Brisbane Roar’s challenging A-League season continues as they prepare to host Newcastle Jets on Tuesday, 7 January. Both sides find themselves languishing at the bottom of the table, desperate for a win to reignite their campaigns. Roar vs Jets kick off 7:00 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
The Roar, still searching for their first victory after ten matches, enter the fixture with just two points to their name. Friday night’s 3–1 loss to Central Coast Mariners underscored the struggles that have defined their season so far.
Brisbane’s failure to claim even a single point at home this season has been a glaring issue for coach Ruben Zadkovich’s side. Ben Halloran’s 71st-minute strike against the Mariners showed glimpses of potential, but the team’s inability to maintain momentum and hold onto the equaliser resulted in another disappointing outcome at Suncorp Stadium.
There were moments of promise in Friday’s match, with Thomas Waddingham’s one-on-one opportunity and Keegan Jelacic’s creative movements causing problems for the opposition. However, turning these opportunities into tangible results remains elusive for the Queensland side.
Tuesday’s opposite side, Newcastle Jets, sit just above Brisbane with six points, making this a crucial fixture for both teams. The match presents a golden opportunity for the Roar to narrow the gap and potentially bag their first points at home this season.
With both teams eager to improve their positions on the ladder, Tuesday’s clash shapes as a pivotal encounter in the context of both clubs’ seasons. For Brisbane faithful, the wait for that first win of the campaign continues.
Brisbane Roar aims to kick off 2025 on a positive note as they host Central Coast Mariners this Friday, 3 January, with Brisbane still searching for their first points on home soil this season. Roar vs Mariners kick off 6:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
The Round 12 A-League clash presents an opportunity for Brisbane to bounce back from their recent 1-0 defeat to Western United. Despite creating numerous chances in their final match of 2024, the Roar were unable to find the back of the net at Ironbark Fields.
The loss to Western United highlighted both promise and frustration for Brisbane supporters. Jacob Brazete, making his first start for the club, nearly opened the scoring in the 29th minute after connecting with Harry Van Der Saag’s cross. Keegan Jelacic also came close to breaking the deadlock, only to be denied in a one-on-one situation with Western’s GK Matt Sutton.
The decisive moment came late in the first half when Antonee Burke-Gilroy’s challenge on Angus Thurgate resulted in a penalty, which Hiroshi Ibusuki converted. Despite subsequent chances from Ben Halloran and Thomas Waddingham, the Roar couldn’t find an equalizer.
Friday’s match against Mariners marks the beginning of an important home stand for Brisbane, with Newcastle Jets visiting Suncorp Stadium just four days later. These back-to-back home fixtures could prove crucial in turning around their fortunes at Suncorp Stadium.
The fixture represents more than just another fixture for the Roar—it’s a chance to start the new year with renewed purpose and finally reward their home supporters with points on the board.
Kuremara, a leading disability support provider, is set to open a new activity centre in Milton this January, offering a wide range of programs and services for people with disabilities.
Kuremara, a trusted NDIS-registered provider, will launch its cutting-edge facility at 38B Douglas Street in mid-January 2025. The spacious 400-square-metre centre is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants to connect, learn, and thrive.
This new centre represents a significant investment by Kuremara in the community and highlights the organisation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. The facility has been purposefully designed to foster social interaction, creativity, and skill development in a supportive and engaging atmosphere.
The Milton Activity Centre will offer diverse activities catering to various interests and needs. Participants can engage in creative pursuits such as art, dance, and music therapy to encourage self-expression and provide therapeutic benefits. Practical life skills workshops, including cooking classes, will equip participants with valuable skills to enhance their independence.
The centre will also host various social and recreational activities, like barbecues, movie nights, and outings, to foster friendships and community. With dedicated outdoor spaces, participants can also enjoy gardening and games. Notably, the centre aims to provide respite and support for carers, offering them opportunities to connect with others while their loved ones participate in programs.
Addressing a Growing Need
The establishment of this activity centre comes at a time of increasing demand for accessible and engaging spaces for people with disabilities and their families in Brisbane and across Queensland. Kuremara CEO, Dr. Shashikant Varsani explained that the centre is intended to be more than just a facility; it’s envisioned as a community hub where participants feel valued, inspired, and empowered. He emphasised the organisation’s desire to create an environment where individuals can connect, explore their passions, and develop essential life skills in a fun and supportive setting.
Situated on Douglas Street, the centre is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample parking, ensuring convenience for those travelling across Brisbane. The thoughtfully designed space includes spacious activity rooms, comfortable lounge areas, and accessible outdoor spaces to cater to various activities and group sizes.
The opening of the Milton Activity Centre marks a significant step forward in Kuremara’s mission to provide high-quality disability support services across Australia. The organisation has a long history of empowering people with disabilities through various NDIS services, including short-term accommodation, supported independent living, and community participation programs. This new centre represents a natural progression of its commitment to supporting individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives.
Kuremara is eager to welcome participants and their carers to the new facility when it opens in mid-January. The organisation sees the centre as a place where participants can access valuable programs, build lasting relationships, and grow in confidence. This initiative marks an exciting new chapter for Kuremara as it continues to expand its reach and make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities throughout Queensland and beyond.
DA A006656551 features 98 one-bedroom and 28 two-bedroom units, designed to cater to diverse visitor needs.
By repurposing an existing structure, the development minimises environmental impact while addressing the growing demand for centrally located, accessible short-term housing.
The site’s proximity to Milton Railway Station and other transport hubs has also been highlighted as a critical factor in the broader urban planning conversation.
The development team has addressed concerns about flood safety and air quality due to the site’s location near industrial facilities. A Flood Emergency Management Plan (FEMP) has been included to manage risks during floods and meet safety requirements.
Air quality checks show the project meets standards for sensitive uses, with improvements expected as nearby industrial facilities are upgraded.
Since the development application follows a Code Assessment under the Brisbane City Plan 2014, there was no need for public consultation or submissions. Council reviews the project to ensure it follows planning rules and includes necessary safety measures.
The proposed development aligns with the precinct’s Mixed-Use zoning, supporting a balance of commercial and residential functions.
By reusing existing infrastructure, the project maintains key built-form parameters, including height and gross floor area, ensuring harmony with the surrounding environment.
Traffic impact assessments confirm that the project will not introduce significant changes to local traffic patterns, minimising disruptions for the community.
The development’s parking provisions meet the planning scheme’s requirements, including 173 spaces with designated visitor spots.
The proposal has undergone a series of assessments to ensure compliance with planning benchmarks. Key findings include:
Traffic Impact: No changes to access or traffic generation, with adequate parking provisions.
Flood Safety: Compliance with flood planning levels, supported by a Flood Emergency Management Plan.
Air Quality: Meets criteria for sensitive uses, with anticipated improvements as nearby industrial facilities are redeveloped.
Engineering Report: Existing water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure are deemed adequate for the project’s needs.
Future Opportunities for Milton
This project demonstrates adaptive reuse, meeting market demands and supporting urban growth while maintaining the area’s character.
Visitors staying at the development will enjoy seamless access to Milton’s lifestyle hubs, public transport, and commercial amenities, supporting the suburb’s vibrant economy.
For the local community, the project brings opportunities to enhance Milton’s identity as a dynamic and connected precinct. Increased foot traffic and visitor numbers are expected to benefit local businesses, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and cultural exchange.
As Milton continues to evolve, the short-term accommodation development on Little Cribb Street has the potential to set a benchmark for sustainable and community-focused urban design.
Brisbane Roar returns to Suncorp Stadium this Saturday, 21 December, hosting Perth Glory in a must-win contest for two sides languishing at the bottom of the A-League ladder. Roar vs Perth Glory kick off 4:00 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
The match holds added significance for Brisbane, who have lost all three of their home matches this season and are yet to claim even a single point at Suncorp Stadium. Despite their poor position on the ladder, Brisbane’s youth has shown promising signs in recent weeks.
Talismanic striker Thomas Waddingham continues to shine, netting his fourth goal of the season in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers. Waddingham’s tally is surpassed only by Wellington’s Kosta Barbarouses (5) and Western Sydney’s Nicolas Milanovic (5). Another positive for the Roar has been the emergence of 17-year-old defender Lucas Herrington, who delivered a composed performance on debut last week.
Roar vs Perth Glory
The match marks the start of a crucial period for Brisbane, who will play three of their next four games at home over the Christmas and New Year period. Head coach Ruben Zadkovich emphasised the importance of Saturday’s clash against his former club, describing it as a critical opportunity for his team.
Adding intrigue to the encounter, several former Glory players now feature prominently for the Roar, including Scott Neville, Keegan Jelacic, Antonee Burke-Gilroy, and Adam Zimarino. Both Zadkovich and assistant coach Chris Coyne also have deep ties to the Perth outfit.
The pressure is also mounting for Perth Glory. A lacklustre season reached a low point with last week’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Newcastle Jets, and their inability to break their winless streak could further damage morale. The stakes are clear: both teams need three points to avoid being stranded at the foot of the table.
This initiative is part of a wider push to combat rising crime rates and improve city residents’ safety. The program will see fixed cameras installed in Milton Common Park and other locations, such as Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve, Tinchi Tamba Wetlands in Boondall, and Minnippi Parkland in Murarrie.
The move comes in response to increased vandalism and crime reported at Council facilities. There have been 23 incidents in the last year compared to just two the previous year.
Photo Credit: Pexels
In addition to the fixed camera, 26 mobile cameras will be deployed across Council wards. These locations will be determined in consultation with police, community members, and Council security experts.
This program complements the Lord Mayor’s Safer Suburbs Grants, an election commitment by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to fund security upgrades at local sports and community clubs.
Almost 70 clubs have already benefited from the first round of funding, totalling over half a million dollars. Grants of up to $10,000 were awarded to clubs to improve security with security screens, CCTV cameras, new locks, enhanced patrol services, and alarm systems.
Photo Credit: Pexels
LM Schrinner emphasised the importance of these initiatives, stating that every dollar community groups spend on dealing with the impacts of crime is a dollar that can’t be used for community programs. He reiterated his commitment to supporting residents and community organisations in making Brisbane a safer and more enjoyable place to live and work.
Wilston Grange AFL Club, a grant recipient, will use the funds to upgrade external locks after experiencing two break-ins in recent months. Club President Rod Fidler expressed his gratitude for the funding, highlighting that any financial assistance is invaluable for community organisations. He believes the new security measures will help deter future break-ins.
Commuters who depend on CityCat for their daily transit will need to carefully plan their travels, as TransLink announces adjustments to service schedules for Milton and Bulimba ferry terminals.
In a statement, TransLink confirmed, “Service frequency at Apollo Road and Milton terminals will be reduced to accommodate the extra travel time required to stop at Mowbray Park. This means some CityCat trips will skip either Apollo Road or Milton terminal.”
Photo credit: Zach D Yeager/Google Maps
“Other ferry terminals are not affected. Morning and afternoon express CityCats, between West End and QUT Gardens Point, will make an additional stop at Milton.”
Starting December 9, every second CityCat ferry will bypass the Apollo Road (Bulimba) and Milton terminals, reducing the number of daily services at these stops. According to reports, this will result in a total loss of 113 services per day. Services at Milton will drop from 122 to 71 daily trips, which is over 40 percent of the ferry services at the terminal.
Photo credit: Alex Siryj/Google Maps
In addition, the free CityHopper cross-river ferry service—connecting Holman Street at Kangaroo Point, Riverside, Howard Smith Wharves, Bulimba, and Teneriffe—will now have a 50-cent fare for passengers, after being previously free.
These changes coincide with the recently completed upgrades to the Mowbray Park CityCat terminal. The upgrades include improved accessibility features, an additional fixed walkway, enhanced CCTV coverage, and increased lighting to improve safety and convenience for passengers.
Meanwhile, TransLink has advised commuters who use the affected terminals to replan their travel starting December 9. For updated timetables and information on the Milton ferry terminal, commuters are encouraged to visit the TransLink website.
Brisbane Roar will aim to secure the elusive first win of the season when they host Melbourne City on Friday, 6 December, following a thrilling 4-4 draw with Macarthur FC last weekend. Roar vs Melbourne City kick off 7:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.
The Roar returns to home turf with renewed determination after securing their first point of the season in a pulsating encounter at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Head coach Ruben Zadkovich’s side showcased moments of attacking brilliance but also revealed defensive frailties in a match that swung wildly with four lead changes.
Rising star Thomas Waddingham continues to shine brightly in Brisbane’s campaign. The 19-year-old striker’s clinical first-half brace against Macarthur highlighted his growing importance to the team. As Roar prepare to take on a disciplined Melbourne City defence, Brisbane faithful will be counting on Waddingham to find the back of the net once more.
Roar vs Melbourne City
Melbourne City arrives at Suncorp Stadium sitting fifth on the ladder with nine points from five matches. While Brisbane’s attack has kept pace with City’s, matching their eight goals this season, defensive woes tell a very different story. Conceding 14 goals in just five matches—in stark contrast to City’s five—Brisbane’s backline faces a formidable challenge.
The return of experienced defender Scott Neville could not have come at a better time. Making his first appearance since recovering from an ACL injury, Neville completed a solid 65 minutes against Macarthur, offering much-needed stability to Brisbane’s defence. His return after a 312-day absence adds depth and leadership to a backline in need of fortification.
For Brisbane, maintaining their attacking momentum while finding defensive stability will be critical in securing their elusive first victory of the campaign. With home support roaring from the stands, could Friday night lights at Suncorp Stadium mark the turning point of their season?
Have you ever wondered what may have led Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Oasis to pass on performing in Brisbane, leaving Brisbane fans with no option but to travel out-of-state for their shows?
Case in point: Suncorp Stadium in Milton is Queensland’s only large-scale concert venue; and industry insiders say its limited capacity and outdated event policies are causing major artists or organisers of massive crowd-drawing events to bypass Brisbane.
International acts have increasingly excluded Brisbane from their tour schedules, citing factors such as rising touring costs and the logistical challenges of performing at a venue that insiders describe as inadequate for modern, large-scale productions.
When Taylor Swift performed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the local economy experienced a definite boost. Restaurants experienced a 99% increase in customer patronage. Clothing store sales rose by 67%. Pubs and bars posted a 146% increase in business and accommodation bookings swelled by 238%.
Music promoter Tony Cochrane, who has worked with acts like The Rolling Stones, says Queensland’s approach to securing international talent is “outdated” and fragmented.
According to him, attracting major acts requires a cohesive strategy that includes Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), Stadiums Queensland, and various agencies. Without this, he warns, Brisbane will continue to be overlooked in favour of Sydney and Melbourne.
Call for New Infrastructure and Support
Key Brisbane personalities and and many industry figures have voiced the need for updated facilities and more centralised planning.
John Collins, former bassist of Powderfinger and the newly appointed Night-Life Economy Commissioner, says the city lacks a “world-class stadium” that could attract big acts. He believes such a venue is essential for Brisbane’s cultural and economic growth. He suggests that a new stadium, connected to Brisbane’s key precincts, would make the city more appealing to promoters and artists alike.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Mr Collins and other industry voices have also pointed out the challenges posed by the city’s limited venue options. Besides Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane’s only other large concert space is the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall, which is over 30 years old and unable to accommodate the needs of some modern productions.
Queensland’s Strategy Lags Behind Other States
Meanwhile, other Australian states have invested heavily in attracting big names. Western Australia recently spent $8 million to secure Coldplay for a Perth concert, yielding a reported $43 million in economic benefits. This approach has significantly boosted state tourism and the local economy, and WA has committed to securing exclusive events that bring large visitor numbers.
In contrast, Queensland has been less proactive in offering similar incentives to attract high-profile artists, shows or sporting events.
The need for planned improvements has never been more apparent that in the wake of missed tour opportunities by acts such as Taylor Swift and Oasis. As a result, Queensland is now open to considering proposals for improving Brisbane’s concert infrastructure and creating a more unified approach among stakeholders.
Economic and Logistical Realities
Rising costs associated with fuel and international airfares have led promoters to concentrate their Australian tours in cities with the highest population densities, making it cost-effective for artists to perform in one or two locations. Venue managers say Brisbane’s current concert infrastructure limits the appeal for international acts who can otherwise rely on fans travelling to larger venues in Sydney or Melbourne.
Harvey Lister, chair of venue management group ASM Global, said that Brisbane’s event strategies are failing to keep pace with international standards, leaving local fans in the lurch as artists increasingly pass over Queensland.
Brisbane’s hopes for attracting big acts or high-profile sporting events rest partially on the Brisbane Live Arena, a 17,000-capacity venue planned for the 2032 Olympics.
Supporters of the new venue say it will bring much-needed infrastructure to the city and “turbocharge” Brisbane’s entertainment landscape. For its part, Tourism and Events Queensland said that while the decision to include Brisbane on tour schedules lies with artists and their promoters, it remains committed to working with event organisers to strengthen Brisbane’s place as a concert destination.
An unforgettable night at Suncorp Stadium celebrated the illustrious career of Clare Polkinghorne, Australia’s most-capped player, as over 47,000 fans gathered to send off the Brisbane-born defender in style. Despite the Matildas falling 3-1 to Brazil, the evening was a tribute to Polkinghorne’s remarkable 18 years in international football.
The match began with high intensity as Brazil’s Amanda Gutierres made an immediate impact, scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes. Gutierres showcased her class with a composed finish in the sixth minute, followed by a perfectly executed strike off an assist from Aline Gomes. The early deficit tested the Matildas’ resolve, but they remained determined to fight back in front of their home crowd.
The breakthrough came late in the first half, igniting hope among the fans. Ellie Carpenter delivered a pinpoint cross, and Emily van Egmond’s clever dummy allowed Caitlin Foord to power the ball past Brazilian keeper Natascha Honegger. The well-executed goal brought the Matildas within striking distance at halftime, energising the packed stadium.
Queiroz quashes Matildas’ momentum
However, any resurgence was short-lived. In the 52nd minute, Giovana Queiroz capitalised on an error by Alanna Kennedy to restore Brazil’s two-goal advantage. The match, which featured nearly 22 minutes of stoppage time, was marred by frequent interruptions and physical confrontations, further frustrating the Matildas’ efforts to mount a comeback.
While the scoreboard didn’t favour the Matildas, the evening was defined by a moment of pure celebration. Clare Polkinghorne left the pitch in the 63rd minute to a standing ovation from the Suncorp faithful, with cheers echoing in recognition of her unparalleled contribution to Australian football. Adding to the occasion, she received a pre-match tribute, including a framed jersey presented by Queensland rugby legend Darren Lockyer.
The match also marked a major milestone for Emily van Egmond, who became only the fourth Australian to achieve 150 international appearances. Moments like these highlighted the pride and resilience of the Matildas, even as Brazil’s tactical execution saw them hold on for the win.
Despite the result, the Matildas showed flashes of brilliance and will be eager to bounce back in their rematch against Brazil on Sunday, 1 December, at the Gold Coast. Polkinghorne’s farewell may not have ended with a victory, but her legacy leaves an indelible mark on Australian football.
