After almost a century and a half of outfitting Australians through stockists, heritage hatmaker Akubra has opened a store in Brisbane City, its first standalone shop since it opened in 1876.
Akubra Lands in Brisbane City with First-Ever Brand Store
For the first time in its 148-year history, Akubra has launched a brand store in Brisbane City, opening its doors at 162 Edward Street in the heart of the CBD. This marks a major shift for the heritage hatmaker, which has long been available only through stockists.
Brisbane shoppers can now explore the full Akubra range in one place. The store, which opened in early April, follows Akubra’s late-2023 acquisition by Tattarang, the private investment group owned by Andrew and Nicola Forrest.
The shop blends modern industrial design with handcrafted features made by Akubra’s team, including stitched counters and custom shelving. It also offers services like on-site hat shaping and steaming.
Akubra hats will continue to be made in Kempsey, New South Wales, but this Brisbane City location offers a more hands-on experience. Tattarang said the store reflects the deep connection Akubra has with generations of Australian families and aims to reach new customers in the city.
To celebrate the launch, Akubra reintroduced the 2008 “Outback Club” hat—created with long-time brand ambassador Lee Kernaghan—as a limited-edition release.
Designed for Community and Culture
More stores are expected to follow, with Tattarang already exploring other city locations. The Edward Street shop reflects Akubra’s effort to stay rooted in tradition while connecting with modern, urban Australians.
Brisbane City’s proposed riverfront redevelopment has raised alarms among traffic experts and nearby residents, who warn the project could create congestion, impact privacy, and disrupt the character of the area with oversized towers built too close to homes.
Led by Dexus Funds Management, the project (DA A006697510) seeks to modify an already-approved development near Mary and Felix streets. Key changes include increasing the gross floor area by 580 square metres, boosting car parking to 226 spaces, and reworking access and landscaping around Naldham House and Waterfront Place.
The design introduces new dining and retail areas while expanding outdoor seating and walkways. However, residents and professionals say the proposed form may outweigh the benefits, especially given the site’s location alongside Riparian Plaza and Brisbane Riverwalk.
Traffic and Safety Questions
Traffic consultant Bryce Trevilyan reviewed the project’s traffic modelling and found it didn’t reflect real-world conditions at key intersections. He said the SIDRA modelling used by Dexus underestimated congestion, especially during peak times, and failed to account for how traffic currently exits Riparian Plaza.
He also noted that large service vehicles would need to cross multiple lanes to enter the site, posing safety risks for cyclists and pedestrians. Trevilyan called for access redesigns and more accurate traffic data to avoid future gridlock.
Community Concerns Over Privacy and Scale
Residents from Riparian Plaza voiced concern over tower spacing, claiming the Northern Tower sits too close to their building compared to other Dexus-owned towers. One submission criticised the use of leased riverfront land to meet site coverage rules, saying it went against the intent of city planning standards.
Privacy was another concern. Residents called for frosted glazing to start from Level 39 to protect their homes from views into new function rooms. Others flagged safety risks with proposed rooftop landscaping, warning that strong winds could turn debris into hazards.
While the community supports the idea of updating Eagle Street Pier and the surrounding area, they’ve urged Brisbane City Council to ensure the final project fits well within the existing neighbourhood. The development remains under review, with traffic and residential concerns now part of the planning conversation.
A striking, illuminated 28-storey residential apartment building has received approval to be built in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, placing it near key planned venues for the 2032 Olympic Games.
Luxe Property Investments plans to develop 300 St Pauls Terrace, its first high-rise residential project in Brisbane. Designed by McFarland Architects, the tower will contain 164 apartments on 26 floors, offering a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom layouts.
These residential levels will sit above two podium and three basement levels, providing parking for 157 cars and 205 bicycles. On the upper ground level and rooftop, residents will have access to over 1150 square metres of shared facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, barbecue facilities, and dining areas with landscaping.
The site sits strategically between the Story Bridge and the newly announced Victoria Park Olympics precinct, which will host major events. It is also near the RNA Showgrounds, the athletes’ village location. Luxe Property Investments director Tony Jo noted that Fortitude Valley has changed considerably over the years, becoming a more sought-after destination.
He expressed that the proximity to the Olympic sites was a welcome development and stated the company is focused on ensuring the building enhances the area and contributes positively to Brisbane’s image on the world stage. Mr Jo mentioned that the company initially expected the main Olympic focus to be The Gabba, but the Victoria Park precinct is now just two blocks from their site.
A key feature of the approved design is lighting integrated into the building’s curved exterior. According to planning documents, this element is intended to highlight the architecture at night and support Brisbane’s ‘City of Lights’ strategy, aiming to create a more vibrant night-time atmosphere.
Blair McFarland, director of McFarland Architects, indicated that the Brisbane City Council well-received the tower’s design and integrated lighting concept. He suggested that the upcoming Olympics provide a fantastic opportunity for inner-city areas like Fortitude Valley and believes this building could be the start of further quality developments with improved designs appearing in the neighbourhood, a trend likely accelerated by the Games.
The project will proceed to the detailed design stage with council approval now secured. Construction is anticipated to begin within the next two years. The 2,270-square-metre site was purchased for $9.35 million in December 2020.
Property records show it was previously owned by the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ). The new tower will replace a three-storey office building and its associated car park currently occupying the land.
Warisan is bringing a fresh and modern take on Indonesian cuisine to Fortitude Valley. With a menu that blends tradition and innovation, this vibrant eatery invites diners to rediscover the bold and diverse flavours of Indonesia.
From rich curries to expertly grilled seafood and creative plant-based dishes, Warisan offers an exciting dining experience that stays true to its roots while embracing contemporary twists.
Photo credit: Warisan/Facebook
Behind this culinary gem are Alfan Musthafa and Nick Wigley, who also co-owns Luckies Kitchen in Bulimba. Alfie’s Indonesian heritage and deep knowledge of the cuisine serve as the foundation of Warisan’s menu, while Nick brings his own expertise to help shape the restaurant’s welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
Photo credit: Warisan/Facebook
The menu features standout dishes like Indonesian grilled mixed rice—a flavourful combination of steamed rice, mie goreng, and tempe orek, wrapped in a banana leaf with a choice of shredded sambal chicken or beef semur.
Photo credit: Warisan/Facebook
Other highlights include the Opor Bebek Salatiga, a rich duck curry; Ikan Kakap Bakar, Jimbaran-style grilled snapper fillet with sambal matah; and Tahu Isi, crispy fried tofu stuffed with mixed vegetables and sambal asam. Warisan also caters generously to plant-based diners, offering 11 vegan-friendly dishes.
Photo credit: Warisan/Facebook
Drinks play a starring role at Warisan, with a carefully curated menu of nine cocktails, including a refreshing highball featuring lemongrass gin, triple sec, lemon, cucumber, and black pepper. Local wines are also on offer, providing the perfect complement to the bold and vibrant flavours of the menu.
Since opening in late 2024, Warisan has already made an impact, drawing in diners eager to experience its unique take on Indonesian cuisine. Whether you’re a long-time lover of Indonesian food or a newcomer looking to explore, this Fortitude Valley gem is sure to impress.
Find Warisan at 4 Hynes Street, Fortitude Valley. They are open Tuesday to Saturday for both lunch and dinner, ready to welcome you into their world of reimagined Indonesian delights.
The viral YouTube series “Skibidi Toilet” has found an unexpected home in Fortitude Valley, as the Brisbane Institute of Modern Art (IMA) hosts the first institutional display of the controversial series, drawing curious crowds and sparking debate.
The “Skibidi Toilet” series, created by Russian-Georgian content creator Alexey Gerasimov, has taken social media by storm, amassing around 18 billion views since its debut. The 3D-animated series features bizarre scenes of animated toilets with human heads battling against camera-headed men in a surreal and often violent struggle. Despite being labelled as “brain rot” by critics, the series has become a cultural touchstone for Gen Alpha.
At the Brisbane Institute of Modern Art in Fortitude Valley, the series has been presented as part of the Quarter One program, curated by Nicholas Aloisio-Shearer. It marks the first time “Skibidi Toilet” has been shown in an institutional art setting, reflecting a shift in how contemporary art intersects with digital culture.
The decision to showcase “Skibidi Toilet” came from a desire to acknowledge the growing influence of online content in modern art spaces. IMA director Robert Leonard wanted to explore what creators outside the traditional art world were producing, leading to Mr Aloisio-Shearer’s suggestion to feature the series.
Photo Credit: Institute of Modern Art
Skibidi Toilet challenges conventional perceptions of art. The exhibition has particularly attracted young visitors, with some parents recognising the phrase from their children’s social media feeds.
The Controversial Appeal
The screening room at IMA has been transformed into a dark, immersive environment, where the series, complete with surround sound, creates an almost otherworldly experience. While some visitors remain sceptical of its artistic merit, others have been drawn in by its absurd yet captivating nature.
The series’ use of animated violence and its chaotic, meme-driven aesthetic has sparked conversation about the future of digital art in contemporary spaces.
The “Skibidi Toilet” exhibition will continue at the IMA until 10 April 2025. Visitors can also purchase related merchandise at the gallery’s store. The response so far has been mixed, but the exhibit’s ability to draw younger audiences highlights a broader cultural shift in how art institutions engage with digital content.
The 2025 Queensland Music Awards took place in Fortitude Valley, where artists like Young Franco and Amy Shark took home top honours in a night full of pride.
Fortitude Valley Hosts Standout 2025 Queensland Music Awards Night
Fortitude Valley came alive as Queensland’s best and brightest in music gathered for the 2025 Queensland Music Awards at The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane. The night spotlighted top talents across genres, drawing in artists, industry leaders and music lovers from all over the state.
Held on 25 March, the event was organised by QMusic and highlighted the depth of talent in the Queensland music scene—from emerging names to established stars.
Big Wins and Local Pride
Young Franco led the night with two major wins. His track Wake Up featuring Master Peace earned Song of the Year, which means it will be honoured with a plaque in Brunswick Street Mall. He also took home the Export Award for his global success.
Amy Shark picked up Highest Selling Single for Beautiful Eyes and Highest Selling Album for Sunday Sadness. Both achievements underline her strong fanbase and commercial reach.
Country music veteran Troy Cassar-Daley won Album of the Year for Between the Fires, recorded at his late mother’s home. This marked the first time the award was publicly voted. His daughter Jem Cassar-Daley earned the Indigenous Award for her track Big Container, making it a family milestone.
More Community Achievements
The Big Pineapple Festival was awarded Festival of the Year, while The Station SC took out Accessible Venue of the Year, showing how live music is reaching more audiences across Queensland.
Other winners included Beddy Rays (Rock), Sycco (Pop), Denvah (Country), Randy Thrill$ (Hip Hop), and Full Flower Moon Band (Blues/Roots). Lottie McLeod was named Emerging Artist of the Year, gaining well-deserved attention as a rising star.
Recognition and Reflection
Christine Anu was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, with her daughter Zipporah performing My Island Home in tribute. Anu used her moment to encourage Indigenous youth to embrace their cultural identity in creative work.
One moment that drew attention beyond music came from composer Kellee Green, whose speech sparked mixed reactions. Brisbane City Council later paused $25,000 in funding to QMusic, and Green was placed on leave from her school role. These developments, however, did not overshadow the night’s main focus on celebrating talent and community.
Queensland University of Technology has become the first university in Australia to earn the gold tier rating from the Australian Institute of Sport’s Elite Sport Education Network, recognising its strong support for student athletes, coaches, and officials.
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has awarded Queensland University of Technology (QUT) the highest honour in its new Elite Sport Education Network (ESEN), granting it gold tier status. This recognition highlights QUT’s dedication to helping elite sportspeople balance their athletic careers with their studies.
The ESEN rating system, which includes gold, silver, and bronze tiers, aims to support athletes, coaches, and officials in pursuing higher education while maintaining their sporting commitments. The AIS believes universities and TAFEs are vital in building a strong and lasting sports system, especially as Australia prepares for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Expansion of Elite Sport Program
QUT has recently broadened its Elite Sport Program, previously known as the Elite Athlete Program, to include support for coaches, sports officials, and athletes. This expansion reflects the university’s commitment to a holistic approach to high-performance sport. The program now offers well-being, academic, and financial support to over 300 students engaged in nationally recognised sports.
Examples of students in the program include those participating in judo, rugby 7s refereeing, volleyball coaching, and rowing. The university’s Director of Sport, Emily Rosemond, stated that the program’s expansion is in line with the national goals for sports development, particularly in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Games.
To mark this achievement, QUT’s Chief People Officer, Gillian Bromley, signed the AIS’s “Win Well Pledge,” committing the university to balancing high-performance goals with the well-being of its students. The AIS’s Executive General Manager of Performance, Matti Clements, expressed gratitude to QUT for being the network’s first gold-tier partner.
Clements emphasised the importance of universities providing flexibility for high-performing individuals, enabling them to achieve their sporting and life goals. The ESEN includes universities, TAFEs, and other education providers pledged to support elite sportspeople throughout their studies, ensuring they gain the necessary skills and qualifications for their future careers.
All Hallows’ School is set for a significant expansion, with a proposal for a new examination centre and updated car parking arrangements. The project aims to enhance the school’s education facilities by extending an existing school building while maintaining its current maximum height.
Designed by Deicke Richards Architects, the proposed development (A006716180) will see the removal of the existing childcare centre and existing car parking on Level 2 to make way for the new examination centre. To compensate for the lost parking, additional spaces will be created elsewhere on the site.
Development Details
Proposed site plan of examination hall (Photo credit: Deicke Richards Architects/Brisbane PD Online)
The project will include a 330 sqm expansion to accommodate a new examination centre. Additionally, a 270 sqm expansion will be designated for a new car parking area. Near the entrance, nine new car park spaces will be introduced, while 12 existing car park spaces on Level 2 will be removed.
Photo credit: All Hallows’ School/Google Maps
Demolition work will involve the removal of the existing entryway, the wall between the childcare centre and car park, internal partitions, plumbing, and fixtures. External glass screens and balustrades on the Ivory Street/Boundary Street facade will also be taken down, along with modifications to the Boundary Street elevation.
Planners have stated that the new school building has been designed to ensure compatibility with the surrounding residential area. They noted that a significant portion of the lower level of the building would be cut into the allotment within the Residential Zone, minimising its bulk and scale.
All Hallows’ School is a leading Catholic independent school for girls from Year 5 to Year 12. The school, based in Brisbane City’s Ann Street, has been educating young women in the Mercy tradition since 1861, making it the oldest secondary school in Queensland.
The school ensures that students receive outstanding academic care through positive relationships that foster engagement, interpersonal connection, appropriate challenge, and achievement. Educators actively implement responsive practices, allowing them to analyse evidence of learning and adapt instructional strategies to meet each learner’s needs.
Brisbane’s inner-city suburbs, including Fortitude Valley, have recently seen the introduction of multiple new bus layover zones as part of infrastructure changes under the Metro agreement between BCC and the former Queensland Labor government. These stops, some equipped with driver rest facilities, are intended to support Brisbane’s New Bus Network, which aims to increase suburban services by 160,000 annually.
One such site includes Barry Parade in Fortitude Valley, where a new bus zone has replaced several metered parking bays. Other sites include Countess Street in the CBD, Merivale Street in South Brisbane, and King Arthur Terrace in Tennyson.
The implementation has led to direct impacts on traders in Fortitude Valley. Kirsty Campbell, owner of The Daily Maid café on Barry Parade, reported a 10–15 per cent drop in trade following the removal of nearby parking spaces.
Ms Campbell highlighted not only the financial strain from an $800 fine but also difficulties for her patrons—one of whom received a $400 fine before road markings were painted. She explained that some customers are now asking her to hurry their coffees so they can get back to their cars before they’re fined.
Another nearby business owner initiated a petition in response, citing reduced customer access and parking shortages around Plumridge House, where many offices lack off-street car spaces.
Concerns at Other Locations
Tennyson residents have also raised objections to a large layover planned outside the Tennyson Reach unit complex on King Arthur Terrace. Local petitions have attracted over 250 signatures across suburbs including Ashgrove.
Tennyson Reach body corporate chair James Bottomley described the plan as “poorly designed”, citing safety concerns for elderly pedestrians and cyclists along the popular River Loop bikeway.
Stephen Dowdle’s petition detailed further concerns over noise, pollution, and safety risks. He proposed alternative locations nearby that would avoid such issues.
Community Sentiment and Online Feedback
Community sentiment has been mixed, with strong reactions on social media. Several users pointed to the broader issue of inadequate parking in new developments, where unit blocks are approved without sufficient car spaces.
One commenter noted, “The reduction on parking in new units is a disgrace,” while another suggested that “the BCC is slowly prying private vehicles out of the city.” Others expressed frustration with public transport accessibility and feasibility for families, older residents, or those with mobility issues.
Some defended the changes, advocating for increased public transport usage, while others criticised the lack of consultation and planning. A few users also reflected on past proposals to reduce vehicle access to the CBD in favour of trams and driverless taxis.
Transport chair Ryan Murphy defended the network upgrades as “the biggest improvement to bus services in generations.” He noted that these works were essential to support service expansion and reduce congestion.
However, local official Nicole Johnston criticised the process as lacking transparency. She claimed she was only notified of the King Arthur Terrace plan days before Christmas. Ms Johnston labelled the rollout “dictatorial” and “lazy”, suggesting there were better alternatives in nearby industrial areas.
Another local official, Trina Massey echoed these concerns, stating that the administration repeatedly failed to consult with local communities and argued that poor planning led to community pushback.
The bus layovers, including the one on Barry Parade in Fortitude Valley, remain a point of contention for locals. While the city moves towards greater public transport investment, ongoing petitions and mounting complaints may prompt further review of infrastructure placement. Whether the city authorities will revisit its consultation processes or layout designs remains to be seen.
Construction firms based in Fortitude Valley are preparing to compete for contracts in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, as key venue locations are finalised.
Initial plans for Brisbane’s Olympic infrastructure were drafted with an 11-year window. However, with just seven years remaining, the planning phase has shifted swiftly into delivery mode. Queensland’s building sector now faces a tight schedule to deliver venues and facilities on time.
Caption: Brisbane Athlete Village planned for Brisbane Olympics 2032. Photo Credit: Delivering 2032 and Beyond
Valley Firms at the Forefront
Fortitude Valley-based contractors have emerged as frontrunners for major Olympic work. Besix Watpac, with a portfolio including the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, is preparing for bids on the Brisbane Stadium, aquatic facilities, and the athletes’ village. Meanwhile, Hutchinson Builders, the state’s largest contractor, has set its sights on the athletes’ village contract.
Showgrounds Shape the Olympic Village
The RNA Showgrounds site has been selected for the main athletes’ village, aligning with a proposal backed by RNA and developer Lendlease. Lendlease, already developing a large-scale residential tower at the site, maintains a long-standing partnership with RNA, enhancing its position in the delivery strategy.
Caption: National Aquatic Centre and Precinct planned for Brisbane Olympics 2032. Photo Credit: Delivering 2032 and Beyond
Design Meets Density Challenges
Urban planners and architects have flagged concerns about the impact on public green space. With the showgrounds and surrounding areas already densely developed, the inclusion of new amenity zones is seen as a necessary trade-off to support long-term community benefit.
Shifts in Spending Priorities
From the original $7.1 billion budget, $2.6 billion has been redirected away from a planned inner-city arena. That funding will instead support indoor sports centres in Logan and Moreton Bay, along with a whitewater facility in Redland. The arena, still part of the Games strategy, will be constructed near the Gabba as a public-private partnership project, attracting interest from major entertainment operators.
Caption: Brisbane Showgrounds planned for Brisbane Olympics 2032. Photo Credit: Delivering 2032 and Beyond
Clock Ticking on Delivery
With less than a decade to go, construction timelines are under scrutiny. Builders are urging immediate action, noting that the proposed delivery programs leave limited buffer time before the Games commence.
Despite these pressures, stakeholders remain confident that the shortened timeline is feasible. Industry observers have noted that Olympic host cities are typically confirmed seven years out — and Brisbane’s early confirmation in 2021 merely offered a head start, not a requirement for early execution.
With major developments centred around the RNA Showgrounds, Fortitude Valley is poised to become a hub of Olympic activity. As tenders are released and projects move into active construction, the Valley’s builders, developers and planners will play a key role in shaping the Games’ physical legacy.
