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Mass Timber Retrofit Transforms Office Tower in Brisbane CBD

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.

Background of the Redevelopment

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.

Brisbane CBD retrofit — *Photo Credit: DA/A005905778*

Sustainability Targets and Project Scope

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.

Broader Context and Strategic Relevance

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.

Outlook and Completion Timeline

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.

Published 6-June-2025

Jake Moss Art Show Travels from Fortitude Valley to Woodridge

Photo Credit: Jake Moss/ Facebook

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.

A Personal Journey to Woodridge

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.

Art on Rails and Fashion Surprises

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’s Support and Public Acclaim

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.

Looking Ahead

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.

Published Date 05-Jun-2025

Brisbane’s Smarter Suburban Corridors Project to Use AI at Key Intersections

Brisbane’s Smarter Suburban Corridors project will see artificial intelligence take control of traffic signals across key intersections in a $15 million trial set to begin in 2026. While the trial will span the wider city, the Central Business District is expected to be one of the areas where improvements in traffic flow will be closely monitored.

Read: Gregory Terrace May Face Increased Congestion Amid School and Olympic Plans

The initiative, aimed at reducing congestion and modernising Brisbane’s outdated traffic systems, will gradually replace decades-old signal infrastructure with AI-powered technology capable of learning and adapting in real time. By using predictive algorithms and live traffic data, the system will adjust signal timings to ease bottlenecks, reduce delays, and improve safety on some of the city’s most heavily used roads.

Though not the sole focus, the CBD stands to benefit from the rollout. As one of Brisbane’s most congested areas—with limited space, high pedestrian volumes, and heavy reliance on public transport—the inner city is likely to be among the early sites where changes are felt. Smarter signal coordination could particularly help buses and commuter traffic that pass through key CBD corridors daily.

The city’s two current traffic management systems date back to the 1980s and 1990s, using fixed-timing programs and basic road sensors that have struggled to keep up with rising demand. With Brisbane’s population expected to grow from 1.3 million to 1.7 million by 2046, and with road freight traffic increasing even faster, planners are looking to AI as a scalable and more responsive solution.

International examples from cities like Manchester and Seattle show that AI-managed traffic signals can deliver time savings of over 20 percent. Brisbane hopes to achieve similar results, with a 12-month trial beginning in mid-2026, following a competitive tender process starting in June this year.

The system will be introduced in phases and delivered in partnership with the state government. If successful, the initial two-year contract could extend up to ten years, forming a backbone for Brisbane’s broader smart city ambitions in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

While transport experts and stakeholders have broadly welcomed the trial, they also note that AI is only one part of the solution. Without improvements in public transport capacity and a shift toward more sustainable travel modes, congestion will remain a challenge—particularly in high-demand areas like the CBD.

Read: Parking Loss from Bus Layover Zones in Fortitude Valley Triggers Backlash

Nonetheless, the Smarter Suburban Corridors project represents a significant step forward in how Brisbane manages its growing transport network, with AI at the centre of efforts to create a faster, safer, and more efficient city.

Published 5-June-2025

Sustainability Grant Supports Community Expo in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: YMCA Queensland

A community organisation in Fortitude Valley has received funding from Australia Post’s People of Post grants program to deliver a sustainability-focused community expo.

Program Background

Australia Post has expanded its People of Post grants initiative to address declining charity donations amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The program, now in its eighth year, allows employees to nominate local community or not-for-profit organisations for grants of up to $2,000. In 2025, more than 200 groups across the country received funding, with over $400,000 distributed nationwide—marking a 47 per cent increase on the previous year.

Queensland accounted for a quarter of this year’s grant recipients, with 55 organisations supported. The program continues to prioritise projects within four focus areas: mental health, disaster support and resilience, Indigenous children’s literacy and learning, and environmental sustainability.

Y-Care Queensland — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

Y-Care Fortitude Valley Project Overview

Y-Care (South East Queensland), based in Fortitude Valley, was among the Queensland recipients. The organisation will use the grant to host a sustainability expo that includes workshops on composting, recycling, and gardening. The event also features activities suitable for various age groups, supporting practical environmental education and participation.

Broader Trends and Context

Research commissioned by Australia Post in April 2025 indicated that 40 per cent of Australians who regularly donate to charities have reduced their giving over the past year. Cost-of-living pressures, particularly rising prices on groceries and essentials, were cited as key factors. The findings also showed that over half of Australians prefer to support causes that address immediate community needs.

In response to this trend, Australia Post increased its grant allocation for 2025 to provide broader assistance to grassroots groups.

Y-Care expo — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Impact and Focus

Y-Care’s initiative contributes to environmental education in the local area and aligns with Australia Post’s environmental sustainability priority, which made up 25 per cent of all grant recipients this year. Through its scheduled workshops and accessible programming, the organisation supports community participation in sustainable practices.

Y-Care is a large Queensland-based charity supporting various groups including children, youth, people experiencing homelessness, and culturally diverse communities. Its services span education, housing, food relief, and employment training programs.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 People of Post program continues to support locally led initiatives across the country, including Fortitude Valley’s sustainability expo. With growing pressure on community organisations, grant funding remains a vital mechanism for grassroots engagement and resilience-building.

Published 4-June-2025

Urgent Call for O-Type Blood Donors at Brisbane City Donor Centre as National Supplies Hit Crisis Point

The Brisbane City Donor Centre is urgently appealing for 250 O-type blood donors this week, as Australia faces its most severe shortage of O positive and O negative blood in nearly two years.

Read: Urgent Blood Donation Appeal: Here’s Where to Donate in Brisbane CBD

The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued a nationwide plea for an extra 9,500 donations over the next seven days to replenish critical blood supplies, which have dropped to their lowest levels since October 2023.

“Right now, we’re seeing the highest rates of people rescheduling or cancelling their appointments since June last year, and our O-type blood supplies are at their lowest level since October 2023,” Lifeblood Executive Director, Stuart Chesneau said.

“Every day, we issue close to 10,000 blood transfusions and medications to hospitals around the country to meet patient demand and we can’t do it without people donating,” Mr Chesneau said.

O-type blood is in especially high demand because it’s frequently used in emergency situations. O negative is the universal blood type, suitable for any patient regardless of their own blood type, and is stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters for trauma cases where there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood group.

“O negative is considered a ‘universal blood type’ and is often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters so it can be used to treat patients when their blood type is unknown, such as in times of trauma when large quantities of blood is needed in a short amount of time,” Mr Chesneau explained.

Although fewer than 7 percent of Australians have O negative blood, it accounts for 16 percent of hospital orders due to its versatility. He said that donations of O positive were equally as important.

“What many people don’t know is that O positive is as safe as O negative for the majority of emergency transfusions. Some 40 per cent of people in Australia have O positive blood, meaning they too can help save lives in emergency situations,” he added.

“We’re asking people of all blood types who are feeling healthy and well, especially those with O-type blood, to make an appointment.

“If you’ve never donated before and don’t know your blood type, coming in to donate is a great way to find out, and you get the chance to save a life.”

A whole blood donation takes less than 10 minutes, with the full appointment lasting around an hour.

“An hour of your time might give someone the rest of their life. Plus, you’ll give Lifeblood’s blood supplies a much-needed boost as we head into the winter months,” Mr Chesneau said.

Appointments can be made by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au, or downloading the DonateBlood App.

Donor Centre Details

Brisbane City Donor Centre
288 Edward Street, Brisbane
Open Hours:

Monday to Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Read: QUT Researchers Secure $3.2M for Health Trials in Brisbane CBD

Parking is available at Queens Plaza (250 Edward Street), with entry at the corner of Edward and Adelaide Streets.

Published 3-June-2025

Fortitude Valley Showroom Reimagined as Luxury Home Destination

Photo Credit: Winnings

Brisbane homeowners and design professionals in Fortitude Valley can now explore a significantly expanded and renamed retail space offering a full range of luxury home products, a transformation celebrated by over 200 guests.

Winning Group has relaunched its Brisbane retail store, formerly known as Winning Appliances, renaming it Winnings Fortitude Valley Flagship Showroom.

The recent re-launch event drew more than 200 guests from Brisbane’s design, property, and construction sectors, alongside customers and brand partners. The original Winning Appliances Fortitude Valley showroom first opened its doors over seven years ago.

Expanding the Home Experience

luxury home — *Photo Credit:* *Winnings*

The Fortitude Valley showroom has undergone major expansion and is now positioned as a “lifestyle and luxury destination for the home.” It offers a much broader selection of products, moving beyond kitchen and laundry appliances to include items for the bathroom, living areas, and alfresco spaces.

The showroom features 65 world-leading and exclusive brands, including well-known names such as Sub Zero, Wolf, Gaggenau, Miele, Smeg, and Fisher & Paykel.

John Winning, CEO of Winning Group, stated that the newly relaunched showroom “sets the bar for retailing in Brisbane,” providing an immersive and inspiring shopping experience for customers. He noted that as a century-old family business, the company continues to innovate its multi-sensory shopping experiences.

Unrivalled Shopping Destination

According to Ed Brenac, General Manager of Winnings, the store is the “ultimate shopping destination.” He explained that the unique Winnings experience allows customers to renovate their entire home in one place, choosing from a wide array of brands seamlessly integrated throughout the showroom.

The store also offers unbiased advice from Product Experts who do not work on commissions, demonstrations by Culinary Experts on the latest technologies, free cooking demonstrations, and free delivery.

Kate McGlone, Group Design Manager at the Winning Group, mentioned that the showroom’s design goes beyond simply displaying products. The aim is to inspire customers and designers through the retail environment itself, helping them create meaningful spaces that reflect their lifestyle.

The admired qualities of the previous showroom have been elevated with the addition of premium bathware, lighting, and towelling, creating a unique shopping experience.

A Legacy of Service

The initial grand opening of the Fortitude Valley store several years ago also saw a significant gathering, with over 240 guests attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony. During that event, John Winning, alongside his mother Kerrie, spoke about the importance of the store for his family and the company’s presence in Queensland.

He stated that the Queensland customers appreciate their service as much as the company enjoys serving them. That opening event also included a Welcome To Country from Songwoman Maroochy, acknowledging the past while looking to the future.

David Woollcott, CEO of Winning Appliances, expressed at the time that the showroom was unique in Australia and possibly globally for its ability to showcase cutting-edge technologies with such style.

The original facility included a full working Experience Kitchen. Winning Group, a 111-year-old family business, aims to continue growing its presence in Queensland to become a significant part of kitchen and home design in the state.

Published Date 02-June-2025

Sushi Room Expansion Completed in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Sushi Room/Instagram

A Japanese restaurant located in Fortitude Valley has reopened following a major expansion that includes new seating, a redesigned bar, and alfresco dining.

Background and Expansion Details

Sushi Room, situated at The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley, has completed a major transformation and reopened on 30 May. Originally a 60-seat venue, it now offers seating for around 100 guests following an expansion that included acquiring the adjacent retail space previously occupied by Artclub x Lucy Folk.

Owner Simon Gloftis had aimed to secure the neighbouring tenancy since the restaurant’s initial planning in 2021, and seized the opportunity when it later became available. The extension adds 20 square metres to the restaurant’s footprint.

New Features and Design Changes

Designed by architects Richards and Spence, who also developed the original restaurant and hotel, the renovation introduces a new outdoor dining area on Doggett Street, a brushed-steel alfresco section, a larger marble bar, mirrored ceiling, and plush booth seating.

The new section offers a distinct atmosphere, slightly warmer and more casual than the original space, while preserving the moody, minimalist interior of the main dining area. Entry to the original dining space is now via a noren curtain, designed to maintain its private ambiance.

Dining Experience and Access

For the first time, Sushi Room now welcomes walk-in guests, allowing patrons to enjoy sushi and drinks without requiring a booking. The updated setup supports casual visits with the option for a quick snack or a full meal. An expanded menu features new sushi rolls, wakame salad, and winter cocktails, while maintaining the omakase-style service that has become the restaurant’s hallmark.

Sushi Room renovation — *Photo Credit: Sushi Room/Instagram*

Chef and Culinary Direction

Head Chef Shimpei Raikuni continues to lead the kitchen, with a focus on precision and traditional technique. He remains stationed at the 9.3-metre Hinoki sushi counter inside the original dining room.

The restaurant is known for its high standards and earlier this year was featured as a premium hospitality partner at the Australian Open, hosting omakase service at Rod Laver Arena. The combined space now accommodates approximately 100 guests between the new and existing dining areas.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Simon James Gloftis (@simongloftis)

Intended Outcome of Redevelopment

The changes are aimed at making the venue more versatile, encouraging guests to drop in without formality while preserving the refined experience for which the restaurant is known. The relaunch reflects an effort to balance exclusivity with accessibility.

Published 31-May-2025

Spring Hill Apartment Project Aligns with 2032 Olympic Precinct

A new apartment development in Spring Hill is integrating emerging lifestyle features and proximity to Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic venues into its design.

Residential Design Aligns with Olympic Infrastructure

A 15-storey residential development is taking shape in Spring Hill, offering future residents direct access to Brisbane’s Olympic precinct. Situated on Gregory Terrace, the site overlooks the future Olympic Stadium and Victoria Park/Barrambin, positioning the project within walking distance of key venues for the 2032 Games.

The project, named Oria, is being developed by Keylin and constructed by Brisbane-based builder CoStruct. It will deliver 132 apartments across two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom configurations, with completion forecast for early 2027.

Oria Spring Hill — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Integration of Pickleball Reflects Sporting Trends

Oria is believed to be the first multi-storey inner-city residential development in Queensland to incorporate a dedicated pickleball court among its amenities. Pickleball, which has rapidly gained popularity across Queensland in recent years, is under consideration for inclusion in the 2032 Olympic program.

According to the Pickleball Association of Queensland, demand for courts across the state has outpaced availability. The compact court dimensions make the sport suitable for integration into high-density residential developments. The inclusion of a pickleball court at Oria complements other rooftop amenities. These include a gym, pool, yoga space, cinema, sauna, steam room, games area, and private dining rooms.

Oria pickleball court Spring Hill — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Focus on Community and Sustainability

In addition to its sport-focused facilities, Oria will include ground-level features like a business centre and off-leash dog area, aiming to support diverse lifestyles and foster community interaction.

The development has received a six-leaf certification from the Urban Development Institute of Australia under the EnviroDevelopment program, recognising sustainability measures in energy, water, waste, ecosystems, materials, and community initiatives.

Spring Hill apartment development — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Urban Outlook and Future Integration

Oria is in Spring Hill, next to the 64-hectare Victoria Park/Barrambin, which is being redeveloped as part of preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Its elevated site provides 360-degree views from Mt Coot-tha to Brisbane’s CBD and stadium zone.

With the Olympic stadium and aquatics centre being constructed nearby, developments like Oria are seen as part of the broader urban response to Brisbane’s upcoming international event. Sales for the apartments are expected to launch later in 2025.

What’s Next

As construction continues, Oria remains one of the first residential developments in Brisbane’s inner north to include pickleball among its amenities and to be located within close proximity to the planned Olympic venues. Its design features align with increasing interest in lifestyle-oriented infrastructure within high-density urban precincts.

Published 28-May-2025

Darcus Beese Leads Star-Studded Lineup at BIGSOUND 2025

Fortitude Valley will once again pulse with the energy of the global music industry as BIGSOUND 2025 kicks off from 2–5 September, presenting a bold new direction and a stacked lineup of international tastemakers.

Read: Dynamic Duo Takes Helm: BIGSOUND Announces New Conference Co-Programmers for 2025

Positioning itself as the Southern Hemisphere’s definitive gathering for music professionals, this year’s event is anchored in a theme of “connection that counts” — a timely response to a sector undergoing rapid change across technology, touring, and artist development.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Darcus Beese O.B.E. (@darcuscb)

One of the most highly anticipated guests is Darcus Beese OBE, the iconic former head of Island Records UK and US, whose signing credits include Amy Winehouse, Sabrina Carpenter, and Remi Wolf. Now heading his own venture, Darco Artist Partnerships (DAP), Beese is known for championing artist development over data-driven decisions — a stance that sets the tone for BIGSOUND’s artist-first agenda.

Reflecting on the evolving industry landscape, Beese noted that while the business is more challenging than ever, music still holds profound value for audiences. He’s excited to explore these changes at BIGSOUND, and to potentially discover new Australian talent for his roster.

Joining Beese is an impressive delegation of booking agents, promoters, and label reps from across the globe, including heavyweights from Wasserman, CAA, Ground Control Touring, and One Fiinix Live, as well as festival programmers from Reading and Leeds, Communion ONE, and C2C Festival.

BIGSOUND 2025 — Photo credit: BIGSOUND/Facebook

Indie label powerhouses such as Secretly Group, Nettwerk Music Group, Third Man Records, and Believe will also be on the ground, all with a keen interest in scouting Australia’s next breakout acts.

According to QMusic and BIGSOUND CEO Kris Stewart, the event is designed as a checkpoint and a springboard — a chance for the industry to reflect on where it’s been and envision where it’s going. Whether it’s on a panel, in a showcase, or during a coffee break, the aim is to foster meaningful exchanges that can shape careers and collaborations.

Behind the scenes, 2025 marks a programming shift, with Cathy Oates and Niriko McLure stepping in to reimagine the conference’s structure. Their vision places a premium on relevance, resilience, and real-world opportunity, tailored to the unique challenges and possibilities facing today’s artists.

Oates acknowledges that the music landscape has dramatically shifted in recent years, with traditional gatekeepers losing influence and new fan-building strategies emerging. The upside, she says, is that barriers to entry have never been lower — and Australian artists are making waves on the global stage.

Read: Music Under the Stars: Night at The Parkland Debuts in Brisbane

McLure adds that the conference will spotlight those pushing boundaries and doing things differently, offering a platform for new voices and practical pathways to international growth.

As BIGSOUND continues to evolve with the industry it serves, 2025 is shaping up to be one of its most globally connected and forward-thinking editions yet — a hub for ideas, discovery, and the next chapter in music’s future.

Published 26-May-2025

Raising Hope: Calile Hotel Hosts Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation Lunch

The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley will play host to a powerful fusion of elegance, purpose, and generosity on Friday 30 May, as the Fundraising Lunch returns to raise vital funds for gynaecological cancer research.

Read: Calile Hotel Named Best in Oceania, Ranks 25th Globally

Guests will enjoy a two-course lunch and a four-hour drinks package in one of the city’s most iconic venues, along with live entertainment, auctions, and raffles — all in support of a cause that impacts thousands of Australian women every year.

Ballet’s Power Couple Take Centre Stage for a Cause

Photo credit: Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation/Facebook

Among the many highlights of this year’s Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation Fundraising Lunch is the attendance of Li Cunxin AO and Mary Li, a couple whose impact on the world of ballet, and now cancer advocacy, is profound.

Li, former Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet and author of Mao’s Last Dancer, and Mary, a renowned former principal artist and ballet mistress with an international career, continue to lend their voices to the fight against cancer.

Married since 1987, Mary and Li have danced together on international stages, their partnership marked by artistry, elegance, and mutual dedication. Their leadership at the Queensland Ballet helped elevate the company to global recognition, introducing new audiences to world-class performances while nurturing homegrown talent.

Their passion now extends beyond the stage. Both serve as proud Cherish Ambassadors, driven not only by a commitment to supporting gynaecological cancer research but also by personal experience. Mary was diagnosed with vulvar cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease.

Mary Li’s cancer diagnosis came as a shock, uncovered during a routine check-up with no prior symptoms. What followed was a gruelling period of treatment, four surgeries and multiple rounds of radiation, after vulvar cancer was detected in a small tumour.

Read: Brisbane’s Kimaritec Takes Gold with Innovative Cancer Treatment at Global Healthcare Event

Mary’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and ongoing research — the very goals the Cherish Foundation champions.

The Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation plays a crucial role in accelerating medical breakthroughs. Their support enables fast-tracked clinical trials and innovative research aimed at discovering kinder, more effective treatments and improving early detection, diagnosis, survival rates, and the quality of life for women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers.

Join a passionate community determined to make a difference — and experience an unforgettable afternoon of purpose and prestige in the heart of Brisbane.

Tickets are $190 per person, with tables of 10 available for group bookings. Guests are encouraged to pre-purchase raffle tickets, with winners to be drawn during the event. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation.

Published 23-May-2025