This town's ‘bottom pub' is back open with big '70s energy and a committed young crew
Known as the 'bottom pub', the two-storey venue three hours from Melbourne closed in September and had been untouched for more than 30 years, according to new owner Dale Kemp.
In the four-month restoration, fake indoor plants were ditched – part of eight skips of rubbish cleared out – and black and grey paint was replaced with brown and cream. Green tartan carpet and amber bullion glass panels that channel the 1970s complete the cosy new look.
'It's really important when you walk into a pub, that you feel almost like you're at home,' Kemp says. 'The fire is going, you can hang out with friends, and have a conversation with the person behind the bar.'
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Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Perth Now
Modi to visit China for first time in seven years
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China for the first time in more than seven years, in a further sign of a diplomatic thaw with Beijing as tensions with the United States rise. Modi will go to China for a summit of the multilateral Shanghai Cooperation Organisation which begins on August 31, a government source, with direct knowledge of the matter, told Reuters. India's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. His trip will come at a time when India's relationship with the US faces its most serious crisis in years after US President Donald Trump imposed the highest tariffs among Asian peers on goods imported from India. Trump issued an executive order on Wednesday, imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on goods from India, saying the country directly or indirectly imported Russian oil. The penalties for buying Russian oil are part of US efforts to seek a last-minute breakthrough that will bring about a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. Trump's top diplomatic envoy, Steve Witkoff, is in Moscow, two days before the expiry of a deadline the president set for Russia to agree to peace in Ukraine or face new sanctions. Modi's visit to the Chinese city of Tianjin for the summit, a Eurasian political and security grouping that includes Russia, will be his first since June 2018. Subsequently, Sino-Indian ties deteriorated sharply after a military clash along their disputed Himalayan border in 2020. Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in Russia in October that led to a thaw. The giant Asian neighbours are now slowly defusing tensions that have hampered business relations and travel between the two countries. Trump has threatened to charge an additional 10 per cent tariff on imports from members of the BRICS group of major emerging economies for "aligning themselves with Anti-American policies". Meanwhile, India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is in Russia on a scheduled visit and is expected to discuss India's purchases of Russian oil in the wake of Trump's pressure on India to stop buying Russian crude, according to another government source, who also did not want to be named. Doval is likely to address India's defence cooperation with Russia, including obtaining faster access to pending exports to India of Moscow's S400 air defence system, and a possible visit by President Vladimir Putin to India. Doval's trip will be followed by Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in the weeks to come. US and Indian officials told Reuters a mix of political misjudgement, missed signals and bitterness scuttled trade deal negotiations between the world's biggest and fifth-largest economies, whose bilateral trade is worth over $US190 billion ($A293 billion). India expects Trump's crackdown could cost it a competitive advantage in about $US64 billion ($A99 billion) worth of goods sent to the US that account for 80 per cent of its total exports, four separate sources told Reuters, citing an internal government assessment. However, the relatively low share of exports in India's $US4 trillion ($ A$6.2 trillion) economy is expected to limit the direct impact on economic growth. On Wednesday, the Reserve Bank of India left its GDP growth forecast for the current April-March financial year unchanged at 6.5 per cent and held rates steady despite the tariff uncertainties.
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2026 MG 4 detailed: Softer front-wheel drive hatch to get semi-solid-state battery
More next-generation MG 4 information has been released, with the brand announcing Chinese-market pricing and specifications for the new electric hatchback that may be released in Australia. It's launching in China on September 5 with a choice of two lithium iron phosphate batteries, but MG has confirmed mass deliveries of a semi-solid-state battery option will commence sometime this year. Pricing will be announced in September, though LFP-powered versions are priced from between 73,800 and 105,800 RMB (~A$15,800 to $22,700). MG is calling it the first mass-produced semi-solid-state battery, and is claimed to offer superior low-temperature discharge power and energy retention to batteries from rival brands, while also remaining smoke- and fire-free even in rigorous 10-pin three-way puncture tests. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG 4. Click here to get a great deal. The company hasn't confirmed any specifications for this battery, but the entry-level 42.8kWh LFP battery offers 437km of range and energy efficiency of 10.4kWh/100km – both under the CLTC cycle. The 53.95kWh LFP battery bumps these numbers up to 530km and 11.4kWh/100km. MG says the new hatchback features "the only integrated thermal management system in its class", which it says utilises a "proprietary aluminium rare-earth alloy" and "breaks Tesla's patent monopoly, achieving the 'impossible triangle' of efficient, comfortable and stable thermal management". The MG 4 supports 2C ultra-fast charging, allowing the vehicle to be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes, and also features cell-to-body integration. All MG 4s use a front-mounted electric motor offering 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque, which means the new MG 4 is front-wheel drive – not rear-wheel drive like the existing MG 4 which, while axed in China, will live on in Australia. It also features MacPherson strut front suspension but a torsion beam rear, unlike the existing MG 4 which features multi-link independent rear suspension. Inside, there are 30 storage spaces, including a 98L concealed dry/wet separation storage space under the boot floor. Other handy features include soft-light mirrors up front "designed for women's makeup and touchups", a ventilated 50W wireless phone charger, and a 1.8m2 'king bed mode' when you drop the 60:40 rear seats. There's extensive use of "baby-grade, skin-friendly leather", and the interior can be had in Rose Purple or Dark Mountain Blue. A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, but a larger 15.6-inch unit brings MG x Oppo Smart Car Connectivity. The new MG 4 is the first vehicle to include Oppo's Smart Driving features, developed by the smartphone company and MG's parent SAIC Motor, allowing for greater integration between the vehicle and not only Oppo phones but also Huawei, Apple and Android devices. Available equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 256-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade. Down back, there's 471L of boot space, expanding to 1362L with the rear seats folded. The MG 4 measures 4395mm long, 1842mm wide, 1551mm tall and rides a 2750mm wheelbase. That makes it 108mm longer, 6mm wider and up to 47mm taller than the current MG 4, on a 45mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1415kg and 1485kg, and uses a different platform to the existing MG 4 and MG S5 EV which ride on the Modular Scalable Platform. There are 14 active safety features in total, and MG says there's a blind spot function for rainy and dark weather – likely the same Rainy Night Mode seen in the new IM5 and IM6. The new MG 4 has been spied testing locally, and MG has confirmed it's being evaluated for a local launch. "We have taken our evaluation of this new model to the next stage in our process. It is under serious consideration to join alongside our award winning MG4 range to best match technology to the evolving needs of Australian drivers and lifestyles," said an MG Motor Australia spokesperson. "The much loved current MG4 is not going anywhere. Further testing will be completed before a decision is reached around this new model in Australia." While this new model has confusingly been revealed as the new MG 4 in China – where the existing MG 4 is no longer available – it's almost certain to wear a different nameplate here. In late June, MG parent SAIC Motor applied to trademark the name MG 4 EV Urban with IP Australia. MG hasn't confirmed whether it will use this name, however, of the MG trademarks SAIC Motor has filed over the past five years, all bar one – the QS Plug-in Hybrid – has subsequently appeared on a vehicle in local showrooms. MORE: Explore the MG 4 showroom Content originally sourced from: More next-generation MG 4 information has been released, with the brand announcing Chinese-market pricing and specifications for the new electric hatchback that may be released in Australia. It's launching in China on September 5 with a choice of two lithium iron phosphate batteries, but MG has confirmed mass deliveries of a semi-solid-state battery option will commence sometime this year. Pricing will be announced in September, though LFP-powered versions are priced from between 73,800 and 105,800 RMB (~A$15,800 to $22,700). MG is calling it the first mass-produced semi-solid-state battery, and is claimed to offer superior low-temperature discharge power and energy retention to batteries from rival brands, while also remaining smoke- and fire-free even in rigorous 10-pin three-way puncture tests. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG 4. Click here to get a great deal. The company hasn't confirmed any specifications for this battery, but the entry-level 42.8kWh LFP battery offers 437km of range and energy efficiency of 10.4kWh/100km – both under the CLTC cycle. The 53.95kWh LFP battery bumps these numbers up to 530km and 11.4kWh/100km. MG says the new hatchback features "the only integrated thermal management system in its class", which it says utilises a "proprietary aluminium rare-earth alloy" and "breaks Tesla's patent monopoly, achieving the 'impossible triangle' of efficient, comfortable and stable thermal management". The MG 4 supports 2C ultra-fast charging, allowing the vehicle to be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes, and also features cell-to-body integration. All MG 4s use a front-mounted electric motor offering 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque, which means the new MG 4 is front-wheel drive – not rear-wheel drive like the existing MG 4 which, while axed in China, will live on in Australia. It also features MacPherson strut front suspension but a torsion beam rear, unlike the existing MG 4 which features multi-link independent rear suspension. Inside, there are 30 storage spaces, including a 98L concealed dry/wet separation storage space under the boot floor. Other handy features include soft-light mirrors up front "designed for women's makeup and touchups", a ventilated 50W wireless phone charger, and a 1.8m2 'king bed mode' when you drop the 60:40 rear seats. There's extensive use of "baby-grade, skin-friendly leather", and the interior can be had in Rose Purple or Dark Mountain Blue. A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, but a larger 15.6-inch unit brings MG x Oppo Smart Car Connectivity. The new MG 4 is the first vehicle to include Oppo's Smart Driving features, developed by the smartphone company and MG's parent SAIC Motor, allowing for greater integration between the vehicle and not only Oppo phones but also Huawei, Apple and Android devices. Available equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 256-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade. Down back, there's 471L of boot space, expanding to 1362L with the rear seats folded. The MG 4 measures 4395mm long, 1842mm wide, 1551mm tall and rides a 2750mm wheelbase. That makes it 108mm longer, 6mm wider and up to 47mm taller than the current MG 4, on a 45mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1415kg and 1485kg, and uses a different platform to the existing MG 4 and MG S5 EV which ride on the Modular Scalable Platform. There are 14 active safety features in total, and MG says there's a blind spot function for rainy and dark weather – likely the same Rainy Night Mode seen in the new IM5 and IM6. The new MG 4 has been spied testing locally, and MG has confirmed it's being evaluated for a local launch. "We have taken our evaluation of this new model to the next stage in our process. It is under serious consideration to join alongside our award winning MG4 range to best match technology to the evolving needs of Australian drivers and lifestyles," said an MG Motor Australia spokesperson. "The much loved current MG4 is not going anywhere. Further testing will be completed before a decision is reached around this new model in Australia." While this new model has confusingly been revealed as the new MG 4 in China – where the existing MG 4 is no longer available – it's almost certain to wear a different nameplate here. In late June, MG parent SAIC Motor applied to trademark the name MG 4 EV Urban with IP Australia. MG hasn't confirmed whether it will use this name, however, of the MG trademarks SAIC Motor has filed over the past five years, all bar one – the QS Plug-in Hybrid – has subsequently appeared on a vehicle in local showrooms. MORE: Explore the MG 4 showroom Content originally sourced from: More next-generation MG 4 information has been released, with the brand announcing Chinese-market pricing and specifications for the new electric hatchback that may be released in Australia. It's launching in China on September 5 with a choice of two lithium iron phosphate batteries, but MG has confirmed mass deliveries of a semi-solid-state battery option will commence sometime this year. Pricing will be announced in September, though LFP-powered versions are priced from between 73,800 and 105,800 RMB (~A$15,800 to $22,700). MG is calling it the first mass-produced semi-solid-state battery, and is claimed to offer superior low-temperature discharge power and energy retention to batteries from rival brands, while also remaining smoke- and fire-free even in rigorous 10-pin three-way puncture tests. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG 4. Click here to get a great deal. The company hasn't confirmed any specifications for this battery, but the entry-level 42.8kWh LFP battery offers 437km of range and energy efficiency of 10.4kWh/100km – both under the CLTC cycle. The 53.95kWh LFP battery bumps these numbers up to 530km and 11.4kWh/100km. MG says the new hatchback features "the only integrated thermal management system in its class", which it says utilises a "proprietary aluminium rare-earth alloy" and "breaks Tesla's patent monopoly, achieving the 'impossible triangle' of efficient, comfortable and stable thermal management". The MG 4 supports 2C ultra-fast charging, allowing the vehicle to be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes, and also features cell-to-body integration. All MG 4s use a front-mounted electric motor offering 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque, which means the new MG 4 is front-wheel drive – not rear-wheel drive like the existing MG 4 which, while axed in China, will live on in Australia. It also features MacPherson strut front suspension but a torsion beam rear, unlike the existing MG 4 which features multi-link independent rear suspension. Inside, there are 30 storage spaces, including a 98L concealed dry/wet separation storage space under the boot floor. Other handy features include soft-light mirrors up front "designed for women's makeup and touchups", a ventilated 50W wireless phone charger, and a 1.8m2 'king bed mode' when you drop the 60:40 rear seats. There's extensive use of "baby-grade, skin-friendly leather", and the interior can be had in Rose Purple or Dark Mountain Blue. A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, but a larger 15.6-inch unit brings MG x Oppo Smart Car Connectivity. The new MG 4 is the first vehicle to include Oppo's Smart Driving features, developed by the smartphone company and MG's parent SAIC Motor, allowing for greater integration between the vehicle and not only Oppo phones but also Huawei, Apple and Android devices. Available equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 256-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade. Down back, there's 471L of boot space, expanding to 1362L with the rear seats folded. The MG 4 measures 4395mm long, 1842mm wide, 1551mm tall and rides a 2750mm wheelbase. That makes it 108mm longer, 6mm wider and up to 47mm taller than the current MG 4, on a 45mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1415kg and 1485kg, and uses a different platform to the existing MG 4 and MG S5 EV which ride on the Modular Scalable Platform. There are 14 active safety features in total, and MG says there's a blind spot function for rainy and dark weather – likely the same Rainy Night Mode seen in the new IM5 and IM6. The new MG 4 has been spied testing locally, and MG has confirmed it's being evaluated for a local launch. "We have taken our evaluation of this new model to the next stage in our process. It is under serious consideration to join alongside our award winning MG4 range to best match technology to the evolving needs of Australian drivers and lifestyles," said an MG Motor Australia spokesperson. "The much loved current MG4 is not going anywhere. Further testing will be completed before a decision is reached around this new model in Australia." While this new model has confusingly been revealed as the new MG 4 in China – where the existing MG 4 is no longer available – it's almost certain to wear a different nameplate here. In late June, MG parent SAIC Motor applied to trademark the name MG 4 EV Urban with IP Australia. MG hasn't confirmed whether it will use this name, however, of the MG trademarks SAIC Motor has filed over the past five years, all bar one – the QS Plug-in Hybrid – has subsequently appeared on a vehicle in local showrooms. MORE: Explore the MG 4 showroom Content originally sourced from: More next-generation MG 4 information has been released, with the brand announcing Chinese-market pricing and specifications for the new electric hatchback that may be released in Australia. It's launching in China on September 5 with a choice of two lithium iron phosphate batteries, but MG has confirmed mass deliveries of a semi-solid-state battery option will commence sometime this year. Pricing will be announced in September, though LFP-powered versions are priced from between 73,800 and 105,800 RMB (~A$15,800 to $22,700). MG is calling it the first mass-produced semi-solid-state battery, and is claimed to offer superior low-temperature discharge power and energy retention to batteries from rival brands, while also remaining smoke- and fire-free even in rigorous 10-pin three-way puncture tests. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG 4. Click here to get a great deal. The company hasn't confirmed any specifications for this battery, but the entry-level 42.8kWh LFP battery offers 437km of range and energy efficiency of 10.4kWh/100km – both under the CLTC cycle. The 53.95kWh LFP battery bumps these numbers up to 530km and 11.4kWh/100km. MG says the new hatchback features "the only integrated thermal management system in its class", which it says utilises a "proprietary aluminium rare-earth alloy" and "breaks Tesla's patent monopoly, achieving the 'impossible triangle' of efficient, comfortable and stable thermal management". The MG 4 supports 2C ultra-fast charging, allowing the vehicle to be charged from 30 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes, and also features cell-to-body integration. All MG 4s use a front-mounted electric motor offering 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque, which means the new MG 4 is front-wheel drive – not rear-wheel drive like the existing MG 4 which, while axed in China, will live on in Australia. It also features MacPherson strut front suspension but a torsion beam rear, unlike the existing MG 4 which features multi-link independent rear suspension. Inside, there are 30 storage spaces, including a 98L concealed dry/wet separation storage space under the boot floor. Other handy features include soft-light mirrors up front "designed for women's makeup and touchups", a ventilated 50W wireless phone charger, and a 1.8m2 'king bed mode' when you drop the 60:40 rear seats. There's extensive use of "baby-grade, skin-friendly leather", and the interior can be had in Rose Purple or Dark Mountain Blue. A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, but a larger 15.6-inch unit brings MG x Oppo Smart Car Connectivity. The new MG 4 is the first vehicle to include Oppo's Smart Driving features, developed by the smartphone company and MG's parent SAIC Motor, allowing for greater integration between the vehicle and not only Oppo phones but also Huawei, Apple and Android devices. Available equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 256-colour ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof with power sunshade. Down back, there's 471L of boot space, expanding to 1362L with the rear seats folded. The MG 4 measures 4395mm long, 1842mm wide, 1551mm tall and rides a 2750mm wheelbase. That makes it 108mm longer, 6mm wider and up to 47mm taller than the current MG 4, on a 45mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1415kg and 1485kg, and uses a different platform to the existing MG 4 and MG S5 EV which ride on the Modular Scalable Platform. There are 14 active safety features in total, and MG says there's a blind spot function for rainy and dark weather – likely the same Rainy Night Mode seen in the new IM5 and IM6. The new MG 4 has been spied testing locally, and MG has confirmed it's being evaluated for a local launch. "We have taken our evaluation of this new model to the next stage in our process. It is under serious consideration to join alongside our award winning MG4 range to best match technology to the evolving needs of Australian drivers and lifestyles," said an MG Motor Australia spokesperson. "The much loved current MG4 is not going anywhere. Further testing will be completed before a decision is reached around this new model in Australia." While this new model has confusingly been revealed as the new MG 4 in China – where the existing MG 4 is no longer available – it's almost certain to wear a different nameplate here. In late June, MG parent SAIC Motor applied to trademark the name MG 4 EV Urban with IP Australia. MG hasn't confirmed whether it will use this name, however, of the MG trademarks SAIC Motor has filed over the past five years, all bar one – the QS Plug-in Hybrid – has subsequently appeared on a vehicle in local showrooms. MORE: Explore the MG 4 showroom Content originally sourced from:
AU Financial Review
12 hours ago
- AU Financial Review
Labor pushes for government stake in struggling smelters
The $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund could take major equity stakes or even controlling interests in troubled metal smelters as part of Labor's bid to tackle several crises that threaten to shut sites across the country. The future of about a dozen smelters and refineries – covering aluminium, lead, copper, and manganese – is under a cloud, with some already having closed their doors due to soaring power prices and trade distortions caused by Chinese competitors.
