Ricciardo revved up for F1 Melbourne

Ricciardo revved up for F1 Melbourne

Australian superstar Daniel Ricciardo was in Melbourne today to launch the 2015 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix, as the event prepares to celebrate a milestone of two decades in Melbourne on 12-15 March.

Ricciardo took to the steps of the iconic Flinders Street Station, posing for photos alongside a Formula One car in an Australian Flag design, as excitement builds ahead of the event.

The spectacular Albert Park street circuit will again play host to the season opener of the 2015 FIA Formula One World Championship™ – with the V8 Supercars  once again part of the line-up – and Ricciardo believes the opening weekend in Melbourne is easily the most anticipated of the year.

"The Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix is pretty much the best way to start the season for me. It's one of my favourite events, not just because it's on home soil but because it's the first race, the first time you really get to put everything on the table and see where you stack up," Ricciardo said.

"The last year has been an incredible year for me, I couldn't have wished for a better start to my career with Infiniti Red Bull Racing. The fans and the support we get at the Australian GP is incredible and last year I definitely felt it on track. I'm looking forward to getting out there already – I'm excited!"

The Minister for Tourism & Major events, the Hon. John Eren MP, was also in attendance – he said the event is a proud part of Victoria's major events calendar.

"As the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix prepares to stage its 20th consecutive race since it came to Melbourne in 1996; there is no question that the event holds huge value to the State. This significant milestone is a timely reminder of how truly entrenched this event is in the social, cultural and sporting fabric of the city,” Minister Eren said.

"We are delighted the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix has been secured until 2020, the benefits to the tourism industry and the economy are indisputable. The global broadcast of the race is the perfect platform to showcase Melbourne to the world, with images of our stunning city skyline and parklands shown to millions across the globe.”

Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman, Mr Ronald J Walker AC CBE, said with the most promising local driver in decades set to line up on the grid; anticipation for the 2015 event is particularly high.

"We have an exceptional talent in Daniel Ricciardo; his fighting spirit and infectious smile have captured the imagination of all Australians. He has built on the strong foundations of Mark Webber, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the privilege of seeing him challenge the world's very best on home soil this March,” Mr Walker said.

Sunday General Admission tickets purchased before 1 March, 2015 are available at the early bird price of just $79. For more information, visit www.grandprix.com.au

Shows Australia: 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) Australia Show Tour

Hot on the heels of selling out two shows at London's iconic Wembley Arena, the chart-topping Sydney boys are heading out on the road to play their first-ever headline Australian arena shows, touring in support of their recently released self-titled #1 smash hit debut album - not bad for four teenagers from the Western suburbs of Sydney. 

5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) – Luke, Calum, Michael and Ashton, started the month with an incredible five songs in the top 50 of the ARIA single chart: double platinum debut and worldwide iTunes #1 She Looks So Perfect, UK #2 Don't Stop, Amnesia, Kiss Me Kiss Me and Everything I Didn't Say. The lyric video for their upcoming single, Amnesia, has already had more than 5.7 million views.

5SOS are a worldwide success with more than 92 million views on YouTube, more than five million fans on Facebook, a combined 15-million-plus Twitter followers and more than 1.75 million followers on Instagram.

Australia Tour Dates:

Allphones Arena, Sydney NSW  Sat 20 Jun
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD  Tue 23 Jun
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne VIC  Thu 25 Jun
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, SA  Sat 27 Jun
Perth Arena, WA   Mon 29 Jun

Ideal Show Accommodation | Metro Hotels

About 5SOS (5 Seconds of Summer)

Formed in Sydney in 2011, the band consists of Luke Hemmings (lead vocals, guitar), Michael Clifford (guitar, vocals), Calum Hood (bass guitar, vocals) and Ashton Irwin (drums, vocals). The group were originally YouTube celebrities, posting videos of themselves covering songs from various artists in 2011. 

From there, they gained a small following in 2012 after posting a series of cover versions of popular songs ontoYouTube, then rose to international fame when One Direction invited them on their Take Me Home Tour.

- See more at: http://showsaustralia.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/5-seconds-of-summer-5sos-australia-show.html#sthash.G9aVAyFg.dpuf

Summer Sporting Extravaganza to Boost Australian Economy

In Australia, summer is all about sport. This season the addition of two major international events to the calendar is a big bonus, not just for sports lovers but for the economy as well.

Australians who don't enjoy sport turn off the television and head for the beach at this time of year.

For everyone else, there's a smorgasbord of Test and one-day cricket, PGA golf, an internationally famous yacht race, a grand slam tennis event, cycling and Formula One races.

The country is set to enjoy an unprecedented quantity of world sport worth an estimated A$320m ($267m; £172m) to the economy thanks to the addition of two major events.

The Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup - being held across five cities in January - and the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup, which will be played in Australia and New Zealand in February and March, eclipse other events in size and dollar value.

The Asian Cup is the biggest sporting event in Asia and the cricket World Cup is the third biggest sporting event in the world after the summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

Australia's summer of sport

• December 9 - January 10: Four cricket Test matches, Australia v India.
• December 11-14: Australian PGA golf Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast.
• December 26-30: Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
• January 9 - January 31, 2015: Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup.
• January 16 - February 1: Cricket one-day international tri series, Australia, India and England.
• January 17-25: Tour Down Under cycling classic, Adelaide and South Australia.
• January 19 - February 1: Australian Open grand slam tennis, Melbourne.
• February 14 - March 29: ICC World Cup.
• March 12-15: Australian Grand Prix Formula One, Melbourne.

Every year, between 1 December and 1 April, there are five million tickets on sale for sport and entertainment events across New South Wales, according to state government body Destination NSW. For the same period in 2014-2015, there are eight million tickets on sale.

"That's what happens when you add an Asian Cup and a World Cup to the calendar," says Asian Cup chief executive officer Michael Brown. "There's going to be a lot more people spending a lot more dollars."

Test Cricket

Australia's golden summer begins with the first of four Test cricket matches between Australia and India on 9 December. The fixtures were rescheduled to start later in the month because of the sudden death in late November of 25-year old Australian Test player Phillip Hughes.

Golf

The first Test now clashes with the Australian PGA golf event, while the Sydney to Hobart yacht race - which organisers claim is the largest spectator sporting event in the world - competes with the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

An estimated one million spectators will watch the start of the yacht race - about 300,000 of them from the water and another 700,000 lining Sydney's harbour and coastline, says chief executive officer of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Mark Woolf.

Economic Ipmact

The economic impact, however, is incalculable, says Mr Woolf, because it is a free spectator event.

"The metrics that come out of this race are enormous," he says. "It's not a stadium event. We don't have a captive audience. But there are tentacles everywhere.

"There's the investment of transporting and accommodating 118 boats and crew for the start. The crews bring their friends and families. Then there's provisioning and fuelling and self-catering for spectator picnics.

"Even the NSW town of Eden gets an economic lift. It's the last safe harbour for boats to refuel and restock before crossing Bass Strait. Once they reach Hobart the boats and crews have to get back to Sydney.

"Then there's the impact of those TV pictures of a perfect Sydney harbour beaming into Europe and America in the middle of winter on their Christmas night. It's hard to quantify the publicity and future tourism impact."

Asia Cup Soccer

As the Test cricket ends the Asian Cup kicks off on 9 January, with 16 teams playing 32 matches in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

According to Mr Brown, PricewaterhouseCoopers has said the event will pump A$225m into the economy. Asian Cup organisers target ticket sales of 500,000, with 50,000 international visitors expected to attend.

Three of Australia's top ten trading partners - China, Japan and South Korea - have qualified, which means hosting the Asia Cup is a unique tourism, trade and investment opportunity for the country and the region, he says.

"The Asian Cup is Asia's biggest sporting event and football is the biggest team sport and the most popular sport in Asia," Mr Brown says. "In Asia, football outstrips cricket as a sport."

Tourism Tsunami

But the Asian Cup will also have to compete for spectators and TV audiences with the Tour Down Under cycling classic in South Australia and the Australian Open grand slam tennis tournament in Melbourne.

ICC World Cup Cricket

Then, the biggest sporting event of the summer begins on 14 February. More than one million people are expected to attend 49 one-day matches featuring 14 teams playing in the ICC World Cup at venues in Australia and New Zealand.

ICC World Cup chief executive officer John Harnden says 500,000 tickets have already been sold and tens of thousands of international spectators are expected to attend, creating a tourism tsunami between the two countries.

"There will be a lot of travel between Australia and New Zealand, and then India, the UK and the US are the three primary points of origin (for spectators)," says Mr Harnden.

"It is a great opportunity to showcase ourselves to the world and benefit from that great word of mouth from all those tens of thousands of tourists saying what a great time they had. If the Australian and New Zealand teams do well, that will be an even bigger bonus."

View Source

20 free things to do in Melbourne

© Alan Lam/CC BY ND 2.0 Photographers love arcades like Block Court in Collins Street.

Melbourne is consistently voted the world’s most liveable city and Melburnians are quick to tell visitors what makes this city such a great place to live from their favourite restaurants (’400 Gradi makes the world’s best margarita, you know!’) to the laneway bars and cafes (‘better than Sydney’). But what makes a city really liveable is the stuff you can enjoy without opening your wallet.

Here is our guide to the best free stuff to do in the world’s most liveable city.

1. Go gallery hopping
The National Gallery of Victoria boasts an impressive collection with big names like Drysdale, Rodin and Constable among the many permanent works that can be seen for free in its international collections. Its premier gallery on St Kilda Road is itself a work of art, worth a tour in its own right, with a lofty stained-glass atrium that could make art aficionados skip with joy. At the Ian Potter Centre, just up the road in Federation Square, is the Australian collection which includes a stunning ground floor gallery of Aboriginal works.

While you’re at Federation Square, pop into the city’s celebrated ACMI (the Australian Centre for the Moving Image) for an interactive history of film and TV, including a good old dose of Neighbours nostalgia (Melbourne is the home of Neighbours, after all). Next up is the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art on Southbank – another architectural gem with a revolving exhibition calendar. Still not sated? There are a number of private galleries in the Flinders Lane precinct with smaller exhibitions of local and international artists.

© Terrazzo/CC BY-SA 2.0 Melbourne's free City Circle tram.

2. Tour the arty alleyways
Over the past decade Melbourne’s laneways have gone from shortcut passages in the main city grid to proud canvasses for some of the world’s best street art. You won’t find Banksy’s work here (it was reportedly painted over in error by a council worker), but what you will find is a dizzying mash-up of colourful murals by well-known local artists (names you will become more familiar with such as Be Free and Ha-Ha) as well as contributions from visiting artists. Start at Hosier Lane (opposite Federation Square) and follow the maze of laneways heading north from there. Part of the laneways experience is getting lost, but our street art walking tour map in the guide will help make sure you don’t miss any of the best bits.

3. Cycle the city back streets
Melbourne City government launched its public bicycle scheme (melbournebikeshare.com.au) in 2010 (you’ll see the blue bike kiosks dotted around the city) which makes exploring this cycle-friendly city even easier for visitors. OK, so there’s a holding deposit to get your mitts on one of these bikes, but the first 30 minutes’ hire is free. That’s just enough time to cycle from one end of the CBD to the other. Or break your day into a series of short hops, picking up and dropping off bikes at different kiosks all over town. For the prettiest Yarra River views, start your day at Freshwater Place on Southbank and whizz over Sandridge Bridge, checking out the Traveller installations en route to iconic Flinders Street Station on the fringe of the CBD.

4. Get high with rooftop views
You’re not going to be popular with the publicans of these bars and pubs if you don’t bust out a note and buy a drink, but technically you can get a lot of great views of Melbourne without forking out on the Sky Deck at the Eureka Tower. Roof tops bars dot the city from Swanston Street’s Rooftop Bar & Cinema (rooftopcinema.com.au) to Madame Brussels (madamebrussels.com) at the other end of Bourke Street. You can pretty much bar crawl your way around the CBD, soaking up Melbourne’s New-Yorkesque skyline as you go.

5. Meander Melbourne's many markets
Melburnians love a good market, and the city is stuffed to the gills with them. In almost any neighbourhood you can find markets selling fresh local produce, handmade crafts, secondhand treasures or gourmet hawker dishes at some point in the week. Browsing is free of course, and there are usually plenty of food samples to taste if you’re tempted. Besides the obvious big hitter, Queen Victoria Market in the city, there are plenty of less touristy markets to check out across town depending on where you’re staying. Try Camberwell Market (sundaymarket.com.au) for a Parisienne flea market vibe; the Rose Street Artists Market (rosestmarket.com.au) in Fitzroy to soak up some Melbourne creativity;  the summer-time-only Night Market at Victoria Market (qvm.com.au/night-market)  for hawker-style food and live music; and the Farmers Market at Abbotsford Convent or the Collingwood Children’s Farm (slowfoodmelbourne.com.au) for a bit of rural idyll in the city.

6. Soak up beachlife at St Kilda foreshore
When the city scene gets too much, head down to breezy St Kilda beach to witness a different kind of buzz. Wander along the sea front promenade and down St Kilda pier to take in the views, watch the fishermen or gawp at the gutsy windsurfers catching some waves. Acland Street is prime people-watching territory with pavement cafes galore; locals and tourists alike come here to window-shop and drool over the street’s old-school European cake shops. Snap the obligatory photo in front of Luna Park’s iconic grin before heading inside to check out its creaky amusement rides of yesteryear such as the carousel and scenic railway rollercoaster. Play the spectator because the rides will cost you. On Sundays a craft market sets up along the Esplanade. The back streets of St Kilda and neighbouring Elwood also deliver plenty for the architecture buff with some Victorian mansions, Edwardian houses, art-deco apartments and modernist units from the 1950s and 60s. Families should seek out the St Kilda Adventure Playground – a real treat for older kids.

© Alan Lam/CC BY ND 2.0 Historic carousel at Luna Park, St Kilda.

7. Appreciate Aboriginal history at the Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre
You may be wandering around Melbourne wondering what the place looked like before it was colonised by the British two centuries ago. For an introduction to the region from the traditional custodians, the Wurundjeri people, and to learn a few things about contemporary Koorie history and culture, head to the Koorie Heritage Trust’s Cultural Centre  in King Street (relocating to Federation Square mid-2015). A permanent social history exhibition is complemented by changing exhibitions by new and established Aboriginal artists. The Melbourne Museum also has excellent information on indigenous social and culture heritage but is only free for students and members.

8. Lap the centre in the City Circle Tram
This is your short-cut to seeing Melbourne city centre without breaking a sweat (although your ear drums may not thank you – the commentary is informative enough, but a little too loud for all but for the hard of hearing). The City Circle Tram trundles along a loop around the city and down to the waterfront precinct of Docklands. Heritage ‘W class’ trams run the circuit with wooden chairs, brass and leather hand straps like the originals from 1923.

9 Quiet reading at the State Library
The State Library of Victoria isn’t as stuffy as the name may suggest. This heritage building was established in 1854 and today, the collection numbers more than two million books. But you’re really here for the building. Its epicentre, the octagonal La Trobe Reading Room, was completed in 1913 when its dome was the largest of its kind in the world. Natural light illuminates the ornate plasterwork and the studious Melburnians who come here to pen their essays. Grab a map at the front desk and go for a self-guided tour of the Reading Room and the exhibition galleries. The library also plays host to a revolving door of exhibitions from literary to the fine arts, as well as free classes, workshops, talks and kids activities. Check out the events calendar on its website.

© Rexness/CC BY-SA 2.0 Federation Square, home to the NGV and ACMI

10. Pack a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Close to the hearts of all those who call Melbourne home the Royal Botanic Gardens is a top place to engage with local life. Dating from 1857, this 38-hectare swathe of hilly green space at the edge of the CBD is divided up into different themes with a lake at its centre. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a long afternoon picnicking and then stroll the myriad paths within the park. There is also a purpose-built Children’s Garden for families with a water fountain and man-made creek to splash in come summer. Night and day, but particularly early in the mornings, you’ll be sharing the perimeter with fitness fanatics running the 3.84km circuit of the garden known locally as ‘The Tan’.  Keen botanists should check the website for free guided tours.

11. Get reverential in Melbourne's churches
You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the construction of some of Melbourne’s grand churches. The gothic St Paul’s Cathedral (opposite Federation Square) is built on the same site where the first Christian service in Victoria was held in 1835. A few minutes away are St Michael’s Uniting Church and Scots Church: both also architecturally impressive and quiet oases in the city.

12. Instagram your pick of Melbourne's architectural gems
Speaking of architecture, Melbourne city centre is rife with heritage-protected buildings of various eras and styles. Get ready to fill your camera data card quickly as you wander the streets spotting the famous or quirky city buildings, old advertising paintings and far-out futuristic structures. Standouts include the Flinders Street Railway Station, Federation Square, Block Arcade, the Nicholas Building and ANZ’s gothic headquarters. And if you love to share there’s Instagtam as well as open Flickr groups to upload your best compositions. Every July, you can go one step further and get a free peep inside many of Melbourne’s off-limits architectural highlights at the city’s annual Open House event.

13. Pay your respect at the Shrine of Remembrance
The statuesque Shrine of Remembrance, off St Kilda Rd, was completed in 1934 as a dedication to the men and women who lost their lives in WWI. Historical exhibitions shed light on the sacrifices made and it’s the site of some of Melbourne’s most important military and remembrance ceremonies such as ANZAC day. Visible from the other end of town, planning regulations continue to restrict any building that would obstruct the view of the shrine from Swanston St as far back as Lonsdale St. A climb to the steps of the shrine will be rewarded with fine views across the city.

14. Gigs, gigs, free gigs
After coffee, street art and footy (Australian Rules football, that is) Melburnians love their live music. There is a host of free gigs on all over the city pretty much any day of the week. In the city Cherry Bar is infamous as a rock venue (appropriately on AC/DC Lane) and has a mix of free as well as paid-entry gigs. Also in town is Ding Dong, Toff in Town and the John Curtain Bandroom. If you prefer folk, blues, jazz, pop, or even Australian hip-hop (yep there is such a thing) check listings in the local street press like Beat,  which you can pick up at bars, pubs and cafes, or the indy radio-station RRR’s online gig guide (rrr.org.au). Beyond the CBD, suburbs such as Northcote (Northcote Social Club), Brunswick (The Retreat) and St Kilda (The Esplanade Hotel) all have plenty of live-music venues.

15. Become a literature buff at the Wheeler Centre
The founders of Lonely Planet funded the Wheeler Centre in 2010, the same year Melbourne was listed as a UNESCO City of Literature. Occupying a portion of the State Library Building, the Centre is a space for ‘Books, Writing and Ideas’. Regular events, including workshops and talks from artists, writers, architects and publishers are usually free to attend. Bookings can be made via the website.

© Daniel2177/CC BY 2.0 Melbourne Town Hall is a popular performance venue.

16. Wave to the masses from Melbourne's Town Hall
History and architecture aficionados will enjoy touring the Melbourne Town Hall. The building is made from a mix of bluestone and Tasmanian freestone and stands authoritatively on the main city thoroughfare of Swanston Street. It is still a well-used venue with concerts, comedy and public talks held in the main auditorium as well as the smaller chambers year round. Another big draw is the Grand Organ dating from 1929. To go behind the scenes and stand on the portico where The Beatles and Abba once waved to their adoring fans you can book a free Town Hall tour (weekdays only) by calling 03 9658 9658.

17. Play board games at the pub
Fancy sharing a pint with some Aussies at a local pub… while pouring over a nostalgia-inducing board game or getting stuck into a giant jenga competition? Get your geek on and make a beeline for the Royal Standard Hotel every second Wednesday at 6pm. There are other gaming groups that meet in different parts of the city. Check out a calendar of events on Meetup.

18. Delve into Melbourne's early urban history
To really get under Melbourne’s skin, ditch the CBD and explore some of the city’s urban history in the increasingly gentrified neighbourhoods of the inner north. Online walking tours of Collingwood, Abbotsford and Clifton Hill are available from the local council’s website and take you past industrial icons like the Skipping Girl Vinegar sign (best seen at dusk) as well as Abbotsford Convent and Dights Falls.

19. Point at the pollies in parliament
No, you can’t take popcorn with you for a session of Victorian parliament but watching Australian politicians debating the latest in government policy can be entertaining. Check the government’s Parliament website to find out when you can spectate on the Legislative of Assembly for free. If watching politicians trying to score cheap political points in the luxe leather-and-wood environment of this stately house isn’t your thing, you may get more out of the free public tour instead.

20. Plane spot at Melbourne Airport and the RAAF Museum
It may be a trek to get to the Royal Australian Air Force Museum in Point Cook, but the aircraft and aviation displays are fascinating and free (donations are appreciated). Call ahead to enquire about the guided tours, only on offer for groups of six or more, though you may be able to join another group. For more aviation enjoyment on a budget, you can join the plane-spotters watching aeroplanes taking off from Melbourne airport near the corner of Oaklands road and Sunbury Road.

Source: http://www.msn.com/en-au/travel/article/20-free-things-to-do-in-melbourne/ar-BBde2xl?ocid=mailsignout


Need accommodation in Melbourne City close to all the free attractions?

Metro Apartments on Bank Place offers affordable apartments for your stay.

Experience the excitement of Melbourne when staying in your very own serviced boutique apartment in the CBD with trams and public transport within easy reach.

Metro Apartments on Bank Place is renowned for its intimate and personal service. Whether for leisure or business this is the perfect location to enjoy the cosmopolitan character of Melbourne City.

All apartments include complimentary WiFi, fully-equipped kitchen, laundry and Foxtel service.

View our latest accommodation specials now: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/victoria/metro-apartments-on-bank-place/hot-deals/

Brazouka Touring Australia

Narrated by comedian turned Brazilian dance lover Billy Connolly and performed by Brazil's most thrilling new dance troupe, Brazouka is the inspirational story of Braz Dos Santos’ journey from a small Brazilian village to the international stage - it was dance or die for the best freestyle Lambada and Lambazouk dancer in the world.

This must see production is sure to have "the entire audience on their feet, laughing and dancing" (The West Australian) as the striking performers play with the illustrious martial arts dance - Capoeira, Afro-contemporary, Rio Zouk, the cheeky partner dances of the Samba.  They present the most impressive display of the sensual dance languages of Lambada, Lambazouk, mixed with the bouncy Forro style that Australian audiences may ever see.

Off the back of impressive runs in Edinburgh, London and Johannesburg, Brazouka is already stunning Australian audiences, being touted by The West Australian as an "astonishing”, and “seductive spectacle".  Don’t miss your chance to experience the passion of Brazilian dance – limited runs across Australia.

Tour Dates:
- Ticketek is selling for the following venues only -

• Thu 23 - Sun 26 Oct @ Regal Theatre, Perth
• Thu 13 - Sun 16 Nov @ Enmore Theatre, Sydney
• Wed 19 - Sun 30 Nov @ The Palms at Crown, Melbourne

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=BRAZOUKA14#prX1QS4XeR4ZU0jl.99

Adam Scott chases triple crown in summer of golf

Adam Scott will be out to avenge last year’s defeat in the Australian Open when he was pipped by a stroke by Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.

By JASON CLOUT - 12 NOV 2014

The return of Adam Scott will be the highlight of the Australian summer of golf with the world No. 2 looking to replicate his amazing form of 2013.

Scott won two out of three tournaments last year and was only pipped on the last hole at the Australian Open by Rory McIlroy. Had he claimed the Australian championship, Scott would have joined Robert Allenby in winning the so-called triple crown of Australian golf.

The Australian Masters is the first of the three tournaments and will be played at The Metropolitan Golf Club from November 20-23. The Metropolitan is one of Melbourne’s famous sandbelt courses.

It will be Scott’s third successive Masters, should he triumph at the Metropolitan, having won in 2012 and 2013, when he edged out Matt Kuchar of the United States.

The Australian Open to be played at the Australian Golf Club November 27-30 will be Scott’s chance to even the score with McIlroy, as both the young superstars will be in the field.

When he shot 62 in the first round last year, it seemed Scott had the championship in his grasp. But a last round 66 by McIlroy, including some remarkable play on the 18th hole, saw the Northern Irishman take the Australian Open by a stroke.

GOLD COAST DESTINATION FOR CHAMPIONSHIP
The last of the triple crown is the Australian PGA Championship, which will be held at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast between December 11-14.

Golf’s reputation as a sport which attracts the executive market is one reason companies such as Emirates and HSBC are involved. Emirates will once again be the major backer of the Australian Open, alongside its long-standing association with thoroughbred racing and its newly announced sponsorship of tennis in Australia.

Manager for sponsorships at Emirates Roger Duthie says golf is one of the truly global sports.

“Sport is important to the airline and golf is a big part of that,’’ says Duthie

It is also one of the few sports where it is possible to play with the world’s best at pro-ams.

Those days have become a fixture in many tournaments around the world, offering the chance to play a top course in the same group as a pro.

Duthie says golf fans are prepared to travel, another important consideration for the airline: “There’s a tourism impact as well because golfers will travel to play golf.’’

COURSE ALTERATIONS CHALLENGING
Golf officials are delighted about the prospects for the summer. Director of championships at Golf Australia Trevor Herden says one of the aspects of the intriguing clash between Scott and McIlroy at the Australian Open will be how they and the rest of the field deal with course alterations.

Herden says the first hole and the 14th have been converted from par fives to par fours for the championship. “We’ve made it a bit harder, It will be a par 70 course for the event,” he says.

There is good prize money on offer in Australia this year, such as the $1.25 million for the Open. But Herden says it is still a great show of faith that most of the top Australian players will be playing here over the next few weeks.

The overseas golfing tours like the US and Europe. where most of the top Australian players compete, take up most of the year. But instead of resting, most of the high-profile Australian golfers continue to support the local tournaments.

“It was wonderful when Adam Scott decided to play the three events. But it’s not just Adam, we’ve got just about all our best players coming back as well as some top golfers from overseas like Rory [McIlroy] and Jordan Spieth.”

Source: http://www.afr.com/p/lifestyle/life_leisure/adam_scott_chases_triple_crown_in_jpGODL5EVo6yIQND1V7jfJ

Little Dragon Laneway Festival 2015 Sideshows

Written by Marc Zanotti on 6th November, 2014

Not just content to tour as part of Laneway Festival 2015, Swedish quartet Little Dragon have announced two headlining sideshows to take place in Melbourne and Sydney. Little Dragon will play 170 Russell on Monday, 2nd February before heading up to Sydney for their first-ever performance at the Opera House on Thursday, 5th February.

By the time Little Dragon return it will only have been seven months since the band toured Australia. Visiting in August behind latest album Nabuma Rubberband, both of their headlining shows sold out. While in the country the band dropped in to Music Feeds Studiofor Music Feeds Live to deliver some sweet cuts off their new record.

As part of Laneway 2015 Little Dragon will tour with the likes of Royal Blood, St Vincent, FKA Twigs, and Flight Facilities. You can check out the full festival lineup here. Tickets for Little Dragon’s Laneway sideshows are on sale now. Full gig details below.

Little Dragon Laneway Festival 2015 Sideshows - On sale now:

Monday, 2nd February 2015
170 Russell, Melbourne
Tickets: via 170 Russell

Thursday, 5th February, 2015
Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Tickets: via Sydney Opera House

One Direction On the Road Again Australian tour 2015

Much to the excitement of teenage girls, the world's biggest boy band One Direction have announced they are heading back to Australia next year as part of their On the Road Again tour.

It's just seven months since Liam, Niall, Harry, Zayn and Louis toured Australia, but they are now lining up to play shows in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth next year. The band sold all 190,000 tickets for 18 shows across Australia and New Zealand for the Take Me Home at the end of last year.

"Our Australian fans have been there for us since day one, and we always have such a great time there," Liam Payne said.

"We'll see you all in February next year!"

The band are currently travelling with their mammoth Where We Are Tour which has just visited South America and will hit Europe and the US this year. Sydney boy band 5 Seconds of Summer are supporting.

Since the band were put together by Simon Cowell in 2010, they have been an unstoppable force around the globe, amassing a $US100 million fortune along the way, according to estimates.

Get your tickets from the official Ticket master website: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/One-Direction-tickets/artist/1645840

On the Road Again 2015 Australian tour dates:
February 7:   Sydney, Allianz Stadium
February 11: Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium
February 14: Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
February 17: Adelaide, AAMI Stadium
February 20: Perth, Patersons Stadium

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/one-direction-heading-back-to-australia-for-2015-tour-20140519-zrgor.html



Need accommodation close to One Direction tour stadiums? 
Metro Hotels have hotels and serviced apartments in most major cities throughout Australia:


Sydney Hotels & Apartments (NSW):

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central
• Metro Hotel on Pitt
• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
• Aspire Hotel Sydney

Brisbane Hotels (QLD):

• Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Melbourne Apartments (VIC):

• Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Western Australia:

• Metro Hotel Perth

Darts Invitational Challenge 2015

Simon "The Wizard" Whitlock was pipped in the grand final 2014

Get your tickets now for the exciting Darts Invitational Challenge where fans and dart enthusiasts come together for this huge annual event!

When: 9 - 10th Jan 2015
Where: Etihad Stadium - Docklands, VICTORIA
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Darts-Invitational-Challenge-tickets/artist/1889078

Recap of the 2014 event:

Fans enjoy costume drama of a night at the darts

THOUSANDS of fans - many in fancy dress - transformed Etihad Stadium on Saturday night for the finale of an international darts tournament.

Fred Flintstone, Where's Wally and fans dressed as Australian cricketers sat on white plastic chairs on turf usually reserved for AFL and soccer stars.

But unfortunately the fans were not treated to a local triumph after Dutch master Michael "Mighty Mike" van Gerwen pipped Australian top seed Simon "The Wizard" Whitlock in the grand final showdown of the Invitational Darts Challenge.

Fans dressed as cricketers at the darts tournament at Etihad Stadium 2014

Orange and purple smoke briefly filled the stadium as a rowdy contingent set off flares during the showdown.

Fans cheered, sang and even raised their chairs aloft as the world's best darts players performed on a makeshift stage in the centre of the oval.

Announcer John McDonald - the world's leading darts MC - dubbed the spectacle "magnificent".

"(The crowd) really understand it," he said.

"You could be anywhere in Great Britain now and it would be exactly the same."

Mr McDonald said there had never been a bigger exhibition of darts anywhere in the world.

Etihad chief executive Paul Sergeant estimated the crowd would reach 8000 across the two-day event.

He said the stadium attracted a capacity crowd of 1000 when it held a smaller darts tournament in one of its function rooms in August - a success which gave him confidence to host a bigger event.

"(Darts) is huge in Europe, and it's getting a significant following in Australia," he said.

"People in Australia don't usually get to see top class darts players."

Joining "The Wizard" and "Mighty Mike" at the tournament were English-born world No. 5 Andy "The Hammer" Hamilton and Australian 2012 World Cup finalist Paul "The Asset" Nicholson.

Fans were delighted to see the world's best players in action up close.

"We only get to see this on TV, on the other side of the world," one said. "It's amazing."

"It's a great atmosphere," Angela Parker agreed.

"It's definitely bigger than I thought - I didn't expect this many people."

About 4500 attended Saturday night's event, bringing the total crowd over two days to 8000.

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/fans-enjoy-costume-drama-of-a-night-at-the-darts/story-fni0fit3-1226799811021?nk=0b37bee270a89676325370d660377fa0

KFC Big Bash 2014-2015 Twenty20 Cricket

Ticketing information:

General public tickets for all BBL|04 home-and-away matches will go on sale at 9am (local time) on Tuesday 28 October 2014.

Memberships for clubs will be on sale in October, so fans can secure the best seats in the house and other benefits for the entire season.

Games information:

Round 1 to 4 -

Round 5 to 8 -

For more details, visit T20 official website: http://www.bigbash.com.au/match-centre/fixture


Feature Team:
The Melbourne Renegades represent modern Melbourne – vibrant, diverse and progressive. They have a healthy streak of anti-establishment and will play out of a non-traditional cricket venue, Etihad Stadium. The Renegades will deliver entertaining, bold cricket in this world-class facility, where the rafters will shake with the noise and passion of the fans. T20 was made for the Renegades.


Need accommodation close to T20 games? 
Metro Hotels have hotels and serviced apartments in most major cities throughout Australia:


Sydney Hotels & Apartments (NSW):

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central
• Metro Hotel on Pitt
• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
• Aspire Hotel Sydney

Melbourne Apartments (VIC):

• Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Brisbane Hotels (QLD):

• Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Western Australia:

• Metro Hotel Perth

Tourism Set to Cash In On Big Summer For International Sport

An unprecedented summer of international sport is set to boost Canberra's tourist numbers after a major decline in business stays and spending in the past year.

With seven Asian Cup football games including a quarter final, three cricket World Cup games and an extra one day International in November, Canberra's tourism boss expected locals to be joined by a mass of regional and international visitors for the sporting feast.

Visit Canberra director Ian Hill said it would be the strongest summer of sport the city had enjoyed. 

"Two absolutely world class events, and I certainly know tickets for those cricket World Cup games have been selling really well."

The National Visitor Survey released last month showed visitor nights were down 790,000 in the domestic business sector for the year to June, a drop of 37.5 per cent. Overall domestic nights were down 16.4 per cent and expenditure down 11.4 per cent, or $14 million. 

International visitor nights also fell 12 per cent, or 570,000 nights, in the same period, with expenditure down 6 per cent.

Mr Hill said the tourism authority was working closely with hoteliers and organisations elsewhere to help them package and promote events.  

"One of those [Asian Cup] games is a China [vs] Korea game; China don't play in Sydney and there's a big group of Chinese background people who live in Sydney, so we're working with some of the multicultural media in Sydney," he said. 

The tourism chief said the key to maximising the windfall for Canberra was ensuring visitors saw other attractions  during their stay, and a rejuvenated cultural and hotel scene would help.

"Places like Braddon are important, Lonsdale Street Roasters is an important place, New Acton, and with new hotels like Hotel Hotel, Peppers has just rebranded, we've seen QT do a fit out at Rydges, the Kurrajong is about to reopen after being refitted – a great location for visitors in the Parliamentary Triangle. I think visitors are seeing a new side of Canberra," Mr Hill said. 

Mr Hill said stories on last week's OECD finding that Canberra was the world's best city to live in,  trumpeted in the New York Times and elsewhere, helped spread the word. 

The Australian Hotels Association ACT recently told ABC TV that occupancy rates were at about 65 per cent, down from the same time last year, but investment was strong, with another 500-600 hotel rooms available by mid-next year. 

Pacific Tourism Event Heads Down Under to Melbourne

After a successful inaugural South Pacific Tourism Exchange Event in Auckland in 2014 the organisers are now heading to Australia to sell the Pacific tourism market in June 2015.

Officially announcing the SPTE 2015 event today, South Pacific Tourism Organisation Chief Executive Ilisoni Vuidreketi said the positive feedback from buyers and sellers in New Zealand this year justified the second event this time in Australia.

“Apart from displaying the Pacific at our 2014 exhibition we received feedback from the participants that the networking was an opportunity never to be missed,” he said.

“This event will be staged in conjunction with the Australian Tourism Exchange 2015 event at the Melbourne Exhibition Convention Centre so we have the opportunity to also benefit from their own international and domestic networks.

“A number of participants in Auckland had asked for more time to conduct the event and such feedback has encouraged us as we plan the way forward for SPTE 2015.”

He said in terms of sales from the 2014 event, most participants (76 per cent) reported they were able to establish relations with a wholesaler with 18 per cent actually establishing new business with a wholesaler and the rest already enjoying some partnership but used the event as an opportunity to create and strengthen better contacts.

“We had a total of 1,300 business appointments during SPTE 2014 and anticipate an even higher response when we arrive in Australia for SPTE 2015,” he said.

Mr Vuidreketi said they were announcing the dates earlier as the lessons learned from the inaugural event meant they had to plan in advance to allow international buyers (wholesalers) time to prepare their business travel for the new year.

“As you can see the date is June 2015 so you must be asking why are we announcing the event so early,” he said.

“The reason is there is a lot of planning involved this year to enable us to realise the real cost and logistics involved in planning next year’s event as we are dealing with more than 50  Pacific tourism suppliers (sellers) from our region and about 60 international wholesalers (buyers), for SPTE 2015.

“While it may seem early to reveal our plans we hope to make SPTE 2015 much bigger than the 2014 event – learning from the valuable lessons we gained  this year.

“I urge all buyers and sellers intending to attend this event to please start planning now for SPTE 2015 as we try to enhance our position in the region.

The SPTO is currently consulting with tourism stakeholders including Tourism Australia to promote the SPTE which takes place from June 19-20 at the Melbourne Exhibition Convention Centre.

The Australian Tourism Exchange event takes place at the same venue from June 21.

Strong International Theme at EEAA 2014 Conference

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has secured a top line-up of speakers for the EEAA 2014 Conference to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre next month. 

EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio, said the conference program will tackle three key themes: “Internationalising” events, products and services; the security landscape around events and what's driving consumer engagement.

“We are honoured to have the CEO of Austrade, Bruce Gosper, and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Director - Australia and New Zealand, Bonnie Shek head the line-up for the international theme,” Ms. DiMascio said. “Matt Jones, Director & Creative Strategist of Better Happy will deliver a wake-up call about customer communications and behaviour. 

In addition, a panel including Victorian Police will address the topical subject of event security. We always aim to deliver outstanding content and this year will be no exception. The program is intensive, strategic and challenging and directly aligned with issues that matter to the industry – right here, right now.”

2014 has marked the establishment of strengthening ties between EEAA Members and the Australian Government’s export agency, Austrade. So it is most fitting that EEAA should hear from Austrade CEO, Bruce Gosper. Mr. Gosper helped kick-start EEAA’s positive work now being undertaken with Trade Commissioners in the Austrade network across Asia.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a leading player in the business events sector, launching highly successful partnerships with the exhibition industry. EEAA is honoured that the HKTDC is joining Association Members to talk about their successful initiatives.

Ms. DiMascio said, “The program also includes speakers from within the EEAA community. Our Members are always keen to hear from organisers of trade and consumer exhibitions so we’ll have an interesting panel discussion with Reed Exhibitions Executive Director, John Gorton; Gaming Technologies Association CEO, Ross Ferrar; Exhibitions & Trade Fairs MD, Gary Daly; National Media MD, Mark Harvey; and WALDRONSMITH Management MD, Kate Smith.”

The conference begins with a Welcome Reception at Cargo Hall, on Melbourne’s South Wharf Promenade on Wednesday, 19 November with the 2014 Conference and Awards for Excellence on Thursday, 20 November. The Awards night will honour the high achievers in the industry in the Melbourne Room at the MCEC.

“This year’s Conference encourages in-depth discussions with top-tier speakers, offers great networking and will be a rewarding experience for attendees. The industry has undergone many changes in 2014 following the closure of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre – events have relocated to other venues and cities. 

New events have been launched. The conference, which coincides with the end of the 2014 event season, will provide an important opportunity to assess where the industry has landed,” Ms. DiMascio said.

To view the Preliminary Program, go towww.eeaa.com.au/pdfs/2014/EEAA_2014_Conference_Preliminary_Program_V1.pdf.

Register to attend the EEAA 2014 Conference and Awards for Excellence:http://www.eeaa.com.au/conference.php.

KEY DATES:
2 October - Registration opened
20 October - Early bird discount ends

KEY CONFERENCE DATES: 
19 November - Welcome Reception
20 November - EEAA 2014 Conference

KEY AWARDS DATES: 
Mid-October - Finalists announced
20 November - EEAA 2014 Awards for Excellence

About EEAA 

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) is the peak association for the exhibition and event industry, representing organisers, venues and suppliers. As a not-for-profit organisation, EEAA’s primary objective is to maintain high industry standards and ensure industry growth by promoting the professionalism of EEAA members and unique benefits offered by exhibitions. For more information, go to www.eeaa.com.au.

Contact:
rius@eeaa.com.au

Melbourne Music Week 2014 Full Program Announced, And its Epic!

Back for its fifth big year, Melbourne Music Week’s 2014 program has been release today and it’s bigger and bolder than ever. The 10-day curette music program is hurting with 110 dynamic event to be held morning, noon, and night across 40 uniquely Melbourne locations.

From quirky music events in laneways, trams, power stations and elevators to experiential performances at iconic Melbourne institutions, MMW’s 2014 program celebrates the crossover between music, art, film, food and design in the country’s cultural capital.

Chair of Council’s Marketing Melbourne committee, Councillor Beverley Pinder-Mortimer said the City of Melbourne continues to work with the music industry to produce an event like no other.

“The city becomes the stage for this 10-day event which highlights the breadth of music in Melbourne. Melbourne is one of the world’s great music cities and Melbourne Music Week absolutely highlights this,” said Cr Pinder-Mortimer.

As previously revealed, this year MMW’s flagship venue, Queen Victoria Market (QVM), will transform into a vibrant performance space with an impressive line-up of local and international acts. Midnight Juggernauts will debut the Melbourne premiere of their visual and musical installation, Aerials, celebrating their tenth anniversary on Saturday 22 November.

Legendary Detroit techno collective Underground Resistance will present a night of jazz and techno music with visionary founder Mad Mike on Tuesday 18 November.

QVM will be pumping as DJ duo Pachanga Boys, the project formed by Superpitcher and Rebolledo, will be joined by Optimo on Wednesday 19 November. In collaboration with SPOOK Magazine, Guerre, Milwaukee Banks and Banoffee will take to the stage on Monday 17 November for an evening of progressive contemporary music.

Co-presented with DUST, avant-garde electronic musician Oneohtrix Point Never will present his world acclaimed visual spectacle on Friday 21 November, supported by Robin Fox and his new laser show RGB.

The Operatives will present DJ Spinn and Remi for an afternoon and night beats and bass showcase on Sunday 23 November. Food will be a highlight at QVM with curated menus drawing draw from the market’s fresh local produce stalls and a rotation of restaurants from the QVM Night Market.

Chair of Council’s Arts and Culture Committee, Councillor Rohan Leppert, said MMVV celebrates local talent and works with the industry in a distinctive co-production model. “MMW is an event that gives back to the labels, artists and venues themselves.

“Over 75 per cent of artists are from Victoria, and this yea, MMW is more accessible than ever with free events making up more than half the program and 90 per cent of ticketed events are under $50,” said Cr Leppert.

Beyond the already fast-selling show at Melbourne Town Hall, German headliner Tangerine Dream will present an exclusive interactive film event at ACMI, playing the live score to the 1977 American existential film, Sorcerer. Tangerine Dream’s front man Edgar Froese will also host a panel discussion at industry event Face The Music, sharing his much-coveted musical insights with Melbourne music lovers.

The most popular night of the program in recent years, Live Music Safari, will once again awaken the city on Thursday 20 November with 14 venues opening their doors for a free night of local music. The program welcomes two new venues, The Hi-Fi and Kelvin Club, as well as expanding to nearby laneways.

MMW’s Self-Made series will return with a new program of innovative events popping up throughout the city. With surprise performances in CBD elevators, daytime musical tennis matches, DJ roller raves, and to parties with performances by yet-to-be-announced musical guests, the series supports the ingenuity and boundless talent of Melbourne’s creative community.

The MMW program boasts a series of unique one-off concerts and artistic collaborations with NGV, MPavilion, Rooftop Cinema, SWELL and Residency that reinterpret public performance spaces and blur the line between art, film, design and music.

The full MMW 2014 program is now available online at melbourne.vic.gov.au/mmw. Tickets are available from Dash Tickets via melbourne.vic.gov.au/mmw from 12:00pm today.

Melbourne Music Week 2014 Lineup

TANGERINE DREAM
ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI
UNDERGROUND RESISTANCE presents TIMELINE
MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS
THE CHURCH
PACHANGA BOYS
DUSKY
ONEOHTRIX POINT NEVER
A WINGED VICTORY FOR THE SULLEN
CUT COPY (DJ SET)
DJ SPINN
OPTIMO
TEN WALLS
REMI
ALLDAY
THE HARPOONS
LAURA JEAN
BLACK CAB
SAFIA
MILWAUKEE BANKS
AND MORE

Melbourne Music Week 2014

14th – 23rd November, 2014

See Source