April Fool roundup 2019: Sportsbet sponsors Opera House, Bauer’s budgie mag, $1 Brexit flash sale
It's that time of year again. Brands in Australia and beyond are releasing some questionable media releases, and we'd be fools not to share them. Spotted one we've not yet covered? Let us know in the comment thread. We will be adding to the list throughout the day.
Sportsbet and Sydney Opera House partner for three years
Sportsbet has announced a three-year agreement with the newly elected NSW Government to be an official naming rights sponsor of the Sydney Opera House.
Other sponsorships in the works are The Twelve Apostles in VIC, Great Barrier Reef in QLD and Uluru in the NT.
Bauer Media launches Take 5 Budgies & Puzzles
Bauer has taken the questionable step to release a special bird-themed edition of its Take 5 magazine, complete with articles such as “My Husband left me for another bird!”
Take 5 deputy editor Kate Kirsten said: “We’ve had to be cagey about hatching our plans in case anyone else swooped in. It’s a magazine with many tails to tell.” Bauer will be supporting the April 1st launch with a comprehensive twitter campaign.
Webjet offers to fly customers from Brexit Britain to Australia for $1
Webjet will be offering $1 flights from any UK city to Australia, in its Brexit flights flash sale. The flight retailer offered the following video as an example for why Brits might want to exit the country, sharpish.
Kathmandu starts stocking all-weather wedding dress
Kathmandu’s latest innovation involves an all-weather, all-terrain wedding dress for the over prepared bride.
“Designed with protection, adaptability and elegance in mind, the Kathmandu Adapt All-Weather Wedding Dress is packed with features.”
Wild Life Sydney Zoo launches bin chicken exhibit
Emma Malik, senior bin chicken keeper, said the decision to open the new display was a direct response to demand from guests: “We’re regularly asked by our international guests why we don’t have their favourite Australian animal, the majestic bin chicken here in the zoo for everyone to admire.
“Also known as the Australian White Ibis, we’ve been building a state of the art exhibit that will comfortably home five magnificent bin chickens. These include Wynston, Timothy and three females – with the aim to run a unique bin chicken breeding program. We’re absolutely delighted that the stars have aligned and we’ve able to meet the planned launch date of 1st April,” added Malik.
McDonald’s releases a McPickle Burger
For the lovers of the famous McDonald’s pickle, the fast food giant has just released a burger featuring “juicy, flavoursome pickles layered between melted cheese, ketchup sauce and toasted sesame seed buns.”
Google Maps plays Snake
With seven global locations on offer – including a slightly more functional Sydney Trains – Snake is now available through Google Maps
BMW launches shopping trolley assist
Led by its transformation subdivision located at its Mulgrave basement headquarters in Melbourne, consumer lifestyle engineers have spent the past 12 months integrating technology into the humble shopping trolley, including lane keeping assistant, speed limit information, cross-traffic warning and evasion aid.
ME launches limited edition fragrance: Cash™
ME today expanded its product offering with the launch of a limited edition fragrance, Cash™ – The Scent of Money. The bank developed the fragrance in response to the growing ‘wearables’ trend within the banking industry.
Contiki launches ContikiCam on all trips
According to Contiki:
ContikiCam™ is a discreet onboard camera that will capture traveller’s every move and allow friends and family to follow on, all from the comfort of their own home. With ContikiCam™, your nominated loved ones will be able to log into your live feed and follow your journey every step of the way!
One-hour burpee class at Fernwood Fitness
Fernwood Fitness have announced a one hour burpee class. Founder Diana Williams believes the class will prove popular among members, and will take the fitness world by storm: “We know how much our members love burpees, so we are delighted to offer this new group fitness class exclusively to Fernwood members.
“Our instructors are also developing their own style of burpee to include in Burpee Burner, which won’t be practiced anywhere else in the world.“In 2019, Fernwood is celebrating its 30th year, so I am pleased to see our group fitness instructors continue to challenge our members and lead the pack with class innovation.”
National Geographic reports super volcano interrupting Sydney infrastructure
A super volcano, lying beneath the surface of Sydney had brought the light rail and Westconnex projects to a halt.
Sparro introduces pick-your-own-pet buddy system for new employees
Sparro, a digital marketing agency based in Surry Hills, has recently introduced a pick-your-own-pet buddy system for fresh staff to help transition into their new roles. The system is also part of a larger initiative aimed towards improving office culture and overall mental health in the workplace.
Orange City Council announced it will be changing the town’s name to Pink
Orange, NSW has announced it will be changing its name to Pink from 1st October 2019.
Orange Mayor CR Reg Kidd said: “We’re already known throughout the country as Orange, so it’s not a big deal to make the switch to Pink. It’s only a few shade to the right on the colour spectrum.”
Jimmy Brings offers dog-friendly wine deliveries
Alcohol delivery service Jimmy Brings has launched its range of dog-friendly wines including Pooch Punch, Char-Dog-Nay, Paw-Secco and Pup Grigio.
Online retailer Yellow Octopus launches MagicMite spread
Yellow Octopus has revealed its cutting edge new product line MagicMite, a variety of fast food flavoured spreads including fried chicken, burger and fries, pizza and burrito.
“Never has the prospect of eating breakfast been so enticing. Never has toast sounded so disgustingly awesome.”
Wotif launches airline for tall people – Emu Airlines
Wotif is launching Emu Airlines, the world’s first airline catering exclusively to tall people. The offering includes “101.6cm of pitch between rows and extra tall seat backs with built-in travel pillows for neck support.”
Managing director of Wotif, Daniel Finch said: “Whether it’s having their knees crushed by the seat in front of them, having to fake-laugh at endless ‘You should have been a basketball player’ jokes, or being asked to put everyone’s bags in the overhead compartment, flying can be a real nightmare for our tall friends. Today, with Emu Airlines, Wotif says no more!”
Madame Tussauds Sydney adds to Australia’s collection of big things
Madame Tussauds has unveiled four potential additions to Australia’s collection of big things including Megan Gale at Pitt Street Mall, Ian Thorpe at Bondi Icebergs, Kylie Minogue at Taylor Square and Ray Meagher by The Sydney Opera House.
GoGet bans Leo star signs
From GoGet:
“A recent study of its members’ driving habits by star sign found Librans were the best drivers, while Leos broke the law more than any other sign. So effective today, GoGet has suspended all Leos from the service and will be notifying its members via social media.
“The data clearly shows Leos are 38% worse than Librans, and receive 11% more fines than the next worst sign, Pisces.”
Australia.com reveals a leopard printed koala
Audible releases Audible for Fish
Audible for Fish is a three-second audiobook for fish owners to play to keep their aquatic friends company when left at home.
Australia’s Bureau of Meterology recalibrates rainbows
According to BOM the new order of Rainbows will be blue, green, indigo, orange, red, violet, yellow.
Nando’s moves into cosmetics with Peri-plum lip kit
Nando’s has brought out its new range of cosmetics, the Peri-plump lip kit, designed to wear before a Nando’s meal for extra flavour.
The range comes in five flavours including BBQ, lemon and herb, mild, hot and xtra hot.
Heinz introduces Magic Beanz
Heinz has introduced an ‘eat and grow’ product initiative Magic Beanz which allows millennials to plant and grow their own beanz stalk.
“Magic Beanz is deliciously rich in tomato sauce and we believe this product will be a welcome addition to the supermarket aisle for our socially minded and green fingered consumers.”
Origin Energy embarks on a trip to the sun
“In order to capture the energy in its purest form, Origin engaged some of the world’s greatest engineers to head into space to carve off a bowling ball size of the sun – this alone will be enough to power the world for the next 60,000 years!”
Virgin Australia launches interstate food delivery service
Pedestrian TV reveals a scoop on a special press conference with PM
Hint: Look very carefully at the URL
Menulog introduces Menupet service
Menupet is offers the widest range of pet foods for all breeds and species available for delivery.
NSW Police introduce cats to the force
The new Police Cats will be involved in pest control, customer service and providing care and companionship to officers.
Jetstar starts flying to Laerton Island
We’re excited to announce the launch of direct flights from Melbourne to.. Laerton Island!
Just off the west coast of Tasmania, Laerton Island is a supercharged Tassie, in miniature.
For more details on how you can be on the inaugural flight, visit: https://t.co/6e5GTdLYze pic.twitter.com/CvNSrHa8ZE
— Jetstar Airways (@JetstarAirways) March 31, 2019
Meditation app Smiling Mind wants you to be mindful of your dogs
The new function of the Smiling Mind app involves a mediation session for your favourite furry friends.
IntelligenceBank launches creative feedback chatbot
The chatbot AInsley uses machine learning technology to interpret creative project feedback and automatically apply the changes without the need for a designer.
“It’s an age-old problem, clients give vague feedback, creative agencies waste time trying to interpret the feedback and everyone gets frustrated,” InteligenceBank CEO Tessa Court said. “So, we analysed thousands of feedback conversations through our platform to decipher the real meaning behind phrases like, ‘Just have fun with it’, ‘Can we have two headlines’, ‘I may draw it myself instead’ and ‘Can you make it more punchy?’.”
Youfoodz caters to kids with new Kidfoodz menu options
The latest menu options consist of Nuggz ‘N’ Sauce, Little Franks and Unicorn Bread.
“Youfoodz head chef James ‘Jimmy’ Delmo spent more than six months workshopping the flavour profiles with everyday kids to ensure it would impress even the most discerning food critics, who might be small in stature but come with big expectations.”
Lovatts launches emoji puzzle book
Crossword and puzzle book publisher Lovatts has revealed its first emoji-only book.
A statement from Lovatts said: “Language evolves. And we evolve with it. The past decade has seen an explosion of ideograms and smileys to the point where they are often entirely replacing the words that once represented our language. In response to this we are excited to announce the launch of our latest magazine, Handy Emojis.”
Travelodge offers discounts for room sharing
Travelodge hotels has announced its ‘Bedshare service’ which offers a 50 per cent discount for sharing a room and amenities with another guest.
Mutiny founder and chief strategy officer announces finance branch
Nova announces ‘interactive listening experience’
This morning Nova Brisbane’s breakfast program – Ash, Kip and Luttsy with Susie O’Neill – announced the interactive listening experience to become available on the app.
Listeners were told speaking into the microphone on their phone would connect directly to the program.
Monteith seeks US Seal of Approval for new brew
In launching their new beer, Patriot American Pale Ale, Monteiths reached out to the US embassy to legitimise its latest offering.
“Dan Wright, ECD at Colenso BBDO, commented “It’s a seriously American Pale Ale,” whilst wearing nothing but an Uncle Sam hat and matching speedos.”
Jarbra launches Earbuddy
Jarbra has unveiled its new headphones, capable of being shared with a friend, the Earbuddy.
Sydney Brewing Company cooks up a liquid lunch
Lee Lin Chin becomes ABC Managing Director
TV Tonight reports that secret meetings have occurred between Lee Lin Chin and ABC Chair Ita Buttrose, with the latter appointing her as managing director.
Ita Buttrose to appoint Lee Lin Chin as ABC boss #ManaChinDirector https://t.co/Gc8L3dUIyX pic.twitter.com/PeYJjIy9Yn
— TV Tonight Australia (@tvtonightau) March 31, 2019
UNSW introduces the Water Works Project
UNSW is helping students cut down their travel time from upper to lower campus, researching a waterslide option.
Courses.com.au offers Medieval University courses
Online course directory Courses.com.au is offering Medieval University courses. The university provides the best education in fields such as Regicide, Jousting and Dragon Riding. Take the enrolment quiz online here.
Shutterstock to build bricks and mortar library
From Shutterstock:
“Just as leading digital companies like Amazon and Warby Parker have created immersive brick-and-mortar experiences to complement and integrate with their web and mobile versions, Shutterstock today joins their ranks,” said Jon Oringer, Founder and CEO of Shutterstock. “Our research has shown that to ensure that we’re delighting people at every step of the customer journey, there are parts of the experience that need to be in the physical world. We want to serve our customers in an omnichannel way, because that’s what customers expect. Sometimes innovation means moving backwards, bringing the digital world into the real world.”
View Mumbrella’s previous April Fool roundups:
- Mumbrella’s 2018 April Fool roundup
- Mumbrella’s 2017 April Fool roundup
- Mumbrella’s 2016 April Fool roundup
- Mumbrella’s 2015 April Fool roundup
- Mumbrella’s 2014 April Fool roundup
- Mumbrella’s 2013 April Fool roundup
- Mumbrella’s 2012 April Fool roundup
- Mumbrella’s 2011 April Fool roundup
- Mumbrella’s 2010 April Fool roundup
- Mumbrella’s 2009 April Fool roundup
Sylvanian Families April fools joke :
https://www.facebook.com/211055436028845/posts/620595268408191?sfns=mo
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Dare Iced Coffee with no added sugar – real or prank?
https://www.facebook.com/dareicedcoffee/videos/1363973163744260/
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I’ve just seen this morning that Lovatts have announced the launch of a puzzle mag entirely devoted to Emojis. I’ve no idea how an emoji crossword would work, but it got me laughing!
They posted it on Facebook toohttps://facebook.com/Lovatts/posts/10157288368570407
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Travel Money Oz released new currency for the Brexit transition period – the pouro.
https://www.travelmoneyoz.com/blog/news-other/breaking-news-new-currency-announced-brexit-transition-period
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Sydney Brewing
https://www.facebook.com/SydneyBrewery/photos/a.146432102177182/1334401230046924/?type=3&theater
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April Fool’s by National Geographic Australia – “Mighty Super Volcano Lies Beneath Sydney” delays to light rail and Westconnex.
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Breaking: New MD at the ABC
https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/04/ita-buttrose-to-appoint-lee-lin-chin-as-abc-boss.html
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Jetstar launches direct flights to a little known island off the coast of Tassie …
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I love the meditation for dogs by Smiling Mind and Tom & Captain! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtfXTBgpw_E
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April Fool’s by National Geographic Australia – “Mighty Super Volcano Lies Beneath Sydney” delays to light rail and Westconnex.
Also going nuts on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natgeoau
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Saw this on RedBalloon this morning, but pretty sure it’s a prank…Return hot air balloon flights!
https://www.redballoon.com.au/product/return-hot-air-balloon-flight-from-sydney-to-melbourne/FRM3361003-M.html
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I also saw the Emoji Crossword, had a bit of a giggle.
https://www.facebook.com/Lovatts/posts/10157288368570407
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University of NSW Water Works Project (UNSWww) the new fast way to get from the upper to the lower campus
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6518251330002391040
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Kathmandu’s wedding dress April fool joke
https://www.kathmandu.co.nz/all-weather-wedding-dress
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Excellent Jackie Chan collections on SBS On Demand..
https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/
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Wrong National Geographic link, that was last year 🙂 here is this year’s April Fools – https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/australia/mighty-super-volcano-lies-beneath-sydney.aspx
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Canon has released an avocado on toast mode on it’s latest camera!
https://facebook.com/canonaustralia
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Secret plan to replace Eddie with Fitzy on Triple M Melbourne.
https://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/breaking-fitzy-replace-eddie-triple-m
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Atkins, the low carb experts, new product alert haha! https://www.facebook.com/AtkinsAU/photos/a.1378501599139513/2325356054454058/?type=3&permPage=1
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Kevin O’leary hired as General Manager –
https://prosperitymedia.com.au/prosperity-media-hires-kevin-oleary-as-general-manager/
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Here is our little April Fools prank on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6518263036149530624/
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Nothing beats this…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsM6nbDI9u/
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VB launch a cans that open silently, specially designed for inner-city pubs facing noise restrictions from property investors:
https://www.facebook.com/VB/posts/10155765662822134g&__tn__=-R
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Memo to marketers everywhere: please just stop with the April fools stuff. Just stop. These aren’t funny. They’re just lame, pathetic and transparent.
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Bin Chicken Energy? Powerclubs CEO gets involved
https://www.facebook.com/PowerclubAustralia/photos/a.1434685109967209/1614458065323245/?type=3&theater
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Worse than the yawn-inducing pointlessness is the likes of Origin Energy spending cash on such a jolly entertaining ‘joke’ about a solar initiative while continuing to fund and operate coal seam gas extraction projects at a rate of knots. Hilarious.
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Hear hear – who has time to make this stuff up?
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Visa ‘Pay with Woof’
https://www.facebook.com/VisaAU/videos/2131171850271823/
Using a cute pooch is a good attempt to sway me into believing a prank, and Visa has somehow figured that one out. Using Oscar the Welsh Terrier to introduce the ‘Pay With Woof’ technology, it’s one of the more dubious-but-adorable gags this year.
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