Historic Ivory Street Primed for Major Housing Revival

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.


Read: From Ashes to Glory: Alfred & Constance Set for Stunning Revival


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.


Read: Queen’s Wharf to Welcome New Live Entertainment Hub LiveWire


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.

Published 27-April-2024

$500,000 Reward Offered in Cold Case of Woman Known to Work in Fortitude Valley

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.

Tammy Dyson worked at a club in Fortitude Valley
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.

Tammy Dyson
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.

Published 20-April-2024

Meet ēmmē: The Soon-To-Be Culinary and Artistic Delight in James Street

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. 



Locals can experience ēmmē’s when they open or visit ēmmē’s official Instagram page for updates. 

Published 15-April-2024

Beloved Overwater Venue In Fortitude Valley To Close Its Doors

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.

Photo Credit: Facebook/ WillAndFlowBrisbane

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.

Photo Credit: Facebook/ WillAndFlowBrisbane

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.



Photo Credit: Facebook/ WillAndFlowBrisbane

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.

Published Date 11-April-2024

Petite’s Affordable Luxury To Debut in Fortitude Valley

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.

Published Date 26-March-2024

Fortitude Valley’s Newest Hotspot: Ballers Clubhouse Revolutionises Party Time as Playtime

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.

Published Date 20-March-2024

Brisbane’s Conor Wallace Stops Jack Gipp in Six-Round Clash at Fortitude Music Hall

Rising Australian light heavyweight Conor Wallace and fellow contender Jack Gipp promised an action-packed fight, and they delivered on that promise Sunday night at the Fortitude Music Hall.

Read: Nigella Lawson Describes Brisbane’s Agnes ‘An Extraordinary Experience’

The opening salvo

From the opening bell, the four-inch shorter Gipp stalks Wallace, looking to land his big left hook. Wallace obliges the crowd by engaging in heated exchanges, with both men having successes. Gipp bloodied Wallace’s nose at the end of the first round.

The back-and-forth action continued in the second. In the third, Gipp started finding a home for his left hook, backing Wallace to the ropes at times, though Wallace taunts and showboats to the crowd. Wallace begins landing in bunches in the fourth, while Gipp connects on an eye-catching lead left uppercut late in that same round.

The tide shifts for Conor Wallace

In the fifth, Gipp traps Wallace on the ropes and unloads, but Wallace spins off and fights back hard to gain the momentum edge heading into the sixth round.

Early in the sixth, the pace slows for a moment before Wallace starts letting his hands go in ferocious combinations, hurting Gipp and ultimately dropping him with a barrage along the ropes. After an eight count, Wallace refuses to let Gipp off the hook, swarming until the referee waves it off at the 2:48 mark.

What they said

“I think we did a bit of everything,” an ecstatic Wallace said. “My coach Greg Eadie is one of the best…without him none of this would be possible.”

Gipp showed class in defeat, stating: “I knew Conor would probably be the hardest fight of my career…I’m still getting used to light heavyweight. Maybe down the line we can do it all again.”

Read: How Brooki Bakehouse Fortitude Valley Became an Insta-Sensation and Earned an International Following

Wallace’s promoter Mick Francis raved: “That was possibly the fight of the year…We need to move on to bigger and better things.”

Wallace concurred: “I’m definitely moving on overseas, right now.”

Published 19-March-2024

How Brooki Bakehouse Fortitude Valley Became an Insta-Sensation and Earned an International Following

In a heritage building tucked away in Fortitude Valley, an unassuming bakery has ignited a craze that defies all expectations. Brooki Bakehouse, helmed by owner Brooke Saward, has captured the hearts and appetites of dessert enthusiasts worldwide with a viral Tiktok presence and over 700,000 followers on Instagram.


Read: From Ashes to Glory: Alfred & Constance Set for Stunning Revival


Saward’s baking journey started with travelling the world to find the best bakeries and sweets. 

After improving her skills through cooking classes in Paris and online videos, she opened Charlie’s Dessert House in her hometown of Launceston, Tasmania in 2016, tempting locals with her macarons, cupcakes, cookies, and more.

Photo credit: Brooki/Instagram 

But Saward and her fiancé, Justice Bellamy, had bigger dreams. In late 2021, they moved to Brisbane, drawn by the city’s growth opportunities and a sense of possibility without feeling overwhelmed.

Brooki Bakehouse
Photo credit: Brooki/Instagram 

When her sole employee was out sick with Covid-19 for three weeks, Saward boldly launched a TikTok account and creatively filmed herself hard at work in the bakery. She decided to film a “day in the life” video for TikTok in her chef’s clothes. Her friendly personality and tasty creations struck a chord, and the video quickly went viral, getting millions of views and fans worldwide.

Brooki Bakehouse
Photo credit: Brooki/TikTok

Saward shared people come from all over Australia and literally everywhere to visit the bakery. The bakery now sells a shocking 1,000 cookies daily in-store, plus thousands more online. 

Photo credit: Brooki/TikTok

She said some days before TikTok they made hundreds of dollars, and now every day it’s thousands, so it’s a totally different business from the first six or eight months, and that’s because of using social media.

However, Brooki’s huge success isn’t just about social media skills – it’s also thanks to Saward’s entrepreneurial spirit, passion, and hard work. When TikTok exploded, she did not wait for customers to come; instead, she found a way to send her cookies worldwide. With clever packaging and problem-solving, she developed a system to ship her treats globally.

Photo credit: Brooki/Instagram 

Saward has even bigger goals. She wants Brooki to become a global baking brand, already selling merchandise, teaching online classes, working with major brands, and releasing her first cookbook later this year.

Despite the overwhelming success, Saward remains humble and grateful, valuing every customer and spending hours each week talking to followers on social media. It’s this real connection, along with her delicious baked goods, that keeps people lining up and coming back.


Read: More Than Standard Fare: Indulge in Fortitude Valley’s Creative Bar Snacks


At a time when social media rules marketing, Brooki Bakehouse shows how smartly using these platforms can make a small business world-famous. But at its core, it’s Saward’s passion, creativity and commitment to baking that have truly made Brooki Bakehouse a sweet global favourite.

Published 18-March-2024 

Remembering ‘Succulent Chinese Meal’ Scandal: Australia’s Quintessential Viral Sensation

On a calm October night in 1991, an unusual arrest occurred outside a Chinese restaurant in Fortitude Valley. Reporter Chris Reason and his crew captured the incident on video, later known as the “Succulent Chinese Meal” scandal. 



Despite the incident occurring in the ‘90s, it wasn’t until 2009 that the video, now dubbed the “Democracy Manifest” video, found its way onto the internet and ignited curiosity and speculations. The Guardian later dubbed the viral video Australia’s definitive meme of the decade. The story of the “Succulent Chinese Meal” became an internet sensation and garnered millions of views on YouTube.

The man’s theatrical exclamations, such as “This is Democracy Manifest!” and the unforgettable “Get your hand off my penis!” that immortalized the event. 

His audacious inquiries to the officers—”What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?”—and his commentary on an officer’s judo skills not only infused the incident with humour but also cemented its place in the annals of internet legend.

But who was the man being arrested in the video? Initially, theories erroneously pointed to Hungarian chess master Paul Charles Dozsa, but the true narrative took a turn in 2020.

With a colourful history of serial prison escapes and allegations of credit card fraud, Jack Karlson stepped into the spotlight in a music video by The Chats, confirming his role in the iconic meme.

Mistaken Identity?

The backstory of the “Succulent Chinese Meal” scandal is as tangled as it is captivating. Mr Reason, the reporter at the scene, later revealed the arrest to be a dramatic case of mistaken identity, with police believing they had cornered one of Queensland’s most sought-after fugitives. 

Yet, as more details surfaced, it became evident that Karlson was under suspicion for a string of frauds. Known by various aliases, including Cecil George Edwards and Johann Kelmut Karlson, his true motivations and identity remained mysterious until he embraced his viral fame, attributing his theatrical display to a ploy aimed at being deemed insane for an easier escape.

The Truth Revealed

The tale took another twist in 2021 when Seven News revisited the incident, featuring interviews with Mr Reason and the meme legend himself, now going simply by Jack. His reluctance to provide a last name added another layer of intrigue and charm to the enduring “Succulent Chinese Meal” mystery.

In 2023, the narrative deepened with the release of Mark Dapin’s biography, “Carnage: A Succulent Chinese Meal, Mr. Rent-a-Kill and the Australian Manson Murders.” 

succulent chinese meal fortitude valley
Photo Credit: Amazon

Dapin’s investigation into Karlson’s life and connections to other notorious figures and events in Australian criminal history offered a comprehensive view of the enigmatic figure behind the meme.

In February 2024, and the enigmatic Mr Karlson finally shed light on the events of that day. In a candid interview with New Zealand comedian Guy Williams, he admitted to fabricating the claim of physical impropriety by the police for dramatic effect. The revelation came alongside discussions of his life’s complexities, from his incarcerations in Australia’s most notorious prisons to his multiple escapes and the tragic murder of his wife, intertwined with Australia’s criminal underworld.

From its origins as a quirky news segment to its status as a subject of scholarly and journalistic inquiry, the “Succulent Chinese Meal” scandal remains a fascinating chapter in Australia’s cultural and digital landscape, blurring the lines between criminality, performance art, and the whims of internet fame.



Published 15-March-2024

Freeman James Henderson Jailed for Causing Grievous Bodily Harm in Bicycle Collision

Former Queensland Reds Academy player Freeman James Henderson has been sentenced to prison time for a bicycle collision on William Street that left a pedestrian with lifelong brain injuries.



Freeman James Henderson collides with the victim

On April 7, 2022, 30-year-old Henderson, was cycling in William St near the intersection with the Victoria Bridge when he struck 42-year-old Hayley Small as she was crossing the road. CCTV footage showed that Henderson was travelling 11km/h over the speed limit and went through a red light, hitting Small as she crossed with a walk signal.

Small, a mother of three from Townsville, was in Brisbane with her children for a football trip. She was thrown 3.8 metres by the impact, knocking her unconscious. Paramedics arrived to find Small with life-threatening head injuries. She was hospitalised for over two months and continues to suffer effects from the traumatic brain injury.

Legal consequences

In the Brisbane District Court on Wednesday, Henderson pleaded guilty to dangerously operating his bicycle causing grievous bodily harm. The prosecution asserted that Henderson’s actions were not a lapse in judgement, evidenced by his driving history of traffic violations.

Judge Vicki Loury sentenced Henderson to two years in jail, suspended after three months. She called Henderson’s cycling reckless and said he failed to keep proper lookout for Small’s safety.

Impact on the victim

In her victim impact statement, Small said the collision changed her life and her family’s. She has permanent medical issues requiring medication and struggles with speech and memory.

Unable to work while hospitalised, she lost her home. Separation from her children during recovery caused distress.



Freeman James Henderson apologised to Small in a letter to the court. He has agreed to pay her $20,000 in compensation.

Published 01-March-2024