continue serving our customers their GC favourite dishes." Yum cha is available from midday until 3pm Tuesday–Sunday, and the extensive tome-like menu is all on offer a la carte. Over at The Star, The Century has been serving Golden Century classics since 2012. The venue is open for dinner Wednesday–Sunday currently, however yum cha is yet to return since the restaurant reopened for dining. Those looking to have the Golden Century experience at home are also in luck as the restaurant group is offering a bunch of its dishes available for delivery throughout NSW and ACT via Providoor. On Providoor, you can order Golden Century's seafood banquet, XO pipis, Singapore chilli lobster, three cup chicken and black pepper beef. Signature sides and desserts like hot and sour soup, custard lava buns and jars of XO sauce are also on offer. Throughout lockdown, Providoor teamed up with the likes of Restaurant Hubert, Bistrot 916 and Ciccia Bella in order to ensure people across both states could enjoy meals from their favourite restaurants when it was otherwise impossible. The meals are delivered semi-prepared and with instructions on how to add the finishing touches so you can take partial credit for replicating the experience of the restaurants as closely as possible. While the original Golden Century is no more, Wong is optimistic about the future of his restaurants and where Sydney's hospitality scene is headed. "We feel the hospitality scene has really gone through some terrible times, many businesses and individuals without the support it needs and unfortunately we won't see them reopen or come back," proclaims Billy Wong. "Those resilient enough will have its own challenges, but the lockdown has reminded so many of us how much we actually enjoy gathering and having that great meal together with family and friends." [caption id="attachment_832825" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Images: Steven Woodburn
The inaugural Woollahra Festival this weekend plans to divide itself into two parts for your entertainment. Siteworx will feed the performance parts of your brain on stages around Queen Street, while a program of talks will feed your ears, eyes and urge you to pipe up with a question. Siteworx is curated by ex-Griffin artistic director Ros Horin, and promises bands, choirs and an orchestra, as well as clowning, capoeira, comedy and tango. Roaming performers on Queen Street complete the line-up. The talk* program starts Friday night with a Q&A-style forum on the festival theme of community, with a dedication to detail that includes a real, live Tony Jones as host. On Saturday, Dee Nolan will talk about mixing the pilgrim trail through Spain with some really good food, while David Malouf covers his literary career. You can also get some advice on international affairs from a panel including prolific tweeter, ABC PM host Mark Colvin. On Sunday have breakfast with a Slow food founder, or hear Delia Falconer talk about her powerfully ambivalent Sydney. Either of the two strands would be enough to fill any regular festival. With both, you shouldn’t find a quiet minute on Queen Street. *all talks require a reservation
Sales are meant to start after Christmas. Which is well and good if you give presents on Epiphany (a.k.a. Twelfth Night), and hoping nobody cottons on thank you very much. But a trio of Sydney designers aren't content to stick to tradition, and insist on giving you your Boxing Day joy a little early. This collection of designers have put a collection of their collections on sale at the basement at District 01 to catch your eyes and tempt your wallet. The Xmas Store is a pop-up shop featuring all three designers for four short days on the edge of Darlinghurst. The androgynously inclined Frederich Gray will be stocked as well as the stars of this year's 101 Dalmatians State Theatre photo-shoot, Romance Was Born. Their stark lines and plush excesses will be out alongside Mel Keir's deftly cut Jemma Jube swimwear. You can rummage around in these designer's virtual stores, but for a few days you can get up-close and personal for the full, tactile experience.
Everyone knows there are secret Sydneys. Not just waterfront apartments and gothic mansions of state, but quieter faces — the back rooms, offices, tunnels and storehouses that make the city function, or once did. Stone, glass, brick, old, new — scattered, strange buildings around the city that make you think. Sydney Open throws back the veil for a weekend, letting Sydneysiders peek behind the scenes. There are focus tours of individual properties over the whole weekend, while on Sunday there is a city-wide wander – from Pyrmont in the west, east to Macquarie Street, south as far as Broadway and north to the flat expanse of Barangaroo. Have a look at sandstone wonders — the 1920 flatiron-style Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney, or the ornate, colonial faux-italiante Department of Education and Chief Secretary’s Buildings. Radio 2SER's newish studios are open, as is the environmentally-friendly workplace6 — which also happens to house Google's Australian headquarters. The stunningly staircased National Mutual Building, antenna-capped AWA Building and some looming Martin Place banks round out the twentieth-century offerings. There's a look at the site-to-be of Sydney's Central Park and the mysterious Judge's House behind the George Street Cinemas. So get the map, get nosy and get a look behind the curtain. Image by Jason7825.
The First Qin Emperor of China is said to have burned books, buried academics alive and rationed his official daily reading matter by weight. He was obsessed with obedience, and obsessed with immortality. Ironically, he's best known for his tomb. The life-size terracotta warriors in his funeral complex were never meant to wait — they were there to follow him into the afterlife. But wait they did. Thousands of clay statues — the sheer number of them now thought to reflect the sheer numbers of Qin's imperial guard. Rows upon rows of soldiers, acrobats, horses. Each of them different and distinct. Rediscovered near the city of Xian in 1974, his burial complex is even now still being excavated and even now still being robbed. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is about to play host to the warriors, opening this Thursday for a long summer season. You can get close to the warriors, examine their accoutrements and check out some recently unearthed finds as well. In Qin's time, you could be walled up alongside the artefacts for knowing the secrets of his immsense underground city. Today you just need a ticket, and the Gallery lets you escape with your life. Image by Kevin Poh.
When it comes to planning midweek catch-ups with your mates, popping into the oldest library in Australia is probably not top of your list. But we're here to tell you it should be. Right now you can take advantage of its later opening hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays to check out current exhibitions like Coming Out in the 70s, which looks at the individual and community activism that's paved the way for LGBTQIA+ pride as we know it. There's also Eight Days in Kamay, which tells the stories of James Cook's first arrival in Kamay (Botany Bay) from the perspectives of the Gweagal people. And upstairs you'll find the tenth annual Photos1440 exhibition featuring striking images by Sydney Morning Herald photographers. As always, entry is free. But instead of racing in before closing time on the weekends, you'll have the freedom to browse its galleries till 8pm. Be speedy about it, as the extended hours are only offered until April 2021.
Kenneth Lonergan’s Lobby Hero, playing at the Tap Gallery’s intimate upstairs theatre, is a sprawling play about ethics, romance, family and ‘doing the right thing’. If you saw another of Lonergan’s plays, This Is Our Youth, at the Opera House two years ago, you’d know that you’re in safe hands, as this production proves. Lonergan’s play follows a security guard, Jeff (Tom Oakley), over the course of four consecutive evenings as he works the graveyard shift. His supervisor, William (Dorian Nkono), visits from time to time, struck with a moral dilemma about his brother. Two police officers — Bill (Jeremy Waters) and Dawn (Shari Sebbens) — enter the lobby where Jeff works, bringing another twist or two to Jeff’s moral quandary. Directed by Kevin Jackson, Lobby Hero takes a while to find its stride. There’s a bravado about it, a slow-building crescendo which eventually reaches breaking point, while underneath we find four people, each facing their own moral problems, each trying to find a way through, aching and breaking. Hitting its stride late in the first act, the play bristled and sparkled with an energy and warmth, and as it neared its conclusion, despite the inevitable maelstrom of shorting tempers and swaggering bluster, you couldn’t help but want to reach out to Jeff and Dawn and William and try to reassure them that everything would, sooner or later, be alright. Oakley’s Jeff, essentially an Everyman character, is full of a luckless naivety which we can all empathise with; his scenes with Dawn are excruciatingly awkward at the same time as being honest and charming. Sebbens’ Dawn is not afraid to speak her mind and is determined to do the right thing and see that justice is brought to those who deserve it, but with Jeff we see another, more tender side to her. Nkono’s William is a larger than life character, but underneath his bluster and caricaturey performance is a truthfulness, a portrayal of a man walking the knife’s edge between the right and wrong decision. Jeremy Waters’ Bill is a fiery character; as Dawn’s senior officer he is intimidating and insinuating, but in Waters’ hands, we see the man inside him, see how he is torn by his choices and conscience. While the production takes a while to find its rhythm, and seems to falter towards the middle of act two, it is a strong show. Played on Christopher Pitcairn’s sparse set, lit simply by Rachel Smith, and with minimal unobtrusive sound design by Pete Neville, this Lobby Hero is one you’ll be cheering for a while yet.
Add a saucy special to your Tuesday nights with half-price noods at Island Radio. Cheeky by name, cheeky by nature, this bright and upbeat space in the heart of Redfern's emerging dining precinct is the ideal spot for a low-cost sesh with friends. Opened in late 2024, this is the perfect chance to get acquainted with Island Radio's killer location and hawker-inspired cuisine. Get ready to slurp with a host of favourites, like ginger shallot egg noodles with house sambal and turmeric crumbs ($9.50), smoked brisket char kway teow with thick rice noodles, shallot and crispy garlic ($13.50) and Singaporean white pepper lobster noodle with soft mushroom and black garlic oil ($34.50). If you haven't yet made the trip to Island Radio, the drinks menu follows the tasty, pan-Asian theme with cocktails designed for sipping your way through the tropics. Think strong and spicy flavours like Los Arcos tequila and Nusa Casa tropical rum served with fruity combinations like pineapple and banana or passionfruit and coconut. Images: Steven Woodburn.
Despite years of public rallies, crowdfunding efforts and court action, Sydney's brutalist Sirius Building has finally been sold. The 79-unit 70s-era tower, and former public housing, had been on the market for over a year, and was today snapped up for $150 million. It was purchased by Sirius Developments Pty Ltd, which is owned and backed by Australian investment firm JDH Capital. Under the company's proposed refurbishment, the building will be home to 89 apartments, as well as retail and commercial spaces. According to Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, who announced the sale, the refurbishment will "result in renewal and activation of a critical are in The Rocks" while also "remaining sensitive to the heritage of the precinct". At this point, it doesn't sound like the building will be demolished, just "revitalised". [caption id="attachment_653659" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] The building, which was designed by architect Tao Gofers, is not only an important part of 70s history and a great example of brutalist architecture, but also public housing. For years and years, it has helped to even the score in this expensive, property-obsessed city of ours, by allowing people on low incomes to live in the centre (with harbour views, no less). All of the building's former residents have since been moved to alternative accommodation, with 91-year-old Myra Demetriou the last to leave in early 2018. The NSW Government has netted the $150 million from the sale, but Mrs Pavey says the money will be used to build new social housing dwellings — she expects to provide homes for 630 people. At the moment, there are currently 55,000 people on the social housing waiting list. In the next steps for the building, Sirius Developments will submit proposed detailed designs and a development application. We'll keep you updated on the plans for the building. Top image: Sirius Building by Kimberley Low.
Go dotty about the world, and it'll go dotty about you: that's the Yayoi Kusama story. For seven decades, the Japanese artist has thrust polka dots to the centre of her paintings, collages and installations, making her a contemporary art favourite — and all of those years of circular creativity are now coming to Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art. From 4 November 2017 to 11 February 2018, GOMA will host Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow, a major showcase of her lengthy and prolific career since the 1950s. Co-curated with the National Gallery Singapore, where the exhibition is currently on display until September, it will boast than 70 of her pieces — featuring 24 works from her recent My Eternal Soul series, which has been ongoing since 2009, and currently comprises 500 canvases in total. Kusama's early painterly experiments, a multi-decade presentation of her 'net' paintings, soft-sculpture and assemblage will also grace the gallery's spaces, as will performance documents and large-scale installations. With the celebrated artist no stranger to the Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA, a number of her iconic pieces will be making a return. Two artworks commissioned for the gallery's 2002 Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art will feature, including Narcissus garden in the QAG Watermall. Of course, the beloved interactive experience that is The Obliteration Room will also be brightening up GOMA's Children's Art Centre for the first time since summer 2014-2015. Fans of plastering a white room full of coloured dot-shaped stickers, rejoice. Fans of Kusama's bright riot of dots and hues, rejoice as well. Images: Anwyn Howarth.
Brooklyn artist Stephen Meierding has pulled bicycles apart to make his short film Bicycle Sounds. The video takes its soundtrack from noises made by bicycle wheels, spokes, chains, gears and bells. Each bike part creates a different sound, which combined create an interesting rhythm. The film's progression shows the wheels spinning faster, the sound and the visuals getting a little heavier and slightly more manic, while playing cards attached to the spokes with pegs create visual stimulation. Meidering premiered the film at the recent Bike Shorts film festival in New York, where it took out the top prize. [via Wired]
Since the untimely passing of legend David Bowie in January, mourning fans have been creating respectful and fitting ways to remember him. They've held tributes all across the country (and the world) in the form of concerts, karaoke, screenings and dance parties. But fans looking to get closer to the life of the prolific artist now have another avenue to consider: a stay in Bowie's former holiday house in the Caribbean. The house, which is on the luxury Caribbean island of Mustique, has just gone up for rent — albeit for a whopping $52,000 AUD (or $78,000 AUD in high season) per week. That's cool, right? I mean, what you're paying for is priceless. Bowie had the villa built himself back in 1989, and a lot of the original design and fixtures still stand. Everywhere you stand, it's likely you'll be standing in the exact same spot that Bowie once stood (we're not sure how long it will take for that game to get old, but we're guessing a substantial amount of time). Of course, the house — named the Mandalay — comes with a lot of non-priceless things too, like an infinity pool, personal waterfalls, an epic outdoor dining pavilion, views of the Atlantic Ocean and a staff of 10 (including your own personal chef). It has five bedrooms (each with their own private verandah), sits on 6.2 acres and comes with neighbours like Kate Moss, Hugh Grant and royals Will and Kate. It's important to note that the home doesn't come straight from Bowie's hands — he sold the property back in the '90s to publisher Felix Dennis. Following Dennis' death, it was bought by English entrepreneur Simon Dolan, who has now put the house up for rent for the first time. But if you've got $50k to spare on a lavish Caribbean trip, you may as well go all out and holiday like Ziggy Stardust. Via Travel + Leisure.
By this stage, you're probably looking for some post-winter fun to set your sights on and see you through the worst of the chilly season. Well, the New South Wales town of Berry is dishing up just the thing, all thanks to the inaugural South Coast Food and Wine Festival this September. The culinary fiesta runs from Friday, September 13 till Sunday, September 15, showcasing some of the best eats, drinks and produce the region has to offer — all across a jam-packed program of masterclasses, tastings, feasts and parties. Meet the producers and sample their wares at a special edition of the Berry Markets, or embark on one of the guided food and wine tours. There'll be cooking demonstrations running throughout both Saturday and Sunday, as well as live tunes and DJ sets to enjoy as you graze your way through the Festival Village, with its array of food pop-ups and tasting stalls. Looking for a tasty sit-down experience? On Saturday, September 14, you can do just that. Settle into the festival's signature Long Lunch — a six-course feast by Wild Ginger Head Chef Kierrin McKnight, featuring local produce matched to local beers and wine.
Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film The Master opens with an exquisite shot of swirling white and indigo — the surging, seething wake of an enormous ship at sea. It is a striking visual and one of two leitmotifs periodically revisited by the director throughout his 138-minute study of a Scientology-styled movement and its charismatic leader, Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Thematically, the image of the swirling wash neatly reflects the social and political tumult of post-war America in the '40s, as well as offering an elegant précis of Anderson's central character, Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), an unsettled veteran and alcoholic outcast rendered psychologically 'lost at sea' following his discharge from the navy. Yet for audiences, too, the visual speak emblematically to The Master's principal shortcoming. It is a truly stunning film, but one that ultimately proves a whirling and directionless clutter of themes from which little substance can be extracted. To its strengths, though, The Master is first and foremost a character study of its two leading men, and the performances by Phoenix and Hoffman are almost unreasonably good. Both actors offer phenomenal characterisations layered with extraordinary complexity and penetration, making their constantly shared screen time an unceasing dilemma over whom to watch. Thankfully, Anderson spares us this conflict, often enough courtesy of some extreme individual close-ups, using Hoffman's ruddy complexion and Phoenix's contorted snarl as baseline emotional canvases from which both men launch their subtle yet fervent transformations. Prior to its release, rumours of The Master's allusions to Scientology via Dodd's quasi-spiritual movement 'The Cause' earned it enormous press, both good and bad, and certainly the equivalence between the two is strong. Dodd's 'processing' of individuals borrows heavily from the teachings and practices of Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and provides perhaps the film's most compelling scene; however, Anderson never explores this or any other theme to its complete end. After a near flawless opening act, The Master begins to stumble incoherently from one beat to the next as if searching for some greater meaning in precisely the same way its characters do. It is a delight to watch and the performances are utterly enthralling; however, Anderson's distinction as a director is sadly not matched by his story. Ponderous and indulgent, the eventual impression is one of incompleteness and abstraction — just a swirling, seething wake of brilliant white and indigo.
They started as an opening act for the Beastie Boys. They've been fighting the power for almost four decades. They're no strangers to big hats and giant clocks, or for fighting for a worthy cause. They've been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2013. They'll forever come to mind whenever Def Jam and Long Island come up. They're Public Enemy, of course, and they're about to get Australia believing the hype when they bring the noise — and their latest tour — Down Under in October 2024. Chuck D, Flavor Flav and company are playing Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday, October 9. Audiences, you're gonna get yours when the icons take to the stage to play through 37 years of tunes that began with 1987 singles 'Public Enemy No 1' and, yes, 'You're Gonna Get Yours', all from their debut studio album Yo! Bum Rush the Show. Expect tracks from 1988's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and 1990's Fear of a Black Planet — two of the most-influential records of the period, and home to 'Bring the Noise', 'Don't Believe the Hype', 'Rebel Without a Pause', '911 Is a Joke' and 'Fight the Power' — as well, through to songs from 2020's What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?, their most-recent album. For company, Public Enemy have AB Original in support, pairing one classic duo with another in Briggs and Trials — and matching the US group's commitment to social rights activism with an Australian act just as devoted to standing up against injustice. Public Enemy last played in Australia a decade ago, on a 2014 tour that included Golden Plains, plus gigs in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Launceston.
UPDATE, January 21, 2022: Synchronic is available to stream via Netflix, Binge, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead aren't currently household names. If they keep writing and directing mind-bending sci-fi like Synchronic, though, they will be. The pair actually appear destined to become better known via Marvel, as they're slated to helm one of the MCU's many upcoming Disney+ TV series, the Oscar Isaac-starring Moon Knight — but they've already worked their way up from the US$20,000 budget of their 2012 debut Resolution to making movies with Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan. Here, with Marvel's own Falcon and Fifty Shades of Grey's leading man, they play with time, relativity, fate and brain-altering substances. They ponder the shadows that the past leaves on the present, the way that progressing through life can feel far more like a stumble than following a clear path, and how confronting loss and death can reframe your perspective on living, too. Those temporal jumps and existential themes aren't new, of course, and neither is the film's steely look and feel, and its willingness to get dark. But that's the thing about Benson and Moorhead: few filmmakers can twist familiar parts into such a distinctive, smart and engaging package in the same way, and with each and every one of their movies. Synchronic shares its title with a designer drug. In the film's vision of New Orleans, the hallucinogen can be bought in stores — and plenty of people are doing just that. Shift after shift, paramedics Steve Denube (Mackie) and Dennis Dannelly (Dornan) find themselves cleaning up the aftermath, as users of the synthetic substance keep overdosing, dying in unusual ways and getting injured in strange mishaps. And, these aren't your usual drug-fuelled incidents. One, involving a snakebite, happens in a hotel without even the slightest sign of slithering reptiles on the loose. That's enough to arouse the world-wearied Steve and Dennis' interest, and to give them something to talk about other than the former's attachment-free life and the latter's marriage. Then Dennis' teenage daughter Brianna (Ally Ioannides, Into the Badlands) goes missing, and the two EMTs are instantly keen to investigate any links that the popular pill might have to her disappearance. In a film that initially drips with tension, dread and intensity, Benson and Moorhead don't take too long to reveal how synchronic works, but it's still something that's best discovered by watching. They don't ever simply tell the audience what's going on, though. As all good films that tinker with time should — and as some not-so-great ones, like Australian rom-com Long Story Short, try to yet flounder — Synchronic doesn't merely show the effects, either, but instead uses every tool at its disposal to take viewers on the same journey. Indeed, much of the movie hinges upon how Steve feels when he pops a pill. While the character could just explain that aloud, that'd be the least interesting option and the film's directors know it. So, whether peering up at the sky, toying with slow motion and perspective, tilting angles, completely flipping the picture or using long takes, the feature gets subjective with its cinematography, which is lensed by Moorhead. One dazzling and dramatic shot at a time, it plunges everyone watching into Steve's head as he first experiments with synchronic's capabilities, then endeavours to use them to bring Brianna home. There's more to Steve's story than possibly being a hero, and that's one of Synchronic's superpowers. Although surreal imagery, a trippy narrative and an off-kilter atmosphere all sit in the movie's toolkit, it's how Benson and Moorhead ground all of the above in genuine emotions that makes this a science fiction film with both brains and a pulse. Easy sentiment and schmaltz have no place here, but anchoring the film's musings on life certainly does. After all, there's little point in pondering 'what if?' scenarios, which is sci-fi's entire remit, if those trains of thought don't also interrogate and explore the human condition. Consequently, although it initially seems as if the script makes a few easy moves regarding Steve's background and current experience, there's insight in those choices. There's cold, hard truth, too, which Synchronic happily faces — because how we're each shaped by trauma is life's number one story. This isn't Benson and Moorhead's first dance with this subject, as anyone who has seen Resolution, 2014's horror-romance Spring and 2017's excellent cult thriller The Endless will spot. That said, even when the premise of their features explicitly calls for repetition — always cleverly and playfully — the pair doesn't just retread their previous footsteps. With each addition to their shared resume, the filmmaking duo demonstrates an uncanny knack for using genre confines and deploying recognisable tropes to excavate pain and tragedy. When viewed as a whole, their career to-date provides an impressive and perceptive snapshot of dealing with life's difficulties, in fact. Each of Benson and Moorhead's four films so far are strikingly shot and astutely written, and rank among the best horror and sci-fi efforts of the past decade, but they're also as thoughtful and resonant as they are intelligent and ambitious — and that's an irresistible combination. Synchronic does occasionally falter. Mackie gets the better part and has far more of an impact than Dornan, for instance. But the lived-in camaraderie between their characters — who've been partners so long that they speak in shorthand — always feels real, and Dornan is still worlds away from the woeful Wild Mountain Thyme, his previous big-screen role. The film's ending doesn't completely fall into place, too, but even that feels like a minor issue. When a movie takes you on the kind of ride that Synchronic does, in such a stunning, sharp and thrilling fashion, and with such depth at is core, its tiny imperfections fade from memory quickly. Or, as Benson and Moorhead might posit, they help make everything that's exceptional shine even brighter, stand out even more and cut even deeper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87RIVAc6MJU&feature=youtu.be
Winery visits and weekend getaways are two things that were largely missing from our calendars in 2020. But if you'd like to make up for lost time now that restrictions have eased, you'll find both experiences rolled neatly into one at famed Nagambie winery Mitchelton. Of course, the property already boasts a luxury boutique hotel and spa, which opened in 2017. But they've now been joined by a very different style of accommodation, this time starring seven shiny, full-size Airstream RVs. Originally set to launch in late December, but now open for bookings, the new Airstream hotel has plans to stick around permanently, gracing the picturesque grounds just a short stroll from the original Mitchelton Hotel. Each of the vintage-style vehicles comes fitted with 20s-inspired interiors, styling touches courtesy of local boutique Harvest Moon Home, and a minibar stocked with gourmet snacks and Mitchelton wines. There are private ensuites, comfy beds and luxurious linens. Guests will also enjoy their own deck area and barbecue set-up, primed for sunset sips. A stay in one of the Airstreams will also get you full access to the rest of Mitchelton's many facilities, including the swimming pool, gym, day spa and the Gallery of Aboriginal Art, which is the largest of its kind in the country. You'll enjoy a breakfast hamper filled with goodies, while the onsite Muse restaurant is open daily from morning until dinner, serving contemporary fare in a newly refurbished space overlooking the Goulburn River. Those keen to do some exploring will also find a range of picnic options available to order from The Provedore. And of course, there's the winery's award-winning cellar door, where you can sample Mitchelton's finest drops, dig into the property's history and choose a few bottles to go. Find Mitchelton's Airstream Hotel at 470 Mitchellstown Road, Nagambie. Prices start from $400 a night for two guests. To find out more and make a booking, head to the website. Images: Brett Goldsmith.
Darlinghurst is already famously home to a rainbow crossing. In Surry Hills, the City of Sydney is planning to implement a lengthy path in Prince Alfred Park decked out in the same multicoloured stripes, too. And now, Coogee is joining the brightly hued celebration of Sydney's LGBTIQA+ community, announcing that it'll turn part of the suburb's beachfront into a rainbow walkway. Come February 2021, timed to support the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, a 200-square-metre patch of the promenade will get a lively makeover — right by the sand, at the bottom of the existing steps. It's a great spot for it, given that the area already bends around in a circular fashion. Now, it'll be a rainbow-shaped curve, measuring approximately 4.2 metres wide and 47 metres long. The move was approved by the Randwick City Council at its last meeting on Tuesday, December 8, with Randwick Mayor Danny Said noting that "this proposal enhances that tradition and makes a strong public statement of support for our wonderfully diverse local community". The pathway is a temporary addition to Coogee, however, although it will stay in place for a number of months. Exact dates from February onwards haven't yet been revealed. In terms of logistics, the Council is presently assessing two choices: using temporary pavement paint, or opting for outdoor-appropriate non-slip vinyl that has been rendered in the appropriate tones. Either way, you'll be spying a rainbow by the beach very soon. For more information about Coogee Beach's rainbow walkway, which is due to launch at a yet-to-be-revealed date in February 2021, visit the Randwick City Council website. Images: artist impressions of Coogee Beach's rainbow walkway.
No need for the neuralisers, folks. This is one you'll forget about all on your own. In what's proving a particularly rough patch for blockbuster franchises (thanks chiefly to the hugely disappointing Godzilla II and X-Men: Dark Phoenix), Men In Black: International represents the latest casualty, offering a dull, generic and largely pointless extension of the popular sci-fi series. With the departure of original stars Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, it falls to franchise newcomers Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson to keep the ball rolling. Sadly, whatever chemistry they had in Thor: Ragnarok is noticeably absent. The dialogue is stilted and the tension forced, while the acerbic sparring that defined the Jones/Smith relationship plays here like a clumsy copy-and-paste job. Hemsworth's comedic touch is well established, but it's best served in small doses, either via bit-parts as per Ghostbusters, or as flourishes in otherwise serious roles, as seen in all but the last Avengers. When comedy becomes his character's main task, the result is less satisfying. His portly, traumatised Thor in Avengers: Endgame robbed both him and audiences of everything that made his character so appealing, and here again in Men in Black the role plays to few of his strengths. Hemsworth constantly flicks back and forth between hammy clowning on the one hand, and pouting like he's in a Hugo Boss commercial on the other. Only the latter works for him. Thompson fares a little better. Her character's motivation is neatly established via a cute intro sequence that defines her as a driven, intelligent and highly capable individual. In a refreshing twist, she essentially recruits herself into MiB, having pursued the mysterious agency ever since a chance encounter with its agents and a furry little alien back when she was just a child. Once inside the agency, though, her reactions feel far too indifferent for someone only hours into life behind the proverbial curtain. Just because you believe in aliens doesn't mean you wouldn't balk, stop and stare at each and every new encounter of the weird and wonderful, but Thompson's Agent M takes it all in her stride. It's as if she's sharing in the audience's experience of yeah yeah yeah, we've seen all this before. Where Men In Black: International works best is in its secondary characters. The villains this time round are a pair of intergalactic assassins played by French brothers Laurent and Larry Nicolas Bourgeois, otherwise known as Les Twins. The shape-shifting, time-jumping killers are delightfully menacing and beautifully imagined on the special effects front. Reminscent of the Twins from the second Matrix movie, this duo pulls focus in every scene, especially when they're dancing so extraordinarily you're convinced it has to be computer-generated (it's not). Equally appealing is the arms dealer Riza, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Ferguson's recent turns in the last two Mission: Impossible films were amongst their best features, and here again she delivers a sumptuous blend of sensual and sinister. Then there's comedian Kumail Nanjiani, whose tiny chessboard alien Pawny serves up almost every good laugh in the film. If the producers are scratching their heads as to what to do with this franchise in the wake of such a poor initial reception, they could do worse than giving Pawny his own spin-off. If nothing else, at least Men In Black: International has a fitting title. It's a film that feels purposefully generic and inoffensive so as to appeal to the broadest possible market. As a result, it ends up being nothing much to anyone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV-WEb2oxLk
A four-storey mega-venue has opened in the heart of Sydney's Circular Quay, adding four unique venues to the harbourside CBD suburb. The new four-storey Hinchcliff House has overtaken the heritage Hinchcliff Wool Stores, a huge sandstone structure dating back to the 1860's that has been restored and revived as part of the ever-evolving Quay Quarter. Two of the Hinchcliff House's four venues are now open to the public, with the other two set to follow suit in May. Grana, located on the ground floor of the former wool store, is an all-day Italian restaurant and bakery, while Apollonia is a low-light cocktail bar in the venue's lower-ground. Head to Grana early for a taste of its breakfast treats. Think blue swimmer crab omelette or a classic bacon and egg roll on schiacciata with chilli mayo and a hash brown, alongside a selection of breakfast cocktails. Pastries and coffee from the bakery are also on hand in the morning for a lighter start to the day. Once breakfast is finished you can turn your attention to the standard Grana menu. Start with a salami and cheddar scroll before moving on to the cauliflower cotoletta or market fish tartar with trout roe. Of course, a healthy selection of pasta is available including ricotta and pumpkin occhi, rigati with lamb shoulder ragu or seaweed gigli paired with Moreton Bay bug. [caption id="attachment_810674" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grana, Jiwon Kim[/caption] Downstairs at Apollonia, spritzes, negronis and Italian cocktails are served in a space designed for romance. The bar is named after a character from The Godfather and looks to embody the romance of Apollonia and protagonist Michael in the film. Sip the Love at First Sight, a dry gin, amaro and strawberry gum cocktail, or A Letter Never Sent, a wheat vodka and Italian honey liqueur creation. If you stick around until midnight, you'll be treated to The Thunderbolt, a nightly toast to friends, life, love and negronis. [caption id="attachment_810671" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Apollonia, Jiwon Kim[/caption] Lana is set to open later this month on the first floor as a restaurant, while an events space on the top level of the heritage building will complete the impressive hospitality space. All four of the venues are the creation of prolific New Zealand restauranteur Scott Brown (Amano) alongside the team at House Made Hospitality. Brown has been running restaurants across the Tasman for over a decade, founding Auckland's Hipgroup in 2004, responsible for venues like seasonal Spanish restaurant Alma. Hinchcliff House is open now at 5–7 Young Street, Sydney. Grana is open 6.30am–11pm, Monday–Saturday, the Grana Bakery is open 6am–3pm, Monday–Friday and Apollonia is open 5pm–3am, Monday–Thursday, 12pm–3am Friday and 5pm–3am, Saturday.
UPDATE, Friday, March 15, 2024: The Aqua with Special Guests tour is no longer taking place on Sunday, March 24 at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena, moving to Tuesday, March 26 at Enmore Theatre instead. Also, 2 Unlimited are now the only support act. This article has been updated to reflect that change. For the past year, we've all been living in a Barbie world, with Greta Gerwig's Margot Robbie-starring Barbie film the biggest thing in pop culture over the past 12 months. What happens when you combine the planet's love for the pink-hued hit with the never-ending trend that is 90s nostalgia? Aqua touring Australia to bust out 'Barbie Girl' at a throwback party, that's what. Life in plastic will be fantastic when the Danish-Norwegian band make their first trip Down Under since 2019. Back then, the group responsible for still having their best-known single stuck in your head, plus 'Doctor Jones' and 'Turn Back Time' as well, toured on a bill filled with other acts from the era. This time, they're doing the same thing. Joining Aqua on Tuesday, March 26 at Sydney's Enmore Theatre: Belgian-Dutch dance duo 2 Unlimited. Originally, the show was set to include British boy band East 17, R&B group Big Brovaz, and English dance acts Phats & Small, Booty Luv and Urban Cookie Collective, too, but they're no longer on the bill. Your latest excuse to keep celebrating all things Barbie-related — and to get a big blast from the past — comes after Aqua popped up on the movie's soundtrack with rapper Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice on the tune 'Barbie World'.
Boardwalk Empire: The Complete Third Season will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 21, and the best way to enjoy Boardwalk Empire is to be the Boardwalk Empire. Okay, so you cannot really become a boardwalk or an empire but you can look like you belong in the show by heading to Cleveland's Salon & Cafe, who are celebrating the impending release by offering a Boardwalk Empire-inspired haircut menu. (Note that they are not offering food filled with hair but rather a menu of haircuts to choose a style from.) For $70, men can choose from eight dapper hairstyles, including Nucky Thompson's classic deep parted short back and sides and Mickey Doyle's undercut with high side part and length. They can also get a smooth cutthroat shave for an additional $20, which is always worth it. Women can choose from two elegant styles for $85: Margaret Thompson's low side chignon with pinned loose curls or Gillian Darmody's low side bun with loose marcel waves. All cuts come with a complimentary drink — take that prohibition. It is all part of the salon's partnership with HBO to promote the release. Patrick Casey, the salon director, said "Boardwalk Empire, and more generally the 1920s era, is having a massive impact on grooming and style of today". It is for a limited time only so glam yourself up and get your gangster on whilst the '20s are still on the style palette.
The Night Noodle Markets are nearly upon us and Gelato Messina is preparing to wow Sydneysiders once again with its newest creations. Perhaps it was the recent collaboration with Hoy Pinoy (another Night Noodle Market favourite) that did it, because this year's menu is full on Filipino. Messina's Filipino Jeepney food truck dishes will be available exclusively at the Sydney markets from October 4–21. Expect the Southeast Asian country's most popular desserts to get the good ol' Messina treatment, starting with the 'Allo 'Allo! — a take on the shaved-iced hallo hallo, which combines leche flan with caramel-flavoured shaved ice, syrup and sauce, all topped with toasted milk crumb and dulce de leche gelato. The truck is is also bringing back a favourite from the 2016 markets under the guise of a different name — Thrilla from Manila is a take on turron, which in this case is filo-pastry wrapped and deep-fried brown sugar and banana gelato, mixed with bits of banana bread and topped with custard and chocolate peanut butter crumb. If you're more into fruity desserts, The Jolli P (a nod to fast-food chain Jollibee) is a mango and peach jelly-filled concoction with whipped cream and graham cracker crumb toppings. Handheld dessert lovers are covered too with the Brazo de Messina, an ice cream sandwich of pandan gelato, baked meringue and condensed milk custard, all layered with a graham cracker crust. The Night Noodle Markets run from October 4–21 at Hyde Park as part of Good Food Month.
Messina in a can. Nothing says novelty food quite like it. And since it made its debut at Melbourne's Royal Croquet Club back in January 2015, the ever-innovative team at Gelato Messina are finally bringing their Warhol-inspired International Soup Kitchen to Sydney. While Warhol's original cans would send you into crippling debt, Messina's little tin artworks are set to be much more affordable when they go on sale at the first-ever incarnation of The Hills Food Fest this weekend. Four tasty-sounding gelato sundaes will be on offer from Messina's own soup kitchen stall, adorably encased in a bespoke soup tin. Choose from Black Forest Bisque (chocolate fondant gelato, cherry jam, kirsch cream, kirsch soaked sponge), Faux Pho (salted coconut sorbet, kaffir lime marshmallow, lychee meringue, chilli cashew crunch), Zuppa Duppa (hazelnut gelato, strawberry preserve, pistachio crunch, amaretti biscotti), and American Chow Down (peanut gelato, cream cheese gelato, oreo cookie crumbs and pretzel crunch). You'll find the Messina International Soup Kitchen at the the festival, which is happening at Rouse Hill's Australian Brewery this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They'll be ladeling out the goods alongside fellow nosh wizards Bao Stop, Knafeh, Happy as Larry and Hoi Pinoy. The Hills Film Fest is happening Friday, June 24 from 5-10pm, Saturday, 25 June from noon - 10pm and Sunday, 26 June from noon - 9pm. For more information, visit the Facebook event.
It was an ill-designed defence mechanism at the time of the first white settlers, then a pretty awful place for convicts. Now, one of Sydney's most historic harbour spots and recently a pretty fancy schmancy dining destination, Fort Denison has announced the return of its summer drinks and dining series, Sunday Sunsets. That's right, Sundays from now on? Fortress parties y'all. You'll be able to sail on out to Fort Denison Restaurant for Sunday afternoons of cocktails, food, nature walks and live music every Sunday from November 6 until the end of January 2017. Sides and mains for a two-course sit-down sunset dinner are included in the ticket, so prepare to load up on kingfish carpaccio, lamb short ribs with pomegranate and mint, crispy skin Humpty Doo Barramundi, roast Hunter Valley pork belly, Wagyu beef cheeks and Muscovy duck breasts. Chuck in a National Parks tour of the heritage site, as well as a little acid jazz and R&B from resident DJ and saxophonist Zak (a multitalented, multitasking dude is Zak), and you've got yourself a supremo Sydney date. There'll be water taxis from Circular Quay included in the ticket price, with the last service departing from CQ at 6.30pm — so you can make it a pretty long lazy Sunday. You'll have book though, to ensure your spot on the fortress, so check out the session times and prices on the website and lock in your spot. Fort Denison's Sunday Sunsets run every Sunday from November 6 to January 2017. For more information, check out their website.
If a luxury getaway is on the cards this summer, NSW has a stunning new outback accommodation option to add to your wish-list. Set on a 9000-acre family-run, third generation beef and sheep property near Warialda in the state's north (about seven hours from Sydney and five from Brisbane), the newly launched Faraway Domes promises a luxury secluded escape, with the added bonus of a minimal carbon footprint thanks to an off-grid power supply. Designed to be able to create its own natural heating and cooling, the self-contained geodesic dome structure fits two and is kitted out in style. You're sure to feel right at home with the luxury four-poster king size bed, a proper bathroom, open-plan living area with TV and, if you choose, a full kitchen stocked with your choice of gourmet eats and ingredients. Meanwhile, a surrounding elevated deck (complete with an outdoor bath) takes full advantage of those sweeping rural views, ideal for nights spent sipping wine under the stars. When you're not living it up in your gorgeous temporary home, you'll find plenty nearby to keep you entertained — Macintyre Falls, Copeton Dam, Cranky Rock Nature Reserve and the Ceramic Break Sculpture Park are located all within an hour's drive of the dome. Faraway Domes currently just has one dome on the property, with plans to construct more in the future. Faraway Domes opens for bookings today with a one-night stay priced at $372. You'll find it at 405 Munsies Road, Warialda, NSW.
Look, doo-wop, funk and punk don’t normally go hand in hand at first glance, however somehow King Khan & BBQ Show manage to pull it off in a flurry of fun and sweat. Canada’s Mark Sultan and Arish Ahmad Khan were formally part of Spaceshits, and actually split up King Khan & BBQ Show in 2010 at the Sydney Opera House. Thankfully this wasn't a long-term grudge situation and they have since returned in 2013, releasing their fourth studio album Bad News Boys in March. For something a little out of the ordinary and hip-thrustingly danceable, head along to their Splendour sideshow.
To get musicians back onstage after the pandemic, the New South Wales government and ARIA launched Great Southern Nights. Following two blockbuster years that saw thousands of gigs pop up across the state, the series is returning in 2024 with another 300-plus shows over 17 nights — and the program just got even bigger. Live music will ring out throughout NSW between Friday, March 8–Sunday, March 24, with musicians big and small performing in Sydney live music institutions and regional hubs, including Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and the Northern Rivers. Joining the already massive lineup that was announced in December 2023, another 11 artists will be popping up for gigs around NSW during the two-and-a-half-week festival. Leading the new slate of musicians is superstar G Flip, who will be performing at the Towragi Beach Hotel on Friday, March 8. "I'm so stoked to be playing a show in Wollongong!" said G Flip. "I didn't get to play here on my last tour, so I'm really excited to be participating in Great Southern Nights for an epic show." Other new additions to Great Southern Nights 2024 include The Jungle Giants, who will be performing in Byron Bay; The Tesky Brothers, who will bring their sultry folk tunes to Wollongong; Ninajirachi, who's getting the party started in Newcastle West; and Montaigne, who will be popping up for an intimate show at Newtown's The Vanguard. Methyl Ethel, Kita Alexandra, Mia Wray, Pete Murray, Richard Clapton and The Black Sorrows round out the 11 new artists joining the massive lineup. If you missed the original announcement, there's plenty to dig into. If you love the classics, you'll be able to catch sets from Jimmy Barnes, Peter Garrett & the Alter Egos, The Church, You Am I, Yothu Yindi, The Whitlams Black Stump Band, Hoodoo Gurus and Kate Ceberano. [caption id="attachment_786824" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Vanguard[/caption] Local hip hop heads can hit up gigs from Barkaa, 360, JK-47, Bliss n Eso, L-Fresh the Lion, Illy, Drapht, YNG Martyr and Jesswar. If you're an indie-rock aficionado, Ball Park Music, Sarah Blasko, King Stingray, The Buoys, Ruby Fields, Budjerah, Alex Lahey, Gordi, Gretta Ray, The Vanns, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers will be coming to a stage near you. If your prerogative is to dance, The Presets, Havana Brown, Tigerlily, Sneaky Sound System, Hermitude and Anna Lunoe are all part of the Great Southern Nights program. Plus, there will be shows from Becca Hatch, Cub Sport, Dune Rats, Vika and Linda, A.Girl, Xavier Rudd, David Campbell, Fanny Lumsden, Kasey Chambers, Kate Miller-Heidke, Redhook and Northlane — and also a special tribute to Rowland S Howard. If you want to secure your spot, act quick — Kate-Miller Heidke, Dan Sultan and Hoodoo Gurus' shows have already sold out, with the gigs from The Presets, The Cruel Sea and Kasey Chambers all approaching sold-out status. Check where your faves are playing and what shows are happening near you via the full gig guide. GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS 2024 PROGRAM: Just announced: G Flip Kita Alexandra Methyl Ethel Mia Wray Montaigne Ninajirachi Pete Murray Richard Clapton The Black Sorrows The Jungle Giants The Tesky Brothers Joining: 360 A.Girl Alex Lahey Anna Lunoe Ball Park Music Barkaa Becca Hatch Big Skeez Bliss n Eso Budjerah Cub Sport Dan Sultan David Campbell Drapht Dune Rats Elixir Fanny Lumsden Godlands Gold Fang Gordi Gretta Ray Havana Brown Hermitude Hoodoo Gurus Illy James Blundell James Reyne Jawbreakers Jessica Mauboy Jesswar Jimmy Barnes JK-47 Jon Stevens Kasey Chambers Kate Ceberano Kate Miller-Heidke King Stingray Kye L-Fresh the Lion Lydia Lunch and Joseph Keckler Northlane Pacific Avenue Pania Peter Garrett & the Alter Egos Pop Crimes – The Songs of Rowland S Howard Raechel Whitchurch Redhook Ruby Fields Sarah Blasko Sneaky Sound System Sophiya Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers The Buoys The Church The Cruel Sea The Presets The Primitives The Vanns The Whitlams Black Stump Band Tigerlily Vallis Alps Vika and Linda Xavier Rudd Yng Martyr Yothu Yindi You Am I Great Southern Nights 2024 will run from Friday, March 8–Sunday, March 24 throughout New South Wales. Tickets are on sale now via the festival's website. Images: The Jungle Giants performing at Snow Machine, Daniel Hildebrand.
You might already know that this year marks the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' last tour of Australia. Maybe you attended the recent exhibition in honour of the event, you might have spun a bit of Sgt. Pepper in an act of solidarity, or perhaps you've been copping an earful from older relatives reliving their days as hapless groupies. Either way, any of your tributes pale in comparison to that of the legends who live in Holbrook, New South Wales. In what's being hailed as the country's largest ever yarn bomb, thousands of eager knitters have this week coated a decommissioned Navy submarine in yellow crocheted wool. Organised by Murray Arts, the project has been six months in the making and features a crazy amount of work by the local community. Outside of Holbrook, contributions for the project came from as far across the globe as Scotland, where family members of those that had served on the submarine kindly offered their efforts too. At a whopping 90 metres in length, this yellow submarine now stands as beautiful tribute to the eponymous Beatles' classic (and also uncannily makes the vessel look like a prop from a Wes Anderson film). The yarn bomb will stay in place until July 12, when the blankets will be cut down and donated to an animal shelter. Good vibes all 'round. Via ABC. All images via the Holbrook Submarine Facebook.
Dining in the open air is one of the simplest summertime pleasures. Whether it's for a family catch-up, a date night or simply an impromptu lunch break picnic, enjoying a meal al fresco is a surefire way to make you feel relaxed. Sydney has a bunch of beautiful parklands and beachfronts that are perfect for taking a last-minute picnic, so we've teamed up with Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co. to bring you six great spots to enjoy your meal outdoors without having to plan ahead. Each of these sunny spots is conveniently located near to one of its restaurants. [caption id="attachment_792810" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW[/caption] CABBAGE TREE BAY This north shore aquatic reserve is the ideal place to lay down a towel and devour a burger, whether it's for a low-key date night, a casual group catch-up or just a chance to adventure away from work. Located a short walk from Manly Beach, the bay also offers the chance to partake in a post-lunch underwater adventure, too (so BYO snorkel if you can). Divers come here to swim with big blue groupers, colourful nudibranchs, small sharks and its resident green turtle in the protected bay. Didn't bring your mask? You can also swim here or in Fairy Bower Pool. The nearest Betty's is found at Manly Wharf. [caption id="attachment_747894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] PARRAMATTA PARK Parra Park, as it is affectionately known, is the perfect expanse of green to escape to from the nearby second CBD. While there are 14 barbecues found throughout the park, you're not always in the mood to cook up burgers from scratch or worry about cutlery and other organisational fuss. Instead, head to Betty's Burgers first to pick up a thick shake blended with freshly made frozen custard along with your burger feast. Once you get to Parramatta Parklands, there's heaps of space to find a spot to dine so no need to rush. [caption id="attachment_756230" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] COOGEE BEACH PARK Bondi is one of Sydney's most famous (and busiest) beaches, which means its southern cousin is sometimes overlooked. However, Coogee has more ocean pools, better parking and is just ten minutes' drive from Bondi. Along with its stretches of sand, it has plenty of grassy spaces under the Norkfolk pines. As the less-busy beach, it also means you don't have to get down here early to nab prime picnic territory. The north end's secluded rocky pools are also a great swimming place, so you can enjoy a refreshing dip after your lunch or dinner. [caption id="attachment_794148" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Jamieson[/caption] CRONULLA PARK This beachside park is the perfect spot to pick when you're hustling friends together for a low-effort picnic. Located at the southern end of Cronulla Beach, the grassy spot has its own gorgeous natural amphitheatre, complete with shade from the trees. It's also easily accessible for prams and wheelchair users, which makes it a winner for large groups of families and friends. It also helps that Betty's Burgers is located just a stone's throw away, so you can sort out your meal, head to the beach and enjoy it with little fuss. [caption id="attachment_677140" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr; Philip Terry Graham[/caption] HYDE PARK As the green centre of the CBD and Sydney's oldest public parkland, Hyde Park has long offered office workers a respite from the concrete jungle. The 40-acre urban park has lush lawns, sprawling fig trees and plenty of seats, which makes it easy to find a spot to relax in. Given its central location, the park is a good choice for office lunch catch-ups. Park yourself by one of Hyde Park's landmarks, including the much-loved Archibald Fountain or Tony Albert's public artwork 'Yininmadyemi Thou didst let fall'. But, before you head there, pick up your burgers from Betty's on Market Street. [caption id="attachment_739368" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Tong via Flickr[/caption] TUMBALONG PARK This harbourside park is a favourite for families thanks to its dynamic playground. Though Darling Harbour was once seen as a tourist trap, the rejuvenated area now flips all the tropes and offers amazing views, waterside views and fun vibes. The playgrounds were designed for kids, but adults will be impressed by the vibrant water features, urban seating and ping pong tables. Add in its easy access to Town Hall Station and you have a prime spot for an impromptu picnic this summer, especially if you're working nearby. Plus, Sydney's first ever Betty's Burgers outlet is a short walk away, which means your burgers won't get cold as you find a place to plonk yourselves. Find your nearest Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co., here.
Clear your diary, grab your sneakers and prepare to get busy, boombastic and nostalgic — Shaggy and Sean Paul are heading on a tour of Australia this summer. It was revealed earlier this year that the two reggae stars would be headlining Southeast Queensland's inaugural One Love Festival, and, now, it has just been announced that they'll also be hitting up Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in January and February. Yes, the shows will be taking place in the summertime, but if there is a storm, we're sure Sean Paul will be able to shelter you. Enough of the song puns, though, you know the hits and you probably already have them stuck in your head. If not, we suggest you listen to (and get ready to relive), Shaggy's 'Luv Me, Luv Me' and 'It Wasn't Me', and Sean Paul's 'Get Busy' and 'No Lie'. The two 90s and 00s stars will be supported by US reggae-pop singer Josh Wawa White, too. So get ready for a full evening of reggae come summer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W5pq4bIzIw SEAN PAUL AND SHAGGY AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2020 DATES Melbourne — Wednesday, January 29, Sidney Myer Music Bowl Sydney — Friday, January 31, Hordern Pavilion Brisbane — One Love Festival, Saturday, February 1 (Sold Out) Perth — Sunday, February 2, Perth Convention Centre Tickets go on sale at 7pm on Wednesday, October 23 via mjrpresents.com. Top image: Jonathan Mannion
Finders keepers, losers weepers ... it’s a childhood taunt that still has the power to make me plunge towards the asphalt like a deranged Olympian diver in the hope of finding something shiny. The Finders Keepers Market held biannually at CarriageWorks is probably less likely to end in tears and an almighty knee scrape — but you will come out the other end with some sweet, shiny things. If that hasn't got you on the edge of your springboard, there’s plenty more on offer — around 60 stalls in fact — along with a bar, cafe and live music. The markets stay are open Saturday 6-10 and 10-5 on Sunday. Just remember, snooze you lose.
