Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 35 of 46

Folio Books, Brisbane’s Iconic Bookstore, Turns the Final Page After 41 Years

After 41 years, Folio Books, the iconic bookstore that has welcomed generations of booklovers in Brisbane, has turned the final page and announced its permanent closure.

In a message to its customers, owners Angelos, Jenny and Alexis Kakoulidis said that they’ve made the firm decision not to reopen following the demolition of its last site on Mary Street early this year.

Folio Books was supposed to relocate in autumn to a new home after its lease on Mary Street ended. Since the building owner filed a development application to turn the old site into a new office tower with food and drink outlets, the bookstore owners’ original plan was to transition into a new location.

Yes as the Kakoulidis siblings said that whilst they’ve weathered through floods, two relocations, the Global Financial Crisis, the rise of international online book retailers, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest strain in their business has made them rethink their priorities as a family.

“For us, it has been an incredible journey to this point, and it has been a pleasure to have shared our passion of books with you all – we take away so many wonderful memories and experiences, and for that we thank you,” the owners said.

“We hope that we created a unique experience for you when visiting our bookstore – a haven away from the busyness of life, where you could be inspired, excited or challenged by what lies between the front and back cover of a book. Being with books daily, and talking about books with our customers, has been an extraordinary experience which we will greatly miss.”

The beloved bookstore, which was first located on Elizabeth Street in the CBD, was known for its unique, offbeat titles across genres, from philosophy to architecture. Since it opened in 1979, Folio Books stuck with its business model for the next four decades as the only bookstore in Brisbane that doesn’t sell notepads, cards, stationery, or office and school items — just books.

Score Unique Gifts at the Milton Christmas Twilight Markets

Prepare your Christmas shopping list and get ready to uncover unique items for gifting friends and family at the exciting Christmas Twilight Markets in Milton!

Set for Saturday 27 November, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., on Cribb Street, the Milton Christmas Twilight Markets will feature a superb premium pop-up “Brewdolph” bar with live music, foodie delights, and heaps of artisan pieces from creative and unique designers.

Get your mittens on award-winning chutneys and sauces from Stone & Lea; handworked timber homewares or ceramics from local artisans, locally designed fashions from Destii, Miles Away Company and more, freshly shucked oysters from Island Oyster Bar, or a fragrant Eritrean curry from West End icon and social enterprise Mu’ooz.

The Milton Christmas Twilight Markets highlights include:

Artisan Handmade Gifts
Countless Gourmet Eats and Drinks
Spectacular Christmas Cheer and Decorations
Amazing Live Entertainment
Snaps with Santa
Pop-Up Bar
Kids Activities and Entertainment

Don’t miss the fun! Please take note that a $2 entry fee will be collected and parking is also available for $2.

American spirits take center stage in the “Thanksgiving Hour”

‘Happy Hour’ will turn into ‘Thanksgiving Hour’ as The Gresham joins some of Australia’s leading bars to celebrate the end of lockdown with “Cheers! Spirits from the USA.”

As people go out to celebrate the easing of lockdown and restrictions in the final weeks of 2021, bars and restaurants are making the most of the influx of customers eager to celebrate their newfound freedom.

From November 22 to 28, Australians will be treated to a week-long ‘Thanksgiving Hour’ promotion. Sponsoring the “‘Cheers! Spirits from the USA” campaign in Australia is the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S (DISCUS).

Spirits enthusiasts will get to enjoy a range of American spirits in Thanksgiving-themed cocktails at special prices.

Some of Australia’s iconic venues participating in the event include The Gresham in Brisbane; Maybe Sammy, Kittyhawk, Burdekin Hotel, Grain Bar, Nola Smokehouse and Bar, The Swinging Car and Burrow Bar in Sydney; The Everleigh, The Elysian Whisky Bar, The Catfish and Que Club in Melbourne; and Maybe Mae in Adelaide.

During ‘Thanksgiving Hour,’ expect a slew of cocktail offerings that will showcase American spirits, such as Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Bulleit Bourbon, KOVAL, Old Forester, St George Gin, Wild Turkey, Westland, and Westward American Single Malt Whiskey.

“After a difficult year, we’re looking forward to partnering with some of the nation’s leading venues to celebrate Thanksgiving. The country is known for having some of the most knowledgeable and innovative bartenders, so we’re looking forward to Australians being able to experience new and delicious cocktails using some of America’s finest spirits, whilst supporting much loved bars and giving thanks,” Charles McEntee of DISCUS said.

More details will be announced as the event approaches, so be sure to follow these socials to get the latest updates: https://www.instagram.com/americanspiritsinaus/ and https://www.facebook.com/AmericanSpiritsinAus.

Please drink responsibly, and always eat food while drinking to ensure safe consumption.

North Quay Office Tower May Soon Be the New Workplace for Services Australia

A $600-million office tower in Brisbane’s CBD is primed for development as a potential, new workplace for over 4,000 public servants.

Developed jointly by Cbus Property and Nielson Properties, the development dubbed ‘205 North Quay’ is designed to become a “new benchmark for workplace well-being.”

Cbus Property and Nielson Properties, alongside the Raniga family, have been finalising a deal to secure Services Australia, which handles Medicare, Centrelink, and Child Support Agency, as its tenant.

*Photo Credit: Development Application/BCC*

205 North Quay is expected to deliver cutting-edge design from acclaimed architecture firms Hassell, New York-based REX, and Brisbane’s Richards & Spence.

As a world-class commercial space, this tower will include a wellness centre on one floor, a lap pool, childcare facilities, cafes and restaurants, an auditorium, facilities for events and celebrations, communal rooftop space, and outdoor terraces on every level.

Photo Credit: Artist’s Impression/Development Application/BCC

“The proposal will promote the clustering of business uses and promote an increase in the intensity of uses within the CBD. Furthermore, the development effectively promotes Brisbane’s vision as a new world city by providing a unique and noteworthy addition to the city’s skyline and specifically seeking to achieve the outcomes of the Buildings that Breathe Design Guideline,” the planner, Urbis, stated in the development application (DA A005493795).

“The development offers a mix of uses and diversifies the offering of services within the CBD which also supports the intent and purpose of the Principal Centre Zone and city centre area.”

“To assert both the subtropicality and wellbeing focus for 205 North Quay, a full tower floor will be dedicated to wellness, which will be inclusive of an extensive end-of-trip offering, exercise studios, healthy eating offerings, consultation suites and a 25-metre lap pool overlooking the Brisbane River,” Nielson Properties’ Director, Ross Nielson, said.

The new building is also aiming to achieve 6 Green Star rating and 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating as the designers have incorporated efficient use of natural light, compounded by LED lights and sensors, to reduce energy costs.

Cbus Property’s Chief Executive Officer Adrian Pozzo said that this is a “unique opportunity” to create a trailblazing office tower with the workers’ health and wellbeing in mind because of the impact of COVID-19 on working spaces.

The developers have submitted DA A005493795 in 2020. The application is currently under appeal, pending minor changes.

Why This Milton Property Attracts Multiple Offers On Auction

A block along Milton Road recently went on an auction and has drawn huge interest from locals because of its unusual feature: it comes with a telco tower that will give the new owner an opportunity to earn as much as $50k a year.

Read: Polonia in Milton Secures Loan & Donations to Keep Historic Landmark

It was the first time in 47 years that the property, located at 278 Milton Road was listed on the market. Agents handling the sale of the property described it as an “outstanding investment opportunity,” as it has a Telstra lease which increases each year until the lease expires in 2033.

LJ Hooker Brisbane City and Colliers Brisbane revealed it was the first time they sold a property with a telco tower in it. The unusual auction held in September 2021 has attracted more than 50 inquiries a week prior to the auction.

Photo credit: https://brisbanecityres.ljhooker.com.au/

Based on the listing, the 1955-sqm property consists of blocks of units with ample on-site parking with two street access, one from Milton Road and one from Nerida Lane. It’s situated within 2km of Brisbane City and is within walking distance to Suncorp Stadium, Ferry Terminal, Bus Stops, and other amenities.

Still, the drawcard of the property is a significant opportunity to improve and increase income. It has a total gross income of over $170,000 and annual 6% fixed rental increases.

Hosting a Mobile Tower on Your Property

Hosting a telco tower on your residential property can be a good way to generate income. Based on industry estimates, the average rental rate of telco towers ranges from $100 per month to $100,000 a year.

Whilst it’s guaranteed to increase your income, it’s worth noting that it will come with both pros and cons.

Telco property experts suggest getting help when it comes to reviewing the lease from a legal perspective. There are a few legal issues to consider when hosting a telco tower on your premises, including lease negotiations, environmental due diligence, and general lease administration.

Enjoy Stress-Free Christmas Shopping and Support the Cause of the AKF

Are you eager to kickstart your Christmas shopping activities to avoid the rush? The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is spreading the cheer and igniting the Christmas spirit with a special shopping event ahead of the holidays.

Everyone is invited to check out the items for sale at The Australian Koala Foundation shop on 40 Charlotte Street, at the building’s basement level. Happening on Thursday, 21 October 2021, from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., the shopping event is a way to raise more funds to protect the koala habitat. Proceeds of this event will go directly back to the foundation.

Score some great deals among the hundreds of gift ideas that will be on display. Those who stay longer may get a chance to win amazing door prizes.

“It’s a lovely evening and makes shopping for Christmas gifts stress-free and enjoyable,” said AKF Chair, Deborah Tabart OAM, of the Christmas shopping event.

“This year has been difficult for everyone, but this night presents an opportunity for our team to connect with our generous supporters and extend a thank you for the support they have given us throughout the year.”

“To thank our supporters for being a part of the AKF community we will be offering beverages and delicious nibbles for our extended trading hours,” Ms Tabart said.

Patrons who won’t be able to attend, however, may still support the event by shopping online.

Gold Coast’s Favourite Italian Restaurant Gemelli Now In Brisbane

Photo credit: Gemelli Italian/Facebook

Brisbane’s love affair with Italian cuisine is evident in James Street, where great choices of good pasta and pizza abound. The busy laneway recently welcomed another Italian restaurant, Gemelli, and its sister venue, Bar Tano, an aperitivo bar located right next door, just in time for spring, the season of new beginnings.

Read: Lockdown Blues? Order In from These Takeaway Options in the Inner City

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Gemelli is quite popular in the Gold Coast, where locals keep coming back for their traditional antipasti, pasta, and wood-fired pizza. All these will be offered in the new Brisbane location, along with the Italian wines they are also known for.

Photo credit: Gemelli Italian James St/Google Maps

Their gnocchi is made fresh in-house every day. They also have vegan options of the traditional Italian dishes on their menu. There’s the ‘Vegana’ pizza with a pumpkin base, topped with zucchini, walnuts, rocket and fresh cherry tomatoes. They also have the ‘Ravioli Della Casa,’ housemade spinach and ricotta-filled ravioli served with Napoli sauce.

Gemelli translates to “twins,” in Italian which is exactly what the owners are. The place is run by twins James and Alec Carney, with the help of their older brother Paul, a sommelier who will be responsible for the selection of the best Italian wines for the restaurant.

Carney brothers (Photo credit: Gemelli Italian/Facebook)

The twins envisioned Gemelli James St to be a place where guests can bring their kids, or where families and friends can share a glass of wine; whilst Bar Tano would be the ideal location for aperitivo, live music, and house cocktails.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gemelli Italian (@gemelliitalian)

Like their Broadbeach location, the new venues in James St will feature a rustic setting coupled with a vibrant atmosphere. Gemelli is equipped with classic wooden tables and chairs, an open kitchen, and a custom-built fridge that can hold over 100 bottles of wine. Bar Tano, on the other hand, features a green marble central bar and its own DJ decks.

In addition to their Italian wines, Bar Tano also offers beers and affordable cocktails, as well as their specialty Tanorosa cocktail, mixing Campari, prosecco, and house-made peach granita.

Gemelli’s stunning wine cabinet (Photo credit: Gemelli Italian/Facebook)

Both venues are currently open for dine-in, with Bar Tano accepting walk-ins and Gemelli encouraging bookings through their website. Takeaways will be offered in Gemelli soon. For updates, follow Gemelli and Bar Tano on their social media accounts.

Bar Tano

Instagram: @bartano.bne

Gemelli

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gemelliitalian/

Instagram: @gemelliitalian

Suncorp Stadium Makes History New Venue Of NRL 2021 Finals Series

Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium

Editor’s Note: As of 30 September 2021, QLD’s NRL Grand Final will be played to a capped crowd of just 39,000 fans due to updated Covid-19 restrictions. Refunds will be issued to the final 25% purchases made in each Grand Final selling allocation. For more details and updates, please follow the NRL Facebook page.

Milton’s Suncorp Stadium is set to make history after being chosen as the venue for the 2021 NRL grand final, in the league’s first time to play the finals series outside of Sydney in 114 years.

Read: Milton Markets Celebrates Blooming Spring with Seasonal Flavours: Twilight Edition

The game is usually held at Sydney’s Stadium Australia but because of the ongoing spread of the Delta variant in NSW, the grand final is set to relocate to Queensland and will remain there until the end of the regular season.

In a press conference earlier this month, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed the Queensland Government made an agreement with the National Rugby League to host the finals as well as a number of regional games.

Photo credit: NRL – National Rugby League/Facebook

“Never in my lifetime did I think that we would have an NRL grand final here in Queensland, and finally, that’s happened… So well done Queensland,” Premier Palaszczuk said.

Because of Queensland’s efforts for helping the league afloat this year, it did not have to bid for the right to host the final series. Around 4.6 million had been spent on securing the finals series whilst the event is expected to bring in $19 million to the Queensland economy.

As Queensland cements itself as the new home of the rugby league, it’s anticipated that more rugby games will be played in the state in the coming years, according to Sports Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe.

“This is an unprecedented venture into regional Queensland by the NRL. We’re also working with the NRL on a Centre of Excellence at QSAC for women’s rugby league which complements the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in women’s sport,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.

“Queensland is a nursery for rugby league talent, and it makes sense to work with the NRL on ways we can support our future stars,” he added.

About the Suncorp Stadium

Over 50,000 die-hard Rugby League fans are expected to descend at the Suncorp Stadium, as Queensland’s outdoor stadiums can now have 100 percent capacity.

Also known as Brisbane Stadium, Suncorp Stadium plays host to many major events each year, from rugby leagues and rugby unions to concerts and boxing events. The state-of-the-art, world-class stadium features 52,500 seats across three levels, 75% of which are covered to the drip line of the stadium roof.

NRL Grand Finals

The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final will take place on Sunday 3 October 2021.

The finals series kicks off with two elimination finals and two qualifying finals spread out over three days before the semi-finals and preliminary finals over successive weekends leading up to the premiership decider.

Mackay will host the semi-finals on Friday, 17 September and Saturday, 18 Sept with the preliminary finals to be played at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, 24 Sept and Saturday, 25 Sept 2021.

In line with state-wide mask requirements, fans are asked to wear masks at all times, including when seated. Visit Suncorp Stadium’s website for more information on buying tickets and health protocols when inside the venue.

Super Pfizer Weekend to Roll Out For Footy Fans

In a bid to boost the vaccination rate among Queensland residents, a Super Pfizer Weekend will be rolled out at all vaccination hubs during the NRL preliminary finals weekend at the Suncorp Stadium. Over 100,000 eligible footy fans aged 12 years old and above can walk in and get the jab.

The move to conduct the Super Pfizer Weekend walk-in vaccinations also comes as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the over 60s may get Pfizer jabs at any of the 80 clinics beginning Saturday, 18 Sept. Previously, the over 60s were offered only AstraZeneca jabs.

Queensland received 189,400 doses of Pfizer on Monday, 13 Sept, and the premier has vowed to use the lot as soon as possible. Many people, including the over 60s, have been holding out for this vaccine as stashes of AstraZeneca doses remain unused at GPs and pharmacies.

Following the walk-in vaccination announcement, hundreds of footy fans lined up during the NRL elimination finals in Rockhampton. In the coming weeks, more pop-up hubs will be opened near where the fans are expected to troop for the games.

Check for Walk-In Vaccination Sites

Meanwhile, this will be the first time Suncorp Stadium is hosting the NRL grand finals in the game’s 114-year history. Queensland won the right to host the event following the COVID outbreak in Sydney.

“This year we will create history, playing the grand final in Brisbane for the very first time,” Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said in the press statement.

“This will be a historic moment for the city and a reward for the support the Queensland community has given us throughout 2021.

“This year will always be remembered as the year Queensland hosted all of our major events; All Stars, Magic Round, three State of Origins and the grand final.”

Before moving to the Suncorp Stadium, two weeks of the finals will be played in Mackay.

Get Tickets to the NRL Finals

Milton Markets Celebrates Blooming Spring with Seasonal Flavours: Twilight Edition

Say goodbye to winter and stick a flower in your hair as Milton Markets celebrates the blooming springtime with an assembly of gourmet food, a pop-up bar, live entertainment, and bespoke shopping finds!

Over 150 vendors will be featured at Milton Markets’ Seasonal Flavours: Twilight Edition, which will be underway on Saturday, 11 Sept 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. After the cancellation of Christmas in July, this Twilights market will be springing back with more thrills and amusement for families.

Expect Cribb Street to overflow with hundreds of specialty stalls, makers, bakers, growers, and chefs to enjoy the start of warmer evenings and bring spring to life under the stars!

Taste the flavours of the world as stalls like German Sausage Shack, Hong Kong Dumpling House, Fire Up Woodfired Pizza and Hugh’s Korean Food will set up shop at the Twilights market. The pop-up bar is courtesy of Stone & Wood Brewery.

Meanwhile, Milton Markets’ regular Sunday trading returns to its regular hours from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Known as Inner West Brisbane’s premier lifestyle market featuring South East Queensland’s best producers and creatives, Milton Markets is the perfect weekend outing for families.

Follow Milton Markets Facebook page for regular updates on its activities.