Colours, bright lights and upbeat music will fill Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley this Saturday, the 7th of Sept 2019, as it is time once again to celebrate the annual Chinese Moon Festival.
Some 3,000 years ago, the Chinese Moon Festival was a community gathering during the brightest night of the season to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest. It was also a time to celebrate harmonious relationships, good health and new births.
These traditions have changed over the years as the harvest festival evolved with the times. Nevertheless, modern Chinese and their friends continue to observe the Moon Festival by mounting an all-day celebration that locals in Brisbane will also have the chance to experience.
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook
So, this Saturday weekend, Chinatown Mall will be packed with activities from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For this year, the Chinese Moon Festival will also include Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and Filipino cultural performances:
4:00 p.m.
Dragon dance
4:20 p.m.
Opening and welcome
4:30 p.m.
Crafty up-cycle earring making workshop (one hour)
An amusing roving entertainment featuring the Three Brothers Parade and Grandma Anna Yen, the Chinese Clown, will also be featured at this event whilst visitors check out the market and food stalls to score unique finds and treasures or taste Asian treats.
Don’t miss out on the moon-shaped structure at the centre of the mall. Guests may write down the names of their beloved on this installation to strengthen their bond.
This is a free event sponsored by the Brisbane City Council.
In the decades since its inception, Swedish carmaker Volvo has built its reputation on safety and low-key luxury. Its latest campaign, Vision 2020, aims for a lofty goal — no more deaths or serious injuries in its new cars. In line with this, Volvo is introducing new technology to prevent drink driving, believing that the way to its goal lies in the modification of driver behaviour coupled with leading-edge safety technology. This is a development that should benefit Brisbane car owners greatly, particularly given the prevalence of drink driving incidents in Fortitude Valley and other Brisbane suburbs.
Recently, the Swedish automaker announced that sensor cameras will be installed in the next-generation models for the XC40, XC60 and XC90, which are designed to detect the reaction and behaviour of the Volvo driver. The car will slow down or completely stop and not respond if the sensor determines that the driver is intoxicated.
“Volvo Cars believes intoxication and distraction should be addressed by installing in-car cameras and other sensors that monitor the driver and allow the car to intervene if a clearly intoxicated or distracted driver does not respond to warning signals and is risking an accident involving serious injury or death,” Volvo said in a statement.
Learn more about how Volvo’s drink driving safety feature works in this video:
Volvo’s Outstanding Safety Record
“We want to attract people who think it’s important to drive safely,” Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson said following the announcement of Vision 2020.
Early on, safety has been the cornerstone of its vehicle design as Volvo is the inventor of the three-point seatbelt in 1959. Volvo is also a pioneer of the rearward-facing child safety seat and booster seat in the ’70s. It is the first automaker to introduce side-impact airbags.
In 2008, Volvo was way ahead of other car manufacturers when it launched the City Safety system that allowed its vehicles to slow down and prevent a car crash upon detection of an obstruction. To better understand why Volvo is regarded as the safest car in the world, watch this:
Australia to Require New Car Drink Driving Safety Features
Volvo’s big news comes as Australia could mandate similar safety features among new vehicles for sale by 2025 in line with the guidelines of the United Nations.
“Unfortunately, alcohol remains a major problem [of the road toll] with between 15 and 25 percent of our driver fatalities each year from drivers being under the influence of alcohol,” Transport Road Commission road safety director Samantha Cockfield said.
Crime statistics in Australia also show that Fortitude Valley ranks high for violence and accidents due to alcohol. Since 2014, law enforcers, as well as club and pub owners, are proactively implementing strategies to promote a drink safe precinct. Now, even automakers like Volvo are in on the objective to keep the public safer.
“The first technologies we’ll see are passive systems like passive alcohol and drug interlock systems so they will be within the car and they will be able to test if you’ve got any alcohol on your breath,” Ms Cockfield added.
Expectedly, automakers may still improve on the technology by introducing sensor pads on the steering wheel or infrared light detection at the ignition button. This way, the driver under influence won’t be able to bypass the safety features.
Photo Credit: Volvo Cars Australia/Facebook
“Yes, definitely we will see a day when that technology will be standard in vehicles and I think if you look at Volvo internationally, I think they’ve talked about those kinds of technologies being integrated quite soon,” Ms Cockfield said.
Buying Volvo in Fortitude Valley
As of press time, Volvo Australia has not yet announced the availability for the next generation models with the drink driving safety features. However, if you’re interested in owning the safest car for your family, you may phone Volvo Cars North Brisbane at 07 3177 3181 or visit their showroom in at 773 Ann Street Fortitude Valley for a test drive.
In an elegant collaboration between Tim Gurner and the Signature Hospitality Groupled by CEO James Sinclair, the corner of Brunswick and Alfred Streets in Fortitude Valley has been revitalised with the 4th of July opening of the Foresters Restaurant and Bar, in what is now the Valley’s growing food and beverage precinct.
Heritage Roots
Built in 1889, Foresters Hall is an iconic heritage-listed building that has since gone through some major architectural facelifts whilst still staying true to its turn-of-the-century roots. Originally used by the Foresters and other Friendly societies as a social hub for their predominantly working-class members, the hall also subsequently became the Valley’s very first movie theatre, Cook’s Picture Palace, in 1910.
Photo Credit: WikimediaCommons
In later years, it became an appliance store, as the rest of the neighbourhood slowly declined before the resurgence that the area is experiencing today.
Old But New — Beautifully Repurposed
Currently one of the stops in the Vibrant Valley Heritage Trail, the handsome building’s distinctive facade, characterised by original exposed brick that are over a century old, natural timber detailing, large archways and metal tin tiles, has since been returned to its original glory, with some tastefully added new fixtures to update its look.
Now in its new incarnation, this iconic landmark gleams in its grand whiteness, the hawkishly cool exterior belying the regal warmth of its interior.
The feeling of warmth starts to build as one enters the beautifully restored entryway, into a 140-seat dining area, with large windows providing great views of both Alfred and Brunswick streets. A dimly-lit bar that can comfortably seat 60 people provides the perfect place for an end-of-day pick-me-up or a good weekend unwind.
Extremely elegant yet comfortable dining ambience is available for singles, couples and small groups. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner – from 6:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Get comfortable on one of their posh leather-covered seats and simply allow Chef Peter Popow, Foresters’ master wine and food pairing guru to work his magic. Just a quick tip – try their intriguingly named special Pornstar Martini or their Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, topped with pieces of popcorn. It’s a delightful tribute to the building’s cinematic past.
Photo Credit: Foresters Restaurant & Bar/Facebook
For Simon Barnes, general manager of Foresters, their modern Australian take on traditional gastropub fare is the key to satisfying their now-growing clientele. Visitors are mainly residents and upwardly mobile, young professionals who patronise the place for its cosy ambience, well-rounded wine selection, carefully curated cocktail list, and the opportunity to see and be seen.
Definitely a place to check out, if you’re in the area.
It’s finally Brisbane’s turn to hold one of Australia’s popular festivals and for the first time ever, MOULD Cheese Festival will be coming to Fortitude Valley!
Set for Sunday, the 19th of May 2019, this cheese food fest will run for two sessions 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lightspace on Scanlan Street. The best fromagers from Australia will be there to offer their finest products.
There will be over 50 kinds of cheeses to try at the MOULD Cheese Festival so expect this event to be a gastronomic delight for cheese lovers. The full cheese list is posted and updated on its official website.
Cheeses taste even better with wine so there will also be quite a selection of alcoholic beverage vendors at this event.
Photo Credit: Mould: A Cheese Festival/FacebookPhoto Credit: Mould: A Cheese Festival/Facebook
Cheesemongers will also showcase the art of cheesemaking, which should be quite the learning experience. By the end of the night, you’ll likely have a new appreciation for the process of making this sinfully tasty food!
Experience the latest trend in fitness as W Brisbane, the boutique hotel located at 81 North Quay, brings the very first silent disco yoga to this city.
On Wednesday, the 15th of May 2019, the hotel will hold an intensive 90-minute silent disco yoga class beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Great Room.
Australian fitness expert, Kate Kendall, the founder of Flow Athletic, will lead the session, while Sydney DJ James Mack will provide the beats before, during and after the class.
A silent disco yoga class is just like any vinyasa flow session, where students set their spaces on the floor while an instructor leads in front. However, everyone will be wearing a wireless headset the whole time to clearly hear the instructor and the background music, as well as block off the sound from the outside.
With the instructor’s voice and music more amplified, participants will feel more connected and energised to do the movements correctly without being distracted by other factors. They may also adjust the volume of the sounds coming from the headset to their preference.
Yogis attending the first silent disco yoga in Brisbane will get a swag bag filled with healthy treats. However, the first 40 people to book a slot will also receive an exclusive invitation to join a workshop for Disco Yoga oil blending. Sodashi founder Megan Larsen will conduct this class.
Slots to the silent disco yoga cost $59.11 inclusive of the booking fee. Participants need only bring their yoga mat, water bottle and towel. Drinks and snacks will be served for guests.
Australia’s homegrown gelato brand, Gelato Messina, has opened its second store in Brisbane, and it can be found at the foodie hub in Ada Lane on James Street, Fortitude Valley.
Gelato Messina in Fortitude Valley officially opened its doors on Thursday, the 21st of March. You’ll easily spot the parlour when you pass the location for its Palm Springs vibe.
Situated next to the pastry shop, Jocelyn’s Provisions, the ice cream parlour has neon signages, comfortable benches, and plenty of indoor plants. The Gelato Messina menu is set on a pegboard but there’s also a video projector blasting cool visuals to entice customers with the specials.
Gelato Messina in Fortitude Valley offers 40 different flavours on rotation every week. These are placed in new cabinets with sunken gelato tubs. Apparently, this is the second Gelato Messina store to carry the innovative design.
As with its other branches, this Fortitude Valley store also serves cakes, shakes, and sorbets.
Finn McCool’s at the Brunswick Mall in Fortitude Valley turned a fun shade of green on Sunday, the 17th of March, for its St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. The much-awaited Irish party was even bigger than last year, with dining, dancing, and drinking lasting up to the wee hours the following day.
The restaurant secured an extended licence for its St. Patrick’s Day party with the Brisbane City Council. Various pop-up establishments and food trucks set up shop to feed and serve the eager guests.
It was an event honouring everything Irish from the food, to the beer, to the band, to the activities and giveaways. Party-goers were mostly dressed in green, the day’s official color.
Guests above 18 years old toasted and cheered to a bottle or pint of Kilkenny, Magners, Guinness. Entertainment was provided by these line-up of performers:
St. Patrick’s Day, also known as St. Paddy’s Day, is celebrated anywhere in the world where there are Irish or Irish descendants. Aside from the party at Finn McCool’s, Brisbane also had a street parade featuring 80 floats to highlight Irish heritage.
Art Series Hotels is opening its eighth site at Howard Smith Wharves in Fortitude Valley. Slated to welcome guests beginning 2019 March, the hotel has begun taking reservations since November 2018.
The new attraction in the revitalised Howard Smith Wharves precinct joins favourite watering holes Mr Percival’s and Felon’s Brewing Co. It’s seven kilometres away from Art Series Hotel’s The Johnson in Spring Hill which, in keeping with the hotel’s name, celebrates the works of Australian abstract artist Michael Johnson.
For its part, the Art Series Hotel on Howard Smith Wharves will feature the works of Australian contemporary artist Vincent Fantauzzo. The site of six-storey 166-room hotel, aptly named The Fantauzzo, will be under the Story Bridge and has been designed to blend with the cliff’s neutral tones.
Photo Credit: Instagram/ArtSeriesHotels
Mr Fantauzzo, whose parents come from Italy and Ireland, was born in England in 1977. The family moved to Broadmeadows in the Melbourne in the 1980s but the Fantauzzos would move around Australia a lot while the artist was growing up.
Undiagnosed with a learning condition as a child, Mr Fantauzzo had difficulty in primary school and was grouped in a special class with other children with learning difficulties. He fared no better in high school and was expelled for “misbehaviour.” By this time, his parents had separated and the artist tried to help his mother by apprenticing as a kitchen helper in an Italian restaurant.
Mr Fantauzzo, however, excelled in sports and competed in Martial Arts tournaments. During competitions, Mr Fantauzzo would discover his growing love for painting and would illustrate sporting pictures he had seen.
Fearing he’d fail again, the artist resolved to improve his art and did so at an impressively progressive state. He enrolled at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) for college, sans a high school diploma, and paid for his school fees with by selling his paintings.
Unfortunately, the school found out he did not complete high school after discovering a plagiarised paper he paid someone to write. Mr Fantauzzo said he had to confess his learning problems and the school facilitated tests to help him get a proper diagnosis. He found out he was dyslexic.
Mr Fantauzzo said he has learned to embrace his dyslexia more positively, especially with the help of the school’s disability liaison. In 2003, the artist received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting degree from the RMIT and completed his Masters two years later.
Photo Credit: Instagram/vincent_fantauzzo
In 2012, RMIT made Mr Fantauzzo an Adjunct Professor. He has also travelled to Central Australia to create a portrait series featuring Aboriginal artists. Following an exhibit in Sydney in 2016, Mr Fantauzzo established himself as a well-recognized Australian painter whose works are now displayed in many homes and buildings.
Mr Fantauzzo has also done exhibits in Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles and Vietnam. He has worked with famous Austrian director Baz Luhrmann and received various awards as an artist, such as the Archibald Prize People’s Choice.
Apart from Fantauzzo’s original artworks, guests at The Fantauzzo at the Howard Smith Wharves will also get to enjoy the view of the Brisbane river from the rooftop pool terrace. The hotel also has a bar, a gym and several rooms for different functions.
Brisbane City Council’s Kerbside Collection Day is coming to Fortitude Valley on Monday, 21 January 2019. If one of your goals for this year is to be kinder to the environment, there are several ways for you to up your reduce, reuse, and recycle game.
As part of their promise to make Brisbane clean, green, and sustainable, BCC had lots of ways to encourage residents to recycle and reduce waste.
Recycling at Home
If you are a fan of the trending KonMari method of tidying up, you would probably end up with a pile of things to discard.
Rather than tossing out old clothes to the bin, you can donate them instead to the following organisations in Fortitude Valley:
Suited to Success
Photo credit: Suited to Success Ltd/Facebook
This organisation mainly accept work appropriate or casual clothing donations. Suited to Success helps people on their journey towards career and personal development. As part of their program, they provide interview and job appropriate styling sessions to those in need.
You can donate your clothing to them from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. from Monday – Friday and from 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. every last Saturday of each month. Visit their website or call 3216 1969 for further information.
Location: 47 Anderson Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006.
St Vincent de Paul Society is also accepting clothes donation. Their donation rule is “if you’d give it to a friend, then it’s ok to give to Vinnies”. Apart from men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, they are also accepting homewares, kids toys, books, CDs, and DVDs.
Vinnies Fortitude Valley is open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday and from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Check out their website or call Vinnies Fortitude Valley on 3252 9856 to learn more.
Location: 210 Brunswick Street (Corner Brunswick & Alfred Streets), Fortitude Valley
Hosting a Garage Sale
Alternatively, you can set up your own garage sale and turn your pre-loved items into cash. This ‘Get Garage Sale Ready’ guide can help you prepare for a successful garage sale on your own yard.
BCC made it even simpler for households to recycle through the ‘Brisbane’s Best Recycling Guide for Households’. This pocket guide shares the benefits of recycling and provides the following:
the easiest ways to collect recyclables from your house
what can and cannot go in Council’s recycling wheelie bin
answers to frequently asked questions
information on sorting recyclables
answers to recycling myth
guidance on how to recycle items not accepted in Council’s kerbside collection (includes reusable household goods, scrap metals and garden waste).
You can download the Brisbane’s Best Recycling Guide for Households on a pdf or word format.
These are just some of the ways on how you can recycle at home. Start your year right by get your recycling game on for 2019 and do your share in caring for the environment.
One of the latest additions to Fortitude Valley’s ever-growing food and drinks scene, Beirne Lane is a gastropub that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Photo credit: Beirne Lane/Facebook
If you’re looking for a place to eat or drink at any time of the day, Beirne Lane‘s door is literally always open. The gastropub lights up the heritage-listed TC Beirne Building which recently underwent a revitalisation.
Beirne Lane, Fortitude Valley offers a wide range of diverse food options reflecting Beirne’s Irish heritage, as well as his love and fascination with Japan.
One of their best-sellers is their Katsu Sandos. Customers can choose from their pork, chicken, barramundi or tofu katsu which all comes with beer battered chips and Japanese slaw.
Another must-try from their menu is their signature “Shilling Meal” inspired by one of T. C. Beirne’s longest standing employees, Mr. P. Nolan. This signature dish comes with four freshly shucked oysters, rib eye on the bone, onion rings, watercress, horseradish; with clotted cream cannoli.
Coming from Celissa, the team behind CBD’s Isles Lane, it is not surprising that Beirne Lane is lined up to be the newest drinking hotspot in Brisbane. Their bar menu features a constantly rotating selection of craft local beer and interstate breweries. It also includes an extensive wine list and a carefully curated cocktail list.
Photo credit: Beirne Lane/Facebook
Beirne Lane, Fortitude Valley is certainly ready to shake up the entertainment precinct with a gastropub that never closes. For further information, you may visit their official website.
