Politics
Ned Hammond
Reporter/Journalist
Australia
Reporter for ABC News, Brisbane. Previously in community journalism for three years at The Westender.
Contact:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- 0478908999
Australia
Reporter for ABC News, Brisbane. Previously in community journalism for three years at The Westender.
Contact:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- 0478908999
Politics
Read Ned Hammond's interview with Trina Massey as she steps into the role of Councillor for the Gabba Ward. Trina talks about her career in music and community development and her priorities for the coming year - key among them getting to know us, the community.
Queensland's first Greens city councillor, Jonathan Sriranganathan, will step down in April after seven years in the role. His replacement is Woolloongabba arts worker, and DJ, Trina Massey. "With the next council election in March 2024, I was deciding whether I wanted to serve another four-year term as Gabba ward councillor, by which time I would've held the same role for almost twelve years," said Sriranganathan in a statement on Saturday.
The Griffith electorate, encompassing much of Brisbane's south side, is a marginal seat (2.9 %) held by the Labor Party's Terri Butler. Although historically a Labor seat, the Greens consider it a target at this year's election.
Australia's political and press elite descended on the Brisbane Convention Centre on Sunday morning for the official launch of the Coalition's election campaign, and community protestors were on the scene to make their voices heard. Ned Hammond went along for the Westender.
Greens candidate for Griffith, Chandler-Mather believes the Brisbane City Council limit on number of election signs is contrary to democratic ideals and the concept of free speech. He says it constitutes an "extraordinary intervention into a federal election campaign by an LNP led council."
Volunteers, voters and campaign staff came together on Saturday night at the Montague Hotel in West End to celebrate the end of a long campaign fought door by door. It was quiet at first, but as results rolled in throughout the night, it became clear that the party had something to shout about.
Culture
The Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts heard evidence from a variety of stakeholders, including the state government's Arts Queensland, peak body QMusic, and a research round table.
In saying its goodbyes on Friday night, The Zoo gave a last flash of what made it so vital to the city's music scene.
Electric and dynamic duo Vika and Linda Bull return to Brisbane for one night at the Tivoli on Friday before playing Red Hot Summer Festival on Saturday at Toowoomba's Queens Park.
Channel Nine's Telethon Concert in support of the Children's Hospital Foundation returns on Saturday 23 April at the Fortitude Music Hall. Headliner Missy Higgins spoke to the Westender about the gig, the power music gives her, and the journey her music has taken over a sparkling career.
As restrictions on businesses ease across Queensland, it's easy to feel like things are returning to normal. Unfortunately, this is not the case for Brisbane's local live music venues, or the artists who call them home. Queensland and Brisbane's local live music scene has felt the brunt of the restrictions, and the financial and personal impacts they cause.
One of Brisbane's most distinctive heritage buildings was set to begin its new life as a culture and arts hub last weekend. With the latest COVID scare, the Princess Theatre settled for a warmup. Despite these circumstances, there is little doubt that the Princess is something special.
West End-based arts and culture organisation Metro Arts launched its 2023 season on Wednesday night at their New Benner Theatre in the West Village, outlining the year ahead for contemporary art. Metro Arts' 2023 program focuses on " highlighting multidisciplinary artists, new perspectives and bold choices" and aims to support independent artists in visual and performance art.
Critical Reviews
West End local Sanfeliu's debut album 'Flores-Colores' is a timely and beautifully crafted piece of work, pairing a distinct note of personal reflection with skilful instrumentation and a deft humour. Catch Sanfeliu at the Main Stage at Kurilpa Community Day at 10.45 - 11.20 am on Sunday 19 September at Davies Park.
On 10 December, Gold Coast band Lunar Syrup took to the neon-lit Fortitude Valley bar O'Skulligans to launch their new single "Architect of Dreams," supported by Brisbane one man band L.R. Marsh and Tom Dron.
The Triffid, one of Brisbane's most well established and intimate venues, shines both in its large live room and in its smaller beer garden shows.
With the release of their debut album "Everybody Loves", Brisbane outfit the Predators show off their indie rocker pedigree. With flashes of their Powderfinger experience shining through, the three-piece has woven a record with emotional depth and a sound all their own. Catch them at the Outpost Bar on 15 December.
Small gigs at small venues are the lifeblood of the Brisbane music scene, providing a platform for new talent to reach new ears. Uh Oh Spaghettio plays this role well, the late-night pasta joint hiding an intimate upstairs bar and stage.