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

As the COVID-19 pandemic caused global lockdowns and mass panic, a game came along that turned out to be exactly what we needed. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – about making friends with neighbours and the joys of community and everyday life – was released on March 20, 2020. People pounced on it. The Nintendo Switch game is the fifth main title in the Animal Crossing series that began in 2001. According to Nintendo’s 2020 financial report, it sold 11.77 million units in t

“This is what we love, we love music, we love records,” says favourite Swinburne cafe co-owner and manager Max Le Bras. For 14 years, Alley Tunes has sold records and coffees in the heart of Glenferrie Station to university staff, students and train goers. Alley Tunes’ atmosphere radiates through its surroundings, attracting people of all ages and walks of life. Customers can buy their coffee through the front window and then browse through the thousands of records while musi

“Most people take it for granted but being recognised is a very awesome feeling for people like me,” says Keelin Foley, a gamer with a disability from Melbourne. Ms Foley is a 22-year-old wheelchair user with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2. She is part of a massive community of gamers with disabilities both in Australia and globally. The CDC estimates 61 million American adults live with a disability in the United States. With such a large audience unable to play, it’s no won

Thousands of people gathered near Parliament House in Melbourne today as part of the nation-wide March4Justice rallies, protesting against gender inequality and demanding justice for victims of sexual assault. Event organiser and Animal Justice Party spokesperson Bronwyn Curry said it was “something women and girls should be proud of”. The protests are in response to a series of recent accusations of gender-based discrimination and violence in federal politics. A list of name

In 2004, Mark Barlet watched as a friend’s multiple sclerosis began to interfere with her ability to use a mouse, leaving her unable to game the way they always had. He decided to make sure nobody with a disability would have to miss out on the joy and friendship that comes with video games. And so Barlet founded the AbleGamers charity. Almost two decades later, US live-streaming platform Twitch is donating $1 million to AbleGamers, joining a growing list of companies and in