Hello Reader,

It's Kaye here.

Picture an Australian weatherboard house, frozen in time, sitting inside Chadstone's polished retail space — that's Rone's HOME installation. The Melbourne-based street artist, known for his immersive works in abandoned spaces, has created a nostalgic walk through a home and backyard the occupants seemingly left decades ago and never returned to. Every room is layered with faded furnishings, forgotten household items and dusty surfaces — quiet traces of a life once lived.

Have you been yet? Entry is free until 12 July, and you need to book tickets via the Chadstone website. My daughter and I made a day of it, staying on for lunch and a bit of window shopping. We drove (parking is free and plentiful), though there's also a free shuttle from Federation Square or you can take the train to Hughesdale station for a 15–20 minute walk.

The exhibition is only a short stroll, but it brought back memories of grandparents, old suburbs and everyday rituals that have quietly faded away — and getting to share that with my daughter made it a truly lovely day.

Warmly,
Kaye

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​Shop with Purpose at QVM​ Many regular visitors walk past without realising every purchase here helps support Victorian social enterprises. See the precinct

“ Like everything, Vic Market has moved on from “the good ol’ days”. Forty years on from the above memories the old exciting vibe still lingers in a couple of places but due to the times, I feel that on the whole it has become slightly diluted. So I was heartened this week when we were introduced to the “Purpose Precinct”. ​Read more here.​ — Chris

​Our City's Art and Heritage Collection​ Take a guided tour through Melbourne's fascinating history, exploring remarkable artworks and stories that have shaped the city. Step inside

​Find Affordable Art You'll Love​ Discover original artworks, meet talented artists and find pieces to suit every style and budget at this inspiring art fair. Explore the Fair

PARTNER CONTENT ​Walk, Laugh, Repeat with Paul​ "I had a great time on the tour with Paul. He was very knowledgeable included lots of interesting side stories and was well organised. Best of all he has the right personality for a guide. He can read people well and bounce off their personalities with lots of banter which makes for a fun not tediously boring tour of scripted info of dates and events." - Ronda Grab your spot

​Dinosaurs, Diamonds & a Day Out​ From towering T-rexes to sparkling crystals and stories that go back thousands of years, this Melbourne icon has more than you'd think. Plan your visit

PARTNER CONTENT ​Experience Ballet in a New Light​ Discover a dazzling fusion of dance, illumination, and storytelling in a show that mesmerises from start to finish. See dates & tickets

​Need a Gluten-Free High Tea?​ Savour elegant sweet and savoury treats created with gluten-free guests in mind. This one comes highly recommended. Book High Tea

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​Win Tickets to Music and Me Live​ Join Australian stage legend Caroline O’Connor and Orchestra Victoria for an afternoon of memorable songs and musical storytelling. Enter now to win a double pass to this special Morning Melodies performance. ENTER NOW

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​Lightscape (until 2 Aug 2026). Step into a magical winter night trail where the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne transforms into an illuminated wonderland of glowing installations, music and immersive art, with a stunning after-dark journey through light, colour and nature. Tickets from $33. Read Kathy’s and Angie's reviews.​
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• ​Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy (until 4 Oct 2026). The first major Australian exhibition by acclaimed Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson features immersive video installations, music and theatre exploring love, melancholy and human connection. Highlights include the celebrated The Visitors and the Australian premiere of Sunday Without Love. NGV International. Tickets from $22.
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• ​Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky (9, 10 & 11 Jul 2026). This enchanting family-friendly production combines classical music and storytelling, bringing an imaginative Australian tale to life through performance.
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• ​Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu (9 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Sept 2026). Held monthly, contemporary, classic and documentary films on the big screen. ​Stay for snacks and a chat afterwards.
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• ​Melbourne Sake Festival (4 – 5 Jul 2026). Discover a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture at the Royal Exhibition Building with over 100 stalls, 400+ varieties of sake to taste, delicious food, cultural experiences and interactive workshops including guided tastings and masterclasses.
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• ​Beyond the Page Series (5 Aug – 3 Sep 2026). State Library Victoria’s Beyond the Page series brings together leading writers, journalists and health communicators for a trio of thought-provoking conversations. Highlights include Amy Remeikis with Hannah Ferguson (5 Aug), bestselling fantasy author Stacey McEwan with Dee Salmin (13 Aug), and Dr Norman Swan with Dr Preeya Alexander (3 Sep). Tickets on sale from $19 at slv.vic.gov.au.

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