The bustling nightlife in Fortitude Valley was shattered on Friday evening as a driver, suspected to be under the influence of heroin, wreaked havoc on the streets, ultimately injuring a pedestrian.
Shortly after he allegedly fled the collision scene, police caught Samuel Thomas Patterson in Bowen Hills. Eyewitnesses recounted a harrowing scene, with Patterson seen driving erratically on the wrong side of Brunswick Street, narrowly missing numerous pedestrians. His vehicle eventually mounted the footpath, striking a bus stop pole, which fell onto a bystander, injuring their ankle.
Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map
Outraged witnesses retaliated, pelting Patterson’s car with objects and shattering his rear window. Despite the commotion, he allegedly continued to drive, leaving the injured pedestrian behind. The police swiftly intervened, taking him into custody.
In court on Saturday, Patterson’s lawyer argued for bail, citing his client’s struggles with heroin addiction and recent attempts to turn his life around. However, Magistrate Michael Gerard O’Driscoll denied bail, citing concerns for public safety.
The incident has sparked community outrage and calls for stricter measures to address drug-impaired driving. Patterson faces a litany of charges, including the dangerous operation of a vehicle, failing to remain at the scene of an incident, and three drug-related offences. His case has been adjourned until the 24th of June.
DJ Kyel 925 and his team spontaneously transformed a Sunday train from Fortitude Valley into a lively rave, surprising Brisbane commuters with an impromptu dance party on the Shorncliffe line, bringing some excitement to the trip but raising some concerns about order and safety.
Around 6:30 p.m., DJ Kyel 925, affiliated with No.1 Network and Liquid Steele Sessions, seized the opportunity to entertain passengers after a gig. Selecting an empty carriage to minimise disturbances, the DJ set up a portable speaker and laptop, instantly creating a festive atmosphere.
The musical session, which stretched over seven stops, saw passengers, including children and a mother, enthusiastically joining the dance.
Inspired by similar events in Europe and Sydney artist Mr C, Kyel expressed the unique appeal of a moving train serving as a dynamic stage. This concept resonated well with passengers, some of whom described the experience as the “best club in the Valley.”
Despite the high spirits, Queensland Rail spokespersons urged participants to maintain safety and respect for other commuters. They highlighted the importance of keeping aisles clear and considerate of those who might not appreciate the high music volume.
However, people online had a different reaction to the impromptu rave.
Encouraged by the success and the positive reception, both Kyel and the event organisers from Liquid Steele Sessions are contemplating another such event. They aim to continue promoting local talent and unique experiences, reflecting Brisbane’s vibrant community spirit.
The creators of the iconic Justin Lane in Burleigh Heads are bringing their magic touch to the former Alfred & Constance site, promising a haven of delectable food, cocktails, and an electric atmosphere that will breathe new life into the Valley.
After years of scouting the Brisbane market for a space with the perfect blend of location and character, the Justin Lane Group has found its match in the heritage-listed buildings on the corner of Alfred and Constance Streets.
The site, recently vacated by RMS Group, is undergoing renovations to revitalise its heritage-listed buildings with fresh finishes and a new rooftop bar.
Justin Lane Brisbane will showcase the same acclaimed menu as its Gold Coast counterpart, featuring sourdough pizzas, handmade pasta, and signature cocktails.
Justin Lane’s arrival marks another milestone in The Valley’s ongoing transformation, joining recent openings like The GPO and Establishment 203.
Justin Lane general manager Johnny Hall expressed enthusiasm about bringing the brand’s unique blend of dining and entertainment to Brisbane, aiming to earn a place among the city’s esteemed hospitality scene. With renovations well underway, the doors to Justin Lane Brisbane are expected to open before mid-2024.
The opening of Justin Lane Brisbane not only signals a revival for a quiet corner of Fortitude Valley but also adds another exciting chapter to the suburb’s evolving narrative.
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.
