Halloween lands on a SaturdayCup Day sweep seasonClick Frenzy, 27–30 OctoberVilla vs houseThrowback fortnightChristmas has clocked onSocial, not sloshedPurple patchCalled it too early? October's Aussie memes, explained
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Monthly series · October 2026

The Monthly Shake

Called it too early? October's Aussie memes, explained

Three Aussie formats from the footy, the café counter and the clock change, with who has already used them and a safe version for your shop.

  1. Calling it too early (the Grand Final "reverse card")
  2. "Why do Aussie cafés close at 2pm?"
  3. Queensland's on cow time
Read this month’s Shake

Coming up on the menu

The next two weeks. Times AEDT unless noted. Full 12-month calendar →

Now – 7 NovJacarandas

Grafton's festival is on; the season usually runs into early November

Mon26 Oct

Love Island AU (Nine) and Big Brother (10) both premiere

Tue – Fri27–30 Oct

Click Frenzy Main Event, from 7pm AEDT Tue (6pm in Qld)

Sat31 Oct

Halloween, on a weekend this year

Tue3 Nov

Melbourne Cup. Public holiday in most of Victoria (some regional areas swap it), not elsewhere

Scraps · small bits worth grabbing

  • Nominate your local. Carlton Draught asked Victorians to nominate their most legendary pub in 50 words. Copy the mechanic, small: "Tell us about your favourite regular in 50 words." The winner's name goes on the chalkboard for a month. Skill-based entries are simpler than lucky draws, but check your state's trade-promotion rules and get consent before you post anyone's name. B&T, 23 Oct
  • Latte lacquer. Pinterest's beauty report says searches for caramel nude nails rose 943%. That's a global figure, not Australian. Nail bar next to a café? Shoot the nails next to the flat white. Pedestrian.TV, 8 Oct

One thing to learn from

Going live? Check the room first

B&T reports that a Perth activewear label apologised after a slur was heard off camera during a TikTok Live, and its first explanation drew more backlash. The takeaway for any small business: before you go live, check who's in the room and what's in shot. If something goes wrong, own it straight away.

Source: B&T, 23 Oct

Community · The counter

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The Friday Shake

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Chicken salt, obviously. One email every Friday arvo: the trends worth knowing, who has already used them, and how a small business can make its own version. Free.

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