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Howard Smith Wharves Reduces Carbon Footprint with Solar Energy and Efficiency Upgrades

Howard Smith Wharves has installed a large-scale solar array and implemented a power factor correction system to reduce its carbon footprint.

Read: Boutique Hotel and Overwater Pool Planned for Howard Smith Wharves Transformation

These initiatives, stemming from an energy audit, have resulted in a 7.2 percent decrease in supply-side carbon emissions.

“These two quick and simple solutions drastically reduce our emissions, so of course we jumped at the opportunity,” said Luke Fraser, CEO of Artemus Group, which owns Howard Smith Wharves.

Photo credit: Howard Smith Wharves/Facebook

With a goal of becoming the most sustainable precinct globally, the precinct has partnered with Origin Zero to implement solutions aimed at redefining industry standards. The rooftop solar system, designed to meet heritage requirements, now provides a significant portion of the site’s daytime energy needs.

“We’ve worked closely with Howard Smith Wharves to understand their business needs and identify the right solutions to help achieve their ambitious sustainability goals,” said Liam McWhirter, general manager of enterprise and strategic partners at Origin Zero.

“The first step in the process was conducting a full energy audit and carbon assessment. We’ve since been able to implement a range of initiatives together, including the installation of a rooftop solar system that meets heritage requirements and will generate a considerable portion of Howard Smith Wharves’ daytime energy usage.”

carbon footprint — Photo credit: Howard Smith Wharves/Facebook

In addition to reducing energy consumption, Howard Smith Wharves has made significant progress in waste management, cutting waste to landfill by 97 percent. These efforts align with Artemus Group’s target of reducing emissions across the precinct by 44 percent by June 2026, compared to 2022 levels.

“Alongside achieving meaningful carbon emissions reductions, our work with Howard Smith Wharves will also deliver significant energy savings,” McWhirter added.

Read: Fortitude Valley Redevelopment: A New Era for the Iconic Precinct

With the decarbonisation of Queensland’s energy grid expected to reduce emissions further by 25 per cent, Howard Smith Wharves is well-positioned to lead by example.

Published 3-December-2024

Pub Giant Ignites Firestorm with Australia Day Ban

Photo Credit: Australia Day

A major Australian pub group, including The Wickham in Fortitude Valley, has ignited controversy by banning Australia Day celebrations at over 200 venues nationwide.

Initially, Australian Venue Co (AVC) cited concerns about the day causing “sadness and hurt for some patrons” as the reason for the decision. However, following a public backlash, the company apologised, stating their intention was not to dictate how people should celebrate.

They expressed regret for creating concern and confusion, emphasising their commitment to reinforcing community in their venues rather than dividing it.

The decision has divided public opinion. Some support the move as a way to acknowledge the historical trauma experienced by Indigenous Australians. Others, including Indigenous leader Warren Mundine and former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, have criticised the move as divisive and out of touch.

Local businesses in Fortitude Valley, such as The Normanby Hotel and Story Bridge Hotel, intend to continue celebrating Australia Day. They view the day as an opportunity to celebrate Australian culture and community.

AVC Backtracks

In response to the backlash, Australian Venue Co issued a statement expressing regret for the initial announcement:

“We can see that our comments on the weekend have caused both concern and confusion. We sincerely regret that – our purpose is to reinforce community in our venues, not divide it. It is not for us to tell anyone whether or how to celebrate Australia Day. We acknowledge that and we apologize for our comments. It certainly wasn’t our intention to offend anyone.”

The company emphasized its commitment to inclusivity and stated that all venues would remain open on Australia Day, welcoming patrons regardless of their views on the national holiday.

While the initial ban was met with strong opposition, the subsequent reversal has been welcomed by many. However, the episode has highlighted the ongoing sensitivity surrounding Australia Day and the complexities of reconciling historical trauma with national pride.

Published Date 02-December-2024

Fortitude Valley Redevelopment: A New Era for the Iconic Precinct

Photo Credit: DEV2024/1507

With the approval of a major development application, Fortitude Valley is set to undergo a significant transformation. Two residential towers, rising to 30 and 31 storeys, will soon dominate the skyline, reshaping the urban landscape of this vibrant precinct.

Fortitude Valley precinct — *Photo Credit:* *DEV2024/1507*

The development, designed by renowned architecture firm Woods Bagot, will introduce 477 new dwellings comprising apartments and short-term accommodation. The ground floor will feature a public plaza, retail outlets, dining options, and office spaces, further activating the area.

The project will also include extensive communal open space, including a rooftop area, offering residents a serene retreat amidst the bustling city. Additionally, the development will provide ample parking for residents and visitors, accommodating 407 vehicles and 199 bicycles.

The planners at Property Projects Australia have emphasised the development’s alignment of the precinct with the neighbourhood plan and mixed-use zone requirements. The proposed building height is considered appropriate for the local context, while careful design considerations have been implemented to mitigate potential amenity impacts.

The architectural design pays homage to Fortitude Valley’s industrial heritage, blending contemporary aesthetics with traditional elements. The project aims to create a unique and visually striking landmark that complements the area’s character.

As construction commences, Fortitude Valley is poised to enter a new era of growth and development, solidifying its position as a thriving and dynamic urban destination.

Published Date 01-December-2024

Local Students Score Big on Shark Tank with Retro Camera

Photo Credit: Flashback/ Facebook

Two young, creative students from Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland recently made a killing on Shark Tank with their innovative business idea involving a retro camera that they successfully launched on Kickstarter.

Shark Tank Australia has invested $500,000 in its distinctive digital camera, the Flashback ONE35, blends modern technology with retro looks.

Kelric Mullen and Mackenzie Salisbury met while at Cromwell College. On Kickstarter, their concept for the Flashback ONE35—a digital camera with a retro film camera design—gained momentum and raised about $800,000 from supporters.

The business is expected to achieve $15 million in sales in the coming year and has brought in more than $3 million since its introduction.

Shark Tank investor Maxine Horne especially liked the team’s vision and product. She saw the Flashback ONE35 attractive to newer generations drawn in by old events.

Working with Horne and using her experience to expand their company is something that excites them, the students said.

They also thanked their teachers and mentors, notably Jessie Lee Croghan, the high school business teacher who motivated them to pursue an entrepreneurial career.

Published Date 1-December-2024

Riverbar and Kitchen Serves Up ‘Gin-gle Bar,’ A Cocktail Lover’s Christmas Playground

This holiday season, Riverbar and Kitchen is transforming its Eagle Street waterfront bar into a festive gin lover’s paradise with the launch of “Gin-gle Bar.”

Read: From Fortitude Valley to Abu Dhabi: Brooki Bakehouse Goes Global

Running from November 30 to December 24, the pop-up experience promises to deliver a merry mix of creative cocktails, playful treats, and festive vibes that will have Brisbane’s bar scene buzzing.

Partnering with Bombay Sapphire, Riverbar and Kitchen has crafted a Christmas experience that goes beyond the traditional holiday menu. The collaboration brings together innovative cocktails that capture the essence of the season, blending classic Christmas flavours with the botanical notes of premium gin.

Photo credit: Riverbar and Kitchen/Facebook

The drinks menu is a festive playground of flavours. Guests can expect Christmas-themed cocktails that pack a punch, featuring creative combinations like gingerbread-infused concoctions, pomegranate-based tipples, and sparkling libations that capture the holiday spirit. Each drink is designed to transport you straight into the most wonderful time of the year.

The Star Attraction: Merry Meringue Soft Serve

Perhaps the most Instagram-worthy offering is the Merry Meringue Soft Serve. This isn’t your average dessert – it’s a sophisticated frozen treat crafted with Bombay Sapphire, limoncello, passionfruit, and meringue. Essentially, it’s gin ice cream that takes the concept of a holiday treat to a whole new level.

The experience extends beyond beverages. The menu features festive bites like gin-cured salmon bruschetta topped with creme fraiche, capers, and dill – perfect for nibbling while enjoying the holiday atmosphere. Twinkling lights and holiday beats create a backdrop that’s both merry and bright.

Whether you’re looking to clock off early or meet up with friends, Riverbar and Kitchen’s Gin-gle Bar offers a playful escape from the typical holiday hustle. The waterfront location adds an extra layer of charm to what promises to be a memorable seasonal celebration.

Details

When: November 30 – December 24

Where: Riverbar and Kitchen, Eagle Street

What to Expect: Festive cocktails, gin soft serve, and a jolly atmosphere that screams holiday cheer

Read: Valley Entrepreneurs Shine at Brisbane’s Multicultural Business Awards

So gather your crew and head to Riverbar & Kitchen – this is one holiday pop-up you won’t want to miss. It’s time to raise a glass (or a soft serve) to the most wonderful time of the year!

Published 28-November-2024

From Fortitude Valley to Abu Dhabi: Brooki Bakehouse Goes Global

Brisbane’s beloved Brooki Bakehouse is taking its viral sweet treats international, with founder Brooke Bellamy announcing the brand’s first overseas venture – a pop-up store in Abu Dhabi this December.

Read: How Brooki Bakehouse Fortitude Valley Became an Insta-Sensation and Earned an International Following

The Fortitude Valley-based bakery, which rose to prominence through social media, will bring six of their signature cookie flavours and specialty coffee to the UAE capital from 6-31 December 2024, coinciding with the prestigious MOTN Festival.

Photo credit: Brooki Bake House/Facebook

It’s the latest achievement in what has been a whirlwind year for Bellamy. The entrepreneur recently relocated her operation to a larger production kitchen to meet surging customer demand, while simultaneously launching a cookbook that became an instant bestseller. On top of that, she also opened a new store at the Brisbane Airport.

The comprehensive cookbook offers more than just recipes – it’s a masterclass in baking, featuring 100 of Bellamy’s coveted creations and detailed step-by-step photographic guides. Home bakers can now learn professional techniques for crafting everything from delicate macarons to intricately decorated cakes.

The success of the cookbook has taken Bellamy on a national book tour spanning Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne, with more Australian cities to be announced.

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A post shared by BROOKI (@brookibakehouse)

The path to success wasn’t instantaneous for this Brisbane baker. Like many small business owners during challenging times, Bellamy turned to social media to market her creations, initially sharing daily menus through Instagram stories. The real breakthrough came eight months later when she joined TikTok, capturing audiences with behind-the-scenes glimpses into her daily life as a baker.

Read: Valley Entrepreneurs Shine at Brisbane’s Multicultural Business Awards

Now, as Brooki Bakehouse prepares to serve its first international customers, it’s clear that Bellamy’s recipe for success extends far beyond the kitchen – combining social media savvy with genuine baking talent to create a brand that resonates globally.

Published 19-November-2024

Valley Entrepreneurs Shine at Brisbane’s Multicultural Business Awards

Two Fortitude Valley entrepreneurs have emerged as standout winners at the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards, showcasing how their cultural heritage has shaped their unique business success stories in Brisbane’s vibrant business landscape.

Read: Gerard’s Restaurant in Fortitude Valley Crowned Australia’s Most Stunning Restaurant

Young Business Person of the Year: Jason Le’s Digital Marketing Success

Born to Vietnamese war refugees, Jason Le has transformed JRNY Digital from a pandemic startup into a digital marketing powerhouse. As winner of the Nick Xynias Multicultural Young Business Person of the Year award, Le has built a company that now collaborates with some of Australia’s most prominent brands.

Multicultural Business Awards — Photo credit: JRNY Digital/Facebook

His success extends beyond business growth – JRNY Digital has committed itself to elevating diverse businesses in the digital space, creating opportunities for multicultural entrepreneurs and fostering inclusion in the digital landscape. Le’s approach to digital marketing emphasises authentic storytelling and genuine connections, positioning JRNY Digital as a bridge between cultures in the online world.

Emerging Leader Award: Ginger Mendoza Andersen’s Sweet Path to Success

Batch Cookie Bar founder Ginger Mendoza Andersen’s culinary journey from the Philippines to Brisbane’s food scene earned her the Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year award. Raised by grandparents who taught her that food was an expression of love and sharing, Andersen has translated these values into a thriving Valley-based business.

Since launching Batch Cookie Bar in 2020, she has expanded her culinary ventures to include Lunar Pies and Tita’s Canteen, bringing Filipino flavours and traditions to Brisbane’s diverse food landscape. Her success demonstrates how cultural authenticity can drive business innovation and growth.

The awards ceremony, which attracted more than 500 of Brisbane’s multicultural entrepreneurs and business leaders, highlighted the vital contribution immigrant entrepreneurs make to the city’s economic and cultural landscape.

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

Both Le and Andersen represent a new generation of business leaders who are successfully blending their cultural heritage with innovative business practices, cementing Fortitude Valley’s reputation as a hub for diverse, forward-thinking enterprises that enrich Brisbane’s multicultural business community.

Published 16-November-2024

QUT Students to Benefit from Sweeping HELP Reforms

Photo Credit: Queensland University of Technology/ Facebook

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) students and millions of other Australians are set to receive substantial financial relief as the Australian government has announced a significant overhaul of the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP).

Effective 1 July 2025, the reforms will introduce a one-off 20% reduction in existing HELP debt and increase the minimum repayment threshold from $54,435 to $67,000. A new marginal repayment system based solely on income above the threshold will be implemented.

This means that recent QUT graduates and current students will have more disposable income to manage their living expenses and reduce financial stress. The new system will benefit lower-income earners, with the most significant relief for those earning under $180,000 annually.

Key Points of HELP

Significant Debt Relief: A one-off 20% reduction in existing HELP debt.

Increased Repayment Threshold: The minimum repayment threshold will increase to $67,000.

New Marginal Repayment System: Repayments will be based solely on income above the threshold.

More Disposable Income: Lower-income earners will substantially increase disposable income.

Smoother Transition: Recent graduates will have more time to establish their careers before starting repayments.

A New Era for Student Finance

The decision to overhaul the HELP system is a major step towards making higher education more accessible and affordable. By increasing the minimum repayment threshold and introducing a new marginal repayment system, the government is recognising the financial challenges faced by recent graduates and ensuring a smoother transition into the workforce.

These changes will benefit QUT students and other Australian students, reducing their long-term debt burden and providing them with greater financial security.

Published Date 08-November-2024

Gerard’s Restaurant in Fortitude Valley Crowned Australia’s Most Stunning Restaurant

Photo Credit: Gerard’s Brisbane / Facebook

At the annual Eat Drink Design Awards, a Fortitude Valley restaurant has secured the prestigious title of Australia’s most beautiful dining space. Gerard’s, located on the trendy James Street precinct in Fortitude Valley, emerged victorious alongside designer J.AR Office in the Best Restaurant Design category.

Gerard's Restaurant — *Photo Credit:* *Gerard’s Brisbane / Facebook*

After 11 years in operation, Gerard’s has undergone a comprehensive renovation and boasts a remarkable interior. Rammed earth walls, strategically placed lighting, beeswaxed oak panelling, and a sleek steel finish create a timeless and historical ambience.

The design has garnered praise for its “otherworldly” atmosphere. The Eat Drink Design Awards jury commended Gerard’s for its “exceptional originality and innovative approach.” They elaborated that the design fosters a holistic dining experience, where the environment complements the food and wine offerings. This reflects a deep understanding of space utilisation and a commitment to providing diners a unique and memorable experience.

Stepping into Gerard’s feels like entering a futuristic film set. The design draws inspiration from the ancient Phoenician Temple of Baalbek, mirroring the rich tapestry of flavours found in Lebanese cuisine, a cornerstone of Gerard’s menu.

Restaurant owner Johnny Moubarak believes the space and the food are in perfect harmony. He explained that Gerard’s menu features bold and evocative flavours that create lasting memories and sensory connections. He said the design needed to reflect this essence.

Warm textures and organic shapes complement this atmosphere, ensuring every element resonates with the dishes. Moubarak emphasises that the dining experience extends beyond the plate itself. It encompasses the ambience, lighting, tableware, cutlery, and even the sounds from the kitchen.

Moubarak stated that every material, visual element, scent, and touch contributes to an immersive experience transcending mere taste, creating an unforgettable and all-encompassing dining journey.

This project marks the first completed hospitality venue design for J.AR Office. Designer Jared Webb expressed his gratification at the design’s positive reception beyond Brisbane.

Webb explained that the design concept compared Gerard’s enduring legacy and iconic status to the weathered yet persistent Temple of Baalbek. The reimagined Gerard’s embodies this very concept.

The design and its underlying theme evolved from respecting tradition, cultural heritage, and craftsmanship. Ultimately, the aim was to create a monument that serves as a testament to the next chapter of the Moubarak family’s culinary legacy

The restaurant is open for dinner from Monday to Saturday, with lunch offered on Fridays and Saturdays.

Published Date 11-November-2024

Brisbane CBD Welcomes Third McDonald’s

Did you know that McDonald’s is set to open its third CBD location at the revitalised Post Office Square?

The Golden Arches will soon grace the entrance of the revitalised square, marking a significant milestone in the area’s transformation. McDonald’s has signed a 10-year lease for a 191 square metre space facing Queen Street, solidifying its position as the anchor tenant for the food and retail hub.

McDonald’s Operations Manager for Queensland, Steve Jamieson, expressed enthusiasm for the new venture, stating that the company would invest $3 million to fit out the restaurant and create 100 new jobs. Jamieson also emphasised McDonald’s commitment to being an active part of the local community and anticipation for serving customers later this year.

The new McDonald’s will join the existing outlets at Central Station and Queen Street Mall, catering to the growing demand for fast food in the bustling CBD.

Simon Juniper, Managing Director of Development Australia at LaSalle Investment Management, highlighted the strategic importance of the lease, noting that Post Office Square’s high foot traffic and proximity to over 100,000 CBD workers make it an ideal location for a new McDonald’s.

Juniper further explained that LaSalle’s investment in the square aims to create a more inviting and accessible space featuring wider walkways, increased greenery, and a carefully curated mix of tenants.

Taylor Macri of Vente Property emphasised the role of revitalisation in attracting tenants like McDonald’s. Macri stated that their research indicates a growing demand among workers for diverse culinary options and appealing spaces for meal breaks.

He added that Post Office Square is responding to these trends by offering a vibrant dining precinct with ample seating, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Published Date 05-November-2024