Australiance

« Best We Forget » Tamarama Rock Surfers

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:42:08 +0000

Let’s go to the theatre!

« Best We Forget »

Tamarama Rock Surfers

Looking for the next great thing to see in Sydney?

We strongly recommmend you « Best We Forget », a highly enjoyable play created by Adelaide Fringe Award Winners isthisyours? and currently performed at Tamarama Rock Surfers’ Old Fitzroy Theatre.

Come have an amazing time at the Old Fitzroy Theatre

Three charismatic young women, Ellen, Jude and Nadia, welcome you in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere for a smart, truthful, dynamic and intimate play that explores the theme of forgetfulness.

This inventive trio will explain forgetfulness to you in a 100 different ways, often with great humour, and sometimes playing with your brain and your memory. The result is an amazing time!

Hurry up!

They warned me at the beginning of the play that I would only remember 35% of it, so if you want to know more you will probably have to go to the Old Fitzroy Theatre by yourself. Take your friends and family with you, and let people know about it : everybody should have the pleasure to see « Best We Forget ». Hurry up, the shows end on Saturday the 25th of February!

Special Offer : book online or by calling 1300 241 167 and use code AUSTRALIANCE to get two tickets for the price of one for any show until the end of the season (except Cheap Tuesdays). Or pay full price if you want to share the love!

To know more, click here to access Tamarama Rock Surfers’ website.

The Old Fitzroy Theatre
Feb 7th – Feb 25th 2012
Tues – Sat 8.00pm
Sun 5.00pm

TICKET PRICES
Adult $33
Concession $25
Cheap Tuesday $21
Show, Beer, Meal Deal $41 (Cheap Tuesday $34)

Sydney New Year’s Eve 2011

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:58:01 +0000

Sydney New Year’s Eve

Time to dream

Where : In the Harbour
When : from 8PM till after midnight
What : Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks are known all over the world. It starts at first with the « Acknowledgement of country » show. It is a smoking ceremony from Aboriginal while images are projected on the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons to mark the start of the New Year countdown. Then at 9PM, the « Family Fireworks ». At 9 :15PM, vessels chosen to take part in the Parade will be illuminated to represent the 2011 Sydney New Year’s Eve theme Time to Dream. The best moment is at midnight, with the start of the New Year! There will be fireworks display launched from seven barges on the Harbour, the rooftops of seven city skyscrapers and, unforgettably, from Sydney Harbour Bridge.
More info : Parks, beaches, reserves and even the streets surrounding them have been made alcohol-free zones.

Best spots to see the midnight fireworks

Shore thing 2011

Where : Bondi Beach, Bondi Park
When : from 8 :30PM to 3AM
What : Since 2005, Shore Thing has been one of the best spots to spend New Year’s Eve in Sydney. Spending this night on Bondi Beach is great in itself but the line-up has always been amazing: Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx, Armand Van Helden and David Guetta last year. But this year, Shore thing should be crazier than ever before with the « Doggfather of Rap » Snoop Dogg! Calvin Harris and Pendulum will also be with him. Finally, loads of fireworks should lighten up the ocean to greet the New Year.
More info: Unfortunately, Shore thing has sold out. For those going, enjoy!

Other events

NYE on the Harbour 2011: Presented by the Cargo Bar, this party also has a nice line-up including Bag Raiders and the Falcona DJs. Only the Final release and Platinum VIP are available so hurry!

NYE on Glebe Island: under the Anzac Bridge, start the New Year with another amazing party and awesome line-up. Jamiroquai and the Pet Shop Boys know how to play good music and this night is sure to be something special. Diamond and Platinum reserved seatings are sold out, but there are still tickets left for other seatings.

Bloody monday: high-tech lifesaving

admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:26:28 +0000

Bloody Monday

Rainy Monday

Sydney and the Hunter should be hit by around 100mm of rain today according to expectations. It has never rained so much in recent history and this is causing more and more trouble. A State of Emergency Services (SES) spokesman has warned the NSW inhabitants to beware of flashfloods. Indeed, while a couple spent a frightening 12 hours trapped in their car stranded between two flooded causeways, a woman had to be rescued this morning because of a flashflood. Let’s hope the rain stops soon and summer can finally begin!

Learn more about climate in Australia.

Facebook IPO

Facebook past and present employees have always dreamed of going on a big adventure and may soon have the money to do so. Its initial public offering (first sale of its stock to the public) could create hundreds of millionaires. The most anticipated stock market debut of 2012 is expected to value Facebook at as much as $US100 billion, which is more than Google. The Silicon Valley is already famous for minting fortunes but Facebook is going even further, with even the rank-and-file employees reaping millions of dollars. A former employee who had joined Facebook in 2005, right after it started, estimates his shares value at $50 million and is already planning to go on a trip to space.

High-tech lifesaving

Australia’s lifesaving culture is well known all over the world and many are those who choose to be lifesavers. This is especially true for Bondi Beach where lifesaving started dozens of years ago and has always been popular since. Now lifesaving is evolving and lifeguards may soon be equipped with high technology. For instance, the Volkswagen Beach Rescue was designed as an efficient conveyance for lifeguards to seek out troubled swimmers without losing any precious time: it can ride on the beach and then turn into a boat. Another solution could be the Bionic lifesavers. “Emily”, the robot lifeguard is a lot faster than a regular lifesaver. The radio-controlled life buoy that seeks out swimmers for a safe rescue could also improve a great deal the efficiency. The life-saving rocket launchers may seem a bit scary but could serve their purpose! Well, lifesaving may be getting high-tech but it will always remain part of Australia’s culture.

Thank God its Friday: angry Eminem fans

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:16:55 +0000

Thank God it’s Friday!

Facebook and “memology”

With 800 million people connected on Facebook, news and tragedies spread fast. Furthermore, people often talk about the same news. Facebook refers to the tracking of these trends as “memology”. « Memology takes the pulse of this global community by comparing this year’s status updates to last year’s, unearthing the most popular topics and cultural trends–or memes– emerging on Facebook. » Facebook recently released some of the information concerning the 2011 trends. The death of Osama bin Laden was the most talked about topic on Facebook in 2011, with nearly 10 percent of English-speaking Facebookers posting about it on May 1. Astonishingly for some, the second biggest topic on Facebook was the Green Bay Packers defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the Super Bowl in February.

The world’s first super predator

The remains of a pair of ancient compound eyes that belonged to the world’s first super predator have been discovered by fossil hunters in Australia. Their claws and teeth-like serrations helped them hunt other marine animals. Researchers uncovered the fossilised eyes in 515million-years-old rock layers on Kangaroo Island, in South Australia. Alongside, they found remains of the animal’s claws and the swimming flaps that ran down the length of its body. Its eyes contained more than 16,000 separate lenses.

Learn more about wildlife in Australia.

Eminem fans demand refund for Sydney concert

Eminem did recently two concerts in Sydney’s Football Stadium. It was expected to be one of the most popular tours in Australia this year. Unfortunately, not everyone was pleased by the performance because of “atrocious” sound issues. Hundreds of angry Eminem fans say that they did not hear a thing and expect a refund. All those blaming the sound system were in the outer areas of the stadium. Those who had purchased $350 tickets had no problem with the sound. One attendee told Confidential the issues were so severe a large section of the crowd starting chanting, « turn it up ». « It got so loud Eminem even heard it, but he must have thought they were yelling « take it off » because he started pulling his shirt up”!

Bloody monday: goodbye Shane

admin — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:26:37 +0000

Bloody Monday

Labor agrees to uranium export to India

If Sunday was a rainy day for some, it was even worse for those against the Labor plan to overturn Australia’s ban on uranium sales to India. After a heated conference, the decision was finally taken, 206 votes to 185. Prime minister Julia Gillard was committed to this decision, saying “We are at the right time in the history of the world to seize a new era of opportunity in this, the Asian century. » But not everyone was so cheerful: indeed many do not wish Queensland to begin uranium mining. For instance, Labor minister Stephen Conroy talked about his family’s experiences living near a nuclear plant in the UK, which he said had « leaked everywhere » in 1957. Doug Cameron told the Prime Minister « You are wrong ». In the end, uranium export to India is allowed, but not the mining in Queensland. To be continued.

Learn more about politics in Australia.

Shane Williams last try

Saturday was Shane Williams’ last game. Unfortunately for him, the Wallabies won 24 to 18 and did not let him say a proper goodbye. Yet, his 58th minute try will not be forgotten. Even if Wales did not win this game, the last move of the match was his. With Dan Biggar’s conversion, it still meant Australia had won 24-18, but the crowd hardly cared as Williams was treated to a standing ovation at the final whistle. Shane Williams has been selected 87th times and thinks himself as lucky. It has always been an honour for him to play for Wales and Saturday he left the stadium with great emotion, thanking his supporters.

Learn more about sport in Australia.

Pine Street’s annual staff exhibition

This week is a good one to go admire the Pine Street’s Annual Staff Exhibition. Witness first hand the creative skills of the artists working at the centre; the exhibition will feature an inspiring display of artworks across the disciplines of ceramics, printmaking, silver jewellery, sculpture, painting, drawing, stencil art and more. You can admire all these work of arts from 9am to 5.30pm during the week, and from 11am to 4pm on Saturday. Who knows, you can even pick up a few ideas for Christmas.

Thank God its Friday: Movember to Summer

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:19:23 +0000

Thank God it’s Friday!

Mo Gala Partés

Held across all Australia, the Gala Partés celebrate the most important thing of Movember: the moustache. They mark the end of November and thank the Mo Bros and Mo Sistas for their help. In Sydney, the Mo Gala Parté was celebrated on the 30th of November at Luna Park. Hundreds of people came, dressed as football players, tennis men, pilots, Mario, and so on. Every Sydneysider to attend this event enjoyed this unique celebration of the moustache!
Movember has succeeded once again in raising funds and increasing the awareness of all the Australians. Now, enjoy the Australian summer!

Protect the Great Barrier Reef

Climate change and pollution have damaged the Great Barrier Reef. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. Indeed, it supports a wide diversity of life and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. The Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve has just made a new proposal to protect this biodiversity and one of Australia’s iconic destinations. According to this new proposition, drilling and fishing will be forbidden in the reserve to avoid more damage. This new plan should be discussed in the following months.

Learn more about beautiful places in Australia.

New Year’s Eve: Time to dream

Everyone around the world knows that spending New Year’s Eve in Sydney is something to look forward to. The fireworks displayed on Sydney Harbour are part of its fame. The theme for this year is “Time to dream”. The Creative Director for 2011 is Marc Newson, a very acclaimed and influential designer. The fireworks will still be unique and amazing, but furthermore this will be the first time that Sydney New Year’s Eve has its own unique anthem. On the 31st, find a good spot and enjoy the fireworks!

Learn more about special events in Australia.

Bloody monday: Farewell Movember

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:01:49 +0000

Bloody Monday

A great week-end

For Sydneysiders going to Stereosonics and for the Wallabies, this was a great week-end. The sun finally came back after a rainy week, in time for the Stereosonics! The amazing music festival went smoothly, thousands of Sydneysiders dancing and shouting, dozens of artists playing their best songs. The Wallabies had a good week-end too. They smashed the Barbarians (60 – 11). That was their first game since the world cup and the proof that they are as strong as ever.

Rise of Floodwater in New South Wales

The sun may have come back in Sydney but this is not true everywhere, endangering a lot of people. The inhabitants of north-western New South Wales have been ordered to evacuate with floodwaters rising. The State Emergency Service (SES) is already evacuating 30 properties at Moree as the Meehi River rises beyond its expected 10-metre peak. They advocate residents of all areas north of Iris Street to not delay their evacuation because roads may be congested or closed. The SES is trying to avoid trapped persons in need of rescue. The floods have so far killed one person, a three-year-old boy who drowned in a stormwater rain at Bingara, west of Inverell, on Saturday afternoon.

Learn more about weather in Australia.

Farewell, Movember

Unfortunately for a lost of moustaches, Movember will soon end. This charity event has been really popular in four countries mainly. Canada has 243 082 members registered on the official website of Movember, who raised $27 570 242 (AUD). Canadians are far above the other countries in terms of amount raised. In the United Kingdom, there are more members (249 900) but they raised more than 10 millions less ($17 168 261). After the UK comes Australia, with 140 604 members registered and $16 576 644 donated. The last main country is the United States, with a bit less than $10 000 000 raised. In fact, a lot of people supporting Movember have not registered on the official website and the overall total should be impressive. Even the sporting world has decided to join the battle and achieve “Mo Glory”. Players from everywhere around the world, playing different sports are also participating.

Thank God its Friday: Stereosonics in Sydney

admin — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:26:28 +0000

Thank God it’s Friday!

Welfare states in turmoil

The welfare state has always been something precious to France and all of its inhabitants. It is a part of its cultural specificities, its way of life. For most French, France cannot be considered as such without the welfare state. Unfortunately, this may have to change soon. France piled up many debts over the years and it is becoming more and more difficult to cope with the costs of the welfare state. As fewer and fewer investors are willing to lend them the money they need Greece and other European countries already have many problems. Some French politicians understand that they need to act before it is too late. Reforms are inevitable. The question remains: how to reform the system without putting an end to it?

Barbarians

In 1990, this Rugby club marked its centenary. Tomorrow, they will play Australia. In 2009, they had lost 55 to 7 against Australia. The Barbarians players are all high-skilled players and all aware of the history of this rugby club. The international players are willing to play together to beat Australia. The only French player selected was Sylvain Marconnet, who usually plays for the Biarritz Olympic.

Learn more about sport in Australia.

Stereosonics

Finally, it’s here. More than 50,000 people were waiting for this, and tomorrow Stereosonics will take place at Sydney Showgrounds (Olympic Park). More than 50 artists will attend, including Avicii, LMFAO, Armin Van Buuren, and the Bloody Beetroots. With thousands of people dancing and cheering their favourite artists, this may be one of the craziest in Sydney Stereosonics so far. Everyone should be pleased by the line-up, said to be the best in the history of Stereosonics.

For more information, read our article on the Stereosonics.

Bloody monday: USA win Presidents Cup

admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:51:05 +0000

Bloody Monday

Denmark’s royal couple in Bondi

The Australian-born Princess Mary and her husband Prince Frederik visited the Sculpture by The Sea Exhibition at Tamarama Beach. The spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk had been transformed into a 2km long temporary sculpture park featuring over 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and across the world. The Danish royals were greeted by cheering crowds at Bondi as they toured the exhibition. Sculpture by the Sea ended yesterday, I hope you did not miss it!

Learn more about famous Australian events

Tiger Woods: number one again

The United States have once again won the Presidents Cup. It is the seventh time they win this 9 years old championship. After a few weak plays during the first two days of the competition, Tiger Woods finally showed to the rest of the world that he was still one of the best players in the world. Even if Tiger Woods was the one to deliver the final blow, the American team was overwhelming overall, with David Toms and Jim Furik.

Learn more about sport in Australia!

Sydney-Copenhagen exhibition

Today starts Curating Cities: Sydney-Copenhagen exhibition. The ground floor of Customs House is dedicated to the fundamentals of sustainability: carbon reduction, consumption and food production. It launches a 5-year research project, founded on the idea of deploying art and design to help the cities become greener. The aim is to make eco-sustainable urban environments. Curating Cities: Sydney-Copenhagen will feature the works of Co2penhagen, DUL, Haque Design + Research, Natalie Jeremijenko and Superflex, and coincides with the campaign to promote Danish green energy technology – State of Green.

Thank God its Friday: Picasso in Sydney

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:52:07 +0000

Thank God it’s Friday!

Australian Wines: McGuigan again

At the International Wine and Spirit Competition, McGuigan Wines has been once again named winemaker of the year. In the beginning there were just a few vines in the Hunter Valley and now international awards. Neil McGuigan is very proud of this wine. His grandfather started labouring in the vineyards in 1869, then his father continued and now him and his brother Brian still have the same passion. According to them, “wine is about emotion, wine is about expectation”. They are not just selling alcoholic liquid but also excitement. Now they produce some of the best wines in the country. Neil has a saying: make the wine a hero, and business will follow.

Find out more about Australian wine.

Sydney: Picasso exhibition

Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso (Paris) have made their way through to Sydney. The fact that the Musée National Picasso is having its roof replaced is the perfect opportunity for all Sydneysiders to see Picasso’s work of arts at the Art Gallery of NSW. More than 150 major paintings, sculptures and drawings are currently in Sydney. This is the most significant Picasso exhibition held in Australia, so don’t hesitate to go admire the work of the most famous artist in the World!

Share your experience and recommend your favorite cultural events on our forum.

Vatican strikes down Benetton’s new ad

Benetton decided to new its provocative culture that had started in the 1990s. In order to do that, their new ad campaign was about UN-HATE: two enemies making truce by kissing. Nevertheless the Vatican was not very pleased when it saw an image showing Pope Benoit XVI kissing Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb. The Vatican expressed “the firmest protest for this absolutely unacceptable use of the image of the Holy Father”. The company defended the campaign, saying its purpose « was solely to battle the culture of hate in all its forms ». Many politicians have yet to express their thoughts.
Read about Australia Fashion and Common Values.

Below a few images of Benetton’s new ad campaign.

Barack Obama & Hugo Chavez, Benyamin Nétanyahou & Mahmoud Abbas, Nicolas Sarkozy & Angela Merkel, Kim Jong-Il & Lee Myung-bak.