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Water Street Unit Fire Claims Life, Leaves Young Woman Critical

A 47-year-old man has died and a young woman remains in a critical condition following a devastating fire that tore through a Water Street unit complex in Spring Hill during the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 3am on 16 December after reports the unit was fully engulfed in flames. The blaze broke out on the top floor of the complex, sending thick black smoke billowing across the neighbourhood near the Brisbane CBD.

The 47-year-old West End man was rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with serious burns but later succumbed to his injuries. A 19-year-old Spring Hill woman also transported to the same hospital with severe facial burns continues to fight for her life in critical condition.

A third victim, a 55-year-old Spring Hill man, was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital with burns to his legs. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Residents in the area described a chaotic and frightening scene as the fire took hold. Shelley Starling, who lives nearby, told media she was woken by the sound of breaking glass and rushed outside to help.

The flames reached high into the night sky, whilst heart-wrenching screams pierced the darkness as people tried to escape the inferno. Ms Starling attempted to use a hose to fight the blaze through the back of the property, but the connection failed.

Another witness, Renee TenDyke, heard desperate shouts of “get out, get out” as residents banged on doors trying to alert others before firefighters arrived. She described seeing small explosions and flames bursting from the roof, with black smoke so intense she had to seal her windows and doors.

Zainal Ali, a resident who was sleeping inside the unit when the fire started, sprang into action after waking to the sound of smashing glass. He saw flames engulfing the hallway and windows exploding from the heat.

Mr Ali ran to a payphone to call emergency services. When he returned, neighbours had already begun helping the injured young woman, placing her in a shower to treat her burns.

Water Street remained closed between Roger Street and Boundary Street on Tuesday whilst investigators worked to determine the cause of the blaze. Four fire trucks and at least two ambulances attended the incident.

Queensland Police confirmed they are treating the fire as non-suspicious and believe there are no outstanding persons in relation to the matter.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or phone 131 444, quoting reference number QP2502300359. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 16-December-2025

Beyond Blue: Mental Health Support Never Takes a Holiday

Photo Credit: Beyond Blue/ Facebook

Beyond Blue, one of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations, maintains its free, confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring that no one has to face the often-difficult festive season alone.

The decision by Beyond Blue to keep its support services fully operational, even on public holidays, recognises that the period intended for joy and rest can be profoundly challenging for many Australians. T

This time of year frequently brings increased financial stress, places strain on relationships, and can intensify feelings of loneliness or isolation, particularly for those grieving or separated from family. Beyond Blue affirms that regardless of the specific concerns individuals are dealing with, they should not hesitate to reach out for assistance.

The 24/7 Lifeline

The Beyond Blue Support Service is an essential resource, offering immediate, confidential help. People can connect with skilled counsellors by calling 1300 22 46 36 or by using the online chat service available through their website.

A key message from the organisation is that callers do not need to prepare or find the perfect words before contacting them; the counsellors are trained to meet the person wherever they are emotionally and guide them toward the necessary support. This commitment ensures help is available the moment it is needed.

Two Decades of Community Trust

For more than 20 years, Beyond Blue has built its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy source of mental health information, support, and hope across the country. The organisation views itself as a large support system for the community—a safe, dependable place where millions can access information and advice.

This includes people who are currently well and want to maintain their mental fitness, those who are feeling unsettled or struggling, and individuals in the recovery process seeking to reconnect with their lives.

Advocating for National Wellbeing

Beyond Blue operates as an Australian public company, governed by a structure where its members include the Commonwealth and every Australian State and Territory government. However, its day-to-day operations and the vital support service itself rely entirely on the generosity and kindness of public donations.

The organisation is dedicated not only to providing immediate support but also to broader policy and advocacy work. Beyond Blue is committed to promoting good mental health and influencing change to protect everyone’s wellbeing. They achieve this by combining the powerful, lived experiences of people affected by anxiety, depression, and suicide with robust evidence generated by researchers. This blend of real-world stories and data is used to shape public and political opinion, ensuring mental health remains at the forefront of policy discussions.

Published Date 12-December-2025

The Christmas Spectacular: Australia’s Biggest Christmas Variety Show Hits Brisbane

Fortitude Valley will play host to The Christmas Spectacular at Fortitude Music Hall, a festive production combining music, circus, dance and illusion for audiences of all ages.

Read: Roma Street Parkland Hosts Free Livestream for City’s Biggest Carols Event

The Christmas Spectacular will take place on Saturday 13 December at 2:00pm and 6:30pm, and Sunday 14 December at 11:00am and 2:00pm, following the addition of an extra show by popular demand.

The cast features master illusionist Michael Boyd, known for his appearance on Australia’s Got Talent, whose performance will bring large-scale illusions, disappearances and theatrical flair.

Leading the musical component is singer and host Prinnie Stevens — a name familiar to many from her time on The Voice Australia. She will perform festive classics, including renditions of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Joy to the World.”

Joining them is world-class aerial artist Aleisha Manion, whose aerial routine is described as polished, smooth and perfectly timed. Her act adds to the show’s mix of circus and spectacle.

The production also features an ensemble of dancers and showgirls with international cabaret experience — some having performed at renowned venues such as the Moulin Rouge and the Lido — contributing glitz, glamour and precision to the show’s choreography.

Organisers describe The Christmas Spectacular as a festive extravaganza in the spirit of “Radio City Rockettes meets The Nutcracker, with a little Las Vegas sparkle,” combining grand illusions, dance numbers and timeless Christmas music for a broad audience.

As such, the show aims to deliver a family-friendly and theatrical 90-minute performance that brings together magic, music and movement under one roof.

Read: Fortitude Music Hall Welcomes Kate Ceberano’s Australian Made Tour

For those in Fortitude Valley and greater Brisbane seeking a big-stage Christmas event this December, The Christmas Spectacular at Fortitude Music Hall provides a rare opportunity to experience a high-production variety show without leaving home. Tickets are on offer via Ticketmaster.

Published 10-December-2025

Christmas Crackdown: New E-bikes Safety Campaign Targets Rising Risks in Brisbane

With Christmas just around the corner, Brisbane’s busiest green spaces such as Roma Street Parkland and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens are already filling with locals and visitors making the most of the warmer weather. Among the crowds are growing numbers of riders on e-scooters and e-bikes, prompting Queensland to launch a renewed safety campaign urging people to take greater care when choosing and using these devices.

Read: Fortitude Valley Police Target E-Scooter and E-Bike Offences in School Holiday Blitz

The Know Your eRules campaign, led by the Transport and Main Roads Department, aims to remind Queenslanders about what is legal, what is not, and why responsible riding matters. The message is particularly timely during the festive season when e-mobility devices are often bought as Christmas gifts.

According to Queensland, there have been 18 e-scooter fatalities and several e-bike-related deaths in the state over the past three years. Emergency departments have also seen rising presentations linked to unsafe or illegal riding. Authorities say these incidents demonstrate that while e-scooters and e-bikes offer a fun and convenient way to get around, they come with responsibilities that cannot be ignored.

The campaign will roll out across Spotify, social media, bus shelters and other public advertising spaces over Christmas. Its primary focus is educating families, especially parents, about what is lawful on Queensland roads and shared paths. With an increasing number of young riders using e-mobility devices in public, the government is emphasising the importance of understanding device specifications, age limits and safety standards.

Under Queensland’s personal mobility device rules, riders must be at least 16 years old to use an e-scooter unsupervised. Children aged 12 to 15 may ride only with adult supervision. Children under 12 are not permitted to ride these devices at all. The rules also require every rider to wear a helmet, and doubling passengers on a single device is prohibited.

For e-bikes, any device with a motor output of more than 250 watts or capable of exceeding 25 km/h with motor power is considered illegal. Even models advertised with power-limiting features do not meet the legal standard if the underlying capability exceeds these limits. The government stresses that increased speed must come from pedal power, not the motor, and helmet use remains mandatory.

Queensland Police have reinforced that parents and carers share responsibility for ensuring their children follow the rules. Police will issue penalties to anyone who rides illegally, including parents who permit unsafe or unlawful use. Officers say that while e-scooters and e-bikes might seem like exciting gifts, buying one also means committing to supervising young riders and understanding the legal requirements.

Authorities are urging shoppers to research devices before purchasing and to ensure gifts include a helmet and clear guidance on safe riding. The government recommends parents visit the StreetSmarts website to check whether an e-scooter or e-bike meets legal standards and to access practical safety information.

Read: Albert Street Pedestrian Upgrade Advances in Brisbane CBD

With Brisbane’s parks, bikeways and pathways expecting even more visitors during the holidays, officials hope the campaign will encourage riders to slow down, stay alert and keep themselves and others safe. The festive season is a time for families to relax and enjoy the city, and the government says responsible riding is key to making sure everyone gets home safely.

Published 5-December-2025

Pulp Announce First Australian Tour in 15 Years, Kicking Off in Brisbane

Photo Credit: We Love Pulp/ Instagram

Britpop’s sharpest wits, Pulp, are set to bring their subversive anthems and art-school cool to Brisbane, with their upcoming Riverstage show poised to electrify the nearby Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct.

A Long-Awaited Return

The iconic group, fronted by Jarvis Cocker, has announced its first tour of Australia and New Zealand in 15 years. The run of shows will kick off in Auckland on 21 February 2026. The band then lands in Australia for a much-anticipated performance in Brisbane on 24 February.

From there, Pulp will travel to South Australia for a special free performance as part of the Adelaide Festival on 27 February, followed by a Melbourne show at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on 3 March. The Australian leg will wrap up with two major shows at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt on 6 and 7 March.

New Songs and Classic Hits

This tour gives a new generation of fans the chance to experience the band’s revered live show, while longtime followers can finally reunite with the music. The performances will support the band’s acclaimed 2025 album, More, which is their first new collection of material in 24 years.

Audiences can expect a career-spanning set, mixing new songs with the classic hits that defined an era, including “Common People,” “Disco 200,” and “Babies.”

The Pulp Difference

While often grouped within the Britpop movement, Pulp always stood apart for its unique art-school sensibility and theatrical flair. The band rose to global fame with their 1996 album Different Class, which won them the prestigious Mercury Prize.

The album was celebrated for its irresistible fusion of social satire and disco-infused grooves, turning Cocker, with his sharp insights and sardonic take on British life, into a distinct pop culture hero.

Sydney’s Summer Celebration

The final shows in Sydney are part of the Sydney Opera House’s summer line-up. The venue’s head of contemporary music, Ben Marshall, shared his excitement for the event. He stated that the band in full flight is a sharp, subversive, and joyous experience, predicting the Forecourt shows will be unforgettable communal celebrations under the stars.

Ticket and Sale Information

For fans eager to secure their place, a presale for Pulp mailing list subscribers begins at 9:00 am on Wednesday, 5 November.

General public tickets will go on sale at 9:00 am local time on Friday, 7 November. Tickets for the Sydney Opera House performances will be $159.90, plus a booking fee.

Published Date 10-November-2025

Updated 3-Dec-2025

New Koko Black Boutique Arrives in Queen Street Mall

Queen Street Mall will have a new reason to visit this December as Koko Black returns to Brisbane with a boutique in the heart of the city. The Melbourne-born chocolatier is set to open its 22nd national store on Friday 5 December.

Read: Mystery of the Orange Door Solved: SES Turns Heads in Queen Street Mall

Ahead of the launch, Koko Black has rolled out a citywide promotional campaign. Starting 29 November, the Koko Cruiser, a mobile chocolate-sampling van, began making its way through Brisbane, handing out free handcrafted treats. The Cruiser will make its final stop at Queen Street Mall in the lead-up to the store’s grand opening.

The new boutique will offer Koko Black’s full range of chocolates, with products crafted in Australia according to the brand’s standards and without artificial additives. Shoppers can expect a selection of pralines, truffles, chocolate bars and seasonal favourites — arriving just in time for the Christmas gift season.

On opening day, early visitors stand to benefit from opening-week incentives. The first 100 customers will be eligible for a $200 shopping spree. In addition, shoppers will receive free pralines and have the option to personalise selected gift boxes and chocolate bars, a feature the brand is offering as part of its Queensland return.

The return to Queensland reflects steady demand in the state, even during the period without a physical store. Before the reopening, more than 20 percent of Koko Black’s online customers were based in Queensland, underlining the strength of local digital demand. The launch of this store represents a strategic expansion and celebration of a loyal customer base that remained connected through online ordering.

Founded in Melbourne’s historic Royal Arcade in 2003, Koko Black has built a strong reputation nationally for artisanal chocolates, presenting itself as a luxury, Australian-made brand. The new Brisbane boutique continues that growth trajectory and brings the brand’s signature craftsmanship to the city centre once again.

For Fortitude Valley residents and those frequenting the CBD, the store adds a new drawcard during what is typically a busy retail period. With Queen Street Mall already seeing increased foot traffic from seasonal shoppers, the boutique offers an attractive option for gift hunters, festive indulgence seekers, or anyone after a moment of chocolate-laden delight between errands.

Read: Inside Above: The New Rooftop Bar Bringing Middle Eastern Flavours to Fortitude Valley

Whether locals are rediscovering the brand or trying it for the first time, the opening of Koko Black at Queen Street Mall on 5 December invites Brisbane to enjoy handcrafted chocolate in a new city setting. Residents and visitors alike may even catch a sample from the Koko Cruiser before they ever step into the store.

Published 27-November-2025

Building Height Changes Planned For Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A new sustainable growth precinct plan has been outlined for Fortitude Valley, proposing increased building heights and upgraded connections while maintaining the precinct’s established live music identity.

A Precinct Facing Its First Major Update

Fortitude Valley is set for its most significant planning change in more than 15 years. Current height settings range from eight storeys in the Warner Street and James Street area, to 20 storeys in the Valley Gateway and up to 30 storeys in the Valley Heart.

Recent height increases in South Brisbane and West End reflect broader shifts across Brisbane, with new towers emerging in well-connected locations. The Fortitude Valley plan follows the same direction as the city responds to a growing population.

Where New Heights May Rise

The sustainable growth precinct plan outlines areas where additional height may be considered. These zones include land surrounding Fortitude Valley Station and sections of Wickham Street, Ann Street and Brunswick Street.

The precinct already accommodates about 11,500 residents and nearly 28,000 workers. The proposed update aims to support new housing and commercial options in a location that is already linked to major public transport and employment centres.

sustainable growth plan — *Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

Keeping the Live Music Identity Strong

Fortitude Valley remains one of Australia’s most active entertainment hubs, with one of the highest concentrations of live music venues in the country. The plan highlights the precinct’s day-and-night-time role and retains this identity as a core feature of its renewal.

Preparing For Brisbane 2032

Improved access to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues is a key part of the proposal. Plans include better walking and cycling routes, clearer wayfinding and renewed public spaces designed to support increased movement through the precinct before and after the Games.

Fortitude Valley growth plan — *Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

A Vision For Mixed-Use Neighbourhoods

The updated plan sets priorities that include housing diversity, stronger links between destinations, enhanced cultural and creative activity, and support for heritage character. It also seeks to boost active streets and public spaces, reflecting the precinct’s 24/7 role across entertainment, retail and hospitality.

Community Feedback Begins Soon

Local business groups have welcomed efforts to revitalise the precinct, particularly with the approach of the Brisbane 2032 Games. Community consultation will run from 8 December 2025 to 15 February 2026, forming the first stage of investigations and early engagement.

What Happens Next

A draft precinct plan is scheduled for release in 2026. Further consultation and refinement will continue through 2026 and 2027. Final adoption is anticipated in 2027, after which the updated plan will be integrated into Brisbane’s planning framework.

Published 26-Nov-2025

Nature-Inspired Tower Proposed for Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: DA A006899122

A prime location in Fortitude Valley could soon host a six-storey commercial tower featuring a rooftop restaurant and extensive subtropical landscaping.

A New Vision for James Street

The application for the site at 54–56 James Street seeks to create a landmark building between The Calile Hotel and the upcoming James Place retail hub. Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the plan outlines a mixed-use tower that combines office space, ground-floor shops, and a rooftop restaurant. Planners at Property Projects Australia indicated that the project aims to serve as a major lifestyle destination.

They described the architectural concept as a series of stacked volumes wrapped in fins and crowned with vegetation, intended to give the impression of greenery rising directly from the streetscape.

Focus on Nature and Design

Landscaping plays a central role in the proposed design, with greenery covering nearly 35 per cent of the total site area. The plan includes lush subtropical planting that starts at the entry laneway and continues up the building’s facade. The design features terraces with shrubs and cascading plants that spill over the edges, leading up to a rooftop garden.

This upper level is set to include a large feature tree and a dining area, offering a new social spot for the community. The goal is to draw the local subtropical environment into the built form, creating a seamless connection between nature and the urban setting.

Building Specifications and Access

The development proposes a total gross floor area of 3,740 square metres on a 1,241 square metre site. To support the commercial and retail activities, the building will include two basement levels accommodating 30 car parking spaces. It also prioritises active transport with facilities for 22 bicycles, split between employee and visitor use.

Vehicle access is planned via an easement from Arthur Street to minimise disruption on the main strip. Planners noted that the development is designed to integrate into the existing fabric of the neighbourhood, contributing to the ongoing revitalisation of the area by mixing professional, commercial, and dining experiences in one location.

Published Date 26-November-2025

Sono Lumo Festival Set to Illuminate Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: The Star Brisbane/Facebook

Sono Lumo is returning to Brisbane CBD as a free ten-day light and sound festival transforming Queen’s Wharf into an immersive Christmas experience.

Background of the Brisbane CBD Event

Sono Lumo will return to Queen’s Wharf for a ten-day season from 10–14 December and 17–21 December 2025. The festival was previously staged at the same riverfront location and will once again operate as a free public event with food and beverages available for purchase.

The program will cover several precinct spaces, including Queen’s Wharf Plaza and The Landing along the riverfront.

Steampunk Theme and Main Features in Brisbane CBD

The 2025 edition features a steampunk-inspired setting centred on a mechanical timepiece driving the event’s Christmas story. The theme draws from Victorian-era invention blended with futuristic design across the precinct’s lighting and soundscape.

Three main eight-minute shows will take place each night at 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. The Star Brisbane facade will carry projections, fireworks, snow effects and animated visuals. Brisbane musician Tom Thum created the original soundtrack for the shows and will perform live on opening night on 10 December.

DJs will remix classic carols into electro-swing sets at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Visitors will be able to walk through installations across George Street Steps, Queen’s Wharf Plaza and The Landing, with lighting, laser effects and projected scenes.

Queen’s Wharf Brisbane — *Photo Credit: The Star Brisbane/Facebook*

Feature Zones and Visitor Experience

The Festive Foundry in the DPI courtyard will be marked by a large airship balloon positioned above a feature bar serving themed cocktails. Spirit Works Square will include food trucks, light projections and ongoing activity throughout the night.

The Commissariat building will display animated scenes with mechanical airships, toys and cog-driven reindeers. Another zone, known as The Underpass, will include shifting beams of colour and lighting effects set to remixed festive tracks.

Christmas festival — *Photo Credit: The Star Brisbane/Facebook*

Event Operations and Accessibility

Sono Lumo will operate from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening, with lighting displays most visible after dark. Public toilets, temporary seating and signage will be available across the site. Hydration stations and water bubblers will be set up throughout the precinct, and the event will run as a cashless venue.

The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf Brisbane are wheelchair accessible, offering lifts and accessible movement routes. No road closures are planned, although traffic control will be in place on the cycle path to allow pedestrian access to The Landing. Any changes due to severe weather will be announced through The Star Brisbane website.

Tom Thum — *Photo Credit: The Star Brisbane/Facebook*

Community Interest

Comments on social media show local enthusiasm for the festival’s return, with visitors planning to attend during hotel stays, night-time walks and other seasonal outings.

Outlook

Sono Lumo will again present a large-scale festive program in Brisbane CBD, offering lighting displays, themed zones and nightly entertainment across Queen’s Wharf over ten December nights.

Published 24-Nov-2025

Roma Street Parkland Hosts Free Livestream for City’s Biggest Carols Event

Photo Credit: BCC/ Facebook

Under the summer night sky, the Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre will transform into a festive hub as it hosts the official livestream of the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols.

The annual holiday tradition is scheduled for Saturday, 6 December 2025, bringing the community together for an evening of music and celebration. While the main stage production takes place at the Riverstage, the simultaneous event at the Parkland offers a relaxed, open-air alternative for residents who want to enjoy the show under the stars. This satellite venue allows more people to participate in the magic of the evening without needing a ticket to the sold-out main event.

A Star-Studded Lineup

Roma Street Parkland — *Photo Credit:* *BCC/ Facebook*

Organisers have confirmed a major entertainment roster for the 2025 production, which is delivered by Brisbane City Council and presented by Toyota. Channel 9 presenters Sylvia Jeffreys and Tim Davies are set to host the evening, guiding the audience through the festivities.

The program features performances by Dami Im, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the Brisbane City Gospel Choir. Children will also have the chance to see popular characters Bluey and Bingo during the show. The production team promises a night filled with sing-along classics and surprise moments designed to kick off the festive season.

Two Ways to Watch

For those wanting to attend the live recording at the Riverstage in the City Botanic Gardens, tickets become available for purchase on Tuesday, 11 November. However, the Roma Street Parkland option provides a budget-friendly way to participate.

The broadcast will be beamed directly onto a large screen at the Amphitheatre, allowing more residents to share in the experience without the cost of a main stage ticket. Both locations are alcohol-free, family-friendly environments designed for all ages to enjoy.

Plan Your Evening

Gates at Roma Street Parkland will open at 4:00 p.m., giving attendees time to set up picnic blankets and settle in. While the main livestream runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., local pre-show entertainment begins earlier at the Parkland, starting at 5:00 p.m.

Families can bring their own packed picnic baskets or choose sweet and savoury options from various food trucks on site. Entry to this satellite event is free, but guests must register online via Oztix to ensure they can enter via Wickham Terrace.

Community Spirit

Beyond the music and dancing, the event serves a charitable purpose for the city. The carols proudly support the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, helping to raise awareness and funds for those in need across Brisbane. This focus on giving back remains a core part of the event, ensuring the holiday spirit extends beyond just the evening’s entertainment.

Published Date 20-November-2025