Fortitude Valley Archives - Page 3 of 26

Fortitude Valley Pool to Host Global Swimming Showcase

Photo Credit: Australian Dolphins Swim Team/Facebook

An international swimming showcase will unfold at The Valley Pool in Fortitude Valley, where Australia’s leading swimmers will compete against some of the world’s top champions in a new fast-paced event format.

New Global Swimming Event Comes to Fortitude Valley

Swimming Australia has confirmed the launch of Australia vs The World, an international competition that will take place at The Valley Pool in Fortitude Valley on 12 December 2025. The event forms part of a broader strategy to host more high-profile domestic meets in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The showcase will feature Australia’s Dolphins, including world and Olympic champions Kaylee McKeown, Cam McEvoy and Mollie O’Callaghan, racing against global stars such as Great Britain’s Duncan Scott, Italy’s Thomas Ceccon and the Netherlands’ Marrit Steenbergen.

*Photo Credit: Australian Dolphins Swim Team/Facebook*

Building Momentum Toward Brisbane 2032

The Fortitude Valley meet represents the first in a new series designed to strengthen the profile of Australian swimming and create more opportunities for athletes to compete on home soil. It also aims to connect elite swimmers with local communities, bringing the excitement of international racing closer to fans.

Short-Distance Racing Brings a New Edge to the Pool

A key feature of the event will be the introduction of 25-metre races — a world-first initiative following the success of a trial at the Australian Short Course Championships in Melbourne. During that test event, McEvoy recorded an unofficial 9.36-second time over the distance, highlighting the potential for shorter, more dynamic race formats.

Swimming Australia has positioned this new approach as a way to modernise the sport, making it more entertaining and accessible for audiences both at the venue and through live broadcast.

Fans to Experience Swimming Up Close at The Valley Pool

The Australia vs The World meet will deliver a fan-focused experience built around close racing and crowd interaction. With limited seating available, general admission tickets sold out shortly after release, though some resale options remain accessible through Ticketek Marketplace.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., with gates and box office opening from 5:30 p.m. The competition will be broadcast live and free on Nine and 9Now, allowing nationwide viewing.

Fortitude Valley Pool — *Photo Credit: Australian Dolphins Swim Team/Facebook*

Top Australian and International Athletes on the Blocks

The athlete roster features a mix of established and emerging swimmers. The Australian line-up includes McKeown, O’Callaghan, McEvoy, Sam Short, Matt Temple and Elijah Winnington. International representatives include Ceccon, Scott, Isabel Gose, Lukas Martens and Steenbergen.

The meet will serve as both a showcase of current stars and a preview of potential future Olympians, reflecting Swimming Australia’s effort to develop a stronger domestic presence for world-class competition.

Fortitude Valley Takes Centre Stage in Swimming Innovation

Australia vs The World marks a significant step for Swimming Australia’s event strategy, positioning Fortitude Valley as a hub for innovation in the sport. Combining elite competition with a new entertainment-driven format, the meet signals the start of a new era for Australian swimming ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Published 6-Nov-2025

The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley Receives Michelin Key Recognition

Photo Credit: The Calile Hotel

The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley has been recognised with a One Key distinction at the inaugural MICHELIN Global Key Award Ceremony in Paris, placing it among five Queensland hotels honoured in the 2025 guide.

Queensland Hotels Shine on the Global Stage

Five Queensland properties were recognised in the first MICHELIN Global Key Awards held in Paris in October 2025. The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley joined Lizard Island Resort, Spicers Peak Lodge, Silky Oaks Lodge, and Hamilton Island’s Qualia among the state’s awarded destinations.

The Calile Hotel received One Key, the hotel equivalent of a MICHELIN Star, marking it as a standout accommodation in Brisbane. Lizard Island Resort achieved Three Keys, the only Australian property to receive the top rating. Spicers Peak Lodge and Silky Oaks Lodge were awarded Two Keys, while Qualia and The Calile each earned One Key recognition.

Queensland hotels — *Photo Credit: The Calile Hotel*

Michelin’s Expansion and Evaluation

The MICHELIN Guide, globally known for its restaurant rankings, expanded its scope in 2024 to evaluate hotels. The 2025 edition included Australia for the first time, with 35 hotels nationwide recognised.

MICHELIN Keys are awarded using five universal criteria: design and architecture, service consistency, distinctive character, value for money, and contribution to the local area. A One Key rating identifies a hotel that delivers a memorable and high-quality stay.

MICHELIN Key Awards — *Photo Credit: The Calile Hotel*

Recognition for Design and Service

Located on James Street, The Calile Hotel was recognised for combining modern design with subtropical influences that reflect Brisbane’s climate and lifestyle. Its inclusion marks another major milestone for the venue following its placement at number 25 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels list, the highest rank achieved by an Australian property.

Australia’s Place in the Global List

Nationally, New South Wales led the Australian tally with 14 hotels awarded Keys, followed by Victoria with six, Queensland with five, and Tasmania with three. The 2025 awards evaluated over 7,000 hotels globally, recognising 2,457 with Keys.

Australia’s presence in the guide underscores the nation’s growing profile in the global luxury accommodation market, aligning local hospitality with international standards.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Valley Preschoolers Team Up with Police for Community Gardening Project

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane Central

Fortitude Valley Police Station welcomed some of its youngest visitors last week when preschoolers from Brookes Street Early Education rolled up their sleeves for a community gardening initiative.

The event, held on 9 October in the station’s entry way garden, saw police officers working alongside preschool-aged children to plant seeds that will grow into colourful flowers in the coming weeks.

Sergeant Sue Walsh described the station as “buzzing with excitement” during the collaboration, which aims to build positive connections between police and young community members from an early age.

The children from the local early education centre made the short journey to the Brunswick Street station, where they participated in hands-on gardening activities with officers. The initiative transforms a practical gardening project into an opportunity for relationship-building between Queensland Police Service members and Fortitude Valley’s youngest residents.

As the seeds take root and begin to grow, the children will have the opportunity to observe their gardening efforts flourish into a display of flowers in various shapes and colours at the police station’s entrance.

The community-focused event represents ongoing efforts by Fortitude Valley Police Station to strengthen ties with local families and organisations in the inner-city Brisbane suburb.

Community members with information for police can contact Policelink through the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, available 24 hours a day.

Anonymous crime information can be reported via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 10-October-2025

Story Bridge City-Side Footpath Reopens Early in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner

Pedestrian and cyclist access has resumed on the Story Bridge in Fortitude Valley following the early completion of new decking on the city-side footpath.

Early Milestone for Story Bridge Upgrade

The Story Bridge has reached an important stage in its ongoing restoration, with the western (city-side) footpath reopening earlier than planned. About 300 metres of new composite decking has replaced the old surface, which was closed earlier this year after structural assessments identified safety risks.

The new panels are fixed to a locally sourced steel frame, using the same lightweight material installed at the Cultural Centre boardwalk in 2021. The project, valued at nearly $7 million, is part of a wider $80 million investment in the 85-year-old bridge since 2019.

Modern Decking Strengthens Historic Connection

The Story Bridge remains one of Brisbane’s most recognisable transport links, carrying thousands of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists each day between Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point. Built to last a century, it now forms part of a broader program to extend its life and ensure public safety.

The recently completed footpath section restores pedestrian and cycling access across the Brisbane River, re-establishing an important route for commuters and recreational users alike.

Long-Term Plan to Preserve the 85-Year Landmark

The upgrade contributes to a long-term restoration roadmap aimed at maintaining the bridge through to its 100th anniversary in 2040. A business case supported by $2.25 million in national funding is expected to be completed by 2027 to guide the staged program of future works.

This follows earlier planning initiatives, including a separate $5 million assessment project, focused on structural improvements and maintenance scheduling over the next 15 to 20 years.

Story Bridge footpath — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Community Welcomes Return of River Access

The reopening announcement on 3 October 2025 drew strong public response. Many residents expressed enthusiasm about returning to the bridge for walking, running, and cycling, while some raised concerns about long-term upkeep and the durability of the new surface.

Despite differing views, the completion of the city-side path has been widely acknowledged as a step forward for accessibility and safety.

Eastern Path Works Progress Toward Year-End Target

Attention has now turned to the eastern footpath, where installation of the same composite decking system is underway. Crews are progressing ahead of schedule, with the section expected to reopen before the end of 2025.

Once both sides are complete, the focus will shift to further restoration planning under the 2040 roadmap, ensuring the Story Bridge continues to serve Brisbane safely for generations to come.

Published 3-Oct-2025

Archbishop Shane Mackinlay Installed in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/Facebook

Archbishop Shane Mackinlay was installed as the new Archbishop of Brisbane at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Fortitude Valley, with more than 1000 people and 200 clergy in attendance.

Installation Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral

The Solemn Mass and Liturgical reception on 11 September 2025 marked the official beginning of Archbishop Mackinlay’s ministry in Brisbane. The Cathedral Choir, Cathedral Schola and St Stephen’s Brass were part of the celebration, contributing to the music throughout the liturgy.

Over 1000 attendees, including around 200 clergy, gathered at the Cathedral for the occasion. The Mass was also livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

*Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/Facebook*

First homily as Archbishop

In his first homily, Archbishop Mackinlay expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he had received from the people of Brisbane. He also acknowledged the diocese he was leaving, thanking the people of Sandhurst for their support over the past six years.

He noted that several Sandhurst clergy were present at the Mass, with others watching the livestream from Victoria.

*Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/Facebook*

Career and Background

Shane Mackinlay was appointed Archbishop of Brisbane by Pope Leo XIV on 18 June 2025, following six years as Bishop of Sandhurst. Born in Brunswick, Melbourne, in 1965, he was ordained a priest in 1991 and later served as Master of Catholic Theological College in Melbourne from 2010 to 2019.

He was consecrated a bishop in 2019 and installed as Bishop of Sandhurst that same year. His academic background includes theology, physics, and a doctorate in philosophy.

Community Reception

Following the ceremony, refreshments were served in the grounds of St Stephen’s Cathedral, where Archbishop Mackinlay greeted parishioners, clergy and visitors, many of whom were eager to meet him personally and take photographs.

The event marks a significant transition for the Brisbane Archdiocese, with Archbishop Mackinlay becoming its eighth leader since the role was elevated to Archbishop in 1887.

Published 18-Sep-2025

Fortitude Music Hall Welcomes Kate Ceberano’s Australian Made Tour

Photo Credit: Kate Ceberano Official Site

Australia’s own Kate Ceberano will take centre stage in Fortitude Valley as she brings her acclaimed Australian Made Tour to the Fortitude Music Hall. The performance marks one of only a handful of metro shows added after all 21 regional stops sold out earlier this year, underscoring her enduring connection with audiences across the country.

A milestone moment in Brisbane

The Brisbane show takes place on Saturday, 20 September, just one night after Ceberano’s Melbourne date at Hamer Hall. Adelaide will also host a stop in October. The decision to include major city venues came after demand from fans exceeded expectations. For Brisbane, it is more than a concert—it is a community celebration at one of the Valley’s most significant live music venues.

Ceberano said the Australian Made Tour allows her to reflect on four decades of music while spotlighting songs that helped shape her own artistry. The performance offers not only her best-known hits but also fresh interpretations of classic tracks from Australian bands and songwriters. For many long-time followers, the concert presents a chance to revisit the soundtrack of their lives, reimagined through Ceberano’s distinctive voice.

A voice that shaped Australian music

With 11 platinum albums, eight gold albums, and more than 6,000 live performances, Ceberano has become one of Australia’s most recognisable and influential performers. Her early career took off with the 1986–87 Australian Made Tour, where she performed alongside acts including INXS, Jimmy Barnes and Divinyls. That tour became a defining moment for the local industry, showcasing the power of homegrown talent on a national stage.

Returning nearly 40 years later to a project inspired by that original tour, Ceberano brings a contemporary perspective. Her set blends her own chart successes with reimagined versions of Australian classics by Silverchair, The Church and Bernard Fanning. The combination reinforces her place not only as a performer of her own catalogue but also as an interpreter of the country’s wider musical heritage.

Kate Ceberano Australian Made Live! — *Photo Credit: Kate Ceberano Official Site*

Her career is marked by versatility. From her pop breakthrough Brave to jazz collaborations and orchestral projects such as My Life Is A Symphony, Ceberano has moved between genres without losing her distinctive style. Along the way, she has earned four ARIA Awards, a spot in the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and wide recognition as both a singer and songwriter.

Sharing the stage

On the current tour, Ceberano is joined by guitarist and vocalist Harts, a musician mentored by Prince, whose influence can be heard in his style. He contributes not just as a collaborator but as part of the creative force on stage. Also featured is Kathleen Halloran, an emerging guitarist whose skill has been gaining national attention. Halloran not only performs alongside Ceberano but also steps forward as the support act, providing audiences with a strong sense of continuity across the evening.

The inclusion of both musicians reflects Ceberano’s reputation for encouraging and highlighting new talent while maintaining her own established voice. Their presence brings added depth to the performance, ensuring that the Brisbane audience experiences a mix of generational perspectives in Australian music.

Continuing a legacy

The Fortitude Valley performance comes as Ceberano releases her Australian Made – Live album, building on the momentum of recent national tours. In 2023, she toured with a full orchestra for My Life Is A Symphony, while in 2024 she performed with Jon Stevens on Superstars Live. These projects, combined with her current run, highlight her ability to reimagine her career while continuing to draw in new listeners.

Her return to Fortitude Valley is also significant for the local community. The area is known for its strong live music culture, and hosting an artist with such longevity reinforces its role as a central hub for performance in Queensland. For fans attending on Saturday, it will be a night that links local venues to a broader national story of music-making.

Tickets for the Brisbane show remain available through Kate Ceberano’s official website and the Fortitude Music Hall. For many in Fortitude Valley, the concert is not just another tour stop but a chance to witness one of the country’s most enduring voices return to the stage in a familiar setting.

Published 17-Sept-2025

St James College Shines as National Runners-Up in Netball Debut

Photo Credit: schoolsinactionau/instagram

St James College has made its mark on the national stage, finishing as runners-up in its first appearance at the National All Schools Netball Challenge in Adelaide.

Strong Debut in Adelaide

The competition, held in early September 2025, brought together school teams from across Australia. St James College entered the Year 9 and 10 High Performance division and quickly impressed.

*Photo Credit: schoolsinactionau/instagram*

The team won all six of its round robin matches, topping the ladder before moving into finals.

Road to the Final

After dominating the preliminary rounds, St James College faced St Aloysius College from Tasmania in the semifinals.

A hard-fought victory secured their place in the grand final against Catherine McAuley College from Bendigo. Despite a strong effort, the Brisbane side fell short, placing second in the division.

Teamwork and Support

Staff described the group’s success as the result of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Sports Development Officer Eliza Hoelscher praised the team’s effort and said the players set a high standard for the college’s first appearance at the event.

Coaches and support staff, including Tia Parker and Evonne Tolo, were acknowledged for guiding the squad through interstate competition.

Local Impact

The achievement has brought pride to the Fortitude Valley and Spring Hill community, where the college is based. Some students were travelling interstate for the first time, and their experience competing at a national level reflected the college’s commitment to providing opportunities beyond the classroom.

The school community has celebrated the result and is looking ahead to a stronger return in future tournaments.

Published 10-September-2025

Finders Keepers: How ‘So What Stereo’ Became a Hidden Gem in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: So What Stereo/ Instagram

A tribute to a late friend has become a vibrant community space in Fortitude Valley, where owners Kawid Brikshavana and Ratinan Rattanathai have created So What Stereo, a cafe that pairs personal memories with classic vinyl and authentic Thai food.

A Fortunate Discovery

*Photo Credit:* *So What Stereo/ Instagram*

For vinyl collectors, the greatest joy often comes from unearthing a rare record by chance. Many local food lovers are now sharing that same feeling of discovery with So What Stereo. Tucked away on Little Street, the cafe is easy to miss unless you already know it is there. Its location next to The Valley Grocer and other Thai businesses is helping create a small but vibrant community hub that some are calling a mini Thai Town.

*Photo Credit:* *So What Stereo/ Instagram*

The creation of the cafe itself was a stroke of luck. The owners, who are also the minds behind Hawthorne’s MaMeek eatery, had been collecting furniture and vintage audio gear for years, hoping to one day find the right home for their dream cafe. It wasn’t until they were shown a hidden, fully enclosed site that their vision finally clicked into place. After removing some internal walls and adding windows, they transformed the windowless box into the colourful space it is today.

A Menu of Sound and Flavour

The cafe’s name is a nod to the first track on Miles Davis’s famous 1959 album, Kind of Blue. That record changed jazz by favouring improvisation over rigid rules, and a similar free-form energy can be felt inside the cafe. The space is a vibrant mix of mismatched chairs, multicoloured walls, and pop culture items, with Rattanathai having sourced much of the decor from Facebook Marketplace.

This eclectic approach extends to the menu and the music. Brikshavana, who grew up in northern Thailand, is especially proud of his khao soi, a rich coconut curry noodle soup. He explained that he wants to serve the dish just like he remembers it from his childhood.

The menu also features other regional specialties like Thai boat noodles and Chiang Mai sausage. While customers eat, music from the owners’ personal record collection plays on the JBL speaker system. The selection is diverse, spanning from jazz legends like John Coltrane to rock bands like Korn, reflecting a belief that the sound feels just as the artists originally intended.

A Tribute to a Friend

Beyond the food and music, So What Stereo is a deeply personal project. The design was sparked by the work of Brisbane artist Gina Ward and heavily influenced by the mid-century modern style of Brikshavana’s parents. He shared that every piece of decor reconnects him to his family.

The cafe also stands as a tribute to Brikshavana’s late friend, the jazz musician Matt Clare. A saxophone belonging to Clare now sits proudly in the cafe. Brikshavana was inspired by his friend’s fearless approach to music and life, an attitude that now shapes the welcoming and unconventional atmosphere of his own community space.

So What Stereo is located at 4/15 Little Street, Fortitude Valley.

Published Date 30-August-2025

Grey Goose Tiny Tinis Served at SK Steak & Oyster, Fortitude Valley

SK Steak & Oyster in Fortitude Valley will host Grey Goose Tiny Tini flights as part of a national collaboration with Sydney and Melbourne venues.

Mini Martinis in Fortitude Valley

From 3 September to 5 October 2025, SK Steak & Oyster at The Calile Hotel on James Street, Fortitude Valley, will feature Grey Goose Tiny Tini flights priced at $45. The Brisbane restaurant joins Maybe Sammy in Sydney and Apollo Inn in Melbourne for the month-long martini celebration.

Mini martini flights — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Collaboration Across Three Cities

The collaboration showcases each venue’s unique martini recipe, with guests able to sample creations from all three establishments without leaving Brisbane. Each venue also offers its individual cocktail in a full-size serve.

SK Martini: Grey Goose Vodka, vermouth blend, Kiwami beef fat, caviar, olive brine
Maybe Sammy Martini: Grey Goose Vodka, Noilly Prat, lemon myrtle, bitters
Apollo Inn Martini: Grey Goose Vodka, vermouth blend, Mildura mandarin

At Apollo Inn, an alternative flight is served one at a time and features slight variations, including smoked olive oil in the SK version.

Full-Size Serves

Each cocktail is also available in its complete form. The SK Martini is priced at $95 and served with a Gazander oyster and caviar. The Maybe Sammy Martini costs $26, and the Apollo Inn Martini is available for $30.

Grey Goose Tiny — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Recognised Venues

All three participating bars are listed among the World’s 50 Best. SK Steak & Oyster is housed within The Calile Hotel, ranked 25th Best Hotel globally. Maybe Sammy is ranked the 26th Best Bar, and Apollo Inn is recognised on the Discovery Bars list.

Looking Forward

The Grey Goose Tiny Tini flights run for one month only, offering Fortitude Valley visitors a chance to experience signature martinis from some of Australia’s most acclaimed venues.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Rail Safety Warning After Sharp Rise in Fortitude Valley Station Injuries

Queensland Rail has issued urgent safety warnings to passengers after a concerning increase in injuries across the South East Queensland network, with Fortitude Valley station recording 12 reported injuries in the past financial year.

The suburb’s railway station ranked third highest for passenger injuries statewide, behind only Brisbane Central with 50 incidents and Roma Street with 38, according to new data released during Rail Safety Week.

The figures represent a significant jump from the previous year, with total customer injuries across the network rising from 299 to 350 incidents during the 2024-25 financial year.

Queensland Rail’s general manager of security and emergency preparedness Drew Brock attributed the spike directly to increased passenger numbers following the introduction of 50-cent fares in August 2024. The fare initiative, which began as a six-month trial before being made permanent in November 2024, led to a 17.9 per cent increase in train patronage compared to the same period in 2023.

“We had 55 million passenger journeys, so since the 50-cent fares came in we have seen new customers coming to the network,” Brock explained during the safety campaign launch.

The majority of incidents involved slips, trips and falls, with outcomes ranging from minor bruising to serious hospitalisations requiring treatment for broken bones. Video footage released by Queensland Rail showed passengers falling between platforms and moving trains, getting caught in closing doors, and tumbling down station stairs.

For Fortitude Valley commuters, the data serves as a stark reminder of the importance of platform safety, particularly given the station’s underground location beneath the Valley Metro complex and its role as a key transport hub for the area’s busy entertainment and business districts.

Brock emphasised that many injuries could be prevented through basic safety awareness. “It really is just a case of using common sense. Don’t rush for the train, there will always be another train. Don’t put yourself at risk by going over the yellow safety line, always stay vigilant,” he said.

Common causes of injuries include passengers taking luggage, bikes, or scooters on escalators instead of using lifts, and people slipping in the gap between trains and platforms at older stations that lack rubber safety barriers.

Queensland Rail has issued key safety recommendations for passengers:

Stay behind the yellow line until trains come to a complete stop
Hold children’s hands when travelling and mind the gap
Use lifts or ramps when carrying large items
Pay attention to surroundings rather than looking at phones
Plan journeys and arrive early to avoid rushing
Use lifts instead of escalators when travelling with bikes, scooters, or heavy luggage

The safety warnings come as public transport use continues to surge across the region. Data shows more than 93.3 million trips have been taken in South East Queensland since the fare reduction began – an increase of 18.3 per cent from the benchmark period in 2023.

While the increased patronage has been welcomed as a sign of the initiative’s success, railway operators stress that safety must remain the priority as more people use the network.

“We see a range of outcomes in these instances all the way from a bruised ego to serious injuries like hospitalisations with broken bones,” Brock warned.

The Rail Safety Week campaign aims to educate both new and existing passengers about platform safety as the network continues to attract record numbers of users taking advantage of the affordable fares.

Published 11-August-2025