LN Post Edition 13

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EDITION 13

THE SUMMER ISSUE

SWIFTONOMICS Singing Australia out of a Recession

Egyptomania

Around the World


Artists impression

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CONTENTS E AT & D R I N K

Bonjour, Louis P. 8 E AT & D R I N K

Venues with a view P. 10 L I F EST Y L E

Egyptomania P. 12 T R AV E L

Boho meets Beachside P. 14 L I T E R AT U R E

Summer reads you’ll want to savour. P. 18 Night One Of Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour – Tampa, FL Publication developed by

Content—Her Canberra. Creative direction & design—Studio Payne

R E A L ESTAT E

Safe as Houses P. 20 S U STA I N A B I L I T Y

It’s getting hot in here P. 22 FO O D

Recipes P. 24 ST Y L E

Around the World P. 26 W E L L N ES S

The Power of Hormones P. 28 EVENTS

Canberra & Sydney open. Newcastle opening 2024. Adelaide opening 2025. littlenationalhotel.com.au

Insider Guide P. 30


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Night Two Of Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour – East Rutherford, NJ

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$WIFTONOMIC$

T

he ground moved so much under the heaving throng of Taylor Swift fans during her Seattle concert on 22 July 2023 that seismic activity registered a 2.3 magnitude earthquake. And when Swift’s Eras tour hits our shores in February, Australia is counting on the economy moving just as much as the earth. Welcome to Swiftonomics 101.

Singing Australia out of a Recession WORDS Emma Macdonald

It may be difficult to understand the extent of the fanatical appeal of the 33-year-old singer if you are not, in fact, a “Swiftie”, the term enjoyed by her legion of fans. She’s a country-inspired girl-next-door type, just as likely to be on the Spotify accounts of tweens as their mums. And yet, in the annals of music history, she is a record-breaking icon, eliciting the most ferocious devotion from the tens-of-millionsstrong army, willing to pay whatever it takes to see their girl in the flesh.


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In a post-Covid world, Swift has created skyrocketing demand for a limited supply of tickets against a backdrop of monopoly accusations against Ticketek. But for an Australian economy threatening to sink into the doldrums, Swift promises to shake it all off—at least during the first quarter of 2024. When her Australian tour dates were announced in June 2023 via the singer’s Instagram account, “Excuse me Hi I have something to say,” she began, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers may well have done his own little dance. The Australian leg of Eras was initially scheduled to cover just five shows at Sydney’s Accor Stadium and Melbourne’s MCG. But with more than four million hysterical fans attempting to score pre-sale tickets, creating a momentous queue snarl and PR nightmare for Ticketek, a day later an extra two shows were announced—taking available seats from 450,000 to 630,000. Cost of living crisis? Not for these fans, many of whom were willing to fork out nearly $1300 for premium tickets. And of course, for the truly desperate, who took the day off work to line up every device they own to wait in the queue only to be cut off prior to purchase, the “secondary” market (read scalpers) are set to laugh all the way to the bank. But ticket prices are just the start. Sydney and Melbourne both get to share in a financial stimulus package which has been compared to pack as big a fiscal punch as the Olympic Games. One hotel chain reported booking volumes increasing more than 9,000 per cent before general admission tickets even went on sale. Airlines were similarly deluged. After all, the rest of the country will need to travel to get their share of Folklore. AMP chief economist Shane Oliver noted the timing was fortunate and that with the possibility of a recession looming next year, “we’ll need a T-Swift lift to shake it off”. While the NSW Government has not crunched the numbers for impending economic impact because the tour does not come under the purview of its visitor economy agency Destination NSW, the US tour provides some eye-watering statistics. New York’s CNN Business Report said its own exclusive data suggested the US leg of the Eras tour could gross $2.2 billion USD in ticket sales alone— making it the highest-paying tour ever (by some margin over Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour which was the previous record holder, grossing over $887 million USD from 2018 to 2023.)

The data, commissioned from market research firm QuestionPro, estimates the total economic impact of the Eras tour in America will come close to $5 billion, based on the cumulative hospitality, travel and retail activity it will spur.

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2.3 magnitude earthquake registered during the Seattle concert on 22 July 2023

$5B total economic impact

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour – Mexico City, Mexico

$2B gross in ticket sales; the highest paying tour ever

Over 4 million people attempted to purchase tickets to the Australian leg of the Eras tour

$100,000 bonuses QuestionPro found concertgoers spent an average of $1,300 spent per event. Indeed, let’s not forget to calculate the flowon finances once a Swiftie has battled the internet Gods to secure a ticket. They are going to need something to wear on top of their transportation and accommodation, and lots of snacks and drinks to stay energised and hydrated as they sing along with every single word. Swift’s concerts are impressively long at over three hours, and we know that nobody stays in their seats… Drilling down, CNN calculated concert-goers spent an average of US$291.62 each on their outfits, US$214.80 on merchandise and US$131.48 for food and drinks. Not surprisingly, fashion retailers are reading the market, ensuring they have a steady supply of sequins, sundresses and metallic boots to the romantic, breezy long dresses Swift is partial to. Not to mention anything in Red. Swift is also renowned for spreading her love. As she finished the last of her US shows in Los Angeles in August before kicking off her Latin American leg, she altruistically shared in the spoils of being the world’s most popular singer. Around 50 truck drivers who worked on the tour were given US$100,000 bonuses for their efforts. Food banks across the country in the communities where she performed also reported receiving hefty donations from the singer, who, in her documentary Miss Americana, genuinely stressed her desire to do the right thing by people. These are heartwarming stories indeed, coming from the cynical world of global music marketing. More broadly, Swift provides a moment of mass and momentous connection as she packs stadiums night after night. Goldman Sachs analyst Lisa Yang, who writes the bank’s annual report on the music industry “Music in the Air”, said that concerts were seen as an affordable luxury in a time of uncertainty, and Swifties represent a supercharged segment of the market, Gen Zs and Millennials who are still recovering from the experience of being locked up during the pandemic with nowhere to go and nothing to spend money on. The late economist Alan Krueger, who came up with the concept of “Rockonomics” to explain the economy through the lens of the music industry in the early 2000s, described Swift as an “economic genius” for the way in which her music translated into passionate brand loyalty, leading to recordbreaking concert sizes and product sales. New York University’s Clive Davis Institute even offers a course on Swift’s cultural impact and entrepreneurial skills.

given to 50 truck drivers on tour for their efforts

630,000 available seats at Sydney’s Accord Stadium & Melbourne’s MCG

9,000% increased bookings reported by one hotel group

$1,300 average spent per event

$292 average spent on outfits

$215 average spent on merchandise

$131 average spent on food & drinks


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SPOTIFY TOP 5 STREAMED ALBUMS by Taylor Swift

Lover 7.8 billion

Indeed, the experience of seeing her live is one few fans will pass up, and such is the hype that even those who don’t listen to her obsessively have FOMO about the extravagant concert experience she promises.

Night Two Of Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour – East Rutherford, NJ

For those who do miss out on tickets, there is the spiritual camaraderie among the hordes who turn up anyway to listen to her concerts from the car parks of the venues. Swift has risen to break almost all musical records —at 17 she became the youngest artist in history to achieve the top spot on the country charts. She’s the first woman with four albums simultaneously in the Billboard chart Top 10, has recorded the most number-one albums by a woman and is the first woman with new number-one albums in five consecutive years. She’s also conquering the silver screen—Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is the first concert film to pass the $100 million mark, according to the Hollywood Reporter. So in the end it comes down to a simple equation of supply and demand. If Taylor Swift sings, the fans will come, credit cards at the ready. Her tour comes off the back of a similar unprecedented hysteria over the Matildas, which on a parallel level, created an insatiable demand for all things Women’s Football. It led to a month-long ratings bonanza and ticket stampede and changed the commercial trajectory of soccer and women in sport in general. Research conducted by Deakin University’s Dr Hunter Fujak estimated the reach of the Australia Versus England game across Channel 7, Optus Sport, venues and live sites was 17.15 million people. That represents approximately 64 per cent of the entire Australian population. At the very least, it shows Australians are ready for a cultural experience, one which places them in close connection with fellow fans and one which blows the dust of Covid isolation well and truly away. And with the power of Taylor Swift never in doubt, more than 90 per cent of Swifties who have been to one of her concerts would be prepared to do it all over again, no matter how depleted their bank account is by the experience. By February 2023, Swifties will be the most vocal and important segment of the Australian economy— no matter how much the songstress tells them they need to calm down

1989 (Deluxe Edition) 7 billion

Midnights (3am Edition) 6.6 billion

Reputation 6.4 billion

Red (Taylor’s Version) 3.9 billion

Listen Little National x Swift Playlist


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CANBERRA’S MOST DECORATED CHEF UNVEILS THE CITY’S NEWEST DINING HOTSPOT.

Credit: Romello Pereira

He has worked at Bennelong in Sydney and at Chez Bruce and the Harrington Club in London, but Ben Willis is proudly claimed by Canberra as the city’s most successful chef. And after a very brief retirement from a muchlauded run at the helm of Aubergine—Canberra’s most hatted restaurant—Willis has been welcomed into the DOMA Hotel Group fold as Culinary Director of the Realm Precinct. Most importantly for all those diners who have, over the years, found Willis’ food the most accomplished of any they have eaten, he is back on the tools at Hotel Realm’s French bistro, Louis. For Willis, his wife Andrea and their two children, the change in direction is very much welcomed.

After collecting more glowing reviews and recognition than any other Canberra restaurant, Willis was exhausted by Aubergine, which was every bit as booked out at the end of its 14-year reign as it was when it burst onto the dining scene. The temporary pandemic closure gave him a chance to catch his breath, look forward and decide to end on a high note. “We knew we had to close it completely to gain the freedom and change we wanted. When the decision was made, we felt really comfortable with it and knew it was right. That said, it didn’t make it easy—it was sad to say goodbye to staff, suppliers and regulars and know that it’s over,” Willis said. But when offered the new position with DOMA, Willis didn’t hesitate. It allows him to focus less on the logistics of running a business and more on his pure passion for cooking. He is also, quite simply, reenergised by the change of scene. Looking through Louis’ elegant dark dining rooms and private alcoves, it’s easy to appreciate the new view. In a collaboration with renowned interior designer Rachel Luchetti of Luchetti Krelle, Louis is elegant, moody and distinctly European. Its carefully planned design aesthetic showcases a variety of noble materials and textures including marble, regionally-sourced leathers, textured glass, and bronze metals. With a custom marble mosaic bar front, the space’s dining room showcases marble Lazy Susan tables with richly coloured bentwood chairs, Thonet Hoffmann stools, Missana low stools and custom banquettes, as well as pendant lighting and custom rugs. Shrouded in floor-to-ceiling linen curtains, two private dining rooms provide elegant salon experiences straight out of a Hemingway novel with ornate artworks and well-stocked cocktail trolleys. After a few months ‘off’ work, catching up on the sorts of things that running a top restaurant simply doesn’t afford—golf, mountain biking and spending time with friends and family—Willis put his talents into creating a culinary path for Louis, which is a very different beast to Aubergine. “With Aubergine, every part of the restaurant was critiqued and judged and discussed and written about and debated. You are always looking for the idea that excites the diners and blow their mind, and that becomes draining and at times I didn’t feel like myself as a cook. I really wanted to get back to a place where I just enjoy cooking.”

Credit: Romello Pereira


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“The food idea for Louis was really to get back to simplicity”. “To cook what I feel like without creativity or uniqueness being the most important decisions. To go back to some old recipes that I love but lost, and teach the new staff some traditional techniques like making a good sauce and seasoning. I wanted to get back to a simple entrée, main, dessert format. No degustations or sharing—unless people want to share, in that case, go for it.” Describing the restaurant as an elegant bistro, Louis is neither intimidating or a dining ‘experience’ but more a place that puts consistency and flavour above gimmicks. “I want it to be somewhere where you can dine solo, or as group. There is a large bar area where you can drop in for some smaller bites, or a quick meal, or just have a glass of champagne with a snack before moving to a table for dinner. It’s a hotel restaurant that I hope doesn’t feel like a hotel restaurant but also doesn’t forget that it’s in a hotel, if you know what I mean.” While Willis’ time at Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House and his time in London saw him cooking in the bistro style, he had not been “in control of the whole food offering”. Louis is a fully resolved realisation of his vision. Serving classic and predominately European dishes, Louis leans towards Provencal cuisine, with Willis working with his network of top producers, suppliers and artisans to bring the finest ingredients to each plate. The menu ranges across entrees such as steamed mussels with saffron and celery, to a gnocchi with cime di rapa and Gorgonzola, or a duck breast with duck sausage, lentils and beetroot. Mains include an exquisite potato and leek pithivier with salsa verde, a daube of veal cheek with parsnip and leek, or a Murray cod with herb dumplings, and fish velouté. Desserts further solidify Willis’ classic credentials with a perfectly oozing chocolate fondant and a pear and almond tart with cinnamon ice cream. There are no foams, emulsions, crumbles, towers, or spheres on the plates which are handed through

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the open pass—just an evocation of a perfectlyexecuted meal in Paris. On the Left Bank, of course. Willis describes the formulation of the new menu as “pretty easy” and seems to have relished the chance to raise expectations of bistro dining rather than meet the exacting standards of fine dining. “I came into this project after the design was locked in and the build was about to start. Once I knew how it would look and what the hotel wanted it to be, I immediately knew what I wanted to serve. The elegant bistro approach really suits the venue and my cooking and what people want to be eating today.”

“Classic cooking will never be out of fashion”.

Credit: Romello Pereira

“When pushed to nominate a favourite dish, Ben demurs, noting that he plans to “keep it interesting with changes along the way while we settle in.” As for what drives him, Willis remains grounded despite his enviable status across the industry. “What drives me is the simple reason many chefs and hospitality professionals do what they do and that is for the guest’s satisfaction. We won’t always get it right or necessarily satisfy everyone, but we strive every day to give people a good time.” He also takes a positive approach to hotel dining, which has its own unique set of challenges to a stand-alone restaurant. “I don’t look too much into the cons of anything in restaurants—if you do you’ll find them everywhere, in hotels or not. There are many obstacles in any restaurant no matter where it is, which you overcome, manage and then get on with it. For me, the positives are still being learned but having guests on your doorstep is a pretty good one!” Director of DOMA Hotels, Pat Lonergan, said it was a coup to secure a talent of Willis’ calibre and the restaurant was immediately proving to be a great addition to Canberra’s already vibrant restaurant and bar scene. “Located in the heart of the Parliamentary Triangle in Barton, in a precinct that is fast becoming a foodie drawcard, we have very high hopes for this venture. It will bring innovation and elevated dining to the city and provide Ben with everything he needs to write a new chapter in his successful career˝


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VENUES WITH A VIEW

As the weather warms and the nights get longer, there’s something almost irresistible about heading out for a delicious meal that’s accompanied by a stunning outlook.

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WALT & BURLEY, KINGSTON For a more casual—but no less stunning—location, Walt and Burley is set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Kingston and offers quality pub food. Soak up the atmosphere of the bustling foreshore while sharing a meal that’s been crafted with a focus on the flavours of the season. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this premium pub offers steaks, burgers, and tapas, promising an elevated experience for your taste buds. 70/17 Eastlake Parade, Kingston waltandburley.com.au

Credit: Ben Calvert

From waterside settings to city skylines, here are some of the best places to eat in Sydney and Canberra for when you want your view to look as good as your food.

LEYLA BAR, BARTON With a breezy, coastal vibe and one of the best views in Canberra, Leyla is the rooftop bar to visit in the inner south. Perched on the rooftop of the Burbury Hotel in Barton, the views aren’t the only thing this rooftop cocktail bar is serving up. Expect a light and playful menu filled with smaller bites— both savoury and sweet—accompanied by a wide selection of creative cocktails, premium spirits, local and imported wine, beer, and bubbles. 1 Burbury Close, Barton leylabar.com.au

Credit: James Souter

THE BOAT HOUSE Waterfront location and killer views? Tick. Fine dining cuisine from one of Canberra’s top chefs? Tick. Great service? Tick, tick, tick. A popular spot for weddings, The Boat House is also the perfect pick for dinner with your significant other. An inventive and intricate menu washed down with a beautifully-curated wine list makes this a must visit for foodies with romance on their mind. Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton theboathouse.restaurant

Credit: Ashley St George

Credit: James Souter

THE MARION, PARKES

MARGOT ESPRESSO VIN & FROMAGE, PARKES

With stunning panoramic views of Lake Burley Griffin, luxurious décor, and a lunch menu that focuses on quality, seasonal, and sustainable produce, The Marion is sure to impress. Choose from the two or three-course set menu (which includes options like smoked fillet of beef tonnato, crispy capers, finger lime, rocket, and shaved aged Parmesan, Marion’s “Banoffee Pie” and much more) or book in for the High Tea to enjoy water views with a side of champagne and a set selection of sweet and savoury pastries. Barrine Drive, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Parkes themarion.com.au

This European-style relaxed dining experience not only offers wine, cheese, and espresso—it also has breathtaking views of Lake Burley Griffin. Drawing inspiration from Europe’s best outdoor bars and cafés—and with a name that pays tribute to one of the more famous cafés in Paris, Les Deux Magots— the intimate alfresco space brings a breath of fresh French air to the lakeside. Pouring coffee and tea as well as serving European-style pastries from 6:30 am, visitors are treated to a true vin and fromage experience when the sun goes down as espresso is replaced with prosecco, pinot, and more. West Kiosk, Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes margot.bar

Credit: Pew Pew Studio


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Credit: Opera Bar

Credit: Bates Smart

TERRACE BAR, LITTLE NATIONAL HOTEL This rooftop bar is a place you can truly unwind with a cocktail in hand. Offering beverage service seven days a week, begin the night in the sophisticated atmosphere and drink in stunning views of the city skyline from the timber-decked balcony—complete with tropical planting and luxurious furniture. Sipping at sunset has never looked so good. 26 Clarence Street, Sydney littlenationalhotel.com.au

Credit: Opera Bar

OPERA BAR, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

BENNELONG, SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Backed by the architectural magnificence of the Opera House, this is the ultimate alfresco spot to clink glasses and watch the sun slink down behind the bridge. Refresh your palate with their standout Cold Seafood Platter, savouring just-caught salmon, kingfish and tuna sashimi, local oysters, prawns, and blue swimmer crab. Or choose a light snack to enjoy with the bar’s signature Sydney Sling cocktail which features craft gin distilled nearby in the Rocks. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point operabar.com.au

With its gleaming pearly sails, few places inspire like the Opera House—and Bennelong offers an insider’s perspective of its stately chambers, along with the best front-on view of the Harbour Bridge. Taste the city’s timeless rhythm as Executive Chef Peter Gilmore celebrates the Aboriginal cultural significance of the restaurant’s location with an award-winning three-course à la carte menu and the very best Australian wine. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point bennelong.com.au

Credit: Bennelong

QUAY, THE ROCKS

Credit: Destination NSW WORDS Erin Cross

Revel in the exclusive atmosphere as your frameable Opera House view is enhanced by the picturesque procession of ferries pulling into Circular Quay. Indulge in the legendary eight-course degustation which highlights local delicacies like black-lipped abalone, paired with a standout selection of prestige wines expertly curated by Head Sommelier, Wilem Powell. Upper Level Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks quay.com.au

Credit: Crown Sydney

Credit: Quay Restaurant

Credit: Quay Restaurant

ONCORE BY CLARE SMYTH, CROWN SYDNEY Feel inspired by world-class creativity as Clare Smyth’s first international restaurant soars above the city in ultramodern Barangaroo—showcasing sustainable local ingredients, rare wines and epic views. Don’t miss Smyth’s globally acclaimed signature dish, Potato and Roe—a memorable melange of seaweed beurre blanc, herring and trout roe that demonstrates her incomparable ability to transform humble ingredients into culinary art. Crown Sydney, Level 26/1 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo crownsydney.com.au


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AUSTRALIA’S IMPENDING IMM “The AM is thrilled to present these exceedingly rare objects in an exhibition where visitors can appreciate their astonishing beauty and enduring history first-hand,” McKay said. An interactive museum experience, Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs boasts 181 priceless artefacts and ornate golden treasures, including one-of-akind relics such as sarcophagi, animal mummies, magnificent jewellery, spectacular royal masks, exquisite amulets—many of which have never left Egypt before.

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EGYPTOMANIA: AVID INTEREST IN ancient Egypt and Egyptian styles in the decorative arts—Oxford Reference. If you have the above condition, then you don’t need to plan a trip down the Nile—in fact, you don’t need to go farther than Canberra or Sydney. Kicking off this summer, both cities will host globallysignificant exhibitions on the ancient and fascinating world of Ramses, Pharaohs, gold, antiquities and tombs: Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs at Sydney’s Australian Museum (AM) and Discovering Ancient Egypt at Canberra’s National Museum of Australia (NMA). Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs promises to be the largest cultural exhibition to visit Australia in over a decade when it opens in November—the blockbuster developed in cooperation with Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and World Heritage Exhibitions/Neon Global. Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO said the objects in the exhibition are drawn from Egypt’s finest museums and historical sites, and bring to life the fascinating, rich culture of ancient Egypt.

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The exhibition acts as a window into the life and accomplishments of King Ramses II, more commonly known as Ramses the Great, who ruled Egypt for nearly 67 years—the second-longest reign for any pharaoh in Ancient Egyptian history. Living to about 92 years of age, Ramses the Great came to epitomise the power and wealth of Ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom period, 1539–1075 BC, when Egyptian civilisation was at its height. He was known as a mighty warrior who secured peace with his neighbours, led an extensive building campaign that included scores of gigantic monuments to himself and is believed to have fathered over 100 children. The exhibition features a virtual reality experience that takes visitors on a whirlwind tour of two of Ramses’ most impressive monuments: the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, his favourite Royal Consort, and the temples of Abu Simbel. Renowned archaeologist Dr Mostafa Waziry, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, visited Sydney from Cairo earlier this year to announce the blockbuster, saying Egyptian antiquities and treasures have dazzled the world for centuries. “Mystery surrounds Egypt’s origins, religions and monumental architecture—many of which were built during the reign of Ramses II, 1279 to 1213 BC. This ability to transcend age and time has ensured the Egyptians have an eternal place in history.”

Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs will allow visitors to discover for themselves why Ramses II is often regarded as the greatest, most celebrated, and most powerful pharaoh of all time. Opening in Canberra in December, the National Museum of Australia’s Discovering Ancient Egypt will explore the ancient culture’s vast social and traditional history spanning 3000 years in an exhibition featuring more than 200 objects from the National Museum of Antiquities (RMO) in The Netherlands. Some 200 priceless objects will entice Egyptomania among visitors as they examine exquisite jewellery, sculpture, pottery and an array of stunning funerary material, showcasing the ancient Egyptians’ unique outlook on life and death, religious practices, daily life and the journey to the afterlife. National Museum of Australia Director, Dr Mathew Trinca, described the exhibition—a partnership between the RMO, NMA, Western Australian Museum and the Queensland Museum Network— will further cement Australia on the global cultural touring exhibition map. “Meaningful collaboration like this enables cultural institutions to pool and leverage their resources to bring world-class exhibitions to Australia,” Dr Trinca said.

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MMERSION IN ANCIENT EGYPT

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“We are delighted by the opportunity to offer Australian audiences a chance to engage with ancient Egyptian history in new ways while considering how the ongoing work of archaeologists and museum professionals continues to illuminate new information and knowledge about this intriguing ancient culture.” A unique aspect of Discovering Ancient Egypt— as the title would suggest—is its focus on the history of discovery, inviting visitors to consider the ongoing role of museums in documenting and presenting ancient cultures. Key moments such as the finding of the Rosetta Stone during Napoleon’s military campaign to Egypt and the rediscovery of the tomb of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun will be explored alongside the RMO’s prolific archaeological discoveries over decades.

The exhibition includes multimedia presentations featuring the faces and voices of local Egyptian archaeologists and cultural custodians at dig sites, ensuring visitors understand discovery as an ongoing practice. A notable moment for visitors will be the life-sized replica facade of the Temple of Taffeh, illuminated by a striking, large-scale graphic presentation. This ancient Nubian temple was shipped to the RMO from the Nile as a gift from Egypt to the Netherlands. For this exhibition, recent CT scans have been conducted on mummified human and animal remains, with the results of the analysis being made public in Australia for the first time via a captivating digital interactive. The mummified human remains coming to Australia are preserved within their original linen bandages. Some of the highlights in the exhibition include the first sheet of a long papyrus scroll that the priest Padikhonsu took to his tomb to ensure his passage into the afterlife; a necklace with a centrepiece depicting the head of a ram, a symbol for Amun ‘the king of gods’; and the outer coffin of the priest Panesy, which is adorned on each side with depictions of the sons of Horus. It’s enough to make Egyptomaniacs out of us all. Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs, Australian Museum, 1 William Street Darlinghurst, Sydney, November 18 2023 to May 2024. Discovering Ancient Egypt, National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent Acton, Canberra, 15 December 2023 to 8 September 2024

01. Pendant in the shape of a shell of Princess Mereret 02. Gold-plated wooden mask from the coffin of Amenemope, Third Intermediate Period, Twenty-First Dynasty 03. Usekh collar of Princess Neferuptah from the Pyramid of Princess Neferuptah at Hawara 04. Gold Bracelet of Shoshenq II with Wedjat Eye, Intermediate Period, Twenty-Second Dynasty 05. Granite bust of Merneptah New Empire, Twenty-Second Dynasty 06. Heset ewer for liquid offerings dedicated by Ahmose, New Empire, Eighteenth Dynasty 07. Sarcophagus of Shoshenq Credit: © World Heritage Exhibitions


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MEETS BEACHSIDE

Credit: Delphine Ducaruge

The playground of the rich and famous, this idyllic destination has it all—natural beauty, vibrant dining, and blissful adventure. Where boho meets beachside and spiritual meets sophisticated, Byron Bay is known for its beautiful beaches and rainforest hinterland as much as its creative community including forward-thinking restaurateurs, designers and celebrities. No matter which version of Byron you embrace, there’s no denying it’s the perfect place to pause, reset and recharge—and be immersed in its laid-back and inviting lifestyle.


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Byron Bay celebrates living and eating well. Lean into its wholesome, local produce—prepared by Australia’s who’s who in the dining scene. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the likes of The Byron Bay General Store and Top Shop. Or with a line often seen stretching around the block, Bayleaf Café is always a local favourite. Can’t get enough of the beach? At Raes Dining Room in the luxe Raes on Wategos boutique hotel, savour a memorable lunch as you take in the views. The Raes Cellar Bar is another perfect beachside venue for refined snacks and a curated drinks list. In the buzzing Jonson Lane precinct, Bar Heather will wow you with an extensive wine list, while Pixie Food & Wine is a delightful venue for leisurely lunches, intimate dinners, celebrations and everything in between. For something a little different, Light Years restaurant and bar offers a fun, Asian dining experience. When you’re craving a relaxed, hearty meal made with the freshest local produce, look no further than Barrio in North Beach. Make a morning of it exploring the very modern Habitat retail and lifestyle precinct. If you decide to escape into the hinterland, seek out The Hut, a venue with an inimitable charm. Enjoy a great meal that celebrates the Mediterranean way of life. It goes without saying, that there’s always something to thrill your senses or awaken your palate, here, in Byron Bay.

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Credit: The Hut

THE HUT

STONE & WOOD

Nestled amongst rolling green hills in the hinterland town of Bangalow, The Hut is situated in a beautiful old building that was once a school in the early 1900s. Inspired by the pleasure of eating together, the menu celebrates the simplicity of traditional Mediterranean flavours through delightful dishes created to be shared. 471 Friday Hut Road, Possum Creek thehutbyronbay.com.au

Craving a cold beer? Byron’s very own brewery not only brews quality beer but gives back to the wider community. Combining the relaxed surf culture of Byron Bay with a series of delicious, locally sourced flavours and tastes, trying their award-winning brews is a must. 100 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay stoneandwood.com.au

BARRIO Credit: Pixie Food & Wine

PIXIE FOOD & WINE Combining the leisurely ambience of Byron Bay with the best of city dining, Pixie Food & Wine brings a modern coastal twist to traditional Italian cuisine. A Byron take on a retro Italian summer—indulge in a long, laid-back lunch or a post-beach drink and snack at the bar. 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay pixiebyronbay.com.au

FOLK Perfect for a moment of tranquillity under the palms, this cosy café serves a wholesome, organic menu. The food at Folk is almost too pretty to eat. Housemade, homegrown, and completely plant-based— it is a quintessential Byron Bay experience. 399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay folkbyronbay.com

A neighbourhood eatery in the new Habitat retail and lifestyle precinct, Barrio brings the flavour and hospitality of South America to Byron—not to mention epic coffee. A fourth-generation chef, Daniela Maiorano is as passionate about cooking as she is about the produce that comes into her kitchen. She brings her team to meet the nearby farmers, celebrating the locals and community. 1 Porter St, Byron Bay barriobyronbay.com.au

CAPE BYRON DISTILLERY Tucked away on a hinterland farm, Cape Byron Distillery’s botanical-infused gin and whisky captures the unique terroir of the Northern Rivers. You can even book a tour to sip on their distinctive drops, surrounded by the rainforest. 80 St Helena Road, McLeods Shoot capebyrondistillery.com

LIGHT YEARS Born in Byron Bay, Light Years is a restaurant that was created from a desire to bring fun, modern Asian dining to the East Coast. This new Jonson Lane venue boasts delicious share-style food and unique cocktails. The soundtrack is fun, the lights are dim, and the vibes are always high. 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay lightyearsasiandiner.com.au

THE MEZ CLUB A chic late-night restaurant and bar—it’s not hard to understand why The Mez Club is popular with the locals. Perfect for catching up with friends or dining the night away, its cocktail list features spirits from local boutique producers, including Ink Gin from Husk Distillers and Brookie’s Dry Gin from the Cape Byron Distillery. 4/85–87 Jonson Street, Byron Bay mezclub.com.au

KARKALLA A truly unique experience, Karkalla brings the country to your plate. Featuring locally sourced, seasonal and native indigenous ingredients, the menu is a nod to its founder Mindy’s heritage as a proud Bundjalung woman. 10/8 Fletcher Street Byron Bay karkalla.com.au

Credit: Bar Heather

THREE BLUE DUCKS Located on The Farm Byron Bay, an 86-acre working biological farm, Three Blue Ducks is all about good food that’s grown on-site from regional producers and even better service. Committed to creating dishes that focus on flavour that’s simple (and a bit rough around the edges), book in for a seasonal breakfast, lunch, or dinner that you won’t forget. 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale threeblueducks.com

BAR HEATHER Bar Heather is the new Parisian-inspired restaurant and bar with a focus on natural wines, boasting an impressive wine list. The snack-heavy, wine-friendly menu serves up local produce sourced from the best organic suppliers the Northern Rivers has to offer. 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay barheather.com


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Credit: Spell The Blog

Credit: Spell The Blog

RETAIL THERAPY BYRON-STYLE Known for its independent boutiques, Byron boasts stand-out shopping. Take a day to explore the highend boho fashion and homewares from a range of talented designers, artists and creatives. Start at the new Jonson Lane precinct at the southern end of Byron’s main street (where you’ll find local activewear brand Nagnata as well as labels Deiji Studios, Saturdays NYC and Venroy). Also in town is cult womenswear label Spell & The Gypsy Collective— a modern fashion store that sells whimsical clothing inspired by far-off places, vintage treasures and childhood memories. Check out Auguste, known for its feminine floral dresses, or Rowie, another popular homegrown casual-chic womenswear label and the flagship store of Australian clothing and swimwear label Zulu & Zephyr. If that’s not enough, there are the regional markets—held almost every weekend (and most weekdays). You’ll be sure to find a fanfare of colour and music amidst myriad exotic flavours and products.

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IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE

DIP INTO BYRON’S WELLNESS SCENE

The Cape Byron Lighthouse tower is just as iconic as the town it stands sentinel to—and so is the walk to get there. Harness the restorative benefits of Byron’s lush subtropical surroundings on an invigorating stroll to the Cape Byron Lighthouse via the 3.7km Cape Byron Walking Track. It’s a beautiful walk at any time of the day, with dolphin sightings always likely. Watching humpback whales making their annual migration along Australia’s east coast from May to November from the elevated track can feel like a spiritual experience. Indeed, Cape Byron is deeply significant to local Arakwal Bundjalung people. Connect with its Aboriginal stories on a riveting walking tour with Arakwal Bundjalung woman Delta Kay. Delta also guides bush food tours in the Byron Bay Hinterland with Vision Walks Eco Tours.

Possibly the wellness capital of Australia, Byron Bay is well-known for its designer yoga and pilates studios, haute health business and all things organic. Slow your breath and calm your mind at Creature Yoga or Bamboo Yoga School, or feel your core in a whole new way at a Bende pilates class. For an endorphin rush, go for a faster-paced workout at Hustl. Then treat yourself to a restorative massage or an infra-red sauna, followed by a heart-stopping ice bath at Nimbus Co.

DISCOVER THE BEST BEACHES Byron has a stretch of sand for every beach lover. From Main Beach, located in the very centre of town and ideal for families, to local favourite (and well-kept secret) Whites Beach—there are more than 30kms of sandy coastline to explore. Enjoy a dip at Wategos Beach and ogle at some of the state’s most exclusive real estate.

HANG TEN There’s a reason surfers from around the world make the pilgrimage to tackle the legendary Byron Bay breaks. Roll out your towel on Byron’s famous beaches and check out the action. Main Beach, which curves east towards The Pass, is a popular surf beach with an epic right-hand point break.

GO A LITTLE DEEPER If you prefer to explore life under the sea, commune with turtles, eagle rays and more on snorkelling or scuba diving trip to Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli), 2.5km off the coast, with Sundive or Byron Bay Dive Centre. Or kayak alongside curious bottlenose dolphins all year-round with Cape Byron Kayaks or Go Sea Kayak.

Credit: @thenimbusco


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THE SUMMER ISSUE — 17

HOTEL MARVELL The epitome of relaxed luxury in Byron Bay, this five-star hotel offers a unique and unforgettable experience. What stands out is its spectacular rooftop pool and bar, with stunning panoramic views over Byron Bay. An escape from the ordinary, Hotel Marvell is an exclusive oasis like no other. 4 Marvell Street, Byron Bay hotelmarvell.com.au

ROCKPOOL FAMILY FARM Situated amid the rolling hills of the Byron hinterland, Rockpool Farm is a family owned estate comprising a collection of private luxury residences. Just minutes from Byron Bay and historic Bangalow, each residence has its own private pool, driveway access, and beautiful north facing vista over the nightcap ranges. rockpoolfarmbyronbay.com.au

RAES ON WATEGOS Voted one of the world’s top 25 hotels by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine, Raes on Wategos is one of Byron’s (and Australia’s) most iconic hotels. Combining modern luxury with bohemian grandeur, this boutique retreat is located on an idyllic beachfront setting and only has two penthouses and five suites—making it the perfect indulgent getaway. 6–8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay raes.com.au

Credit: Hotel Marvell

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Credit: Raes on Wategos

THE BOWER As one of Byron Bay’s leading luxury accommodation options, The Bower sets the bar high when it comes to comfort, design and sustainability. From luxurious rooms and freestanding studios to classic country homes, no two accommodations are the same— gorgeously decorated in The Bower’s eclectic style. 28 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay thebowerbyronbay.com.au

ELEMENTS OF BYRON Inspired its natural surroundings, this luxury beachfront resort has 193 private villas dotted throughout 50 acres overlooking the ocean, forests, lakes, or ponds. And with a restaurant and bar offering views across a lagoon pool, a swim-up bar, and access to rainforest walks and horse stables, it has all the world-class facilities your heart desires. 144 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay elementsofbyron.com.au

THE SUNSEEKER Step back into old-school Byron at The Sunseeker, a recently reimagined 1980s hotel with a playful retro vibe. Nestled just out of the hustle and bustle of the main town, it offers boutique accommodation for the modern-conscious traveller. Book in to enjoy bungalow-style stays, tropical gardens and a library with a selection of books on culture, art, and of course, surfing. 100 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay thesunseeker.com.au

Credit: The Bower


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LITTLE NATIONAL POST

Side Honey, SUMMER West Claire Christian READS YOU’LL WANT TO SAVOUR.

The romance novel gets a modern update in Brisbane-based writer Claire Christian’s West Side Honey, as florist and newly single mum Cleo navigates her newfound singledom in the topsyturvy world of app dating. Refreshingly blunt and bursting with relatable moments, this is Australian modern romance at its best.

WORDS Beatrice Smith

My Year of Rest & Relaxation, Ottessa Moshfegh

Four Thousand Weeks, Oliver Burkeman

Ennui doesn’t come much deeper than in Ottessa Moshfegh’s 2018 opus, which centres on an unnamed anti-heroine who finds her privileged New York lifestyle so tedious she schemes to spend the entirety of 2001 in a prescription drug-fuelled sleep. While it isn’t the lightest read, it is truly a modern classic and an air-tight snapshot of life at the turn of the century.

Looking to ‘hack’ your productivity? Oliver Burkeman’s frank and fearless Sunday Times bestseller is perfectly summarised by its tagline ‘time management for mortals’. Featuring wisdom compiled from the insights of Benedictine monks, authors, artists and ancient philosophers, Burkeman creates an uplifting and realistic framework for managing your four thousand weeks of life.


LITTLE NATIONAL POST

Bringing Down the Duke, Evie Dunmore This isn’t your mother’s historical romance novel. The first instalment of Evie Dunmore’s best-selling League of Extraordinary Women trilogy centres around a group of suffragettes who study classics by day and rebel against Victorian-era politics by night. Fans of runaway Netflix success Bridgerton need look no further.

I Want To Die But I Also Want to Eat Tteokbokki, Baek Sehee

This is Not a Book about Benedict Cumberbatch, Tabitha Carvan

Part self-help book, part memoir, Korean author Baek Sehee has crafted a truly unique work, which has gone on to garner praise around the world. Centered around Baek Sehee herself, a young professional woman who feels her successful life is a façade where nothing helps her feel better except the spicy street food tteokbokki, the narrative covers 12 weeks of psychiatrist appointments as Baek attempts to unpick what keeps her in this depressive cycle.

Ever found yourself obsessed with British actor Benedict Cumberbatch of Sherlock fame? Then you’re in good company. Reflecting on her experiences as an Inner North Canberra mother, public servant and Benedict Cumberbatch devotee, Carvan encourages readers with tender and luminous prose to see themselves through a new lens in this best-selling memoir. Carvan’s keen insights and self-effacing wit quickly put readers at ease as she unpacks the tangled web of how we forge relationships with our passions and how we deny them too. It’s joyful, hilarious and uplifting.

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Dirt Town, Hayley Scrivenor Scooping a host of accolades when it was published last year, this is another triumph of Australian neonoir, with Scrivenor’s unique use of perspective and voice adding a fresh twist to this popular genre. Brought to life against a painstakingly realised portrait of rural Australia, Dirt Town follows the disappearance of Esther Bianchi on her way home from school, the results of which threaten to expose the small town of Durton’s secrets.


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LITTLE NATIONAL POST

WORDS Emma Macdonald

Australia is facing an acute housing shortage, leading to an affordability crisis for firsthome buyers, a rental crisis for those locked out of the market, and a more longterm embrace of apartment living which will increase city density, while the move to remote work will see growth in the regions. Through the swings and roundabouts, peaks and troughs, and inevitably fluctuations of the Australian economy, it’s fair to say that buying a little parcel of land with a house on top is something to which most Australians rightfully aspire. It signifies safety, stability, a secure retirement, and the realisation of the Aussie dream. But a confluence of factors is making that dream harder to translate into reality. Australia is facing an acute housing shortage, leading to an affordability crisis for first-home buyers, a rental crisis for those locked out of the market, and a more long-term embrace of apartment living which will increase city density, while the move to remote work will see growth in the regions. But right now, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) is issuing a stark warning that lack of Commonwealth intervention and planning will mean more and more Australians will find themselves without a roof over the head—all around the country. Meanwhile, the cost of owning a home of one’s own will be harder for many to achieve. HIA’s Chief economist Tim Reardon said even with recent Budget commitments in place, the very best-case scenario is that it will take more than five years and one million new homes before housing will become more affordable. This comes on top of 25 years of dramatic house price increases—pushing national median house values 412 per cent higher. By comparison, the ASX All Ordinaries index has risen by a substantially lower 261 per cent. It’s certainly been a fun ride for those who’ve already got a foothold in the housing market. In dollar figures, the typical Australian property owner who has held their house for the past 25 years would have seen an average value increase of almost $18,400 per annum. Not a bad return on investment. Homeowners in Melbourne have seen the highest rate of return, while the lowest long term capital gains have been in Adelaide and Brisbane. But prospective new entrants to the housing market are facing acute affordability pressures, particularly first-home buyers without equity behind them as well as low-income households and it is not surprising that cost pressures are highest in Sydney. In order to get their signature on those elusive mortgage papers, more first-time buyers are seeking assistance from benefactors such as their parents or siblings in order to enter the market; and, since 2000, first-time buyers have become a smaller proportion of the market, down to 17.4 per cent from 22 per cent 25 years ago.

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HOUSES

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Where first-home-buyer participation has faded, investors have become a larger contributor to housing demand. In 1993, housing finance commitments for investment purposes accounted for only 20 per cent of the market, but fast-forward to 2015 and investors comprise 55 per cent of the value of all new-housing finance commitments. Meanwhile, the growth in property values over the past 25 years has happened against a backdrop of ongoing densification across the capital cities, with higher density housing stock rising in prominence due to changes in town planning policies, changing consumer preferences and affordability factors. While unit sales accounted for approximately 23 per cent of sales 25 years ago, that’s up to 30 per cent now; and in some capitals, such as Sydney, even at 40 per cent of all sales. Meanwhile, new block sizes continue to shrink in line with demand for land. According to Core Logic Research Principal Eliza Owens, the Australian housing market has been through one of the most extraordinary cycles on record, “off the back of a global pandemic, and subsequent fluctuations in inflation, interest rates and population”. Eliza notes that renters in the post-pandemic housing market are currently facing intense pressure with average annual growth in rent in the 2010s at just 2.1 per cent but shooting now to around 10 per cent. “This is the result of share-houses breaking up through the pandemic (requiring more stock to house everyone), and more recently the return of overseas migration. With sales volumes also lower as interest rates have increased, there’s been a slowdown in the rate of new investment properties added to market. Ultimately this will make it harder for tenants to put savings aside for a deposit as they spend more on rents.” She also notes that over the longer the term, property values in Australia have risen faster than incomes. Over the past 20 years, Australian dwelling values have increased around 141 per cent compared with an 82 per cent lift in wages, with property values growing more quickly because of innovations in the financial sector and a structurally lower cost of debt over time. “This has led to declining rates of home ownership, from 71.4 per cent of households in 1995 compared with 66 per cent as of 2021,” she said. Eliza believes affordability is going to be the biggest ongoing challenge in Australia, with the deposit hurdle being acute over the longer term. More recently, mortgage serviceability has also become harder amid the rapid rise in interest rates. But for those who can make the leap to ownership, Tim predicts some spectacular prices in the future. If home values increase at the same annual rate as they have over the past 25 years we will see a median dwelling value nationally of $2.9 million by the year 2043. While that value looks astronomically high in today’s money, if the historic averages play out over the next 25 years, Sydney values would be breaking the $6.3 million mark and Melbourne would be over $5.8 million. He predicts cities will continue to densify as the population grows and urban planning strategies seek to maximise the use of strategically located land and transport corridors, which means more Australians are likely to be living in higher density housing. Innovative housing design is likely to increase in importance, with small living areas becoming more acceptable thanks to smarter design principals and better use of space. With technology progressing at a rapid pace, there are likely to be more households taking advantage of flexible working arrangements where they can work remotely with rapid and reliable internet speeds, affordable telecommunications, and less requirement to commute into a centrally located place of work. This may see some housing demand deflected to the markets outside of the capital city boundaries where housing tends to be more affordable.

It’s a small glimmer of hope for generations for whom the idea of buying a house looks increasingly distant.


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WORDS Emma Macdonald


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new term has entered our lexicon via the United Nations—Global Boiling. It’s a phrase that has upped the ante from the global warming we have grown so apparently comfortable with, to one that more bluntly explains the heatwaves in Europe, the fires in Hawaii, and—closer to home—the temperate southern hemisphere winter which has delivered blue skies and sunshine to the nation’s usually frost and fog-coated national capital. Not to mention blossoms in July. But for climate scientists such as Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, the term is far from useful, and one she refrains from using. An Associate Professor and ARC Future Fellow in the School of Science, University of NSW Canberra, and a chief investigator on the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, Sarah is at the forefront of global efforts to understand heatwaves and climate events. Her research focuses on how to measure heatwaves and their changes in the observational record, analysing just how far temperatures and weather events will change under various scenarios of global warming. But she is also an expert on natural climate variability and how it intersects with the climate disruption which is now almost comprehensively understood to be man-made. These are two separate beasts, but they interact in a complex way. Sarah has spent 15 years in the research field, co-authoring 87 publications, and perhaps more impactfully, honing her skills as a science communicator in order to bring the public along on a rational and fact-based journey as we confront questions about our consumption, economy, lifestyle, and very existence. And the last thing she wants to convey is a lack of hope, or panic—despite it all.

EVEN IF ALL COUNTRIES COMMIT TO MEETING THE PARIS AGREEMENT, THEN WE ARE STILL PREDICTED TO WARM BY BETWEEN 2.5 AND 3 DEGREES BY THE END OF THE CENTURY.

IT’S TRAGIC THAT IT TAKES A DISASTER TO FORCE CHANGE TO HAPPEN. BUT I FEAR, IT WILL TAKE A FEW MORE DISASTERS BEFORE DRASTIC CHANGE IS MADE.

I DON’T LIKE THE TERMINOLOGY BECAUSE What will that look and feel like? I COMPARE FRIGHTENED HAVING PEOPLE HUMANDON’T MAKE INDUCED RATIONAL What should the priority be? Is any of this warming the result of CLIMATE natural weather patterns? DECISIONS. CHANGE WE NEED IN THE PEOPLE BACKGROUND TO BE OF EL NIÑO RATIONAL LA NIÑA TO A SPORTSTO GET BRINGS PERSON THIS RIGHT. WETTER TAKING AND COOLER STEROIDS. IT CONDITIONS GIVES THEM TO MUCH OF A BETTER AUSTRALIA CHANCE AT WHILE EL BREAKING NIÑO BRINGS A RECORD, BUT HOTTER IT DOESN’T AND DRYER GUARANTEE IT. EXTREMES. Extreme in every sense. And we haven’t seen anything yet. Heatwaves and extreme summers are just the start. We are also going to see cyclones that are more intense, marine heatwaves will get worse, and a warmer atmosphere will hold more water so rainfall extremes will intensify. All our climate extremes will have more energy.

The connection between El Niño, La Niña and climate change is complicated but they can dampen or exacerbate underlying climate change.

“So sure, we want to ignite something in people to make change (ahem, Governments) happen more quickly, but I don’t think being frightened is the most productive way. We need to be angry—very, very angry—and turn that energy into action. By being frightened it implies being overwhelmed, immobile and lacking control, and we don’t want that.” The 40-year-old mother of three does speak with urgency, but she says she reconciles her job with an implicit choice to “have hope”. So, we asked her to break it all down.

And by this stage, we have already failed the developing countries who are most devastated by the impact of what is to come.

We do have the technology to make a difference and by far the biggest piece of the puzzle is fossil fuel. We need to reduce reliance and get to net zero properly, and transition to live fossil fuel-free lives as quickly as we can. But that change will take time. It is not possible to for people to stop driving their cars tomorrow and to stop using those fossil fuels. I see the onus is on governments to build greener cities and invest in renewable energy and to make it possible for populations to access this technology. The onus is on governments and the technology is there, but the scale and uptake isn’t. I also have enormous faith in the younger generation to make changes. For all of us right now, at a local level I think it is OK to be angry, to vote wisely, to talk about the issue and demand change. What doesn’t help is feeling so scared that we feel overwhelmed. My job is to be honest and truthful, but I also want to stress that we have power to make changes in our own lives, and to vote for the environment, and to demand more of our leaders, locally and globally. I always choose to have hope

How much has the climate warmed?

Currently 1.1 degrees and there is every chance to believe we will hit 1.5 degrees within the next five-to-10 years. Despite calls to limit it to between 1.5-2 degrees by the end of the century we are not on track to make those limits at all.

El Niño is on its way and that will mean a warmer and dryer summer. And this will exacerbate man-made warming.

Climate change gives us a bigger chance of having another black summer but doesn’t set it in stone.

What can we do from this point on?

We cannot limit the impact of global warming with carbon emissions reductions alone. It’s not just about So, what should we expect? emissions stopping, they are already here, and they We are on a precipice. If El Niño arrives and stay since carbon cumulates in the atmosphere for the country dries out quickly enough we could hundreds of years. We need to move on adaptation. see major bushfires this summer. If it’s not dry I would make the point that we’ve known carbon enough this summer then we will probably see traps heat since the mid 19th Century—the science only grass fires, but in the summers to follow has been known about for almost 200 years. Even we could see those huge tree canopy fires and Margaret Thatcher wanted to reduce global warming. conditions where fires create themselves. There are changes being made, and particularly after Australia’s bushfire crisis, people began to stand up and take notice. It’s tragic that it takes a disaster to force change to happen. But I fear, it will take a few more disasters before drastic change is made.


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SPINACH GNOCCHI with GORGONZOLA, PINE NUT & RAISIN

GAMBAS AL AJILLO GARLIC PRAWNS

Serves: 6

Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

GNOCCHI 4–5 large Desiree potatoes 100g plain flour 2 egg yolks Salt White pepper 40g green spinach chlorophyll

GORGONZOLA SAUCE

SPINACH CHLOROPHYLL 3 bunches of English spinach GORGONZOLA SAUCE 50ml milk 50ml cream 100g Gorgonzola, chopped 15g grated Parmesan Salt and pepper TO SERVE Baby spinach leaves 10g Pine nuts 10g Golden Raisins Extra Virgin olive oil

1.

Warm the milk, cream, Gorgonzola, Parmesan and cook, stirring, until thick. Blend, strain. Season. CHLOROPHYLL

2.

Run spinach through a juicer.

3.

Bring the juice to a simmer until the sediment and juice separates. Strain juice through a very fine cloth or tea towel.

4.

Discard the juice and retain the sediment that remains in the cloth. The longer it dries in the cloth the easier it will be to remove but the harder it will be to mix into the gnocchi. GNOCCHI

5.

Set the oven to 200°C. Bake the potatoes in the oven until they are soft, roughly 30 minutes. Cool slightly, then peel and pass through a potato ricer (available from kitchenware shops) into a large bowl. Add eggs and 1 tbsp salt, then sift in flour. Using a flat scraper, gently chop and mix to a soft dough, adding a little extra flour if it is too sticky—don’t overwork or gnocchi will be tough. Turn onto a floured bench and dust hands with flour. Take a cupful of dough, form into a log, then gently roll into a 2cm-thick sausage shape. Use a sharp knife cut it into 2cm-wide pieces. Place gnocchi on a flour-dusted tray in a single layer, then repeat with remaining dough. At this stage, you can set gnocchi aside, covered with a tea towel, for 2–3 hours until ready to cook or cook immediately.

6.

Cook gnocchi in a large pan of boiling salted water. When they rise to the surface continue to cook them for 60 seconds and then remove to a tray with a slotted spoon. Cool down until ready to serve. TO SERVE

7.

Heat gnocchi with the Gorgonzola sauce, add a handful of baby spinach leaves, the pine nuts and raisins, bring to the boil and put it into a bowl and drizzle with good quality extra virgin olive oil.

INGREDIENTS

360g large green prawns 6 large garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely diced 5g sweet Spanish paprika 3g dried chilli flakes, more if you like more heat. 100ml extra virgin olive oil 70ml fine sherry wine Chopped parsley for garnish Zest of 1/2 lemon Salt and pepper

METHOD 1.

Peel and devein the prawns completely, and season lightly with salt.

2.

In the pan, set to medium heat, add half of the olive oil, and once hot add the finely chopped onion. Cook the onion until golden, then add the sliced garlic. Cook for around 3–4 minutes or until the garlic starts to colour slightly.

3.

Add the remaining oil and give it a minute to heat up. Add all of the prawns and cook for around 1–2 minutes on each side or until golden.

4.

Once you flip the prawns, add the sherry and a little lemon zest, stir together and reduce slightly.

5.

Add the chilli and toasted paprika, and stir through. Cook for another minute.

6.

Once everything has slightly browned, remove from the heat and sprinkle with some fresh parsley.

7.

Tip prawns into a bowl and serve with plenty of fresh bread.


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THE SUMMER ISSUE — 25

BARBAJUAN

CHURROS

Serves: 6

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

METHOD BATTER

DOUGH 500g plain flour 180g grapeseed oil 360g water 20g salt

8.

FARCE 450g Swiss chard leaves, all stems removed 300g leek whites, finely chopped 50g garlic, finely chopped 200g button mushrooms, diced 10g marjoram, chopped 10g oregano, chopped 400g goats curd Salt and pepper

9.

BATTER 150g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 1 tbsp vegetable oil 250ml boiling water 500ml plus vegetable or canola oil, for frying

2.

10.

CINNAMON SUGAR 55g caster sugar 2 tsp ground cinnamon

3.

11.

CHOCOLATE SAUCE 100g dark chocolate pieces 25ml thickened cream

METHOD DOUGH

1.

Set up an electric mixer with the dough hook attachment.

2.

Add the flour and salt to the mixer bowl.

3.

Slowly mix in the water and oil until it forms a dough.

4.

Once the dough is formed, remove from the bowl. Cut dough in half, wrap and rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours before rolling. FARCE

5.

Place a medium saucepan filled with salted water on the stove and bring to the boil. Whilst the water is coming to the boil, place two sauté pans on the stove on a medium heat. Once the pans are hot, in one sweat off the leeks and garlic and in the other roast the mushroom dice.

6.

As soon as the water is boiling, blanch the chard leaves.

7.

Immediately refresh the leaves in ice water, and once cool, drain and squeeze out any excess water.

Transfer the leaves onto a chopping board and finely chop the mixture and place in a large bowl. When the leeks and mushrooms are cooked, remove from the pans and chill. When the mushrooms and leeks are cool, add to the bowl and fold in the rest of the ingredients. Season the mixture with salt and pepper then transfer to a piping bag. Reserve in the fridge until filling the dough.

12.

1.

Mix flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Add oil and water and mix until just combined— it should be a thick, gummy batter, like a wet sticky dough, not thin and watery. Transfer dough into a piping bag with a 8mm star tip nozzle. Set aside while oil heats. Heat 5cm oil over medium high in a small pot, wok or small-but-deep skillet to 170°C or until it takes 20 seconds for a small cube of bread to turn golden.

Barbajuans are made similar to raviolis but are fried instead of boiled. Roll out the dough like a ravioli (you may like to use a pasta roller and a ravioli mould). Roll out to about 2–3mm thick.

4.

13.

5.

Place the sheet of dough over the ravioli mould (following instructions for the ravioli mould), gently create a small divot in the dough. Fill each cube with 1 tbsp of filling. Cover with dough. Use a rolling pin and roll over the top dough so that it seals. Turn the mould over and tap it on the counter to release the pastries. Use a knife to separate any pieces that didn’t separate.

14.

Pipe 15cm lengths of dough into the oil, snipping with scissors (snip close to oil surface to avoid splash). Do 3 to 4 per batch, makes 10 to 12 in total. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crisp, rolling occasionally.

6.

Remove onto paper towel lined plate to drain. Then roll in sugar. Serve hot with Chocolate Sauce CINNAMON SUGAR

As you complete each pastry, transfer to a baking tray lined with foil. Note: at this stage, you can freeze the pastries and then thaw before cooking, or you can cook them right away.

7.

15.

Place in a heatproof bowl and microwave in 30–second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool and thicken slightly.

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan (you need at least 4cm) and heat to fry. Working in batches, add the pastries to the hot oil and fry until brown and crisp (about 5 minutes).

16.

Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen towels using a slotted spoon and serve.

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, set aside. CHOCOLATE SAUCE

8.


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LITTLE NATIONAL POST

UNIVERSAL City STAPLES QUIET LUXURY for a BIG NIGHT OUT A low-key approach to luxury is the perfect way to level up a night out on the town. Combine timeless basics like a longline vest and a relaxed-fit trouser for effortless style and use accessories to elevate. Gold and tan are the perfect subtle yet stunning combination.

Layering is key when the weather gets warm, and a classic pair of light blue jeans with a casual t-shirt and comfortable cotton-jersey sweater will easily take you from lunch in the city to casual cocktails during golden hour. Simply swap your shoes from Mary Jane ballet flats to point-toe pumps to level up the look.

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COCKTAILS by the WATER Embrace peek-a-boo swimwear this season but keep it classic with a monochrome colour palette. A baseball cap and oversized collared shirt will keep you cool and casual for a day on the water while wool-twill shorts paired with leather sandals and a leather bag is the perfect combination of comfort and cool. And it’s all easy to slip on and off if you decide to take a dip.

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1 LAURA LOMBARDI Rope gold-plated necklace $98 2 JIL SANDER Belted cotton vest $2,990 3 YVONNE LÉON 9-karat gold diamond ring $1,764.75 4 BOTTEGA VENETA Mini Cassette intrecciato leather bucket bag $2,750 5 MAX MARA Brusson pleated linen wide-leg pants $1,035 6 MANOLO BLAHNIK Aspro 30 patent-leather slingback point-toe pumps $1,255 net-a-porter.com

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1 SYDNEY EVAN Evil Eye 14-karat gold earrings $1,223.05 2 JIL SANDER Printed cotton-jersey sweatshirt $790 3 KHAITE Emmylou jersey T-shirt $670 4 SAINT LAURENT Kaia small croc-effect leather shoulder bag $2,950 5 SAINT LAURENT Cassandre textured-leather belt $580 6 BOTTEGA VENETA Boyfriend jeans $1,570 7 ASSOULINE Chanel set of three hardcover books $130 8 CHLOÉ Rubie leather Mary Jane ballet flats $1,110 9 MANOLO BLAHNIK Aspro 30 patent-leather slingback point-toe pumps $1,255 net-a-porter.com

1 ISABEL MARANT Tyron logo-embroidered cotton-twill baseball cap $300 2 LOEWE EYEWEAR Square-frame acetate sunglasses $568.58 3 FRANKIE SHOP Dallas oversized pinstriped denim shirt $346.97 4 JACQUEMUS Ascu open-back oneshoulder ribbed linen-blend top $375 5 CULT GAIA Bisa cutout strapless swimsuit $352.25 6 THE ROW Half Moon leather shoulder bag $2,646.44 7 JIL SANDER Belted wool-twill shorts $1,780 8 JIL SANDER Padded leather sandals $1,065.92 net-a-porter.com


LITTLE NATIONAL POST

THE SUMMER ISSUE — 27

QUIET LUXURY for a BIG NIGHT OUT

COCKTAILS by the WATER

Summer date night dressing has never looked so good. Choose from clean silhouettes, beautiful fabrics, and classic pieces like this unstructured suit jacket and straight-leg pleated trousers. Paired with classic leather Penny loafers and an Hermès watch, this outfit is a staple for any evening occasion.

Dopamine dressing will be the serotonin boost you need for a day on the water. Green sunglasses and swim shorts add a pop of colour while layering a linen t-shirt and a collared shirt is not only sun safe, but stylish. Pack a pair of rubber sandals for when you want to add a touch of style without giving up on comfort.

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UNIVERSAL City STAPLES Lean into the ‘Dad sneaker’ trend with a chunky pair of kicks that will give your style an edge. With square-framed sunglasses, a comfy printed t-shirt, and cotton-corduroy shorts, a mix and match of neutral tones means you can easily dress your look up or down, no matter your plans.

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1 KIMEZE Oré Rectangular-Frame Acetate Sunglasses $418 2 BOGLIOLI Unstructured Linen Suit Jacket $1,697 3 ATON Balmacaan Cotton-Shell Coat $1,822 4 HERMÈS TIMEPIECES Cape Cod Automatic 33mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch, Ref. No. W055248WW00 $8,237 5 SAINT LAURENT 2.5cm Leather Belt $584 6 LOEWE + Paula’s Ibiza Straight-Leg Pleated Cotton-Twill Trousers $950 7 COMMON PROJECTS Leather Penny Loafers $993 mrporter.com

1 JACQUES MARIE MAGE Cash SquareFrame Acetate Sunglasses $1,341 2 JIL SANDER Logo-Print Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt $610 3 BOTTEGA VENETA Intrecciato Leather Tote Bag $5,518 4 POLO RALPH LAUREN Straight-Leg Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Corduroy Shorts $240 5 NEW BALANCE 1906D Protection Pack Leather and Mesh Sneakers $300 mrporter.com

1 LOEWE + Paula’s Ibiza Rectangular-Frame Acetate Sunglasses $518 2 SATURDAYS NYC Bruce Striped Cotton-Voile Shirt $333 3 ZEGNA Linen T-Shirt $1,180 4 MR P. Straight-Leg Mid-Length Swim Shorts $125 5 BOTTEGA VENETA Rubber Sandals $747 mrporter.com

We’re taking a look at global fashion trends not just for the warmer weather but your forever capsule. From quiet luxury to street style with bold logos, these elevated staples will leave you looking sophisticated no matter where in the world you are.


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LITTLE NATIONAL POST


LITTLE NATIONAL POST

WORDS BY Beatrice Smith PHOTOGRAPHY Brenton Colley PORTRAIT Dr Kelly Teagle

MO N OR

AS WOMEN*, WE’RE TOLD WE’RE AT the mercy of our hormones. But as modern wellness encourages a more educated approach to health, just how little do we know? Dr Kelly Teagle knows a thing or two about the power of hormones. A GP, women’s health specialist and Founder of WellFemme, a women-focused Telehealth service, she spends hours each week advising people of all ages on how to interpret, understand and manage their hormones. These days, however, Kelly’s work is often focused on one specific hormonal event— menopause. Inspired by her own ‘early menopause’ at 42, in delving into this complex process Kelly discovered a challenging medical landscape where misinformation is rife and symptoms go undiscussed and untreated due to social stigma. Given the lack of education and awareness about the diversity of symptoms that can occur across perimenopause (the years preceding menopause) and postmenopause (after a woman ovulates for the final time in her life), Kelly says it’s not surprising that many women are under resourced to understand and manage these potentially lengthy life-stages.

“A lot of their symptoms have been either downplayed or fobbed off...” “There’s a growing awareness amongst women that they’ve been victims of medical misogyny for years and years,” explains Kelly. “A lot of their symptoms have been either downplayed or fobbed off. The old ‘Don’t worry, go and have a Bex and a lie down’.” Understanding how these complex hormonal shifts can change a person needs to be accepted by both doctors and society in general, says Kelly. “The biggest demographic for completed suicide amongst women is the 45-to-55-year-old age group now, because perimenopausal depression is hugely powerful and hugely destabilising to the brain.”

“[But] a misinformed GP might be going ‘Well this can’t related to menopause because they’re still having regular periods…don’t worry about it’. The recognition of the instability that happens in the lead up to menopause hasn’t been there traditionally, although it’s starting to get there.” Kelly is in good company too. Earlier this year, journalist Myf Warhurst hosted a special episode of Catalyst called The Truth About Menopause which held frank interviews with Australian media personalities about their personal experiences. In the UK, journalist Davina McCall’s Sex, Myths and the Menopause documentary also sparked national conversation when it aired in 2021. “People are starting to realise that all of these things have been fobbed off for a really long time— perimenopausal depression which can be hugely destabilising to the brain, premenstrual migraines and getting really irritable—could be related to hormones.” “These conversations need to be heard and women need to feel heard. They need to be informed so they can make their own good choices for themselves about what’s right for them.” One of the biggest challenges in treating the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, says Kelly, is misinformation, especially around Menopausal Hormone Therapy (previously known as HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy). MHT became a popular treatment for symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, during the 1990s, however, when data was released in the early 2000’s from a study called the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) claiming that “MHT had more detrimental than beneficial effects”, there was widespread rejection of its use for menopause. However, recently “reanalysis of the WHI trial was performed, and new studies showed that the use of MHT in younger women or in early postmenopausal women had a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, reducing coronary disease and all-cause mortality”. “The [WHI] data was prematurely and sensationally released…emphasising the risk for older women,” says Kelly. “What they failed to address at the time was the fact that this massive study was mainly a study of older women.” “Now in the revaluation of the data, we know that for the vast majority of women who are going through either their perimenopause or early menopause, it’s very, very effective to use menopausal hormone therapy to treat vasomotor symptoms, which is the hot flushes and night sweats, and it’s very low risk for the majority of women.”

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“These conversations need to be heard and women need to feel heard. They need to be informed so they can make their own good choices for themselves about what’s right for them.” This ignorance and lack of education around women’s health in general, which Kelly says sometimes amounts to “gaslighting”, can create feelings of helplessness to which even medical professionals such as Kelly aren’t immune. “I’ve experienced this myself as a healthcare consumer. I was having complications after a procedure and I went to the doctor and they’re saying ‘Oh no, that doesn’t happen, don’t worry about it.’ Wow.” “I felt really disempowered because in that situation, I was hormonal, I was vulnerable and I’d just given birth. And I was made to feel like I was overreacting.” Kelly says having to advocate strongly for herself as a medical professional to other medical professionals gave her invaluable insight into the challenges some women face. She went on to create the WellFemme Telehealth menopause clinic in 2019, which aims to ensure that all Australian women have access to informed menopause and perimenopause care.

She adds that the danger of dismissing femalespecific symptoms runs far deeper than a difficult transition into menopause. “This ties into the reason why women have such worse outcomes if they present having a heart attack to the emergency department,” she explains. “Because they will have non-standard symptoms; like they might just feel a little bit faint or a little bit anxious with a fluttery chest.” “Their symptoms are not taken that seriously and so it gets missed and they are much, much more likely to die after heart attack and much less likely to be admitted to intensive care after a heart attack.” Lately, Kelly has been at the coalface of bringing hormonal issues into the national conversation, with a highlight being a Parliamentary Roundtable on Menopause which she describes as “the biggest consortium of Australian menopause experts ever”. “We were all united in calling for action on improving access to information and services for women in the menopausal transition,” says Kelly. The ultimate goal? A National Menopause Action Plan, and greater awareness across all demographics, not just people with ovaries. “We need to make sure that as a community, we think of the menopausal transition as an important issue. People born with a women’s reproductive anatomy are 51% of our population. We have to have good public awareness campaigns and actually be asking the boys how’s it affecting them.” “I know they want to know how to support the women in their world and their loved ones who are going through this. They want to understand it because it does cause relationship breakdowns, and it does cause heartache and distress in families. How do we educate the whole community? And how do we make sure that they’re not left out of this discussion?”

If this article has raised issues for you, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. *In this article, women refers to anyone who menstruates or is affected by menopause.


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LITTLE NATIONAL POST

Sydney and Canberra are brimming with experience for every tas

WHAT’S ON IN SYDNEY SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL ART SERIES: KANDINSKY

Saturday 4 November 2023 until Sunday 10 March 2024 Art Gallery of New South Wales

SYDNEY FESTIVAL

Credited as one of the pioneers of abstraction in Western art, this comprehensive exhibition explores the great innovator Vasily Kandinsky (1866–1944), from his beginnings in Munich, to his return to his birthplace of Moscow with the outbreak of World War One, the interwar years in Germany, and his final chapter in Paris. artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Friday 5 until Sunday 28 January 2024 Various locations Explore the Art of Summer through dance, music, art installations, comedy and more throughout the Sydney Festival. With events spread throughout the city, enjoy a mix of nearly 100 different activities and immersive installations including familyfriendly and free activities for everyone to enjoy. sydneyfestival.org.au

Credit: Destination NSW

24TH BIENNALE OF SYDNEY

Saturday 9 March until Monday 10 June 2024 Various locations Don’t miss this major international contemporary art festival as it takes over Sydney. Providing a platform for arts and ideas from a range of artists from diverse backgrounds, this edition revisits legacies of collective resistance, strength, and exuberance, while celebrating the exhibition as a carnival of rays and radiance—which is why it’s aptly titled Ten Thousand Suns. biennaleofsydney.art

Credit: Kandinsky with his painting ‘Dominant curve (Courbe dominante)’, Paris 1936 Photo: Boris Lipnitzki © Boris Lipnitzki / Roger-Viollet

Credit: Destination NSW

SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW

VIVID SYDNEY

Friday 24 May until Saturday 15 June 2024 Various locations

Friday 22 March until Tuesday 2 April 2024 Sydney Showground

Vivid sparks the soul of the city alight, fusing art, technology, and innovation into three weeks of spectacular immersive magic. Live music, performances, and fabulous food events are also part of the festivities. vividsydney.com

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is back in 2024 for 12 days of non-stop fun! Feed the adorable farm animals, see live animal competitions, snack on delicious food, scream out loud at the carnival, shop from a range of small and large techniques and marvel at the evening entertainment and fireworks spectacular! eastershow.com.au

Credit: Destination NSW

Credit: Destination NSW


LITTLE NATIONAL POST

THE SUMMER ISSUE — 31

GUIDE

WORDS Georgie Burgess

y taste, interest, and hobby. Here’s a line-up you won’t want to miss.

WHAT’S ON IN CANBERRA STREET MACHINE SUMMERNATS 36

NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

Thursday 4 until Sunday 7 January 2024 Exhibition Park in Canberra

Friday 16 until Sunday 18 February 2024 Various locations

Held over four massive days, this is a horsepower party for the modified car community. Beginning in 1988, Summernats features competition driving events, an elite hall, show and shine, drifting, trade show and exhibition, concerts, cruising, burnouts and much more. summernats.com.au

Over three days be swept away into new worlds through performance, food, drink, culture and community spirit. Over 170 nations call Canberra home and during the Multicultural Festival you can be part of the kaleidoscope of colours, sights, sounds and tastes of the city celebrating everyone, together. multiculturalfestival.com.au

Credit: VisitCanberra

ENLIGHTEN

Friday 1 March until Sunday 17 March 2024 Various locations Whether you take to the skies in a hot air balloon or swoon at the Symphony in the Park or be in awe of the Enlighten Illuminations, there’s something for everyone at the Enlighten Festival. enlightencanberra.com

Credit: VisitCanberra

NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL

Thursday 28 March until Monday 1 April 2024 Various locations

Credit: VisitCanberra

ARCHIE 100: A CENTURY OF THE ARCHIBALD PRIZE

Friday 20 October 2023 until Sunday 28 January 2024 National Portrait Gallery

Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize unearths fascinating stories behind almost 100 carefully selected artworks. Archie 100 delves into the controversies and the commonplace, the triumphant and the thwarted, and honours the artists who have made the Archibald Prize the most sought-after accolades in Australian art today. artgallery.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/ archie-100/

Credit: ‘A true Territorian’: Portrait of Grandma Lum Loy, 1979 by Geoff La Gerche

Credit: VisitCanberra

Known as the heart and home of Australian folk culture, the Folkie brings thousands together in a massive celebration of music, storytelling and more. Held over the Easter long weekend, it is the perfect family-friendly activity with events to cater to all ages. folkfestival.org.au


Future is an attitude

Horizons aren't boundaries The all-electric Audi Q8 e-tron As Canberra leads the nation with the highest concentration of charging stations, owning an EV in the ACT comes with even less boundaries.

Contact Audi Centre Canberra to find out more. 132 Melrose Drive Phillip | (02) 6281 1000 audicentrecanberra.com.au LMVD 20000209


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