A Vote for Democracy and Coffee
Brisbane city hall -hamilton lounge
64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City,
QLD 4000
Ph: (07) 3403 8888
'Out at Coffee'
26th October 2024
Today’s a big day! It’s when the people of Queensland exercise their right to vote in the State election. And what a great opportunity to combine a day of ‘people power’, while being ‘Out at Coffee’ in Brisbane City.
At the last election, Stephen and I voted at City Hall. The heritage listed building is known as the ‘People’s Place’, and it proved a meaningful experience, as we voted in the civic heart of this great State.
But there’s another draw card to this prestigious location! And yes, you guessed it… coffee!
The ‘Hamilton Lounge’ is a little-known function room situated opposite the voting hall. It’s only open on Tuesdays and election weekends, so we can’t resist a repeat visit, blending two important constitutions; the freedom to ‘have your say’ and quality time with friends!
Stephen and I arrive early to vote, hoping to avoid the gauntlet of high pressure canvassing on the way in. And our strategy pays off, with only a handful of party activists present in King George Square.
We enter City Hall and join the voting queue. It’s short, but suddenly the pressure’s on! This undecided voter must make a snap decision; who, and how to vote correctly! It’s a mini bubble of anxiety that passes as we; cast our vote, exit the hall, and head across the foyer to the function room.
But then we’re hit with what can only be described as a constitutional created coffee crisis!
The ‘Hamilton Lounge’ doesn’t open for another 30 minutes! And having voted, security direct us to exit immediately onto Adelaide Street.
To make things worse; the door only acts as an exit on election days, so we can’t then come back in to enter the lounge.
Stephen and I are devastated! This week’s coffee plans appear defeated! We need to think on our toes, and when our ‘running mates’, Lee and Pete arrive, table a motion for another coffee venue. They voted earlier in the week and will encounter the same entry issues too.
We comply with security and head to the exit looking distressed. But our disappointment is clearly too much to bear for the security guard. She exercises her right to veto, and shouts out; “Look, I shouldn’t really! But wait outside and when the lounge opens, I’ll let you back in!”
We can’t believe our luck! … Coffee crisis adverted! … We’re back on track!
We thank her excitedly and head out the door. Lee and Pete join us a few minutes later and we all wait patiently for our security escort. At one point, a man rushes past wearing his green tee-shirt inside out. We’re unsure if it’s accidental or the deliberate act of a disgruntled Greens voter, but he disappears around the corner before we can alert him.
As promised, Security let us in at opening time. Coffee deprived and in need of a caffeine fix, we enter the ‘Hamilton Lounge’ via stately, glass paned, wooden doors.
We order straight away at the counter, the long industrial servery in stark contrast to the grandeur of the quiet lounge. Its splendour accentuated by high ceilings and eclectic furniture.
There’s an aptly named; ‘Democracy Burger’ on offer, but it’s a tad early for brunch, so Lee and Pete opt for carrot cake with their coffee, while we have a muffin with ours.
We enjoy our treats debating the complex nature of elections, how opposing views can sometimes lead to squabbling and disharmony in our political parties. And we laugh sharing stories about each other’s quirky, sometimes annoying traits.
And as we leave the square, I turn back and look at the imposing City Hall. Its iconic clock tower stands proudly over the city, a timely reminder of how lucky we are to live in this thriving democracy.
The election may be drawing to a close, but our pollies will continue to argue it out. It reminds me that relationships will always face challenges. But they will also flourish when the needs and wants of each other are considered fairly and respectfully... that delicate balance only possible when opposing sides seek to; understand, be understood and compromise!
I love sharing our coffee escapades with you, so please help me share the joy of coffee and friendships. Like, follow and share the ‘Out at Coffee’ Facebook page. And if you have suggestions for a great coffee venue in or around Brisbane, please drop us a line via the Contact page, we’d love to add it to our caffeine calendar.
Allan
I'm proud to state that all content on this Blog is written by me and all photos are originals taken by our group.