Why Eagle Street Pier Has Big Bright Bunnies

Some big bright bunnies will be hopping into the Eagle Street Pier this March. If you frequent the precinct, don’t be startled by their giant presence. The installation will be around the area from the 13th to the 29th of March 2020.

All of those six illuminated giant bunnies are the work of Australian artist Amanda Parer. Brisbane is lucky to have the artwork for the very first time after Ms Parer and her hoppy creations have been bouncing off cities like London, Paris, Boston, Los Angeles, Seoul and Perth for years.



This is Ms Parer’s Intrude art display.  The artist created those big and shiny bunnies to provoke “a thoughtful and playful atmosphere.”

Ms Parer picked bunnies as the subject of her art display of its intriguing contradictions. These animals are fixtures of fairytale stories, displaying furry innocence and a cute image loved by children.

However, rabbits were also regarded as out of control pests in Australia when these animals were introduced by the settlers in the late 1700s. From the 19th to the 20th century, various methods were deployed to control the rabbit population in the country as the animals were causing heaps of environmental problems, including soil erosion and an imbalance to Australia’s unique flora and fauna. 

Photo Credit: Parer Studio

“I expect people will be drawn to the rabbits’ playful appearance, and I hope they will also take the time to understand the deeper meaning in the work and discuss how our actions impact the natural world in which we all live,” Ms Parer said. 

The illuminating giant bunnies will be on display for free daily at the Eagle Street Pier from 12:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.




Intrude Classic from parerstudio on Vimeo.


“Shave the World From Blood Cancer” at King George Square

Are you ready to “shave the world” from blood cancer? It’s time to take part in the World’s Greatest Shave and help Leukaemia Foundation reach their goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.

You are invited to come along on 13 March, 2020 between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at King George Square as Leukaemia Foundation celebrates 22 years of World’s Greatest Shave. 

To participate in this fund raising event, you may nominate to shave, cut or colour your hair by signing up and fundraise at https://worldsgreatestshave.com. You are encouraged to book online if you are planning to shave on the day of the event. You may sign up as an individual, join a team, or start your own team.

Photo credit: World’s Greatest Shave / Facebook
Photo credit: World’s Greatest Shave / Facebook
Photo credit: World’s Greatest Shave / Facebook

For signing up, you will get a free kit containing tips and tools, plus your own online fundraising page ready for you to personalise. Shave, cut, colour, or even wax your hair, it’s up to you. You have the power to take a stand against blood cancer!



My Life Counts – Video Credit: Leukaemia Foundation / YouTube

Zero lives lost to blood cancer

Blood cancer is one of the top 4 most frequently diagnosed cancers and one of the leading causes of death by cancer in Australia. Leukaemia Foundation has set a bold new goal: zero lives lost to blood cancer.

To achieve this goal and work towards fighting leukemia, Leukaemia Foundation commissioned a comprehensive and ‘first of its kind’ analysis to help identify the challenges and opportunities that influence survival and quality of life blood cancer patients. 

The result is the State of the Nation: Blood Cancer in Australia report which includes the Foundation’s plan for action to reach their goal. To help coordinate the effort, Leukaemia Foundation will work in partnership with the government and the key participants in the blood cancer science and clinical community. The plan for actions will focus on four priorities: empower patients, enable access, catalyse health reform, and accelerate research for the cure.

“Ultimately the path to conquering blood cancer requires us to work together and ensure 100% access to the right information, the best treatments and services, and the latest trials, tests and diagnostic tools, to help people not just to survive – but also to live well,” Bill Petch, Leukaemia Foundation CEO said.

Visit the Leukaemia Foundation here to know more about “The path to zero lives lost to blood cancer.”



Two Milton Properties, Among The Most Significant Sales In The Past Three Months

Two properties in Milton are included in the most significant sales in the past three months, the latest Brisbane Fringe Cityscope research said.

The latest Corelogic’s Brisbane Fringe Cityscope report revealed that property sales figures in the last three months to the beginning of February 2020 have increased with recorded sales totalling $216.5 million.

There was a total of over $189 million in significant sales this quarter including a property located at 19 Lang Parade, Milton. The site comprising two office buildings, with 31,567 sqm total gross floor area, was sold off-market for $85.2 million to Nikos Property Group Pty Ltd. 



Included in the site is the Terrace Suites, a two-storey building built prior to 1990 and is situated behind the seven-storey building that was built in 2009, and extended by one floor in 2011. The property is situated in close proximity to transport: 400 metres to Auchenflower Train Station, 125 metres to Coronation Drive bus stop, and 150 metres to Milton Ferry Wharf. 

Photo credit: Elders Commercial / elderscommercialbrisbane.net.auPhoto credit: Elders Commercial / elderscommercialbrisbane.net.au
Photo credit: Elders Commercial / elderscommercialbrisbane.net.auPhoto credit: Elders Commercial / elderscommercialbrisbane.net.au
Photo credit: Google Maps

Meanwhile, three buildings — comprising a 2,514 sqm two-level building, a 565 sqm workshop/warehouse, and 723 sqm workshop/warehouse — with frontages to Crombie Street, Cribb Street, and McDougall Street were sold together for $10.5 million. 

Of the $216.5 million total sales from 15 properties, $194.7 million were for commercial, $3.8 million for commercial strata, $6.5 million for retail, $100,000 for retail strata, and $10.5 million for other.

Comparing that data to the last three months to the beginning of November 2019, there 17 sales recorded for a total of $55.5 million including 4.3 million for commercial, $3.7 million for commercial strata, $5 million for retail, $200,000 for retail strata and $42.4 million for other.



Wonderful Day with ‘Friends’ at The Brunch Club Brisbane

A wonderful “frenaissance” is happening in Brisbane, more than 25 years since “Friends” bowed out of television! The Brunch Club is mounting a “Friends”-themed brunch (of course!) at a still-undisclosed location in Brisbane this autumn.

The event, aptly named “The One Where They All Went For Brunch,” is going to run for one time only on Sunday, the 26th of April 2020. This early, however, you may already register to receive notifications, including when to score the tickets to this exclusive brunch party. Word on the street is that the venue will be a 10-minute drive off the CBD. 



“The One Where They All Went For Brunch” will be a two-hour spectacle (12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.), where guests may enjoy playing “Friends”-themed charades and trivia. Be sure to tap a friend who’s really good at Lightning Rounds for a sure win! 

Guests may also win prizes for the “Friends” costume competition. If you come dressed up as the Holiday Armadillo, you’re good to go! 

Photo Credit: Friends (TV Show)/Facebook

The brunch will also feature a screening of select “Friends” episodes. Ross’s favourite moist maker sandwiches could be on the menu along with heaps of appetizers and bottomless drinks. 

This is strictly an 18-year-old-and-above event. “The One Where They All Went For Brunch” is also going to be taking place in Sydney and Melbourne before it comes to Brisbane.



Whiskey Distillery And Hotel Milton Approved

Council has approved a development application for a Whiskey Distillery and Hotel within an existing building located at 25 Finchley Street, Milton.

The subject site is located in the Brewery precinct of the Ithaca District neighbourhood plan/NPP-005, therefore, the proposed Whiskey Distillery use is deemed consistent with the existing uses already established within the locality such as the adjoining XXXX Brewery. 

The Hotel component of the proposal, on the other hand, is considered “compatible with the surrounding low impact industrial uses.” The proposed hours of operation of the Hotel is 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., 7 days a week.

“The proposal involves the refurbishment of the existing commercial/industrial building to create an attractive contemporary commercial building designed to accommodate the proposed Hotel and Distillery. It is anticipated that the proposal will add positively to the built form character of the locality and provide an attractive contemporary building to Finchley Street at this location,” the Planning Initiatives Assessment Report said.

The approved development application will involve the refurbishment of the existing commercial/industrial building, with a total Gross Floor Area of 521.6sqm, to accommodate the proposed use. 

Basement floor plan
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Ground Floor plan
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
First Floor plan
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

It is proposed that the Whiskey Distillery will occupy an area of 13.5sqm on the ground floor, at the rear area of the building, with the basement area and a portion of the ground floor, with an area of 135.6sqm, to be used for bonded storage. 

The Whiskey Distillery is expected to produce approximately 10,000 litres of distilled product annually but will not exceed 1 million litres per annum

The Hotel component of the development will include the 22sqm bar area and 82sqm function space on the ground level of the building with the remainder of the ground level space apportioned to the kitchen (12.2sqm) and amenities area (22.8sqm).

It is proposed that the existing building will retain its existing ancillary office, storage, and amenities on the upper level. Under the proposal, the existing to car parking spaces at the site is not intended to be altered. 



Brisbane City Kerbside Collection: App Makes Sorting Simple

Have you tried using the award-winning Brisbane Bin and Recycling App? If you haven’t, then you should download the app to simplify your preparation and organisation, as another round of kerbside collection for large household items is taking place on Monday, the 20th of Jan 2020, in Brisbane City. 

The Brisbane Bin and Recycling App is useful for iOS and Android devices. It’s available for free via the App store (iOS), Google Play (Android) and Microsoft (Android).

Features of the Brisbane Bin and Recycling App

The app provides detailed information on recycling and disposing of various items. It comes with a user-friendly interface where specific items are categorised and alphabetised. If you’re unsure about how to recycle or to get rid of a certain item, simply search from the list and you’ll find the information. This should make sorting your kerbside collection pile easier!

The Brisbane Bin and Recycling App has a bin collection calendar that sends notifications and reminders. Along with some general information about bin collection, there’s also a section for tips and myths about recycling.



In addition, the app has a list of waste and recycling facilities all around Brisbane where you can donate second-hand items or bring items that the Council can’t collect on kerbside collection day. To make things easier, the app has maps and directions for these facilities. 

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook


Award-Winning App 

Since its release in 2014, the app has helped cut 25 percent of the general waste among Brisbane residents. Using the app has encouraged locals to be smart about how they manage waste. 

In the past, locals use to second guess if they’re recycling the right way. The app solves that problem as it has been designed for easier disposing and recycling process.

The Brisbane Bin and Recycling App received the Innovative Council Award from the Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo in 2015. 

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! 

WHATWHENWHERE
Custom Band Patches6, 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

WHATWHENWHERE
High Rotation Family TourOngoing 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
WHATWHENWHERE
Kids Fanzine Project with Jeremy StaplesSaturday, 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.

Photo Credit: Museum of Brisbane/Facebook
WHATWHENWHERE
Rhythm and Drum MakingTuesday, 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 



WHATWHENWHERE
Summer Silent DiscoSaturday, 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

Photo Credit: Museum of Brisbane/Facebook
WHATWHENWHERE
Screen Print Wall Banners WorkshopTuesday, 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.”

Photo Credit: The Euro/Facebook

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.