Living in Brisbane - December 2021-January 2022 North edition

LIVING IN BRISBANE

Family-friendly festivities for Christmas: Lord Mayor

Barbecues are sizzling, children are splashing in local pools and cicadas are humming – all the telltale signs that Christmas in Brisbane is here.

From twinkling light displays in the suburbs to the solar-powered Christmas tree in King George Square and Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, there’s so much to do in Brisbane this festive season.

To make it easier to get around and support late-night Christmas traders, we’re providing extra bus services to the CBD, Indooroopilly, Garden City, Carindale and Chermside shopping precincts on 22 and 23 December. Extra services will also be available for the New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Check translink.com.au for timetable information.

With summer upon us, it’s also an important reminder to make sure you’re prepared for severe weather by checking your flood risk using our free online mapping tool, stocking up on sandbags and signing up to our free Brisbane Severe Weather Alert service.

I hope you have a safe festive season and wish you and your loved ones have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Celebrate Christmas in Brisbane

The festive spirit is in the air, from the city to the suburbs.

Brisbane’s towering Christmas tree in King George Square is the perfect backdrop for your Christmas selfie, and there’s more festive fun in the CBD and South Bank Parklands every night (turn the page for details).

The popular Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols return to Riverstage on Saturday 10 December. This year’s event is ticketed, but you can still sing along at home with the Nine Network’s broadcast on Friday 16 December.

Read on for community carols, Christmas-themed markets, workshops and events.

Download the Brisbane app for events closer to home.

December 2022 – January 2023: Christmas in Brisbane program | City-shaping projects | Holiday inspiration

Adrian Schrinner, LORD MAYOR

It’s Christmas time in the city

There are plenty of free festive activities in the CBD to entertain the whole family while you do a spot of gift shopping on the side.

Enjoy the magic of Christmas on Queen with pop-up performances daily, roving Christmas characters and colourful decorations for memorable snaps.

The Queen Street Christmas Jazz Lounge makes its debut this year. Sit back and listen to local quartet, Scat, as they perform Christmas favourites with a smooth twist.

Over in King George Square, The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights return. This year’s colourful animations projected onto Brisbane’s iconic City Hall are narrated by Olympian Cate Campbell OAM. The dazzling visual and sound display starts at 7.30pm and is repeated every 15 minutes until midnight.

Christmas Appeal

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at South Bank Parklands with a range of free and ticketed activities from 17-22 December.

The South Bank Christmas Show South Bank Piazza will come to life with a pantomime about Santa’s mailroom in chaos just as his sleigh is about to leave – will the elves save the season?

Holly Jolly Kids

Head to the Little Stanley Street Lawns for craft activities, an Elf Sing-Along Dance Party, free lawn games and The Wishing Tree.

Tinsel Tavern

Toast the season at this pop-up bar, complete with festive live music.

Santa’s Stopover Get your free photo with the man himself.

Christmas Cinema presented by eatSouthBank Curl up and catch a free classic Christmas flick under the stars.

Christmas in Brisbane events

9-24 December – Christmas on Queen Queen Street Mall, 11am-3pm daily and 4.30-8.30pm during late-night shopping, free.

9-24 December – The Lott by Golden Casket City Hall Lights King George Square, 7.30pm to midnight, free.

9-24 December – Christmas Jazz Lounge

Queen Street Mall stage, 12 noon-2.30pm daily and 5-7.30pm during late-night shopping, free.

SELLING FAST

17-22 December – The South Bank Christmas Show South Bank Piazza, 5.30pm and 7pm, from $6.

Reducing waste this holiday season

The holidays can be full of gifts, gatherings and… full bins. Follow these top tips to make the festive season a sustainable season.

1. Consider second-hand: Buy crockery and glassware from Council’s Treasure Troves to avoid single-use items.

2. Minimise food waste: Menu planning, making a shopping list and only buying what you need means fewer leftovers.

3. Invite BYO take-home containers: Encourage guests to bring a container to help share leftovers and save food from going to waste.

4. Boost your recycling capacity: Put out a separate bin for recyclables while entertaining and upgrade to a larger household recycling bin for free.

5. Download: Council’s Brisbane Bin and Recycling app for a collection service calendar and more.

17-22 December – Christmas Cinema presented by eatSouthBank River Quay, South Bank Parklands, 6pm (family screening) and 8pm, free.

17-22 December – The Collective Markets Little Stanley Street, 4-8pm, free.

17-22 December – Tinsel Tavern Little Stanley Street Lawns (South), 4.30-10pm, free.

17-22 December – Holly Jolly Kids

Little Stanley Street Lawns (North), 4-8pm free.

17-22 December – Santa’s Stopover, Flowstate Pavillion, 4-9.30pm, free.

For more information, visit christmasinbrisbane.com.au

SOUTH BANK

Helpful contacts in case of severe weather

Police, Fire or Ambulance Services 000

(Life-threatening situation)

Brisbane City Council Contact Centre 3403 8888

State Emergency Services (SES) 132 500

13 QGOV

13 74 68 (General enquiries, homelessness programs, emergency housing)

Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) 131 450

13 HEALTH 13 43 25 84 (Non-urgent medical help)

Queensland Ambulance Service 13 12 33 (Request an ambulance)

Energex 13 62 62 (Fallen power lines, power outages)

Urban Utilities 13 23 64 (Faults and emergencies)

TransLink 13 12 30

Australian Red Cross 1800 733 276

Community Recovery Hotline

1800 173 349 (Financial assistance grants and connections to social support services)

Received a severe weather alert?

Follow the prompts in the alert and make sure to: Š charge your electronic devices and have a car charger ready in case of power outages Š bring your pets indoors Š collect sandbags from one of our five sandbag depots Š move your car to a safe spot Š tie down and secure loose outdoor items Š have your emergency kit handy with important documents such as passports/visas, birth certificates and insurance information Š stay tuned to local radio, the Bureau of Meteorology and Council’s social media for updates.

Scan the QR code for more advice on how to be prepared.

Take the sting out of mosquito season

Council crews treat mosquito breeding sites all year round, but there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and reduce mosquito breeding on your property: Š limit the time you spend in mosquito-prone areas, especially at dusk and dawn Š wear loose-fitting, full-length, light-coloured clothing Š use personal insect repellents when mosquitoes are active Š screen doors and windows Š remove pots and containers of water in which mosquitoes can breed Š make sure rainwater tanks are screened and well maintained.

LIVING IN BRISBANE

Access it anywhere at any time

The new Living in Brisbane Live! audiobook means you can stay up to date on Council’s projects and what’s on in Brisbane by scanning the QR code.

BRISBANE’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE

We’re making big progress on city-shaping projects, and creating more travel options to connect you to the people, places and activities you love.

The Victoria Park / Barrambin Master Plan will be released in early 2023, building on community feedback from the Draft Master Plan. Works continue on exciting projects alongside the rewilding of the park, to increase tree canopy cover to 60% and create more lifestyle and leisure opportunities (see page 8).

As part of the turn-up-and-go Brisbane Metro, tunnelling works under Adelaide Street have commenced, which will reduce busway congestion by creating a dedicated connection to King George Square station. If you would like to learn more about the project, stop by the Brisbane Metro Information Centre located at 63 Adelaide Street. You can speak to a member of the project team and experience state-of-the-art technology in the virtual reality and augmented reality zones, with a lifesize model of the metro’s front passenger compartment.

Brisbane’s skyline will soon get an iconic upgrade, with the raising of the 83-metre mast for the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge. Both the Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek Green Bridges are expected to be completed in 2024.

Victoria Park, artist impression

Victoria Park, artist impression

Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, artist impression

BE A HABITAT HERO IN 2023

Get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions to reconnect with nature and be active and healthy by joining your local Habitat Brisbane group. It’s a great way to look after the environment, meet like-minded people and develop new skills. Find out how to volunteer on our website.

LIGHTING UP KEDRON BIKEWAY

Works are underway to restore more than 160 flood-damaged lights along Kedron Brook Bikeway. Council is wrapping up the installation of 50 light poles in Lutwyche by the end of the year, with more lighting restoration to come in early 2023.

RATES TACKLE HOUSING CRISIS

Council’s new transitory accommodation rates were introduced in July to encourage more properties to be available on the long-term rental market. If you know of or own a house or unit that is available to rent for more than 60 days per year for stays less than six weeks long, you can nominate or register it with Council on our website.

More ferry terminals set to reopen

Council is on track to restore the city’s ferry terminals to pre-flood condition, with Milton, Maritime Museum and UQ St Lucia due to reopen by the end of the month, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Council is investing $16.33 million to restore the ferry terminals as the city continues to rebuild and recover from the February 2022 severe weather event.

Work happening offsite includes repairs to gangway and pontoon elements, balustrading, cladding, signage and protective coating treatments, as well as below-water repairs.

North Quay and Regatta ferry terminals, which sustained the most damage, are due to be back online in early 2023.

LOOK OUT, A NEW DOUBLE-DECKER CITYCAT’S ABOUT

The sixth double-decker CityCat is set to join Council’s ferry fleet, with the launch of Mirbarpa II. See Brisbane from the top deck these Christmas holidays!

New Year, new bus loop!

Getting around South Brisbane is set to be easier for residents, workers, students and visitors as Council rolls out a new free bus loop in early 2023.

The South Brisbane service will have a 12-month trial and operate every 10-15 minutes, seven days a week, from 10am-11pm.

The bus loop will travel along Grey Street, Montague Road, Vulture Street and Tribune Street in an anti-clockwise direction.

Five new bus stops are being constructed, with another 10 existing stops undergoing rebranding or upgrading.

The new service will help ease traffic congestion as major work for Brisbane Metro ramps up around the Queensland Cultural Centre.

Search ‘South Brisbane Bus Loop’ on our website for more information.

See a film under the stars

Gather your friends and family for food and favourite flicks at local parks like Yeronga Memorial Park and Lanham Park in Grange, with Council’s Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs.

Screenings are free and some parks even allow furry friends to come along. Take your picnic chairs or blanket and get in early to reserve a prime spot before films start after sunset.

Some events offer pre-movie activities, such as food trucks, face painting and local business stalls, ensuring a relaxed and fun night out for the whole family.

Search ‘outdoor cinema’ on our website to find a screening near you.

Explore new art in the heart of the city

See art on the go with Council’s latest Outdoor Gallery, <play/ground>, showcasing 45 works from 11 Brisbane-connected artists, across 13 locations.

<play/ground>, curated by @MCRT.Studio, celebrates the playful charm of Brisbane as a concrete playground, while reminding us of the importance of daily routines connecting us to the planet that houses and nourishes us.

You can view the exhibition in various laneways and streets throughout the city centre, with artworks featured in light boxes, banners and vitrines, and evening projects across iconic CBD locations including Howard Smith Wharves, Ann Street and Fish Lane. Visit our website to view a map of artwork locations.

Holiday inspiration at your fingertips

Find everything Brisbane has to offer this summer by downloading the Brisbane app.

Be inspired when planning your next day out and build the perfect guide to share with friends, stay up to date on events or support your favourite local businesses.

Visiting a new suburb? Discover businesses, places, events, experiences and local favourites to find the best coffee, shops or activity.

Check the calendar to make sure you don’t miss your favourite concert or festival, or simply look up where and when a local yoga class is scheduled.

There are also plenty of curated guides offering everything from walking wine trails, fashion and styling tours to the best brunch spots and riverside strolls.

Thank you, generous Brisbane residents

Did you know you can donate your $15 early rates payment discount directly to the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust?

Thanks to these generous donations, the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust is able to fund two annual grant rounds for Brisbane charities making an impact at a grassroots level.

Recently, grants went to:

Accoras

Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation

Baby Give Back

Bayside Adolescent Boarding Inc (BABI)

Care Kits for Kids

Childhood Cancer Support

Community Canteen

Cystic Fibrosis Queensland

Emmanuel City Mission

Hummingbird House

Mater Foundation

Share the Dignity

Stepping Stone Clubhouse

The Carers Foundation

The Lady Musgrave Trust

The Shepherd Centre

Young Allies Foundation

Zig Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre.

Thank you, Brisbane! Find out more at lmct.org.au

Beat the summer heat without having to trek out of town! There’s something for everyone just a hop, skip and a splash away.

Pools: Whether it’s diving at Centenary Pool in Spring Hill or racing down waterslides at Chermside Pool, there are lots of ways to make a splash at Council’s 22 pools.

Aqua parks and water play areas: From Streets Beach and Aquativity at South Bank Parklands to Council’s 15 pools with water-play areas, you’ll get hours of fun from drop buckets, water jets and more.

Riverside parks: It’s always cooler by the water. Feel the breeze with a picnic at New Farm Park, Mowbray Park or one of Brisbane’s many shady riverside greenspaces.

Seaside: From Sandgate to Wynnum, Brisbane’s bayside stretch offers seaside esplanades, parks, water activities and mouth-watering fish’n’chips.

Visit our website for pool and park locations.

Victoria Park is Brisbane’s biggest new park and it’s got something for everyone. Looking to get together somewhere that has plenty of open space for kids to play, as well as expansive views of the city?

Pack a picnic and make the most of new park furniture at Victoria Park. You can even book a space for larger groups who prefer to BYO.

New seating is being installed across the park, while works continue to install new barbecues, park benches, drinking fountains and bike racks.

Victoria Park’s exciting transformation will continue to unfold with the release of the Victoria Park / Barrambin Master Plan in early 2023.

Visit our website for project updates and upcoming events, including Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs and the Kids Collective program, with free waterplay and fun activities during the holidays.

Save the date: Lunar New Year and BrisAsia

Hop into the Year of the Rabbit at Lunar New Year celebrations in Brunswick Street Mall and across the precinct on Saturday 21 January.

Experience Lunar New Year in the heart of Fortitude Valley and enjoy roving performers, live music and the unique flavours of the local dining options. For more information, visit myvalley.com.au

In February, BrisAsia Festival returns, showcasing contemporary and traditional Asian art and culture, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in theatre, music and dance.

Look out for the festival program in the New Year. Visit our website to learn more about BrisAsia Festival 2023.

Building healthier ecosystems

More than 2500 native trees and shrubs have been planted and bank stabilising works are nearing completion as part of Council’s Downfall Creek Restoration Project at 7th Brigade Park in Chermside.

Delivered in partnership with the Port of Brisbane and the Council of Mayors’ (SEQ) Resilient Rivers Initiative, the project aims to prevent creekbank erosion and restore the waterway.

The works will stop up to 7.5 shipping containers-worth of sediment from moving downstream into Moreton Bay annually, while improving local habitat and connection for wildlife along the creek.

The project is one of the ways Council is investing in improving and protecting Brisbane’s waterways and greenspaces.

Discover Brisbane’s wetland cultural trail

Get back to nature and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at Boondall Wetlands.

Walking tracks include:

Š Tulla-yugaipa dhagun Track (100 m): Meaning ‘place of useful plants’, this showcases plants once used by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Š Billai dhagun Circuit (2 km): Meaning ‘place of sheoaks’, this winds through many wetland habitats including a she-oak forest. You can also see some of the Nurri Millen Totems.

Š Nurri Millen Totems: Created by the late Ron Hurley, a nationally renowned Aboriginal artist, the series of 18 cast aluminium totems symbolises aspects of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. The totems form an important part of Council’s public art collection.

Visit our website to download a Boondall Wetlands track map.

BE PREPARED THIS SUMMER

Council is making sure it is prepared for a wetter than average spring and summer, and urging residents to do the same. We all know how unpredictable the summer storm season can be, so let’s get in first before the weather does. Sign up for the Brisbane Severe Weather Alert service now.

JINGLE, 15-23 DECEMBER

Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm Hosted by internationally acclaimed magician/comedian, Dom Chambers, this show blends dance, singing, magic and circus for a magical festive holiday treat for all ages. brisbanepowerhouse.org or 3358 8600

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS, 16 & 17 DECEMBER

Queensland Performing Arts Centre, South Brisbane Join leading musical theatre stars, the QPAC Chamber Choir and a full symphony orchestra for an uplifting performance of seasonal songs and much-loved Christmas carols. qpac.com.au or 136 246

CHRISTMAS PUTT PUTT, UNTIL 3 JANUARY

Victoria Park, Herston Aim for a ho, ho, hole in one as you putt through festive fairways decked out with bells, bows and bright twinkling lights. You’ll love the course from head to mistle-toe! victoriapark.com.au

IMAGINARIA, UNTIL 29 JANUARY

Next to Queensland Maritime Museum, South Brisbane Walk through a play experience that uses light, sound, sculpture and scent to create a totally unique immersive playground for people of all ages. imaginarianow.com

UNITED CUP, 29 DECEMBER-4 JANUARY

Queensland Tennis Centre, Tennyson

See the world’s best players compete side by side in singles and mixed doubles matches in a new team event set to launch the 2023 season. unitedcup.com

LORD MAYOR’S NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS, 31 DECEMBER

South Bank Parklands Arrive early to secure a spot so you can ring in 2023 with spectacular fireworks displays at 8.30pm and midnight set against the Brisbane River and CBD skyline. brisbane.qld.gov.au

Please check event details and confirm with organisers that events are still going ahead before you make plans.

REGIONAL EVENTS

Check out the Brisbane app for more event listings!

10-17 YRS

CAROLS IN THE PARK

10 December, 4-8pm, Teralba Park, Everton Park Settle in for an evening of festive cheer with entertainment and market stalls. brisbane.qld.gov.au

NIGHT NAV ORIENTEERING

20 December, 5.30-7.30pm, Wendon Way Park, Bridgeman Downs

Put your skills to the test! brisbane.qld.gov.au

INCLUSIVE GREEN THUMBS AND CRAFTS

16 January, 9am-12 noon, Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre, Boondall Get planting. To book, visit naturefreedom.org.au

INTRO TO STOP MOTION ANIMATION

CHRISTMAS DECOR

13 December, 1-4pm, Burnie Brae Centre, Chermside

Create centrepieces and tree ornaments to decorate or gift. Suitable for seniors. To book, call 3624 2110

WINDSURFING

8 January, 8-9am, Arthur Davis Park, Sandgate Experience the thrill of skimming across the sea. Suitable for seniors. To book, visit surfconnect.com

18 January, 11.30am1.30pm, Bracken Ridge Hall, Bracken Ridge BYO device and creativity. Suitable for seniors and children. To book, email dale.v.music@gmail.com

ZUMBA GOLD

25 January, 8.30-9.30am, O’Callaghan Park, Zillmere Improve balance and coordination with easyto-follow choreography. Suitable for seniors. To book, email kellie@energeticmusic.com

KAYAKING

17 December, 2-3.30pm, Nudgee Beach Reserve, Nudgee Beach

Have fun paddling in a twoseat kayak waterway. To book, visit vertecadventure.com.au

STREET ART FUN

14 January, 9.30am-12.30pm, Burnie Brae Centre, Chermside

Create vibrant paintings using stencils. Suitable for seniors and children. To book, call 3624 2110

FISH WISE

29 January, 12 noon-3pm, Moora Park, Shorncliffe Learn to tie a fishing knot and cast a rod. To book, visit 2bentrods.com.au

Summer reading launches in libraries

Thanks to everyone who shared their amazing Views of Brisbane! Simply share your photos on Instagram using #viewsofbrisbane or join our Views of Brisbane Facebook group for your chance to be featured. Brisbane

In a first for Council’s libraries, our Summer Reading program will open to all ages from Saturday 10 December.

Spend your summer reading in blissful solitude or rediscover a love of reading together with your family, with free events including science shows, craft sessions and live performances.

Plus, our new library catalogue for kids makes it even easier for young readers to find the perfect book, by searching for your favourite animal, author or character.

Visit our website for Summer Reading events, more free library activities and how to become a library member.

CATCH UP ON THE MOST POPULAR BOOKS OF 2022

Children’s books

1. Spinning Weird! by Anh Do

2. The Bad Guys. Episode 14, They’re Bee-Hind You! by Aaron Blabey 3. Dog Man. Mothering Heights by Dav Pilkey

Young adult

1. One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus 2. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo 3. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Adult fiction

1. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty 2. Better Off Dead by Lee Child 3. The Sentinel by Lee Child

Need gift inspiration? Visit our website to see the full list of the most popular books of the year.

• River

Brisbane City Council acknowledges this Country and its Traditional Custodians. We pay our respects to the Elders, those who have passed into the dreaming; those here today; those of tomorrow.

@kakatypus