Brisbane Archives - Fortitude Valley News

Brisbane’s CBD: 400+ Facial Scans Per Visit, Expert Reveals

A cyber technology expert has highlighted the extensive surveillance network operating in Brisbane’s Central Business District (CBD), suggesting that an individual’s facial data could be captured over 400 times during a single visit.

Read: Justin Lane Breathes New Life into Iconic Valley Corner

This comprehensive monitoring system includes more than 3,750 cameras operated by Brisbane, along with numerous devices on public transportation.

David Tuffley, a senior lecturer in cyber technology at Griffith University, notes that many residents might be unaware of the prevalence of such surveillance. He points out that while some organisations using facial recognition technology may not publicise this fact, these systems are becoming increasingly common throughout the city.

The recently opened Star Casino in Brisbane exemplifies this trend, having implemented advanced facial recognition technology. The system’s effectiveness was demonstrated when it identified and subsequently banned a woman for five years who had voluntarily registered as a problematic gambler.

According to Tuffley, the council’s camera network operates in conjunction with the Police Department’s Q-Face system. This integration allows for rapid identification of individuals by comparing live footage against a database containing millions of images, including those with outstanding arrest warrants.

Read: Viral Fortitude Valley ‘Succulent Chinese Meal Guy’ Battles Prostate Cancer

On a positive note, the extensive CCTV network in Brisbane has shown potential benefits for public safety and crime prevention. Earlier this year, Brisbane deployed an additional 240 cameras to strengthen its surveillance system, aiming to deter criminal activity and support law enforcement efforts.

This expansion was partly in response to increasing reports of youth crime, with the new cameras providing round-the-clock monitoring in strategically chosen locations.

According to local authorities, the positioning of these devices was determined in collaboration with the Queensland Police Service, focusing on areas deemed high-risk or with high pedestrian traffic.

The enhanced surveillance network may not only aid in crime prevention but also assist in rapid response to incidents and provide valuable evidence for investigations, potentially contributing to a safer urban environment for Brisbane residents and visitors.

Published 30-September-2024

Pod Hotel Surge in Brisbane: Fortitude Valley and CBD Welcome Innovative Budget Accommodation

Fortitude Valley welcomes a new pod hotel offering private sleeping pods from $69 per night, whilst plans for a 250-bed Japanese-style capsule hostel in the CBD signal a growing trend in Brisbane’s budget accommodation sector.

Hotel’s Unique Offering

The recently-opened LyLo Brisbane hotel introduces a fresh concept to the city’s accommodation scene. It combines the affordability of hostels with the privacy and comfort typically associated with more expensive hotels.

The hotel’s standout feature is its specially designed rooms containing four to six private pods. Each pod includes:

– A king single bed
– Privacy screens
– Personal fan
– Mirror
– Charging docks
– Storage space

These pods provide a cosy and private sleeping area at a budget-friendly price point, addressing the needs of travellers who want to save money without sacrificing comfort.

Pod Hotel Fortitude Valley Brisbane CBD — *Photo Credit: Lylo Brisbane/Google Maps*

Amenities and Target Market

LyLo Brisbane caters to a wide range of guests with its mix of facilities:

– Rooftop bar with self-pour beer taps
– Work spaces
– Wellness centre
– Traditional hotel rooms (in addition to pod rooms)

Tim Alpe, LyLo’s managing director, noted that their New Zealand hotels have attracted diverse guests, from young Contiki travellers to elderly European tourists. He highlighted that the appeal of a pod hotel to people who might avoid traditional backpacker dormitories but still want to mingle with fellow travellers.

Other Pod-Style Developments

The pod hotel trend is gaining momentum in Brisbane. Tequila Sunrise Hostels, an international operator specialising in Japanese capsule-style beds, has recently secured a lease for a property in the Brisbane CBD.

Their planned hostel at 428 George St will feature:

– 250 Japanese capsule-style beds
– 1,130 square metres of space
– Opening scheduled for late 2024

This development further demonstrates the growing demand for affordable, pod-style accommodation in Brisbane’s city centre.

Strategic Location

Michael Koukides from First National Commercial, who brokered the deal, highlighted the property’s attractive features:

– Direct access to shopping and entertainment precincts
– Proximity to educational institutions and parks
– Potential for future development

The Brisbane City Council approved the change of use to short-term residential accommodation within three months, reflecting the city’s push for diverse housing options. This quick approval process suggests a supportive stance towards repurposing commercial buildings for accommodation.

Market Trends

The hostel market experienced a downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the emergence of pod-style accommodations indicates a resurgence in budget travel options. Tequila Sunrise Hostels’ expansion into Brisbane, following their existing properties in Adelaide, Gold Coast, and Sydney, demonstrates confidence in the market’s recovery.

This development, along with LyLo Brisbane, signals a growing trend towards innovative, affordable accommodation options in Brisbane’s city centre, catering to a diverse range of travellers and potentially reshaping the local hospitality landscape.

Published 13-July-2024

Morrissey’s Momentous Return to Brisbane: A Celebration of Music and Legacy

Morrissey, one of Britain’s most influential figures in pop music, is set to grace the stage in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. This anticipated return marks a significant moment in the artist’s history with the city, reflecting a renewed connection and an opportunity for Brisbane fans to celebrate his illustrious career.

Morrissey’s Brisbane concert is a highlight of his “40 Years of Morrissey” tour. This special event is scheduled for 8 Dec 2023, at The Fortitude Music Hall, located in the vibrant heart of Fortitude Valley.

The evening promises an unforgettable experience, starting at a time that will allow fans to immerse themselves fully in the musical journey Morrissey has curated.

Acclaimed for his role as the lead singer of The Smiths, Morrisey has had a nuanced relationship with Brisbane. Despite past challenges, including instances where he felt unwelcomed due to heckling during performances, Morrissey’s upcoming tour brings a positive new chapter. His return symbolises a bridge mended, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his fans across Australia.

As Morrissey himself stated, “I suppose there are people who think of Australia only in terms of Sydney and Melbourne, but I’m not one of them.”

This sentiment underscores his appreciation for the diverse fan base in Australia, including those in Brisbane.

The “40 Years of Morrissey” tour is a homage to his impactful presence in the music industry. This tour will feature a mix of beloved songs from both his time with The Smiths and his solo albums.

Fans can look forward to a night filled with music that has defined a genre and influenced generations.

Get Tickets

Published 6-Dec-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

Dine-in Igloos are Coming to Fortitude Valley

All throughout July, Brisbane will be able to cosy up and dine in with friends in their own private igloos at the Cielo Rooftop in Fortitude Valley.

From the 1st of July all the way until the 1st of August, pop up igloos will open up in Fortitude Valley — each coming complete with their own set of furniture, fairy lights, and fleece blankets to help bookers cosy themselves in. The best part? Each booking comes with food packages that come with their choice of drinks.

Those interested in reserving an igloo for themselves as well as their friends and loved ones can do so via this link. Igloo can be booked for up to 1.5 hours at a time. Each igloo can house 2 to 6 people; however, food options must be selected. Igloos cannot be reserved without ordering food packages.

Four different food packages will be available for bookings: the Standard Package, the Premium Package, the VIP Package, and the Vegan Package. Each package come with grazing boards with an array of snacks and finger foods, a main course, and either alcoholic beverages or soda.

The Standard Package entails a grazing board which contains prosciutto, mortadella, pecorino cheese, asiago cheese, hummus, olives, focaccia bread, and pickles as well as a main course in the form of a calamari and arancini plate. Drink options include sparkling, red or white wine, or beer per person.

The Premium Package, on the other hand, offers everything the Standard Package does with the addition of dessert in the form of Tiramisu Bomboloni: Italian doughnuts filled with Tiramisu cream and chocolate sauce. Additional drink options also include espresso martinis and aperol spritz.

However, the VIP Package offers everything the Premium Package does in addition beetroot cured salmon bruschetta and an oyster platter. Margaritas will also be available in the drinks list of this exciting package.

Lastly, the Vegetarian Package offers a completely different set of food options entirely in order to accommodate people’s dietary restrictions. The grazing board contains roasted capsicum, Evoo preserved eggplant, fried artichokes, stuffed olives, hummus, focaccia bread and pickles. Instead of a main course, dessert will be offered in the form of a raspberry tortino topped with chocolate mousse and berry coulis. Drink options are the same as those offered by the Standard Package.

Those interested in booking an igloo can do so by visiting this website.

The Winter Pop Up Igloo Dining event will be held at Cielo Rooftop, 209 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable but may be resold. Those unable to make it to their booked times and dates will lose their space unless they resell their tickets.

Honouring Graham Pampling, Beloved Busker of the Queen Street Mall

A petition has been called by the Brisbane public to erect a statue of the late-yet-legendary busker Graham Pampling at Queen Street Mall, where he played the saxophone six days a week from 1998 to 2018.

Graham Pampling, who passed in 2019, was a beloved busker who had become something of a community staple in Queen Street. It was hard to ignore the blind busker whose music had become an integral part of everyone’s everyday life, regaling the city with his saxophone.

His labradors, who served as his guide dogs and loyal friends, often accompanied him during these sessions. Pampling became something of a local celebrity given his inspiring story.

Pampling was born with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic condition that slowly causes cells in the retina to die which then leads to blindness.

Throughout his life, he experienced a great many hardships — including the death of his 19-year-old son, who tragically perished in a forklifting accident in 1985.

The marriage between Pampling and his wife of 28 years also broke down, which then led to the busker-to-be to travel to Brisbane with his saxophone, where he stayed for the next three decades. He’d set up in Queen Street Mall and begin busking for every passerby, serenading the public with his beautiful music.

His music wasn’t the only thing that cemented his status as a local icon and inspiration in the city, for Pampling had also volunteered at local schools to teach visually impaired students how to type without using their sight.

Brisbane residents from all around the city have signed a petition, titled Remember Graham Pampling, to immortalise him and celebrate his memory by creating a statue in his honour. As of the 28th of February, 2021, over 6,900 people have signed in hopes of having the statue raised. Those interested in contributing to Graham Pampling’s memory can find and sign the petition here.

CQUniversity Brisbane Health Clinic Swings Into Action

As the COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease, the CQUniversity Brisbane Health Clinic has swung into action to assist the local sporting community.

A CQUniversity Physiotherapy team, including Clinical Supervisor Nikki Rathbone and fourth-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) students Kaysie Florance and Breanna Keleher, attended a golf competition on Saturday, the 6th of June to provide massage to the members of the Gailes Golf Club.

“It was great to be able to get out into the community and provide a service to the public,” said Ms Florance.

Ms Keleher said she was grateful that the clinic was open and she was able to complete her clinical placement.

“It was also a great opportunity to get exposure to a sporting event during this time, as most organised sport has been cancelled due to the restrictions,” Ms Keleher said.

Ms Rathbone believes physiotherapists will be in high demand as restrictions on sport begin to be lifted.

“As we gradually return to our normal activities post COVID-19 restrictions, we expect there to be a spike of people suffering exercise or sporting-related injury concerns.

“Our hope is to build some relationships with the local community, especially sporting clubs,” Ms Rathbone said.

The Physiotherapy service is a new addition to the CQUniversity Brisbane Health Clinic at Indooroopilly.

“It is a very exciting opportunity to be involved in the new CQUniversity Brisbane Physiotherapy clinic, as it will be able to accommodate an extra 20 to 30 placement opportunities for our third and fourth-year physiotherapy students each year,” explained Ms Rathbone.

“The clinic also operates alongside our very successful student-led chiropractic clinic, which is a rare opportunity to have both disciplines working together out of the same location.”

According to the Australian Government Job Outlook, employment prospects for future physiotherapists is bright with a very strong future growth forecasted.

It is anticipated there will be around 13,000 job openings over the next five years.

Both Ms Keleher and Ms Florance chose physiotherapy as a career because of the opportunity to help people.

“I wanted to do something that helps people, and physiotherapy can help people with a hands-on approach. It gives people independence to help themselves, to improve their health and wellbeing long term,” explained Ms Florance.

Ms Keleher said, “I always wanted to work in healthcare, and I admire what physios do, especially with those patients who have longstanding or chronic issues.”

The CQUniversity physiotherapy students are available for appointments Monday to Friday to assist with back and neck pain, sporting injuries, as well as post-operative rehabilitation and exercise programs.

Appointments are just $30 for a thorough physiotherapy assessment and treatment.

To book call the clinic on (07) 3023 1498 or email BrisbaneHealthClinic@cqu.edu.au

Brisbane Digs Deep for Cross River Rail

The first road header has started tunnelling at Roma Street, the site of one of Brisbane’s new train stations heralding the start of Queensland’s largest job-creating infrastructure project, the Cross River Rail.

Roma Street is where a large station cavern is also being excavated as part of Brisbane’s new underground line. It will have a cavern that’s 280 metres long and 27 metres below ground.

Weighing 115 tonnes, the 22-metre long roadheader arrived in Roma St in pieces and were assembled at the bottom of the 18-metre-deep shaft. If all goes to plan, it will excavate approximately 50 tonnes of rock and soil per hour.

A second roadheader will begin work at Roma Street, tentatively before the end of the third quarter.

“Above ground demolition has also been underway for several months at the site of the new station – but today is a huge milestone for this project as we start tunnelling for the first time,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“This is just the beginning of the underground works, with 5.9 kilometres of twin tunnels and four underground stations to be excavated in total,” she said.

The Roma street railway station will have two train platforms.

Demolition

The tunnelling site is covered by an enormous “acoustic shed.” The shy will contain dust and construction debris, as well as minimise noise.

Meanwhile, the demolition of the nearby Hotel Jen building will continue to progress at the present pace of one floor per week. Once this is done, the massively unpopular Brisbane Transit Centre will be next up for demolition.

Creating Jobs and Solving Congestion

She went on to explain that boosting employment and busting congestion are the twin focus of the project. The Cross River Rail is expected to create more than 7,000 local jobs, a massive boost to the local economy, particularly in light of the employment challenges experienced by various sectors during the coronavirus months.

“We’re not only building a new train station and digging tunnels. Cross River Rail will also generate billions of dollars of new private sector investment in the city as we redesign the precinct around the new station,” Ms Jones added.

“That means more jobs and more economic stability at a vital time for Queensland,” she said.

Construction, according to Treasurer and Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Cameron Dick, is one of a number of traditional industries that had helped insulate Queensland from the economic fallout brought about by COVID-19.

“So many Queensland families and businesses have been hit hard by something they could not have imagined just a few months ago,” the Treasurer said.

“But some of Queensland’s traditional strengths like mining, agriculture and construction have weathered the storm better than other areas. As our economy reopens, we will be supporting jobs in these sectors, as well as jobs in new and emerging industries,” he added.

State Development Minister Kate Jones agrees. “Coronavirus has had a huge impact on our economy. But we won’t let it derail Queensland’s largest infrastructure project,” she said.

Bus Station Closure

In other news, the Roma Street busway station will be closed for 15 weeks, beginning on the 18th of May.

You may be able to catch your bus at a different stop or station. Use the TransLink journey planner to find your alternatives.

The Bowery Bids Brisbane Goodbye After 17 Memorable Years

Seventeen years of memorable fun times at The Bowery in Fortitude Valley will come to an end as the owners recently announced they are closing shop. To mark this special, albeit sad day for its patrons, the bar will be hosting a big send-off on Sunday, the 26th of January 2020, its final day of trading.

“We would like to sincerely thank all the people that have made this great bar what it is, the staff, the bands, the DJs and all the customers that frequented the bar throughout its long run as one of Australia’s best cocktail bars,” The Bowery announced on its social media pages.

“The Bowery will be trading as per normal from tonight until Sunday the 26th of Jan. That Sunday we will be holding the official goodbye Bowery party. In which we will send the bar off in style.”

The relaxing and intimate watering hole on Ann Street is credited for moulding Brisbane’s nightlife scene. Patterned after 1920s New York’s dimly-lit dive bars with brick walls and red-leather seats, The Bowery launched in 2003 amidst large-scale drinking venues, which was then the rage in Queensland.

Locals, however, quickly became drawn to The Bowery because of its extensive drink list. The place also provided an easygoing vibe, where both staff and customers could have friendly and pleasant encounters amidst the cool sound of jazz music featuring The Bowery Hot Five.

The site will not be padlocked for too long as Brooklyn Standard and Fat Angel Sports Bar & Grill will takeover in mid-February.

Youth Week In Fortitude Valley: Learn, Dance, Create!

Enjoy this year’s Brisbane Youth Week from 6-15 April across the city. In Fortitude Valley, you are in for a lot of activities.

Visible Ink will be hosting a number of free workshops for the youth. This is a Brisbane City Council program targeted at young people aged 12-25.

Bloom Live Music Festival

A free live music festival for everyone happening from 6-15 April, the Music Industry College will entertain you with good music at various locations around the suburb.

For the full schedule and locations, click here.

French Knitting Communal Weave

When: 9-15 April / 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Learn how to french knit and create colourful pieces on your own.

No bookings required, just walk-in!

Maker Space: Arts Hub

When: 9 – 12 April / 12:00 p.m.

Try your hand at drawing, sticker design, badge making, and painting. There will also be activities that will let you make your leather key rims and t-shirt tote bags.

Paint Your Own Pot and Succulent Cutting Party

When: 9 April / 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This workshop is hosted by Chloe and the Paper Pots where you can decorate your own pre-made paper mâché indoor pot and take it home with you. You also get to choose the plant of your choice.

You can also join the succulent cutting party.

Daggy Dancing

When: 9 April/ 11 April / 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Get down and boogie! This class will involve a lot of stretching, guided freestyle dancing and aerobics. Think of it as a fun exercise!

Yoga To Your Favourite Tracks From the 2000’s

When: 10 April / 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Ideal for beginners, do yoga to your favourite 2000’s soundtrack.

Back to the 80’s Yoga

When: 11 April / 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This class will be all about the 80’s soundtrack whilst you do yoga poses.

Love Food Hate Waste

When: 11 April / 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Visible Ink

This class will focus on ways to reduce food waste and cut prices on your grocery bills. It will also teach young people to shop and eat more efficiently.

Learn how to make a vertical garden using recycled pallets. Finish the afternoon with a compost free workshop.

Afternoon tea will be provided.

Hackathon

When: 12 April / 9:00 a.m.
Where: Visible Ink

This program will teach the youth the basics of social enterprise and start-up businesses. They will learn about the concepts of business modelling and many more. They also get a chance to pitch their own ideas!

Email visibleinkvalley@brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 0136 for bookings.

Visible Ink Takeover The Pod

When: 12 April / 13 April / 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Brunswick Street Mall

Catch Brisbane’s emerging musicians:

Jamie-Lee Griffiths
Hallie Tait
Nathan MT
Acoustic
Lucy Dron
Jalapeño Business

On 13 April, catch these talented musicians:

Zebra
Pivotex
Marco Ghikas
Evano
Hope D
Bailey Rivera
Lucy Dron

Silent Disco

When: 12 April / 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Brunswick Street Mall

Experience music and dance the unique way – to your own beat!

Spooky Yoga

When: 13 April / 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Visible Ink

Perfect for Friday the 13th, get your spook on and do some stretches!

KISVIS Horror Edition

When: 13 April / 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Visible Ink

Collaborate with other artists, this is the perfect place to meet like-minded people. Get involved in writing workshops, music jams, and free food!

Brunch With Glo

When: 14 April / 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Visible Ink

Support the GLO young women and listen to their ideas on how to solve social issues within their local communities.

Global Sisters is a national not for profit that focuses on empowering young women from refugee and migrant backgrounds to become entrepreneurs.

Suitcase Rummage

When: 14 April / 12:00 p.m.
Where: Brunswick Street Mall

Bring a suitcase or two and fill it with your own goods and treats. Bring it over to the Brunswick Street Mall and sell them. Or you can come to shop!

A Good Ol’ Clothes Swap

When: 15 April / 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Visible Ink

Clean out your closet and swap with others. You can also learn how to mend your old clothes or make your own t-shirt tote bag using your old items. Bring a maximum of ten items to swap.

Bookings are required. Email visibleinkvalley@brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 0136.