Little National Post 11th Edition by Little National Post

EDITION 11

THE AUTUMN/WINTER ISSUE

AUSTRALIANS &

HOLLYWOOD : how we cracked the cinematic big league

LO C AT I O N

A Tale of Two Cities P. 12

FO O D

Autumn recipes to fall for P. 20

ST Y L E

Après-ski by Net-a-Porter P. 22

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CONTENTS

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LO C AT I O N

Fresh tastes: the pick of Sydney and Canberra’s new places to eat P. 8 S U STA I N A B I L I T Y

Green Warrior: Sophia Hamblin Wang P. 10 LO C AT I O N

C OV E R STO RY

Australians & Hollywood: how we cracked the cinematic big league P. 4 ON THE COVER: Cate Blanchett © Mark Rogers Publication developed by

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

A Tale of Two Cities: Sydney and Canberra’s Essential Experiences P. 12 STAY

Cosy Retreats P. 18 FO O D

Autumn recipes to fall for P. 20 ST Y L E

Après-ski by Net-a-Porter P. 22 R E A L ESTAT E

The ‘New Norm’ in Property P. 24 W E L L N ES S

Navigating Burnout P. 26

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W E L L N ES S

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EVENTS

Insider Guide P. 30

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AUSTRALIANS & HOLLYWOOD : HOW WE CRACKED THE CINEMATIC BIG LEAGUE

THIS PAGE Nicole Kidman © RGR Collection/Alamy Stock

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ADORNED WITH BULLET SHELLS, and featuring a steampunk-style, scrap-metal skull at its centre, the wheel of Max Rockatansky’s 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe is emblematic of the way in which Mad Max supercharged Australian cinema straight into the star-studded streets of Hollywood. Fittingly, the heavy metallic prop has been lent by legendary Australian film director George Miller to a blockbuster exhibition taking place at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA). Australians & Hollywood: A Tale of Craft, Talent and Ambition is the NFSA’s first original exhibition in two decades, and is exclusive to Canberra, where it will run until 17 July 2022. It takes visitors on a journey through the pivotal moments in recent and contemporary Australian cinema, its embrace by the Hollywood machine, as well as the people and stories that brought our movies to life. Mad Max’s steering wheel will trigger broader discussion on how Miller’s post apocalyptic film franchise spearheaded Australia’s New Wave of cinema, redefining dystopian storytelling across the world and catapulting the relatively unknown Aussie actor Mel Gibson into the A-List of leading men.

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It will be joined by other iconic artefacts, including Crocodile Dundee’s original Bowie knife and sheath created by film armourer John Bowring and lent from Paul Hogan’s personal collection. The knife is one of the most immediately recognisable props from a movie that remains the most commercially successful film ever created in Australia—“that’s not a knife, this is a knife!”. Both items, alongside others which include the exquisite cancan costumes and red satin dress worn by Nicole Kidman as Satine from Moulin Rouge, Muriel’s Wedding’s ivory satin wedding gown, and the official programs for the Academy Awards ceremonies in which Australian actors such as Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett won Oscars, helps bring the exhibition to its full red-carpet potential. But physical memorabilia and neverbefore-exhibited personal treasures are just part of the show. The exhibition is an

“The exhibition is filled with memorable, shared experiences of our homegrown storytellers. We want Australians to be inspired and invigorated by our contemporary cinematic stories,” he says. For Tara, the exhibition has created two streams of input which have had to be cohesively combined—the vast internal collection and the steady stream of arrivals from overseas. Both are equally precious. “It’s been a mammoth task to curate, but an appreciated opportunity to unveil treasured gems within NFSA’s collection and to prepare them for display so our audience can get up close to them.” While iconic steering wheels are one thing, Tara cites some of the quirkier items among the exhibits, “such as a small letter from George Miller asking the strangest things of his costume designer Norma Moriceau...”. She has also been absorbed in the audiovisual experience, which, understandably, promises a mix of soaring cinematic high points and private moments of introspection. “We have been producing unique content for the exhibition, there are over 60 screens in the show including projections and installations. It is a fun and rich experience for viewers.” It’s not often Tara helps send out a request to Eric Bana for something iconic to put on display for six months, but the Pentridge H Division prison costume worn by Bana while playing Chopper Read was warmly received. “To see these special and personal items arrive is truly exciting—our Australian filmmakers and artists have been incredibly supportive and enthusiastic. It is a joy to celebrate their work and the art of cinema.” From Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin’s art concept books for Romeo + Juliet to cinematographer Greig Fraser’s clapperboard from the 2021 sci-fi epic

“This exhibition is a celebration of iconic moments in contemporary Australian film, but also of the shared communal experience we enjoy when we go to the movies or visit an exhibition together.”

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HOLLYWOOD WORDS Emma Macdonald

TOP Steering wheel from Mad Max: Fury Road (George Miller, 2015), George Miller personal collection © NFSA BOTTOM Extraction © Jasin Boland/Netflix

audio-visual feast of behind-the-scenes, on screen and red-carpet moments, featuring rare footage and interviews from Australia’s top filmmakers, directors, producers and actors. The ranks of these creatives have helped propel the industry forward to significant commercial success while presenting the rest of the world with authentic translations of what it is to be Australian. So while viewers can take in the physical presence of the heavy Mad Max steering wheel, they can also absorb photographs, film rushes, outtakes, day bills and posters from the film—creating an immersive experience that may take some viewers back to their younger years in a cinema circa 1979, when a future world order included a lack of oil and imminent societal collapse. To say conceiving of, and collating, the exhibition has been a huge undertaking is an understatement. Australians & Hollywood Curator Tara Marynowsky has worked intensively throughout the last 15 months, filtering meticulously through the NFSA’s internationally significant collections while reaching out to the Hollywood elite for their own contributions. “We absolutely went all out on this one and it has been extremely resourceintensive, as it is the first time we have embarked on a show of this scale.” Its cultural scope is also unprecedented for the NFSA. “Films can help us make sense of the world, inspire social change, and reflect who we are. We hope audiences walk away from this exhibition with a greater understanding of the artform and how Australians have redefined bigscreen spectacle and found success on their own terms,” says Tara.

The exhibition will also be a high point for recently appointed NFSA CEO Patrick McIntyre, who has arrived in Canberra from the Sydney Film Festival, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company and the Sydney Opera House Trust. Patrick has more than 25 years’ experience in arts and cultural management, and when the exhibition considers the cultural impact of Muriel’s Wedding and the way it redefines feminism and the power of female friendship, he will have an insider’s perspective—he worked as a producer on the film. Patrick said it was significant that the exhibition has been curated primarily from the NFSA’s collection, marking a moment of transformation for the institution and the start of “a new era of opening up our collection and sharing it with the world”.

“This isn’t only a celebration of Australian cinematic success—these stories and memories provide an insight into our national character, and where we might be heading, while highlighting the importance of preserving them for future generations.”

Dune, audiences can take a closer look at the creativity and craft that goes into making a classic. And for NFSA’s Chief Curator Gayle Lake, the exhibition should spark pride and reflection on our country’s rich cinematic traditions. While the exhibition really begins in the 1970s, Gayle notes that many of the themes relating to landscape, isolation, self-reliance and larrikinism have been playing out in our cinematic history since its inception in the early 20th Century and our first ever feature-length narrative film, The Story of the Kelly Gang, in 1906. “Our country has always had a rich tradition not just within feature film production, but with news reels and documentaries, which is also a legitimate way of crafting a story. Our talent permeates from different platforms and our talent has been recognised overseas almost from inception,” says Gayle. “If one was actually making grand statements about our screen history in relation to this exhibition, it is that this is about the distinctive Australian eye and the way we see things both through the camera lens and in our design work. “Our stories also talk about the identity of being Australian, and while it may not be alienation exactly, we do experience a sense of distance from the rest of the world. Our landscape has always played a very important character and we return to themes of self-reliance which seems to be part of the Australian psyche, as well as our larrikinism and take-it-or-leave-it mentality.” Interpretation of a national storytelling is challenged and enriched by Indigenous practitioners such as Rachel Perkins, Ivan Sen, Wayne Blair. Warwick Thornton and Deborah Mailman in films such as Samson and Delilah, Mystery Road, and The Sapphires and provide impetus for national

introspection and collective soul searching in relation to representation of Indigenous stories and history. Gayle noted that despite the Australian film industry’s small size relative to other countries, our large talent pool has always been easily recognised—from actors such as Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts and Heath Ledger, to directors like Phil Noyce, George Miller, Peter Weir and Baz Luhrmann. “These names, faces and bodies of work are known and respected all over the world.” She also noted another star—the Australian light—made the country a sought-after shooting location, and fostered tenacious and dedicated film crews who are “always in demand”. For Gayle, the focus of the exhibition from the late 1970s onward proves particularly gratifying as she remains personally connected to the New Wave and Australian film renaissance that took place during this time. “For me, growing up as a young woman, films like My Brilliant Career by Gillian Armstrong were so important.” Armstrong would go on to forge a path in Hollywood, producing films such as Mrs Soffel, Charlotte Gray and Little Women. “It was incredibly rewarding to finally walk through the space and to be able to stand in the gallery and experience the dynamic artistic vision come to life. The Exhibitions team has done a wonderful job, and people are going to be extremely surprised and delighted. “We want people who come through

to walk away feeling as exhilarated and connected as they do after they’ve seen a brilliant film. “We want them to see our incredible diversity of stories and to identify those thematic elements such as the larrikinism you see in The Sentimental Bloke of 1918 reflected in the larrikinism you see in The Castle (1997). “We want them to be thrilled by the breakout colour and movement films of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Strictly Ballroom and Muriel’s Wedding. “We want them to consider who we are as Australians and see ourselves reflected in the mirror of film.” Australians & Hollywood: a tale of craft, talent, and ambition runs until 17 July 2022, exclusive to Canberra, at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. Open daily 10am – 4pm throughout exhibition. Tickets can be booked at nfsa.gov.au/hollywood. LEFT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM Baz Luhrmann, Moulin Rouge! © Allstar Picture Library Ltd. /Alamy Stock David Michôd and Timothée Chalamet, The King © Peter Mountain/Netflix Lion © Mark Rogers /Transmission Films Mirrah Foulkes, Judy and Punch © Seaside Productions RIGHT Muriel’s Wedding © House & Moorhouse Films

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FRESH TASTES:

the pick of Sydney and Canberra’s new places to eat

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HACO, SYDNEY

ONZIEME, KINGSTON

From opulent to exclusive, just 12 diners can squeeze into Keita Abe’s newest omakase-style tempura bar, Haco. The mastermind behind Chaco Bar and Chaco Ramen, Abe’s focus is squarely on degustation-style bites with single ingredients— think caviar, pork, scallop and banana—which are decided by the chef himself. Traditional Japanese noren fabric banners hang across the entry to Haco’s bunker-style concrete façade; while inside, warm wood has been used to fashion everything from the wrap-around bar to the tables, stools, chopsticks and even some of the decorative blocks the dishes are presented upon. 102/21 Alberta Street, Sydney hacosydney.com.au

It says a lot about a restaurant when it books out its first week before it’s even open. But Chef Louis Couttoupes has a legion of fans—and for good reason. Having earned a hat at Bar Rochford for his elegant blend of French and Mod Oz cuisine, Onzieme—named for the 11th Arrondissement of Paris, a tribute to his time spent cheffing in France— promises a bespoke experience for diners who choose from an ever-changing menu written on a clear glass wall. Showcasing Louis’ signature style of shared plates featuring seasonal food, beautiful vegetables, foraged ingredients and a nose-to-tail approach, the kitchen features a large wood-fired oven and is completely open, encouraging to diners to experience the creative process. 5/39 Kennedy Street, Kingston @onzieme.cbr

Credit: Ashley St George

THE ALBY, WODEN The emerging suburb of Woden just got a whole lot cooler with the opening of The Alby, a 1,000m2 gastropub boasting multiple bars and dining spaces, a beer garden and a games basement. Commanding prime position on an already busy pedestrian thoroughfare, The Alby has become a hub for all things food, drink, fun and games with a casual atmosphere. Its impressive footprint comprises dining areas, multiple bars, a Chef’s Table for private dining, and a beer garden. Downstairs, you’ll find Australia’s first Duckpin Bowling (a 10-pin game popular throughout Canada and the United States), pinball machines, pool tables and more. The Alby’s kitchen has something for everyone— from elegant grazing boards to salmon crudo and fritto calamari for starters, to a range of burgers and parmigianas, a butcher’s block selection of premium meat cuts, and a wide range of substantial salads and pizzas (cooked in the feature pizza oven) for mains. Everything you need for breakfast or to while away an afternoon…and an evening. Ground Floor, Albemarle Building, 45 Furzer Street, Phillip thealby.com.au

Credit: Megann Evans

Our two cities may have spent a good chunk of the second half of 2021 in lockdown, but just like the bush regenerates after fire, so too does foodie culture. We take a look at some of the most exciting new places to eat and drink in Canberra and Sydney.

A’MARE, BARANGAROO A jewel in the crown (pun intended) of Sydney’s newest precinct, a’Mare offers elevated Italian within opulent surrounds in the heart of Barangaroo. The newest establishment from Chef Alessandro Pavoni (Ormeggio, Chiosco by Ormeggio), a’Mare is Italian fine dining with a dramatic flair. Take, for example, the act of ordering the pesto. Made at your table on a Carrara marble mortar and pestle, ingredients are pounded in front of your eyes into the freshest Italian fare Sydney—or, at the very least, Barangaroo—has to offer. With interiors that combine brutalist concrete forms and the soft luxury of opulent Italianate furniture, a’Mare seems to be a meeting place of all things beautiful—and delicious. Crown Sydney, Level 1/1 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo crownsydney.com.au/indulge/amare

MARGARET, DOUBLE BAY

BAR BEIRUT, CITY

Named for his mother, Neil Perry’s newest offering is a casual neighbourhood restaurant with the soul of a sleek inner-city fine diner. With a focus on seafood (in Double Bay, why not?), the menu hints at plenty of Perry’s favourite pan-Asian flavours (steak tartare with a kick of chilli paste, anyone?) while also offering up simpler alternatives such as wood-fired meats and burgers. 30-36 Bay Street, Double Bay margaretdoublebay.com

Credit: Ashley St George

An evolution of the venue formerly known as Beirut Bunker Bar, what has emerged after a few months of renovation and repositioning is a completely new eatery and late-night spot. Bringing the taste of Beirut to Canberra—as well as the party—Bar Beirut is no longer just a bar, but a Middle EasternMediterranean meze restaurant. The long, narrow interiors, reimagined by acclaimed designer Kelly Ross, use a warm palette of dusky pinks, dark wood and soft lighting to create a cave-like atmosphere, and seating flows from intimate dinners to cushioned bar stools that invite diners to come for the food and stay for the flair of Soumi and his team of skilled bartenders. 25 Garema Place, Civic barbeirut.com.au

MISS VAN’S, CITY

Credit: Ashley St George

WOODCUT, BARANGAROO Not one, but four open kitchens form the heart of Woodcut, the flagship restaurant of Barangaroo— and one of Sydney’s most impressive new openings. An ambitious venture by hospitality power couple Sunny and Ross Lusted (Bridge Room), Woodcut is divided into four distinct elemental areas—fire, steam, smoke and ice—each with their own menu. Reserve a stool overlooking an open kitchen and watch the magic unfold, or choose a seat with views of the cityscape or harbour. In a 260-seat venue, there’s plenty of room for both. Level 1, 1 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney crownsydney.com.au/indulge/woodcut

Credit: Ashley St George

Much to the delight of Canberra foodies, Andrew Duong (Lazy Su, Baby Su) has opened the doors to his much-anticipated new restaurant—an expansion and elevation of his former pop-up, Miss Van’s Street Food. Facing the city’s bustling Marcus Clarke Street, Miss Van’s has given Andrew a permanent home and a chance to show off his well-honed hospitality skills—and pay homage to the women who influenced his passion for food—his mother and grandmother. The theme of ‘Old Ways meets New Traditions’ is emblazoned on the menu which features dishes best described as New Asian. Think: spring rolls of wild mushrooms, palm heart, and vermicelli, grilled king prawn with tomato curry and shellfish oil, and a dessert of Vietnamese coffee salted caramel, condensed milk ice cream, wild rice and cacao nib. Shop 4, 113-119 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic missvans.com.au

Credit: Rohan Thomson

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FROM A PERIPATETIC CHILDHOOD growing up in a tiny fishing village in Far North Queensland and travelling around Australia in a caravan, Sophia Hamblin Wang still seems rarely to be in one place for long. While she has a base in Canberra, the 33-year-old’s career has taken a distinctly international turn in recent years. Sophia is the is chief operating officer of Mineral Carbonation International (MCi), an Australian-based company which has developed a scalable carbon platform technology that safely captures and converts industrial CO2 emissions into solid bulk materials used in new low-carbon products for construction, and enabling the circular economy. Put more simply, Sophia is selling the promise of environmental salvation through sucking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and bonding it into concrete and plasterboard. As she travels the world, she will often reach into her tote for a slice of concrete brick to show how carbon in the atmosphere can be converted from a gas into a solid, tangible building product. From her humble beginnings in the 800-person village of

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investment windfall which will change the company’s trajectory. But more on that shortly. Sophia credits her proximity to the Great Barrier Reef as a child with instilling in her an appreciation and connection to environment. “I grew up in Kurrimine Beach, which is right on the Great Barrier Reef. The main industries in my hometown are tourism, fishing and farming. I’ve always been interested in protecting ecosystems but my interest in climate change was accelerated after 2006 and 2011 when my hometown got hit by two Category-5 cyclones.” Conceived in Canberra to a single mum, Wendy, as a result of a relationship with a political refugee from pre-Tiananmen China who was working as a sous chef in Parliament House, Sophia lived a free-wheeling

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high return on investment.” But part-way through a PhD she was lured from academia to join her older half-brother (her mother’s son) who was involved in a pilot scheme for large-scale capture and storage of CO2. It promised a heady mix of corporate machinations combined with a humanitarian and ecological benefit— to Sophia’s mind the best of both worlds. And she has not stopped since. On top of her demands at MCi, she’s a member of the ACT Climate Change Council, lecturer at the University of Sydney, ex-curator of the Global Shapers Canberra Hub, a board member of the Climate Ready Initiative and Director of CO2 Value Australia. These co-curricular activities may need to take a back seat, however, as 2022 turbo-charges MCi’s growth trajectory. “This year is all about acceleration! Winning the COP26 Pitch Battle catapulted MCi onto the world stage too. From 2700 entries, we were honoured to even make it into the final 10. We have since been inundated with interest from global investors for our Capital Raise.” As the world races towards Net Zero, Sophia is aware of the need to be a

“Internationally this year, we will be further developing our projects in Asia, the EU/UK and North America. We have many exciting projects and our first big industrial plant will emerge from this group in 2022.” Noting that the capital raise had already garnered enormous interest, Sophia added that the company would be focusing on values-aligned, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and international decarbonisation investors. Finally, she said the decarbonisation landscape is exploding with growth right now and that brought with it some uncertainty. “It’s almost impossible to predict what might happen in six months’ time while the market is changing so rapidly. MCi is very clear that as a team we are all dedicated to the mission of locking away one billion tonnes of CO2 permanently and safely by 2040. As 2022 unfolds, we will make the most of any opportunities that come our way.” Who could have predicted the precocious surprise child (Wendy was 44 when she had her) who shared a bunk with her aunt for years, would spend her thirties shoulder-to-shoulder with global leaders, recording TEDx talks and fronting a neverending demand for comment from the media. Sophia has acknowledged that in the past she has had problems with work/life balance. Yet she also recognises the unique opportunities to which she has access. “Preparing for Davos was an incredibly intimidating experience.

“I am a young woman of colour working in innovation, research commercialisation, chemical engineering and climate change technology—in the past I have lost sleep feeling… like I was inadequate”

looking for solutions to decarbonise their supply chains in cement, steel, glass, nickel and aluminium. MCi’s global pipeline has grown substantially since COP26.” Meanwhile, this has occurred while Sophia has found herself, unexpectedly, grounded—and challenged on new fronts. “Before COVID my professional life was experiencing a period of exponential growth, and the opportunities that arose from that meant that I was overseas six times in 2019, and twice in 2020 before the first lockdown. When COVID hit, I was nervous about losing the momentum we had gained. “However, because the whole world was experiencing the same thing, we were able to keep all of our meetings and actually secure more access to decision-makers using Zoom. Developing a Global

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to enrich Sophia’s Chinese heritage through cooking. She also practises sustainability in highly visible ways—as an ambassador for anti-food waste juggernaut OzHarvest and by op-shopping every Australian designer outfit she chooses to wear during her international appearances. Sophia maintains close ties with the ANU (which clearly relishes one of its own taking centre stage globally) and if all that isn’t impressive enough, if you catch her on a long flight, you may see her whip out her Rubik’s cube. She has a personal best competition time of 34.21 seconds for a 3×3 solve. It’s a perfect antidote for the downtime she spends cogitating on solving one of the most pressing problems of our time.

The world is listening to this young woman promising a concrete pathway to reducing CO2 on a global scale.

WORDS Emma Macdonald

Kurrimine Beach to the United Nations in New York to the World Economic Forum in Davos or COP26 in Glasgow, Sophia’s social media profile shows her striding an enviable fast-track to environmental celebrity. Photos with Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Meta Platforms, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, anthropologist Dr Jane Goodall, Greenpeace chief Jennifer Morgan, and former UN Climate Chance chief Christiana Figueres are interspersed with candid shots of her deep in conversation with Nobel Prize winners, economists, and academics. They seem to be charmed and excited in equal measure by Sophia’s plans. She represented Australia at the first-ever UN Youth Climate Summit in New York in 2019 and in 2020 was chosen as one of 50 young people invited from around the world to attend Davos. At COP26 in Glasgow last year, Mineral Carbonation International won the Pitch Battle from 2700 entries. This feverish interest is now translating into a global

childhood on the road in a caravan with her mum, aunty and grandfather. She was nurtured by strong female role models while picking the brains of grey nomads in caravan parks for worldly wisdom. She excelled at school, and received an Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award when she was 17, presented by then-Queensland governor-general Quentin Bryce. Returning to Canberra and the ANU to pursue a degree in International Business, Sophia toyed with gearing herself to run a charity as the way in which she would make her contribution. Her Honours research was in Corporate Social Responsibility. “I’ve always been interested in building business models that have a high social impact and a

key Australian technology that helps the rest of the world to decarbonise, and there are compelling competitive advantages to getting there first. Following on from the company’s spectacular splash at Davos, MCi will be building a Demonstration Plant in Newcastle that will showcase decarbonisation in steel, cement, nickel, and chemical industries.

“We secured $14.6 million from the Federal Government for this project and our demonstration plant will be the first-of-its-kind in the world.”.

There were thousands of titans whose ideas and actions had inspired many of my own ambitions. You might walk down the hall and see four doors—one that leads to a plenary with Greta Thunberg and other young changemakers, another with a speech from Angela Merkel, a special remark about sustainability from Prince Charles, and then a cello performance by Yo-Yo Ma, which aims to draw together audiences through music and art. The depth and breadth of the experience is dizzying—and you simply cannot do everything!” Sophia said she had to strategise on where to focus her energies. “I participated in many forums and roundtables focusing on the circular economy, decarbonising heavy industry, sustainable minerals and sustainable markets. My mindset going into Davos was that I was about to meet people whose thoughts and actions were shaping the world, and I was there to listen and learn.” “On the last day of Davos I was speaking on a panel ’Building a New Carbon Economy’, and through all of my preparation I had worried about feeling like an imposter. However, while I sat on the stage, I looked around the room and realised that those important people who were making key decisions about a net zero 2050 future were mostly old white men. I realised that I was the only person in the room who was still going to be working in 2050, and that empowered me to give my thoughts with extra confidence and conviction.”

Credit: Tim Bean

Having previously struggled with impostor syndrome, Sophia said she had largely worked through those feelings. “We need all voices represented in rooms of power. In that moment I realised that I wasn’t just at Davos to learn, I was also there to share and teach. No matter how large the power imbalance between a cohort, there is always something to learn from each other.” It was then a relatively straightforward matter of taking the lessons from Davos and using them at COP26 Glasgow. “My message that ‘CO2 can be used in the circular economy, to create building materials jobs and a prosperous 2050 future’ really resonated with the audience in Glasgow. “The key focus of COP26 was to move beyond words and into action, and I met people from all over the world

CleanTech in Australia during COVID has meant that now I have meetings between 11pm – 3am a few nights every week.” But a big silver lining for Sophia has been slowing down and enjoying Canberra more. “This time allowed me to meet a new partner, develop a meaningful connection, and put down deeper roots in Canberra.” The couple is expecting their first child in September. When she is not in negotiation mode or fielding interview requests from the New York Times, TIME Magazine or popping up on the ABC’s Q&A, Sophia can be found enjoying the delights of her inner city neighbourhood, with all of its cafés and green spaces, dancing and distinguishing herself as a foodie—thanks to both her sous chef dad and her mother, who sought

2 ABOVE Sophia Hamblin Wang

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Sydney and Canberra’s Essential Experiences

A TALE OF TWO CITIES WORDS Jil Hogan

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IT’S A TALE OF TWO CITIES, just under 300 kilometres apart. To the north, Sydney boasts worldfamous views, architectural feats, attractions, and a stunning coastline. A short road trip down the highway, Canberra is a melting pot of arts, culture, events and an exciting food scene. Whether you’re staying in Sydney or Canberra, here are the essential experiences for any visitor, ranging from the iconic through to the secrets the locals like to keep to themselves.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE There are few sights in Australia more recognisable than the Sydney Opera House, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve seen it once or a hundred times, there’s always something new to capture in its striking architecture. Here you can catch a show, take a backstage tour to learn the building’s history and secrets, or just settle into Opera Bar for cocktails with harbour views.

ARTIST IMPRESSIONS

SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB One of the more special ways to experience the Harbour Bridge? From the top. Join a BridgeClimb tour and climb your way towards the bridge’s summit as you learn about the history on the way. For a truly jaw-dropping view, book a twilight or night climb and see the city’s twinkling lights from up high.

HIDDEN GEMS

ICONIC VIEWS SYDNEY HARBOUR Views in Australia don’t come much more iconic than Sydney Harbour, from the shell-like sails of the Sydney Opera House, to the dominant arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the never-ending maze of ferries weaving in and out of Circular Quay. Find a spot on the harbour itself to watch the world go by, watch it from above at a nearby rooftop bar, or a few minutes away, enjoy panoramic harbour views from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens. BONDI ICEBERGS It’s one of the most Instagrammed spots in Sydney, and for good reason. The ocean pool at Bondi Icebergs Club is a 50-metre stretch of turquoise, set against a stunning backdrop of ocean and sandy Bondi Beach. Soak in the view with a pub-style meal on the balcony, go for a swim, or just grab your shot for the ‘gram.

SECRET BARS Some of Sydney’s best watering holes are hidden behind misleading exteriors or nondescript façades, so much so you could walk past without noticing they were even there. In the city, search for a black sign with three skulls near the corner of Park and Elizabeth Streets which will lead you to basement bar Ramblin Rascal Tavern, specialising in cognac; while an unmarked door in a nondescript alleyway off Clarence Street will lead you to a wonderful world of whisky at The Baxter Inn. Underground drinking den The Cumberland is tucked behind a 1920s-style fridge door at the Cove Deli in Manly, while Earl’s Juke Joint in Newtown looks like a 1950s butcher shop from outside.

PADDINGTON RESERVOIR Just five-kilometres southeast of the city is a hidden garden, tucked away in Paddington’s heritage-listed Paddington Reservoir. It was decommissioned in 1914, and much of the original architecture has been preserved and transformed into a green sunken garden complete with a lake, incredible art and a hanging floral canopy. A tranquil spot to escape the hustle and bustle. HIDDEN LANEWAYS The city is full of hidden fragments of the city’s past, which many locals likely walk past and never even notice. Join a Sydney CBD Hidden Laneways tour by Culture Scouts Tours to discover some of the most fascinating nooks and crannies of the CBD, whether they’re a gateway to incredible art, history, or secret eateries. Make sure to look up at Angel Place for Forgotten Songs, a striking suspended artwork with more than 100 birdcages combined with bird calls which change throughout the day.

FINAL OPPORTUNITY An exciting new community where every experience is elevated now selling.

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BONDI BEACH Another essential Sydney experience is a trip to Bondi Beach. People from around the world flock here for its white sand and rolling blue waves. Take a dip in the crystal waters, or just find a spot on the sand—it’s the ultimate place for people watching. For the quintessential Bondi Beach experience, take a surfing lesson.

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COASTAL WALK It’s not just about the harbour. Sydney’s coastline also offers stunning views, and you can soak it all up from the city’s network of coastal walks which hug clifftops, weave through national parks, and connect stretches of sand. Strap on your shoes for the six-kilometre Bondi to Coogee walk, which will take you from the Bondi Icebergs ocean pool to the shores of Coogee. TARONGA ZOO Taronga Zoo is mostly known for its native and exotic animals, with more than 4,000 species in residence. But it’s also renowned for its milliondollar vistas over Sydney Harbour, albeit with giraffe heads adorably dotting your view. A picturesque way to arrive is via the 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay.

LOCAL FAVOURITES WENDY’S SECRET GARDEN Nestled just behind Luna Park is a whimsical haven of plants, trees, flowers, and meandering pathways dotted with artworks. Wendy’s Secret Garden has been lovingly created over the past 20 years by artist Wendy Whiteley, wife and muse of Australian artist Brett Whiteley. It’s not so secret, but a muchloved tranquil escape for locals. Take a picnic or just a book to read.

VISIT THE SOUTH EVELEIGH PRECINCT Sitting near Redfern Station is South Eveleigh, once the birthplace of Australia’s national railway network. Now the former industrial site has been transformed into a vibrant precinct combining bars, restaurants, offices and arts. The precinct currently boasts eateries like Lucky Kwong, BEKYA and Eat Fuh, with The Grounds of South Eveleigh (from the team behind the hipper-than-hip Grounds of Alexandria) opening in 2022, plus the world-first South Eveleigh Community Rooftop Garden.

HIDDEN BEACHES While the crowds flock to beaches like Bondi and Manly, the locals know there are plenty of other stunning Sydney beaches where you’ll be able to spread out and enjoy a bit more peace and quiet. For a beach experience with fewer crowds, try Nielsen Park in Vaucluse, Little Congwong Beach in La Perouse, or Chinamans Beach in Mosman. DINE SOMEWHERE NEW Sydney has a never-ending array of options to tickle your tastebuds, and there’s been a wave of exciting new additions lately, so why not choose to dine somewhere new? Like Dan Hong’s newest venture, MuMu, or award-winning seafood chef Josh Niland’s new Rose Bay eatery, Charcoal Fish. Settle in for cocktails and Cuban snacks at La Palma in Bondi, or enjoy family-style Malaysian by top chefs Hun Loong and Junda Khoo at Amah in Chatswood. You’ll be checking them out before many locals even get there themselves.

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LITTLE NATIONAL POST

LOCAL FAVOURITES

ICONIC VIEWS

HIDDEN GEMS

LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN The centrepiece of Canberra is Lake Burley Griffin, named after American architect Walter Burley Griffin who, alongside his wife Marion Mahony Griffin, designed the city. It’s a picturesque place for a walk, cycle or even a Segway tour, with various spots on the route to grab a coffee, ice cream, a drink, or just sit and take it all in. To really get the most out of it, you can take to the lake via kayak, sailboat or stand-up paddleboard. For a relaxing jaunt out, hire a GoBoat—Scandinavian electric picnic boats which can be self-skippered, even if you don’t have a boat licence. Pack the picnic, the family—even the dog!

MOLLY Is a speakeasy really a speakeasy if it has a street address? Finding cosy cocktail bar Molly is half the fun, led only by coordinates. Once you’re there, settle into the dimly lit bar for a whisky or gin, some charcuterie, and a side of jazz.

Hand crafted fine ceramics, made to be treasured.

BRODBURGER It all started as a little red van slinging burgers on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, with locals more than willing to wait hours in sub-zero temperatures just to get their hands on them. These days you can get the flame-grilled burgers in a more comfortable setting at their outlets in Kingston, Fyshwick or Phillip. Head to the Fyshwick venue, based at Capital Brewing Co, to wash it down with a local beer, brewed on-site.

BRADDON Want some of the best coffee, dining, cocktails, boutique shopping and even a brewery, all in the one spot? Head to Braddon, just a stone’s throw from the heart of the city. The buzzing Lonsdale Street has everything to take you from early morning to late night; a morning brew at Barrio Coffee Collective, an evening brew at BentSpoke microbrewery, shop all things local at POP Canberra or Bisonhome, tuck into pub fare at Assembly, sophisticated sips at Rizla, and elegant dining at Italian and Sons.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES VISIT PARLIAMENT HOUSE There is a whole lot more to Canberra than politics, but a tour of Parliament House is still essential viewing. After all, it’s one of the most publicly accessible parliamentary buildings in the world. Explore the art, the history, or just the impressive design. To really see democracy in action, book ahead for tickets to Question Time. EXPLORE THE GALLERIES If you’re an art lover, you’re well catered for in Canberra with some of the country’s most iconic cultural attractions, museums and galleries all located within close proximity of one another. One of the best parts? Most of them are free. Explore the impressive art collection, including the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, at the National Gallery of Australia. Work your way through a collection of portraits of prominent Australians at the National Portrait Gallery. Or discover rare books, maps, and photographs at the National Library of Australia. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

TAKE A HIKE Canberra’s known as the bush capital for good reason, and wherever you are based, a leafy escape is never too far away. Strap on your hiking boots for a heart-pumping walk up Mt Ainslie, Black Mountain or Red Hill where you’re rewarded for your efforts at the top with breathtaking views of the city and its unique design.

Credit: Ashley St George

CANBERRA DEEP SPACE COMMUNICATION COMPLEX Did you know, part of NASA’s Deep Space Network is hidden away just a 45-minute drive from the centre of Canberra? The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla hosts an international network of antennas that support interplanetary spacecraft missions and are used to observe, detect and monitor signs of life in the solar system. Be wowed by the giant dish, and learn about space at the museum. GALLERY OF SMALL THINGS After you’ve explored Canberra’s big galleries, you’ll need to explore slightly further afield to find the capital’s smallest gallery. Tucked away in the Inner North suburb of Watson, the Gallery of Small Things is just one room, housing rotating exhibitions from both local and interstate artists.

DISCOVER THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL This impressive museum and shrine tells the stories of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve the country, in war, conflict and operations. Explore the galleries at your own pace, pay your respects at the Roll of Honour and the Tomb of the Unknown Australian soldier, and every afternoon you can attend the Last Post Ceremony.

MU OMAKASE Looking for an elevated-yet-exclusive dinner option? At the 12-seat Mu Omakase in the city, dine your way through 12-20 courses selected by the chef based on the best in market that day. Expect an intimate dining experience, where the chefs serve you directly, and you eat side-by-side with other diners.

VIEW FROM ABOVE The way to get one of the very best views of Canberra? You’ll have to wake up before dawn. Canberra is one of the only cities in the world where you can take a hot air balloon ride right over the city’s main attractions, and drifting across the capital’s skies will give you the perfect bird’s eye view.

JAMES TURRELL’S SKYSPACE: WITHIN WITHOUT American artist James Turrell has Skyspace installations all over the world, and one of the largest and most complex is permanently housed at the National Gallery of Australia. You won’t find it inside the gallery’s walls. Instead, it sits just outside the gallery, on the southern side of the building. Wander inside and take a seat in the viewing chamber, which affects the way you see the sky, and take in the exploration of light. For the optimal experience, view the artwork around sunrise or sunset.

TO MARKET TO MARKET Canberrans love to shop local, and one of the best ways to do it is at the local markets. To get your hands on some of the rich produce grown in Canberra and its surrounds, head to the Capital Region Farmers Market held every Saturday morning. Or for locally crafted wares and even more produce, try the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston every Sunday.

nicoladomazetstudio.com.au

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COSY RETREATS

Credit: Alan Jensen Photography

OSBORN HOUSE Bundanoon A whimsical countryside retreat, Osborn House is a magnificently restored 19th century guesthouse set on a heritage property in the Southern Highlands, just two hours from Sydney and Canberra. The original home, dating back to 1892, has been thoughtfully transformed into 15 suites and seven luxury cabins. Uniquely decorated with European-sourced items, each enjoys sweeping views of the dense forest and undulating hills that border the property. Dinah’s restaurant and George’s bar also boast terrace views over Morton National Park which you can soak in while enjoying rustic yet sophisticated regional cuisine from executive chef Segundo Farrell. But if relaxation is on the agenda, Osborn House has it in spades; serving up ultra-luxe wellness facilities including a 25m lap pool with a retractable roof, spa with four treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, cool plunge, and fully equipped gym. And with commissioned art adorning the property’s walls and a Hugo Gruzman-curated Spotify playlist which acts as the soundtrack for every minute of your stay, Osborn House is a true multisensory experience. Keen to explore the region? The charming towns of Bundanoon, Moss Vale and Bowral offer a rich assortment of natural, retail and culinary adventures. osbornhouse.com.au

MONA FARM Braidwood Mona Farm’s owners describe it as “a unique curation of contemporary art, country life and Australian history”, and its not hard to see why. After all, this is no ordinary farm. Just minutes from the historic town of Braidwood, this sprawling 124-acre estate boasts award-winning gardens and a diverse collection of modern Australian and International art and sculpture. It’s also home to six luxury guest houses, each with its own story. Each building—from The Homestead, the original convict brick Georgian house built in 1853 and the largest of the historic buildings at Mona Farm, to The Old Stables, built in 1859 and now a sleek space for two—has its own unique appeal. And while Braidwood and its charming cafés, antique shops and artistic hubs are just minutes away, there’s really no reason to venture beyond the gates. After all, chances are your home doesn’t dish up a ‘chef’s dining experience’ from Tristan Rebbettes, whose pedigree includes stints with Sydney eateries Saint Peter, Cafe Paci and the now-closed Sepia. Add in fly fishing on Mona Lake, farm tours, sculpture walks—not to mention the chance to unplug from the busyness of modern life—and a stay at Mona Farm is pretty close to perfect. monafarm.com.au

Credit: Mattia Panunzio

Credit: Tim Bean Photography

Credit: Robbie Duncan, No Bad Days

LINNAEUS FARM Berry Credit: Robbie Duncan, No Bad Days

TINKERSFIELD Thredbo Valley Nestled in the heart of the Snowy Mountains at Crackenback, Tinkersfield is a stylish collection of unique high country buildings, each brimming with vintage furniture and handmade artisan pieces. From the enchanting charm of The Post Office to the rustic, modern comforts of the spacious Barn, or the sweeping, mountain country views of the Field Houses, all Tinkersfield’s spaces offer a place of sanctuary. For skiers, they offer respite from the busy slopes— the property is located just five minutes from the Ski Tube to Perisher, and a short 15-minute drive from Thredbo—but Tinkersfield is made to be enjoyed all year round. The surrounding fields are home to a menagerie of animals and birds—take a gentle hike to see kangaroos peacefully grazing in the morning dew, or try to spot the shy resident platypus in the creek. Up for something a little more active? Explore the alpine landscape on horseback or mountain bike. You can even cast a line in the pristine mountain streams— they’re teeming with trout! At night, retreat to your feather-topped bed piled with rugs and pillows, light the wood fire, and enjoy a drop of schnapps from Wildbrumby Distillery just down the road. Escapes don’t get much more heavenly. tinkersfield.com.au

A little slice of heaven set on 8.4 acres of lush, undulating land between Berry and Seven Mile Beach, Linnaeus Farm is the perfect choice for those torn between country and coast. While eye candy abounds in the property’s 360degree views (tree-lined driveway here, resort-style pool there), there’s no getting past the sheer beauty of the cottage. This five-bedroom, two-storey space is an airy textural blend of timber and stone, effortlessly combining tradition and modernity. Spacious and welcoming, it’s equally fitting for leisurely family time as it is a couple’s mini break. When you’ve had your fill of exploring the sprawling grounds—which boast a “lake house” built over the large dam, remains of a historical dairy, timber barn, terraced organic edible gardens, and even a children’s garden with a modern take on the treehouse— nearby Berry has plenty to offer those in search of retail therapy or regional cuisine. If escaping to nature is more your style, Linnaeus Farm is just five minutes drive from Seven Mile Beach—a 12-kilometre stretch of coastline sweeping from Gerroa in the north to Shoalhaven Heads in the south. Head to the north end for shallow waters and mellow waves, or try a spot of surfing at Black Point. linnaeusfarm.com

THE SIR GEORGE Jugiong

WORDS Amanda Whitley

As the trees are stripped bare and the wind whips cooler, there’s something irresistible about the pull of the countryside. Here are five retreats so inviting you’ll never want to leave.

LITTLE NATIONAL POST

Credit: Alan Jensen Photography

The Sir George sits on the main street of Jugiong, a quaint village 90-minutes north of Canberra that serves as a gateway to the lush Hilltops region. Built in 1852, The Sir George has undergone a stunning transformation in recent years—its main building now boasts a pub, restaurant, whisky room and billiard room, while a chic outdoor seating area overlooks a grassy play space complete with cubby house and farmyard petting area—perfect for families. The recently restored and renovated 1845 stone stables have been converted into three luxurious rooms with garden views, styled simply to let the stone walls and original features take centre stage. Laid with 100-year old reclaimed European oak floorboards and thoughtfully decorated with flax linen and natural fibres, they are the ultimate blend of old and new. Uphill, you’ll find a semi-circle of dark wooden black barns—modernistic examples of the original out-buildings on this historic property—each its own hotel suite complete with linen sheets, soft beds and Hunter Lab toiletries. Want more? Pop into the neighbouring Parlour J Beauty for a wind-down beauty treatment, take a stroll along the banks of the nearby Murrumbidgee River, or sate your appetite at The Long Track Pantry. sirgeorge.com.au

Credit: Elisa Romeo

Credit: Mattia Panunzio

Credit: Elisa Romeo

Credit: Mattia Panunzio

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AUTUMN RECIPES TO fall FOR Spiced VIOLET CAULIFLOWER, MUHAMMARA, SHEEP’S YOGHURT & toasted ALMONDS

MAC & CHEESE

Serves: 8

MUHAMMARA 4 red capsicums 3/4 cup (90g) toasted walnuts 1/2 cup (35g) fresh breadcrumbs 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses, plus extra to serve 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 tsp Aleppo chilli flakes, plus extra to serve 1 tbsp tomato paste 2 tsp smoked paprika

3 cloves of garlic 100g butter 100g flour 2 bay leaves 1L milk 500g macaroni 150g cheddar cheese 100g parmesan cheese Fresh thyme Salt Pepper Nutmeg to taste

METHOD 1.

Preheat oven to 205C.

Peel and finely slice the garlic. Set aside.

Bring a medium-sized pan of salted water to the boil.

METHOD 1.

Preheat oven to 195C.

For the muhammara, preheat a barbecue grill or chargrill pan to high. Add capsicums, cover and cook, turning occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until skin is blackened on all sides. Place capsicums in a bowl, cover, and set aside for 15 minutes to steam.

When cool enough to handle, peel skins from the capsicums. Discard skin and seeds. Place capsicum and remaining muhammara ingredients in a food processor and whiz until combined. Season to taste.

Serves: 2 – 3

Serves: 4

500g beef fillet, cleaned with sinew removed 2 tbsp of olive oil 1 tbsp of thyme leaves, chopped 2 tbsp of Pommery mustard Salt Pepper 2 standard size sheets puff pastry 8 slices Parma ham

INGREDIENTS

1.2kg violet cauliflower 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp za’atar, plus extra to serve Toasted almonds Fresh coriander Sheep’s yoghurt, to serve Lemon wedges, to serve

CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

INGREDIENTS

Serves: 4 – 5

INGREDIENTS

BEEF WELLINGTON

To make the roux, melt the butter in a large ovenproof saucepan over low heat. Add the flour and cook on medium heat for 4 minutes, stirring continuously.

Reduce the heat to low, add the sliced garlic and continue cooking, and stirring, for a further 3 minutes. Add cold milk a little at a time to ensure you get a nice smooth sauce. Bring the sauce to medium heat, cooking for a further 5 minutes. Add the bay leaves and continue stirring. Season to taste and add nutmeg if desired.

Add the pasta to the pan of boiling water, cooking according to the packet instructions.

MUSHROOM DUXELLE 250g of button mushrooms, chopped 4 shallots, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 100ml of Madeira 3 tbsp unsalted butter Salt Pepper

METHOD 1.

Preheat oven to 200C.

Season the beef fillet thoroughly with salt and pepper.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and add the beef, sprinkling over the chopped thyme. Sear the fillet, turning it every 1-2 minutes to ensure that all sides are coloured. Remove the beef once the outside has browned but the centre is still rare. Coat with the Pommery mustard and leave to rest in the fridge.

To make the mushroom duxelle, melt the butter in the same pan, then add the chopped mushrooms and sauté until golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.

Soften the chopped shallots and garlic in the pan, then add the mushrooms back in and cook until the liquid evaporates. Add the Madeira, bringing it to the boil and then reduce the amount of liquid by 90%. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

On kitchen bench lay down a sheet of cling wrap and place slices of Parma ham on top, slightly overlapping. Cover ham with the mushroom duxelle, and then place beef fillet in the middle. Wrap fillet with the Parma ham and cling wrap. Rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Trim the outer cauliflower leaves and stalk, then cut in half.

Grate the cheddar and Parmesan.

Place an A4-sized piece of greaseproof paper on a roasting tray and lay one sheet of puff pastry on top. Unwrap the beef fillet from the cling wrap and place in centre of the pastry.

Place in a medium oven-proof pan, cover with olive oil and rub the za’atar all over the cauliflower. Cover pan and pop in the hot oven for around 20 minutes, or until tender, removing the lid and cooking for a further 5 minutes until golden. Remove from oven.

Spoon muhammara into a shallow serving bowl and spread to cover the base. Top with spiced cauliflower. Sprinkle with extra Aleppo chilli, za’atar, toasted almonds and coriander. Serve with lemon wedges and sheep’s yoghurt.

Drain the pasta and add it immediately to the sauce. Stir thoroughly and remove the pan from the heat. Add in the grated cheeses and season with salt and pepper. Keep the pasta mix slightly wet, it will keep cooking and thicken whilst in the oven.

Bake for 15 minutes, until golden and a crispy crust forms. Remove from the oven carefully.

10.

Serve with a mixed green salad.

Brush edges of pastry with egg yolk, then cover the eye fillet with the second sheet of pastry, wrapping it around the meat. Trim the excess pastry, leaving 2cm. Using a fork, put pressure on the pastry and seal around the beef fillet. Brush pastry with remaining egg yolk and sprinkle with salt.

Bake in hot oven at 200C for approximately 22 minutes for medium rare. For well done, leave the meat in for a little longer. Take the Wellington out of the oven and rest for 8 minutes before serving.

INGREDIENTS 200g dark chocolate 50g dark cocoa powder 2 whole eggs 50g almond meal Pinch of baking powder 150ml milk

METHOD 1.

Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced. Grease a 20cm (base measurement) square cake pan and line with baking paper.

Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Stir with a metal spoon until melted. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder.

Warm milk slightly and add to the chocolate mix. Whisk eggs and add. Finally stir in almond meal and baking powder and mix until just combined. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out with moist crumbs clinging. Set aside to cool completely before serving.

LITTLE NATIONAL POST

On the SLOPES

APRÈS-SKI by NET-A-PORTER

Layers are key to any on-piste wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your silhouette. Modern ski attire is sleek and sophisticated—think a form-fitting turtleneck and flared jumpsuit, topped with a cropped quilted jacket to create the perfect hourglass.

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APRÈSSKI all-night

On the SLOPES

By the FIREPLACE

This season’s après-ski outfits are all about relaxed retroinspired luxury. Make an impact off the slopes in separates that take their cues from the ‘70s, adding accessories for ampedup appeal—think cat eye sunglasses, heeled hikers and two-toned gloves. It’s the details that make a difference.

Think black-on-black for your essential on-piste wardrobe, using texture to create interest. Geometric quilting gives the humble puffer jacket an edgy appeal that extends beyond the ski run—team with straightleg pants for a contemporary aesthetic, adding a touch of colour to your goggles or skis to really stand out on the slopes.

Lift a black canvas of basics with a pop of riotous colour—the perfect contrast to the endless white outside. Make the most of the warmth of the fireplace by replacing long pants with downfilled shorts, adding bright layers and accessories for a playful off-duty look.

By the FIREPLACE Curl up with a hot chocolate in cosy off-duty separates. Dial back the colour palette to muted neutrals and seek out soft, drapey fabrics designed for comfort, and fleece-lined shoes. Relaxing in the chalet? Elevate your look with a graphic sweater, statement handbag, and timeless gold jewellery.

APRÈSSKI all-night For off-the-slopes style, look to Daniel Craig’s Bond for inspiration. Think cool comfort in classic tones, lifted by eyecatching elements that add interest. A navy down jacket, slightly-flared pants, beanie and hiking boots are the reliable quiet achievers of the après-ski wardrobe, letting a statement jumper take the limelight.

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1 CORDOVA The Niseko hooded quilted down ski jacket $1,282 2 CHLOÉ + Dragon Cassidy mirrored ski goggles $572 3 PERFECT MOMENT Base stretch-jersey turtleneck bodysuit $331 4 BOGNER Manise padded leather gloves $378 5 MONCLER GRENOBLE Tuta shell-trimmed stretch-twill ski suit $1,555 6 SEE BY CHLOÉ Leathertrimmed suede and shearling ankle boots $494 net-a-porter.com

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1 MONCLER Pompom-embellished cableknit wool and cashmere-blend beanie $600 2 CELINE EYEWEAR Cat-eye acetate sunglasses $656 3 FENDI Belted hooded down ski jacket $3,451 4 CORDOVA Apres Sport merino wool-blend sweater $447 5 FENDI Embossed padded shell and leather ski gloves $636 6 CORDOVA Apres Sport striped merino wool-blend straight-leg pants $447 7 MONCLER Disk leather-trimmed quilted shell down tote $1,780 8 MONCLER Carol rubber-trimmed textured-leather ankle boots $751 net-a-porter.com

1 GOLDBERGH Taylor knitted hoodie $295 2 PERFECT MOMENT Schild intarsia merino wool turtleneck sweater $400 3 MONCLER Snow leather-trimmed padded faux shearling tote $1,330 4 GOLDBERGH Kyra knitted wide-leg pants $266 5 VACHERON CONSTANTIN Egérie Automatic 35mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch $64,000 6 MONCLER Mon faux shearlinglined suede mules $657 7 VOTARY Super Seed Nutrient Cream, 50ml $136 net-a-porter.com

Ski in style this winter with a capsule wardrobe that will take you from slopes to chalet. Whether on-piste or aprèsski, start with luxe neutrals and lean into high-impact patterns, textures and accessories.

1 FALKE ERGONOMIC SPORT SYSTEM Maximum Warm Stretch-Jersey Face Mask $51 2 ANON M2 Ski Goggles and StretchJersey Face Mask $382 3 BURTON [ak] Baker Lite Quilted Pertex Down Ski Jacket $389 4 BOGNER Hannes Panelled Quilted Padded Ski Jacket $807 5 BALMAIN + Rossignol Monogrammed Ski Poles $892 6 AZTECH MOUNTAIN Team Aztech Ski Pants $1,005 7 BALMAIN + Rossignol Leather-Trimmed Logo-Jacquard Nylon Snow Boots $982 8 BALMAIN + Rossignol Monogrammed Skis $4,258 mrporter.com

1 BOGNER + Goan Thylmann Neo Padded Glossed-Ripstop Hooded Jacket $1,631 2 BOGNER Enio Logo-Embroidered Virgin Wool-Blend Ski Beanie $114 3 BOGNER Marlo Logo-Jacquard Wool-Blend Half-Zip Ski Base Layer $666 4 MONCLER GRENOBLE Bootcut Padded Wool-Flannel Ski Pants $1,580 5 MONCLER Summus Webbing-Trimmed Nylon and Rubber Snow Boots $649 mrporter.com

1 BOGNER Enio Logo-Embroidered Virgin Wool-Blend Ski Beanie $114 2 BOGNER Faris-T Layered Hooded Ski Jacket $2,075 3 HOUDINI Zaugg Panelled Cotton-Blend Corduroy and Quilted Ski Shirt $699 4 Tree Woodland Jersey T-Shirt $77 5 AZTECH MOUNTAIN Ozone Ripstop-Panelled Quilted Nylon Drawstring Ski Shorts $390 6 MONCLER Leave No Trace Leather, Suede and Mesh Sneakers $819 mrporter.com

AUTUMN/ WINTER style

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THE ‘NEW NORM’ IN PROPERTY

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WORDS Jil Hogan

While the events of 2020 may have created a perfect storm, those events laid the groundwork for what was to come the following year, when the pandemic’s effect on the Australian property market came full circle.

Meet NICOLA POWELL, Domain’s Head of Research and Economics. EVEN AMONGST A RAFT OF—dare we say it—unprecedented times, 2021 was particularly unpredictable and volatile for the Australian property market. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed the market into completely new territory as fear, uncertainty and government restrictions plunged the country into one of the greatest social and lifestyle upheavals since World War II. And the effects went well beyond our borders, creating global change that is likely to leave a legacy for some time.

We saw the steepest and most frantic upswing in our property market that we’ve ever seen in Australia, Nicola Powell, Head of Research and Economics at Domain says of 2021, “We saw all of our capital city markets synchronised, which means that they were all seeing growth. And that’s the first time we’ve seen all of our cities growing in price since post-GFC [global financial crisis]. So we saw our market catapulted into a really new era. In terms of price growth, we saw our regional markets increase in price rapidly, as well as our capital city markets.

“Coupled with the fact that we’d had three interest rate cuts in 2020, it almost created the perfect setting for 2021, where we had low interest rates, free-flowing credit, and we had government stimulus through things like HomeBuilder, which brought forward a whole lot of demand into the market.” As pandemic living became the norm, it not only affected prices, but also created a shift in what people were looking for in a home. As many were forced to spend more time at home than ever, the home became the place for rest, play, work, and everything in between, and it drastically changed what people wanted out of their sanctuary. Ever-changing border restrictions coupled with the flexibility to work remotely saw people suddenly re-evaluating their lifestyles, and where they chose to live. Nicola says, at Domain, they swiftly noticed a change in the keywords commonly used to search for properties online. The use of search terms like ‘beachfront’, ‘oceanfront’, ‘water view’, ‘pool’, ‘study’, and ‘home office’ skyrocketed. And while open-plan living has been an in-demand design and architectural feature for decades in Australian homes, all of a sudden it presented issues as multiple parents and children all under the same roof fought to find a quiet place away from everyone else to study or work. Instead, doors and additional workspaces or space nooks away from others were in high demand. “All of these things suddenly became very much more important for a home hunter. We were using our homes differently, and we were spending more time in them. Particularly looking at Melbourne, which had the longest lockdown in the world, as soon as lockdowns began, ‘home office’ suddenly became a keyword buyers were using, as we all placed an importance of having that separate place to do our work,” says Nicola. Not that most buyers could necessarily afford to be fussy at the time. With no signs of slowing, the competitive market of 2021 meant properties were being snapped up barely before the For Sale sign had even gone up, driven by buyers with a deep sense of fear of missing out (FOMO). But as we entered the third year of the pandemic, the figures and trends have started to show signs of change and ease. And if you’re a buyer, the news is predominantly good. A combination of strong levels of new listings coming onto the market and lower clearance rates has seen stock build up and property metrics start to soften. “One of the things that was really underpinning such strong rates of growth was the lack of stock. We saw stock drop to a multi-year low across Australia across many of our cities, so buyers were fighting for choice, and we saw a record number of sales across Australia in 2021,” says Nicola. “That depleted overall stock to multi-year lows. What we’re seeing now is strong levels of new listings, particularly towards the latter end of 2021. And that’s continued into 2022. So we’ve got stock building.” While the tight market of 2021 created plenty of that FOMO for buyers, experts have more recently noticed a change in the behaviour of buyers, who can afford to take a more relaxed approach. The fear has alleviated and buyers are more comfortable with holding out for a property that really ticks all their boxes, and are proving less likely to compromise. While last year, factors like a lack of natural light, not enough bathrooms, or a location on a busy street may not have been enough to put off a potential buyer, this year they’re aspects that are making buyers consider their options. “I think buyers are much more aware that new listings have come back on and they’ve got more choice. And I think now they’re more aware of not overpaying and actually getting value for money,” says Nicola. “Last year, they were making compromises because they were just so fearful that prices were escalating at such a rate. I think now we’re in a market

where sellers have to be a little bit more mindful of the asking price for their home. Particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, we’ve seen an increase in listings that are having their asking prices adjusted downwards mid-campaign, so that’s something that shows that the market is slowing down.” Back in 2020, it was the country’s two largest capital cities which led in the tightening of the market, and it’s now Sydney and Melbourne leading the trend of prices cooling, which Nicola says is in part due to the trend of people moving away from New South Wales and Victoria during the pandemic. “We were seeing residents leave Greater Sydney even prior to the pandemic, and that was due to affordability issues, but what the pandemic did was accelerate a trend that was there, and Queensland has been the winner. Queensland has seen an increase in internal migration particularly coming from Victoria and New South Wales,” she says. It’s unsurprising then that the property market in south-east Queensland remains one of the strongest and most competitive in the country. “We’ve seen lots of interest in southeast Queensland, and Adelaide is still quite a competitive market, and to a degree Canberra as well. But our two biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, are showing this slowdown more so than our others. They’re seeing much stronger levels of build-up of stock. Melbourne is now sitting above the five-year average of stock, based on the monthly basis and Sydney is getting close to it. All our other cities are still below that five-year average for overall choice on the market,” says Nicola. Another potential headwind for the market is the expected rise in interest rates. The cash rate and housing prices have traditionally had an inverse relationship: when interest rates fall, house prices tend to go up, whereas when interest rates rise, it can take the momentum out of the house price cycle, and this is likely to be the case when the Reserve Bank chooses to lift interest rates. “Anything that restricts the value on the number of home loans, such as an interest rate rise, does have an impact on demand, and therefore price growth. It is important to note, though, we’ve still got low rates, and it’s going to take some time for those interest rates to normalise,” says Nicola. “We’re expecting interest rates to rise sometime this year, and I think what we’re likely to see is, we’ve got strong inflation, we’ve got a competitive jobs market, and unemployment is the lowest since around 2008. So it’s going to feed into higher interest rates, and it’s going to have an impact on the amount people can borrow. It will likely have an impact on the number of people in the market, and that will continue to slow down the momentum in our housing market.” But it’s not all bad news for home owners and those thinking of selling in the near future. As the world adjusts to this ‘new normal’, there are a number of other underlying trends which could continue to support a strong demand for properties across the country. In particular, the return of overseas migration into Australia following the lengthy border closure.

With the reopening of international borders, we’re seeing that has helped to support a rebound in our rental markets, and we’re seeing investors come back into the market, “We’ve also got a skill shortage in Australia, and I think one of the ways that the government is going to plug that skill shortage is by increasing overseas migration, and that’s going to have a flow-on impact in housing. Initially, it will be in the rental market, but eventually it will be into the sales market as well, because most overseas migrants rent upon arrival, but the longer that they stay in Australia, the more likely they are to purchase a property.”

TOP Sydney Opera House

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LITTLE NATIONAL POST

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WE LIVE IN A FAST-PACED SOCIETY where life can sometimes feel relentless with its myriad of competing priorities—having an active and busy life can often become our default way of living. But having a full, well-rounded and rewarding life? Finding that sweet spot is a little trickier. Here are four ways to move from quantity to quality.

NAVIGATING BURNOUT

With the increasingly VOLATILE, AMBIGUOUS and COMPLEX world we live in, it is unsurprising that many of us are STRUGGLING TO FIND BALANCE and keep our STRESS and ENERGY LEVELS IN CHECK. ALEX WRIGHT-MOORE shares some ways we can POSITIVELY ENGINEER the CHANGES WE SEEK to ACHIEVE in our LIVES as we navigate another uncertain year.

WE CAN PAUSE REGULARLY FOR GREATER CLARITY With the ebb and flow of daily life, we can often lose sight of the value of taking a quiet moment to check in with ourselves. Overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of tasks on our ‘To Do’ lists, our tight schedules and a range of personal and professional commitments, it can sometimes feel counterproductive to take a break for reflection and contemplation when life is so busy. It is also understandable that we fear wasting our time—after all, our time is a precious and finite resource. But when we fall into fear-based and purely reactive thinking in our lives, it can impact our ability to make good decisions with clarity. One such example is when we start to believe that if we take a break now, then we will in some way have to pay for it later: either punished by lost time and money, greater stress, social criticism, pressing deadlines, missed opportunities—the list goes on. Yet, failing to give ourselves permission to pause when our minds, bodies, hearts and spirits are crying out for rest, is a guaranteed shortcut to burnout town. Conversely, if we listen to our intuition and our body when it tells us to take a break, it can do wonders for our lives. All it takes is a commitment to pausing for 10 minutes of mindfulness each day to achieve a transformation which enables us to prevent stress and minimise overwhelm. So whether we set aside time for a short mindfulness meditation or get outside to enjoy a cup of tea in the sunshine, completely switch off all sound around us, go on a short walk or block out a daily 10-minute ‘Think Time’ appointment in our work calendars, the benefits to be gained from taking the time to pause may just be worth it. Research also tells us that regularly making time to pause more deeply in both our personal and professional lives not only improves our ability to better focus on what we want, but also enables us to grow and get the most out of the individual gifts, talents and abilities we have. So rather than merely doing more, if we can learn to pause and do things differently, we can accelerate our ability to grow, achieve, lead and innovate in ways which can bring our life greater rewards.

WE CAN MAKE SELF-CARE, SELFCOMPASSION AND SELF-LOVE NONNEGOTIABLES OF OUR LIFE WE CAN IDENTIFY WHAT SUSTAINS AND WHAT DEPLETES OUR ENERGY When we are stuck in a busyness vortex of competing commitments and responsibilities, it is easy to become confused about which activities and people are sustaining versus depleting our energy stores. Generally, this is because when we are faced with multiple demands, life can feel overwhelming and lines can become blurred. Moreover, rushing from one thing to the next doesn’t necessarily provide us with a sufficient window for real-time analysis of how we think and feel. But the key to maintaining our health and wellbeing in both work and life is identifying exactly which activities provide us with sustenance, as opposed to those which drain the fuel we have in our tank. The truth is, when we start to pay attention to how we feel about a task, instead of what we think about it, it can reveal some confronting truths about who we are. We may feel rewarded, rejuvenated and exhilarated by tasks we didn’t anticipate—and resentful and exhausted by activities which society, our peers or our loved ones deem socially acceptable or mandatory. There are four simple steps to living with more energy: regularly listening to our bodies and emotions to tune in to how things make us feel, limiting our engagement with what unreasonably drains us where possible, putting boundaries in place to preserve our energy; and investing time each week in activities that fill our cup and restore our sense of vitality.

WE CAN BE CLEAR AND CONSISTENT ABOUT OUR BOUNDARIES Often the amount of balance we have in our lives directly reflects the health and consistency of the emotional, mental and physical boundaries we have in place to maintain our wellbeing. When we live full and active lives, having healthy boundaries is about so much more than how we manage our time. Our boundaries reflect the standards we hold ourselves to, how we allow ourselves to be treated by others and our internal monologue about who we are, why we’re here and what we are seeking to achieve. So when we struggle with being consistent with our boundaries, commonly it is an indication that we are either: motivated by passion for a specific vision we would like to realise in our lives linked to our sense of identity or purpose; or driven by what we ‘should’ or ‘must’ do when we are making decisions—as opposed to what we ‘can’ or are ‘able to’ do. While on the surface these options look relatively innocent, both can get us into real trouble if we are aiming to live a well-rounded and fulfilling life. When we focus on achieving one vision to the exclusion of all else, it often knocks our sense of balance off-kilter; but when we use terms such as ‘should’ and ‘must’ it pits what is, against what we believe ought to be—rendering us vulnerable to what German psychoanalyst, Karen Horney, referred to as the ‘tyranny of the shoulds’. Generally ‘should’ beliefs exist for a reason: they have either served us in the past by helping to shape our concept of how the world works or how we should behave in it. But ‘shoulds’ also speak to black-and-white standards that can leave us feeling disappointed and stressed in our often-grey world. Similarly, American psychologist Albert Ellis wrote of the impact of ‘musts’ in our lives, highlighting that using the term ‘must’ creates demand on ourselves and others which often only serve as a source of anxiety, guilt, shame, depression, self-hatred or anger. When we worry we will ‘let others down’ by having boundaries in place, it is commonly because we are beating ourselves up with ‘should’ or ‘must’. So, whenever we catch ourselves saying, ‘I should be doing this… or I must be doing that,’ it is an indication that it is time to take a step back, pulse check if our boundaries are in the right place and ask ourselves ‘Why?’. Changing up our vocabulary to shut the door on ‘shoulds’ and ‘musts’ can also empower us to live happier and more rewarding lives focused on what we can and are able to do. In essence, our boundaries help us to identify our capacity and limits, allow us to feel safe and give us peace of mind that we have supports in place to survive whatever life throws our way. Hence, it is essential to remind ourselves that being clear about our boundaries is an act of kindness to both ourselves and others which ensures expectations always remain achievable and realistic.

Finally, developing an ability to silence our inner critic and suspend judgement about ourselves through the daily practice of self-care, self-compassion and self-love is the cornerstone of creating a life with greater flow, ease and fulfilment. Taking time to recharge, regroup and reset is one of the most powerful ways we can mitigate overwhelm and foster wellbeing on a recurrent basis in our lives. More importantly, embedding positive habits in our daily routine is the greatest tool we have at our disposal to foster the balance so many of us yearn for. Ultimately, the ability to deliberately create a life of our own choosing, rests firmly within our hands. But whether we decide to act upon it, that’s up to us.

Alex Wright-Moore specialises in delivering individual coaching programs for women seeking to find greater joy, fulfilment, clarity and purpose in life and work. alexwrightmoore.com

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LITTLE NATIONAL POST

THE AUTUMN/WINTER ISSUE — 29

No gym? No problem! Whether you’re working at home, travelling, or social distancing, the gym isn’t always an option. But these six simple workouts from our Hale Gym trainers can help you stay active and healthy with minimal equipment.

EMOM Every minute on the minute AMRAP As many rounds as possible THIS PAGE Hale Gym

Easy exercises you can do anywhere, any time, with minimal equipment.

WORKOUT

25min EMOM

WORKOUT

Intervals

Rounds for time

Metabolic conditioning workout using a single kettlebell or medicine ball. Every minute on the minute complete prescribed repetitions and then rest. Go hard on each effort and aim for a heart rate between 80% – 95%.

Metabolic conditioning workout. Complete 40 seconds of work on one exercise, then rest for 30 seconds, before moving to the next exercise. Complete 5 rounds in total. Aim for a heart rate between 80% – 95%.

Aerobic workout. Complete 3 rounds for time of the following exercises. Work continuously with no rest between rounds. Aim for a heart rate between 70% – 85% and a consistent efforts across all rounds.

MIN 1: 10 burpees MIN 2: 20 jump squats or air squats MIN 3: 20 ball slams or kettlebell swings MIN 4: max plank hold any variation MIN 5: rest

5 ROUNDS OF: Running high knees/shuttle runs 40 seconds (30 seconds rest) Jack push-ups 40 seconds (30 seconds rest) Alternating lunges or lunge jumps 40 seconds (30 seconds rest) V-sit ups 40 seconds (30 seconds rest) Repeat

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Moderate to heavy weight kettlebell or medicine ball

3 ROUNDS OF: 50 X air squats 40 X sit-ups 30 X walking lunges 20 X push-ups 10 X burpees Repeat EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Nil

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Nil

WINTER WORKOUTS

WORKOUT

20min AMRAP

WORKOUT

4 x 3min AMRAP

2 x 12min EMOM’S

Aerobic workout using a single kettlebell. Work consistently for 20 minutes, completing as many repetitions as possible. Aim for a heart rate between 70% – 85% and a consistent efforts across all rounds.

Aerobic workout using a single kettlebell. Work consistently for 3 minutes, completing as many repetitions as possible of the following exercises. Rest 1 minute then repeat another 3 times. Aim for a heart rate between 70% – 85%.

Metabolic conditioning workout using a single kettlebell or dumbbell. Every minute on the minute complete prescribed repetitions and then rest. Aim for a heart rate between 80% – 95%.

5 X burpees 10 X goblet squats 10 X kettlebell swings 10 X bent-over rows (each arm) 10 X sit-ups (holding kettlebell close to chest) 1 X 200m run or walk (active recovery)

3MIN AMRAP 3 X burpees 6 X bench tricep dips 9 X push-ups 12 X air squats 1 min rest, then repeat 3 times until 4 rounds are completed.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Light to moderate weight kettlebell

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Bench or chair for tricep dips

12MIN EMOM MIN 1: 8 pyramid push-ups (inchworm to push-up) MIN 2: 1 5 single kettlebell/dumbbell thrusters or 15 air squats MIN 3: 30 mountain climbers (each leg) (2 minutes rest) 12MIN EMOM MIN 1: 10 burpees MIN 2: 30 plank shoulder taps (15 each arm) MIN 3: 30 weighted or body weight Russian twists (15 each side) EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Moderate to heavy weight kettlebell or dumbbell

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LITTLE NATIONAL POST

THE AUTUMN/WINTER ISSUE — 31

GUIDE

Sydney and Canberra are brimming with experiences for every taste, interest and hobby. Here’s a lineup you won’t want to miss. VIVID SYDNEY

27 May to 18 June 2022 Various venues

Vivid Sydney is an annual celebration of creativity, innovation and technology that transforms the Sydney CBD in winter into a kaleidoscope of Light, Music and Ideas. The festival features free mesmerising art displays and large-scale 3D projections from local and international artists, an eclectic lineup of musical performers, and thought-provoking talks from some of the world’s greatest minds. vividsydney.com

WHAT’S ON IN SYDNEY

SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY’S AB [INTRA]

WORDS Amanda Whitley

OLD BUS DEPOT MARKETS

2 to 11 June 2022 Roslyn Packer Theatre

Rafael Bonachela’s ab [intra] returns for a very special encore season in Sydney, fresh from the stages of France. Exploring our primal instincts, our impulses and our visceral responses, ab [intra] is a journey through the intensity of human existence that will command your attention. This is a ferociously physical and emotional piece which will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. sydneydancecompany.com

Until 17 July 2022 National Portrait Gallery, Parkes

Lovers of fine handcrafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who make their way to Canberra’s famous Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building you will experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”. obdm.com.au

From Shakespeare to Winehouse, Darwin to Dickens, the Beatles, Brontë sisters and Beckham, the National Portrait Gallery London holds the world’s most extensive collection of portraits. While they undergo the largest renovation of their building in 125 years, more than 80 treasures from their collection are travelling to Canberra for this exclusive exhibition. portrait.gov.au

Credit: Visit Canberra

23RD BIENNALE OF SYDNEY

TERRAIN

28 to 30 July 2022 Canberra Theatre Centre

Until 13 June 2022 The Cutaway, Barangaroo

Credit: Bernie Krause and United Visual Artists, The Great Animal Orchestra, 2016, multimedia installation, 1 h 32, Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain (acq. 2017). View of the exhibition The Great Animal Orchestra, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris, 2016 Photo: © Luc Boegly Artist: © Bernie Krause © United Visual

Credit: Destination NSW

MOULIN ROUGE THE MUSICAL AT CAPITOL THEATRE

PINOT PALOOZA

17 to 18 June 2022 Carriageworks

An epic two-day travelling wine festival celebrating all things pinot noir, Pinot Palooza gives wine connoisseurs the chance to sample more than 100 drops, direct from Australia and New Zealand’s best producers. Soak up the wine, music and taste your way across the pinot spectrum. pinotpalooza.com.au

28 May to 25 September 2022 Capitol Theatre

Winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film will come to life on stage this winter. The new musical mash-up extravaganza features over 70 songs including many of the iconic hits from the movie, as well as additions from Adele, Katy Perry, Sia, Beyoncé, Rihanna and more. moulinrougemusical.com

Credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

SHAKESPEARE TO WINEHOUSE

Every Sunday 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston

Credit: Pedro Greig

Choreographed by Frances Rings, Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Terrain is a breathtaking exploration of our largest salt lake. The nine-part performance evokes the power of body and land converging to bring spirit to place. Featuring David Page’s irrepressible score, Terrain is an iconic work. bangarra.com.au

The Biennale of Sydney presents over 330 participant artworks and projects at various venues along the waterways of the Gadigal, Barramatagal and Cabrogal people. rīvus, meaning ‘stream’ in Latin, will enable aqueous beings—rivers, wetlands and other salt and freshwater ecosystems—to share a dialogue with artists, architects, designers, scientists, and communities. biennaleofsydney.art

ON STAGE: SPOTLIGHT ON OUR PERFORMING ARTS

Until 7 August 2022 National Library of Australia

This exhibition brings Australia’s performing arts history into the limelight, also providing a backstage pass to the action behind the scenes, showcasing perspectives on stage direction, costume design, scripts, contracts and musical scores used by performers. The exhibition features items that have never before been on display such as the earliest surviving Australian printed document, selections from the JC Williamson theatre archives, and other contemporary live music and theatre posters. nla.gov.au

WHAT’S ON IN CANBERRA

Credit: Daryl Lindsay, Pierrot from the Ballet Russes’ Le Carnaval, c. 1938, National Library of Australia, Donated by James Mollison AO, 2008

Credit: Ed Sheeran, 2016 by Colin Davidson

FOURTH NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ART TRIENNIAL: CEREMONY

Until 31 July 2022 National Gallery of Australia

Ceremony remains central to the creative practice of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. From the intimate and personal to the collective and collaborative, ceremonies manifest through visual art, film, music and dance. This immersive exhibition and program of events will challenge and unsettle; animate and heal. Through the work of 35 artists from around Australia, Ceremony reveals how the practice of ceremony is at the nexus of Country, culture and community. nga.gov.au

It’s time to take charge of your future.

The all-electric Audi e-tron Sportback. Contact Audi Centre Canberra to find out more. 132 Melrose Drive Phillip | (02) 6281 1000 audicentrecanberra.com.au

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