Celebrating the region’s food, drink and hospitality:
TASTES OF GREATER GEELONG
AT LITTLE AT LITTLE CCREATURES REATURES
EDITOR
Frankie Anderson-Byrne
PARTNERSHIPS
& CAMPAIGN MANAGER
Matt Wilkinson
DESIGNER
Riley McDonald
GIG GUIDE
Frankie Anderson-Byrne
CONTRIBUTORS
Alex Callan, Chester Ogilvie, Chloe Cicero, Molly England
ILLUSTRATIONS
Alixandra June
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EDITORIAL NOTE
I’ve been preparing you all for Winter for months now, and it’s finally arrived! Though there are still a few rays of sunshine filtering through the treetops to warm our upturned cheeks.
Æ This edition of Forte is welcoming the change of season with a stellar little mag.
First up…warming our bellies and celebrating the region’s food, drink and hospitality offerings, the annual mid-winter festival Tastes of Greater Geelong is our cover feature for June. Come along on a culinary adventure and take part in local gatherings and special menus featuring more than 80 events to explore, a delightful way to spend the colder months!
A few less features than usual this month, but no less spectacular! We chat to local dynamic diva DJ duo Ratking222 and Reefer Angel about their effortlessly sexy beats, piano extraordinaire Kym Dillon on her upcoming album; an eight-piece masterpiece of compositions that capture herself and Anglesea Performing Arts’ first production for 2025; Women of Troy. Troy has fallen and only the women remain. Witness the aftermath of war through the eyes of Hecuba, Cassandra, Andromache and Helen as they navigate grief and hold onto what remains of their lives amidst the rubble.
The latest sonic projects from Private Function, e4444e, Obongjayer, Iron Mind and Motörhead’s recently uncovered The Manticore Tapes have been put to the test by our resident album reviewer, Al Cal, who is always one to tell it like it is!
A lovely little mix of venues for our spotlights for June, with The Coast Restaurant and Bar, Smith and Co Foods, Ceres Distilling and Bread Brothers Baking Co all proving they’ve perfected their crafts and supported local produce in the process.
This edition might be small, but it is mighty and, as always, Forte is all about championing local music, arts, culture, tastes and the vibrant community we have here. Enjoy the read and stay warm folks!
Fondly, Frankie x
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS
Our magazine is published on the lands of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation, and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.
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COVER
@beanybeanybeans @edenariston
Our June cover is Brian Anderson, Head Chef at Baah Lah! Dining. Photo by Jane Fitzgerald.
FRANKIE Editor
MATT Partnerships & Campaign Manager ‘Time To Pretend’ MGMT
“I
NEWS
GEAR UP FOR THIS HUGE WINTER FESTIVAL THAT HAS IT ALL
The month-long extravaganza of the East Gippsland Winter Festival will see over 100 events take place right across East Gippsland from Fri 20 June – Sun 20 July, 2025. Expect beautiful hand-made lanterns, projection art that augments reality, live music in unexpected places, engaging pop-up events, long lunches and winter feasts in spectacular locations, creative hands-on workshops, wellness experiences overlooking lakes, on-foot adventures and so much more.
RISING
2025: MELBOURNE’S WINTER FESTIVAL LED BY SUKI WATERHOUSE, PETE & BAS, BLACK STAR
RISING, Melbourne’s rapturous winter festival, returns in 2025 with a bold, expansive program of new art, music and performance across the CBD. Over 12 nights, the city will transform into a pulsating playground featuring 65 events, 327 artists, 15 new commissions, nine world premieres and a dazzling array of Australian exclusives. RISING will spill into Melbourne’s laneways, arcades, underground basements and grand theatres from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 15 June.
GROUNDWATER TALKS
CONTINUE WITH COMMUNITY MEETING AND ANGLESEA RIVER PADDLE OUT PROTEST
Friends of Anglesea River are calling on the community to discuss the ongoing effects of groundwater pumping in the local area, with an update on their Dump the Pump campaign.
The meeting comes after American mining corporation ALCOA recently submitted a formal groundwater license‘ application and Friends of Anglesea River continue its five-year fight against this latest water bid.
THIS
HIDDEN FESTIVAL WILL TRANSFORM OCEAN GROVE ALLEYS INTO A LUMINOUS DREAMSCAPE
Grove Illuminated, a boutique afterdark festival of light, music and art, will ignite the night this June, transforming a tucked-away laneway in Ocean Grove into a glowing, immersive celebration of creativity, community and nature.
WINE, WOODFIRED PIZZA AND FREE TUNES – ROCHFORD WINES EXTENDS ITS SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE MUSIC SERIES
Kicking off this May and rolling all the way through to the start of spring, Rochford’s teaming up once again with Music Victoria to bring another ten nights of live music magic to the valley. We’re talking homegrown Melbourne talent – from soulful singer-songwriters to genre-hopping bands – lighting up the winery’s intimate indoor stage.
TOMMY LITTLE ANNOUNCES GEELONG SHOW ON COUNTRY-WIDE I’M NOT PROUD TOUR
Comedy powerhouse Tommy Little is bringing his laugh-outloud hour of hilarious storytelling to Geelong this August.
From mischievous personal stories to his hot take on the absurdities of the world we inhabit, I’m Not Proud promises to deliver the laughs as Tommy exposes the funny side of the moments that have made him who he is today.
SPILT MILK FESTIVAL CONFIRMS NATIONWIDE 2025 DATES, LOCATIONS
Spilt Milk festival returns to Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and Gold Coast this December.
The popular summer music festival will kick off its national tour in Victoria before heading west and finishing on the east coast over two consecutive weekends.
RUSSELL MORRIS ADDS GEELONG AND BENDIGO DATES TO FAREWELL TOUR
After nearly six decades of iconic Australian music, Russell Morris is taking his final bow — and lucky for regional fans, he’s bringing the magic to Geelong and Bendigo.
With his Farewell Tour selling out across the country, two highly anticipated regional Victorian shows have just been added: Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre on 31 July and Geelong’s Costa Hall on 2 August.
SOCCER MOMMY IS BRINGING HER DREAMY SOUND BACK TO AUSTRALIA FOR SOME VERY SPECIAL SHOWS
Alt-indie darling Soccer Mommy (aka Sophie Allison) is heading back Down Under this June 2025, and fans are already buzzing.
After her unforgettable 2023 tour, she’s making a much-anticipated return — and this time, she’s not just stopping by the big cities.
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.
THE 20TH WOODEND WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL IS A FOURDAY CREATIVE FEAST
Known as Australia’s longeststanding winter arts festival, WWAF has earned a reputation for being a vibrant celebration of creativity, and this milestone year is no exception.
The highly anticipated Woodend Winter Arts Festival (WWAF) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and this June, the charming village of Woodend in the heart of the Macedon Ranges will come alive with four unforgettable days of music, film, and fascinating conversations.
IRELAND TAKES THE STAGE: CULTURE IRELAND BRINGS TOP TALENT TO NATIONAL CELTIC FOLK FESTIVAL 2025
What’s the Craic?
This year’s lineup brings together a vibrant mix of international and national talent, guaranteed to get you on your feet. From electric tunes and dynamic theatre to gourmet food and captivating storytelling, this year’s program is bursting with vibrant traditions and contemporary creativity.
BALL PARK MUSIC ANNOUNCE MASSIVE AUSTRALIAN TOUR
The band has announced the release of their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Like Love, set to drop on Friday 4 April. Alongside the album announcement, they’ve unveiled their latest single, ‘Please Don’t Move To Melbourne,’ and revealed plans for a massive Australian and New Zealand tour this coming May and June.
OUR GUIDE TO THE CASTLEMAINE DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL 2025: TRUTH, YOU COULDN’T MAKE THIS STUFF UP
The Castlemaine Documentary Festival returns mid-winter for another non-stop weekend of bold, boundary-pushing nonfiction film.
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.
JOURNEY THROUGH THE CHURCH’S ICONIC HITS ON THE SINGLES TOUR: A CAREER RETROSPECTIVE
One of Australia’s most iconic and enduring bands is hitting the road this November for a celebration of their legendary songbook, spanning over four decades of musical brilliance.
Formed in 1980, The Church have earned their place in the ARIA Hall of Fame and have remained a powerful force in the world of rock music.
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON GEELONG’S NEWEST HUB FOR LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE
This game-changing project is set to transform a historic church into Geelong’s go-to venue for live music, comedy, theatre, dance, and all kinds of performance, with an expected opening in early 2026. The highly anticipated Church Redevelopment Project at Geelong Arts Centre is officially underway, marking an exciting new chapter for the region’s arts and culture scene.
THELMA PLUM IS TAKING HER NEW ALBUM ON THE “I’M SORRY, WHERE IS THAT?” REGIONAL TOUR
If you thought Thelma Plum was done after her huge 2024 tour—think again. After selling out some of the country’s biggest and bougiest venues, Thelma’s swapping the city lights for starry skies. This time around, she’s hitting the road (and we mean the road) to bring her stunning second album, I’m Sorry, Now Say it Back, to some of the most beautiful and remote pockets of Australia.
MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA ARE BRINGING THEIR WILD NEW TOUR TO GEELONG AND CASTLEMAINE
The ARIA Award-winning ska legends have just dropped their epic new single ‘Walls of Jericho’, a cinematic, brass-heavy banger that sounds like it was ripped straight from a Spaghetti Western and thrown into a reggae-drenched dancefloor.
But wait, there’s more — the band’s also announced their massive ‘The Ballad of Monte Loco’ tour, which is hitting stages all around the world between July and October 2025. The best part? They’re making two killer local stops right here in Victoria.
TASTES OF GREATER GEELONG 2025: A WINTER CELEBRATION OF FLAVOUR
Now in it’s 14th year, Tastes of Greater Geelong returns with over 80 events celebrating the region’s rich food, wine and hospitality culture. Proudly delivered by the City of Greater Geelong.
Æ This mid-winter festival offers a diverse and delicious program that invites locals and visitors alike to explore the tastes, traditions, and talents that make Greater Geelong one of Australia’s most exciting culinary destinations. From street festivals and brunches to exclusive dining and hands-on classes, there’s something for every palate.
Curious to see the full program? Head to geelongaustralia.com.au/tastes
Tastes Winter Festival
WHERE: JOHNSTONE PARK, GEELONG
WHEN: 20 JUN 5–9PM
Kick off the festival in style at this magical winter celebration in the heart of Geelong. Expect multicultural street food, glowing fire pits, and sweet treats like hot chocolate and mulled wine. Watch dazzling light projections on City Hall and immerse yourself in interactive art installations by Carla O’Brien. With roving performers, a silent disco led by Guru Dudu, and vibrant community spirit, this free family-friendly event sets the tone for a month of culinary joy.
Leisurely Lunch
WHERE: MT DUNEED ESTATE
WHEN: EVERY THU & FRI 20 JUN–4 JUL
Enjoy a relaxing two-course lunch surrounded by vineyard views at Mt Duneed Estate. Choose from a selection of main meals accompanied by a shared side and a glass from the estate’s Regional wine range. Finish with a delightful dessert and tea or coffee in the estate’s warm, welcoming dining space. Perfect for a winter treat with friends or loved ones.
18th Amendment Bar Gin Dinner at Tulip
WHERE: TULIP RESTAURANT, GEELONG
WHEN: 25 JUN 6PM
Experience a one-night-only collaboration between Tulip Restaurant and the 18th Amendment Bar. Enjoy Tulip’s “Chef’s Selection” menu paired with gin tastings, cocktails, and a signature G&T. This intimate evening is limited to just 50 guests and features bold, local flavours from both kitchen and bar. Vegan, vegetarian, and other dietary needs are welcomed with advance notice.
Argot du Brunch à Volonté
(Bottomless Brunch)
WHERE: CLARIBEAUX, CURLEWIS
WHEN: 22 JUN 11AM
Indulge in a luxurious French-inspired fourcourse brunch at Claribeaux. This bottomless experience includes free-flowing champagne, Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and more. Enjoy premium mocktails, barista-made coffee, or loose-leaf tea in a beautifully designed space. It’s a sophisticated yet playful way to enjoy a long brunch with friends, with something for everyone on offer.
Sip, Stir & Shake: A Hands-On Cocktail Masterclass
WHERE: NON DISCLOSURE BAR, GEELONG
WHEN: MULTIPLE DATES
Learn the secrets behind your favourite cocktails at this fun and interactive masterclass. Enjoy a Prosecco on arrival before diving into cocktail history, techniques, and hands-on mixing. You’ll make and taste two cocktails each session, with themes like “Juniper Jaunt” and “Wowing Whiskies.” Whether you’re a cocktail novice or enthusiast, this engaging session at Non Disclosure Bar is sure to impress.
UPCOMING THEMES:
• 22 Jun: Juniper Jaunt Southside & Martini
• 29 Jun: Tasty Tequilas Paloma & Margarita
• 6 Jul: Modern Classics Espresso Martini & Amaretto Sour
• 13 Jul: Wowing Whiskies Whiskey Sour & Old Fashioned
• 20 Jul: Rum Rendezvous Daiquiri & Mai Tai
Bubbles and Brunch
WHERE: WATERFRONT PANTRY, GEELONG
WHEN: 21 JUN 11AM–1PM
Step into a chic converted wool store on the Geelong waterfront and enjoy a two-course brunch curated by Head Chef Bevan Vahland. This shared-to-table menu highlights regional produce and is paired with flowing sparkling wine, fresh coffee, and tea. It’s the ideal way to ease into the weekend in a stylish, relaxed setting with flavours to match the view
Traditional Ukrainian Dinner
WHERE: THE DILL SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, OCEAN GROVE
WHEN: 25 JUNE
Celebrate culture and comfort at The Dill with a special Ukrainian dinner crafted by Head Chef Ivan Roianov. Each dish reflects traditional Eastern European flavours with a focus on hearty ingredients like potatoes, mushrooms, cabbage, and meats. Expect vibrant, soulful food that tells a story and offers a taste of Ukraine’s rich culinary heritage in a welcoming, coastal setting.
Geelong Decantered: A Tasting Series
WHERE: GEELONG CELLAR DOOR, GEELONG
WHEN: EVERY THU 26 JUN–10 JUL
Join a four-week wine tasting journey showcasing the best of Geelong’s wine regions including the Bellarine, Moorabool Valley, and Surf Coast. Each session highlights local terroir and innovative winemaking, guided by expert hosts. Held in the intimate Geelong Cellar Door, this series offers a personal connection to winemakers and their stories, making it a must-attend for wine lovers.
Mid Winter Banquet: Baah Lah! and Anther Distillery
WHERE: BAAH LAH!, GEELONG
WHEN: 26 JUNE
Take your tastebuds on a Singapore-inspired journey with an eight-course banquet by Baah Lah!’s Brian Anderson. Each dish is paired with cocktails crafted by Sebastian Reaburn using Anther Distillery’s award-winning spirits. Highlights include Mooncake Gin and unique non-alcoholic pairings created with local artisans The Curious Cabinet. A warm, creative, and bold dining experience perfect for a winter’s night.
The Davidson Native Dining Experience
WHERE: THE DAVIDSON, GEELONG WHEN: 27 JUN 6:30PM
Explore native Australian ingredients in an elegant four-course menu designed by Executive Chef Daniel Brehaut. Held at The Davidson, this event is paired with cocktails featuring The Curious Cabinet’s shrub syrups and wines from Lethbridge. Celebrate local flavours in a sophisticated and welcoming setting, ideal for foodies seeking an experience grounded in Australia’s culinary roots.
Smoked Fish Winter Warmers: Cooking Class
WHERE: BELLARINE SMOKEHOUSE, DRYSDALE
WHEN: 29 JUN & 6 JUL 10:30AM–1PM
Warm up your winter kitchen with this hands-on cooking class led by Bellarine Smokehouse owner Sarah Fenton. Learn to prepare comforting dishes like smoked fish chowder, barramundi curry, and a hearty fish pie using locally smoked seafood. With tips on techniques and health benefits, this class is a delicious introduction to cooking with smoked fish at home.
To celebrate, we’re giving away 1 x mixed 6 pack of premium Bellarine wines (Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Leura Park Estate, Yes said the Seal, Cat out of the Bag) valued at $240 AND 1 x $100 Flying Brick Cider Co voucher to two lucky Forte readers.
To enter, use the QR code here:
Hot, safe, and sexy: Inside the sisterhood of RATKING222 and REEFER ANGEL
One hot, sticky night in Geelong, the kind where the club air is thick with bass and bodies, Ratking222 and Reefer Angel took the decks for just the third time ever, closing for Partiboi69.
Æ
“We had no idea how to mix,” laughs Lucy, aka Ratking222. “And we were so nervous but it was a really beautiful night. The most important part of clubbing for us is people connecting with each other and feeling safe and hot.”
Gemma, aka Reefer Angel, grins. “We brought in DJ Gigola’s Gratitude Practice during the set. Slowed it right down, then kicked it back up. Not everything has to be the biggest drop, it’s about giving people space to feel and return to their bodies. That’s the feeling we chase.”
They’ve been chasing it since 2021, when they first met while working together at Captain. There was a DJ playing a long, drawn-out closing track, playing around with effects. “We just looked at each other and giggled at the fun of it all,” Gemma says. “We hadn’t even spoken that shift, it was such an immediate connection.”
Both had been the ones in charge of the aux at parties. “Music has always been integral to my relationships,” Lucy says. “I used to walk around school with headphones on, constantly making playlists and I meet so many people through music. When Gem and I met, we were talking about music straight away. While working at Captain we’d be watching all the DJs, just soaking it up.”
Soon enough, they were behind the decks themselves. Their first gig, a back-to-back at Bloom, was chaotic and unforgettable. “Twenty of our mates, no clue what we were doing, just pure fun,” says Lucy. “We have it all recorded. It’s very smiley.”
From there, doors opened. They were offered bigger gigs, but they weren’t just showing up to play tunes, they were curating entire environments. “We’d decorate the space, bring in different themes. That wasn’t something clubs were really doing,” says Gemma. “We wanted to build a whole world, not just a set.”
What they brought felt fresh. “It was intimidating coming in to a masculine environment, as the token women,” says Gemma. “There have been many pioneer femmes in the scene, we definitely aren’t the first to be apart of it, after COVID, diversity became a larger conversation in the club scene,” Lucy agreed. “Martha and Jazz were some locals in the scene around 2018, and local girls on the rise since COVID we love are Eva, Mordi coming from Geelong too, D Tiffany, Mabel, Roza Terenzi, Ms Kittin, Maara and more.”
“Ultimately we want the spaces we play to feel safe, fun, and hot. That’s the core of it for us.”
Learning how to actually DJ was a process. “We didn’t own decks, so we’d stay back after hours at Captain, doing lock-ins, practicing until 5am,” Lucy says. “At that Bloom gig, we’d only touched the decks six or seven times. But we kept learning. I don’t think I’ll ever stop, there’s too much to absorb. Watching other artists play is like watching magic.”
From the beginning, they were intentional about building a sound that felt true to them. “I only download tracks I genuinely like,” says Gemma. “That’s what the crowd is coming to hear, your taste, your energy.” Lucy says they each have distinct solo sounds, but when they play together, it’s all about rhythm and response. “It’s not a competition. It’s like a tennis match, we serve back and forth, surprising and celebrating each other.”
What makes it work is trust. “When we’re back-to-back, I don’t even have to think. I trust Gem completely,” says Lucy. “I’m more extroverted, but on stage she’s the confident one. We fill in each other’s gaps. That kind of trust built so fast; it turned into this beautiful friendship and love.”
Having each other made everything feel possible. “Having your best mate up there? It’s the best,” Gemma says. “The support we get is incredible. When we play, so many of our friends, especially women, come out to dance. There’s so much love in the room.”
One of their most iconic sets was closing for Partiboi69. “We’d only been playing for a month,” Gemma laughs. “The club was packed, 38 degrees, everyone was sweaty and basically naked. That’s my ideal club night.” Lucy adds, “The crowd had no idea what was going on in the most beautiful way. It was messy, fun, and unforgettable.”
Now, both are diving into production; slowly, thoughtfully. “I’ve released two tracks,” says Gemma. “I already want to go back and rework them. But it’s fun to explore.” Lucy’s also starting to explore the space. “Even if it’s just us creating things to keep learning, it’s exciting.”
As for why they do it? “It’s just fun, and we’ve worked hard to get to this point,” says Gemma, “Pure joy. I want everyone to feel sexy and free, that’s when I feel my best. It’s an exchange. You give that energy to the crowd and it comes right back.”
Lucy nods. “I’m not there to be looked at. I’m there to hold the sound. I want people interacting with each other, not staring at me. I want to be the vessel for that feeling.”
Even with a room full of people, Lucy says, “I’m really just up there with Gem.”
That might be the secret. It’s not about being the performer, it’s about creating a space where people feel safe, sexy, and free to dance like everyone’s watching.
REEFER ANGEL
BLOOM 8 JUN WITH CRY BABY
BAR CAPTAIN 14 JUN WITH ANDY GARVEY
Plenty of faces, fewer crowds.
Get a close-up look of Australia’s finest portraits for the Archibald Prize 2025 during the off-peak season. Opening August 30th at the Geelong Gallery. Off-Peak. On Point.
A conversation with KYM DILLON, piano extraordinaire
WORDS BY MOLLY ENGLAND
It only takes two minutes in the company of Kym Dillon to understand what a spectacular kind of person she is.
Æ Composer, conductor, public speaker, and performer; Kym is a multifaceted artist. You may have seen her on the news with one of the choirs she conducts including One Voice Geelong, or giving a pre-concert talk with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Our conversation started with Virginia Woolf, which always promises excellent discourse.
I’m lucky to catch Kym at home. She’s often touring with artists, accompanying performers or busy composing for commissions. It’s a gift to catch up and hear her news and question her on what art she’s consuming. It’s our shared love of literature and Lorelai Gilmore that lead us into our discussion of Kym’s latest venture – her first album.
Kym’s the kind of person that creates quality wherever she goes. She’s written, performed, and recorded, but never attempted a solo album. It’s been a journey of embracing the performer within for Kym, who in performance and reality is a joy to experience. For this album she’s now composed eight pieces that capture herself and I’m itching to hear it.
Kym asks whether she can run her working title past me; ‘Vendestiny’. It’s perfect. Open enough to artistic interpretations without being prescriptive, allowing for all listeners to connect with the piece in their own way while guiding them toward the ideas of fate. For me, it offers an image of the intersection of all factions of our experiences – the good, the past, the pain – which lead us to this tiny bullseye that makes us who we are. A transcendental feat of deliberate destiny, perhaps.
Kym also suggests the image of a fate-dealing vending machine, a crossroads between the mundane and the extraordinary.
I knew our conversation was going to be excellent.
Kym’s magic weaves a transcendental reality in which you are ushered through the landscapes of her pieces, each one introducing a new fragment of herself. Carried on the wavs of liquid piano, she moves between varying styles, such as a big orchestral, Hans Zimmer-like piece, all the way to adulatory jazz. Each piece Kym has given a title to, which she offers as a key into each ecosystem she’s cultivated. Her piano personalities – an excellent expression - are captured across the eight pieces on this album.
“Just piano?” I ask. But under Kym’s capable hands it’s never just piano. The acoustic sessions become an orchestra unto themselves, weaving sounds and moods into a magical fabric Kym embraces her audience in. Each piece starts with a mood, such as a melancholy moment one late evening, where on a train platform a few chords twinkled in Kym’s mind. She notes the chords down, and the next morning, in her allocated creative time each dawn with a cup of coffee for company, she begins crafting. Kym’s process reminds me that great geniuses never stumble upon their work. The divine thought isn’t delivered on a cloud but rather gently moulded into existence. For Kym each piece is critiqued, analysed, and redrafted, shifted and recalibrated. It sits to rest, and Kym often revisits recordings of the fractions she writes while driving, listening back to find the moments where things may be missing, using her musicianship to adapt and adjust. It takes time, demands focus and intentionality to craft a world both accessible and authentic. Labour of love I think correctly reflects the process of creating a sonic time capsule of her experiences, skills and passion.
Kym’s creative process allows what she affectionately refers to as noodling, the musicianship and jazz-like instincts to improvise and explore themes, moods and moments within the score of a written piece. She composes her pieces with her instincts in mind, creating spaces for her future self to explore impulses when performing, creating authenticity and a genuineness you only get from an acoustic piano and a magnificent performer.
As we speak, Kym’s recently recorded album now sits with her audio engineer being mastered and will soon move towards publication, with live shows to launch it. It would be silly for music publishers not to snap at the opportunity to bring Kym’s work to the world, as her musical following and industry connections make her a stalwart in the Melbourne and Geelong scene. With Kym casting spells cross genres and performance styles with her keys, you’re always in for a musical, beautiful treat.
While I hope she remains with Vendestiny, however she decides to bring these eight pieces into the world, with Kym and her piano at the helm, we’re promised a journey full of feeling, truth and beautiful sonic experience.
War, women, and what comes after: Anglesea Performing Arts Reimagines WOMEN OF TROY
WORDS BY FRANKIE ANDERSON-BYRNE
Almost two and a half thousand years after it was first performed, Euripides’ Women of Troy continues to echo with relevance and this winter, Anglesea Performing Arts (APA) is giving it a powerful new voice.
Æ Under the direction of Janine Mckenzie, and co-directed by Iris Walshe-Howling, this adaptation also written by McKenzie is not just a play; it’s a protest, a conversation, and a call for compassion in a world still riven by war, displacement, and the human cost of power.
“It started 2,500 years ago as a protest against war,” Mckenzie says. “And sadly, it’s still timely. It deals not with the heroes of war— the Hectors and Parises—but with those left behind to pay the price: the women, the children, the ordinary people.”
Set in the ruins of Troy after the Greeks’ brutal conquest, Women of Troy turns its gaze on the survivors. The husbands and sons are dead or gone; the women await enslavement. The play strips away the glory of war and reveals its true cost, not in bloodshed on battlefields, but in the wreckage left behind.
Mckenzie, who joined APA in 2006 and has since written and directed numerous works, was drawn to the challenge of revisiting this classic. “We hadn’t done a Greek tragedy in a while—the last was Medea in 2010—and I was curious if we could do justice to a story people already know pieces of: the Trojan Horse, the fall of Troy.”
Initially planning to work from an existing script, Mckenzie found herself compelled to write her own adaptation. “I’d read so many versions, but I kept seeing the same thing; women turning on each other, Helen as the scapegoat. I didn’t want to tell that story.”
Instead, she chose to focus on solidarity and strength. “I was interested in Hecuba as a leader—a woman who’s lost everything, but must find a way to lead others through the aftermath. It’s a fraught space, because when women reach the top, it can be hard to hold on to the qualities you value. I wanted to explore how she might emerge with her integrity intact.”
Lina Libro Aperto takes on the role of Hecuba, a performance Mckenzie describes as central to the production’s emotional core. “She’s a prototypical female leader, encouraging the others to keep going. She’s not defeated. She’s formidable and less hopeless than in other versions.”
Around Hecuba are an ensemble of six actors, all of whom take turns as chorus members as well as title characters, an intentional decision to evoke the ancient tradition of oral storytelling. “We wanted it to feel like a group gathered around a fire, telling stories that matter,” Mckenzie says.
The cast includes Stacey Charmichael as Cassandra, the cursed prophetess doomed to speak truths no one believes. “I’ve always been fascinated by her,” Mckenzie explains. “It seems to represent what we see now with scientists warning us about climate change; people we dismiss because we don’t like the way they say it, even when they’re right.”
Newcomer Sarah Crowe portrays Helen of Troy, the woman whose beauty is blamed for sparking the war. In Mckenzie’s version, Helen is no longer just a convenient villain. “We’ve taken some of the heat off her,” she says. “I wanted to move away from women blaming women.”
featured is Libby Stapleton, deputy mayor of the Surf Coast
in the role of Andromache, widow of Hector. Longtime APA collaborators Steven Georgdiardis and Philip Besancon round out the cast as Talthybius and Menelaus, respectively, two men with vastly different responses to power and loss. “Talthybius is almost a public servant,” says Mckenzie. “Trying to negotiate terms, broker peace, and ultimately a messenger to the women about their fate.”
APA’s signature collaborative spirit shines throughout the production. Iris Walshe-Howling brings experience and fresh insight as co-director. Costume designer Nikki Watson is reimagining ancient aesthetics with sustainable methods, using repurposed fabrics and natural dyeing techniques. “Environmental consideration is part of our ethos,” Mckenzie notes. “As much as possible, we upcycle materials.”
The result is a production both ancient and modern, a mirror held up to our times. “It’s about war, yes,” Mckenzie says. “But it’s also about envy, power, and climbing over others to get what you want. It’s about the strength to endure, to rebuild, to honour the capacity to create something beautiful rather than destroy it.”
The cast’s movement work, led by Charmichael’s background in physical theatre, adds another layer to the storytelling, as do the design choices, which blend ritual and realism. APA has taken shows to the Edinburgh Fringe before, and this one carries the same ambition and heart.
With a powerful ensemble, bold creative choices, and a searingly relevant script, APA’s Women of Troy offers not just a theatrical experience, but a meditation on what it means to survive, and to lead, in the aftermath.
WOMEN OF TROY
WHERE: ANGLESEA PERFORMING ARTS
WHEN: 13, 14, 21 JUN @ 8PM 14, 21, 22 JUN @ 2PM
Also
Shire,
Credit: Emily Ross
ARTS GUIDE
WORDS BY CHESTER OGILVIE
BRETT WHITELEY:
INSIDE THE STUDIO
In the world of Australian art, Brett Whiteley is arguably the most iconic. In 1978 he would win the three major awards – Archibald, Wynne and Sulman. He was the first to do so. More than thirty years since his passing, his work continues to be explored and appreciated like few others. With thanks to the collections of the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Brett Whiteley Studio, this exhibition features major works and early abstractions alongside archival photographs depicting the artist at work.
SHEPPARTON ART
MUSEUM, SHEPPARTON 28 JUN–5 OCT
BALLARAT PRIDE EXHIBITIONS
As part of Ballarat Pride, several exhibitions will take place throughout June. Peter Waples-Crowe: Ngaya (I Am), an exhibition showing the intersection of his First Nations and LGBTQIA+ identity, will be presented by the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Queer Views II is an online exhibition of works from the Art Gallery of Ballarat created through a queer lens. Unicorn Lane will host The Poetic Eye: A Photographic Journey by Kylie Supski from June 13 through July 22. And Ballarat Library will host the Pet Pride Community Photo Exhibition.
MALDON PORTRAIT PRIZE
Taking on a role of part observer, part translator, portrait painting becomes a conversation between the artist and subject. Presented by the Maldon Artist Network, this is the fifth year of the Maldon Art Prize. Finalists include Thomas Delohery, Tamara Perrett, Shelley Fremlin, Shane Jones, Liz Sullivan, Linda Schneider, Liadaan, Leigh Hewitt, Kat Richards, Elise Judd, Claire Maud, Charlotte Conley, Brendan Nicholl, Anh Nguyen, Andrea Wilson, James Anderson, Hannah Crawshaw, Graeme Galloway, Glenda Fell Jones and Alannah Rosenbrock.
CASCADE ART GALLERY, MALDON UNTIL 29 JUN
WE THE MAKERS
From the 1970s when hippies and punks adopted sustainable fashion in a challenge to mass consumerism, through to the 1980s when political activist and designer Katharine Hamnett began her research on fashion’s socioecological impact, to today’s embrace of ethical practice and consumer activism, sustainable fashion is here to stay. We the Makers is a biennial program that not only champions the cause, but showcases the visionary work of the next generation of fashion designers while highlighting Geelong’s pivotal role in the industry.
NATIONAL WOOL
MUSEUM, GEELONG 13 JUN–30 NOV
BENDIGO RAW ARTS AWARDS
Visual arts, literature, performing arts and short film are all represented in the long-running RAW Arts Awards, a showcase of the talented young people living, studying or working primarily in the Bendigo Greater region who are aged 25 and under. More than 100 entries have been received in 2025. Before the exhibition, an awards showcase will take place on
Thursday, June 5 featuring performances from entrants in the performing arts category, screening of short film entries and the presentation of prizes.
DUDLEY HOUSE, BENDIGO 6–9 JUN
FROM BEACH TO BUSH
Some find a sense of calm taking a stroll along the beach as the sound of the waves lap rhythmically at the shore. Time slows down, the mind unwinds. Some find a sense of calm taking a bush walk, where you make your own trail as the stillness and sounds play off of each other. Here, Michelle Fillmore, Vicki-Maree Barnett, Kerryn Gallagher, Sarah Russ, Catchy Donovan and Roger Binger provide an exhibition across multiple mediums that showcase their landscapes, flora and fauna.
ARTS INC GALLERY, APOLLO BAY 6–10 JUN
REFUSAL / FUTURITY
I exist. These two words can describe the philosophy of self-portraiture. Flemish Renaissance painter Caterina van Hemessen, then aged twenty, is credited as one of the earliest women to have created a self-portrait, having done so in 1548. Refusal / Futurity is an exhibition of contemporary women’s self-portraiture (or those who identify as women) and how they use this medium to subvert the colonial, western and patriarchal gaze. Artists include Eddie Abd, Hayley Millar Baker, Amy Carkeek, Pia Johnson, Clare Rae, Jahkarli Felicitas Romanis and Jody Haines.
PLATFORM ARTS, GEELONG UNTIL 11 JUL
CASTLEMAINE ROTARY ART SHOW
In 1935, Castlemaine Rotary was founded with an inaugural dinner at the Mechanics Hall. More broadly, Chicago attorney Paul Harris formed the first Rotary Club of Chicago in 1905. In order for the Rotary to be able to continue its community-based work, the Castlemaine Art Show was created. This year marks its 36th exhibition and sale. Local businesses are behind the prizes, while those who attend can vote in the People’s Choice Award.
CASTLEMAINE TOWN HALL, CASTLEMAINE JUN 6–9
STAGE GUIDE
WORDS BY CHESTER OGILVIE
GERALDINE HICKEY: MEANDER
Who doesn’t enjoy a good meander? Whether it’s taking off on a walk with no fixed destination or letting the mind play like a cat in a sunbeam, it’s a little joy to be sure. It’s even better when you combine the two. You know who really enjoys a good meander? Geraldine Hickey, so much so she’s named her show just that. And just like anyone else, occasionally she may need a little help to rein in her meandering ways.
LIGHTHOUSE STUDIO, WARRNAMBOOL 14 JUN
THE BIRDS
This is no gentle early morning birdlife call. Instead, brace yourself for the hellish soundscape of The Birds. Presented by Malthouse Theatre and starring awardwinning actor Paula Arundell (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), this is an adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s classic gothic horror made famous by Hitchcock. The weather has turned in a small town, and war has been declared. As the lights are switched off and headphones placed on, this theatrical feat of audio engineering will have you dodging and ducking for cover.
THE OPEN HOUSE, GAC 11–14 JUN
BURNOUT PARADISE
More than 200 years ago, the treadmill was used in prisons as a rehabilitation device. They could be used to mill corn or pump some water, but essentially they were used for atonement. What could possibly go wrong here then? Four performers mount four treadmills as a wager between audience and performer becomes an attempt to complete increasingly tough treadmill tasks. This is not about endurance. This is not performance art. Presented by Pont Cam, this is a chaotic celebration of one’s struggle to establish boundaries.
THE OPEN HOUSE, GAC 27 & 28 JUN
THE DEPLORABLES
“It certainly required a very considerable amount of courage on the part of the ladies to undertake to play a cricket match in public.” And so were the words printed in the Bendigo Advertiser in 1874 regarding the first women’s cricket match played as part of the Easter Fair to raise funds for the Bendigo Hospital and Benevolent Asylum. Written by Christine Davey and presented by Skin of our Teeth Productions, The Deplorables is a celebration of extraordinary women doing extraordinary things.
THE ENGINE ROOM, BENDIGO 7 & 8 JUN
NEXT FALL
Going back beyond Paul Abdul’s 1989 hit Opposites Attract, the opposites attract term was posited by sociologist Robert Francis Winch who studied spouses in the 1950s. It plays a key role in Geoffrey Nauffts’ Next Fall. Taking place as part of Ballarat Pride, the story follows Adam and Luke, a committed couple navigating their opposing beliefs – Adam is an atheist, while Luke is a devout Christian. Mixing humour with sharp honesty, love, faith and family are explored in this Tony-nominated play, presented by Ballarat National Theatre.
BALLARAT MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE (MINERVA SPACE), BALLARAT 19–22 JUN
HORRORTORIO
The year is 1897. The venue is Castle Dracula. The event is the wedding of all weddings as Miss Dracula and Frankenstein tie the knot in most wicked nuptial bliss. Presented by Apollo Productions, this one-act comic opera play could be described as Handel meets Harry Potter. It was written by Alistair Sampson and Joseph Horovitz in 1961 and is a parody of the horror films made famous by legendary studio Hammer Film Productions in the tradition of cantatas and oratorios.
ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL, BENDIGO 12 & 13 JUN
THE APPLETON LADIES POTATO RACE
You can take your tradition and shove it! Penny Anderson has returned to her childhood home of Appleton as its new GP. When she discovers the local potato race prize still heavily favours the men, she sets out to level the playing field. The problem is not everyone is on board, especially the no-nonsense Bev who sees Penny as a city slicker meddling in country ways. Presented by Constable Productions, this production is a sharp yet affectionate look at smalltown life and the need for equality.
MOUNTVIEW THEATRE, MACEDON 13–29 JUN
HIGHLY STRUNG PLAYERS
Sponsored by ABR (Australian Book Review), two absurdist plays from the mind of Peter Rose will be performed as part of the Woodend Winter Arts Festival. Having its debut, play one is The Innominable. Quinquagenarian twin sisters are waiting to collect their mother’s ashes. One of them was named at birth – the other, for whatever reason, was not. Play two is The One Who Rang, one of five short works that depicts a mysterious phone call, a man’s unhappy childhood and the origins of their relationship.
ST AMBROSE HALL, WOODEND 7 JUN
E4444E
Authentic Natural Tradition
Æ If Sydney-based multi-instrumentalist Romy Church (e4444e), died tomorrow, he wouldn’t have to worry about any deep dark secrets being uncovered –he’s already put them all out in the open.
Æ I’ve always been fairly vocal about seeing Private Function as nothing more than the stocking fillers of the Victorian music scene.
Are they a good punk band? Barely. Are they living up to the calibre of their peers in Civic, Stiff Richards or Clamm, absolutely not. Are they an epic dose of high-octane larrikinism to slot into a festival lineup and provide a bit of energy on the second night? Absolutely. And that’s all the notorious pisstakers have to be – people absolutely love them for it.
Especially when it comes to their notorious vinyl variant marketing ploys, which are almost always guaranteed to go viral due to their downright absurdity. From ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’ having ‘bags of speed’ visibly pressed into the record to ‘370HSSV…’ being issued as a liquid disc with the band’s urine inside, Private Function have never held back when it comes to unorthodox marketing gimmicks.
So when it was announced that ‘¯\_(ツ)_/¯’ was being released as a ‘scratch and sniff’ record that interpolates the famous ‘goop’ candle range to smell ‘like Gweneth Paltrow’s vagina,’ I can’t say many were surprised. If anything, it felt par the course.
Yet surprisingly, for an album that smells like Gwenth Paltrow's vagina, it’s by far the group’s most accessible and mature release to date – go figure.
Straying away from their homegrown bogan-boogie brand of punk for a nod towards the ‘CBGB sound’ of late-70’s, early 80’s New York, ‘¯\_(ツ)_/¯’, leaning into the music they grew up on, polishing it up with a few Aussie colloquialisms like ‘Fuck Me Dead’ and then repackaging it for a whole new era of listeners. The results… are pretty epic.
Songs like GAMMA RAY, AEIOU and I WANNA BE BRAINWASHED keep themselves tight with traditional Ramones-esque punk, serving up staples like repetitive, disenchanted lyrics, minimalistic rhythms and of course, simplistic power chords that rule the songs direction with tuning and distortion rather than note changes or technical riffs.
Fuck Me Dead tackles the Washington hardcore sound, taking notes out of the Bad Brains handbook and upping the ferocity while still keeping the 80’s and 90’s punk sound very close to its chest. While Magical Prawn Door ties in the synthy new wave electro punk riffs alongside howling vocal solos from the group’s bassist Milla Holland.
Although, ‘¯\_(ツ)_/¯’ is much more than just an ode to 80’s New York, spanning everything from Scorpions-esque power rock ballads (READY TO BE RICH) and grindcore-infused black metal (Dumpster Diving…), to a surprisingly epic rendition of ABBA’s ‘SOS’, and full-on bluegrass-certified 50’s R&B ballad (Holbrook).
Honestly, the name ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ feels about right. Musically, it’s confusing, but, if you roll with the punches, it’s actually a belter of an album.
Which, considering Church by-in large, is a self-confessed recluse (who reserves his entire creative process, from writing to recording and producing, all to himself), is quite unique. Yet, cleareyed, Church puts it all out there for all to absorb, listen and judge.
His newest release, Authentic Natural Tradition, upholds this cathartic ‘tradition.’
Delivered with the wry candour of Alex G, Church’s newest effort sees the soft-spoken artist stripping back his tunes even deeper, offering a soft accessibility at surface level – and the depths of a memoir once dug deeper.
Opener Skink melds the melancholic worlds of Mazzy Star or The XX with the gloomy balladry of Roland S. Howard, exploring the woes of life’s “lonely carousel” alongside docile whispered vocals, shuffling bluegrass snare patterns, xylophone arrangements and rustic ‘Australiana’ charm.
Push The Dove carries similar sensibilities to ripples on water, opening with mesmerising isolated strumming and echoey vocal arrangements, while Crutch flows into a psychedelic slowwave affair, tackling issues of dependency and addiction through bleeding shoegaze distortion and wispy, slowcore vocal arrangements. It might not stand out as much upon first listen – being the kind of album that you gloss over as background noise and forget you’re listening to. But with each and every listen, you’ll notice new intricacies, new sounds that you’d missed and new narratives to the lyrics. And each and every time, it just gets better and better.
LABEL: STILL ON TOP
RELEASE: OUT NOW
LABEL: DINOSAUR CITY RECORDS
RELEASE: OUT NOW
IRON MIND
Test of the Iron Mind
Æ Let’s be real. Up until recently when bands like Horsepower and Terminal Sleep started rearing their heads, Sydney hardcore has always absolutely dunked on Melbourne. We’ve had some unreal bands and incredibly pivotal albums (Mindsnare - The Death, Capathian - Nothing To Lose), but overall, the calibre of our local acts has just never really lived up to the scope of the scene.
Then, there’s Iron Mind. Having been a long-standing staple known for their annual shows and few-and-far-between releases, Iron Mind have always sat on the fringe of the scene, having potential to be our best HC outfit, if they actually pushed for it.
Well, the time is now. Hardcore’s blowing up worldwide. Iron Mind, twenty years down the track, are finally taking ‘this band thing’ seriously – and geezus, the results are all time.
Raw, unhinged intensity, chuggy beatdown breakdowns, rabid in-your-face-aggression from start-tofinish– Test of the Iron Mind isn’t just a response to our US counterparts – it's the best slam hardcore record Melbourne’s seen – possibly, ever.
Maintaining a cool back and forth shift between tempo and tone throughout, songs like No Fate and sludgy, Solitary Realm feel completely built around percussion and rhythm, while others like Paid in Full and The Crucible feel completely constructed around the riff, helping to shift dynamics from full-out aggression to simmering, claustrophobic inducing tension.
If it was released by Speed, Pain of Truth or Sunami, it would be the biggest album in the hardcore world right now. Here’s hoping ‘Test…’ gets the same attention. If it doesn’t, that’s criminal.
MOTÖRHEAD
Manticore Tapes
Æ It’s crazy to think that 50 years after Motörhead ushered in the raw, abrasive side of rock music through Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor’s unrelenting use of double kicks, ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke’s speed over technique approach to the axe, and of course, Lemmy Kilmister’s Jack Daniels soaked, cigarette coursed, speed-fueled vocals, we’ve uncovered new recordings. Yet, here we are.
Tracked as a rehearsal of their ‘new lineup’ in August 1976, The Manticore Tapes shows Motörhead at their rawest, a year before they went into the studio to record their now infamous debut album.
And while it’s a rough around the edges demo recording, it removes both the expectations from the group, allowing them to jam, hone-in their sound and experiment before label pressure meant they had to have a ‘good album’.
The results? The best unsigned band you’ve ever heard – and a far cry from the Motörhead we all know. From the psychedelic freakouts of Hawkwindinspired Help Keep Us… to the tribalistic rhythms of Leavin Here (Alternate Take), it feels like a completely different group. One who’s far more experimental and ambitious with their sound.
And interestingly, given Lemmy has always dominated their sound, when you hear tracks like Witchdoctor, Iron Horse and Born To Lose in their bare-bones instrumental form, you can actually hear how vocalists like Robert Plant, Bruce Dickinson, Ian Gillan – hell, even Iggy Pop could have also had such a powerhouse impact on the group’s sound – and it would have worked.
It’ll have you re-thinking the “Three Amigos” era of the group completely.
OBONGJAYAR
Paradise Now
Æ Now, I wasn’t in the studio with Obongjayar while he was recording Paradise Now , but I feel it’s safe to say that before tracking every song, he threw a dart at the world map and was like ‘yep, let’s roll with that’.
Paradise Now isn’t just a melting pot of delicious worldly grooves, it’s a deep understanding of musical subcultures, acutely looking into what makes those sounds work, and adapting, adopting and impersonating them with perfection. At times honing in on certain genres, other moments combining elements of what he likes from multiple sounds – and somehow, more often than not, making it work. Honestly, it probably would have been more appropriate if the album was named, ‘Obongjayar: A Thesis On Sound’. Sure, it doesn’t always hit, with songs like Holy Mountain and Just My Luck feeling primed for a ‘best summer hits of 2010’ Youtube mix alongside the likes of Taio Cruz and Havana Brown. But when it lands, it lands.
It doesn’t matter if he’s trying his hand at Audioslave-meets-The Prodigymeets-Brian Jonestown Massacre psychgrunge trance (Instant Animal); American gospel (Moon Eyes), break-beat infused Russian-dance (It’s Time), West-Indie bomba rap (Sweet Danger) or full-on N.E.R.D meets Todd Terje afro-funk fusion (Not In Surrender), Obongjayar somehow makes it work.
That being said, Paradise Now does stand out instrumentally more than it does vocally, albeit, Obongjayar’s a singer. But overall, it offers something for everyone, no matter how obscure that may be.
WHAT’S ON AT GEELONG ARTS CENTRE
Some stories never fade; they evolve, resonate, and remain deeply human.
Æ La Bohème and Looking for Alibrandi explore love, identity, and the highs and lows of youth in two unforgettable productions. Whether through opera’s grand romance or theatre’s raw emotion, these stories continue to captivate across generations.
OPERA AUSTRALIA’S LA BOHÈME
11–12 JUL
If Moulin Rouge! and Rent had you swooning, you can thank La Bohème; their inspiration directly pulled from Puccini’s iconic opera. With soaring melodies wrapped in longing, joy, and bittersweet reality, this show will pull you right into its intoxicating world. As Mimì and Rodolfo’s love story unfolds against candlelit cafés and the crisp Parisian air, it’s a reminder that love and loss are forever linked, leaving behind something unforgettable.
Few operas hit that perfect mix of passion and heartbreak quite like La Bohème, and Opera Australia’s fresh take on Puccini’s classic promises to keep the magic alive while adding a contemporary edge. Directed by Dean Bryant (Dear Evan Hansen, Bloom), this production infuses modern energy into the timeless tale of young love and artistic ambition in Paris.
LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI
20–23 AUG
For those who love drama that gets deep into identity, family, and finding your place in the world, Looking for Alibrandi is a mustwatch. Brink Productions’ adaptation of Melina Marchetta’s beloved novel brings Josie’s journey to the stage in Vidya Rajan’s gripping script, directed by Stephen Nicolazzo.
Josie, a headstrong and defiant teen, is battling expectations, heritage, and figuring out who she truly is, something that hits just as hard today as it did in the ’90s. Much like La Bohème, this story revolves around young people navigating love, dreams, and the pressures of their worlds, but in a deeply Australian setting. With themes of race, class, and belonging, this production delivers a nostalgic yet fresh take on a coming-of-age classic that continues to resonate across generations.
FROM CLASSROOM TO COCKTAILS: GORDON STUDENT SET TO SHAKE
UP NATIONALS
Hospitality student Shinay Grobler has taken her craft to a whole new level through hands-on training and the support of her teachers at The Gordon.
Æ After winning the Culinary Excellence award at this year’s Gordon Excellence Awards, Shinay has been eager to challenge herself against other hospitality students in a competitive environment.
With a bit of encouragement from teacher Andrew Percy, she’s now set to put her skills to the test against other students from across Australia at the national WorldSkills event in Brisbane.
Tasked with creating a Brisbane-inspired mocktail, she has been meticulously planning and crafting her mocktail at The Davidson restaurant on Monday nights.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to test myself against other students,” Shinay said.
Andrew has no doubt she’s ready.
“Shinay is an outstanding student with a great attitude and a strong willingness to learn. She’s always looking to improve, self-reflect and takes every opportunity to grow.”
As for what her creation is? You’ll just have to wait until after the event, and visit her behind the bar at The Davidson.
Studying at TAFE provides real benefits including industry connections, shorter courses, and practical, job-ready skills. At The Gordon, students learn from some of Geelong’s most experienced teachers in modern, hands-on environments. Whether you’re interested in Bricklaying, Cookery and Hospitality, Engineering or Beauty Therapy, The Gordon offers flexible pathways into a wide range of in-demand industries.
APPLY FOR JULY!
To secure your tickets, head to geelongartscentre.org.au
Mid-year intakes at The Gordon are closing soon. With over 35 courses starting in July including a range Free TAFE options available, there’s never been a better time to kick start your career at The Gordon.
Credit: Jeff Busby
VENUE GUIDE
THE COAST RESTAURANT & BAR
Æ The Coast Restaurant is located at Great Ocean Road Resort. The Resort was fully renovated after COVID, breathing new life into the space and a modern, coastal theme. The renovations elevated the property to a 4.5-star standard with a beautiful, casual fine dining restaurant to match. Private dining room for events and an outdoor firepit were added to the build. The venue hosts weddings, conferences, functions and retreats.
The Coast Restaurant sources locally as much as possible to not only reduce food miles but showcase the region’s best local produce. Some of our local suppliers include Zeally Bay Sourdough, Bells Beach Lamb, Otway Pasta, and Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. The local theme extends to the drinks list as well. Local wineries featured include Pondalowie, Mt Duneed Estate and Bellbrae Estate. Guests love the local craft cocktails featuring Timboon Distillery Whisky and Great Ocean Road Gin.
Menu highlights include: Confit duck croquettes, Crispy calamari, Local Bells Beach Lamb - daily special (cut dependent), Crispy skin salmon, Chocolate ganache.
The vibe is modern and coastal with local landscapes on the walls, a calming colour palette and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The indoor fireplace brings a beautiful warmth to the space and low lighting for a romantic mood in the evenings.
The team at The Coast are committed to sustainable practices, from their locally sourced produce and dinnerware to kitchen gardens and a zero waste initiative. They employ locally as much as possible and continue to work towards their sustainability goals at Great Ocean Road Resort. They work to minimise their footprint and reduce food miles by continuing to support and prioritise local suppliers. Their ongoing relationship with local brands that produce high-quality ingredients means their produce is the freshest it can be. They also aim to showcase the spectacular offerings in our region while looking after local small businesses.
All of the dinnerware at The Coast Restaurant is unique and hand-made right here on the Surf Coast. Anglesea local, Angela Nicholson, created the plates and bowls. The water jugs, teapots and teacups were hand-made by Anglesea ceramic artist, Melinda Solly.
The Coast also runs a Happy Hour from 5-6pm every day, with a range of daily drink specials on offer.
WHERE: 105 GREAT OCEAN ROAD, ANGLESEA
OPEN: 7 DAYS, 5:30PM ONWARDS
CERES DISTILLING CO
Æ If you love craft spirits, this is the place for you. Put your hands together for the family-owned Ceres Distilling Co. Located in Grovedale, the Ceres Distilling Co specialises in craft vodkas and gins with beer and wine also available. Ross and Denise Johnston started this adventure with a passion for quality Australian craft spirits. They have successfully created a space where people can learn about distilling and support local industry and Geelong’s small business manufacturing sector. At Ceres Distilling Co, they distill with passion using the finest harvest ingredients, environmentally and sustainably.
Rustic charm is all over this venue, seating a comfortable 68 patrons, this high-quality establishment is the perfect location for any reason for a catch-up. The space is filled by industrial booths, high bar tables, and comfortable Chesterfield seating, it’s hard not to fall in love with the design and layout from the moment you walk in. To make the space even better, the main wall is completed with a stunning 9-metre-high wall mural, featuring the distilleries version of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and harvest, airbrushed by RMG signs.
Not only do they have an array of signature cocktails that highlight the craft spirits produced at the distillery, but they also feature a Japanese-inspired menu that includes a range of Katsu Sandos, Yakitori skewers and a salmon Crudo. If your mouth is already watering, you should also know that their tapas menu has been designed to perfectly pair with the craft spirit selection. However, if Japanese isn’t for you, you can also order a charcuterie board or, if you like surprises, they’ve got you covered.
The distillery prides itself on the visitor experience, and all visitors can directly see into the distilling facilities. They also offer gin tastings and masterclasses, where you can learn how to make some of your favourite cocktails or drink pairings on the menu. You can also book in for a distillery tour, to see where and how your new favourite spirits are made. So whether you’re a Geelong local, a city or regional day tripper, or visiting from interstate or overseas, check Ceres Distilling Co off your bucket list, and head down and try some hand crafted spirits and food produced on site, made with love by them, all for you!
WHERE: 36/8 LEWALAN ST, GROVEDALE
OPEN: THU 1–5PM / FRI 4–9PM / SAT 1–7PM / SUN 12–6PM
SMITH & CO FOODS
Æ Smith & CO Foods began as a passion project in Melbourne, whilst owner Camilla was still working in the media industry. She noticed there were no delicious, healthy options for corporate lunches and private catering in the area, so she began cooking for friends and family from her small apartment. When life took a turn and her boyfriend said they were moving to regional Victoria for work, she decided to give Smith & Co Foods a red hot go. What started off as small food deliveries soon turned into weddings and private events. Camilla says it quickly went from a one-woman busines to a strong team that has catered events up to 1400 people and counting.
Moving to Geelong just felt right; her incredibly talented and amazing chefs live here, and they have seen a much younger demographic move to Geelong over the last 10 years. This brings new clientele who want events with a Melbourne feel, in a regional city – the best of both worlds.
At Smith & Co, the team is passionate about producing delicious food weaved into unforgettable memories. They are a team of dedicated individuals who are there to design tailor-made events that perfectly reflect your unique style and vision, whether it’s a private dinner party for eight guests or a corporate function for 800. They understand how important your event is, and they’re here to focus on every detail.
The new beautiful space allows Smith & CO to host cocktail parties for up to 130 pax, and sit-down events ranging from 20 pax to 70. Whether you’re after a private, bespoke dinner party for 20 or a stand-up cocktail party for 300, they will work with you to develop a renowned, tailored Smith & Co Foods menu to suit your event needs and budget. Smith & Co Foods caters for all corporate events from boardroom canapés to cocktail parties to end of year celebrations and corporate retreats. And, to make things even better, they absolutely love weddings. They are here to make your special day as memorable as possible with beautiful, seasonal and tailored menus for sit-down or cocktail events. A grazing table is the perfect option for almost all parties and events. Let them create a spectacular and delicious visual masterpiece in your space.
Having their own space to cater to guests means that guests don’t have to worry about organising catering at a different location, they can go and see the space and know that the food will be right there when they need it – one less thing to worry about.
The team also aim to achieve minimal waste, through composting, recycling and turning scraps into chicken feed. WHERE: 70–72 MERCER STREET, GEELONG
BREAD BROTHERS BAKING CO
Æ
Geelong’s favourite classic Aussie bakery on the block is Bread Brothers Baking Co, much-loved by locals and visitors since its opening in April 2018. Located next to the former King Broccoli fruit and veg store on Shannon Ave, Bread Brothers is the one-stop shop for all things baked, home-made and bready!
The talented Bread Brothers trio come from a family who have been baking for five generations (I’m talking 30 years or more) since their father John Casboult launched Westcoast Bakeries in 1985. Brothers, Sam, Tom, and Nick are no strangers to baking – and are super good at it too might I add. On top of running the Bread Brothers store in Manifold Heights, they also own and operate Highton Bakery, Pakington Bakery, Zen Café & Bakery, and Anglesea Bakery. These guys are well-known for their pies across the wider Geelong region and perfected their sourdough recipe in the year prior to the bakery’s opening to get it just right. Balancing between old and new, the brothers wanted to bring an authentic bakery experience to their clientele, and they have well and truly accomplished this.
Bread Brothers have your breakfast and lunchtime sorted, as the bakery-café caters for every mood, with everything, and yes, I mean EVERYTHING made in store. They have a large range of pies, sandwiches, rolls, toasties and focaccias, as well as salads, and Buddha Bowls. There are 22 delicious pie flavours, each handcrafted with love by the super talented pastry chefs, using them much cherished 30 year old family recipe – the magic of their pies needs to be experienced by all, whether you’re a classic meat pie lover, or want to try something new, there’s a flavour just for you! To top off the classic Aussie bakery experience, make sure to pair your meal with a coffee – which is made using the premium beans from Geelong Coffee Roasters, each cup crafted with passion, to wake your senses and warm your heart. If coffee isn’t your thing, there are juices, teas or milkshakes on offer, and are perfectly paired, with one (or several) of their homemade slices, donuts, biscuits, muffins or cakes – there is something for everyone!
WHERE: 153 SHANNON AVENUE, MANIFOLD HEIGHTS OPEN: MON–FRI 7AM–5PM / SAT 7AM–4PM / SUN 8AM–3PM
GIG GUIDE JUNE 2025
For more gigs go to fortemag.com.au/gigguide
WED 4 JUN
NICK CHARLES
+ GEELONG’S JAZZ RAMBLERS
NAVAL ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA, GEELONG SUB SECTION
7PM $25
FRI 6 JUN
THE STRIPP
MEDUSA BAR, GEELONG
7:30PM $13.80
SAT 7 JUN
GLITTER GANG
BARWON CLUB, GEELONG
7:30PM $10 ENTRY
JAKE HUNNIFORD
BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY
7:30PM FREE
A WINTER OF DISCO CONTENT
FT: Joey Lightbulb & Friends
BARWON HEADS HOTEL, BARWON HEADS
8PM $24.50
6 SENSE TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY 9PM $30 BLACK ACES
MEDUSA BAR, GEELONG
7:30PM $16.97
SUN 8 JUN
NEGATIVE WAVES
BARWON CLUB, GEELONG 1PM $86.70
DJS - COASTAL SOUNDS
BELLS BEACH BREWING, TORQUAY 3PM FREE
CHASING GHOSTS VOLTA, BALLARAT 7PM
SOCCER MUMMY TORQUAY HOTEL,
GARDEN
FRI 13 JUN
BLUES IN THE BRIDGE BAR
FT: Pete Cornelius + The Mojo Corner
BARWON HEADS HOTEL, BARWON HEADS 7:30PM $29.60
4 DAYS
BARWON CLUB, GEELONG 8PM $13.30
SAT 14 JUN
SUPERJESUS
BARWON HEADS HOTEL, BARWON HEADS 7:30PM $49
SUN 15 JUN
SOCCER MUMMY THEATRE ROYAL, CASTLEMAINE
FRENZAL RHOMB VOLTA, BALLARAT
THU 19 JUN THELMA PLUM
SUN22 JUN
OLD MERVS
OLD MERVS BARWON HEADS HOTEL, BARWON HEADS 7PM
THU 26 JUN BLISS N
SAT 21 JUN KING PARROT
,
SAT 28 JUN TIGER DRIVER
BIRDS - MALTHOUSE THEATRE A SOUNDSCAPE OF FLYING FEATHERS, AND MURDEROUS SWOOPS PULLED FROM THE PAGES OF DAPHNE DU MAURIER’S CLASSIC GOTHIC HORROR 11-14 JUN KITTY FLANAGAN - IT’S WHITEBOARD O’CLOCK (WORK IN PROGRESS SHOW)
WHITEBOARD O’CLOCK IS A LOOSE, INFORMAL HOUR WHERE KITTY WORKSHOPS PREVIOUSLY UNTRIED MATERIAL
NUTCRACKER ACT II AND OTHER WORKS, BLENDING CLASSICAL FAVOURITES AND BOLD CONTEMPORARY INNOVATION 19-21 JUN 110% READY - THE LISTIES RICH AND MATT DO SOMETHING NO FAMILY IN AUSTRALIA HAS EVER DONE BEFORE: LEAVE THE HOUSE ON TIME!!!
