Fortitude Valley Archives - Page 4 of 26

Interactive Adventure Experience Launches in Fortitude Valley

An interactive team-based experience featuring 35 challenge rooms is opening in Fortitude Valley, marking the Brisbane debut of Prison Island.

Background and Concept

Prison Island, an indoor team challenge concept that originated in Scandinavia, is expanding into Brisbane with a new venue in Fortitude Valley. The experience, already operating in cities across Europe and Melbourne, is designed around completing various challenges in themed rooms known as “cells”. Each cell requires a combination of logic, skill, or physical coordination. The concept has been developed by Make It Now and is co-produced with Fever.

interactive team challenges — *Photo Credit: Prison Island Brisbane*

Experience Format and Game Design

The Fortitude Valley venue will open on 4 September 2025 at 162 Alfred Street. Players form teams of two to five and are given 90 minutes to complete as many of the 35 challenge cells as possible. The rooms range from physical tasks like basketball and laser mazes to puzzles testing memory, reflexes, and communication. The format is designed to appeal to all ages from 7 years and up.

Each challenge cell features a different objective and scoring system, with tasks such as dodging beams, colour puzzles, and interactive props. Game outcomes are tracked digitally, and teams earn points based on their performance in each room.

Venue Applications and Group Options

The Fortitude Valley venue caters to a wide audience including families, friends, schools, and corporate groups. Group bookings are available for teams of over 20 players, and sessions can be tailored for special occasions such as birthdays, bucks and hens parties, or workplace team-building events. Smaller group bookings can be made via the event waitlist.

Among the themed cells are games such as “Whack-a-Mole”, “Studio 21”, and “Joker”, each with its own stress rating and scoring system. Participants are encouraged to work together and play to individual strengths across different types of challenges.

Community Response and Ticket Availability

With thousands of global participants having tried Prison Island, organisers have reported strong early interest in the Brisbane venue. A public waitlist is already open, and general ticket sales begin at 6:00 p.m. on 5 August 2025. Sessions will run from the September launch onwards, with bookings available through the official website.

Looking Ahead

Prison Island Brisbane introduces a new indoor leisure option in Fortitude Valley, combining elements of sports, puzzles, and strategy into one structured experience. With 35 diverse challenge rooms and a format suited to groups of all kinds, the venue is positioned as a year-round activity for locals and visitors.

Published 4-Aug-2025

Aunty Set to Reimagine Wandoo Street’s Restaurant Scene

Fortitude Valley is set for a fresh addition to its bustling food scene as one of the city’s fastest-growing hospitality groups transforms the former City Winery site on Wandoo Street into a modern Asian restaurant called Aunty.

The project, spearheaded by local restaurateur Michael Tassis and the Tassis Group, brings together new energy and familiar faces to one of the Valley’s most recognisable addresses, with an emphasis on community, quality, and creative Asian-inspired flavours.

A New Chapter for Wandoo Street

The space at 11 Wandoo Street, which most locals know from its days as City Winery and, before that, Campos café, is undergoing a complete makeover. Work is underway to convert the 450-square-metre warehouse into a sophisticated yet welcoming venue, reflecting both the Tassis Group’s trademark style and a respect for Cantonese traditions. The restaurant will feature an indoor and outdoor bar, a wine cellar, and several different dining areas including an open kitchen, private dining room and booth seating.

Chef Salvatore de Ponte, who previously worked at Fatcow, will lead the kitchen. His approach will combine traditional Cantonese techniques with fresh Australian produce and some Italian influences, bringing something new to the area while honouring the rich cultural history of Asian cuisine in Brisbane.

Diners can expect favourites such as Peking duck, handmade dim sum, and a selection of wood-fired dishes, with weekend yum cha planned for those long, relaxed catch-ups that Brisbane locals love.

Aunty on 11 Wandoo St Fortitude Valley — *Photo Credit: DA-A006822067*

Community at the Heart of the Concept

Michael Tassis, known for finding unique locations and turning them into community favourites, has stated that the idea for Aunty came naturally after he saw the space. He recognised a gap in the market for a modern yet approachable Asian restaurant in the James Street and Wandoo precinct.

The vision for Aunty is to offer a dining experience that sits comfortably between casual eateries and high-end options already found in the area, while bringing a fresh sense of hospitality and warmth.

The design is being handled by local firm Clui Designs, who have been tasked with creating a “moody, minimalistic, elevated” environment. Inspiration is drawn from the welcoming feeling of a Cantonese teahouse, but with an edge that reflects the changing face of Fortitude Valley.

Aunty is expected to launch in the latter part of 2025, aiming to build on the evolving reputation of Fortitude Valley as one of Brisbane’s leading food destinations.

Published 31-July-2025

Max Alduca Quintet to Launch Monastery Tour at Jazz Music Institute in Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley’s Jazz Music Institute will host the first stop of a national tour led by Sydney-based bassist and composer Max Alduca, marking the live debut of his album Monastery.

Brisbane Kicks Off Nine-Date Album Tour

The Max Alduca Quintet opens its east coast tour at the Jazz Music Institute on 8 August 2025. The nine-date run will take the group through Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, and Victoria, presenting Alduca’s first album as bandleader in full.

Monastery tour — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Debut Album Blends Precision with Spontaneity

Released on 21 March 2025 through Earshift Music, Monastery draws on contemporary jazz, cinematic textures, and free improvisation. Developed after an intensive period of study in New York, the album explores themes of solitude, sanctuary, and musical connection.

Across seven original tracks, the music shifts between structured motifs and open-ended forms. Pieces like “Unknown Flow,” “Scando,” and “Sympathetic Resonance” reflect Alduca’s focus on space, texture, and dynamic interplay.

Five Acclaimed Artists on Stage

The Max Alduca Quintet features Alduca on double bass alongside guitarist Hilary Geddes, tenor saxophonist Michael Avgenicos, pianist Luke Sweeting, and drummer James Waples. The five musicians have collaborated across multiple Australian projects and officially formed as a quintet in 2022.

Tour Continues Through Regional and Capital Venues

Following the Fortitude Valley performance, the group will appear in Bellingen, Armidale, Nowra, Canberra, Murrah, Melbourne, Thirroul, and Sydney. Each show will spotlight live renditions of Monastery’s full tracklist.

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Production Overseen by Lloyd Swanton

The album was produced by Lloyd Swanton, known for his work with experimental trio The Necks. He supported the group throughout recording and post-production, helping shape the sound’s tonal clarity and overall cohesion.

Max Alduca’s Ongoing Role in Australian Jazz

In addition to leading this project, Alduca is a regular collaborator with the Eishan Ensemble, the Hilary Geddes Quartet, and several other national touring acts. His work continues to bridge composition and improvisation in a distinctly personal style.

Published 31-July-2025

Keri Craig-Lee OAM Honoured at 2025 Business Hall of Fame

Photo Credit: QUT/YouTube

Fashion entrepreneur Keri Craig-Lee OAM has been recognised for her pioneering contributions to Australian fashion and business during the 2025 Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame induction, with her journey beginning in Fortitude Valley.

Recognition at the 2025 Hall of Fame Ceremony

The 2025 Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame ceremony acknowledged individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to the state’s economic and social development. Among the six inductees was Keri Craig-Lee OAM, celebrated for nearly five decades of leadership in both the fashion and agribusiness sectors.

The Hall of Fame was founded in 2009 through a partnership between the State Library of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, and the Queensland Library Foundation. It honours those who have provided outstanding public value through ethical and impactful business leadership.

From Fortitude Valley to Fashion Fame

Born into a Brisbane fashion family, Craig-Lee’s early years were spent immersed in the operations of her parents’ clothing label, Fifth Avenue Frocks. Based in Fortitude Valley, the family factory doubled as her after-school study space and early training ground. From a young age, she provided input on design decisions and learned the fundamentals of retail from her parents, Peter and Dianne Craig.

After graduating from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, she took part in a Rotary exchange program in the United States. During that year, she completed a technical fashion course, an experience she later described as transformative.

In 1977, at just 19, Craig-Lee launched her own eveningwear label. Her debut collection—36 garments—achieved national distribution immediately, a rare feat made possible in part by her family’s established retail network. A year later, she opened her first boutique in Brisbane Arcade.

By the early 1980s, she had received several awards including three Supreme Awards from the Retailers Association of Queensland. In 1987, she became the inaugural and only female inductee into the association’s Hall of Fame. She remains the only recipient of its Award of Excellence.

International Exposure and National Legacy

A defining moment in Craig-Lee’s career came in 1984, when she was commissioned to design and coordinate the wedding garments for Elton John and Renate Blauel. The brief—completed in just four days—included the bridal gown, bridesmaids’ dresses, trousseau, floral arrangements, Elton’s accessories, and venue styling. The high-profile event propelled her label to international attention, with global media coverage showcasing her work.

She continued to build her fashion empire throughout the 1980s and 1990s, exporting to markets across Asia, the Pacific, New Zealand, and the United States. In 1983, she opened the Keri Craig Emporium in Brisbane Arcade, a retail and hospitality hybrid offering fashion, homewares, and high tea. The Emporium, still operating today, remains managed by her family.

Keri Craig-Lee OAM — *Photo Credit: QUT/YouTube*

Partnership in Business and Life

In 1986, Craig-Lee married Trevor Lee. In 1995, the couple co-founded Australian Country Choice (ACC), which grew into the nation’s largest privately owned vertically integrated beef supply chain. Keri played a key role in shaping ACC’s branding and governance, complementing Trevor’s operational leadership.

The 2025 Hall of Fame induction marks the first time a married couple has been recognised separately for their leadership across distinct industries—fashion and agriculture.

Craig-Lee has also contributed significantly beyond business, holding ambassadorial roles for Brisbane, Expo 88, and the Mater Hospitals Trust. In 2017, she received the Medal of the Order of Australia, and in 2024 she was named a Queensland Great. In 2018, she joined the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard Kennedy School.

Her career has been documented in her 2017 coffee table book, Keri Craig: The Label, The Lady, The Lifestyle, which offers a retrospective look at her impact on Australian fashion and business.

Australian fashion industry — *Photo Credit: QUT/YouTube*

Enduring Industry Impact

With more than 50 fashion awards, hundreds of staff employed, and decades of retail innovation, Craig-Lee is widely regarded as one of the key figures in Queensland’s fashion history. While often described as “Queensland’s Empress of Style”, her approach remains grounded in work ethic, timing, and family support.

Her influence on Brisbane’s inner-city retail sector, particularly through her long-standing presence in the Brisbane Arcade, continues to shape the local industry. Fortitude Valley, where her journey began, remains a symbolic point of origin for her legacy.

Published 30-July-2025

French Traveller Recovers from Valley Attack, Praises Community Support

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A young French traveller who was seriously injured whilst attempting to break up a violent altercation in Fortitude Valley last week has been released from hospital and expressed his gratitude for the community support he received.

Lilian Makusa, a 21-year-old backpacker from Lille in northern France, sustained multiple stab wounds during the incident which occurred outside the heritage-listed Prince Consort Hotel on Wickham Street in the early hours of Thursday, 24 July.

The incident unfolded around 3:30am when Makusa attempted to intervene in a fight between other individuals. During the altercation, he was allegedly stabbed twice in the chest and once in the shoulder, requiring immediate hospitalisation at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Following his discharge on Monday, the young tourist shared his experience, describing the immediate aftermath of the attack. He recalled feeling confused initially, not immediately realising the severity of his injuries until he noticed the bleeding. Despite the trauma, he maintained his composure and credited both his friends and bystanders who assisted him at the scene.

Makusa, who had been in Brisbane for four months as part of an eight-month Australian working holiday, described the incident as completely unexpected, particularly given his positive impressions of the city. He had originally planned to depart for Bali this past Saturday but has now extended his stay by one week to attend follow-up medical appointments.

The attack has necessitated changes to his travel plans, with the tourist now scheduled to visit Bali before returning to France. Despite the ordeal, he expressed continued appreciation for Brisbane and its residents, noting that the incident has not diminished his overall positive experience in the city.

His family in France were understandably concerned when news of the attack reached them, though they have been reassured by his recovery progress.

Multiple news sources confirmed that emergency services responded to the scene and transported the victim to hospital with life-threatening injuries, which have since stabilised.

Two local teenagers, Jackson Martin and Jack David Pereira, both aged 18, have been charged in connection with the incident. They appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday facing various charges.

Pereira faces charges including acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed or in company, going armed so as to cause fear, and possession of a knife in a public place. He was remanded in custody with his matter adjourned until 25 August.

Martin has been charged with acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable. He was granted bail and his case was adjourned to 18 August.

The incident occurred outside the multi-level heritage hotel which features eight different bars and has been a prominent Valley venue since 1888.

This attack highlights ongoing concerns about late-night safety in the entertainment precinct, though community members and visitors continue to show support for one another during difficult circumstances.

Published 29-July-2025

“Taylor Made” Concert Brings Taylor Swift’s Eras to Life at The Tivoli in Fortitude Valley

The celebrated Brisbane producers behind hit stage shows Rumour Has It and Christmas Actually are bringing a new concert experience, “Taylor Made,” which celebrates the music of global superstar Taylor Swift, to The Tivoli in Fortitude Valley.

A Locally Produced Celebration

This new production is scheduled to run for one night only this July. The show, titled Taylor Made, is described as a high-energy tribute that honours the extensive musical career of Taylor Swift.

For two hours, audiences will be taken through the various eras of the pop icon’s music, from her debut album to her more recent work. The event is designed as a large-scale community singalong, offering local fans a chance to celebrate the music together.

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The Concert Experience

The performance is powered by an electrifying live band and is centred on audience participation. To create an immersive singalong atmosphere, song lyrics will be projected for the crowd to follow.

The show promises to cover Swift’s sparkling 20-year career, featuring a setlist of fan favourites. Organisers have confirmed the show will include well-known hits such as Love Story, Cruel Summer, Shake It Off, I Knew You Were Trouble, and Anti-Hero, among others. The experience is designed to be a joyful and high-spirited event where attendees are encouraged to sing every word.

Star-Studded Local Cast

A lineup of seasoned Australian performers will headline the concert. The cast includes Chelsea Dawson, known for her work in Six The Musical; Irena Lysiuk from Round the Twist and Your Song; Lorinda May Merrypor, who starred in &Juliet and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; and Alisha Todd of Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves. The production aims to create a shared experience where fans can relive the magic of their favourite songs in a room full of people who feel like friends. While optional, organisers have noted that glitter is encouraged and vocals are essential.

Published Date 15-July-2025

Free Pad Dispenser Arrives at Brisbane’s Tivoli to Help Locals in Need

Photo Credit: onthehousegroup/instagram

A new vending machine inside The Tivoli is giving out free sanitary pads, making the popular Fortitude Valley venue the first entertainment space in Brisbane to join a growing movement to fight period poverty.

A New Kind of Support at a Historic Venue

Brisbane’s iconic Tivoli has joined the fight against period poverty with a new digital dispenser offering free, organic sanitary pads. The initiative, led by local social enterprise On the House Group, makes access simple, just scan a QR code and take up to four packs, no payment or sign-up required.

Already seen at universities and stadiums across the city, these machines are now reaching entertainment venues too. What sets them apart is their built-in advertising screens, which cover all product costs. That means no government funding, no donations, just practical, public support where it’s needed most.

Designed for Dignity and Everyday Use

On the House founder Remy Tucker started the project after witnessing how some women and girls were forced to use tissues, socks or toilet paper during their periods. As a former midwifery student, she wanted to make period care available in everyday places like The Tivoli, not just schools or clinics.

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She says this helps reduce shame while offering practical support when it matters most. The pads are biodegradable, made from organic materials, and designed for comfort. They also aim to cut down on plastic waste, a concern often ignored in menstrual care.

Ads That Do More Than Sell

The machines rely on a simple model: brands pay for advertising space, and those funds cover the cost of the products. Each time a pad pack is dispensed, the program also donates 10 cents to women’s support services. With major advertisers already signing on, including Afterpay, On the House hopes the model can scale up to reach more areas across Australia, including regional towns.

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A post shared by ON THE HOUSE: World’s First Free Period Products Paid for By Ads (@onthehousegroup)

At The Tivoli, where thousands attend events every week, the visibility of the machine also sends a clear message that health and dignity should be part of every space, whether it’s a classroom or a concert hall.

Growing a Community of Access

Machines are already in place at Griffith University, UQ and Cbus Super Stadium, but The Tivoli brings something different. Founder Remy Tucker says venues like this reach a broader mix of people, including women, trans and non-binary locals, who might otherwise miss out.

It’s about meeting people where they are, not just in schools or clinics. The goal is big: 20,000 machines worldwide, with extra focus on rural and remote areas.

Published 12-July-2025

Birdees Makes Its Return to Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Birdees/Instagram

A prominent nightlife venue in Fortitude Valley has reopened after five years, following a major transformation that introduced a new multi-level entertainment space.

Background and Closure

Birdees, a well-known nightclub that operated at 608 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley from 2003 to 2020, closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure marked the end of an era for a venue that had catered to generations of students, backpackers, and locals. The five-year hiatus left a noticeable gap in the Valley’s nightlife scene.

Birdees nightclub — *Photo Credit: Birdees/Instagram*

Renovation and Relaunch

The venue has now reopened following a $7 million redevelopment. Birdees’ redesign includes two floors and sits beneath the recently completed Beaumont Beer Garden. The transformation features immersive lighting, retro décor, velvet booths, and a fully enclosed space, moving away from the original open-air rooftop format. The former pool area now serves as a tile-lined bar, while a new pool has been added upstairs in the Beaumont space.

Venue Format and Entertainment

The revamped Birdees operates with a dual-weekend format. Friday nights are branded as “MONTY”, focusing on house music, high-energy AV production, and underground parties. The event is marketed as an inclusive experience with roaming performers and curated electronic sets. Saturday nights offer a more elevated setting with nostalgic music, modern tracks, and a premium booth experience.

Level one is designated for upscale events and corporate functions, while level two hosts an open-air beer garden with dining options such as wagyu rib fillet and chips dusted with Vegemite salt.

Community Response and Access

According to venue organisers, the updated Birdees is intended to serve as a tribute to music culture across eras, combining old-school influences with new-generation appeal. Guests can enter via 21 Gipps Street, through the BUNK entrance, with operating hours from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

The launch officially began on June 27, 2025, with free entry continuing through the end of July.

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Looking Ahead

Birdees’ return adds a modernised but familiar venue to Fortitude Valley’s nightlife. With its upgraded facilities and structured weekly programming, the club aims to reconnect with past patrons and introduce itself to a new audience.

Published 8-July-2025

James St Food and Wine Trail Returns to Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: James Street

Fortitude Valley will see the return of the James St Food and Wine Trail, transforming James Street into an open-air dining and entertainment space.

James St Food and Wine Trail Overview

James Street in Fortitude Valley is preparing for the annual James St Food and Wine Trail, a free public event where local restaurants, bars, cafes and providores present their offerings. This year’s event will feature an expanded program, covering a range of food and drink options along with live entertainment and activities for children.

The trail will be held on Sunday 27 July, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing the street to traffic to accommodate market stalls, bars, and dining areas.

Event History and Background

The James St Food and Wine Trail began in 2011 as a community initiative to highlight the precinct’s hospitality industry. Since its launch, the event has grown in size and scope, with this year’s edition described as the largest to date.

Food and Drink Line-Up

More than 170 food and beverage choices will be available. Participating venues will include CRU Bar, Bianca, EMME, Jocelyn’s Provisions, Same Same, Sushi Room, Hellenika, and Gelato Messina, among others. Dishes on offer range from sliders, prawn cocktails, and poke bowls to Thai curry, wagyu skewers, fresh oysters, and a limited edition gelato flavour created for the event.

Bars and drink carts across the site will serve beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.

James St Food and Wine Trail — *Photo Credit: James Street*

Sustainable Practices

Organisers have implemented environmental measures including composting and recycling stations. All takeaway items such as plates, cups, and cutlery will be compostable. Proceeds from container recycling will be donated to a local charity.

Brisbane events — *Photo Credit: James Street*

Accessibility and Community Focus

The event will offer accessible toilets and designated children’s areas. Visitors will be able to move freely through the precinct, with seating available to watch live bands and DJs. Accommodation discounts and promotions are available for attendees seeking to extend their stay.

What’s Next

The James St Food and Wine Trail is set to provide a large-scale culinary experience in Fortitude Valley, showcasing local talent and community spirit while promoting sustainable event practices.

Published 28-June-2025

Double the Fun: Fortitude Valley Now Home to Unique Photo Booth and Karaoke Venue

Photo Credit: Photo Signature Brisbane/ Instagram

Brisbane has officially welcomed its inaugural high-angle photo booth studio combined with private karaoke rooms, a unique entertainment concept bringing a slice of South Korean culture to Fortitude Valley.

The new venue, Photo Signature, opened its doors to the public, offering a fresh option for social outings. It provides a distinct experience from typical selfie spots, aiming to capture flattering images with its specialised high-angle cameras.

A New Spin on Social Snaps

Photo Signature Photo Boorh — *Photo Credit:* *Photo Signature Brisbane/ Instagram*

Photo Signature stands out with its dedicated photo booths featuring soft lighting and built-in beauty filters, designed to ensure everyone looks their best.

Guests can also access a glam touch-up station for last-minute adjustments and choose from a wide array of props, including playful and quirky options, to enhance their photos. The studio is set up to cater for various groups, from friends looking for lively group pictures to couples wanting cute shots, and individuals aiming for confident solo portraits.

Belt Out Your Favourite Tunes

Adding to the interactive experience, Photo Signature also houses fourteen private coin karaoke rooms. These rooms provide an intimate setting for visitors to sing their hearts out, whether they aspire to be K-Pop idols for an evening or simply want to have fun with friends. The karaoke rooms are available for hire starting from $17.

Community Excitement

The opening has generated significant buzz within the local community. Many people have expressed their excitement online, calling the new establishment “cute” and “fun.” Several individuals noted that it would be an excellent spot for a night out, particularly after dinner.

Others highlighted their appreciation for the Korean cultural aspect that the venue brings to Brisbane. The sentiment across social media suggests a strong positive reception for the unique entertainment offering.

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Location Details

Photo Signature is located at 179 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City, providing an accessible central location for residents and visitors alike to experience this innovative entertainment hub.

Published Date 26-Jun-2025