Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with brisbane

Lesbian assault help

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:09 -0800

My first lesbian experience quickly became assault. What do I do to take care of myself now? While I'm a queer female, I've never actually been with a woman before. I was at an event that promoted safe exploration of female sexuality. I'd sussed out the org for a while and did research before going in; they had a long list of rules and procedures and had a history of organising such events so I figured I'd be OK.

I spent most of the night observing what was going on before jumping in. Unfortunately I happened to get the one psycho of the group - a crazy hyperactive (later I found out she was drunk) girl who didn't know what she was going, was rough to the point of pain and bleeding, and was very insistent. Despite me begging her to stop and be gentle (she knew it was my first time), she kept going, or she'd change up and then go back to being rough and painful.

I was in near shock and it didn't hit me that it was assault until I got into the taxi home and started crying. Ever since then I've been having flashes of memories, the smell of people's bodies would set me off, and I just feel so lost.

I've been talking to some friends (esp those active with the queer community here) and they've been fantastic with support and resources. But I'm not sure where I can go for help. Looking up "lesbian assault" on Google gets me porn. A lot of the abuse/assault resources are for women attacked by men; not so much for women attacked by women.

I've emailed the organiser (though I think she knew what happened already, just emphasising the gravity of the situation) and I have a doctor's appointment today to check that there hasn't been terrible damage. I did use to see a psychologist for other things, but I'm not sure if queer sexuality is an area she's experienced in. But where to now? I'm going to a big family event overseas in a couple of weeks and they're really conservative (even my very liberal sister was a little bit judgemental when I told her) and I don't want to start breaking down halfway through the event. My boyfriend has been really supportive of everything, but I don't want to rely on him alone for help.

What can I do to take care of myself? Where can I go? (I live in Brisbane) I seem to go from feeling OK to feeling like crap as a yoyo. I keep feeling like I should apologize to someone but I don't know who. I don't want to press charges - I don't want to go through that whole process and I hardly remember the other girl's name. I just want to be able to heal.

Emails can be sent into agirlinpain@care2.com

Relocating to Brisbane, Aus.

fox_terrier_guy — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:03:35 -0800

I have been shortlisted for a job in Brisbane, Aus. Obviously I am thrilled and would like to know a little about Brisbane. (Yes, Google is my friend). I would like to know from any Aussies or someone who has been in the same "boat". I have multiple questions, which branch into.... My son (who will be 18) will be with me, most likely to live.

Question 1: How hard will it be for him to obtain a visa if he is just out of high school and living with me? I don't exactly know what my visa will be, but I suspect it will be a skilled work visa (I am an engineering manager in an SOL - if that helps). He would like to work or attend college (he is a little unclear on that right now, but is also interested possibly in joining the ADF. Could that be a way in for him?

Question 2: Brisbane looks like a fabulous place. Other than touristy things to see and do, what are some of the cool, fun and non-touristy things to see and do?

Question 3: I will be working in the Acacia Ridge area. Are there any areas in Brisbane to avoid living in? Any I should look for that would be close to work? I am a left hand driver, and will have to take some lessons before attempting the roads (I almost got killed at a roundabout in Scotland - and so am a little nervous driving there without some training).

Thanks all!

Been there, did that, got the degree, now what?

b33j — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:54:09 -0800

I've nearly finished my degree. Help me work out my future. I am nearly finished my Bachelor of Multimedia Studies. By 30 October I will have graduated with a GPA between 6.5 and 6.95 out of 7 (say, between 3.71 and 3.97 on a 4 point scale) and more likely the upper end of that range than the lower. Unfortunately, despite the name of the degree, I cannot code a decent webpage, nor work within a 3D package or do more than the simplest of animations in Flash. I’m very good with Illustrator and general graphic design, layout and formatting, mediocre with Photoshop, out of practice with Indesign. I have a DSLR, but my understanding of composition far exceeds my technical ability.

I’ve been freelancing (part-time) during much of the last 3 years, working for academics (in a different field) doing things like: creating databases (and doing the data entry for it - blargh), formatting and editing a new international journal, contacting the authors and reviewers; designing documents for print; creating presentations for international conferences; producing diagrams – that sort of thing.

I enjoy the flexibility and variety of freelancing. I haven’t had any issues with payment disputes, or difficult attitudes with this client base. This is clearly awesome and incredibly unusual. So one of my career plans is to keep doing what I’m doing, only to find more people to do it for. So here are the questions about keeping on doing it:
Q1. How do I increase my client base without outlaying a lot of money?
Q2. What percentage increase in hourly rate can I charge, given that I now have a degree that says I can do what I was already doing without pricing myself out of the market?

On the other hand, what about a real job? I’ve kept track of advertised vacancies for graphic designers (etc) within a 300 kilometre radius. Last week I saw a job advertised, “experienced web designer and coder, graphic designer and data entry operator, $20 per hour”. (I charge nearly twice that now!) Many of the advertised jobs I would qualify for offer a wage less than what I was earning as an administrative assistant. So if I didn’t keep doing what I’m currently doing…
Q3. How can I take advantage of my GPA to land a good paying job, and/or a job with prospects of a good rate of pay?
Q4. If I don’t go to work for someone else now, will the advantage of achieving good results fade, and if so, how quickly?

Australian, female, 42, located near Brisbane (state capital). Any other job / career tips gratefully received.

lunch in brisbane

southof40 — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:25:47 -0800

brisbane-lunch-filter I'm going to be in Brisbane (that's as in Queensland, Australia) tomorrow with Mrs southof40 and would like some mefite lunchery recommendations. Won't have a car and will be in CBD. Nothing too fancy - prefer good food to ritzy views / surroundings. Lebanese or veggie indian would be ideal but open to suggestions.

How has droughts in Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne) impacted perceptions of climate change?

GIMG — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:00:43 -0800

How have landscapes transformed by drought in Australia (esp. Brisbane or Melbourne) impacted people's perceptions of climate change? I'm traveling through Brisbane and Melbourne at the moment, researching how the consequences of drought have transformed the landscape (e.g. rainwater tanks, water conservation signs, desiccating lawns and parks, disappearing ponds, lowering dams, shifts toward native Australian plants for gardening, waterless fountains, brown sporting fields, etc.), and the subsequent cognitive processing of climate change. Even with the recent flooding, is this a connection Australians make? Have landscapes been transformed in other ways? And who might provide relevant insights into this question?

Melbourne to Brisbane: inland by camper

bookley — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:16:07 -0800

We’re hoping to rent a camper van in Melbourne (approx April 13), drop it off in Brisbane a week later. Any advice? There’s a good discussion about driving through Australia here:
http://ask.metafilter.com/52325/Help-me-cross-Australia-in-March

What we’re looking for are some specific suggestions for going inland from Melbourne to Brisbane. For example, we’d like to get a respectful sense of the bush fire devastation and recovery efforts, maybe have a couple stops in some of the wine valleys, find misc things like the sculpture Nick Cave is supposed to be building, plus whatever outback flavour we might soak up without going too far off track -- anything we wouldn’t find in the guidebook.

Any tips about camper rental and travel in Australia are also appreciated, even if it’s just appropriate driving music. We’re not totally committed to the van either -- as much as anything it’s a case that the camper rental companies seem more flexible on one way drives than companies who rent small cars.

Two important parameters:

1) We’ll have already spent a week in and around Sydney and don’t need to head that direction.

2) Quite a few years ago I drove from Melbourne to Tibooburra via the Great Ocean Road, Bendigo, Mildura, Broken Hill, popping up to White Cliffs. One of the most amazing drives of my life, but I’d like to see as much new terrain as possible on this trip.

We certainly don’t need to go in the straightest fastest line either, and I don’t mind under or overshooting Brisbane by a day’s drive, if it means a more interesting route. (Would be quite keen, for instance, to spend time in the rainforest area between Byron Bay and Nimbin.)

Thanks for any suggestions.

Where to find an elephant to ride near Brisbane, Australia?

aeschenkarnos — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:52:00 -0800

Where to find an elephant to ride near Brisbane, Australia? I have a friend who is getting married soon. He's of Indian descent, and for his family in India, it was traditional for the bridegroom to ride to the wedding on an elephant. He's been back to India for a few weddings, most recently about two years ago, and it's still an active tradition there.

While we realize actually riding to the wedding on an elephant would be out of the question, his other friends and I would like, if possible to organize an elephant ride for our friend; at least, a photo taken while sitting on an elephant's back. I'm pretty sure it's safe, legal and not unkind to ride one, assuming the owner of the elephants keeps them properly, and the elephants are trained to be ridden.

Does anyone know of a small zoo or circus or animal sanctuary that might be willing to allow this? Australia Zoo has "elephant encounters" and that's a good backup option, but they don't allow actually sitting on the elephant. Alma Park Zoo doesn't have elephants at all, and I don't know of any other zoos around Brisbane.

Alternatively, is there a life-size fake elephant anywhere around Brisbane that we could take a photo with?

Where to find an inexpensive set of bed sheets and pillows in Brisbane?

Dasein — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:22:31 -0800

Where can I find an inexpensive set of bed sheets and pillows in Brisbane? I'm only in Brisbane for 5 months, and I'll be traveling in Australia afterward so I won't be able to take the pillows, at least, with me. As a result, I don't want to spend much money. Where's the best place to go for cheap bedding in Brisbane?

Where can I buy Pratchett's Discworld paraphenalia in Brisbane, Australia before Christmas?

h00py — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:53:59 -0800

Where can I buy Discworld items (Terry Pratchett) such as t-shirts, calendars, play scripts, coffee cups etc., in Brisbane, Australia before Christmas (not online as I don't have either a credit or debit card)? My brother is a Pratchett fan and I'm looking to extend his collection. Where in Brisbane (or surrounding areas) would be the best place to find Discworld paraphenalia? Obviously I'm leaving things to the last moment!

Do you know any good allied health specialists in Brisbane?

mjao — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 03:30:03 -0800

I may as well kill 5 birds with one stone. I need (/want) a dietician, an acupuncturist, a dermatologist, an allergist, and a remedial or shiatsu masseur. Know any good ones? Brisbane, Australia. (Yes—I am trying to make the most of my health insurance.) Notes:

I live in the Indooroopilly area, but I don't mind travelling.
I don't have any particularly major health problems, I'd just like to take care of a few mild-moderate issues as well as improve/maintain my health in certain areas.
It'd be wonderful to know why you are making your recommendation, if you are so inclined. (e.g., is the doctor super clever, really nice, or surprisingly affordable?)

Aspie Doctors in Brisbane?

mjao — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:32:03 -0800

Know of any psychiatrists or psychologists in the Brisbane, Qld area who specialise in--or at least have some knowledge of--Aspergers Syndrome? My partner already knows about Minds and Hearts--he was diagnosed there--but there are really long waiting lists.

I'm asking for personal recommendations mostly, but if you've heard of someone or found someone on the web, that's okay too.

PS - Even Gold Coast would be okay but it's certainly not first preference.

Moving to a much colder climate - any advice??

katala — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:36:30 -0800

My question dear MeFites is... do you have any advice for me to help make the transition from very hot to very cold temps. comfortably and cost-effectively? I may soon be moving from Brisbane, Australia, which has very mild winters (20 degrees celcius / 68 degrees fahrenheit) and *very* hot and humid summers, to north Tasmania which is meant to be COLD!

On average I'm looking at a comparative 20 degree celcius (65 d FH) drop in temperature all year round.

My question then dear MeFites is... do you have any advice for me to help make the transition from very hot to very cold temps. comfortably and cost-effectively? Things I particularly need help with are...

- What sort of fabric should I be looking for in a winter coat to keep me toasty warm and dry?

- How does one make their warddrobe work in a new cold climate without having to buy everything all over again (I'm thinking high-altitude thermals under everything?)

- What kinds of things can I do in a rental property to keep the house warm and our electricity bills down?

- Do you have any recommendations for cost-effective and preferrably eco-friendly heating options; the kind of thing that could be left on all day in a small room?

Anything else?? Any and all advice would be very much appreciated :)!

Thank you!

Australian Migration Agent Needed - good with Creative Industries

divabat — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:28:22 -0800

Where can I find an Australian migration agent who's good with the creative industries, or otherwise unusual career paths? I'm finishing my Creative Industries degree (one month then it's over yay!) and am considering getting permanent residency. My main obstacle right now is declaring a Skilled Occupation for the General Skilled Migration visa.

My degree is an Interdisciplinary one, which essentially means it's a hodgepodge of stuff that doesn't necessarily fit neatly into one job title. My submajors are CI (Arts) Management and Creative Writing. My current work placements and past work experience were usually with non-profits and/or young people, so I'd love to claim Youth Worker as my "skilled occupation" - however, the accessing body only looks at your degree, nothing else, and I don't have a Social Work degree.

Most of the skilled occupations on that list don't even apply to my degree; the ones that do don't carry any points. Considering I need 120 points, and the job carries at least 40, this will be an issue. Even if I do opt for the temporary bridging visa (to make up for lack of points), I still need to declare an occupation to work in exclusively for a year.

What I need now is a good migration agent or lawyer that is experienced with dealing with unusual occupational/degree cases like mine. They would be able to look through my course transcript and figure out which high-value skilled occupation I best fit, or find some other way for me to fit in. My dad has a friend who's a migration agent but he proved to be useless. I'm not sure if my uni's Career Service would know much about visas and migration, but it's worth a try. I don't know of too many others that could help. The one person I can think of in a similar situation to mine (originally a German student, now the Marketing officer for the youth arts org I'm interning at) has a sponsored work visa - that's also an option, but that depends on a company willing to sponsor me for a while.

Where can I find such an agent? I'm Brisbane-based but anywhere in Australia is fine. Do you know of any good agents, or resources for agents? Would any artsworker websites be good with this aspect too?

How do you deal with living in a place you don't like?

Silentgoldfish — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:04:40 -0800

How do you deal with living in a place you don't like? (Brisbane, Australia) The obvious amswer is to move, and I was all ready to be out of here by now, but I was trying to get registered as a nurse in Canada and they took 6 months and 300 dollars to tell me that without 3 months experience in maternity nursing I can't get registered there. As I'm a guy and it's not a requirement for registration here it's very difficult to get a maternity ward to let me get the required experience (I was expecting to have to do a few weeks rather than a few months as my area of work is high acuity surgical nursing, which is pretty damn far from maternity!) So for the time being I can't leave unless I want to stop working!

I find Brisbane to be very unfriendly, and thought it was just me until I had a holiday in Canada and met more friends there in 5 weeks than I've managed here in 6 years. I've also had other people I've come into contact with at work (from much different social circles) complain about the difficulty of meeting new people in Brisbane. Most people here seem to stick with their friends from highschool for life.

Anyone know of good ways of dealing with not knowing and not meeting many like minded people in a particular geographical place that they're having trouble leaving?

Mark CF, I love you, but go away :P

divabat — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:58:43 -0800

What are some good (preferably experience-based) birthday gifts for a 21-year-old Australian programming geek who thinks he's Danish? My boyfriend's (whom you all so nicely wished Happy Birthday to in code) 21st birthday is coming up in February. It's going to be a big birthday for him so I want to make it special.

One thing he loves about me is that I'm always doing interesting things and that I often involve him in them - I've dragged him to the Gold Coast to help me stage manage a show, and I've brought him to damn near every multicultural festival that exists in Brisbane. We spent a weekend away in Redcliffe a few months ago and it was awesome. I would like to gift him with another awesome experience-style gift, but I'm at a loss for what to get him.

Some facts about him:

* White Australian male; I'm the most exotic thing about him
* favourite motto is "You can't be young forever but you can be immature indefinitely!" (to him it means he doesn't have to be boring and serious all the time)
* Obsessed with Magic: The Gathering
* Studying IT (Web Services) in uni; currently in 1-year work experience with a performing arts company managing their Web stuff. Often programs stuff in Javascript as a hobby.
* Went to Denmark for a year on exchange and now thinks he's half-Danish. Can speak Danish reasonably fluently. He yearns for opportunities to speak with Danish people and re-experience Denmark. I think he's saving up for a trip to Denmark in a year or so.
* Likes pandas a lot and has assorted panda paraphernalia. (I tried adopting a panda from WWF for him but their web form broke.)
* Enjoys cycling a lot. Also somewhat sporty, but he often needs an excuse (like a school sports team) to play
* Introverted and shy, but quite open and friendly to people he's familiar with
* Says he misses going out drinking; hasn't been to a bar in about a year or so. Doesn't drink much however.
* Likes Indian food; sometimes is more Asian than I am
* Likes to read, especially crime thrillers; Harry Potter fan

I've looked at sites like RedBalloon but nothing there seems to fit. While he is techy, I don't want to get him an iPod or other presents of that nature because I think other relatives will cover that for him. He knows I'm coming so I can't surprise him like I did this year!

I also don't have a lot of money (otherwise I would have bought him a plane ticket) but I could try talking to his mum (whom I'm close to) to see if we can work together on something.

Thanks folks!

If a person trips on rubbish...

dantodd — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 05:04:31 -0800

Neighbour leaves rubbish or rubbish bins on roadside curb. Third party trips on rubbish. Who assumes liability? I live in Brisbane, Australia. My neighbour and I live a "multi-unit dwelling". Said neighbour often leaves rubbish or rubbish bins on the curbside. If a someone tripped on the objects, who's responsible? The Body Corporate, the Brisbane City Council or the individual leaving the items?

Great PC Store in Brisbane

mikw — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 15:47:01 -0800

Looking for a quality computer store in Brisbane, Australia that can provide a customized computer and great support. Difficulty: Currently living in Seattle. My mother's PC has finally decided to become more ornery than even I can take - remote support for intermittent driver issues is not my idea of a great way to spend Sunday afternoon. So, I'm trying to find a good store in Brisbane that can put together a PC and provide a great warranty that includes helpdesk as well as an extended hardware warranty. She's become used to using her dual monitors and doesn't need those replaced, but does need a nice large harddrive for her camcorder video, and of course the video card with twin vga outputs. I've looked at Dell and similar large operations but they only appear to sell full computers with monitors in specific configurations, plus I've been frustrated with their checklist based support model in the past when I've called them - I can only imagine the frustration she may encounter. I'm happy to pay extra for the support I'm describing.

Anyone have good experiences with particular stores, or should I just get the Dell and have her junk one of her old monitors?

Op-shops in Brisbane/Gold Coast?

teststrip — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 18:10:30 -0800

Does anyone know where the good op shops/thrift/vintage stores are in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, Australia? Long shot, but I'd love to go have a rummage! I'm staying at Broadbeach if that helps, but I'm willing to travel. Does Byron Bay have many of these stores?

Help me buy a scooter

mjao — Thu, 10 May 2007 01:17:34 -0800

I'm in the market for a (used) scooter, something under 2000 AU$ (preferably under 1500!). Is there anything I should know? Assume I know absolutely nothing about cars or scooters! Live in Brisbane.

—Are there any particularly good used scooter dealers?
—Should I steer clear of ebay?
—Any brands or engine/body types I should be looking out for/avoiding?
—Any red flags re: condition that I should be looking for when I inspect the scooter?

“Dentist, n.: A Prestidigitator who, putting metal in one's mouth, pulls coins out of one's pockets.”

mjao — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 02:01:47 -0800

SE Queensland Dentist Filter: I need a dentist. But I want a nice one, or at least a non-judgmental one—I've had mean dentists! Needless to say, this has stopped me from going for quite a long time. I have decided to get braces though, so I need to have my teeth given the all-clear before approaching an orthodontist. I also need a recommendation for the orthodontist! Brisbane / Gold Coast area. Anywhere really is fine. Bonus points if it's within walking distance of a train station in Brisbane, but I'm sure I can get a lift if it's a good dentist worth going to. It also needs to be cheap-ish -- do such dentists exist? Surely some are less expensive than others. I'd like to know about them.

Re: the orthodontist / braces -- it would help me a lot if anybody could point me towards an orthodontist that is known for being sympathetic to students or people who need some kind of payment plan. I can't afford to waste too much money on this. Does anyone know what the going rate is for braces these days, also? I know it's dependent on how crooked your teeth are etc (mine aren't overly) but a ballpark figure?

incoming sewing n00b alert

divabat — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 04:30:06 -0800

I've been inspired by t-shirt surgery and am thinking of getting into sewing. However, I've never sewed something in my life. Where do I begin? A request from a friend to design a t-shirt for her (odd, because I've only used an iron-on transfer before, but eh) and my fascination with t-shirt surgery has inspired me to delve more into it. I've been experimenting with cutting up stuff (right now I'm wearing a rudimentary skirt made by chopping a t-shirt in half) but know next to nothing about sewing.

I used to hate sewing. We had to do it as part of a Life Skills course in school and I just tossed the work to my mum. I get the basic idea of sewing, but can't tell you how to do a hem. I'm not even interested in fashion; I find it utterly boring. However, I like the creativity of turning something into something else, and t-shirt surgery seemed fun.

My qs:

1. I live in Brisbane, Australia. Are there any sewing classes in the area? Google doesn't get me anything specific (there is a Sewing Guild but that's all). Is it worth going? I'm a uni student, so time and money is a concern.

2. I've been reading up on sewing machines for beginners and I'm not sure where to get a good deal. I saw a beginner Singer for $199 at Lincraft but I have the feeling they're cheaper elsewhere. Any tips for where to look?

3. Where can an absolute beginner seamstress start? Assume I know nothing. I've been reading up things online but even the name of stitches elude me.

4. How do you do a hem?

Any info appreciated, though if it's Brisbane-specific even better. Thanks!

What to do in Brisbane?

tomble — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 20:51:59 -0800

I'm in Brisbane for the next 48 hours, with a car and time to spare. What should I do? Of interest - anything unusual to see, good restaurants, inetersting places to visit during the day.

Not of interest - Australiana, native animals, Australia themed tourism (I live here, and can see it in many places when I want to), sunbathing, the whole night club scene (my nights are booked).

I have a car, a GPS and a credit card! What should I see?

Thanks all!

Visiting Brisbane with 6-year-old.

flapjax at midnite — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 07:09:21 -0800

My wife and I will be in Brisbane, Australia for 5 or 6 days in early October, with our 6-year-old daughter. Any recommendations for kid-friendly fun and/or sightseeing?

Things to do in Brisbane when you're [at a conference]

Sonny Jim — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 20:15:47 -0800

Does anyone have any tales of joy—or woe—concerning hotel accommodation in Brisbane? And what might I do while I'm there? I'll be heading to Brisbane next month, and, typically, have left all my accommodation planning to the last minute. Can anyone recommend some decent hotel accommodation in (or walking distance from) the CBD? (By decent, I'm thinking quiet, comfortable, and reasonably priced, although, of course, plush, amazing, and under $AUD150.00 per night would be good as well!) Is there anywhere I should really just avoid?

I'm going to be conferencing most of the time I'm there, but I'd also really appreciate any tips on restaurants, cafes, day spas, CDs, and secondhand books that anyone might have. Thanks!

Future Brissie

divabat — Thu, 04 May 2006 07:13:47 -0800

I'm moving to Brisbane, Australia soon for university. What should I know? The last time I was in Brisbane - or Australia for that matter - was in 1995, and obviously things have changed a lot. The "Study In Australia" guides all sound pretty same-y, and while I have tons of great advice from elsewhere, they're largely US-centric. What would be useful to know before I head off to Brisbane?

Some thoughts:

1. I'm coming in July, and I understand that's winter - how cold does it get? Do I need to hang on to my best friend's winter coat? (I'm from Malaysia, so 21C is "I need a sweater" by my standards, but I'm familiar with snow to some extent.) Last time I was in Gold Coast, I nearly had a heat-stroke - does it still get drastically hot?

2. I'll most likely be living in International House in University of Queensland; my course is in the Kelvin Grove campus of the Queensland Uni of Technology, 2km from the city centre. IH advertises themselves as being 20 mins away from the city, but the Translink trip planner tells me I need to leave about 45 minutes before I have to arrive if I'm taking the bus. (St Lucia to Kelvin Grove, 411 & 345, and vice versa) How long do the buses actually take? How early should I leave? Is it different at night than at daytime?

3. I'm the sort of person that constantly needs something to do. I know I'd be busy with college work anyway, but what else is there to do around Brisbane? I'm not a partier, so clubbing or pubbing is out; ditto sports (can't play sports to save my life). I'm interested in writing, music, social work, activism, culture, youth, and anything out of the ordinary. What can I do during free days that doesn't get me booted out of the country?

What else should I know? Any and all tips are appreciated. Thank you!