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Fatcow on James St: Steak and Seafood Restaurant Makes a Comeback

Heads up! Fatcow is making a comeback, this time in Fortitude Valley, reopening as Fatcow on James St.

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

This new iteration of Fatcow Steak & Lobster, formerly located at Eagle Street Pier, will bring diners over to a swanky new spot in the Valley, where a fresh take on steakhouse dining awaits.

Fatcow on James St is the brainchild of restaurateur Michael Tassis. With a portfolio that includes establishments like Rich & Rare and Yamas Greek + Drink, Tassis aims to shake up the Valley dining scene with this revival.

Photo credit: Fatcow on James St/Facebook

At the heart of Fatcow’s comeback lies a meticulously crafted menu that pays homage to the finest cuts of meat and the freshest seafood. Guests can expect an array of carefully curated options, including the much-anticipated, truly decadent, gold-wrapped 400-gram, rib fillet steak-and-lobster combo.

Fatcow’s famous golden steak (Photo credit: Fatcow on James St/Facebook)

But the offerings don’t stop there. From wagyu tasting boards featuring three distinct varieties to an indulgent selection of mains ranging from wagyu burgers to lamb shoulder, Fatcow’s menu leaves no culinary stone unturned when it comes to staging this comeback to the Brisbane dining scene.

Fresh seafood takes centre stage, with Brisbane’s only live oyster tank ensuring unparalleled freshness and quality.

For those with a sweet tooth, Fatcow’s dessert menu includes scrumptious chocolate tarts, lime sorbet, and basque cheesecake. An extensive wine list with over 300 labels provides curated pairings that complement every dish on offer.

With Caio Rosetto, the mastermind behind the original eatery, back at the helm, expectations run high on the restaurant delivering exemplary service and attention to detail.

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

Fatcow on James St opens at 10 James Street, Fortitude Valley, on Wednesday, May 8, welcoming guests daily from 11:30 a.m. until late. Visit their website for more details.

Published 7-May-2024

The Zoo to Close After 32 Years of Bringing Live Music to Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: The Zoo

In a major blow to Brisbane’s live music scene, iconic Fortitude Valley entertainment venue The Zoo will be closing for good in July 2024, after over 32 years in operation.

Owner Shane Chidgzey cited a “perfect storm” of financial pressures forcing the closure of the 500-capacity Fortitude Valley institution, as well as its sister venue, Stranded.

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A post shared by The Zoo (@thezoo.bne)

According to Chidgzey, the Zoo’s current revenue stands at only 60% of the previous financial year due to cost-of-living pressures impacting alcohol sales and a trend of declining drinking among younger audiences. Insurance costs have also nearly doubled in recent years to $65,000 annually.

**Powderfinger performing at the Zoo, 1995**
Photo Credit: Instagram / @powderfinger_bandofficial

“The model is broken, unfortunately, when it comes to music venues,” Chidgzey lamented. “You’ve got a cost-of-living crisis in Australia, which is huge … And there’s a new trend of not drinking, which is a wonderful trend for health but not so good for bars.”

The Zoo’s location in the government’s Safe Night Precinct added further financial strain through increased regulations, security costs, and higher rent compared to other local venues outside the precinct boundaries.

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A post shared by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner (@brisbane.lordmayor)

Chidgzey argued a levy on major international touring artists could help subsidise grassroots music venues. “They need to be putting a dollar transaction per ticket on that to put into local music,” he stated.

Opened in 1992, The Zoo quickly became an iconic part of Brisbane’s music fabric. Original owner Joc Curran reflected, “The Zoo was an impossible thing, that became possible because of community, love, and a belief that magic could happen … but now it is time to say goodnight.”

Renowned Australian musician Robert Forster, co-founder of The Go-Betweens, recalled the venue as “the first well-run, stable, encouraging, well-organised venue in Brisbane that I’d ever encountered,” providing a vital permanent space for local acts.

While plans are underway for farewell shows and an auction of memorabilia, the closure represents a major loss for Brisbane’s live music ecology after over three decades of history.

As Chidgzey bluntly put it, “The model is broken” for small music venues navigating the current financial climate.

In Jo Walker’s eulogy for The Zoo, he said “The place was small, but it felt like it belonged to all of us. And even when the air-con was finally installed, we earned that sweat.”

“It’s not enough to pour one out for these lost venues. We must support the precious spots we have left. Go see a local band. Shout another round. Tip the bartender. Buy the merch. Tell your friends. Get sweaty and get rowdy. That’s the legacy of The Zoo.”

Published 5-May-2024

First Australian Exhibition of Peruvian Pucara Bulls Debuts in Fortitude Valley

The art of crafting Pucara Bulls is a revered tradition passed down through generations in the remote Andean town of Checca Pupuja in Peru. Legend has it that the bulls ward off malevolent spirits and bring prosperity and happiness. Mitchell Fine Art showcases a collection of these handcrafted 16th-century bulls in Fortitude Valley, the first exhibition of its kind in the country!

Visitors to Mitchell Fine Art will be transported across continents and centuries as they encounter the Pucara Bulls collection until Saturday, the 11th of May 2024.

This marks the culmination of an international journey for these revered artifacts, which have graced galleries from Lima to Tokyo, each stop adding layers of cultural exchange and appreciation.

Craftsmanship and Legacy

The symbolism behind the Pucara Bulls resonates deeply with Peruvian culture, where spiritualism intertwines with daily life. Legend has it that the bulls not only ward off malevolent spirits but also bring prosperity and happiness to the households they overlook, fostering a sense of communal well-being that transcends borders.

Traditionally placed on household rooftops, the Pucara Bulls symbolise protection and prosperity, believed to bestow good fortune and happiness upon their inhabitants. Originating from Pucara-Puno in southern Peru, these ceramic representations of bulls capture the essence of Andean spirituality and cultural heritage, blending ancient symbols with contemporary artistic expression.

The art of crafting Pucara Bulls is a revered tradition passed down through generations in the remote Andean town of Checca Pupuja. Here, skilled artisans breathe life into clay, infusing each sculpture with tales of ancient myths and modern aspirations.

Celebrating Cultural Exchange

The collaboration between Mitchell Fine Art, through curator Sharon Mitchell and her team, and the Embassy of Peru in Canberra underscores the power of art to bridge cultural divides and foster understanding.

Through workshops, lectures, and interactive displays, audiences of all ages can engage with the Pucara Bulls’ story and leave with a deeper appreciation for the bonds that unite us as a global community.

Mitchell Fine Art in Fortitude Valley is open six days a week. Follow them on Instagram for updates.

Published 2-May-2024

Historic McWhirters Apartments Battle Crumbling Infrastructure

The historic McWhirters building in Fortitude Valley is facing an escalating battle to preserve its heritage features amid ageing infrastructure and alleged lack of support from authorities.

Read: Historic Ivory Street Primed for Major Housing Revival

The challenges have been mounting for years at the building, located on the corner of Wickham and Brunswick streets.

The escalator on the ground floor was turned off several years ago after being deemed a trip hazard by workplace safety inspectors. Retailers also claimed homeless people have been squatting underneath, creating an unsightly issue.

McWhirters — Photo credit: Benson B/Google Maps

When workers recently moved in with angle grinders, alarmed owners demanded action from the Department of Environment and Science and Innovation (DESI) to protect the heritage-listed site. However, one owner said they felt authorities had “washed their hands” of threats to the historic property.

The owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said that if not for persistent emails and calls to DESI from themselves and other owners over the matter, the escalator would have been removed entirely.

Regarding these claims, a spokesperson for DESI said the department is working with the building’s owners to make sure any renovation or restoration work complies with the requirements for obtaining necessary heritage approvals under the Queensland Heritage Act.

Despite the external issues, the upstairs apartments remain in high demand, with units selling for over $1 million and some owners investing hundreds of thousands in renovations. But significant underlying problems persist, including water leaks from pipes installed in the 1990s and damage to heritage awnings from passing buses and trucks.

The building originally served as a department store, constructed in 1912 for James McWhirter, an experienced manager and astute businessman. In 1989, the property underwent a major renovation to convert it into McWhirters Marketplace, requiring significant interior refurbishment work.

Official heritage status was granted when it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in October 1992. Then in 1997, further alterations were made to incorporate residential apartments on the upper floors.

Some owners even commissioned a conservation plan three years ago and have spent tens of thousands on restoration, but feel they are getting little support.

Read: Proposed Co-Living Tower Set to Elevate Urban Living in Fortitude Valley

As a landmark heritage site, its custodians face an uphill battle to preserve its history amid the deteriorating infrastructure.

Published 28-April-2024

Historic Ivory Street Primed for Major Housing Revival

The historic Ivory Street in Fortitude Valley could be transformed into a large-scale housing precinct to help boost supply and provide supportive housing outcomes for Queenslanders.

Read: From Ashes to Glory: Alfred & Constance Set for Stunning Revival

Plans are underway to progress a detailed evaluation into housing options for the land along Ivory Street. A full business case will be developed to explore delivering a range of housing types on the site, including social housing, affordable housing, supportive accommodation, and potentially a centre for drop-in services and other facilities.

Ivory Street has a rich and varied history documented in Queensland’s oldest newspaper archives. These records depict a time when the region’s First Peoples would bring their children to swim in the local waterholes and rivers.

Early view over Fortitude Valley and New Farm taken about 1882; Street at right is Ivory Street running to meet Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

They show the area between Ivory and Ann Streets as an undeveloped paddock in its early days. The archives also capture the construction of the neighbouring All Hallows Convent.

All Hallows Convent, Brisbane, ca 1908 (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

From its origins as a place of natural waterways and an Aboriginal community, the precinct transformed into a bustling wharf district, home to grand stores and a vibrant nightlife scene over time. Ivory Street has witnessed this diverse evolution throughout Queensland’s history.

Ivory Street Redevelopment Plans

The scope and mix of housing will be guided by a comprehensive needs assessment as part of the business case process.

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure and Member for McConnel Grace Grace said Ivory Street’s colourful history makes it fitting for a new chapter delivering homes for those in need.

“Having lived in this area practically my whole life, I’ve seen the valley evolve to meet the needs of our community – and what we need now is more homes for Queenslanders,” said Ms Grace.

“We know there is a need for more large-scale housing developments in Inner City Brisbane and the Ivory Street site is one that has been identified.

“There’s a huge amount of potential on this site, and I’m eager to see what the business case shows we can do here,” said Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon.

“It’s located right in the heart of Brisbane, close to public transport, jobs and support – it makes sense to build more homes here,” said Ms Scanlon.

The Ivory Street project was identified from a state government audit of publicly-owned sites across Queensland that could be suitable for housing development. It is one of 27 large sites shortlisted for further investigations, which are now underway.

Read: Queen’s Wharf to Welcome New Live Entertainment Hub LiveWire

A final investment decision on the Ivory Street housing precinct is expected by late 2024 once all planning, investigations and business case development is completed.

Published 27-April-2024

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