A spate of thefts from garage storage cages and car parks in Fortitude Valley unit complexes has prompted a warning from Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley District Crime Prevention Coordinators.
The thieves, who gain access by tailgating residents or exploiting open garage doors, have made off with a variety of items, including bicycles, vehicle registration plates, tools, sporting equipment, luggage, personal documents, and household items.
Local police stress that the security of these shared spaces is a collective responsibility, urging both residents and building managers to remain vigilant and take proactive measures.
Implementing good security practices and removing incentives for thieves are crucial steps in deterring such crimes.
Photo Credit: Pexel/ Kate Wilcox
To assist residents in safeguarding their belongings, authorities have issued a series of practical tips. These include keeping valuables out of sight, ensuring garage doors close securely, reporting suspicious activity, using high-quality locks, and avoiding the storage of excess items in communal areas.
Motorbike owners are also advised to consider additional security measures like ground anchors, chains, and alarms.
In addition to these recommendations, the City Valley DCPC has been distributing flyers containing security information to letterboxes in the area. Residents are reminded that they can report any suspicious activity online or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
A fiery legal dispute has ignited between Establishment 203,the upmarket Italian steakhouse in Fortitude Valley and Sydney hospitality heavyweight, Merivale. The fight centres around the name “Establishment,” with both parties claiming rights to the moniker.
The saga began in February when Merivale, owned by Justin Hemmes, launched a lawsuit against Establishment 203. Merivale argued the Brisbane restaurant’s name is a blatant copy of their established Sydney hospitality precinct, seeking to capitalise on its reputation and financial success.
However, Establishment 203 isn’t backing down. They’ve filed a counterclaim, fiercely denying any wrongdoing. In a bold move, they’re seeking to invalidate Merivale’s trademark on the “Establishment” name altogether.
This isn’t the first time Merivale has faced legal challenges. Currently, hospitality workers are suing the company in a class action lawsuit over alleged wage theft. Additionally, they recently settled an appeal regarding a beer garden expansion at their Marrickville pub, The Vic.
Establishment 203, backed by Stanbroke, a major Queensland beef producer, stands firm against the hospitality giant. They insist their name selection was made in good faith and directly reference their Stanbroke’s Establishment 203 abattoir, operational since 1997. The Brisbane restaurant prides itself on serving exclusively Stanbroke-sourced beef, highlighting its unique identity.
The counterclaim hinges on the argument that Merivale’s trademark lacks distinctiveness. Establishment 203’s lawyers contend the name “Establishment” is too generic to warrant exclusive ownership within the hospitality industry. Merivale, unsurprisingly, disagrees.
With both sides refusing to budge, the case is headed for a three-day Federal Court hearing in September. Before then, however, Merivale will face a separate court appearance related to the aforementioned class action lawsuit concerning employee underpayment.
The hospitality industry eagerly awaits the court’s decision, which has the potential to impact future naming disputes within the bustling Australian food scene.
The art of crafting Pucara Bulls is a revered tradition passed down through generations in the remote Andean town of Checca Pupuja in Peru. Legend has it that the bulls ward off malevolent spirits and bring prosperity and happiness. Mitchell Fine Art showcases a collection of these handcrafted 16th-century bulls in Fortitude Valley, the first exhibition of its kind in the country!
Visitors to Mitchell Fine Art will be transported across continents and centuries as they encounter the Pucara Bulls collection until Saturday, the 11th of May 2024.
This marks the culmination of an international journey for these revered artifacts, which have graced galleries from Lima to Tokyo, each stop adding layers of cultural exchange and appreciation.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Craftsmanship and Legacy
Photo Credit: Supplied
The symbolism behind the Pucara Bulls resonates deeply with Peruvian culture, where spiritualism intertwines with daily life. Legend has it that the bulls not only ward off malevolent spirits but also bring prosperity and happiness to the households they overlook, fostering a sense of communal well-being that transcends borders.
Traditionally placed on household rooftops, the Pucara Bulls symbolise protection and prosperity, believed to bestow good fortune and happiness upon their inhabitants. Originating from Pucara-Puno in southern Peru, these ceramic representations of bulls capture the essence of Andean spirituality and cultural heritage, blending ancient symbols with contemporary artistic expression.
The art of crafting Pucara Bulls is a revered tradition passed down through generations in the remote Andean town of Checca Pupuja. Here, skilled artisans breathe life into clay, infusing each sculpture with tales of ancient myths and modern aspirations.
Photo Credit: Mitchell Fine Art/Instagram
Celebrating Cultural Exchange
The collaboration between Mitchell Fine Art, through curator Sharon Mitchell and her team, and the Embassy of Peru in Canberra underscores the power of art to bridge cultural divides and foster understanding.
Through workshops, lectures, and interactive displays, audiences of all ages can engage with the Pucara Bulls’ story and leave with a deeper appreciation for the bonds that unite us as a global community.
The historic McWhirters building in Fortitude Valley is facing an escalating battle to preserve its heritage features amid ageing infrastructure and alleged lack of support from authorities.
The challenges have been mounting for years at the building, located on the corner of Wickham and Brunswick streets.
The escalator on the ground floor was turned off several years ago after being deemed a trip hazard by workplace safety inspectors. Retailers also claimed homeless people have been squatting underneath, creating an unsightly issue.
Photo credit: Benson B/Google Maps
When workers recently moved in with angle grinders, alarmed owners demanded action from the Department of Environment and Science and Innovation (DESI) to protect the heritage-listed site. However, one owner said they felt authorities had “washed their hands” of threats to the historic property.
The owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said that if not for persistent emails and calls to DESI from themselves and other owners over the matter, the escalator would have been removed entirely.
Photo credit: Rachid Ghariss/Google Maps
Regarding these claims, a spokesperson for DESI said the department is working with the building’s owners to make sure any renovation or restoration work complies with the requirements for obtaining necessary heritage approvals under the Queensland Heritage Act.
Despite the external issues, the upstairs apartments remain in high demand, with units selling for over $1 million and some owners investing hundreds of thousands in renovations. But significant underlying problems persist, including water leaks from pipes installed in the 1990s and damage to heritage awnings from passing buses and trucks.
The building originally served as a department store, constructed in 1912 for James McWhirter, an experienced manager and astute businessman. In 1989, the property underwent a major renovation to convert it into McWhirters Marketplace, requiring significant interior refurbishment work.
Official heritage status was granted when it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in October 1992. Then in 1997, further alterations were made to incorporate residential apartments on the upper floors.
Some owners even commissioned a conservation plan three years ago and have spent tens of thousands on restoration, but feel they are getting little support.
The historic Ivory Street in Fortitude Valley could be transformed into a large-scale housing precinct to help boost supply and provide supportive housing outcomes for Queenslanders.
Plans are underway to progress a detailed evaluation into housing options for the land along Ivory Street. A full business case will be developed to explore delivering a range of housing types on the site, including social housing, affordable housing, supportive accommodation, and potentially a centre for drop-in services and other facilities.
Ivory Street has a rich and varied history documented in Queensland’s oldest newspaper archives. These records depict a time when the region’s First Peoples would bring their children to swim in the local waterholes and rivers.
Early view over Fortitude Valley and New Farm taken about 1882; Street at right is Ivory Street running to meet Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
They show the area between Ivory and Ann Streets as an undeveloped paddock in its early days. The archives also capture the construction of the neighbouring All Hallows Convent.
All Hallows Convent, Brisbane, ca 1908 (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
From its origins as a place of natural waterways and an Aboriginal community, the precinct transformed into a bustling wharf district, home to grand stores and a vibrant nightlife scene over time. Ivory Street has witnessed this diverse evolution throughout Queensland’s history.
Ivory Street Redevelopment Plans
Photo credit: Grace Grace MP/Instagram
The scope and mix of housing will be guided by a comprehensive needs assessment as part of the business case process.
Minister for State Development and Infrastructure and Member for McConnel Grace Grace said Ivory Street’s colourful history makes it fitting for a new chapter delivering homes for those in need.
“Having lived in this area practically my whole life, I’ve seen the valley evolve to meet the needs of our community – and what we need now is more homes for Queenslanders,” said Ms Grace.
Photo credit: Grace Grace MP/Instagram
“We know there is a need for more large-scale housing developments in Inner City Brisbane and the Ivory Street site is one that has been identified.
“There’s a huge amount of potential on this site, and I’m eager to see what the business case shows we can do here,” said Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon.
“It’s located right in the heart of Brisbane, close to public transport, jobs and support – it makes sense to build more homes here,” said Ms Scanlon.
The Ivory Street project was identified from a state government audit of publicly-owned sites across Queensland that could be suitable for housing development. It is one of 27 large sites shortlisted for further investigations, which are now underway.
A final investment decision on the Ivory Street housing precinct is expected by late 2024 once all planning, investigations and business case development is completed.
A substantial $500,000 reward has been announced for crucial information that could help solve the mystery surrounding the 1995 disappearance and suspected murder of Tammy Dyson, who was known to work in Fortitude Valley.
Tammy Lisa Dyson, who also went by the name Tamela Menzies, was a 23-year-old mother of two from Victoria who had established her life in Queensland. She had moved to Brisbane in 1988, where she and her sister Olivia found employment in the nightlife of Fortitude Valley, particularly at Red Garter.
Under the nickname “Pebbles,” Tammy was associated with individuals involved in illicit activities known to local police.
Photo Credit: QPS
Detailed Timeline of Events
1988: Tammy moves from Victoria to Brisbane, followed by her sister Olivia. They begin working in clubs in Fortitude Valley.
1989-1994: Tammy lives intermittently between New South Wales and Victoria with her partner, Natalis. They have two children, Jyles in 1991 and Rainey in 1994.
Early 1995: Tammy moves to Inala, Queensland, with her new partner, Ricky Devisser, while her children stay with her mother in Victoria.
Mid-1995: After a distressing call to her sister, Tammy is found assaulted and is taken by her sister to the Currumbin Clinic on the Gold Coast for drug rehabilitation.
16 July 1995: Tammy is admitted to the Currumbin Clinic.
20 July 1995: She is discharged from the clinic, last seen with an unidentified woman claiming to be her sister.
21 July 1995: Tammy signs a statutory declaration at Tweed Heads, transferring custody of her children and her possessions to her mother.
8 September 1995: After no further contact, Tammy is reported missing by her mother to Victoria Police.
Renewed Investigation and Reward
The Queensland Police Service, through their Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team, has reopened the investigation, spurred by new analyses that began in 2022. The team is offering a $500,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Dyson’s suspected murder.
Additionally, an indemnity from prosecution is available for any accomplice who did not commit the crime, should they come forward first with information.
Photo Credit: QPS
Investigators are specifically interested in identifying the woman who collected Tammy from the Currumbin Clinic and in gathering more information about Tammy’s life and associations in Brisbane and the Gold Coast during the time leading up to her disappearance. They stress that every piece of information is too small or irrelevant, encouraging anyone with any knowledge, however minor it may seem, to come forward.
Anyone with information related to the disappearance of Tammy Dyson, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is strongly encouraged to contact the authorities to aid in this longstanding investigation.
Information can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000. Alternatively, details can be submitted online via the Crime Stoppers Queensland website at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Branded as a day-to-night dinner, ēmmē, found in the ever-elegant and food-centered James Street is set to offer its innovative culinary haven infused with fashion and arts in the early April of 2024.
Unlike other competitors in the high-end streets in Fortitude Valley, the bright orange establishment, replacing Spoon Deli, naturally captures the attention of locals in the area.
Alkot Studio and Tonic Projects are the well-respected design and construction companies behind the establishment of ēmmē. Covered with Italian stone, the establishment will have a total of 44 indoors seating spaces with an additional of 38 seats in the al fresco area.
The restaurant’s aesthetics perfectly complement its main concept of showcasing unique fashion, arts and food of the locals. Some of the fashion brands that ēmmē has already collaborated with are Milu and Calexico. They are also planning to host art and fashion shows in the future.
At ēmmē’s, fashion and arts are not the only things to express artistry and creativity with. The kitchen is also a great way to do it.
The Middle Eastern-Mediterranean inspired menu is the passion project of the kitchen’s head chef, Thomas Tze Lian, who has been cooking Mediterranean food almost all his career.
However, Mr Lian doesn’t want to limit the place’s offering solely on these, the said cuisine can also go beyond a bit of Jordanian, Persian, Tunisian and Asian depending on the season.
For drinks, a 50-bottle list is what ēmmē’s has to offer. Mr Lian is guided by Cutting Wine’s Marin Mamata in curating for his menu.
He also revealed his spontaneity, because unlike normal restaurants, his dishes will not go by a name.
One thing is for sure, ēmmē’s seasonal menus, mostly cooked through wood-fire, will be made through locally produced ingredients, from Middle Eastern-Mediterranean inspired breakfast, Wagyu dishes and mouth-watering seafood choices for dinner.
With the recent announcement of the closure of Will & Flow, a popular overwater bar and restaurant located in Fortitude Valley, a wave of mixed emotions swept through its loyal patrons.
This famous spot has become a place that many people love to visit. In the middle of the sadness, a glimmer of hope appears when the owner, The Star, says he wants to make the area a lively place for events and meetings.
Announced via a heartfelt post on social media, the closure of Will & Flow marks the end of an era for many who have made cherished memories against the backdrop of Brisbane’s skyline. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our closure. Our last day of service will be this Sunday, April 14th,” the venue expressed on Facebook, triggering an outpouring of nostalgia and fond farewells from its loyal clientele.
Daniel Finch, the chief executive of The Star Brisbane, assured patrons that the essence of Will & Flow would endure, albeit in a different form. In a statement brimming with optimism, Finch revealed plans to repurpose the space into a full-time event and function venue, ensuring that the spirit of community and conviviality fostered by the establishment would persist.
Will & Flow has been a place for great food and social events since it opened in November 2020. It has beautiful views of the river and delicious food. Even though the bar was covered in water during Brisbane’s February 2022 floods and had to be closed for five months, the venue kept going, showing that people can be strong in the face of hardship.
Situated beneath the Riverside Expressway and in proximity to the Goodwill Bridge, Will & Flow has been an integral part of the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct, contributing to the area’s rejuvenation and cultural vibrancy.
Its impending closure marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, as the space undergoes a metamorphosis into a dynamic event venue, poised to welcome a new wave of revellers and create lasting memories.
Did you know? Nestled within the bustling dining precinct of Fortitude Valley, where culinary creativity knows no bounds and taste buds are tantalised at every turn, an exciting revelation is on the horizon.
Petite, the latest brainchild of the visionary Votan brothers, is set to make its grand entrance, bringing with it the timeless elegance of French cuisine to complement the vibrant tapestry of East Street.
Nestled snugly between the alleys of tradition and innovation, Petite stands poised to become a beacon of culinary excellence, offering a harmonious symphony of flavours that dance on the palate and linger in the memory. As the younger sibling to the acclaimed Happy Boy, Petite embarks on a mission to democratise French gastronomy, making it accessible to all who seek culinary delight.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Jordan and Cameron Votan, brothers who share a passion for both Chinese and French cuisine, are the brains behind this culinary endeavour. With Happy Boy already reigning supreme as a mecca for regional Chinese delicacies, the addition of Petite completes the duo, establishing Chinese and French as the twin pillars of East Street’s culinary landscape.
Petite’s charm lies not in ostentatious fine dining but in its unassuming elegance and everyday appeal. Like its sibling, it promises to be a haven for the discerning diner, offering an escape from the mundane with each delectable bite. From the moment one steps through its doors, they are transported to a realm where culinary boundaries blur and culinary adventures await.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
The ambience of Petite is a testament to the Votans’ commitment to excellence. With an expansive mezzanine, a sleek downstairs bar, and intimate booths lining the walls, every detail has been meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of understated luxury. Here, minimalism meets sophistication, creating a space where food and ambiance intertwine seamlessly.
But it is the menu at Petite that truly steals the spotlight, offering an array of French ambience with a contemporary twist. From the indulgent potted confit duck to the savoury chicken cordon bleu, each dish is a masterpiece in its own right, showcasing the culinary prowess of Chef Aubrey Courtel. With a focus on affordability and innovation, Petite promises to delight the palate without breaking the bank.
Photo Credit: Website/Snack Man
Of course, no French dining experience would be complete without the perfect wine pairing, and Petite delivers in spades. With a curated selection of French wines, each chosen to complement the flavors of the menu, diners are invited to embark on a journey of gastronomic discovery. From crisp whites to full-bodied reds, there is something to please every palate and enhance every dish.
As the anticipation builds and the aroma of French delicacies fills the air, the stage is set for Petite to take its place among the culinary greats of Fortitude Valley.
With its commitment to excellence, affordability, and innovation, it is poised to become not just a restaurant, but a destination—a place where food lovers gather to celebrate the timeless art of French cuisine. So, mark your calendars and prepare your taste buds, for the arrival of Petite heralds a new era of culinary delight in the heart of Brisbane’s dining scene.
Want to spice up your nightlife? Ballers Clubhouse, the brainchild of hospitality visionaries, is set to revolutionise party time as playtime in Fortitude Valley.
The energetic Ballers Clubhouse, hailing from Melbourne’s busy streets, is getting ready to revamp the familiar spot formerly occupied by King of Kings restaurant on Wickham Street.
This isn’t just your ordinary watering hole, though; it’s more like an adult playground with extra features to spice up your social adventures such as cutting-edge ping pong, darts, and even a karaoke gum ball machine.
Highlights of Ballers Clubhouse
Neo Shuffle: A modern twist on the classic shuffleboard game, Neo Shuffle adds high-tech elements to elevate the experience. Players slide pucks down a sleek surface, aiming for strategic points to outscore their opponents.
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
360 Ping Pong: Prepare to take your ping pong skills to the next level with 360 Ping Pong. This immersive game challenges players to navigate around a circular table, keeping the ball in play from all angles for an exhilarating and fast-paced match.
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Social Darts: Darts get a social upgrade with this interactive game. Compete against friends or new acquaintances in a lively atmosphere, with various game modes and challenges to keep the excitement going.
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Ballpit Karaoke: With Ballpit Karaoke, enjoy the best possible karaoke experience. Immersed in a colourful ball pit with contagious energy and colourful balls, sing your heart out. You’ve never experienced karaoke like this before!
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Still, that’s not the end of the exciting part. The meals and drinks at Ballers Clubhouse are designed to go well with the lively ambience and keep you feeling upbeat. A tempting assortment of finger food will be served, including crowd favourites like green curry arancini and panko-prawn tacos.
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Fun and Unique Cocktails
Naturally, no trip would be complete without sampling their inventive cocktail menu. Enjoying a snack in between games or a distinctive beverage, Ballers Clubhouse’s menu guarantees an exciting and flavorful experience every time you visit.
Houdini’s Escape
This cocktail is named after the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini and is designed to evoke the thrill of his daring feats. A little safe is used to present the drink when it is ordered, which adds a mysterious and thrilling touch. An interesting and participatory element to the drinking experience is that in order to open the safe and enjoy your drink, you must first crack the code. It’s an experience waiting to happen, not simply a drink.
Smoky Skull Heist Negroni
With a hint of mystery and drama, this drink is a modern take on the traditional Negroni. The cocktail is delivered in what looks like a scene out of a crime movie—a black briefcase covered in smoke. The presentation creates a buzz of excitement and expectation that makes for an unforgettable sipping experience. Your evening at Ballers Clubhouse will be slightly more exciting as you sip on a Skull Heist Negroni, which will make you feel like you’re a part of a daring escapade.
Photo Credit: Website/BallersClubhouse
Ballers Clubhouse is more than simply a drinking game; it’s an attempt to gamify social interactions, created by a dynamic team that includes Chris Roberton, Stephen Wools, Josh Lefers, and Simon Jones.
“We wanted to explore what lies beyond the typical bar experience,” says Stephen Wools. “That’s when we discovered this trend of competitive socialising that was gaining traction overseas.”
Following its success in Melbourne, Ballers Clubhouse now has Brisbane squarely in its sights. With 1,200 square metres of space and the ability to hold 600 people, the Fortitude Valley venue is sure to be a show-stopper. Imagine edgy urban sensations that are expertly blended with opulent details and first-rate facilities.
Ballers Clubhouse is scheduled to debut in March or April of 2024. Now that the ball is in your court, get set to play. Follow their Instagram page at @ballersclubhouse for more details.
