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Music Fans Flock to Fortitude Valley for Bigsound Festival

Fortitude Valley is fortunate enough to host Bigsound Festival, Australia’s largest music industry conference and festival. Held from September 5 to 8, Bigsound 2023 ended on a high note after four days and three nights packed with up-and-coming musical acts, insightful panels, and exciting revelations.

Read: Local Man Aims for Macarena World Record at Bigsound

First launched in 2002 by industry development organisation QMusic, Bigsound has grown into a thriving community of musical innovation and togetherness.

The conference now draws over 1,700 music industry delegates, whilst the festival showcases attract an impressive combined audience of more than 20,000 fans eager to discover the next big thing.

Bigsound Festival — Photo credit: bigsound.org.au

Now in its 22nd year, Bigsound brought the music to Brisbane, showcasing over 150 artists across dozens of Valley venues each night. This year’s Bigsound was full of incredible highlights that left crowds buzzing.

Powerhouse indie rocker Beckah Amani electrified audiences with her high-energy set on Wednesday night. On Wednesday and Thursday night, soulful folk duo FELIVAND wowed with their breathtaking vocal harmonies. Meanwhile, King Ivy and Southeast Desert Metal represented First Nations artists, bringing powerful messages and hard-hitting rock to the stage.

Thursday night saw the massive lineup of Battlesnake, Chitra, and Radio Free Alice take over Fortitude Valley. These three emerging acts showed off their distinct sounds and awe-inspiring talent, capping off the festival on a euphoric note.

With its impeccable track record for spotting stars on the rise, Bigsound has cemented itself as a can’t-miss event on Brisbane’s cultural calendar. Music lovers eagerly anticipate what fresh faces the festival will unveil each year, knowing Fortitude Valley will play host to future household names in the Australian music scene.

Read: Newly Renovated GPO Building Now Home to Tama Restaurant and The Gatsby Lounge Bar

For both fans and aspiring musicians alike, Bigsound Festival is an unforgettable experience that epitomises the Valley’s vibrant arts culture.

Published 12-September-2023

Joedy’s Cafe Scales Back, Shuts Fortitude Valley and Sinclair Locations

After three years of rapid growth, the popular local cafe chain Joedy’s Cafe has announced it will be closing two of its Brisbane locations, including the express cafe at The Eminence in Fortitude Valley to ‘focus on providing the best possible service and menu item’ for customers.

Read: Celebrity Chef Ben O’Donoghue to Open Italian Steakhouse ‘Establishment 203’ in Fortitude Valley

In a social media post on Friday, owner Joedy Kyle said the Fortitude Valley and Sinclair locations will permanently close their doors on August 25 and 27 respectively and will have their final service at around 3:00 p.m.

“After three years of unbelievable growth we have made the decision to cut back to basics and focus on providing the best possible service and menu items for our guests,” the post read.

Joedys Cafe — Photo credit: Joedy’s Express Cafe/Google Maps

“After all we are known for providing experiences beyond expectations for our guests, even when we don’t fully hit the mark we learn and grow from these instances and become better every single day.”

Joedy’s swift expansion since opening in 2020 comes as no surprise given Kyle’s extensive hospitality experience. He has worked in several award-winning Brisbane venues including Blackbird Bar & Grill, Black Hide by Gambaro, Motorwagen Cafe & Restaurant and the nationally acclaimed specialty coffee roasters Fonzie Abbott.

However, the popular cafe appears to have grown too quickly and is now streamlining operations. Whilst the Fortitude Valley and Sinclair outposts will shut down this month, Joedy’s original New Farm and Bowen Hills locations will remain open.

In his social media announcement, Kyle encouraged customers to continue supporting small businesses, writing “We all need it and always appreciate it.”

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

Locals who have come to love their neighbourhood Joedy’s Cafe will certainly miss their regular coffee and breakfast runs, but Kyle seems confident this is the right move to get back to the cafe’s quality roots.

Published 11-September-2023

Brisbane’s Third Farm Fresh Market to Open at St Stephen’s Cathedral

Did you know that Brisbane will soon welcome its third farm fresh market, set to open at the historic St Stephen’s Cathedral?

Goodwill Projects, a dynamic events and venues company, is partnering with St Stephen Cathedral Catholic Parish to give the city a new farm fresh market, set to open on Tuesday, 12 Sept 2023. The market, which runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will continue every Tuesday thereafter.

The St Stephen’s Cathedral market is set to be a hub for community initiatives, providing a platform for people to come together, socialise, and enjoy a safe, outdoor, and welcoming atmosphere. This vision aligns seamlessly with the essence of both the parish and the markets, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

What to Expect at St Stephen’s Markets

What sets a market apart are its vendors, artisans, farmers, growers, makers, bakers, designers, and artists who believe that no idea is too small and encourage thinking big.

According to Goodwill Projects, in Australia, small to medium-sized enterprises account for a significant portion of the economy, often starting with a simple idea, skill, or passion. The company aims to turn these ideas, dreams, and passions into reality whilst transforming iconic spaces into bustling, vibrant, and inclusive markets across South East Queensland.

As the project prepares forits grand opening, visitors can look forward to an array of enticing offerings from a diverse range of vendors. These are just some of the carefully curated stalls that promise to provide an exceptional shopping and dining experience that reflects the market’s commitment to quality and variety.

Pastel Bossa: Delve into the flavors of South America with Pastel Bossa. This vendor specializes in pastels, a South American staple that consists of stuffed pastries deep-fried until crispy. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey as you explore the mouthwatering varieties of these savory pastries.

Three Little Birds Homewares: Three Little Birds is not your average homewares business. They exclusively operate at markets, bringing a unique selection of home decor items to St Stephen’s Markets. From an impressive range of plants and potted colour to stylish pots, dried flower arrangements, tote bags, and other plant-related items, Three Little Birds Homewares is a must-visit for plant lovers and proud plant parents alike.

Good Intentions Clothing Brand: Founded by two brothers on the Gold Coast, Good Intentions Clothing Brand is not just about fashion; it’s about making a positive impact. With every sale, they donate 10% to charities such as Beyond Blue, Foodbank, or RizeUp. So, when you shop at their stall, you’re not just getting stylish clothing but also contributing to meaningful causes.

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Whisk N Flip Pancakes & Waffles: If you have a craving for delicious pancakes and waffles on a stick, look no further than Whisk N Flip. This husband-and-wife team, local to Ipswich, will be serving up these delectable treats from their mobile food van. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or innovative toppings, their offerings are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Other Market Days

In addition to the new St Stephen’s Cathedral site, visitors can enjoy the famous Reddacliff Place market, located at the top of Queen Street Mall, every Wednesday, and the Cathedral Square market at the corner of Ann and Wharf Street every Thursday.

Stay connected and get updates on the Brisbane City Markets through their Facebook Page.

Published 9-Sept-2023

Celebrity Chef Ben O’Donoghue to Open Italian Steakhouse ‘Establishment 203’ in Fortitude Valley

Get ready for an epic experience, Brisbane as celebrity chef Ben O’Donoghue brings his formidable talents to Fortitude Valley this November with the opening of Establishment 203, an Italian-inspired steakhouse set to shake up the local dining scene.

Read: Newly Renovated GPO Building Now Home to Tama Restaurant and The Gatsby Lounge Bar

Located on Ann Street, the restaurant’s rustic and inviting interiors will provide the perfect backdrop for O’Donoghue’s farm-to-table fare.

Diners can expect the finest steaks in the country, hand-selected by O’Donoghue and cooked over wood to enhance the natural flavours of the meat. Signature cuts like bistecca alla Fiorentina, bone-in tomahawks and sirloins will take centre stage.

Chef Ben O’Donoghue (Photo credit: @thebenodonoghue/Instagram)

According to O’Donoghue, Establishment 203 will combine classical and modern techniques to create an exceptional steak dining experience. The restaurant will source ingredients locally and employ wood-fire grilling methods to allow the flavours of the fresh produce to shine through.

Image is for illustration purposes only (Photo credit: Snapwire/Pexels)

Whilst steaks are the highlight, the menu will also feature a range of pastas, seafood and poultry dishes. Drinks will include a wine list focused on Italian varietals, with some rare finds, along with Brisbane craft beers and signature cocktails.

The open kitchen allows guests to watch the culinary action as chefs prepare dishes from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Establishment 203 promises to bring a fine dining steakhouse experience with the warmth of Italian hospitality. O’Donoghue’s talent for blending cooking techniques and global flavours is on full display.

Read: Local Man Aims for Macarena World Record at Bigsound

Although Establishment 203’s doors don’t officially open until November, the hotly anticipated steakhouse will start accepting reservations starting in October. Brisbane foodies eager for a fresh take on premium steaks, pastas and more only need to book a table at Ann Street’s newest culinary destination.

Establishment 203 is located at 621 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. Stay tuned on their Instagram page for updates.

Published 5-September-2023

Michael Trevor Royce Collins Found Guilty in Fatal 2020 Fortitude Valley Assault

After a week-long trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court, Michael Trevor Royce Collins has been found guilty of a fatal one-punch attack in Fortitude Valley on Melbourne Cup Day 2020. The altercation stemmed from a petty dispute between the 30-year-old Brisbane man and the victim, 37-year-old Shannon Finemore.

Balcony altercation

On November 3, 2020, Collins and his co-accused, Harley James Raithby Hoodless, had spent the afternoon drinking on the balcony of Collins’ apartment. According to the prosecution, the men became involved in a verbal altercation with Finemore and another man, Scott McGillivrey, as they walked past the balcony.

Collins said in a police interview that he believed Finemore was “joking” and mocking him. On the contrary, McGillivrey testified that the verbal exchange was sparked by the men shouting down at them.

Prosecutors said Finemore and McGillivrey continued walking after the verbal exchange. But Collins and Hoodless allegedly armed themselves with a crowbar and confronted the men on the street.

Fatal punch thrown

While Collins claims he only wanted to scare Finemore and McGillivrey, prosecutors allege the men formed a common intention to attack them. During the ensuing confrontation, Hoodless punched Finemore in the head, rupturing his femoral artery.

Finemore was knocked unconscious and died in hospital days later, on November 9, without ever regaining consciousness.

Michael Trevor Royce Collins convicted

Ahead of Collins’ trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court this week, Hoodless pleaded guilty to unlawful striking causing death. Collins pleaded not guilty to the same charge, but admitted to a charge of going armed to cause fear.

Collins’ defence lawyer contended he did not have a common intention with Hoodless to assault the men. She argued that any common assault plan ended before Hoodless threw the fatal punch, noting that Collins verbally tried to stop Hoodless during the attack.

In his police interview, Collins maintained that he only intended to “put the wind up them.”

However, the prosecution maintained that a common assault was intended based on both men arming themselves and pursuing the victims.

Collins will be sentenced at a later date after the jury found him guilty of one count of unlawful striking causing death.

Published 1 September 2023

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