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Free Community Workshops in Spring Hill Aim to Boost Women’s Leadership and Job Readiness

A movement to uplift women from diverse cultural backgrounds is gaining momentum as the Women’s Mentoring Foundation (WMF) prepares to host two free workshops in Spring Hill, aimed at helping participants build confidence, develop job-readiness skills, and strengthen community bonds.

The sessions will take place at the MCCQ Office on Wickham Terrace and are supported by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, highlighting the importance of collaboration in fostering inclusion and opportunity for women across Brisbane’s multicultural communities.

Event Details and Purpose

The workshops, to be held on Wednesday, 1 October, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, 4 October, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., are free to attend and include light refreshments.

The first session, Employment Readiness and Confidence, will focus on developing essential workplace skills such as résumé writing, interview techniques, and communication strategies. The second session, Self-Leadership and Cultural Inclusion, will help participants strengthen their leadership abilities while celebrating the value of cultural diversity within their communities.

These initiatives are designed not only to support women in finding meaningful employment but also to promote resilience and self-leadership through mentorship and shared experiences.

According to WMF’s Business Development Manager, Julia Lewis, the goal is to create a safe, encouraging space for women to connect and learn from one another, fostering both professional growth and community engagement.

Community Impact and Support

Through the support of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, the foundation has been able to deliver inclusive programs that bring together women of all ages and backgrounds. The WMF has long been recognised for empowering women who may face barriers to employment or social participation, helping them build confidence and purpose. These free workshops are another step in that mission, ensuring accessibility to vital resources that might otherwise be out of reach.

Participants are encouraged to register early through Humanitix, as places are limited. More information can be found by contacting WMF at info@womensmentoringfoundation.com or 0497 998 829.

About the Foundation

Founded on the belief that every woman deserves the opportunity to thrive, the Women’s Mentoring Foundation focuses on personal development, mental wellbeing, and leadership. By combining peer mentoring with practical skill-building, the foundation has supported hundreds of women to rebuild their confidence and re-enter the workforce. Their work continues to strengthen community ties and promote a culture of shared growth across Brisbane and beyond.

Published 19-Sept-2025

Archbishop Shane Mackinlay Installed in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/Facebook

Archbishop Shane Mackinlay was installed as the new Archbishop of Brisbane at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Fortitude Valley, with more than 1000 people and 200 clergy in attendance.

Installation Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral

The Solemn Mass and Liturgical reception on 11 September 2025 marked the official beginning of Archbishop Mackinlay’s ministry in Brisbane. The Cathedral Choir, Cathedral Schola and St Stephen’s Brass were part of the celebration, contributing to the music throughout the liturgy.

Over 1000 attendees, including around 200 clergy, gathered at the Cathedral for the occasion. The Mass was also livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

*Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/Facebook*

First homily as Archbishop

In his first homily, Archbishop Mackinlay expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he had received from the people of Brisbane. He also acknowledged the diocese he was leaving, thanking the people of Sandhurst for their support over the past six years.

He noted that several Sandhurst clergy were present at the Mass, with others watching the livestream from Victoria.

*Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/Facebook*

Career and Background

Shane Mackinlay was appointed Archbishop of Brisbane by Pope Leo XIV on 18 June 2025, following six years as Bishop of Sandhurst. Born in Brunswick, Melbourne, in 1965, he was ordained a priest in 1991 and later served as Master of Catholic Theological College in Melbourne from 2010 to 2019.

He was consecrated a bishop in 2019 and installed as Bishop of Sandhurst that same year. His academic background includes theology, physics, and a doctorate in philosophy.

Community Reception

Following the ceremony, refreshments were served in the grounds of St Stephen’s Cathedral, where Archbishop Mackinlay greeted parishioners, clergy and visitors, many of whom were eager to meet him personally and take photographs.

The event marks a significant transition for the Brisbane Archdiocese, with Archbishop Mackinlay becoming its eighth leader since the role was elevated to Archbishop in 1887.

Published 18-Sep-2025

QUT Researchers Help Uncover Strongest Evidence Yet of Life on Mars

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers are part of an international team behind what could be the most compelling evidence of life beyond Earth, after NASA’s Perseverance rover identified promising signs in a rock sample from Mars.

Read: QUT Robotics Director Honoured for Global Mentoring Impact

The rover, exploring Jezero Crater, collected a specimen that showed minuscule “leopard spot” markings containing two iron-rich minerals: vivianite and greigite. On Earth, both of these are typically linked to microbial activity, making the discovery one of the clearest bio-signatures yet reported on the red planet.

Associate Professor David Flannery, an astrobiologist from QUT, was among the 89 co-authors of the peer-reviewed paper published in Nature. He explained that the rock held exactly the kind of features scientists had long hoped to find on Mars. According to Flannery, these characteristics could point to signs of microbial life in the planet’s subsurface — a breakthrough many researchers have been waiting for.

The findings raise exciting questions about whether life may have evolved independently on Mars or whether it might have been transported between planets in the distant past. Another possibility is that Mars has its own distinct carbon cycle unrelated to life, something only closer study of the samples on Earth can reveal.

Bringing those samples back, however, remains a challenge. The Mars Sample Return program faces uncertainty following major cuts to NASA’s budget, and the timing of the mission is unclear. Until then, researchers can only analyse the data remotely.

Despite the obstacles, the discovery has reinvigorated discussion about the potential for life still existing beneath Mars’ surface. While the surface is now too cold and dry to support living organisms, Flannery noted that subsurface aquifers could provide a more hospitable environment, similar to how microbes survive deep underground on Earth.

QUT has played a vital role in this mission beyond supplying scientists. The university helped design and build the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL), one of the seven instruments on the Perseverance rover. QUT experts also created PIXLISE, the software used by NASA scientists to interpret the rover’s findings.

Read: QUT Scientist Dr Brett Lewis Develops New Coral Restoration Tech

For now, the Martian rock provides tantalising evidence — not a final answer — in humanity’s quest to know whether we are alone in the universe. But thanks to contributions from Queensland researchers, the possibility of life on Mars feels closer than ever.

Published 17-September-2025

Fortitude Music Hall Welcomes Kate Ceberano’s Australian Made Tour

Photo Credit: Kate Ceberano Official Site

Australia’s own Kate Ceberano will take centre stage in Fortitude Valley as she brings her acclaimed Australian Made Tour to the Fortitude Music Hall. The performance marks one of only a handful of metro shows added after all 21 regional stops sold out earlier this year, underscoring her enduring connection with audiences across the country.

A milestone moment in Brisbane

The Brisbane show takes place on Saturday, 20 September, just one night after Ceberano’s Melbourne date at Hamer Hall. Adelaide will also host a stop in October. The decision to include major city venues came after demand from fans exceeded expectations. For Brisbane, it is more than a concert—it is a community celebration at one of the Valley’s most significant live music venues.

Ceberano said the Australian Made Tour allows her to reflect on four decades of music while spotlighting songs that helped shape her own artistry. The performance offers not only her best-known hits but also fresh interpretations of classic tracks from Australian bands and songwriters. For many long-time followers, the concert presents a chance to revisit the soundtrack of their lives, reimagined through Ceberano’s distinctive voice.

A voice that shaped Australian music

With 11 platinum albums, eight gold albums, and more than 6,000 live performances, Ceberano has become one of Australia’s most recognisable and influential performers. Her early career took off with the 1986–87 Australian Made Tour, where she performed alongside acts including INXS, Jimmy Barnes and Divinyls. That tour became a defining moment for the local industry, showcasing the power of homegrown talent on a national stage.

Returning nearly 40 years later to a project inspired by that original tour, Ceberano brings a contemporary perspective. Her set blends her own chart successes with reimagined versions of Australian classics by Silverchair, The Church and Bernard Fanning. The combination reinforces her place not only as a performer of her own catalogue but also as an interpreter of the country’s wider musical heritage.

Kate Ceberano Australian Made Live! — *Photo Credit: Kate Ceberano Official Site*

Her career is marked by versatility. From her pop breakthrough Brave to jazz collaborations and orchestral projects such as My Life Is A Symphony, Ceberano has moved between genres without losing her distinctive style. Along the way, she has earned four ARIA Awards, a spot in the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and wide recognition as both a singer and songwriter.

Sharing the stage

On the current tour, Ceberano is joined by guitarist and vocalist Harts, a musician mentored by Prince, whose influence can be heard in his style. He contributes not just as a collaborator but as part of the creative force on stage. Also featured is Kathleen Halloran, an emerging guitarist whose skill has been gaining national attention. Halloran not only performs alongside Ceberano but also steps forward as the support act, providing audiences with a strong sense of continuity across the evening.

The inclusion of both musicians reflects Ceberano’s reputation for encouraging and highlighting new talent while maintaining her own established voice. Their presence brings added depth to the performance, ensuring that the Brisbane audience experiences a mix of generational perspectives in Australian music.

Continuing a legacy

The Fortitude Valley performance comes as Ceberano releases her Australian Made – Live album, building on the momentum of recent national tours. In 2023, she toured with a full orchestra for My Life Is A Symphony, while in 2024 she performed with Jon Stevens on Superstars Live. These projects, combined with her current run, highlight her ability to reimagine her career while continuing to draw in new listeners.

Her return to Fortitude Valley is also significant for the local community. The area is known for its strong live music culture, and hosting an artist with such longevity reinforces its role as a central hub for performance in Queensland. For fans attending on Saturday, it will be a night that links local venues to a broader national story of music-making.

Tickets for the Brisbane show remain available through Kate Ceberano’s official website and the Fortitude Music Hall. For many in Fortitude Valley, the concert is not just another tour stop but a chance to witness one of the country’s most enduring voices return to the stage in a familiar setting.

Published 17-Sept-2025

Riverstage Upgrade Plans in Brisbane CBD Move Forward

Photo Credit: BCC

Riverstage in Brisbane CBD is set for a multimillion-dollar upgrade, with private operators invited from 22 September 2025 to invest under a long-term lease arrangement.

Background and Context

Riverstage, located behind the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, opened in 1989 as part of Brisbane’s cultural legacy following Expo ’88. It has since hosted leading local and international performers including Powderfinger, Lorde, Benson Boone and Teddy Swims. In the past financial year, 38 events drew about 245,000 attendees.

Riverstage upgrade — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Planned Upgrade

Council confirmed on 2 September 2025 that an expression of interest campaign will open on 22 September 2025. The process will seek proposals from experienced operators to deliver significant investment in Riverstage. The venue will remain in public ownership while being leased to a private partner for operation.

Planned upgrades include new and improved facilities and advanced sound management systems designed to address noise impacts. The upgrade is being positioned as part of Brisbane’s preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when the city will require more world-class venues.

Industry Interest

Construction leader Scott Hutchinson, who helped develop Fortitude Music Hall, has expressed interest in taking on the project. Earlier this year, he suggested a $50 million investment could deliver a roof over the stage area, soundproofing to minimise noise reaching surrounding areas, and a cover for around 3,000 people at the front of the venue. He also raised issues such as resident noise complaints and ticket resellers using bots to secure large portions of tickets, leading to quick sell-outs for major acts.

Riverstage Brisbane — *Photo Credi: Google Maps*

Public-Private Model

The funding approach follows a model in which private investment is exchanged for a long-term lease. This arrangement has been promoted as a way of upgrading facilities without direct cost to residents, while allowing public funds to focus on transport, parks and road projects.

Community and Cultural Impact

Industry organisations have welcomed the upgrade. Economic and cultural leaders said it would attract international acts, create more opportunities for local performers, and strengthen Brisbane’s standing as an events destination. They noted Riverstage’s role as a lasting cultural venue since Expo ’88 and emphasised that investment is needed to make it more accessible and suitable year-round.

Looking Ahead

By 2032, Brisbane is expected to have both a new indoor arena at the Gabba and an upgraded Riverstage, enhancing the city’s capacity to host large-scale entertainment and cultural events. The outcome of the expressions of interest process later this year will determine the future operator and the scope of the redevelopment.

Published 13-Sep-2025

St James College Shines as National Runners-Up in Netball Debut

Photo Credit: schoolsinactionau/instagram

St James College has made its mark on the national stage, finishing as runners-up in its first appearance at the National All Schools Netball Challenge in Adelaide.

Strong Debut in Adelaide

The competition, held in early September 2025, brought together school teams from across Australia. St James College entered the Year 9 and 10 High Performance division and quickly impressed.

*Photo Credit: schoolsinactionau/instagram*

The team won all six of its round robin matches, topping the ladder before moving into finals.

Road to the Final

After dominating the preliminary rounds, St James College faced St Aloysius College from Tasmania in the semifinals.

A hard-fought victory secured their place in the grand final against Catherine McAuley College from Bendigo. Despite a strong effort, the Brisbane side fell short, placing second in the division.

Teamwork and Support

Staff described the group’s success as the result of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Sports Development Officer Eliza Hoelscher praised the team’s effort and said the players set a high standard for the college’s first appearance at the event.

Coaches and support staff, including Tia Parker and Evonne Tolo, were acknowledged for guiding the squad through interstate competition.

Local Impact

The achievement has brought pride to the Fortitude Valley and Spring Hill community, where the college is based. Some students were travelling interstate for the first time, and their experience competing at a national level reflected the college’s commitment to providing opportunities beyond the classroom.

The school community has celebrated the result and is looking ahead to a stronger return in future tournaments.

Published 10-September-2025

Chef’s Dream Realised as New Italian Trattoria Fellini’s Arrives in Fortitude Valley

A Neapolitan chef’s career-long dream has become a reality at the edge of Fortitude Valley, with Carmine Guarino welcoming the public to Trattoria Fellini’s, his new Italian street food kitchen bringing the lively flavours of coastal Italy to the Howard Smith Wharves.

The new trattoria officially began service today, Wednesday, 10 September, offering Brisbane a casual and vibrant taste of the Mediterranean. It joins its more refined neighbour, Ciao Papi, creating a precinct with two distinct Italian dining experiences side by side along the river.

A Taste of Home

Trattoria Fellini's — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

With over 26 years of experience, Head Chef Carmine Guarino has shaped Fellini’s from his own personal history. He explained that his vision was to bring his Neapolitan roots to Brisbane, creating an authentic and high-energy street food atmosphere that the whole family could enjoy.

Inspired by the bustling trattorias of Naples and the Amalfi Coast, he wanted to make Italian food more accessible, faster, and fun for the community. The restaurant’s name pays respect to the famous Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, aiming to capture the same romance and vibrancy in its food and hospitality.

Street Food Meets Riverside Dining

Fellini’s is designed for both dine-in and takeaway customers, blending traditional Italian flavours with a modern, street-food feel. The menu features a wide selection of handmade pastas, pizzas, and classic mains. Diners can start with entrées like Bruschetta al Pomodoro or Cuoppo Fritto, a crispy mix of calamari and mussels. Pasta dishes include fresh crab Paccheri al Granchio and Roman favourite Rigatoni Amatriciana.

For main courses, the menu offers dishes like the golden Cotoletta di Vitello (veal cutlet) and Parmigiana di Melanzane. The pizza oven produces classics including Margherita and Salamina. To complete the experience, the bar serves a curated selection of Italian-inspired wines, beers, and cocktails.

A New Chapter for the Wharves

The addition of Fellini’s is seen as an exciting new chapter for the popular riverside precinct. Howard Smith Wharves CEO Luke Fraser stated he was proud to help deliver a unique offering for Brisbane, inspired by the trattorias of Italy. He believes the eatery will become a go-to spot for friends and families looking to enjoy good food and sunshine along the Brisbane River.

Published Date 10-September-2025

Brisbane to Host Global Premiere of The Art of Banksy: Chapter 2

Brisbane is set to host a cultural first this year, as the world’s largest Banksy exhibition makes its global premiere in the CBD this November.

Read: Brisbane City Markets Offers VIP Strawberry Picking Experience and Staycation

The Art of Banksy: Chapter 2 will take over a sprawling 1,550-square-metre space inside Uptown at Queen Street Mall, offering an immersive experience unlike any other. With more than 300 works on display, including over 100 originals, this is the most comprehensive exploration of the elusive street artist’s work ever staged.

The exhibition has been organised by MUSE Marketing & Entertainment, Events, MD Presents, and Fever.

Photo credit: The Art of Banksy Without Limits Australia/Facebook

The exhibition builds on the success of its 2023 predecessor, which captivated more than 2.8 million visitors across 35 cities over the past decade. Now, Brisbane locals will be the very first to step inside Chapter 2, an expansion that doubles the scale of the earlier tour and introduces never-before-seen pieces.

Visitors can expect to encounter some of Banksy’s most recognisable works, from Cinderella at Dismaland to the infamous Ice Cream Van. Alongside these will be innovative hologram displays, rare installations and sculptures, plus a faithful recreation of the lobby from Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, a provocative pop-up that blurred the lines between art and activism.

Banksy has built a career on using art to challenge politics, social issues and the establishment itself, often while remaining hidden from public view. His pranks, such as secretly hanging pieces in major museums, have only cemented his reputation as one of the most influential and subversive artists of our time.

While The Art of Banksy: Chapter 2 is not officially affiliated with the artist himself, it promises an immersive and thought-provoking journey through his world. Visitors are advised to set aside around 45 to 60 minutes to explore the exhibition fully.

The event is open to all ages, with tickets starting from $39 for adults and $27 for children. Sessions run from November 5 at Uptown, Queen Street Mall, and tickets are now available through the exhibition’s official website.

Read: Finders Keepers: How ‘So What Stereo’ Became a Hidden Gem in Fortitude Valley

For Brisbane’s art lovers—or anyone curious about the most mysterious figure in contemporary culture—this world-first experience is not to be missed.

The exhibition has been organised by MUSE Marketing & Entertainment, Events, MD Presents, and Fever.

Published 10-September-2025

Haus of Wendy Flagship to Open in Brisbane CBD This October

Brisbane food lovers are set for a bold new dining experience this October, when Wendy’s unveils its flagship Haus of Wendy store in the CBD.

Read: Wendy’s Plans Flagship Restaurant in Brisbane CBD

This announcement follows the fast-food giant securing approval for its development application in June. The green light cleared the way for Wendy’s to transform an Adelaide Street site near the Queen Street Mall into its flagship Haus of Wendy, setting the stage for its highly anticipated opening next month.

Photo credit: Wendy’s Australia/Brisbane PD Online

For many Australians, Wendy’s is a name that carries both nostalgia and novelty. The company first tested local waters in 1982 but bowed out just four years later after financial difficulties. Nearly four decades on, Wendy’s has returned with a new strategy under the Flynn Restaurant Group, which signed a master franchise agreement in 2023 to reintroduce the chain across the country.

The revival began on the Gold Coast in January 2025, when the first store opened on Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise. The response was nothing short of extraordinary. Hours before doors opened, queues stretched down the street as curious crowds waited for their first taste of Wendy’s signature square patties, chicken tenders, and classic American sides. Social media buzzed with videos of the launch, and reviews from early tasters praised the food as “mouth-watering.”

Photo credit: Wendy’s Australia/Facebook

Now, the Brisbane flagship is expected to lift that excitement to a whole new level. Billed as “more than a restaurant,” the Haus of Wendy will not only serve the fast food that made the brand famous, but also offer uniquely themed dining spaces that immerse customers in Wendy’s playful spirit.

Company leaders see the CBD location as the perfect stage for this next chapter. Brisbane’s status as one of Australia’s most dynamic and growing cities made it an obvious choice for a landmark store that will introduce thousands of locals and visitors to Wendy’s reimagined vision.

Read: Adelaide Street Tunnel Set to Open for Brisbane Metro and Buses

Looking ahead, Wendy’s has ambitious plans for its Australian expansion. The chain aims to open hundreds of restaurants nationwide over the next decade, setting the stage for what it hopes will be long-term success this time around.

Published 10-September-2025

Adelaide Street Tunnel Set to Open for Brisbane Metro and Buses

Brisbane’s transport network is about to gain a new underground link, with the Adelaide Street tunnel set to open for metro and bus operations from 29 September.

Read: Works Progressing Well on Adelaide Street for Brisbane Metro

The 225-metre tunnel runs beneath Adelaide Street, creating a direct connection between the South East Busway and the Inner Northern Busway. Once fully operational, Adelaide Street tunnel is expected to carry more than 1,390 buses and Bus Rapid Transit vehicles each day, significantly reducing surface-level congestion and improving travel times through the city.

Adelaide Street tunnel — Photo credit: BCC/Facebook

Construction of the new tunnel has involved extensive testing to ensure readiness for daily services. A major systems trial in June included activation of smart transport technology, checks on lighting and ventilation, and integration of the tunnel’s public announcement system with the wider network. These measures are designed to deliver safer, more efficient journeys for passengers.

By diverting services underground, the new link is also expected to ease pressure on key city streets such as George Street and Turbot Street, where more than 1,000 weekly outbound trips will be removed from the road network.

Ahead of its official launch later this month, the public will have a chance to explore the tunnel during a community open day on Wednesday, 24 September. Visitors can register for one of several 20-minute sessions between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm, with entry via Reddacliff Place. The event will feature live music from a local string ensemble and the nearby Wednesday markets, making for a festive celebration of the milestone.

Read: Rail Safety Warning After Sharp Rise in Fortitude Valley Station Injuries

The Adelaide Street tunnel represents a major upgrade for Brisbane’s mass transit system, providing the foundations for faster and more reliable connections as the city continues to grow.

Published 5-September-2025