Finalists announced for National Wool Museum’s $10,000 Sustainable Fashion prize

The City of Greater Geelong’s National Wool Museum has officially announced the 20 finalists for the highly anticipated We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize 2025, casting a global spotlight on the next generation of designers who are transforming how we think about clothes, craft, and conscious creativity.

Two major prizes are on offer:

• National Wool Museum Designer of the Year Award – A $10,000 prize, along with the acquisition of the winning garment into the Museum’s permanent collection.
• UNESCO City of Design People’s Choice Award – A $2000 prize, with public voting open to all exhibition visitors. The winner will be announced during Geelong Design Week 2025.

Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.

Selected from over 150 entries spanning 13 countries—including every Australian state and territory—this year’s finalists showcase a dazzling array of innovative techniques and radical ideas.

From Europe and the UK to Asia, the US, and across Australia, entrants embraced natural dyes, slow fashion methodologies, and upcycled materials to reimagine what sustainable fashion looks like in 2025 and beyond. These designers are not just making garments—they’re making statements, challenging the fast fashion status quo with every stitch.

Their groundbreaking designs will be on display at the National Wool Museum from 14 June to 30 November 2025. The showcase will open with a special awards event on Friday 13 June, where the winners will be revealed.

The finalists’ work will be judged by a prestigious panel of international leaders in fashion and sustainability, ensuring the winners reflect global standards of ethical design and forward-thinking innovation. At the same time, the public will have a say in shaping fashion’s future through the People’s Choice Award.

Held biennially, We the Makers has become a cornerstone event in Geelong’s cultural calendar and a proud expression of its status as a UNESCO City of Design. By spotlighting emerging designers with fewer than 10 years of industry experience, the competition offers a vital platform for rising talent and a powerful message: the future of fashion is in good hands—and it’s sustainable.

For more information and to plan your visit, head here. 

The Cat Empire announce huge national tour in celebration of vibrant new album 

With a reputation for unmissable live shows and musical innovation, The Cat Empire will bring their borderless sound to cities and regional centres, including a mix of 18+ and all ages performances.

The Cat Empire Australian Tour 2025

with special guests Little Quirks

• Sat 9 August – Freo Social, Fremantle (18+)
• Sun 10 August – Freo Social, Fremantle (All Ages Matinee)
• Fri 15 August – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (All Ages)
• Sat 16 August – Bar On The Hill, Newcastle (18+)
• Sat 23 August – Mundi Mundi Bash, Broken Hill NSW (All Ages)
• Thu 28 August – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (12+)
• Fri 29 August – The Tivoli, Brisbane (All Ages)
• Sun 31 August – Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns (All Ages)
• Thu 4 September – Odeon Theatre, Tasmania (All Ages)
• Fri 5 September – Civic Hall, Ballarat (18+)
• Sat 6 September – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne (18+)
• Sun 7 September – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne (All Ages)
• Tickets: available here from 22 May

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Out now via BMG Australia, Bird in Paradise is The Cat Empire at their most expansive and electrifying — a rich sonic tapestry woven with flamenco, funk, jazz, Latin and Creole influences. It’s a record born of spontaneity and joy, recorded live in-studio and driven by the chemistry that has defined the band for over two decades.

“We didn’t set out to make this record — it found us,” says frontman Felix Riebl. “It’s a celebration of spontaneity, togetherness, and letting music lead the way.”

This new chapter for The Cat Empire is less about reinvention and more about rediscovery — a return to the group’s instinctive roots, where groove, storytelling and celebration collide. Bird in Paradise pulses with life and rhythm, offering a snapshot of a band still evolving while staying true to their unmistakable sound.

To mark the release, The Cat Empire will hit the road for a run of headline shows across the country, joined by special guests Little Quirks. From intimate theatres to open-air festivals, the 2025 tour promises an immersive experience — think flamenco dancers, kaleidoscopic visuals, and an infectious atmosphere that captures the spirit of the album.

Known for creating live shows that blur the lines between performance and party, the band’s new tour will offer something for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

From the first beat to the last, Bird in Paradise is a celebration of culture, rhythm and connection — and this tour is set to bring that energy to life across the country.

Bliss n Eso reveal new Dark Side album ahead of nationwide Party on the Moon tour this month

Melbourne rapper Ivan Ooze is set to support all shows, bringing his high-energy performance style that has previously graced stages alongside Wu Tang Clan, Ice Cube and Azealia Banks.

Just a month after their eight studio album The Moon (The Light Side) flew straight to #1 on the ARIA Albums chart, Bliss n Eso are returning with a powerful companion record, picking up where its predecessor left off with The Moon (The Dark Side), out on October 3.

The ninth studio album delivers a rich, layered soundscape that showcases the iconic trio’s ambition and evolution which features the brand new single ‘Chemical Heart (GEED UP) feat. Grinspoon’ – a bold reimagining of Grinspoon’s classic Australian rock hit.

Limited VIP packages, meet and greet opportunities, vinyl and merchandise bundles will be available for all shows.

​Final tickets are on sale now, get yours here. 

Our guide to the Castlemaine Documentary Festival 2025: Truth, You Couldn’t Make This Stuff Up

From Friday 4 to Sunday 6 July, audiences will once again gather at the iconic Theatre Royal to experience stories that surprise, provoke, and connect.

This year’s theme, “Truth – you couldn’t make this stuff up,” speaks to the extraordinary real-life narratives on offer — films that push beyond fact into emotional, political, and imaginative terrain. Whether intimate or epic, playful or profound, the stories on screen explore the truth in all its messy brilliance.

From AI-generated cinema to clairvoyants, the exciting program blurs the lines between fact and fiction, presence and performance. “This year’s selection doesn’t only look at different worlds,” festival director Claire Jager adds, “but tries to enter them, breaching boundaries with approaches that are inventive and playful, audacious and strange.”

A highlight of the regional arts calendar, the Castlemaine Documentary Festival continues to put Castlemaine on the cultural map, offering a world-class film festival experience in a town defined by its creative energy and vibrant community.

Here’s your full rundown of what to expect across the weekend…

Castlemaine Documentary Festival 2025 

• When: July 4–6, 2025 
• Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
• Tickets: here 

Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.

 

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Friday 4 July: Opening Night

The festival opens with a world premiere double-header that’s all about technology and transformation.

The Human Algorithm kicks things off — a mind-bending experiment in AI-driven cinema, narrated by a virtual avatar and composed using generative tools. It’s the kind of film that makes you question what “real” even means.

Then it’s Stelarc – Suspending Disbelief, a fascinating dive into the career of Australia’s most daring performance artist. With third ears, robotic limbs, and death-defying stunts, Stelarc’s mantra — “the body is obsolete” — pulses through this energetic portrait.

Capping off Friday night is a major festival event: Dziga Vertov’s legendary Man With a Movie Camera (1929) accompanied live by an original score from Moda Discoteca — the electronic incarnation of Melbourne icons Underground Lovers. It’s a once-only chance to see a silent cinema masterpiece reimagined through synth and sound design in Australia’s oldest continuously operating theatre.

Saturday 5 July: Art, Light, Resistance + Regional Stories

Saturday’s lineup brings visual poetry, political resistance, and powerful local storytelling.

Tracing Light (Aus premiere) is a luminous meditation where science and art collide. Using the theories of Einstein and the palette of Picasso, it explores how light has shaped human perception and abstraction alike.

Writing Hawa (Aus. premiere) is one of the festival’s most emotional selections, following three generations of Hazara women in Afghanistan as they chase education and liberation against the backdrop of oppressive regimes. Directed with compassion and clarity, it’s a portrait of survival through creativity.

At 5pm, C-Doc’s beloved LOCALS program takes the spotlight — a vibrant showcase of short documentaries by central Victorian filmmakers. Expect humour, heart, and the unexpected as these bite-sized films reveal the extraordinary in everyday regional life.

Then, clear the stage for the Victorian premiere of Reas — a wild, musical documentary set inside a Buenos Aires women’s prison. Inmates voguing, singing, and re-enacting their pasts? Believe it. The screening is followed by live music from Melbourne’s own Sugar Fed Leopards, taking the party into the night.

Sunday 6 July: Literary Icons, Cold War Jazz & Clairvoyants

The final day doesn’t let up, delivering powerhouse films to close out the weekend.

Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story (Aus. premiere) honours one of Ireland’s most radical literary voices. At 93, O’Brien looks back on a life of rebellion and creativity, with her diaries voiced by Oscar-nominated Jessie Buckley.

Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat explodes onto the screen with a fast-paced tale of Cold War espionage, CIA plots, and Congo’s struggle for independence — all underscored by a blistering jazz soundtrack featuring legends like Nina Simone, Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie.

In The Wolves Always Come At Night (Vic. premiere), Mongolian herders face displacement and urban alienation in a lyrical documentary that feels part fairytale, part reality check. It’s a quiet, cinematic gut-punch.

The closing night film, Look Into My Eyes (Vic. premiere), turns inward. Director Lana Wilson (of Miss Americana fame) explores the world of NYC psychics with surprising empathy and humour. “Where the truth is,” Jager notes, “the magic feels real.”

Beyond the Screen

Beyond the big-screen stories, C-Doc 2025 packs the weekend with panel discussions, live performances, themed social events, and plenty of time to connect with filmmakers, locals, and fellow doc-lovers over coffee or wine.

And of course, it wouldn’t be Castlemaine without making the most of the local produce, people and passion. Whether you’re a cinema aficionado or just keen on a wintery weekend escape, Castlemaine Documentary Festival promises storytelling that will move, provoke and stay with you long after the credits roll.

Tickets and full program details here, are you ready to explore the truth? 

New York photography royalty brings reimagined cultural icons to Ballarat in Australian exclusive

Curated by acclaimed Ghanaian-British editor Edward Enninful OBE, this unique presentation reimagines the iconic work of celebrated American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Running from 23 August to 19 October 2025 at the Ballarat Post Office Gallery, the exhibition offers a fresh dialogue between images and eras — and is set to be a major highlight of this year’s festival. 

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

• When: 23 August – 19 October 2025 
• Where: Various locations, Ballarat
• Enninful x Mapplethorpe: Post Office Gallery
• More info here 

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

 

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Robert Mapplethorpe was a master photographer whose work created tension between light and dark, celebrity and underground, sacred and profane, ripple and form.

Born in Queens, New York, in 1946, Mapplethorpe studied graphic arts at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn before dropping out to become a portraitist, documentarian, and art and fashion photographer. He began by experimenting with Polaroid cameras, but by the mid-1970s had moved on to a medium format camera, a Hasselblad 500.

Mapplethorpe captured New York in the 1970s and ’80s with an unflinching eye, documenting a city pulsing with art, nightlife, rebellion and reinvention. His subjects included musicians, models, designers and cultural icons, many of whom appear in Enninful x Mapplethorpe: from Isabella Rossellini and Grace Jones (painted by Keith Haring) to a young Richard Gere, a poised Princess Margaret on Mustique, and a striking silhouette of Karl Lagerfeld in couture.

Also featured is a powerful series of Mapplethorpe’s self-portraits — shape-shifting, confident and evocative — showcasing the artist’s exploration of persona, gender and identity at a time when such subjects were far from mainstream.

Rather than following a traditional retrospective format, Enninful has selected 46 photographs, carefully pairing them to explore new narratives and contrasts. The result is an exhibition that invites viewers to see Mapplethorpe’s work — often admired for its striking formal beauty and subversive intimacy — through a bold, contemporary lens.

Presented as part of the 11th edition of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, this exhibition will sit alongside other major names including Campbell Addy, continuing the festival’s tradition of bringing world-class photography to regional Victoria.

Elegant, provocative and carefully curated, Enninful x Mapplethorpe is more than a tribute to a groundbreaking artist — it’s an opportunity to reframe a legacy through the eyes of one of fashion and culture’s most influential contemporary voices.

WIN: We’re giving away 4 x family passes to see the Peppa Meets the Baby cinema experience

In ‘Peppa Meets the Baby’, PIG changes are coming! Join Peppa Pig and her family at the cinema as they get ready for their biggest adventure yet: welcoming a new baby!

There’s no better time to embark on a full house renovation, shop for a new car and make special memories together. Celebrate the beginning of an exciting new era of Peppa Pig at this special, big screen experience with an hour of laughter, tears and loads of heartwarming moments.

With 10 oinktastic new episodes, six brand new songs and exclusive music videos, little ones can dance and sing along with Peppa and her family and friends.

To celebrate the release, we’re giving away 4 x family passes to 4 lucky Forte readers!

To enter, simply fill out the form below. Winners will be drawn on Wednesday 28 May, with winners notified by email. Passes will be sent to the lucky winners electronically.

Anther Distillery: where science meets spirit and flavour

Founded by the dynamic duo Dervilla McGowan (a scientist with a PhD in Microbiology, no less) and Sebastian Reaburn (a top-tier cocktail expert), Anther Spirits is all about exploring the incredible world of Aussie botanicals with a mix of science, passion, and creativity.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here. 

 

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Since its launch in 2016, Anther has been winning awards left, right, and centre—including the prestigious Champion Australian Gin title in 2018. The distillery is small-batch, hand-crafted, and deeply rooted in the spirit of experimentation. Derv’s scientific background and Seb’s expertise have combined to produce spirits that are as intriguing as they are delicious. As Derv says, “Distilling is the perfect blend of science and nature, and we’re all about playing with flavour.”

“We are a small-batch gin company. Each bottle is made by hand in Geelong. We experiment, but the backbone of our product is the Australian native plants in every single bottle.”

But the magic doesn’t stop at the gin—Anther’s distillery is a vibrant hub for events, and they’ve got a jam-packed calendar of exciting happenings. Whether you’re looking to get lost in fascinating discussions, sip on world-class cocktails, or dive into a new culinary experience, there’s something for everyone at Anther.

If you’re after something a little different for your next celebration—be it a birthday, wedding, or just a fun night out—Anther’s red-bricked warehouse is a stunning venue for private events, with space for up to 75 guests.

And, as Derv says, “We’ll bring the cocktails!”

Get ready to experience Anther Distillery like never before. The gin is flowing, the experts are in the house, and the good times are just getting started! Cheers!

Caisha Sprout on bad company and the stories that shape us

Her latest single, born from the emotional tangle of a friendship breakup, is as cathartic as it is quietly powerful. “Sometimes I just need to release what I’m feeling,” she says. “If I don’t put it somewhere, I absorb it, and it’s too much to carry. This song came out in a couple of hours. It just… fell out of me.”

Caisha Sprout – Misery Don’t Want Bad Company launch

• When: Friday 30 May
• Where: The Espy Basement, St Kilda
• Tickets: here

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Though deeply personal in origin, her music often connects across emotional landscapes. “This one was about a friendship ending, which can sometimes be harder than a romantic breakup, but people have told me they relate to it romantically too. That’s what I love about songwriting — once it’s out there, it belongs to whoever needs it.”

Caisha’s creative process is intuitive and fluid, rooted in melody and guided by feeling. “I’m a melody-first kind of writer. I’ll sit at the piano or with a guitar, just tinkering, and something will come. A word or a phrase will slip out, and from there it builds.”

With a sound that draws on soul, blues, and roots influences, her music feels both timeless and contemporary. “That style just feels like home. I grew up listening to a lot of that music — my parents played it constantly. But what really draws me in is the storytelling. Those genres take you somewhere and everyone resonates with it a different way.”

For Caisha, storytelling isn’t just an artistic choice, it’s a cultural thread. Her Indian heritage plays a quiet but powerful role in shaping how she views the world and her place in it. “My parents moved here in their twenties and worked so hard to give me this life. I carry that with me. My perspective is always filtered through the lens of what they’ve built. My family has a huge musical background too — a lot of singers, known in their communities in India. When we go back, we all gather and sing together.”

That connection came full circle when she played a Sofar Sounds show in India — in the very suburb where much of her family still lives. “It was my grandfather’s 90th birthday, and he’d never seen me perform live. To be there, performing in front of him and celebrating him at the same time, it was so special.”

 

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Closer to home, the music video for her new single is a love letter to Victoria’s natural beauty. Shot in and around the Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne, the video pairs her grounded sound with sweeping, serene visuals. “The Dandenongs are probably my favourite place in the world,” she says. “There’s nothing that makes me feel more at ease. That’s where I go when I need to reset — just walking around those beautiful spaces makes me feel so grounded.”

It’s that groundedness, that easy emotional presence, that defines her vocals as well. Rich, emotive, and full of nuance, her voice feels lived-in and effortless — but it’s backed by intention and deep craft. “I’ve been singing a long time. I feel a sense of freedom when I sing. I wouldn’t call it confidence exactly, more like release. I’m a vocal coach too, so I spend a lot of time developing my instrument, strengthening the muscles. But it always comes back to emotion. That’s what drives everything and I sit in it while I sing.”

As for what’s next? Caisha is set to play The Espy on May 30 with her full band — a show that will feature something a little special. “I’ve got a new song coming that includes a choir made up of some of my students. Most of my upcoming music is about relationships in all their forms — romantic, platonic, everything in between. Expect more stories, more emotion. I’m really excited for what’s coming.”

From deep personal reflections to universal truths, Caisha Sprout is an artist who invites you in — and leaves you feeling just a little more understood.

Mountains, rivers, and stories from the deep south at Rupert Bullard’s Anglesea debut 

It certainly is Autumn, and as we transition from the long searing dry of summer into the deep hum of winter, a collectivised gravitation towards the indoors beckons.

On Friday 9 May at GROW Anglesea, the local community experienced the warmth of congregating inside for a night of undulating story. Rupert Bullard – an emergent folk musician from lutruwita/Tasmania had combined his story-telling songs with two familiars in the local scene – Daniel Aaron and Seal Prince, both of which boast their own journeying music presented in variations of folk form.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

 

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Doors opened at 5:30pm as a steady tide of guests rolled through the door to the aromas of a house-cooked curry, whilst the chill of the night gripped at the entrance. Scrabbling to find the most appropriate lighting to accommodate photography needs and to create a softening container for the night ahead, Seal Prince started his set a near half an hour after the forecasted commencement time.

Although, it seemed the anticipation was worth the wait as the North Geelong based singer-songwriter serenaded the crowd with his characteristic satirical lyrics touching of the horrors of landlords. Despite the sharp wit dispersed throughout the performance, it seemed to be all underpinned by a sincerity and authenticity expressed through his truth in experience.

Captivating as it was, an interlude of circulating curries underscored by a soothing chatter broke out, separating Seal Prince’s performance from the stirring and hypnotic sounds of Daniel Aaron. At one point the Gherang-based musician was playing a sit-down slide guitar, to only switch out to a 12-string amplified acoustic mesmerising the crowd with a rendition of Oceans by John Butler Trio. Aaron invited the audience to express their full spectrum of being, but it was his performance of an original collaboration with Phillip B. Roos, entitled songs for Miinimbi that had the room singing along in harmony through a prolonged refrain. Albeit warm inside the venue, an evocative shiver permeated the crowd. 

The connection between the audience and performer had been set, that of one with little separation, but it was when Rupert Bullard stood in front of the microphone that the night came to be. His vocal abilities paired with the rambling picking of his guitar resembled that of a young Bob Dylan, and yet the ode to his deep connection with nature and kin spoke to myth and story of old. At one moment in the show, in a homage to his likeness of playing Bullard plucked a version of Dylan’s stories Like a Woman – a rendition that added a melodic layer never heard before in a performance of the famed song. 

Yet it was original tracks like Honey and Human Form that pronounced Bullard’s poetic lyricism, both songs lathered in elemental experiences of love. And yet the special moments at this unique show weren’t yet exhausted, as Daniel Aaron, Seal Prince and trumpet-player Patrick Bongiorno joined Bullard on-stage to perform the title track of his recently released EP Mountains, Rivers in a stripped back, heart melting form. The night closed with the upbeat Riverstone Blues, a tune that had the audience tapping, lurching and bouncing in an expressed unison – an epitome of how story, song and gathering in the name of it can build resilience in community.

A beautiful, salubrious evening threaded together by these three modern-day folk musicians, stories of oceans, rivers, mountains and wildlife aplenty.

With tumultuous times ahead in contemporary society, it seems we’ve a strength in artists and story-tellers to make sense of it all, and guide us through it.

Bold, tender and unapologetically queer: Geelong Pride Film Fest is a vital part of local culture

This year’s program offered a diverse mix of local and international films, narratives that were bold, tender, funny, and unapologetically queer. Across packed screenings there was plenty of laughter, a few tearful surprises, and a lot of heart where GPFF proved once again why it’s not just a film festival,  but a vital cultural moment for the community.

Here are some thoughts from a handful of their screenings. 

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

 

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Rainbow Shorts 

After a joyous season opener at the Geelong Arts Centre, where the festival drew its biggest  crowd to date, the stage was set for a dynamic and wonderful program. Rainbow Shorts featured ten light-hearted and emotionally rich stories and while I appreciated the diversity and creativity throughout, three films especially stood out. 

While We Still Have Time follows filmmaker Ava Grimshaw and her sperm-donor father, John, who is battling cancer. The film captures the nuanced experience of “rainbow babies”  while honouring the queer generations that paved the way. It’s intimate, moving, and grounded in legacy.

Clover was a joy to watch, not just for its charming animation but for the fact it radiated local pride and artistic promise as it was created by extraordinary young talent from the Geelong region, guided by the brilliant Laura Alice.

Finally, Drag Fox, a UK production, tells a magical story of self-discovery and authenticity. Sir Ian McKellen voices a fabulous fox who helps young Sam embrace his gender identity through song, dresses, feather boas, and splits. Such a youthful, affirming, and wonderfully whimsical end to the night. 

Crossing 

Crossing tells the inspiring story of Lia, a retired History teacher from Georgia, who learns her long-lost transgender niece, Tekla, has crossed the border into Turkey. Determined to find her and fulfil her late sisters’ dying wish of bringing her home, Lia sets off for Istanbul with the young spirited neighbour Achi, and what unfolds is more than a physical journey,  but a profound emotional one.

Lia is emblematic of a whole generation of Eastern European women, a tough and refined exterior forged by decades of hardship, masking a deep reservoir of love and vulnerability. As the story develops, we see that this isn’t just a search for Tekla,  but also a quiet unravelling of Lia’s own tightly held beliefs and emotions. There’s so much tenderness in how it presents people who’ve been given very little, politically, socially and emotionally, following how a group of brave individuals still manage to make something beautiful and fabulous out of life. 

Baby 

Baby has just been released from a youth detention centre, but in his newfound freedom walking the vibrant streets of São Paulo he is already lost. It is here that he meets Ronaldo, an older gentleman who takes baby under his wing and guides him through the dance of power,  loss and freedom. Director Marcelo Caetano captures the gritty nuances of queer subcultures with humour and family at its heart, which made for an inspiring film on self-discovery and survival. The final scene, a deeply intimate moment between Baby and Ronaldo, where they engage in an intergenerational dance blending boxing with vogueing is poetic and is  unforgettable. It’s both a metaphor and a memory: a tracing back to our scars, our strength,  and the people who help shape who we become. 

 

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Lesbian Shorts 

With a reputation for being one of the most anticipated sessions of the festival, usually selling out weeks in advance, I had high expectations for these Lesbian Shorts and girl did they not disappoint. My Friday night was met with a lineup of vibrant, moving and at times hilarious collection of seven films, each offering a unique perspective of lesbian identity, culture, and love. What stood out for me was the sheer variety of storytelling, from inspiring biographies like The Untitled Story of a Dreamer, to a young lesbian being haunted by author Dorothy  Ainsworth in Dead Lesbians. This wasn’t just a screening, but a beautiful, shared experience with a room full of queer people and allies laughing, gasping, and feeling together. It reminded us why these spaces matter, why representation matters, and why lesbian stories are not a niche, they’re essential.

Lesvia 

Welcome to the island of Lesvos, the magical birthplace of the ancient Greek poet Sappho where since the 1970s, lesbians from around the globe have congregated at this sacred and special place to share their love marked in salt, water and memory. This sun-soaked and blissfully nostalgic documentary by Tzeli Hadjidimitriou had a blend of joyous archival material, paired with personal narrative and interviews make the film enticing and deeply personal. The 40+ years of chronicled stories pulled the audience in for a layered portrait of community and conflict and what it means to feel accepted.

Though the presence of lesbians  on the island has ebbed and flowed over the decades, one truth remains, as Sappho said: “Beauty endures only for as long as it can be seen; goodness, beautiful today, will  remain so tomorrow.” 

Energy Australia Ad 

Okay, not technically a film, but I must shout out the brilliant team at Energy Australia.  Their fun, creative, and delightfully campy ad played before every GPFF session, and honestly? I looked forward to it every time. After all, what’s a film festival without electricity?

Don’t miss out on the bright future of Geelong Pride Film Festival, stay up to date here. 

WIN: We’re giving away 10 x double in-season passes to see Bring Her Back

Starring Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, Sally-Anne Upton and Stephen Phillips and directed By Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou, the Australian directors of Talk To Me.

Bring Her Back is in cinemas from May 29, 2025

To celebrate the release, we’re giving away 10 x double in-season passes to 10 lucky Forte readers!

These passes will be valid for use from May 29 by 2 people (at the same session) at participating cinemas screening the film nationally and for the duration of the film’s season.

To enter, simply fill out the form below. Winners will be drawn on Thursday 22 May, with winners notified by email. Passes will be sent to the lucky winners via post.

©2025 CTMG. All Rights Reserved.   

You Am I bring their Hi Fi Way 30th anniversary tour to Barwon Heads and regional vic

You Am I have just announced an extension of their Hi Fi Way 30th anniversary tour, and yep, that now includes a stack of regional dates so fans outside the capital cities can get in on the action.

You Am I

• Friday 4 July – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights, Vic
• Saturday 5 July – Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads, Vic
• Friday 11 July – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, Vic
• Saturday 12 July – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat, Vic
• Sunday 13 July – Whalers, Warrnambool, Vic
• Tickets: here

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

After wrapping up the first leg of the tour with glowing reviews and packed-out shows, the band clearly couldn’t resist giving a few more towns the chance to belt out the classics from start to finish. If you’ve ever wanted to scream along to “Cathy’s Clown” or “Purple Sneakers” with a room full of true believers, this is your moment.

Released in 1995, Hi Fi Way cemented You Am I as one of Australia’s greatest ever rock exports — an album overflowing with grit, heart, and pure songwriting gold. Fast-forward 30 years and it’s still hitting just as hard.

Whether you were there the first time around or you’re just now discovering why Tim Rogers and co. have such a cult following, these shows promise a heavy dose of nostalgia, sweat, and all-out Aussie rock energy.

Tickets are expected to fly, so don’t wait around. Hi Fi Way still slaps, and now it’s coming to a town near you.

Geelong’s alpaca pioneers lead the charge for National Alpaca Week

Meet Ron and Rochelle from Shanbrooke Accoyo Alpaca Stud, a passionate family-run farm nestled in the region, and one of the quiet powerhouses behind the booming alpaca scene we see today. As the Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) gears up to celebrate 35 years with National Alpaca Week (10–18 May), there’s no better time to spotlight the pioneers who helped put Aussie alpacas on the map — literally.

National Alpaca Week

• Saturday 10 May – Sunday 18 May
• Find an event near you: here

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here. 

 

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Back in 1989, Ron helped establish the AAA and launched Shanbrooke, building his herd from prized white Huacaya alpacas whose bloodlines trace all the way back to the elite Estancia Accoyo in Peru. That’s some serious pedigree. Fast forward to now, and he, Rochelle, and their son George are managing a thriving farm of over 100 breeding animals, with a global reputation for excellence in alpaca fleece, genetics, and animal health.

Rochelle, by the way, has carved out her own lane in the industry. Since 2007, she’s been behind Nocturne, a breeding program focused on the elusive and ultra-luxurious true-black alpaca, a rarity in the world of fibre farming. Her work’s helped add depth and diversity to Australia’s alpaca genetics, and she’s doing it all right from the lush pastures of Buckley, 25 minutes outside of Geelong.

So why are we talking alpacas? Because National Alpaca Week 2025 is about more than just fluffy faces and feel-good farm vibes — it’s a celebration of a thriving, homegrown industry that’s making serious moves in sustainable farming and fashion. With Australia now home to the second-largest alpaca population in the Southern Hemisphere (just behind Peru), our breeders are gaining international recognition and exporting high-quality fleece across the globe, from China to Europe.

According to AAA President Brett Fallon, the week is a golden chance for Aussies to get up close and personal with alpacas, learn about their role in eco-friendly agriculture, and explore how this humble animal is producing some of the most sought-after natural fibres on the planet.

Across the country there’ll be open farm days, fleece demos, youth workshops, and even a push to “wear alpaca this winter” — because there’s nothing like a locally-made scarf or pair of socks to keep you warm and connected to the land.

Whether you’re a curious newbie, fibre fashion enthusiast, or just looking for a wholesome weekend escape, National Alpaca Week has something for everyone. And thanks to passionate locals like Ron, Rochelle, and George, the spirit of Australian alpaca farming is alive, well, and fuzzier than ever.

Find out more about Heritage Alpaca Co here.

Deni Ute Muster 2025 just added The Wiggles to an already massive line-up

The Deni Ute Muster is turning up the family fun factor with the announcement that The Wiggles are officially joining the party.

That’s right—blue, red, yellow, and purple skivvies will be taking over the Main Stage, and they’re bringing the whole crew: Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Captain Feathersword, and even TikTok’s leafy legend, The Tree of Wisdom.

Deni Ute Muster 2025

• When: 3-4 October
• Where: Deniliquin, NSW
• Tickets: here

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

 

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Whether you’ve got a ute full of kids or you’re a grown-up Wiggles tragic (no shame—we’ve seen the Spotify Wrapped receipts), this set promises to be a huge singalong moment for little Musterers and their nostalgic parents alike.

But don’t worry, country fans, The Wiggles are just the cherry on top of a seriously stacked lineup. Already confirmed for the weekend are international country heavyweights the Zac Brown Band and Jackson Dean, alongside Aussie legends like John Williamson, Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, The Wolfe Brothers, Kaylee Bell, Lane Pittman, and more.

On the Sunrice Day Stage, it’s a showcase of rising stars and festival faves: think The Pleasures, Tori Darke, Brendan Radford, Jay Santilli, Mak & Shar, and the freshly crowned 2025 Toyota Star Maker, Felicity Kircher. And yes, the Deni Bush Poets are back to keep things extra Aussie.

Amber Lawrence, our unofficial queen of country, will be taking the reins as host across both stages this year—her first time, and we can’t wait.

On top of all the tunes, the Deni Ute Muster continues to deliver the goods with a jam-packed weekend of ute-centric madness, family-friendly fun, and all the community spirit you could ask for.

So dust off the cowboy boots, wrangle the crew (kids included), and get ready for a weekend where you can boot-scoot to Zac Brown and belt out Hot Potato in the same day. Only at Deni.

MEERTA – Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden: A night of powerful storytelling and soul-stirring song at The Memo Healesville

Set against the intimate backdrop of The Memo, Healesville, MEERTA is more than just a concert – it’s a musical journey through identity, resilience, injustice, and ultimately, the enduring strength of the Gunditjmara people. A perfect excuse for a winter weekend in the Yarra Valley, this one-night-only event offers audiences the chance to immerse themselves in First Nations stories, culture, and song – all through the transformative power of music.

MEERTA – Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden

• When: Friday 6 June, 7.30pm 
• Where: The Memo Healesville
• Tickets here 

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

A Deadly Team of Artists and Visual Collaborators

Backed by a deadly lineup of musicians — including Daniel Jauregui (guitar), Ann Metry (bass), Chris Cameron (drums), Jake Amy (keyboard), and horn section legends Jordan Murray and Eugene Ball — Arden’s storytelling gains a rich and textured musical backbone that blends folk, roots, soul and rock.

Meanwhile, visual projections and artwork by Dixon Patten (Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa) amplify the emotional impact of each song, weaving in stunning visuals that mirror the cultural and historical threads of the performance.

Adding to the magic, a local Healesville choir — who’ve been working with David in the lead-up to the show — will also take to the stage, adding a powerful community voice to the performance.

An Invitation to Rise Up and Learn

With the late Uncle Archie Roach AM once praising David’s musicianship as among the finest in the country, MEERTA promises not just musical brilliance but a heartfelt, humbling experience. 

“David has the sweetest rhythms and he has a perfect ear on the guitar,” Uncle Archie Roach  once said. “He treats not only his own music with incredible respect, but other people’s music too – and it shows.”

More than just a gig, MEERTA is a call to action — a space to learn, to feel, and to rise up with deeper understanding of the stories that shape this land and its First Peoples.

A Family Legacy Brought to Life Through Music

At the heart of MEERTA is the story of James Arden, David’s great-grandfather – a proud Gunditjmara activist who, in 1916, stood tall against colonial control, fighting for his people’s right to live freely on their own lands. Born on the sacred grounds of Gariwerd, James was taken to Lake Condah and Framlingham missions, where he resisted the control of missionaries and station managers who dictated the lives of Gunditjmara people.

This incredible personal and political legacy is told through David’s original compositions, brought to life by a stellar band of musicians and artists. It’s a tribute not only to James Arden, but to all who’ve walked before – those who’ve fought, survived, and shaped the path forward for future generations.

An Intimate, Warm and Gracious Journey

Described as “an intimate, warm and gracious journey,” MEERTA draws on David’s own lived experience, as well as the strength of the Arden family line and the spirit of his Gunditjmara ancestors. Through soaring melodies, bluesy grooves and heartfelt lyrics, Arden creates a performance that is deeply personal, yet universally resonant.

Audiences will hear songs that speak to themes of identity, urban and tribal life, friendship, repatriation, racism, freedom, and resistance — with every note steeped in lived truth and heartfelt reverence.

Whether you’re a lover of live music, a supporter of First Nations storytelling, or simply looking for something special to experience in the Yarra Valley, MEERTA – Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden is a night not to be missed.

Bottomless lunches are here, and Two Noble just gave your weekend plans an upgrade

Running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm, this isn’t just lunch — it’s 1.5 hours of indulgent eats and free-flowing drinks in a space that’s as stylish as it is relaxed. Whether you’re team Prosecco, team cocktail, or just here for the food (fair), Two Noble’s got you covered with their bottomless lunch.

So, what’s the deal?

• When: From Friday 16 May, every Fri–Sun from 12pm
• Where: Two Noble – your new weekend fave
• Six rotating share-style dishes from the chef
• 1.5 hours of bottomless cocktails, wine, beer & more
• $85pp, groups of 2–20

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

For $85 a head, Executive Chef Mario Tambajong brings the heat (and the finesse) with a rotating Chef’s Selection of six Southeast Asian-inspired dishes. Expect bold flavours, seasonal produce and refined technique, all plated to impress. Signature bites might include prawn spring rolls with spiced red vinegar, caramelised pork with aromatic salad, and eggplant tempura drizzled with sticky sweet & sour sauce. Hungry yet?

It’s called bottomless for a reason. Restaurant Manager and Sommelier Adam Zelley has curated a drink list that’s equal parts playful and premium — from handcrafted cocktails like a Limoncello Spritz, Rhubarb & Elderflower Highball, and classic Sangria, to Prosecco, Domaine de Chatillon Rosé, top-shelf Aussie reds and whites, and a wide range of local and imported beers.

Not drinking? Two Noble’s got your back with crafted mocktails, non-alcoholic wines and beers, and all your favourite soft drinks.

Gather the crew (2 to 20 welcome), whether it’s a low-key long lunch or a special occasion that doesn’t need a reason, Bottomless Lunch at Two Noble is your weekend sorted. It’s generous, vibrant and just bougie enough to make it feel like a treat — without any of the fuss.

Ready to sip, snack and soak up the good vibes? Time to lock in that table.

Steel, Swords and Spectacle: Legends of Steel Tournament returns to Kryal Castle this May

This is your chance to step into a real-life Game of Thrones (minus the dragons… probably). Back by popular demand, the Legends of Steel Medieval Combat Tournament is two full days of ground-shaking, steel-clashing action that’ll have you cheering, ducking, and wondering if you were born in the wrong century.

Legends of Steel Medieval Combat Tournament

• When: Saturday 24 May – Sunday 25 May
• Where: Kryal Castle, 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek, Ballarat
• Tickets: here (10% cheaper online)

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here. 

 

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Here’s what’s going down:

• Hardcore one-on-one duels with longswords, polearms, sword and shield — the whole brutal buffet
• Massive melees featuring multiple fighters going full gladiator mode
• Outrance battles, which are basically medieval MMA in full armour (yes, it’s as wild as it sounds)
• And of course, knights in full regalia charging at each other on warhorses in a proper joust

Between the battles, you can test your aim with some archery, mix up a potion or two, and even send the kids off to Knight School to train up as the next generation of sword-swinging legends. There’ll be authentic armour and weaponry on display too, so you can nerd out to your heart’s content.

Want to feast like a king? Don’t miss the Legends of Steel Medieval Feast on Saturday night — a three-course medieval banquet with roving entertainers and a live sword fight thrown in for good measure. Because nothing pairs with roast meat like knights brawling beside your table. Secure your seats here!

And hey, don’t drive home in your chainmail — you can stay the night in the Castle’s on-site accommodation. Cosy beds, castle vibes, and no Uber needed. Book a bed here!

Melbourne Museum is going full Jedi with Australia’s first star wars Galactic Café

This isn’t just your regular themed café with a couple of Chewbacca cupcakes and a stormtrooper milkshake. Oh no. The Galactic Café at Melbourne Museum is a full-blown immersive experience that plonks you smack bang aboard a Corellian Star Cruiser.

Galactic Cafe at Melbourne Museum

• Opening daily from: Saturday 7 June,  10:30am to 3:30pm
• Where: Lower Level, Melbourne Museum, outside the Lego Star Wars exhibition
• Book: here

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here. 

 

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Created in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Australia & New Zealand and Lucasfilm (so you know it’s legit), the pop-up café is all about bringing iconic Star Wars vibes to your plate. Think dishes and drinks inspired by the epic saga — we’re talking Mandalorian munchies, Yoda-style treats, maybe even a Wookiee-worthy feast or two.

And it’s not just for die-hard fans who can quote every line from Empire Strikes Back. Whether you’re a Padawan in training or a full Jedi Master, there’s something for everyone — kids, parents, and even that one friend who still hasn’t seen the movies (seriously, sort them out).

The force is definitely strong with this one, but it’s not here forever. So mark your calendars, warm up your lightsabers (or forks), and head to Melbourne Museum for a bite of the galaxy.