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Living in Brisbane December 2016 – January 2017 Edition A message from Lord Mayor Graham Quirk As 2016 enters its final weeks, it’s important to reflect on the year that was and get ready to enjoy the festive period.

Brisbane will rejoice and come alive again this month with the magnificent colour and pageantry of many exciting events. Celebrate the city’s Christmas spirit at the David Jones Christmas Parade and the world class Gold Lotto City Hall Light Spectacular, while my annual Christmas Carols will again be held at Riverstage. See christmasinbrisbane.com.au for more information.

Don’t forget, donations can be made to my Charitable Trust Christmas Appeal until 23 December. Donations to the appeal and your generosity can help change the lives of those who are less fortunate. See lmct.org.au or call 3403 5381 to donate.

Summer can also bring severe weather. Visit brisbane.qld.gov.au/beprepared for summer safety information and be prepared for the extreme weather events which can occur.

Finally, why not enjoy a guided walk at one of our three environment centres. Read more about this and other opportunities to get active and healthy over summer in this edition.

Graham Quirk LORD MAYOR Christmas in Brisbane Oh what fun it is! Experience Christmas in Brisbane when the city, South Bank Parklands and Roma Street Parkland play host to Australia’s most extensive free festive program.

25 Nov-24 Dec. christmasinbrisbane.com.au A lighting wonderland A highlight of Christmas in Brisbane, the Gold Lotto City Hall Light Spectacular, is back from Friday 9 December until Christmas Eve.

This year, Brisbane City Hall will light up with a magical light projection show featuring an animated Christmas story every 15 minutes between 7.30pm and midnight.

With its enchanting narrative and creative flair, the Gold Lotto City Hall Light Spectacular will be a colourful night out to celebrate the festive season and one for all ages to enjoy.

Immerse yourself in the wonder of Christmas with this year’s playful Aussie take on The Night Before Christmas. Set in a suburban backyard during a hot Brisbane summer, it’s bursting with whimsical adventure, cuddly creatures and plenty of fun. Brisbane City Hall’s clock tolling will signal the start of each show.

For more information, visit christmasinbrisbane.com.au Christmas parade A family favourite, the Christmas Parade will make a highly anticipated return to the CBD this year, complete with a nativity scene, Santa and dozens of performers to entertain and delight all ages. From 16-24 December, residents can expect to be wowed by the high-energy parade, which will travel up the Queen Street Mall and wind its way to King George Square.

The nightly performances will bring to life every child’s Christmas wish – from enormous dolls houses to bicycles, dancing gingerbread men and candy canes. Bring the kids along for an evening of festive fun! For more information, visit christmasinbrisbane.com.au South Bank’s treasure trove South Bank’s Christmas Markets, presented by eatSouthBank, will transform Stanley Street Plaza into a treasure trove of festive stalls from 16-23 December.

Experience the wonder of a traditional Christmas market with a Brisbane twist as South Bank Parklands turns into a Christmas wonderland. The markets will host some of the best local artisans offering a range of traditional gifts, keepsakes and ornaments, accompanied by the festive sounds of live music and carollers.

The decorations, festive lighting and themed stalls that will line the Plaza’s cobblestone streets are sure to be a highlight for the holiday calendar. The Christmas Markets will operate daily from 11am-10pm. For more information, visit christmasinbrisbane.com.au Christmas classics on the big screen Swap carpet for sand while watching a movie at South Bank’s Christmas Beach Cinema at Streets Beach. A range of Christmas family favourites will be on the big screen, including Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Jingle All The Way. Movies will run from 16- 23 December, with screenings at 6pm and 8pm daily.

If you prefer grass under your feet, Christmas Movies in the Park at Roma Street Parkland will also be showing some classics, including Love Actually, Santa Clause and Elf. Movies will run from 10-16 December, with food trucks serving from 5.30pm and screenings starting at 7pm daily.

The Christmas Cinema Series is part of Brisbane’s free Christmas program, Oh What Fun It Is. To see the full program and plan your visit, head to christmasinbrisbane.com.au Seniors celebration Council has helped more than 550 seniors groups around the city kick off their end of year festivities by providing funds as part of our Seniors Celebration Donation program.

Council’s donations of up to $300 assist with covering the cost of social outings and Christmas parties run by community and seniors groups providing activities for people aged 50 years and over.

Council recognises these donations can go a long way for a group wanting to enjoy a day out and help Council spread Christmas joy to residents.

The donations also recognise the valuable contribution seniors make to Brisbane and its community life and provide seniors a festive boost leading up to Christmas.

For more information on Council programs, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au Welcoming Christmas with a song The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols will light up Riverstage on Saturday 10 December. Musical Director John Foreman – best known for his work on Australian Idol – will lead an orchestra and choir in a two hour spectacular of Christmas carols and songs. Some of Australia’s finest talent will perform, including Luke Kennedy, Rhonda Burchmore, Reece Mastin, Rosario La Spina, Anna-Maria La Spina, Melinda Schneider, Marika Aubrey and Naomi Price.

The free event will raise funds for Mater Little Miracles, a charity that helps Queensland’s most vulnerable babies and children in one of Australia’s busiest maternity hospitals. Attendees are invited to make a donation at the entry gates or at collection points throughout the evening, with all funds being passed on directly to the charity.

Riverstage gates will open at 4.30pm, with pre-show entertainment starting at 5pm. The main concert begins at 7pm and will conclude at approximately 9.15pm. For more information, visit christmasinbrisbane.com.au Parking in the City Save time and money this Christmas through Council’s improved customer parking experience.

Council has partnered with CellOPark Australia to provide pay-by-app parking technology. Customers can pay for on-street parking via their mobile devices and can stop and start parking sessions via the app, by calling the CellOPark call centre, or by scanning the QR code on the parking meter. Other benefits include only paying for the parking you use and receiving meter expiry reminders.

Sign up to CellOPark during Council’s 12 Days of Christmas offer by 12 December to receive $10 free parking credit for use at all Council parking meters, valid for three months. Go to the AppStore or Google Play to download the app for free.

For terms and conditions, visit christmasinbrisbane.com.au Christmas comes to libraries Southside kids can embrace the festive season this December at Council libraries with a huge range of activities on offer, including children’s story time with a Christmas twist.

The Cheeky Monkey’s Christmas Show will visit Fairfield and Annerley libraries taking children on a festive adventure to help Santa and his Monkey friend find Frosty the Snowman who is missing from the North Pole.

Miss Mon’s Christmas Music Games will run at Inala Library, offering a fun, educational, one-hour Christmas music and movement workshop.

Children can also learn to create their own Christmas cards for family and friends at a Cartoon Christmas card making session with cartoonist Phil Judd at Coopers Plains Library.

For more information on Christmas activities and how to book, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on or call 3403 8888. Explore summer outdoors There are plenty of opportunities to keep the kids entertained at Council’s three Environment Centres over the school holidays.

At Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre, you can learn about the abundance of wildlife supported in Brisbane’s wetlands and discover why the area is internationally significant.

Downfall Creek Bushland Centre offers visitors the chance to learn about the importance of the flora, fauna and urban bushlands within our wider environment. At Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre, you can learn about the area’s diversity through interactive self-guided experiences and make use of Queensland’s first nature play space.

Each centre includes walking trails and picnic facilities, along with a variety of free and low cost activities and events, including Geckoes Wildlife show, guided walks, the Brisbane Nature Rangers program, Ocean Stars and fit ness sessions. For more information, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au Get active these holidays Council is encouraging kids and teens to swap screen time for green time these summer school holidays, by getting outdoors at some of Council’s Chillout activities.

Chillout is one of Brisbane’s most popular youth programs, with a variety of free and low-cost health and recreation activities including skateboarding, water sports, rock climbing and much more, for young people aged 10-17 years.

Council’s Active Parks program also offers family friendly activities for all ages at more than 50 local parks across Brisbane and the popular GOLD ‘n’ Kids program offers activities for kids aged four years and older and their grandparents to enjoy together.

Council’s 22 pools are open until April for longer hours so that everyone can enjoy these facilities throughout the warmer months.

Wherever you live in Brisbane, Council has something to keep your kids and teens entertained! Dogs’ day out Keep your dog happy over the holiday season at one of Council’s dog off-leash areas.

There are more than 120 around Brisbane and they are generally fenced areas where dogs can run, exercise and socialise leash-free with other dogs.

Dog parks include facilities such as seating, water, dog waste bins and shaded areas. Some areas also include agility equipment and shelters for dog park visitors. Some parks feature separated areas for small and large dogs, while others have one area in which all dogs can play.

For more information, including locations and favourite parks, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search for ‘Dog parks’. Waste services over the holiday season Council’s bin collections and other waste services won’t stop over the holiday season, including public holidays.

If scheduled, bins will be serviced as normal on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and should be presented for collection by 5.30am.

Resource recovery centres also remain open from 6.30am to 5.45pm every day of the year and are located at Nudgee, Ferny Grove, Willawong and Chandler.

Council’s Tip Shops at Geebung and Acacia Ridge will be closed on Christmas Eve (24 December), Christmas Day (25 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January 2017). The Tip Shops will operate for normal hours on all other days.

For more information, download the Brisbane Bin and Recycling App or visit brisbane.qld.gov.au Make a splash this summer With summer well and truly here, now is a great time to get down to your local pool for fun, fitness or recreation, with a range of activities on offer.

Council’s 22 pools are open until April for longer hours, including Acacia Ridge Leisure Centre, Dunlop Memorial Swimming Pool, Jindalee Pool, Runcorn Pool and Yeronga Park Pool, so that you can enjoy these facilities throughout the warmer months. The new world-class Parkinson Aquatic Centre is also now open.

Wherever you live in Brisbane, swimming laps or taking a quick dip to beat the heat has never been easier.

For more information about individual pool hours and facilities, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au or call 3403 8888. Chinese Lunar New Year Come and celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year in the Chinatown Mall!

Get involved in the festivities with Chinese lion dancers, fire shows, traditional music, market stalls, roving street performers and a Chinese New Year Parade to see in 2017 - the Year of the Rooster. Join the fun from 5-10pm, Saturday 28 January and 12-5pm Sunday 29 January. Did you know Be part of our active, healthy city and become a healthier you! Whatever your fitness style, there is a free or cost-low activity for you at: brisbane.qld.gov.au/activeandhealthy Protect the ones you love Get free alerts and time to prepare. Sign up to Brisbane City Council’s Early Warning Alert Service. Search Be Prepared Brisbane. Council’s Clean Air Strategy Council is celebrating 20 years of its Clean Air Strategy, a strategic plan to protect air quality across the city and the first of its kind in Australia.

Council carries out a range of actions to help reduce air pollution, from public transport initiatives to managing Brisbane’s bushfire risk.

Clean, healthy air contributes to our beautiful, sub-tropical, outdoor lifestyle and helps to make Brisbane an attractive place for tourists, students, investors and the highly-skilled employees that the city needs to grow our economy.

Council initiatives and programs that have helped achieve success include constructing constantly expanding and well-patronised bikeways, introducing the Active School Travel program and trialling a number of buses that meet the Euro 6 emission standard – the highest standard in the world.

For more information on the Clean Air Strategy, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au Chanukah in the City Come and celebrate with Brisbane’s Jewish community in Reddacliff Place at Chanukah in the City. Chanukah is the Jewish festival rejoicing the triumph of light over darkness, freedom over oppression and spiritualism over materialism, running for eight nights and days from 24 December.

Chanukah in the City will see the lighting of a six-metre tall sacred candelabrum with nine branches, called a Menorah.

Running from 4–8.30pm on Tuesday 27 December, the event will feature live music, community stalls, food, children’s entertainment and rides in the heart of Brisbane City to promote and publicise the message of Chanukah – that a little light dispels much darkness.

For more information on Chanukah, visit chabadbrisbane.com Stamp out the Aussie mozzie Mosquitoes can spoil the great outdoor lifestyle that Brisbane’s amazing weather allows. Council treats more than 20,000 ha of breeding areas and public places, but you too can take steps to reduce the annoying nuisance of mozzies around your home.

• Tip out pot plant saucers every week or fill them with sand. • Check self-watering pot cavities and fill with sand or cover the opening with fine gauze. • Regularly clear roof gutters of leaves and other debris so that water doesn’t pool. • Remove from your yard, tins, jars, tyres and containers that may hold water. • Replace water in bird baths and pet water bowls every week. • Keep swimming pools chlorinated.

To find out more, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘Mosquitoes’. Register for Brisbane Metro updates Work is continuing on the business case for the Brisbane Metro Subway System, one of Brisbane’s most important public transport projects. The seven kilometre route will provide a high frequency rapid transit connection between Woolloongabba and Herston.

While located in the inner city, Brisbane Metro will also benefit residents in middle and outer suburbs. By reducing the number of buses entering the CBD, Brisbane Metro will free up buses to service suburbs across Brisbane.

Council already operates one of the largest bus fleets in Australia, with almost 1200 buses providing easy access for all passengers in comfort. Bus passengers currently account for two- thirds of Brisbane’s public transport users.

To register for project updates, visit Council’s website and search ‘Brisbane Metro Subway System’ or call 1800 692 333. Reds pedaling towards success on CityCycle The Queensland Reds swapped the balls for bikes to become honorary CityCycle ambassadors for a day.

Reds players and staff used CityCycle bikes, the Reds-branded CityCat and Council’s bus network to make their way around the city for a pre-season team building activity.

In an ‘Amazing Race-style challenge,’ the team travelled to South Bank, King George Square, the University of Queensland, West End, New Farm Park, Chinatown and Captain Burke Park underneath the Story Bridge.

While the Reds’ preseason builds, CityCycle is also growing with a new daily trip record of 1546, set in September. There are 150 stations located between UQ St Lucia and New Farm where users can hire a CityCycle.

For more information about CityCycle, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au Calling all young inventors for World Science Festival Registrations are now open for the Green Heart Schools Future BNE Challenge which will take place on Friday 24 March as part of the 2017 World Science Festival Brisbane.

Future BNE will give 400 Year Seven science enthusiasts the opportunity to battle it out in teams of 10 as they channel their best innovative ideas, critically evaluate water use and discover how science, technology and art can work together to build a stronger future.

The World Science Festival Brisbane runs from 22-26 March and will showcase the beauty, complexity and importance of science through gripping debates, theatrical works, musical performances, interactive explorations and major outdoor experiences.

The festival takes science out of the laboratory and into the streets, parks, museums, galleries and performing art venues of Brisbane and regional Queensland.

To register for the Future BNE Challenge, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au/schools Upgrade your school’s facilities The School Sport and Recreation Facility Upgrade program, funded by Council and the Department of Education and Training, provides financial assistance to Brisbane state schools to fund the upgrade of existing school sport and recreation facilities to increase community and school use.

The program runs yearly, with applications opening on 30 January 2017 and closing at midnight on 20 March 2017. Grants from $5000 to $30,000, exclusive of GST, are available.

State schools within the Brisbane City Council local authority area with existing sport and recreation facilities that are in need of upgrade are eligible to apply. Applications will be assessed and ranked on their merit, against various selection criteria.

To find out more about this program, including full eligibility and selection criteria, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘School grants’ or call 3403 8888. How your bus service is funded 34% your fares* 66% Brisbane City Council and TransLink subsidy

*Council does not set or receive fares. TransLink receives all fare revenue. Christmas brings job to residents and retailers Christmas is not only a time for joy and giving, it is also a very important part of the city’s economy.

Last year, Brisbane’s Christmas event program brought more than 280,000 visitors into the city and generated millions of dollars for retailers every day of the festive period.

Whether you decide to do your Christmas shopping at one of the many retail outlets in Brisbane or choose to browse online, consider supporting Brisbane-based businesses by shopping locally when buying gifts for loved ones. For more information on shopping in the city and the city’s massive Christmas events program, go to christmasinbrisbane.com.au Share your Views of Brisbane with us! Calling all Brisbane residents, visitors and beyond – let’s show off our city!

We are looking for you to share Brisbane’s beautiful suburbs, neighbourhoods and city with us.

From Moreton Island to Lake Manchester, Mt Coot-tha to Mount Gravatt, or Boondall Wetlands to the Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre, Brisbane’s list of iconic locations and green spaces is endless, giving you plenty of opportunities to capture a great photo of our beautiful river city!

Simply share your image of Brisbane using #viewsofbrisbane on Instagram for your chance to be featured on Council’s Instagram. Your photo might even be chosen to be included in future Living in Brisbane newsletters!

For more information, search @brisbanecitycouncil or #viewsofbrisbane on Instagram. Wildlife Movement Solutions Council continues its work to establish a well-connected network of bushland areas for wildlife, in particular enhancing the long-term survival of koalas in Brisbane.

Wildlife Movement Solutions (WMS) are wildlife-friendly road crossings, designed to reduce native animal deaths near busy roads.

Crossings include fencing, culvert underpasses, land-bridge overpasses, poles and rope bridges. There has already been success with infrastructure at Compton Road, Kuraby and Hamilton Road, Chermside, with several other areas across the city identified as locations which may benefit from WMS treatment.

Options being considered at these locations include LED speed and wildlife activated signs, wildlife zone road markings and signage, fauna-funnelling fencing, road side vegetation modification and driver awareness campaigns.

Council departments are also working together to ensure WMS are incorporated into new and upgraded road designs. For more information on WMS, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au Student Environmental Leadership Network Nominations for the 2017 Green Heart Schools’ Student Environmental Leadership Network (SELN) program are now open.

The initiative is an environment-specific leadership program for Year 10 students in Brisbane.

The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to develop and lead behaviour change projects in their school and local community.

Participants are supported to identify environmental issues and work together to plan and implement projects to help make Brisbane’s schools and communities cleaner and greener.

The 2016 program has seen students achieving great outcomes with their projects, which have ranged from building productive vegetable gardens to implementing school-wide recycling systems and swapping single use plastic bottles for reusable ones.

Spaces are limited so ensure you register early by heading to brisbane.qld.gov.au Be prepared these holidays Flooding in Brisbane is a natural part of our environment, so we need to be prepared for flooding and the impact it can have on our homes and families.

All floods are different and flooding may occur from creeks, rivers, overland flow, storm tides or flash flooding during severe storms. Brisbane has 38 creek catchments, which means creek flooding is the most common type of flooding that affects our city’s suburbs.

Council has a range of free tools and information to help you understand your property’s potential flood risk and how to be prepared.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’re going away this holiday period, make sure you prepare your home for the risk of flooding and other severe weather events.

To find out more, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au/beprepared Did you know Council libraries provide a wide range of free events and activities including book clubs, reading programs, computer training and workshops. Find your local library and what it has to offer at brisbane.qld.gov.au/libraries BrisAsia Festival returns Celebrate contemporary and traditional Asian arts and cultural events across the city with BrisAsia Festival 2017.

Now in its fifth year, the festival is held over three weeks from Friday 27 January until Sunday 19 February. Discover and celebrate our Asian communities at more than 80 events including the finest theatre, music, dance, film, talks and visual arts the city has to offer. Indulge in a variety of Asian foods at Taste of Asia, celebrate Japanese culture at Kisaragi-Sai and dance the night away at Neon Pop.

More than 70,000 people are expected to attend the festival. For more information about BrisAsia Festival, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au/brisasiafestival or call 3403 8888. What’s on Brisbane Facebook.com/BNEWhatsOn City From 9 December – Hadron Collider: step inside the world’s greatest experiment – explore this immersive exhibition, Queensland Museum, various times, visit qm.qld.gov.au – various prices.

12-16 December – Christmas Collage – decorate your own Christmas cards and decorations in this workshop for children (ages 4+), Museum of Brisbane, 10am-1pm daily, visit museumofbrisbane.com.au – gold coin entry.

15-19 December – Australia v Pakistan Day-Night Test – see Australia host Pakistan in Brisbane’s first ever day-night Test, the Gabba, from 1pm daily, visit thegabba.com.au – various prices.

25 Jan – 5 Feb 2017 – MELT 2017: A Celebration of Queer Arts and Culture – celebrate Brisbane’s diverse queer communities, Brisbane Powerhouse, various times, visit brisbanepowerhouse.org – various prices. 31 December – New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular – enjoy movies, food trucks and fireworks, South Bank Parklands, various times, visit visitsouthbank.com.au – free.

1-8 January 2017 – Brisbane International 2017 – experience the tennis excitement first-hand, Queensland Tennis Centre, various times, visit brisbaneinternational.com.au – various prices.

Local 11 December – Australian Wildlife Show – learn about local and native species, fauna-friendly backyards and wildlife corridors, 10.30-11.30am, Karawatha Forest Park and Discovery Centre, bookings not required – free.

17 December – Beginner swimming program for adults – learn the basics of swimming in an inclusive environment for men and women of all cultures (16+), 11.45am-12.45pm, Yeronga Park Pool, to book call 0406 063 737 – pool entry.

12 January – Choose Your Own Adventure writing workshop with Dave Lowe – learn how to plan and write this style of book, ideal for ages 8-13, 10-11am, Inala Library, to book call 3403 8888 – free.

14 January – Songs of our homeland: tribal voices with Noble Tichawona Mashawa – explore African song and rhythm using traditional Zimbabwean instruments, 10-11am, Coopers Plains Library, to book call 3403 8888 – free.

21 January – New year, new garden – make 2017 a great year for gardening with ABC Radio presenter Annette McFarlane, 10am-12 noon, Sunnybank Hills Library, to book call 3403 8888 – free.

Brisbane City Council GPO Box 1434, Brisbane Qld 4001 Every effort is made to ensure that information is correct at time of printing For more information call (07) 3403 8888 or visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au Facebook.com/BrisbaneCityCouncil @brisbanecityqld Youtube.com/BrisbaneCityCouncil CA15-1043465-08-2176 © Brisbane City Council 2016