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Triffid and ‘Little Italy’ Developer Reach Noise Dispute Resolution

The Triffid, one of Brisbane’s iconic live music venues, and a major new development have reached a harmonious agreement that promises to benefit the community and preserve the area’s vibrant culture.

Read: Triffid Takes Legal Action vs Newstead Development Over Noise Concerns

Panettiere Developments, the company behind the much-anticipated “Little Italy” project, a three-tower mixed-use development in Newstead, has officially settled a planning appeal concerning noise from the nearby live music venue.

Tensions surfaced in late 2024 when Hutchinson Builders, co-owners of The Triffid, initiated legal action over concerns that the $1.5 billion development could jeopardise the venue’s future due to potential noise complaints from future residents.

After close collaboration between acoustic experts representing both parties and Brisbane’s local officials, the developers agreed to significantly enhance soundproofing in Building 1 — the tower directly adjacent to The Triffid. Acoustic treatments have been increased from level 4 to level 12, alongside thoughtful redesigns to apartment layouts, ensuring residents can enjoy their homes without compromising the venue’s live music experience.

Photo Credit: Brisbane PD Online/Bureau Proberts

“We’re proud to have worked constructively with The Triffid representatives to find a solution that respects Brisbane’s vibrant music culture while allowing the proposed development to move forward,” Panettiere Developments confirmed in a statement.

Despite the delays caused by the legal proceedings, the development is now progressing with renewed momentum. Once complete, Little Italy will offer a unique blend of residential living, boutique retail, and hospitality venues, aiming to transform Newstead into one of Brisbane’s most dynamic urban hubs.

Stage 1 of the project — a residential tower set on the corner of Longland and Kyabra Streets — is expected to launch soon, drawing interest from those who want to live in one of the city’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods.

Read: Night-Life Commissioner Eyes Changes to Revive Fortitude Valley

For locals, especially residents of Fortitude Valley and Newstead, this outcome reinforces a powerful message: that progress doesn’t have to come at the cost of community identity. The Triffid will continue to echo with live music, and a new chapter for urban living is just around the corner.

Published 19-May-2025

New National Aquatic Centre Planned for Spring Hill With Major Facility Upgrades

Photo Credit: Archipelago

The planned new aquatic centre in Spring Hill will feature three new pools and two new diving towers, setting a new benchmark for aquatic sports infrastructure in Australia as preparations continue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A major aquatic facility is set to be developed at the current Centenary Pool site in Spring Hill as part of Brisbane’s Olympic legacy. This project aims to serve both elite athletes and the broader community, offering a world-class training and competition venue.

Two large indoor stadiums will be built, each equipped with pools designed for elite training and high-level competitions. The centre will also include modern amenities to support both athletes and community users.

During the 2032 Games, the venue’s capacity will temporarily expand to over 25,000 seats, making it the largest Olympic swimming venue in Australian history and surpassing the size of the facility used in Paris 2024. Following the Olympics and Paralympics, the National Aquatic Centre will offer a lasting, world-class facility with a permanent seating capacity of 8,000, providing long-term benefits for Australia’s aquatic sports community.

While most aquatic events for the 2032 Games are planned for this new Spring Hill location, the Brisbane Aquatic Centre in Chandler will also undergo necessary upgrades to support the competitions.

Community and National Benefits

Aquatic sports bodies across Australia have strongly supported the development of the National Aquatic Centre in Brisbane, seeing it as a vital legacy project from the 2032 Games. Other potential locations would not meet the long-term needs of both the sporting community and the broader public.

Concerns have been raised that temporary pool solutions or relying solely on existing facilities would fail to provide a lasting aquatic legacy for Brisbane and Queensland. Upgrading the Brisbane Aquatic Centre in Chandler alone is insufficient to address current challenges or deliver significant future benefits.

The proposal for the Spring Hill site aims to create a vibrant community space that will generate economic, health, and social advantages for many years after the Games conclude. The main indoor pool has been designed to accommodate 19,350 spectators during the 2032 Games, which later reduced to at least 5,850 seats. The second indoor pool will have 5,000 seats during the Games, with a legacy capacity of 2,500.

The National Aquatic Centre’s location is also noted for its good access to public transport, being within walking distance of the Exhibition railway line and Brisbane Metro. Its proximity to Brisbane City and Spring Hill hotels and restaurants, suitable land for construction, and potential for expanded parking to serve nearby facilities like the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital are also advantages.

A Hub for Aquatic Sports

The National Aquatic Centre is expected to unlock significant opportunities for Australia’s four major aquatic sports. It will provide a central location for daily high-performance training, athlete development pathways, and community access for people of all ages and abilities.

This project is viewed as a chance to honour Australia’s strong connection to aquatic sports and potentially establish South-East Queensland as a leading global centre for water sports. The long-term strategy has received endorsement from the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, and World Aquatics.

The national aquatic bodies consider investment in a new, permanent facility essential. Research from the Royal Life Saving Society Australia indicates a growing demand for existing public pools and the increasing social value they provide to communities nationwide.

Games Infrastructure Plan

The Queensland Government said the Spring Hill is a key legacy infrastructure for Greater Brisbane from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This plan emerged from a review process and stakeholder consultation.

While a new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park will be the central Games precinct, the aquatic centre in Spring Hill is a significant sporting venue. Upgrades are also planned for other sporting facilities across Brisbane. Queensland has stated that this infrastructure plan will deliver lasting benefits for decades after the Games.

Olympic champion Cam McEvoy expressed his excitement about the NAC, seeing it as a venue to inspire future athletes and provide state-of-the-art training facilities. He highlighted South-East Queensland’s strong performance in swimming and believes the NAC will further solidify this.

Published Date 16-May-2025

Penelope Bistro Brings ’70s Flair to Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Penelope/Instagram

A new venue in Fortitude Valley is drawing attention for its retro-inspired menu and standout dish featuring scallops served atop potato scallops.

Background and Concept

A recent addition to Fortitude Valley’s James Street precinct, Penelope Bistro delivers a nostalgic dining experience shaped by the aesthetics and flavours of the 1970s. Operated by the Coats Group—known for Maya Rooftop and Il Molo—the venue marks a stylistic departure with a disco-themed interior and a compact, inventive menu.

Fortitude Valley dining experience — *Photo Credit: Penelope/Instagram*

Signature Dish and Menu Highlights

A highlight of the menu is the “scallop on potato scallop,” which layers diced raw Hokkaido scallops mixed with dill, capers and lemon zest onto mini potato scallops tossed in salt-and-vinegar seasoning. A rice cracker topped with Oscietra caviar completes the dish.

Other items include a soft cheese tart with chilli crisp, duck pâté with kumquat, and reinterpretations of nostalgic favourites. While not listed on the current menu, a previously featured devilled-style quail egg was noted during early reviews of the venue.

Mains feature dishes such as pasta alla vodka, pan-fried fish, and a chicken cotoletta prepared with thigh meat. Each item blends classic elements with refined presentation.

Retro-themed restaurant — *Photo Credit: Penelope/Instagram*

view full menu

Dining Format and Experience

The bistro offers both an à la carte menu and a four-course banquet menu titled “Penelope’s Preferred.” For later diners, a room service-inspired menu becomes available from 9:30 p.m. onwards.

A concise drinks list features spirit-forward cocktails, including martinis and European classics. After-dinner options include cocktails like the Café Noir, while desserts range from citron tart and chocolate crémeux to soft-serve sundaes in flavours such as caramel popcorn and chocolate peanut butter.

Penelope Fortitude Valley — *Photo Credit: Penelope/Instagram*

Group Bookings and Venue Use

Bookings are available for groups of up to 12, with parties of nine or more required to select the set menu. The venue also accommodates private dining, cocktail events and exclusive use bookings. A $40 per person cancellation fee applies for bookings cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice or for no-shows.

Penelope Bistro — *Photo Credit: Penelope/Instagram*

BOOK NOW

Public Reception and Reviews

Visitors frequently mention the refined take on small plates, with positive remarks on the lamb ribs, tuna crudo and signature scallop dish. Patrons also note that the venue strikes a balance between relaxed and elevated, with stylish interiors and a playlist that complements the retro theme.

Several reviews point to the cocktail quality and staff attentiveness, with consistent praise for knowledgeable service and strong dish recommendations. Some diners noted slower service during busy periods but regarded it as reasonable given the popularity of the venue.

Others described the space as ideal for lingering over drinks and share plates, with certain dishes—such as the wagyu tartare—appealing more to diners already familiar with traditional preparations. Parking was flagged as limited, though reviewers focused on the experience inside as the main draw.

Looking Ahead

Penelope Bistro in Fortitude Valley combines a cohesive theme, nostalgic menu and refined service, offering an alternative to more conventional restaurants in the area. With its detail-focused execution, the venue has carved out a distinctive space in Brisbane’s dining landscape.

Published 13-May-2025

Charity Fundraiser to Support Terminally Ill Chef in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: Pompette Brisbane/Instagram

The Tassis Group is hosting a charity dinner and auction in Brisbane CBD to raise support for their head chef recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Support for Long-Time Industry Chef

A charity dinner and silent auction will be held in Brisbane CBD to assist Jean-Luc Morcellet, the head chef at Pompette, who has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The Tassis Group, which operates Pompette, announced the initiative to support their colleague as he faces a terminal prognosis.

Charity Event at Pompette

The event will be hosted at Pompette, located within The Star Brisbane on William Street. Scheduled for 12 May at 6:30 p.m., the night will feature a four-course French banquet, a drinks package, and a silent auction. Tickets are priced at $250, with all funds raised going directly to Mr Morcellet’s ongoing care and treatment.

*Photo Credit: Pompette Brisbane/Instagram*

BUY TICKET

Items Donated for Auction

The auction will feature experiences and items donated by Tangalooma, Brisbane Broncos, Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Reds, and The Emporium Hotel. The Tassis Group will also contribute to the auction, including an exclusive yacht cruise titled “Bugs on the Bay” with founder Michael Tassis.

Role of Allo Creative

The event was organised with the support of Allo Creative, the agency managing the Tassis Group’s marketing efforts. The agency said the group had consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to community and family, values that shaped the decision to support Mr Morcellet in this way.

Charity event Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Pompette Brisbane/Instagram*

Living with MND

Mr Morcellet, who has worked in kitchens for over 40 years, has led the culinary team at Pompette since joining the group nearly two years ago. He now requires access to equipment such as a bi-pap machine and electric wheelchair. His wife will become his full-time carer as the disease progresses.

Returning to France

Mr Morcellet plans to return to France to be with his family in his final stage of life. Funds raised will assist with medical equipment, therapy, palliative care, and travel-related needs. Organisers described the fundraiser as an opportunity to honour his contribution to Brisbane’s hospitality industry.

Published 9-May-2025

Aerialist Sustains Jaw Injuries in Equipment Failure

A professional aerialist sustained severe jaw injuries when her equipment failed during a performance at a Fortitude Valley venue.

Leonie Ceraolo suffered a shattered jaw, broken arm, and multiple other injuries after her sway pole snapped during testing, sending her plummeting more than six meters onto concrete at the Wickham Hotel on Sunday.

Emergency services responded to the Fortitude Valley establishment at approximately 11:47 AM following reports of a fall from height.

Ms. Ceraolo shared on social media: “The sway pole snapped when I was in testing post event. Fell more than six metres high from snapped post on the road of the Wickham. Shattered jaw, broken arm, plus few injuries. I’m so grateful I’m still here today. I’m not done yet.”

The aerial performer specialises in acrobatic performances throughout the Brisbane region. It remains unclear what event she was booked to perform at on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the Wickham Hotel confirmed the incident but declined to provide further details, stating: “Our thoughts and well-wishes go out to the individual involved. Out of respect for their privacy and to ensure the integrity of the investigative process, we are unable to comment further at this time.”

Workplace Health and Safety has been contacted regarding the incident.

more details on the fundraiser

Friends of Ms. Ceraolo have established a GoFundMe campaign titled “Leonie’s Smile” to assist with her recovery expenses. The fundraiser, organised by Tess Quarrell on behalf of Ms. Ceraolo, has raised $8,015 of its $14,000 goal as of May 6, 2025.

The campaign explains that Ms. Ceraolo faces financial challenges due to her inability to work while recovering, ongoing medical expenses including dental work, and continuing obligations such as mortgage payments and animal care.

Published 6-May-2025

Festa Italiana Returns to Howard Smith Wharves with Food, Music and Mopeds

Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves - HSW/Instagram

Festa Italiana returns to Howard Smith Wharves from 29 May to 1 June and 5 to 8 June. Weekday festivities begin at 3:00 pm and 11:00 am on weekends, featuring pasta, porchetta and spritzes alongside local entertainment and community activities.

Festival Dates and What to Expect

The free festival will run across two long weekends, from Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June and again from Thursday 5 June to Sunday 8 June, bringing a flavour-packed celebration to the city’s riverfront precinct.

*Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves – HSW/Instagram*

Opening at 3:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from 11:00 am on weekends, the event is free and designed for all ages and is expected to attract families, food lovers and locals from across Brisbane.

A Taste of Naples in Brisbane City

Guest chef Orazio D’Elia, of Sydney’s Da Orazio, brings Naples-inspired dishes to the festival, including brick-pressed chicken rolls, porchetta focaccia and prawn pasta. Festival drinks include a Felons Italian Lager brewed just for the event and spritzes like Lambrusco and frozen peach Aperol.

Carmine Guarino, a Napoli-born chef with experience across Rome and Brisbane, will serve Roman-style pizza slices paired with natural Italian wines. Dean Anning, executive chef at the on-site restaurant Ciao Papi, is curating a set menu for seated dining. His dishes will include creamy stracciatella with grilled leeks and rigatoni with pancetta, garlic and chilli.

Food, Fun and Community Atmosphere

Beyond the food, the festival features live music, roaming performers and a kids’ “bambino zone.” The Green House hosts a Salumeria with charcuterie, mozzarella demos and calamari, while Gelato Messina offers a custom dessert made for the event.

The team behind Howard Smith Wharves says they are focused on bringing people together in a relaxed riverside setting. The event has become a highlight on the precinct’s annual calendar, driven by its focus on local partnerships and accessibility for families.

Something for Everyone – Including a Chance to Win

Festival-goers who register on-site can enter a giveaway for a fully electric Rolln Moped, with one winner drawn each weekend. Designed for city streets, the vehicle nods to classic Italian styling and will be on display during the event.

Organisers expect another strong turnout following last year’s success. They describe the festival as a way to enjoy good food, sunshine and a strong sense of community, all set against one of Brisbane’s most scenic backdrops.

Published 5-May-2025

Brisbane’s Newest Mid-Week Market Lands in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Markets/Facebook

Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is now home to a new mid-week market, offering fresh produce, street food and artisan goods for city workers and locals. The market launches on Thursday, 8 May 2025, and will run every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 100 George Street.

A Fresh Experience for the City Core

The Queen’s Wharf Brisbane market gives busy workers a place to relax, grab lunch and browse local goods close to the office. It builds on the success of other Brisbane City Markets known for their variety and support of local suppliers.

Organisers say the Queen’s Wharf location brings new energy to Thursdays in the CBD, with seasonal street food, handmade goods and fresh produce. It offers workers a lively way to support small businesses on their lunch break.

What’s on Offer

Visitors to the Queen’s Wharf market can expect a changing mix of food vendors from across Brisbane, selling everything from German sausages to freshly baked cookies. Alongside the food stalls, there are handmade gifts, artisan homewares and bunches of seasonal flowers.

The market also aims to support small producers and local makers, helping them reach a wider city audience. From a quick takeaway lunch to a last-minute birthday present, the market is designed to be practical, enjoyable and close to home.

Part of a Growing Market Network

Goodwill Projects, the team behind Brisbane City Markets, manages a number of popular markets across Queensland. The Queen’s Wharf addition marks the group’s third inner-city location, aimed at making markets a part of everyday city life.

Set in the heart of one of Brisbane’s newest developments, the market is expected to attract workers, residents and passersby. Organisers hope it becomes a weekly habit for city-goers seeking more than a standard food court lunch.

Opening Day and Beyond

The grand opening on 8 May will feature the usual range of stalls, with some giveaways to mark the occasion. A market hamper worth $200 will be up for grabs, filled with products from participating stallholders. Entries close the day before, on Wednesday, 7 May 2025.

Win a Hamper

From then on, the market will be a weekly fixture each Thursday at Queen’s Wharf, offering a regular dose of food, creativity and connection in the middle of the city.

It’s part of an effort to make the Brisbane CBD more engaging, one market day at a time.

Published 2-May-2025

Margaret Olley Painting Jumps to $125,000 in Brisbane Exhibition

Photo Credit: Environmental News/Facebook

A painting once sold for just $925 is now priced at $125,000, one of 26 works by celebrated still life artist Margaret Olley now on display at Brisbane’s Philip Bacon Galleries.

Olley’s Work Returns to the Spotlight

Running from April 29 to May 24 in Fortitude Valley, the exhibition at Philip Bacon Galleries shines a light on Margaret Olley’s legacy. Curated by Philip Bacon, who managed her estate after her death in 2011, the show includes early portraits, European landscapes and vibrant still lifes from her final years.

*Photo Credit: Environmental News/Facebook*

The collection expanded after families, mostly baby boomers, offered works for sale, part of what Bacon called an intergenerational shift. Among the highlights is Sunday Flowers, first sold in 1977 for $925 and now priced at $125,000, reflecting the rising value of Olley’s work and its lasting impact.

A Lifelong Artist with Queensland Roots

Born in Lismore in 1923 and raised in northern Queensland, Margaret Olley studied art in Brisbane during the war before moving to Sydney. She gained national attention in 1948 as the subject of William Dobell’s Archibald Prize-winning portrait, though her still lifes would later define her career.

Known for colourful interiors filled with flowers, fruit and everyday objects, her work is recognised for its detail and warmth. Since her death at 88, her reputation has grown, supported by the Margaret Olley Art Centre in Murwillumbah, which features a re-creation of her Paddington studio.

Charting a Life in Paint

Instead of a modest display, the exhibition presents a broader view of Margaret Olley’s artistic journey. The 26 works trace her growth from student pieces to the confident still lifes of her later years, including paintings from her European travels and final works from her Sydney home.

Each piece captures the everyday, made vivid through Olley’s distinctive use of oil and board.

A Personal Connection to Brisbane

To many in Brisbane, Margaret Olley’s name is part of the city’s story. Philip Bacon recalled how she would arrive, wind down the car window and say she could smell the jasmine and frangipani.

Though based in Sydney, Olley often said Brisbane felt like home. Now in its 50th year, Philip Bacon Galleries continues to honour that connection. With free entry, the exhibition invites visitors to see Australian life through Olley’s intimate and vibrant perspective.

Published 1-May-2025

Copyright Clash Unfolds at Brooki Bakehouse in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Brooki/Instagram

Plagiarism allegations involving a bestselling cookbook have placed Fortitude Valley’s Brooki Bakehouse at the centre of a public copyright dispute.

Background and Context

Brooke Bellamy, founder of Brooki Bakehouse in Fortitude Valley, has denied claims that recipes in her cookbook Bake With Brooki were copied from prominent food content creators. The allegations emerged after RecipeTin Eats’ Nagi Maehashi and US-based baker Sally McKenney raised concerns about similarities between Ms Bellamy’s published recipes and their own.

Ms Maehashi said she became aware of the issue in November 2024 after a reader contacted her about potential overlap. She published a detailed article on her website on 30 April 2025, including side-by-side comparisons of her caramel slice and baklava recipes with those featured in Ms Bellamy’s cookbook. Ms McKenney claimed that a vanilla cake recipe she published in 2019 was used in the book without acknowledgment.

Caramel slice recipe — *Photo Credt: Nagi & Dozer/Instagram*

Baklava recipe — *Photo Credt: Nagi & Dozer/Instagram*

Penguin Random House Australia, the publisher, denied the claims and maintained that the cookbook’s recipes were created by Ms Bellamy.

Recipe Similarities at the Centre

The claims relate to recipes Ms Bellamy included in her cookbook, which has generated nearly $5 million in sales within six months. Ms Maehashi stated that she made no request for financial compensation, but asked for the allegedly copied recipes to be removed from future reprints and for a charitable donation to be made in lieu.

Ms Bellamy stated via Instagram that she has sold her caramel slice since 2016 and said the 100 recipes in her book reflect years of personal baking experience.She said she offered to remove the recipes in question to avoid further escalation.

Fortitude Valley bakery faces plagiarism claims — *Photo Credit: Brooki/Instagram*

Brooki Bakehouse statement — *Photo Credit: Brooki/Instagram*

Fortitude Valley Store and Business Expansion

The Fortitude Valley flagship remains operational. Ms Bellamy’s husband, Justice Bellamy, was present at the store on the morning of 30 April but declined to speak in detail, saying only that his wife would not be present and thanking the community for their support.

Just days earlier, Ms Bellamy had returned from two successful international Brooki Bakehouse pop-ups in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where wait times for cookies reached two hours. Plans for a third overseas pop-up and a new Australian location are underway, with expansion efforts now led by Justice Bellamy.

Community Sentiment Divided

At Brooki Bakehouse in Fortitude Valley, customer reactions varied. Some were unaware of the situation, while others said the issue raised valid questions. One customer said the overlap in recipes was difficult to ignore, given the scale of the cookbook’s success. Another expressed support for Ms Bellamy, citing her longstanding work in baking and content creation.

Next Steps

The situation remains unresolved, with no indication that Penguin Random House will recall the cookbook. While Ms Maehashi has not dismissed the possibility of legal proceedings, she emphasised her focus is on acknowledgment and responsibility. Brooki Bakehouse remains open in Fortitude Valley as the copyright issue continues to attract broader industry attention.

Published 1-May-2025

Supernormal Brisbane Named One of the Best New Restaurants for 2025

Supernormal Brisbane, the riverside offshoot of Melbourne’s acclaimed laneway diner, has earned a coveted spot on Condé Nast Traveller‘s list of the best new restaurants in the world for 2025.

Read: New And Upcoming Restaurants In Fortitude Valley

In her feature, award-winning travel writer and food journalist Ute Junker praised the Brisbane venue’s tropical reinvention of the beloved original, noting its seamless blend of coastal atmosphere and vibrant Asian-inspired flavours.

At the helm is executive chef Jason Barratt, formerly of Cabarita’s Paper Daisy, who has brought fresh energy and dishes to the Supernormal repertoire.

Among the standout creations at Supernormal Brisbane that Junker highlights are the perfectly roasted Yamba prawns with shiso koji sauce and the chilled hand-rolled noodles layered with sweet spanner crab and rich sesame—each a tribute to Brisbane’s balmy evenings. For a refreshing finale, diners can enjoy a lemon verbena granita paired with vanilla gelato and lychee.

Of course, a few Melbourne staples have made the journey north, including the much-loved New England lobster roll—plump picked lobster and peppery watercress nestled in a toasted brioche bun—which remains a fan favourite. Local diners also rave about the duck and scallops, cementing the venue’s place as a new local institution in record time.

Read: Brisbane Scores 2nd in Global Study on Most Affordable City Worldwide

Opened in 2024 at 443 Queen Street, Supernormal Brisbane channels the same energy that made its Melbourne counterpart an icon. Known for its bold, Asian-inspired dishes drawn from the cuisines of Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul and Hong Kong, the menu is thoughtfully curated across appetisers, raw-bar selections, dumplings, mains, sides and desserts.

Whether you’re sipping on a crisp sake or a house-made lychee and lemongrass soda, the experience is unmistakably Supernormal.

Published 30-April-2025