Celebrating Brisbane Greeters
Brisbane Metro is taking shape
New Everton Park Library
Keeping Brisbane moving on the river: Lord Mayor
We’re committed to keeping Brisbane moving and our ferry network plays a big role making that happen.
During 2022-23, more than 2.5 million trips were taken on our fleet of CityCats and KittyCats by residents and visitors.
To help meet growing demand, we’re upgrading terminals, launching new vessels and improving services.
We’ve recently reopened Dockside terminal following a major upgrade with improvements to the Mowbray and Apollo Road terminals to follow.
Our eighth new double-decker CityCat since 2019 was recently added to the fleet with 2 more to follow.
We’re also making Howard Smith Wharves a full-time CityCat stop. It’s all part of our plan to keep Brisbane moving.
Brisbane Metro taking shape
Brisbane Metro milestones are being ticked off at sites across our city!
This includes at UQ Lakes station, where the busway station has fully reopened following its upgrade to support metro and bus services.
UQ Lakes station now has a dedicated metro platform, improved public amenities, bench seating and enhanced pathways, making it easier than ever to travel by public transport.
The metro fleet is also growing, with the electric metros now being housed at the new depot at Rochedale in preparation for services starting.
The metros will feature a unique design inspired by the Brisbane Wattle and the iconic shape of the Brisbane River.
BrisSizzle and Sounds is back for 2024!
Come down to Victoria Park on Saturday 11 May, from 10am to 2pm, for a free family day out. There’s an incredible lineup of local artists, delicious food trucks and kids' activities including the Bluey Live Interactive Experience and meet and greet!
There'll be plenty for everyone to see and do, while helping to raise much-needed funds for Foodbank Queensland, DrugARM and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust.
Since this event (previously named Brisbane’s Big City Barbeque) began in 2006, it has raised more than $1 million for Brisbane charities. For more information, head to lmct.org.au/BrisSizzleandSounds
How to reduce food waste in landfill
There are lots of ways to reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill. Joining your local community composting hub allows new participants to collect a free kitchen caddy to help transport food scraps for composting. Check availability from your local Ward Office.
Save money by taking advantage of our compost rebate program, making it more affordable to start composting. You can also attend one of our free compost and worm farm workshops to learn useful tips to implement at home.
Scan the QR code to watch our team applying artwork to new-look metros.
Find out if your household is one of more than 12,000 across Brisbane that are eligible for Council’s food waste recycling service. Visit Council’s website to find out more and check your eligibility.
New Everton Park Library now open
The new Everton Park Library is now open and has been wowing locals and visitors alike.
There’s plenty to explore including a forest-themed children’s space, meeting rooms, library collection spaces, a dedicated quiet room and a computer lounge with access to power for devices.
The new Everton Park Library is one of Brisbane’s 33 libraries – all well loved by residents. Last year, residents borrowed more than 9 million items and attended more than 12,000 events across the city’s libraries, Mobile Library and Pop-up Library.
Did we mention it’s free to join? Libraries are a great place to relax, meet new people and learn new skills. What are you waiting for? Search ‘Libraries’ on our website to find out more.
Homeless Connect returns in 2024
Homeless Connect returns to the Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, on Thursday 16 May. This one-day event provides a range of free services to people experiencing homelessness, or those at risk of homelessness, including access to health care professionals, haircuts, housing support, clothing and food.
The event has helped more than 21,480 people since it began in 2006 and is one of the many ways we show our commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents in Brisbane.
For more information, or to volunteer to help out on the day, search ‘Homeless Connect’ on our website.
Growing Brisbane’s vibrant street arts
There's plenty of art to see in Brisbane without stepping inside an art gallery.
There are 3 dedicated legal street art walls across the city, where emerging artists can create original work in public spaces. The walls provide a safe, legal outlet for graffiti artists to let their creative juices flow and transform under-utilised spaces into works of art.
As well as fostering the city’s creative flair, the walls also help reduce graffiti vandalism. You can find Council’s street art walls at Ekibin Park in Greenslopes; Stanton Road, Tingalpa; and the Paddington Skate Park.
Due to popular demand, the Dark Side of the Moon Planetarium Experience has been extended to 31 December 2024 at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium! Book your tickets now.
FREE FAIR RETURNS
Council’s much-loved sustainability festival, Green Heart Fair, is back in 2024. There’ll be eco-experts, live entertainment, wildlife shows, artisanal markets, food trucks, thrift shopping, kids’ activities and, of course, free native plants. Bus, bike or walk to Victoria Park on Gilchrist Avenue, Herston, from 9am-3pm on Sunday 26 May. Four-legged friends are welcome!
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE FREE DROP-OFF DAY
Dispose of old paint tins, car batteries and insect spray cans safely for free at the next household hazardous waste drop-off day. Items can be dropped off from 7.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday 1 June at the Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centre.
ROCHEDALE METRO DEPOT NEARS COMPLETION
The new Metro Depot in Rochedale is taking shape. The 60 slow chargers that will power the metros overnight and enhance battery lifespan have been switched on, while five fast chargers will keep the metros moving during the day. We’re making journeys cleaner and greener to connect you with the people and places you love.
Celebrating 12 years of Brisbane Greeters!
Council’s beloved Brisbane Greeters volunteers have provided tours of Brisbane to more than 110,000 residents and visitors since 2012!
These free tours are such a great way to find out more about the city we live in and its fascinating history from skilled and knowledgeable locals.
It’s National Volunteers week 20-26 May and the perfect time to acknowledge all Brisbane residents who give their time, energy and experience as volunteers.
Council has a range of programs for anyone wanting to experience the benefits of giving back, including opportunities at our Environment Centres, the Botanic Gardens and the Homeless Connect events.
Visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘ Brisbane Greeters’ to book a free tour or search ‘volunteering’ to find out more.
More shade sails installed in playgrounds
Council is working to install another 50 shade sails at playgrounds across Brisbane. The Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program is in its second year and is fast-tracking shade sail installations at 150 playgrounds over 3 years.
The sails block out harmful UV rays and make playtime cooler, which means more fun and less sun for Brisbane families. The additional protection also means kids can play for longer periods, which is a great way to stay active and healthy.
Get inspired to explore Brisbane’s playgrounds, including sun-safe spaces, by visiting Council’s website and searching ‘best playgrounds’.
Moggill Road upgrade milestone
One of Brisbane’s busiest intersections in the western corridor is another step closer to completion – with a major traffic switch on Moggill Road ahead of the bridge opening later this year.
Once complete, the Moggill Road Corridor Upgrade Project will get residents home sooner and safer by addressing congestion in the location.
The Indooroopilly intersection is a key link that connects Brisbane’s outer west and south-west suburbs to the CBD via 2 major arterial roads.
Cyclists and e-scooter users will also be catered to with upgraded pedestrian and cycle paths. The project is expected to be complete in late 2024.
Ferry good times ahead
Council has launched its newest CityCat, Tugulawa II, the eighth double-decker vessel in our fleet and can carry up to 170 passengers.
Tugulawa II will be the perfect way to travel to Howard Smith Wharves to meet up with friends as CityCats start arriving at the terminal soon.
Across the river, ferries have returned to Dockside. CityHopper services now leave from a larger and more accessible terminal with a new passenger waiting area, seating and a flood-resilient design.
It’s now Mowbray Park’s turn for essential upgrades, with the terminal now temporarily closed for works. Regular terminal users are advised to plan alternative trips using Translink’s Journey Planner tool.
Black Spot program update
Works on the intersection upgrade at Kittyhawk Avenue and Inala Avenue in Inala are nearing completion, improving road safety by installing traffic lights with controlled pedestrian crossings.
The intersection is the last of 4 projects delivered by Council under the 2023–24 Black Spot program. Other Black Spot projects included:
Johnson Road, Forest Lake
Bay Terrace and Chestnut Street, Wynnum
Bennetts Road, Crown Street and Macrossan Avenue, Norman Park.
Council is committed to building better roads that get residents home sooner and safer.
The Black Spot program is funded by the Australian Government as part of the National Road Safety Strategy.
National Road Safety Week is 5–12 May, but Council is working yearround to improve road safety and traffic flow. Council has delivered 6 congestion-busting projects this financial year, improving road safety for all users.
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FREE AND AFFORDABLE EVENTS
BRISBANE STREET ART FESTIVAL, 4 TO 19 MAY
Various locations
Australia's largest street art festival is back. Immerse yourself in a myriad of large-scale murals, group exhibitions, artist panel talks and a huge workshop program that has something for everyone. bsafest.com.au
BRUNSWICK
STREET LIVE, 11 MAY
Brunswick Street Mall, Fortitude Valley
Celebrate everything we love about the Valley with unmissable live acts on the mainstage, DJs, markets, street performers and in-venue events providing entertainment for all ages from day to night. myvalley.com.au
MOTHER'S DAY PARK VIBES, 11.30AM TO 4.30PM, 12 MAY
Gundoo Memorial Grove, Victoria Park
Treat mum to a special day in the park at this free, family-friendly event. Situated on the Spring Hill side of Victoria Park, enjoy live music, food trucks and kids’ activities. brisbane.qld.gov.au
BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL, UNTIL 26 MAY
Brisbane Powerhouse, Tivoli, Fortitude Music Hall and Princess Theatre
Laughs are guaranteed with more than 100 artists and 300 shows from some of the world’s best and brightest comedians. brisbanecomedyfestival.com
DARKNESS
TO DAYLIGHT, 29 TO 30 MAY
Queensland Parliament House, George Street, Brisbane
Be part of Challenge DV's event to take a stand and raise awareness of domestic and family violence. Run 3, 10 or 110 kilometres overnight to support the cause. Register, donate or volunteer. darknesstodaylight.org
BRISBANE WRITERS FESTIVAL, 30 MAY TO 2 JUNE
State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane
Join a diverse cast of writers, readers, thinkers and dreamers in a rollicking tale of festive entertainment with many free and low-cost events. Don't forget to mark the festival dates in your calendar. bwf.org.au
Please check details and confirm with organisers that events are still going ahead before you make plans.
REGIONAL EVENTS
DISCO FOR ALL ABILITIES
10 May, 6-9pm, Moorooka Community Centre
A fun, free disco for people with disability. Preregister by emailing dancecompany@ insideoutsidedance.com
BEGINNING LAWN BOWLS
10,17, 24 May, 3-4.30pm, Graceville Bowls Club
An introduction to lawn bowls. Bookings essential. Phone or text David on 0407 894 727
TWILIGHT WALK IN THE FOREST
11 May, 4.30-6pm, Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre
Join a guided walk through the forest. To book, visit eventbrite.com.au
GENTLE FITNESS
Tuesdays, 9-10am, Our Place Hall, Inala
A fun class to improve strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Suitable for seniors. brisbane.qld.gov.au
BASKETBALL SKILLS AND GAMES
Wednesdays, 3.30-5pm, Julie Road Park, Ellen Grove
Develop your skills with fun basketball drills. To book, visit madeconceptspty.com
WILDLIFE NEIGHBOURS
19 May, various times, Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre
Join experts to learn about Australian wildlife. To book, visit eventbrite.com.au
Check out the Brisbane app for more event listings!
ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP
Tuesdays, 2-3pm, Sunnybank Hills Library Make new friends and improve your English. To book, call 3407 0571.
CHILDREN’S STORYTIME IN THE PARK
22 May, 10.30-11am, Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks Enjoy the fresh air and experience the magic of storytime with your child. brisbane.qld.gov.au
ORIENTEERING
26 May, 4-5.30pm, Rosemount Park, Sinnamon Park
Improve your navigational skills and discover your local park. brisbane.qld.gov.au
Listen on Council's website, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.
Brisbane stars in film and TV!
Did you know our city has starred in a whole stack of movies and TV shows?
Brisbane’s most recent claim to fame came in the Netflix limited series adaptation of Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe
But before the world got to see City Hall and the streets of Darra up in lights, others paved the way for our thriving film industry.
From 2017 to 2020, the TV series Harrow, was filmed in multiple locations around Brisbane.
In 1989, Kylie Minogue starred in the movie The Delinquents, where Brisbane looks its retro-best in scenes filmed in ANZAC Square and Queens Gardens.
Want more? Search “Boy Swallows Universe” on our website and read about the landmarks and suburbs from the series that perfectly captures 1980s Brisbane.
Be prepared for bushfires
Fire season generally occurs from July and can extend into December, depending on the weather conditions, but bushfires can occur at any time.
Mowing your lawn regularly, reducing vegetation along access paths and removing any flammable materials, such as long dry grass and dead leaves, will have a big impact on your preparedness.
Council is co-hosting several free bushfire information sessions and workshops across the city to help prepare and protect your family and home this bushfire season. Visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search 'be prepared' for more details.
National Reconciliation Week – a time to learn and come together
National Reconciliation Week is held every year from 27 May to 3 June and is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme is 'Now More Than Ever'.
Search Council’s What’s On calendar for local National Reconciliation Week events and explore other ways you can take part.
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.