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“Taylor Made” Concert Brings Taylor Swift’s Eras to Life at The Tivoli in Fortitude Valley

The celebrated Brisbane producers behind hit stage shows Rumour Has It and Christmas Actually are bringing a new concert experience, “Taylor Made,” which celebrates the music of global superstar Taylor Swift, to The Tivoli in Fortitude Valley.

A Locally Produced Celebration

This new production is scheduled to run for one night only this July. The show, titled Taylor Made, is described as a high-energy tribute that honours the extensive musical career of Taylor Swift.

For two hours, audiences will be taken through the various eras of the pop icon’s music, from her debut album to her more recent work. The event is designed as a large-scale community singalong, offering local fans a chance to celebrate the music together.

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The Concert Experience

The performance is powered by an electrifying live band and is centred on audience participation. To create an immersive singalong atmosphere, song lyrics will be projected for the crowd to follow.

The show promises to cover Swift’s sparkling 20-year career, featuring a setlist of fan favourites. Organisers have confirmed the show will include well-known hits such as Love Story, Cruel Summer, Shake It Off, I Knew You Were Trouble, and Anti-Hero, among others. The experience is designed to be a joyful and high-spirited event where attendees are encouraged to sing every word.

Star-Studded Local Cast

A lineup of seasoned Australian performers will headline the concert. The cast includes Chelsea Dawson, known for her work in Six The Musical; Irena Lysiuk from Round the Twist and Your Song; Lorinda May Merrypor, who starred in &Juliet and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; and Alisha Todd of Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves. The production aims to create a shared experience where fans can relive the magic of their favourite songs in a room full of people who feel like friends. While optional, organisers have noted that glitter is encouraged and vocals are essential.

Published Date 15-July-2025

Free Pad Dispenser Arrives at Brisbane’s Tivoli to Help Locals in Need

Photo Credit: onthehousegroup/instagram

A new vending machine inside The Tivoli is giving out free sanitary pads, making the popular Fortitude Valley venue the first entertainment space in Brisbane to join a growing movement to fight period poverty.

A New Kind of Support at a Historic Venue

Brisbane’s iconic Tivoli has joined the fight against period poverty with a new digital dispenser offering free, organic sanitary pads. The initiative, led by local social enterprise On the House Group, makes access simple, just scan a QR code and take up to four packs, no payment or sign-up required.

Already seen at universities and stadiums across the city, these machines are now reaching entertainment venues too. What sets them apart is their built-in advertising screens, which cover all product costs. That means no government funding, no donations, just practical, public support where it’s needed most.

Designed for Dignity and Everyday Use

On the House founder Remy Tucker started the project after witnessing how some women and girls were forced to use tissues, socks or toilet paper during their periods. As a former midwifery student, she wanted to make period care available in everyday places like The Tivoli, not just schools or clinics.

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She says this helps reduce shame while offering practical support when it matters most. The pads are biodegradable, made from organic materials, and designed for comfort. They also aim to cut down on plastic waste, a concern often ignored in menstrual care.

Ads That Do More Than Sell

The machines rely on a simple model: brands pay for advertising space, and those funds cover the cost of the products. Each time a pad pack is dispensed, the program also donates 10 cents to women’s support services. With major advertisers already signing on, including Afterpay, On the House hopes the model can scale up to reach more areas across Australia, including regional towns.

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At The Tivoli, where thousands attend events every week, the visibility of the machine also sends a clear message that health and dignity should be part of every space, whether it’s a classroom or a concert hall.

Growing a Community of Access

Machines are already in place at Griffith University, UQ and Cbus Super Stadium, but The Tivoli brings something different. Founder Remy Tucker says venues like this reach a broader mix of people, including women, trans and non-binary locals, who might otherwise miss out.

It’s about meeting people where they are, not just in schools or clinics. The goal is big: 20,000 machines worldwide, with extra focus on rural and remote areas.

Published 12-July-2025

Birdees Makes Its Return to Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Birdees/Instagram

A prominent nightlife venue in Fortitude Valley has reopened after five years, following a major transformation that introduced a new multi-level entertainment space.

Background and Closure

Birdees, a well-known nightclub that operated at 608 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley from 2003 to 2020, closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure marked the end of an era for a venue that had catered to generations of students, backpackers, and locals. The five-year hiatus left a noticeable gap in the Valley’s nightlife scene.

Birdees nightclub — *Photo Credit: Birdees/Instagram*

Renovation and Relaunch

The venue has now reopened following a $7 million redevelopment. Birdees’ redesign includes two floors and sits beneath the recently completed Beaumont Beer Garden. The transformation features immersive lighting, retro décor, velvet booths, and a fully enclosed space, moving away from the original open-air rooftop format. The former pool area now serves as a tile-lined bar, while a new pool has been added upstairs in the Beaumont space.

Venue Format and Entertainment

The revamped Birdees operates with a dual-weekend format. Friday nights are branded as “MONTY”, focusing on house music, high-energy AV production, and underground parties. The event is marketed as an inclusive experience with roaming performers and curated electronic sets. Saturday nights offer a more elevated setting with nostalgic music, modern tracks, and a premium booth experience.

Level one is designated for upscale events and corporate functions, while level two hosts an open-air beer garden with dining options such as wagyu rib fillet and chips dusted with Vegemite salt.

Community Response and Access

According to venue organisers, the updated Birdees is intended to serve as a tribute to music culture across eras, combining old-school influences with new-generation appeal. Guests can enter via 21 Gipps Street, through the BUNK entrance, with operating hours from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

The launch officially began on June 27, 2025, with free entry continuing through the end of July.

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Looking Ahead

Birdees’ return adds a modernised but familiar venue to Fortitude Valley’s nightlife. With its upgraded facilities and structured weekly programming, the club aims to reconnect with past patrons and introduce itself to a new audience.

Published 8-July-2025

BIGSOUND Turns It Up for 2025 with a Star-Studded Lineup

Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley is set to come alive this spring as BIGSOUND 2025 rolls out one of its most dynamic lineups to date.

Read: BIGSOUND 2025: Fortitude Valley Prepares for Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Music Showcase

Running from September 2 to 5, the four-day music festival and industry conference is marking its 24th year by bringing together a powerful mix of artists, thinkers, and emerging talent — all contributing to a week that places Brisbane at the centre of the Australian music map.

A Meeting of Music Minds

On the conference front, the event will feature appearances from some of the country’s most recognisable artists and influential industry figures. Briggs and Kobie Dee will take the stage for an in-depth conversation on culture and creative pathways, while Tash Sultana joins the program fresh off a new EP release. Blur’s Dave Rowntree, also on the speaker lineup, adds an international flavour with insights from his recent creative ventures outside music.

BIGSOUND 2025 — Photo credit: BIGSOUND/Facebook

They will be joined by names such as Mallrat, Josh Pyke, and Elly-May Barnes, alongside key global players like Darcus Beese — the first Black president of a major UK label — and Anne Booty, a music supervisor for acclaimed films. Industry leaders from SXSW, Reeperbahn Festival, and The Great Escape will round out the discussions, giving attendees a broader view of the global music landscape.

Over 120 Artists Across 18 Stages

BIGSOUND’s signature showcases will once again transform Fortitude Valley into a multi-venue music hub, with more than 120 acts scheduled to perform across 18 stages. The 2025 lineup features a diverse mix of genres and styles, from soulful voices to high-energy rock and genre-blending experimental acts.

Highlights include performances by WAFIA, KAIIT, Inkabee, Azure Ryder, The Southern River Band, and Hatchie, each bringing their own unique sound and fan base to the heart of Brisbane. For many, it’s a chance to connect with future stars in intimate settings, continuing BIGSOUND’s tradition as a launchpad for the next big thing. Previous alumni have included Flume, Courtney Barnett, Baker Boy, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.

Read: Darcus Beese Leads Star-Studded Lineup at BIGSOUND 2025

As BIGSOUND edges closer to its 2025 edition, this event is shaping up to be a bold celebration of Australian talent, global influence, and creative exchange. From early-career breakthroughs to industry-defining conversations, it’s an event that continues to evolve and lead with the beat of the times.

Published 8-July-2025

Emmanuel City Mission to Tackle Homelessness at Night with New Funding

Photo Credit: Emmanuel City Mission/ Facebook

Emmanuel City Mission is set to provide crucial overnight sanctuary for people sleeping rough in Brisbane after receiving a significant $500,000 funding gift from Brisbane City Council’s 2025-26 budget.

A New Phase of Care.

The grant will allow the organisation to expand its operations from a day shelter into a night-time refuge. Operations manager Tim Noonan explained that the mission’s goal is to provide safety and sanctuary for people who have nowhere else to turn after dark. He stated that Brisbane’s streets are a dangerous and undignified place at night, making it difficult for people to move forward with their lives without the ability to rest in safety.

The plan is to begin the new service around September, starting with one night a week on Wednesdays. The mission intends to incrementally increase its overnight operating hours until it can offer a safe place for people seven days a week.

Addressing a Growing Need

The need for expanded services is clear, with demand on the centre growing substantially. Yesterday, 1 July, marked the first anniversary of the mission’s move to its larger Cordelia Street premises. In that time, the number of people it helps each day has more than doubled, jumping from 120 to 260. Mr Noonan suggested this sharp rise indicates how essential their services have become.

Currently, Emmanuel City Mission provides over 1,000 hot meals, 150 toiletry packs, and 100 loads of laundry every week. The new funding directly addresses a critical gap, as Mr Noonan noted there are no other services capable of taking up to 100 people off the streets each night and giving them a safe place to go.

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Council and Community Partnership

The substantial grant strengthens a working relationship between the mission and Council. Mr Noonan said this partnership was particularly effective during the response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, when the mission remained open as other services closed. He noted that Council worked “hand in glove” with them, offering support and funding for the additional costs incurred during the weather event.

He acknowledged the strong support from Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and local Central Ward councillor Vicki Howard. The funding is part of Council’s commitment to helping break the cycle of homelessness in Brisbane, providing support one meal, one shower, and one safe night at a time. Mr Noonan also credited the local South Brisbane parish and parish priest Fr William Iuliano for making their work possible.

Published Date 06-July-2025

Wendy’s Plans Flagship Restaurant in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: DA/A006796196

US fast-food chain Wendy’s has lodged plans to establish a flagship restaurant in Brisbane CBD, proposing upgrades to a prominent site at Adelaide and Albert streets.

Wendy’s Expansion Plan in Brisbane CBD

Wendy’s has submitted a development application to BCC for a flagship food and drink outlet at the corner of Adelaide and Albert streets. The site, previously occupied by Bupa, is set for internal fit-out and façade upgrades.

Wendy’s Australia — *Photo Credit: DA/A006796196*

Background of Wendy’s Return

Wendy’s first entered the Australian market in 1982, with its initial store in Melbourne. The chain exited three years later but returned in early 2025, opening a store at Surfers Paradise. This Brisbane CBD project would mark Wendy’s second Queensland outlet as part of its plan to open 200 stores nationwide by 2034.

Development Features and Design

The proposal outlines alterations to the existing two-storey building. Plans include operable windows, internal-facing planters, kinetic tile panels for façade movement, and integrated lighting. The ground floor will feature an ordering counter, while dining space will be located on the first floor. The design aims to create a continuous and active street frontage along Queen Street Mall.

Competitive Landscape in Brisbane CBD

The proposed site will place Wendy’s within close proximity—about 120 metres—to competitors such as McDonald’s, KFC, and Hungry Jack’s. The development reflects broader trends of US burger chains entering the Australian market, where other brands such as Five Guys and Carl’s Jr have seen limited city presence.

fast food — *Photo Credit: DA/A006796196*

Next Steps

The application was lodged through the RiskSMART code assessable pathway, indicating alignment with BCC guidelines and a low-risk profile. No changes are proposed to building height, site cover, or parking, and no street trees will be affected.

Published 5-July-2025

Brisbane to Welcome New Archbishop Following Historic Vatican Appointment

Photo Credit: Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst/Facebook

Brisbane is set for a new chapter in Catholic leadership, with Bishop Shane Mackinlay chosen by Pope Leo XIV as the next Archbishop of Brisbane.

A Leader with Local Ties and Global Experience

The Vatican announced on June 18 that Bishop Shane Mackinlay will replace retiring Archbishop Mark Coleridge after 13 years leading Brisbane’s Catholic community. Mackinlay, who has served as Bishop of Sandhurst since 2019, will be formally installed at St Stephen’s Cathedral on September 11.

*Photo Credit: Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst/Facebook*

Born in Melbourne and raised in Ballarat, he graduated dux of St Patrick’s College in 1982 and became a priest in 1991. He served in several Victorian parishes and later taught at Catholic Theological College and Australian Catholic University.

Mackinlay also earned a doctorate in philosophy from Leuven in Belgium and was later named Associate Professor at the University of Divinity.

What This Means for Brisbane’s Catholic Community

The Archdiocese of Brisbane, home to more than 660,000 Catholics across 103 parishes, will look to Bishop Mackinlay for its next chapter. He steps in after years of Church renewal, including his leadership roles in the Australian Plenary Council and the Synod on Synodality.

These efforts aimed to make Church life more inclusive and connected to everyday communities. Mackinlay’s approach has centred on listening and practical engagement. His move to Brisbane is expected to carry that same focus forward.

Smooth Handover with Praise from Retiring Archbishop

Outgoing Archbishop Mark Coleridge has welcomed Shane Mackinlay’s appointment, calling him a clear thinker with strong leadership and a balance of vision and local focus. Coleridge, who led the Archdiocese for more than a decade, said Mackinlay is well prepared for the role.

Mackinlay said he is honoured by the appointment and thankful for his time in the Sandhurst Diocese. He noted the difficulty of leaving a close-knit regional community. Still, he expressed enthusiasm for working with the people of Brisbane and continuing the progress already underway.

Farewell and Welcome Services Planned

A Mass of Thanksgiving will be held in Bendigo on September 7, marking Mackinlay’s final formal act as Bishop of Sandhurst. Just days later, he’ll be installed in his new role at a public Mass in Brisbane.

Catholics across both dioceses are preparing for the transition, which Church officials say is a time for reflection and opportunity. Mackinlay is expected to continue his hands-on pastoral approach while supporting the ongoing spiritual, educational and social services work across Brisbane.

Published 02-July-2025

QUT Scientist Dr Brett Lewis Develops New Coral Restoration Tech

Photo Credit: QUT

Dr Brett Lewis, a marine scientist at Queensland University of Technology based in the CBD, is leading a collaborative project developing world-first eco-friendly technology to stabilise coral rubble and support reef recovery.

Background and Context

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most recognised natural wonders, faces significant threats from climate change, destructive fishing, cyclones, and rising ocean temperatures. These hazards leave behind coral rubble — loose skeletal fragments that prevent coral larvae from attaching and regenerating. Traditional restoration methods have often involved non-biodegradable materials that introduce long-term foreign structures into reef ecosystems.

Dr Lewis, working out of QUT’s CBD campus, has focused on solutions that support natural coral recovery while minimising environmental harm.

Coral Restoration Innovation Led by Dr Lewis

Dr Lewis and his team have developed bio-mesh materials and plant-based adhesives designed to stabilise damaged reef areas. The bio-mesh uses biodegradable plant-based components rather than plastics, while the adhesives combine natural extracts and biocompatible polymers that safely break down over time. These materials aim to provide a stable base for coral regrowth without leaving harmful residues.

His work builds on collaborative research into coral biology and attachment, carried out with partners including the University of Technology Sydney and the Australian Institute of Marine Science. This research contributes to establishing biological baselines for coral out-planting practices and supports the wider goals of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program.

Testing and International Collaboration

The materials are being trialled in partnership with Mars Sustainable Solutions, used alongside steel MARRS Reef Stars to improve reef stability and promote marine life recovery. The Australian Institute of Marine Science is collaborating with QUT to help scale these innovations internationally. Pilot studies are planned at sites in Indonesia, Malaysia, and across the Great Barrier Reef.

Exploring Automation and Next Steps

Dr Lewis and his team are exploring automated deployment methods, including the potential use of autonomous underwater vehicles, to improve the efficiency of applying these materials on a larger scale.

The project continues to refine the bio-mesh and adhesive technologies as part of a broader collaborative effort aimed at minimising environmental impact and enhancing restoration outcomes. Further international pilot deployments are part of ongoing plans to support reef recovery globally.

Published 1-July-2025

Grammar Giant Goes Global: Brisbane Grammar’s Rocco Zikarsky Takes Flight in the NBA

Photo Credit: Screenshot from ESPN video

Former Brisbane Grammar School student and Northside Wizards centre Rocco Zikarsky has made the leap to the NBA, drafted at pick #45 by the Chicago Bulls and immediately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Schoolyard to Show-court: From Brisbane Grammar to the Global Stage

Rocco attended Brisbane Grammar School in Spring Hill, juggling classrooms and intensive training — a balancing act familiar to student-athletes anywhere. His towering frame and raw timing soon set him apart and laid the groundwork for a professional pathway that his natural-born gifts, talent and hard work would soon make possible.

Elite Genes: Mum “Kozza” & Dad Björn

Mum Kylie “Kozza” Zikarsky (née Neuendorf) was a champion surf-lifesaving ironwoman on Queensland beaches during the 1990s, later becoming an AUSTSWIM-accredited coach and founder of Kozzaquatics on the Sunshine Coast. Her myriad accomplishments include elite surf carnivals, state titles and, more recently, community recognition for her work as a youth swimming coach.

Dad Björn Zikarsky brought Olympic prestige to the family, winning bronze for Germany in the 4 × 100 m freestyle relay at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. One of Europe’s top sprint freestylers of the 1990s, he also competed at multiple World Championships.

Together, the 6′1″ ironwoman and 6′10″ Olympian passed down more than just discipline. They gave their son a powerful athletic foundation. Rocco’s towering frame, agility, and elite mentality are proof of pedigree in motion.

Wizards Roots: Boondall Beginnings

Rocco cut his teeth with the Northside Wizards in Boondall, playing above his age group and anchoring junior teams with shot-blocking and rebounding.

His standout form earned him a place on the Queensland South U16 team and led to a scholarship with the NBA Global Academy—yet he remained committed to his Wizards home and returned each off-season to wear Wizards colours.

His highlight reel on the Wizards’ TikTok account shows glimpses of early versatility and athleticism, reinforcing his development as a local talent.

Watch Rocco’s junior Wizards highlights

NBL Fast-Track: Youngest Next Star in League History

In July 2023, Rocco signed with the Brisbane Bullets through the NBL’s Next Stars program—becoming the youngest player in league history to do so at age 16.

He made his professional debut in January 2024 with six points and four blocks in just 10 minutes against the Sydney Kings. Over two seasons, he played 45 games, averaging 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and nearly a block per game, while shooting over 50% from the field. His breakout performance came in November 2024 when, in his first start, he posted 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks against Perth. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lrb_BgifCGc

Scouts were drawn to his size—7′3″ in bare feet, 257 lbs, with an impressive 9′7″ standing reach—alongside his mobility and developing skill set.

Draft Night: Bulls Pick, Wolves Future

On 26 June 2025, the Chicago Bulls selected Rocco with pick #45 in the NBA Draft. Minutes later, his rights were traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a pre-arranged deal. He is expected to sign a two-way contract with Minnesota and their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves.

NBA analysts see him as a high-upside project: raw but with elite defensive potential and physical traits that are nearly impossible to teach.

Still Brisbane, Always

Whether he’s suiting up in Minneapolis or back home in the off-season, Rocco Zikarsky remains a Brisbane original. His rise—from Grammar schoolyards and Boondall courts to NBA arenas—reflects the power of local support, elite genes, and relentless effort. For young athletes with big dreams, his story is proof that the world stage isn’t as far away as it seems.

Published 28-06-2025

James St Food and Wine Trail Returns to Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: James Street

Fortitude Valley will see the return of the James St Food and Wine Trail, transforming James Street into an open-air dining and entertainment space.

James St Food and Wine Trail Overview

James Street in Fortitude Valley is preparing for the annual James St Food and Wine Trail, a free public event where local restaurants, bars, cafes and providores present their offerings. This year’s event will feature an expanded program, covering a range of food and drink options along with live entertainment and activities for children.

The trail will be held on Sunday 27 July, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing the street to traffic to accommodate market stalls, bars, and dining areas.

Event History and Background

The James St Food and Wine Trail began in 2011 as a community initiative to highlight the precinct’s hospitality industry. Since its launch, the event has grown in size and scope, with this year’s edition described as the largest to date.

Food and Drink Line-Up

More than 170 food and beverage choices will be available. Participating venues will include CRU Bar, Bianca, EMME, Jocelyn’s Provisions, Same Same, Sushi Room, Hellenika, and Gelato Messina, among others. Dishes on offer range from sliders, prawn cocktails, and poke bowls to Thai curry, wagyu skewers, fresh oysters, and a limited edition gelato flavour created for the event.

Bars and drink carts across the site will serve beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.

James St Food and Wine Trail — *Photo Credit: James Street*

Sustainable Practices

Organisers have implemented environmental measures including composting and recycling stations. All takeaway items such as plates, cups, and cutlery will be compostable. Proceeds from container recycling will be donated to a local charity.

Brisbane events — *Photo Credit: James Street*

Accessibility and Community Focus

The event will offer accessible toilets and designated children’s areas. Visitors will be able to move freely through the precinct, with seating available to watch live bands and DJs. Accommodation discounts and promotions are available for attendees seeking to extend their stay.

What’s Next

The James St Food and Wine Trail is set to provide a large-scale culinary experience in Fortitude Valley, showcasing local talent and community spirit while promoting sustainable event practices.

Published 28-June-2025