Published: Last Updated:
Readtime: 8 min
Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here.
Another week down and we’re slowly edging towards the end of summer. This week, we’ve got our love goggles on, celebrating the most romantic day of the year with a few bubbles and a box or two of chocolates. That’s right; Valentine’s Day has finally arrived, and if you completely forgot about it or you find yourself without someone to spoil you, don’t stress. We’ve got a smattering of news stories to lift your spirits and get you in a good mood Here’s Feel-Good Friday for this week—Valentine’s edition.
Win Free Tickets to See BIRD and Support Youth Off The Streets
Academy Award-nominated actor Barry Keoghan’s new film, BIRD, is about to drop in cinemas and to celebrate the launch, the filmmakers have teamed up with an Aussie legend. The story of BIRD centres on a subsection of marginalised people who find themselves on the fringes of contemporary society, representing a powerful coming-of-age fable that rings undeniably true. Ahead of the film’s release, the creators of BIRD have joined forces with real-life services organisation Youth Off The Streets to help shed light on those in need.
The not-for-profit youth services organisation supports Australian children and young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Offering crisis accommodation and special assistance schooling for those whose needs aren’t met by mainstream schools, along with First Nations services, Youth Off The Streets is an organisation that is driven by the power of positive purpose—and you can get involved.
BIRD and Youth Off The Streets are giving away five double passes to see the new film, helping to spread the important message. For the chance to win tickets:
- 🐦 Follow @youthoffthestreets on Instagram
- 🐦 Like this post
- 🐦 Tag the person you’d like to take with you
Entries close on Sunday 23 February at 11:59pm, and winners will be contacted via Instagram DMs.
Join the BIG BOLD SWIM to Raise Awareness for Aussie Heroes
This March, you can help support some of the nation’s most important health workers simply by making a splash. The BIG BOLD SWIM officially kicks off in March to help raise awareness for lifesaving breast cancer research. With one in seven Australian women likely to face breast cancer in their lifetime, the research provided by Breast Cancer Trials is critical to our ongoing quest to find better treatments and prevention strategies. Best of all, you don’t have to be an Olympic-level athlete to help out.
Whether you’re a pool swimmer, beach lover, or just enjoy water activities, you can join the community fundraiser by partaking in one of the many mechanisms. To show your support, simply:
- Sign Up – Choose your swim distance (2km, 15km or 30km) and register: bigboldswim.com.au
- Fundraise – Spread the word and encourage others to participate. Every dollar makes a difference. Plus when you receive your first donation to support breast cancer research, you’ll receive a FREE swim cap for your challenge!
- Swim Big – Log your swims throughout March and achieve your goals.
Absolut X Returns to Sydney Mardi Gras 2025
Iconic drinks brand Absolut is returning to Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 2025, launching three major events across the fun-loving festival of representation and culture. Celebrating the past, present and future of inclusive nightlife in Australia, Absolut X will see a Stage at Fair Day, Absolut Presents: The Official Fair Day After Party at The Beresford, and the highly anticipated launch of Club Gras Presented by Absolut X at ivy.
Better still, Absolut has confirmed a new addition to the lineup, announcing Club Gras Presented by Absolut X at ivy on Wednesday, 26 February. A tribute to the roots of queer club culture, Club Gras kicks off at 9pm and goes well into the night, with sets by BASHKKA, CCL, Jennifer Loveless, Fried Pork Chop and more to be announced.
“For more than 50 years Absolut has stood alongside the LGBTQIA+ community – championing equal love, freedom of expression and the safe spaces that foster inclusivity,” Pernod Ricard Pacific’s marketing director, Kristy Rutherford said. “We are proud to be kicking off our sixth consecutive year of partnership with Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras bringing the Absolut X platform to life across some of the city’s finest nightlife institutions.”
Get Creative with Cheese and Bagels and You Could Win $2,000
Iconic cheese brand The Laughing Cow has teamed up with Kiwi bagel producer Abe’s Bagels for a bold new competition that promises to help one lucky winner stuck cheddar. The two culinary powerhouses are asking foodies across Australia and New Zealand to submit the most creative ways to combine the two products in unique and inspiring recipes.
From now until 3 March, entrants are encouraged to come up with innovative combos showcasing The Laughing Cow cheese on an Abe’s Bagel. The options are open, provided the final offering is “fun, tasty and uses no more than three additional ingredients”. People are then encouraged to give their creations a snappy name, photograph them and submit them by sending a direct message to the @thelaughingcowaunz Instagram.
The winning entry will score AUD$2,000 in cash and have their recipe showcased on “International Day of Happiness” on Thursday, 20 March, when 100 of the tasty offerings will be offered free to the public at popular Sydney café. The competition is running until 3 March, with a representative from The Laughing Cow and Abe’s joining Justine to judge on the panel. Winner will be announced the following week.
Gelato Messina is Giving Away SoySauce and Chilli Oil Gelato
Ever wondered what soy sauce gelato would taste like? Neither have we but that hasn’t stopped ice cream lords Gelato Messina from scooping it up. To celebrate the Lunar New Year, the brand has teamed up with iconic Asian food sauce brand Lee Kum Kee (LKK) to launch two limited-edition flavours celebrating a fusion of Chinese and Australian culture. The limited-edition Lunar New Year flavours:
- Soy Sauce Gelato (Caramel & soy sauce gelato with Premium Soy Sauce brownies): A decadent, smooth, sweet caramel gelato made with brownie chunks, crafted using Lee Kum Kee’s signature Premium Soy Sauce.
- Chilli Oil Gelato (Coconut & kaffir lime gelato with peanut topping and Chiu Chow Chili Oil peanut crisps): This refreshing coconut and kaffir lime gelato is a true Asian fusion creation. Spice lovers can dare to add an extra drizzle Lee Kum Kee’s classic
Best of all, Sydneysiders will be able to grab a complimentary scoop of these Asian fusion flavours for themselves at a Messina and Lee Kum Kee pop-up this weekend. Located at the QVB in Sydney’s CBD, you can score a free scoop of these delicious and surprising flavours on Saturday, 15 February, between 11:30 am-2:30pm.
El Jannah Resurrects EJ Bites Due to Popular Demand
The deliciousness of chicken can be harnessed in many different ways, but we’d argue its ultimate form is that of the fried and bite-sized variety. Pair that with the best garlic sauce ever conjured in Western Sydney, and you have a snack worthy of the gods.
That being the case, it was with considerable excitement that we received the news El Jannah would this week be responding to a flood of requests from the public to bring back its much-loved EJ Bites. These tender chicken pieces marinated in El Jannah’s signature spices and fried to crispy perfection are nothing short of perfection, particularly when paired with one of the iconic Aussie food chain’s incredible sauces, like the new loaded hommous, EJ chilli, or the aforementioned garlic masterclass.
Plus, at just AUD$6.50, it won’t break the bank to fill the chicken-shaped hole in your heart this Valentine’s Day.
Redefining Happy Hour: Free DJ Sets at Sunrise
In response to the changing habits of Aussies, who are more determined than ever to make the most of their mornings in 2025, Nespresso is taking over iconic spots in Sydney and Melbourne to host DJ sets from homegrown heroes Cosmo’s Midnight and Winston Surfshirt.
In addition to the early-morning tunes, those heading over to North Bondi Fish at Bondi Beach (7 am, Friday, 21 February) and Soundmerch in Collingwood (7 am, 28 February) will enjoy complimentary Nespresso iced coffees from the new Barista Creations for Ice range. Register via the link below to kick off your day the right way.
