An amazing musical talent can be seen performing every day right outside the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Meet Shane, a familiar sight at the Cultural Precinct, homeless but not friend-less, as he shares his talent on the piano with a growing list of admirers.
It all started when a young Shane walked by a ballet school in the inner Brisbane suburb of West End and heard his first piano music. He didn’t know what it was. He just knew it touched a chord inside him and he wanted to make music like that.
Since then, Shane has been playing a public piano outside QPAC because he says he does not get shunned away or hassled when he is there. He says when he sees a piano, he gets an urge to play it.
Completely self-taught, Shane’s fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, bringing the instrument to life. The lack of formal music education doesn’t seem to hamper him as he plays whatever popular music comes to mind, showing admiring onlookers how music can break through the barriers of poverty and homelessness.
To those who watch him play, Shane’s story is about more than just his musical talent. His performance is a remarkable display of how music can heal and transform.
When he plays, Shane says he finds solace and a way to express himself. His music brings people together, offering a sense of unity that goes beyond societal barriers.
On most days, Shane can be found outside QPAC, ready to share his talent with anyone and everyone who will stop and listen.
It’s all systems go for the annual Paniyiri Greek Festival, which has attracted over 60,000 people in recent years, amidst fears of a cancellation due to the presence of rough sleepers at Musgrave Park.
The biggest cultural event in Brisbane will take place as planned on 20 and 21 May 2023 to showcase the rich history of the Greek community.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner confirmed that the 47-year-old festival will not be cancelled but they have taken measures to ensure that the homeless people temporarily setting up camp in Musgrave Park will not be displaced.
Speaking with Neil Breen at 4B, the mayor acknowledges the challenging conundrum of keeping the festival enjoyable for the attendees but also safe for the rough sleepers.
A section of the park will be cordoned off to allow the homeless to stay. The Council’s team has been discussing with people in the park for a number of weeks leading up to the Greek community’s event to move them to a different section of the park.
“[We have been] working with Paniyiri and the State Government to make sure that the event can go ahead but also to make sure that people aren’t being displaced,” said Mr Schrinner.
“We’ve come up with what we believe is a good workable solution. So, no one is going to be evicted from the park. That’s certainly not what we want to see happen. But we’re working with the State Government to make sure housing options are provided to the people that are living in Musgrave Park. There are 15 accommodation options and we’re working through there.”
The mayor also acknowledges that the number of homeless is growing progressively due to the cost of living crisis and the housing crisis. Many renters are now forced to sleep in their cars, under bridges, or in tents in parks like Musgrave Park because landlords stockpile housing for financial gain.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the Paniyiri Greek Festival have also released this statement to confirm that the event will not be cancelled:
“For Paniyiri 2023, GOC St George has been in contact with all levels of Government to chart a path forward with the running of the Festival. Brisbane City Council has worked closely in support of both Paniyiri Greek Festival and those living in the Park to ensure the Festival can continue in a co-ordinated and cohesive way. Our planning with Brisbane City Council puts the needs of those living in the Park as a key consideration for the Festival and a range of community initiatives will support the welfare of all involved.”
In the vibrant West End district lies a local landmark that has recently undergone a remarkable transformation. Previously a dilapidated two-story office building, the Montague Hotel has recently been acquired by a devoted family-owned hospitality organisation.
Nestled on the prominent corner of Montague Road and Kurilpa Street, the Montague Hotel boasts an impressive 787 square meters of space. This two-story venue offers a wide array of amenities, catering to diverse preferences and needs.
Patrons can enjoy the inviting sports and lounge bar areas, indulge in delicious fare at the bistro, try their luck in the gaming room, or experience culinary delights prepared in the state-of-the-art commercial kitchen.
Additionally, the Montague Hotel provides the convenience of 11 basement car parks, ensuring a hassle-free experience for guests. And as an added bonus, the acquisition of the hotel also includes three detached bottle shops, further enhancing the appeal of this extraordinary establishment.
Although the exact price remains undisclosed, sources estimate that the Montague Hotel sold for approximately $20 million. Such high-quality, freehold-going concern gaming assets in key Brisbane entertainment precincts like the West End are becoming increasingly rare, making this acquisition particularly enticing.
Peter Stark, representing Platinum 4101 Pty Ltd, facilitated the sale of the Montague Road hotel. Expressing gratitude to the local community for their support over the past six years, Mr Stark extended his well-wishes to the new owners and eagerly anticipated the hotel’s future endeavours.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the purchasing group shared their enthusiasm for acquiring the operations of this iconic Brisbane hospitality venue. They emphasised their commitment to preserving the Montague Hotel’s strong connection and relationship with the vibrant West End community, ensuring its continued status as a cherished local landmark.
The acquisition of The Montague Hotel marks a significant milestone in the dynamic landscape of Brisbane’s West End. With its extensive amenities, gaming offerings, and commitment to community connections, the hotel is poised to continue serving as a cornerstone of hospitality in the area, attracting locals and visitors alike.
The exhibition will feature a diverse range of artworks, including paper, photographs, installations, and three-dimensional wall sculptures. The exhibition is curated by Stephanie Lindquist, with Minqi Gu.
In association with Brisbane Art Design 2023, the exhibition features associated public programs, including a papercutting demonstration with artist Elysha Rei. Visitors can observe Rei’s hand-cut papercutting arts practice while gaining insight into the delicate art form. The workshop will take place on 27 May 2023, from 10 am to 1 pm, and visitors are welcome to converse with the artist while she is working.
In addition to the demonstration, there will be a family-friendly paper-cutting workshop with artist Pamela See (Xue Mei-Ling) on 28 May 2023 from 11 am to 1 pm. Children from four years old and up can participate in this free workshop to create their own China bowl filled with papercut treats.
Photo credit: Metro Arts – Minqi Gu and Brian Robinson / metroarts.com.au
One of the unique public artworks presented during the exhibition is Harvest, a collaborative piece by Minqi Gu and First Nations artist Brian Robinson.
From 27 to 28 May 2023, the artwork will centre around clay and collaboration, inviting the audience to harvest small ceramic petals created by Gu, which are spread throughout the West Village precinct.
The work celebrates Robinson’s heritage and tradition and extends into the lush surroundings of the West Village precinct, allowing the audience to participate in the evolving story of the artwork.
PRECISION: The Art of Cutting is an exhibition not to be missed. The event will run from 6 May to 10 June 2023, at the Metro Arts Galleries located at 97 Boundary Street, West End.
The Brisbane Tool Library is in urgent need of a new home. Metro Arts, currently hosting the tool library, will be expanding and the tool library needs to relocate to avoid a shutdown.
The tool library started in West End in 2017. And later in 2018, they were hosted by the State Library at The Edge until 2022. Despite facing challenges such as pandemic-induced lockdowns, the tool library still thrived.
In 2022, however, floods struck the site, forcing them to evacuate and salvage as much stock as possible. Later on, Brisbane Tool Library was accommodated at Metro Arts’ Norman Park satellite site, but the agreement has now ended due to the intended expansion.
The Brisbane Tool Library provides value to the community by giving people the opportunity to borrow tools and optimise their use-value. The not-for-profit organisation collects second-hand items for co-use.
Users in Brisbane can borrow tools that would have otherwise been discarded, shipped overseas for e-waste processing or ended up in a landfill. The library runs entirely on volunteers who are passionate about the impact that sharing, equity, and the circular economy can have on their communities.
“The Brisbane Tool Library’s goal is to enable, co-build and accelerate a transition towards a more socially just and ecologically sustainable society. It contributes to a larger degrowth movement that aims at an equitable downscaling of production and consumption that increases human well-being and enhances ecological conditions at the local and global level, in the short and long term,” part of their Mission Statement says.
The Brisbane Tool Library must quickly find a new location if it is to carry out its purpose of minimising inequality, lowering the ecological impact of the community, and saving people money and space in their homes.
Popular West End craft brewery Parched Brewery is looking for new owners after entering voluntary administration due to the ‘extra challenges’ brought by the pandemic.
When Parched Brewery opened at Montague Road in West End in December 2021, they encountered some trials and difficulties.
They opened during a challenging time for the hospitality industry due to the pandemic. Additionally, within months of the brewery’s opening, the lower level of the venue was submerged underwater during floods.
Photo credit: Parched Brewery/Google Maps
Despite these trials, the brewery made a name for its high-quality beers that celebrate the unique flavors and ingredients of the region. The brewery’s unique and flavorful beers have earned it a strong reputation in the local craft beer scene.
Photo credit: Ernest Wong/Google Maps
Besides a selection of beers, they have a range of snacks including burgers, nachos, and bites such as tempura prawns, fries, and spring rolls. They also have vegan and vegetarian options available.
In March 2023, head brewer and owner Carl Hallion thought it’s time to find a new person to run the business.
Photo credit: Parched Brewery/Google Maps
Bankruptcy and insolvency firm SV Partners will help manage its financial affairs, review contracts, and create a viable plan for moving forward. Mr Hallion is working with SV Partners’ Anne Meagher and David Stimpson as the business continues trading as normal.
Potential buyers would have the opportunity to take over an established business with a loyal customer base, a strong brand reputation, and a talented team of brewers and staff. For anyone looking to enter the craft beer industry, this is a unique opportunity to acquire an established business with a loyal following and a reputation for brewing exceptional beer.
From its humble beginnings as a mobile cafe serving specialty coffee to events, Espresso XO West End has opened a permanent kiosk at Davies Park in West End.
Espresso XO was established by PJ Morrison in 2015, starting off as a professional coffee cart dishing up coffee to corporate settings and events. It still caters to private events nowadays, but Morrison has always wanted to have a permanent kiosk for his mobile cafe.
Finally, after some time, he found Davies Park as the right venue for his coffee cart. Located on the corner of Jane and Montague Streets, Davies Park is also home to the West End Markets and the South’s League Club.
Photo credit: espresso XO – West End/Google Maps
It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want to get their caffeine craving fixed after shopping at the West End Markets on Saturdays or whilst simply enjoying the green space at the park.
Grab a cup of brewed, mocha or their popular flat white coffee. Or have tea, juices, chai, and cold brew.
Photo credit: espresso XO – West End/Google Maps
The owner loves how coffee connects people. Regardless of people’s beliefs, status, or background, it’s something that can bring them together and this is what keeps him going after almost eight years since starting his venture.
Espresso XO West End serves coffee from Kai Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster based in Sunshine Coast. Kai Coffee is known for its delicious coffee, since they have stayed committed to their goal of bringing the beans from the best farms and cooperatives from around the world.
These three couples, from young professionals to empty nesters, would not want to live anywhere else but the 4101 post code. They were on a quest to find their dream riverside home and they found it in West End.
“We love it here and wouldn’t live anywhere except West End,” Vicki Brandon. It has lovely restaurants and facilities while also being close to city, Vicky cited as the reasons why she and Michael chose the inner-city suburb when they decided to get out of their former home.
“We moved here in 2016 and in November last year, moved into our top floor apartment within the Enclave community, one block back from the river.”
Anthony and Penelope Mewing, meanwhile, left their large suburban block for West End in 2019 and moved into a Skyhome in Enclave in late-2022 which is a master-planned residential community delivered by Pradella.
“We love West End and Enclave is in a really good position,” said Anthony, whose favourite thing to do is visit the West End Markets, a short walk away from their home.
“Just about everything you need is within walking distance – coffee, shops, bars, restaurants and the bus.”
Nikki Pilcher and Lars Kuhnke love the location of their latest apartment purchase, The Lane. They previously resided within two of Pradella’s Riverside West End communities and wanted to upgrade without compromising on location.
“The Lanes’ site is right next door to home, so it was a no brainer,” she said.
“Being this close to Montague Markets and all the stores and services is invaluable. We don’t really need to rely on having a car. We just cannot fault the lifestyle here.”
Local buyers’ interest in Pradella’s Riverside West End projects has consistently been strong, according to Pradella Sales and Marketing Director Lee-Anne Kielar.
“We’ve seen ongoing high demand for our premium apartment offerings, particularly over the last few years which indicates that buyers want to come home and enjoy the unique community features on offer like resort-style pools, fully-equipped fitness centres and stunning rooftop escapes,” Ms Kielar said.
Now 80 per cent sold, construction on stage one of The Lanes is currently underway which is the final development within Pradella’s $1.3 billion Riverside West End masterplan. It boasts three towers with almost 4,500 sqm of private recreational features and is situated in a prime position on the West End peninsula.
Meanwhile, residents of stage one, Orleigh Residences, are now settled in whilst stage two, Davis Residences, is ready to take in new residents in mid-2023.
Only a limited number of apartments are available at The Lanes. Discover what Pradella’s Riverside community has to offer at www.thelaneswestend.com.au.
From the La Lupa crew, a new Italian restaurant that puts Sardinian culture at the very heart of its dining experience is now making its mark in West End.
For their new venture, Pilloni restaurant, owners Valentina Vigni and Andrea Contin would like to introduce another side to Italian dishes that may not be familiar to most, Sardinian cuisine. Sardinia is an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea that is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, as well for its local cuisine including Su Porcheddu – roast suckling pig cooked over coals for several hours to achieve a delicious, crispy texture.
Pilloni’s interiors are inspired by the couple’s holiday trip to Sardinia with the venue neatly divided into four sections – an alfresco bar where customers can enjoy aperitivo whilst working up an appetite with tasty snacks before proceeding to the dining room, Camino, with a view to the kitchen’s fireplace. Meanwhile, the Terrazzo, a curtained balcony offers a warm 50s vibe complete with a collection of artworks whilst down the corridor awaits a 16-seat private dining room and cellar.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Pilloni Restaurant
Pilloni adopts Sardinian agriturismo which is a farm designed to receive guests whether for food, accommodation or a combination of the two. The farm-to-table concept utilises ingredients sourced from local farmers, fishers and producers and is executed by chef Mimmo Miceli who will dish out a menu of mouth-watering dishes which include must-try entrees scallops crudo with fresh figs, citrus gel and fid leaf oil; and charred octopus served with potato foam, olives and pimiento.
Apart from the roasted suckling pig, which according to chef Miceli takes seven days to prepare, another single main dish worth savouring is charred kingfish fillet with smoked heirloom tomato culis, asparagus and bottarga.
Mains to share, meanwhile, include Tasmanian lobster with tomato, red onion, lemon and parsley; slow-roasted lamb neck with fregolone and parsnip; and whole market fish roasted on the ember with il bono salsa.
As for the drinks, a total of 200 bottles make up the list featuring Sardinian vinos as well as those coming from other Mediterranean regions, along with French and Australian wines and cocktails.
“Incredible food, amazing and friendly staff. Everything we had was great, but the octopus is definitely a must try, as well as both of the mains. Will definitely be back again!” – Liane Lagahit
“Such a great and unique experience. Thank you , ill be back for sure😍🇮🇹” – TSuch a great and unique experience. Thank you , ill be back for sure😍🇮🇹” – YnotP
“I lived in Sardinia for 10 years and I was amazed from the flavours that I’ve found at Pilloni Restaurant, well done guys, you are doing great! The food was perfect, the service was great and the location is really cozy and charming.We’ll be back soon and we’ll spread the word.” – Sara Olivieri
Pilloni is located at 166 Hardgrave Road, West End. To book, visit their website here.
Did you know that The Soda Factory in West End was named in honour of the Tristram soft drink factory that once operated on the site for decades? Here’s a look back at the history of Brisbane’s now-defunct soft drink manufacturing company, a well-known brand in the city up to the 1970s.
Thomas Tristram founded the company as T Tristram Essences in 1875, almost a decade after arriving in Brisbane. Two years later, he partnered with Owen Gardiner who helped him open a factory at the rear of his family home on the corner of Grey and Hope Street.
T Tristram later acquired a property at 69 Boundary St, West End and commissioned Atkinson, Powell and Conrad to design a new factory. The factory building had a Spanish Mission style design, which is quite unusual in Brisbane during those times.
When T Tristam Aerated Waters and Brewed Beverages opened at Boundary St in 1930, a write-up on The Architectural and Building Journal described the building as “thoroughly modern in every aspect, with a well laid out garden and lawns occupying the front of the site.”
Queueing for a take-away meal and a Tristram’s soft drink at the RNA Exhibition in 1949 (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Tristram produced different variants of their products, such as Ginger Beer, Lime Rickey, Sarsaparilla, TriCola, Lemonade, Indian Tonic, Soda Water, and Ginger Ale.
Photo credit: sha11yn/Reddit
When T Tristram passed away at the turn of the century, his wife Emily Constance Tristram took over the business, along with their two sons and three daughters.
Tristram’s became the soft drink of choice for generations, until the factory was sold in 1979 to Cadbury Schweppes.
The former soft drink factory was converted into West End Market Shopping Centre during the 1980s, based on designs of late architect Gary Georgeson.
Heritage Pacific acquired the shopping centre, also known as The Markets, and redeveloped the iconic building in 2001 to incorporate a mixed use major retail facility and apartments.
Soda Factory West End
Photo credit: Soda Factory/Facebook
The site is now home to Soda Factory West End, a neigbourhood centre with a newly refurbished Coles Supermarket and 22 specialty retailers. It’s being run by the SCA Property Group, who purchased the property in 2014 for $32 million.
Whilst the building underwent major renovations, its main facade was retained, as part of the group’s vision to preserve its historical value.
Meanwhile, the Tristram soft drink factory may be gone but the business continues to thrive as Trisco Foods, which is currently being managed by the fifth generation of the family.
Trisco Foods, now with an established factory at Carole Park, focuses on manufacturing ingredients such as syrups and sundaes. The company was named Queensland’s Exporter of the Year in 2019.
