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Toowong to West End Green Bridge Project Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Brisbane Budget Cuts

Brisbane’s highly anticipated Toowong to West End Green Bridge is now in limbo, as the city authorities recently announced budget cuts, forcing an indefinite pause on the project.

Read: How Boundary St Building Evolved From Tristram Soft Drink Factory To West End Shopping Centre

The project, already experiencing delays, was set to enter a detailed design phase later this year. However, Brisbane City Council’s decision to cut spending by 10 percent as a response to the ongoing global inflation crisis has now placed the future of the bridge in uncertainty.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner revealed that the Council would implement a significant $400 million spending cut in its 2023/2024 budget.

Cr Schrinner justified this emergency budget cut as a critical measure to prevent a forecasted budget blowout in the coming year, driven by escalating costs of construction labour, materials, and services.

Artist’s impression of the bridge’s rest point (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr)

The Toowong to West End Green Bridge, which is one of the four green bridges planned for the city, will be impacted.

The council had previously unveiled the concept design for the green bridge, which is built upon the favoured alignment stretching from the southeast corner of 600 Coronation Drive, Toowong, to Orleigh Park (near Forbes Street), West End.

Beyond the Green Bridges program, other areas affected by the budget cuts include the Brisbane Metro, advertising, consultants, travel expenses, and councillor ward budgets. Notably, the shading project for Victoria Bridge, estimated at $5 million, has also been halted indefinitely.

Cr Schrinner defended the decision, drawing parallels between the Council’s approach and responsible household budgeting. He stressed the importance of spending less to prevent residents from facing higher costs, resulting in Council planning to reduce its daily spending by $1.6 million from its $4.2 billion budget.

Despite the severity of the cuts, the Lord Mayor assured that there would be no staff redundancies or impacts on waste collection services.

Read: Kurilpa Plan Moves to Consultation Phase Amidst Controversy

The adoption of these measures seems to be a calculated step aimed at preventing potential increases in rates, particularly in light of the approaching election year. As Brisbane residents anticipate the consequences, the future of various significant projects, such as the Toowong to West End Green Bridge, remains uncertain.

Published 18-October-2023

Cinnamon and Co. Closes as Vegan Dining Struggles

Photo Credit: Facebook / Cinnamon and Co.

The once-booming vegan dining scene in Queensland has hit a rough patch, with several plant-based eateries facing closures and others reluctantly introducing meat options to stay afloat. Cinnamon and Co, a beloved plant-based cafe in Brisbane’s West End, which announced its closure on October 8, cited the challenging financial climate as the primary reason for the sudden closure.

Economic conditions, coupled with the challenge of catering to a limited vegan demographic, have made it increasingly difficult for many vegan restaurants to survive. This sentiment was echoed by Cinnamon and Co Vegan Cafe owner Tasia Amber.

“I imagine this comes as a shock. It does to us too. Without going into all the details, know that we did not expect this.,” she said in a social media post.

“The dream was to continue making beautiful food and hosting wonderful events for years to come. But this financial climate is crushing to small businesses, so here we are.”

Last month, the closure of the once-popular vegan burger bar, Grass Fed in South Brisbane, raised concerns among vegans and food enthusiasts alike as the establishment fell victim to the same economic pressures.

These closures are part of a broader trend that has seen various vegan eateries shutter their operations in recent months. The Cardamom Pod in Broadbeach, considered one of Queensland’s original plant-based eateries, faced insurmountable challenges due to soaring rents and rising food and staff costs. Enoki Coffee & Co in Stafford Heights and Gopal’s Pure Vegetarian in Maroochydore also succumbed to similar pressures.

Vegan cafe Pancha in Hamilton opted to introduce meat options to its menu as a means of survival. Co-owner Petch Berge explained that potential customers often walked out when they realised the restaurant was vegan, showing a reluctance to try plant-based dishes. Since incorporating meat offerings, the business has seen a 20% improvement in its bottom line.

The challenges faced by vegan eateries in Queensland have prompted a reevaluation of their business models. Stean Kelly, the new owner of the former plant-based cafe Grown in West End, acknowledged that the perception of being exclusively vegan was a deterrent to some customers. As a result, he introduced meat options to the menu, which quickly became the dominant choice for patrons.

Veganism continues to grow in popularity, however, the challenging economic climate makes it difficult to maintain exclusively plant-based menus. Many restaurant owners have found that diversifying their offerings to include meat is a necessary step to secure their businesses’ future.

Published 13-October-2023

West End Welcomes the Brisbane International Jazz Festival with Stellar Line-up

Jazz enthusiasts are in for a musical treat as the Brisbane International Jazz Festival is set to take over the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End.

This event, to be held Friday, 27 Oct 2023, promises to be a harmonious extravaganza featuring a star-studded line up of artists across multiple stages.

The Thomas Dixon Centre, located at 406 Montague Rd, West End, will serve as the backdrop for a night of smooth melodies and creative rhythms. The festival boasts a diverse array of jazz performers, both local and international, ensuring a captivating experience for all attendees.

Brooklyn Meets Brisbane: Kicking off the festivities is the Brooklyn-based saxophonist, Caroline Davis, and her adventurous trio Alula. Their fusion of styles is sure to captivate the audience, and their performance is bound to be a highlight of the evening.

Western Australia’s Finest: Western Australian collective, Quiet Country, will showcase their exceptional talents, with a lineup featuring Harry Mitchell (piano), Ben Vanderwal (drums), Allira Wilson (vocals), Karl Florisson (bass), and Ben Witt (guitar). They will also premiere their much-anticipated new album, adding an element of anticipation to the festival.

Melbourne’s Musical Magic: Melbourne’s Loose Leaf trio, led by the talented Andrew Saragossi, promises to bring their unique charm to the festival, and their performance is expected to be a crowd-pleaser.

The Brisbane International Jazz Festival will also feature some of Queensland’s most exceptional artists. Attendees can look forward to the impressive talents of Hannah Macklin, Cigany Weaver, and the Joshua Hatcher Quartet, among others. These local artists will showcase the vibrant jazz scene in the Sunshine State, adding a distinctive local flavor to the festival.

In a show of international collaboration, Chris Stover’s Imaginary Hybridities (USA) will grace the stage, demonstrating the global appeal of jazz. Additionally, the Sharon Nobs Trio, Khito, Tyler Cooney Quintet, SHAMIN, and the Theo Parrott Organ Trio will further contribute to the festival’s diverse line-up, ensuring a night of musical exploration.

Commissioned Works

The festival will commence with an open rehearsal of the commissioned works by Kayleigh Pincott and Brendan Foster, the recipients of the inaugural Lynette Irwin MF Composition Commission. This will offer a unique glimpse into the creative process of these talented composers and set the tone for the evening.

Don’t miss this musical extravaganza as the Brisbane International Jazz Festival graces West End with its diverse and talented line-up. With artists from around the world and some of Queensland’s finest talents on display, it promises to be a night of unforgettable music and entertainment.

Published 11-Oct-2023

Brisbane Beer Lovers Rejoice! Armakeggon 2023 is Here

Beer lovers, get ready to get your swig on. Armakeggon, Brisbane’s longest running and most loved craft beer festival, returns to West End on October 14 for its 12th year.

Read: From Parched to Brew Baron: New Owners Rebrand and Renovate Local Brewery

Organised by the team at Archive Beer Boutique, Armakeggon brings together over 28 of Australia’s top craft breweries to serve up their tasty creations. For just $35, your ticket includes a tasting paddle of four beers to get you started.

Official Armakeggon 2023 Lineup

Last year’s event (Photo credit: Archive Beer Boutique/Facebook)

This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with breweries like Aether, Mountain Goat, and Balter lining up to pour their latest concoctions.

Aether Brewing will be showcasing their Biscoff Porter, with decadent notes of cinnamon balanced out by chocolate roast flavours. Mountain Goat Beer brings a rare barrel aged Imperial Stout called Lucille. Balter Brewing Company has brewed Swearwolves Black IPA exclusively for Armakeggon drinkers.

Armakeggon 2022 (Photo credit: Archive Beer Boutique/Facebook)

The festival features a stellar lineup of top Aussie breweries, with the full list available on Archive Beer Boutique’s social media page so you can plan out your beer tasting strategy.

For those who want the ultimate Armakeggon experience, VIP tickets grant you access from 10:00 a.m. to be among the first to sample those limited release kegs before the crowds arrive. The $70 VIP ticket ensures you don’t miss out on any of the exclusive brews being tapped throughout the day.

Read: New Meat-Free Wine Bar Set to Open in West End

Whilst tasting and chatting with the brewers, you can enjoy live music, catch some sun in the beer garden, and refuel with bites from the roaming food trucks onsite. There will also be games, giveaways and plenty of good times with fellow craft beer lovers.

With tickets selling fast, be sure to book now via Eventbrite. This event is set to be a hopping good time for all.

Published 5-October-2023

Caviar-Topped Lasagne at West End’s Zazu Dining Wows With Its $75 Price Tag

Zazu Dining is making waves in the West End dining scene with its opulent take on the classic Italian lasagne. Their version of this cult favourite is served with caviar and comes with an eye-popping price tag of $75 per serving.

Queensland celebrity chef Gillian Hirst initially crafted this singularly Australian interpretation of traditional Italian lasagne back in 1992. At the time, her sand crab lasagne, a departure from the traditional meat-based version, was an instant hit, with Il Centro, a now-closed fine dining establishment, serving an astonishing 400 portions of it each week.

Hirst shared her recipe for the sand crab lasagne with Jova Lou, the owner of Zazu Dining, who decided to revive this iconic dish for a new generation of food enthusiasts. The result is a lavish creation that boasts layers of creamy bechamel sauce and sand crab bolognese, bathed in a rich abalone bisque and crowned with a generous spoonful of black caviar.

Whilst this luxurious lasagne has captured the attention of foodies and social media aficionados, the price has raised more than a few eyebrows. At $75 per serving, it significantly surpasses the cost of the 1990s original.

Zazu Dining suggests that the portion can be shared between two people, but according to Queensland food journalist Anooska Tucker-Evans, who recently sampled and reviewed the dish, it “could easily be polished off by a hungry solo diner.”

However, the extravagantly priced lasagne is not the only unique offering on Zazu’s eclectic menu. Rather than adhering to a single culinary tradition, the restaurant, which opened in July 2023, has assembled a diverse array of global flavours.

Zazu Dining West End — Photo Credit: Zazu Dining/Facebook

Dishes such as edamame with truffled butter and smoked garlic salt ($9) coexist with Thai beef salad ($26) and Balkan-style kofte kebapi ($19). The menu features “eclectic oval pizzas” adorned with Middle-Eastern style lamb, while dumplings and bao buns share the spotlight with Szechuan duck pancakes and confit chicken roulade.

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In an era where culinary fusion and daring experimentation continue to captivate diners, Zazu Dining’s extravagant lasagne has firmly established itself as a conversation piece within Brisbane’s vibrant culinary scene, offering a unique and indulgent dining experience that comes at a premium cost.

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Published 14-Sept-2023

From Parched to Brew Baron: New Owners Rebrand and Renovate Local Brewery

When Parched West End Brewery fell on hard times earlier this year, a family of three came to the rescue. Brad Sayer purchased the troubled brewery back in June with his wife Rita Ferraro and stepson Gibran Ferraro Firmo. After months of renovations and rebranding, The Brew Baron Beer Company is now open.

Read: Serial Entrepreneur’s West End Distillery Plunges into Liquidation

The rebranding brings a quirky ‘Baron’ character representing the owners’ commitment to quality and value. Customers can now enjoy a new deck, pool room, big screen TVs, leather sofas, improved food and drink menus, and the return of live music nights.

“My wife, stepson and I have purchased the brewery, and made the changes that we think will improve things, for our customers,” said Brad, who is the founder and managing director at The Brew Baron Beer Company.

Photo credit: The Brew Baron Beer Co/Facebook

At the helm in the kitchen is his stepson Gibran, a qualified chef who insists on only the freshest local ingredients to maximise flavour. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Gibran uses his culinary expertise to ensure the staff turn quality ingredients into mouthwatering dishes.

“Gibran is a qualified chef and has led improvements to the food menu by using fresher ingredients, introducing his native South American flavours and adding more value-for-money pricing,” Brad added.

“In the brewhouse, we’ve been fortunate to keep long-standing great brewer, Matt Wolfe, but given him greater autonomy to do what he does best – brew great beers. And we’ve changed the customer area to provide a more engaging and comfortable experience. Finally, our customers will find Gibran and/or me onsite, at all times, so they can approach us and share their thoughts directly with us,” he said.

The new Brew Baron aims to remain a small, family-owned West End brewery with the neighbourhood’s support.

Read: 5 Things You May Not Know About Ippin Dining, West End’s New Culinary Gem

Stop by The Brew Baron Beer Company to taste the improved brews and check out the new vibe. The baron’s doors are open 12:00 pm to late, Wednesday to Sunday at 391 Montague Rd. follow them on Facebook to learn more.

Published 13-September-2023

Work Resumes on The Lanes in West End as Developer Makes Peace with Union

Photo Credit: Pradella

After months of deadlock and disruptions, work has resumed on the luxury high-rise development known as The Lanes in Brisbane’s West End.

The developer, Pradella, has managed to strike a deal with the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), which has put an end to the relentless troubles and issues plaguing the construction site for the past four months.

Building industry insiders and sources have pointed out that it was likely the CFMEU orchestrating the sit-ins and blockades at The Lanes since April 2023. The situation escalated, causing a stalemate in construction progress.

The protests at The Lanes had prompted Pradella to go to extraordinary lengths, including hiring “special duty” police officers to work extra hours and overtime to safeguard the site. The disruptions had affected communication with buyers, causing uncertainties about the project’s progress and completion dates.

However, recent developments suggest that a breakthrough has been achieved, allowing construction to move forward once again.

Pradella released a statement expressing its satisfaction with the resolution of the protests at the West End construction site. The company mentioned that construction activities were now back in full swing, with the crane erected on the site. The delays caused by the protests had frustrated both Pradella and home buyers, as well as subcontractors involved in the project.

Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni, who initially placed blame on local environmental activists, specifically the Greens, seemed to shift his stance in light of the developments. Last month, Mr de Brenni hesitated to condemn the actions of the protesters, opting to lay the blame on the Greens for blocking housing projects.

When asked about the recent ceasefire and the involvement of CFMEU, Mr de Brenni refrained from giving a direct answer and reiterated his criticism of the Greens. Despite the apparent resolution, the exact details of the agreement between Pradella and CFMEU remain undisclosed.

The focus now shifts to the upcoming weeks as construction activities escalate, leading to increased progress at The Lanes, which promises to offer luxurious living spaces and amenities to the community.

Published 1-Sept-2023

Remembering the First Blue Nurse, Sister Olive Crombie, as BlueCare Marks 70 Years in West End

Did you know that BlueCare started in August 1953 when Sister Olive Crombie, the first Blue Nurse, began making home visits to offer free nursing assistance to vulnerable people in West End?

Read: How Boundary St Building Evolved From Tristram Soft Drink Factory To West End Shopping Centre

This groundbreaking initiative was launched by the West End Methodist Mission, led by Reverend Arthur Preston with support from Sister Kathleen Anderson and other civic-minded citizens.

Moved by the hardship he witnessed during the Depression, Rev Preston recognised the dire need for in-home care in the post-war era when public health services were extremely limited.

Sister Olive Crombie — West End Methodist Mission (Photo credit: BlueCare/Facebook)

Sister Olive Smith nee Crombie had just completed her obstetrics training in Melbourne when she received a letter from Rev Preston. At the time, she was not only in charge of the new Blue Nursing Service – she was the only sister leading the organisation’s efforts.

She dedicated herself to the role from day one, despite the job initially paying for just three weeks. The demand proved Rev Preston right – within a year, Blue Nursing had grown into a 24/7 operation, and had more part-time nurses assisting Sister Crombie.

What began as a small church outreach is now the trusted aged care and retirement provider BlueCare, still part of the UnitingCare Queensland family.

Cathay Thomas, Group General Manager Blue Care at UnitingCare Queensland, said they are proud to be continuing the wonderful work that Rev Preston and Sister Olive Crombie began all those decades ago.

“We’re not only dedicated to continuing to change the face of aged care in Queensland for the better, but to do this with the compassion and kindness for which we’ve always been renowned. It’s why we’ve been trusted for generations,” Ms Thomas said.

Read: Old West End Police Station to be Converted as a Community Centre

With the same spirit of compassion, BlueCare remains committed to improving senior care across Queensland.

Meanwhile, Sister Olive Crombie went on to serve as Director of Nursing in Ipswich until retiring with her husband Ed to a BlueCare retirement village on the Gold Coast. Even in retirement, she continued volunteering at Crossroads and Barnabas House. Sister Crombie passed away in 2018 at the age of 88, after dedicating her life to compassionate nursing care.

Published 25-August-2023

Fermentation and Gut Health Workshop at Marcia’s on Montague Promises a Delicious & Informative Experience

Photo Credit: Marcia's on Montague

Get ready to embark on a journey to better health through the power of fermented foods at the Fermentation and Gut Health Workshop hosted by Gabrielle from Marcia’s on Montague in West End.

Scheduled from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on 24 Aug 2023, this workshop is poised to provide participants with valuable insights into the world of probiotics and their benefits.

Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the significance and inner workings of incorporating probiotic-rich foods into their diets. The event promises to be an enlightening experience, featuring hands-on demonstrations that will showcase just how simple it is to create a variety of fermented treats at home.

From yogurt and sauerkraut to kimchi, kombucha, and kefir, the workshop aims to inspire a newfound appreciation for the art of fermentation.

Renowned presenter, educator, author, and resident expert at Green Living Australia, Valerie Pearson, will lead the workshop. She will share her extensive knowledge on fermented foods and their positive impact on health. Throughout the event, Pearson will guide participants through the step-by-step process of fermenting vegetables.

The workshop will also cover techniques for crafting dairy and non-dairy yogurts, as well as other delights such as Quark, Kefir, and Kombucha. Ms Pearson will teach participants how to enhance their gut health that aligns with the growing body of research highlighting the vital role a diverse gut microbiome.

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About Marcia’s on Montague

Marcia’s on Montague is an independently owned and family-operated establishment established in 1999. Marcia’s vision was to craft a haven in Brisbane, where individuals could indulge in the acquisition of premium homewares and gifts. The space was intended to be more than a store— it was meant to be an experience where customers could engage their senses and seek advice whilst shopping for gifts and items.

Published 18-Aug-2023

Souths Leagues Club in West End Presents Weekly Local Cabaret and Theatre Performances

Souths Leagues Club supports aspiring young artists and young professionals in West End through Westoria, a series of local cabaret and theatre performances every Friday night that has breathed new life into the 100-year-old rugby league club.

Read: Westoria: The Winter Edition Takes West End by Storm with a Magical Vibe

Step right up and enter a realm of enchantment and astonishment – welcome to LIMINAL, the first of the many shows from Apt.13 Productions added to Westoria’s Friday Night line-up.

Fresh off acclaimed performances at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and as Emerging Theatre Makers Anywhere award winners from Queensland Theatre, this talented troupe is ready to transport you to a magical world of curiosities.

As the first act in an exciting roster of shows at Westoria, LIMINAL blends clowns, magic, music, dance, and art into a spectacular tapestry of talents. Drawing on their background in stand-up comedy and Shakespearean theatre, Apt.13 Productions promises an experience like no other.

But the wonders don’t stop there. In addition to the showstopping headliners, Westoria features local roving performers and live bands to complete the carnival atmosphere. The venue is dedicated to offering regular employment and creative opportunities for these gifted entertainers.

Prepare to be dazzled by the hand-picked cast of quirky characters. Clara Cupcakes, the Queen of Cute, will win you over with her ukulele ditties and sweet-as-pie charm. The Pain Proof Pixie brings her delightful brand of weirdness, magic, and macabre acts to shock and amaze.

Born of fantasy, Adorah Bubbles conjures nostalgic whimsy with her bubbles and rainbows. Burlesque artist Donna Mae Tricks turns up the heat with her saucy drag performances. And Stevie Bishop’s personalities and personas will take you on a wild ride.

Read: West End Solstice Markets Are Back!

With this incredible lineup of local performers, Souths Leagues Club and Westoria promises an unforgettable experience every Friday and Sunday night. Come witness the mysteries, laugh at the comedy, and fall under the spell of the cabaret. A whole new world awaits you at LIMINAL.

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Published 28-July-2023