Murujuga is Australia's latest UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site

Murujuga, the world’s largest rock art site located on the Burrup Peninsula in West Australia, has officially been confirmed as a Cultural World Heritage Site at the 47th World Heritage Committee (WHC) at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. 

1946 Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test [video]

 

The 1946 Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test, codenamed Operation Crossroads, was a pivotal event in history. It was a series of two nuclear tests conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The tests aimed to assess the effects of nuclear explosions on naval ships and to demonstrate the power of atomic bombs. The Two Tests: - Able: The first test took place on July 1, 1946. A nuclear bomb was dropped from an aircraft, detonating 520 feet above the target fleet. Although it sank only five ships, the test provided valuable insights into the effects of nuclear explosions on naval vessels. - Baker: The second test occurred on July 25, 1946. This time, a nuclear bomb was detonated underwater, sinking eight ships. The Baker test created a massive condensation cloud and contaminated the surrounding ships with radioactive water, making them unusable for further testing The Operation Crossroads tests marked the beginning of a series of nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll, which continued until 1958. These tests had a profound impact on the environment, the local population, and the world's understanding of nuclear power.

Navy training ship Nave Amerigo Vespucci coming to Australia

Nave Amerigo Vespucci and the Villaggio Italia on their way to Australia. For the first time in its history, the Navy training ship, will stop in Darwin, (the 24th stop on its World Tour) from October 3 to October 7.

FROM NEVADA TO NEW SOUTH WALES: HUMAN NATURE CLOSE OUT BROKEN HILL MUNDI MUNDI BASH WITH EPIC VEGAS SHOW

Legendary Australian pop vocal group, Human Nature, brought the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to Broken Hill as they drew the Mundi Mundi Bash, outback NSW's biggest ever event, to a spectacular close.

Major new Royal Easter Show attraction all set up and ready

 

 

NEW NEON ALLEY BRINGS HIGH VOLTAGE FOOD FUN TO 2023 EASTER SHOW

World's biggest fairy floss and dagwood dogs go neon!

A totally immersive explosion of food, lights and sound will hit the 2023 Royal Easter Show in a kaleidoscope of colour when Neon Alley launches at the iconic event next month.

Neon coated dagwood dogs with neon sauces, neon gelato, neon sugar dusted cronuts and churros, neon hot dogs with neon buns and sauces, neon freak shakes and neon gummi bear loaded fires are just some of the unique glowing foods that will be served from custom made Air-Stream food trucks in a technicolour laneway of more than 500 neon lights.

When the gates swing open from April 6 till April 17th Neon Alley will be the biggest ever food truck installation in the 200-year history of the Royal Easter Show.

"It's going to look amazing. It will look like part of the Vegas strip has landed at the Royal Easter show. We'll be located right in the heart of the show on Monaro Street, and every inch of Neon Alley and our amazing foods will be insta worthy. Our Air Stream food trucks – including some that are a never before been seen rose gold finish – are so shiny they'll reflect and amplify the lights," said Jade Evans, founder/operator of the new family-operated Neon Alley and Ace Attractions.

The Air-Stream food trucks will include individual 'I love Fairy Floss', 'I love Hot Dogs', 'I love Churros', 'I love Gelato & Shakes' and 'I love Fairy Floss' custom builds that will shine bright in the Show food destination.

Super-sized neon foods will be the stars of Neon Alley, with the world's biggest, fluffiest fairy floss at an enormous 6ft of neon spun sweetness in strawberry, bubble gum and Unicorn flavours – and also available with a special glow stick. A 2ft world's biggest neon dagwood dog and a new Elvis Burger created with Southern fried chicken on neon glazed Krispy Kreme's will also tempt showgoers.

In a further nod to the neon 90s Neon Alley will vibe with a 90s themed play list .

Five generations of the Evans and Foster families, who are running the new Neon Alley, have shared a proud history with Royal Easter Show.

"Our families have been involved with the Show for close to half the time it's been running. For 95 years the Foster and Evan's families have been a part of the Show with food and rides – and this year our kids are heavily involved in Neon Alley. Our sixteen year old daughter Ava will have her 'I love Churros' air stream at Neon Alley and seventeen year old son Austin will also be running a food truck,' said Jade Evans, who along with her husband Josh, kids and other family members will run the new Neon Alley.

Rounding out the family fun at the Royal Easter Show will be the Evan's ten-year-old twin daughters Willow and Faith who will be selling old-school Cupid Dolls on a stick from a stall alongside their parents.

Named in honour of their 'nanna's', who both sold cupid dolls at shows around Australia when they were young, 'Betty & June's Dolls' will have thousands of hand-made retro Cupid dolls on a stick for sale.

The renowned Evan's family Dagwood dogs were supersized for the Royal Easter Show last year when they offered show-goers the World's Biggest Dagwood dog at a mouth-watering 2 foot long. This year the super-sized treats will have a neon overhaul – and will also have the option of being served in a neon bouquet.

"What could say I love you more than a huge bouquet of neon dagwood dogs?," joked Jade Evans. "It will be the perfect date night dinner, or is ideal for sharing with family or friends."

King of the Dagwood Dogs, Josh Evans - whose family first introduced the show food staple to Australia in the early 1930s - says, "We're still hand making our Dagwood dogs using the recipe my Grandparents bought back from an American fair, along with Australia's first food trucks. Even the neon doggies will be made using my grandparents original recipe."

"This is by far our biggest involvement with the Royal Easter Show, and is also our most significant investment since Covid. My husband Josh's family actually introduced food trucks to Australia, long before they became as trendy as they have in recent years – so it's a proud moment to see the next generation, our kids, so excited to be part of their family history," added Jade Evans.

Sixteen-year-old Ava Evans saved up to purchase her 'I Love Churros' food truck which she will operate from a sleek silver air stream surrounded by neon lights. Ava will serve up neon versions of the cinnamon sugar Spanish street food staple as well as loaded options with toppings such as Bischof and Tim Tams.

The budding young entrepreneur says, "I saved all of the money I made working at shows with mum and dad to purchase my food truck. I've grown up going to the Royal Easter Show and it's always great fun, but we've never done anything as big as Neon Alley at the show before. This year will be epic."

International Women’s Day, Founder/CEO Heidi Kuhn Calls for “One Thousand Golden Shovels”

  In tribute of International Women’s Day, Heidi Kuhn, Founder/CEO, Roots of Peace, a recipient of the FORBES 50 Over 50 Women, called forth a global community of committed women to raise $1 billion dollars to benefit farmers and families in Afghanistan during this time of crisis, food shortages and massive starvation.

World of WearableArt Winners Revealed

Five Australian designers have won awards at the World of WearableArt (WOW) Awards in Wellington, New Zealand. The 2019 Awards Competition and Show features 108 finalist garments by 115 designers from 22 countries and regions all vying for the opportunity to win one of 34 awards and a share of more than NZ$180,000 in prizes.

Kirsten Fletcher of Queensland won The Residency Experience Award with her garment Woven In-tent. The Residency Experience Award prize includes the opportunity for Kirsten to show up to five pieces of her work at the exclusive Residency Experience showroom in Los Angeles for a three-month period. Kirsten will also receive NZD $5,000, a $2,500 travel prize to allow her to visit The Residency showroom in L.A. and exposure on The Residency social channels.

B. Åkerlund, Los Angeles-based fashion activist, celebrity stylist and co-founder of The Residency Experience partnered with World of WearableArt to launch the Residency Experience Award. B. was looking for a designer whose WOW garment exemplified exceptional cutting-edge design. “Woven In-tent is pure couture with an incredible message around sustainability. It has been exquisitely finished and the pieces are strong together and individually,” she said.

Kirsten’s garment Woven In-tent also won the International Design Award: Australia & Pacific, was the runner up to the Supreme WOW Award and came second in the Avant-garde Section. The judging panel said, “We absolutely loved the story and thought behind this entry - the two pieces are complementary yet subtly different and Kirsten has demonstrated a precision that you wouldn’t think could be achieved by hand. Woven In-tent uses clever composition and every element is perfect, we particularly loved the linear forms that wrap the body.” 

Tara Morelos, Ahmad Mollahassani & Nelia Justo of Sydney came third in the Transform Section with their garment Infini-D.

Michelle Wade of New South Wales came third in the White Section with Enlightened, the garment she worked on with her New Zealand-based brother Adam Wade.

For three weeks every year, the internationally renowned wearable art competition showcases the finalist entries in a spectacular theatrical show in New Zealand’s vibrant capital city of Wellington. An audience of around 60,000 people are expected to attend the 2019 World of WearableArt Awards Show season, with many travelling from around New Zealand and the world to attend this must-see annual event.

This year’s Supreme WOW Award winner is The Lady Warrior by Rinaldy Yunardi of Jakarta, Indonesia. This is the second time Rinaldy has been crowned Supreme WOW Award winner - he first won in 2017 for his garment Encapsulate, which was also the Open Section Award winner.

Rinaldy created The Lady Warrior with the toughest warrior of all in mind - the woman. The Lady Warrior plays the role of daughter, wife and mother. She is about inner strength rather than brute physical strength. “I used various mediums of materials to represent different elements of The Lady Warrior. Recycled paper made into rope and woven tightly together represents humanity and inner strength built from her experiences - she was born vulnerable but with life experiences she has strengthened and become strong” he says.

World of WearableArt Founder and Resident Judge Dame Suzie Moncrieff says The Lady Warrior is “a garment that the judges described as an extraordinary metamorphosis of a fragile organic material into something so beautiful. Demonstrating perfect balance and form, as well as immaculate craftsmanship, The Lady Warrior conveys a stunning fragility which is perfectly balanced with a subtle strength. The judges particularly loved the use of traditional weaving to create a piece that is so contemporary.”

Rinaldy also won the Avant-garde Section and the International Design Award: Asia with The Lady Warrior.

In 2019, designers from 43 countries and regions entered in the hope of their garment making it through the judging process and appearing on stage as a World of WearableArt Awards finalist. Finalists come from an incredibly diverse range of backgrounds, professional and non-professional, and working in the fields of fashion, art, costume and theatre, along with students and first-time entrants.

This year the 115 finalist designers were presented with six design provocations, which subsequently form the six worlds of the stage show. Three of these thematic worlds are

recurring - Aotearoa, Avant-garde and Open, and three are new for 2019 - Mythology, Transform and White.

WOW’s 2019 judging panel is comprised of WOW Founder and resident judge Dame Suzie Moncrieff, innovative Auckland-based designer James Dobson of fashion label Jimmy D and acclaimed multimedia sculptor Gregor Kregar. In addition, a number of awards were judged by Sir Richard Taylor, CEO and Creative Director of Weta Workshop, B. Åkerlund, iconic fashion activist and co-founder of The Residency Experience in Los Angeles, and Melissa Thompson, Cirque du Soleil’s Montreal-based Creative Intelligence Team Lead + Conceptrice.

Dame Suzie Moncrieff, WOW Founder and resident judge says: “Each year we are presented with the most extraordinary garments and each year it gets harder and harder to judge as there are so many outstanding works. This year has been no exception. I have been astounded by the wide range of materials used and the intricacy and originality of the designs. It is the highlight of my year and is an exhilarating and humbling experience to view this stage full of the world’s best examples of wearable art and to appreciate the immense amount of work that goes into each one of them”.

The World of WearableArt Awards Show is on at TSB Arena, Wellington from September 26 until October 13. Tickets and more information at worldofwearableart.com

Full list of winners

PLEASE NOTE THAT DESIGNERS ARE NOT TOLD IN ADVANCE THAT THEY ARE AWARD WINNERS AND THEREFORE MUST NOT BE APPROACHED FOR COMMENT UNTIL AFTER THE EMBARGO IS LIFTED FRIDAY 27, SEPTEMBER 2019 AT 10:45PM (NZT)

The Lady Warrior by Rinaldy Yunardi (Jakarta, Indonesia) Winner: Supreme WOW Award Winner: Avant-garde Section Winner: International Design Award: Asia

Woven In-tent by Kirsten Fletcher (Queensland, Australia) Winner: The Residency Experience Award Winner: International Design Award: Australia & Pacific Runner Up: Supreme WOW Award Second: Avant-garde Section

Waka Huia by Kayla Christensen (Island Bay, Wellington) Winner: Dame Suzie Moncrieff Award Third: Aotearoa Section

Natural Progression by Dylan Mulder (Wellington) Winner: Aotearoa Section Winner: Wearable Technology Award

Kaitiaki by Lisa Vanin (Cambridge, Hamilton) Winner: New Zealand Design Award Second: Aotearoa Section

Chrysanthemum & Amphitrite by Jack Irving (London, United Kingdom) Winner: Open Section Winner: International Design Award: United Kingdom & Europe

Regnum Dei by Daniella Sasvári & Aaron La Roche (Upper Hutt, Wellington) Second: Open Section

Collide-o-Scope by Vicky Robertson (Newtown, Wellington) Third: Open Section

Gemini: the Twins by Dawn Mostow & Ben Gould (Atlanta, United States) Winner: International Design Award: Overall Winner: International Design Award: Americas Third: Avant-garde Section

Huaxia Totem by Sun Ye, Miao Yuxin & Yuan Jue (Shanghai, China) Winner: White Section Winner: Weta Workshop Emerging Designer Award

The Blomar by Akhilesh Gupta (Bangalore, India) Second: White Section

Enlightened by Michelle Wade (New South Wales, Australia) & Adam Wade (Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand) Third: White Section

Infini-D by Tara Morelos, Ahmad Mollahassani & Nelia Justo (Sydney, Australia)

Third: Transform Section

Sea Urchin Explosion by Jack Irving (London, United Kingdom) Winner: Cirque du Soleil Invited Artisan Award Winner: Transform Section

Dress Up Dolls by Meg Latham (Motueka, Nelson) Second: Transform Section

Banshee of the Bike Lane by Grace DuVal (Chicago, United States) Winner: Mythology Section

Soul Guardian by Chang Yi-Wei (New Taipei City, Taiwan) Second: Mythology Section

The Moirai - the Shape of Us by Tina Hutchison-Thomas (St Albans, Christchurch) Third: Mythology Section

Wrath of Medusa by Edyta Jermacz (Suchy Las, Poland) Winner: First-time Entrant Award

Walk All Over Me by Louise Dyhrfort (London, United Kingdom) Winner: Student Innovation Award

Engolfed by Leanne Day (Papakura, Auckland) Winner: Sustainability Award

Winner stories

Australia Choosing to live in light and self expansion inspired Michelle Wade (New South Wales, Australia) & Adam Wade’s (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand) garment Enlightened. Over 18 months and five trips between New Zealand and Australia, the siblings took their garment from concept to design to construction. Although Michelle is a first-time international designer, she is originally from New Zealand and wanted to create the garment on New Zealand soil. She chose Edlin Martine Ltd, the closest boat builder to the town where she and Adam grew up. “We set out to create a bold, unique, sculpturally symmetrical piece: a garment to be enjoyed and appreciated from any angle, anywhere in the audience. We wanted both males and females to recognise our chosen material of fibreglass and connect with it.”

Tara Morelos, Ahmad Mollahassani & Nelia Justo’s (Sydney, Australia) garment, Infini-D, is a homage to Yayoi Kusama’s immersive art experiences - her iconic infinity rooms and nets. An infinite geometric grid of shifting colours creates the illusion of 3D depth penetrating a 2D surface bringing unexpected dimension to the garment where the model’s body disappears within the illusory space. “The stylistic mash-up of futurist aesthetic and historical fashion recalls ‘the uncanny’ as experienced in post-modern gothic cinema; simultaneously unsettling and yet also strangely familiar. Stitching together industrially sourced materials and electronic components, the garment’s construction has been approached from an architectural perspective.” This is their first time entering World of WearableArt.

Made using over 500 abandoned tents, Kirsten Fletcher’s (Queensland, Australia) garment Woven In-tent highlights the disturbing practice of people abandoning tents after music festivals. Kirsten first came across this issue eight years ago when she was leaving the famous Glastonbury festival. She began a journey to collect abandoned tents from various festivals and when she had collected 500, she started experimenting with the fabric for her garment. “I finally had my ‘aha’ moment after attending a basket weaving course. This was the key! I had been using the tent fabric the wrong way and not utilising its strengths. Its ability to crease meant I could cut the tent fabric into strips and create pleated strands to re-weave the fabric into something with new depth and texture. This once abandoned and discarded material suddenly became something with a beautiful lustre and a new life. Our fast fashion culture is setting a dangerous precedent to disregard and undervalue materials and resources. Sadly, this story isn’t new, but it needs to be retold over and over again before we realise the implications of our decisions.” Kirsten has been entering World of WearableArt since 2013 and came third in the Open Section in 2015 with her garment Flow of Creation.

China Sun Ye, Miao Yuxin & Yuan Jue (Shanghai, China) from Donghua University took inspiration from the Chinese totem - dragon, for their garment Huaxia Totem. The dragon totem symbolises power, strength and good luck in China and is a wonderful legend. Chinese are often called the descendants of the dragon. “In Huaxia Totem we expressed our impression of HuaXia dragon through 3D-printing. Our belief in dragons is displayed through the pure, noble and ethereal colour, white. Through this white totem, we call for peace and harmony in the world.”

India Akhilesh Gupta (Bangalore, India) was inspired by the balanced form of the lotus for his garment The Blomar. “The lotus has been inspirational for creative masterpieces all around the world, be it art or architecture. Because of its balanced form, no visual components overshadow

the rest. The Blomar opens up like a blooming flower.” Akhilesh was first a finalist in 2017 with his garment Hedwigg.

Indonesia Fashion accessories designer Rinaldy Yunardi (Jakarta, Indonesia) created his garment The Lady Warrior with the toughest warrior of all in mind - the woman. The Lady Warrior plays the role of daughter, wife and mother - she isn’t about brute physical strength but inner strength. “I used various mediums of materials to represent different elements of The Lady Warrior. Recycled paper made into rope and woven tightly together represents humanity and inner strength built from her experiences - she was born vulnerable but with life experiences she has strengthened and become strong.” Rinaldy first entered World of WearableArt in 2017 winning the Avant-garde Section with his garment Cosmos, Open Section Award and Supreme WOW Award with garment Encapsulate. He has two entries in this year’s Show.

New Zealand

Auckland Leanne Day (Papakura, Auckland) was inspired by the wondrous overwhelming feeling of having more ideas than time to create Engolfed, a garment made from old golf bags and clubs. Leanne describes herself as a creative with a million thoughts running through her head at one time, where she often feels engulfed in a creative bubble that takes her focus away from daily life. “I bought a few different old golf bags and clubs on Trade Me and started cutting them up not knowing what my garment would look like. I wanted the materials to take on their own form, repurposing the great lines of the pockets and hardware used on the golf bags. I wanted the golf bags to represent the ideas swirling around in my head constantly and their weight symbolises the engulfing feeling I get that takes over my life.”

Christchurch Tina Hutchison-Thomas’s (St Albans, Christchurch) three piece entry The Moirai - the Shape of Us is based on exploring shape and colours to tell the story of the thread of life - the beginning, middle and end. The Moirai - the Shape of Us was inspired by fate, shape and life, merging Greek mythology with 15th Century fashions on today’s stage to show that despite our differences, we are all the same. In Greek mythology, the Moirai are the goddesses of fate. Clotho spins the thread of life, Lachesis measures the length of life, and Atropos (representing inevitability) cuts the thread of life. “Spinning, measuring and cutting reflect not only all life, but my own personal creative journey. I love the idea of using different shapes - the rectangle, triangle and circle to represent the story of the thread of life,” she said. Tina won the New Zealand Design Award in 2018 with garment Eye See You Fluffy Kōwhai.

Hawke’s Bay Choosing to live in light and self expansion inspired Michelle Wade (New South Wales, Australia) & Adam Wade’s (Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand) garment Enlightened. Over 18 months and five trips between New Zealand and Australia, the siblings took their garment from concept to design to construction. Although Michelle is a first-time international designer, she is originally from New Zealand and wanted to create the garment on New Zealand soil. She chose Edlin Martine Ltd, the closest boat builder to the town where she and Adam grew up. “We set out to create a bold, unique, sculpturally symmetrical piece: a garment to be enjoyed and appreciated from any angle, anywhere in the audience. We wanted both males and females to recognise our chosen material of fibreglass and connect with it.”

Nelson As a child growing up in the 1950s Meg Latham (Nelson) had a fascination with paper dolls and that interest was the inspiration for her garment Dress Up Dolls. “Never satisfied with the clothes supplied, I cut out and decorated my own fashion range. I’ve never really moved on from this - the paper dolls have just become people.” Meg is a long-time entrant of World of WearableArt, with her first foray into the competition being back in 1994.

Waikato Native tūī gave Lisa Vanin (Cambridge) the idea for her garment Kaitiaki. The tūī is unique in looks and sound and represents us as guardians of Aotearoa. Kaitiaki means guardian, tiaki is to look after and kai is used for a person who does the looking after. “We have one chance to look after our precious environment and natural resources to pass on to our future generations as their inheritance.” The wingspan in the design is indicative of the tūī and a guardian angel to look over our land. Kaitiaki is made from bamboo and copper materials and more than 700 handmade feathers have been crafted from those materials. “The layers of feathers and garments represent the different cultures, beliefs and diversity that makes us uniquely New Zealand. The ‘river’ of copper feathers cascading down the front also represents the water that surrounds us and is an essential part of our existence and ecosystem. The copper crosses represents our communities being pulled together and the patience and understanding required when such diversity is present. The Māori cloak is a solid and sturdy form, representing the warmth of our people and the community coming together as a united force to work as one.” Lisa first entered World of WearableArt in 2014, and in 2017 she was awarded Second in the Aotearoa Section for her garment The Cloak of Pīwakawaka.

Wellington Dylan Mulder is a Wellington-based industrial designer and 3D modeller who used artificial intelligence to create his garment Natural Progression. The inspiration behind Natural Progression is very much focussed on unlocking new thinking around Māori design using AI.

“Much like a Māori carver or ta moko artist, AI intuitively reads the organic canvas, takes influence from spiritual concepts and grows itself in response to its form. From flint to steel tools to dremels - AI is just another tool in the shed. As a half Dutch, half Māori New Zealander, I am exposed to two distinctly different cultures. Having lived predominantly in European environments around the world, I find I wish to reconnect with my Māori side more to complete the picture.” Dylan has entered World of WearableArt a number of times since 2012 and in 2016 he won the Cirque du Soleil Award with his garment Digital Stealth Gods and was flown to Montréal, Canada to complete a four-week internship at Cirque du Soleil HQ.

Kayla Christensen (Island Bay, Wellington) looked to her genealogy, culture and heritage to find inspiration for her garment Waka Huia. Kayla describes Waka Huia as a goddess who walks our sacred land, “Protecting our most prized taonga in her waka huia treasure box, taking it with her everywhere she goes.” Kayla was given a waka huia box of her own, along with a greenstone and three feathers from her partner and his family, and it’s one of her most prized possessions. This inspired her to create Waka Huia as a vessel that contains all our sacred, native taonga here in Aotearoa. “She holds eternal value to our native flora and fauna here in Aotearoa, a connection which runs deep through her veins and is passed down from her ancestors.” Kayla has been a World of WearableArt finalist every year since 2009 with her 2017 (Kuini) and 2018 (Ancient Dreamscape) garments both receiving awards in the Aotearoa Section.

Vicky Robertson (Newtown, Wellington) took inspiration from the kaleidoscope that transfixed the public in the 1800s for her garment Collide-o-Scope. “A person couldn’t walk down the street in London without seeing people being so immersed in the new invention.” Her garment draws on the wonder of the kaleidoscope with its colliding and overlapping colours. The idea was first sparked when she saw an image of a model walking directly in front of a projection of Notre-Dame’s rose window. “I wondered if I could recreate the effect of the window framing her.” The garment took 10 months to construct and most of her time was spent on computer drawing and perfecting the design of the harness the model would wear to carry the wheel. Vicky has been entering the competition since 2012 and won the Sustainability Award for her garment Queen Qwerty in 2013.

Daniella Sasvári & Aaron La Roche (Upper Hutt, Wellington region) based their garment Regnum Dei around telling this story and the statement ‘the Land of God welcomes everybody with love and respect’. “I am very sad that the political climate in Hungary is still filled with hate against Jews and Gypsies. Especially because St. Stephen 1000 years ago wrote in his advice that we must treat everybody with Christian love and compassion. He said that the nation will become rich, wise and knowledgeable if we become a multicultural society. I painted my version

of St. Stephen’s offering with the minorities too - there is a Jewish money exchanger, Szeklers and Gypsies.” Daniella has been entering World of WearableArt since 2010.

Poland Edyta Jermacz (Suchy Las, Poland) drew on the mythological Medusa for inspiration with her garment Wrath of Medusa. Made from vinyl latex and neoprene, the garment features a picture of Bernini’s Medusa sculpture and a modern streetwear vibe. This is Edyta’s first time entering World of WearableArt and she has two entries in this year’s Show.

Taiwan Chang Yi-Wei (New Taipei City, Taiwan) likes to create works of art that represent the soul and don’t look human-like - that’s what her garment Soul Guardian is all about. “In a world full of dark forces, inner demons make us fall and keep biting our hearts. We all need a god to purify our hearts. To preserve the integrity and purity of our souls.” This is Yi-Wei’s first year entering World of WearableArt.

United Kingdom Costume Designer Jack Irving (London, United Kingdom) has entered World of WearableArt for the first time this year and has an impressive four entries in this year’s Show; two of which have won awards. Chrysanthemum & Amphitrite demonstrate design inspiration that is two-fold. One piece is an iridescent inflatable wearable sculpture inspired by the chrysanthemum flower. “An exotic flower from a cosmic galaxy, which encapsulates its goddess within. She lures the viewer in from far away with her iridescent reflective petals. Her power and beauty prevail.” The second piece relates to the deep sea worm family Sabellidae commonly known as the ‘feather duster worm’ found on the sea bed. “This strong yet delicate piece represents Amphitrite’s regalia as she’s ruling the world of the deep, and captivates the viewer as the colours of the piece change as she moves in the light.” Jack’s other award-winning entry is Sea Urchin Explosion - an inflatable sea urchin showgirl dress. The garment starts like a dormant squid and transforms by inflating into an impressive sea urchin sculpture on stage. “The piece inflates to fend off the enemy if they get too close. A warning to any predator that wants to get a closer look!”

Louise Dyhrfort (London, United Kingdom) looked to the stiletto heel for inspiration when designing her garment Walk All Over Me. Louise reflected on her personal experiences of being a teenager out clubbing and not having enough money to get a taxi home. Instead, she and her friends would take off their heels and walk home holding them in their hands like a weapon. “Walk All Over Me is an installation that actively questions the use of something vulnerable in creating something aggressive. I want to force the viewer to see what they think suppresses the wearer can instead be used to defend oneself.”

United States Grace DuVal (Chicago, United States) pays tribute to the hundreds of needless cyclist deaths that happen every year around the world with her garment Banshee of the Bike Lane. This is Grace’s third year using recycled bicycle parts to create WOW garments. Having had a close-call as a cyclist herself and watching her friends mourn the loss of a fellow cyclist who was killed by a double-decker bus, Grace wanted to create a figure that honours those that have lost their lives. “Banshee of the Bike Lane heralds the death of cyclists senselessly killed by motor vehicles. Her wails echo through the city streets as she mourns those who have fallen. She is dressed all in black, her garb a shroud made from recycled bicycle inner tubes, chains and cogs; the cycling materials embracing her and honouring those whom she mourns.” The garment takes inspiration from the banshees of Irish mythology, wailing female spirits who heralded the death of loved ones through their screams and shrieks. Grace has been entering World of WearableArt since 2009 and in 2017 she was the runner-up to the Supreme WOW Award and winner of the Sustainability Award with her garment Refuse Refuge. In 2018 she won the Dame Suzie Moncrieff Award with her garment Mind the Synaptic Gap.

Like a herd of sprinting zebras or a striped cobra ready to strike, Dawn Mostow & Ben Gould’s (Atlanta, United States) garment Gemini: the Twins hypnotises the audience with its spiralling patterns. The husband and wife team discovered latex in 2009 and together formed Dawnamatrix, a latex fashion company that went on to dress pop stars like Katy Perry and Beyonce. Using their signature material - latex - they have created Gemini: the Twins with the intention of forcing the audience to do a double-take. “They will first see the beautiful silhouette, and negative space between the mirrored figures. Then they will realise that the two figures are wearing identically opposing patterns and their eyes will dart back and forth to confirm each motif.” Dawn and Ben have been entering World of WearableArt since 2017 and have won a number of awards. In 2017 they won the Wearable Technology Award with their garment Labyrinth Gown and came Third in the Red Section with The Messenger. In 2018 they were overall winners of the International Design Award, as well as winning the International Design Award: Americas, and Second in the Under the Microscope Section with their garment Foreign Bodies.

Rain Room Now Open In Melbourne

RANDOM INTERNATIONAL’s monumental artwork, Rain Room, makes its Southern Hemisphere debut in Melbourne, Australia, having captivated over half a million patrons worldwide.

Rain Room premieres in the Jackalope Pavilion, St Kilda having already sold over 20,000 tickets, an extended season has been announced until Sunday 27 October, available from Friday 16 August, 10:00am.

A 100 square metre field of continuous rainfall, Rain Room is a responsive environment engaging all the senses; millions of water droplets respond to your presence by ceasing to fall wherever movement is detected, allowing you to be fully immersed in the rain while simultaneously protected from it.

Housed in a purpose-built pavilion by March Studio, Rain Room is a permanent part of the Jackalope Art Collection. An ethereal architectural statement, the ‘Jackalope Pavilion’ is a creative and artistic space, through which Jackalope can showcase public art and activations in an urban context.

“Art is a significant part of Jackalope’s undertaking to provide transformative and immersive experiences,” says Jackalope founder, Louis Li. “Rain Room is our most ambitious curation to date; the work represents the spirit of our hotels – an interplay between imagination, mystery and science.”

Internationally acclaimed as ‘strikingly beautiful’, Rain Room is a physical experience that both deprives and intensifies the senses. It invites an exploration of the individual actions and emotions that can be generated by this unique, counter-intuitive environment. The installation also seeks to explore how human relationships to each other and nature are increasingly mediated through technology.

“Rain Room is sculptural, theatrical, immersive and cinematic – and one of the most impactful works of art in recent years”, says Katrina Sedgwick, CEO of ACMI, who Jackalope Art Collection have partnered with to bring the installation to Melbourne.

Rain Room has previously exhibited at The Barbican, London (2012); the Museum of Modern Art, New York (2013); the YUZ Foundation, Shanghai (2015); the LACMA, Los Angeles (2017); and at the Sharjah Art Foundation (2017). In Australia, Rain Room will be presented in association with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Rain Room will be housed within the Jackalope Pavilion on the corner of Acland and Jackson Street, St Kilda. Tickets are on sale via jackalopehotels.com/art/rainroom. Due to high demand, Rain Room has announced a limited second release of tickets, to go on sale Friday 16 August at 10am.

All tickets are sold in 20-minute time blocks (18 PAX per block) and can only be purchased online.

Rain Room is open seven days a week, Sunday to Wednesday from 10am-6pm and Thursday to Saturday from 10am-9pm.

Pricing (in AUD):
Adult - $31.10
Concession - $26.00
Child (3-17 years, inclusive) - $18.90
Family (2 adults, 2 children) - $88.70

*Children under two years of age receive free admission when accompanied by an adult with a paying ticket

The Bart Cummings Trophy Collection unveiled at Flemington

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) today unveiled The Bart Cummings Trophy Collection in Saintly Place, ahead of the collection's official opening to the public on Seppelt Turnbull Stakes Day this Saturday.

The permanent trackside display dedicated to the Cups King features 149 notable trophies and awards including the Melbourne Cup won by the Cummings-bred and trained Saintly in 1996, alongside his 12 Melbourne Cup trainer's trophies, two Caulfield Cups won by Ming Dynasty in 1977 and 1980, and four Cox Plates won by Saintly in 1996, Dane Ripper in 1997 and So You Think in 2009 and 2010.

VRC Chairman Amanda Elliott said the new display, free to visit for all racegoers, was a fitting tribute to Australia's most famous and loved horse trainer.

"We are deeply honoured and thankful to Bart and the Cummings family for bequeathing this immensely important collection to the Club," she said.

"The collection is not only a homage to Cummings' unparalleled feats as a trainer, but his enduring relationships with family, jockeys, owners and horses.

"It delivers a fascinating insight into his story, charting his stratospheric rise from provincial cups to the ultimate race in the world, the Emirates Melbourne Cup, and it is fitting that the collection is on show for all to see in Saintly Place, a general admission area overlooking the Flemington winning post, the scene of 83 of Cummings' Group 1 wins.

"It is an important part of not only the Cummings family history but Australian sporting history, and it is fitting that it is housed at Flemington, the track that made Bart famous.

"I'm sure racing enthusiasts and the public alike who all knew and loved Bart will absolutely relish the opportunity to come to this beautiful racecourse and view one of the great trophy collections of the world."

The trophies and awards had been displayed in the Cummings family home, including cabinets in the family's formal dining room and offices at Princess Farm.

The collection includes statues made of bronze, trophies and presentation plates of sterling silver and gold, crystal pieces and silk presentation sashes.

Plans for their installation in Saintly Place were made prior to Cummings' death in 2015 and were endorsed by Cummings.

Bart's son, trainer Anthony Cummings, said the family was pleased the collection was on show for the wider public.

"We're delighted that the collection is being housed at Flemington, so we along with the wider racing public can enjoy and remember Bart's extraordinary feats for years to come," he said.

"Bart typically avoided fuss, but he was delighted for this tribute to be at Flemington and we're pleased to be part of the collection's unveiling."

Cummings' 11th Melbourne Cup winner, Rogan Josh, watched the unveiling from the Flemington front lawn, visiting from his home at Living Legends.

He was joined by Precedence, the last Cup runner for Cummings in 2014 and the first he shared with grandson James. Precedence is now enjoying a successful post-racing career as a show horse, and is partly owned by long-time Cummings foreman Reg Fleming.

The Bart Cummings Trophy Collection is housed in Saintly Place, a general admission area named in honour of Cummings' Flemington stable facility which operated until 2014. The stables housed the likes of So You Think, Hyperno, Let's Elope, Viewed, Think Big, Leilani, Kingston Rule and, of course, Saintly.

The general admission area underwent a million dollar renovation in 2016 funded in partnership with the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, itself largely funded through unclaimed dividends. It is open every Flemington raceday, and entry is free for all racegoers.

vrc.net.au | flemington.com.au

Kit Harington, Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, at Giffoni Film Festival 2017

"Winter is coming"

Kit Harington enchanted the Giffoni Film Festival 2017: well-known for his portrayal of Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, Mr. Harington was literally overwhelmed by the affections of his fans, many of which had been waiting all night at the Cittadella for their darling to arrive, eager  to get some sneak previews on the series as well as the actor's background.

"I don't think Jon Snow will ever become king, he's not ambitious enough for that, but I could see Tyrion sitting on the Iron Throne: I've always considered him the right person to rule over the Seven Kingdoms", said Harington, and went on declaring himself a great fan of Harry Potter – with a preference for the Gryffindor - and Italian director Matteo Garrone.

"What I like most of my character – he revealed - is the fact that he's always siding with the weakest. He's a man of action and I like fighting in movies. That's why this show fits me so well. The hardest scene to shoot? Maybe Ygritte's death".

From Ygritte's death to Jon Snow's death and resurrection the step was short: "When I read the script of the 5th season, which ended with something like: 'Jon Snow dies with his black curls', I tried to react without panicking and started waiting for an official mail of dismissal from the production, but a week went by, then two and three and nothing happened, until I was eventually summoned by the producers.  Then I thought: "That's it: they will either ditch me or tell me that somehow Jon is rising from the dead'. Luckily, the latter supposition proved to be right, but I was imposed the utmost confidentiality because only for people, including me, knew the forthcoming development of the plot. I took a great leap and shouted: 'Yeah! What a relief!"

He was only able to say "ciao" and "grazie" in Italian, yet his face clearly showed immense gratitude: "I'm always asked how fame has changed my life – he went on- but I really didn't expect anything like that. I just wanted to become an actor, not a celebrity, which, incidentally, is a word I'm not quite fond of. After all, fame is not about me personally but rather about the Game of Thrones series. In my future career I might not be able to find another role of the same relevance as this, and I will never stop to be grateful for it, even if I should be trapped in Jon Snow's shoes forever. After 9 years together he's a part of me, and I think he will always be".

Before leaving  the Cittadella, where he received the Giffoni Experience Award , Harington also mentioned his Italian holiday and confessed: "I really enjoyed my stay in Naples: they made me dance, eat and totally forget about myself!".

Customised Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Inspired by Marvel Characters

#hdmarvelcustoms



Harley-Davidson (H-D) and Marvel unveil Super Hero Customs, a collection of custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles inspired by some of the most powerful and iconic Marvel characters.

The Punisher - Up Front (Sportster)

For over 110 years, H-D has championed personal freedom and individuality through customisation of its motorcycles. Today, it reignites that passion by unveiling 27 custom motorcycles, each one uniquely designed to reflect the personality and traits of a Marvel Super Hero.

Just like characters in the Marvel universe, no two customised Harley-Davidson motorcycles are the same; different powers, agilities and looks. The collaboration showcases some of the most popular Marvel characters and Harley-Davidson models - a Groot-inspired Street Glide Special from the Touring range, a Thor-inspired Breakout from the Softail family, and a Black Widow-inspired Iron 883 from the Sportster family to highlight just a few.

V-Rod Muscle based on "Ironman"

2016 also marks the 75th anniversary of Captain America’s first appearance in a Marvel comic. To celebrate this, and his Harley-Davidson riding history the highly anticipated Captain America custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle will be on display at Myer, Pitt Street Mall, Sydney from August 15 – September 5.

Harley-Davidson spokesperson, David Turney says, “The spirit of freedom is alive and thriving in the Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special. Like Captain America, it leads from the front with strength, power and endurance, enabling you to venture to new worlds and beyond.”

“We customised the Captain America Street Glide Special to inspire Harley-Davidson dealers across Australia and New Zealand to create their own Marvel character inspired custom motorcycle using the wider H-D range. The results have been phenomenal. A true combination of super powers, with over 16 Marvel characters represented,” Turney says.

"Harley-Davidson and its dealers have done an amazing job with this Marvel inspired collection. It’s exciting to see such a rich legacy of iconic characters and their individual stories so creatively captured," said Gavin Ashcroft CMO of the Walt Disney Company AUNZ.

Harley-Davidson and Marvel fans can visit participating Harley-Davidson dealerships which will have their individual Super Hero Custom motorcycle on display or visit h-dmarvelcustoms.com to vote for their favourite character, trait or bike. Consumers will go in the draw for a chance to win the ultimate Harley-Davidson and Marvel holiday to Hollywood and Las Vegas.

Oz Comic Con Sydney (September 10 & 11, 2016) is the only event in the country where you’ll be able to get up close and personal with an assortment of this remarkable collection.

The Harley-Davidson and Marvel Super Hero Customs range includes the following characters and participating dealerships:

• Captain America, Street Glide Special (Touring) – Harley-Davidson Australia & New Zealand head office (NSW)
• Spider-man, Iron 883 (Sportster) – Phil’s Garage (NSW) and Canberra H-D (ACT)
• Iron Man - Muscle (V-Rod) – McIver & Veitch (NZ) & Adelaide Bike Works (SA)
• Thor, Breakout (Softail) – Harley-Heaven Western Sydney (NSW)
• Hulk, Fat Boy Lo (Softail) – Geelong H-D (VIC)
• Hulk, Breakout (Softail) - Sun City H-D (QLD)
• Spider-Gwen, Street 500 (Street) - Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson (QLD) & Fraser Motorcycles Newcastle (NSW)
• Black Widow, Iron 883 (Sportster) – Harley-Heaven Melbourne (VIC) & Sy’s H-D (NSW)
• Wasp. Iron 883 (Sportster) – Fraser Motorcycles Perth (WA)
• Groot, Street Glide Special (Touring) – Fraser Motorcycles Wollongong (NSW) & Central Coast H-D (NSW)
• Ultron, Night Rod Special (V-Rod) - Horsham H-D (VIC) & Harley Central (VIC)
• Drax the Destroyer, Fat Bob (Dyna) - North Coast V-Twins (NSW) & Richardson’s Harley-Davidson (TAS)
• Black Panther, Breakout (Softail) – Fraser Motorcycles Concord (NSW) & Western Ranges (NSW)
• Ant-Man, Street Bob (Dyna) – Harley City (VIC) & Gold Coast Harley (QLD)
• The Punisher, Forty-Eight (Sportster) – SunShine Coast (QLD) & Rolling Thunder MC (NZ)
• Ghost Rider, Road Glide Special (Touring) – Morgan & Wacker Brisbane (QLD)
• Thanos, Street Glide Special (Touring) – Harley-Heaven Adelaide (SA)

Automobili Lamborghini fully restores Miura SV 1971 Geneva Motor Show car

Lamborghini PoloStorico celebrates Miura 50 anniversary at Amelia Island with restored Miura SV 1971 Geneva show car

Sant’Agata Bolognese, 9 March 2016 – The original Lamborghini Miura SV shown at Geneva motor show in 1971 has been the subject of more than a year’s restoration by Lamborghini PoloStorico, and is presented as a finished project at the Amelia Island concours event (USA) from 10 to 13 March.

The Lamborghini Miura SV (Super Veloce), chassis #4846, was the pre-production model for subsequent Miura SV production. Unveiled at the 1971 Geneva motor show on Bertone’s stand (while Lamborghini showed its new Countach), the car was truly a one-off, carrying over parts from the previous Miura S and introducing new features that would be seen on later SVs.

Lamborghini PoloStorico was appointed a year ago to fully restore chassis #4846 to its perfect original state. The subject of exhaustive research, each detail of the Geneva show car has been respected rather than adopting later production SV parts.

Shown in metallic green Verde Metallizata with tan leather, the restoration of #4846 by PoloStorico has included a complete restrip of the chassis and engine. Using photos and other archived historic documentation, every panel on the Miura has been returned to its original lines and angles and, following the original production sheet and records held by Automobili Lamborghini, every component restored or replaced. Expert Lamborghini craftsmanship and original Lamborghini parts have been used throughout, from bodywork to repainting the car in its original color, refurbishing the interior and overhauling the engine.

“This is a very important car, not only for its place in history as the Geneva show car and the forerunner of future Miura SV models built, but as the first completed project of Lamborghini PoloStorico,” said Enrico Maffeo, Head of PoloStorico. “We are delighted to be able, with the consent of the owner, to show this car for the first time in its perfectly restored state, at the important Amelia Island event.

“This is the year in which the Lamborghini Miura celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. This car not only illustrates the iconic appeal of the Miura, widely acknowledged as the forerunner of modern super sports models, but is also a perfect example of the expertise available in Lamborghini PoloStorico in providing the most authentic Lamborghini restorations.”

Lamborghini PoloStorico officially opened in spring 2015, supporting historic models and Lamborghini’s heritage through four main areas: restoration of historic Lamborghini models; archive management; original Lamborghini spare parts for which around 70% of the historic car parc is covered; and official certification of Lamborghini historic cars.

Australian Tarmac Rally: Snowy River Sprint and beyond

Snowy River Sprint, December 4-6

Will you be part of the action?

Will you have bragging rights when it's over?



So many class titles up for grabs.

Come along and be part of the last round of the year, the end of the championship chase.

Book in for 325km of the best driving fun you can have, sharing the camaraderie of competition in a beautiful part of the world.

Join us for an amazing buffet dinner on the Saturday night. The Central Hotel has something very special planned for us - and it's all included in your entry.

Just over two weeks till it happens, so contact Peter now to reserve your spot on the start line.

And while you're talking to him, why not book your starts for next year too - especially with our special deal.

The dates: Mt Baw Baw, February 19-21; Lake Mountain, May 27-29; Snowy River, September 23-25; Great Tarmac Rally, December 9-11.

And the deal? Four events for the price of three!(Fully transferable)

Yes, if you book now, you get four events - the full 2016 series - for $5850.

But be aware, it's a limited offer at this price. A number of packages have already been booked on this deal, and there are just 11 places left.

Don't miss out!

Contact Peter on 0418 337 955 for booking and payment details immediately.

http://www.australiantarmacrally.com

Big Boys Toys Expo Canberra

Imported American vehicles & gyrocopters

In a first for the East Coast of Australia, Canberra is set to host the first ever Big Boys Toys Expo on 22-23 August, with tickets available for purchase now.

“Big Boys Toys Expo is a two day highly interactive event which will be the ultimate playground for big boys (and girls of course) to see, touch, experience and buy all the toys, tools, gizmos, gadgets, sports and hobbies they’ve always dreamed of,” said Expo Director, Steve Rohan-Jones.

“We currently have over 50 amazing exhibitors locked in with more coming on board almost daily. It will be a huge event onsite at Canberra’s Exhibition Park, and we’ve got some awesome names locked in to exhibit including Defence Force Recruiting, Recreational Aviation Australia, Pure Scuba, Aussie Boats Sales and Shannons Insurance.

“We’re filling over 10,000 square metres at Exhibition Park and will have a great sports lounge and bar for visitors to take a break from checking out all the gear on offer,” Steve continued.

Visitors to the expo can wander through interesting and highly interactive exhibits and really immerse themselves in whatever takes their interest. The expo will feature product demonstrations and sales, and the crowds can really get involved – take a ride in a flight simulator, hop in the dive tank, check out fly fishing demos, an American cars display, vintage cars, off-road vehicles, electric skateboards, gym equipment, golf displays, trailers and a huge remote control presence with cars, helicopters, semi-trailers, trucks, drones and planes.

Canberra Café Racers (CCR)

“Big Boys Toys will be an awesome cross-generational family day out – perfect for sons, dads and grandads, or for the girls to check out with their guys or fathers just two weeks ahead of Father’s Day, and see some amazing interactive exhibits. And whether it’s a love of cars, big trucks, brewing, golf, fishing, tech gadgets, recreational vehicles, pinball…there really will be something for everyone.

“The expo has been confirmed to run in Canberra for the next three years and there is way more to come. So stay tuned for more detail on the Big Boys Toys Expo,” Steve concluded.

Big Boys Toys Expo is on 22-23 August 2015 at Exhibition Park in Canberra. Tickets to the expo are on sale right now at pre-show prices online at only $10 for adults, or at the ‘Mates Rates’ deal of four tickets for the price of three, at $30. For more information, or to buy tickets online and save, visit www.bigboystoyscanberra.com.au Find Big Boys Toys Expo on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bigboystoyscanberra

DIARY DATE

What: Canberra Big Boys Toys Expo
When: 22 – 23 August 2015
Where: Exhibition Park in CanberraMore info & Tickets: www.bigboystoyscanberra.com.au

[video] Helicopter crashes at Russian airshow - can pilot escape burning wreck?

A state-of-the-art Russian Mi-28 'Havoc' helicopter has crashed dramatically at the Aviamix air show on Sunday. Russia's Air Force Commander-in-Chief Viktor Bondarev has ordered the grounding of all Mi-28 assault helicopters.



The Apache lookalike helicopters, which cost upwards of $US15 million have been in service for a decade and are also used by several foreign air forces including Iraq and India.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Panel At San Diego Comic Con - Comic-Con International 2015

Following the `Star Wars` Hall H presentation at Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif., 501st Legion member, Kevin Doyle and the audience of more than 6000 fans walked to a surprise `Star Wars` Fan Concert performed by the San Diego Symphony, featuring the classic `Star Wars` music of composer John Williams, at the Embarcadero Marina Park South on July 10, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Doyle

Byline: Michael Buckner

Copyright: 2015 Getty Images

Derek Zoolander and Hansel walk the runway

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 10: Derek Zoolander and Hansel walk the runway at the Valentino Fashion Show during Paris Fashion Week at Espace Ephemere Tuileries on March 10, 2015 in Paris, France. ZOOLANDER 2 will open in theaters in the U.S. on February 12, 2016. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images For Paramount Pictures)

Dive inside the Costa Concordia. New video footage.

This footage is released by the Italian police.

One World Trade Center to open in 2014

More than a decade after the September 11 attacks to the World Trade Center twin towers in New York, the primary building of the new World Trade Center complex "One World Trade Center" (1WTC) is set to be open in early 2014. The 104-story building at the northwest corner of the 16-acre trade center site is topped by a spire that reaches a symbolic height of 1,776 feet (541 m) in reference to the year of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The Star and AACTA celebrate Australian talent

Baz Luhrmann and creative partner Catherine Martin

Capping off a week of events at The Star celebrating Australian talent and innovation, celebrities of the big and small screen descended on The Star Sydney yesterday, 30 January 2014, for the 3rd Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards Ceremony.

The lobby of The Darling Hotel welcomed guests for a pre-red carpet event, followed by a media frenzied red carpet leading to The Star Event Centre, atop The Star. The globally broadcast awards night for 1,500 guests recognised Jacki Weaver who was presented the AACTA Raymond Longford Award for her service to the Australian industry and Baz Luhrmann for the multitude of opportunities that creating his vision for The Great Gatsby provided Australians.

Other notable attendees included Cate Blanchett, Gracie Otto, Geoffrey Rush, Sam Worthington and Rachel Griffiths.

Illustrating the diversity of event spaces throughout The Star, Sky Terrace - Sydney’s newest rooftop bar hosted guests for the after party, followed by Marquee nightclub where many of the celebrity guests danced the night away.

Jacki Weaver and Geoffrey Rush attended the
AACTA Luncheon (pictured below) on
Tuesday 28 January, and the Awards Ceremony
30 January 2014, both in The Star Event Centre.

The week of events commenced with the AACTAs luncheon on Tuesday, 28 January 2014, with a red carpet arrival for 700 guests at The Star Event Centre, recognising practitioners working across television, documentary, short fiction film, short animation and feature film categories.

Damian Trewella, CEO of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) commented on the flawless production and staging of last night’s awards.

“Staging an awards night such as ours is both complex and challenging, with our production needing to integrate television broadcast, a live audience and a myriad of presenters, guests and media.

"The outcome of our production must be at a high level as it is a recognition of achievement in film and television.

"Working in partnership with our broadcast team, The Star’s team showcased their professionalism through their creative use of the multitude of event spaces across The Star to suit our many varied needs.

"The staging of the AACTA Awards over the past two years at The Star have set ever higher benchmarks for the industry thanks to the quality of the venue, its incredible technical capability and staff that simply make things happen.”

Cate Blanchett walking the red carpet to
The Star Event Centre for the Awards Ceremony.

Solidifying The Star as a world class event and entertainment precinct, The Star will be the official destination partner and host venue for the AACTAs for another four years, ensuring Australia’s most prestigious screen awards stay in Sydney.

Geoff Parmenter, General Manager Communications and Corporate Affairs, The Star, expresses his delight to support this event for a further four years.

“Sydney is rightfully proud of its status as home to Australia’s vibrant creative industries and many of the country’s leading cultural organisations. You’ll see The Star looking to really highlight and showcase its role in supporting and celebrating all things that are great in Sydney. We are therefore delighted to be supporting the 3rd AACTA Awards as Destination Partner and official host venue for the next four years.”

The Darling Hotel and Astral Towers and Residences provided a luxurious base for guests to stay, ensuring that national and international attendees could be accommodated at the same location as the events right across the week.

To enquire about the multiple event spaces throughout The Star, please contact The Star Sales Team on +61 2 9657 8568 or starsales@echoent.com.au

Visit www.star.com.au

For more information or enquiries, visit www.star.com.au or call 1800 700 700.

The AACTA afterparty took place at Sydney's newest rooftop bar, Sky Terrace at The Star.