The Bellarine’s new $9.15M circular library (with a glorious green rooftop) is now open
The brand-new $9.15 million Boronggook Drysdale Library, featuring an innovative circular design and green rooftop in Drysdale town centre, has officially opened to the public.
The new library, jointly funded by Council ($8.156 million) and the Victorian Government ($1 million), will provide communal multi-purpose spaces, quiet study areas, an adult changing places facility, an internal courtyard garden and a City of Greater Geelong customer service point.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
The first of its kind in the Greater Geelong region, the state-of-the-art library features 4,300 plants, including 18 different native species on its rooftop, providing habitat for birds, bees and butterflies. The living habitat was included in a bid to ‘mitigate urban heat island effects and protect against increasing peak temperatures’, provide insect and bird habitat and improve site ecology through drought tolerant and adapted plantings.
The library’s name, Boronggook (Bo-rong-gook), is the traditional Wadawurrung name for the area and means ‘turf’.
Sitting atop Drysdale Hill at 10 Wyndham Street, the site was once the gathering place for Traditional Owners. This legacy has been translated into a modern concept, with the circular design incorporating a terraced amphitheatre.
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“The new Boronggook Drysdale Library will be an incredible asset to the local community – from the dedicated children’s space to the thousands of new collection items to the rooftop garden,” says Vanessa Schernickau, Chief Executive Officer Geelong Regional Library Corporation.
“While our libraries will always provide spaces for people to read and connect to free Wi-Fi, libraries are no longer just about borrowing books. Our vast range of programs and events appeal to people of all ages, from vital early literacy programs to cyber safety sessions to craft sessions where people gather to create, but more importantly to connect.
“New libraries such as Boronggook have been designed with new ways of working in mind – there are light filled spaces to work and collaborate and affordable meeting rooms available to hire.”
The Boronggook Drysdale Library is located at 2-8 Wyndham Street, Drysdale. You can view the opening hours and more information about the new library here.
Ballarat Heritage Festival returns in May with candlelight concerts, iconic Tweed ride and beard comp
Ballarat is getting ready to wind back the clock for the latest instalment of the award-winning Ballarat Heritage Festival, delivering an immersive, engaging and fascinating experience for visitors in a way to go beyond the surface with big beards, bike rides, lost trades, traditional crafts, walking tours, and steam trains, and more.
With a storied history and incredible streetscapes, Ballarat is an exciting place to explore and from Friday 19 May to Sunday 28 May, this 10-day event delicately intertwines the past and present to create a unique offering unlike any other.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
A fascinating festival to put the city’s rich heritage, unique stories and vibrant creative community front and centre, by the end of the festival, visitors will leave the city having loved everything about it, from its epic laneways, authentic stories and local creatives, to the amazing chefs, winemakers, and brewers who use the best produce our region has to offer.
This year, there will be more than 50 events delivered, with the City of Ballarat working closely with many diverse community groups from across the city.
Ballarat Heritage Festival 2023 program highlights include:
Candlelight Concerts | Friday 26 May
Experience some of the greatest pieces of film music of the modern era in the candlelit Ballarat Civic Hall. Thousands of candles create the atmosphere as the orchestra captivate you with scores from Hans Zimmer, John Williamson and more. Experience The Lion King, Star Wars, and many more in this amazing atmosphere.
Craft Lab 23 | Saturday 20 May and Sunday 21 May, Saturday 27 May and Sunday 28 May.
Now in its third year, Craft Lab is a celebration of traditional artisanal skills coupled with a contemporary flair. Over four days, 17 carefully selected practitioners from across the Ballarat region will share their knowledge and techniques, showcasing some of the best crafts and design items produced locally.
From upholsterers to spinners, shoemakers to armory makers, wild weavers to eco-dyers, visitors can get up close to see, touch and feel the different crafts from the practitioners themselves. There will also be opportunities for visitors to take part in talks, demonstrations and workshops where they can try their hand at their own crafts with the support and guidance from experts.
The Great Takeaway | Thursday 25 May
The Great Takeaway is a chance for visitors to dine amongst some of the finest materials, textiles, glassware and ceramics produced in the Ballarat region – and then be able to take the handcrafted materials home with them.
A ticketed event, the Great Takeaway is an exclusively tailored dinner for up to 60 guests who will be seated in the exhibition display of Craft Lab in the heritage venue of the Mining Exchange to enjoy a three-course meal with drinks and entertainment.
Ballarat Antique Fair | Friday 19 May to Sunday 21 May
Make your way to one of Ballarat’s classic art deco buildings to pick-up one-off heirlooms, period pieces and collector’s items.
To be held at Civic Hall, you will be able to browse more than 26 antique dealers selling a variety of beautiful, delicate and interesting pieces – from jewellery to furniture; artwork to ceramics; silverware to linen, and objet d’art.
Ballarat Tweed Ride | Saturday 20 May
Ballarat’s iconic Tweed Ride returns! Take a unique ride through Ballarat’s historic and picturesque autumn streets in high style.
A casual event of fashion, cycling and fun, riders dress in vintage and heritage-inspired outfits wearing tweeds, velvets, capes and kilts. With all types of bikes welcome, keep an eye out for some of the quirkiest cycle styles.
Heritage Harvest Weekend | Saturday 27 May to Sunday 28 May
Join Sovereign Hill for a big weekend celebrating autumn harvest, growing seasonal food in abundance, and preserving it through age-old practices brought to Australia from around the world.
Discover the flavors of autumn with a specially curated food and producers’ market, explore your foodie passion or discover new ones in a series of exclusive culinary workshops or ignite the imagination of your little ones, through interactive play in the Little Explorers zone.
Beard & Stache Competition: Saturday 27 May
As part of The Ballarat Heritage Weekend, the esteemed Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition is back at Hop Temple on Saturday, giving people that chance to enjoy some spectacular staches and beards, celebrating all kinds of facial hair.
You can enter your stach-tacular beards in any applicable category. Think moustache, full beard, partial beard or the verdi (an impeccably groomed beard style). There is also a “just for fun category,” where you can play around with fake beards or freestylers. Even the ladies can get involved. With free entry and more than $1000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, you’d be mad not to get around it. Shave your if’s and but’s for later. Even if beards aren’t your thing, this event will definitely have them grow on you.
Hosted at Hop Temple, this event promises good food, good beer and good beards.
About 20,000 attendees are expected to attend the festival, which last year won bronze at the Victorian Tourism Awards in the Festivals and Events Category.
For full details on all of the events or to book tickets for events that are likely to sell out, visit the Ballarat Heritage Festival website.
Victoria’s new ‘cash for cans’ scheme to launch in November
Australia’s most convenient and accessible beverage container recycling scheme will begin on 1 November 2023, allowing Victorians to cash in on their used cans and bottles.
Announced as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s landmark reforms to the state’s waste and recycling sector, Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, will allow Victorians to return their used drink cans, bottles and cartons for a 10-cent refund. This will reduce Victoria’s litter by up to half, create new economic opportunities, generate 645 jobs and turn drink containers into new recycled products.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
VicReturn will be the Scheme Coordinator and Visy, TOMRA Cleanaway and Return-It will be Network Operators.
CDS Vic also offers Victorian charities, community groups, environmental groups, sporting clubs and educational organisations new ways to raise funds. These groups and organisations will be able to receive container donations from the community, run a refund collection point or host a container collection drive.
This will encourage more community participation and education around recycling while ensuring households, local clubs and groups can share in the cash benefits of recycling their used cans, bottles and cartons.
The Network Operators will establish and maintain a network of more than 600 refund collection points across the state, making the scheme accessible to all Victorians.
“Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme will maximise the number of cans, bottles and cartons being recycled into new products, put extra cash in Victorian pockets and will reduce the amount of litter in our environment by half,” says Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt.
“CDS Vic will be Australia’s most accessible and convenient container deposit scheme, with more than 600 refund collection points across the state.”
Within 12 months of the scheme starting, the network operators will be required to have a minimum of one collection point per 14,500 people in metropolitan areas, at least one per town of 750 people in regional areas, and at least one per town of 350 people in remote areas.
CDS Vic is part of the Labor Government’s $515 million investment to transform the state’s waste and recycling sector. This includes the new standardised four-stream waste and recycling system, which will help meet our target of diverting 80 per cent of all material away from landfill by 2030.
More information can be found at .
Read the Premier’s release here.
The NHL brings world-class ice hockey to Melbourne for the first time ever
Two National Hockey League games are set to take place in Melbourne this winter and it’s shaping up to be a big couple of nights on the ice.
Not only will it be the first time the NHL has ventured into Australia, but it’s also the first time the league has ever played outside of the Northern Hemisphere.
The NHL comes to Melbourne
- Melbourne will be the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to host the National Hockey League
- The LA Kings and the Arizona Coyotes will play at Rod Laver Arena on September 23 and 24
- NHL Melbourne tickets will be available on April 18 with a sell-out expected
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
The Los Angeles Kings and the Arizona Coyotes will face off at Rod Laver Arena on September 23 and 24 as part of the preseason and the NHL’s 2023 Global Series. The NHL will build a temporary ice rink inside the venue and the teams will practice at the nearby O’Brien Icehouse in the days leading up to the events.
While hosting professional ice hockey down under may seem a little counterintuitive, the government of Victoria hopes this partnership will help promote tourism and solidify Melbourne as a global sports capital.
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For the NHL, it’s a chance to help break new ground with their sport, give ex-pats and international hockey fans something to cheer about and hopefully pick up a few new supporters along the way. As it stands, there is a small ice hockey presence in the country – we currently have our own semi-pro league and around 20 indoor rinks.
“The intention would not be to come to Australia, play and never come back,” said David Proper, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of media and international strategy. “The intention is to make this a recurring set of games and help continue to grow hockey in the market.”
NHL Melbourne tickets will be on sale to the public on April 18 at 1pm with a variety of travel and hospitality packages available. High demand is expected for this historic game – we suggest booking quickly so you don’t miss your chance.
To grab NHL Melbourne tickets to see the hockey on September 23 or 24, head here.
‘Chaotic in the best of ways’: Melbourne’s Terry release their new album ‘Call Me Terry’
Melbourne’s music scene boasts a revolving door of musicians trying to carve out a sound that’ll help differentiate them from the crowd. And while so many try, many struggle with their ‘new sound’ almost always getting lumped in with one of the city’s pre-established subgenres, or being so ‘new’ that audiences end up finding it whack.
But where others struggle in the pursuit of originality, Terry naturally succeeded.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
It’s as if, amongst the Melbourne music scene, there are punks; arts punks; cinematic-inspired desert rock outfits… and Terry.
Featuring members from Constant Mongrel, The UV Race, Primo!, Sleeper & Snake, Chateau and Rocky; the alt-rock outfit marks themselves as one of the few acts with a sound so unique that it’s hard to explain. Combining elements of alt gothic-country (Gold Duck), futuristic jazz (Market), and pensive post-punk (Jane Roe) all in one, it really is a sound that can only be described as Terry.
And it’s awfully easy to get lost in the world of Terry.
From the contrast of multi-pitched vocals on ‘Miracles’ to the sharp, tinny guitar tones and steadfast drumming of ‘Centuries’, Call Me Terry has a lot on offer. And with its sound tying in everything from horns and string arrangements to Al Montfort’s famed ‘Fuzz Factory’ (which includes a tremolo in his pedal chain), it’s chaotic in the best of ways.
Seven years, four albums and four 7’s later, you can now “Call Me Terry”.
Call Me Terry is out now via Anti Fade Records and Upset the Rhythm (UK). Check it out on Bandcamp here.
WIN! We’re giving away a double pass to Stars & Bars Music Festival
Stars & Bars Festival returns to Heathcote this month, bringing together a combination of amazingly talented artists, Heathcote’s finest wine, beer, spirits, food and hospitality, and some genuinely unique locales as the backdrop for this experiential festival event.
Essentially a hybrid of a country music festival, food and wine festival and regional bus tour, Stars & Bars Festival will see punters take part in an experimental whistle-stop tour of Heathcote on Saturday, April 22 2023.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
To celebrate the festival’s return to Heathcote, we’re giving away two double passes to the festival, worth more than $200. The winner will jump aboard the luxury bus tour, which will showcase all eight acts across five beautiful locales over 12 hours with complimentary wine-tasting sessions, afternoon tea and access to the evening session.
Bus Departs 10:30am from Heathcote Visitor Info Centre in the Main Street & arrives back on the doorstep of Palling Bros Brewery at 6:00pm to kick off the Evening Session ( entry included in Bus Tour Ticket ).
To enter, all you need to do is fill in the form below to be in the running. You’ve got to be in it to win it.
The competition closes Thursday, April 20. By entering, you agree to receive marketing collateral from Forte and competition partners. For more info, check out our privacy policy.
Head to www.starsandbars.com.au/
The White Lotus creator Mike White and star Jennifer Coolidge to headline Vivid Sydney 2023
In one of the biggest announcements in its 13-year history, Vivid Sydney has today revealed that creator, writer and director of The White Lotus, Mike White, and star of the series, Jennifer Coolidge, have been added to the festival’s program for 2023.
The two global megastars will join forces for Mike White & Jennifer Coolidge in Conversation – an exclusive event as part of Vivid Ideas – to discuss their career peaks, valleys, and much more in a fascinating, funny, and unforgettable chat with hilarious anecdotes from their decades of experience in Hollywood.
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
The White Lotus has taken the world by storm, with its unapologetic parody of the luxury class and the current appetite for ‘eat the rich’ satires. With season three on the way, Mike White has become a household name, with a fascinating underdog backstory that includes writing blockbuster scripts, acting, competing on Survivor and The Amazing Race, and critically creating acclaimed films and TV shows.
The hit series has also caused something of a ‘Cool-naissance’, with Jennifer Coolidge starring in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons as lost multimillionaire Tanya McQuoid. Previously known for scene-stealing roles in comedies such as American Pie, Best in Show and the Legally Blonde franchise, the actor’s talents have been recently celebrated, seeing her win awards at the Golden Globes, Emmys, Critics Choice Awards and SAG Awards for her role as Tanya McQuoid in The White Lotus.
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Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said this event was a blockbuster addition to the Vivid Sydney program
“There is no doubt this Vivid Ideas event with the series’ leading talent Mike White and Jennifer Coolidge will be a huge drawcard for fans from near and far,” Minister Graham said.
“Sydney is a city where creative industries, ideas and conversations can thrive. I am pleased to see this event added to the program. I hope it will be an opportunity for Mike White and Jennifer Coolidge to fall in love with NSW when they visit.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director, Gill Minervini said, “We’re thrilled to share that The White Lotus creator, Mike White, and star of the series, Jennifer Coolidge, will join this year’s Vivid Sydney line-up. Securing these huge megastars cements Vivid Sydney 2023 as the biggest and most culturally relevant program yet.
“This exclusive event will allow audiences to see behind the curtain on what has become a massive cultural zeitgeist and hear from two of the hottest figures in the creative industries right now,” said Ms Minervini.
Mike White & Jennifer Coolidge in Conversation will be hosted at the Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour, on Saturday 10 June from 7.30pm to 8.45pm and will be moderated by Benjamin Law. Tickets are available now at https://www.vividsydney.com/event/ideas/mike-white-jennifer-coolidge-in-conversation.
The event will bolster an already impressive Vivid Sydney program as the festival returns from Friday 26 May to Saturday 17 June with more than 300 events and activations over 23 days.
Vivid Ideas will bring together the world’s brightest minds and creative leaders and in past years has attracted headline speakers including visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, psychotherapist Esther Perel, Hollywood trailblazer Spike Lee, fashion influencer Margaret Zhang, and for this year, Hollywood’s hottest duo, Mike White and Jennifer Coolidge and bestselling British author, Jeanette Winterson.
Reflecting this year’s festival theme, ‘Vivid Sydney, Naturally’, the Vivid Ideas program will include 60 intriguing talks and workshops, including the Global Storytellers, Vivid Ideas Exchange events, immersive experiences and partner events, allowing audiences to challenge the status quo, explore human nature and ask: what can we learn from nature?
For more information and to keep updated about the program, go to vividsydney.com
Goin’ Up The Country: Stars & Bars Music Festival is the must-attend experimental whistle-stop tour of Heathcote
Off the back of its trail-blazing inaugural outing in 2022, Stars & Bars Festival returns to Heathcote in 2023.
Bringing together a combination of amazingly talented artists, Heathcote’s finest wine, beer, spirits, food and hospitality, and some genuinely unique locales as the backdrop for this experiential festival event, Stars & Bars Festival will see punters take part in an experimental whistle-stop tour of Heathcote on Saturday, April 22 2023.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Created by Lincon Boyd, the brains behind the beloved past NaranaFest, this year’s newly minted edition returns with some fresh new locales, familiar favourites and a stellar handpicked lineup representing everything from Alt-Country, Americana, Heavy Groove, Funk & Soul, Blues & Roots and Electric Jungle Boogaloo.
Essentially a hybrid of a country music festival, food and wine festival and regional bus tour, this year there are two ticket options up for grabs.
The first is the luxury bus tour, which will showcase all eight acts across five beautiful locales over 12 hours with complimentary wine-tasting sessions, afternoon tea and access to the evening session. Bus tour tickets are limited, and they go for $100.
For those that can’t spend the whole day, there’s a secondary option to join the Festival at Palling Bros Brewery in the Beer Garden from 6pm where you’ll witness four of the acts. Evening tickets are just $40 with limited tickets available at the door.
The Locales
The unique central Victorian Goldfields locales are at the heart of Stars and Bars. Much more than just pubs, breweries and wineries, these locales are hand-picked, immersive spaces with stories to tell, perfectly suited for musical performances with a mix of indoor and outdoor stages backdropped with stunningly serene vistas.
The adventure begins with a visit to the 150-year-old pub Tooborac Hotel & Brewery. A country hotel circa 1857 with an onsite brewery, this charming spot is Victoria’s oldest National Trust-listed country pub – renowned for being family-friendly with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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Next is a visit to boutique winery Domaine Asmara, located in the heart of the rich Cambrian region of Heathcote in Victoria. This little gem is a family-owned vineyard producing complex and flavoursome wines.
Arriving for afternoon tea, punters will indulge in the surroundings at the five-star boutique winery Wren Estate in the shadow of Mt Camel. With a beautiful olive grove and new cellar door, Wren Estate’s wines are produced in small batches from the home block and micro-managed by Michael Wren, who has over 20 vintages experience across Australia, Europe and the US.
Located just minutes from Heathcote on Wild Duck Creek, Condie Estate is a small-batch producer owned by Richie & Rosanne Condie. Their fruit is organically grown in two vineyards and the wines are made by hand.
The final destination on this whistle-stop tour, is Palling Bros Brewery and its newly expanded Beer Garden, delivering the perfect backdrop for the climactic Evening Session. Located in the heart of the central Goldfields, this stunning tin-shed establishment specialises in handcrafted artisan beer, fine dining, and fittingly, live music.
The Artists
As you taste and explore along the countrified Musical Bus Tour, you’ll also get to enjoy the live country, blues and folks music from some of Victoria’s biggest and brightest stars:
The Seven Ups
Back from headlining last year’s event, The Seven Ups are guaranteed to get the dancefloor moving. Hailing from the northern suburbs of Melbourne, the original seven-piece Lo-Fi Heavy Groove party band skillfully blend influences from 1970s underground Funk with Jazz, Psych and Fuzz Rock.
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Karl S. Williams
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, visual artist and poet, Karl S. Williams is an artist you never saw coming. Bringing along his trademark solo set, frequently referred to as a visceral and ‘spiritual experience’, Williams promises to leave his audience slightly altered in the best way possible. With his heart on his sleeve, this is blues, roots, folk and Americana, but not as you know it.
Leslie D.King & The Trembling Shakes
With influences drawing far and wide from The Alabama Shakes and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats to Big Smoke and Steve Smyth, stellar musician Leslie D. King and his carefully hand-picked band The Trembling shakes are fun, soulful and full of emotive energy that only can come from the heart. Telling tales of love, loss, finding yourself and promises made to friends, King is armed with some new tunes and a killer live set.
Jungle Jim Smith
Guaranteed to kick out the jams playing gritty, foot-stomping blues and garage grooves, Jungle Jim Smith is a one-man electric boogie band that has to be seen to be believed. Switching effortlessly between a 3-string cigar box guitar and a reverb-drenched 6-string all the while cranking out primal foot-powered drum beats, you can expect everything from improvised jam-lands to rockin’ tunes to get the dance floor shakin’.
Nathan Seeckts
A powerful singer-songwriter who effortlessly fuses the sounds of Americana, folk, country and blues delivered with a commanding voice that is equal parts gravel and passion, Seeckts has earned himself a solid reputation over the years for his world-class songwriting ability. With equal amounts of power and immediacy in his music, catch him at his best at Condie Estate.
Riley Catherall
Melbourne-based Australian country-Americana artist, Riley Catherall has been a name gracefully on the rise within the Australian Alt-Country Music scene. Earning a reputation as one of the country’s most promising songwriters through his poetic sincerity and alluring live shows, not only does Riley’s song tug at the heartstrings with his ability to story tell, but he’s also able to keep us captivated for the entirety of any performance. Witness that magic at Wren Estate.
Rhianna Fibbins
Having spent many years with her sister in country band ‘The Sideshow Brides’, Rhianna’s solo career sees her truly shine, with her unique brand of country music that weaves the nitty gritty with a touch of homespun longing. Born and raised in the Hunter Valley, the now locally-based singer-songwriter shares warm and emotive songs close to her heart, weaving themes of true heartbreak and grit with optimistic charm.
Pete Daly
With a back catalogue of songs demonstrating his natural, kinetic feel for the acoustic guitar and gentle, earthy vocals with flecks of alt-country and cinematic surf rock solos, Pete Daly promises a memorable performance when he kicks off proceedings on the famous Tooborac Hotel stage. There’s a sense of insular reflection, sparse instrumentation gives his recordings and live performances an isolated yet contemplative quality.
Head to www.starsandbars.com.au/
Adelaide rock band Bad//Dreems announce Australian tour for June and July
Adelaide rock band BAD//DREEMS have announced they’ll be travelling around the country this June and July, rejoicing in the radiance of their new pub-rock-meets-art-rock album ‘HOO HA!’ which will be released May 19.
Hailed as one of the most vital guitar acts in the country, BAD//DREEMS will be serving up their pub prose like parmas in this exclusive album tour, taking fans on a vaudevillian romp, chock full of characteristically wry observational lyrics and rhyming slang, creating a cultural experience for all.
BAD//DREEMS Tour 2023
Friday June 23 Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide
with Children Collide and Twine
Saturday June 24 Corner Hotel, Melbourne
with Children Collide, Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice and Doe St
Friday June 30 Triffid, Brisbane
with Children Collide, Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice and Arthington Stack
Saturday July 1 Factory Theatre, Sydney
with Children Collide, Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice and Sad Girls Sex Club
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
BT from Love Police, who will be presenting the tour, says: “Our love affair with the Baddies started back in 2014 with their excellent single, My Only Friend. Over the last ten years we’ve become mates, partners, raconteurs, and we were honoured to be asked to put together a national tour for this sick new album. Together with the band we’re presenting a curated evening from doors until curfew.We look forward to guiding the band and their loyal supporters through an evening of unreal music and good times.”
‘HOO HA!’, album #4 for Bad//Dreems, began its life post-pandemic in a small studio in Adelaide, located in a disused neo-gothic incinerator designed by Walter Burley Griffin and containing Billy Thorpe’s old Neve recording desk. “We had a new found appreciation and zest for being able to play together that created the energy of the album,” Marwe said of the experience.
The songs were taken to Melbourne and recorded with Dan Luscombe (Amyl and the Sniffers, Courtney Barnett, the Drones) at Soundpark Studio in early 2022. The result epitomises the power of Bad//Dreems, where pub rock meets art-rock and where high and low culture collide to paint a vivid picture of our times.
Today BAD//DREEMS also released a new single off their forthcoming album. New Breeze captures the frustration, malaise and confusion of the post-pandemic world.
“We looked forward to a utopia at the end of the pandemic, but life is never that simple. You end up just pissing in a different breeze” says Alex Cameron (guitar) in relation to the song’s creation.
In a similar vein to the spontaneous pub prose of previous single ‘See You Tomorrow’ front man Ben Marwe leads the listener with a Canned Heat-esque flute hook. Going up the country indeed.
General public tickets on sale Wednesday, April 19 from here.
Lifestyle emporium Torquay Merchant is hosting a massive two-day warehouse sale
Enjoy massive savings on children and baby outfits, women’s clothing, shoes and potentially homewares at this exclusive two-day warehouse sale.
Torquay Merchant, the most perfect edit of clothes, jewellery, homewares and so much more, is having their biggest-ever sale.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Located in Baines Crescent, Torquay Merchant is a curated, lifestyle emporium by mother and daughter team Suzzanne Roberts and Kara Faganel, who are passionate about achieving their vision to offer mindfully selected and ethically sourced distinctive wares such as fashion labels (both women and children), lifestyle and homewares from local and more widely sourced creatives and artisans.
Torquay Merchant offers a diverse range of living and design style allowing you to source ‘ your life and living style’ within a welcoming environment that is enhanced by the delicious aroma of fragrant coffee and treats from the in house Torquay Merchant Coffee Bar.
A destination space filled with beautiful goods, both large and small, that are a delight to the heart, body and home, now the store is throwing this massive warehouse sale on Friday, April 14 (today!) and Saturday, April 15.
Taking place at their warehouse (not their store), it’s a rare opportunity to shop exclusive brands at a discounted price (and we are talking up to 80% off), including Arcaa, Blanca, Sage + Clare, Society of Wanderers, Sunday Supply Co, and soooo much more.
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The warehouse sale takes place at 31 Baines Crescent, Torquay – Box park on Friday, April 14 from 9:30am-3:30pm, and Saturday, April 15 from 8am-2pm.
Cash only, BYO bags.
Check out the latest from Torquay Merchant here.
Kate Ceberano announces second My Life is a Symphony Melbourne concert
Due to overwhelming demand, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has announced a second concert of My Life is a Symphony, celebrating the illustrious career of Australian music royalty Kate Ceberano, at Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday 28 September. This show will follow the previously announced and sold-out performance at Hamer Hall on Saturday 27 May.
“It is such a privilege on every level to be able to perform with this symphony orchestra just ONCE, but to have, in my beloved Melbourne, a second opportunity to deliver these beautiful arrangements by Roscoe James Irwin with an orchestra I have respected and loved my whole life, well…it just moves me to tears,” said Kate.
Kate Ceberano – My Life is A Symphony
- Kate Ceberano announces second My Life is a Symphony Melbourne show
- She will now also perform on Thursday 28 September at Melbourne Town Hall
- MSO tickets on sale now at mso.com.au
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Kate Ceberano announces national orchestral tour and a new album to celebrate her 40-year career
Alongside the news of a second show, the acclaimed singer, songwriter, artist and performer has today released a further single from her forthcoming new album My Life Is A Symphony, the hauntingly beautiful Louis’ Song.
Kate will celebrate her 40-year career with the release of her 30th album, My Life is A Symphony, on 12 May, and in concert with recording partner the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the sold out Hamer Hall on Saturday 27 May, and at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in June and now the Melbourne Town Hall concert on 28 September.
My Life Is A Symphony, is a breathtaking celebration of Kate’s songwriting from across her recording career. The MSO and Kate will take audiences through her incredible catalogue from pop anthems Brave and Pash to the iconic songs she has interpreted along the way I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Some Day I’ll Fly Away and more.
“Recording the album with the MSO was a musical joy – the full backing of a symphony orchestra elevates some of my favorite songs to new heights,” said Kate. “I am thrilled to release the album and embark on a national tour to perform the music live for fans across the country with Australia’s great symphony orchestras.”
The album will be released on 12 May and can be pre-ordered through ABC Music.
My Life Is A Symphony is an album and tour that brings Kate Ceberano back to her essence as a musical force and an electrifying live performer. Witness the voice of a generation as she celebrates four decades of music at Hamer Hall with the MSO.
Concerts in other states will be announced at a later date so keep your eyes out.
Find out more and purchase tickets here.
A one-day beer and cheese festival is coming to Geelong in May
Uniting two of our favourite indulgences, Blackman’s Brewery have announced its first-ever beer and cheese festival, proving that dreams really do come true.
Gifting us perhaps the best day of our lives, the local independent brewery have teamed up with local fromagerie Splatters Cheese Bar to host ‘Blackman’s Festival of beer and cheese’ – one of the brewery’s hero events for this year’s Good Beer Week which is back again for its 11th year to celebrate brilliant beer, delicious food, and exciting adventures.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
Taking place on Sunday 21st of May from 12pm to 8pm, Blackman’s Grovedale (29/8 Lewalan Street, Grovedale) will be hosting a full day of beer and cheese with Geelong’s favourite cheese train, celebrating some of the finer things in life.
So far, we know that the day will feature endless beer and cheese tastings, live music all day, masterclasses, and gourmet picnic boxes, all designed for those that want to cosy up for the ultimate day out for the whole family, full of delicious cheese and beer.
This one will be a family-friendly event so bring the whole squad and dogs are also welcome.
Perhaps the best part of all though, is that this epic event is entirely free! No entry tickets are required.
The eleventh annual Good Beer Week takes place from May 20 – 27, 2023 with over 70 events taking place across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Head to goodbeerweek.com.au for the full program and find your way to beer heaven.
Presented by the Independent Brewers Association (IBA), Good Beer Week, the biggest beer week in the Southern Hemisphere, is an independent and not-for-profit festival that celebrates and promotes the renaissance that beer is enjoying globally. Since the festival’s inception in 2011, its central aim is to promote good beer and the community and culture that surround it.
More details to come so stay tuned and keep your eye on the official Good Beer Week page here.
Ballarat is hosting its first-ever Dog Day Pool Party this month
Are you keen to take your four-legged friend to the ultimate Ballarat pool party? Then we have found the perfect event for you!
The inaugural Dog Day Pool Party will be held on Sunday 23 April, giving you the chance to bring your dog along for a one-off swim in Ballarat’s Eureka Pool.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Located at 102 Stawell St S, Ballarat East, the two-hour event will mark the end of the outdoor pool season in Ballarat, before Eureka Pool is closed to the public for winter.
A first-time event for Ballarat, the pool party offers locals and tourists alike the perfect opportunity to treat your beloved pooch to an afternoon of swimming fun.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the event was designed to provide Ballarat residents (and their pets) with a simple, fun, and cost-effective way to spend an afternoon, with the event costing $5 per adult and $4.20 per child aged over five with dogs get in free.
“We know how many dog lovers exist in Ballarat and we think this is a great way to give them and their dogs an afternoon they will love,” Cr Hudson said.
“It is also another way to utilise our fantastic facilities like Eureka Pool in a diverse way and perhaps show people a venue they might not have visited before.
“However, we really do ask people follow the rules and make sure it is an enjoyable day for everybody.”
Additional pool rules will be in place on the day to maintain the safety of patrons and there will be a cap of numbers allowed into the pool at one time. Dog owners are also reminded of their responsibility to remain in active control of their dogs.
The Dog Day Pool Party will be held on Sunday 23 April from 2pm-4pm. If you’re keen to get involved and attend this epic Dog Day Pool Party, all you need to do is register here.
Carl Barron announces fourth ‘Skating Rink for Flies’ show in Geelong due to overwhelming demand
Hailed as one of Australia’s most popular comedians, Carl Barron will be bringing his Skating Rink for Flies show to Geelong this May and June, adding two final performances to his run of local shows.
The comedian will now take to Costa Hall on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3 at 8pm, following two previously announced back-to-back nights on Tuesday 30 May and Wednesday 31 May at 8pm.
With all performances close to selling out, you can get your tickets here.
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
His newest show sees the comedian (voted number one two years running), ponder things we all think about but never mention.
The show was spawned from when Carl was a small boy at school, he asked the teacher how ants feel. He never got an answer all those years ago, but he still wants to know. You’ll hear musing from the comedian about things like plastic bags, peanut butter and the possible emotions of an ant. There is no point to this show other than to make you laugh as much as possible.
Funny stories from a bloke with a funny head. What more could you ask for? (Bit of wee guarantee)
Five of Carl Barron’s best YouTube clips from back in the day
Tickets for all shows are on sale now here.
Mild Minds announces debut Australian headline tour
Acclaimed electronic producer Mild Minds has announced a debut national headline tour this coming June/July, with support from edapollo.
The Melbourne-born, LA-based producer will be bringing his authentic and unrestricted experimental show live to dance floors across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Mild Minds Australian Tour 2023
30th June, Brightside Indoors, Brisbane QLD
1st July 2023, Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW
8th July, Howler Melbourne VIC
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The tour comes off the back of a successful sold-out headline tour in the United States for the artist who has been celebrated around the world for carving his own lane in the electronic space. His debut album ‘MOOD’ (2020) was shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize boasting over 100 million album streams, building a body of work that pushes boundaries working with fluttering synths, swirling melodies and melting vocals to get lost in.
From the beginning of his artistic journey Mild Minds was immediately signed with ODESZA’s label Foreign Family Collective alongside RÜFÜS DU SOL, as well as Inertia in Australia/New Zealand, joining the likes of Bicep, Bonobo, and Leon Vynehal.
During this time the official remix of Mild Mind’s debut single ‘SWIM’ was nominated for a Grammy Award, has remixed and been remixed by other acclaimed artists such as DJ Boring, Tycho, and ODESZA while receiving consistent praise from Giles Peterson, Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 and album of the week honour on Double J.
Since then, Mild Minds has toured his music around the world with Tycho, Bob Moses and Big Wild as well as playing at major festivals such as Coachella, Outside Lands, Life Is Beautiful and the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Tickets are on sale now here.
Culture Club are heading to Australia with a greatest hits tour with Berlin
The Culture Club Greatest Hits Tour kicks off at Perth’s RAC Arena on 5 September, then heads to Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on 8 September, Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on 9 September, Adelaide Entertainment Centre on 11 September and concludes at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on 14 September. Telstra Presale commencing at 10am (local time) on Monday 17 April with the general public on-sale at 10am (local time) on Friday 21 April.
Multiple past sell out tours cemented Australia’s love affair with the celebrated 80’s pop band. They’re led by superstar frontman, Boy George, who endeared himself to new Australian audiences as coach on The Voice in 2017.
Culture Club Australian tour
- Tuesday 5th September: RAC Arena, Perth
- Friday 8th September: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
- Saturday 9th September: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
- Monday 11th September: Adelaide Entertainment Centre
- Thursday 14th September: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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Culture Club has been selling out arenas since the 1980s, with their debut album Kissing To Be Clever selling over 50 million copies worldwide, including Top 10 hits Karma Chameleon, Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, and Time (Clock of the Heart). Their second album Colour By Numbers sold over 10 million albums and shot to triple platinum in the UK and quadruple platinum in the US. It currently sits at number 96 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of the 80s. The adulation from around the world and soaring record sales saw Culture Club explode on a global level.
Fast forward to the 2020s and they’re joined by a bigger lineup, which has added another element of sound to their live shows.
Meanwhile, Berlin are recognised as an American progenitor of electro-pop. The Los Angeles-based band made its first national impression with the provocative single Sex (I’m A…) from the platinum-selling debut EP Pleasure Victim in 1982. The Metro and No More Words were also chart toppers, but it was Take My Breath Away that took the band to another level. The ballad’s defining role in the Tom Cruise film, Top Gun, helped solidify Berlin’s everlasting place in pop culture. The song was a #1 international hit and received both the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1986.
Says Terri Nunn, “We are OVER THE MOON to be joining Culture Club on this tour! We absolutely love Australia and its amazing people. Can’t wait to see you!”
Tickets on sale through Ticketek for all shows on Friday 21st April at 10.00am (local time) here.
Interactive lightshows, powerful performances and a whole bunch of comedy: South Side Festival is set to illuminate Frankston
Frankston boasts a distinctive combination of modern urban amenities and vibrant arts precinct and is set to host the dazzling South Side Festival this May. Featuring a stellar lineup of art exhibitions, First Nations Dance, torch lit street art tours, light and sound installations and live music, South Side Festivals will take over the city from May 5 to 14.
South Side Festival
- South Side Festival will return to Frankston
- It spans over 10 days of festivities, from May 5 to 14
- 60+ artists, 30+ events and experiences
- A combo of free and ticketed, family-friendly and diverse programming
- Highlights include Mandylights: Plexus, a Shaun Tan exhibition and Ten Minute Dance Parties
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
From the immersive, underground and all-encompassing digital monolith of Mandylights: PLEXUS, to the thought-provoking and inspiring exhibition Shaun Tan: The Rules of Summer, there’s plenty to see and experience at South Side Festival. Returning home to Frankston fresh from four-star reviews at both Melbourne and Adelaide Fringe’s Scratch Arts will take us on a futuristic journey in Liminal Treats and actor/comedian, Damien Warren-Smith, and director Cal McCrystal (The Mighty Boosh, Paddington 1 & 2) prove one man truly can rule the stage in Garry Starr Performs Everything.
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Fresh off the stage of Sydney WorldPride 2023, Mama Alto, the gender transcendent diva, jazz singer, and cabaret artiste, is set to unveil her latest production titled That Song Changed My Life and Karul Projects and choreographer Thomas E. S. Kelly will present their powerful First Nations dance performance, SILENCE.
In addition, Big Bao, an arts collective with a mission to showcase Asian-Australian artists and artists of colour, is presenting MELD – a captivating performance that seamlessly blends live music, dance, movement, and lighting to create an immersive experience.
But South Side Festival isn’t just about the events themselves – it’s also a chance to experience the unique blend of contemporary urban experiences, stunning coastal scenery, and hidden bushland gems that make Frankston such a special place. “We are driven to stimulate imaginations, transform perceptions, excite and entice and South Side Festival’s dynamic programming delivers on all counts,” says Mayor Conroy.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this arts festival promises something for everyone, with a fantastic line-up of events that will leave you mesmerised.
It all goes down from May 5 to 14. Find out more by heading here.
This article was made in partnership with Frankston City Council
Watty Thompson is living his dream with affirming, joyous and inspiring debut album
When reviewing an album, the first listen is normally quite a manic process. Half the time your mind’s racing with thoughts, comparisons and critiques; the other half, you’re rewinding songs because note-taking has diverted your attention from what’s unfolding in front of you. It’s quite a stop-start process.
Now and again though, you come across an artist whose songwriting is so immersive, that upon completion of their album you look at your notes and think, ‘Ah shit, I didn’t write anything’.
Watty Thompson has that ability.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Regardless of what your day has offered up, Thompson provides the remedy. Whether you’re pining over lost love; lusting for a new one; or just embracing the simplicity of day-to-day life, the Otways-based artist will make you tune in and switch off for a moment. And with his straight-to-the-point style of lyricism; gravelly, cigarette-stained vocals and heavy Antipodean drawl cutting through your speakers like an ocker therapist telling you to ‘man up and get more sensitive’, he’ll make you think.
Refreshingly, his ability to do so is never in a subversive way, with Thompson’s songwriting largely finding its profundity through its observational and earnest relatability. From the socially aloof characteristics examined in ‘Jenny’, to ‘A Revolving Lament’s thoughtful considerations of wanting to quit drinking, but still really liking it; Thompson’s home truths are one’s that many will easily resonate with.
Many already have, with his 10-piece backing band, The Total Fire Band, boasting an illustrious list of collaborators helping to bring Thompson’s individualistic vision to life. The opening track ‘By Your Side’ balances delicate string arrangements behind Thompson’s brash, slurred vocals. ‘City To Run’ adds the dazzle of country-pop backing vocals to help boost its jovial nature and ‘Mountain Sage’ brings it all together, feeling like a backyard symphony as each of the 11 members effortlessly intertwines.
In another particularly standout moment, ‘On Your Shoulder’ sees Thompson marry an enigmatic flute melody with a flurry of electric guitars; powerful brass arrangements and harmonious backing vocals. Considering its triumphant form as a song, and the fact that it was born out of a flute riff that he’d been sitting on for 13 years, it seems fitting that the song’s chorus sees Thompson reflect on not giving up on your dreams.
And that is really what Watty Thompson’s self-titled debut comes across as; a man living his dream. He’s already cut his teeth amongst the local rock ‘n’ roll bands of the 2010s (Sheriff, Jumpin’ Jack Williams, Bitter Sweet Kicks, The Neptune Power Federation) and now he’s returning to his roots to write the music that he’s always wanted to write.
As a result, it’s delivered with an authenticity that can’t be faked.
Watty Thompson the debut LP is out through Cheatin’ Hearts on April 14th, 2023.