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Vision Disagreement Leads to Closure of Acclaimed Brisbane CBD Eatery Pneuma

Photo Credit: Pneuma Restaurant/ Instagram

The acclaimed Pneuma restaurant in Brisbane CBD is set to close its doors following co-owner and celebrated chef Matt Blackwell’s decision to step away from the popular establishment he helped create.

Blackwell’s final service at Pneuma will be on 6 July. The restaurant first opened in November 2023 in the light-filled CBD heritage space that was previously home to Greenglass.

A Divergence in Vision

Blackwell communicated his departure in an email to guests, stating it was a difficult but necessary decision to leave Pneuma. He expressed gratitude to diners for their support and belief in what they were building. Speaking about his choice, Blackwell described it as “heartbreaking,” explaining that he had invested nearly two years of effort into the venture. He noted that while the restaurant’s daily operations were successful, its overall direction had moved away from his personal vision, making it the right time for him to depart.

Dan Arnold, the other co-owner and a prominent chef known for Restaurant Dan Arnold and La Cache a Vin, confirmed that Blackwell’s exit effectively ends Pneuma as it is currently known, given Blackwell’s role as its creative driving force.

Pneuma’s Acclaimed Run

Despite its relatively short existence, Pneuma quickly became a significant name in Brisbane’s dining scene. It gained attention for its seasonal menu, which intelligently used different proteins. The restaurant earned numerous accolades, including being recognised as one of Queensland’s finest restaurants in the 2025 Good Food Guide. Matt Blackwell, previously celebrated for his work at GOMA Restaurant, and Dan Arnold are highly regarded figures in the city’s culinary world.

Future Plans for the Site

In a statement, Dan Arnold thanked Matt Blackwell for his dedication and for “breathing life” into Pneuma, helping it become what it is today from its beginnings as a pop-up. Arnold stated that he intends to keep the tenancy on George Street in Brisbane City. He plans to close Pneuma after the final service on July 6 but will use the site to launch a new concept soon.

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What’s Next for the Chefs

Matt Blackwell plans to take a break from the kitchen to consider his next career move. He has indicated that his future endeavours may involve opening his own restaurant, rather than working for someone else, and did not rule out the possibility of it being outside of Queensland. Meanwhile, Dan Arnold will focus on developing the new restaurant concept for the Pneuma site.

Published Date 19-Jun-2025

City Botanic Gardens to Host NAIDOC Week Cultural Celebration

Brisbane’s historic City Botanic Gardens will come alive with music, dance, and community spirit this NAIDOC Week (6-13 July 2025) as it plays host to Yaggara Kakka – Walkin’ in the Footsteps of Our Ancestors.

Read: Fortitude Valley Program Helps Latina Women Build Stronger Businesses

The one-day gathering, to be held on Sunday 6 July, will transform the gardens’ ceremonial platform into a vibrant space for cultural celebration and connection. From 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m, visitors will be invited to experience the richness of First Nations heritage through storytelling, traditional and contemporary performances, arts, market stalls and children’s rides.

Set against the natural beauty of the gardens, the event offers an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and reflect on this year’s national NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. Organisers say the location is a fitting stage for honouring the enduring connection between land, people and culture.

The day will showcase a diverse lineup of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers and artists, with a strong focus on cultural education and intergenerational learning. Community members will also be encouraged to engage in open dialogue and share in the stories that have shaped and continue to shape the city now known as Brisbane.

Access to the event is via Garden Point Road, and the area will be an alcohol- and drug-free zone to ensure a safe and inclusive atmosphere.

Read: Fortitude Valley Celebrates Top Artists at 2025 Queensland Music Awards

Support for the celebration has come from local business sponsors and the National Indigenous Australians Agency, with a sausage sizzle and other offerings available later in the day—at no cost to attendees.

For more details, contact organiser Louisa Bonner on 0418 744 645 or email ngadmin.coord@mail.com.

Published 19-June-2025

Brisbane’s First All-Glass Venue to Open at Roma Street Parkland

Brisbane’s first and only all-glass venue is set to open later this year, bringing a one-of-a-kind event space to the heart of Roma Street Parkland.

Read: Fortitude Valley’s Music Scene Reignited as Blute’s Hosts Gigs Five Nights a Week

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.

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.

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.

Read: Open-Air Concert Series Launching in Brisbane CBD This September

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.

Published 17-June-2025

All Hallows’ Lawn Project Wins Landscape Award in Brisbane CBD

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.

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.

All Hallows’ School — *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.

Brisbane CBD school project — *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.

Future Implications

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.

Published 17-June-2025

QUT Alumnus Ryan Ginard Quietly Funds a New Generation of Changemakers

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 QUT — 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.

Now based in Canberra, Ginard leads the advancement team at the Australian National University’s College of Business and Economics. There, he works at the intersection of philanthropy, education, and economic impact — but his focus on community remains central.

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 launched Roman 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.

Looking Ahead

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.

Published 16-June-2025

Fortitude Valley’s Music Scene Reignited as Blute’s Hosts Gigs Five Nights a Week

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.

Read: Crowbar Brisbane Returns: A New Era for the Iconic Venue

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read: Open-Air Concert Series Launching in Brisbane CBD This September

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.

Published 16-June-2025

Open-Air Concert Series Launching in Brisbane CBD This September

Photo Credit: Night At The Parkland

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.

Concert Series to Activate Roma Street

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.

Full Program of Performances

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.

Open-Air Concert — *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.

Tickets for each individual concert are available via the official event website.

BUY TICKETS

Published 12-June-2025

A Final Crumb: Agnes Bakery’s Last Weekend Before Rebirth as ‘Idle’

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.

Read: Agnes Bakery in Fortitude Valley is Brisbane’s New Favourite

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read: Supernormal Brisbane Named One of the Best New Restaurants for 2025

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.

Published 11-June-2025

James Street’s Evolution Continues with New Mixed-Use Precinct James Place

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.

Read: Cru Bar Reimagined: A James Street Staple’s New Chapter

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.

James Place — 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.

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.

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.

Read: Emme Brings The Art of Wood-Fired Cooking to James Street

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.

Published 9-June-2025

Rodent Detection Dog Marks 10 Years of Service in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/Facebook

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.

Historical Role in Public Health

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.

Pest animals in Brisbane CBD — *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.

Rodent detection dogs — Holly, Molly, and Rosie with their handlers
Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/Facebook

Invasive Species and Reporting

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.

Ongoing Role in the CBD

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.

Published 7-June-2025