Orion Lagoon Opening - Robelle Domain at Springfield Central Ipswich 5th September 2015

A NEW world class lagoon swimming pool has been completed and ready for launch at Robelle Domain. It will be one of the biggest public lagoon-style swimming pools in Australia.

The exciting new lagoon at Robelle Domain at Springfield Central is nearing completion so what better way to celebrate the start of Spring and the warmer days with a splash around the new lagoon!

There will be lots of fun happening at the opening event including roving performers, entertainment, and of course the lagoon will be open for swimmers!

Springfield Markets in the park area of Robelle Domain will also be in full swing with entertainment, inflatable rides and fireworks at 7.30 pm!

Saturday, 5 September 2015
12.00 pm – 3.00 pm: Lagoon Opening Activities
12.00 pm – 8.00 pm: Springfield Markets

Access via Sinnathamby Boulevard, Springfield Central:

• FREE entry (food and beverages available for purchase)
• Alcohol free event
• Limited free parking will be available from 8.00 am – 8.00 pm.

The new swimming lagoon will be a much-desired attraction in Robelle Domain, and along with other water bodies cover a total area of 2,500 square metres.

This makes it one of Australia's largest outdoor recreation facilities of its kind.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said a review of the original plans and budget enabled council to include a zero to over a metre depth swimming lagoon equal in size to Southbank's famous beach pool.

The lagoon will cater for the local community and families right across the western corridor.
"We are committed to a city that is happy, lively and a place where people can't wait to bring their kids.

"Whether that's to have an ice cream and a splash in the lagoon on the weekend, or to make a permanent home for the family, everyone is welcome in Ipswich and we can't wait to see you.

"This is a decision by all councillors, and I want to thank them for their strategic vision and their dedication to the Ipswich of tomorrow.

"This lagoon also takes pressure off the capital and provides an ideal recreational destination for residents of all cities along the western corridor.

"Enhanced lighting, landscaping, seating, bbqs and water fountains will also be installed to make this a true recreation destination.

"Installation of Safe City CCTV cameras is planned as a future enhancement.

"These works will be a boost for the local economy with a number of jobs created during the construction phase of the project and an additional 15 full time jobs per annum for the city once the lagoon is in full operation," Cr Pisasale said.

Parks, Sport and Recreation Committee Chairperson and Division 1 Cr David Morrison said this decision will be welcomed by all local residents and families.

"The 3.74 hectare development that includes the lagoon, new green space and walking tracks brings together Robelle Domain, Orion Town Centre, Springfield Central train station, Education City and the Parklands Business District into a single unified hub.

"Being able to do some shopping at Orion, enjoy a gourmet al fresco lunch and then stroll through beautiful parklands to take the kids for a dip is in the immediate future for local residents.

"It's going to be great and as the local Councillor I am thrilled.

Springfield Land Corporation deputy chairman Bob Sharpless welcomed the commencing of works and confirmation of the lagoon pool.

"This is another significant milestone in the history of the Springfield Central town centre," Mr Sharpless said.

"Just as South Bank has done, this South Bank at Springfield will become a tourism destination for tens of thousands of visitors with major economic flow-ons also to be  expected across the Ipswich region."

The new South Bank size lagoon parkland is expected to attract 100,000 visitors a year.

Sources: http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_council/media/article-archive/2014/green-light-for-swimming-lagoon-at-robelle-domain
http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_ipswich/news_and_events/events/robelle-domain-lagoon-opening

CRIKEY! Madame Tussauds Sydney unveils world first wax figure of Australian icon Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin wax figure

Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin was today honoured in sublime wax form at Madame Tussauds Sydney with the official unveiling of the world’s first wax likeness of the late Aussie icon.

Almost nine years since his passing, Steve Irwin’s wax figure will pay tribute to the Crocodile Hunter’s legacy as a respected wildlife expert, television personality and conservationist, and will feature as a permanent addition in the Darling Harbour attraction’s ‘TV Zone’.



“We were thrilled when Madame Tussauds approached us to create Steve’s wax figure. As a family we are continuing Steve’s legacy at Australia Zoo and carrying on where Steve left off with his global conservation work with Wildlife Warriors,” said the late Crocodile Hunter’s wife, Terri Irwin.

“The team at Madame Tussauds have done an incredible job with the figure; I’m truly amazed at how much work has gone into making his likeness as authentic as possible. His wax figure will assist keeping Steve’s memory, and his mission to protect wildlife and wild places, alive. ”

Whilst the traditional Madame Tussauds figure-making process sees the subject undergoing a thorough two day face-to-face ‘sitting’, the creative journey behind Steve’s figure required a collaborative approach with the Irwin family to capture the late Aussie icon’s exact likeness.

With the aid of a comprehensive photographic brief, a dedicated team of talented Madame Tussauds artists and sculptors spent over four months meticulously recreating every detail of Steve’s expressions and body including individually inserting each strand of hair on his head, face and chest one-by-one, a process which took the team over one month to complete.



To add to the authenticity of the Crocodile Hunter’s wax figure, the Irwin family kindly donated Steve’s original trademark khaki shirt and shorts, along with his socks and desert boots.

Steve Hinks, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Sydney said unveiling Steve’s wax figure today is an exciting time for the attraction’s domestic and international visitors, and remarked: “Steve Irwin was a true blue Aussie bloke, whose infectious personality and extreme love of wildlife captured hearts around the globe. It is an honour for Madame Tussauds Sydney to serve as the permanent home for the wax figure of Steve Irwin.”

“Since Madame Tussauds Sydney opened in 2013, Steve Irwin has been our most requested figure, so we have no doubt his amazingly lifelike wax figure will be extremely popular with our guests.”
Now on public display with the iconic Australian outback as the backdrop for the adventure, visitors can come face-to-face with the international icon and even don the iconic khaki outfits Steve Irwin was synonymous with!

Joining a long list of esteemed Australian personalities at Madame Tussauds Sydney including Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Rod Laver and Donald Bradman all under one roof, the all-new Steve Irwin display impeccably captures the spirit of Australia.

From Australian politicians to sporting legends, Madame Tussauds Sydney is a must-see, unique attraction in the heart of Darling Harbour that promises interactive and unique fun for the whole family.

Address: Madame Tussauds Sydney, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour SYDNEY N.S.W.
Opening Hours: From 9:30am
Phone: 1-800-205-851

Australian International Music Festival - Sydney 2015

Experience performing at Sydney’s magnificent Opera House, a memory that will last a lifetime!

Celebrating its 26th year in 2015 the Australian International Music Festival is one of the most popular and best attended events. With an average of 900 - 1,300 participants each year, there are groups from Australia, China, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and the USA providing a fantastic musical and cultural experience.



This Music Festival is open to groups of all types but in particular Wind Bands, Orchestra, Choirs and Jazz Bands. As well as performing at the Sydney Opera House, participants will also perform at venues such as the City Recital Hall [affectionately known as Angel Place] and Darling Harbour.

World Projects South Pacific aim to expand your mind with workshops from world class clinicians flown in from around the world and cultural exchanges with other bands most of whom share your passion but speak another language, an experience not to be missed.

The concert hall of the the Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous in the world. World class acts such as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Chick Corea, Simply Red, Stomp to Diana Krall perform here regularly. Even those who perform there often feel the awe of the Opera House.

For more info visit: http://www.worldprojects.com.au/musicAIMFsyd.htm

Free Kids Admission Weekend at Australian Museum and Powerhouse Museum

Deputy Premier, the Hon. Troy Grant MP, today announced a NSW Government initiative making general entry for children (under 16 years) free at both the Australian Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse). To celebrate, both museums are throwing open their doors to ALL visitors for a Free for All weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June.

“Kids Free is an exciting initiative of the NSW Government to create more opportunities for children and families to experience arts and culture,” Deputy Premier and Minister for the Arts, the Hon. Troy Grant said. “With school holidays starting that weekend, visiting a museum is a great way to get the kids out of the house and into the arts’’ he said. Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, Kim McKay AO, said that removing the entry charges for children would ensure access for every young person across the state. “Museums are places of learning, wonder and discovery and I’m delighted that we are now able to remove general admission charges for children thanks to the State Government’s support.

There should be no barrier for young people to learn and be inspired,” McKay said. “Families will save as much as $8 per child per visit, which is a fantastic bonus, particularly for larger families, making a visit to museum significantly cheaper than one to the movies or other forms of entertainment. In addition to family entry, students attending the museums as part of a school excursion will also enjoy free general admission positively impacting hundreds of thousands of school students across the state,” she said.

Throughout the Free for All weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, visitors to the Australian Museum will be among the first to see the new indigenous exhibition, Bayala Nura (Yarning Country), which complements the recently opened Garriagarrang (Sea Country) and participate in activities including Aboriginal animal totem craft and making animal masks. As a special bonus, admission charges to the Australian Museum’s popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will also be waived over the weekend, a saving of $51.00 for a family of four.

Favourite galleries such as Skeletons, Dinosaurs, Surviving Australia, Birds and Insects and Planet of Minerals will also be open along with the recently opened Pacific Spirit gallery, and visitors will be able to take a sneak peek at Wild Planet, a new animal gallery opening in August featuring some 400 animal specimens and biodiversity displays.

“Museums have a vital role to play in engaging children and their parents in our natural world -­‐ they explain who we are, and it’s those early museum experiences that become seared into our memories and help inform our decisions about the natural world in the future,” she said.

Activities available for all visitors to the Australian Museum on 27 & 28 June, 2015

The FREE for ALL weekend puts a spotlight on what happens daily at the Australian Museum. Alongside favourites such as the Skeletons, Dinosaurs, Surviving Australia, Birds and Insects, Search & Discover and Planet of Minerals, visitors will be among the first to experience the brand new exhibition, Bayala Nura (Yarning Country) in the newly refurbished heritage gallery, First Australians. Bayala Nura complements the recently opened exhibition, Garrigarrang (Sea Country) highlighting Indigenous Australian culture.

In addition, the newly opened preview exhibition Pacific Spirit brings rare masks and other stunning objects from the Museum’s Pacific collection out on display. These exhibitions draw on the Museum’s extensive collections to showcase the history, cultural diversity and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and provide a glimpse of the Museum’s extensive Pacific collection, one of the world’s largest.

While you’re here, remember to see striking photographs of wildlife and nature from the around the world in the ever popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. The photographs celebrate an amazing array of animals and highlight pressing environmental issues such as animal extinction and the destruction of natural landscapes. And as a special promotion for this weekend only, visitors can receive a 20% discount off the full price of membership. Members receive special benefits such as our Explore Magazine, discounts at our Shop and Cafe, Private Members Lounge, Free National Geographic Traveller magazine, 10% discount when you book with Adventure World holidays and giveaways and deals through the fortnightly newsletter.

Centrally located opposite Hyde Park in Sydney and a short walk from Museum Station, the Australian Museum was established in 1827 and has an international reputation in the fields of natural history and cultural studies, community programs and exhibitions. Experience all this and more when you visit the Museum as part of FREE for ALL at the Australian Museum on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June.

KIDS ACTIVITIES on the FREE FOR ALL weekend. 27 and 28 JUNE, 2015. • Come and learn about Indigenous Australian totems and make your own animal mask to take home at Aboriginal animal totem craft on Level 2. • Explore our wild planet in Surviving Australia and get up close and personal to some of our native Australian wildlife –snakes, baby crocodiles, lizards and skinks.

• Meet some legendary Australian creepy crawlies in Search and Discover.
• Discover Australia’s unique and abundant bird life in the Birds and Insects gallery.
• Budding palaeontologists can complete their museum expedition with a visit to the Dinosaurs gallery where they can touch 100 million year old dinosaur fossils.
• Come face to face with the Museum’s very own Muttaburrasaurus dinosaur, Winny-­‐saur.
• Find out about Winny’s busy life at the Museum, as well as what life was like for Australian dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago, then have your photo taken with Winny-­‐saur.
• As well as nurturing young imaginations, Australian Museum will also look after young tummies.

The new cafe on Level 4 will offer healthy hearty food and drinks along with stunning views over the city for the whole family.

See the Australian Museum Website

Explore Sydney like a local with Metro Hotels packages

Explore Sydney with Aspire Hotel! Experience all the excitement of Sydney using your free Opal cards on buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

With rates starting at $129, this package includes 2 free Adult Opal travel cards, each loaded with $20 worth of travel on all public transport.

Extra Cards (Adult - $20.00 and Child - $10.00) are also available and can be purchased at reception.

Book now: http://www.aspire-hotel-sydney.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/explore-sydney-hot-deal-accommodation

Aspire Hotel Sydney: The hotel boasts 96 ample and commodious rooms to suit the individual, couple and family alike. Some of the rooms have large, private balconies. The hotel provides a manned 24-hour reception desk for your convenience along with security key card access to all guest rooms. Room features include complimentary tea and coffee making facilities; hairdryer; iron and ironing board; in-room safe; external laundry and dry cleaning (charges apply).

Location: 383-389 Bulwara Road Ultimo, Sydney NSW 2007 Australia
Phone: +61 2 9211 - 1499
Closest train station: Central Station

Darling Harbour Vivid Festival - Photo credit: Saard Saenmuang

Darling Harbour - Harbourside Shopping Centre

Explore Sydney with Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour! Experience all the excitement of Sydney using your free Opal cards on buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Package includes 2 free Adult Opal travel cards, each loaded with $20 worth of travel on all public transport.

Extra Cards (Adult - $20.00 and Child - $10.00) are also available and can be purchased at reception.

Book now: http://www.sydney-metro-apartments-darling-harbour.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/explore-sydney-hot-deal-accommodation

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour: Has 24 fully contained apartments, many of which overlook the glory of Sydney’s famous Darling Harbour. All apartments have balconies. The apartments provide a manned reception desk from early morning until late at night. Our loft style apartments are fully serviced with plenty of room to relax and enjoy your stay.  The bedroom and bathroom are located on the mezzanine level, flowing down to a fully equipped kitchen, lounge and balcony downstairs, which is inclusive of washing machine and dryer. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all apartments. The Executive loft offers the same features plus cathedral style windows from floor to ceiling with spectacular views of Darling Harbour. Room features include complimentary tea and coffee making facilities; fridge; hairdryer; iron and ironing board; external laundry and dry cleaning (charges apply); complimentary Foxtel.

Location: 132-136 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: +61 2 9199 - 2517
Closest train station: Wynyard Station (10 minutes walk)

Sydney City CBD

Explore Sydney like a local with Metro Hotel on Pitt!

This Sydney Local hot deal includes 2 adult Opal travel cards, with a total value of $20 for travel on public buses, trains, ferries and light rail. Also includes complimentary WiFi, a late check out (noon) and a complimentary room upgrade*


*Room upgrade is subject to availability only.

Book now: http://www.metro-hotel-on-pitt.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/sydney-local-hot-deal-accommodation

Metro Hotel on Pitt: The hotel boasts 119 well appointed guest rooms in the Deluxe, Superior and Suite categories. Located in the heart of the CBD, most attractions and points of interest are within walking distance of the hotel. Metro Hotel on Pitt provides a manned 24-hour reception desk, plus all floors can only be accessed with an exclusively programmed guest room key card. Room features include complimentary tea and coffee making facilities; small fridge; hairdryer; iron and ironing board; in-room safe; external laundry and dry cleaning (charges apply); free in-room Wi-Fi; free-to-air TV and a complimentary selection of Foxtel channels.

Location: 300 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: +61 2 9283 - 8088
Closest train station: Town Hall Station (3 minutes walk)

What's On in Sydney - Vivid Sydney 2015, Sydney Film Festival & More

It's an exciting time in Sydney with the Sydney Writers' Festival underway, Vivid Sydney kicking off tomorrow and the Sydney Film Festival just around the corner. If you're feeling lucky we have some huge giveaways, read on for all the details.

It might be just ten days until winter, but you can now relive your favourite summer  moments. Thanks to ABC Radio National, Olivia Chaney and Jessica Pratt's concerts are now available to download, as is Far From Folsom, Tex Perkins' stellar performance channeling Johnny Cash at Parramatta Gaol. You can stream Blank Space on FBi Radio, or tune in to 94.5FM at 2pm this Sunday for Dan Deacon's late night gig.

Vivid Sydney 2015: 22 May – 8 June

Vivid Light is bigger than ever, with over 60 light installations, projections and illuminations extending from Circular Quay to Martin Place, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont and The Star, plus the University of Sydney. New precincts include Central Park in Chippendale and Chatswood. Sydney will be transformed into a wonderland of 'light art' sculptures, innovative light installations and grand-scale projections for all to enjoy.

Grace Jones: Modulations at Carriageworks

Modulations at Carriageworks features pop culture icon Grace Jones (Sydney Festival 2009) and living jazz legend Pharoah Sanders (Sydney Festival 2015). Jones will present three shows segueing from disco to funk and pop to punk on 31 May – 2 June. Grammy Award-winning American jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders who has performed with jazz icons including John Coltrane, Don Cherry and Sun Ra, will perform his ground-breaking works 5 & 6 June.



Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House

To celebrate the return of Sufjan Stevens to the Concert Hall (Sydney Festival 2008 & 2011), and the Opera House debut of music’s most mysterious folk singer Bill Callahan (Sydney Festival 2009), Sydney Opera House are giving you the chance to win a double pass to Sufjan Stevens on Monday 25 May or Bill Callahan on Thursday 28 May.



Sydney Film Festival: 3 – 14 June

Sydney Film Festival is coming soon, with 251 films from 68 countries and over 100 other events on offer. Explore the full program and buy your tickets and Flexipasses online now. The 62nd Sydney Film Festival today announced 27 new films to be featured in this year's June (3-14) event, plus an Ingmar Bergman retrospective curated by David Stratton. Also revealed in advance of the full program launch of 200+ films on Wednesday 6 May is a new screening venue at Dendy Newtown and an enhanced family film program.
To find out more, check out the Sydney Film Festival website: www.sff.org.au

Vivid Sydney Game Zone: At Pyrmont & The Star

Pyrmont and The Star will be transformed as part of Vivid Sydney. Check out the interactive installations including Pyrmont Pyro where you create your own digital fireworks display, and ‘Mission Control’ which allows you to control dozens of search lights. Stop by Vivid Lounge at Sky Terrace which will be transformed into an electric urban space brought to life by light and music.

Venus in Fur: Darlinghurst Theatre Company

Having seduced audiences on Broadway, David Ives’ hilarious, sexy and provocative smash hit Venus in Fur makes its Sydney debut at Eternity Playhouse from 29 May to 5 July. Starring Anna Houston and Gareth Reeves, this part comedy, part thriller is a gripping exploration of sexual control and desire.

Thor, Spider Man, Iron Man and Wolverine at Madame Tussauds Sydney

Thor as portrayed by Aussie Superstar Chris Hemsworth and Spider-Man will join Iron Man and Wolverine in the all-new Marvel Super Hero Zone

Prior to the April launch of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Mighty Avenger Thor, and the iconic web-slinger Spider-Man, join Iron Man and Wolverine at Madame Tussauds Sydney.

Thor’s imposing wax figure was created following a two-day sitting with Australian actor Chris Hemsworth. Madame Tussauds worked closely with Marvel Studios to ensure every element, including Thor’s hair and costume, is true to his iconic character from the 2011 film, Marvel’s Thor. The thundering figure of Asgard’s greatest warrior will be in Sydney for a limited time only.

Spider-Man will also join the Marvel Super Hero Zone as a permanent addition to the Sydney attraction. Marvel fans young and old will be able to interact and hang out with the ultimate wall-crawler.

“We are thrilled to bring Thor and Spider-Man to life, so that the fans from Australia can get up close and personal with their favourite Marvel Super Heroes. With Iron Man and Wolverine already such popular figures in our attraction, the all-new Marvel Super Hero Zone will display some of the most beloved characters in the world. Marvel fans can even join the Super Hero ranks themselves by donning Thor’s armour or seeing what they look like with Wolverine’s claws,” said Steve Hinks, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Sydney.

Also opening these April holidays is an all-new 3D Virtual Reality experience - a cutting edge virtual reality head-mounted display where users are transported to another world through sound and special effects. Through this new technology, visitors to Madame Tussauds Sydney will travel 500 years into the future to a post-apocalyptic Sydney and become "Karbon Man"! As the world's last hope, soar through the sky and use your superpowers to protect what remains of civilisation from an alien invasion.

“We invite all Marvel fans to come along and not only see these icons of Marvel but also embrace their own inner super powers with the use of the new 3D virtual Reality experience that will enable users to feel what it’s like to be a Super Hero,” added Hinks.

The Thor and Spider-Man figures will join other iconic Heroes in the all-new Marvel Super Hero Zone, including:

·     Wolverine: Australian Hollywood star Hugh Jackman portrayed as the mutant Wolverine in Fox Film’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, including his remarkable foot-long adamantium claws. Visitors can pose alongside Wolverine’s figure with their very own set of Wolverine claws

·    Iron Man: the Armoured Avenger and star of multiple Marvel movies, including the newest –Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, out in late April. The figure is wearing his mark IV armour from Marvel’s Iron Man 2. His suit lights up with glowing eyes, palms and arc reactor (chest). Guests can wear a similar suit of armour to pose with Iron Man’s figure

All Super Hero fans are encouraged to fly into the Marvel Super Hero Zone at Madame Tussauds Sydney. Here, you will step into the world of these infamous characters and even become your own Super Hero.  

Where: Madame Tussauds Sydney, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour (next door to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo)

Opening hours: 9.30am daily

Tickets: https://www.madametussauds.com/Sydney/

Combination tickets are available with SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye and Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary via Wild Life Sydney website: 

http://www.wildlifesydney.com.au/tickets/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwgoKqBRDt_IfLr8y1iMUBEiQA8Ua7XYmwgHddrR4luAU65NKYHQ1on6gP-rCNOvw40hyilrIaAtO58P8HAQ#attraction-passes