August / September 2008: Thoughts of a New Brisbane Resident

Hello prospective ICML 2009 visitors to Brisbane!

I’m a member of the ICML 2009 Social Committee, and new to Queensland. I thought I’d share some experiences of Brisbane during the same period as next year’s conference. I hope seeing it through my fresh eyes will capture your imagination.

Riverfestival Fireworks (Sat 30 Aug 2008)

Hundreds of boats began travelling up the river from early morning to get into position for RiverFire. The trickle turned into a torrent at 10:30 a.m. when members of the Queensland Yacht Squadron sailed upriver en masse. From then on, the pace didn’t slacken.

Anyone who’s seen busy port cities like Shanghai will easily envisage the never ending line of white gleaming boats, pressed port to stern, with their orange permit pennants flapping in the light breeze. Small tin boats, island ferries, and cruising vessels dodged around the regular blue, white and yellow CityCat services.

Just before sunset, the RAAF Roulettes in Pilatus PC-9/As began their first display over Brisbane’s skyscrapers. A second run just on sunset riveted all eyes upwards, as the sky’s golden glow enveloped the estimated 500,000 extra people stationed along the river, on boats, and in buildings.

At 7:00pm, RiverFire erupted with a flypast of the RAAF F1-11 strike jet low over the city before performing a ‘dump and burn’, giving the night sky a second sun. Children and adults alike called out in excitement in buildings around me. For thirty minutes following, fireworks such as interlacing red hearts fired into the sky, and the Story Bridge shot multiple blasts, transforming a two kilometre stretch of cityscape into a riot of colour.

Riverlife Activity Centre

Lisa, ICML’s intrepid co-convener, myself and other social committee members took roller blade lessons at Riverlife. As none of us were experienced, the carpeted room and sympathetic instructor were most welcome. One member returned for a rock climbing lesson on the adjacent 30 million year old Kangaroo Point Cliffs, which are opposite the city centre. Riverlife also takes night kayaking tours, and offers Aboriginal song and dance sessions with descendants of the local Yuggera Tribe.

More later...