Latest news with #Melbourne-based
India.com
a day ago
- Politics
- India.com
Myanmar's civil war: Rohingya Muslims to fight the Arakan Army, fighters to be recruited from...
Myanmar's civil war: Rohingya Muslims to fight the Arakan Army, fighters to be recruited from... Myanmar's civil war: The ongoing civil war in Myanmar has affected Rakhine state the most. In Rakhine, the Arakan Army (AA) has steadily gained ground against the junta regime in the past months and has captured most of the state. The AA's stance has been against the local Rohingya Muslims. Due to this, Rohingyas have been forced to migrate in large numbers. The result is that many rebel groups have joined the junta in the fight against the AA in Rakhine. This may increase the crisis of Rohingyas taking refuge in Bangladesh. These groups are recruiting fighters in Bangladesh itself. According to the report, a new report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) says that Rohingya rebel groups have stopped the years-long war to control refugee camps in Bangladesh to focus on the fight for Rakhine. These factions are fighting against the AA with junta troops or allied militias. Junta suffered the most losses in Rakhine Rakhine state in Myanmar is the place where the military government has lost the most ground in the past 18 months. The Arakan Army has taken control of much of northern Rakhine and is preparing to take over the entire state. The junta is bombing resistance-controlled towns and cities with air strikes and trying to mobilize a former archenemy against the AA. In this effort, it seems to be getting support from Rohingya groups. The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim ethnic group with a long history of persecution in Myanmar. In recent times, the Arakan Army has been accused of committing genocide and trying to expel the Rohingya. Thomas Keane, Melbourne-based ICG advisor to Myanmar and Bangladesh, has said that in the past six months, Rohingya armed groups have stopped their infighting in the camps in southern Bangladesh and have intensified the recruitment of refugees. These groups believe that the only way to return home is to fight the Arakan Army. ARSA will challenge AA A major group challenging the AA is the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). ARSA has become a major force in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. This is a huge camp on the Bangladesh border, where most Rohingya refugees live. ARSA has fought Bangladeshi security forces and other armed groups for control of the camps. Despite the long-standing opposition of the Myanmar military, over the past year, ARSA forces have fought against the AA in local media and ARSA representatives have joined forces with the junta in several operations. This has led to a rise in hate speech on social media, which could pose a new challenge to Bangladesh.
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Ex-Today show presenter Alex Cullen to join The Christian O'Connell Show as resident sports guru following shock dismissal
Axed Today show presenter Alex Cullen has landed a new gig in breakfast radio, joining GOLD FM's The Christian O'Connell Show as its resident 'sports guru'. The Melbourne-based program, part of the ARN network, confirmed Cullen's appointment on Thursday. He will step into the role previously held by longtime co-host Jack Post, who announced his departure in May. The move will see Cullen relocate from Sydney to Melbourne with his wife Bonnie and their three children, marking a fresh start just months after his abrupt exit from the Nine Network. In January, Cullen was dismissed by Nine after accepting a $50,000 cash reward from billionaire The Block personality Adrian Portelli. Portelli, 35, had publicly requested to be dubbed "McLaren man" rather than "Mr Lambo"- a nickname tied to his multiple appearances on the reality show. O'Connell revealed the news to listeners live on air, hinting at Cullen's recent media headlines: "We've got some exciting news on the show- we're bringing in someone new to be a part of our radio family," he said. "…Alex Cullen is a brilliant journalist who is actually looking for a job- you might recognise the name - that guy, who took the $50,000. "Now, Channel Nine might go, 'Listen, we can't have that', but commercial breakfast radio, we're very much up for payola. "Don't worry Alex, you've found a home here, my friend," he joked. In a statement shared by ARN, O'Connell said that Cullen "is a real talent and a very likeable guy". "I called him out of the blue a few weeks ago and we hit it off like old mates," the British radio star said. "He came over for a rigorous interview with me- that to onlookers may have looked like a long lunch with flowing red wine- but we bonded over being dads and a shared love of storytelling and how sport could be delivered on my show. "I can't wait for him to join my team and start working together." Cullen, 44, also expressed his enthusiasm about the new chapter in his career. "This is such an exciting next chapter for me. I actually started my career in radio, so to be coming back to it and joining a show that's so loved and so full of heart is a real thrill. "I can't wait to be on air with Christian, Pats and Rio, and to get to know Melbourne, my family and I are thrilled to be making it our new home." More to come.
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
1 Hotel Melbourne is Now Open
Redefining sustainable luxury in Australia's cultural capital with a landmark debut MELBOURNE, Australia, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, proudly announces the official opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne. This nature-inspired property marks the brand's long-anticipated debut in Australia, redefining the future of luxury hospitality in the heart of one of the world's most forward-thinking cities. Developed in partnership with Melbourne-based Riverlee, the hotel is set along 220 meters of uninterrupted Yarra River frontage in the revitalized North Wharf precinct. The building is a celebration of Melbourne's storied past and a blueprint for a more sustainable future, brought to life through biophilic design principles and a commitment to living in harmony with nature. The architectural centerpiece of the project is the restored Goods Shed No. 5, Melbourne's last remaining heritage goods shed from the city's shipping heyday. The hotel is also designed to foster connection, creativity, and community, buzzing from day to night with chef-led dining, wellness experiences, and a dynamic lineup of Happenings—from sound baths and DJ sets to zero-waste cocktail workshops. "The opening of 1 Hotel Melbourne marks a powerful moment for our brand as we expand in the Asia Pacific region," says Barry Sternlicht, 1 Hotels Founder and Chairman of Starwood Hotels. "As we grow our global footprint, we're focused on markets that reflect our values—places where nature, culture, and innovation converge in meaningful ways. Melbourne is a city that not only understands the importance of sustainability, it celebrates it." "At 1 Hotels, we've always believed that true luxury is rooted in purpose, impact, and authentic experiences," said Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. "1 Hotel Melbourne brings sustainability and style into harmony, with a focus on wellness, local connection, and day-to-night programming that creates a tangible sense of place. From the moment you arrive, you feel like you're part of the city." "Through our partnership with 1 Hotels, we have reimagined this heritage waterfront site into a sustainable luxury destination that honors Melbourne's maritime past while setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship," says David Lee, Development Director at Riverlee. "This project perfectly embodies Riverlee's commitment to creating visionary developments that respect our city's past while building for its future." Design Shaped by Nature and History 1 Hotel Melbourne's design narrative is anchored in the brand's nature-first ethos and commitment to biophilic design—an approach that taps into the untamed landscapes of Victoria, from the rugged cliffs of the Great Ocean Road to the lush canopies of the Dandenong Ranges. Here, nature isn't an escape from the city—it's a dialogue with it, creating an urban sanctuary that blurs the boundary between built and natural environments, with a deep and immersive sense of place. At the heart of the design is the site itself: the historic Seafarers wharf, in continuous use since 1855. Its centerpiece is the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5. Originally built in 1895, the shed was once a vital part of Melbourne's maritime economy, processing massive amounts of cargo before falling into disuse in the 1970s. More than 2,000 original elements have been salvaged, catalogued, and reincorporated, including bluestone pavers, steel trusses, timber doors, and window frames. The adjacent Malcolm Moore crane, a 1942 industrial relic and the last of its kind in Victoria, has been restored and repositioned as a sculptural tribute to the area's shipping past. From the moment guests enter 1 Hotel Melbourne's soaring lobby—anchored by a dramatic rock wall constructed from split-faced granite, an industrial by-product that echoes Victoria's coastal geology—they are immersed in a story of regeneration and renewal. Reclaimed timber is a defining feature, with more than 4,500 square meters (the equivalent of 18 tennis courts) used in the hotel. The reception desk is made with repurposed elm trees from Melbourne's Metro Tunnel works. In the lounge, decommissioned railway bridges were transformed into a sweeping staircase. And in the signature restaurant, From Here by Mike, the original support beams from the Goods Shed have been repurposed as dramatic portals. Throughout the property, more than 7,000 plants bring Victoria's biodiversity indoors, reinforcing the hotel's biophilic approach. The hotel features 277 tranquil guest rooms, including 36 suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame skyline or Yarra River views. Guest rooms feature walls made from discarded railway sleepers across Victoria and New South Wales. Guest room door numbers are displayed on reclaimed timber panels crafted from original subaquatic piers salvaged during the site's wharf restoration, featuring distinctive marine worm markings and accented with preserved moss above and below. Smart thermostats, energy-saving switches, and low-VOC materials reinforce the hotel's light-touch approach. In addition to the rooms and suites, 1 Hotel Melbourne offers 114 hotel-branded homes. Residents in these luxury, waterfront homes will enjoy exclusive services such as chef-catered private dinners and in-residence spa treatments. The crowning jewel is the 18th floor penthouse designed by Riverlee founder Clement Lee OAM, in collaboration with Fender Katsalidis. Residents have access to a private outdoor terrace, lounge, library, and dining space with sweeping views of the river and the skyline. The debut of 1 Hotel Melbourne also marks the launch of Regeneration: The Art of Renewal, a site-specific art program curated for the property by One Design Office in collaboration with DarkLab, a subsidiary of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Works have been commissioned from Vanessa Barragão, Jamie North, and Indigenous Australian artists Naminapu Maymuru-White and Yhonnie Scarce. The collection brings together Indigenous and contemporary perspectives on resilience, culture, and environmental healing through reclaimed and natural materials. From suspended glass eel forms to towering plant-infused concrete sculptures, it's a sensory journey. Dining and Celebrations, Reimagined 1 Hotel Melbourne's food and beverage experiences are guided by the same philosophy that defines the property itself. Every detail—from the sourcing of ingredients to the design of the spaces—has been carefully considered to nourish guests and respect the planet. From Here by Mike, the signature restaurant, marks the first hotel collaboration for renowned Australian chef Mike McEnearney, the force behind the acclaimed Sydney restaurant Kitchen by Mike and the author of two celebrated cookbooks. Known for his produce-driven cooking, low-waste approach, and menus that champion hyper-local sourcing, McEnearney has built a reputation for food that connects people and place. From Here by Mike's dishes are designed for sharing and range from Freshly Shucked Oysters with Pickled Daikon & Finger Lime Vinaigrette to Twice Baked Goat's Cheese Soufflé with Rosemary Cream. The beverage program includes a 40% local wine list with biodynamic selections and cocktails built around repurposed ingredients. The space itself is moody and textural—designed to reflect the raw beauty of the natural world. Additional venues at 1 Hotel Melbourne expand on the brand's approach to conscious hospitality. Crane Bar & Lounge serves up botanical cocktails made with locally distilled spirits and a soundtrack of live DJ sets. Neighbours Café is a light, plant-filled space for barista-made coffee, nutrient-dense meals, smoothies, and power-packed energy shots. And then there's Upstairs, a cocktail bar hidden away on the first floor that trades in word-of-mouth magic. It's the kind of speakeasy-style place you hear about from a friend, where artfully crafted cocktails, elevated bites, and spontaneous conversations create a night to remember. 1 Hotel Melbourne is also set to become a go-to destination for gatherings that are both beautiful and low-impact, with over 1,000 square meters of flexible event space. The riverside Seafarers Event Space accommodates up to 900 guests and features expansive river views and cutting-edge AV capabilities. Additional meeting suites—including a boardroom and lounge—can be used individually or combined for larger functions. Spaces have been designed using biophilic principles and daylighting strategies, with reclaimed materials and lush greenery. The thoughtful programming includes locally sourced catering menus and zero-waste event planning in collaboration with the in-house sustainability team. The Certified Sustainable Gatherings program ensures each event aligns with 1 Hotels' sustainable mission. Immersive by Nature 1 Hotel Melbourne's signature programming invites guests to connect deeply—with the city, with nature, and with themselves. The curated calendar of Happenings touches nearly every facet of the guest experience, from wellness and fitness to food, art, and culture. Days are filled with moments of movement and mindfulness—sunrise river runs, guided breathwork, tarot card readings, and experiences like a DIY salt-blending workshop. In the evening, the energy shifts with full moon sound healing sessions, seasonal tastings, wine and cheese pairings, and cocktail events that spotlight local makers and ingredients. The calendar evolves with the seasons, from Wellness Month in August to Melbourne Fashion Week in October. Much of the programming is co-created with local talent—from chefs and herbalists to musicians and artists—ensuring a constantly evolving lineup that feels authentically Melbourne. It's all part of the brand's vision to make 1 Hotel Melbourne a true gathering place that's as welcoming to locals as it is to travelers. Wellness is woven into every element of the 1 Hotel Melbourne experience. At the heart of the offering is Bamford Wellness Spa, created in partnership with Carole Bamford, a pioneer in organic, sustainable, and holistic living. The spa offers a range of all-natural treatments, as well as a stunning wellness area with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a Jacuzzi-style spa. Guests also have access to The Field House Gym, a state-of-the-art fitness center outfitted with cutting-edge equipment, personal trainers, and a variety of movement and mindfulness experiences including yoga and meditation. The gym features locally sourced timber, Troldtekt acoustic panels made from certified wood, and Danish cement—materials selected for durability, performance, and low environmental impact. Sustainability that Goes Beyond the Surface At 1 Hotel Melbourne, sustainability is the foundation that guides every aspect of the property—not just within operational systems, but with the guest experience. While the hotel is on track to achieve LEED Silver certification with efficient systems like a 50kW solar array and 50kl rainwater harvesting, what makes this property unique is how sustainability becomes experiential. Guided by nature, guests are immersed in greenery, texture, and tone that celebrate Melbourne and create an urban sanctuary where the city feels like an island retreat. Thoughtful details like shower timers and operable windows in 85% of the rooms make mindful living effortless, without compromise. The sustainable ethos continues outside. The adjacent Seafarers Rest Park offers 3,500 square meters of native-planted green space. Created in accordance with the Yarra River Protection Principles, the park enhances biodiversity and public access to the waterfront while honoring the site's maritime history. It's part of a broader vision to make the North Wharf precinct a more livable, walkable, and inclusive destination. 1 Hotel Melbourne also invites guests to explore the city mindfully: The property is just steps from iconic arts, culture, and sporting venues and has direct access to Melbourne's free tram line. For guests who want to explore by car, the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience takes them around in a complimentary fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron. A New Kind of Stay 1 Hotel Melbourne is built on the idea that where you stay should reflect how you want to live: with style and purpose. It's not just about checking in, it's about tuning in to the city, to nature, and to what truly matters. For more information, visit or follow @ ABOUT 1 HOTELS As a mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivaled level of service. With properties among some of the first to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction, 1 Hotels is inspired by a simple idea: those who travel the world should also care about it. It is, after all, 1 world. 1 Hotels launched in 2015 with the opening of exclusive properties in Miami's South Beach and Manhattan's Central Park, followed by Brooklyn, located on the East River in February 2017; West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in June 2019; Sanya (China) in 2020; Toronto in 2021; San Francisco and Nashville in 2022; in 2023, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property and Mayfair (London), the brand's first European property; and Seattle and Melbourne (Australia) in 2025. The brand is expanding with properties under development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico). Additional information can be found at ABOUT STARWOOD HOTELS Starwood Hotels, an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is a sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, a nature-inspired lifestyle brand that launched in 2015 with properties in South Beach (Miami) and Manhattan and now includes Brooklyn Bridge (New York City), West Hollywood (Los Angeles), Sanya (China), Toronto, San Francisco, Nashville, the Hanalei Bay (Kauai) flagship property, the brand's first European property in Mayfair (London), Seattle, and Melbourne (Australia), with projects in development in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Paris, Elounda Hills (Crete), Austin (Texas), Copenhagen, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico); Baccarat Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand that made its debut in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship property in New York, with projects under development in Rome, Florence, Dubai, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Brickell (Miami), and Maldives; and Treehouse Hotels, which premiered in London in 2019 and now includes Manchester (UK) and Silicon Valley (California), with projects under development in Brickell (Miami), Adelaide (Australia), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Leveraging its marketing, design, operational and technological expertise, Starwood Hotels is the force behind some of the most groundbreaking and dynamic hotel brands in the world. Additional information can be found at ABOUT RIVERLEE Riverlee is a Melbourne based, privately owned property group specializing in development and asset ownership and management across the commercial, residential, and retail sectors. Established in 1993, Riverlee is known for delivering visionary projects that lead the industry, both creatively and commercially, while always honoring the region's heritage, environment, and community.
AU Financial Review
3 days ago
- Business
- AU Financial Review
L1 Capital tweaks Platinum deal terms as merger nears finalisation
Melbourne-based fund manager L1 Capital will retain a greater share of the performance fees associated with its $1.8 billion ASX-listed Long Short Fund as it edges closer to a merger with Platinum Asset Management. Platinum also said its ownership portion of the merged entity will increase slightly from the initial 25 per cent of the company to 26 per cent as it seeks to lock down terms with L1.
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Best natural deodorant for men: This Aussie brand has gone on to sell over 100,000 units across Australia and New Zealand
There's a new player in the bathroom cabinet, and it's not your partner's moisturiser this time. Two Dudes is the ever-growing men's skincare and deodorant brand that is busy proving Aussie blokes do care about what they put on their skin as long as it's not complicated or covered in macho nonsense. Founded by long-time mates Tomas Tappin and Michael McRae, Two Dudes started in a garage and has gone on to sell over 100,000 units across Australia and New Zealand. Now stocked in more than 500 retailers, including selected IGA, Go Vita and Market Organics stores, this clean-cut brand is fast becoming a go-to for men who want simple, effective personal care without the fluff. At the core of Two Dudes is a mission to do less, better. Their range is tight and to the point, think face wash, moisturiser with SPF, and a natural deodorant that's already become a fan favourite. In a sea of ten-step routines and overly masculine branding, Two Dudes feels like a breath of fresh, coconut-scented air. Their best-selling natural deodorant launched last year and was expected to last two months. It sold out in just two weeks. Not once, not twice, but three separate times. Available in two fresh scents, Coconut Rush and Zesty Forest, it's free from aluminium, parabens and synthetic fragrances, and delivers all-day odour protection without irritating the skin. The buzz isn't just hype, either. It's already been named a finalist for Best Men's Personal Care Product at the Clean & Conscious Awards. But these guys aren't just here to help you smell good. They're serious about supporting men's health, too. Two Dudes has partnered with Outside the Locker Room, a Melbourne-based mental health charity working with grassroots sporting clubs to deliver life-changing education and support. The brand is helping fund sessions that give everyday blokes the tools to talk about mental wellbeing, something co-founder Michael McRae says is 'just as important as looking after your skin.' What really sets Two Dudes apart, though, is how they've tapped into a gap in the market without overcomplicating it. You won't find 47 serums here. Their two-step skincare routine, the Daily Face Wash and SPF Daily Moisturiser, is designed to be used, not just admired on a shelf. It's skincare that actually fits into a bloke's life and doesn't require a YouTube tutorial to figure out. In a category long dominated by big-name brands and token gestures, Two Dudes is carving out its own lane with products that deliver, branding that actually makes sense, and a purpose that goes deeper than skin.
