What’s On

Welcome to our events, exhibitions and showcase listing page. If you have a special showcase, exhibition or event that you’d like us to promote on this page, please email us the full details of the program along with the relevant photos to editor@dailystraits.com. We accept listings from around the globe, just be sure to shoot us an email with the complete details and we will do the rest.

Angsana Opens February 23rd

Sydney, Feb 7: Angsana, a pioneering multilingual early learning centre, is set to open its doors on February 23rd, 2024, at 49 North Rocks Road, North Rocks.
This $20 million, purpose-built facility will provide interactive lessons in English, Mandarin, and Spanish for 99 students, with native speakers leading activities like play, gardening, cooking, and more.
Angsana’s innovative approach aims to harness children’s neural plasticity, helping them absorb languages and concepts from an early age.
This prepares them for confident communication in diverse environments and cultures while enhancing cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
Dr. Andrew Charlton MP, Member for Parramatta, applauds the initiative, highlighting the importance of language education in the multicultural local community.
With a predicted population increase in the North Rocks region and high demand for premium education and care, Angsana is well-positioned to meet the needs of families. The centre offers inclusive programs, including meals prepared by a qualified cook, personalized care, and exciting incursion and excursion opportunities.

Tasting Australia Brings Regional Dining to Adelaide CBD

Adelaide, Feb 7: Tasting Australia, presented by RAA Travel, introduces the Town Square Canteen series, featuring renowned regional dining venues now accessible in Adelaide’s Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. Patrons can indulge in dishes from six esteemed venues, including Prairie Hotel, The Farm Eatery, and Watervale Hotel, for just $49, inclusive of wine and storytelling from venue chefs.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison highlights the series as a showcase of South Australia’s diverse dining scene, extending the festival’s benefits to regional areas. Watervale Hotel, renowned for its Penobscot Farm tour and degustation dinners, aims to bring its seasonal farm produce to the CBD.
Other Tasting Australia events on sale include dumpling masterclasses, sunset tastings, and a Spritz Disco at Paloma. Co-drinks curator Banjo Harris Plane promises an inclusive beverage program, while RAA CEO Nick Reade expresses pride in supporting the event.
With fifteen food vendors in Town Square, including new options like Africola and The Thai Guy, and returning favorites, Tasting Australia offers a culinary adventure for all.

Highlighted Events:

• Town Square Canteen featuring Prairie Hotel, The Farm Eatery, Sunset Food and Wine, and more
• Koomo Dumpling Masterclass
• Spritz Disco at Paloma
• Ultimate Lot 100 Party
• Masterclass sessions on wine, gin, beer, and more
• Make: Gnocchi with Mitolo Family Farms
• Tasting Table: Mills & Masters – Prolific Pinot

Venue: Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Adelaide CBD. For tickets and more information, visit tastingaustralia.com.au.

Australia’s Sleep Crisis Spotlighted in New SBS Series

Sydney, Feb 7: A new three-part series, Australia’s Sleep Revolution with Dr. Michael Mosley, premieres on Wednesday, March 6, at 7:30 pm on SBS and SBS On Demand. Renowned British medical journalist Dr. Michael Mosley delves into Australia’s sleep crisis, revealing that up to 40 per cent of the population struggles with inadequate sleep.
Chronic insomnia affects 15 per cent of Australians, while approximately 20 per cent suffer from sleep apnoea.
The series follows Dr. Mosley and Flinders University sleep scientists as they embark on a mission to inspire a sleep revolution.
Participants undergo an 8-week sleep treatment program, offering insights into the science behind common sleep conditions like insomnia and sleep apnoea.
The series also examines the health effects of poor sleep, including high blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Australia’s Sleep Revolution extends its focus to politicians, measuring the sleep quality of key decision-makers in Parliament House.
The series also explores the overuse of sleeping pills and the sleep and mental health crisis among Indigenous youth in Mount Isa, Queensland.
Available on SBS On Demand with subtitled versions, the series aims to educate and offer hope to those battling chronic sleep issues.
Major funding for the production was provided by Screen Australia and SBS, with support from Screenwest, Lotterywest, and the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).
Australia’s Sleep Revolution with Dr. Michael Mosley premieres Wednesday, March 6, at 7:30 pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.

Holgate Brewhouse Commemorates 25 Years of Excellence

Sydney, Feb 9: As Holgate Brewhouse marks a quarter-century of brewing excellence in 2024, the renowned brewery unveils a year-long celebration filled with exclusive releases, collaborative brews, nationwide events, and more.
Reflecting on the milestone, Paul Holgate, co-founder, remarks, “Reaching 25 years in any industry, particularly in craft beer, is truly remarkable. We’re immensely proud to have been pioneers in Australia’s small independent brewery scene.”
Natasha Holgate, co-founder, adds, “Our journey from 1999 to now has been incredible, and we owe it all to our loyal customers and dedicated staff.”
Situated in Woodend, nestled in the Macedon Ranges just outside Melbourne, Holgate Brewhouse has flourished since its inception, employing approximately 40 individuals across various sectors and boasting a production capacity of 6 million litres.
As part of their anniversary festivities, Holgate’s Head Brewer, Chris Brady, and his team will craft “25 Beers for 25 Years,” collaborating with former brewers who have left their mark on the industry. These collaborations pay homage to the brewery’s role as a nurturing ground for talent within the brewing community.
The celebratory lineup kicks off with the release of the NZ Hazy IPA and the Original Mt Macedon Ale in kegs, paying tribute to pivotal moments in Holgate’s history.
Throughout the year, Holgate Brewhouse will host Tap Takeovers nationwide, alongside major events in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and their hometown of Woodend in Spring 2024. Additionally, in partnership with The Crafty Pint, they’ll introduce a People’s Choice Award, inviting fans to vote for a limited can release from Holgate’s extensive 25-year repertoire.
To stay updated on releases and events, fans can follow @holgatebeer on Instagram or Facebook or subscribe to the newsletter via the brewery’s website.

Sydney Hosts Easter Markets

Sydney, Feb 22: Cambridge Markets is set to celebrate Easter with two massive market events in Sydney this March.
The beloved Cronulla Easter Market returns to Don Lucas Reserve, Wanda Beach, on March 16-17, and The Ultimate Easter Market EQ takes place at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, on March 31.
Each market will feature over 150 stallholders showcasing a diverse mix of fashion, homewares, art, and more. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of international cuisine and anticipate special Easter treats, including appearances by the Easter bunny.
These markets promise a unique combination of shopping, dining, and entertainment, reflecting the vibrant local community and the festive Easter spirit.

Global Indigenous Runway Empowers First Nations Youth

Sydney, Feb 27: On March 3rd, 2024, the Global Indigenous Runway Project (GIRP) showcased its transformative impact on Indigenous fashion during the PAYPAL Melbourne Fashion Festival’s Independent Programme at the Melbourne Museum. With the theme “Ancestral Bloodlines,” this year’s event marked the largest and most vibrant celebration of First Nations culture and design, featuring designers and models from Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Laos, as well as Australia.
Tina Waru, the visionary founder and CEO of GIRP, designed the platform to allow Indigenous youth to reclaim their stories and talents on a global stage, blending traditional heritage with modern innovation. The program, which has supported over 1,800 First Nations youth, provides comprehensive pathways into the creative industries, including fashion design, modeling, photography, and more.
GIRP’s efforts in nurturing and promoting Indigenous talent were recognized with two gold awards at the MUSE Design and Creative Awards 2023.
Through training, mentorship, and networking, participants develop essential skills and confidence, translating their creativity into viable careers.
A testament to the program’s impact comes from a model who overcame severe PTSD, emphasizing the power of perseverance, humility, and the value of passing on knowledge to future generations. The Global Indigenous Runway not only showcases fashion but fosters economic opportunities and cultural pride among First Nations communities.