80 Collins leans into foodie experiences Melbourne’s new retail and food precinct 80 Collins is partnering with the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival on an event series designed to draw foodies to the area. Visitors can indulge in barrel aged negronis at the hotel barrel ageing room, Oregon pinot wine tasting during a winemaker masterclass or enjoy frozen capped liquid nitrogen cocktails. Farmer’s Daughters, Handpicked Cellar Door, Nick & Nora’s and Next Hotel Melbourne’s La M
s La Madonna are all taking part in the festivities.
“The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is pleased to present this program in partnership with 80 Collins, an introduction to one of the city’s premiere dining and retail precincts, to food and drink lovers of Melbourne,” said Melbourne Food & Wine Festival CEO Anthea Loucas Bosha.
The programme features three Light Up the Night experiences on June 2 and a Lunch Illuminated experience on June 5. Designer Şener Besim will also showcase his large-scale sculptural work, Light the Way, at the three laneways at 80 Collins.
Currently there are nine restaurants and pubs open at 80 Collins including La Madonna and Ingresso, Maverick, Bowls Baby, People’s Coffee and Upstate Coffee. The centre also includes flagship stores for Saint Laurent, Golden Goose and FEIT. Lucas Group’s restaurant Society and eating house Yakimono will open in July and August.
Bunbury Forum drives donations for South West Refuge
WA shopping centre Bunbury Forum has partnered with South West Refuge on a donation program to support women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Shoppers can drop off donations at collection points outside the centre’s Big W and Woolworths store before May 31. Essentials such as toiletries, sanitary items, health and beauty products, toys, clothing and books are accepted.
“During the past 12 months, Bunbury and the South West have come together as a community during the pandemic, now we’re hoping that our customers can help with donations to assist South West Refuge with the incredible work they do in our community,” said Bunbury Forum marketing manager Ashley Hastie.
In last year’s Christmas donation drive, the shopping centre collected $5000 worth of items for the South West Refuge.
“When a woman, or women and children arrive at the Refuge, they usually have only the clothes they are wearing, so being able to provide a few items that can make them feel a little more comfortable and afford them dignity is incredibly important,” said South West Refuge CEO Ali White. “During the pandemic, family and financial pressures have seen demand for our services grow, so we appreciate any donations from the community.”
Melbourne Central opens podcasting space
Melbourne Central has unveiled a new podcast studio, Studio MC, located at the shopping centre’s ground floor near the Lonsdale Street entrance.
Some of Australia’s top talent will be featured, including satirical news website The Betoota Advocate and entertainment podcast So Dramatic! every Friday night from May 21 to June 4.
“Aligning with the City of Melbourne’s FOMO Fridays, Melbourne Central is the perfect place to host thought provoking and inspiring discussion from Australia’s leading podcasts,” said Prue Arkeveld, senior marketing manager at Melbourne Central. “In this shopping [centre’s] first initiative, we’re taking events to the next level giving our customers a chance to be entertained by some of Australia’s funniest and most intriguing personalities.”
Hosts will cover a range of subjects from current affairs, music and sports to dating advice.