XXXX

What does XXXX mean?

The XXXX Factory at Milton, Queensland
Brewery Tours have ceased during the Coronavirus restrictions

In the 1800s, beer quality was measured in X's, with XXXX being the best rating.  In 1893, the brewers at Castlemaine Brewery achieved the rating of XXXX and the name of the company was changed accordingly 1

Prior to the Coronavirus, XXXX was a major sponsor of many sporting events.
This picture is the Gabba (Woolloongabba)

1 Source: https://www.xxxx.com.au/our-story/

Victoria Bridge

On this very divergent ANZAC day, I feel that I should be writing about Victory, Valiance or Vigor for today's "V" post in the A to Z Challenge.

However, I shall stay on my photographic theme of Queensland but with a slight ANZAC flavour.

Victoria Bridge Brisbane.
Usually on ANZAC day the Casino (pink building) would be full of people playing Two Up, but not today due to the Coronavirus restrictions.

The cavalcade of returning soldiers crossed the original Victoria Bridge after World War I

Australians are resilient and it seems that today more Australians remembered our soldiers than usual, albeit at home and in their driveways.  A bright light for many!

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters" Epictetus

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out"  John Wooden

Lest we forget xo

Sharon

Heritage Trail

There are 18 Heritage Walking Trails in the Brisbane area.  At this stage, we have only completed part of the City Centre Heritage Trail, so have more walking to do!

Brisbane Arcade was built in 1923 and is an interesting shopping destination.

Ann St Presbyterian Church built 1858

Built 1889 -1890

Ironically, this heritage-listed building now houses a franchise fast food store

Built to be the headquarters for AMP (1931 - 1934) but was commandeered as the base for 
American General Douglas Macarthur in 1942 and renamed Macarthur's chambers. 

The Old Windmill is Brisbane's oldest surviving building.  It was built in 1828 by convicts.

This Art Deco building is in the Brisbane Queen St Mall

In its day, the Telegraph was reportedly one of the best pictorial newspapers in the country (1872 - 1988)

If only the modern buildings had this much character!

St Stephens Cathedral

The Commissariat Store was built by convicts in 1829

According to the Brisbane City Council, "The Green House" was built between 1906 and 1907 and its first tenant was Dr Thomas Morgan. The house represents Wickham Terrace's rise as Brisbane's renowned medical precinct. It later became a boarding house.

The Bank of NSW building was built in 1928

Fireworks

In September each year,  huge crowds gather along the banks of the Brisbane River for Riverfire; a 20 minute synchronised fireworks spectacular.  

Riverfire is the annual conclusion to the Brisbane Festival, which is one of Australia's leading international arts festivals. 

Further information about Riverfire can be found here.

 

 

 

Ekka

The 'Ekka" is Queensland's largest annual event.  Everyone in Queensland knows about the "Ekka".  There is even a public holiday for "Ekka".

I received the strangest looks when we arrived in Queensland and I asked: "What is Ekka?"

It was originally called the Brisbane Exhibition, which was shortened to Ekka, and the name has remained.  Ekka is the Royal Brisbane Show, which commenced in 1876.  Ekka has been held each year, except in 1919 (Spanish Flu Epidemic) and 1942 (Show Grounds in use for World War II).  Unfortunately, it was announced today that Ekka shall also be closed again in 2020 due to the Coronavirus.

You can find out more about Ekka here

There are always crowds at the Ekka

I always loved the clowns as a child

There is always something happening in the main arena

Always a lot of produce on show

Fairy floss and Hotdogs are a must at the show

Cupie dolls take me back to childhood shows

Sideshow alley is always popular

Ribbons and Animals aplenty

Rides for all ages

Cheap Prizes

Fireworks each night