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Queen’s Wharf to Welcome New Live Entertainment Hub LiveWire

LiveWire, a new live entertainment hub at the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development on William Street in Fortitude Valley, will bring the vibrant sounds of Brisbane to life from August 2024 with an eclectic lineup spanning music, comedy, and more.

Read: Queen’s Wharf Opening Delayed Due to Construction Crisis

This genre-defying venue aims to unearth the city’s next headline artists, showcasing homegrown talent at the forefront of a dynamic rotation of live acts and late-night entertainment.

With its invigorating ambiance and breathtaking river vistas, the venue seeks to transport guests through a unique night of discovery, featuring heart-stirring solo performances, adrenaline-inducing headliners, side-splitting comedy acts, and classic Australian anthems.

Whether basking in melodies or succumbing to the irresistible pull of the dancefloor, LiveWire will serve as a beacon for Brisbane’s burgeoning music scene.

Building upon the beloved LiveWire 24/7 Sports Bar at Treasury Brisbane, this newly announced venue provides an additional platform for Brisbane’s vibrant arts community. Alongside a dedicated Sports Bar, LiveWire aims to further enhance the entertainment experience by introducing a specialised live entertainment space.

Photo credit: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane/Facebook

Kelvin Dodt, The Star Brisbane’s Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality, emphasised that this exciting new chapter will honour the exuberant energy and entertainment synonymous with the iconic LiveWire brand whilst showcasing and celebrating some of the region’s biggest and brightest stars.

“The Star is committed to supporting and presenting the best of Queensland whether it’s local produce, art or music and entertainment,” said Mr Dodt.

“Brisbane is building a well-deserved reputation as a world class city and as such needs a vibrant night-time entertainment economy that thrives every day of the week.”

“LiveWire will contribute to Brisbane’s cultural fabric and ensure the city’s new multi-billion-dollar project reenergises a previously underutilised riverside precinct through entertainment, dining, art and unique experiences for everyone to enjoy and embrace their way.”

Boasting an open, lively atmosphere with panoramic river views, the sleek yet vibrant LiveWire venue will serve up a variety of signature cocktails, like ‘The Rocktail’ – a sweet, citrusy blend of strawberry and passionfruit puree, echoing the space’s energetic vibe. Special booth packages will also be available for events and celebrations.

The renowned international design firm Hassell was tasked with crafting LiveWire’s bold, revamped identity. They created a dramatic interior meant to ignite the senses with a powerful visual experience.

Strategically positioned suspended speakers envelop the space, transforming any occasion into a captivating celebration of sound and spectacle. Complemented by a custom-designed ceiling for maximum acoustic control, LiveWire will deliver a sensational sonic experience that resonates from the cozy lounges to the expansive dancefloor.

Read: Fortitude Valley’s Newest Hotspot: Ballers Clubhouse Revolutionises Party Time as Playtime

LiveWire joins the array of new offerings announced for The Star Brisbane, the entertainment nucleus at the heart of the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct.

Published 24-April-2024

Son Charged With Murder After Mother Was Found Dead

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A 66-year-old mother died from knife wounds inside her apartment on Brunswick St, opening an investigation into a potential domestic violence murder.

The Queensland Police confirmed that her 42-year-old son had been charged with the alleged murder.

The police made a forceful entry into the unit and discovered the deceased female after conducting a welfare check on 2 April 2024. Her husband, who was in Western Australia, called for the welfare check.

A crime scene has been declared, and forensics, detectives, and uniform officers have been on the scene.

“As a result of further investigations, a male person is now at the Valley police station helping detectives with their enquiries,” Inspector Karl Hahne informed reporters.

Inspector Hahne reassured the community that there was no further threat. The man involved has been charged with one count of murder (DV offence) following his arrest.

“We believe this threat has been contained, so our investigations centre on finding out what occurred today and the days leading up to today,” he said.

Published 20-April-2024

$500,000 Reward Offered in Cold Case of Woman Known to Work in Fortitude Valley

A substantial $500,000 reward has been announced for crucial information that could help solve the mystery surrounding the 1995 disappearance and suspected murder of Tammy Dyson, who was known to work in Fortitude Valley.

Tammy Lisa Dyson, who also went by the name Tamela Menzies, was a 23-year-old mother of two from Victoria who had established her life in Queensland. She had moved to Brisbane in 1988, where she and her sister Olivia found employment in the nightlife of Fortitude Valley, particularly at Red Garter.

Under the nickname “Pebbles,” Tammy was associated with individuals involved in illicit activities known to local police.

Tammy Dyson worked at a club in Fortitude Valley — *Photo Credit: QPS*

Detailed Timeline of Events

1988: Tammy moves from Victoria to Brisbane, followed by her sister Olivia. They begin working in clubs in Fortitude Valley.
1989-1994: Tammy lives intermittently between New South Wales and Victoria with her partner, Natalis. They have two children, Jyles in 1991 and Rainey in 1994.
Early 1995: Tammy moves to Inala, Queensland, with her new partner, Ricky Devisser, while her children stay with her mother in Victoria.
Mid-1995: After a distressing call to her sister, Tammy is found assaulted and is taken by her sister to the Currumbin Clinic on the Gold Coast for drug rehabilitation.
16 July 1995: Tammy is admitted to the Currumbin Clinic.
20 July 1995: She is discharged from the clinic, last seen with an unidentified woman claiming to be her sister.
21 July 1995: Tammy signs a statutory declaration at Tweed Heads, transferring custody of her children and her possessions to her mother.
8 September 1995: After no further contact, Tammy is reported missing by her mother to Victoria Police.

Renewed Investigation and Reward

The Queensland Police Service, through their Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team, has reopened the investigation, spurred by new analyses that began in 2022. The team is offering a $500,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Dyson’s suspected murder.

Additionally, an indemnity from prosecution is available for any accomplice who did not commit the crime, should they come forward first with information.

Investigators are specifically interested in identifying the woman who collected Tammy from the Currumbin Clinic and in gathering more information about Tammy’s life and associations in Brisbane and the Gold Coast during the time leading up to her disappearance. They stress that every piece of information is too small or irrelevant, encouraging anyone with any knowledge, however minor it may seem, to come forward.

Anyone with information related to the disappearance of Tammy Dyson, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is strongly encouraged to contact the authorities to aid in this longstanding investigation.

Information can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000. Alternatively, details can be submitted online via the Crime Stoppers Queensland website at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 20-April-2024

Queensland Researchers Pioneer Breakthrough Sports Tech to Prevent Devastating Injuries

Whilst the world’s top sport clubs seek out the latest sports science innovations, it’s a research team right here in Brisbane that’s making waves with a revolutionary new approach to injury prevention.

Read: Queensland Rugby Union Welcomes Jubilee Hotel as Official Hotel Partner

Led by Griffith University’s Associate Professor Matthew Bourne in collaboration with Brisbane-based firm VALD Performance, this homegrown sports tech project could be a game-changer for female athletes across the country.

Dr Bourne has just returned from the UK and Ireland, where he presented his findings to the powerhouses of European football – names like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Celtic. But the real opportunity lies closer to home, as Queensland gears up to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

sports — Photo credit: VALD Performance/Facebook

The focus of his research is on cracking the code of one of the most devastating injuries in sport – the dreaded ACL tear. These debilitating knee injuries often sideline athletes for up to a year, with some never returning to peak performance. But Dr Bourne and his team believe they have found a way to predict and prevent these career-threatening incidents.

“ACL ruptures are among the most catastrophic injuries sustained in sport and occur 3-6 times more frequently in female than male athletes, even after accounting for differences in exposure,” Dr Bourne stated.

Through a simple 10-minute assessment, they can now identify up to 80 percent of athletes at risk of future ACL reconstruction. Associate Professor Bourne explained that the secret lies in analysing not just strength and power, but also factors like posture, gait, and running mechanics, stating that they are “able to be so much more accurate than just relying on visual assessments.”

This breakthrough technology is being supported by another Brisbane-based tech company TechnologyOne.

TechnologyOne CEO Ed Chung stated that this is a “chance to showcase Queensland’s sports tech capabilities on the world stage.” Chung’s Fortitude Valley-based company is supporting Associate Professor Bourne’s project, which could reduce ACL injuries and keep more female athletes in the game.

Read: Brisbane’s Conor Wallace Stops Jack Gipp in Six-Round Clash at Fortitude Music Hall

Chung stated that the upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Queensland presented an excellent opportunity to accelerate growth in the state’s sports tech sector.

Chung also expressed his hope that the Games would feature Queensland’s own sports technology innovations, with infrastructure built by local construction giants like BMD and Hutchies, all powered by Queensland-made TechnologyOne software.

Published 17-April-2024

Queensland Rugby Union Welcomes Jubilee Hotel as Official Hotel Partner

Did you know that the Queensland Rugby Union has forged a new partnership with the Jubilee Hotel in Fortitude Valley, elevating it to what could be the “clubhouse for rugby in Brisbane?”

Read: Populous: Olympic Architect Firm Opens Asia Pacific HQ on Adelaide Street

This partnership will bring a host of exciting initiatives to the table, including the introduction of “Sunday Specials” – a series of rugby-themed events and promotions catered specifically to players and enthusiasts across Queensland.

The Jubilee Hotel, affectionately known as “The Jube,” has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. After a $200 million makeover, the hotel reopened in 2022 and was named the “Best Redeveloped Hotel” by the Queensland Hotels Association in 2023.

Publican Mark Lassman, who has firsthand experience of the power of rugby, having been at the helm of the Normanby Hotel during the Queensland Reds’ 2011 Super Rugby title celebration, is thrilled about the new partnership.

“I love the old-style hotels. What you get with The Jube is both…a wonderful new hotel and the atmosphere of the heritage-listed hotel retained within it,” Mr Lassman said.

The Jubilee Hotel’s rich rugby history is evident in its past. Former publican Chris “Buddha” Handy, a Wallaby and larger-than-life character, helped establish the venue as a hub for the sport.

For the QRU, aligning with a venue that shares its genuine passion for rugby was an easy decision.

“The Jubilee Hotel boasts an outstanding range of function spaces which will be ideal for public and private QRU events, as well as an excellent restaurant with a great dining experience, and is one of the most beautifully furbished venues in the country,” said QRU Chief Executive David Hanham.

With the British and Irish Lions tour scheduled for next year and the upcoming World Cups for both the men’s and women’s teams, the partnership between The Jube and the Queensland Rugby Union promises to be a game-changer for rugby enthusiasts in Brisbane.

Read: Fortitude Valley’s The Calile Hotel Ranks High on 2023 World’s Best Hotels List

As the Jubilee Hotel continues to cement its status as the “clubhouse for rugby in Brisbane,” rugby fans across Queensland can look forward to a new era of camaraderie, celebration, and unforgettable experiences at this iconic venue.

Published 15-April-2024

Meet ēmmē: The Soon-To-Be Culinary and Artistic Delight in James Street

Photo Credit: Instagram.com/emme.jamesst

Branded as a day-to-night dinner, ēmmē, found in the ever-elegant and food-centered James Street is set to offer its innovative culinary haven infused with fashion and arts in the early April of 2024.

Unlike other competitors in the high-end streets in Fortitude Valley, the bright orange establishment, replacing Spoon Deli, naturally captures the attention of locals in the area.

Alkot Studio and Tonic Projects are the well-respected design and construction companies behind the establishment of ēmmē. Covered with Italian stone, the establishment will have a total of 44 indoors seating spaces with an additional of 38 seats in the al fresco area.

The restaurant’s aesthetics perfectly complement its main concept of showcasing unique fashion, arts and food of the locals. Some of the fashion brands that ēmmē has already collaborated with are Milu and Calexico. They are also planning to host art and fashion shows in the future.

At ēmmē’s, fashion and arts are not the only things to express artistry and creativity with. The kitchen is also a great way to do it.

The Middle Eastern-Mediterranean inspired menu is the passion project of the kitchen’s head chef, Thomas Tze Lian, who has been cooking Mediterranean food almost all his career.

However, Mr Lian doesn’t want to limit the place’s offering solely on these, the said cuisine can also go beyond a bit of Jordanian, Persian, Tunisian and Asian depending on the season.

For drinks, a 50-bottle list is what ēmmē’s has to offer. Mr Lian is guided by Cutting Wine’s Marin Mamata in curating for his menu.

He also revealed his spontaneity, because unlike normal restaurants, his dishes will not go by a name.

One thing is for sure, ēmmē’s seasonal menus, mostly cooked through wood-fire, will be made through locally produced ingredients, from Middle Eastern-Mediterranean inspired breakfast, Wagyu dishes and mouth-watering seafood choices for dinner.

Locals can experience ēmmē’s when they open or visit ēmmē’s official Instagram page for updates.

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Published 15-April-2024

ANZAC Day: The Resilience of Cecily Lydia Fearnley, Brisbane Girls’ Grammar Alumna

Cecily Lydia Fearnley (nee Sandercock), a former Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School student, not only played a significant role during World War II by working in the classified security section of the US Army headquarters in Brisbane but also navigated the era’s fashion constraints with the innovative use of liquid nylon powder as a substitute for unavailable traditional stockings.

Early Years and War Contributions

Born in Brisbane in 1925, Cecily’s education at Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. At 17, she briefly evacuated to Adelaide when Australia was at war with Japan but her career path unexpectedly prepared her for significant wartime contributions.

Cecily Lydia Fearnley at 17 — *Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

Whilst her family members served in various capacities—her father as a Divisional Engineer and her brother in the RAAF—Cecily found her calling back home, using her skills in a vital yet less visible role.

Cecily and her brother, Kenneth — *Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

The Sandercock Family — *Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

Cecily started working at the US Army headquarters in Brisbane. She was assigned the role of a tracer, which involved creating detailed maps. These maps were crucial for planning and executing military operations, including identifying the exact locations of aircraft crash sites. Cecily’s precise work ensured that recovery teams could quickly locate and retrieve bodies for burial. Her contributions to the Allied efforts during the war were invaluable, especially in carrying out the solemn duty of giving soldiers a proper burial.

Cecily’s diligence and skill were highly recognized, leading to her promotion to the classified security section at the young age of 19. This promotion was a testament to her exceptional capabilities and the trust placed in her by her superiors. In this highly sensitive role, she dealt with confidential information crucial to the security and success of military operations. Her promotion marked a significant achievement in her career and highlighted the critical roles women played in supporting wartime logistics and intelligence efforts.

Post-War Achievements and Personal Life

Following the war, Cecily continued to foster her passion for art, joining the Queensland Museum as an art assistant in 1947. Her contributions to natural history were recognized in 2001 when she received the Queensland Naturalist Award. Her personal life flourished alongside her career; she married James Phillip Raymond Fearnley in 1953.

Celily Lydia Fearnley and her husband James Raymond Phillips Fearnley — *Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

Cecily also authored several personal histories, documenting her wartime experiences and those of her family and fellow citizens, including anecdotes of the stockings shortage during the war. These documents are now valuable resources at the John Oxley Library.

The Nylon Stockings Saga

Nylon stockings were first introduced at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, and quickly became a popular choice among women due to their affordability and durability. However, with the outbreak of World War II, the military began requisitioning nylon for their own use, leading to a severe shortage of stockings for civilian women.

This shortage left many women in a difficult position, as stockings were considered a societal norm. To solve this problem, innovative products like liquid nylon powder were introduced. These products enabled women to maintain their appearance and adhere to societal expectations despite the shortages. One such woman who used this solution was Cecily Lydia Fearnley.

Cecily’s possession of a package of liquid nylon powder, currently on display at the Anzac Square Memorial Galleries, represents the creative and resourceful solutions women sought during the war. This product enabled Cecily and other women to replicate the look of traditional stockings, which helped them preserve their personal and social identities despite the challenges brought about by the war.

Women’s ability to innovate in the face of restrictions highlighted their resilience and role in sustaining morale and social norms during challenging times. Through her writings and the memories preserved in these artifacts, the legacy of Cecily Lydia Fearnley still inspires and educates, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of innovation in times of need.

Published 15-April-2024

Interesting Things to Know About the Five Memorials in ANZAC Square

Anzac Square, the country’s first state memorial that opened in Brisbane in 1930, is considered hallowed ground to the families of those whose heroism are commemorated there. It is home to a number of important monuments that serve as powerful reminders of Australia’s wartime sacrifices and the ongoing impact of conflict on its society.

Read: Brisbane Girls Grammar Student Honoured with Premier’s Anzac Prize

From the iconic Shrine of Remembrance to the memorials honouring those who served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and South West Pacific Campaign, Anzac Square is a sacred space that deserves a closer look. Let’s explore some fascinating details about each of these influential memorials.

Shrine of Remembrance

Photo credit: Elliott Bledsoe/Google Maps

At the very heart of Anzac Square sits the majestic Shrine of Remembrance, a striking marble structure topped with a bronze statue of a soldier. Designed in a classical architectural style, this memorial contains numerous inscriptions and artworks that commemorate the valour and sacrifices of our heroes.

Anzac Square and the Shrine of Remembrance c1930 (John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

Boer War Memorial

The Boer War Memorial standing in Anzac Square today actually has quite a fascinating history. Originally located in front of the Trades Hall Building, the monument was later moved to its current prominent position within the square in 1939.

Interestingly, the statue was modelled after Sergeant Frederick James Hockey, a Queensland soldier who fought in both the Boer War and World War I, ultimately reaching the rank of major.

Women’s Memorial

On the western wall of Anzac Square, visitors can find the poignant Women’s Memorial. Erected by the women of Queensland, this sculptural panel depicts infantry and horse-drawn guns, memorialising those female service members who gave their lives during World War I. In front of the memorial stands a sandstone drinking fountain supported by four bronze fish.

South West Pacific Campaign Memorial

Anzac Square also features a memorial dedicated to the Australians and their allies who served and perished during the South West Pacific Campaign of World War II, a significant theatre of operations from 1942-1945.

Korea, Malaya, and Borneo Memorials

The Korea, Malaya, Borneo memorial depicts an Australian veteran from the Malaya and Borneo campaigns standing side-by-side with a Korean War soldier, their outstretched arms symbolising a call for peace and reconciliation.

A separate memorial was dedicated to those who served and perished during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1973. This poignant statue shows an Australian soldier directing a medical helicopter to tend to his wounded comrade, capturing the compassion and camaraderie of those who fought in that divisive conflict.

Read: Six Ways to Commemorate Anzac Day From Your Home

If you want to learn more about the rich history and significance of the Anzac Square memorials, be sure to visit the interactive digital galleries located within the precinct.

Photo credit: anzacsquare.qld.gov.au

These recently updated exhibits feature a wealth of new content, including digital stories of Queensland service personnel, personal accounts from World War II veterans, 3D scanned mementos, updated battalion histories, engaging quizzes, and a trove of additional photographs drawn from the extensive military collections of the State Library.

Exploring these immersive displays provides a deeper appreciation for the bravery, sacrifice, and lasting impact of Australia’s wartime experiences embodied within the hallowed grounds of Anzac Square.

Published 11-April-2024

Beloved Overwater Venue In Fortitude Valley To Close Its Doors

Photo Credit: Facebook/ Will And Flow Brisbane

With the recent announcement of the closure of Will & Flow, a popular overwater bar and restaurant located in Fortitude Valley, a wave of mixed emotions swept through its loyal patrons.

This famous spot has become a place that many people love to visit. In the middle of the sadness, a glimmer of hope appears when the owner, The Star, says he wants to make the area a lively place for events and meetings.

Photo Credit: Facebook/ WillAndFlowBrisbane

Announced via a heartfelt post on social media, the closure of Will & Flow marks the end of an era for many who have made cherished memories against the backdrop of Brisbane’s skyline. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our closure. Our last day of service will be this Sunday, April 14th,” the venue expressed on Facebook, triggering an outpouring of nostalgia and fond farewells from its loyal clientele.

Daniel Finch, the chief executive of The Star Brisbane, assured patrons that the essence of Will & Flow would endure, albeit in a different form. In a statement brimming with optimism, Finch revealed plans to repurpose the space into a full-time event and function venue, ensuring that the spirit of community and conviviality fostered by the establishment would persist.

Will & Flow has been a place for great food and social events since it opened in November 2020. It has beautiful views of the river and delicious food. Even though the bar was covered in water during Brisbane’s February 2022 floods and had to be closed for five months, the venue kept going, showing that people can be strong in the face of hardship.

Situated beneath the Riverside Expressway and in proximity to the Goodwill Bridge, Will & Flow has been an integral part of the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct, contributing to the area’s rejuvenation and cultural vibrancy.

Its impending closure marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, as the space undergoes a metamorphosis into a dynamic event venue, poised to welcome a new wave of revellers and create lasting memories.

Published Date 11-April-2024

Retina Visions Elevates Rubbish Trucks with AI Road Surveillance

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA

Retina Visions, based in Brisbane CBD, is leading a tech revolution in Fortitude Valley and other suburbs. They’ve upgraded local rubbish trucks, turning them into smarter waste management units—a first for South East Queensland.

Using AI, their data collection system identifies road flaws like cracks, potholes, graffiti, signs, and other anomalies along the route. When these trucks do their regular runs to pick up trash, they have cameras on the front that carefully scan the roads in the area.

The information received is quickly sent to asset managers, who are usually infrastructure companies, councils, or state governments. This starts the process of making repairs and maintenance that are needed.

One thing that makes Retina Visions stand out is how well it works with TechnologyOne’s Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) option. This means that anyone can access it from any browser or device. This all-in-one system makes detailed reports with information about the location, work directions, maps, and photographic proof. After the fixes are done, the crew can quickly finish the job and send pictures of the finished work.

Michael Cybulski, CEO of Retina Visions, talked about how easy and scalable their homegrown technology is while talking about this new project. “Councils should keep looking for ways to save money by using technology and working with small tech companies like ours,” Cybulski said, pointing out that asset management could get a lot better.

Last year, Retina Visions rolled out a similar project across Shoalhaven City Council’s garbage fleet, assisting Council with the technology to automate their road defect assessments in order to help keep the roads safe for the public.

*Michael Cybulski with Dane Hamilton and the team.*
*Photo Credit:* *LinkedIn/Michael Cybulski*

Cybulski founded Retina Visions in 2018, and it has quickly expanded from a small partnership to a team of twelve people with clients all along the eastern coast and even in New Zealand.

He is still optimistic about Queensland’s tech sector, especially since the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are coming to Brisbane. He sees more chances for technology-driven services like data-connected traffic control and analytics.

The creative steps taken by Retina Visions highlight Queensland’s overall technological job surge. According to the Tech Council of Australia, the expansion of both established businesses and startups, along with the introduction of new technology into previously untapped markets, could result in a startling five-fold increase in tech-related jobs by 2030.

Businesses like Retina Visions are at the vanguard of Queensland’s continued rise to prominence as a global centre of technology, developing game-changing solutions that change daily operations and usher in a profitable digital future for the state.

Published Date 08-April-2024