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U3A Brisbane Showcases Diverse Courses at Adelaide St Open Day

The University of the Third Age Brisbane (U3A Brisbane) is opening its doors on Saturday, September 9 in Adelaide Street to showcase the diverse range of learning opportunities available to all members of the community.

Read: How Mary St Pub Owner Andrew Lewis Conquers Global Hospitality Industry After Humble Beginnings

The Open Day which will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at their City Campus on 232 Adelaide St will allow visitors to discover first-hand the benefits of continuing education and connection later in life.

As a non-profit organisation run by volunteers, U3A Brisbane provides a relaxed and supportive environment for over 50s to learn new skills, expand their knowledge, and form meaningful friendships. With over 175 courses covering topics from art to yoga, taught across the city and Logan areas, there are engaging options for all interests.

President Gabrielle Power West says the Open Day is a chance to “welcome everyone to explore our community of lifelong learners.” She emphasises that U3A Brisbane offers more than just classes – it’s about “fostering a sense of belonging.”

Visitors to the Open Day can:

Get a taste of the diverse course offerings, from languages to tai chi
Learn about the benefits of joining U3A from friendly tutors
Discover the social connections and camaraderie that enrich members’ lives
Find out how to get involved as a tutor and give back by sharing expertise

U3A Brisbane’s growth demonstrates seniors’ eagerness to keep growing. The Open Day is the perfect introduction for anyone interested in joining this vibrant community.

Read: Brooki Bakehouse Fortitude Valley Gains Instant Recognition Thanks to TikTok

The Open Day is free and open to all interested in learning more about U3A Brisbane. Light refreshments will also be provided to visitors. It’s a great chance to explore the offerings and meet the friendly faces that make up this vibrant community of lifelong learners over 50.

Visit U3A Brisbane’s website to register for the Open Day.

Published 30-August-2023

How Mary St Pub Owner Andrew Lewis Went From Cleaning Out Ashtrays to Becoming a Global Entrepreneur

Andrew Lewis, the owner of Leonards Bar & Bistro on Mary Street, has come a long way from his early days cleaning out ashtrays at a local pub. After acquiring Singaporean platform JERRY two years ago, the Brisbane-based entrepreneur now runs a booming international e-learning business catering to the hospitality industry.

Read: Fortitude Valley VFX and Post-production Startup Scales Up Globally

Mr Lewis’ company Allara, which he founded back in 2009, has seen revenues spike 240 percent largely due to the addition of JERRY. The acquisition has allowed Allara to expand its reach to over 80,000 new bar and hospitality staff across 25 countries.

Named after 19th century bartender and father of modern bartending Jerry Thomas, JERRY offers short online courses – some as brief as five minutes – to equip hospitality professionals with new skills.

Allara CEO Andrew Lewis (Photo credit: Andrew Lewis/LinkedIn)

This accessible e-learning approach is helping hotels, bars and restaurants globally upskill their teams and address staff shortages exacerbated by the pandemic.

Mr Lewis with a former student of Allara (Photo credit: Allara Learning/Facebook)

Major hospitality players in over 40 countries such as the United States, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and beyond are now turning to the rebuilt JERRY platform for training needs. But Mr Lewis has not forgotten his Australian roots, recently enlisting award-winning local mixologists Priscilla Leong, Marco Nunes, and Evan Stroeve to lead exclusive masterclasses.

The masterclasses allow Aussie bartenders access to world-class mentoring from the comfort of their phones. JERRY provides customisable subscription plans to meet the needs of businesses both big and small, including individual bars up to large corporate enterprises.

Read: Local Man Aims for Macarena World Record at Bigsound

From bush pubs to five-star hotels, the trajectory of Andrew Lewis’ career mirrors the growing sophistication of the hospitality industry itself. His journey from locally-known business owner to international e-learning tycoon is a testament to the power of technology to transform traditional sectors.

Published 29-August-2023

Brisbane Ranks 3rd Australia Rudest City in Survey

Brisbane has emerged as the third rudest city in Australia whilst the quaint Queensland town of Bundaberg ranked at the top, according to a recent survey conducted by the learning platform Preply.

Aimed to uncover which Australian cities were perceived as having the rudest residents, the survey sheds light on why this trend potentially challenges the nation’s reputation for friendliness.

The survey unveiled that whilst the overall average rudeness rating for Australians was 5.31, several towns stood out for their elevated rudeness levels, all of which were located in Queensland.

Topping the list was Bundaberg, with a rudeness score of 5.81, closely followed by Rockhampton at 5.79 and Brisbane City at 5.58.

Experts at Preply speculated that this regional trend in rudeness could be attributed, in part, to the challenging climate conditions that Queensland regularly faces. The state has experienced severe climate extremes, including floods, bushfires, heatwaves, and droughts, which might contribute to heightened stress levels among residents.

Interestingly, Preply’s survey also highlighted that the Sunshine Coast, another Queensland region, claimed the title of the most polite city in Australia, with a courtesy score of 4.58. This incongruity raises questions about the factors influencing residents’ behaviour across different parts of Queensland.

Preply’s survey involved 1,503 participants from 22 major metropolitan areas across Australia. Respondents were asked to rate the rudeness of their respective cities on a scale from one to 10, with 10 indicating the highest level of rudeness.

Additionally, the participants were questioned about the most common types of rude behaviour they encountered. These ranged from being noisy in public spaces and talking on the phone while going through supermarket checkouts to not giving a thank-you wave when another driver allowed them to merge in traffic.

rudest behaviours — *Photo Credit: Preply*

Interestingly, neglecting to offer guests a drink or refreshments at home was considered the least voted rude behaviour, highlighting the significance of hospitality in Australian culture.

Amy Pritchett, the Cultural Director at Preply, explained that the survey was designed to help travellers gauge what to expect when visiting different cities and regions.

Published 25-Aug-2023

Fortitude Valley Diehards’ Jenny David Chases Rugby League Dreams with Papua New Guinea

Fortitude Valley Diehards’ Jenny David, 19, has set her sights on one day representing Papua New Guinea in rugby league’s international stage.

Late start, meteoric rise for Jenny David

David only started playing rugby league five years ago. At the present time, she’s making a name for herself as a lock forward for the Valleys Diehards. With her athleticism and hardwork, David has taken to the sport and quickly risen through the ranks.

On the field, David is known for her speed in attack and strength in defence. She has an imposing physical presence combined with quick footwork that makes her difficult to stop.

David also encourages other young players to work hard and believe in themselves. She remains hopeful and focused on achieving her rugby league dreams.

High standards for the national team

To make the Papua New Guinea Orchids squad, David will have to meet the standards set by coach Ben Jeffries.

“Players that uphold and understand these aspects will pick themselves, whilst others will have to earn their selection through hard work, commitment and show a great desire to be an Orchid,” Jeffries said.

Jenny David has demonstrated her commitment through tireless training, constant self-improvement, and an openness to criticism. Above all, her dedication and work ethic have helped her improve her game season-by-season – qualities that bridged the gap from a rookie player just five years ago to one who could meet PNG Orchids’ high standards in the future.

Published 24 August 2023

Fortitude Valley VFX and Post-production Startup Scales Up Globally

Video Still Credit: SteelBridge Studios / steelbridge.studio

A VFX and post-production company that traces its roots to Fortitude Valley and now maintains a presence on three continents, is making waves internationally and impressing the likes of Netflix, Nintendo, and Sony with its talent and creativity.

Established by six creative individuals, Alt.vfx is no ordinary player in the field of high-end visual effects for film, commercials, and television. As a boutique VFX and post-production outfit, its impact belies its size.

The journey from Queensland start-up to international phenomenon has been nothing short of remarkable for Alt.vfx.

Armed with exceptional skills in crafting top-tier visual effects for movies, TV shows, and commercials that would propel their venture, Alt.vfx has managed to become a major player in the global arena.

The company has worked on titles that include “The Power of the Dog,” “Pieces of Her,” and “True Spirit.” Its portfolio includes collaborations with heavyweight clients such as Nintendo and Sony.

Currently, the company provides post-production services for the live-action adaptation of the cult-favourite anime series YuYu Hakusho that is scheduled for release in December 2023.

Alt.vfx – The Work – 2020 from altvfx on Vimeo.

Through strategic partnerships with Screen Queensland’s Post, Digital, and Visual Effects Incentive program, Alt.vfx managed to secure contracts in 2021 and 2022 totalling $3.2 million and is now helping young artists refine their skills.

After establishing a presence in Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo and Los Angeles, the business has expanded ten-fold, hitting another recent milestone earlier this year, with the addition of its new workspace situated beneath the Story Bridge, the SteelBridge Studios.

The purpose-built SteelBridge Studios signifies more than just a physical space. It is also a testament to Alt.vfx’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

Calling the company a “Queensland success story” and expressing admiration for its impressive track record, QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that her recent trade mission in Japan included a meeting with the company and Netflix Japan on possible colloborations.

Director Colin Renshaw credits a substantial portion of their achievements to advancements in technology, with a specific focus on the incorporation of Unreal Engine technology.

He emphasised how the technology has transformed their VFX process and allowed them to build realistic landscapes and record them on film. In fact, he said, this advancement in technology has improved the quality of their work while streamlining their workflow.

Alt.vfx continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, proving that despite their humble beginnings, a cinematic excellence can be crafted that resonates on a global scale.

Published 23-August-2023

Local Man Aims for Macarena World Record at Bigsound

Rob Carroll, a local resident, is aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the longest Macarena dance at the upcoming Bigsound Festival in September.

Read: BIGSOUND: Mike Shinoda and More to Headline!

The current record is for the largest Macarena dance, which was set in the UK back in 2011, and involved 2,219 participants dancing for five minutes.

Carroll’s attempt will take place on September 4, 6:00 p.m. at the Black Bear Lodge in Fortitude Valley, a day before the highly anticipated Bigsound music festival kicks off.

As the founder and director of Sydney-based artist services agency Good Intent, Carroll has organised the record try as part of Good Intent’s 5th birthday bash.

The event will also feature live performances by Gold Coast duo Bootleg Rascal and local pop act JUNO. Good Intent, launched in late 2018, provides management and other services to artists like Bootleg Rascal, FANGZ, Close Counters and more.

In a statement, Carroll thanked the team, artists, managers, labels, promoters, media, venues and supporters who have made this endeavour possible. He will attempt to out-macarena the current record of 5 minutes of nonstop dancing. If successful, Carroll’s name will go down in Guinness World Records history.

Bigsound

Dubbed as the southern hemisphere’s largest music industry event, Bigsound will return this year in Fortitude Valley, from 5-8 September 2023 to present Australia’s leading artists and industry conference.

Now in its 22nd year, Bigsound brings together musicians, industry professionals, media and music fans for a massive celebration of Australian music. Last year’s event drew over 20,000 spectators across multiple venues and showcased 186 artists.

Read: Brooki Bakehouse Fortitude Valley Gains Instant Recognition Thanks to TikTok

The final tickets for the Bigsound Festival are on sale now, with music showcase passes starting at just $49. Visit the festival’s website for more information.

Published 21-August-2023

Prestigious Inner-City Brisbane School All Hallows’ Locked Down Following Disturbance

The usually tranquil atmosphere at All Hallows’ School in Brisbane City was shattered when an agitated man, reportedly under the influence of some substance, unleashed a bout of destructive behaviour by kicking and punching doors within the school precinct, leading to a lockdown at the school.

Police received a flurry of alarmed reports concerning the man’s erratic actions, which included assaulting doors in Dodge Lane, an area adjacent to the school grounds.

A police spokesperson stated that the man, believed to be 19 years old, exhibited signs of intoxication and heightened agitation. After a thorough assessment and engagement with law enforcement personnel, he was taken into custody.

Additionally, he was issued a public nuisance infringement notice, indicating the legal consequences of his actions.

The incident, which unfolded around 11:50 a.m. on Thursday, 17 Aug 2023, prompted a swift response from local law enforcement authorities.

Authorities were on the scene in a matter of minutes, securing the area and swiftly instating a lockdown protocol to ensure the safety of the school’s staff, students, and personnel. During the lockdown, all movement within the premises was restricted, and communication with the outside world was limited.

In a bid to prevent any further disturbances or potential threats, the individual was also subjected to a banning order, effectively prohibiting him from entering Fortitude Valley. This measure was enacted with the intention of maintaining the safety and security of both All Hallows’ School and the broader community.

Published 21-Aug-2023

BIGSOUND: Mike Shinoda and More to Headline!

Photo Credit: Facebook / BIGSOUND

Mike Shinoda, Linkin Park’s MC, guitarist, songwriter and producer is headlining BIGSOUND, Fortitude Valley’s annual showcase event and music conference, as its third conference speaker this year.

There will be THREE music showcases held every evening, Secret Shows, conferences and official parties held throughout the event dates. The initial round of artists for the festival arrived in July and over 140 acts will be performed between September 5 and 8, at over 18 venues in the Valley.

**Mike Shinoda at Fabrique in Milan, Italy**
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Dennis Radaelli

Delegates and fans are excited to see Shinoda take the stage, particularly after the release of METEORA|20, the 20th anniversary edition of their original Meteora album, full of unreleased songs and video footage.

Aside from the original album, METEORA|20 contains some rare 2003-2004 material, demos, and live sets in Texas and Nottingham. In “Breaking the Habit,” the final piece on Meteora which was written by Shinoda, he took a break from rapping and presented dark emotions, with a focus on dark, heavy guitar sounds and emotion-wracked music.

Some up-and-coming local talents that are part of the BIGSOUND line-up for this year are Aussie DJ Anna Lunoe, Bluey composer Gordi and Jof Bush, Ziggy Ramo, Christine Anu, Kate Miller-Heidke and Camp Cope’s Georgia Maq.

EVENT INFO

As fans and followers know, BIGSOUND isn’t just about the music. The event provides a glimpse into the heart of the music industry.

Each year, the annual conference provides the perfect opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look, with some valuable insights from industry heavyweights representing Coachella, Netflix, Sub Pop, and Paramount thrown into the mix.

For 2023, BIGSOUND has made some exciting additions to its speaker line-up with the former manager of English pop duo Wham! and Simon Franglen, the man behind the music of the Avatar films) with Chris Duncan (The Orchard), Dev Sherlock (SXSW), Hannah Skolnick (Secretly Group), Tony Kiewel (Sub Pop), Alexandra Idiart-Benavides (The Vault), Chloe Pean (AEG Presents), Seth Hubbard (Polyvinyl) and Jackie Palazzolo (Riot Games).

The full program now spans 40 names. Check them out here.

BUY TICKETS

Published 18-August-2023

Brooki Bakehouse Fortitude Valley Gains Instant Recognition Thanks to TikTok

Photo Credit: Brooki Bake House

Brooki Bakehouse, nestled in the heart of Fortitude Valley, went from obscurity to fame in a single day, all because of a viral TikTok video.

The mastermind behind this amazing transformation from obscurity to overnight sensation is Brooke Saward, a former travel writer who decided to pivot her career and pursue her passion for desserts.

After opening the doors of her emporium in May 2022, Ms Saward found herself facing the common challenge of attracting customers. Despite her delectable offerings, the bakery struggled to gain traction.

Months of limited foot traffic prompted Ms Saward to explore alternative avenues for promotion. Drawing from her experience as a travel blogger and armed with a taste for social media, she turned to TikTok.

Her first video, a casual “day in my life” glimpse into the bakery’s inner workings, struck a chord with viewers and quickly went viral, accumulating over 3.2 million views.

@brookibakehouse A day in my life as a bakery owner: sold out saturdays 👩‍🍳 #dayinmylife #bakeryowner #fyp ♬ 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton

The impact was profound and immediate. The very next day, a stream of customers flooded into Brooki Bakehouse, citing TikTok as their source of discovery. Saward was in tears, describing the emotional shift from struggling to successful.

Saward’s journey to Brooki Bakehouse began after the pandemic compelled her to move from Tasmania to Brisbane. Drawing inspiration from her solo travel blogging days and fueled by her passion for desserts, she established her bakery in a meticulously chosen 42 square metre space within the Stewart and Hemmant building.

Combining industrial elements with refined touches of burgundy marble and brass finishes, Ms Saward created a space that she aptly describes as “Paris meets New York’s East Village.”

The bakery’s meteoric rise on TikTok has been an inspiration to businesses across Australia, with the platform amassing 8.5 million users nationwide. Ms Saward acknowledges the significance of social media in small business success, especially for those operating without substantial marketing budgets. Her TikTok has since gained over a million followers.

“Social media can be such a positive force for small businesses out there who don’t have big marketing budgets,” Ms Saward affirmed, emphasizing the encouragement and support from the local community.

What began as a solo endeavour has evolved into a team of seven passionate women, united by their dedication to baking. The team’s commitment to their craft extends beyond the local community, as they gear up to launch international shipping for online orders.

“We are an all girls team and still have under 10 employees (but about to grow in the production kitchen!). Sofia (head baker) adds an additional NYC cookie to the trays every day knowing Brooke will steal her daily dose at approx. 11am when she needs her daily sugar hit,” she wrote.

“Mondays are the busiest day in the kitchen with hundreds of orders to ship out each week, but Tuesdays are physically harder as we have thousands of dough balls to roll!

Photo Credit: Brooki Bake House/Facebook

Ms Saward reflects on this journey with humility and pride, noting that no matter where the future takes them, they will always remember their roots as “that little bakery that opened in an unknown street.”

Brooki Bakehouse’s story exemplifies the transformative potential of social media platforms like TikTok, proving that even the most modest beginnings can turn into thriving successes with the right blend of passion, creativity, and community support.

Published 7-Aug-2023

Fortitude Valley’s Rental Market Gets a Boost with Proposed Winn Street Development

Photo Credit: Sungard Property Group /.sungardpg.com.au

Two new towers named Winn Street will soon rise, facing Ann Street and McLachlan Street, adding 396 homes to the Fortitude Valley build-to-rent market.

Sungard Property Group has submitted plans for two new towers, one with 20 storeys and the other, 20 storeys tall, as part of a project that focuses on creating a wellness space with retail frontage and mezzanine studios equipped with traditional gym facilities.

Fortitude Valley's Rental Market Gets a Boost with Proposed Winn Street Development — *Photo Credit: Sungard Property Group /* sungardpg.com.au

The project will have a pool terrace that offers residents a distinct indoor/outdoor entertainment and leisure area. The inclusion of food and beverage options further elevates the tenant experience, reminiscent of the high-end offerings available at the nearby Calile Hotel.

Sungard’s chief executive, Adrian Bogatez, has expressed excitement about the growing popularity of the build-to-rent market in Australia. He believes Fortitude Valley is the perfect location for this project.

The Valley has experienced natural growth, starting from the James Street precinct. Bogatez envisions Winn Street as a natural progression of that vibrant atmosphere, combining the Brunswick Street area with James Street.

The residences at Winn Street have been carefully planned to engage with the natural environment. They consider aspects such as light, views, and organisation. The design palette embraces a minimalist approach, allowing tenants to personalize their living spaces with a range of high-quality, earth-toned materials.

Furthermore, the rooftops provide residents with a unique opportunity to connect with nature. These inviting outdoor spaces feature herb gardens, citrus groves, shaded eating areas, BBQ zones, and private dining pods. Tenants can socialize, host guests, and unwind whilst enjoying stunning views of the city and the river.

Despite concerns about potential noise from nearby live music venues like The Zoo, Sungard also hopes to create synergy between the residential development and the surrounding venues.

The proposal includes ground-floor retail and bars to attract visitors. Ample parking spaces for cars and bicycles, with a total of 315 spots will also be provided.

Published 2-August-2023