NSW Waratahs vs Stormers Rubgy Union Match

Cheer on the NSW Waratahs as they take on the Western Province Stormers! Enjoy the thrill of attacking rugby as these two rivals battle it out at Allianz Stadium.

Bring the family and enjoy an action-packed night with plenty of activities for the kids including a free kids training clinic with Waratahs players and coaches. And to top it off three lucky adults from each clinic will win the opportunity to take part in the Volvo Half Time Challenge on field. Gates open at 6pm, with kick off for the main game at 7.30pm.

Have you got your tickets yet? Adult tickets from AUD22.00 and Family Passes from AUD44.00 (fees and charges apply - silver reserved seating conditions apply.) Enter password FAMILY when purchasing through Ticketek.


HOME GAME INFORMATION: WARATAHS V STORMERS, SATURDAY 11 APRIL 7.30PM, ALLIANZ STADIUM MOORE PARK
BUY TICKETS

Jump the queues and purchase your tickets online from Ticketek. 

Looking for the $44 Family Pass? Once on the Ticketek site, enter the password: FAMILY and select the silver seating category.

Volvo Pre Match Coaching Clinics
Volvo are hosting a free kids training clinic with Waratahs players and coaches before every home game, and giving out complimentary food and drink vouchers to parents (limited number)! And to top it off THREE lucky adults from each clinic will win the opportunity to take part in the Volvo Half Time Challenge on field. 

Transport information
For full information about getting to and from the game, please visit the transportnsw.info special event page for all information on getting to and from the game.

Event timing
5:30pm Forecourt box office opens (outside Gate A, near Driver Avenue)
6:00pm Gates open
6:10pm Junior games in stadium
6:30pm Womens NSW Blues v White Sevens
7:30pm kick off, Waratahs v. Stormers

Social media
Join the conversation using the dedicated gameday hashtags: #WARvSTO and #GoTahs
For more information: www.waratahs.com.au

Top Gear Festival Sydney Will Go Ahead

Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are coming – but the show won't be called Top Gear and it will be indoors in Sydney and Melbourne.

The Top Gear Live Festival will go ahead in Australia and Jeremy Clarkson is coming, even though he has been sacked by the BBC from the hit TV show.

BBC Worldwide has agreed that the show can go on but without BBC or Top Gear branding.

A statement from BBC Worldwide said the shows would go ahead "so as not to disappoint the thousands of people around the world who have already purchased tickets. These events will not however feature any BBC Top Gear branding or content. We believe this is a sensible approach in the circumstances".

However, the dates have been moved from April to July and the event is now being held indoors rather than at a race track.

Two Melbourne shows have been added to the calendar but the change in dates is likely to leave interstate show-goers out of pocket when they rebook flights and accommodation.

"A decision has been made to reschedule the festival planned for Sydney in April until July of this year and will instead become an indoor arena show staged in both Melbourne on 18-19 July and Sydney on 25 -26 July," the BBC statement said.

It will be the first time all three presenters — Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May — will make the trek Down Under for the performance; the previous Australian Top Gear Live shows only had two of the three presenters, but always with Clarkson as the main host.

The BBC statement said: "We'd like to thank our ticket holders for their continued patience. The fans are the most important people to Jeremy, Richard and James so we're delighted to be able to say 'we're still coming'."

News Corp Australia understands organisers stood to lose millions of dollars — and thousands of fans would have been entitled to refunds — if the show did not go ahead as planned.

Organisers called it "a great solution for the fans".

A statement from Brand Events said ticket-holders will be able to exchange their old tickets for new ones after April 10.

"The new event...will be an arena format starring Jeremy, Richard and James - simply titled ‘Clarkson, Hammond and May Live', and they'll be staged in both Sydney and Melbourne," said a bulletin from Brand Events.

Organisers say they are making “appropriate provisions” to ensure the BBC is not brought into "disrepute" by the presenters during the live shows.

News Corp Australia understands any content directly related to or inspired by Top Gear TV will not be part of the live events, which means The Stig, clips from the TV show and the theme music cannot be used.

Meanwhile, the BBC says the TV show’s future “is not in doubt”.

“We have committed to its renewal and return in good shape in 2016,” said a BBC statement.

Organisers said cancellation of the live show “was always an option” but they didn’t want to disappoint more than 100,000 fans who’d bought tickets.

The consortium insists forging ahead with the show was not a money-grabbing exercise, claiming the priority is to “simply cover costs”.

Exisiting ticket holders will have the choice of swapping for tickets to the new shows, or they will be refunded.

Prices and details for the new shows will be available after April 10.

Organisers said new tickets would only be released after existing ticket holders had an opportunity to swap their entry passes to the new shows.

View Source for more information about this event.

International Conference on Telecommunications Sydney (ICT 2015)

The 22nd International Conference on Telecommunications (ICT 2015) will be held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney from 27 – 29 April 2015 right after ICASSP 2015 in Brisbane, Australia.

 Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and is graced with one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. Sydney is known for its harbor lifestyle and fantastic beaches, which contribute to a relaxed atmosphere that pervades the city. 

 It is an ideal place for scientists and engineers from around the world to gather and share their ideas.

Telecommunications networks are advancing to a new era to support the unprecedented growth of the internet and cellular network usage for communications and information services. Therefore, the aim of ICT 2015 is to gather world-class researchers to share their ideas and progress on solving the future challenges that the telecommunication networks face.

ICT 2015 will feature world-class plenary speakers, tutorials and regular and special technical sessions from academia, research laboratories, government and industry to discuss and exchange ideas in the field of wireless and cable telecommunications network, services and applications.

View source post to register and find out more

The EB Expo Returns to Sydney In 2015

The EB Expo Returns to Sydney In 2015

EB Games was hardly going to turn its back on one of its best concepts ever, but just in case there was ever any doubt, today it was announced that the EB Expo is returning to Sydney in 2015.

The official date is October 2 until October 4 and tickets go on sale 9am AEDT on April 16. You can purchase them on the EB Expo website, at EB Games stores or through oztix.com.au. The event will be held, once again, at Sydney Showgrounds. It is, admittedly, a pretty cool venue.

If you’ve been to previous EB Expos you’ll know what to expect: early looks at upcoming video games, some event-style panels, and my personal favourite: a Waluigi made out of balloons.

Most major publishers seems slated to attend. PlayStation, XBOX, Nintendo, Activision, Bethesda, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment are currently confirmed.

“EB Expo continues to set the standards by celebrating the video game industry and embracing pop culture. We’re boasting the most unreleased games of any exhibition in Australia this year,” said EB Games Marketing and Events Director Debra McGrath.

A couple of cool things to note: John Robertson, of ‘The Dark Room’ fame, will be performing at the show. Turns out he’s bringing his critically acclaimed show The Dark Room to the event. I’ve been super keen to check that out, so this is a positive.

Also — bizarrely — The Umbilical Brothers are also going to be performing. That’s cool. I guess? What does it have to do with video games? No-one knows (or possibly cares).

“Every year the EB Expo team will continue to add fresh new elements to the mix and we’re really looking forward to wow-ing our existing and new crowds with original content,” said Debra. I guess that might explain it.

I’ve always enjoyed the EB Expo and it does manage to get its fair share of top notch exclusive content. I played Titanfall there for the first time. That was cool.

Australian Open Of Supercross To Bring Indoor Racing Back to Sydney

For the first time since 2006, Supercross will return to Sydney in emphatic fashion with the inaugural Australian Open of Supercross (AUS-X Open) event, set to launch at AllPhones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park this year on November 28. 

The AUS-X Open event will be the biggest action sports competition in the Southern Hemisphere; combining an international Supercross racing event with a Freestyle Motocross (FMX) ‘Best Trick’ competition, that will feature some of the world's best riders up against Australia’s best talent. 

FMX ‘Best Trick’ has been notably absent from international competition, since being controversially removed from the X Games in 2013. Three times X Games medalist and renowned Australian hero – Cam Sinclair, is a firm believer in the format and its role in revolutionising action sports. 

“FMX Best Trick, is the ultimate opportunity to showcase innovation, creativity and courage. Having such a high profile event to re-ignite the evolution of FMX is really exciting. Being so close to the city, in our own backyard in Sydney, will be epic!” claimed Cam Sinclair. 

The event will be constructed and managed through the experienced hands of AME Management; whose background in major events across a variety of motorsports platforms, media and video production, will ensure an absolute premium level of entertainment and competition for action sports fans. 

“Indoor Supercross and Freestyle Motocross (FMX), is the ultimate combination of premium entertainment and action sports competition. We’re extremely excited to be bringing some of the world’s best riders to Sydney, for what will be one of the most intense, action-sports events in our country’s history,” said AME Management Director, Adam Bailey. 

“The plan is without a doubt to create an event that the incredible loyal fans of Supercross and FMX can be proud of, whilst doing so in an environment and with entertainment elements that will captivate complete newcomers to the sport." 

The AUS-X Open will also feature pyrotechnics, light and sound, and all competition indoors in the comfort of Allphones Arena; with a pit paddock area accessible on the outside of the arena for accredited fans to get up close and personal with their heroes. 

Championship points for the 2015 Australian Supercross Championship will also be awarded to competitors, ensuring the very best teams Australasia has to offer, will be in attendance as part of their national series. 

In a major cue for Australian Supercross, the event has secured major support from NSW tourism body, Destination NSW. 

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Troy Grant said the event would be a massive boost to the region. 

“I am pleased to announce this Australian first event has been secured for NSW through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. It is estimated that the AUS-X Open will contribute $1.8 million to the NSW economy in visitor expenditure,” Mr Grant said. 

“The AUS-X Open promises to be an action sports extravaganza showcasing the world’s best motorcycle riders racing and performing tricks like never before. It will attract visitors from all over the world to NSW, as well as being broadcast to approximately 139 countries through an International Media TV Network. 

“This announcement shows yet again the NSW Government’s commitment to securing major events for our State, in pursuit of our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to NSW by 2020,” he said. 

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the event is one-of-a-kind for both NSW and Australia. 

“The Australian Open of Supercross brings spectacular action-sport to Sydney, combining world-class Supercross racing with the awe-inspiring tricks and stunts of Freestyle Motocross competition. It will have something for motorsport lovers of all types and ages, and I encourage everyone to make the trip to Sydney in November to be a part of the action,” she said. 

Tickets will be available through Ticketek in May 2015, with international rider announcements and further information to follow in April. 

Top Image: Close quarters indoor supercross action is set to return to Sydney 

Credit: Aaryn Minerds

View Source

Allianz Stadium to Host Rugby Sevens World Series

Allianz Stadium will be home to the Australian leg of rugby union’s Sevens World Series for the next four years from the 2015-16 season.

The Sydney Sevens were launched today, using Allianz Stadium’s new superscreens, by NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant.

“This announcement means the Sevens World Series now comes to the home of Australian sport, Sydney, and our Harbour City joins a host of iconic cities as a host venue for one of the world’s most exciting and entertaining annual sporting events,” Mr Grant said.

Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said: “The Moore Park precinct comes alive whenever there is top level rugby union played here.

“Last year, the biggest rugby crowd in Allianz Stadium’s history watched the Wallabies take on France, even though it was a dead-rubber.

“The on-field excitement of Sevens rugby and the carnival atmosphere that follows it will make the Sydney Sevens the hottest ticket in town.”

Currently in its 16th season, the Sevens World Series consists of nine tournaments held around the world, in which national Sevens teams compete for World Series points at each round.

The inaugural Sydney Sevens will take place just a matter of months before Rugby Sevens makes its debut at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "With excitement increasing ahead of Rio 2016, the World Rugby Sevens Series has been going from strength to strength, proving a hit with fans, broadcasters and sponsors around the globe with its winning blend of compelling and competitive action, global destinations and festival atmosphere.

“Sydney is one of the world’s iconic cities, a sports-mad city with an exceptional record of attracting and hosting major events like Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games. Sydney’s inclusion within a stellar Series hosting line-up is exciting for players and fans and underscores the strength of the rugby sevens brand in the global sporting marketplace.”

ARU CEO Bill Pulver said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring Rugby Sevens to Sydney. We truly believe that Sydney has the potential to match the excitement surrounding tournaments like Hong Kong, Twickenham and Wellington in terms of event experience and crowd numbers.

“Sydney is an iconic city known across the world for its cultural diversity, outdoor lifestyle and stunning tourist attractions. It is a terrific fit for an event that traditionally attracts an audience from a variety of different nationalities and backgrounds.

“There is little doubt the area in and around Moore Park lends itself to Rugby Sevens. We had a stadium record crowd at Allianz Stadium in June with plenty of exciting Test Rugby on the field, and wonderful off-field entertainment at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“Growing Rugby, particularly the Sevens format of our game, is critical to our long-term objectives as we strive to ignite passion in the next generation of players and fans. Globally, the game is in an exciting spot with Rugby Sevens part of the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 program.”

The NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, submitted the successful bid to the ARU.

The Deputy Premier, who is also the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, said the event would be a great addition to the Sydney events calendar.

“With a large number of travelling fans expected, the Sydney Sevens will provide a major boost to the local economy, and assist in the NSW Government’s goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.”

Australian Director of Rugby Sevens Geraint John, said: “I have already experienced first-hand the passion Sydneysiders have for Rugby, whether it be through their support for the national team, their state or club Rugby.

“I speak on behalf of the entire Men’s Sevens program when I say that we are looking forward immensely to playing in front of our home crowd in Sydney. It is always a thrill to play in front of your own people. I have attended plenty of Rugby across the world – both as a player and coach - and I truly believe Sydney will rival the very best of them.”

Olivia Wirth, Group Executive Brand, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Qantas, said: “As the Official Partner of the ARU and the naming rights partner of the Australian Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams, we are very excited that Sydney will feature on the World Rugby Sevens Series calendar. This is great news for Australian tourism and the wider sporting community. We look forward to helping fans from around the world cheer on their teams and enjoy all that Australia has to offer.” 

The Sydney Sevens is supported by the New South Wales Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

Fans can sign up for Sydney Sevens ticket alerts via www.Sydney7s.com.au. Public on-sale dates will be announced in due course.

Eight Days: What's On In Sydney

Sunday March 23

J-pop singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has also been making a splash on the Western music scene for her catchy ditties like Candy Candy and the outlandish fashion sense that has led her to be dubbed Japan's answer to Lady Gaga.

Tonight's gig had to be moved to the larger venue of the Roundhouse to meet demand. 7pm, UNSW Roundhouse, Anzac Parade, Kensington, $70.70, 132 849, ticketek.com.au.


It's the final day for the Indian cultural festival Holi Mahotsav and it's going out in vibrant style with Colours Day. Visitors can buy plates of brightly hued powder to take part in the traditional practice of colour throwing. Sunday, 11am-7pm, Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, free, holimahotsav.com.au. 

Monday March 24

Street-art exhibition From the Streets (running until April 27) is displaying some of the most cutting-edge pieces from locally and around the globe. Particularly worth a look is the hyper-vivid and dynamic work of Sydney artist Shannon Crees. 11am-4pm, M Contemporary, 37 Ocean Street, Woollahra, free, mcontemp.com.


Tuesday March 25

Previews have begun for the much-anticipated Strictly Ballroom the Musical (running until June 29). The theatrical production promises to be a dazzling affair with Baz Luhrmann directing stars Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos in the tale of a dancer who flouts convention. 8pm, Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, $50-$120, 1300 795 267, ticketmaster.com.au.


Wednesday March 26

The Audi Festival of German Films (running until April 10) is kicking off with the opening night flick Banklady, based on the true story of West Germany's first female bank robber, Gisela Werler, who caused chaos in the 1960s. Star Nadeshda Brennicke will be a guest of the festival. 6.30pm, Chauvel Cinema, 249 Oxford Street, Paddington, $60, goethe.de/ozfilmfest.

Thursday March 27

Inspired by Nikolai Gogol's play of the same name, The Government Inspector was devised by director Simon Stone and his cast as a last-minute replacement when Belvoir lost the rights to The Philadelphia Story. The comedy-of-errors plot mimics real life as it follows an ensemble of actors given a new play only weeks before opening night. 8pm, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, $48, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au. Runs until May 18.

Friday March 28

The CropFest pop-up is setting up a night of culinary masterclasses to create a fruit and vegetable feast while also fighting food waste. Aaron Teece and Richard Robinson, head chefs at Studio Neon, are on board to teach how to best respect the farm-direct produce, with any leftovers going to feed the disadvantaged through OzHarvest. 5.30pm-10pm, St Mary's Cathedral Square, St Marys Road, city, $25, youthfoodmovement.org.au/cropfest.


Saturday March 29

For this year's Earth Hour catch a screening of the documentary It's Lights Out for the Reef at this candle-lit family picnic. There will also be a live performance from Newcastle folk band Benjalu and a candle installation created at Manly Cove. 6pm-9.30pm, Manly Council Chambers Forecourt, 1 Belgrave Street, Manly, free, earthhour.org.au.

Sunday March 30

Feminist festival All About Women will take over Sydney Opera House for a day of discussion and empowerment. International guests include cartoonist Alison Bechdel, author Lucy Siegle and activist Ilwad Elman. 8.30am-9pm, Opera House, from $25, 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com.

Hot spot

Inner-city families should get along to the opening of Jubilee Park, a new playground designed by landscape architect Sue Barnsley with a sandpit, swings and handcrafted cubby house. Lord Mayor Clover Moore will officially launch the space on Saturday with free entertainment and refreshments. Saturday, 11am-1pm, Jubilee Park, corner of Eglinton and Northcote roads, Glebe, free, cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/whatson.

Next week

Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Bernadette Peters is dipping into her vast songbook to perform selections from Stephen Sondheim and Rodgers and Hammerstein. April 2-4, Theatre Royal, 108 King Street, city, $109-$129, 1300 723 038, ticketmaster.com.au.

Next month
Arch funnyman Julian Clary will pack his case full of double entendres for the Sydney Comedy Festival. His show Position Vacant: Apply Within has him on the hunt for a suitable husband. April 22, State Theatre, 49 Market Street, city, $69.90, 136 100, sydneycomedyfest.com.au.

Out of your comfort zone

It's the return of Meat Free Week from March 24 to 30. Give up the steaks, sausages and seafood for seven days to raise funds for charities including Bowel Cancer Australia, The Australian Conservation Foundation and Voiceless. See meatfreeweek.org to learn more and get meat-free recipes from Simon Bryant and Bill Granger.