Brisbane, Queensland – Patagonia officially celebrated the grand opening of its new Meeanjin/Brisbane store on Thursday, 21 May, with a free community event, hosted by filmmaker and adventurer Beau Miles at 7 Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley. The event marked the brand’s newest Australian store and community hub, set to host regular events and support grassroots groups working to protect nature.
The event kicked off with Turrbal elder Aunty Kathryn Fisher welcoming everyone to Country, followed by a conversation between Beau Miles and special guest Tishiko King, featured in Patagonia’s film Malu Lag – Sea Country and founder of Just Futures Collab.
Projected on the exterior of the store was an ocean-themed artwork created by Queensland artist Atlantis Lewis. Guests were also treated to live music from singer and guitarist Shannon Sol Carroll from surf roots rock group Band of Frequencies, live screen-printing, and local food and drink.
The evening also shone a spotlight on three of Patagonia’s environmental partners, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Surfrider Foundation Australia, and Surfers for Climate, whose grassroots work to protect Queensland’s coastlines, ocean and marine life aligns closely with the store’s purpose as a hub for environmental action.
“Patagonia has always believed that community is essential to protect the places we love. Real change happens when people come together with shared purpose, curiosity and care. We invite the Meeanjin/Brisbane community to make this space their own; to gather here, to challenge ideas, to celebrate action, and to stand together for our planet,” said Dane O’Shanassy, Country Director, Patagonia Australia.
The space has been designed as a gathering place, to bring people together, whether for community events and activations, environmental discussions, or simply to settle into one of the armchairs in the store’s activist library. A permanent centrepiece of the store is a hand-sketched map that celebrates Queensland’s unique landscapes. The installation serves as both a tribute to the region’s natural and cultural values and acts as a prompt for the conversations the store hopes to foster.
The Meeanjin/Brisbane store will continue to build community beyond opening night, with a rolling program of events, environmental talks, repair workshops, and activations with local organisations.
For more information visit What’s On at Patagonia
