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Family Activities to Enjoy at Museum of Brisbane for January 2020

All Christmas presents have been opened and you’ve welcomed the New Year with your family but there are still a few weeks left for the children’s summer holiday. No need to worry about keeping them busy and occupied during the break as the Museum of Brisbane at City Hall has lined up some exciting activities for the whole family this January.

Aside from the daily tours, here’s what’s happening at the MOB in the next few weeks. Set your schedules in order because it’s going to be a fun, busy and educational summer break!

WHAT	WHEN	WHERE
Custom Band Patches	6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22 and 24 Jan 2020 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.	The Studio

Learn how to design and personalise textile patches to be ironed on your clothes. This activity is open to all ages. Please don’t forget to bring your own piece of clothing. Book ticket

WHAT	WHEN	WHERE
High Rotation Family Tour	Ongoing until Thursday, 16 Jan 2020 12:00 p.m.	Gallery 2

Take a family trip down memory lane of the past 30 years of Brisbane’s vibrant music scene with a tour of High Rotation led by our Museum Educators. For all ages | Book ticket

*Photo Credit: Museum of Brisbane/Facebook*

WHAT	WHEN	WHERE
Kids Fanzine Project with Jeremy Staples	Saturday, 11 Jan 2020 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.	The Studio

Zine master Jeremy Staples will teach kids how to create their very own fanzine. For ages 6+ | Book ticket

*Zines are independently or self-published booklets, made by cutting and gluing text and images together, then photocopying the final design.

WHAT	WHEN	WHERE
Rhythm and Drum Making	Tuesday, 14 Jan 2020 Thursday, 16 Jan 2020 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 2:230 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.	The Studio

Musician Jhindu-Pedro Lawrie will help children transforming everyday items into musical instruments. For ages 6+ | Book ticket

WHAT	WHEN	WHERE
Summer Silent Disco	Saturday, 18 Jan 2020 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.	Dome Gallery

Kids can pop on some headphones and get groovy as the Museum turns into their own private disco. For ages 5+ | Book ticket

WHAT	WHEN	WHERE
Screen Print Wall Banners Workshop	Tuesday, 21 Jan 2020 Thursday, 23 Jan 2020 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.	The Studio

The children will learn how to design and print their own bold textile banner. For ages 6+ | Book ticket

Take note that children under 12 years need to be accompanied by an adult if they are signing up for the hands-on workshops. The adults don’t need to have tickets.

For inquiries about these activities, phone +617 3339 0800 or email info@museumofbrisbane.com.au.

Elizabeth Picture Theatre to Host a 1920s-Style New Year’s Eve Party

Planning a movie escapade for 2020? The Elizabeth Picture Theatre is screening three buzz-worthy films on the 1st of January but before those get underway, the theatre is also hosting a massive 1920s-inspired New Year’s Eve party to welcome 2020 with a bang.

On Tuesday, the 31st of Dec 2019, Elizabeth Picture Theatre will screen “The Great Gatsby” from director Baz Luhrmann. The romantic drama, first released in 2013 and filmed in Australia, stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan and Isla Fisher.

“The Great Gatsby” follows the story of Nick Carraway, a war veteran and psychiatric patient. He meets an enthusiastic man named Jay Gatsby, who immerses him in one extravagant party after the next.

*Photo Credit: Elizabeth Picture Theatre/Facebook*

The screening will begin at 9:15 p.m. but there will be cocktails and live entertainment from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Come dressed for the occasion to win fabulous prizes and giveaways.

To party Gatsby-style and watch the film, you may book your tickets online.

Then, kick-off your movie-viewing activities for 2020 with the following films opening on the first day of the year:

WHAT	TIME
Bombshell (Advanced Screening) Stars: Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie and Charlize Theron \| Directed by Jay Roach The movie is based on a real-life account that exposes Fox CEO Roger Ailes’ sexual harassment cases filed by several women working on Fox News in the U.S.	2:00 p.m.
Little Women (Regular Screening) Stars: Emma Stone, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Saoirse Ronan \| Directed by Greta Gerwig This film is another adaptation of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott.	10:00 a.m. 12:45 p.m. 6:15 p.m. * Schedule is applicable until 8th of January.
The Gentlemen (Regular Screening) Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant, Henry Golding, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan and Michelle Dockery \| Directed by Guy Ritchie A drug lord named Mickey Pearson wants to cash out of business. This movie is filled with blackmail, bribery and treachery.	12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 9:10 p.m. * Schedule is applicable until 8th of January.

Elizabeth Picture Theatre is inside the heritage-listed Tara House with a number of gold class 150-seat cinemas (Royal Rooms) and a grand theatre (Tara Room) for special screenings. As a heritage-listed site, this movie house retains much of its architectural charm but with the addition of a bar and full kitchen for guests to dine and relax before or after watching a movie.

MS-Stricken Andrew Buchanan Decides to Close Urbane, The Euro and The Laneway Bar

For two decades, Andrew Buchanan’s stylish, award-winning restaurants on Mary Street offered a dining experience like no other. Come Christmas Day, however, the fine-dining restaurant Urbane, its next-door site The Euro, and second-floor establishment The Laneway Bar will be serving their last Christmas lunch as they will permanently close and cease trading in late December.

Mr Buchanan made the personal decision to shut down his successful restaurants as he announced his battle with multiple sclerosis. Diagnosed with the agonising condition at 39 years old, Mr Buchanan, now 45, said that he needed to focus on his health and less on the stress of running the popular eateries in Brisbane CBD.

*Photo Credit: Urbane Restaurants/Facebook*

The decision didn’t come easy, though, especially after breaking the news to his staff. However, his staff were witnesses to his physical struggles as his ability to walk or carry heavy items deteriorated.

Though Mr Buchanan said he isn’t ashamed of the visible signs of his disease, he felt running restaurants in his condition will bring a lot of questions when couples, families and groups of friends come to celebrate birthdays, special occasions, and happy events at his restaurant.

“It is not something I have shared or drawn attention to. However, the physical symptoms of MS are now obvious and make running the restaurants tough,” Mr Buchanan said.

“I would like to thank the incredible team I work with – both in the kitchen and on the floor – who have gone above and beyond to support me and give 150 percent every day.”

Mr Buchanan considered selling Urbane, The Euro and The Laneway bar with its fully-equipped facilities. Since these deals take a while to complete, closing the stores was his best option since time is no longer on his side.

Instead, the restauranteur and his staff are set to end a fantastic era on a high note. Reservations for the final trading day are now open. Urbane and The Euro will serve their last meals on Christmas Day lunch, whilst The Laneway is closing at the end of the year. Make your booking below:

Urbane

The Euro

The Laneway
phone + 61 7 3229 3686

Must-See December Digital Light Show At St Stephen’s Cathedral

Celebrate the festive season by watching “Lights of Christmas” at the historic St Stephen’s Cathedral on Elizabeth Street this December.

Due to popular demand, Lights of Christmas returns to Brisbane for a second year. Everyone is invited to come and gather on the lawn of the Cathedral of St Stephen for what promises to be an extraordinary sound and light projection show.

The themes for this year’s light and digital animation tale are peace, joy, and goodwill — all of which represent the true spirit of Christmas.

Lights of Christmas is a free event that runs daily from December 11th until December 24th. Music, food, and children’s activities begin at 6:30 p.m. whilst the actual 12-minute light show starts at 7:00 p.m. and will run continuously until 10:30 p.m.

Apart from the lights display, a special feature of different events and choirs will also take place at the venue each night. Visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane to RSVP and to know more information about the event’s nightly schedule.

*Photo credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/ Facebook*

The Lights of Christmas at St Stephen’s Cathedral is supported by Australian Catholic University, Australian Catholic Superannuation Retirement Fund, Queensland Government, St Vincent’s Health Australia, AGB Events and Catholic Church Insurance.

What else are you waiting for? Mark your calendars today and plan your visit with the entire family to St. Stephen’s Cathedral for The Lights of Christmas show.

If you’re looking for more amazing things to do this festive season, click here for more inspiration and activities.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Handel’s Messiah

With Queensland Choir set to perform Handel’s Messiah at the Brisbane City Hall on December 1st 2019, it would be good to learn more about this classic choral masterpiece.

Handel’s famous oratorio—The Messiah, as performed by the Queensland Choir as “Brisbane Sings Messiah”, has become a Christmas tradition for many audience members as it is one of the choir’s signature and most celebrated events.

*Photo credit: The Queensland Choir/ Facebook*

With more than 150 choristers performing together with the thrilling accompaniment of an orchestra, George Frederic Handel’s glorious oratorio will surely offer each guest a magnificent combination of both theatrical effect and spiritual reflection all in one performance.

Whether or not you’re familiar with Handel’s choral masterpiece, here is a list of things you might not know about Handel’s Messiah:

1 . Composition of The Messiah only took 24 days to finish

Handel at 56 was able to compose The Messiah in a very short span of time—24 days to be exact—from 22 August 1741 until 14 September 1741. It was a phenomenal task for him to finish an oratorio in a couple of weeks as it was made up of 53 movements in 3 parts.

Tradition has it that Handel excluded himself for much of that time. He often refused to eat, drink or sleep when urged to do so by his servants. Handel also believed that God was telling him what to write and that he must copy it immediately upon hearing it.

George Frederic Handel
Photo credit: CCO Public Domain/ Dcoetzee/ Wikimedia Commons

2 . The Messiah wasn’t originally intended for Christmas

The Messiah had its premiere in Dublin in 1742 during Easter time and not on Christmas. This work was originally intended for Lent, but it was the Victorians who decided to move it to Christmas in order to revive people’s interest in what was then a neglected holiday.

3 . The Messiah raised enough money to free men from prison

Apart from The Messiah’s first performance during Easter time in Dublin in 1742, its premiere also served as a beneficiary event for people in a debtor’s prison. With enough money raised due to its momentous premiere, a total of 142 men were released from prison.

4 . Almost all the words from The Messiah were taken from the Old Testament

Did you know that although The Messiah tells the story of Jesus, the majority of its texts were taken from the Old Testament instead of the New Testament?

Yes, it was a way for Charles Jennens, the person responsible for compiling the texts used for The Messiah, to prove that the story and life of Jesus were already prefigured even before He lived. Jennens used The Messiah as a tool in battling against the Deists who at that time denied the reality of prophecy in the Bible.

Charles Jennens
Photo credit: CCO Public Domain/ Jack Wills It/ Wikimedia Commons

5 . Tradition of standing during The Messiah’s “Hallelujah Chorus”

Ever wondered why most audiences stand whenever the Hallelujah Chorus is performed? It was because of King George II of England who spontaneously rose to his feet as he was deeply moved by emotion during this movement at The Messiah. Upon seeing the King stand, the audience immediately stood up as well.

Since then, the tradition of standing for the Hallelujah Chorus has been observed in most live performances of The Messiah.

Catch Brisbane Sings Messiah of the Queensland Choir on 1 December 2019 at 2:45 p.m. inside the Brisbane City Hall. For tickets and more details about the concert, click here.

OMG Decadent Donuts: Former Milton Restauranteur Bounces Back with Vegan Delight

Former Milton restaurant owner David Moore is finding a new and stronger grip in the food business yet again with OMG Decadent Donuts. Eight years after losing Drift Restaurant & Cafe due to the catastrophic Brisbane River flooding of 2011, Mr Moore has been expanding his handcrafted vegan, dairy-free, nut-free and gluten-free doughnut enterprise.

Once just the toast of the Queensland markets, including the regular Milton Markets on Cribb Street, OMG Decadent Donuts is now available at various food events in Victoria. Plans to set up franchise outlets in other sites across Australia and even New Zealand are also underway.

For most people, vegan and dairy/gluten-free food usually tastes bland and dry but OMG Decadent Donuts might just shatter your expectations. These snack bites are soft, fluffy and delicate in quality. Speckled with different sugar flavours of your choice and using locally-sourced ingredients, the doughnuts live up to its name as a decadent delight.

“When we first started the business, we struggled with what to call it, and as we cooked donuts and experimented with crafting our beautiful sugars made with fresh fruits and spices, people would bite into them, and with a mouthful of decadent deliciousness, exclaim, ‘Oh My God!’” Mr Moore shared on their Facebook page.

“Our OMG Decadent Donuts are loved by everyone – especially those with dairy, gluten, egg, yeast and nut allergies and particularly by vegans, who can’t get enough of our bundles of love – which not only make our donuts so unique, but our business so incredible.”

Mr Moore humbly started OMG Decadent Donuts with the hope that people would be interested in “buying a few.” But his food concoction picked up massively since its launch a couple of years ago and it has been truly been a big blessing.

After losing Drift, the restaurant which was like a baby to him, Mr Moore admittedly suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He struggled to find his footing and lost confidence in his ability as a food entrepreneur.

Creating OMG Decadent Donuts was indeed a fresh start for Mr Moore. Aside from the successful business model, he is also proud to see people with various food intolerances enjoy his doughnuts.

“Our donuts are so unique that both Vegan Australia and Coeliac Association of Australia have certified our company, setting a benchmark for continued quality and excellence.”

Australian Red Cross Qld HQ Hits the Market

The Australian Red Cross is divesting and has put its QLD head office located on Park Road, Milton on the market.

Humanity Place is up for sale for the first time in 15 years, and Red Cross hopes to reinvest the proceeds into its services. Australian Red Cross has owned and occupied Humanity Place since acquiring the property from Fort Lane Properties for $6.8 million in 2004.

The sale is part of the national property master plan which involves divestment from several key properties to allow the not-for-profit organisation to work in locations that are more affordable to own or lease and best serve their clients, volunteers, staff, and partners.

Humanity Place, with a net lettable area of approximately 2,638 sqm, is a three-level freehold property with 57 secure basement parking bays. The 1,902sqm corner site located at 49-57 Park Rd in Milton offers potential future development of up to eight storeys high, as well as holding income from Red Cross on flexible leaseback arrangements.

Knight Frank and Colliers International will run the national expression of interest campaign which will close on 13 November 2019. The property boasts of a 4.0 Star NABERS Energy Rating.

Red Cross has also recently listed two adjoining sites in Carlton, Melbourne as part of its divestment program. The 2,038sqm Carlton property located at 163-175 Bouverie Street and 147-155 Pelham Street has served as ARC’s Victorian headquarters prior to organisation relocating to Villiers Street in North Melbourne. The site contains two offices and basement parking, with a total lettable area of 2,700sqm.

A Fun and Enriching Polish Club Market Day Is Happening in Milton

A veritable bounty of homestyle Polish dishes and delicacies, quirky Polish arts and crafts items, and lively Polish folk music are just some of what you can expect at the Polish Club Market Day in Milton. Taking place on Saturday, the 12th of Oct 2019, this event is a must-see for anyone interested in experiencing and learning about the culture.

A must-visit event for immigrants who could be missing the old country, Polish Club Market Day will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Hosted by The Polish Club (also known as Polonia) and taking place inside its reception hall at 10 Marie Street, this community event will feature rows of tables filled with authentic Polish goodies that every family member will enjoy.

*Photo Credit: The Polish Club/Facebook*

From Polish pastries and bread to Polish sausages and the deliciously divine Pierogi (stuffed dumplings filled with potatoes and cheese), you’ll relish the taste and aroma of homemade goods at this market day. Artisans of traditional and colourful Polish handicrafts are also going to showcase their creations like carved wooden boxes, pottery and perhaps a decorative Pisanski egg.

After shopping treats and goods to take home, stay a while longer to chat with the locals of Polish ancestry. It should be wonderful to exchange stories of your childhood or share experiences about your new way of life in Brisbane.

The Polish Club has been mounting events like this for years to support a small but strong community. The next Polish Club Market Day will take place on 9th November and 14th December 2019.

Locals Urged to Have Their Say on Albert Street Cross River Rail PDA

Photo Credit: dsdmip.qld.gov.au

The Queensland Government is seeking public comment on the proposed scheme for the Albert Street Cross River Rail Priority Development Area (PDA).

Urging locals to review the proposed development scheme, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the proposed scheme will provide a planning framework for the site that will inform the transformation of the southern end of Brisbane’s CBD.

“It outlines intended land uses, development criteria and the infrastructure envisaged for the PDA, and the feedback we gain through this process will ensure the PDA meets public expectation,” Mr Dick said.

This proposed development scheme is open for public consultation from 10 September to 23 October 2019. The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority will prepare a report based on submissions received during public consultation. It will be reviewed by the Minister of Economic Development Queensland.

According to Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones, up to 70,000 people were expected to use the Albert Street Cross River Rail Station each week day by 2036.

About Albert Street Cross River Rail Priority Development Area (PDA)

Albert Street Cross River Rail Priority Development Area Context Map (Photo Credit: dsdmip.qld.gov.au)

Albert Street CRR PDA is 3858 sqm with two core land areas separated by the Albert Street Road Reserve.

The PDA was declared on 14 December 2018 and an Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) given effect. It will provide a planning framework for development above and adjacent to the new Albert Street underground rail station at the intersection of Albert and Mary Streets in the CBD.If you know more about this development or make your opinion count, go to Cross River Rail Delivery Authority or send an email to info@crossriverrail.qld.gov.au.

Reddacliff Place to Host 2nd Mind-Bending ‘Flight + Séance’ Show from Darkfield Australia

Reddacliff Place is hosting an immersive show that’s sure to give you the cold creeps, as Darkfield Australia is bringing back another sensory experience like no other in “Flight + Séance” from Thursday, the 19th of Sept 2019, until Saturday, the 5th of Oct 2019.

Attempting to communicate with spirits comes to mind when you hear the word “séance” but this show has no supernatural element to it. Nonetheless, Flight + Séance is guaranteed to arouse a sense of terror in you if you’ve got quite an imaginative mind. But it’s all done in the name of fun, adventure, and a unique experience.

During the Séance, you will be asked to sit with a small group of people inside a completely dark white shipping container with a headset on. For 20 minutes, you’ll listen to unusual and unknown sounds that may raise the hair on the back of your neck as you conjure some scary scenes in your mind.

Darkfield Australia introduced Séance to Brisbane last year for the Brisbane Festival. Now that it’s coming back, they have upped the ante by adding another show in Flight.

Flight works the same way, as you will also be seated next to a group of people inside a container with the lights off and with sound coming only from the headset. This time, however, the sound will simulate something you’re probably familiar with — being 30,000 feet above the ground.

Except that this immersive experience will be amplifying sounds like the whirring of the airplane’s engine or crying children inside the plane. The challenge here is you would be powerless to do something about it for the duration of the show. There’s no other choice but to take everything in.

The whole idea of Flight + Séance is like a psychological experiment and you could surprise yourself by the things you’d imagine from this experience.

Be forewarned, however, as these immersive shows have been described as unsettling, especially if you’re not comfortable being inside a small and enclosed place or if you easily scare.

If you’re brave enough to give it a try, however, book your ticket and choose your date for Flight + Séance online. The show begins at 6:00 p.m.