The rise of Disney+ has brought a new era to the record-breaking Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with four films due for release in 2021, starting with Black Widow in July. This year also welcomes the first TV shows directly connected to the MCU films, helmed by the creative voice behind the franchise, Marvel Studios president and primary producer Kevin Feige. Finally delving into the streaming world, Marvel Studios has adapted their storytelling to fit the new format give

In response to public outcry, The City of Boroondara will keep the rocket playground in Hawthorn’s Central Park after proposing to remove it. “We will keep the rocket,” Glenferrie Ward Councillor Wes Gault said. “We will sort out all the issues.” Hawthorn’s Central Park—colloquially known as Rocket Park—was at the centre of public attention when the council announced plans to remove the iconic structure in February as part of replacing the playground. A “Save Rocket Park” pe

Bayside Cr Clarke Martin says he’s “happy” with the council’s decision to reject Australian basketball legend Andrew Bogut’s plans to build a mansion spanning two properties in Beaumaris. However, he said he was concerned about a VCAT hearing on the issue, listed for August 3. “This application, if approved by VCAT, would deliver a very harmful and significant precedent that would require Bayside to consider strengthening further the planning overlays,” he said. Mr Bogut, a

The Dandenong World Fare made a triumphant return on Sunday, offering foodies the chance to eat their way through traditional street cuisine from Sri Lanka, Bosnia and Afghanistan. After the cancellation of last year’s event, the Fare welcomed back the public to the popular Dandenong Markets, where music, chatter and fragrant aromas filled the air. Not only did the Fare bring communities together, but it also helped businesses that had been struggling through the pandemic. K

Singing Bird Studios has managed to navigate a year that bought the local music scene to its knees – and emerged in style. The Frankston recording studio is back and hosting events for the dedicated and eclectic community of music lovers who got them through. Singing Bird Studio ’s manager Stuart Anderson, said the creative hub was saved thanks to passionate local musicians.   “They paid all throughout last year because they just didn’t want to lose it,” Mr Anderson said. [

Streaming services became a staple during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with binge-watching and couch marathons evolving into a “quarantine and chill” lifestyle. By mid year, the idea that we had exhausted all our Netflix options became ironically popular. By the second lockdown, many Victorians were tuning in to some less-than-thrilling viewing – watching for the sake of watching. “Quarantine and chill” was a big boost for streaming services. Throughout 2020, Netflix users watched

You can hear the live music from the far end of the street as the brightly lit domes and colourful shipping containers come into view. The mouth-watering smells of African barbecue and fresh caramel popcorn fill the air at Melbourne’s newest foodie playground, Grazeland. Set on 10,000 square meters of abandoned shipyard in Spotswood, Grazeland is an outdoor food precinct now permanently home to 50 speciality food vendors, three bars, artisan stalls and rotating live enterta

In the dying days of March for the past 15 years, people of all countries, races and beliefs have joined together to symbolically turn off their lights showing support for stronger action on climate change. However, in recent years Earth Hour seems to have faded from our minds in Australia. A survey by The Standard revealed most respondents had either last taken part in Earth Hour several years ago or had never taken part. About 85 per cent said they had seen no advertising

The man who lived “10 lives in one” received a fitting tribute last night in a state memorial service that highlighted the passion and talent of Australia’s chief music man, Michael Gudinski. Music legends Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue, Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, Mark Seymour and Mia Wray paid their respects at Rod Laver Arena last night. Gudinski, 68, died in his sleep on March 2. Music legend Michael Gudinski. Picture supplied: Mushroom Group Australian music stalwart Barnes

Change has already begun in the aftermath of last week’s March4Justice protests, veteran activist Bronwyn Currie says. On March 15, more than 100,000 women and allies rallied across 40 cities and towns in Australia, sparked by a wave of allegations of sexual assault centred around Australia’s parliament. “Our Prime Minister is starting to consider that quotas might be appropriate to have equal representation of women in parliament,” Ms Currie, a march organiser and Animal Ju

And we’re live! Crowds have returned to festivals in Victoria. Photo: Eddie Russell Fans gave a warm welcome to the return of music festivals to Victoria at the weekend, with thousands flocking to the Yarra Valley to attend Wine Machine. Sprawled across the Rochford Estate, Wine Machine put Australian talent centre stage with a near sell-out two-day festival of local food, wine and music. With COVID-19 still a concern, social distancing measures were in place to meet state g

After a long 537 days without a footy crowd, the MCG was last weekend finally allowed to host half its capacity – 50,000 diehard Australian Rules football fans.  On Thursday night for the first game of the first round of the new season, supporters donned their traditional colours – the yellow and black of the Tiger army, and the navy blue of Carlton – after the longest break from football in Victorian history.   Supporter Luke, 21, was happy just to be there. “I don’t even go