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News.com.au
14 minutes ago
- News.com.au
‘Just 1 point': Insane airline event is back
Virgin Australia's 1 Points store was so popular in Melbourne 2023 they had to hire extra security to make sure the long queues didn't block traffic. Off the back of its success, it's now popping up across the country with Sydney the first to kick things off with a store on Pitt Street on Friday (August 22), followed by Brisbane (September 5) and Melbourne (September 19). The stores will be filled with premium brands from Dyson to Bose, to designer fragrances that can be redeemed for just 1 point. Yes, just 1 point. But the catch is, Velocity members must get in quick as the airline hasn't disclosed how many of each product there is. 'It was an amazing day in Melbourne two years ago. We had a queue that long we had to hire extra security guards just to make sure we didn't block traffic,' Nick Rohrlach, CEO of Velocity Frequent Flyer, told 'There was so many people there, it was a huge reaction. Now it's even bigger – we're doing Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – starting off with Sydney this Friday.' Mr Rohrlach reiterated that for 'literally one point' members can come into the store and redeem products and mystery prizes including flights. 'The only catch is you've got to get here early – history will suggest the most popular items sell out super fast,' he told 'There's multiple (of each product), but we won't say how many.' They include Dyson Airwrap™ multi-stylers, WellCare LED Face Masks, Prada Paradoxe and Burberry Hero fragrances, Bose QuietComfort headphones and Virgin Australia flights and Lounge access. Part of Velocity's mission to get Aussies to rewards faster and with 59 per cent of loyalty program members seeking more achievable rewards, the airline said the pop-up highlights just how easily everyday spending can unlock great rewards, a welcome boost for households navigating cost-of-living pressures. 'Right now times are still a little tough, cost of living is still really biting and so people can be savvy and use loyalty programs to get greater value,' Mr Rohrlach said. 'We have seen that across the board and also why our program has grown so fast across the years.' Mr Rohrlach said some loyalty programs you save up for years and you're not sure what you're going to get but it's not the case with Velocity. 'Velocity has always stood for really great value and try to be fast,' he said. 'For example, we lowered our price from Sydney to Melbourne – redemptions are just 5900 points and this rewards store is just to remind people that for as little as a point, this is what you can get. 'A family holiday from Sydney to the Gold Coast is 5900 points. If you have a look at the other guys, they actually just put up their prices, so people can see that value difference.' How it works Virgin cabin crew will be on hand to guide members, alongside live DJ sets to keep the energy high. Doors will open 8am in each city. Redeem 1 reward per member, per location. Just 1 Point is deducted from your Velocity member account in-store. No Points? No problem. Virgin crew will help you earn on the spot. Virgin Points partners include 7-Eleven, AGL, DiDi and DoorDash.
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- News.com.au
New $60m Mambourin shopping centre reveals major retailers
Well-known food chains and a Coles supermarket will be among the retailers at a new $60m shopping centre in Melbourne's west set to open next month. The 7500sq m Mambourin Marketplace on Delama Blvd is slated to launch in September 2025. The Frasers Property Australia project is being built in the suburb of Mambourin, about 7km from Werribee. Joining the Coles will be a range of specialty stores including health and medical offerings like Plus Fitness, Beauty Canvas, Will's Nails & Beauty, Choice Pharmacy and a Doctors & Co medical centre. Fresh food options will include the Grace Oz Grocery, Mambourin Meat & Fish and Mambourin Fruit and Veg. Other retailers on the list are Sarnandoz Barber, Fantastic Variety, Blue Hippo Laundry, Mambourin Marketplace Lotto and My Fone Repairs. And hospitality outlets Naturals Street Kitchen, François, Burger Point, Smokin' Joes Pizza & Pasta, Flappy's Fried Chicken and Sushi Hub will provide a range of dining options. Flappy's, based in Sydney, is a family-run eatery specialising in Louisiana-style fried chicken. The restaurants became famous in NSW after a video of its sauce went viral in 2023, prompting foodies from interstate and even overseas to visit. The Mambourin store will be Flappy's first Victorian outlet, while the cafe François already has bases at Westfield Fountain Gate and Eastland. Run by hospitality expert James Meunier and his long-term business partner Vyvy, it offers beverages including coffee, plus sandwiches, New York-style bagels, pastries and desserts. Mr Meunier said he and his family were local to the Mambourin area. 'I've watched the Mambourin community grow and I've seen first-hand the progress of the new neighbourhood shopping centre,' Mr Meunier said. 'There's no other coffee offer like François in this part of the western suburbs so we're looking forward to bringing great coffee and food, generous service and some real European flair to the local community.' The marketplace will also feature a landscaped children's play area surrounded by greenery and seating for parents, near the outdoor dining area. Frasers Property Australia development director Thomas Rethati said the retailers at Mambourin Marketplace would celebrate the area's different flavours. 'Mambourin Marketplace will serve as a dynamic hub where residents can connect, discover authentic experiences, and enjoy the distinct character that only a community-driven shopping centre can provide,' Mr Rethati added.
News.com.au
8 hours ago
- News.com.au
AFL star Darcy Tucker's $350k St Kilda East property play
Bayside-style living without the bayside price tag has made St Kilda East the perfect match for North Melbourne player Darcy Tucker and his partner Ellie Morish. Tucker, 27, joined North Melbourne in 2023 after 108 games with Fremantle, having been drafted at pick 27 in the 2015 national draft. The versatile defender made his AFL debut in 2016 and has since built a reputation for his consistency, toughness and ability to shut down dangerous opponents. Shock reason two-bed unit had buyers fly in The couple moved into the inner-city suburb after six months of searching, drawn by its unbeatable location and a price tag almost $350,000 lower than neighbouring bayside postcodes and said it's all about location. 'We're right in the middle of everything, a short stroll to Chapel St, High St, some of the best restaurants in Melbourne,' they said. 'The centrality is unbeatable.' Having lived in Albert Park for years, Ellie said she was well aware of the gap in values between St Kilda East and similar suburbs. 'I track the market very closely so I knew exactly what we were stepping into,' she said. 'We bought an architecturally designed Victorian home that's brand new and finished without compromise. 'In Albert Park or Prahran, something similar would be hundreds of thousands more.' For Darcy, the move also made sense from a practical perspective with the drive to Arden St quicker than when the couple was in Albert Park. 'Public transport here is excellent too, when the Metro Tunnel opens, he could even take a train straight across the city if he wanted to Arden.' The pair have quickly settled into the community, with the couple agreeing Alma Park 'the best dog park in Melbourne. 'It's just five minutes from home we also take regular visits to our local favourite The Wall on Carlisle Street for coffee,' Ellie said. 'Darcy's away a lot with football and I've never felt unsafe here. And with Melbourne tipped for a market upswing in the coming years, she expects St Kilda East's time could be soon. 'When Prahran and Armadale get to that point where buyers are priced out, they'll come here,' Ellie said. 'We're a long way off upsizing, but I know when the market catches on, this will be the perfect springboard for our next property.'
