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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland
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.
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.
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland
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.
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.
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.
The Boer War Memorial also known as the South African War Memorial (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons)
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
Photo credit: Peter Smith/Google Maps
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
Photo credit: Paul Zomer/Google Maps
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
Photo credit: Fing Chiew/Google Maps
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For the first time ever, the number of people ending up in emergency departments due to e-scooter crashes has surpassed that of cyclists, with over 100 e-scooter riders a month requiring hospital treatment in Queensland.
Police data shows that more than 5,500 infringement notices were handed out to e-scooter riders last year for a range of offences, with some clocked travelling at speeds up to 90 km/h. Drugs and alcohol were contributing factors in a large number of the more serious crashes, including fatalities.
Photo credit: Kristof Topolewski/Pixabay
The Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit, which compiles data from 26 emergency departments across the state, recorded 1,273 e-scooter-related injuries last year – up from 1,033 in 2022. The problem has become particularly pronounced in the Brisbane CBD, where riders are frequently spotted without helmets and even riding three to a single scooter.
Photo credit: Silviu on the street/Pixabay
In a shocking incident in November 2023, a woman was seriously injured after being hit by a cement truck whilst riding an e-scooter on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley. Tragically, this was not an isolated event.
The state’s Transport and Main Roads department is now investigating options to further combat the issue of drink-riding, including potentially enabling police to conduct random breath tests on e-scooter users.
According to Brisbane City Council, since the arrival of e-scooters in the city in November 2018, there have been over 4 million rides taken by 1.4 million users. Whilst the new transport options offer opportunities to reduce reliance on private cars, the safety concerns have been an ongoing source of debate.
Photo credit: Christian Bueltemann/Pixabay
The council says it has introduced a range of safety initiatives, including late-night hiring restrictions, helmet locks, speed limits on shared paths, parking hubs, and geofencing and no-ride zones. However, the sheer number of injuries suggests these measures have not been enough to rein in the growing e-scooter crisis.
With no signs of the e-scooter trend slowing down, authorities will need to take urgent and decisive action to address the safety issues before the situation spirals further out of control. The health and wellbeing of riders and other road users must be the top priority as this new transport revolution continues to evolve.
Customers wearing caps are asked to wear them backwards before entering the Osbourne Hotel in Fortitude Valley; at other establishments, customers are even asked to take them off completely before entering. Find out why.
Visitors to the city’s pubs typically adhere to a simple dress code of shirts and shoes, but recently, the Osbourne Hotel surprised a patron with an unexpected rule.
Whilst trying to enter the Osbourne Hotel in Brisbane, a man encountered a surprising request from a security guard: he was asked to wear his cap backwards to gain entry. Despite his confusion, the man complied, wondering at the reason for the rule enforced at the establishment.
Actually, other establishments enforce strict policies such as ‘backwards cap only’ or require guests to take off their hats completely before entering. The Osbourne Hotel in Fortitude Valley is not an exception.
Photo Credit: Pexels/Rachel Claire
Although aking off one’s hat has significant cultural meaning and is a mark of respect in many places, this regulation has a more useful purpose than just tradition in the context of bars and comparable venues in the city.
Enforcing such regulations makes it easier to identify people, especially with CCTV footage, and helps venues have security measures in place. In case of any untoward occurences, authorities and the management of the establishment will find it easier to trace and identify patrons and customers without their faces being obscured by caps and the like.
Remember this next time you bring a cap when going out for a night around town. When entering a pub or bar, wear it backwards or not at all.
Did you know? Nestled within the bustling dining precinct of Fortitude Valley, where culinary creativity knows no bounds and taste buds are tantalised at every turn, an exciting revelation is on the horizon.
Petite, the latest brainchild of the visionary Votan brothers, is set to make its grand entrance, bringing with it the timeless elegance of French cuisine to complement the vibrant tapestry of East Street.
Nestled snugly between the alleys of tradition and innovation, Petite stands poised to become a beacon of culinary excellence, offering a harmonious symphony of flavours that dance on the palate and linger in the memory. As the younger sibling to the acclaimed Happy Boy, Petite embarks on a mission to democratise French gastronomy, making it accessible to all who seek culinary delight.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Jordan and Cameron Votan, brothers who share a passion for both Chinese and French cuisine, are the brains behind this culinary endeavour. With Happy Boy already reigning supreme as a mecca for regional Chinese delicacies, the addition of Petite completes the duo, establishing Chinese and French as the twin pillars of East Street’s culinary landscape.
Petite’s charm lies not in ostentatious fine dining but in its unassuming elegance and everyday appeal. Like its sibling, it promises to be a haven for the discerning diner, offering an escape from the mundane with each delectable bite. From the moment one steps through its doors, they are transported to a realm where culinary boundaries blur and culinary adventures await.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
The ambience of Petite is a testament to the Votans’ commitment to excellence. With an expansive mezzanine, a sleek downstairs bar, and intimate booths lining the walls, every detail has been meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of understated luxury. Here, minimalism meets sophistication, creating a space where food and ambiance intertwine seamlessly.
But it is the menu at Petite that truly steals the spotlight, offering an array of French ambience with a contemporary twist. From the indulgent potted confit duck to the savoury chicken cordon bleu, each dish is a masterpiece in its own right, showcasing the culinary prowess of Chef Aubrey Courtel. With a focus on affordability and innovation, Petite promises to delight the palate without breaking the bank.
Photo Credit: Website/Snack Man
Of course, no French dining experience would be complete without the perfect wine pairing, and Petite delivers in spades. With a curated selection of French wines, each chosen to complement the flavors of the menu, diners are invited to embark on a journey of gastronomic discovery. From crisp whites to full-bodied reds, there is something to please every palate and enhance every dish.
As the anticipation builds and the aroma of French delicacies fills the air, the stage is set for Petite to take its place among the culinary greats of Fortitude Valley.
With its commitment to excellence, affordability, and innovation, it is poised to become not just a restaurant, but a destination—a place where food lovers gather to celebrate the timeless art of French cuisine. So, mark your calendars and prepare your taste buds, for the arrival of Petite heralds a new era of culinary delight in the heart of Brisbane’s dining scene.
Want to spice up your nightlife? Ballers Clubhouse, the brainchild of hospitality visionaries, is set to revolutionise party time as playtime in Fortitude Valley.
The energetic Ballers Clubhouse, hailing from Melbourne’s busy streets, is getting ready to revamp the familiar spot formerly occupied by King of Kings restaurant on Wickham Street.
This isn’t just your ordinary watering hole, though; it’s more like an adult playground with extra features to spice up your social adventures such as cutting-edge ping pong, darts, and even a karaoke gum ball machine.
Highlights of Ballers Clubhouse
Neo Shuffle: A modern twist on the classic shuffleboard game, Neo Shuffle adds high-tech elements to elevate the experience. Players slide pucks down a sleek surface, aiming for strategic points to outscore their opponents.
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
360 Ping Pong: Prepare to take your ping pong skills to the next level with 360 Ping Pong. This immersive game challenges players to navigate around a circular table, keeping the ball in play from all angles for an exhilarating and fast-paced match.
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Social Darts: Darts get a social upgrade with this interactive game. Compete against friends or new acquaintances in a lively atmosphere, with various game modes and challenges to keep the excitement going.
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Ballpit Karaoke: With Ballpit Karaoke, enjoy the best possible karaoke experience. Immersed in a colourful ball pit with contagious energy and colourful balls, sing your heart out. You’ve never experienced karaoke like this before!
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Still, that’s not the end of the exciting part. The meals and drinks at Ballers Clubhouse are designed to go well with the lively ambience and keep you feeling upbeat. A tempting assortment of finger food will be served, including crowd favourites like green curry arancini and panko-prawn tacos.
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Fun and Unique Cocktails
Naturally, no trip would be complete without sampling their inventive cocktail menu. Enjoying a snack in between games or a distinctive beverage, Ballers Clubhouse’s menu guarantees an exciting and flavorful experience every time you visit.
Houdini’s Escape
This cocktail is named after the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini and is designed to evoke the thrill of his daring feats. A little safe is used to present the drink when it is ordered, which adds a mysterious and thrilling touch. An interesting and participatory element to the drinking experience is that in order to open the safe and enjoy your drink, you must first crack the code. It’s an experience waiting to happen, not simply a drink.
Smoky Skull Heist Negroni
With a hint of mystery and drama, this drink is a modern take on the traditional Negroni. The cocktail is delivered in what looks like a scene out of a crime movie—a black briefcase covered in smoke. The presentation creates a buzz of excitement and expectation that makes for an unforgettable sipping experience. Your evening at Ballers Clubhouse will be slightly more exciting as you sip on a Skull Heist Negroni, which will make you feel like you’re a part of a daring escapade.
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Ballers Clubhouse is more than simply a drinking game; it’s an attempt to gamify social interactions, created by a dynamic team that includes Chris Roberton, Stephen Wools, Josh Lefers, and Simon Jones.
“We wanted to explore what lies beyond the typical bar experience,” says Stephen Wools. “That’s when we discovered this trend of competitive socialising that was gaining traction overseas.”
Following its success in Melbourne, Ballers Clubhouse now has Brisbane squarely in its sights. With 1,200 square metres of space and the ability to hold 600 people, the Fortitude Valley venue is sure to be a show-stopper. Imagine edgy urban sensations that are expertly blended with opulent details and first-rate facilities.
Ballers Clubhouse is scheduled to debut in March or April of 2024. Now that the ball is in your court, get set to play. Follow their Instagram page at @ballersclubhouse for more details.
Rising Australian light heavyweight Conor Wallace and fellow contender Jack Gipp promised an action-packed fight, and they delivered on that promise Sunday night at the Fortitude Music Hall.
From the opening bell, the four-inch shorter Gipp stalks Wallace, looking to land his big left hook. Wallace obliges the crowd by engaging in heated exchanges, with both men having successes. Gipp bloodied Wallace’s nose at the end of the first round.
The back-and-forth action continued in the second. In the third, Gipp started finding a home for his left hook, backing Wallace to the ropes at times, though Wallace taunts and showboats to the crowd. Wallace begins landing in bunches in the fourth, while Gipp connects on an eye-catching lead left uppercut late in that same round.
The tide shifts for Conor Wallace
In the fifth, Gipp traps Wallace on the ropes and unloads, but Wallace spins off and fights back hard to gain the momentum edge heading into the sixth round.
Early in the sixth, the pace slows for a moment before Wallace starts letting his hands go in ferocious combinations, hurting Gipp and ultimately dropping him with a barrage along the ropes. After an eight count, Wallace refuses to let Gipp off the hook, swarming until the referee waves it off at the 2:48 mark.
What they said
“I think we did a bit of everything,” an ecstatic Wallace said. “My coach Greg Eadie is one of the best…without him none of this would be possible.”
Gipp showed class in defeat, stating: “I knew Conor would probably be the hardest fight of my career…I’m still getting used to light heavyweight. Maybe down the line we can do it all again.”
