ALL’S BRIGHT IN BRIZZIE

Meet a greeter and get a local's introduction to a city, writes

This world is full of people like me — complete novices when it comes to Brisbane. However, there are plenty of ways to get the best from this evolving, vibrant city.

Brisbane Greeters Tour The Greeters Programme operates in 66 cities around the world, based on the idea that your experience of a place is better if you know someone who can show you around.

My guide Blair Allsopp met me in front of City Hall, just as clock tower bells were chiming. He paused for only a moment when I told him I knew nothing about Brisbane, before rubbing his hands in glee.

He started off by telling me about the first settlers, and that the most recalcitrant of Sydney’s convicts were sent to Brisbane. We stood in front of City Hall, a stately building dating back to 1930, made from sandstone, and with bells from the same foundry as Big Ben. In 2009 it was forced to close for renovations as the roof was leaking, which was set to cost the council $200 million. They called on the public for help to save this much-loved landmark, giving residents the option to “over-pay” their rates to contribute to the cost of the refurbishment. More than $20 million was raised, which to date remains the largest fundraising campaign in Australian history for a non-natural disaster . . . and is Allsopp’s favourite story to tell.

An excellent guide, he couldn’t walk 20m without an interesting story about Brisbane. His tales ranged from the effort in 1970 to beautify the city, to the Blu Art Xinja — Brisbane’s version of Banksy, who climbs buildings and installs blue artworks, much to the fascination of locals and visitors alike.

Gallery Of Modern Art Allsopp told me a lot about the change this fantastic gallery has seen over the past 20 years and it was great to get a chance to see its superb collection of international paintings, sculptures and objects. My favourite permanent work was

From Hear to Ear (v.13) 2010, by French artist and composer Celeste Boursier-Mougenot — it's a room in which several musical instruments have been constructed and finches are able to fly around freely, feeding and making music. Animal lovers need not worry, the birds are checked daily by the Queensland Finch Society. The work is captivating.

If you can make it to Goma before the start of September, the Marvel: Creating the Cinematic

Universe exhibition is a must-see. It explains the

Above: Gerard's Bistro, Brisbane. Photo / Brisbane Joinery and Shopfitters Above right: From Hear to

Ear (v.13) 2010 ,by Celeste BoursierM ougenot — exhibition in Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art. Photo / Goma