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National Pizza Award Win for Italia Lane in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: DavidCrisafulliMP/Facebook

Italia Lane has been recognised as Australia’s Best Pizza Restaurant for 2025, with the Fortitude Valley venue receiving the national title at the Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence.

National Recognition for Italia Lane

Italia Lane earned two major national honours at the 2025 Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence, receiving the Best Pizza Restaurant title and the Casual Dining of the Year award. Earlier in 2025, the venue secured both categories for South East Queensland, reinforcing its standing as a leading modern Italian dining destination.

Italia Lane Fortitude Valley — *Photo Credit: DavidCrisafulliMP/Facebook*

Background and Earlier Achievements

The regional awards earlier in the year established the foundation for Italia Lane’s national recognition. Its South East Queensland wins for Best Casual Dining Restaurant and Best Pizza Restaurant were key milestones contributing to its broader success.

Modern Italian Dining in Fortitude Valley

Italia Lane identifies itself as a modern Italian restaurant combining traditional flavours with contemporary culinary techniques. Executive Chef Rino Avellini, originally from Rome, leads the menu with a focus on refined interpretations of classic Italian dishes.

Fortitude Valley dining — *Photo Credit: DavidCrisafulliMP/Facebook*

Cuisine and Signature Offerings

The restaurant highlights hand-stretched dough as a core element of its pizza, along with additional techniques that remain part of its internal culinary approach. The venue also offers a bottomless brunch featuring unlimited pizza, classic entrées, and selected beverages.

Brisbane restaurants — *Photo Credit: DavidCrisafulliMP/Facebook*

Community Interest and Local Dining Landscape

The national awards contribute to Brisbane’s growing profile within Australia’s dining scene. Interest in Italia Lane continues to centre on its modern Italian style and its position within Fortitude Valley’s hospitality precinct.

Ongoing Direction

With recognition at both regional and national levels in 2025, Italia Lane continues to develop its blend of Italian tradition and contemporary dining, maintaining its role as a prominent venue in Fortitude Valley.

Published 4-Nov-2025

Inside Above: The New Rooftop Bar Bringing Middle Eastern Flavours to Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Ovolo Hotels/Facebook

A new chapter in Brisbane’s rooftop dining scene has arrived at Ovolo The Valley, where an intimate new bar called Above is giving locals a taste of the Mediterranean sky.

A Fresh Space for Brisbane Nights

Perched on the hotel’s seventh-floor terrace in Fortitude Valley, the venue blends relaxed poolside charm with refined Middle Eastern-inspired flavours, marking a fresh addition to the city’s growing love for elevated, open-air experiences.

Opened in late October 2025, Above transformed the hotel’s former pool and gym into a 60-seat rooftop venue for up to 120 guests. Designed by BSPN Architecture, it features rattan furniture, stone textures, greenery, and soft lighting. The open terrace overlooks Wickham Street and the Brisbane skyline, offering a calm escape in the city’s centre. By night, it shifts from a relaxed lounge to a lively spot with live entertainment four nights a week.

From Beirut to Brisbane: A Menu of Shared Flavours

The food is led by celebrated consulting chef Justin North and head chef Kya Knights. Their menu draws inspiration from both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines while keeping it light and shareable.

Dishes include spiced lamb koftas, charred prawns with toum, burrata with sumac dukkah, and halloumi sliders paired with za’atar fries. The focus is on blending coastal freshness with bold, aromatic flavours suited to Brisbane’s subtropical evenings.

North’s long partnership with Ovolo brings consistency to the venue’s broader dining philosophy, which often leans into global comfort food served in relaxed yet design-driven environments. The menu at Above continues that approach, offering a small but carefully balanced range meant for easy sharing among friends.

Cocktails With Local Character

The drinks list was curated by award-winning bartender Jake Down, known for his inventive approach to classic cocktails. His menu features both traditional favourites and new creations inspired by Levantine ingredients such as pistachio, saffron, rose water, lemon myrtle, and desert lime. Signatures include the Mirage, a refreshing mix of Belvedere vodka, passionfruit, rose water, and desert lime soda.

A concise wine list of 30 bottles complements the cocktail offerings, with most available by the glass. Beer lovers can choose from Balter XPA and Asahi on tap. The bar also offers frozen Negronis and Margaritas, adding a playful edge to the warm-weather experience.

A Community Spot With Flexible Style

Ovolo The Valley’s rooftop bar is designed to fit Brisbane’s casual but stylish rhythm. Its dress code welcomes everything from pool attire to evening wear, encouraging guests to drop by straight from work or after a day in the city. The venue operates Wednesday to Sunday, with longer hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

By replacing the old pool facilities with a vibrant social space, the hotel has created more than a bar. It has added a new local hangout where residents, hotel guests, and weekend visitors can meet for sunset drinks, shared plates, and music above the Valley’s lively streets.

Published 31-October-2025

Shimmer Exhibition Brings Creativity And Community To Museum Of Brisbane

Photo Credit: Museum Of Brisbane

A new exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane is reframing how young people see themselves, pairing art and identity through costume-based portraiture that celebrates queer creativity and self-expression.

A Celebration Of Creativity And Collaboration

Shimmer: An Artist in Residence project by Gerwyn Davies runs from 18 October 2025 to 8 March 2026 at the Museum of Brisbane’s Fairfax Gallery. The show presents vivid photographic portraits co-created with trans and gender-diverse young people from Open Doors Youth Service, marking the organisation’s 25 years of supporting queer youth in Queensland.

Shimmer began during Gerwyn Davies’s residency at the Museum of Brisbane, where young creators turned sequins, fabric, and household items into striking wearable art. Over a week of workshops, the space buzzed with colour, laughter, and invention. Davies photographed each participant in their creation, capturing the joy of self-expression. Rather than directing, he worked beside them, offering help while letting their ideas shine.

Reframing Visibility And Identity

At its heart, Shimmer explores the ideas of visibility, anonymity and control. Each costume conceals the wearer’s face, shifting the viewer’s focus from identity to creativity. By doing so, the portraits challenge traditional ideas of photography, which often seek to reveal rather than protect.

The use of reflective and glittering materials makes the subjects hyper-visible yet unseen, a deliberate choice by Davies to question the power dynamic between subject and viewer. He sees this act of concealment as a way for participants to decide how they are seen, creating a playful but powerful redefinition of portraiture.

The Role Of Open Doors Youth Service

The project was developed in partnership with Open Doors Youth Service, a Queensland-based organisation that has supported LGBTQIA+ young people for 25 years. Through the collaboration, participants found a safe and supportive environment to explore their identities creatively.

Museum of Brisbane staff worked alongside Open Doors to guide the workshops, ensuring the participants’ voices shaped the final exhibition. For many, it was their first time using a sewing machine or contributing to a gallery project. The process built confidence, friendships and new skills while highlighting the value of inclusive public art programs.

An Invitation To The Community

The Museum of Brisbane’s exhibition invites the wider community to experience a world of colour, texture and self-expression. While rooted in queer experience, Shimmer speaks broadly about how people construct identity and claim visibility in a fast-changing world.

Davies hopes the exhibition encourages empathy and conversation, allowing audiences to appreciate both the artistry and the stories behind the images. The Museum describes the project as an exercise in joy and collaboration that reflects the diversity of Brisbane’s creative community.

Published 30-October-2025

From Seafood to Spritzes: Melbourne Cup 2025 at Howard Smith Wharves

The Melbourne Cup returns to Brisbane’s riverside precinct, Howard Smith Wharves, on Tuesday, 4 November 2025. This year, the iconic venue offers a variety of experiences to suit every race-day style, from relaxed gatherings to indulgent luncheons, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge.

Read: Howard Smith Wharves Reduces Carbon Footprint with Solar Energy and Efficiency Upgrades

Mr Percival’s – Luxe Outdoor Party

For those seeking a glamorous Cup Day celebration, Mr Percival’s offers a premium riverside experience. Guests can indulge in fresh seafood, delectable canapés, and a curated assortment of delicious bites, complemented by a 3.5-hour premium beverage package. The event runs from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, with DJs keeping the energy high well into the evening. VIP tables for up to 12 guests are also available.

Stanley – Elegant Cantonese Banquet

Melbourne Cup — Photo credit: howardsmithwharves.com

Stanley invites guests to a refined four-course Cantonese banquet, thoughtfully crafted by head chef Louise Tikaram. The gastronomic journey is complemented by a 3.5-hour premium drinks package, including Louis Roederer Champagne and select wines. With its riverfront setting, Stanley provides both culinary elegance and race-day excitement — all from 11:30 am.

Ciao Papi – Share-Style Italian Feast

For a more convivial and share-style experience, Ciao Papi delivers a three-course Italian feast paired with Champagne, spritzes, premium wines, and spirits. The event runs from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with guests enjoying the race on large screens and participating in charity sweepstakes.

Felons Barrel Hall & Felons Brewing Co. – Casual Beers and Big Screens

For a laid-back celebration, Felons Barrel Hall and Felons Brewing Co. offer a casual atmosphere with bold Thai-inspired shared menus and a three-hour drinks package featuring bubbles, in-house beers, and seltzers. Guests can catch the race live on large screens inside or on the river deck beneath the Story Bridge.

Greca & Yoko Dining – Banquets with Style

Greca and Yoko bring the banquet vibe back, each with their own distinct flavour. Greca offers a Greek-style share banquet with a glass of Taittinger Champagne on arrival, live race screening, sweepstakes, and DJ entertainment. Yoko presents a Tokyo-inspired izakaya banquet, again with Champagne on arrival, optional 3-hour drinks, and a lively race-day atmosphere. Both venues invite guests to dress up, engage in best-dressed competitions, and celebrate in style.

Read: Experience the Story Bridge Adventure Climb Like Never Before at Howard Smith Wharves

Whether you’re raising a glass of Champagne, sipping a spritz, or cracking open a cold one under the Story Bridge, the Melbourne Cup at Howard Smith Wharves offers something for everyone. With sweeping river views, a range of dining experiences, and the buzz of race-day all wrapped up in one vibrant precinct, it’s a local take on “the race that stops the nation” that feels distinctly Brisbane.

Published 29-October-2025

Wendy’s Opens Second Australian Store in Brisbane’s City Centre

Photo Credit: Wendys Burger AU/ Facebook

American fast-food giant Wendy’s has launched its “global-first” immersive flagship restaurant in the Brisbane CBD, a two-level eatery featuring work from local artists.

Dozens of eager fast-food fans lined up on Albert St on Wednesday morning, waiting for the 9 a.m. start of service for one of the world’s largest burger chains. As music began to play, one local resident in the queue could not hold back his excitement, dropping his bags to bust out some breakdancing moves for the delighted crowd. He continued his celebration inside, declaring the new restaurant “fabulous” and a world away from Kansas.

The restaurant, named ‘Haus of Wendy’ as a playful nod to its bold design, is more than just another burger joint. It is a “global-first” for the American company, described as an immersive flagship location. To give it a strong local flavour, the design leans on the work of Brisbane artists.

Located off the Queen Street Mall and overlooking King George Square, the eatery is placed right in the middle of the city’s fast-food hub, near its main rivals. The building features a funky and colourful fit-out with red and blue dominating the decor. It has an open-air ground floor and a large lower level, with space for 130 diners.

Known for its square burger patties, the chain states it uses fresh, not processed, beef and chicken. Some menu items have a local touch, including a cheese sauce made on the Gold Coast and its popular Frosty dessert, which is made from grass-fed dairy. In its first week, the Brisbane restaurant expects to serve three tonnes of Frosty, almost 25,000 beef patties, and about two tonnes of fries.

This is the second Wendy’s to begin service in Australia, following a Surfers Paradise location that started earlier in the year. The Brisbane opening signals the next step in the brand’s ambitious plan to establish 200 restaurants across Australia over the next decade.

Published Date 28-October-2025

Spring Hill’s First2Care Champion: How Aiden Mulvihill is Redefining Inclusion at Work

Aiden Mulvihill has never let circumstance define him. Born with a rare genetic condition and requiring 24-hour care, the 32-year-old has built a life centred on perseverance and purpose. Today, he brings that same determination to his data entry and processing role at First2Care Spring Hill.

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

Born with multiple pterygium (Escobar) syndrome, a condition that affects mobility, Aiden spent his early years in the small country town of Macksville, New South Wales, where everyday experiences presented significant challenges.

He began primary school six months later than his peers because the school building was not equipped for his needs. In high school, he also encountered facilities and environments unprepared for students requiring assistance.

Photo credit: Facebook/First2Care Plan Management

Living in a regional area where both infrastructure and community attitudes can limit accessibility, Aiden nevertheless pursued his goal of learning, contributing and gaining independence.

In his twenties he volunteered extensively, including supporting the Newcastle Knights at one point, and while studying IT he taught himself data analysis, statistics and web design. But he recognised that Macksville offered limited employment opportunities. In 2020 he relocated to Brisbane in search of greater opportunity. Even after moving, finding a job that suited both his skills and accessibility needs remained difficult.

Through a conversation with online friend and now colleague Mark Warren, Aiden was connected to First2Care. More than three and a half years later, he is settled in his role at the Spring Hill office, supporting NDIS plan data processing and contributing to the business.

First2Care reports that around 15 per cent of its staff identify as having a disability, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating inclusive workplaces. Aiden says that the organisation’s approach has helped him build confidence, continue applying his skills and feel part of a team.

From his own experience, Aiden now encourages other people with disability to focus on their strengths, try volunteering, and seek out companies and communities that genuinely value inclusion.

Read: Spring Hill Welcomes Brisbane’s First Ricoh GR Space for Photographers and Art Lovers

His story underlines that true workplace inclusion is not simply about meeting compliance standards; it is about creating environments where people with disability can contribute meaningfully, develop professionally and feel supported to succeed.

Published 24-October-2025

Brisbane’s Overnight Charity Walk ‘All Night Long’ Supports Sick Kids and Families

On 25 October, the All Night Long event precinct will open at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, with live entertainment and festivities setting the stage for more than 1,600 participants preparing to walk through the night in support of seriously ill children and their families.

Read: Riverstage Upgrade Plans in Brisbane CBD Move Forward

The inaugural event challenges walkers to cover 42 kilometres from dusk to dawn, raising vital funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland (RMHC SEQ) and the Children’s Hospital Foundation (CHF).

For families staying close to hospitals, every kilometre walked translates into critical support. Funds raised provide accommodation, meals, and emotional care for families during challenging times, while also backing essential medical research, equipment, and services for Queensland’s youngest patients. With more than $900,000 already pledged, All Night Long is fast becoming one of Queensland’s largest new charity initiatives.

Walkers will start their journey at Parliament House at dusk, navigating Brisbane’s streets under the stars. Along the way, participants will pass several iconic landmarks, including New Farm Park, the Botanic Gardens, Captain Burke Park, and Old Parliament House. Pit stops offer live music, refreshments, and community activities, creating a supportive and energising atmosphere throughout the night.

The event is about more than speed or stamina. Organisers encourage solo walkers to join the official All Night Long team, while workplaces, community groups, and friends are invited to form teams. Registration is $60 per person, with all proceeds going directly to RMHC SEQ and CHF, ensuring every step contributes to vital support for Queensland families.

The precinct opens at 5:30pm at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, with festivities and live entertainment setting the tone before walkers set off at 7:00pm. Participants are expected to cross the finish line in the early hours of 26 October 2025, concluding a night of endurance, community spirit, and generosity.

Organisers hope the success of the inaugural event will establish All Night Long as an annual tradition, bringing Brisbane communities together in support of families doing it tough. Every kilometre walked and every dollar raised reinforces the city’s message of solidarity with Queensland’s sick children.

Read: Valley Preschoolers Team Up with Police for Community Gardening Project

Whether walking for a loved one, supporting families who have faced unimaginable challenges, or simply making a difference, the night promises a unique and memorable experience for all involved.

For more information and to register, visit
https://www.allnightlong.org.au/home

Published 20-October-2025

4 Voices Global’s Drew Lochrie Honoured as Westfield Local Hero Finalist

Drew Lochrie has been named a 2025 Westfield Local Hero finalist for his volunteer work with 4 Voices Global in Spring Hill, a mobile service supporting women affected by domestic violence.

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

Through his empathetic approach and lived experience, Lochrie helps women rebuild strength and independence, demonstrating the positive role men can play in supporting survivors.

Drew Lochrie and 4 Voices Global

Lochrie’s volunteer work focuses on assisting women affected by domestic violence through 4 Voices Global, a Spring Hill-based mobile service. The organisation provides outreach, guidance, and emotional support, helping women access support and rebuild their lives. Lochrie’s calm, empathetic manner fosters trust with clients, allowing them to feel safe and supported as they regain autonomy.

Through his role, Lochrie demonstrates that men can play an active and positive part in supporting women’s healing. Drawing on his own experiences, he connects with women in ways that are both understanding and empowering. The $5,000 grant he received as a Local Hero finalist will support the ongoing work of 4 Voices Global, enabling the organisation to continue its vital community services.

Pam Wilson, Scentre Group National Community Experience Manager, highlighted the impact of this year’s recipients, noting that their contributions are a reminder of the powerful influence of community involvement. The Westfield Local Heroes program not only recognises these efforts but also provides recognition and support to community-driven initiatives like 4 Voices Global.

Westfield Local Heroes

The Westfield Local Heroes initiative celebrates Australians and New Zealanders who make a meaningful difference in their communities. Now in its eighth year, the program has awarded more than $9.8 million in grants to nearly 1,000 community organisations since 2018.

This year’s Local Hero is Darren Playle from The Tukka Project, while the other finalist aside from Lochrie is Peter Grieve from The Cage Youth Foundation.

This year’s program saw record public participation, with 74,000 votes cast to determine the grant recipients. The initiative highlights the dedication of individuals whose work often goes unseen, providing them with recognition and practical support to continue their community projects.

Volunteers like Lochrie play a key role, offering practical assistance, emotional guidance, and connection to additional resources. For many women, the trust and stability provided by these volunteers mark a crucial step towards regaining independence.

Read: Spring Hill Welcomes Brisbane’s First Ricoh GR Space for Photographers and Art Lovers

The Local Heroes recognition underscores the importance of volunteers who work quietly but tirelessly to strengthen their communities. As the program prepares for its 2026 nominations, organisers hope to see even more individuals stepping forward to make a tangible difference in their local areas.

Published 17-October-2025

Fortitude Valley Duo to Serve Viral Chocolate Croissant at Night Feast 2025

Fortitude Valley’s cocktail bar Nok Nok and boutique bakehouse Honey & Yolko have teamed up to create a multi-sensory dessert for Night Feast 2025 at Brisbane Powerhouse. The collaboration combines Nok Nok’s experimental cocktails with Honey & Yolko’s pastries, offering festival-goers a dish that blends multiple textures and flavours in a single hand-held treat.

Read: The Brightside Brisbane Launches Outdoor Venue to Transform Live Music Experience

At the centre of the collaboration is the Viral Dubai Chocolate Croissant x Chocolate Stout Ice Cream, a dish featuring a chocolate-lined croissant cone filled with pistachio cream and swirled with chocolate stout ice cream. It is finished with kataifi pastry and crushed pistachios. The combination of ingredients creates a mix of creamy, nutty, and crisp textures.

Night Feast

The collaboration is part of Night Feast, Brisbane Powerhouse’s annual after-dark festival, running from October 15 to November 9. Presented by American Express, Night Feast transforms the venue into a three-week event featuring food, art, and live entertainment.

More than 20 of Brisbane’s restaurants are participating this year, including both returning and new venues. The Nok Nok x Honey & Yolko dish is one of the offerings available to festival-goers. Attendees can sample cocktails from Nok Nok and pastries from Honey & Yolko in a single, combined experience.

The Collaboration

Nok Nok is a small, independent bar in Fortitude Valley known for experimenting with flavour combinations and presentation. The bar is run by a two-person team and offers an intimate environment for patrons.

Honey & Yolko is a boutique micro-bakehouse located on California Lane. It specialises in pastries and cakes, with a focus on texture, flavour, and presentation.

The two teams collaborated to create a dish that combines their respective areas of expertise. The Viral Dubai Chocolate Croissant x Chocolate Stout Ice Cream incorporates pastry, ice cream, and nuts to produce contrasting textures and flavours. It is served as a hand-held item, allowing festival visitors to experience both Nok Nok’s cocktails and Honey & Yolko’s pastries in one offering.

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

This collaboration will be up for grabs for a limited time during Night Feast 2025. Guests can sample the dish alongside other festival offerings, which include a range of foods from participating restaurants across the three-week event.

Published 15-October-2025

Mystery of the Orange Door Solved: SES Turns Heads in Queen Street Mall

Photo Credit: QPS

What looked like a scene from a quirky art installation turned out to be something far more practical when an eye-catching orange door appeared in Queen Street Mall on Friday, 10 October.

Locals shopping or passing through the Uptown end of the mall stopped to snap photos and speculate about the mysterious doorway — until the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) revealed they were behind the stunt.

SES Chief Officer Dr Mark Armstrong said the bright door was part of a statewide campaign to get Queenslanders thinking about their “Disaster Era” — a playful nod to pop-culture fans but with a serious message about preparing for storms, floods and cyclones as the warmer months approach.

“We’re encouraging everyone to know their risks, make a plan and pack an emergency kit,” Dr Armstrong said. “Weather doesn’t plan, but you can.”

Scanning the QR code on the door took curious onlookers to a webpage filled with tips on how to get ready for severe weather and stay safe during Queensland’s Higher Risk Weather Season.

According to the SES, research shows that households who plan ahead recover faster after disasters than those who rely solely on outside help. Across the state, more than 5,000 volunteers are on standby each year to lend a hand when storms hit.

Queensland Police Service Acting Deputy Commissioner for Disaster and Emergency Management, Chris Stream, said the campaign highlights the close teamwork between the SES, QPS and other emergency partners.

“This year alone, our crews have supported communities through three major weather events, including widespread flooding and the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” Mr Stream said. “It’s a reminder to pack an emergency kit, talk through a plan with your family, and write it down for peace of mind.”

The campaign ties in with Get Ready Queensland Week, encouraging residents to use the online household severe-weather plan template and make sure their families and homes are prepared.

Published 15-Oct-2025