From a small fermentery in Warburton to the world stage, Hairy Armadillo has made an impressive debut by securing a Silver Medal at the 2025 World Alcohol-Free Awards in London. Their Snow Daisy Sparkling Tea stood out among nearly 600 entries from over 30 countries, proving that non-alcoholic beverages can deliver sophistication, complexity, and a truly unique drinking experience. The World Alcohol-Free Awards, the only international competition dedicated exclusively to beverages of 0.5% ABV and below, brings together experts to celebrate innovation in this rapidly growing category. Chris Losh, Director of the Awards, noted the increasing sophistication of entries: “In…
Author: Melbourning
Now open at State Library Victoria, Make Believe: Encounters with Misinformation offers visitors a chance to explore one of today’s most pressing issues through an imaginative lens. This innovative exhibition transforms the Library’s Keith Murdoch Gallery into an immersive space where mirrors, glowing green visuals reminiscent of 1990s screensavers, and interactive elements invite contemplation about how we process information in the digital age. The exhibition cleverly juxtaposes historical materials from the Library’s collections with newly commissioned works by Victorian artists, creating a dialogue that challenges visitors to consider not just what they believe, but why they believe it. Through four thought-provoking themes, Make…
A dazzling light display is headed back to Swan Hill in the July school holidays Swan Hill Rural City Council has announced that River Lights will once again illuminate the region, returning for its third year. Building on the spectacular success of previous years, this year’s event promises an even more mesmerizing experience, transforming the beloved Pioneer Settlement into a breathtaking display of light and storytelling. Mayor Cr Stuart King expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s return, highlighting its unique blend of heritage and innovation. “We are excited to see River Lights return, bringing with it a stunning celebration of…
Melbourne’s Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is planning to build a a competition-grade basketball stadium on its third level, marking an innovative shift in suburban retail spaces. The centre has lodged a Development Application with Whitehorse City Council for the three-court facility, to be developed in partnership with Nunawading Basketball and Basketball Victoria. This first-of-its-kind facility in Melbourne’s east will feature professional-standard courts, training areas, and community spaces designed to nurture local talent while promoting health and wellness. The project would transform the 60-year-old shopping centre into a multifaceted community hub that blends retail, sport, and entertainment. “We’re creating dynamic…
Calling all cat lovers! Australia is about to be taken over by the ultimate feline fanfare as the OzFeline Fair makes its grand debut this May and June. Touring Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, this weekend-long celebration promises a whisker-licking good time for cat enthusiasts of all ages. As the country’s first-ever National Cat Convention, the OzFeline Fair is set to unite breeders, pet owners, and curious cat admirers for a festival packed with entertainment, shopping, and even a cosplay catwalk. Whether you’re a proud cat parent, an aspiring breeder, or just someone who can’t resist a cute kitten video, there’s something…
Step into a galaxy far, far away—built entirely from LEGO. On Thursday 8 May the Melbourne Museum is hosting an exclusive adults-only Nocturnal event, spotlighting the blockbuster LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition that’s opening on 4 May. For one night only, fans can explore this extraordinary showcase after hours, without the usual crowds, and immerse themselves in a world where bricks meet the Force. Created by LEGO Certified Professional Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught, the exhibition features more than 8 million LEGO pieces assembled into towering, life-sized recreations of iconic characters, starships, and cinematic moments from the Star Wars saga. Highlights include models up…
In an extraordinary tribute to wartime bravery, two Victorian-bred carrier pigeons have been immortalized in bronze at Melbourne’s new Anzac Station. These feathered heroes – DD.43.T.139 and DD.43.Q.879 – were awarded the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, for their lifesaving actions during World War II. The pigeons’ remarkable stories are now permanently displayed near the Shrine of Remembrance Reserve. In 1945, DD.43.T.139 battled a tropical storm in New Guinea to deliver a critical distress message from a stranded army boat, leading to the rescue of its crew and vital cargo. Meanwhile, DD.43.Q.879 survived enemy gunfire in…
Victoria’s wine excellence is back in the spotlight as The Real Review announces the 2025 shortlist for its prestigious Top Wineries of Australia awards. With nearly half of the finalists hailing from the state, including standout producers from the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Macedon Ranges, Victoria’s wine regions are proving once again why they’re at the heart of the country’s most exciting drops. This year’s awards have expanded to include eight new categories, celebrating everything from rising stars to the best in sparkling, red, and fortified wines. The Yarra Valley dominates with finalists like Giant Steps’ Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 and Yeringberg’s 2022 red blend, while…
Loyle Carner is heading back to Australia this December for the first time since July 2023, bringing his highly anticipated new album hugo ! to local fans. The album is set for release on Friday, 20 June via Island EMI, perfectly timed with the British hip-hop artist’s headline appearance on Glastonbury’s iconic Other Stage on 27 June. Following his sold-out Australian tour in 2023, Carner will return to perform in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Carner is a critically acclaimed British hip-hop artist known for his introspective lyrics, jazz-infused beats, and emotionally raw storytelling. Emerging with his debut album Yesterday’s Gone in 2017, Carner…
Step into a world of exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance with Kimono, a brand-new, NGV-curated exhibition celebrating the enduring allure of Japan’s most iconic garment. Opening on June 4, 2025, at NGV International, this breathtaking showcase explores the kimono’s profound influence on global art, fashion, and design—from the Edo period to today. Featuring more than 70 meticulously crafted garments, the exhibition highlights the kimono’s unparalleled artistry, from sumptuous silks adorned with gold and silver embroidery to delicate seasonal motifs. Visitors canmarvel at 30+ never-before-seen kimono newly acquired by the NGV, alongside 150+ paintings, prints, and decorative arts that illuminate the garment’s cultural significance. The exhibition bridges past and…
For the past decade, Punk Rock Factory has built a devoted online following with their raucous, high-octane covers of everything from Michael Jackson and ABBA to Nickelback and Panic! At The Disco. Their viral reinventions of pop-culture anthems—including Disney favourites like Frozen, Moana, and even Cars—have earned them a reputation as the ultimate punk-rock party starters. Now, after their wildly successful 2023 Australian tour, they’re roaring back for another round of high-energy shows this November. In Melbourne you can catch them at Max Watts on 23 November. “G’day mates!” the band declares. “Hide the spiders, crank up the John Parr, we are coming…
Trip the light fantastic from Berlin to Hollywood as Signum Saxophone Quartet team-up with renegade Australian opera star and cabaret queen Ali McGregor for a seven-city national tour this May. The Hollywood Songbook opens in Canberra on Saturday 3 May, before visiting Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney and Newcastle, and concluding in Perth on Saturday 17 May. Melbourne audiences will be able to experience it at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Tuesday 6 May. Musica Viva Australia is delighted to welcome back the Berlin-based quartet for the first time since their critically-acclaimed debut tour of Australia in 2022. “This beautiful collaboration is a nod to the transformational…