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Overnight Charity Walk Launches in Brisbane CBD to Aid Sick Children

A new overnight charity walk has been launched in Brisbane CBD, aiming to raise funds for children’s health services through a 42-kilometre event.

Walk for Support Begins in Brisbane CBD

An overnight walking marathon called All Night Long is set to take place in Brisbane CBD, bringing together Queenslanders to support children facing serious illness. The event spans 42 kilometres and is scheduled for Saturday, 25 October 2025.

This initiative marks the first collaboration between Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland and the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The event aims to support medical care, equipment, family accommodation, and vital hospital services for sick kids across the state.

Background and Purpose

In the last financial year, more than 78,000 children received care at Queensland Children’s Hospital. According to campaign organisers, the walk is designed to reflect the long and exhausting experiences that many families endure during treatment.

The event will begin at Brisbane’s Parliament House and pass through multiple key locations including New Farm Park and Ronald McDonald House South Brisbane. Participants will walk through the night, finishing in the early hours of the following morning.

charity walk Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Structure and Participation

The walking course will include five designated experience stops across the city. Walkers may register as individuals or in teams. A dedicated All Night Long team will include staff, ambassadors, and community figures. Entry costs $60, with the target of drawing more than 1,300 walkers.

Funds raised will support both organisations, contributing to ongoing services such as family accommodation close to hospitals and the funding of essential medical research and hospital equipment.

sick kids fundraiser — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Community Engagement and Fundraising

Community members have already begun donating, with contributions ranging from small amounts to over $100 per person. Public involvement continues to grow as participants train and fundraise in the lead-up to the October event.

Campaign materials include official shirts, walker belts, drink bottles, and flashing lanyards, with additional items provided to those who reach fundraising milestones.

Next Steps

The All Night Long marathon is positioned as a symbolic and practical show of solidarity with families navigating childhood illness. Organisers encourage Queenslanders to register, support, or donate as the event approaches. Brisbane CBD is expected to be a key backdrop for what may become a recurring statewide fundraiser.

Published 15-July-2025

Emmanuel City Mission to Tackle Homelessness at Night with New Funding

Photo Credit: Emmanuel City Mission/ Facebook

Emmanuel City Mission is set to provide crucial overnight sanctuary for people sleeping rough in Brisbane after receiving a significant $500,000 funding gift from Brisbane City Council’s 2025-26 budget.

A New Phase of Care.

The grant will allow the organisation to expand its operations from a day shelter into a night-time refuge. Operations manager Tim Noonan explained that the mission’s goal is to provide safety and sanctuary for people who have nowhere else to turn after dark. He stated that Brisbane’s streets are a dangerous and undignified place at night, making it difficult for people to move forward with their lives without the ability to rest in safety.

The plan is to begin the new service around September, starting with one night a week on Wednesdays. The mission intends to incrementally increase its overnight operating hours until it can offer a safe place for people seven days a week.

Addressing a Growing Need

The need for expanded services is clear, with demand on the centre growing substantially. Yesterday, 1 July, marked the first anniversary of the mission’s move to its larger Cordelia Street premises. In that time, the number of people it helps each day has more than doubled, jumping from 120 to 260. Mr Noonan suggested this sharp rise indicates how essential their services have become.

Currently, Emmanuel City Mission provides over 1,000 hot meals, 150 toiletry packs, and 100 loads of laundry every week. The new funding directly addresses a critical gap, as Mr Noonan noted there are no other services capable of taking up to 100 people off the streets each night and giving them a safe place to go.

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Council and Community Partnership

The substantial grant strengthens a working relationship between the mission and Council. Mr Noonan said this partnership was particularly effective during the response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, when the mission remained open as other services closed. He noted that Council worked “hand in glove” with them, offering support and funding for the additional costs incurred during the weather event.

He acknowledged the strong support from Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and local Central Ward councillor Vicki Howard. The funding is part of Council’s commitment to helping break the cycle of homelessness in Brisbane, providing support one meal, one shower, and one safe night at a time. Mr Noonan also credited the local South Brisbane parish and parish priest Fr William Iuliano for making their work possible.

Published Date 06-July-2025

Wendy’s Plans Flagship Restaurant in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: DA/A006796196

US fast-food chain Wendy’s has lodged plans to establish a flagship restaurant in Brisbane CBD, proposing upgrades to a prominent site at Adelaide and Albert streets.

Wendy’s Expansion Plan in Brisbane CBD

Wendy’s has submitted a development application to BCC for a flagship food and drink outlet at the corner of Adelaide and Albert streets. The site, previously occupied by Bupa, is set for internal fit-out and façade upgrades.

Wendy’s Australia — *Photo Credit: DA/A006796196*

Background of Wendy’s Return

Wendy’s first entered the Australian market in 1982, with its initial store in Melbourne. The chain exited three years later but returned in early 2025, opening a store at Surfers Paradise. This Brisbane CBD project would mark Wendy’s second Queensland outlet as part of its plan to open 200 stores nationwide by 2034.

Development Features and Design

The proposal outlines alterations to the existing two-storey building. Plans include operable windows, internal-facing planters, kinetic tile panels for façade movement, and integrated lighting. The ground floor will feature an ordering counter, while dining space will be located on the first floor. The design aims to create a continuous and active street frontage along Queen Street Mall.

Competitive Landscape in Brisbane CBD

The proposed site will place Wendy’s within close proximity—about 120 metres—to competitors such as McDonald’s, KFC, and Hungry Jack’s. The development reflects broader trends of US burger chains entering the Australian market, where other brands such as Five Guys and Carl’s Jr have seen limited city presence.

fast food — *Photo Credit: DA/A006796196*

Next Steps

The application was lodged through the RiskSMART code assessable pathway, indicating alignment with BCC guidelines and a low-risk profile. No changes are proposed to building height, site cover, or parking, and no street trees will be affected.

Published 5-July-2025

Immersive Light Show Opens at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: Eonarium

A large-scale light and sound installation has launched at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane CBD, offering a 30-minute immersive audiovisual experience themed around Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

Light and Sound Experience Arrives in Brisbane CBD

Following successful runs across Europe, a 30-minute immersive show titled “Enlightenment” has opened at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral on Elizabeth Street. The installation features synchronised visual projections and music, using Vivaldi’s reorchestrated The Four Seasons as its core soundtrack.

Presented by Eonarium, the experience uses video-mapping technology to project animations directly onto the cathedral’s interior. Visitors are taken through spring, summer, autumn, and winter via 3D visuals that align with the Gothic Revival architecture of the heritage-listed cathedral.

Historic Cathedral Transformed into Visual Canvas

The venue, Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic church and the principal place of worship for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. Located within the Brisbane CBD, the cathedral was selected for its historic character and internal scale, both of which support precise visual projection.

According to organisers, every surface of the venue has been digitally measured to allow seamless alignment of animated content. The production is entirely held indoors, with a runtime of 30 minutes per session. No food or drinks are allowed inside, and there is no on-site parking, though several public transport options connect nearby.

Audience Engagement and Feedback

The experience has been described by past European audiences as highly immersive and visually captivating, with some international attendees returning to see the show multiple times. While no official Brisbane-specific feedback is yet available, the show’s reception overseas has averaged over 4.5 out of 5 in viewer satisfaction.

Visitors in Brisbane are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes early. The show is accessible to all ages and wheelchair users, but it is described as a sensory experience and may not be suitable for all individuals.

Enlightenment light show — *Photo Credit: Eonarium*

Ticketing and Group Bookings

Bookings for “Enlightenment” are open through the official ticketing platform, with options available for standard entry, school excursions, and corporate events. Group bookings are supported for parties of more than 15 individuals, with tailored experiences available on request.

The show runs from 5 July to 27 September 2025, with varying schedules throughout the week. No merchandise is available on-site, and there is no virtual reality component included in the experience.

Saint Stephen’s Cathedral — *Photo Credit: Eonarium*

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What’s Next

“Enlightenment” is set to remain open at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral until late September, bringing a fusion of classical music and modern digital artistry into Brisbane CBD. The production continues to draw visitors seeking an immersive and contemplative cultural experience within the city’s central district.

Published 24-June-2025

National Police Legacy Day Honoured in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: Queensland Police Legacy /Facebook

National Police Legacy Day has been formally recognised and observed in Brisbane CBD, acknowledging the long-standing support provided to the families of fallen or terminally ill police officers.

Queensland Leads National Recognition

The first National Police Legacy Day has been established as an annual occasion to acknowledge the services of Police Legacy organisations. Brisbane CBD marked the event on 17 June, recognising its historical ties to the program.

Queensland Police Legacy was the first such organisation in Australia. It was established on 17 June 1971 to provide assistance to families of Queensland police officers who had died or were suffering terminal illness.

Origins and Early Support in Brisbane CBD

Queensland Police Legacy began with an initiative to formalise the informal practice of assisting grieving police families. Since its inception, the organisation has assisted 285 families and supported 507 dependent children.

The first initiative came when Queensland officers recognised the need for structured support beyond the tradition of “passing the hat around.” The result was the creation of a charity that has since expanded nationally, with eight Police Legacy organisations now operating across Australia.

Legacy in Action

The organisation provides financial assistance and practical support to the families of officers, primarily focusing on the educational needs of dependent children. This includes long-term programs and a continuing relationship with families in need.

*Photo Credit: Queensland Police Legacy /Facebook*

One example is the Lees family from Toowoomba, supported after the 2014 passing of Detective Sergeant Darren Lees, who served in the Queensland Police for over two decades. His widow, Kathy, and their children received support that ranged from financial aid to emotional guidance and ongoing community connection.

A National Symbol

The newly launched National Police Legacy Day is symbolised by the Police Legacy Daisy, modelled after the Michaelmas Daisy—associated with St Michael, the patron saint of police.

Supporters are encouraged to wear the daisy pin annually on 17 June to recognise serving officers and remember those who have died. The pins are available for purchase through the Queensland Police Legacy office on North Quay or by email order.

Broader Community Impact

In addition to Queensland Police Legacy, the national observance is supported by organisations such as AFP Legacy and NSW Police Legacy. Families including Legatees Emma and Chris have also shared their experiences to mark the occasion, highlighting the shared mission of providing hope and resilience.

The national website, offers further information about Police Legacy organisations and how individuals can contribute or access support.

What’s Next

National Police Legacy Day will be commemorated annually on 17 June, reinforcing Brisbane CBD’s key role in the origin and ongoing efforts of Queensland Police Legacy. The event aims to raise awareness and sustain community support for policing families now and into the future.

Published 20-June-2025

Significant Tree Tour Returns to City Botanic Gardens

Photo Credit: BCC

Did you know that the City Botanic Gardens will soon be hosting a guided walk showcasing 37 “significant trees” recognised by the National Trust for their cultural, environmental, or botanical value?

National Trust Walk Features Listed Trees

A free guided tour of the City Botanic Gardens will take place on 23 July, inviting participants to explore 37 trees recognised by the National Trust for their cultural, environmental, or botanical value. The tour, led by volunteer guides, highlights trees identified as nationally, state or regionally significant.

Longstanding Garden Site with Cultural Roots

Located on Alice Street in Brisbane City, the City Botanic Gardens is Queensland’s oldest public garden. It was formally declared a botanical reserve in 1855. Initially used for crop cultivation by the penal colony, the gardens grew significantly under the guidance of the first curator, Walter Hill. By the late 19th century, it had expanded to nearly 28 acres and featured a variety of native and exotic plantings, including bunya pines and fig trees that remain in place today.

In 1997, the site was officially listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, recognising it as a living collection of historical and botanical importance. The gardens now span 18 hectares along the Brisbane River. It also offers public facilities, educational programs, and self-guided or guided walks.

Event Details and Access

The 90-minute guided walk begins at the Information Kiosk near the Queensland University of Technology’s Main Drive. Designed for participants aged 16 and above, it includes moderate walking across uneven ground, gentle slopes, and stairs. During guide explanations, no seating is provided.

Attendees are advised to wear enclosed shoes and sun protection and bring a water bottle. The event is free. However, bookings are essential.

The walk is scheduled for Wednesday, 23 July, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. General Ticket sales open on 7 July. It will close at 12 p.m. on Monday, 21 July.

heritage trees Brisbane — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Facilities and Venue Information

In addition to guided tours, the gardens feature picnic areas, a children’s playground, an accessible café, and multiple walking routes. The Gardens Club café is located in the heritage-listed Curators Cottage. It operates daily and contributes profits to community causes.

The City Botanic Gardens are open 24 hours a day. However, specific facilities operate within scheduled hours. Customised group walks can also be arranged via BCC with six weeks’ notice.

Booking and Contact Information

Interested participants can book through Eventbrite. Contact BCC on (07) 3403 2535 for enquiries. Walks may be impacted by weather conditions or guide availability.

Published 20-June-2025

Open-Air Concert Series Launching in Brisbane CBD This September

Photo Credit: Night At The Parkland

A new live music event will bring a week-long series of outdoor concerts to Brisbane CBD, with Roma Street Parkland set to host performances by major Australian artists.

Concert Series to Activate Roma Street

A seven-night concert series is scheduled for Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre in Brisbane CBD this September. Titled “Night at The Parkland,” the event will showcase headline performances from leading Australian artists across two weekends.

Organised by the team behind Sydney’s “Night at The Barracks,” the Brisbane edition will be held in the natural surrounds of Roma Street Parkland and its existing amphitheatre structure.

Full Program of Performances

ICEHOUSE will open the event on Friday, 5 September. Lime Cordiale and Jack River will perform on Saturday, 6 September, followed by Xavier Rudd on Sunday, 7 September. The second weekend includes Amy Shark on Thursday, 11 September; Grinspoon’s 30th anniversary performance on Friday, 12 September; Cut Copy and guest KLP on Saturday, 13 September; and James Johnston with Zac & George on Sunday, 14 September.

Open-Air Concert — *Photo Credit: Night At The Parkland*

On-Site Experience

The event will include large video screens and professional lighting across all nights. Food trucks and artisan drink stalls will be present at the venue.

Environmental Commitment

Night at The Parkland will operate with a strong sustainability focus. Measures include the elimination of single-use plastics, the promotion of public transport, and a partnership with ENGIE to offset all event emissions using 100 per cent renewable energy. Recycling facilities will be implemented throughout the site.

Event Access and Delivery

The series is produced by the creators of Night at The Barracks and is supported by Brisbane Festival. The Roma Street Parkland location provides central accessibility within Brisbane CBD.

Tickets for each individual concert are available via the official event website.

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Published 12-June-2025

Rodent Detection Dog Marks 10 Years of Service in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/Facebook

Holly, a rodent detection dog, has marked 10 years of service in Brisbane CBD as part of a program that continues to manage rat and mouse activity across homes and businesses in the city.

Historical Role in Public Health

Brisbane’s rodent detection program has operated for more than a century, originally formed in response to a plague outbreak. In the 1950s, BCC teams routinely eliminated thousands of rats each month using dogs and baiting techniques. BCC records show that in October 1951, more than 6,000 rats were destroyed, with a further 1,600 captured the previous month.

Pest animals in Brisbane CBD — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

Modern Detection and Training Approach

Today, the focus has shifted from eradication to detection and prevention. Dogs such as Holly, a fox terrier, recently recognised for 10 years of service on 3 June, are deployed to detect rodent presence in Brisbane CBD and surrounding areas. These dogs are trained over the course of a year to identify rodent scents and locate potential nests.

Fox terriers are selected for their strong scenting ability and calm temperament. They work alongside handlers and respond to several dozen call-outs per week, inspecting over 500 properties annually. When rodents are detected, BCC officers may advise property owners on prevention methods, such as sealing cracks and improving waste management.

Rodents in Urban Areas

Rodents found in Brisbane CBD typically include large sewer rats, which burrow under buildings, and smaller climbing rats that inhabit ceilings and wall cavities. They are known to damage doors, skirtings, food containers, machinery, and wiring. BCC warns that both types pose serious health risks as carriers of disease.

Rodent detection dogs — Holly, Molly, and Rosie with their handlers
Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/Facebook

Invasive Species and Reporting

Rodents are classified as invasive species, contributing to biodiversity loss and public health concerns. BCC encourages residents to report suspected infestations through its 24-hour contact centre on 07 3403 8888 or website. Prompt investigation enables early intervention before infestations grow.

Public Reflection and Community Engagement

Brisbane residents have recalled past visits from BCC rat catchers and their dogs. One resident reflected on her experience in the 1980s when a dog team visited her Balmoral property, describing the encounter as memorable.

Ongoing Role in the CBD

Despite changes in method and scale, rodent control remains active across Brisbane, including the CBD. Holly and fellow detection dogs such as Rosie and Molly have supported the program, with ongoing deployment across both commercial and residential areas. Upon retirement, the dogs remain with their handlers as companion animals.

Published 7-June-2025

Mass Timber Retrofit Transforms Office Tower in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: FK Australia

A 24-storey commercial tower in Brisbane’s CBD is undergoing an upgrade worth $300 million to improve sustainability, expand floor space, and retain its original structure.

Background of the Redevelopment

A 1974-built office tower at 450 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD, formerly occupied by the Queensland Public Trustee, is undergoing a major transformation. PGIM Real Estate, on behalf of the Asia Pacific Value Partners IV Fund, acquired the building in 2021 and has since initiated an adaptive reuse plan to reposition it as an A-grade commercial property.

The redevelopment (DA A005905778) retains the existing concrete structure, avoiding demolition and significantly reducing the building’s environmental footprint. Buildcorp has been appointed as the lead contractor, with architecture by Fender Katsalidis.

Brisbane CBD retrofit — *Photo Credit: DA/A005905778*

Sustainability Targets and Project Scope

The project includes one of Queensland’s tallest vertical mass timber extensions, adding three new levels and 1,500 square metres of cross-laminated timber. The total net lettable area is projected to reach 17,500 square metres, with typical floor plates ranging from 700 to 1,240 square metres.

Sustainability credentials include a 6 Star Green Star rating, a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating, a 4 Star NABERS Water rating, and Net Zero certification. Retaining the original building will reportedly reduce embodied energy by over 70 per cent and carbon emissions by 66 per cent compared to a full demolition and rebuild.

Design Features and Facilities

The refurbishment includes 600 square metres of landscaped outdoor space designed as a flexible work area with Wi-Fi. Additional facilities feature 130 bicycle spaces, 270 lockers, and 20 showers, enhancing end-of-trip amenities. The ground level will include concierge and security services, a public business lounge, and activated retail frontages.

A minor development application amendment proposes the removal of six structural columns and a modest increase in the building’s height from 79.13 metres to 83.5 metres.

Broader Context and Strategic Relevance

The upgrade comes amid tightening commercial vacancy rates in the Brisbane CBD, now at their lowest since 2013. PGIM Real Estate has steadily expanded its Brisbane portfolio with assets at 130 and 307 Queen Street, 215 Adelaide Street, and the Howard Smith Wharves precinct.

The firm views Brisbane as a growth area, citing long-term demand drivers including infrastructure constraints and the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Outlook and Completion Timeline

The project is scheduled for completion in early 2027. Once finished, 450 Queen Street is expected to serve as a model for low-carbon commercial redevelopment and workplace design in post-pandemic Brisbane.

Published 6-June-2025

Charity Fundraiser to Support Terminally Ill Chef in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: Pompette Brisbane/Instagram

The Tassis Group is hosting a charity dinner and auction in Brisbane CBD to raise support for their head chef recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Support for Long-Time Industry Chef

A charity dinner and silent auction will be held in Brisbane CBD to assist Jean-Luc Morcellet, the head chef at Pompette, who has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The Tassis Group, which operates Pompette, announced the initiative to support their colleague as he faces a terminal prognosis.

Charity Event at Pompette

The event will be hosted at Pompette, located within The Star Brisbane on William Street. Scheduled for 12 May at 6:30 p.m., the night will feature a four-course French banquet, a drinks package, and a silent auction. Tickets are priced at $250, with all funds raised going directly to Mr Morcellet’s ongoing care and treatment.

*Photo Credit: Pompette Brisbane/Instagram*

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Items Donated for Auction

The auction will feature experiences and items donated by Tangalooma, Brisbane Broncos, Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Reds, and The Emporium Hotel. The Tassis Group will also contribute to the auction, including an exclusive yacht cruise titled “Bugs on the Bay” with founder Michael Tassis.

Role of Allo Creative

The event was organised with the support of Allo Creative, the agency managing the Tassis Group’s marketing efforts. The agency said the group had consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to community and family, values that shaped the decision to support Mr Morcellet in this way.

Charity event Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Pompette Brisbane/Instagram*

Living with MND

Mr Morcellet, who has worked in kitchens for over 40 years, has led the culinary team at Pompette since joining the group nearly two years ago. He now requires access to equipment such as a bi-pap machine and electric wheelchair. His wife will become his full-time carer as the disease progresses.

Returning to France

Mr Morcellet plans to return to France to be with his family in his final stage of life. Funds raised will assist with medical equipment, therapy, palliative care, and travel-related needs. Organisers described the fundraiser as an opportunity to honour his contribution to Brisbane’s hospitality industry.

Published 9-May-2025