Australian

  THE SURVIVORS SERIES  SECRETS DON'T DIE WITH THE DEAD The Survivors are now streaming on NetflixAvailable for streaming on Netflix as of last weekend is six part mystery series THE SURVIVORS their Australian original with Rings of Power star Charlie Wickers in the lead role alongside Johnny Carr, Benedict Hardie and Jessica de Gouw. Kieran Elliott's life changed forever in his coastal home town of Evelyn Bay, Tasmania after a terrible storm had hit the bay and three people who were close to him had died in the terrible tragedy. When he returns home 15 years later with his own family, the past comes back to haunt him and the tight-knit community when a young woman is murdered. The community is desperate for answers and they are forced to uncover the mysteries that continue to haunt and daunt them all those years on. 

   MIX TAPE SERIES   WITH JIM STURGESS AND TERESA PALMER After the final season of The Newsreader, The Last Anniversary and the second season of Ten Pound Poms, the latest new series to come from Australia is MIX TAPE, a new original from their streamer Binge who will launch it June 12th. The four part mini series based on the popular novel by Jane Sanderson has the cast led by Teresa Palmer and Jim Sturgess starring as a couple who fell in love in the late 1980s and then reconnect decades later whilst on opposite sides of the world. Our dear Australian star Ben Lawson also stars as her husband.   THIS BRAND NEW ROMANTIC SERIESfollows the passionate teenage romance of Daniel and Alison, and is as packed with emotion as it is with beloved pop hits from the 80s. Having met in their hometown of Sheffield in 1989, the pair fall hard and fast. But as we fast forward to the current day, we find them living completely different lives with completely different partners on opposite sides of the globe. How did they get there? And what happens when they reconnect through their shared love of song? Will the old mix tape he gave her when they were young rekindle the old flame? Check out the romantic trailer below: 

the-paintrist: classic-art: Girl at a Fence Jane Sutherland, c. 1890 Jane Sutherland (26 December 1853 - 25 July 1928) was an Australian landscape painter who was part of the pioneering plein-air movement in Australia, and a member of the Heidelberg School. Her advocacy to advance the professional standing of female artists during the late nineteenth century was also a notable achievement.

Just because the Summer movie season is officially in full swing (Memorial Day was last Monday, already), it doesn’t mean that there isn’t room at the multiplex for a daring original (and often brutal) horror flick amongst the family-friendly fantasies and the action “tentpoles”. Well that was the thought three years ago when a spooky Australian chunk of “nightmare fuel’ opened (some might say that it crawled out of the “bad place”) and alerted genre fans to a new pair of suspense cinema siblings, Danny and Michael Philippou. It’s title was really a “command”, TALK TO ME. And now the brothers have another adamant ‘request” for their sophomore effort, which veers a bit away from the supernatural to explore the real horror and caranage (lots of it) that human beings inflict when they pull out “all the stops” to BRING HER BACK. The directing duo throws moviegoers “off balance” with the film’s monochrome opening images, as though we’ve popped in an old VHS tape that we shouldn’t attempt to view (shades of THE RING). After a few unnerving minutes, we’re back in the present day as a visually impaired teenager, Piper (Sora Wong) tries to interact with her school’s “popular girls”. Thankfully, her seventeen-year-old big brother Andy (Billy Barratt) shows up to take her home before the moment gets too awkward (the girls silently mock Piper). He scolds her for not using her cane, but Piper pleads that it’s too embarrassing to use. Home should be a safe refuge for both, but tragedy awaits when they find their father lifeless on the bathroom floor, having crashed through the shower door. After Dad is taken away by the authorities, the siblings have a meeting with the brusque Wendy (Sally Anne-Upton), the child services supervisor. Andy wants to be Piper’s legal guardian, but he’s months from eighteen and will have to provide a stable home. Luckily, Wendy’s got the perfect foster parent lined up. She takes them to the off-the-beaten-path house of former social worker Laura (Sally Hawkins), who has recently lost her own sightless daughter. It’s a big sprawling place that they’ll share with another orphan, pre-teen Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), a mute who silently wanders the yard. Laura seems to be kind and caring, but Andy soon becomes aware of her intrusive and nearly smothering behavior, leading to some tense confrontations. Yet Piper adores her, which puts Andy between a rock and a hard place. Can he get someone, perhaps Wendy, to believe his concerns over Laura’s “quirks” before his sister becomes too attached? Andy wants to leave with Piper, but what bizarre scheme is Laura planning for them? For this follow-up flick, the Philippou brothers have scored a gifted veteran actress to anchor this twisted tale. And Laura might be the most twisted role of all, perhaps due to the powerful and completely unpredictable performance from Hawkins (hey, she starred in the Oscar-winning horror/fantasy THE SHAPE OF WATER). This “queen mother” appears to be a perfect fit for the just-orphaned duo, though some of her choices are far from the “foster parent manual”, especially has she shares a bottle of booze with her new charges. But that’s the least of her questionable “parenting” decisions. Hawkins commands our attention through the most vile and cruel acts, and keeps us “strapped in’ for the wild “ride”, if only to learn of her final destination. Barrat is the closest character to the horror “hero” as his Andy deals with his regrets over past violent acts, while trying to “sound the alarm” when nothing seems to make sense, especially in protecting his adored sister. But Wong as Piper is no mere “damsel-in-distress” as she tosses off some epic “burns” ( her “favorite activity” answer is hilarious), and pushes back on anyone, even Andy, who tries to pity her. But that fierce independent spirit may place her in greater danger. She erects a tough outer shell to contain her sadness. Also impressive is Phillips as the hovering, staring wanderer. His quiet, sullen stare reminded me of Karloff in THE OLD DARK HOUSE as we wonder if he’s a real threat or yet another potential victim of this haunted, decaying house. The Philippous built upon the promise of their first flick, giving us a modern fear fable full of shocks and surprises, courtesy of the original story from Danny and co-writer Bill Hinzman. Some might post “trigger warnings” or other cautionary advice. I’ll just say that the scares and sights of TALK TO ME seem very tame to many of the brutal sequences that have been created to make the most jaded “gorehounds” squirm in their seats. This is some rough s…stuff concocted by an expert makeup team, enhanced by some inspired editing choices from Geoff Lamb, punctuated by effective music bursts from Cornel Wilczek. By the harrowing final act showdown, most of our questions are answered in an exhausting crescendo of chaotic carnage. It’s one well-made “thrill ride” that many may never wish to endure again, unless they bring a friend to another screening to revel in their reactions. Aside from the searing set pieces, the Philippou brothers give the entire story a feeling of menace and a sense of moral and physical “rot” while illustrating the devastating after-effects of grief (maybe the story’s true “monster”). For those cinephiles with a strong heart (and stomach), BRING HER BACK is a true nightmare-inducing “chiller thriller”. Consider yourself warned (or perhaps encouraged)… 3 Out of 4 BRING HER BACK is now playing in select theatres

A school project on the de-extinction of the Tasmanian Tiger sends Violet into an on-line research frenzy.  She begins a journey of discovery back through time.  In the company of her dog Tassie, the weekend becomes a dedication to educating herself enough to complete her project. Until she encounters the ghost of the last Thylacine.  Thyla (what Violet names the presence), offers to help Violet obtain the knowledge needed to understand the how and why of extinction. The when, where and who join the group of unknowns. Through conversations with Thyla,  many facts about the extinct Thylacine and other marsupials are revealed and clarified.  A world of informational facts opens, and the science of de-extinction flows out. You cannot bring something back from extinction without understanding their role in nature. Violet and Thyla's journey in a car without wheels, covers the places where the fossils and rock art of the Thylacine have been found. Maps are included that indicate the exact locations they visit. Graphic novels are wonderful tools of learning. Renee Treml’s illustrations captivate as does the humour that is contained in the additional speech bubbles at the bottom of the page. These are like asides of definitions presented by animals that have been included in the background facts. The Thylacine and the Time Machine is a well-researched scientific look into the reason animals become extinct, without it being didactic or difficult to understand. At the end there a summary of sorts on the main reasons for de-extinction: how it would assist nature, the countless pros and cons of the outcomes, and the many questions that need to be answered concerning the species chosen for de-extinction. Extremely interesting, and highly educational, this graphic novel is ideal for young and older readers who question and seek answers connected to DNA, ecology and ethics. Title: The Thylacine and the Time Machine Author/Illustrator: Renee Treml Publisher: Allen $ Unwin, $17.99 Publication Date: 1 April 2025 Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781761181184 For ages: 10+ Type: Graphic Novel

This is a rare, original 1990 Holden VN Group A SS Commodore. Just 302 from a planned 500 were made for homologation purposes, to... The post Australian Muscle Car Legend: The Holden VN Group A SS appeared first on Silodrome.

Searching for the top wedding photographers you should follow on Instagram? You’ve reached the right place. You guys know how much we love Instagram! It’s where we have found some of our most loved blogs and photographers, and we are always looking for new people to follow. Being such a visual platform, it isn’t surprising that there are tons of accounts run by professionals so we are going to let you in on 20 of our favourite creative photographers’ feeds to help you find the perfect one for you! 1.@MITCHPOHL Shooting across Australia and the world, Mitch Pohl captures “the special moments in people’s lives” and “in images that they can treasure forever.” 2. @THROUGHTHEWOODSWERAN Formerly from Perth, Glenn & Laura recently relocated in to Bristol – “We’ve been together for nearly 11 years and married about 3 – during which time we’ve adopted four of the most amazing and spoilt cats in the world. Seriously. We’ll sit on the floor all night watching tv if one of them looks super comfortable on the couch. In turn though – they have to put up with non-stop squeezes and having top 40 songs reworded using their names and sung to them. We said they’re spoilt, not necessarily happy…” 3. @YAYAMYGRAY Amy Gray is an LA based photographer – “I am drawn to fun, vibrant, images as well those that are sincere and poignant. Weddings are an unabashed mix of joyful lightheartedness and raw emotion. I seek to capture both sides of your day so that you can look back at your wedding collection and remember the way you felt, allowing you and to revisit the range of emotions your day held. ” 4. @WEHEARTPICTURES Hector and Charlie, are the husband and wife team behind ‘We Heart Pictures’ and are based in London – “We could say we are the antithesis to traditional wedding photography. Our approach is purely as storytellers. We blend into the background and capture images as naturally as possible, putting our vision and style in the frames we make… Our photography is bold & creative, aiming to tell stories and document the real moments with striking compositions.” 5. @MARYCOSTAPHOTO An LA-based photographer who specializes in bright, vibrant imagery – “I’m inspired by bold colors, natural light, and by the way photography allows me to capture the most beautiful aspects of life… I consider myself a “photographer of happy things” – shooting everything from weddings and engagements to fashion bloggers, lifestyle inspiration, and restaurants.” 6. @TEAMWOODNOTE LA-based photographers, Caroline + Jayden are a husband and wife team – “On most days, you’ll find us with a camera in our hands or a MacBook Pro on our laps [editing] while we watch reruns of Breaking Bad, Mad Men or Arrested Development.” 7. @KATIESTOOPS Named as one of Martha Stewart’s top photographers, Katie Stoops is an American photographer – “I use both film + digital equipment. Each has their own beautiful + unique qualities which allow for timeless images… You can find a lot of my work in Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, Southern Weddings, Southern Living, Inside Weddings and Style Me Pretty.” 8. @DALEWEEKSPHOTO Alternative Wedding photographer, Dale Weeks, is based in London & Brighton – “For the last 3 years I have had fun shooting weddings all over the UK, from the beaches of the south coast, the mountains in Wales, London, Cornwall, and even the South of France. My job has taken me to many places, but I get my kicks from meeting couples in love, and usually couples that I have a lot in common with. It doesn’t matter if it’s a modern wedding, alternative wedding, hipster or trendy wedding – as long as you’re in love then it will shine through in your photographs. My main focus, whatever type of wedding, is to capture the emotion and feelings that make the day special and unique to you, not stopping the flow of your day to pose or ask you to say cheese…” 9. @THELITTLEALLI Alexandra Wallace is another one of our top wedding photographers to follow on Instagram. She’s based on the California coast – “Mainly specializing in fashion and fine art wedding photography. I have traveled up and down the West Coast, across the country, and even through Western Europe. I am well-versed in both digital and film photography, and like to think that my work walks a line between editorial and candid photography.” 10. @JOSEVILLA Jose Villa is a fine art wedding photographer known across the world – “My approach applies fine art photography to the living, breathing, fast-moving phenomenon that is a wedding… My goal is to craft vibrant, energetic, fine art images that are as unique as the people in the photographs.” 11. @KAYENGLISHPHOTOGRAPHY Located in Central NJ, Kay English’s photography can only be explained as a lot of whimsy with a dash of sunshine! – “Available for destination weddings, I am looking to capture God’s love in every picture. My style is fresh, romantic and candid. I am unobtrusive and believe the most beautiful moments occur when they are unexpected.” 12. @JANNEKESTORM Janneke Storm is an Australian-based photographer – “For the last three years, I’ve never been happier. I have so much to be grateful for: the places I’ve been, the things I’ve seen, and the people I’ve met along my journey. But most of all, I am living my dream by having the best job in the world.” 13. @THEROBERTSONPHOTOGRAPHY David & Shobana are most probably on many lists of top wedding photographers to follow on Instagram. They’re a husband and wife duo who love people, weddings, and capturing the moments created at them – “Both sentimental romantics at heart, we value this journey of marriage and the creativity, individualism, and passion that goes into making your wedding day special. Though at times people may think we look like chalk and cheese, our different strengths and weaknesses complement how we love, live and work. We both sing, cook, and take photos together, which keeps us pretty happy… and if we can share these experiences with others, we have had a perfect day.” 14. @BROOKEADAMS Brooke Adams has an eye for catching the moments that steal your breath away -“I find what inspires me in my work as a photographer is believing that romance is the deepest thing in life, deeper than reality. Because of that ,no wedding can ever be the same for me. Between the thrill of meeting new couples, molding with each personality,y and working with unique styles and quirks – magic is intrinsically created in front of my lens.” 15. @AWILDESCAPE German wedding photographers, Gina & Chris, create love stories and wedding tales for wild couples. 16. @JOIELALA Taryn Kent is a Southern Californian Photographer in fashion, lifestyle, editorial & travel – “Photography has always been a part of my life. I grew up watching my dad take photos and quickly realized at a young age that I had to have a camera attached to me at all times to document my life. Since then, my love for travel & people has fueled this hobby further and helped me turn my passion into a career. With a degree in graphic design and a trends/materials background in the action sports industry, my path has taken me to some very interesting places and led me to work with some amazingly creative people. From lookbooks to editorial features, I’ve collaborated with bands, brands, and top designers. I draw an abundance of inspiration from my surroundings, whether it’s wandering the streets of a foreign country, watching one of my favorite bands play, going on a road trip, or spending the day at the beach with friends.” 17. @ENCHANTED_BRIDES Joanne Clement is on #17, but actually on my shortlist of 5 top wedding photographers to follow. He’s a creative wedding photographer based in Cornwall -“I love to get creative and think of new and exciting ways to capture each wedding… I have a BIG love of the outdoors and nature features in much of my work as this is where I feel most happy and comfortable. I LOVE dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines, forests, woodlands and country gardens & farms and barns. I also love soft dappled back-lighting, uncluttered pictures, natural expressions rather than stiff formal ones and slightly moodier images. Colour. I love vibrant colour. I however, love black and white just as much. I love BOHO, anything with a bohemian vibe, I’m there!” 18. LOVEROFMINE_WEDDINGS Australian photography duo Anthony and Kim are the husband and wife team behind Lover of Mine -“We are the greatest of friends and lovers of marriage, of everlasting celebrations, of meaningful conversations, of exciting adventures and the story behind your sparkle. We are two crazy kids at heart, wandering this lifelong lark, capturing the grandest of love stories and creating a visual legacy for others.” 19. @PIERRECURRY_ Pierre Curry is an Australian wedding photographer – “I’m a friendly & easy-going fellow. I like to keep things simple and relaxed, creating imagery of the moments from your day and the love you share, without ever intruding on the magic.” 20. @JESSJACKSONPHOTOGRAPHER Jess Jackson is an Australian wedding photographer – ” Like my grandfather, I work out of passion. And like my father, I photograph for love… A passion and a love for beautiful images that tell a beautiful story. Your story.” I hope you enjoyed our list of top wedding photographers to follow on Instagram Maybe you’ll find some inspiration on their channels, and who knows – maybe you’ll even find your own wedding photographer there! Tell us who your top wedding photographers are on Instagram!     The post OUR 20 TOP WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM first appeared on Bespoke-Bride: Wedding Blog.

I considered calling this post the Madness of Fog, but can you call it fog madness? I decided not. Anyhoo, since it is a free week I decided to try some foggy images in monochrome. […]

(Find the Trax Cortina at the official brand store here and browse the Trax listings on Ebay here) I’m in the aftermath of a house move currently and needless to say my life is still pretty much chaos. There’s boxes everywhere, tradesmen in and out daily, and furniture is moving constantly. Obviously my hobby has taken the back seat for now as my collection is spread over every room in the house, and the flow of new arrivals has all but ceased. A few things have managed to grab me enough to hold my attention through the madness however, and one of them especially caught me completely off guard: the Ford Cortina GT by Australian brand Trax Models. Ford’s Cortina went into production in 1962, replacing the earlier Consul model. Designed by Roy Brown Jr. (creator of the infamous Edsel model), Ford intended the Cortina to be an inexpensive, reliable car that was both cheap to produce and to own. Four trim levels were offered; Standard, Deluxe, Super and the range topping GT model, with a pair of 4-cylinder powerplants on offer; a 1.2 and 1.5 litre variant of Ford’s legendary “Kent” engine. Images from Flickr via Google Images The Cortina was exported almost immediately across the globe, with local production lines in South Africa, Thailand and the Philippines to name a few. In Australia, Cortinas were made at the Broadmeadows Assembly Plant in Melbourne, and marketed as a competitor to Holden’s first generation Torana HB. Images from Flickr via Google Images Touring car and rally drivers alike quickly realised the Cortina had a lot of potential, as did Lotus Cars, creating the Lotus Cortina specifically for Group 2 homologation purposes. The 1.6 litre, twin-cam Lotus fettled cars went on to become hugely successful on circuit and rally stage alike. Non-Lotus Cortinas were less common in competition, however the 1963 Armstrong 500 at Bathurst saw a 1.5 litre GT model piloted by Bob Jane and Harry Firth taking both Class C honours and overall victory, one lap ahead of the Holden EH of Ralph Sach and Fred Morgan. The race is widely considered to be the first real Holden vs Ford head-to-head in Australian racing, creating a legendary rivalry. Image from Flickr via Google Images Apex Models offered a Bathurst Cortina replica in both 1/43 and 1/18 scale for a while, but this is the first in 1/64, and indeed the first Cortina Mk1 in this scale to my knowledge. Trax have been around since the late 1980s, producing domestic Australian vehicles in 1/43 and 1/24 scale. This is their first stab at the 1/64 market and they’ve produced something they can be proud of. The first thing that struck me was the weight of the plastic base and display case; combined with the car the whole package gives a satisfying feel even before you’ve opened it. I initially thought I had bagged model 001 out of the limited run of 800, but this was a slip when engraving; the “00” isn’t supposed to be present, the plaque is simply stating “1 of 800”. The models won’t be individually numbered, but that matters very little to me. Once released from the base the model itself has a pleasing, tactile quality and rolls easily on some very nicely modelled steel wheels, complete with an added dash of silver paint on the wheel nuts. The quality is Schuco-esque; a high-caliber paint finish with details like locks and door handles picked out nicely. There is only light use of decals, but where present they are sharp and clear. The racing numbers are actually accurately placed, and one can easily make out the “Consul” badging across the bonnet. There are individual parts for the bumpers, head and tail lights and a very intricate and well replicated front grille. There are no rivets present either, with the plastic base attached with screws. I feel a side mirror wouldn’t have gone amiss for accuracy, but I’m nitpicking. The red vinyl and leather interior of the real car has been nicely replicated also; this was an era where touring cars weren’t the stripped out, aero-equipped racers they are now, and competed in pretty much showroom spec. The Cortina’s iconic “ban the bomb” rear lights (named for their shape being similar to that of the logo of the CND) have been replicated adequately, but I would have liked to have seen clear plastic utilised instead of a painted finish to really make them pop. But that’s a very minor criticism to make of what is a very well presented model. If this specific scheme doesn’t appeal, Trax have also produced another race variant (a Goodwood Green car in the colours of historic racer John Luxmoore) as well as three road car variants; a Lotus Cortina-esque silver example shod with Minilite style wheels, and two standard examples finished in Goodwood Green and Velvet Green. Two chase car versions (metallic green and metallic red) will also be added to the production run randomly. The entire range of the Trax Cortina casting features both race and road models, with the two chase cars added randomly. (Images shared with kind permission from Trax/UR Trading) The price is also more than agreeable in my eyes: $31 AUD to $45 AUD depending on variant, with favourable shipping rates (to the UK at least). Overall, this is a great introduction to small scale for both Trax and the Ford Cortina, and I’m sure this will be a popular model with premium collectors both in Australia and the UK. Instagram: @alex_the_hoarder Facebook: facebook.com/alexthehoarder YouTube: @Alex_the_Hoarder Reddit: u/alexthehoarder

Gilmour Space Technologies has been performing final system checks before launching its homegrown Eris rocket. The vehicle was poised to become the first orbital launch from Australian soil by a sovereign-built vehicle when it made its debut this week, but the company has stood down from this test campaign for the time being. The company reported that an unexpected issue triggered the rocket’s payload fairing during overnight checks. A replacement will be dispatched from the company’s Gold Coast facility following an investigation. The anomaly occurred before any fuel was loaded, and Gilmour Space reports that there is no damage to the rocket or the pad. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) had approved the company’s maiden flight in late April, which Gilmour Space announced on May 4. A final sign-off from the Australian Space Agency was approved on May 13 and, following the identification of an issue in the ground support system during overnight checks, the launch attempt had been moved 24 hours to the right, opening no earlier than than 7:30 AM AEST on May 16 (21:30 UTC on May 15) prior to this anomaly. The Bowen Orbital Spaceport is Australia’s first licensed commercial orbital launch facility. (Credit: Gilmour Space) As with the SaxaVord site in the UK, regulatory approvals can be complicated and long-winded, especially for new launch sites. The Gold Coast-based company was granted a provisional launch permit last November and had previously intended to launch in mid-March. This was the first orbital launch permit issued by the space agency. While some regulatory paperwork remained outstanding, the preparations to launch were then delayed by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which moved into the area. A small team of 25 staff had been sent in advance of this month’s launch to the company’s Bowen Orbital Spaceport at Abbot Point, north of the coastal town of Bowen. They had completed a launch readiness review for the debut mission, dubbed “TestFlight 1.” The picturesque site affords 20 to 65-degree, low to mid-inclination equatorial orbits. The spaceport was developed in agreement with the Juru traditional custodians of the land in late 2021 and officially opened last April. Proudly “Australian-made” and bearing the country’s flag on its upper stages, Eris is a three-stage rocket. Comparable to Rocket Lab’s Electron, it stands a little taller than Electron at 25 m in height. The vehicle also has a slightly larger 1.5 m fairing and boasts a payload mass of up to 215 kg to a 500 km Sun-synchronous orbit, or 305 kg to 500 km equatorial orbits. Sirius hybrid engine qualification testing. (Credit: Gilmour Space) The first stage is propelled by four Sirius engines — a proprietary hybrid engine that uses a 3D-printed solid fuel grain and a Hydrogen Peroxide liquid oxidizer. The additive manufacturing approach allows for complex geometries within the grain, designed to optimize the fuel’s burn characteristics and improve engine performance. Another single Sirius engine powers the second stage, while the third uses a Phoenix engine, which burns liquid propellants. A successful orbital launch would also be the first for a hybrid rocket design. Both the vehicles and their engines are manufactured in-house, with expanded use of 3D printing. Gilmour Space selected EOS as its additive manufacturing partner in late 2023 as it transitioned beyond the prototyping stage. TestFlight 1 will be the first orbital launch from Australian soil in over 50 years. Eris will fly on a northeasterly trajectory over the Coral Sea and hopes to reach low-Earth orbit (LEO) on its first attempt. Eris is transported horizontally at Bowen Orbital Spaceport. (Credit: Gilmour Space) To date, only two successful orbital launches have been conducted from Australia, the first of which took flight from the Woomera Test Range in South Australia in November 1967, when the nation’s first satellite was lofted atop a modified Redstone rocket. The launch of the Weapons Research Establishment Satellite (WRESAT) mission established Australia as the third country to launch a satellite into orbit from its own territory, following the Soviet Union and the United States. The United Kingdom’s Black Arrow then successfully launched the Prospero satellite into orbit from Woomera four years later in October 1971. See Also Eris TestFlight 1 Updates Commercial Spaceflight Section NSF Store Click Here to Join L2 Since then, Australia has launched hundreds of suborbital missions, including sounding rockets for NASA missions from the Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory and many others from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex and Koonibba Test Range. The latter supported the launch of German company HyImpulse’s SR75 last May — another vehicle that utilizes hybrid propulsion and proprietary fuel grains. Gilmour Space also builds its own satellites, and the company’s 100 kg modular ElaraSat bus is capable of delivering 72U of payload to orbit. The bus was selected by Perth-based LatConnect60 for a forthcoming demonstration mission that will use the short-wave infrared range to provide insights into methane and carbon emissions from space. This particular prototype satellite will be integrated in Gilmour Space’s Queensland facility, but then launched by Skyroot Aerospace in India. Gilmour Space’s first suborbital launch of the RASTA Mk2 occurred nine years ago in July 2016. The flight demonstrated the company’s hybrid engine technology for the first time and was notable for being among the first of its kind to use a 3D-printed fuel grain. The company is now offering its commercial and defense customers a suborbital test flight service, which will deliver payloads at hypersonic speeds in excess of Mach 5 — more than five times the speed of sound. This HyPeRsonic FLight Test (HPRFLT) service addresses the growing demand for the prototyping and testing of high-speed vehicles and materials, going beyond what ground-based tunnel testing and simulations can provide. Render of Eris in Block 1 configuration (Credit: Gilmour Space) A second Eris vehicle is already being built, incorporating some design improvements that could be further refined based on the results of the maiden flight. Further along the roadmap, Gilmour Space is planning for a Block 2 version of the vehicle that will feature higher performance, making Eris more akin to Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha vehicle. This version will deliver up to 1,000 kg to LEO and will be used for the company’s Caravan-1 rideshare mission. A medium-lift Eris Heavy is also planned, capable of lofting up to 4,000 kg to LEO and potentially even crew capsules. Gilmour Space has several commercial agreements in place for future missions with operators of orbital transfer vehicles (OTV). The company signed its first European partnership agreement with rideshare specialist Exolaunch almost four years ago, which would give it access to low-inclination missions and unique orbits. The company also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in February 2023 with Atomos Space. Through this MOU, Atomos will contract launch services aboard Eris. At the same time, the vehicle will also carry Atomos’ OTVs in the future, offering customers additional in-space transportation and orbit-raising services. View of the Eris rocket on the pad at the spaceport in Bowen, Australia. (Credit: Gilmour Space) Australia’s Department of Defence also contracted with Gilmour Space in 2022 to develop and launch a new G-class sovereign surveillance satellite — part of the government’s increased investment in space capabilities. A future all-Australian mission will additionally send two Mayla thermal infrared cameras to orbit. These were developed by Australian Astronomical Optics (AAO) at Macquarie University. Rather than develop space-grade cameras from scratch, the team has successfully modified an off-the-shelf camera for use in space. Potential applications of this space-based heat-detecting technology include the detection of bushfires. New Zealand-based Frond Space Systems is supplying a lightweight and compact MICRO dragsail for Gilmour Space’s forthcoming MMS-1 satellite mission. This dragsail will be attached to a 100 kg microsatellite and will activate at the end of its five-year operational lifespan, accelerating its deorbit as part of the company’s commitment to the sustainable utilization of space. Eris stands vertical against a scenic sky (Credit: Gilmour Space) As with many new launch vehicles, the path to Eris’s debut launch has been longer than initially projected. The inaugural Eris rocket was fully integrated and moved into its vertical launch position in April 2024, and had completed its dress rehearsals before the end of 2024. Eris had been resting horizontally inside the Bowen spaceport’s Vehicle Assembly Building since then. There are no plans to livestream the maiden launch, but the company promises that video will be shared following the launch attempt. For this launch, the company preferred to “limit non-essential network traffic to minimise operational risk”, according to its social media posts. As with SaxaVord’s spaceport, there are no immediate plans for on-site launch viewing. However, this will inevitably follow once the site has supported several launches, bringing an additional boost to the local economy. ??????????? – ???????? Last night, during final checks, an unexpected issue triggered the rocket’s payload fairing. No fuel was loaded, no one was hurt, and early inspections show no damage to the rocket or pad. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/dlqX7sMwsX — Gilmour Space (@GilmourSpace) May 15, 2025   (Lead image: Eris is moved to its vertical position at Bowen Orbital Spaceport. Credit: Gilmour Space) The post Gilmour Space scrubs Australia’s first homegrown orbital launch with Eris rocket appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.

Celebrating the perfect fusion of 70 ’s-inspired boldness and modern craftsmanship, Sunday Somewhere unveils its highly anticipated new optical collection with WestGroupe. The latest release from Sunday Somewhere features a carefully curated selection of 15 frames, showcasing the brand’s signature blend of bold design, premium materials, and meticulous detailing. The collection is divided into three material stories: lightweight titanium, vibrant Mazzucchelli acetate, and innovative combination frames that fuse both materials. Each frame is designed to embody eyewear fashions with a striking edge, offering something special for every style-conscious individual. Every Sunday Somewhere frame features the subtle detailing of the brand’s identity, from the gold-pressed palm tree in the tips of the temple and specialty gold hinges, engraving of the frame name inside the temple, and the “SS” monogram placed on the inside of the nose bridge. Titanium Frames Crafted with precision and sophistication, our titanium frames combine lightweight comfort with sleek, minimalistic designs. These frames are perfect for those seeking eyewear that balances subtlety with statement-making silhouettes. Each titanium frame features complimentary temple tips ranging from Black, Cool Grey, and tortoiseshell colorways. SS1004 Darling (SS1004) features a hexagonal thin titanium frame, all about understated elegance with a modern twist. The defined angles of the hexagon shape give the frame its edge, while acetate temple tips ensure a comfortable fit. This frame is perfect for those who prefer a minimalistic look that still turns heads. The Darling frame is available in three colorways, Rose Gold, Black Gold, and Champagne Gold. SS1008 Paroo (SS1008) is a softer hexagonal shape, offering a more rounded take on its counterpart, Darling. With a slightly larger fit, this titanium frame balances contemporary style with everyday wearability. The coloring along the front matches the temple tips in all three colorways: Black Rose Gold, Grey Gold, and Rose Gold. SS1009 Fitzroy (SS1009) is the perfect companion for those with a more angular face shape. This round titanium pairs seamlessly with both professional and casual looks. Fitzroy is offered in three hues: Black Gold, Taupe Silver, and Rose Gold. Acetate Frames Our bold acetate frames are a celebration of vibrant colors, rich textures and fearless 70s-inspired designs. All acetate frames are made from Mazzucchelli Cellulose Acetate, a process of reacting cellulose with acetic anhydride. This formula is mostly composed of materials from renewable resources. The colorways range from Black, Deep Cherry Red, Pink Crystal, and colored tortoiseshells. SS1023 Gabriella (SS1023) takes oversized acetate frames to the next level. With a square lens shape that tapers into a subtle cat-eye silhouette, this frame brings feminine sophistication to the forefront. Available in deep, rich tort patterns such as Red Yellow Tort and Blue Tort as well as the classic solid Black, Gabriella effortlessly combines boldness and elegance. Combination Frame Merging the best of both worlds, our combination frame pairs the lightweight strength of titanium with the vibrant hues of acetate, creating a striking balance of materials. Sigrid (SS1049) combines a rounded acetate lens rim, with titanium arms that are as dynamic as i lightweight. This design celebrates the balance of vintage inspiration and contemporary craftsmanship. The Sigrid colorways feature Eggplant Gradient Gold as well as Tortoise Gold and Blush Rose Gold. SS1049   About Sunday Somewhere Founded in Australia, Sunday Somewhere is a globally recognized eyewear brand known for its unique blend of vintage-inspired designs. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and bold creativity, Sunday Somewhere offers a range of eyewear that resonates with those who seek to make a statement through their personal style. Sunday Somewhere has seen the likes of Beyonce, Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, Vanessa Hudgens, and Candice Swanepoel adorning their Sunday Somewhere frames, further solidifying its place in the fashion world. About WestGroupe Established in 1961, WestGroupe is family-operated with over 60 years of industry insight. Its mission is to provide unique and superior quality eyewear for the fashion-focused consumer. WestGroupe is driven by a commitment to excellent customer service and exceptional products. WestGroupe is dedicated to defining future standards in the optical industry by developing, creating, and supporting innovative products and services that allow its customers to succeed. WestGroupe offers a premium selection of international brands in over 40 countries, including FYSH, KLiiK denmark, EVATIK, Superflex®, and OTP. This story WestGroupe Unveils Sunday Somewhere Optical Collection - appears on The Optical Journal.

  Claudia Greathead via Chalk Horse Gallery Works by Naarm, VIC-based Australian artist Claudia Greathead, born in Brisbane in 1992-

Arrangements in Blue by Amy Key British poet, Amy Key, uses Joni Mitchell’s seminal album Blue, to guide the themes of her memoir – love, companionship, friendship, jealously, and desire. Initially, I was absorbed by Key’s honesty, her yearning, and her resistance to ‘giving up’ on the prospect of romantic love. I know that if you ask yourself hard questions, you must be prepared not to find an answer. You must be prepared to admit sometimes your questions rise from self-pity, helplessness, envy… However, the reliance on Joni Mitchell’s album forced Key into a thematic corner in a couple of parts. For the most part, I could overlook the bits that felt laboured, given Key’s insight and self-reflection on some difficult topics – What is the secret of people who have mastered the fear of loss enough to take parenting on? How do they sleep? I can’t help but feel it’s the security, the faith of romantic love, that gives people the reliance and optimism to try. There are plenty of books about being single, and about choosing not to have a child – Arrangements in Blue is a poetic (!) addition to that group. 3/5 Love Unedited by Caro Llewellyn A love story, spanning decades, using the literary and publishing scene as a backdrop? Yes please! I pounced on this one but unfortunately it fell short. There were elements of this novel that I enjoyed, notably the glimpses of cities (New York and Melbourne) and the subtle reveal of multiple plot lines. However, the different voices lacked distinction (which was problematic for one character, Edna, whose story is told in two parts – her lived experience and then what she writes in her memoir). As a result the novel is uneven and never really finds pace. There were also some odd and completely unnecessary bits of info-dumping – about American politics, sustainable cooking, and fly-fishing – I wish Llewellyn’s editor had been firmer! 2.5/5 The First Stone by Helen Garner I was at Melbourne Uni when the events that are the subject of this book took place. And I read it as soon as it was released – you would’ve had to have been living under a stone not to know about it at the time. On my first reading, I can’t recall what I felt about Garner’s take on the situation, nor my opinion on where she was on the ‘spectrum’ of feminism but what I do remember is that this book sparked conversations with friends akin to today’s #MeToo discussions. And regardless of the decade, these discussions are very important for people to have. Garner’s observations about power are just as relevant now as they were in the nineties (perhaps a sad indictment that things haven’t really changed…). The audio version of this book is read by Garner – I always like listening to authors reading their own work. But best of all, there’s a bunch of essays included at the end that detail the legal and publishing fiasco that surrounded The First Stone – very interesting stuff. 4/5

  Laura Jones via Sophie Gannon Gallery via Chalk Horse Gallery Works by Sydney-based Australian artist Laura Jones, born in 1982-

Blood and Gold by Michael Trant – Someone is stalking gold hunters. Now a bushman is stalking that someone . . . Terry Drage is by no means the first rookie gold prospector to turn up at the Murchison Hotel, boast about his thrilling discovery, then vanish! Gabe Ahern, however, is determined that Terry will […] The post Blood and Gold by Michael Trant – Book Review appeared first on Brisbanista.

The Sugarcane Kids have a new mystery to solve in The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage by Charlie Archbold. In the second book in this great junior fiction series, Gloria the talkative and rare parrot has gone missing.  Not everyone’s convinced its foul play, but there are a few clues that indicate it could be. That’s enough to put Andy and his pals on the case, and they start investigating. Then Anna the scrub python who lives at the library disappears too, and the kids just know something sinister is going on. But when you are kids, and you have to go to school and walk the dog and follow all the rules, it isn’t exactly easy to hunt down animal-nappers.  The kids will need to use all their sleuthing abilities to solve this one, all while keeping their heads down so the parents don’t suspect what they’re up to. Filled with a bucketload of fun and adventurous characters, this is a fab novel for junior readers. Lots of diversity and varied family situations reflect the real world and make it easy for kids to relate. Big text and short chapters make it an easy and joyful read. This is a great book for kids ready for chapter books with no illustrations. Its action packed, fast paced and the mystery will keep you guessing until the end. Title: The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage Author: Charlie Archbold Publisher: Text Publishing, $16.99 Publication Date: 30 July 2024 Format: Paperback ISBN: 9781922790996 For ages: 8+ Type: Junior Fiction

See below for show notes: With less than two weeks until polling day and early voting underway; special guest host and Institute of Public Affairs’ Senior Fellow, John Roskam, and former Prime Minister and Distinguished Fellow of the IPA, Tony Abbott, discuss what’s at stake on 3 May, why he believes Peter Dutton will be Australia’s next prime minister, and the background to Russia’s interest in Indonesia. Find out more at australia.ipa.org.au The post Australia’s Future With Tony Abbott – Why The Polls Are Wrong appeared first on IPA - The Voice For Freedom.