Living in Brisbane
NOVEMBER EDITION 2015
A message from Lord Mayor Graham Quirk
This financial year marked the beginning of an extensive re-life program for our first-generation
CityCats. As refurbished vessels have been rolled out we have seen their fantastic Team
Brisbane designs featuring Brisbane’s great sporting teams. I am excited to announce Council’s
CityCat competition which gives you the opportunity to design your own Brisbane CityCat. The
winning design will be developed into a feature wrap that will travel up and down the river for all
to see. Please read over the page for competition entry details.
Getting active for summer has never been easier with exercise equipment now available in more
than 80 Council parks across our city.
Council has a range of free programs for all age groups and you can read about what’s on offer in
this edition or visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au for more information.
As the festive season kicks off you can stay up-to-date with this year’s vibrant offering by visiting
www.facebook.com/BNEWhatsOn. A great way to get into the spirit is the much-loved tradition
of lighting the Brisbane City Christmas Tree. This year I invite you to join me for the occasion at
6.30pm on Friday 27 November in King George Square.
Graham Quirk
LORD MAYOR
Moons Worlds of mystery
Now showing Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Book your seat 3403 2578
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planetarium
Facebook.com/BrisbanePlanetarium
CiyCat competition - it’s a wrap!
Submit your design for the chance to be featured on a Brisbane CityCat!
Launch your imagination and create an eye-catching and original design for one of Council’s
CityCats to show what Brisbane means to you.
The winning design will be developed into a CityCat feature wrap, to travel up and down the river
for all to see.
Your design will feature alongside sports-themed CityCat wraps including Team Brisbane
sporting icons the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Firebirds and Brisbane Lions.
To enter, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/teambne
Entries close on 15 January 2016 and the winner will be announced in February 2016. Terms and
conditions apply.
Christmas lights
Get into the festive spirit by joining the much-loved tradition of lighting the Brisbane City
Christmas Tree at 6.30pm on Friday 27 November in King George Square.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Santa and special guests will welcome in the festive season by
illuminating Queensland’s largest solar-powered Christmas tree, with carols and a special
Christmas performance on the night.
The 20-metre tall tree will light up every night until Christmas, so make sure you visit to enjoy the
beautiful sight.
Continue to soak up the festive cheer with the Christmas lights bus tour, showcasing households
entered in the annual 4KQ Christmas Lights competition.
The tours run nightly from 14-18 December. More information and tickets will be available soon at
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Exciting changes at South Bank
Two new features will be brought to life at South Bank in time for summer.
The Riverside Green Playground, located in the heart of the parklands, is now open and suitable
for children of all ages. The popular boat pool section of the playground is also back in action
after undergoing maintenance.
For more information on the Riverside Green Playground, visit www.visitbrisbane.com.au
The long-awaited ‘Brisbane’ sign is also set to make a return to the Cultural Forecourt by the end
of the year, after the temporary sign installed for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2014 was a hit with
locals and visitors.
Artwork on the permanent sign will be inspired by the original, which was designed by eight local
community groups.
City fountains set to flow
Water will soon return to city fountains, which were turned off during Brisbane’s past droughts.
Work is underway to reinstate fountains at E.E. McCormick Place in Upper Roma Street, Emma
Miller Place in Roma Street and Mooney Memorial Fountain located at Queen and Eagle streets.
A new fountain is also being commissioned for the inner city.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888.
Mt Coot-tha update
A concept design for the new Visitor Information Centre at Mt Coot-tha is underway, with a plan
due to be finalised by the end of the year.
The $3.4 million centre will link activities at Mt Coot-tha, from the botanic gardens, the
planetarium, the summit and recreational facilities, and provide a welcoming entrance for visitors
to the area.
More information will be available soon at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Best of Asia Pacific cinema returns
Experience cinema at its best this month with the return of the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival
(BAPFF) and Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA).
Now in its second year, BAPFF will screen more than 75 features, documentaries and short films
from across the Asia Pacific region from 19-29 November in a program packed with gala events,
special guest appearances and retrospectives.
As the region’s highest accolade in film, BAPFF also provides a rare chance to experience a
selection of nominated films from the ninth Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
The 2015 APSA ceremony, recognising cinematic excellence from across the world’s fastest
growing film region, will be held at City Hall on 26 November and will also be televised via a live
webcast.
For the full BAPFF program and to book tickets, visit www.bapff.com.au and for information about
APSA, visit www.asiapacificscreenacademy.com
Movie screenings
Thursday 19 November, 6.30pm, The Idol, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art
Sunday 26 November, 6.30pm, The Taking of Tiger Mountain, Palace Barracks Cinemas
Hidden laneways around Brisbane
Discover some of Brisbane’s hidden laneways by visiting Winn Lane and Bakery Lane in
Fortitude Valley, or Moorvale Lane in Moorooka.
Feel the buzz of Winn and Bakery lanes, located in the heart of the Valley. Transformed from
underutilised pieces of land, these laneways are now busy shopping, entertainment and food
venues. Venture out of the CBD to Moorvale Lane in Moorooka where you will find a 1950s
pedestrian walkway lined with colourful African shops and an Ethiopian restaurant and cafe.
These are just a taste of the interesting and imaginative offerings that can be found in laneways
around Brisbane.
Business owners and local operators are encouraged to get involved in Council’s Vibrant
Laneways initiative to help rejuvenate and rediscover forgotten spaces. For more information on
Vibrant Laneways, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888.
Meet your favourite author
Avid readers on the eastside can get up close with some of their favourite authors this month as
part of Council’s Writers in Residence program.
Popular authors making appearances at eastside libraries include:

Peter Watt, 10.30-11.30am, Wednesday 11 November at Garden City Library and 6-7pm,
Thursday 12 November, Carindale Library
 Tony Park, 10-11am, Friday 13 November, Garden City Library
 Judy Nunn, 6-7.30pm, Friday 13 November, Carindale Library.
In the last four years, Council has hosted 161 popular authors including renowned best sellers,
Kathy Reichs and Alexander McCall Smith. This is a great opportunity to be entertained and for
budding writers to be inspired by some of their favourite authors.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/libraries
New centre for bayside
Brisbane’s bayside is set for a community facility boost when the new Wynnum Community
Centre opens in the coming weeks.
Designed as a hub for local residents, the centre will feature hireable spaces for community
groups, a hall with a stage and kitchen facilities.
A number of local community groups have been offered space to operate within the centre, which
is located on the former Wynnum Central State School site, just a kilometre from the train station.
To complement the community centre, the site once completed will also boast a new library and
supermarket as well as a park featuring the relocated Fig Tree, seating, lighting and a footpath.
The site is set for completion in 2016.
For more information on the Wynnum Central State School site redevelopment, please visit
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888.
Skate parks facelift
Paddington and Inala skate parks are undergoing exciting upgrades to provide skateboarders,
bladers and BMX bike riders with improved facilities.
Neal Macrossan Park in Paddington will receive new ledges, rails and transitions, a new bank
feature and elevated spectator seating, while D.J. Sherrington Park in Inala will receive new
ledges, rails, banks and gaps, a remediated bowl, spectator seating terrace, shaded seating wall
and a social grass and event space.
These upgrades will increase the amount of skateable space and improve the accessibility,
functionality and safety of the existing facilities for skateboarders and the broader community.
Both skate parks will be closed during construction, however, alternative facilities are available
close by including The Gap, Acacia Ridge and Carole Park. For more information, visit
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888.
Get active for summer
Make new friends while getting fit and healthy in time for summer with a range of free or low-cost
activities in the great outdoors.
Whether you enjoy the relaxation of yoga or tai chi, or if you prefer to work up a sweat with boxing
or Zumba, Council has a program for every style and age.
More than 80 Council parks also have exercise equipment installed, providing an opportunity to
get fit for free.
Eastsiders can enjoy the warmer weather this month with a range of active and healthy activities
in suburbs near you, including:


Interval training using gym equipment – every Monday, 2-30 November, 9-10am, Minnippi
Parklands, Tingalpa
Tai Chi Qigong – every Wednesday, 4-25 November, 8.30-9.30am, Wynnum Wading Pool
Park Boxercise – every Saturday, 7-28 November, 7-8am, Majestic Park, Coorparoo.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888.
A coding wonderland
Thirteen year old technology whiz Jayden Kelly is a lead mentor at Brisbane CoderDojo, where
he inspires other young people to learn about the wonderful world of coding.
Two years ago, after researching video equipment, Jayden joined CoderDojo to explore his
interest in coding and became a mentor after just a few months.
CoderDojo is a global, volunteer-led community of free programming clubs where young people
aged 7-17 can learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and explore
technology.
Jayden’s passion for coding has shone through in his mentoring and he encourages people to
explore this technology. To find out more on Brisbane’s CoderDojo program, visit
coderdojobrisbane.com.au
New lift for North Quay ferry terminal
A new lift has been opened and an accessible pathway completed at North Quay ferry terminal
providing improved access for seniors, passengers using wheelchairs or walkers, or parents
travelling with prams and strollers. The lift connects North Quay ferry terminal to Queens Wharf
and follows the opening of the new ferry terminal in June.
Sixteen of the network’s 25 ferry terminals now have improved accessibility, along with the fully
accessible fleet of 21 CityCats. Planning is also underway for future upgrades of the remaining
terminals.
As part of this process, river-based geotechnical investigations have recently been carried out at
Eagle Street Pier, South Bank 3, Thornton Street, Dockside and Norman Park ferry terminals.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888.
Brisbane commemorates
This year’s Remembrance Day marks the 97th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First
World War in 1918.
At 11am on Wednesday 11 November, Brisbane will observe one minute of silence to honour the
sacrifice of our servicemen and women. A Remembrance Day service will be held at Anzac
Square.
This year marks the ANZAC centenary, which continues until 2018. In preparation and to
preserve Brisbane’s memorials, Council has completed Stage 2 restoration works on Anzac
Square and will commence Stage 3 in late 2015 including enhancements to the Shrine of
Memories and former RSL Queensland Branch headquarters.
A $720,000 program of rehabilitation works was also undertaken on suburban war memorials and
surrounding parkland across Brisbane.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888.
New look for Edward Street
Brisbane City is continuing to grow and the $11.4 million transformation of Edward Street over the
next three years will provide an even better retail and dining experience.
Boasting a pedestrian boulevard with broad footpaths, tree-lined streets and beautiful buildings,
the Edward Street Vision provides an overview of plans for the area stretching between Turbot
and Alice streets.
The project is a direct outcome of the City Centre Master Plan, released in March 2014 and will
complement the areas growing retail precinct which is home to more than 1000 stores.
The Edward Street Vision was finalised in October and is now available to view online.
To find out more information or to download a copy visit, www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
d.gov.au
Story Bridge in numbers
In 2013, the lights on the bridge were replaced with approximately 500 new LED lights to make
coloured displays a reality. In 2014-15, 99 applications were received to light up the bridge in
different colours.
In January 2014, the bridge was resurfaced with 530 tonnes of asphalt. In maintaining the bridge
approximately 7500 litres of paint is used every year.
Sign-up to Council’s Early Warning Alert Service
to receive alerts via SMS, email or recorded phone message when severe weather is likely to
affect your suburb.
Be prepared.
To register visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/beprepared
Celebrate National Recycling Week
Brisbane will host special activities as part of National Recycling Week this month, including the
Recreate Twilight Market in King George Square on Friday 13 November from 4-9pm.
The event will feature a fashion parade by 10 local designers showcasing garments made from
recyclable materials as well as market stalls, The QUBE Effect bands and food vans. The event
coincides with the Australian Sustainable Cities Awards 2015 which will be hosted at City Hall,
with finalists expected to visit the markets.
Brisbane has been announced as Queensland’s Most Sustainable City in 2015 and currently
holds the title of Australia’s Most Sustainable City.
Brisbane is also the proud holder of Keep Australia Beautiful’s Dame Phyllis Frost Litter
Prevention Award and the Energy Innovation Award.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888.
What kind of recycler are you?
Test your knowledge about recycling by taking a quick online quiz on Council’s website. If you
visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and complete the quiz between now and 30 November, you will be
in the draw to win a $250 gift card and the chance to swap your existing recycling bin for a larger
recycling bin free of charge.
Together Brisbane residents can reduce the amount of recyclables sent to landfill and help to
create a cleaner, greener city.
Recycle some art
Are you an artist who loves working with reusable and recyclable materials to make creative
visual art?
The Recycling Art Competition gives artists an opportunity to explore the creative potential of
recycling ordinary household items and furniture while inspiring others to see the possibility in
items that may otherwise have been thrown away.
The competition aims to encourage residents to visit Brisbane’s tip shops at Acacia Ridge and
Geebung, and is a waste minimisation initiative designed to keep reusable furniture and
household items out of landfill.
Expressions of interest are open until 23 November. To enter, artists need to submit an online
application via Council’s website.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888.
Chermside Library has a new home
Library-goers are reminded Chermside Library has moved to the North Regional Business
Centre, at 960 Gympie Road, Chermside, where visitors can continue to access a wide range of
services and facilities, seven days a week.
The relocation will facilitate the development of a new Chermside Library and North Regional
Business Centre, which will feature a state-of-the-art 3000 square metre library with public
meeting rooms, a coffee shop and a children’s-themed area.
The new North Regional Business Centre and Marchant Ward Office will be located on the first
floor of the new precinct and will include a new customer service facility. The new facilities are
due to open in late 2016. For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888.
WHAT’S ON Brisbane City Council
Facebook.com/BNEWhatsOn
CITYWIDE
9-15 NOVEMBER Bulimba Festival – enjoy fine food, art displays, kids activities, historical
evenings and market stalls at this annual community event, visit www.bulimbafestival.com, GOLD
COIN
14 NOVEMBER Diwali Festival – experience the Festival of Lights, an ancient Hindu celebration,
5-10pm, Chinatown Mall, Fortitude Valley, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/valleymalls, FREE
14 NOVEMBER Spring Hill Alive – a celebration of spring, with market stalls, live music, street
dining and family activities, 10am-5pm, Boundary Street, Spring Hill, visit
www.springhillalive.com.au, FREE
24-27 NOVEMBER Radical Reels Tour 2015 – a film festival featuring nine of the world’s best
action sport films, ages 13+, 7-10pm, Brisbane Powerhouse, to book visit
www.brisbanepowerhouse.org, $28.50-33.50
26 NOVEMBER Games Night – take on your friends with checkers, Jenga, Connect Four and
more, 4-8pm, Valley Malls, Fortitude Valley, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/valleymalls, FREE
5 DECEMBER Freedom of Entry to the City of Brisbane – a parade of 650 military personnel
from the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, 9.30-11.30am, Adelaide Street, Brisbane City,
visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au, FREE
LOCAL
EVERY WEDNESDAY Tai Chi for balance, stability and healthy ageing – a dynamic mind and
body activity, ages 50+, 10.30-11.30am, Vic Lucas Park, Bulimba, call 0400 335 645, FREE
14 NOVEMBER 10 essential plants for your backyard food garden – learn about useful plants for
your kitchen garden, 10am-12noon, West End Library, to book call 3403 8620, FREE
17 NOVEMBER Tea and trivia – enjoy a morning of trivia fun, 10.30-11.30am, Carina Library, to
book call 3407 1873, FREE
22 NOVEMBER Create-a-circus – create your own circus characters, ages 5+, 10am-12 noon,
Raymond Park, Kangaroo Point, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au, FREE
22 NOVEMBER Photography vs film: Who tells a better story? – discuss the art of storytelling
through photography and film, 2-3pm, City Hall, to book visit www.museumofbrisbane.com.au,
FREE
2 DECEMBER Fit mums boxing – a higher intensity exercise class with internal training and
boxing activities, 9-10am, Hawthorne Park, call 0424 505 343, FREE
Brisbane City Council
Information
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001
Every effort is made to ensure that information is correct at time of printing
For more information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3403 8888
Facebook.com/BrisbaneCityCouncil
@brisbanecityqld
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© Brisbane City Council 2015