The Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition is coming to Geelong this month

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The Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition is coming to Geelong this month

This April, Geelong Focal Point Darkroom and Gallery is hosting the impressive Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition, showcasing the best of Australian press photography for 2022.

Running from 14 April 2023 to 27 May 2023, the North Geelong studio will offer locals the chance to get up close with the thought-provoking photographic works of Walkley Awards finalists, reflecting on the year in the news through Australia’s best photographers.

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

The exhibition will feature the finalists and winners from the 2022 Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Awards, showcasing the best Australian press photography from last year.

These are not only great photos, but are moments in Australian and world history. From floods and war to sport, protests and the human condition, these are all superb photographs.

 

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The Walkley Awards are the highest honours in Australian journalism, celebrating excellence across all media. Since 1956, when the first Walkleys were presented in five categories, the awards have grown to 30 categories, including documentary film, non-fiction books, and of course, Press Photographer of the Year, which is presented with Nikon.

Please note: there are some photos that some visitors may find confronting, due to their hard-news content. Indigenous visitors are advised that this exhibition includes images of people who have died.

Find out more here

Chicken cutlets and time bombs: Julie Kim shares some of her worst dates

Known for her highly energetic, witty, and relentlessly paced stand-up, Julie Kim is debuting No One Special in Melbourne. A new hour of slightly exaggerated, biographical stand-up, catch the show from April 11 to 23 at the Greek Centre.

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

Sharing her experiences of being in an interracial marriage, parenting, and her own childhood in No One Special,

Julie Kim shares her three worst relationship stories exclusively with Beat:

1 – Time Bomb

“For a few weeks I dated a guy who would always fart – the worst and loudest stinkers. I hated it. But one night I really had to fart and I didn’t want to be a hypocrite and fart when I always told him not to fart.

“So I held it in, but the next time he did a big fart, I took the opportunity to also fart (effectively hiding my fart in his fart). He sniffed the air, made a face of disgust and took credit for the worst fart he’d ever done.”

2 – Chicken Cutlet

“Many years ago I went out drinking and dancing with friends and we all went to this guy’s place for… the after party, wink wink. I had a bra that came with liquid gel inserts.

“Although I was tipsy (ok I had tipped over multiple times) I had the presence of mind to wait until he turned around to quickly remove the inserts – I called them chicken cutlets – and throw them across the dark room so he wouldn’t find out that my bra weighed 12 pounds and that the boobs he had seen were mostly … not me

“My friend called me from the other room and I had to take off quickly and in my hurry I forgot the gel inserts. My friends and I still laugh, thinking about what it must have been like for him to find them in the daylight the next day. He probably had no idea what they were.

“I hope he didn’t eat them.”

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3 – Wing Sister

“I was at a bar and this guy came up and started talking to me. I wasn’t interested and while I was nice enough, I wanted it to stop. When a girl approached the bar a few minutes later I whispered to her: ‘can you please pretend to be my friend and talk to me so this guy will go away?’. Then she said: ‘uh… that’s my brother.’”

Partnering with Mitsubishi Motors, audiences can select tickets to see Julie Kim at the discounted price of $20, with the company paying an extra $10 to the artist for each ticket sold.

Catch the show at the Greek Centre from April 11 to 23. Grab tickets by heading here

This article was made in partnership with BeeHive PR

More details revealed about the Geelong Elvis Festival happening this year

In news that sees regional Elvis fans all shook up, the producers of the beloved Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth & Queensland Elvis Festivals recently announced they would be bringing a Geelong Elvis Festival to the regional city for the very first time.

Taking place across two days in August, this four-concert international event was tipped to feature some truly incredible superstar Elvis tribute artists direct from Memphis and Graceland.

And now, more details have been revealed about the highly-anticipated event.

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

There’s a Geelong Elvis Festival happening this year, bringing Graceland’s best to regional Victoria

In a post to the festival’s social media, the Geelong Elvis Festival revealed it would be heading to Geelong on August 25 and 26 2023.

Bringing Graceland’s best to Geelong, the festival also announced it would be hosting incredible International act, including Bill Cherry and Jay Dupuis, who are Graceland’s Ultimate Champions, and Ted Torres Martin who in his own right could win it every year and an unbelievable act specifically 68 and the early 70s.

“These guys are simply three of the world’s best. They have the look, the voice, the aura and the Elvis feeling on stage.”

The iconic Sphinx Hotel has also been revealed as the ‘Elvis Hub’ for the duration of the festival, which will feature four unique concerts over two days. Shows including ‘Jumpsuit Heaven’ showcasing four iconic jumpsuits, ‘Elvis at the movies’ and ‘Sun to Sundial’ which will take you on a journey from the years 55-77. All shows have been coined as different and will feature ‘different music’ from the Elvis era.

There’s clearly been some heavy demand for local acts too, with the festival revealing that “local acts Jack Gatto & Damien Mullin, both are booked and unavailable. They are both great acts, and if we can fit them in down the track we will.”

Tickets go on sale soon and will be available through Ticketek only. Register for your chance to access tickets before the general public via the website

Lime Cordiale announce second headline show in Torquay due to overwhelming demand

Having just announced a special local date as part of their Fantastical Country Club Experience, Lime Cordiale has added a second show in Torquay after the first show sold out in less than a day!

They’ll now perform on Sunday 23 April at Torquay Hotel in Torquay, alongside on Saturday 22 April (sold-out), in what is one of the few chances for you to see them in a headline appearance in Australia in 2023, and perhaps the only chance you will ever see them in such an intimate venue. Tickets to the new show are on sale now here.

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

Lime Cordiale announce new headline show in Torquay this April

The show will feature all their hits, new songs, and a few surprises and coming along for the ride are a rotation of the finest new talent that the Country Club officials could muster in Bella AmorAleksiah plus special guests New Zealand’s Coterie.

The band had a stacked 2022 with an ARIA nomination for Best Video for their single ‘Apple Crumble’, headline Australian tours which saw them perform to 34,000 Australian fans on the 14 Steps to A Better You and Facts of Life tours, alongside festival sets at Groovin’ The Moo, NYE in the Park and more.

2022 also saw the release of a trio of singles ‘Colin’, ‘Country Club’ and ‘Facts Of Life’ which will all feature on the bands upcoming third studio album.

In January 2022 Lime Cordiale released Cordi Elba, their acclaimed collaboration with actor/musician/DJ and record label boss Idris Elba. The mini album debuted at #9 on the ARIA album chart and spawned the hit singles Apple Crumble and What’s Not To Like, which landed at #14 and #41 on the triple j hottest 100 respectively.  The track ‘Holiday’ on this album was later remixed by the legendary Fatboy Slim.

Lime Cordiale has amassed over 350 million streams on Spotify, 29 million Apple Music streams, with YouTube views exceeding 20 million.  Their infectious performances and genuine, generous interactions with their fans have made them one of Australia’s most in demand acts, playing to wildly enthusiastic crowds across Australia and overseas.

Tickets can be purchased here

Moama Lights: The award-winning light and sound festival returns to light up the Murray River this winter

Gifting the destination of Echuca-Moama an immersive experience not to be missed, Murray River Council’s award-winning Moama Lights will once again light up the Murray with dazzling displays from 30 June – 23 July 2023 and tickets are available to purchase now!

Set against the backdrop of Moama’s Horseshoe Lagoon, Moama Lights is a sound and light trail sharing stories from across the region through state-of-the-art installations, projections and cutting-edge moving light technology this winter.

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

Created and produced by world-class design studio Mandylights, Moama Lights 2023 is the event’s third exciting instalment and will guide visitors through a brand-new experience, celebrating the history and natural beauty of Echuca Moama through an evocative sea of colour, movement and sound.

An unforgettable night out with family or friends, this year’s event will also feature an outdoor ice-skating rink, the American Hotel beer garden, food trucks and kids’ entertainment.

 

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Those keen to get their skates on can do so from Saturday 24 June in Kerrabee Soundshell, just a stone’s throw away from Moama Lights, and will be able to pre-book online.

With over 25,000 visitors in attendance last year, locals and travellers alike are encouraged to purchase tickets now to avoid missing out.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring back Moama Lights for another year and encourage all those keen to come along to purchase their tickets early,” said Murray River Council mayor Chris Bilkey.

“This year’s event will celebrate the beauty of Echuca Moama through a spectacular sound and light show, and will offer additional entertainment that promises to be a great night out for all,” he said.

Moama Lights will run over four weekends from Thursday to Sunday, with tickets sold in sessions. Adults tickets are $20, while Children (3-16 years) will be $10 and Family passes (2A & 2C) are $50. Infants under 3 years $0 (please note a ticket is still required).

Electricity network provider, Transgrid has thrown its support behind Moama Lights for a second year as the major Platinum Partner.

Sponsors Moama Bowling Club, Rich River Golf Club, The America Hotel, Echuca Moama Accommodation Association and The Border Inn are also backing the event.

Moama Lights runs from Friday 30 June – Sunday 23 July (Thursday – Sunday nights). To purchase tickets to Moama Lights 2023, head here.

‘Utter chaos’: Knocked Loose delivered a visceral assault with riotous chanted singalongs at the Colonial Hotel 

Mannnn, Melbourne’s hardcore community has had it good recently. And when I say good, I mean really good. First, there was Comeback Kid & Drain’s mammoth summer tour; then Turnstile and Speed absolutely annihilated The Forum, and now Knocked Loose have come along and delivered a set chaotic enough that it deserved to be filmed by hate5six, it’s been beyond a dream for hardcore lovers citywide, but this set was a bit different.

As proudly stated by the group’s lead singer Bryan Garris, “This is something you don’t get at Knotfest; no barricade.”

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

He’s right. A US-based, large-scale act playing in an intimate no-barrier club setting? This was the kind of show that Melbourne-based hardcore fans had been pining over for years now. Naturally, it wasn’t an opportunity they were going to waste.

And they didn’t. The second Oldham County hardcore outfit hit the stage, the crowd went into turbulent overdrive. Front-flipping stage divers; riotous chanted singalongs and some of the finest two-steppin’ our city has ever seen… it was utter chaos.

But as Garris affirmed, Knocked Loose “love chaos”… and so, they incited it as much as possible.

Opening with the jagged, beatdown heavy ‘Where Light Divides The Holler,’ before tearing straight into ‘Trapped in the Grasp of a Memory,’ Knocked Loose hit the stage with an unmistakable ferocity, barely letting the crowd breathe in between songs as they powered through their blistering 45-minute set.

The heavy, machine gun-esque intro of ‘God Knows’ kicked in with cataclysmic effect, as did the piercing, high-pitched guitars of ‘Billy No Mates’ and the sludgey bounce of Belleville’s bassline.  Maintaining the energy was ‘Deadringer’, which gained an immense crowd reaction with punters happily complying with Garris’ request to see “everyone in here stage dive tonight.”

With the crowd still buzzing from Deadringer’s closing breakdown, Oblivions Peak’s opening riff almost sent them absolutely manic, with the pit opening up even larger as punters found a second wind for the older favourite.

But as I said, Knocked Loose “love chaos,” so before the crowd could even stop and think, ‘that was sick, I can’t believe they’re playing older tracks,’ Garris quickly introduced, “This is the oldest song we’ll play tonight.” Instinctively the crowd clued into the opening drumbeat of 2014’s All My Friends and went absolutely haywire. By the time Malevolence’s Alex Taylor hopped up for a guest vocal spot, it was hard to tell who was the band and who was the crowd, with seemingly half the venue finding their way on stage for the final singalong.

Closing with ‘Mistakes Like Fractures’; ‘Permanent’ and crowd favourite ‘Counting Worms’, which gave way to an extraordinarily loud upheaval of crowd members singing along with Garris’ signature high-pitched snarl, Knocked Loose left the crowd in absolute tatters. People were missing shoes; shirts were ripped; hats were scattered all over the venue, but punters couldn’t wipe the smile off their faces.

Even when the house lights abruptly came on, making it abundantly clear that there would be no form of an encore, people didn’t mind. After the 45 minute visceral assault that was Knocked Loose’s set, they couldn’t have handled one anyway.

Ballarat e-scooter trial has been extended

The State Government has announced the extension of the e-scooter trial in Victoria, confirming the existing arrangements for the shared e-scooter scheme in Ballarat will continue for a further six months.

Alongside the extension, privately owned e-scooters can also be used under the same trial rules during this period across the entire state.

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

The rules now allow for people 16 years and over to ride, require users to wear a helmet, travel at maximum speeds of 20 km/h and ride on local roads that have a speed limit of up to 60km/h.

At the conclusion of the State Government’s extended trial, a report will be prepared for Council to consider the next steps for shared e-scooter schemes in Ballarat.

In the interim, the existing shared e-scooter arrangements with Neuron will continue.

Neuron’s data shows that riders in Ballarat have travelled more than 450,000 kilometres on the shared e-scooters during the trial, with more than 200,000 individual trips taken.

The average trip is 2.3 kilometres, which is longer than the average trip in the Melbourne trial.

More than 63 percent of rides taken on the Ballarat e-scooters replaced what would have otherwise been a car trip.

The top safety concerns identified as part of the Ballarat trial so far have been riding on footpaths and not wearing a helmet.

Any users riding on footpaths or disobeying other rules face penalties.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said with the popularity of e-scooters in Ballarat it was exciting to have the trial extended.

“The e-scooters provide a safe, fun, and environmentally friendly way to see our beautiful city,” he said.

For more information on the e-scooter rules visit VicRoads website

One for the Country: Is this the most eco-friendly beer in Australia?

Giving back is in the DNA of Hawke’s Brewing Co. When Nathan Lennon and David Gibson approached former PM Bob Hawke with the goal of co-founding a brewery with them, he agreed, but on one condition: that 100% of his share of royalties go to Landcare Australia, the environmental charity he helped set up in 1989. For Bob, beer would become an even more significant piece of his legacy, with every pint, pot and tinnie ensuring his influence would continue to support our most precious asset – the planet.

While Nathan and David had always been set on creating a beer business with purpose, Bob’s decision to connect Landcare Australia set the moral and ethical foundation for how Hawke’s would be operated as a whole.

“Bob’s early decision making”, Nathan says, “shaped not only the direction of the business but how we do business. Our ESG [Environmental, Social & Governance] responsibilities are something we take seriously. Starting out with a plan for sustainability and impact creates the set of values to which you live by. It informs the decisions you make. Not just doing it because everyone is doing it. It’s what Bob wanted but it’s also what we always wanted.”

Since partnering with Landcare Australia in 2017, Hawke’s Brewing Co. has raised over $400,000, with these funds supporting on-the-ground projects across the country, such as bushfire recovery for native and endangered wildlife, volunteer groups removing invasive species and restoring native habitats, mangrove regeneration and Woodfordia’s native plant nursery.

But it was the construction of their brewery in Marrickville in 2021 that opened up a whole new world of opportunities for Hawke’s Brewing Co. It also shaped Brodie French’s role as head brewer into something even more innovative than perfecting flavour profiles of crisp, clean froths (although that’s definitely still in the job description).

“From day zero, Brodie tasked himself with a responsibility to brew with minimal environmental impact,” Nathan said.

What’s the impact of a brewery? And how has Hawke’s been trimming it down? The three main areas are energy consumption, water usage and waste, and they’ve already made steps in the right direction.

For a start, the facility’s 100kw rooftop solar farm powers most of the brewery’s operations, with additional energy purchased via a renewables-focused, community-owned provider. Then there are the little things, like an electric forklift and steam-powered boiler.

That brings us to water. It’s no surprise that breweries use a lot of it. Hawke’s has improved water use efficiency to the point where only 3.3L of water is needed for every 1L of beer produced. That’s well below the industry average of 7L for every 1L. The goal is to reduce this even further to less than 3L. Plus, they’ve got an on-site wastewater treatment system and an inbuilt water recovery system.

They’re putting in the hard yards to close the loop on waste and make every sip of beer genuinely better for the planet, from sourcing ingredients and products via sustainable suppliers to sending spent grain to feed cattle on Australian farms.

Good beer, as it turns out, can also grow great lettuce, with the potential towards lowering the carbon footprint of both beer and farming industries. Alongside UTS Tech, Brodie and a team of PhD students are experimenting with ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the brewery using a carbon capture system. Essentially, capturing CO2 from the fermentation process to feed back into a hydroponic indoor farm, inside which vegetation, like lettuce, can be grown and used in the venue’s Lucky Prawn restaurant on-site.

Growing and transporting low-cal produce like lettuce, which demands large amounts of resources, isn’t efficient. The hypothesis is that indoor hydroponic systems fed with excess CO2 not only encourage lettuce to grow quicker and more reliably but also with a reduced footprint, particularly due to the limit on transportation. The farm is basically next to the restaurant. That’s some damn good lettuce in your succulent Chinese meal.

So what does a robust and evolving suite of sustainable systems mean for the tinnie in your hand? A beer that tastes good and feels good at the same time. A refreshing lager with a moral afterglow, setting a benchmark for other breweries, big or small. A beer that can be enjoyed knowing every sip is doing its bit to make the industry a bit better. One for the country and those of us lucky enough to call it home. It’s what Bob would have wanted.

Browse the range and buy Hawke’s Brewing Co. beers here. Follow Hawke Brewing Co. on Instagram here or Facebook here (well worth it).

This article was made in partnership with Hawke’s Brewing Co.

Back To Back Theatre are bringing their immersive performance of ‘small metal objects’ to Geelong’s Market Square

For the first time since 2010, Back To Back Theatre are bringing their inventive and unique piece of theatre, small metal objects, back to Victoria. From 27 to 30 April, the International Ibsen Award-winning theatre company pairs people watching with an enthralling urban thriller at Market Square Geelong.

Challenging the audience’s assumptions of what it means to live with disability, small metal objects is a unique play that unravels amidst the hustle and bustle of urban foot traffic, in this case that of Market Square Shopping Centre.

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

Driven by an ensemble of actors with intellectual disabilities, the performance explores how respect is withheld from outsiders – the disabled or unemployed – who society deems ‘unproductive’.

Each audience member watches from a raised bank with individual sets of headphones, allowing them to be wired into the intensely personal drama. As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn into the world of two men, Gary and Steve, who are normally unnoticed but tonight, they play a crucial role in the plans of two ambitious executives. 

 

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Geelong Arts Centre feels incredibly privileged to be hosting the prestigious Back to Back Theatre company in their highly anticipated return to live performances within the Australian Theatre landscape,” says Penny McCabe, Geelong Arts Centre Head of Programming.

We love to see Geelong’s immensely talented community of local artists thrive off-shore and on home soil and will continue to support and celebrate their impactful work for a long time to come.”

A very special addition to Geelong Arts Centre’s ‘Our Season 2023’, small metal objects is part of Back To Back Theatre’s larger body of work that questions the assumptions of what is possible in the world of theatre, and the assumptions we hold about ourselves and others.

Based in Geelong and inspired by its own ensemble of actors, Back to Back Theatre is a leading voice in contemporary, avant-garde world theatre. In 2022, Back To Back Theatre were awarded what many dub the Nobel Prize of theatre: The Ibsen Award. Considered as one of Australia’s most important cultural exports, Back To Back Theatre is powered by a troupe of actors who are perceived as neuro diverse in their ethos to pursue a model of equality that champions diversity and challenges public perceptions.

Making work locally that leads and tours globally, this is an organisation that platforms each new project as a further investigation into stories of the now, curiosities of the unknown and everything that lies between.

small metal objects  takes place in Market Square Geelong from 27 to 30 April for various performances. Tickets are on sale now here

Explore the Bellarine Peninsula with Hop It, the region’s first ever hop-on hop-off bus service

If you’ve been craving for a drop of delicate pinot noir straight from the source, or perhaps you’ve been wanting to visit The Whiskery ever since it opened, or you’re just keen for a day trip across the Bellarine Peninsula but you don’t want to drive yourself, then you’re in luck with a brand-new service that’s just landed in the region.

Created by husband and wife duo Sara and Jon, Hop It is Bellarine’s first and only hop on hop off bus service. Establishing itself with services in the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula, Hop It offers a service that allows you to visit the Bellarine Peninsula at an affordable price and plan your own day around a variety of different ‘Hop It Stops’.

Looking for more? Here’s where to go for the best winery tours in the Geelong region. 

 

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Unlike standard food and wine tours, you get to choose your own adventure based on the team’s carefully composed bus routes that traverse through The Bellarine.

Also alleviating the need for a designated driver, you can simply hop on and hop off wherever your wanderlust leads them. The Hop It journeys go beyond wineries and vineyards, allowing keen adventurers to discover restaurants, breweries, distilleries, hot springs, landmark sights and other artisan producers along the way.

You will have a choice of up to five stops, depending on your ticket option, to visit throughout the day giving you the freedom and flexibility to discover the region. Before you hop on the bus take a look at their website to explore the stops on the timetable. There are currently 12 stops on the Blue Route (The Bellarine) which is pretty much a who’s who list of the top destinations in our region. We’re talking Jack Rabbit Vineyard, The Whiskery, Scotchmans Hill, Farm Dog Brewing and Bennetts on Bellarine, among others.

There are also various options for how you’d like your journey to start, either at Cunningham Pier in Geelong or Portarlington Pier with Melbourne guests also able to factor in the ferry departing Docklands. Tickets range from $89.95 to $124.95, with the standard Geelong pick-up being just $94.95 and that’s your transport for the day done!

Revolutionising the way you explore Australia’s wine regions, Hop It is a seriously exciting addition to our region.

Find out more and book your next adventure here

Cub Sport announce their biggest headline Australian tour yet

Indie pop outfit Cub Sport announce their biggest headline Australian tour yet, hitting stages across the country throughout August and September.

Supported by triple j, Cub Sport’s national tour will kick off at Adelaide’s Hindley Street Music Hall on August 18, followed by stops at Perth’s Astor Theatre on August 19, and Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on August 24. After performing at Tanks in Cairns on August 31, the band will return to their hometown of Brisbane, to play at Fortitude Music Hall on September 2, before closing out the run of shows at Melbourne’s Forum, on September 8.

Cub Sport Australian Tour

Friday, August 18 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide SA
Saturday, August 19 – Astor Theatre, Perth WA
Thursday, August 24 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW
Thursday, August 31 – Tanks, Cairns QLD
Saturday, September 2 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane QLD
Friday, September 8 – Forum, Melbourne VIC

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

For their entire career, Cub Sport have been searching for some kind of absolution. To listen to the Brisbane band’s music is to see a process of unburdening and unlearning in slow motion: their four albums to date plot a progression away from shame and towards joy, celebration and pure euphoria.

Out this Good Friday, April 7, Jesus At The Gay Bar sees Cub Sport finally reach that point of ecstatic lightness, or at least somewhere close to it. Using the language of bright, crystalline dance music as shorthand for a kind of hard-won spiritual freedom, Jesus At The Gay Bar finds the four-piece – Tim Nelson, Sam Netterfield, Zoe Davis and Dan Puusaari – largely shedding hangups and celebrating love and life in all its manifestations.

Having graced stages at Laneway, Splendour In The Grass, Falls Festival 2020’s AFL Grand Final, and Summer Camp, Cub Sport are renowned for their electrifying live performances. Since their emergence in the early-2010s, the self-managed and self-released Meanjin-based act have captivated an avid following with their vulnerable, yet self-confident, output of progressive indie-pop. A national favourite, the band have landed in triple j’s Hottest 100 five times, and have seen praise from The Guardian, BBC Radio 1, Rolling Stone, Billboard, i-D, VICE, Gay Times, The FADER and more.

Pre-sale opens 9:30AM AEST Tuesday April 4 (10AM AEST for Brisbane & Adelaide shows). General on-sale opens 9AM AEST Thursday, April 6.

Lastlings announce Australian tour this June

These shows come fresh off the announcement of Lastlings Sophomore album Perfect World, which is scheduled for release on June 23, 2023. To celebrate the news of the new album, Lastlings released the album announcement video which was shot in Death Valley, LA.

Lastlings Australian tour

  • Fri 30 June – Forum, Melbourne / Naarm
  • Sat 1 July – Princess Theatre, Brisbane / Meanjin
  • Sat 8 July – Metro Theatre, Sydney / Eora
  • Sat 15 July – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth / Boorloo

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

Perfect World follows on from the widely successful debut album First Contact from the brother-sister duo, which was released on RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Rose Avenue Records and saw the band tour sold-out headline shows across Australia & the US in 2021 & 2022. Lastlings now return to these cities armed with new music & a fresh signature captivating live performance.

Since their inception, Lastlings have cultivated a dedicated fanbase as their talents combined on and off stage, have created a sensational catalogue pairing Amy’s mesmerizing vocals complemented by Josh’s indie electronic production known for transporting listeners on a cosmic journey.

With an already impressive discography, the duo signed to RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Rose Avenue and have worked with producers like SG Lewis and toured with industry giants like RÜFÜS DU SOL, Bob Moses and Glass Animals.

In the last few years, the duo have played in iconic venues & festivals including Coachella, Colorado’s Red Rocks, NY’s Forest Hills Stadium, Beyond The Valley, Falls Festival, and 88 Rising’s Head In The Clouds festival. They’ve also released a number of performance videos showcasing their live capabilities, shot on stunning landscapes throughout Australia.

Don’t miss out on Lastlings headline shows which are known to internationally sell out! To access tickets first you must sign-up for the pre-sale here!

Tickets go on sale April 5. For ticket info, head here.

Groovin the Moo 2023 adds over 90 acts to its festival lineup

They might be counting down the days at GTM HQ, but they’re doing some addition too, adding nearly 100 new artists to their Fresh Produce program, each pumped to hit their local GTM stage across the country.

Over the years, a bunch of the Fresh Produce artists have not only gone on to world domination, but have also graduated to the national touring lineup. Artists like Alex Lahey, Haiku Hands, Hockey Dad, Lime Cordiale, Montaigne and more, along with our 2023 touring artists Confidence Man, Genesis Owusu, Ocean Alley and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.

Here’s the Fresh Produce lineup in each region, including the recently announced triple j Unearthed winners.

Groovin the Moo lineup additions

Groovin the Moo touring lineup

Alt-J (UK)
Amy Shark
Ball Park Music
Barkaa
bbno$ (Can)
The Chats
Choomba
Confidence Man
Denzel Curry (USA)
Eliza Rose (UK)
Fatboy Slim (UK)
Genesis Owusu
Laurel (UK)
Luude
Nothing But Thieves (UK)
Ocean Alley
Royel Otis
Skegss
Slayyyter (USA)
Slowly Slowly
Sophie May (UK)
Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers
Teenage Dads
Teenage Joans

Two huge headliner changes for Groovin The Moo festival

Groovin the Moo locations and dates

GTM will be hugging and high-fiving at Wayville SA on Friday, April 21, (which also happens to be school holidays) before bringing memory making moments to Maitland NSW on Saturday, April 22, then will round out the first weekend in our nation’s capital Canberra ACT on Sunday, April 23.

The following weekend, it’s down to beaut Bendigo VIC on Saturday, April 29, then to a new Queensland location on the Sunshine Coast on Sunday, April 30 (long weekend bonus!). Then, GTM finally return to the west coast for some Bunbury fun on Saturday, May 6.

While the festival won’t be heading to Townsville this year, GTM will continue to hold the festival in Queensland in 2023, this time at Sunshine Coast’s Kawana Sports Western Precinct.

For us, it all goes down in Bendigo on April 29 and tickets are available now. Head here for more info. 

What I learned about first aid training, how it’s changed my life and saved others

Former lifeguard Paul Gaertner, who now works as a First Aid instructor for FirstAidPro, had a chat with us about the importance of First Aid training and his experiences within the industry.

“I was a lifeguard for many years. That’s how I got into the First Aid area. I had an accident about 20 years ago where I broke my neck. The only reason that I’m still walking around is the people that dealt with me, the first responders immediately at the site, otherwise I’d be sitting in a wheelchair having a lot of issues.”

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

Paul, who has worked with FirstAidPro for over 6 years now, tells us how students often come back with stories about the effect First Aid training has had on their lives. He emphasises how an emergency situation can happen at any moment, and knowing the correct procedure can save lives.

“A friend of mine, she was laying in bed with her husband (42 years old) and she rolled over and he was as cold as anything, he was having a heart attack. She’d only done the class a couple of weeks before. She dragged him onto the ground and started doing CPR. The guy’s alive because she did the First Aid class.”

“It’s remarkable when you see a person (student) a year later and they tell you their mum (or) their dad had a heart attack, and they’ve saved their life because of the training that you’ve done for them. It makes it worthwhile.”

FirstAidPro is a Registered Training Organisation specialising in First Aid Training Nationally, delivering high-quality First Aid Courses tailored to meet your specific requirements.

“The students rock up at half past 8, have a chat before we start and then we go through the process. We do CPR first, then we do the babies, then we do children. It’s just a very relaxed atmosphere. I know that people come in and they’re tense (they’ve had a death in the family etc), they’re really stressed and think it’s gonna bring it all back to them. We deal with that in a very heartfelt, kind way – to make that person feel comfortable doing it.”

Paul describes how at FirstAidPro they “try to make the class engaging.”

“A lot of our trainers use their own real life experiences to make it real. We don’t just talk about what you need to do, we tell you why you need to do it. I’ve always believed that if a person knows why they’re doing something, they’re more inclined to do it than if you just say, ‘this is what you need to do’. That’s what I think FirstAidPro does really well, we engage.”

Paul’s role at FirstAidPro focuses specifically on child First Aid.

 

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“Parents come back time and time again with stories about how their children have been choking and they’ve managed to save them because they’ve done the First Aid and they know how to deal with choking infants.”

In the summer just passed there were 88 recorded drownings across aquatic locations (beach, pool, rivers etc) in the nation. Paul states how “it’s something that can be avoided by just plain and simply knowing how to do basic CPR.”

“We live in a modern era. The kids are in the pool, and mum and dad are sitting in the pool area, supposedly supervising, but they’re on their iPads or their phones. They think that when children drown they make a lot of noise. People that drown don’t make a lot of noise, especially children. They just sink to the bottom and there’s no noise at all.”

In the current climate, Paul points out how we can access this First Aid knowledge anywhere and everywhere. Paul himself uploads videos to social media. “I’m on Facebook demonstrating CPR.” However, he also states that “the best thing to do is to book into a First Aid class so you’ve got a qualified instructor showing exactly how you do it.”

“Any CPR is better than no CPR but CPR done correctly is much more effective.”

When asked how often we should complete a refresher course, Paul states that “CPR itself, people should do every 12 months. The reason we like people to do it every 12 months is because the chances of you using it are remote, but if you haven’t done it for three years and then you have to do it, you’re just not going to remember it.”

For many people, the prospect of providing CPR in an emergency situation is extremely daunting. However, Paul reassures us that this is a normal reaction.

“We generally find that people are petrified of doing it but when you actually have to do it, the fight or flight part of your body comes in (and you do it). The biggest thing is to get onto triple zero quickly. If you panic (and) you can’t remember what you’re meant to do, you’re talking to an expert on the other end of the phone who will calmly talk you through the process of doing CPR.”

You can access more information about classes and important First Aid knowledge through the FirstAidPro website.

This article was made in partnership with FirstAidPro.

Free ferry service launched for Geelong to Melbourne commuters this month

Passengers travelling to and from Victoria’s second-largest city will have more travel options this month with a free ferry service operating as the Andrews Labor Government delivers level crossing removal works on the Geelong rail line in April and May.

Free express ferry services from the Port Phillip Ferries will operate between Steampacket Pier in Geelong and Harbour Esplanade at Docklands from April 11 to May 3, providing the direct service for passengers each weekday while travel changes are in place.

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

It will operate Monday to Friday, with one service travelling from Geelong to Docklands at 7am, and a return service in the evening from Docklands to Geelong at 5.30pm. Free parking is available at Geelong Station and is around 10 minutes’ walk from the pier.

The journey will take about 90 minutes and the accessible ferry features comfortable seating, work tables, charging stations, a cafe and free Wi-Fi. Bookings for the ferry service are essential and must be made in advance online.

Geelong trains will be disrupted in various sections from Tuesday 11 April to Wednesday 3 May while crews work to remove the Mt Derrimut Road, Deer Park level crossing, build the new Deer Park Station and carry out V/Line maintenance.

Alongside the free express ferry service, coach replacements and shuttle buses will connect with metropolitan services during this time.

Once the Mt Derrimut Road level crossing is gone, it will mean the line is boom gate-free between the city and Deer Park, easing delays for the 23,000 vehicles that pass through the crossing every day, where boom gates can be down for up to 60 per cent of the morning peak.

The Labor Government’s program of Big Build works is boosting the economy, creating more than 50,000 jobs and transforming the way Victorians travel.

To plan your journey before you travel, including booking the ferry, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au.

You Me At Six announce Australian tour

The national tour will see the band play their first Australian headline tour in five years in support of their highly successful 8th studio album, Truth Decay.

You Me At Six have a laundry list of accolades including amassing over half a billion streams across all digital platforms, have graced the covers of global magazines and have had two UK Number 1 albums and five Top 10 records.

You Me At Six Australian tour with special guests Set It Off

  • Sunday 9 July 2023 – Magnet House, Perth 18+
  • Tuesday 11 July 2023 – The Gov, Adelaide Lic Aa
  • Thursday 13 July 2023 – The Tivoli, Brisbane 18+
  • Friday 14 July 2023 – Roundhouse, Sydney Lic Aa
  • Sunday 16 July 2023 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne 18+

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

In the years since their last Australian visit, You Me At Six have completed multiple sold out tours across UK and Europe, recently finishing up a massive European tour alongside The Hunna and supported by Australian pop-punk favourites Yours Truly.

“Really looking forward to coming back down under. Australia has always been our favourite place to tour and our fans are special there,” says Josh Franceschi.

“Nothing like an Aussie crowd. Truth Decay is coming!”

Set It Off have become known for creating their own original brand of pop music, infusing bold electronic elements with rock instrumentations and guitar riffs as catchy as the choruses and an overall feel-good, dance-worthy vibe.

Forming in Florida in 2008, the genre-blending group has released four previous albums and their Top 10 Spotify tracks have racked up 528 million plays. Their 2022 release Elsewhere is a transitional, moody, and forward-thinking release, one in which they have faced their demons and come out happier and more full of life than ever before.

General tickets on sale Tuesday 11 April @ 10am local time Tickets from destroyalllines.com.

A music meets wrestling tour to a unicorn festival: 22 Victorian festivals happening in April

Where are all the Easter songs? Mr Cool Stuff over there in December has plenty of them, but with Easter the pickings are slim. There’s no Last Easter. There’s no Easter in Hollis. There’s no All I Want for Easter is You. Mariah Carey would make a killing. Maybe Beastie Boys’ Egg Man should get the nod.

Sure, it was written about the trio’s liking for throwing eggs at people, which isn’t cool, but perhaps if this egg was chocolate and filled with a surprise it is something one could get around? Easter needs something, that’s all.

Take a break from your Easter egg hunting for a festival or two…       

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

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

Macedon – throughout April

You in your autumn sweater 

Following their 2022 ‘Events and Festival’ Victorian Tourism Award win, the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival is back to show they’re worthy winners. The month-long festival features free and ticketed events, including the Autumn Gardens Trail, Pie and Tart Trail, Edgy Veg Trail, Creatures of the Night and Gardener Puppets.  

More through visitmacedonranges.com

 

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Growing Our Future Festival

Bellarine Secondary College, Drysdale – April 6

From little things, big things grow

Farm My School is a not-for-profit organisation that transforms unused school land into regenerative market gardens that provide food to the local community. Special guests include Costa Georgiadis, Matt Germanchis (Captain Moonlite) and Jo Barrett (Little Picket), as well as music from Formidable Vegetable.

More through humanitix.com/au

Easter Blues Bender 

Bendigo – April 6-9

I’ve got the blues for you

There is so much blues coming your way this Easter that you are going to wish for more time – which you have, with four days full of the good stuff. Your line-up includes Grim Fawkner, Liz Frencham & Co., Rory Phillips, Bill Barber, Out of Abingdon, Georgia Rodgers, Jarrod Shaw, Sherri Parry, Jay Howie Band, Charlie Bedford, Mariah McCarthy Trio, Funk Junkies, Sons of the Blues, Nathan Schifferle, Luke Harrington, Rhyley McGrath, Chenai Boucher, The Ratbags, Jared Healy, The Rattlers, Mia Mazzarella, Jake Fry and Sam Pollock.

More through facebook.com/bendigobluesroots

Bendigo Easter Festival

Bendigo – April 7-10

Here comes Peter Cottontail 

151 years old and still going strong, the Bendigo Easter Festival is a joy for all ages. Across the Easter weekend, Rosalind Park and surrounding streets will be filled with family-friendly entertainment, including the always popular Bendigo Gala Festival Parade on Easter Sunday. The Good Friday egg hunt will involve 80,000 chocolate goodies, while the Easter Saturday Torchlight Procession includes a fireworks display. Don’t forget about Carnival Central, either. 

More through bendigoeasterfestival.org.au

The free Chinese-inspired Bendigo Easter Festival returns for 2023

Unicorn Festival

Kryal Castle, Ballarat – April 7-22 

They’d run around free while the earth was being born

A wise man once said, never play leapfrog with a unicorn. The most magical of mythical creatures is getting a festival that will fill the world with sparkling delight. Unicorn petting, unicorn-themed arts and crafts, themed food, face painting, live performances and showbags will be part of the wonderland.     

More through kryalcastle.com.au

Sunset Sounds

Torquay Common, Torquay – April 8

Sunsets over the beaches 

Ten of Australia’s long-time greats are heading to Torquay for a one-day festival that will take you back to your summer compilation tapes. Your line-up is Daryl Braithwaite, The Black Sorrows, Russell Morris, Richard Clapton, Ross Wilson, Wendy Matthews, Eurogliders, Jack Jones, The Chantoozies and Matt Finish.    

More through empiretouring.com.au

Beachside festival Sunset Sounds is bringing Aussie music legends to Torquay in April

The Great Barwon River Duck Race

Barwon River Mouth – April 8

Rubber duckie, you’re the one

There are more than 130 species of ducks worldwide. And while some may argue a yellow plastic duckie is not one of those, the Great Barwon River Duck Race values good times and a good cause over facts. Cost per duck for the charity raiser is $10, with prizes awarded to the first ten place-getters. This year, a Quaker Kids category is open to primary school children and under. The cost is also $10, but here the ducks are a cool blue. 

More through allevents.in

Bluesfest Melbourne

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre – April 8 & 9

I guess that’s why they call it the blues

NSW isn’t having all the fun anymore, with Melbourne getting a weekend of Bluesfest bliss. Your line-up for the inaugural event is Ash Grunwald, Backsliders, Buddy Guy, Chain, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, C.W. Stoneking, The Doobie Brothers, Eric Gales, Eugene Hideaway Bridges, Fools, Geoff Achison & the Souldiggers, Greensky Bluegrass, Henry Wagons, Kaleo, Kasey Chambers, Keb Mo, Lucinda Williams, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Paolo Nutini, Robert Glasper, Shaun Kirk, The Soul Rebels, Talib Kweli, GZA, Big Freedia, Southern Avenue, Steve Earle and Xavier Rudd.   

More through bluesfestmelbourne.com.au 

 

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Malamiya Mang Art Festival

Dudley House, Bendigo – April 12-17

You’re standing on solid rock 

From paintings to weavings, jewellery to artefacts, the five-day Malamiya Mang Art Festival is a showcase of Aboriginal art, design and culture. Experience and learn about the history of the Dja Dja Wurrung people as you enjoy a festival of arts, stories, workshops and markets. Support local Indigenous artists by purchasing direct from the artist.   

More through eventbrite.com.au

Ultra

Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne – April 15

It starts in my feet, reverbs up to my brain

The electronic music festival juggernaut Ultra Music Festival has their passport ready for another visit to Australia. Your headliners are Hardwell, Deborah de Luca, Timmy Trumpet, Darren Styles and Sub Zero Project, while other performers include Ferry Corsten, Jonas Blue, Sneijder, Acraze, Juliet Fox, Ben Gold and Solarstone. They will be ably supported by a huge crew that includes Sarah Thomson, Dean Dee, Teddy Cream, No Chasa, Eric Sidey, Fluke, Brynny, Ian Buller and Isabelle Deltore.   

More through ultraaustralia.com

 

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Australian Heritage Festival – Shared Stories 

Throughout Australia – April 18 through May 18

So you look into the land, it will tell you a story

For more than four decades, the National Trust and the Australian Heritage Festival has celebrated built, natural and cultural heritage. It’s about sharing stories, what makes them important to us and how they can help shape the future. Events will take place in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Warrnambool, Castlemaine, Maldon and more. 

More through nationaltrust.org.au

Geelong Pride Film Festival

Pivotonian Cinema, Geelong & Platform Arts – April 20-30

Your true colours are beautiful like a rainbow 

Another bumper program of screenings and events are in store for the 6th Geelong Pride Film Festival. The shorts-fest Rainbow Shorts will kick off the festival, while other screenings include Best in Show, The Accidental Archivist, Esther Newton Made Me Gay, Lonesome, Manscaping, Of An Age, NextGen+ Shorts, In Her Words, Gender Frontiers, Lesbian Shorts, The Venus Effect, Where Butterflies Don’t Fly, Will-o’-the-Wisp and Happy Endings Shorts.   

More through gpff.ferve.tickets

Boardwalk Country Music Festival  

Kryal Castle, Ballarat – April 22

Moving to the country 

One World Entertainment is behind the new travelling festival Boardwalk Country Music Festival, where a Cattleman is not compulsory, but it doesn’t hurt. Your line-up features international headliners Gavin DeGraw and Jimmie Allen, as well as Kasey Chambers, Busby Marou, Shannon Noll, The Wolfe Brothers and Darlinghurst.   

More through oneworldentertainment.com.au

New Boardwalk Country Music Festival brings Jimmie Allen, Gavin DeGraw and Kasey Chambers to Ballarat

Dreamstate

Flemington Racecourse, Flemington – April 22

Dream baby dream

Under the umbrella of global event promotor Insomniac, Dreamstate is dedicated to trance music. Your line-up is Cosmic Gate, Infected Mushroom, MaRLo (tech energy set), Ciaran McAuley, Ben Nicky presents Emotional Havoc, Maddix, Blastoyz and Achilles.  

More through insomniac.com

Bendigo Winemakers Festival

Rosalind Park, Bendigo – April 22

More wine, waiter please

The end of vintage will be celebrated in the heart of Bendigo. Sample the region’s best wines and learn from those who make them. More than 100 wines will be available to taste, while a generous selection of food, entertainment, competitions and music will keep the day rolling nicely.  

More through bendigowine.org.au

Stars & Bars Festival  

Palling Bros Brewery, Heathcote – April 22

You must be their lucky star 

The hospitality of Heathcote will be on full display as they host the latest instalment of the Stars and Bars Festival. Your line-up is The Seven Ups, Karl S. Williams, Leslie D. King and the Trembling Shakes, Jungle Jim Smith, Nathan Seeckts, Riley Catherall, Rhianna Fibbins and Pete Daly. 

More through starsandbars.com.au

Returning to Heathcote in April, Stars & Bars Music Festival is part country music festival, part mystery bus tour

The World is a Vampire 

PICA, Melbourne on April 22 and 27 & Kryal Castlemaine, Ballarat – April 23  

Get on board like a bullet with butterfly wings 

Music meets wrestling as Smashing Pumpkins deliver their The World is a Vampire tour to ten cities around the country. Jane’s Addiction will be along for the ride, as will local favourites Amyl & the Sniffers, RedHook and Battlesnake. Wrestling matches between NWA and WAOA will also feature. 

More through oneworldentertainment.com.au

Whisky Live 

St Kilda Town Hall – April 28 & 29 

Where streams of whiskey are flowing 

Whether you know your regions like the back of your hand or you’re just entering the whisky world, Whisky Live is the perfect place to experience the spirit world. Your ticket price includes access to top-shelf whiskies from around the world, a quality glass to sample, multiple classes and an assortment of food on which to graze. 

More through whiskylive.com.au

The Bubbles Festival

Bells Hotel, South Melbourne – April 28 & 29

A champagne supernova in the sky 

Here’s a festival that’s all about Champers, The French Burp, the Golden Gargle, Millionaire’s Mouthwash, Rapper’s Delight. We’re talking champagne. Ticket price includes tasting sessions, a tasting introduction by The Bubbles Review founder, Natalie Pickett, your very own Riedel champagne tasting glass, canapés and more.  

More through thebubblesreview.com

 

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MICF Roadshow

Kyneton Town Hall, Kyneton on April 28; Geelong West Town Hall, Geelong on April 29; and Ballarat Mechanics Institute, Ballarat on April 30

I started a joke

For those who enjoy bang for your buck, the MICF Roadshow is a cracker of a sampling plate. Now in its 25th year, the Roadshow will be delivering some of the best and brightest as they work their way around the country.  

More through comedyfestival.com.au

Groovin the Moo

Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo – April 29

Everybody’s moovin’, everybody’s groovin’, baby 

Groovin the Moo has been going strong since 2005, steadily growing into one of the country’s favourite festivals. Your line-up is Alt-J, Amy Shark, Ball Park Music, Barkaa, bbno$, The Chats, Choomba, Confidence Man, Denzel Curry, Eliza Rose, Fatboy Slim, Laurel, Luude, Ocean Alley, Omar Apollo, Royel Otis, Skegss, Skepta, Slayyyter, Slowly Slowly, Sophie May, Teen Jesus & the Jean Teasers, Teenage Dads and Teenage Joans. Lex and Pookie are your hosts.       

More through gtm.net.au

Two huge headliner changes for Groovin The Moo festival

CherryRock

Cherry Bar, Melbourne – April 30

They’ve got the way to move you, Cherry 

After an absence of four years, Australia’s only dedicated street rock and roll festival returns. And, as Vern Tessio can attest, cherry is the greatest flavour. At the time of writing, your line-up consisted of Mudhoney and Cosmic Psychos. Keep an eye out for more, but that is a solid start.  

More through cherrybar.com.au 

WIN! We’re giving away double passes to party cabaret Dirty Laundry by Briefs Factory in Castlemaine this week

You’ll be picking glitter out of your smalls for weeks thanks to Briefs Factory, the Australian collective known for their outrageous queer cabaret shows.

Arriving as part of Australia’s flagship regional arts event The Castlemaine State Festival, Dirty Laundry will take place under the Big Top in Castlemaine on Tuesday, 4 April at 8pm.

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

Led by Fez Faanana, aka Shivanana, Dirty Laundry features a lineup of the most beloved Briefs boys, as well as some shiny new talent, and you can expect a night of exceptional drag and ‘boylesque’ turns, as well as acrobatics and raucous, unapologetic comedy.

This crew has being selling out festivals worldwide for 10 years, so don’t even think about missing out on your opportunity to party.

With more glitter stains and ballsy attitude than ever before, your favourite Briefs misfits give you a night of intoxifying physicality, gob-smacking comedy, unapologetic truths, and ridiculous showmanship.

Turn your cycle to HOT as you watch these boys tumble dry and experience a night of irreverent comedy, unapologetic truths, and ridiculous showmanship.

To celebrate the show’s arrival in Castlemaine, we’re giving away two double passes to the show under the Western Reserve Big Top at 8pm.

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 Tuesday, April 4. By entering, you agree to receive marketing collateral from Forte and competition partners. For more info, check out our privacy policy.

Find out more about the show here. Castlemaine State Festival runs from March 24 till April 9 in Castlemaine, Victoria. For a full program guide and tickets visit www.castlemainefestival.com.au