Known as The Glo House, the striking glass-walled pavilion is the brainchild of Glo Events, one of the city’s leading event planners. Scheduled to launch in October 2025, the transparent structure will offer guests an immersive experience in nature—surrounded by lush gardens by day and Brisbane’s sparkling skyline by night.
Photo credit: GLO Events/Facebook
Inspired by the design of greenhouses and conservatories, The Glo House at Roma Street Parkland promises a visual spectacle while providing year-round comfort. Behind the glamour is serious function: it will be fully equipped with a high-spec audiovisual and sound system, climate control to handle Queensland’s summer heat, and space to host up to 400 guests.
Photo credit: GLO Events/Facebook
Glo Events founders Pete Cunningham and Anthony Ikin, who bring backgrounds in international performance and reality television, described their vision as a venue that creates “glo-ments”: unforgettable, high-impact experiences designed to elevate any event.
“While the Glo House is still being brought to life, we’re sharing inspiration from around the world to give you a glimpse of the magic to come. These stunning structures have helped shape our vision, and we can’t wait to show you Brisbane’s own,” Glo Events announced.
More than just a pretty backdrop, The Glo House was created to fill a gap in Brisbane’s premium event spaces. Its transparent structure is designed with both style and flow in mind, allowing it to suit everything from weddings and brand launches to fashion shows and milestone celebrations.
As the city gears up for its Olympic future, The Glo House adds another layer of sophistication to Brisbane’s cultural and event offering. Bookings are already being taken ahead of the venue’s official opening in October. For more details, visit Glo Events’ website.
A redevelopment project at All Hallows’ School in Brisbane CBD has received a state landscape architecture award for transforming a previously underused lawn area into a functional outdoor space.
Recognition at Queensland Landscape Architecture Awards
The revitalised St Gertrude’s Lawn at All Hallows’ School in Brisbane CBD has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Queensland Chapter. The site received a Landscape Architecture Award under the health and education category as part of the 2025 AILA Queensland Awards.
Photo Credit: Supplied
A Multi-Use Outdoor Learning and Recreation Space
Led by Place Design Group, the project repurposed an underutilised lawn into a multi-functional outdoor environment. The updated space supports the school’s expansion into junior year levels and encourages active and passive engagement. Key features include a custom climbing structure positioned under a retained heritage tree, a shaded seating area, and an outdoor learning circle surrounded by native vegetation.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Integration with Site Heritage and Context
The design team integrated locally sourced Brisbane Tuff stone to connect the contemporary elements with the school’s history. The lawn now supports a balance of recreation, socialisation, and learning, aligning with evidence-based strategies to enhance student wellbeing and interaction.
Broader Recognition Across Brisbane
The All Hallows’ project was one of several Brisbane-based designs recognised at the awards. Other local recipients included the Kangaroo Point Bridge by ASPECT Studios, the Future South Bank Master Plan by Urbis and South Bank Corporation, and the Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera Bridge developed by LatStudios in collaboration with BCC.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Project Team and Delivery
The delivery of the All Hallows’ School project involved multiple contributors. Structural engineering was provided by Bligh Tanner, with Ashburner Francis responsible for electrical and hydraulic works. Landscape Solutions served as the contractor, while Solutions + Co oversaw tensile rope structures. Coha Group handled project management.
Projects awarded by AILA Queensland are eligible for consideration at the national level. All Hallows’ School’s St Gertrude’s Lawn will proceed to the National Landscape Architecture Awards set for October in Hobart/Nipaluna.
Long before he stood on stage at Brisbane City Hall receiving one of Queensland’s highest philanthropy honours, Ryan Ginard had already begun planting seeds for the future — not with fanfare, but through a quiet commitment to backing others.
Alongside his more visible initiatives, Ginard founded the Emerging Leaders Fund, a giving vehicle designed to support grassroots organisations helping young people become confident, values-driven leaders. The fund provides small, flexible grants to Australian initiatives focused on youth empowerment, community resilience, and inclusive civic dialogue. Its structure reflects Ginard’s belief in supporting frontline changemakers without burdensome red tape — offering trust as much as funding.
That community-centred mindset, formed in part during his university years at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), is now the hallmark of a career defined by purpose.
Award-Winning Impact
The former northside Brisbane local was recently awarded the 2025 Philanthropy Innovation Award at the Queensland Philanthropy Awards, held before more than 1,000 guests during Queensland Philanthropy Week. The award recognises bold leadership and long-term contributions to the sector — and Ginard’s work fits that description.
His flagship initiative, Fundraise For Australia, is a national social enterprise working to professionalise the fundraising field and build a stronger pipeline of values-led talent. The program includes Australia’s first fundraising fellowship and has already supported more than 100 fundraisers in developing the skills, confidence, and ethical grounding to support community organisations across the country.
It’s a response to a pressing problem: although Queensland is home to thousands of for-purpose organisations, the state receives just six per cent of national philanthropic funding. Ginard set out to change that — not just by raising awareness, but by building capability.
“This is a proud moment that reflects the incredible community and collective impact that has grown around Fundraise For Australia,” Ginard said in his acceptance speech. “It’s an honour to be recognised alongside so many inspiring individuals and organisations working to strengthen Queensland’s for-purpose sector.”
Ryan Ginard receives his award from Margaret Sheil AO – Vice-Chancellor and President – QUT (Queensland University of Technology) Photo Credit: Supplied
From Brisbane to Canberra
Before stepping onto the national stage, Ginard’s journey began in Brisbane’s north, where his early experiences shaped a practical approach to leadership and service. He credits his time at QUT with helping him turn big-picture values into real-world tools — lessons that continue to guide his work.
Ginard’s award was presented by QUT Vice-Chancellor Margaret Sheil AO — a proud moment for the alumnus who once walked the halls of his alma mater QUT with ambition, a dream in his heart, and the beginnings of a blueprint. For him, the recognition marks not just a personal milestone, but a reminder of the community that helped shape his path.
Like Father, Like Son
His values are also reflected at home. His young son Roman recently launchedRoman Gives, a child-led giving project where he donates toys, raises funds, and learns about empathy and action. Watching his son’s early steps into philanthropy has given Ginard fresh perspective on legacy — not just in terms of career achievements, but in the values passed on to the next generation.
It’s a glimpse into the kind of world Ginard has been quietly building all along — one where leadership, generosity, and community aren’t just roles, but lived experiences.
Ginard hopes to expand Fundraise For Australia, continue advocating for policy reform, and invest in a future where philanthropy is more inclusive, more local, and more human. Whether through national platforms or behind-the-scenes grantmaking, his approach remains the same: support those doing the work, centre their voices, and keep the focus on long-term impact.
As the lights dimmed at Brisbane City Hall and the applause faded, Ginard quietly returned to what he does best — backing others to lead.
Live music is making a vibrant return to Fortitude Valley as Blute’s Bar prepares to host performances five nights a week. This exciting development follows the closure of much-loved venue The Bearded Lady, and sees the same creative team—Alyssa and Keeley of Ballpoint Press—take the reins to help shape Blute’s next chapter.
For the duo, the transition from The Bearded Lady to Blute’s is more than just a new project—it’s a continuation of a legacy. They see this as a chance to keep the spirit of Brisbane’s independent music scene alive, offering artists a welcoming platform whether they’re just starting out or already seasoned performers. Their vision is to foster an environment where artists can evolve and truly feel at home.
Photo credit: Blute’s/Facebook
Blute’s, which first opened its doors in 2018, is already known for its late-night karaoke and role in the annual BIGSOUND showcase. Now, with a new live music focus, the bar is cementing itself as a key venue in Brisbane’s entertainment landscape. But fans of karaoke needn’t worry—the beloved mic won’t be going anywhere. Instead, the bar will wrap up gigs earlier in the evening before transitioning into its usual karaoke festivities.
Photo credit: Blute’s/Facebook
The local music community has welcomed the announcement. QMusic CEO Kris Stewart highlighted the importance of resisting the loss of live venues and praised Blute’s commitment to local, original acts. The venue also joins the network of live music spaces operated by The Happy Horsemen—the team behind Stay Gold, The Brightside, and Black Bear Lodge—renowned for supporting Australia’s music talent.
Photo credit: Blute’s/Facebook
Promoter Andrew Perumalla from Destroy All Lines echoed this sentiment, noting the team’s unmatched dedication to nurturing live music and calling Blute’s a promising addition to the national music scene.
Live bookings are now open, and the venue is actively inviting artists and agents to get in touch. Launch programming is expected to begin rolling out in the coming weeks, adding a fresh rhythm to Fortitude Valley’s nights.
A new live music event will bring a week-long series of outdoor concerts to Brisbane CBD, with Roma Street Parkland set to host performances by major Australian artists.
A seven-night concert series is scheduled for Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre in Brisbane CBD this September. Titled “Night at The Parkland,” the event will showcase headline performances from leading Australian artists across two weekends.
Organised by the team behind Sydney’s “Night at The Barracks,” the Brisbane edition will be held in the natural surrounds of Roma Street Parkland and its existing amphitheatre structure.
ICEHOUSE will open the event on Friday, 5 September. Lime Cordiale and Jack River will perform on Saturday, 6 September, followed by Xavier Rudd on Sunday, 7 September. The second weekend includes Amy Shark on Thursday, 11 September; Grinspoon’s 30th anniversary performance on Friday, 12 September; Cut Copy and guest KLP on Saturday, 13 September; and James Johnston with Zac & George on Sunday, 14 September.
Photo Credit: Night At The Parkland
On-Site Experience
The event will include large video screens and professional lighting across all nights. Food trucks and artisan drink stalls will be present at the venue.
Environmental Commitment
Night at The Parkland will operate with a strong sustainability focus. Measures include the elimination of single-use plastics, the promotion of public transport, and a partnership with ENGIE to offset all event emissions using 100 per cent renewable energy. Recycling facilities will be implemented throughout the site.
Event Access and Delivery
The series is produced by the creators of Night at The Barracks and is supported by Brisbane Festival. The Roma Street Parkland location provides central accessibility within Brisbane CBD.
After more than three years of enchanting Brisbane’s pastry lovers with flaky croissants, golden kouign-amann, and pillowy loaves of sourdough, Agnes Bakery is closing the doors of its James Street location for the final time this Sunday, June 15.
But don’t despair—this isn’t goodbye, just a delicious evolution. Rising from the ashes (or rather, flour) is Idle, a new concept from the Anyday Group set to open soon in New Farm.
Photo credit: A Bahrij/Google Maps
In fact, Agnes Bakery wasn’t part of the original plan. In early 2020, the team behind Agnes was preparing to launch a fine dining restaurant with a wine bar and bottle shop. But when COVID-19 lockdowns hit just days before opening, executive chef Ben Williamson and his team were forced to pivot. The solution? Transform the yet-to-open space into a bakery—a move that was meant to be temporary but quickly became one of Brisbane’s most beloved culinary surprises.
Photo credit: Joseph Cosico/Google Maps
With limited hours and no dine-in allowed, the Agnes team began selling their creations through the front door, and Brisbane lined up for the privilege. Locals couldn’t get enough of the bakery’s signature croissants—flaky on the outside, buttery-soft inside, and utterly addictive.
Photo credit: Mark Nguyen/Google Maps
The kouign-amann, a caramelised Breton pastry, also became a cult favourite. Customers were equally devoted to their potato and rosemary danish with creamy cheese, their deeply flavoursome sourdough, and the perfectly scorched Basque cheesecake.
Photo credit: Gerard Wood/Google Maps
More than just a stop for baked goods, Agnes Bakery became a pandemic-era comfort—a little piece of warmth and joy in uncertain times. It grew into a cornerstone of the inner-city food scene, drawing pastry pilgrims from across Brisbane and beyond.
Now, as the team prepares to close this chapter, they’re giving fans one last chance to savour their favourites. On Saturday and Sunday (June 14-15), the first 100 customers to make a purchase will receive a free mini almond croissant—a final thank you from a bakery that’s baked its way into Brisbane’s heart.
And while Agnes Bakery will be missed, its spirit lives on in Idle, a fresh venture promising to blend the best of a bakery, market, and neighbourhood kitchen under one roof. If history is anything to go by, Idle will be more than a worthy successor—it might just be your new favourite.
A major new development is underway in Brisbane’s James Street precinct, with James Place set to become a significant addition to the area’s evolving urban landscape.
Located at 75–85 James Street, the six-storey mixed-use project brings together commercial, retail, hospitality, and wellness spaces under one coordinated architectural vision.
Photo credit: Forme/LinkedIn
Designed by Richards & Spence and delivered by developer Forme, the precinct will include over 8,700 square metres of space, including boutique retail outlets, high-end restaurants, office tenancies, and a rooftop venue offering views across the city skyline.
A key feature of the development is its central, open-air plaza—an internal focal point intended to support public engagement and circulation through the site.
Photo credit: Forme/LinkedIn
Rather than a standalone project, James Place is conceived as an extension of the existing character of James Street. Its dual frontages and landscaped laneways aim to encourage pedestrian movement and exploration, while the architecture continues the area’s established material and design language. Forme has signalled an intention to remain involved in managing the James Place precinct post-completion, with a focus on maintaining a curated mix of tenants.
Photo credit: Forme/LinkedIn
The site has already begun to attract attention from national brands across both the retail and commercial sectors. With construction led by Graya now in progress, James Place is expected to be completed by late 2026.
This latest project adds to Forme’s growing portfolio of high-profile developments, which includes award-winning residential buildings in Burleigh Heads and a new mixed-use building soon to rise in Teneriffe.
In each case, the developer has focused on delivering smaller-scale, design-led projects that engage directly with their surrounding neighbourhoods—an approach clearly continuing at James Street.
Holly, a rodent detection dog, has marked 10 years of service in Brisbane CBD as part of a program that continues to manage rat and mouse activity across homes and businesses in the city.
Brisbane’s rodent detection program has operated for more than a century, originally formed in response to a plague outbreak. In the 1950s, BCC teams routinely eliminated thousands of rats each month using dogs and baiting techniques. BCC records show that in October 1951, more than 6,000 rats were destroyed, with a further 1,600 captured the previous month.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
Modern Detection and Training Approach
Today, the focus has shifted from eradication to detection and prevention. Dogs such as Holly, a fox terrier, recently recognised for 10 years of service on 3 June, are deployed to detect rodent presence in Brisbane CBD and surrounding areas. These dogs are trained over the course of a year to identify rodent scents and locate potential nests.
Fox terriers are selected for their strong scenting ability and calm temperament. They work alongside handlers and respond to several dozen call-outs per week, inspecting over 500 properties annually. When rodents are detected, BCC officers may advise property owners on prevention methods, such as sealing cracks and improving waste management.
Rodents in Urban Areas
Rodents found in Brisbane CBD typically include large sewer rats, which burrow under buildings, and smaller climbing rats that inhabit ceilings and wall cavities. They are known to damage doors, skirtings, food containers, machinery, and wiring. BCC warns that both types pose serious health risks as carriers of disease.
Rodents are classified as invasive species, contributing to biodiversity loss and public health concerns. BCC encourages residents to report suspected infestations through its 24-hour contact centre on 07 3403 8888 or website. Prompt investigation enables early intervention before infestations grow.
Public Reflection and Community Engagement
Brisbane residents have recalled past visits from BCC rat catchers and their dogs. One resident reflected on her experience in the 1980s when a dog team visited her Balmoral property, describing the encounter as memorable.
Despite changes in method and scale, rodent control remains active across Brisbane, including the CBD. Holly and fellow detection dogs such as Rosie and Molly have supported the program, with ongoing deployment across both commercial and residential areas. Upon retirement, the dogs remain with their handlers as companion animals.
A 24-storey commercial tower in Brisbane’s CBD is undergoing an upgrade worth $300 million to improve sustainability, expand floor space, and retain its original structure.
A 1974-built office tower at 450 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD, formerly occupied by the Queensland Public Trustee, is undergoing a major transformation. PGIM Real Estate, on behalf of the Asia Pacific Value Partners IV Fund, acquired the building in 2021 and has since initiated an adaptive reuse plan to reposition it as an A-grade commercial property.
The redevelopment (DA A005905778) retains the existing concrete structure, avoiding demolition and significantly reducing the building’s environmental footprint. Buildcorp has been appointed as the lead contractor, with architecture by Fender Katsalidis.
The project includes one of Queensland’s tallest vertical mass timber extensions, adding three new levels and 1,500 square metres of cross-laminated timber. The total net lettable area is projected to reach 17,500 square metres, with typical floor plates ranging from 700 to 1,240 square metres.
Sustainability credentials include a 6 Star Green Star rating, a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating, a 4 Star NABERS Water rating, and Net Zero certification. Retaining the original building will reportedly reduce embodied energy by over 70 per cent and carbon emissions by 66 per cent compared to a full demolition and rebuild.
Design Features and Facilities
The refurbishment includes 600 square metres of landscaped outdoor space designed as a flexible work area with Wi-Fi. Additional facilities feature 130 bicycle spaces, 270 lockers, and 20 showers, enhancing end-of-trip amenities. The ground level will include concierge and security services, a public business lounge, and activated retail frontages.
A minor development application amendment proposes the removal of six structural columns and a modest increase in the building’s height from 79.13 metres to 83.5 metres.
The upgrade comes amid tightening commercial vacancy rates in the Brisbane CBD, now at their lowest since 2013. PGIM Real Estate has steadily expanded its Brisbane portfolio with assets at 130 and 307 Queen Street, 215 Adelaide Street, and the Howard Smith Wharves precinct.
The firm views Brisbane as a growth area, citing long-term demand drivers including infrastructure constraints and the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The project is scheduled for completion in early 2027. Once finished, 450 Queen Street is expected to serve as a model for low-carbon commercial redevelopment and workplace design in post-pandemic Brisbane.
A unique art exhibition recently captivated audiences as artist Jake Moss transformed a hired Queensland Rail train, departing from Fortitude Valley’s Roma Street Station, into a moving gallery for a journey that ended in Woodridge.
The unusual event took place as guests discovered their destination only after the train began its journey. This innovative display offered a fresh perspective on experiencing art while in motion.
For Jake Moss, the decision to host the exhibition on a train bound for Woodridge carried deep personal meaning. He spent his childhood living in a housing commission in Woodridge and, during his high school years, felt a strong sense of shame about his home suburb.
Moss has shared that he often lied to his private school friends about where he lived, avoiding visits and preventing himself from forming common memories, such as taking the train to Woodridge with mates.
He explained that the exhibition, titled “Something I Should Have Done A Long Time Ago,” allowed him to finally create a positive memory associated with that journey and share it with many people.
This sentiment was echoed in a heartwarming moment where his father, sitting on the specially hired train, expressed his fondness for paintings depicting moments they shared.
The exhibition showcased 32 new paintings by Moss, all specifically created to fit within the train’s window spaces. Beyond the visual art, guests were treated to a surprise fashion show, a collaboration with designer Shania Letondeur.
This event marked Letondeur’s first public presentation of her work, which featured designs inspired by train passengers and constructed from everyday materials such as cardboard, plastic, and even a curtain sourced from a Woodridge op shop.
The individuals modelling the garments were actors who had previously worked in Moss’s films, many of which are set and filmed in Woodridge, highlighting a collaborative community spirit.
Queensland Rail expressed its enthusiasm for the initiative, noting it was a rare and welcome use of their services. A spokesperson for Queensland Rail stated that the train was decorated throughout with Moss’s artwork, offering a distinctive artistic experience.
The public reaction to the moving exhibition has been overwhelmingly positive. Many found the concept inspiring and lauded the partnership between the artist and Queensland Rail.
Comments highlighted the originality of the idea and suggested that such events could become a regular occurrence, perhaps featuring multiple artists and live music, with an admission fee similar to established galleries. Community members also voiced hopes for the artwork’s protection and opportunities for Moss to sell his pieces. Several individuals who knew Moss personally spoke highly of his talent and character.
Jake Moss is a multidisciplinary artist who works across visual art, film, theatre, and literature. He is one of eleven siblings and has openly shared details about his background, including his experiences with homelessness and his unique childhood. He has also been recognised for his work with community organisations.
This creative collaboration between a local artist and Queensland Rail demonstrates the potential for public spaces to become accessible platforms for art and cultural expression.
The success of “Something I Should Have Done A Long Time Ago” could inspire similar initiatives in the future, fostering artistic engagement within the community.
