NAIDOC Week 2024 Celebration to Showcase Indigenous Culture and Art

In celebration of NAIDOC Week 2024, Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) is set to host a vibrant event showcasing Indigenous culture and art on July 10th. The celebration, organised in collaboration with Birrunga Gallery, will take place at Felons Barrel Hall from 11 am to 2:30 pm.



This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud!” aims to honour the resilience of Indigenous communities and encourage solidarity in amplifying voices that have historically been marginalised.

The event will commence with a Traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony on the Rivergarden lawn adjacent to Felons Barrel Hall. Attendees will then be treated to a live didgeridoo performance, setting the stage for a day of cultural immersion.

Inside Barrel Hall, visitors can explore an art installation curated specifically for NAIDOC Week by Birrunga Gallery. The artists themselves will be present, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the creators.

A highlight of the afternoon will be a discussion between Trent Wallace and Birrunga Wiradyuri, focusing on NAIDOC Week themes and reflections on the past year.



This year’s theme symbolises the enduring resilience of Indigenous cultures and their deep connection to Country and traditions. It also represents a call for Indigenous Peoples to confidently embrace their heritage and assert their presence in contemporary society.

Tickets for the event include a shared grazing-style lunch featuring a fusion of native ingredients and contemporary cuisine, as well as a welcome drink. Due to limited capacity, interested parties are encouraged to RSVP promptly to secure their attendance.

Published 9-July-2024

Queensland Blue Light Celebrates 40 Years of Youth Engagement

Queensland Blue Light, a not-for-profit organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service (QPS), is marking its 40th anniversary this year. The organisation, known for its youth-focused programs and activities, has been a staple in Queensland communities since 1984.



To commemorate this milestone, Queensland Blue Light is hosting a “Back to the 80s” event on Saturday, July 20, at The Tivoli in Fortitude Valley. Early bird tickets are currently available through Try Booking.

Photo Credit: TryBooking Australia

The Queensland Blue Light Story

The organisation’s journey began on July 26, 1984, at the Albert Waterways Community Hall on the Gold Coast. The inaugural Blue Light disco, attended by 219 young people, was conceived as a way for police to positively engage with youth in a safe environment. The concept quickly gained popularity, reaching its peak in the 1990s with an impressive 2.3 million young participants.

As social media began to change youth socialisation patterns in the new millennium, Queensland Blue Light adapted its approach. While discos declined in popularity, the organisation introduced new activities such as movie nights, laser tag, skating, sports, and family events to maintain its connection with young people.

The Blue Light Programs

Today, Queensland Blue Light operates 40 branches throughout the state, each run by a Police Coordinator and community volunteers. The organisation has expanded its offerings to include several targeted programs:

  1. Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow & Empower): Launched in 2016, this early intervention program for 12 to 17-year-olds aims to build positive relationships between at-risk youth and police through physical activity and motivational sessions.
  2. Blue Light Shearing: Initiated by Officer Laurie Bateman, a world record holder in sheep shearing, this program teaches shearing skills to young people as a means of preventing offending behaviour and providing future employment opportunities.
  3. ELEVATE (Everyone Lift to End Violence and Target Education): A primary prevention program that educates students from Year 5 through Year 12 about domestic and family violence, promoting respectful relationships.

These programs, delivered in collaboration with QPS volunteers, reflect Queensland Blue Light’s ongoing commitment to positively impacting young lives across the state.



As Queensland Blue Light celebrates four decades of service, it continues to exemplify the diverse and community-oriented nature of careers within the Queensland Police Service. The organisation’s enduring success highlights the potential for law enforcement to play a constructive role in youth development and community building.

Published 20-June-2024

Fortitude Valley Gears Up for a Trifecta of Pop Culture Events

As the winter chill sets in, Fortitude Valley is heating up with a trio of highly anticipated pop culture events that promise to bring music fans together in a vibrant celebration of iconic artists.

From Kylie Minogue’s birthday bash to a massive Kate Bush tribute and the annual Madonna party, the city is set to become a mecca for pop enthusiasts.



Here’s a closer look at the exciting lineup:

Kylie Minogue Party at Bloodhound Bar

Photo Credit: Supplied

Date: Saturday, June 8th, from 7pm
Venue: Bloodhound Bar, 454 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Tickets: $15 per person (18+)

To commemorate Kylie Minogue’s birthday and make up for her absence from the cancelled Splendour in the Grass festival, the Bloodhound Bar is hosting a Kylie-themed extravaganza. Attendees can expect a dance floor, licensed bar, and a DJ spinning over three hours of back-to-back Kylie classics, ensuring a night of pure pop bliss.

Most “Wuthering Heights” Day Ever

Photo Credit: Supplied

Date: Saturday, July 20th, from 2pm
Venue: Frew Park, Frew St, Milton
Tickets: Donate to participate on-site or via www.kristianfletcher.com

In a truly unique celebration, over 200 participants will gather at Frew Park to re-enact Kate Bush’s iconic “Wuthering Heights” music video. Dressed in striking red attire, attendees will learn the legendary dance moves and partake in a massive group routine, raising funds for the vital cause of DVConnect in the process.

18th Annual Brisbane Madonna Party

Photo Credit: Supplied

Date: Saturday, August 17th, from 7pm
Venue: Wickham Hotel, 309 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley
Tickets: $25 per person + booking fee (18+)

Celebrating the Queen of Pop’s birthday in true royal fashion, the 18th Annual Brisbane Madonna Party promises to be a night fit for pop royalty. Over four hours of Madonna’s iconic hits, music videos, a DJ, and a costume competition will take over the Wickham Hotel, allowing fans to embrace their inner Material Girl.



With such a diverse and exciting lineup, Brisbane is gearing up for a summer of pop culture celebrations that are sure to leave music fans dancing and singing along to their favourite iconic artists. Whether it’s Kylie’s infectious beats, Kate Bush’s mesmerising choreography, or Madonna’s undeniable swagger, these events promise to be unforgettable experiences for pop enthusiasts of all ages.

Published 3-June-2024